by Lyn Denison
“I have a couple of urgent things to attend to here at work first thing in the morning, but how about if I pick you up at ten?”
“I’ll be ready, Angie. I’m really looking forward to it.”
“So am I.” Angie paused as though she was about to add something and then Shann heard voices in the background. “I’ll see you then. At ten.”
Shann hung up the phone, the small smile on her face fading when she found Liz and Corey looking at her. For a moment she’d forgotten she wasn’t alone.
“You’re going out to lunch with Angie?” Liz asked her casually enough.
“Yes. We arranged it yesterday.” Shann frowned. “Rhys will be here, won’t he?”
“Of course. I didn’t mean you shouldn’t have some time to yourself.” She glanced pointedly at Corey who intercepted the look and sighed loudly.
“I’ll go and watch TV with Pop, shall I?” he asked with exaggerated resignation.
“Oh. No. Corey, you don’t have to—” Liz began and he grinned.
“It’s okay, Aunty Liz. Pop and I are going to have a game of chess.” Corey gave his mother a wink and left them.
“It’s easy to forget Corey’s not quite ten yet,” Liz remarked.
“Ten going on thirty-five,” Shann agreed.
“I didn’t want to say anything in front of him but does Angie know you’re gay?”
“You don’t have to worry about Corey. I told you he knows I’m a lesbian. He’s known for years.”
Liz raised her eyebrows, and Shann shrugged. “He’s fine with it, Liz. Corey’s a great kid, even if I do say so myself.”
“He is great. And very mature for his age. But what about Angie?”
“She’s pretty mature for her age, too,” Shann said with a chuckle, and Liz hit her on the arm.
“I’m being serious, Shann. Does she know?”
“I’d say she has a fair idea. She saw my show the other night.”
“At The Blue Moon? Angie was there?” Liz asked incredulously.
“With friends.”
“Oh. Then Angie’s not gay?”
Shann paused, not knowing how out Angie was.
“Is she?” Liz persisted.
“You’ll have to ask her, Liz. Angie’s suggested we go to a restaurant up at Montville,” she added to change the subject.
“It’s nice up there.” Liz bit her lip. “You know Angie hasn’t brought a guy home in years.”
“Has she brought a girl home?” Shann tried for teasing lightness.
“Well, no. I don’t think she has,” Liz replied, taking her question at face value.
“Would it really matter if she was a lesbian?” she asked her sister.
“Not to me. But—”
“But?” Shann prompted.
“I was thinking about her aunt and uncle. Ann and Mike totally overreacted in my opinion with you and Leigh. I know it was ten years ago, but do you think they’d have changed their outlook?”
Shann shrugged again. “Apart from saying hello over the fence I haven’t really spoken to them since I came home. I thought it would probably be best if I sort of kept a low profile where they were concerned. But Corey’s talked to them about the dog.”
“Basically they’re good people, Shann,” Liz said. “The situation was kind of sprung on them, and you and Leigh were so young. I guess we shouldn’t blame them too much. I’m sure their intentions were good.”
Shann made no comment.
“Is this a date tomorrow? With you and Angie?” Liz asked softly.
Shann hesitated and then made a decision. “I’d like it to be.”
“Then you are interested in her? Romantically, I mean?”
“I think I am.” Shann glanced at Liz when she was silent.
“Oh, Shann,” she said at last. “It’s so complicated.”
“It doesn’t have to be. In fact, it shouldn’t be,” Shann told her with far more confidence than she felt.
“That goes for lots of things but, unfortunately, they are.”
They were silent again before Liz spoke.
“Is it serious? I mean, you know?”
“Am I in love with her?” Shann swallowed. “I’m only just getting to know her.”
“What about Angie? I mean, if she’s straight I can’t see . . . you could get badly hurt, Shann.”
Shann sighed. “Don’t you think I don’t know that, Liz. But what would life be worth if we played it safe all the time?”
“You have a point there,” she conceded. “If I hadn’t taken a chance twenty years ago and told Rhys I was in love with him we’d still probably be watching each other across the staff canteen.” She looked at her younger sister. “I’m sorry things are so hard for you Shann. I so want you to meet someone, be happy.”
