New Quarters

by Tey Holden

  “Yeah, I can’t believe how you make me feel either. What you did was amazing!”

  Karen smiled. “I love you baby, with all that I am and I don’t ever want to stop feeling like this! Karen started to cry unable to suppress her emotions.

  “I love you sweetie, I love you too.”

  “Ker?”

  “Yeah?” Karen knew what Addy was going to say and preempted the subject. She combed Addy’s hair back. “Ssssh! Don’t worry, we are not in any hurry. Things have moved at their own pace nothing between us has been rushed and look how things have turned out. We have the rest of our lives ahead of us, so, please don’t worry.”

  “It might take some time.”

  “Addy, it will be my first too, I played a lot, but I’ve never allowed anyone to come that close.” She didn’t finish her sentence because Addy kissed her.

  “Oh God, Ker, what a pair we are!”

  “Maybe that’s why we function so well.”

  “I like it like this, though, both exploring the same territory but coming from different ways or reasons.”

  Karen smiled at the comment. “I certainly love exploring with you. I’d dared to go—.”

  Addy finished the sentence. “To hell and back?”

  Karen grinned. “You remembered?”

  “Yes, that comment always struck me as interesting.” Karen chuckled.

  “I hope you liked your anniversary gift, baby,”

  “Addy, I never had a better gift in my life. I hoped you liked your gift too. I assure you, I’ve never given this gift to anyone.” Karen remarked.

  A very satisfied Addy responded. “I know, baby, you told me that night in New York.”

  “For God’s sake! Did I keep anything to myself that night?” Karen thought she was asking a rhetorical question, but apparently not because she did get an answer.

  “No, baby, you kept nothing to yourself.”

  Karen chuckled burying her face into Addy’s neck and shoulder. That night, the candles turned themselves off as the wicks burned. The last of the candles went out almost at dawn, which was just about when the anniversary celebration ended. They were exhausted and fell asleep as the sun slowly rose on the horizon.

  ***

  They got up late the next day. Karen was a bit nervous. She wanted to make sure Addy was okay with the previous night’s intimacy. I have to be extra attentive, reassuring and loving. What do I do? She was afraid to do or say the wrong thing or even have the wrong look on her face.

  Addy had her back to Karen, but when she opened her eyes, she felt Karen’s presence on the bed. This was unusual because Karen would always get up first, shower, make coffee and sometime she’d make breakfast and bring it upstairs, or bring coffee to her in bed. Yet today, she was there, barely moving. Addy smiled, immediately knowing that Karen was facing the dilemma of how to behave that morning. She had to figure out how to let Karen know that she was fine and last night had been incredibly awesome. Why don’t I just tell her that?

  Karen wrapped her arm around Addy’s belly and snuggled to her from the back. “I love you.”

  Addy covered Karen’s hand with hers, “Ker?”

  “Huh?”

  “I like it when you are like this.”

  “Like what?”

  “Lost, not knowing what to do or say.”

  “How do you know I feel that way?”

  “Because I know you. Last night was awesome, by the way.”

  Karen buried her face into Addy’s hair. “I’m so relieved. You have no idea how important it was for me that you liked it.”

  “Ssssh, you don’t need to say anything.” Addy turned to face her. “All is good, it’s actually perfect, just perfect.” Karen pulled away and looked at her. They smiled. “I can’t love you more, Ms. Larsen.”

  Karen smiled. “I was afraid that this morning you maybe have regrets, or—.”

  “Don’t you think I know that?”

  “Is there anything you don’t know, or can’t tell about me?”

  Addy twitched her mouth and pouted as she smiled. “No, and if there ever is, it won’t take me long to know.”

  “Are we okay, then?”

  “I was hoping that after last night, we’d be more than okay.” Addy grinned.

  “Ms. Marcos, you are more than okay, you are fantastic, fabulous, etc, etc, etc. I don’t think I know enough adjectives to describe you.” They kissed and held each other for a long time.

  “You know, Ker, I’m actually glad about last night. I also feel relieved.”

  Karen pulled back from their embrace and arched her right eyebrow. “Hmm, relieved? Why? What’s going on in that head of yours, Ms. Addy?”

  “Well, I read one romance novel that sort of scared the hell out of me.”

