by K. T. Black
“Just because they’re assholes, and you grew up around their influence, doesn’t mean you’ll end up like them.”
“God, I hope not.”
“From the little bit you’ve told me about them, it’s obvious they didn’t marry each other for any other reason than to further each other’s circumstances. A business arrangement and nothing more.” Kara reached for another doughnut. “A marriage is easier to endure if you like the person you’re involved with.”
“The trouble is finding someone.”
“But I don’t see you looking.” She broke apart a piece of doughnut, and then put it in her mouth. She chewed until she’d swallowed most of the doughnut. “Relationships are hard work, Chandler. My marriage may seem perfect to you, but it’s not. There are days I’d love to shoot Jake for some of the stupid shit he does. Then he goes and buys me flowers and brings home dinner just because, and I remember why I love the idiot.”
“Well, to me that’s perfect. At least you love him and he loves you.”
Kara reached for her coffee and took a swallow. She watched as Chandler absentmindedly stirred hers with a spoon. “Haven’t you ever been in love, Chandler?”
Chandler looked down at her coffee cup. “No.”
“Not even a crush?”
Chandler considered that a moment. “Maybe a few, but no one I felt I couldn’t live my life without. Plus, I’ve never been very outgoing. As you recall, you’re the one who initiated our friendship.”
“Well, I am a bit of a pushy bitch.”
Chandler grinned as the mood lightened a little bit by her friend’s unabashed comment.
“Next you’ll be telling me that you’re a virgin.”
Feeling self-conscious, Chandler looked away. She didn’t want to admit it out loud.
“Really? I’ve known you four years and you keep something like that from me?”
“No offense, Kara, but it’s kind of personal and sometimes you—”
“Open my big mouth when I shouldn’t. Yes, I know. A terrible habit of mine.”
Kara looked Chandler over. “I don’t get it.”
“What don’t you get?” Chandler took a swallow of her coffee.
“You’re such a beautiful woman. I’d think you’d be beating the guys, and some of the girls, off with a stick.”
“Beauty doesn’t guarantee anything. Besides, it’s not like I’m a fashion model or anything.” Chandler dropped her gaze down to where her hands cupped her warm coffee mug. “I’ve dated a few times, so I’m not a complete nun.”
“Then why?”
“I don’t know.” Chandler played with her coffee cup. “Going to an all-girl boarding school didn’t help much. By the time I was in college, I was so focused on getting my degree and getting out from underneath my family’s thumb that I never made time for anything else. But to tell the truth, I never found anyone I liked more than just a friend. I’ve never felt that magic something. Maybe I’m not meant to be with anyone.”
“Now you’re being ridiculous.”
“I suppose, but it’s not something I’m going to ever settle for. If I ever fall in love, I want it to be forever.”
“Who would have ever guessed you as a romantic?” Kara teased. “But seriously, you’ve really never—”
“Just because I’m a virgin doesn’t mean I don’t know what orgasms are,” Chandler pointed out.
“What was I thinking? With all your high-tech gadgetry, you probably have a better selection of toys than I have.”
Chandler felt herself blush at the implications. Maybe she owned a vibrator or two, but they weren’t as exotic as Kara was making out. “So, do you know anything about the new neighbor?”
“Changing the subject?” Kara raised an eyebrow. “Okay, I’ll drop it for now.”
“So?”
“Well, I met her a few weeks ago.”
“Her?”
“Yes, her name’s Alexandra Doherty and I’d say she’s about thirty, although she looks younger. She’s some big-time photographer/artist from New York. She’s known as The Queen of Beautiful Images. Apparently, she’s going to be teaching a few classes at the college where Jake and I work. Said a friend of hers talked her into coming out here to teach photography, but I bet there’s more to her leaving New York than that.”
“Why?”
“There’s something a little bit off about her. I’m betting she’s just gotten out of a relationship of some sort. She didn’t come out and say anything, but I’m certain I’m right. I kind of have a sixth sense about these sorts of things.” Kara tapped her right index finger against the side of her head for emphasis.
