Sliding Doors

by Karen Klyne

  Reece read out who they were from. Apart from them and her mum and dad, there were quite a few from other women. Gemma had been jealous, but Alex wasn’t about to go down that road. Reece opened the card from the children. It said, To the world’s most wonderful Mum. Inside the children had put lots of hearts and kisses along with their childish scrawl. She kissed them both. Then she opened Alex’s. It had been more difficult choosing a card than a present. She didn’t want to go overboard but didn’t want to understate either. She opted for one that said, Especially for You. It had an assortment of butterflies floating around a meadow. The tricky part had been the wording inside. She wrote: Thanks for being there, and I’m so glad I found you on the other side of the door. Have an awesome year. Alex xxx. She wished she’d written something that explained her emotions, but she’d never been good with words.

  Reece smiled and gazed into her eyes briefly. Brief as it was, Alex’s face felt like it was scorching from the July sun.

  Reece unwrapped the gift from Callum and Mattie, a beautifully decorated box with the words, Little Box of Love. She opened it. Inside were six brightly decorated cupcakes. “Ooh, my favourite.” Reece picked one out and opened her mouth as if to take a bite.

  Mattie jumped up. “No, Mum. They’re to put in your bath.”

  Reece laughed and winked. “Won’t it make me sticky?”

  Mattie pushed Reece’s arm. “Silly Mum.”

  She thanked them and kissed them, then picked up the present from Alex. She unwrapped it and pulled it out. She stared open-mouthed. “Wow! This is amazing. You must have spotted how shabby my laptop bag is.”

  Alex nodded. “Just a little.”

  Reece brought the bag up to her nose and inhaled. “Umm, I love the smell of leather and tan is my favourite shade of brown.”

  Alex wasn’t sure what to do now. She decided to get up and give Reece a hug and perhaps a kiss on the cheek. As their bodies touched, she felt the warmth of Reece’s breasts against hers. It was only fleeting, but she was sure her nipples hardened. Or was it Reece’s? Whichever it was, it left her warm and tingly. She kissed Reece on the cheek. “Happy birthday.”

  “Thank you, Alex.”

  Reece gave a little half-smile. A sexy smile. Alex sat back down and toyed with a lock of hair. She rubbed her earlobe, then tugged at the blanket. “So, what are we doing for the rest of the day?”

  Callum poked his mum in the ribs. “Mum’s choice.”

  “A nice leisurely shower. Then I’d like to go for a short walk, come back for a scrumptious brunch, and then I thought we could go to the castle. We never made it there on your school holidays.” She looked at Alex. “There were always too many other things to do.”

  Alex shivered and ran her hands up and down her arms. “You picked a really good day for that. It’ll be freezing up there.”

  “So what? We’ll wrap up well.” She smirked. “Anyway, it’s my birthday. I get to choose.”

  Reece had the last word and after their first walk, Alex cooked a big brunch. They let it settle for an hour and went off on their trek to the castle. It was the coldest day so far, but as soon as they got walking, they all warmed up.

  Callum and Mattie ran up the hill toward the ruins. Alex thought she’d better ask about the rest of the day. This would be her first real outing with Reece as herself, and with some of Reece’s friends, no less. “What time are we leaving tonight?”

  “Mum and Dad are coming around about six. They’ll be staying over, so I thought we’d have a drink together first. I’ve ordered a taxi for seven-thirty.”

  Alex nodded. “Sounds great.”

  She needed at least an hour and a half to get ready, so when they got home, she prepared some nibbles to accompany the drinks. It was nothing fancy, just a cold meat platter, some veggie with dips, and some oil and balsamic. She’d got some nice olive and pepper bread which she planned to heat up when she came back down.

  Her new black cocktail dress hung on the door of her wardrobe. She loved it. It was an off-the-shoulder lace two-piece set, a stretchy jersey tube liner with a lace overdress. The sleeves were three-quarter lace and matched the top and the scalloped lace hem which fitted just above her knee. The sales assistant said it was made for her.

