by Lydia Rose
“I guess I’m just going to spend it with my dad, Rachel and Tom,” she answered without looking up.
“So you’re not going to New York?” Dot pushed, but wore a smile.
“I never said I was going to New York. What gave you that idea?”
“Well, I figured if she wasn’t going to come to you, you’d go to her.”
The Cheshire cat grin made Leslie laugh. “No, Dot. I’m not going to New York and she’s not coming to Georgia.”
Dot shrugged. “Her loss then.” Before she walked away, her one last remark was, “It’s your loss too.”
She wasn’t going to New York because Marnie never asked her to come. What hurt her the most was she never responded to her invitation to come down and spend the holidays. Leslie doubted she would come, but at least she could call and say she couldn’t make it. Even Rachel was disappointed that Marnie wasn’t coming. She surprised Leslie the other night by stopping at her home.
“Rachel, is everything okay?” she asked, opening the front door.
“Yes, Leslie. I just wanted to speak with you. May I come in?” Rachel asked already walking into the house. She moved the laundry that Leslie had been folding to the coffee table. “So is she coming?”
“Rachel, I told you last weekend that Marnie hasn’t answered me.”
“I wanted so much to thank her in person for what she did for our family.” Rachel barely took a breath before she continued, “I know, I thanked her on the phone and she said it was her job, but she went over and above.” She turned to Leslie. “You know she hasn’t cashed that check we gave her.”
Leslie smiled. Somehow she knew Marnie wouldn’t. It was probably framed somewhere in her apartment. “Yes, I know.”
Rachel continued. “She was so nice and so beautiful. I’m sure when she dresses for work, she looks even more beautiful.” She gazed at Leslie. “When you went up to New York, did you see her dressed up?”
“No, Rachel. It was a Saturday. She was wearing jeans and a sweater.” Now she was wondering if Rachel had a crush on her. She decided to push. “Do you have a crush on her?”
Rachel chuckled. “If I was a lesbian, I would have a big crush. I was thinking she would be perfect for you. It is a shame that she lives so far away. I wish she had fallen in love with our little town. You couldn’t find a better woman.” Rachel finally stopped talking and waited for Leslie to comment.
“What do you want me to say? Yes, she’s beautiful. Yes, she’s nice and caring, but yes she lives in New York. So there is nothing to discuss.”
“Why are you giving up so easily? I wouldn’t. I would be calling her every day until she couldn’t stand to be apart from me.”
“That won’t work, Rachel.”
‘How do you know until you try?” Rachel stood up and walked toward the door. “Well, I’ve said my piece. I hope you don’t just let her drift out of your life.” Her finger came out and pointed to emphasize her point.
“Okay, Rachel,” she said with a laugh. “I’ll think real hard on what you said. Thank you for coming over.”
Of course, Leslie didn’t take Rachel’s advice and start calling Marnie. She would never push her into anything she didn’t want to do. It was the same with her, no one could talk her into moving to New York City.
Leslie continued working at the café and did her best to put Marnie out of her mind. Her brother Tom was on winter break and walked into the café. He walked over to Leslie’s table and kissed his sister’s cheek. “Tom, you look good. School must agree with you.”
“It does, Sis. I love it. How are you doing?”
Leslie forced a smile. That was her typical facade these days and she once again put on a happy face that didn’t feel right. “I’m good, Tom.”
“Have you talked to Marnie lately?” She shook her head.
“I spoke with her a couple of weeks ago. Leslie raised an eyebrow. “Yeah, she said the weather in New York is miserable.” Tom laughed. “I told her to come down here where at least we’re over the freezing mark.”
“What did she say?” Leslie asked leaning closer to Tom.
“Nothing. She just laughed.” He now looked at Leslie with intensity. “Maybe if you ask her, she’ll come.”
Leslie grumbled and her hand went to her chin. “Did that after Thanksgiving.”
“She said no?” he asked surprised.
“She didn’t say anything except she had to think about it. That was weeks ago.”
Tom stood up. “That’s too bad. I liked her.”