Shann gave her a hug. “So do I,” she said with feeling. “Now I’m going in to see if Dad and Corey are ready for their dessert.”
“The scenery’s spectacular.” Shann raised her voice above the wind that whipped past the windscreen of Angie’s sports car.
They were traveling along the winding road to Montville. Angie slowed the car and turned into a scenic rest area, parking and switching off the ignition.
“Sorry it’s a bit difficult to talk. Would you like me to put the soft top on?”
Shann shook her head. “No. It’s great fun. I’ve never been in an open sports car before.”
It was a beautiful day. The sun warmed them, and Shann’s denim jacket kept out the cool breeze. Angie had suggested Shann tuck her hair up under a cap she took from her glove box. She set one on her own head, telling Shann without the caps the wind would tangle their hair in no time.
“You look extremely cute in that cap,” Angie told her.
“You look pretty cute yourself.” Shann gave the brim of Angie’s hat a tug.
Angie chuckled. “It makes me feel like a movie star who’s going incognito.” She opened her door. “Let’s stretch our legs.”
They walked over to the viewing shelter as a family left it.
“It’s such a clear day you can see the ocean.” Shann leant on her elbows on the high railing, taking in the scenery but totally aware of Angie standing so close beside her.
Angie turned, her back to the view, elbows resting on the railing. Her maroon sweatshirt molded the curve of her full breasts, and Shann could see the outline of her nipples.
“If that family leaves,” Angie said under her breath, “I think I might have to kiss you.”
Shann moved so that her elbow was just touching Angie’s. “And I think I just might have to let you.” Did Angie realize how turned on Shann was? Just being with her had her senses reeling. The breeze left her in no doubt that she was damp and aroused.
She looked at Angie’s profile. “You make me feel like a kid on a first date.”
Angie turned her head, a smile playing on her lips. “I know exactly what you mean.”
Their eyes met, held, and Shann felt as though she was drowning in their inky green depths.
Car doors slammed, and the family in the station wagon pulled out of the rest area, leaving Shann and Angie alone. Shann turned to face her.
“Do you think it was something we said?” Angie asked with a grin. And then her smile faltered.
She took off her cap and slowly reached out and removed Shann’s, dropping the caps on the nearby bench seat. Reaching out she smoothed Shann’s dark hair back from her face, her fingers hesitating on the side of Shann’s cheek, pausing on her lips.
Then Angie leaned slowly forward until just her lips touched Shann’s. The kiss was feather-soft and fleeting. When she moved slightly away Shann followed her, the fire inside her blazing, engulfing her.
She melted into Angie, sliding her arms around her, drawing her unresisting body close. Their lips met, tongues seeking the nectar within.
Shann felt as though she was disintegrating, falling into the warmth, the softness of Angie’s body. Her hands slid under Angie’s swea
tshirt, her fingers playing over her skin finding the indentations of Angie’s spine. One hand slipped beneath the waistband of Angie’s jeans, found the depression of the dimples she knew were there.
Angie’s hands, inside Shann’s jacket, moved up to cup Shann’s breasts, and they swelled to her touch, nipples hardening as they thrust urgently against Angie’s palms.
A soft moan rose in Shann’s throat. She was fast losing control of herself. If this went on much longer they’d be making love right here in the open where anyone could see them.
Tires crunched in the gravel, and Angie was the first to move, stepping sideways as the car pulled into the small carpark. Angie’s hands grasped the railings as she gulped calming breaths.
Shann sagged backward, her knees weak, as she tried to steady her own breathing. She picked up the two caps, passed one to Angie. Shann’s hands were shaking as she fumbled to twist her hair back under her cap. Her body continued to burn, her breasts still tingling from Angie’s touch, the throb of wanting raging between her legs.
The car had pulled in beside Angie’s MG, the engine idling, the occupants remaining in the car pointing out landmarks.
Angie gave a soft laugh. “Do you suppose they would have rung the police and had us arrested?”
“It would have been worse if they decided to take photos.”
