Tangled Hearts

by Laurie Ames

  “No, no she wasn't spying on you Adiva, she was spying on Yasmen, she had a gut feeling that Yasmen was not being truthful with you” spat out Jane.

  “You mean she thought Yasmen was not being truthful to me, just like she has been untruthful to me in not telling me about this?” argued Adiva.

  Fern quickly told Jane to be quiet, she was now angry with Jane because she had not mentioned it to her.

  Now it was exposed, and Dawn was feeling embarrassed for not coming forward to share the info with Adiva. Dawn felt crushed and the last thing she ever wanted in the world was to hurt dear Adiva like this. Dawn began fumbling to apologize and was trying to find the right words to say. “I’m sorry for not revealing this to you. I was going to tell her about it eventually, but I hadn't found the right time yet.”

  Adiva stood up, as if getting ready to leave. Dawn jumped up right beside her.

  “Please forgive me, yes I know it was wrong.” Dawn said almost begging. “Let’s just move on and enjoy this evening. I promise I will never go behind your back again.”

  “I want you to sit down” Adiva told her. She removed the ring from her finger and handed it back to Dawn. Adiva was now teary-eyed. “I am leaving on my own, I need to get some air.” I feel angry and hurt that the people I trusted the most have kept something like this from me. Right now, I just need to be alone.” She turned, then rushed out of the restaurant.

  Fern, Jane and Dawn sat speechless, all three of them feeling bad that this was not discussed sooner. Dawn apologized to Fern and Jane for getting them caught up in this. She especially apologized to Jane for getting her involved in helping investigate Yasmen's background. She should never have asked for her help with that.

  Fern looked over at Jane giving her a dirty look. “I can't believe that you were also involved in investigating Yasmen and you just somehow forget to mention that part to me. You didn't mention it because you know I would be against snooping around and getting into Adiva's personal business. I think the two of you owe Adiva an apology. I am going to try and catch up with Adiva to check on her. I will see you later at home Jane. Good night Dawn, thanks for dinner” said Fern with an angry tone as she stood up and walked out leaving the two accomplices alone at the table. Dawn looked at Jane asking her why she didn't mention that they had checked into Yasmen's background to Fern. Jane explained that Fern had told her before to keep out of Adiva's love life. Jane had wanted to check out others Adiva was dating in the past, but Fern had always said ‘don’t do it.’

  “Well I guess we are two idiots, we have lied and deceived the women that we love. We are both in a real pickle here.” stated Dawn with a sad tone.

  “I should have told Fern that I helped you out with the investigation of Yasmen, but I didn't want to hear the angry reaction that I knew I would get. So instead I decided not to mention my part in it. I guess I should have told you that I hadn't told Fern, just like you hadn't told Adiva. The two of us could have done the right thing and come clean, but no we decided to sit on the truth and look where we are now. Both women we love have walked out on us. I hope I don't go home to find that there is a packed bag at my door waiting for me” replied Jane sadly.

  “Well if that is the case, you are more than welcome to crash on my couch.” said Dawn.

  Dawn began to cry as she thought about how badly she hurt Adiva. She now knows she should have told Adiva the truth right from the beginning. She has broken their trust. How is she ever going to rebuild it? Adiva may never want to see her again. She became totally distraught at the thought of losing Adiva forever.

  Dawn payed the bill and they walked out on the street, both feeling miserable for letting down the women in their lives. Jane suggested that the two of them go and drown their sorrows over a beer at the ‘Irish Pub' across the street. The two women headed over for a pint, but soon ended up devouring many pints.

  Jane decided to call Fern, thinking she may be worried about her whereabouts. “Hi Fern. I’m letting you know we are at the pub crying in our beers about what we have done to the women we love. Why don’t you come down and join us? Did you know a few good Irish beers can make everything okay again?”