  It was shorter than she remembered, and the off-the-shoulder felt like it would soon be off-the-breast. Talk about clingy. She rearranged it, pulled it down, pulled it up, and pulled it every which way but loose. It was what it was. She guessed she felt uncomfortable because she hadn’t worn a dress for about three months. She’d chosen it because she looked good in it, but she didn’t relish the idea of making an entrance into the kitchen, not with Val and Keith there. God knows what they’d think.

  She picked up her clutch bag, took a deep breath, and walked slowly down the stairs.

  The kitchen door was open, and Keith was the first person she saw. He looked up and seemed to do a bit of a wobble and then held onto the back of the dining chair. His mouth gaped, and he just stared. Then he whistled. She’d worked with a variety of builders so that part didn’t unnerve her…it was the fact that he’d drawn attention to her, and as she walked into the kitchen, all eyes were on her.

  “Wows” came from all directions, even from Callum and Mattie.

  Keith wiggled his eyebrows. “You look bloody gorgeous, Alex. Do you know, I can’t remember ever seeing you in a dress before?”

  So, Reece had already broached the name change. That was good. It kept her from needing to have an awkward conversation. She cleared her throat and hoped the heat in her face would quickly disappear. “I doubt you have. It’s the new me.”

  “I like.”

  Val nudged him. “For God’s sake stop embarrassing the poor girl, Keith.”

  “Just showing my appreciation.”

  Reece bit her bottom lip and smiled. It was a bit like the smile earlier. The one that made Alex twitchy. “You look stunning.”

  Mattie went over and touched the lacey dress. “I’d like one of these, Mummy.”

  Reece coughed. “Not for another twenty years, young lady.”

  Mattie pouted. Alex crossed her arms, feeling exposed. “Can everyone stop staring now? Go pick on Reece instead. She’s all dressed up like a dog’s dinner too.” Certainly, she looked good enough to eat, and very, very hot. The thought was natural and didn’t seem out of place at all. Reece wore a black shirt and tight black trousers and boots, and the white jacket was knockout. Now she was staring. She busied herself by putting the oven on and heating the bread, though she was sure she could heat it up on her cheeks. Then she put all the nibbles out on the table.

  Reece popped the cork, filled the glasses, and they toasted her birthday. It was a nice atmosphere, and at last Alex felt as though she was being accepted for who she was, not who she was expected to be. Now, she could move forward.

  Chapter Twenty-Two

  Their taxi arrived, and Reece picked up Alex’s jacket and slipped it around her shoulders, the touch of her soft skin making her sigh quietly. Reece had always preferred subtlety as opposed to brazenness, and Alex was the epitome of class. She’d never seen her looking more beautiful. She would have liked to have taken her in her arms and told her. It wasn’t because her mum and dad were there that she didn’t, it was because there was still that question mark hanging over them. Was there a future for them? As far as Reece was concerned, she wanted it all. She liked everything about Alex, and she was growing extremely fond of her. More than that, if she were honest with herself, she was falling for her.

  They got into the taxi and when Reece had settled, she flicked a thick strand of hair from her face.

  Alex watched her. “Your hair looks terrific. You’ve combed it back and scrunched it up. It looks really cool.”

  “Thanks. It’s rare I can wear it like this. There’s something about the workplace that stops me being who I really am. Somehow, I think my clients want a more tempered version.”

  Alex nodded. “I know what you mea
n. You have to portray what others want or expect. But saying that, it’s great for tonight.”

  Reece stroked Alex’s hand. “Thanks.”

  She looked out the window. “Do they live in one of the houses by the golf club?”

  Reece nodded, and she knew they were both thinking of the last time they’d been in that area. Tonight, it was for a far better reason. The taxi turned into their driveway. It was a long drive and at the bottom, it had a sort of roundabout so you could swing around and drive out without having to make loads of manoeuvres.

  Alex chuckled. “Did you say Cindy was a dentist?”

  Reece laughed. “Yes, she’s in private practice. Would you prefer it if I quit the NHS?”

  Alex shook her head. “God, no. If you’re happy, stick with what you have.”