“Ooh! I’d have ordered copies.” Angie straightened. “You know I can’t believe we almost made love hanging over a precipice.” She indicated the drop below the viewing shed, and Shann stepped back a little.
“And I’m not too fond of heights,” Shann told her, and then flushed. “I must have been distracted.”
Angie’s gaze ran over her as she smiled ruefully. “It’s a pity it’s so public.” She glanced at the car. “Perhaps we should go. At this rate we’ll be late for lunch.”
They returned to the car and continued on their way. Once the road became less winding Angie reached over and lifted Shann’s hand, resting it on her thigh, covering Shann’s hand with her own.
The restaurant was small and boasted panoramic views over the sweep of picturesque rural country to the deep blue of the sea. They ate at a small table, and Shann was sure the meal was delicious. She knew she ate it but later couldn’t have repeated the menu. The view, the food, faded into obscurity compared to Angie, to watching her eyes crinkle at the corners when she laughed, to the curve of her lips when she smiled.
“If you keep looking at me like that I won’t be responsible for my actions,” Angie said huskily.
Shann gave a small smile. “What did you have in mind?”
“I could surprise you perhaps?” She took a mouthful of pavlova, swallowing, her tongue tip licking her lips.
“Tell me, would it involve another threat of arrest?” Shann asked lightly and a slow, knowing smile lifted the corners of Angie’s mouth.
“Oh, I think we can safely say they’d probably throw away the key.”
Shann laughed. “I can hardly wait.” She sobered, and played with her unused cutlery. “You know this is pure torture, don’t you?” she asked softly.
Angie nodded. “Would I be forward if I suggested we need privacy.”
Shann glanced at her wristwatch. “And more time than we have this afternoon,” she added regretfully.
“I suppose we do.” Angie looked into the small amount of coffee left in her cup. “I have a unit—” She glanced up at Shann and away again. “I bought it last year and it’s being renovated. That’s why I’m temporarily back with Ann and Mike. The unit just needs painting now, and then I plan on moving back in. It’s not far from Ann and Mike’s and it has great views of the river to the city. It’s very spacious and—” she paused “—and I’m babbling.”
“I’d love to see it,” Shann said, and her heartbeat accelerated at the thought of being alone with the other woman.
“I’d love to show it to you, anytime you want.”
“Well, maybe one evening? Corey’s in bed before eight, eight-thirty,” Shann told her.
“I don’t mind if you bring Corey, but maybe one night we can go down later, to see the city lights, that sort of thing.” Angie held Shann’s gaze. “I thought I might, well, try a big seduction scene. What do you think?”
Shann feigned giving the idea deep thought. “Would this involve wine, some of your fantastic kisses, and the arresting stuff?”
“I think it could be arranged without a lot of trouble.” Angie sipped her coffee.
“What if we find we aren’t interested if there isn’t any chance of being arrested?” Shann asked with mock seriousness.
Angie laughed again. “I could leave the curtains open.”
“That might work.”
“If it doesn’t there’s a very nice balcony.”
“Sounds perfect.” Shann met Angie’s gaze again, and they laughed a little nervously.
Angie reached out, covered Shann’s hand with her own, gave it a light squeeze. “You know, I don’t think I’ve wanted anyone as much as I want you,” she said huskily.
Shann turned her hand beneath Angie’s, squeezed it back, releasing her when the waiter reappeared.
They paid the bill and then walked next door to the gallery belonging to Angie’s friends.
“I met Alex and Jo through some mutual friends,” Angie told Shann before they went inside. “They’re a fantastic couple. Meant for each other. They both had bad relationships then they found each other. It’s a romantic story.”
As they entered the gallery Angie took Shann’s hand and held it. A tall, dark-haired woman looked up from her desk. She glanced over the top of half glasses and when she recognized Angie, her face lit up with a welcoming smile. She put her glasses on the desktop, stood up and walked toward them.
The woman was striking, not quite as tall as Shann was, with broad shoulders and full breasts. She wore dark jeans, and her white T-shirt advertised the gallery.
If Shann had been asked to describe Alex Farmer she knew it would have been impossible not to add the word Amazon.