  “Jane, you can just spend the night with your drunken friend because I am not interested in seeing your face tonight. Also, Adiva is not interested in speaking to Dawn. I suggest you two spend the night together and figure out how you are going to fix this mess that you created.” With that Fern slammed down the phone with no farewell to Jane. Jane looked over at Dawn and told her the bad news. It was clear that neither of them was wanted by their partners tonight. “Can I take you up on the offer to sleep on your couch tonight?”

  The two women stumbled on their way back to Dawn's apartment where they drank more beer to ease the pain.

  Chapter 7. The 'Right Woman' Admits She Was Wrong

  ___________________________________________

  It had been a week since the questionable celebration dinner of Adiva's and Dawn's engagement. Adiva still refused to speak to Dawn, feeling that she had been deceived yet again by another woman in her love life. She had spent the last week crying and thinking about how much she really thought Dawn was finally the right one for her. Just when her life was looking rosy, she finds out that Dawn deceived her. Why did she think it was okay to not tell her about this little bit of important information? She was now feeling so horribly depressed. Maybe it is just her fate to spend the rest of her life alone and miserable. Maybe the only living beings she was meant to live with were indeed her two cats. She thought back through the past year of dating Dawn and all the intimate times they had spent together in each other's arms making love. All the while, Dawn was looking into her eyes knowing that she had been deceitful. How could she hurt her this way? Adiva had made it clear to Dawn about how much she valued honesty in a relationship. She really believed that Dawn was not like the others, she was different, kind and understanding, treating her with respect or so she thought. She also couldn't believe that Jane was involved with the investigation of Yasmen. Adiva thought my goodness, what a complete mess my life has become. She started crying into her hands.

  The next thing her door buzzer was ringing, and she answered it to find it was Dawn's accomplice, Jane. Jane came up to Adiva's apartment to tell her how sorry she was that she was involved in the investigation, but on the other hand, to say she was somewhat glad that it happened. Jane came to tell Adiva that even though Dawn should have told her about the investigation, it was really done out of pure concern for Adiva. Jane pointed out that Dawn was very fond of her, and she didn't want to see her getting hurt yet again by someone that was not right for her.

  “Dawn had a really strong gut feeling that something was not quite right about Yasmen” said Jane. “That’s exactly the reason why Dawn was an outstanding cop and now is a competent private investigator. When her gut tells her something is wrong, it usually is dead on. That’s why she decided to do a little digging and I agreed to help her with that digging. I just want you to know Adiva, that Dawn's gut feeling was right. Yasmen wasn't being honest with you. Dawn went to the Book Company where Yasmen told you she worked in accounting. Well it turned out that Yasmen did work there for about a year, but as a cleaning lady from which she was fired for stealing. We also learned that she was incarcerated in jail for fraud and other minor crimes”.

  Adiva uncrossed her arms and cracked the slightest smile, as if to say she’s willing to listen some more….

  “Dawn truly loves you and she only wanted to protect you, I guess she made the wrong call in not telling you about the investigation. She agonized about telling you someday, but as time went by, she felt no need to dredge up bad history. Adiva, I am so sorry that I opened my big mouth and ruined your special dinner. But you and Dawn are meant to be together! Don't throw away your chance at happiness just because we screwed up. We all make mistakes, but don't make the mistake of just giving up on Dawn. I have known her for many years, and I know she is a good person. You
know I would not want you to be with someone who I did not feel was going to treat you right. Dawn will love and treat you the way you should be treated. I hope you will find it in your heart to give her a second chance. She is totally distressed that you gave back the ring and are refusing to take her calls. She is so lost without you, she really misses having you in her life.”

  After Jane had left, Adiva sat and thought about what she had said. Dawn had only done the investigating out of concern for her. And in any case, Dawn's gut feeling about Yasmen was right on the money.

  She started to pull herself together. She got up to have a shower, and then dressed in a perky summer dress that was adorned with light-yellow roses. She wore her beige high heels with matching purse, did her hair up in a gorgeous bun, put some makeup on and was all set to go. The first place she was heading was to the travel agency.