As Leslie and Tom were talking, Patty walked into the café and walked toward them. “Hello, Tom. I’m glad everything worked out for you.”
“Thanks,” Tom said barely looking at the woman who had broken his sister’s heart.
Patty now looked at Leslie. “How have you been, Leslie?”
“Good. How about you?”
Patty looked at Tom who now stepped away from them. “I was wondering if you would like to have dinner with me some night.”
Leslie let out a frustrated breath. “I don’t think that would be a good idea.”
“Why? I’ve been thinking a lot about you.” Patty moved closer. “Maybe you and I can try again.”
Leslie shook her head, but then thought about spending the rest of her life alone. Maybe Patty would be enough of a distraction to make her forget about Marnie once and for all. “Friday night.”
“I’ll pick you up at seven,” Patty said and Leslie nodded in agreement. “See you then,” she said touching Leslie’s hand.
Tom watched as Patty walked out the door before she approached Leslie. “Do you really want to go down that road again?”
“Do I have a better offer?” Leslie asked perturbed.
“You could,” he said next to Leslie’s ear. “I’ll catch you later. I’m going to visit some friends.”
“I hope not Steve and Rodney?”
“Nope. Besides, they are in the county lock up where they belong. Have they set a date for the trial yet?”
“I haven’t heard anything yet.”
“I hope it will be when I can attend,” he growled. “I want to see those two locked up for good for what they did to Jess.”
Leslie touched her brother’s arms. Even though Jess was cheating on him, he wanted to see justice for the woman he loved. “You’re a good man, Tom.”
“Would you please tell that to the girls I’ve asked out who said no,” he said chuckling.
“Forget about women until you finish school.”
“I know, but once and awhile it would be nice to go out on a date.”
“I know, Tom,” she said, understanding all too well.
CHAPTER 18
Marnie couldn’t believe her luck. It was already eleven o’clock and she had gotten to the airport at six that morning. The only good thing so far was her flight had not been cancelled. She paced back and forth watching the snow falling from the sky. Why did you wait until Christmas Eve to make this trip? If you left yesterday, you’d be in her arms already. Marnie knew at this rate she wouldn’t get to Waterville until late, if at all.
Her flight boarded at three o’clock. Now she prayed that Georgia’s weather stayed sunny as she saw on her phone. Two hours later she arrived in Atlanta. She got her bag from the overhead compartment and ran for the car rental place hoping they still had a car for her.
“Don’t worry, Ms. Winters. We’ve got your reservation and a car for you.”
Marnie began her two hour ride at just before six o’clock. As she got closer to Waterville she wondered where the heck she was going to find Leslie. She knew she’d be with her family, but she didn’t know where. As she drove into Waterville, she pulled over. “Hi, Tom. Please don’t say my name.”
“Okay. Wait a second.” Tom extracted himself from the family and moved into the kitchen. “What’s up, Marnie? Oh, by the way, Merry Christmas.”
“Thanks, Tom. You too. Is Leslie with you?”
“Yeah, she’s in the
living room with the folks. Do you want to speak with her?”
“No. Can you tell me how to get to your parents’ house again?”
“Holy shit, you’re here,” he said raising his voice.
“Calm down, Tom. Let’s not spoil the surprise.”
“Yeah, yeah. Don’t worry.” Tom gave her directions and went back to the living room.
“Who was on the phone, Tom?” his dad asked.
“Just Chuck from school.”
The living room was crowded with family. Aunts and uncles and cousins were sitting around talking until the women got up to get the dessert ready. The doorbell rang twenty minutes later. Tom called from the living room seeing Leslie in the dining room. “Would you get that, Sis?”
She put down the plates she was carrying and looked at her brother. “Your legs broken?”
“Yeah, now answer the door,” he said as the bell rang again.
Leslie opened the door wondering who was stopping by. She almost fainted when she saw who was standing on the front porch. “Marnie,” she said almost reverently.
“Merry Christmas, Leslie,” she said hoping the look on Leslie’s face was of happy shock and not what the hell are you doing here. “May I come in?”
