by L L Shelton
The slight chill in the air required a sweater as the red ball in the sky hung onto the day by a thread. Lily Ann entered the city park and passed the kids in the playground and watched as a group of college students tossed a frisbee in an open field. She made her way over to the tables set up in the corner of a grassy area. Lampposts illuminated the chess and checker players; the concentration appeared on their faces in stone.
Sitting at table number thirty-seven was client number 135, Mrs. Doris Turner, her blueish hair tied in a tight bun on the top of her head. A wealthy widow, she hired Lily Ann to talk about her granddaughter, who was a lesbian. The older woman didn’t understand the lifestyle, but she wanted to be a part of her granddaughter’s life. Her daughter died at forty-four, followed by her husband a year later. Her only living relative was Emily. This meeting was their tenth, always at the same table in the park when the weather gets warmer. They would play a few games of checkers and talk. As usual, Lily Ann would lose the challenge. Doris was a fierce player. They would end their meeting with a brief walk to a bench overlooking the inlet.
“Good afternoon, Doris,” Lily Ann said as she took her seat across from the elder. She smiled. “You look lovely tonight. I’m glad the weather got better and we can meet.” Lily Ann made the first move of the black checker.
“Hello. It’s nice to see you.” Her neck circled as her eyes reached toward the sky. “The spring sprung early this year.” The red checker slid across the handcrafted checkerboard. Repeated moves followed by both players.
“How have you been?” Lily Ann asked.
“Very well, and you?”
“Good. I was glad to hear from you. I miss our talks.”
“Me too, darling. I also miss kicking your butt at checkers.” Doris jumped the black circle and claimed the circular piece.
Lily Ann laughed. “I’m sure of that. How’s Emily?”
Doris moved her checker and sat back with her eyes falling to the wrinkled hands as they twirled around each other. The tips of her mouth lowered into a frown. The blue bun wiggled as she shook her head.
Lily Ann made one more move before her hands wrapped around the fingers that shook. Something seemed off. For the first time, the age of eighty wore on Doris’s face. She could tell Doris’s mind was not on a game of checkers. “You want to end the game and take our seat by the water?” The older woman agreed with a head shake, but not before she jumped three black ones in a row. A cheesy smile followed and Lily Ann’s jaw dropped.
The path to the bench that overlooked the water was getting harder and harder to maneuver for Doris. With no sidewalk, the slight steep hill through brush and twigs became more of a challenge with each meeting. Doris held on tight as her feet shuffled down to the bench. She would hire someone to come out and clean the area up. It shouldn’t be a problem getting approval since her husband used to be on the city council.
The cold metal caused chills and goosebumps to pepper over the elderly woman’s arms. Once the sun dropped below the horizon, the temperature dropped. “It is still a little chilly,” Doris said, and her company agreed.
Lily Ann interlocked their arms and leaned in to offer some heat from her body. She patted the older woman’s knee. “So, what has you upset?” Lily Ann asked.
“I’m not upset.” Doris’s words received a questioning look from Lily Ann. “Okay. Maybe a little.” Doris inhaled. “Emily met this woman. They’ve been dating for about a month. She comes to me two days ago and says she’s moving in with this girl. They’ve not dated long enough to make such a commitment. I don’t understand.” Doris shook her head side to side, the tight bun wiggling, once again. Dori’s rubbed her hands around each other. She was fretting.
Lily Ann steadied the winding hands. “I see. They’re U-Hauling.”
“They’re what?” A quizzical expression appeared on Doris’s face.
“It’s a lesbian term used when two women are in a relationship that moves at a face pace. They pack up their stuff in a U-Haul and move in together. That seems to be what this girl and Emily are doing. Sometimes the relationship lasts, sometimes not. Either way, she needs your support.”
“I would have a hard time approving it, even if it were a man. It’s too soon. I don’t know what to say.”
“Keep loving her, like you always have. If this falls apart, be there for her. Do you like this girl?”
Doris inhaled deeply. She couldn’t speak badly about the woman. Her granddaughter was happy and the girl treated her with kindness. Doris was glad to see her smile and laugh again. After her mother died, Emily had a rough time adjusting to things with no help from her father. Doris nodded to Lily Ann’s question.
