by Nance Sparks
* * *
The studio was dark and quiet by the time she pulled into the rear parking lot. Riley left her equipment tote and cameras in the office and then carried her suitcases up the stairs to her loft. She slid the loft door open and tossed her keys onto the kitchen table next to a pile of mail. The thought of leaving her suitcases until morning was tempting, but she decided to just go ahead and unpack. Her internal clock was off anyway given the three-hour time difference. Riley clicked on the overhead light and at the same time, swung the larger suitcase up onto the bed. An ear-piercing shriek caused Riley to jump back against the wall, her heart hammering wildly in her chest.
“What the actual fuck?” Jodie popped up from beneath the covers. “Riley? It’s not Sunday already, is it? Ah, shit, you came home early.”
“Jesus, you have pierced nipples? I can’t un-see that, Jodes.” Riley spun around to face the wall. “What are you doing in my bed? Is there something wrong with your place?”
“Well, about that. I couldn’t justify the spend. It was almost two thousand dollars a month to live there, and seriously, I was never, ever there. If I was in town, I crashed here half of the time so, I gave it up almost a year ago. You said I was always welcome and you’re on the road all the time. I sort of claimed squatters’ rights. You weren’t supposed to be home until Sunday, and I would have disappeared before then.” Jodie tapped Riley on the shoulder. “You can turn around now. I’m dressed.”
“Well, I knew you crashed on the couch sometimes, but I didn’t realize you had completely moved in.”
“That couch is uncomfortable as hell. One night I tried your bed and it’s like sleeping on a fluffy cloud. You never use it, so I thought what the hell. I make sure to wash the sheets before you get home.”
“Where’s all of your stuff?”
“I took over the big hall closet. It was empty except for a few boxes. I moved the boxes into your closet and put all of my stuff there, and you’ve never even noticed. The furniture at my place came with the house except for my good office chair. I put that at my desk downstairs. Goes to show how much you look around. My shit has been here all year and you never noticed.” Jodie grabbed her pillow. “I’m sorry, Riley. I should have talked with you about the fact that you had a roommate, whether you wanted one or not. Let me get a blanket, I’ll take the couch.”
“Hang on, Jodes, go ahead and keep the bed tonight. I’m sorry that I came home early. It’s been an intense week, and at this point I—” Riley sat on the edge of the bed. “Honestly, I’m glad you’re here.”
“What happened? Why’d you cut your trip short? You’ve been talking about going to Alaska for almost as long as I’ve known you. Did Andi break your heart again?” Jodie flopped down next to Riley.
“No, Andi didn’t break my heart. She flew out early this morning and it wasn’t the same without her there. We saw most everything on the list anyway. Hey, since you’re awake, are you up for a drink?”
“Yeah, why not. My boss is cool if I’m a little late to work.” Jodie followed Riley out to the living room. “I’m sorry I secretly moved in with you.”
Riley finally looked around and saw a few things that weren’t hers. How long had they been there? “I can’t believe I didn’t notice. Am I so self-absorbed that I’ve become oblivious to everything? That I don’t even notice when someone is living in my house? Jesus Christ.”
“Riley, you’re not self-absorbed at all, you’re a workaholic. There’s a difference. The studio is your life. It comes before anything or anyone.”
Riley made them each a drink and handed Jodie a glass. “Do you still like the work?”
“Are you going to fire me for moving in with you? If so, then maybe this should be a triple.” Jodie flopped down on the couch.
“Jodes, I’m being serious. Do you still like the travel and the work?” Riley sat in the recliner. The whiskey was smooth and warm. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the way the first sip felt on her throat.
“Yeah, I do. Sometimes I forget what state I’m in or what day of the week it is, but I do like the work. It’s rewarding when the clients rave about what we capture.” Jodie spun around and lay on her side on the couch. She propped her head up with one arm and held her drink in her free hand. “Why do you ask? How about you?”