Alex enveloped Angie in a hug, and Shann knew her sharp eyes hadn’t missed Shann’s and Angie’s clasped hands.
“Angie. How have you been? We haven’t seen you for months. I suppose you’ve been working yourself into the ground.”
“Pretty much.” Angie returned Alex’s hug and laughed. “Same old boring stuff.” Then she turned and drew Shann forward. “This is an old friend. Alex Farmer, meet Shann Delaney. Shann’s family lived next to mine when we were growing up.”
Alex reached out and shook Shann’s hand. “Pleased to meet you.” She frowned. “Shann Delaney? Where have I heard that name?”
Angie grinned at Shann. “See, I told you you were famous.”
Alex looked from one to the other.
“Shann’s a songwriter,” Angie said. “She wrote the theme for The Kelly Boys.”
“Oh. Yes. Now I remember. You’re going to be performing at the Gympie Muster. I read an article about it in our local paper last week.”
“Yes. The weekend after next.”
“Jo and I have been talking about going up to the Muster for a couple of years. Have you been there before, Shann?”
Shann shook her head. “Not to Gympie, no. I’ve been to Tamworth, but this will be my first time at Gympie. It’s supposed to be a fantastic week.”
“So we’ve heard,” Alex agreed. “I’ll have to see if we can get someone to mind the gallery so we can come along. When are you performing?”
“I’m doing three shows, two during the lead-up week and then one on Friday night. There’ll be a great lineup of Aussie talent performing.”
“Angie Callahan!”
They turned at the sound of the voice to see a slim, blond-haired woman striding toward them. She’d come through a staff door from the back of the gallery, and she hugged Angie. When the woman released her, Angie introduced Shann.
“Jo Creighton, meet Shann Delaney, an old friend of mine. Jo does these wonderf
ul watercolors. The photos are Alex’s.”
They shook hands, and then the four of them walked around the gallery, looking at the photos and paintings. Shann thought the photos were striking, like the photographer, while the watercolors were wonderfully delicate.
Shann stopped in front of one exquisite watercolor. “Isn’t that the view from that lookout we stopped at?” she asked Angie.
“Oh, yes. I think it is.” Angie’s cheeks colored a little.
Shann wanted desperately to kiss her. Her mind threw up a picture of the two of them, bodies straining together, hands moving to tease, to tantalize, and her own face felt warm.
They moved on, Alex and Jo telling them that the gallery had started making a name for itself and business was gradually improving. They spent an hour with Angie’s friends, and eventually they had to leave so that Shann could get back in time to collect Corey. To save time rushing back, Angie suggested they go straight to the school and collect Corey together on their way home. They were a few minutes early so they sat in the car waiting.
“I’ve had a great day,” Shann said to Angie.
“Me, too.” Angie took her sunglasses off and sat them on the dashboard. “We’ll have to do it again.”
Angie nodded. “Shann, about, well, visiting my unit.” A slight flush touched her cheeks. “I . . . do you still want to,” she swallowed, “come and see my unit?”
“Of course. I’m looking forward to it.” Shann smiled crookedly. “Make that desperately looking forward to it.”
Angie chuckled. “Desperate is the word.” She grimaced. “I’m having one of those weeks this week. I have to fly to Sydney tomorrow to check out some of my distributors. I have meetings all day and Thursday morning. I fly back midafternoon to a staff meeting and a couple of interviews for prospective staff members. So, I was thinking Friday.” She raised her eyebrows inquiringly. “Tell me you aren’t booked at The Blue Moon on Friday night.”
Shann laughed. “No. Saturday night after the Muster, so Friday would be perfect.”
“Perfect,” Angie said huskily. “Roll on Friday night.”
They turned in their seats as the sound of little voices rose. Shann climbed out of the car so that Corey would be able to see her. The Lollipop Lady came out with her flag and whistle, and children streamed out of the school gate. Before long Corey walked out deep in conversation with two mates. He looked up and caught sight of Shann. He waved and then saw Angie and the MG and his face lit up. He turned to say good-bye to his friends before running up to Shann and Angie.