“Then you be happy for her. She will always be your granddaughter first. She loves you with all her heart and deep, deep down”—Lily Ann pointed to Doris’s heart—“you know that.”
“I do. I just don’t want to see Emily get hurt,” Doris responded.
“We all take chances of getting hurt. It’s part of growing up.”
Doris laid her head on Lily Ann’s shoulder and relaxed for the first time tonight. “I always feel better after talking to you,” Doris whispered.
“I enjoy our talks and your company. Life is confusing, and I can’t think of a better person to figure it out with than you.” Lily Ann wrapped her arm around the rounded shoulder and pulled them close into a gentle hug. The two women sat still and talked for hours as the sun dipped into the water and night filled the space of a day.
13
Bright lights streamed between the cracks of the curtains as dust particles floated aimlessly inside the rays. Lily Ann curled up on her side in bed, watching each molecule dance. Her arm tucked under her head with the other bracing herself across her chest. Her fist balled against her heart. Deep in thought, in a world that once was and never will be again. Her parents were dead, along with that part of her life. Rolling on to her back, Lily Ann wiped the tears that streaked her cheeks. It was eight in the morning, and she couldn’t find the strength to get out of bed. The rustling feet around the house confirmed her three siblings were up and getting ready for school. The aroma of breakfast seeped through the crack at the bottom of the door. Suzy was working her magic in the kitchen. “Suzy,” Lily Ann called her sister’s name out loud. She covered her eyes, Carly’s words running around in her thoughts. Was it a possibility? Was her sister getting bullied? If so, how does she help her? Her mind switched to Bobby and David. David’s match was coming up, and so was Bobby’s birthday. She blew a puff of air out. Then there was the testing Jewel set up for Bobby with the school system. Her hands rubbed her face to erase the tears beneath her eyelids. She rolled back to her side and tilted her alarm clock: she had thirty minutes before she had to report to work. Yet, she still couldn’t find the strength to move. It was time to leave the lawyer’s office. She was tired and escorting paid well enough to support the family. She could never have a relationship, but that didn’t matter. Family always came first.
There was a light tap on the door before the door opened. “Lily Ann, are you okay?” It was Suzy. Lily Ann wiped any evidence of wetness that covered her face and listened as footsteps cross the wooden floor, inching closer.
“I’m okay. Just thinking.”
Suzy sat on the side of the bed and rubbed Lily Ann’s thigh. “What’s going on?”
Lily Ann sat up and pulled her legs up to her body. Her chin rested on her knees with arms wrapped around her legs. “I’m tired. I’m thinking about putting my two weeks' notice at the lawyer’s office.” Lily Ann leaned back. Suzy was almost eighteen, and it was time to talk to her. “I can make enough money at the escort service. I know we don’t talk about it, but I’m not stupid. You know what I do at that job.” She thought for a moment. “I think David knows about my nighttime job.”
“He does. I’ve talked to him about it.” Suzy laid her hand on her sister’s knee. “He also knows why.” Suzy watched as Lily Ann buried her face. “Hey, I’m here. I
know it doesn’t seem like it.”
Lily Ann raised her red eyes to find Suzy looking at her. “Thank you.” She smiled and took a deep breath readying herself for the next question. “Suzy, what’s going on with you? Please, talk to me. I’m worried about you.”
Suzy turned her eyes away and looked at an unknown spot on the wall. “Lily Ann—” Just as she spoke, the door flew open and Bobby rushed the bed. With a flying leap, he landed next to Lily Ann. “You playing hooky?” His voice was a little too robust for this early in the morning.
Lily Ann pulled him into a tight hug. “Just for a bit. I’m going in after lunch. Shoot! I need to call them.” Lily Ann felt the bed lift and looked up to see Suzy walking toward the door. “Suzy,” she called out in a plea for her to stop.
“I need to go check on the food.” She hurried across the room. Her eyes never looked up.
Bobby called out after her, “David’s eating like a pig.” His eyes turned back to his oldest sister. “Can I play hooky until after lunch with you?”
“That is a big no.” Lily Ann tickled him. Bobby kicked and wiggled beneath her.
“Okay, okay. I give up,” he screamed between brief gasps of breaths.
She swatted his behind. “Go get ready for school.”