“Would you rather shoot or run the office?” Riley asked.
“Shoot, always shoot, the office stuff sucks balls.” Jodie grimaced.
“Do I pay you enough?” Riley leaned back in her chair and flipped up the leg support.
“Yes, you pay better than any studio that’s tried to steal me. You offer great benefits, match my retirement contributions, reimburse my travel expenses. You spoil me rotten. I’m sorry I squatted in your place. Like I said, I felt like I was throwing away two grand a month and I hate wasting money, and I knew you weren’t using this place hardly at all. I took your advice a couple of years ago and started a brokerage account if that makes you feel any better. You were right, it adds up quick. What’s going on? You’re starting to freak me out a bit.”
She started laying out the questions that had been bouncing around in her head after the conversation with Andi. “Does the location of the studio matter to you? Do we even need a studio? Do you ever sit at your desk downstairs? I do most of my edits on the airplane, I hardly ever use my desk. What if I made sure you had a place to live? I could buy a house big enough to share.”
Jodie laughed. “Can I have your bed in my new room? What do I have to lose? I don’t even have my own apartment. I’m a fucking nomad, Riley. It’s not like I’m anywhere long enough to have any friends other than you. Do we need a studio? I think we’d have a lot more studio work if there was someone at the studio. How much business do we turn away because we’re both on the road? Now, are you going to tell me what’s going on?”
“You’re right. We do turn away quite a bit of work because there’s no photographer available.” Riley took the last sip of the whiskey. “Jodes, I looked at the calendar for the foreseeable future and we’re booked solid. Neither of us get more than a day off here and there, sometimes not even that. We’re both running six to seven days a week. I’m noodling the idea of adding a photographer. What do you think?” Riley’s ice clanked against the side of the empty glass.
“I think you could add four with our skills and we’d still have to decline work. We’ve been running like this for years, and now you’re looking at the calendar with concern?” Jodie stood and held her hand out for Riley’s empty glass. “Another?”
“Please.”
“Looking at our schedules, worried about days off. Wondering about our location. Are you going to talk to me about Alaska and what’s going on with Andi? Can I assume that she’s what prompted this sudden interest in our work-life balance?” Jodie asked over her shoulder on the way to the kitchen.
“It wasn’t all Andi. I was actually thinking about Maria and how my schedule was always such an issue.”
“Maria? Casa Grande Maria? Wow, that’s a way back. What made you think about her? She’s married now, by the way.”
“Andi asked me about my last serious relationship and what went wrong. Hence, Maria.” Riley accepted the refreshed glass. “Thank you.”
“I remember sitting downstairs at my desk right after I started working here. You two would be upstairs arguing for what seemed like hours, or at least until Maria slammed the door and stormed off. The studio was the mistress who took up all of your time. She used to tell me that she was tired of sharing, but she never seemed to get that you were starting your own business, and that’s the kind of commitment it takes. Honestly, I thought she was kind of a shit for not supporting you more. Jesus, how many years ago was that? She was your last serious relationship? I guess so. I haven’t seen anyone around since then.” Jodie sat at the end of the couch facing Riley and pulled her legs up beneath her.
“Relationships seemed like too much trouble and not worth the effort. No different than you. We’ve each had our occasional bed warmers while away, but neither of us are around here long enough for anything more.” Riley smiled faintly. “I’m sorry it took so long for me to see what our schedule was doing to our lives.”
“Our schedules aren’t that bad.”
“Not that bad? Apparently, they were bad enough for you to give up your place and move into mine without me even noticing.” Riley smiled and shook her head.
“Point taken. Ah, I see, now the puzzle pieces are falling into place. You’re thinking about something more with Andi, but you have no time, and you don’t want it to end up like you and Maria. And now the business is where you wanted it to be.” Jodie cocked her head to the side and raised her eyebrows expectantly.
“You’re a little slow on the uptake.”
“I was sleeping until someone threw a suitcase on me.”
