by Lydia Rose
“I’ll make arrangements to come up.”
“Thank you, Leslie.” Sheila finally found her anxiety easing.
“Should I call and tell her?”
“No. Just let me know when you can come up and I’ll come up with a plan.”
Leslie wasn’t sure why she agreed to Sheila’s crazy idea, but she told her she would make the arrangements.
CHAPTER 22
Early Saturday morning there was a knock on her apartment door. “Ms. Winters, this was just delivered for you,” her doorman said handing her several bags of groceries.
“I didn’t order these,” she said taking the bags while her doorman just slightly shrugged. Once in the kitchen, she saw a note. “I know you have no food in that apartment of yours. Eat, Marnie. Love, Sheila.” Marnie laughed not only from Sheila’s words, but that her friend knew her too well. She unloaded the food into the refrigerator and went back to her office to finish her work.
A few hours later, there was another knock on her door. “More food, Sheila,” she said to the empty apartment as she walked to the door. “Leslie,” she said shocked as she opened the door.
“Hi. May I come in?” Leslie asked standing in the hallway.
“Of course,” Marnie answered stepping out of the way. “Wha…” Marnie swallowed. “What are you doing here?” she finally asked.
“I missed you.” Marnie nodded at her words. “You did give me that ticket and I thought maybe you might like seeing me?” Leslie waited for an answer, but what she got instead was a fierce hug. Marnie stood there with tears running down her face. Leslie took her thumbs and wiped at the tears. “We can work this out, Marnie. Somehow.” Marnie just nodded and pulled Leslie back to her body. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Marnie released Leslie just enough to look at her face. Without a second thought she brought their lips together. Over and over they kissed until Marnie pulled on Leslie’s arm trying to lead her to the bedroom. As they passed the kitchen, Leslie pulled out of Marnie’s grasp. “What?”
“I promised Sheila that I would feed you.” Leslie looked down at Marnie’s body. She was wearing a pair of sweats and a long sleeve t-shirt. It was evident how much weight Marnie had lost. “You’re too thin, Marnie.”
“No one is ever too thin,” she said grinning.
“I’ve lost weight too, but not as much as you have.” Leslie walked into the kitchen and went to freezer. “Let me get this food in the oven first,” she said with a wink.
“You know I can just have something delivered,” Marnie said hoping Leslie would agree.
“I promised Sheila and I am not going back on my word.”
“Then let me help.” While they put the food together, Marnie asked. “What does Patty think of you coming up here?”
“I didn’t tell her. I just said that I had to go out of town.”
The two women worked together to get the beef stew into the oven. This meal would take hours to cook which would give them plenty of time to be together.
“We have two and half hours,” Leslie said coming over to Marnie and kissing her cheek. “What shall we do with our time?” The words were barely out of Leslie’s mouth when Marnie grabbed her around the wrist and pulled her toward the bedroom. Leslie was still giggling as Marnie tossed the covers back on the bed. Her clothes were quickly removed by Marnie and her body was placed at the end of the bed. Marnie’s hungry eyes grazed her face before her legs were spread and lifted off the floor. With one more look at Leslie’s face, she moved in for the kill. Leslie knew she was already wet from the moment she stepped into the apartment. The anticipation filled her heart as her hands went to Marnie’s head. Not to guide her but to feel a connection, even though her tongue was giving her all of the connection she needed.
Marnie licked her up and down before taking the bud into her mouth. Her moans were the only noise in the room as she greedily took Leslie. Months of missing this wonderful woman took her breath away as Leslie was now pressing her hips toward Marnie. The orgasm was strong and seemed as though it would never end, but the moment Leslie’s hips stopped moving Marnie was there to guide her further onto the bed. Now she covered Leslie with her body. Her lips went to Leslie’s breast as her hips opened her completely to Marnie. She now began to grind into the small woman with a lust that she couldn’t control if she wanted to. Her mouth popped off Leslie’s breast and came down on her mouth. Sucking her tongue into her mouth they moved against each other not only to find that piece of ecstasy, but because it felt so damn good. In her ear, Leslie was calling her name over and over again as she held Marnie close to her body. Skin glistening against each other until Marnie felt the tremors not only in her lover, but herself. Leslie reached that peak first and Marnie let herself fall just as easily.
They were both panting as their bodies lie languid against each other. “Now that’s what I call a welcome,” Leslie said against Marnie’s ear.
“If you can surprise me like this all the time, I will give you the same welcome every single time,” Marnie said laughing. Being in Leslie’s arms just felt so right, but she knew the weekend would go quickly and then she would be left alone again.
The dinner Leslie prepared was delicious and instead of going back to bed immediately, they took a seat on the couch together. Both showered and dressed in sweat pants. Marnie’s hand came out and intertwined their fingers together. “I guess you’re leaving tomorrow?”
Leslie shook her head. “Thursday morning.” She watched as Marnie’s eyes opened wide. “Unless you want me to leave tomorrow.” Tomorrow was barely out of her mouth before Marnie pulled her close with a kiss that started to flame the fires again. What Leslie didn’t tell Marnie was that she was going to use their time together to see if she could see herself living in New York. She knew Marnie would be working, but she would use that time to explore the city on her own.
