More Than a Song

by Chris Paynter

  “Liz,” Dani said as she got closer.

  Liz stopped. She turned and Dani slowed her steps when she saw her tear-stained face.

  Dani’s heart jumped to her throat, and she had to swallow hard. “God, Liz, please believe me. It wasn’t what it looked like.” Dani closed her eyes for a second and shuddered at her words, knowing she had watched so many scenes in movies where the actor or actress uttered those exact lines... and it was always what it looked like.

  Liz swiped her cheek with the back of her hand. “Dani,” she said in a choked voice.

  Dani stood in front of her. “You weren’t there to see me push her away. She kissed me. I didn’t kiss her. I know this might bring back bad memories, but—”

  “Can you give me some time? Please. Seeing the two of you...”

  “But—”

  Liz placed her hand on Dani’s chest. “Please, Dani,” she said in a pleading voice. Her eyes again welled up with tears.

  “Okay,” Dani whispered. “Okay. Just know that I would never intentionally hurt you.”

  Liz nodded and bit her quivering lower lip. She motioned toward the trail that lined the park. “I’m going to walk awhile.”

  Dani watched Liz walk away. It took every ounce of self-control not to run after her, but she loved Liz enough to let her go. She only hoped she’d get a chance to tell her that she loved her.

  Chapter 27

  “Think about what you’re doing, Liz.”

  Liz pulled more clothes out of her closet and folded them into her suitcase. She’d made the mistake of calling Laurie, but only because she wanted her to watch Melanie while she was out of town.

  “I need to clear my head.”

  “You can’t do that here? You know? In Francis? Why fly all the way to Colorado? Wait. Isn’t Grand Lake where you took off to when you and Therese broke up?”

  Of course Laurie would remember that little tidbit of information. “I broke up with her. She didn’t break up with me.”

  Laurie grabbed one of the shirts Liz had thrown on the bed near where Laurie was sitting and folded it. “Remind me again why you broke up with her.”

  Liz spun around. “You know very well what happened.”

  Laurie set the shirt in the suitcase and crossed her arms over her chest. “Say the words.”

  Liz felt her face flush with anger. “She was sleeping with my best friend,” she said through clenched teeth. “I caught them in bed together.”

  “Okay.” Laurie dragged out the word. “And what happened with Dani?”

  Liz stared down at her sneakers. “I walked in on her kissing C.J. James.”

  “No. You walked in on C.J. James kissing her. You told me Dani explained what happened. Don’t you believe her?”

  “It’s not that.” Liz pulled a pair of jeans off a hanger.

  “Really? Then tell me why the hell you’re willing to fly across the freaking country rather than stay here and get this sorted out.”

  “Yoo-hoo. Where are you guys?” Lacey shouted from the front of the house.

  “We’re in the bedroom,” Laurie shouted back.

  Liz glared at her. “You called Lacey?”

  “Well, yeah. I figured if you were so adamant about being foolish, I needed reinforcements.”

  Lacey stomped into the room. She thrust her fists to her hips and gave Liz a hard stare. “Liz. What. The. Fuck?”

  Liz threw her hands up in the air. “Oh, my God. I can’t believe you two are going to tag-team me.” She went to her dresser and pulled out underwear and bras.

  Lacey grabbed a pair of panties from her as she walked by. “Victoria’s Secret? Nice.”

  Laurie clapped her hands. “Lacey. Focus. God, you’re just like my kids, who I swear have the attention span of a gnat.”

  Lacey handed the panties back to Liz. “I can’t help it. It’s been awhile since I bought something that fancy to wear for Ray.”

  “TMI,” Laurie said.

  “Oh, and what? You saying you’re a wanna-be lesbian isn’t too much information?” Lacey snapped.

  “Stop. Will you both stop?” Liz grabbed her head. “You’re making my head hurt. I can’t think.”

  Lacey put her hands on Liz’s shoulders. “Yeah, I kind of figured that if you’re getting ready to hightail it out of town over a misunderstanding.”

  “It’s not like I won’t be back,” Liz mumbled as she zipped her suitcase.