Chandler smirked, knowing it had more to do with how nosy she was rather than having any kind of intuitive sense.
“Did she seem nice? Someone who’d fit in here?”
“I think I’ll let you be the judge of that.”
“What does that mean?”
“Well, she’s an exotic mix of mysterious and alluring. She’s very beautiful, and knows it, but she’s not arrogant about it. She’s not lacking in confidence, that’s for certain. If I didn’t know any better, I’d guess she possesses some regal blood in her veins.”
“Well, you did say she was The Queen of Beautiful Images.”
“There’s that and her family is fairly prominent in Manhattan. Not the sort of people who’ve ever had to worry about money, if you know what I mean.”
“As long as she doesn’t act like she’s better than us.”
“No, I don’t think she’s a bitch. I think she knows who she is and doesn’t care what others think. Personally, I liked her. I think she’ll be a refreshing addition to the Art Department.”
Kara finished the rest of her coffee and then said, “Well, I should probably let you get to work. I need to finish walking Maggie as well.” The dog stood up as Kara reached down to reattach her leash. “Thanks for the coffee and doughnuts.”
“Anytime.”
“School doesn’t start back up until next week.” Kara got to her feet. “Do you want to go to the movies sometime this week? You know that new romantic comedy that just came out? My husband hates to go to the so-called chick flicks, but I love them and I hate going by myself.”
“Sure. Let me know when and what time.”
Chapter 3
Chandler stared at the house next door while she watered the flowers around her front porch. Three days had passed since the first set of workers had performed improvements to the property. The large, overgrown yard had been thoroughly groomed and re-landscaped. It now put most of the yards in the neighborhood to shame. As for the house, it had been updated with a fresh coat of paint and a new roof.
When a large moving van showed up yesterday, it took three burly-looking men the better part of the afternoon to move furniture and boxes into the house. While that occurred, Chandler had expected to see her new neighbor at some point, but all she ever saw were the men.
Finished with her flowers, Chandler walked over and shut off the water. As she started to roll up the garden hose, a black Mercedes sedan pulled up into the driveway next door. The driver stopped before the garage and parked.
Chandler watched as a woman exited the vehicle and opened the rear driver’s side door. She bent and ducked down inside. When the woman stood back up, a satchel was slung over her shoulder, and two large grocery sacks were balanced in each arm.
The woman hesitated a moment, and then leaned back inside the car. This time when she stood, there was the addition of a small case in her right hand. After she took an unsteady step backward, she ended up losing her grip on the case and dropped one of the sacks. As it hit the ground, oranges, apples, and some other food containers rolled out.
“Shit!” The woman cursed and made a weak attempt to contain the chaos.
Chandler rushed over to the other yard and said, “Here, let me help you.” She hunched down and began to round up the spilled items. Once everything was back in the sack, she gathered up t
he bag and stood.
When the woman noticed Chandler, her lips turned upward into a broad, friendly smile. “Thanks.”
“Not a problem,” she replied, feeling a bit awestruck. Before her stood a very beautiful raven-haired woman with hypnotic brown eyes and full red lips. As they stood next to one another, Chandler noticed the woman was taller than her by a few inches, and possessed a keen fashion sense. She was dressed in a light-colored tunic over a pair of skin-tight dark denim capris. On her feet she wore flat-heeled sandals that matched the color of her top. From the dark purple polish on her toenails to her make-up and hair, she looked flawless.
“Hello. I’m your new neighbor, Alexandra Doherty.” She held out her free hand, which Chandler accepted. “Everyone calls me Alex. You may as well, if you like.”
Chandler stared at her, feeling like a tongue-tied idiot, unable to respond. When she managed to make her mouth work, her face burned as her shyness overwhelmed her. “Um, I’m Chandler. Chandler Gray.”