*
Marnie left for work at eight o’clock on Monday morning. They kissed at the door not wanting to let each other go. “What time will you be home?”
“I should be here by seven.” Her lips went back to Leslie’s lips. “If I’m going to be late, I’ll call.”
“Have a good day, sweetie.” With one more kiss, Marnie was out the door.
Marnie came home at seven and the two women had dinner together before they ended up in the bedroom for another night of making love. Leslie had used her time during the day to wander the neighborhood seeing everything the city had to offer. She found it noisy and crowded, but she found a nearby park where she could have quiet time. She had even found a book store and bought a book to keep herself busy while Marnie was working. In the bookstore she noticed an advertisement for the 9/11 Memorial and decided that would be on her list for tomorrow.
The memorial was quiet and it was a sad day for Leslie. Everything she saw saddened her and standing at the pools where the trade center once stood was just as depressing. Her hand moved over the names listed and she felt the tears well up in her eyes. She went back to Marnie’s apartment and began making dinner, trying to forget about the sadness she had seen that day. Marnie didn’t get home until eight-thirty that night.
“I’m sorry I’m late,” she said coming in the door.
“I’ll heat up your plate,” Leslie said disappearing into the kitchen without their usual greeting of a kiss.
Marnie followed her into the kitchen. “Are you all right?”
“I went to the 9/11 Memorial today.”
“It’s a sad place, isn’t it?” Marnie asked wrapping her arms around Leslie.
“I wish you were there with me. So many people died.” Her head shook. “How do you live here not knowing if that could happen again?”
“We have to go on with our lives,” Marnie said with a shrug. “If we live with fear every day, the terrorists win.” After dinner, Marnie didn’t push Leslie into the bedroom. She knew the trauma of the day had taken Leslie’s desire away. They sat on the couch and just cuddled with each other watc
hing television until it was time to go to bed.
Wednesday night their lovemaking was slow because both of them didn’t know when they’d see the other again. Leslie realized how important Marnie’s job was to her. Each night she came home later and later. Leslie had spent the day making dinners for Marnie and freezing them.
“Promise me you’ll eat dinner every night?” Leslie asked as she told Marnie about the dinners.
“Don’t worry, I’ll eat them, but you didn’t have to do that, Leslie.”
“Honey, you come home too late to cook. I’m worried as to how long it will be before you collapse again.”
“I didn’t collapse,” Marnie insisted. “I just needed a break.”
“Prior to that break, how long had you not taken a vacation?” Leslie asked with her arms crossed in front of her chest.
“I’m not sure. Maybe five years.”
“That’s no way to live, Marnie.”
Marnie lowered her head. “Are you breaking up with me?”
Leslie moved closer. “No, honey, but I don’t see how we can have a relationship with your work schedule.”
“I’m just on an important case. That’s the reason I’m working so much.”
“Yes and next time the next case will be just as important.” Leslie let out a loud sigh and touched Marnie’s arms. “I don’t want to get a phone call that you’ve had a heart attack.”
Marnie grumbled. “That’s not going to happen.”
“I love you. Please don’t make me call your mother on you.”
They both had laughed and got into bed. “I’ll talk to the partners again.”
“Thank you.”
They held each other tightly in sleep both dreading the morning light.
CHAPTER 23
Marnie had to wait a week until she could speak with the senior partners because they were all on vacation. Of course they are since all the junior partners do all the work here. She knew that even when she did speak to them, nothing would change. They would pacify her and promise her more vacation which she wouldn’t have time to take. The money would pile up in the bank, but she would never have time to spend it on anything other than her regular bills.
Marnie was fuming by the time she walked into the conference room to speak with the partners. “Marnie, what can we do for you?” Mr. McDonald asked.
“Well, sirs. My hours are getting out of hand. I’m working seventy to eighty hours a week.” She waited, but there was no comment from the partners. “Maybe it’s time for you to hire some additional employees.”
“Marnie,” Mr. McDonald began, “None of the other junior partners have complained about the workload.”
“Of course they haven’t. I always get the high profile cases that require all of my time.”
“We give you those cases because we know you can handle them.” Mr. Anderson leaned forward. “Is this about money?”
Marnie took a deep breath in order to try and calm herself. “No. I’m just trying to do my job to the best of my ability and still have a life.”
The partners looked at each other. “How about after this case, we give you something that won’t demand so much time?”
“That would be great, sir,” Marnie finally smiled.
That was two months ago and the partners approached her with another high profile case. “We know we promised you a break, but we need you on this one.”
Marnie just nodded and took the file from his hand. She knew that Leslie was right. The partners would work her until she broke or she died on the job. Even her phone calls to Leslie which were always from her desk were not filled with love and happiness. She just didn’t have the strength to show any enthusiasm.
“I’ll let you go,” Leslie said hearing the sadness in Marnie’s voice. “I love you.”
“I love you too and I’m so sorry that I can’t get back down there right now.”
“I’ll try to find another weekend to come up there to visit you.”
“Wait awhile, Leslie. I’m going to be tied down on this new case for a month or so.”
“Are you okay? You don’t sound right.”
“I’m just tired.”