  Laurie popped up from the bed and joined Lacey to stare down Liz.

  “Will you two stop with the freaky eyes shit?” Liz said. “I feel like I’m in a Wes Craven movie.”

  Laurie looked at Lacey. “First she accuses me of being an alien. Now a freaky character in a horror flick.”

  “Hey, if it fits,” Liz said.

  “All right. We”—Laurie motioned between her and Lacey—“don’t understand why you can’t stay here and actually talk this out with Dani. You know. Like an adult? But if you’re going to go through with this, please tell us it’s only for a few days.”

  “I’ll be back by the weekend. Laurie, you’re sure you don’t mind watching Melanie?”

  “My kids are already excited about it. I can’t back out now.”

  Liz grabbed her suitcase and popped the handle to wheel it to the door. Laurie and Lacey followed on her heels like two puppies. She stopped suddenly, and they bumped into her.

  “Change your mind?” Lacey asked.

  “Nooo. I want you both to know that I appreciate your concern.” Liz softened her tone. “And your love.”

  Laurie pushed Liz’s hair behind her ear. “Hon, we don’t want you to give up on such a good thing. We’ve met Dani, remember? She treats you like a queen. She obviously lo—”

  Liz raised her hand. “Don’t say the word.”

  “You have to know she does. Just because I don’t say the word doesn’t make it not true.”

  “That was such a double-negative.”

  “You know what I mean.”

  “We haven’t told each other that yet.” Liz knew that it was coming, though. It scared her. Thrilled her. Made her feel like acrobats were turning backflips inside her stomach.

  “You will,” Laurie said emphatically. “But only if you quit running anytime something a little bit scary pops up.”

  Liz moved toward the door. “Like I said, it’s only for the week. When I get back, I’ll talk with Dani. I told her I needed some time, and she’s respected that so far.”

  “You’re simply leaving town before she quits respecting it,” Lacey said, her voice dripping in sarcasm.

  “Why did you two want to talk to me? Because this little pep talk isn’t helping.”

  Laurie patted her on the back. “Oh, it will. Probably when you’re flying over Kansas on your descent into Denver.”

  * * *

  From her window seat on the airplane, Liz stared at the farmland stretched out below her. That’s probably Kansas, she thought. She really, really hated that her sisters were right. Because at that moment, she was questioning the logic in flying over 1,000 miles to “clear her head.”

  The plane landed at Denver International Airport. She followed the rest of the passengers to the tram that carried them to the baggage claim and sliding glass doors that led to the rental car shuttles. She was glad she’d packed light enough to carry her suitcase on board. The only thing left to do was pick up her car. She landed at noon Denver time and was anxious to drive up to Grand Lake before it got dark in the mountains. The shuttle dropped her off at one of the rental car sites located near the airport. In no time, she had the keys to an eight-cylinder Tacoma.

  As she drove, she thought about Dani, and she thought about the conversation with her sisters. Unfortunately, their advice was ringing so true to her now. Funny how sobering a three-and-a-half-hour flight can be when questioning her decision.

  A light mist started outside of Denver and picked up in intensity the farther she drove to her destination. She debated pulling off into one of
the towns along the way, but thankfully, the rain abated as she drove into the heart of the Rockies. The scenery was just as breathtaking as the last time she’d made this trip. When she attempted to leave her heartache behind after her relationship ended with Therese, she’d found the lodge she was driving to during an online search. The name alone—Rainbow Lodge—had promised new hope for her tattered life. What was she looking for this time?

  Two-and-a-half hours later, she pulled into the gravel parking lot. Here, the sun was shining brightly off the mountain peaks. She grabbed her suitcase out of the trunk and wheeled it behind her as she ascended the stairway to the lodge entrance. She grimaced with each thump of the wheels along the steps.

  Liz was pleased to see the same older woman at the front desk. Her name escaped Liz at the moment.

  The woman raised her head from her paperwork. “Hello. Welcome to Rainbow Lodge. I’m Tess. Would you like to check into a cabin?”