Alex appeared intrigued. “Very nice to meet you, Chandler.” She peered into her eyes for a minute or two before her gaze drifted downward. She took her time, making it seem obvious as she took in Chandler’s body.
Her boldness surprised Chandler, but she found herself unable to move. When Alex shifted her focus to their joined hands, Chandler felt her stomach flip. A mischievous expression filled Alex’s face as she looked back up into Chandler’s eyes.
Chandler remained frozen in place until she felt the soft caress of Alex’s thumb on the back of her hand. Experiencing the initial stirrings of arousal, Chandler panicked and let go of Alex’s hand as she took a step backward.
Feeling embarrassed and a bit perplexed, Chandler shuffled from foot to foot, but couldn’t seem to look away from Alex. It was as if the woman had some unseen power over her.
“Would you like some help taking your things inside?” Chandler offered, trying not to sound as awkward as she felt. “I mean, I’d be more than happy to help.”
“Yes, thank you. That would be great.” Alex gestured to the car. “There’s another sack on the backseat if you wouldn’t mind grabbing it for me.”
“Sure, no problem.”
After Chandler gathered up the other bag, she followed Alex to the front door of her home. She tended to get quieter when she became nervous, but Chandler found herself unable to stop talking as she stood next to Alex. Never before had anyone affected her like this. It was very confusing, to say the least. “I understand you’re from New York.”
“That’s correct.” Alex reached into her pocket and pulled out a set of keys. She selected one and put it inside the door lock. “Until recently, I was living in Brooklyn, but I was born and raised in Manhattan. This is the first time I’ve lived away from New York, at least when it didn’t have anything to do with a shoot.”
“Castleton is a bit different from New York.”
When Alex got the door unlocked and opened, she said, “I’m counting on that.”
Chandler waited until Alex went inside. She tried not to gawk at her surroundings as she followed Alex through the remodeled house. She didn’t know what she expected the inside of the house to look like, but her imagination didn’t compare to how it appeared. Hardwood floors, modern furnishings and fresh painted walls. This house looked like Alex had managed to transport a hunk of New York City. It was all style and sophistication, very much befitting its owner.
Once they were inside the kitchen, Alex showed Chandler where to put the sacks.
“Would you like something to drink?” Alex offered as she set the satchel and case next to each other on the counter. “I have soda, some fancy bottled water, imported beer, or wine if you’d prefer.”
“I’m fine, thank you.”
“You sure?” Alex looked back at Chandler as she reached up into the cabinet for a wine glass. “I’m going to have a glass of wine, and I do hate to drink alone.”
“Sure.” Chandler gave in. “I’ll have a glass with you.”
Alex smiled and reached for another glass, and set it next to the other one on the counter. Then she walked over and pulled a chilled bottle of white wine from her wine fridge. Once she’d uncorked the bottle, she poured a glass for Chandler and one for herself. “This is one of my favorites. It’s French.”
As Alex handed the wine glass to Chandler, their fingertips touched. Chandler’s attention shot up to Alex’s face when she noticed the surge of energy pass between them. Alex smirked at Chandler, seeming somewhat amused by her reaction. Chandler focused on her glass, confused by what had just happened. Why had she responded to her like that? Sure, Alex was drop-dead gorgeous, but she was a woman after all.
Chandler quickly took a sip of her wine, wanting to ease her nerves, but ended up distracted by the flavor as it washed over her taste buds.
“Do you like it?” There was a flirty edge to Alex’s question.
“Um, yes,” she answered with a nervous smile. Somehow, she managed to look Alex in the eye. “It’s very nice.”
Alex cocked her head to the side and grinned. “Good, I’m glad you like it.”
“I could help if you like.” Chandler tried to draw the attention away from herself. “You know, to put your groceries away.”
“No, it’ll be faster if I do it. Go ahead and have a seat.” Alex directed her to one of the kitchen island chairs. After she took a quick sip of her wine, she went to work putting her food away. “So, I understand you design video games.”
