Willow

by Raven J. Spencer

  “At the end of our marriage, which came pretty quickly, we threw things at each other, and there was yelling and screaming.”

  Kat listened carefully for anything between the lines, something that might make her want to pay Simon a visit.

  “It’s not the horror story you’re imagining right now, but it wasn’t fun either. I didn’t get that he’s a self-important jerk and really only wanted Dad’s contacts, arm candy an additional bonus. Well, it’s not like your status lasts long with men like that. You saw his picture…He had his affairs. No matter what you might think based on your time here, I didn’t sleep with anyone else until after the divorce was finalized.”

  “Why did you marry him in the first place?”

  Willow shrugged. “I was naïve enough to think we might be meant for each other. I quickly figured out that was not the case, and I’m not into men enough to try again. This was it for me.”

  Are you sure, was on the tip of Kat’s tongue. With every revelation, it became clearer to her that it would be best to keep her distance, not to invest too much. Willow might need someone to listen, a friend, but what she didn’t need at this point was another lover.

  “It’s over and done. I didn’t even know that report still existed. I’ll tell you the truth. I was angry, and I got scared at some point, but a couple of plates and cups were the only things that got broken. Eventually I realized I wanted a lot more from life.”

  “What is it you want, then?”

  “Right now? You are really high on that list.”

  “Willow, stop.”

  “Why? Don’t you want clarity, honesty, all those things? I’m trying to be clear and honest with you. Judy and I are friends, sometimes with benefits. We don’t give each other false hopes, and we are both ready to step aside if the other one finds that one special person.”

  “Meanwhile you’re up in my face.” Kat cringed. She hadn’t meant to say this out loud.

  “Subtle signs didn’t work so well, so…I guess that’s what I had to do. You weren’t turned off.”

  “Nothing’s changed. I’m glad you got out of that marriage, and that you found someone for whatever it is you need right now. You’re right, I need clarity. It’s not quite enough for me.”

  “You want control? How do you control who you fall for? Is that even possible?”

  “I know who I am,” Kat said, not sure how Willow managed to poke at every single issue she wasn’t comfortable with. “That makes things easier. Control, maybe not, but you can step away from something you know isn’t good for you.”

  “All right then.” Willow got up and took a bottle of wine from the rack. “I’m glad we had this conversation. You want me, but you don’t want to want me. It’s clear enough. Let’s drink to that.”

  “Wait, I’m not done. Did Simon ever threaten you after you left?”

  “What?” Willow looked alarmed. “Why do you think that?”

  “I’m not sure. He seems to have lots of power around here, so I just want to make sure that there are no unwelcome surprises from him in Franklin’s absence.”

  Willow sighed. “You saw him at the restaurant. He didn’t even talk to me. Yes, he hurt me, not physically, but nonetheless. When I left him, that hurt his ego. He’s not interested anymore.”

  “Which is a good thing, right? Was he ever interested in your company?”

  “Never. He has his own.”

  “Okay. Good. Thanks for letting me know all this.” Willow held her gaze, expectantly, and Kat decided she deserved the whole truth—or at least, most of it—after all. “You already figured out that the landscaping business wasn’t the whole truth, though this is what I do now. It’s true that Franklin is worried about you and he thought you could use someone to…talk. You already have that person though, and once all the rosebushes and trees are done, there’s not much of a reason for me to stay here. I mean, I will, until Franklin comes back.”

  “To protect me from some sinister elements.” Willow laughed, though it didn’t sound too happy. “You will guard my body from the enemies, but otherwise you don’t want anything to do with it. I get it.”

  “It’s not that easy.”

  “It’s very easy, actually, but I can’t make you see that. Have a good night, Kat. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Willow had barely touched her food, but she took her glass with her, and the bottle of wine.

  Kat watched her go up the stairs, unsure who was the silly one.

