by Lydia Rose
“I’m sorry,” Marnie said softly. “I promise you I’ll take better care of myself.” She now looked around the room. “Where did Leslie and my parents go?”
“I would assume somewhere to talk about you in private,” she said with a laugh.
“I’m in trouble, huh?”
“I scared Leslie, but I had to call and let her know. I didn’t think she was going to jump on a plane and fly up here.” Sheila pointed her finger. “You’re a very lucky woman and you’re risking losing her. Is she still seeing that other woman?”
“I don’t know, but I don’t know what to do about keeping her.” Marnie moaned holding her head. She wondered if love was enough. Could her love for Leslie be enough that moving there was the only solution?
“Yes, you do,” Sheila said with a smirk.
“You mean the job in Georgia?” Sheila shook her head. “Sheila, you think it’s so easy to give up your life here and move to somewhere new. My family is here.”
“You don’t think your family would rather you moved than to die at a young age in New York?”
Marnie sat there thinking about what Sheila said. “Will you come with me?”
“Are you nuts? I can’t move to Georgia. I love living in New York City.”
“Oh, but it’s fine for me?” Marnie asked raising her voice. She was afraid of giving up her financial security, but something had to be done.
“Yes. You have a wonderful woman who loves you there.”
“I’m tired. Would you please leave so I can get some sleep?”
“What do you want me to tell your parents and Leslie?”
“Tell them to go get something to eat while I sleep.”
*
When Marnie opened her eyes, she saw Leslie sitting in the chair next to her bed. “You could have gone back to my apartment,” she said softly.
Leslie stood up and pushed her hair off her forehead. “I didn’t want you to wake up and be alone.”
Marnie’s heart felt like someone was squeezing it as she held out her hand. “I don’t know what I did to deserve you, but I’m so happy that you’re here.”
“Me too,” Leslie said before she kissed her softly.
“I’m sure that Patty isn’t happy about you running up here to see me.”
Leslie shrugged. “Marnie, I’ve only gone out with her a few times. I don’t know if I’m ready to trust her yet.”
Marnie nodded, but she wondered if Leslie felt the same way about her. How could Leslie trust Marnie to keep her heart safe when they lived so far away from each other?
CHAPTER 24
Leslie walked into Marnie’s hospital room the following morning and found the doctor there. “Good morning,” she called as she neared the bed.
“Doctor, this is my girlfriend, Leslie. You can speak in front of her.”
“As I was just saying, your tests were negative for a heart attack. Your collapse was due to exhaustion and dehydration. I’ll let you go home today, but I don’t want you back to work for two weeks.”
“Two weeks?” Marnie asked in a raised voice. “I can’t be away from work that long. I have a big case I’m working on.”
The doctor took a breath and shook his head. “Today is Friday. You can go back to work a week from Monday.” He looked over his glasses. “Is that acceptable?” Marnie shook her head. “If you don’t change your lifestyle, the next time you might not be so lucky.”
He turned to leave and Leslie spoke up. “Thank you, Doctor.” Leslie turned and looked at Marnie. “What am I going to do with you?”
Marnie took her hand. “Just love me,” she said with a grin.
“You know I do,” she said kissing her softly. Marnie threw the covers off and began to get off the bed. “Where are you going?”
“He said I could go home.”
“You still have the IV attached. Stay there. I’ll get your clothes.”
Two hours later they were back in the apartment. “Let’s get you into bed and I’ll make us something to eat,” Leslie said leading Marnie to her bedroom.
“I’m not sure there’s food in there,” she said as they passed the kitchen.
Leslie chuckled. “Of course there wasn’t. I went shopping before I came to the hospital.”
“You are amazing,” she said kissing Leslie, but tried to take it further.
A little shove and Leslie looked at her face. “Down, girl. You just got out of the hospital. You’ve got to rest.”
“Ah, Leslie. You’re here, I’m here.” Marnie wiggled her eyebrows. “Let’s have some fun.”
“Maybe in a couple of days, but not today,” she said laughing as she walked away.
“Not nice, Leslie. Not nice.” Marnie sat on the bed and picked up her cellphone. “Hello, Mr. MacDonald.”
“Marnie, how are you feeling?”
“Much better, sir, but the doctor doesn’t want me back to work for a week.”
“Marnie, take as much time as you need. I’ve already put Stevens on your case.”
“But, sir, I can handle it,” Marnie argued.
“We can’t have you collapsing in the office again. You get better and Stevens will handle anything that comes up.”
Marnie knew that little worm would jump on this opportunity. He had been trying to get ahead without doing any of the hard work. Her anger was building, but she had to remain calm to her employer. “Thank you, but I’ll be back in a week.” She hung up the phone. “The rat bastard,” she screamed.
Leslie came running. “What’s wrong?”
“They’ve assigned the case to someone else in my office.”
“Good. You need a break and to work decent hours.”
Marnie stared at her. “You’re right.” How can I be so stupid and not hold onto this woman no matter what?
She poured Marnie a cup of coffee and put a vegetable omelet in front of her. “Please sit down and eat something.”
As they laid in bed that night both unable to sleep, Marnie kept thinking that moving was the only solution, but would she regret it someday.
