A New Beginning

by Samantha Hicks

  Laura drew her brows down. Her uncertainty not hard to miss. “But that’s good though, right?”

  “Oh yes,” Amy said. “More than good.” She shook her head. “It just scares me sometimes.”

  “You still want to see me?”

  Amy laughed, finally finding her footing in the unfamiliar yearning for someone other than her wife. “I don’t think I could stop myself even if I wanted to, which I don’t.” She kissed Laura quickly. “You’re wonderful.”

  Laura gave her a reprieve and stepped away from her, raking a shaky hand through her hair. “I have an invitation to a client’s party,” she said. “He’s celebrating the opening of his business and he’s invited me as I designed the premises. Would you like to go with me?”

  “When is it?” Amy asked, her heart still hammering in her chest. She could only imagine how it would be to make love with Laura.

  “Next Friday evening,” Laura replied, her cheeks still flushed.

  “I’d love to. I’m sure my folks won’t mind having Aaron for the night.”

  A huge smile blossomed on Laura’s face. “Excellent. It’s semi-formal.”

  “I’m sure I have something I can wear,” she said thinking of the hunter green cocktail dress in her wardrobe. It was the sexiest thing she owned, and she hoped Laura would like her in it.

  “Great,” Laura said as she stepped closer. “I’ll pick you up about seven o’clock?”

  “Perfect.” Amy raised up and welcomed the kiss heading her way. It lacked the ferocity of the earlier one but still held the burning passion that always seemed to spring up between them. Laura was the first to pull away.

  “I’ll see you next week,” Amy said as she backed away from Laura and toward the door. She needed to leave. Now. The way Laura’s gaze lighted over her set her stomach rolling. She looked like she wanted to devour her.

  “Bye, Amy,” Laura rasped.

  “Bye.”

  She fumbled for the handle and pulled the door open. With one quick glance over her shoulder at Laura, she headed out of the office and down the stairs.

  “God, you took your time,” Jim grumbled with a wink as Amy settled into the passenger seat.

  “Shut up.”

  He started the car and pulled away. “Your lipstick is a little smudged.”

  “Shut up,” she said again. He was winding her up, he had to be. No way he could tell she had been kissing Laura. Amy didn’t even have any lipstick on. Her eyes went wide remembering Laura as she lowered her head to kiss her. Laura had been wearing lipstick. She quickly and discreetly wiped her hand across her lips hoping to erase the evidence. Her lips felt bruised, well kissed.

  “Are you blushing?” Jim asked.

  “Dad!”

  He chuckled as her steered the car toward home. “Laura is so good for you,” he said, all traces of teasing gone.

  She smiled at him. She completely agreed. “Yeah, she is.” She wasn’t sure where things were heading but she was looking forward to finding out. Friday night couldn’t come soon enough.

  Chapter Twelve

  Friday was finally here, and Laura couldn’t wait to take Amy out. Things were progressing well between them, and God those kisses they shared. The feel of Amy in her arms, the touch of her lips, it drove Laura crazy. Never had she been so wrapped up in a woman. She truly believed Amy was the one for her. She just hoped Amy was willing to give them a proper a chance. Laura knew she was falling in love with Amy, which was ridiculous because they hardly knew each other, but that didn’t stop her smiling whimsically as she pulled up outside Amy’s address that evening.

  She strode up the walk, and despite her nerves, knocked on the door confidently. A moment later Martha opened the door wearing a kiss-the-cook apron tied around her trim body. “Good evening, Martha,” Laura said, bowing slightly at the waist.

  Martha grinned, her eyes briefly scanning Laura head to toe. “Why, don’t you look dashing?”

  Laura felt her cheeks heat. She wore a tailored black trouser suit she usually reserved for weddings and two-inch heels. It was the one good outfit she had. She of course had the usual office attire, but she wanted to look extra special for tonight, for Amy. “Thank you,” she replied. She glanced over Martha’s shoulder to the foyer behind, scanning for Amy. “Is, uh, Amy ready?” She didn’t know why Martha always made her flustered, but she did. She supposed it was her inquisitives eyes that always seemed to see through her.

