by Lydia Rose
Rachel’s eyes were wide and her eyebrows were raised. “What’s wrong?”
Alexandra took a deep breath and then let it out. “The other day I got a call from a company in San Francisco offering me a job.” Alexandra saw the look on Rachel’s face. “I didn’t even hear the details before I said no.”
Rachel let the breath escape that she had been holding. “But?”
“There was another phone call from a company in Los Angeles. I met with the owner this afternoon.” Alexandra took Rachel’s hand. “I think your parents were behind the phone calls.”
Rachel nodded in agreement. “I’m sorry, Alex.”
“Well, I was offered a job.”
Rachel looked away. “Was it a good offer?”
Alexandra squeezed her hand. “It was a fantastic offer. It’s in my field and the money is very good.”
“I thought you liked your job and the money wasn’t important.” Rachel got up and walked to the other side of the room.
“I do like my job, but this is a wonderful opportunity for me. I know your parents were behind this, but I would be a fool to turn it down.”
“So you’ve made up your mind?”
“No. I wanted to discuss it with you first.” Alexandra got up and put her arms around Rachel’s waist. “Please don’t be mad. Let’s sit and discuss the pros and cons of me accepting.”
Rachel nodded and went back to the couch. “Okay.”
Alexandra smiled. “Well, the con is that I won’t see you all day, every day.” This statement brought a smile to Rachel’s face. “The pro is that I will be doing what I went to school for.”
“Does the pro outweigh the con?” Rachel asked.
“You tell me.”
“I love seeing you every day. I love when we can walk next door and make dinner together.” Rachel kissed Alexandra’s fingers. “But I don’t want to hold you back on something you really want to do.”
“Do you mean that?” Alexandra asked, trying not to let her excitement show.
Rachel nodded. “I do. When will you start?”
“I told him I would need two to three weeks for you to find someone else.”
“I can call an agency. They always have experienced people on hand.” Rachel kissed Alexandra softly. “I’m really going to miss you.”
“We’ll still see each other in the evening.”
“If you hate your new job, please come back to me.” Rachel begged.
Alexandra smiled. “I will.” She laid her head against Rachel’s shoulder.
“Will you stay a while?” Rachel asked, kissing the top of Alexandra’s head.
Alexandra got up and pulled Rachel toward the bedroom.
*
Rachel called her mother in the morning. “Hello, darling. It’s nice to hear from you.”
“Don’t sound so innocent. I know what you and Dad did.”
“I don’t know what you are talking about,” Roberta said softly.
“You had to interfere with my life and now Alex is leaving my office.”
Roberta remained quiet for a moment before speaking. “At least she won’t be your employee anymore. Which job did she accept?”
“The one in Los Angeles.” Rachel could hear her mother sigh. She knew that her mother would have preferred for Alexandra to leave the area entirely. “Not what you wanted?”
“I’m happy for her, dear. If you prefer, your father can get the job offer retracted?”
“No. Alex will know I did that to her. Just leave it alone.”
“You’ll see this will work out for the best, dear,” Roberta said, defending their interference.
“I’m not going to stop seeing her.”
“I know, dear.”
“Talk to you later.” Rachel wanted to end this conversation quickly.
“Good bye, dear.” Roberta hoped with the two women not seeing each other every day would change the relationship status. Or at least she hoped.
*
“What do you mean you’re leaving?” Callie asked. “Why?”
“Because I got a great job offer.” Alexandra replied.
“Does Rachel know?” Helen asked watching Alexandra’s face.
Alexandra nodded. “She knows.
“I’m sure she is as disappointed as we are that you’re leaving.” Helen added brushing a tear off her cheek.
“I can’t believe you are doing this to us.” Callie added.
Alexandra laughed. “I’m not doing anything to you. It’s an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.”
Rachel walked into the office. “Leave her alone you two. Alex isn’t doing anything to us,” she said softly.
Alexandra looked at Rachel’s face seeing it had the same expression that Helen and Callie wore. Sadness appeared on each of their faces. “I really hate to leave all of you,” she said, looking at each of their faces. “But I have to do this.”