“Yes, please. I’m sorry. I’m just surprised to see you,” Leslie said trying to compose herself. Her heart felt like it was going to beat out of her chest.
“I would have been here earlier, but the weather in New York was brutal.” Marnie looked at the dress slacks and light sweater Leslie was wearing. “You look so nice. I’m sorry, I’m still in my travel wear,” she said pointing to her jeans and bulky sweater.
“You look fine. Come meet the rest of the family.” Leslie introduced Marnie to the family she hadn’t met.
Now a scream filled the room and everyone turned to the dining room. “Marnie,” Rachel Reynolds was saying over and over. She rushed for Marnie’s arms and pulled her into a tight hug. “I’m so happy you came.”
“Thank you.” Marnie answered, hoping the welcome Rachel had just given her was one she would have received from Leslie. “I’m sorry for barging in on your holiday with your family.”
“Don’t be silly. You are family too,” she said staring into the blue eyes. “After what you did for Tom. You are welcome here anytime.” She put her arm around Marnie’s waist and pulled her close again.
“Uh, Mom,” Leslie said removing Rachel’s arm. “I think you are overwhelming Marnie right now.”
“Okay, I’ll be good. Marnie, you must be starving. Let me make you a plate of food.”
“That would be great, Rachel. I haven’t eaten all day.”
Leslie now took Marnie’s arm and led her to the kitchen. “I can’t believe you are here.”
“I hope it’s all right that I’m here?” Marnie asked looking into the green eyes that she missed so much. Leslie leaned over and gave her a very welcome kiss. When Marnie opened her eyes, she had three pairs of eyes watching them. She pulled away from Leslie. “Sweetie, we’re not alone.”
Leslie looked at her stepmother and aunts. “If they don’t care, I don’t.” She kissed her again, but this time it was just a peck.
“Don’t they look so good together,” Rachel said standing there with her hand on her heart.
Both women looked at each other and laughed.
Within moments, Marnie was led to the dining room table. A plate of food was put in front of her. A hand dropped onto her shoulder as Leslie poured her a cup of coffee. Leslie took the seat across from Marnie and she lifted her own cup of coffee to her lips. Her eyes never left Marnie’s face as she watched her eat with gusto.
“Sorry,” Marnie said looking up and meeting Leslie’s gaze. “I’ll try to eat slower, but this food is so good.”
“Eat as much as you want,” she said with a smile.
As soon as Marnie finished off the plate, another plate was dropped in front of her. This time it was a slice of cherry pie and another slice of pecan pie. By the time Marnie finished off the two pieces, she sat back and held her stomach. “I think I’m going to blow up and I can barely keep my eyes open.” She chuckled. “It is either from overeating or from being up since four-thirty.”
“I would say it is a combination of both.” Leslie stood up and looked at Rachel. “I think I better get Marnie home before she falls asleep.”
“Go ahead, dear,” Rachel answered.
“It was nice to meet all of you,” Marnie said also standing.
“Will we see you tomorrow?” Alan Reynolds asked.
“We will be over sometime in the afternoon,” Leslie answered leading Marnie toward the door.
“Tom, maybe you and I can do something while I’m here?” Marnie asked as Tom approached.
“Sure, Marnie. I’d like that.”
As they stepped out into the darkness, Leslie asked, “Are you okay to drive?”
“Yeah, the hotel isn’t too far from here, right?” Marnie asked stifling a yawn.
“The hotel, huh?” Leslie shook her head. “Follow me, please.”
They both got in the car and a few turns later, they were in Leslie’s driveway. Marnie got out of the car. “I wasn’t expecting you to take me in.”
Leslie went to Marnie’s trunk. “Pop it so I can get your suitcase.”
“I can carry that,” she said reaching into the trunk. “I didn’t come down here and expect you to put me up.”
“Would you keep quiet and let’s get inside. It’s getting cold out here.”
“It feels like a heat wave to me. If you saw what I left behind in New York, you’d be wearing shorts.” Marnie was nervous and she was rambling.