  Liz smiled at the friendly greeting. “Yes.”

  Tess reached under the counter and pulled out a form. “How many nights?”

  “Only four. I’d like to check out Friday.”

  “You’re in luck. We have some cabins open. I don’t know if you’re aware that we close down after Labor Day weekend. So, you made it in when most of our guests are checking out.”

  “Good to hear.”

  The beautiful blonde Liz had met on her last visit walked around the counter. “Aunt Tess, have you seen Corey?” She glanced at Liz. “Sorry I’m interrupting.”

  “That’s fine.” Liz definitely remembered her. She’d flirted with Liz, but Liz was in no mood at the time for any kind of dalliance. The other woman had backed off immediately.

  “No, Erin. Corey didn’t see fit to give me her itinerary today.”

  Liz couldn’t help but chuckle at the sarcastic answer.

  “Funny, Aunt Tess.”

  “A major credit card and we’re set,” Tess told Liz.

  Liz pulled out a card from her wallet. After Tess ran the card, Liz signed the form. She could feel Erin watching, and she wondered if Erin remembered her.

  “Here you go.” Tess handed Liz a key. “Cabin Four on the trail on the other side of the walkway you used to come up here. My niece will show you the way.” Tess motioned at Erin.

  “Sure,” Erin said. She came around the counter and bent over to pick up Liz’s suitcase.

  “You don’t need to—”

  “No problem. You look a little beat. Drive in from Denver?”

  Liz quickened her step to keep up with Erin. “How could you tell?”

  “I remember you checking in before, and I know you’re from out of town. Out of state if my memory serves me right.”

  Liz blushed as she recalled her last visit and Erin’s flirtatious ways.

  Erin noticed her reaction. “Don’t worry. I won’t flirt with you this time.” A handsome butch with dark-brown hair strode toward them. “I’m happily married now, and here comes my wife.”

  Liz couldn’t help but notice the butch’s resemblance to Dani. Not in looks as much as the purposeful stride and short, dark hair. Her heart skipped a beat. She was already missing Dani.

  “Hey, Erin.” The woman nodded at Liz. “Ma’am.”

  Oh, my Lord, Liz thought. She called me ma’am. Either she’s incredibly polite, or I look incredibly older than I think I do.

  Erin kissed her briefly on the mouth. “Corey, meet... I’m sorry. I don’t remember your name.”

  Liz held out her hand. “Liz Springer.”

  Corey shook her hand. “Corey Banner.”

  “What’ve you been working on today, hon?” Erin asked Corey.

  Corey hooked her thumb past her shoulder. “Fixing some of the flooring in Cabin Seven. Now, I’m heading up to catch a bite to eat at the restaurant.”

  “Great. I’ll join you once I show Liz her cabin.”

  “Nice to meet you.” Corey shook Liz’s hand again before leaving for the lodge.

  “Wow.” Liz didn’t realize she’d spoken the word until Erin laughed.

  “She’s really as nice as she seems.”

  They reached the porch of the cabin. Erin let Liz step in front of her to open the door. The interior was how Liz remembered but seemed brighter with what appeared to be a new coat of paint.

  “Corey’s been steadily renovating all the cabins. This is one of the finished ones.” Erin set the suitcase by the door. “Do you remember where everything is?”

  Liz walked in and poked her head around the kitchen doorway. “I believe so.”

  “Let us know if you need anything. Glad to have you back at Rainbow Lodge.” Erin stepped out on the porch and started up the pathway to the main lodge.

  * * *

  It was Thursday morning, and Liz was thankful she’d be leaving late tomorrow. The past several days reinforced what she already knew and what she should’ve been able to tell Dani. Liz was in love with her. She’d thought about catching an earlier flight home, but as each day dawned, the scared part of her decided to stay the week. She just hoped she hadn’t blown it by leaving Francis and not staying to talk.

  Sitting on a large boulder by the shore, she stared out at Grand Lake and marveled at the reflection of the mountains on the placid surface. She heard footsteps behind her. She glanced over her shoulder and saw Erin headed her way.