“Since we’re not going to be able to talk you out of this, let’s all get to work,” Helen said and walked away.
Callie followed Helen, but Rachel remained. “Are you okay?”
Alexandra wiped her eyes. “Yeah. I’m fine.”
Rachel came over and put her arm on Alexandra’s shoulder. “We will miss you, but we know you have to do this.” Her arm squeezed tightly. “Are you still coming over tomorrow night for the weekend?”
Alexandra nodded, unable to speak, feeling her throat tighten with emotion. Rachel walked back to her office.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Alexandra started her new job a week after getting the job. Rachel found a temp to fill in until she could settle on a suitable replacement. Alexandra was enjoying the office atmosphere and how she easily fit in with her new co-workers. She was eating lunch one day in the cafeteria when a woman walked up to her table.
“Hi. Are you Alexandra?”
Alexandra looked up at the woman. “I am, but call me Alex.”
The woman’s hand came out. “I’m Angie. I work in the new projects department. Can I talk to you for a minute?”
There were giggles at the table. Alexandra glanced at the other women sitting with her. “Sure,” she said, standing up and following Angie.
“I just wanted to know if you wanted to go out to dinner some night.” Angie stood looking at a stunned Alexandra. “I’m sorry. I heard you were gay, but I guess I was way off track.” Angie turned to leave, but Alexandra’s hand stopped her.
“You heard correctly. I am gay, but I’m seeing someone.”
“Oh, okay.” Angie smiled. “I should have figured a woman as pretty as you wouldn’t be single.” Her smile opened up. “If it doesn’t work out, you know where to find me.”
Alexandra walked back to the table while Angie went to get something to drink.
“What did Angie want?” Sheila asked.
“She asked me out.”
“Did you say yes?” Maryann asked.
Alexandra shook her head and said. “No.”
“Why?” Nicole asked. “She’s so beautiful.”
Alexandra smiled. “Because I am already dating a beautiful woman.”
“Oh,” Sheila said. “What’s her name? Maybe we know her.”
“Doctor Rachel Benson,” Alexandra said with a grin.
“Wow, a doctor. You hit the jackpot, but I don’t know her.”
“Me either,” Maryann said.
“I think her mother operated on my dad,” Sheila said. “Is her mother’s name Roberta?”
Alexandra nodded. “That’s her.”
“Is Rachel a surgeon too?” Sheila asked.
“No. General Practitioner.”
“How did you meet her?” Maryann asked, leaning forward.
“I worked for her for seven months.”
“You dated your boss?” Angie asked shocked.
Alexandra felt her face burn with embarrassment. “Yeah. We tried to ignore our attraction for months, but we couldn’t stop what was happening between us.”
“Is t
hat why you left?” Maryann asked.
“No. This job was too good to pass up.”
“I’m sure Rachel was disappointed.”
Alexandra nodded. “It couldn’t be helped.”
Sheila and Maryann left the table leaving Angie alone with Alexandra. “How did you find out there was a job opening here?”
“Actually, it was one of Rachel’s parents that initiated this whole thing. They didn’t like that their daughter was dating the help.” Alexandra leaned over. “I think they believe with me not there every day, our relationship will end.” Alexandra told Angie knowing she wasn’t a gossip.
“I guess they were wrong?” Angie asked.
“Yeah. We still see each other almost every day and spend weekends together.”
“You don’t think if you continue to see her…” Angie paused.
“What?” Alexandra asked.
“That they’ll get you fired from this job.” Angie saw the shock written on Alexandra’s face. “I’m sorry, Alex. I never should have said that.”
“It’s okay, Angie. I never thought of that, but it could happen. They weren’t the warmest people I’ve ever met.”
Angie chuckled. “If they did that, I’m sure their daughter would never speak to them again.”
Alexandra nodded in agreement, but she wouldn’t put it past them.