  “She’ll be down in just a sec,” Martha said as she stepped back from the door allowing Laura to enter. “I wonder if I could have a quick chat with you?”

  “Of course.” Laura followed Martha into the dining room, her pulse speeding up as she thought what the problem might be. “Is it about the house?”

  Martha waved her hand in the air and shook her head. “Oh no. The designs Jim brought home look fabulous.” She lightly grasped Laura’s hand and smiled. “No, I wanted to talk to you about Amy.”

  “Um, okay.”

  “Don’t look so worried, dear. I just wanted to thank you.”

  Laura’s brows rose in surprise. “Thank me? Whatever for?”

  “For not giving up on Amy. I know she wasn’t exactly miss congeniality when you first met and showed an interest, but now...She’s becoming more of her old self. She seems more grounded, happy within herself. And that is thanks to you.”

  Laura shook her head vehemently. “I didn’t do anything.” Sure, she ingratiated herself to Amy’s family and practically invited herself over for dinner, but she didn’t make Amy like her. Whatever demons Amy had faced, and overcame, were down to Amy.

  “You did, you just don’t know it. Even if things do not work out between you in the end, she will have the knowledge that she can look to the future without dismissing her past.”

  “Um...” What could she say to that? One thing she did know was that she wanted things to work out between them. Amy was kind, funny, and sexy. Laura would be crazy to not want to have a future with her. But that was Amy’s decision. She couldn’t force her to feel things she didn’t. Amy was interested in her, that was obvious by the steamy kisses they shared, but that didn’t mean she wanted anything serious between them. However, Laura also knew Amy didn’t get involved with women for the fun of it. Laura was the first person since Julia died, so surely that meant something.

  “You probably don’t want to hear all this,” Martha said, as if reading her mind.

  “No, it’s okay. I want her to be happy. She and Aaron are great. I just hope she gives me the chance to prove I’m worthy.”

  Martha tilted her head to the side, a sad smile crinkling the fine lines around her lips. “Oh, my sweet Laura. You already are.”

  “Mum?” Amy’s voice sounded through the silence. “Why are you harassing my friend?”

  Martha winked at Laura then turned to face her daughter. “Because it’s fun. I’ll leave you to it. Have a nice evening.”

  “Thanks, Mum,” Amy said as Martha passed. “Hi.”

  “Hello.” Laura allowed her gaze to sweep over Amy from head to toe. She was breathtaking. She wore a hunter green dress that stopped mid-thigh, the colour bringing out the red in her hair which was swept up and back in a fancy twist on top her head, exposing the delicious column of throat. Strappy black heels completed the ensemble. Laura felt her throat catch. “You look amazing.”

  Amy gave a twirl, affording Laura a look at her behind. “Is it okay?” she asked, smiling.

  “It’s perfect.” Laura stepped closer. “You’re perfect.” She watched as Amy gave her the once over.

  “Mmm, you are too.” Amy reached out and lightly placed her hand on Laura’s chest, just above her heart. “I want to kiss you, but I’m afraid my mum will be lurking about somewhere spying.”

  “Let’s save it for later,” Laura said, tilting her head closer to Amy. The subtle hint of her flower perfume sailed to her and it made Laura instantly aroused. “The anticipation will make it all the better,” she whispe
red, her mouth a hairsbreadth away from Amy’s moist lips.

  “I doubt that anything can make it better than it already is.”

  Laura nodded in agreement. Amy was right. Their kisses so far had been hot and heavy, filled with promises of more to come. It took all her will power to not grab Amy and pull her to the nearest bed.

  She took a step back, distancing herself from the temptation. She lifted her elbow to the side, and with a soft smile said, “Shall we?”

  “Yes,” Amy replied as she slipped her hand around Laura’s arm, allowing her to lead her from the dining room to Laura’s car. After they settled into their seats, and Laura pulled away, Amy asked, “So who is the client whose party we are going to?”

  Laura maneuvered around a roundabout then steered them out of Poole and onto Bournemouth. “His name is Craig Frost. He owns a fleet of restaurants that cater for kids and adults. They have soft play areas for the kids and do theme nights with magicians and clowns. Part of the restaurant can be restricted for adults only and they employ childcare assistants, so the parents can have alone time.”