  * * * *

  In the next few days, she avoided Willow’s company best she could which wasn’t easy. She still had to work outside, and Willow still spent a lot of her time reading by the pool, though Judy stopped by less often. To Kat’s relief, there were no more sexual encounters right in front of her either, and she thought she might have to start planning for her time after the assignment. No more calls to “old friends” to check up on suspicious persons, and the only alarm system she’d check every night would be her own.

  It was possible that she’d meet someone eventually, wasn’t it?

  Willow wasn’t in danger. She was hurt and vulnerable after the end of a bad relationship, and Kat had done her part listening to her. She could have one night for herself, to get it out of her head that there might be a possibility, a chance for her and Willow.

  Besides, she didn’t want to become Franklin Garrett’s daughter-in-law. She laughed at the thought. No way.

  That evening, Kat thought about stealing out of the house, but even if there was no immediate danger, politeness required that she at least let Willow know she was going out.

  Willow looked her up and down.

  “You’re going to meet someone?”

  “No.”

  “You’re hoping to bring someone home? I’d prefer it that didn’t happen under my roof.”

  Kat didn’t want to start an argument and tell her that technically, it wasn’t her roof.

  “Don’t worry. Franklin pays me enough to afford a hotel if I have to.”

  “Aren’t you supposed to stay with me?”

  “You said it yourself, Simon is no threat. As long as I do my work here, I am allowed to leave the premises for a few hours.”

  “Whatever you’re hoping to find, you could get it right here…and save the cost of the hotel.”

  Kat wasn’t going to tell her how close she was to considering that alternative. She couldn’t.

  Going to a hotel sounded like a good plan anyway. The bar she went to on occasion was out of town, and she wanted to have a few drinks tonight, clear all present temptations from her mind so she could move on. Paying her debt to Franklin would sever the last tie to her old life. She’d be free. That was something to celebrate, even if it was a bit early.

  * * * *

  It took her twenty minutes to drive to the bar, less than five to have her first drink in front of her, Martini, three olives.

  Willow was right—she liked to be in control. It was something she needed to stay sane, even though, if she was honest, reality wasn’t so black or white. Dating an older, more experienced woman who had come out at a young age wasn’t a guarantee…for anything. That much Kat’s experience had taught her.

  She was halfway through her second Martini when someone sat on the barstool beside her. The voice was familiar.

  “Hi, Kat.”

  “Did Willow put you up to this? It won’t work.”

  “I have no idea what you’re talking about,” Judy said. “I was going to have a drink…but since you’re here, sure, let’s talk about Willow.”

  “I don’t think she’d appreciate that.”

  “It’s so hard to watch you two.” Judy handed the bartender a bill.

  “Excuse me?”

  The alcohol was getting to her head, and she instantly flashed back on the scene by the pool. Judy hadn’t been the one relegated to watching.

  “What’s the problem? You look at her like you can barely control yourself, and you know she wants you. So, again, what
is the problem?”

  “Oh, I don’t know where to start. The ex-husband. The girlfriend. The fact that she doesn’t know what she wants? Oh, and there’s this little complication that it’s her father who hired me. Did I answer your question?”

  Judy sipped her drink, smiling.

  “None of this bothers you?” Kat asked.

  “Actually, it doesn’t. I imagine Willow told you about the relationship we have.”

  “How many times did you step aside? Before or after Simon? I’m not sure I trust people who find true love every other day.”

  “Willow isn’t like that. She’s not taking advantage of me, you, or anybody.”

  “That’s good to know. Now, if you’ll excuse me…?”

  Judy got up and picked up her drink. “I’ll leave you alone if that’s what you want.”

  “Thanks.”

  “I wish you would keep an open mind about this. I really think you’d be good for her—and that you could give her something I can’t.”

  Even after a Martini and a half, something about Judy’s specific choice of words struck Kat as odd. She turned around as Judy was walking away.

  “Hey. Wait. What do you mean by that?”

  Judy shrugged. “Nothing in particular. We all get hurt sometimes. It doesn’t mean we should deny who we are, don’t you think? Have a good evening.”