  That was the answer Reece wanted to hear. In the past they’d had so many arguments about Reece going into private work. She didn’t want to. She did a minimal amount but deep down she wanted to help people from across the spectrum, not just the rich. “I am happy. I guess it’s a bit selfish but living here wouldn’t fulfil me. But of course, I do realise that we’d have a far better lifestyle.”

  “Don’t give it another thought.”

  Reece couldn’t help it though. She thought about Alex’s old life. She’d had a lucrative business. She’d had the opportunity to go back, and she hadn’t taken it. It said a lot about her, and she liked it.

  The taxi driver got out and opened the door. Reece opened her own door, walked around, and paid the driver. They walked toward the house. Dare she? She took Alex’s hand in hers for the first time. The thrill sent an electrical charge up her arm. To her, the act of holding hands was just as important as any other type of physical intimacy. It was a sign of her wanting to be close to Alex, because she had feelings for her. It was an emotional connection as well as a physical one. It said, we’re joining together. It was a shift from two individuals to us. And right now, it felt that way. The thought of sex was great, but it didn’t demonstrate the same romantic gesture as holding hands. She was sure that most people wouldn’t agree with that, and Gemma had hated any public display of affection at all. But Alex held her hand tightly, a sweet smile on her lips.

  Reece pressed the doorbell, and it wasn’t long before the door opened.

  Cindy and Angie beckoned them in, and Cindy flung her arms around Reece. “Hey, buddy. Great to see you.”

  Cindy and Angie turned to Alex. She prayed they wouldn’t comment on her wearing a dress. That tooth had already been pulled.

  “Gemma, you look awesome. It’s so good to see you.”

  “Great to see you too. If you don’t mind, I’m going by Alex now. It’s a long story but suffice to say we needed a change.” She glanced quickly at Reece, then bent forward and kissed them both on the cheek. “And thanks for sharing your fortieth.”

  “Thank you for coming. You haven’t been here before. I’ll show you around.” Angie took Alex’s arm and led her through the hall.

  It was nice to see Angie making her so welcome. They were similar ages and Reece would love it if Alex made a friend of Angie. It would also mean she didn’t have to sneak around and see them on her own in the future.

  Reece and Cindy followed them.

  “Fucking hell, I see what you mean,” Cindy whispered. “That is not the Gemma we know. Or Alex, I guess. I mean, we’d met Gemma before, but it’s like she’s a different person altogether.” She laughed. “I can’t imagine why you’re here. The Reece I know would be carrying her off to bed, never to be seen again.”

  “The thought had crossed my mind, but unfortunately we have two children and my mum and dad are staying over. Also, I’m not sure if she feels the same way. We’re working things out.”

  “You’d better hurry up and find out before you explode in a lusty mess.”

  Angie guided them into the kitchen where the surfaces were covered with food of every description.

  Alex walked around, touching the countertops. “This is fantastic. You have the most amazing home.”

  “Thanks. We like it.” Angie took her arm again, and they went through to another room. “This is what we call the quiet room, but it won’t be so quiet tonight because it’s where we’ve got the disco set up.” They walked through another door and into the main lounge which was huge. There were about twenty other couples, but Reece knew hardly any of them. It would be nice to remedy that.

  “Drinks. Are you okay with champagne, Alex? There’s plenty of other stuff on the table over there. If it’s not there, just shout, and we’ll find it.”

  “Thanks. Champagne’s fine right now.”

  Angie handed them all a drink, and they raised their glasses to Cindy. “Happy birthday.” They also made a toast to Reece’s birthday.

  Cindy and Angie stayed with them for a while then excused themselves, saying they had to mingle.

  Alex smiled. “They’re both lovely. And what a spectacular house. I just love the kitchen…all that beautiful granite. And the hand-crafted pillars are stunning.”

  “I know. We need a new kitchen but––”

  “But what?”

  “You hate upheaval.” Reece squeezed her eyes shut. “Shit. That was pure instinct.”

  Alex tutted and looked skyward. “I’ll forgive you this time, potty mouth. Actually, our kitchen needs dragging into the twenty first century. I was thinking I quite fancy the idea of fitting it myself.”