  ***

  Adiva buzzed Dawn's apartment from the ground floor. Dawn could not believe her eyes when she saw it was Adiva on the video screen. She buzzed the main door entrance to let her in and quickly rushed to straighten up her hair and clothing. When she opened the door, standing there was the most beautiful vision of the person she missed so much—Adiva, the woman that had captured her heart. Adiva was holding two tickets in her hand.

  Dawn grinned and reached out to give her a big hug. “Please come in and stay awhile. You look so lovely and it’s so nice to see you, especially after I have caused you so much grief. I was wrong to do what I did.”

  “Dawn, I would prefer not to talk about the past, but instead I want to focus on the future—our future to be precise. If we can be honest and faithful to one another, this relationship is going to survive.”

  “Oh, I couldn’t agree more. Strong relationships will always have bumps in the road. I have learned a valuable lesson. I will do everything possible to please you as much as you please me, I promise with all my heart”.

  “By the way, do you still have that ring? My finger is looking a little bare without it” chuckled Adiva.

  Dawn was absolutely delighted to hear this as she rushed to the bedroom and came back with Adiva's ring, placing it on her finger and kissing her affectionately. Adiva said that Jane had stopped by her place earlier and they had talked about what was revealed in the investigation and she understood Dawn's reasons behind doing it. She held out two tickets to Dawn.

  “I am hoping you can join me for a Mediterranean cruise for our honeymoon. I have booked us a cruise for late July. What’s more, we had better get busy deciding when we are getting married and where we are going to live. Since all this planning is certainly going to work up an appetite, I suggest we make our way down to Gino's Italian Bistro to do a “take-two” on the celebratory dinner. You need to hurry up and get ready because we are going to meet up with Fern and Jane at the restaurant in half an hour. Dawn hugged and kissed Adiva saying she was so delighted that she had forgiven her. And the Mediterranean cruise, that was something she had always wanted to do. Now that she has found her soulmate, she is not going to be travelling alone in life any longer. Dawn ran into her room to get herself ready. Adiva looked at Dawn running off thinking this is the 'right woman' for me, that I will spend the rest of my days loving and sharing my life through thick and thin!

  “Hurry up Dawn,” Yelled Adiva. “The two best women that are standing up for our wedding want to meet us for dinner!”

  ~The End~

  Return to Table of Contents

  Desires of the Golden Girls

  Behind Closed Doors

  (Straight Romance with a Lesbian Twist)

  By: Tina Bedard

  Prologue

  _______

  Helen Patton had recently turned fifty, she was now officially in the golden girl club. For her, it wouldn't be so bad if she had a companion to share her life. Helen ached to have a partner to share intimate moments with, missing the warm touch of another across her skin.

  Living a lonely solitary life was not what Helen would have chosen, but it is the life she is now living. She had been married for twenty-three years, when suddenly she found herself being divorced. Her husband left her for a younger woman he had met at his poetry club three years previously.

  Sitting back enjoying a nice herbal tea on her back deck while surrounded by the peace and calm of her garden gives her much pleasure. But it does not fill that void in her life where she aches to be touched and held in a passionate embrace. Her mind wanders as she looks back into her past, to a time when she was full of love and passion and felt desired in a sexual way. It has been too long that she has gone without love and affection in her life. She wanted to have that back in her life, but was she too late or old to find her soulmate?

  So now Helen finds that she is living in an empty nest. If she didn't have her three close friends Rita, Lily, and Val, she wouldn't know what to do. Recently she had her three friends over for a girl's night at her place. Helen enjoyed the company of her friends, while sitting out on her back deck—sipping on long island iced-teas. Soon after, Rita mentioned an online dating site called “Golden Dates.” Rita suggested that Helen should check it out, that she should try to meet a hot male companion. Rita had explained that the people on this site were like themselves, in their golden years, looking for companionship. After some coaxing from Rita, Helen finally decides to check out the dating site, and this is her “Golden Dates” story.