Leslie turned toward her. “Can’t you sleep?”
“No,” Marnie answered softly.
“Are you thinking about work?” Leslie asked rubbing her hand on Marnie’s stomach.
“No.”
“Then what’s bothering you?” Leslie asked sitting up and looking at her.
“It’s nothing for you to worry about.” Marnie let out a breath. “Leslie, do you want kids someday?”
“Where did that come from?” she asked with a laugh.
“It’s just a question.”
“I did, but the older I get I know that dream is quickly drifting away,” she said laying back down.
Marnie positioned herself over Leslie and looked down into her face. “You still have time, Leslie.” Her lips pressed against the soft mouth and she deepened the kiss. “Please don’t give up on me.” Leslie nodded without words. Marnie pulled Leslie into her arms and they finally fell asleep holding each other.
*
The following afternoon, the doorbell rang. Leslie walked over to the door and opened it. “Hello, Leslie,” Kathy Winters said as she walked into the apartment.
“Hello, Kathy. Marnie is resting.”
“How is she?” Kathy asked, moving further into the apartment.
“She won’t admit how tired she is. I have a hard time making her stay in bed.” Then Leslie realized what she had said and blushed.
Kathy laughed and patted Leslie’s hand. “I know what you’re saying, but that might be one way to make her stay in bed.”
Leslie continued to blush. “Would you like a cup of coffee?”
“Yes. Please. I took the early train from Long Island,” she said following Leslie into the kitchen. “So really, how is she?”
“Worried about her job.”
“Is it so wrong to wish that they would fire her?” Kathy asked quietly.
“Yes, but I’ve thought the same thing,” Leslie a
nswered with a bashful smile.
“When do you leave?”
“I have to leave on Thursday.”
“Does Marnie know this?” Kathy asked and Leslie nodded her head.
“Yes.”
“I know Marnie is going to be sorry to see you go.”
“I thought about moving up here to be with Marnie, but she is always working. I don’t think I would see her more than I do now.”
“You would really give up your life and family to be with Marnie?”
“Yes, but she doesn’t need a distraction in her life. I would just make her feel guilty because her job comes first. I won’t do that to her.” Leslie wiped at a tear.
“You are a lovely woman, Leslie. My daughter is an idiot.”
From the bedroom door, Marnie could hear the conversation taking place in the kitchen. When her mother called her an idiot she rolled her eyes, but she also knew her mother was correct. She is an idiot to allow Leslie to drift out of her life, but what surprised her the most was Leslie’s admission that she was willing to move to New York. Marnie knew she could make promises that she would work less if Leslie moved here, but she knew little by little she’d go back to her old ways. No, she couldn’t do that to her. Leslie was willing to give up the life she loved in Georgia and Marnie wasn’t willing to do anything to hold on to that love. It was time for Marnie to make a decision. “Hey, Mom. You didn’t have to come here,” she said taking a seat.
“You are still my daughter and I worry about you.” Kathy ran her hand through Marnie’s hair.
“Would you like something to drink?” Leslie asked softly.
“Juice, but I’ll get it.”
“Sit down, Marnie. I’ll get it.” She poured the glass and placed it in front of Marnie. Her hands dropped onto her shoulder. “Since your mom is here, I’m going to take a walk.” Leslie turned to Kathy. “Will you still be here when I get back?”
“Yes, dear,” Kathy answered with a nod.
Leslie dropped a kiss on top of Marnie’s head and went to the front door.
Once the door was closed, Kathy began, “Do you know how lucky you are?”
“Yeah,” Marnie answered without looking at her mother.
“That girl didn’t have to fly up here to take care of you. She has her own life in Georgia.” Kathy reached for Marnie’s hand. “You are going to lose her, Marnie.”
“I know and I have to make a decision soon,” Marnie admitted fearfully.
“I’m glad to hear that Marnie because I want you to know that the best thing that ever happened in your life just left the apartment.”
“I know that, Mom.”
Wednesday, Leslie and Marnie spent most of the day in bed together. Their lovemaking was again slow and sensual. It was as if both women knew this might be the last time they were in each other’s arms for a long time.
“I would ask you to spend the rest of your time off with me in Georgia, but I don’t want you to have the stress of traveling,” Leslie said using her finger to draw a circle on Marnie’s stomach.
“I know. I wish I could come,” she sighed. “I also wish you could stay longer.”
“I do too, honey, but I’ve got a business I’ve got to get back to,” Leslie said and her heart felt as though it was breaking. “I wish for so many things,” she said barely above a whisper.
“I do love you so much.” Her lips went to Leslie’s forehead. Marnie could hear Leslie’s even breathing and wondered if she heard her.
Her only response was, “Mm.”
CHAPTER 25
Marnie was back in the office the following Monday morning. The senior partners summoned her to the conference room upon her arrival. “Marnie, please come in.” Mr. MacDonald motioned with his hand.
He may have been smiling, but Marnie didn’t believe it for a minute. “Thank you,” she answered taking her seat.
“We told you to take as much time as you needed,” Mr. MacDonald continued.
“I appreciate the offer, sir, but I came in to give my notice.”