With one giant jump, he headed out of the door, and she fell back onto her bed. Picking up the phone, she dialed her work. It was a time for a change.
The bait cart stopped short of the first boat slip. Avery smiled and nodded at the older fisherman while he dug through packages. It was a beautiful day. The boat that sat six spots away filled her thoughts, along with the sexy woman who owned it. All her hopes awaited merely feet away.
The footsteps pounded the planks as Tony ran up beside her. He gave her that teenage smile and nodded to Jack, who was still picking an assortment of bait from the cart.
“How are you?”
“I’m terrific. And you?” Her eyes narrowed. “Wait, it’s Monday. Shouldn’t you be in school?”
“Dentist appointment at noon.” After Jack paid for his purchases, Tony carried his item onto the deck of his boat. He lost his footing when he jumped back to the dock, and Avery caught him mid-fall. “Thank you. So?”
“So, what?” Avery asked as she pushed the cart forward.
“Did you go on a date with . . . ?” His head nodded toward Feeling Desire.
Avery’s eyes followed his nod. There she was. Jean shorts and a yellow tank top with string straps. She was beautiful, and Avery stood frozen in place. The sight stupefied her as she was unprepared for the vision. Her jaw dropped. God, this woman was hot and desirable. Her hands trembled at the mere thought of touching her.
Tony cocked his head in her vision before waving his hand in front of her face. “Hello! Hello! You still with me?”
Avery shook her head to bring herself back. “Sorry. Yes. We went on a date. Now get lost, I’m about to ask her out on a second one.” With a friendly push, she shoved him away.
“Oh, my heart.” He grabbed his chest and stumbled back. “Dumped for a woman.” He walked back, pointing at her. “Go get her, tigress.” Avery dismissed him with a wave of the hand.
Carly’s back remained turned to her when she crossed over to the boat. She was sure Carly would have heard her, but her arms were waving and she was in a deep conversation with someone. “Carly, is everything okay?” Avery was inches from reaching out and touching her back, then her feet stumbled backward, and she hit the deck. She landed hard on her ass as she pointed to the animal in front of her. “What the hell is that?” Avery screamed. She sat there, eyeing the giant bird.
“That’s Sully, and he’s my friend. At least he used to be before he ate my tuna fish sandwich. So, don’t hit at him.” Carly turned her attention back to the big white bird sitting on the edge of the boat. He was pouting from the scolding. “Don’t do that again. You understand me?” She took a step and pointed to the corner of the deck. “I keep a complete bucket of fish over there for you. Don’t steal my sandwich. Do it again, and I’ll ban you from the kitchen area.” Carly took a step closer and leaned her chin out for a beak rub.
By now, Avery was back to her feet and stood in the same spot, unable to move, paralyzed with excitement and fear. Sully darted to his right, and his beady eyes found her in his vision. He flapped his wings and jumped to the deck. Avery took a step back. “Carly?”
“He’s checking you out. He can tell there’s a connection between us. Stay calm.”
Stay calm. Stay calm! Did she just tell me to stay calm? The bird waddled. “Carly, he’s getting closer to me.”
“Sully, stop it. You’re scaring her. Lay down,” Carly ordered. On cue, Sully lowered his body to the deck. Carly walked over and held her hand out for Avery. “Take my hand.” Trembling fingers interlocked with Carly’s. “Take a breath and come stand by me. Is Sully below me?”
“Yes,” whispered out.
“Lower with me.” The two ladies squatted, with Sully inches away. “Keep my hand in yours and reach out. Rub his back.” Avery stretched their two arms, and fingers rustled through feathers. They continued to caress the feathery friend with a gentle touch. Sully’s closed his eyes in bliss. Avery smiled.
“He likes it,” she giggled.
“He likes you,” Carly answered. Their hands pulled away but remained interlocked as they stood. “Okay, go on, Sully. Get going,” Carly ordered. Sully flapped his wings and bellowed out, before taking off. Avery eyes followed the bird until he was a dot on the horizon. Carly turned and pulled her into an embrace, causing a different gasp to slip from her lips.
Avery leaned in, and their lips grazed before claiming each other. Lips moved as tongues danced the tango. A soft moan emerged from Avery, and a spark hit her center. She pulled away. “Wow,” Avery whispered over lips searching for more.