  Chapter 1. New Member of “Golden Dates”

  ___________________________________

  “Sorry I’m late,” said Helen with a frustrated grin as she sat down. “It’s that damn traffic!”

  “No worries,” replied Rita. “Glad you could make it for brunch. So, did you—”

  Before another word could be said, an eager waitress interrupted, looking at Helen.

  “Hello ma’am. Your usual? Chi tea, mushroom omelet and brown toast?”

  “Yes, perfect, thanks so much.”

  “And yourself?” Asked the waitress.

  “Actually, that sounds perfect, I’ll have the same,” replied Rita. Until now she had been sitting impatiently, almost ready to explode. As soon as the waitress turned and walked away, she burst out, “So, did you chicken out?”

  “No, I didn’t chicken out. I joined last night after watching the Jimmy Fallon show. You are looking at a new member of the Golden Dates site,” replied Helen. “I can't believe I am on a dating site.”

  “Hey just because we are middle aged doesn't mean we are dead. We girls need some loving, just like everybody else,” replied Rita with a chuckle. “Just think about it, we might be able to go on a double date, how much fun will that be?”

  “Rita, this feels so weird—but at the same time it does have a bit of excitement to it, I have to admit,” replied Helen with a devilish grin as she thanked the waitress for her tea. “I haven't put a picture or any major details about my past, just my birth date, how old I am kind of thing, just basic info. I was wondering if you could come by on Sunday for lunch, and help me spruce it up a bit, that is if you are not too done-in from your big Saturday night date.”

  “I would love to come over Sunday and tell you all about my hot date—and get your profile spruced up, so you too can find yourself a hot stud. I’m going over to Sara's boutique shop after lunch to get myself a sexy outfit for Saturday night. I want a new dress, some very sexy lingerie, and maybe a new pair of shoes too,” replied Rita as she took a sip of her tea.

  “God, the last thing you need is a new pair of shoes, you have a whole closet full of them, in every color and shade known to humans!”

  “I know I do, but you know I love to shop, especially for a new dating outfit—I am feeling like a young schoolgirl—I am so pumped about Saturday.”

  “Where are you meeting your date—what was his name again?”

  “His name is Stan Barton, and I am meeting him at Claiborne’s Steakhouse in Rutland at seven. I have booked a hotel room at the Stanton Hotel for Saturday night, because I plan on having some
late-night fun—so I won't be driving back that night,” Rita replied with a catlike grin towards Helen.

  “Did Val seem okay to you the other day—she seemed a little on the quiet side I thought—is everything alright with her and Brian?” Replied Helen quietly over the table to Rita. The waitress placed their lunches on the table, the women thanked her, and she went on her way.

  “Well, now that you mention it, she was not her usually happy and yappy self,” replied Rita as she took a bite of her toast. But, keep in mind that Val is not one to talk about her troubles. It is like pulling teeth trying to find out what is going on with Val. I just hope that Brian is not out screwing around on her again. She should have left that useless man a long time ago. I would have kicked his sorry butt to the curb,” replied Rita with a look of disgust on her face, as she took a sip of her tea.

  “Val forgave him, and he promised to smarten up, but I just wonder if maybe he is back to his old tricks. I hope not for Val's sake. It would break her heart; she is such a sensitive soul. I'll give her a call and see if she wants to come over too, on Sunday for lunch. I'll invite Lily as well and make it a girl's luncheon,” Helen replied just before taking a mouthful of her omelet.

  “It looks like Lily was the smartest of the bunch of us—not getting married or having kids. Her life has been built around running her bed and breakfast, she seems happy enough,” replied Rita as she stirred her tea.

  “But not all of us are meant to be living a life of solitude,” said Helen. “Lily always has people around her at the bed and breakfast, she enjoys any time that she can spend alone.

  “Well, I don’t want to be alone. I want to find a lover, friend and companion all wrapped into one hot sexy body!” Rita laughed.