“Yeah, sorry about that, but in my defense, I didn’t know anyone was sleeping in my bed, Goldilocks.” Riley took a sip of whiskey. “Honestly, I don’t know what this is with Andi or what it could be, but I guarantee it will be nothing if I can’t free up a little bit of time every once in a while. The only thing Maria and I argued about was time and it’s still the one thing I don’t have to give.”
“It would be nice to travel a little less. Don’t get me wrong, I love my work, but the schedule can be daunting.”
That was exactly the confirmation she needed to hear. “So, let’s hire another photographer or two and take some pressure off. Even if nothing comes of this thing with Andi, we deserve a little breathing room, don’t we? Maybe you can meet someone who appreciates pierced nipples.” Riley laughed and wiggled her eyebrows.
“You’re a jerk. Did anyone ever tell you that jet lag makes you snarky? And I’ll have you know, plenty of women like pierced nipples.”
Riley laughed. Jodie had always been such a great friend. She was grateful to have her in her life. She sipped her whiskey and considered what the future held. Those few days with Andi showed her just how lonely her life had become, even when she had someone sharing her hotel bed. It wasn’t the same kind of connection. It had become nothing more than sex, a way to pass the time, but time with Andi, even the sex was so much more than that. It was tenderness and touches. It was being on the edge but waiting because it was even better for both of them when they came together. It was the conversations and being present with each other and knowing when something was wrong. Her life was awesome, no doubt about it. But it was lacking depth and emotion, and Andi had shown her that was exactly what she needed most now.
Chapter Twenty-four
Andrea sat at a table and watched the door. She’d arrived over forty-five minutes early, and only ten minutes in, the girls were already nit-picking at each other. This was going to be a long day. What was she thinking, agreeing to let Riley spend the day with the girls, at an arcade, of all places? Talk about stimulation overload. What was it they said about ripping off the Band-Aid? She’d either stay or take off running, and it would be better to know now. Wouldn’t it? She thought about their time together just a few days ago. Maybe it would be better to keep the two worlds separate, to keep it in the beautiful bubble they’d developed in Alaska. Olivia threw a piece of paper or something at Sydney. Maybe Riley’s initial suggestion about making time for just the two of them wasn’t so bad after all. What if Riley and the girls didn’t get along? Before Andrea had a chance to change her mind, a large truck pulled in with Illinois plates. It had to be her. Only Riley would also be half an hour early.
“Who are we waiting for again?” Olivia asked.
“Her name is Riley and she’s a friend from when I was younger that I just found again.” Andrea hadn’t explained everything just yet. She still hadn’t figured out how to approach it so quickly after returning from Alaska. How did you tell your kids something like this? She was sure that at some point the right words would come.
“I already like this friend. Usually, your friends like to eat lunch at boring places where we have to be quiet. Does she have kids too? Is she bringing friends for us?” Olivia asked.
“Liv, we get to eat pizza and play games. Who cares! Can you stop with the questions and just be happy that we’re with Mom and get to have some fun and we’re not bored out of our minds at Dad’s house?” Sydney rolled her eyes.
“Girls, please behave. I want the day to be enjoyable for everyone, okay?” Andrea chewed on her lower lip.
Her heart skipped a beat when Riley climbed down out of the truck. She couldn’t look any more adorable in her jeans, a Bears football jersey, and hiking boots that looked like the pair she’d worn in Alaska. Of course, she had that trusty camera draped across her body too. Andrea looked over to Sydney in her Packers jersey and then back to Riley as she walked toward the entrance. Hopefully, the rivalry stayed with the football teams. It was going to be fine, it had to be. The giddy jitters had her heels bouncing on the floor and her fingers tapping the tabletop. She stood up and waved the moment Riley stepped through the doors.
Riley waved back. She had that sexy half grin on her face and did the eyebrow raise and wink thing as she approached the table. Andrea couldn’t stop smiling. She winked back.