  “Looks like you’ve found my thinking rock. Do you mind if I join you?”

  Liz patted the cool stone beside her. “Not at all.”

  They sat in silence for a few moments before Erin spoke. “Can I ask you something?”

  “Sure.”

  “Is everything okay?”

  Liz wondered if her emotions were that transparent.

  Erin touched her arm. “Don’t worry. It’s not obvious. I remember the last time you were here, you were going through a difficult time.” She gave a sly grin. “Believe me, I tried my best to get your attention.”

  Liz laughed. “It wasn’t you.”

  “Normally, I’d be wounded with that statement.”

  “But now you’re happily married to Corey.”

  Erin lit up at the mention of Corey’s name. “Yes, I am. She’s everything I could ever dream of in a life mate. I’m blessed that we met. Back to you, though. I was going to say that this time you’re different. It doesn’t seem like you’re grieving the end of a relationship.”

  “You figured that out?”

  “I went through the same thing with an ex. I knew the signs after I quit flirting with you long enough. It feels like this trip for you might not be strictly a vacation. You’ve been very quiet and have kept to yourself.” She patted Liz’s knee. “Please stop me if I’m being too forward.”

  “You’re fine. I came here to think things over. I’m in another relationship now. Something happened, and I started questioning everything.”

  “She didn’t—”

  “No, no. She didn’t cheat on me.” Liz told Erin what happened at the bookstore.

  “Let me see if I understand. You walked in on this other woman kissing your girlfriend, but your girlfriend told you what really happened. That the woman had kissed her.”

  Liz nodded slowly. Maybe the 1,000-plus miles were finally hitting her, but hearing Erin using the same words as her sisters had a completely different result.

  “God, I’m so stupid. I can’t believe I flew all the way out here.”

  Erin bumped shoulders with her. “Don’t beat yourself up. Corey kind of did the same thing at the hospital when I was injured in a car accident. She lost her previous partner the same way, and the accident scared her so much, she couldn’t face me.” Erin stared off at the mountains. “Aunt Tess set her straight. When she came back to the hospital room, we had a good talk about how you can’t run away from your fears. How we needed to face things together as a couple, especially if we wanted a lasting relationship together.”

  Liz leaned over, picked up a rock, and flipped it over in her fingers. Sh
e cringed a little more with each word Erin spoke. Now, she truly felt foolish.

  “I’m not saying all of this to make you feel bad, Liz. I’m just telling you that talking it out is the way to go.”

  “And that maybe flying over 1,000 miles was a bit of a kneejerk reaction?”

  “Um... maybe?” Erin winked at her.

  Liz laughed. “You’re right.” It was time to go home and face the music, whatever song it played.

  Chapter 28

  Almost a week had passed, and Dani still hadn’t heard from Liz. She was giving her the time and space that Liz requested, but it was tearing Dani apart inside.

  When Dani couldn’t take another day, she walked down to Liz’s house. She decided to knock and stay there if no one answered. If she had to camp out on the front doorstep until Liz left for work in the morning, then so be it.

  Liz’s car wasn’t in her drive. There was one light on in the front room of the house, and the porch light was on. Dani knocked on the door again, but there was no answer—not even from Melanie.

  Did Liz leave town? No, she could be out for the night. That had her mind racing. If she was out for the night, who the hell was she with?

  “Stop it, Dani. Just stop it.”

  On her walk back home, she debated contacting Liz’s sisters but didn’t want to involve them if she could help it. Instead, she would drive to the vet’s office in the morning on her way into work. She hesitated doing it before. She still wanted to respect Liz’s space to work things out and definitely didn’t want to cause any problems at Liz’s office.

  But now, Dani was at a loss. She longed to see Liz.

  * * *

  Dani pulled into the clinic parking lot but still no sign of Liz’s car.

  Not good, not good, not good, Dani thought with each step to the door. As usual, Mary was behind the counter. Dani stood back until Mary finished her phone call and hung up.

  “Hey, Dani, how’s Frodo?” Mary asked. “I know he had ACL surgery.”