“Have you finished all the meals I left for you?” Leslie asked worried.
“I think I have a couple left and they’ve come in so handy,” Marnie said trying to sound happy, but she knew she wasn’t pulling it off.
“Maybe I should send up a care package for you.”
“That’s okay, Leslie. When I run out, I’ll get some take-out to tide me over.”
“Sheila said you spend most of your time in the office and you’ve lost weight again.” Leslie’s couldn’t hide her worry and fears.
“I’ll try to do better, Leslie. I promise.”
“Call me again when you get some time.”
“I will. You can count on that.”
*
Marnie had spent the last night on the couch in her office. It didn’t make sense to go home for a few hours of sleep. It was the third time in a week that she didn’t even go home. Marnie went to use the office shower and change her clothes at seven that morning. She was just coming out of the locker room when Sheila walked in.
“You look like death, Marnie,” she said grabbing her arm. “You spent the night again?”
Marnie nodded. “It was easier that way.”
“When was the last time you ate or drank some water?”
“I ate lunch yesterday and I’m getting plenty of liquid drinking coffee.”
“Marnie, you are destroying your body for what?”
“It’s my job, Sheila.” Marnie pulled out of Sheila’s grasp and took two steps before everything went black.
Marnie awoke in the hospital. She lifted her hand and saw the IV. “You were totally dehydrated,” her mother said from the chair on her right. “Your heartbeat was also erratic. They think you may have had a heart attack.” Marnie didn’t comment. “Aren’t you going to say anything?” Her mother now looked down at her.
“How long do I have to stay here?” Marnie asked looking over her shoulder for her phone. “Where’s my phone?”
Kathy Winters let out a frustrated sigh. “You don’t need your phone. You’re in the hospital for god’s sake. Wake up and smell the coffee.” She walked out of the room.
“Geez, what’s her problem?” Marnie said to the empty room. The door opened and Marnie figured her mother had calmed down. Her eyes opened wide when she saw who was standing there. “Leslie. What are you doing here?”
“Where else would I be? When I heard you collapsed and was in the hospital, I got on the next plane here.”
“I’m sorry, Leslie. I’m fine.” She took Leslie’s hand and pulled her close so she could get a kiss. “You really didn’t have to come here.”
“Stop please,” she said and leaned over to kiss Marnie again.
Neither woman heard the door open. “Are you sure your heart can handle that?” Kathy Winters asked with a laugh.
“Mom,” Marnie said as Leslie pulled away from her. “Mom, this is Leslie Reynolds. Leslie, my mother Kathy.”
“It’s so nice to meet you Mrs. Winters,” Leslie said sticking out her hand to the woman who looked just like an older version of her daughter.
Kathy took her hand and pulled her into a hug. “Call me Kathy, please and maybe you can talk some sense into this dimwit. She was already asking for her phone and when she was going to get out of here.”
Leslie shook her finger at Marnie who just shrugged. “I haven’t been able to get her to slow down. Even when I’ve come up to visit her.”
“Hey, I’m right here. Stop talking about me as if I’m not in the room.”
Kathy waved her hand at her daughter. “Leslie and I are talking. Keep quiet.”
Marnie threw up her hands in disgust and heard the door open again. This time it was Sheila and her dad.
The first thing out of Marnie’s mouth was, “Are the partners angry?”
“Angry?
You should sue their asses for putting you here and damaging your health.”
As the women argued, Bill Winters held out his hand. “You must be Leslie, I’m Bill.”
Leslie took his hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Bill.”
“Why don’t we get out of here for a few minutes while these two argue?” Leslie looked at Marnie and then back at her mother. “Don’t worry, she’s not going anywhere.” Kathy pulled on Leslie’s arm and led her out of the room. They walked down to the waiting area near the room and took a seat. “I’m at a loss. I don’t know what we can do to help, Marnie,” Kathy said shaking her head. “I wish she would quit that job and find something else that won’t kill her.” Leslie began to open her mouth, but closed it quickly. “You have an idea,” she said taking Leslie’s arm.
“I don’t know if I should say.”
“If it will help Marnie, you have to tell us.”
“Sheila told me that the prosecutor in Georgia offered Marnie a job. She told me she turned it down,” Leslie said hating that she divulged the secret.
“I would miss her, but I’d rather have her alive than not close by. Why would she say no? I know she’s in love with you and just you showing up here tells me how much you love her,”
“I think it came down to money,” Leslie said softly, but she never told Kathy that she thought about moving to New York. Once she spent those six days with Marnie, she knew her moving to New York wasn’t the solution. She knew Marnie loved her, but work was going to come first.
“Money? Well, that’s an idiotic reason. The girl doesn’t spend any money except for her apartment, car and clothes. She probably has more money at her age than we do,” she said pointing to herself and her husband.
While Leslie and Marnie’s parents tried to find a solution, Sheila was still arguing with Marnie.
“Marnie, honey. The partners don’t care about your health. If you drop dead, they’ll hire someone else to do your job. You have got to face facts. You were very lucky today that this wasn’t more serious. When I saw you go down, I thought you dropped dead.” Sheila wiped at her eyes. “You scared the crap out of me.”