  “That sounds great,” Amy enthused. “Maybe one day we could take Aaron to one?”

  “I’d love that, but be warned,” she glanced at Amy. “I’d probably be in the soft play area with Aaron.”

  Amy laughed loudly. “I love how you still have your child-like wonder in you.”

  Laura laughed too then turned serious. “It took me a while to find it. After my mum and all that, I kind of lost my sense of humor.” She thought back over her childhood, remembering all the times she would come home from school and find her mother passed out on the couch. Many a time Laura had to clean sick off her and put her to bed. It was the worst time of her life. So, no, she never did have a proper childhood. If it wasn’t for her grandmother she would have had no childhood at all. “Gran helped me find it again.” She flinched when Amy’s hand touched her thigh, giving it a squeeze.

  “Did you miss not having siblings?”

  “Yeah. I had no cousins either, so it was always just me.”

  Amy squeezed her thigh again. “I’m sorry,” she said, her voice holding a note of sadness.

  “It’s fine.” And it really was. It was a very long time ago, and although she still got melancholy sometimes about it, it didn’t really affect her day-to-day living. She had gotten used to being on her own. Hopefully, though, that would change now Amy was in her life. She glanced at Amy again, smirking. “Besides, I have a new playmate now.”

  “Yes, and Aaron loves spending time with you.”

  She waggled her eyebrows. “I wasn’t talking about him.”

  “Laura...” Amy’s voice trailed off, her mouth turning down in a frown.

  “Yes?”

  Her frown grew into grin. “How are you at strip poker?”

  “Jesus, Amy!” Laura hadn’t expected that. She knew Amy had a sense of humor but not such a naughty side.

  “I’d say I’m sorry, but...I’m not.”

  They caught up on day-to-day things as Laura drove and soon she pulled up to a large two-story brick building painted yellow. A big red and yellow sign above the door exclaimed Frost’s Family Funhouse.

  “Here we are,” Laura said as she parked in one of the only available spaces left. The carpark was full, and Laura was pleased for Craig. She knew how much hard work he had put into getting this restaurant off the ground. It had been a struggle getting the right planning permission in the location they wanted, and after much back and forth with the council, they had finally agreed to let him build, albeit one-story less than he had wanted. Being close to Bournemouth beach, the town council didn’t want a building obstructing the view from the hotels and houses behind where he planned to build.

  Laura exited the car and came around to Amy’s door, opening it for her and extending her arm for Amy to take. She watched as Amy’s gaze looked over the building.

  “This looks amazing,” Amy whispered.

  “It won’t be open for another week,” Laura said as she led them the short walk to the main door below the sign where a doorman waited to great them. “I think he’s using us all as a dry run, you know, make sure nothing breaks.”

  “Does that mean I can play in the ball pit with you?” Amy said, a grin tugging her lips.

  “Not with that dress on,” Laura replied, loving Amy’s playful side. “Come on.” She gave her name to the doorman, who checked her name off the list and allowed them to enter.

  They stood just inside the main reception area and Laura’s gaze swept over the dimly lit room. Soft blue and white lights were strung overhead around the ceilings and the same colour balloons were pinned from the walls. Guests milled about, some sitting at tables and others dancing on the makeshift dance floor that had been put in for the evening. A bar ran the length of one wall where waiters in white jackets served the crowd. Laura nodded. Everything looked perfect. She knew beyond the double door at the far end housed the play area for the kids and the stairs that led upstairs for more soft play, the stage for entertainment, and the toilets. She was proud of the design she had done for Craig. She tried to keep the feel of his other restaurants whilst implementing her own design features. She turned to Amy who was taking it all in. “Can I get you a drink?” she asked.

  Amy nodded. “White wine please.”

  Laura left to do her bidding, coming back a moment later with a large wine for Amy and non-alcoholic cocktail for herself. “Here you go.”

  “Thank you.”