  Kat slipped off her barstool and caught up with Judy with a speed that surprised both of them. “Not so fast. Who sent you?”

  Judy shook her head, amused. “No one had to send me. I’m an employee for the Agency, and I remember when you worked there. I heard the talk about an Annex mission almost gone bad, and a sad love story. I can imagine when you heard about Willow’s ex-husband, it set off some alarm bells.”

  “What agency?” Kat asked. Judy’s words were setting off several alarm bells right at this moment. After her departure, no one had contacted her, except recently, Franklin. It was even more disturbing that Judy mentioned the Annex, a group within the Agency working highly classified missions. Kat had taken part in those missions. Franklin still did.

  “Come on, you know exactly what I’m talking about. Don’t worry though, I come in peace. I just meant to say that with your history, I understand why you’re cautious—but you don’t have to be with Willow. She’s genuine, and she’s not going back to Simon.”

  Kat wasn’t feeling assured, about Willow, or regarding Judy’s revelation. She decided to take her chances.

  “Who are you? Did Franklin hire you too to keep an eye on her—or on me?”

  “Oh, no.” Judy laughed. “I doubt he even knows who I am. I never met him in person.”

  “Then what are you doing with her?”

  “You know we’re both nerds. We met a convention, and I later heard she was the daughter of famous Franklin Garrett. I swear, that’s all.”

  “That’s all, huh? So you became her BFF with benefits, in spite of the husband just barely out of the picture.”

  “Ex-husband.”

  “Semantics. Maybe you really don’t mind that they just broke up last year, and what that means, but I do.”

  “What exactly does that mean? You’re looking to have a one-night-stand to make you feel better, and of course you’ll make sure she checks all the boxes on the lesbian card?”

  “Leave me alone. All I want to do at this point is get drunk in peace.”

  Judy followed her back to the bar. “All right, the next round is on me.”

  “You just don’t quit, do you?”

  “You know, about that mission…There was a story going around,” Judy said before she signaled the bartender. “You didn’t mess it up. Franklin did.”

  “You’re pushing your luck here. He saved my life.”

  “Looks can be deceiving. He had a lot to lose, and I guess it was easier that way.”

  “Tell me one reason why I should take your word for it.”

  “Because I have evidence. I can show you.”

  Kat listened carefully for any hint that Judy might be lying her ass off. She couldn’t find any. The implications of this were nothing short of disturbing.

  “He had your back, for the most part, anyway,” Judy continued. “Like I said, I’m only telling you this to make you see there’s no reason for you to turn Willow away. She’s a good person—and she’s really good at—”

  “I don’t want to know,” Kat interrupted, anticipating where Judy was about to go. Her world was teetering on its axis, and at this moment, Willow’s skills were the least of her concerns. This wasn’t possible. All the years she’d been waiting for Franklin to come and collect a favor—he’d been lying to her? There was another possibility, and she cursed herself for not thinking about it right away. “I really need to go to the restroom. Could you maybe wait outside? I don’t feel so good.”

  “Of course. Let’s go. Do you want me to drive you home?”

  “Maybe I’ll take you up on that offer. Thanks.”

  How much time had she wasted, leaving Willow to her own devices while she let Judy chat her up? Kat was about to find out.

  There was no one in the corridor leading to the restroom door, and a moment later, Judy found herself facing the wall, her arms pinned behind her back. Kat reached for the gun she’d hoped to never need again.

  “Franklin would never betray me, so the only other explanation is that you’re supposed to chat me up while…what is happening at the house right now?”

  “Nothing! Kat! Come on!” Judy protested, squirming in her grip. “Put that away. I’m telling the truth. I didn’t have to, but I’m only doing this for Willow. She’s fine, I swear. She wanted to work on some contracts tonight.”

  “You’re lying,” Kat hissed, moving in closer. “Willow doesn’t work on contracts. She doesn’t work at all.”