“Notice,” Mr. MacDonald said standing up. “You can’t quit.”
“Yes, sir, I can.”
“What are you going to do?” he asked taking his seat again.
“Start a new life,” she said with a smile. “I’ll be out by the end of the week.”
“Is there anything we can do to change your mind?”
“I’m sorry, but no.” She left the office feeling as though a weight had been lifted off her shoulders.
Back in her office she picked up her phone and began making phone calls.
*
Back in Georgia Leslie went about her work in her café. At noon Rachel walked into the café. “Hello, Rachel.”
Rachel pulled her stepdaughter into a tight hug. “We missed you. I’m sorry I couldn’t get here sooner, but your dad and I took a trip to Atlanta for our anniversary.”
“I’m sorry I wasn’t here to throw you a party,” Leslie said smiling.
“How is Marnie?” Rachel asked taking a seat.
“She’s back to work,” Leslie grumbled. “That woman is so stubborn.”
“So she is going to stay in New York?” Leslie nodded at her question. “I’m so sorry, Leslie.”
“Me too, but I would never have threatened to leave her if she didn’t quit.”
“I know you wouldn’t.”
“I just don’t know how long I can keep doing this,” Leslie admitted.
“You never know, Leslie. Marnie might come to her senses.”
Leslie laughed. “Her job is more important than I am, Rachel.”
“I don’t believe that, Leslie. She’ll come to her senses. I really believe that,” Rachel insisted.
Leslie’s response was to chuckle. “From your lips to God’s ears.”
CHAPTER 26
Marnie couldn’t believe how easily she was able to pack up her life in New York. Her apartment was on the market and her clothes were packed up and ready for transport. Her bank account held the check the firm had given her for her original buy in as a partner and she was now driving to her destination. She hadn’t heard from Leslie since she left New York, but she firmly believed that she still had a girlfriend. Sandra had arranged for an apartment for her in the town Joelle, so she would be close to the courthouse for the trial. There was only person that knew she was on her way back to Georgia and he was in the process of looking at the home Marnie told him about. It’s not that she didn’t like Leslie’s home, but it was very small for both of them and maybe a future family. She remembered how Leslie told her how her dream had always been to live in one of the big Victorians in the area.
“There is this Victorian home between Waterville and Joelle that was built in the 1800’s, but was fully updated ten years ago. I went to an estate sale there a year ago before the house went on the market. Oh, Marnie if you could have seen the rooms and the tall ceilings. Even the updated kitchen looked like it was original. The best part is that all the guts of the house have been brought into this century. I could just sit on that front porch in one of the rockers for days.” Leslie couldn’t hide how much she loved that house.
Marnie on the other hand had laughed at Leslie by saying, “It’s just a house, Leslie.”
“No, Marnie. It’s not just a house. It will be someone’s home. A home where there might be children. A home where there will be happiness and sometimes tragedy, but it will still remain a home.”
“Then maybe you should buy it,” Marnie suggested still grinning.
“Yeah, just as soon as I win the state lottery.”
Marnie drove into town knowing that the café would be closed, but hoped Leslie would still be there. She parked her car and walked to the door. Turning the handle, she walked inside.
A voice called from the back, “I’m sorry, we’re closed.”
“Even for the woman you’re in love with?” Marnie called out with joy in her voice.
Leslie came out of the kitchen and stoo
d there staring at Marnie. “Someone told me today they saw your car in Joelle,” she smiled. “I thought it must have been someone else.” Leslie now held out her arms and Marnie rushed to her pulling her close. “I’ve missed you. I’m sorry I haven’t called.”
“That’s okay. I’ve been very busy myself,” Marnie said into her ear.
Leslie pushed Marnie back so she could see her eyes. “You’re back to working non-stop?” Marnie shook her head from side to side and grinned. “What?”
“I no longer have that job,” she said giggling.
“You were fired?” Leslie looked at Marnie as if she were speaking another language.
“Nope.” She smiled. “I quit. I finally came to my senses and realized that my job meant nothing unless you were in my life.”
“What are you going to do?”
Marnie let a small grin appeared. “Don’t worry. I’ve got another job.”
Leslie lowered her head and took Marnie’s hands in her own. “I hope they treat you with respect at this job and don’t take advantage of you.”
“So far they seem very nice and I don’t think I have to worry about being overworked,” she said smiling.
“How can you know that?” Leslie asked furrowing her eyebrows.
Marnie brought her lips together and tilted her head. “Not too much happens in the area.” Again Leslie furrowed her eyebrows. “You are looking at the new assistant prosecutor for the county.”
“What county?”
“This county.”
“You……you actually moved to Georgia?” Leslie grabbed the table edge because her legs were wobbling.
“Yes.”
“You moved here for me?” Leslie asked falling into Marnie’s arms.
“No, Leslie. I moved here for us.” Leslie leaned back not understanding. “If I couldn’t have you in my life, then life wasn’t worth living.”
Leslie let out a sob with her face in Marnie’s shirt. “I love you.”
“I love you too, baby,” Marnie said squeezing Leslie close. “There is something you have to do for me.”
“Anything,” she said with a devilish grin.
