by Ann Roberts
“We do,” Nadine agreed. She looked at Jackie and added, “And just because my wife isn’t a romantic softie doesn’t mean she knows everything.” Nadine blew Jackie a kiss, and Jackie smiled.
“What did you think, Addy?”
Addy grinned stupidly and looked at Mazie. “I loved it. I wish it were two women, but I love the story.”
“What about the ending?” Tarina pushed.
“I’m a sap for Happily Ever After.” She gazed at Mazie and caressed her cheek. “And since I believe it’s possible, I think your ending is perfect.”
Jackie snorted and Nadine pulled her into a hug. “Don’t listen to my wife, Rina. You’d think I’d be the one who hated sappy endings, given my status as Squeegee, roller derby jammer. Instead it’s my wife who hates sap, despite living the Happily Ever After dream, I might add.”
“Yeah, that’s true,” Jackie said, nuzzling Nadine’s nose.
“Then I’m gonna leave the ending as is,” Tarina said.
“When are you and Almondine coming back to the states?” Addy asked.
“Probably in October. Paris gets chilly then. We’ll need us some Oregon weather.”
They ended the call and soon afterward Nadine and Jackie went home. Mazie and Addy lingered in Theater One, Mazie’s head resting on Addy’s shoulder. “Do you believe we’re living in a Happily Ever After ending?”
Addy nodded. “I think so. I’m about to be promoted to bus trainer, you’re the general manager of the Bijou, and we get all the popcorn for dinner that we want. I’d call that happily ever after.” She pulled Mazie toward the exit and the concessions stand. “Let’s get a bedtime snack.”
They wandered into the vacant lobby, and Mazie squeezed her arm. She stopped in front of the candy display case, pointed and said, “Don’t forget your work with Dr. Pfeiffer. You’ve come a long way with her in the last year.”
Addy smiled as she gazed at the case. All of the candy was arranged by price—and only by price. While she doubted she’d ever be able to wear plaid again, Dr. Pfeiffer had helped her work through her color peculiarity, and Addy no longer sorted everything in her life. She could see things for their rich complexity—a kaleidoscope of color.
And it was all because of Mazie.
Mazie grabbed a box of licorice and saw her goofy smile. “Are you on one of your mental vacations? What am I this time? Amazon goddess again?”
“Nope.”
“Femme fatale?”
“Nuh-uh.”
She abandoned the licorice and draped her arms over Addy’s shoulders. “Porn star?”
“No,” Addy laughed.
“Sexy mermaid?”
Addy raised an eyebrow and shook her head.
“Then what am I?”
Addy took Mazie in her arms and dipped her for a stunning kiss. When Mazie finally opened her eyes, Addy said, “You’re you.”
Bella Books, Inc.
Women. Books. Even Better Together.
P.O. Box 10543
Tallahassee, FL 32302
Phone: 800-729-4992
www.bellabooks.com