  “How would you know? You brush her off every chance you get, because you’re so scared of a broken heart. Willow works a lot more and harder than you or her father think.”

  Kat finally let her go. “Let’s go home, then. You have a lot to answer for. I hope for your sake that you’re right.”

  Judy straightened her clothes with an irritated expression. “Because no one can possibly be right except for you, Kat?”

  Kat decided that question didn’t need an answer, and she followed Judy out of the bar.

  * * * *

  Willow was indeed unharmed, opening the door to them in a surprisingly dressed state, wearing reading glasses. In her slightly inebriated state, Kat found her even more irresistible, but hadn’t even come close processing everything Judy had told her, yet. She sent Judy a warning look, as if the gun she’d shown her earlier hadn’t been any indication to keep quiet about their conversation.

  “You guys ran into each other, sweet,” Willow said. “I was just about to take a break. Would you like a snack?”

  “I could go for one,” Judy agreed. “Kat?”

  “No, thanks. I’ll leave you two to it.”

  Kat headed for her room where she slammed the door shut and then punched the wall for good measure. It was, like everything else in this house, solidly build. The pain was instant.

  She had always dreaded the moment Franklin would come back into her life and ask her to do something for him, but all this time, she had thought he was one of the good guys, trustworthy. Was he? Had he betrayed her?

  She sent a quick email to her contact in order to make sure Judy was who she said she was, and had an answer in less than five minutes. Judy Mancini, analyst, had been working for the Agency at the time Kat left, and was still on their payroll. Kat stared at the email, wondering where to go from here. Judy seemed genuine, but so had Franklin.

  “Bastard,” Kat muttered. “I trusted you.”

  There was a knock on the door, and Kat quickly closed the laptop.

  “I wanted to say I’m sorry,” Judy said, looking the part. “I believe that by now, you ran a preliminary background check. I swear it’s all true. I did my job, but
I couldn’t help picking up things. People sometimes forgot I was in the room, and they were talking. That’s all. I kept my mouth shut, but now that I’ve gotten to know you, I thought you deserved to know.”

  “I appreciate it. I’m not sure what to do with it, but thanks. I guess that means I don’t owe Franklin anything. I could just bill him for the work done so far and leave.”

  “Is that really what you want?”

  The problem was, Kat didn’t know anymore.

  Judy didn’t help her with an answer, as she left, closing the door behind her softly.

  In the past, friends had backed her up and confirmed—there was nothing to gain from getting involved with a woman who didn’t know for sure. Kat had paid dearly for thinking that maybe this one time, it didn’t matter, that Crystal Dyer would come to her senses, and Kat would be the one to make her. What they’d had was good, even though they had to keep it a secret. It would be better after that one last mission, because Kat would be able to leave, and they could have a life together, away from the job…away from Crystal’s ex-husband. The latter part, of course, never happened, because Crystal had lied to her all along.

  Willow’s situation was different—or was it, really?

  She wanted her, badly. She just didn’t want to be the one left behind once more.

  Chapter Six

  It turned out that she didn’t have to spend the night with these thoughts, alone, as there were a couple of women under the same roof willing to give her a second chance.

  “Judy, it’s late,” she said when she heard the knock on the door, only to come face to face with Willow the next moment.

  “I’m tired of waiting,” she whispered. “This serves no one. Please, let me in.” Her kiss wasn’t chaste and tentative this time, and Kat had nothing to protect herself against the heat and lust taking her over. Warm hands stole under her shirt, cupping her breasts, and she noticed that Judy had moved in behind her.

  “Tonight is all about you, Kat. Just enjoy yourself.”

  “I have no choice, do I?” Her laugh sounded breathless with anticipation, a surprise. Kat hardly recognized herself, and she had to concede that the reality of this moment was by far different from her imagination. Maybe this was worth it after all. She pulled Willow close to her, sank her hands into her hair as she kissed her, while Judy’s hand wandered over her stomach and beneath the fabric of her panties.