“Come inside with me,” Carly hummed within a sigh.
“As tempting as that sounds, I’m working. But I’ll tell you what, I will be here at five to pick you up.”
“Is this our second date?” Carly grinned.
That smiled melted Avery’s heart. “You’ll find out. See you at five.” Avery moved back to her cart. The wheels squeaked as it pushed forward. “Wear old clothes!” Avery screamed from a distance.
14
Carly sat on the deck of the boat playing her favorite game with Cheddar. She flicked the button across the floor and heard it bounce twice before rolling. His little feet spun in place on the wooden deck before he took off in a scamper, trying to catch up to the flying disk. Holding her palm upright, she waited for her furry friend to retrieve the toy. Again and again she would send the object flying.
“Are you enjoying the view?” Carly blurted out.
“How did you know I was here?” Avery stood against the railing, leaning on her elbows, as she watched Carly play fetch with the mouse. She could stand there all night.
“I smelled your Zest soap and Prell shampoo. You want to meet Cheddar?” Carly held her hand out as an invitation for Avery to sit beside her.
Avery slid in next to her. Cheddar sat in Carly’s lap perched on his hind legs with his little nose sniffing in short puffs. Avery swore he was checking her over. His long pink tail wrapped around Carly’s finger and the tip tapped against her thumbnail. “He looks nervous,” Avery noted.
Carly stroked his back. “He’s the nervous type, and remember you tried to hit him with a stick. Place your hand on my lap and let him come to you.”
Avery’s hand laid palm up as the little creature sniffed and inched forward. “Hi, Cheddar. Listen, I’m sorry about what happened the first time we met. I didn’t mean to scare you. Your friend here gave me heck if that makes it any better.” Cheddar moved closer. His tiny tail unraveled from the finger in a slow, winding motion. One paw touched her hand. A moment passed, then he climbed into her outstretched hand, circled, and came to a rest in her palm. She took a finger and rubbed his back. “You’re just so cute,” Avery said in her
highest child’s voice.
Carly laughed. “What type of voice is that? Are you talking to a baby?” A nudge from Avery’s shoulder tossed Carly to the side. “Cheddar, go play. Avery and I have a date.” Cheddar scurried across Carly’s lap and over the edge of the wood and dropped in his hole.
“You can tell me. Are you an animal whisperer?” Avery asked.
Carly giggled out. “Not at all. Sully and Cheddar are my friends. We help each other.”
“Any more animals that I need to know about?”
“Just a snake for an ex. So, where are we going for our date?”
“We are headed to work.” She stood and pulled Carly up to her feet.
“Did you say work?” Carly voiced with puzzlement.
“Yep. Let’s go before we’re late.” Avery placed Carly’s arm inside the crook of hers.
“So, do I get a clue about where we’re going?” Carly asked as she lifted her face to the open window of the car and took a deep inhale. “We’re traveling south.”
“How did you know that?”
“The sweet smell of the chocolate factory to the left of us tells me Shady Beach is ahead. It’s a big tourist spot. Am I correct?”
“Amazingly, yes. My first job is combing the sand with a tractor and making it all smooth for tomorrow’s tourists to tear it apart with their sandcastles and footprints. It will only take about an hour. The second job isn’t far from there.” Avery placed her hand on Carly’s thigh.
“Second job? How many jobs do you have for god’s sake?” Carly asked as the car came to a stop. The salt of the sea tickled her airways. The crashing of the waves against solid ground played in the distance.
“I have three. It will be two if we don’t get started. Ready?” Avery jumped out of the car, rounded the corner and opened the passenger door. Pulling Carly to a stand, she yanked her closer. A soft kiss whispered over Carly’s lips that promised passion, but then it ended, and Avery walked them toward the water. Guiding her over the wall that separated the boardwalk and the sand, they reached the tractor in seconds. The power of the vehicle rumbled to life under the two women. Carly squealed as the monster tractor jerked forward, and Avery eyed the beautiful blonde. She was smiling and laughing. She was stunning in the moonlight with the waves crashing behind her. The machine slowed to a roll, and the engine hummed. “Okay. Your turn, sexy lady,” Avery said as the tractor came to a stop. “Switch places with me.”