“Somehow, I knew you’d be early. You’re always early.” Riley stood at the edge of the table.
Andrea pulled her into a hug. It had only been a day and a half since she’d last seen her, but it felt like another fifteen years had passed. Riley smelled so good. That same sexy scent from the wedding made her swoon. She had to find out what it was. All she knew was that when she smelled that scent, her body reacted with the memory of Riley’s hands exploring anywhere they wanted. She shivered and stepped back.
“Girls, I’d like you to meet Riley. Riley, this is my younger daughter, Olivia, and this one is my elder daughter, Sydney.”
“You can call me Liv, everybody does.” Olivia held out her hand.
Riley shook her hand. “It’s very nice to meet you, Liv.”
“Bears fan, huh? Or was it laundry day and that’s all you had left in the drawer? Maybe we’ll win you a Packers jersey so you can retire that nasty old thing.” Sydney’s smile was genuine, and she tilted her head in that way she understood something others didn’t.
“Ouch, dagger to my heart right off the bat!” Riley covered her heart with her hand and leaned back. “Hey, aren’t the Bears playing the mighty cheese heads tomorrow afternoon? Are you going to watch the game?”
“Definitely, I always watch, especially when they can stomp all over the little bear cubs.” Sydney giggled. “We win you a different shirt today and you can come over and watch it with me.”
“Ouch, you’re killing me!” Riley laughed. “It’s very nice to meet you both. I hear you two can show me how these games work.”
“How about some lunch first, then games?” Andrea asked.
“Mom, we’ve been waiting forever. How about some games first and then lunch?” Sydney turned to face Andrea.
“I wonder if you’re going to be a lawyer when you grow up? You already negotiate like one. All right, a few games first.” Andrea smiled and winked at Riley.
“I was secretly hoping we could play games first too. So, do we need a bucket full of quarters or what?” Riley asked.
“No, silly! You buy a card and we swipe it to play the games.” Oliva grabbed Riley’s hand. “Come on, this way.”
“Liv, I already have the cards.” Andrea held up three cards.
“Princess Adventures first.” Olivia held her hand out for a card.
“Liv, air hockey. We agreed in the car.” Sydney held her hand out.
“Yeah, but air hockey is dumb. You always hit my fingers with the puck.”
“So, what I’m hearing from you two is that I need to keep the cards and we eat lunch first or maybe, if y
ou can’t get along, we should simply go home?” Andrea looked from one girl to the other. “Come on, you promised.”
“Sorry, Mom. We’ll sort it out,” Sydney said.
“Yeah, sorry, Mom.” Olivia stuffed her hands into the front pockets of her pink jeans.
Andrea was tempted to hand each kid a card and tell them to come back when they were starving, but that wouldn’t help Riley get to know them. She’d never felt more selfish, but what she wouldn’t give for some alone time.
“All right, let’s try this again. You two lead the way.” Andrea stood next to Riley, close enough to catch a whiff of that scent again. Oh, she had it bad.
The girls led them into a room of bright flashing lights, loud music, bells, whistles, and spinning disco balls hanging from the ceiling. Every game screamed for attention with a different melody begging to be played. Riley was looking around the room and then adjusted settings on her camera. Andrea wanted to grab her hand and go make out in the bathroom or maybe break in the back seat of that big ol’ truck out in the parking lot.
“It’s good to see you. I’m having a hard time keeping my hands to myself,” Andrea whispered in her ear.
Riley leaned close. “I know what you mean. I’m doing my best to behave.”
Andrea could feel her breath on her ear and she shivered with a rush of desire. Get a grip. You’re not in high school.
“Liv, would you like to play the princess game with me and we’ll let Riley and Syd smash each other’s fingers with air hockey?” Andrea shoulder bumped Riley.
“Yeah, that would be awesome.” Olivia jumped up and down in place.
“You’re going down!” Sydney accepted a game card from Andrea.