“Yes. How did you know?” Chandler began to relax now that Alex was dividing her attention between talking to her and putting groceries away.
“When I met Kara, she told me all about you, as well as the area.”
“Well, if you want to find anything out about Castleton and its people, she’s the one to talk to.”
“I learned that pretty quickly.”
“Comes with living in a small town. Took me a little bit to get used to it when I first moved here.”
“Where are you from originally?”
“I was born in Connecticut, but I was raised in Boston when I wasn’t away at boarding school. My mother died when I was five years old, and my father remarried less than a year later. My stepmother’s family lived in Boston, so we ended up moving there. I have two older stepsisters that are both snobby bitches, but I guess they can’t help it if they take after their mother.”
Alex laughed at that. “I take it you’re not very close to your family.”
“No, not really. What about you?”
“I was lucky. Happy childhood, close family. I have an older brother. He’s happily married with a couple of kids. That’s the only sore spot with me and my parents. Always pushing for me to settle down and have a family. I would if I found the right person, but so far, I haven’t been that lucky. Plus, my career keeps me hopping. This is the first time I’ve ever taken much of a break.” The last of the sacks empty, Alex folded them up together and put them in the pantry. Then she turned and focused on Chandler. “So you must be super smart to be able to design video games.”
Chandler looked away and modestly replied, “I don’t know. I guess.”
“Well, my nephew is a big fan of your work. Went on and on about some Dark Raiders game series. He wanted to know when the next version was coming out.”
“I’m working on it right now. It will be sometime next year before it’s ready for the public.”
Alex grabbed the bottle of wine and topped off her glass. She walked over to Chandler. “Some more?” Before Chandler could accept or decline, Alex filled up her glass as well.
“Thanks.” Chandler eyed the glass. She rarely went past one glass of alcohol, but tonight she was making an exception. It didn’t hurt that this particular white wine was one of the best she’d ever tasted.
“Why don’t we move this into the other room?” Alex suggested. In one hand she carried her glass of wine, while the other held the wine bottle.
Chandler picked up her glass and
followed Alex into the entertainment/living room. It was a sizeable room with a large overstuffed couch and two matching chairs. On one wall was a fireplace with a huge flat screen television in close proximity. Another wall, near the television, contained an enormous cabinet filled with DVDs.
Chandler took a seat on the couch, and Alex sat down next to her. A few seconds later, a large Russian Blue cat with brilliant green eyes appeared in the room. Chandler watched as the cat took a seat in the chair across from where she sat on the couch. The cat took a few minutes to scrutinize her before it curled up on top of the blanket that covered the seat cushion. Its large eyes followed every move Chandler made.
“Should I be worried?” Chandler joked, looking at the cat.
“No, I think she likes you. She has a tendency to growl at people she doesn’t know or like.”
“What’s her name? She’s beautiful.”
“Zelda.”
“Nice to meet you, Zelda,” Chandler told the cat. Zelda stared at her a few minutes longer before she lowered her head and settled into her chair.
“So, Chandler.” Alex pulled her attention away from the cat. “Will you answer me honestly if I ask you something?”
“It depends what you intend on asking me.” Oh God. What did she want to know?
“Touché. Why do you underplay your beauty?”
“Um…I—I never considered—”
“How pretty you are? Come on, Chandler. Don’t tell me no one’s ever told you.”
“No. Not really.”
“I don’t know if I believe that.”
“My father and stepmother passed out criticism, not compliments.” Chandler raised her glass and took a healthy swallow as she thought about them.
“So, you had a true wicked stepmother.”
“Yes, and two wicked stepsisters.”
“Did you get stuck with all the nasty chores while they were out having fun?” Alex teased.
“More times than I care to think about.”
“Really? I was actually kidding.”
“My family isn’t something I can count on. I learned at a young age to do for myself.” Chandler looked her in the eye. “I’ve worked hard for everything I have.”