  Reece laughed. “Bloody hell. Ambitious, but why not?”

  Alex rubbed her hands together. “You wouldn’t say that if you knew what I could do, but great. I’ll draw up some plans.”

  “Listen, Alex. I know you had a successful business. To replace a kitchen would cost us a lot of money so whatever you do, I insist on paying you the going rate. I know how I would feel in your position. I’d want some financial independence, and maybe you could start up your own business again.”

  Alex looked thoughtful. “We’ll see. I do feel I need to do things for myself and contribute, and I really am good at it.”

  “Contribute? You do everything in the household and look after my children.”

  “Bollocks to that. I love them, and I think of them as ours, not yours.” She flinched. “I know that’s probably strange, given all that’s happened, but it’s true. I hope it’s okay.”

  Reece reached for Alex’s hand and squeezed it. “Thank you. Hearing that makes me one happy lady.”

  The fact that Alex was making these sorts of plans was music to Reece’s ears. It meant she wasn’t planning to run off in the near future. Maybe she’d suggest the bathroom next, or her bedroom. She pushed away the images that came along with that line of thinking.

  After that, they introduced themselves to other couples and did a fair amount of socialising before eating. Alex looked happy and relaxed and fitted in like a new implant. There was no jealousy, no awkward silences, no extra alcohol. It was just…fun.

  And then the music began. Reece hadn’t danced for years, but it was something she’d never forgot how to do…especially after a few glasses of wine. But in the back of her mind all she could think about were the slow dances that she hoped would come later.

  ***

  The prospect of this party had been daunting for Alex. But instead of feeling intimidated by Reece’s friends, she’d felt quite the opposite. They were easy people and made her feel so welcome, and she’d like to get to know them better in the future. It seemed like she’d already carved out her future by opening her big mouth about fitting a new kitchen. She relished the idea of doing something she’d really loved.

  Reece dragged her onto the dancefloor. She’d never associated a dentist as being a good dancer, though she didn’t know why, but Reece was brilliant. Her hips swayed back and forth with a smooth rhythmic sensuous energy. Her hands were raised, and she clicked her fingers in time to the beat as she spun around in circles. She had style and flamboyance. Alex grinned and relaxed and even attempted a few
dance moves of her own. They moved back into the lounge on many occasions, then back onto the dancefloor. After several sessions, they found their drinks and sank into a sofa opposite the disco room.

  Reece wiped her brow. “I’m out of condition. I need to increase my gym days.”

  Alex didn’t think she needed to. She looked just fine to her.

  Time was on the move, and the music switched from fast to slow. Alex loved the song they were playing, but Reece frowned and studied her glass, so she didn’t ask her to dance.

  Alex leaned her head back into the sofa. “Wow, Roberta Flack. One of my all-time favourites. Do you know this song was written in 1957? Some guy…I can’t remember his name, but he wrote it for his lover. He was married at the time, but I think they did get married.”

  When Reece looked up, Alex saw the tears. “This was Gemma’s song to me.”

  “Gemma’s song, not mine.” Alex nudged Reece playfully. “The first time I saw your face was when you bounded in like a thunderbolt and glared at me like I was some sort of nutcase. That was the first time, and believe me, I wasn’t thinking of that song. Reece, I am not that person. I never have been, and never will be.”

  Reece wiped her eyes. “I’m sorry, I know, but––”

  “No buts tonight. Another time.”

  Reece smiled. The song had finished. She stood and offered her hand. “Will you dance with me?”

  “I’d love to.” Alex got up and took her hand. They stood by the door and waited for the next song.

  They walked onto the dancefloor hand in hand. Reece put her hand on her shoulder, and they danced closely, body to body. They continued dancing to a few more songs, and then it happened. Songbird. Reece pulled her much closer. Alex felt the warmth of their bodies as they pressed close. She rested her head on Reece’s shoulder and felt her heart pumping like a fuel jet. Reece’s mouth was close to her neck. She could feel the warm breath in her ear. Their hips swayed in unison.