Leslie opened the door and the moment she closed the door behind Marnie, she was in her arms. “Now would you still like me to take you over to Wilma’s?” She asked kissing Marnie softly. “Or would you like to stay here?” Again she kissed her.
Marnie grinned. “I think I’d rather stay here.” Her lips went back to Leslie’s mouth and they deepened the kiss. She sucked Leslie’s tongue into her mouth as she pulled Leslie’s sweater up so she could touch her soft skin.
“Bed?” Leslie asked when their mouths separated, desperate for air. Marnie nodded and Leslie took her hand leading her to her bedroom. Once in the room, clothes were lost and dropped onto the floor. Marnie was now lying in the middle of the bed waiting for Leslie to join her. “Are you still sleepy?” she asked grinning at Marnie before she took her place at the V between her legs.
“I’m wide awake at the moment,” she said with a chuckle.
Leslie brought her lips to Marnie’s mouth again. Her body pressed against the tall woman. Both women moaned as their clits pressed firmly together. Their movement started out slow and sensual, but quickly increased. Glistening skins slid against one another. Marnie lifted her hips as she felt the first tremors of her orgasm. A loud cry left her mouth as her legs trembled in the throes of an intense orgasm. Leslie’s orgasm followed seconds later. They both lay panting as their heart rates returned to normal.
“Merry Christmas, Marnie,” Leslie said as she tucked herself into Marnie’s side. No other words were spoken because she could now hear Marnie’s slow even breathing.
CHAPTER 19
Marnie’s eyes opened and for a second she wasn’t sure where she was. It was the petite woman tucked into her side that told her. She leaned over and kissed the top of Leslie’s head. Her arm wrapped around the smaller woman which caused her to stir. “Merry Christmas,” she whispered, pulling Leslie closer to her body.
“Merry Christmas,” Leslie answered with a stretch of her body.
“I’m sorry I fell asleep on you last night,” Marnie said embarrassed.
Leslie sat up on one elbow. “I’m surprised that you stayed awake as long as you did,” she answered with a laugh. Her lips captured Marnie’s for just a moment and she asked, “When did you decide to come down?”
“On Monday. I tried to stay away Leslie, but I couldn’t.” Marn
ie knew their relationship couldn’t go anywhere with them living in two different states, but she just couldn’t stay away.
“What are we going to do?” Leslie asked lying back on Marnie’s shoulder.
“I don’t know. All I know is I can’t stay away from you.” She let out a desperate sigh. “But each time we’re together, I hate when one of us has to walk away.” Marnie sat up. “I have something for you.” She jumped out of bed and ran down the stairs. Marnie returned with her suitcase. She dropped it on the floor and opened it up. She went through the clothes until she found what she was looking for. Wrapped in red paper, she handed the small thin box to Leslie. “Merry Christmas.”
“Oh, Marnie. I don’t have anything for you. I didn’t know if I would see you.”
“It’s really not a traditional Christmas gift. It’s just a gift.” She motioned with her hands. “Open it.”
Leslie slowly took off the paper and opened the box. Inside was an airline ticket. She looked at Marnie, not understanding.
“It’s an open-ended airline ticket. Anytime you can get away, come see me.”
Leslie looked at Marnie and then the ticket. Was this the way they were going to spend their lives together? Each one flying to see the other until their relationship just fell apart. “How long can you stay this time?”
“I have to leave New Year’s Eve,” Marnie answered, seeing the sadness in Leslie’s eyes.
“Eight days. Is our relationship only going to be shared in days and not years?” Her eyes were tearing up as she spoke.
“Unless you want to move to New York?” Marnie asked through tight lips. She knew what her answer would be before she heard the words.
“You know I can’t do that, Marnie. I have a business to run. My whole family is here.”
“I have a job that is important to me too and my family is in New York too.” Marnie felt her heart breaking. “I’m sorry, Leslie.”
“I’m sorry too because I want nothing else more than to spend my life with you,” Leslie said painfully.