  Karen smiled, as Addy continued. “There was a love scene, and I found it too raw, so I started to wonder if after a certain point the animal instincts kicks in and that’s all there is to it.”

  “And?”

  “It’s not like that at all. It depends on how the people feel about each other.”

  “Addy, you can’t go by what you read. Plain sex is different that a relationship where there is love. Sex is the best thing in the world when shared with the person you adore. Love makes all the difference. Last night was unique and special, baby, I had—.”

  She couldn’t finish. Addy kissed her, while Karen continued to smile. “Larsen, are you forgetting I know all about you? Actually you are about to ask me the name of the book I read. Confess!”

  Karen started to laugh, as Addy swatted her and tickled her. “So, are you going to tell me?”

  “No way, you are not getting any ideas from any book, missy, you are pretty good coming up with your own!”

  They wrestled on the bed and Karen ended up pinning her down. “I win!”

  “You always win, Ms. Larsen, haven’t you noticed yet?”

  Loving green eyes couldn’t possibly say more as they were pulled down to find very hungry lips.

  ***

  After a few hours, they tore away from each other, got up and made breakfast. They were planning to go to the town carnival. It was an annual festival when all the businesses in town had discounts and sales and there were free shows in the town’s community center. People would just gather to eat, drink, shop and have a good time.

  It was an unusually warm day in March as they strolled along Main Street. It only took a few minutes before they spotted Mr. Kimbell and Mrs. Laura McKenzie chatting very amicably and greeted them. Across the street, in the distance, they spotted Dr. Naylor sitting by the window in Carol’s coffee shop. As they continued down the street they came across Mary with her arm around another woman going into the Carriage House Inn. Addy looked at Karen. “Oh, oh!” Addy exclaimed.

  “Addy, let’s not make any assumptions about what we have just seen. For all we know that could be her sister, or a good friend.”

  Addy laughed. “If I had a sister, I don’t think I’d be that cozy with her. I think Ms. Mary has found some side entertainment. The sad part is that she doesn’t even hide it. Anyone could see her here. She could have gone to another inn in another town. I feel sorry for Carol.” Addy added.

  “Maybe Carol knows. Sometimes love blinds people. They just don’t want to see what is very obvious.”

  “Ker, she knows. I could tell when you introduced her to me. She was glad to see that you weren’t available. She knew that Mary had already checked you out.”

  Karen raised her eyebrows and grinned. “Yeah, I remember how you staked your claim that day.”

  “Ha, ha. I was just making sure she knew no one would roll on my turf without a fight.”

  Karen continued to grin. Karen always nodded thinking to herself whether Addy had any idea of the absurdity of her words. How could she still not know that she is my everything?

  Addy saw the smile on Karen’s face and smiled as well. There was no doubt in Addy’s mind about Karen’s complete faithfulness.
She knew that Karen would never look at another woman in her life again. However, just because of that, she felt like she needed to let Karen know that she was desirable, and that she was willing to put up a fight with anyone wanting to ‘roll on her turf,’ as she would so often put it to Karen’s delight.

  Addy swatted her. “I had to! That woman would have eaten you up alive.”

  “Addy—.”

  Addy stopped walking, and put her hand out to stop Karen. “Stop, look, we have trouble ahead.”

  “Oh, God!” At the end of the street was Carol profusely waving at them. “Shit!”

  “Hi, you guys! Come over and have some coffee.”

  They crossed the street and went towards Carol. “Hi Carol, how are you? Dr. Naylor?”

  “Good afternoon ladies. How are you today? Please sit down and have some coffee.”

  “We are fine. Have you heard from Sarah? How is her son doing?”

  “Oh, he is very well. That was some drive Ms. Larsen. I’m afraid you might be known as the town’s rescue driver now.” Dr. Naylor laughed.

  “Dr. Naylor, let’s hope we don’t have to repeat a drive like that ever again.”

  “I’m with you on that one. I still have blisters from the shoveling. Please, join me for coffee.”

  Carol interjected. “Can I bring you some of my pastries also?”

  “Please, I can’t wait to have them again.”

  “Baked fresh every morning.” Carol said proudly.

  They sat back to talk to Dr. Naylor while Carol ran inside to get the pastries, and their coffees.