As she drove home from work Friday afternoon, she wondered why she hadn’t heard from Rachel. She knew she was busy with patients all day, but usually she would get a short text. Tracy was at her computer working when Alexandra opened the door.
“Hi, Alex. How was your day?”
“Good. How about yours?”
“Never better. Are you staying for dinner or going to see Rachel?”
“I guess eating here. I haven’t heard from Rachel all day.” Alexandra dropped her jacket and purse in the hall closet. She walked into the kitchen, opening the refrigerator. “We’ve got leftover beef, roasted potatoes and vegetables. Would you like a frittata?”
“Sounds good. Do you need help?” Tracy asked pausing her hands on the keyboard of her laptop.
“No. You keep working. I’m just going to get changed and then I’ll start dinner.” Alexandra went into the room picking up her phone to send a text. “Hi. I’m home if you want to get together tonight.”
Alexandra looked at her watch noting the time, but said nothing.
Tracy looked at Alexandra. “I’m sure she had an emergency with one of her patients.”
Alexandra nodded. “I just wish she would text me to let me know she’s okay.” By nine o’clock Alexandra started to worry. It wasn’t like Rachel to not make contact during the day. Even if they couldn’t see each other, they spoke on the phone or sent a text. A few minutes later her cellphone rang. “Hi, Rachel.” Alexandra got up and went into the bedroom.
“I’m sorry I’ve been out of contact, but Mr. Warner was admitted this afternoon. He died this evening and I wanted to be here when his family arrived.”
“Oh, Rachel, I’m so sorry. Mr. Warner was such a sweet man.” Alexandra could hear that Rachel was upset. “How are you holding up?”
“I’m totally drained and exhausted.”
Alexandra could hear the deep sigh. “Have you eaten?”
“I had a sandwich earlier while I was waiting for the Warner family. I’m going to stop in the cafeteria for a good cup of coffee and then go home.”
“Please get some rest and I’m sorry about Mr. Warner.”
“Thanks. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”
As soon as the call ended, Alexandra started to pack an overnight bag. “Tracy, sleep in my room for the weekend. I’ll see you Sunday evening.”
“Is Rachel okay?”
Alexandra nodded. “She lost a patient tonight.” She hurried for the door. Bag in hand.
“Have a good weekend.”
“Thanks, you too.”
Alexandra let herself into Rachel’s home with the key that she had given her. She went into the bedroom and put on a pair of pajamas. Alexandra knew that Rachel needed to rest and she wanted to be there for her.
Rachel pulled up to the house and went to the door not even noticing that the lights were on in the house. Before she could put the key in the lock, the door opened. “Alex,” she said surprised.
Alexandra pulled her into the house and wrapped her arms around her. “I hope you don’t mind, but I didn’t want you to be alone tonight.”
Rachel squeezed her tightly. “Thank you.”
“Let’s get you changed and into bed.” Alexandra went to the refrigerator and grabbed a bottle of water to put on Rachel’s nightstand. She walked into the bedroom and Rachel was just sitting on the bed. Alexandra knelt on the floor and took off her shoes. Rachel looked at her with tears in her eyes. Her hands rested on Rachel’s knees. “Let it out, honey.” She moved in between Rachel’s legs and held her as the tears she had been holding flowed.
“I couldn’t do anything for him. He had a massive stroke.” Rachel’s tears continued to flow.
Alexandra handed her a tissue. “You took good care of him for all these years. You added to his long life. You should be proud of that.”
Rachel looked up and smiled. She reached for the buttons on her shirt.
“Let me take care of you.” Alexandra took off her clothes and put on Rachel’s sleeping attire. Then she laid her back on the bed and got in on the other side. As she turned off the table lamp, she heard Rachel whispering. Alexandra moved closer.
“I love you, Alex. Thank you for coming over tonight.”
“I love you too, baby. Sleep well.” Alexandra heard Rachel’s even breathing and doubted she heard Alexandra’s words. She laid against Rachel’s back and went to sleep.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Rachel opened her eyes to look at the clock. “Eight o’clock.” She couldn’t believe she stayed in bed that long. As she threw the covers off, she smelled food. She followed the smell into the kitchen. Alexandra was standing there in pajamas at the stove. “Morning,” Rachel said, trying to clear her fuzzy brain.