  “Laura!” A man’s voice boomed over to them and she turned to see Craig heading their way. He was in his late forties, his jet-black hair only just beginning to thin and grey. He stood tall at over six feet and still had his boyish good-looks. He was a handsome man, with piercing blue eyes and a smile that stretched ear to ear when he saw Laura. He gave her a tight hug. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

  “Thank you for inviting me, Craig. This place looks amazing.”

  He released her and gazed around the room, pride showing in his face. “Due in part to you.” He flicked a glance at Amy. “And who is this lovely lady?” he asked.

  Laura stepped back and made the introductions, feeling nervous at this being the first time she would introduce Amy as her...girlfriend? She shrugged internally. As far as she was concerned, that’s what she was. “Amy Barton, this is my good friend Craig Frost. Craig, this is Amy, my—”

  “Playmate,” Amy supplied, a gleam in her eyes.

  Craig laughed at Laura’s blush. He reached out and took Amy’s hand, kissing her knuckles in the gentlemanly way expected of him. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  “You too,” Amy replied, her own cheeks tinging pink.

  Craig turned back to Laura, his face turning serious. “Laura, I want to thank you again for Debbie’s tree house.” He laughed. “I can hardly get her out of it. I still wish you’d let me pay you for it.”

  She smiled. “I’m glad she likes it. And that’s not necessary. It’s my gift to you.”

  “She loves it. And here she is now,” he said as a much younger, prettier version of him approached wearing a pink princess dress, tiara and all. “Debbie? Look who’s here.”

  Her blue eyes went wide as she spotted Laura. “Laura!” she exclaimed as she flung her arms around Laura’s waist.

  “Hey, Debbie,” Laura said, holding her drink out of the way so she didn’t spill any from Debbie’s exuberant hug. She crouched down so she could be level with the eight-year-old. “I hear you love the tree house?”

  “It’s amazing. The lights are so pretty and it’s great when I want some peace. Frankie and Donny hate they can’t come in it.”

  “Well, it’s your space and only your space.”

  Debbie nodded then took her father’s hand. “Daddy, Mummy said I can go home now.”

  “Okay, sweetheart.” Craig looked up to Laura. “I’m need to go find my wife. I’ll see you in a few,” he said as Debbie pulled him away.

  Sh
e felt Amy’s hand touch her wrist, getting her attention.

  “I didn’t know you could build tree houses,” Amy said.

  Heat suffused her skin, embarrassed. She didn’t make a habit of doing freebies for clients, after all you couldn’t run a business on fresh air and thanks alone, but after hearing from Craig about his family and the struggles they faced, she felt compelled to help. And she was glad she had. Debbie was amazing and sweet and seeing her face once it was finished was worth it.

  “I had a crew come in and actually build it, I just designed it. And it’s not really a tree house, more of a raised platform. Debbie has autism and her house can get rather rowdy with two brothers. Her parents wanted her to have somewhere she could go if she needed to. He told me about it when we worked on designing this restaurant and when I saw him next I had designed the tree house. He actually cried when he saw it finished.”

  Amy gently touched her cheek. “That was very sweet of you.”

  “Not really.” She shrugged, still feeling embarrassed.

  “Yes, it was.”

  “Let’s grab another drink and I’ll give you the tour.”

  “So how many restaurants does he have?” Amy asked after they had wandered around the restaurant and play area and were now settled at one of the many tables.

  “This will be number four. Two are in Bristol, one in Swindon, and now this one.” She took a sip of her cocktail. “I think he wants to have them throughout the country.”

  “Did you design them all?”

  “Just this one. The last guy he used turned out to be overcharging and skimming off the top. Craig needed to find someone else and said he liked that I worked for myself. The less people involved the less chance for crooks, he says.”

  “Well, after what you did for his daughter I’m sure you’ll be designing more for him.”

  “We’ll see.”

  The evening rolled on pleasantly. They danced, laughed, and filled themselves with delicious food from the buffet tables. Laura couldn’t imagine having a more perfect evening. Amy had turned out to be a surprise, always finding ways to lightly touch her and staying close. Her nearness and the intoxicating smell of her perfume gave Laura a pleasant buzz and she didn’t want the night to end.