“Hi, honey. How are you this morning?” Alexandra asked kissing Rachel’s lips lightly.
“Better. The sleep helped.”
“Sit down and I’ll bring your plate over,” she said as handed Rachel a cup of coffee.
Rachel took her cup to the table and sat. “I didn’t dream that you were here waiting for me when I got home, did I?”
Alexandra carried the plates to the table. After she set the plates down her hands went to Rachel’s shoulder. “You didn’t dream that.”
“Thank you for taking care of me,” Rachel said softly.
“Anytime,” Alexandra patted her back and sat down. “How was Mrs. Warner and their kids?”
“They were in bad shape because it happened so suddenly. He was still alive when he arrived at the hospital, but after a few hours he was gone. Mrs. Warner looked so lost.” Rachel played with food on her plate. “I’m sorry I didn’t call you sooner.”
“Honey,” Alexandra said, taking her hand. “I understand. I was just worried.”
“I know. I could hear it in your voice.” Rachel looked at Alexandra trying to smile. “How’s work?”
Alexandra looked at her, wondering if Rachel was waiting to say it was terrible so she would go back to work for her. “Okay.”
“Are you happy there?” Rachel asked without meeting her gaze.
“I guess so.”
“You would tell me if you weren’t?” Rachel picked up the bacon and put it in her mouth.
“Yes, Rachel. I would tell you. Haven’t you hired someone to replace me yet?”
Rachel was quiet. “I just wanted to make sure you were happy before I replaced you.”
“You can hire someone to take my job, but you better not replace me in your heart,” Alexandra said with a giggle.
Rachel smiled. “That’s not going to happen.” Then her forehead wrinkled in thought. As the light bulb went off
in her head, she remembered she told Alexandra she loved her.
Seeing Rachel’s face, Alexandra said. “I told you I loved you too, but you were asleep already.” She smiled at the woman who had stolen her heart.
Rachel got off the chair. “You did?”
“Yes, Rachel. I am so in love with you.”
“I love you too, Alex. I didn’t think I’d ever find love again. Thank you for coming into my life.” The tears began to form in Rachel’s eyes.
Alexandra wrapped her arms around Rachel. Both women getting teary eyed. “Honey, I will be in your life as long as you’ll have me.”
Rachel smiled as she squeezed Alexandra to her. “I was thinking like forever.”
Alexandra looked into Rachel’s eyes. “Forever, I can handle.”
*
By the time Alexandra went back to her apartment Sunday night, Tracy had news of her own. “Melissa Stanton called me,” Tracy said with a grin.
“She did? What did she say?” Alexandra asked, not tipping her hand.
“She thought that the story you and Rachel gave her was very good.” Tracy pointed her finger. “You never said anything.”
“We didn’t want you to be disappointed if nothing came of it.”
“Well, she passed it on to one of the studio’s subsidiaries.”
“That’s great, Tracy,” Alexandra said, giving her a hug.
“I have to meet with Melissa tomorrow about joining the writing staff on one of their summer replacement shows.” Tracy sank heavily onto the couch. “I can’t believe this is happening so fast.”
Alexandra took the seat next to Tracy. “I’m so happy for you, Tracy.” Her hand gripped Tracy’s thigh. “Rachel is going to be thrilled for you. Did you call your parents?”
“Not yet. I want to meet with Melissa first and then I’ll call them tomorrow night.”
Alexandra stood up. “I guess we both better get some sleep.”
CHAPTER TWENTY ONE
Tracy’s new job allowed her to get her own apartment, but Alexandra suggested waiting for a while since most of the time she had the place to herself. Alexandra didn’t want Tracy spending money that may go away unexpectedly. The story she and Rachel had first read was now being turned into a movie made for television and Tracy was one of the writers on a new hit drama series.