  Addy tried the sweets when Carol brought an assortment for them. “Wow! Carol these are really good.” Do you think you can make some for the inn? Maybe we can serve them at tea time.”

  “Very English. Yes, I think people would like to have their high tea. It’s classy. Listen, I’ll give you an assortment on consignment at first, and if people like them, maybe I can provide you a regular supply every morning.” Addy immediately took the offer to heart.

  “Carol, you are a savvy business woman. I accept your terms. I love your pastries, and I think they will be very popular. In fact I think you should select a proprietary brand. Just in case it picks up and you need to start shipping it to people who might want to still eat them at home. Who knows you may be famous one day for your pastries! What’s the calorie content?”

  Karen listened to the conversation astonished. Addy had already declared the pastries good enough for the world and had futuristic plans for their endless possibilities, among which was serving tea in an inn which had yet to materialize, and that to date looked like a war zone. Karen looked at Dr. Naylor and smiled politely, but quickly looked away to prevent Dr. Naylor from detecting her astonishment. Am I the only sane person in this town?

  As the conversation continued about the fantastic pastries, and how Carol had come across the recipes and the different techniques used to do this, that or the other, Karen who was bored to death by now spotted Mary coming up the street. Mary and Carol lived in an apartment above the pastry shop. Mary greeted them and immediately excused herself stating that she needed to take a shower. Karen arched her brow. She couldn’t even bring herself to look at her. She probably needed a shower to remove the scent of the other woman on her. Ten minutes later, Mary rejoined the group. “Sorry I’m late, dear. I was visiting Sarah to see how her son was doing.” Mary explained. Addy and Karen looked at each other discretely. Sarah? Carol then proceeded to tell Mary about the deal she had made with Addy.

  “Oh you will sell them. Carol’s pastries are the best.” Mary stated.

  Yeah, but you’ve been eating somebody else’s cookies! Thought Karen. She had never really liked Mary for obvious reasons, but now she couldn’t stand the sight of her.

  Addy noticed Karen’s face and came up with an excuse to leave immediately. Although in her younger years, Karen had been a player, she was very serious about commitment, and cheaters infuriated her. When they were in the car, Karen voiced her opinion. “Addy, you know I can’t fake it. I’m sorry, baby, I don’t want anything to do with Mary. I just hope she will not be delivering the pastries to the inn.”

  “Oh my God, Ker, I didn’t think of that. Do you think she’ll come on to you?”

  “I hope she doesn’t, because if she does I’m going to give her something she won’t forget.” She punched her right hand with her left fist.

  “Ker, cool down. We’ll handle her. Addy paused and for an instant she was in total silence, then she spoke again. “If she comes on to you, I may be the one punching her.” Karen said nothing and smiled contentedly out the window.

  Part 9

  No matter how things were rushed, unexpected situations occurred and the inn was not able to open until July. Much to Karen’s surprise, things gradually began to take shape during the spring, and she became much more relaxed. After the work was completed everyone was happy. The décor was luxurious and the practice run went marvelously. The chefs they hired, Andre and Margo Russoo, a husband and wife team, turned out to be perfect. They were both graduates of a major European culinary school and their food was amazing. They had a restaurant on the outskirts of town but it only opened for dinner, which was usually after five in the evening. Because their mornings were free, they agreed, on a trial basis, to cook breakfast at the inn in exchange for dinner referrals to their restaurant with the inn arranging transportation, if the guests requested it. The Historical Society also put together tours to the different landmarks in the shire for the guests to explore the sites.

  The inn’s accommodations were magnificent. The pool and hot tub were finished to perfection, and a nearby spa agreed to provide services for the guests. Guests could rent bicycles, or sail on the lake, or go horseback riding, or simply go for a romantic countryside ride on an open horse drawn carriage.

  All was nice and going perfect. The public relations firm Karen hired did a very good job at giving them exposure. When they were due to open, the inn was booked to capacity. Within the first week, they were booked for the next three months and within the next three months they were booked for the year. Including winter, as the inn provided a romantic setting to cuddle with any love interest, or join the restaurant tour for the seasonal fares.

  The inn was a complete success and all who risked their time and effort to make it happen basked in their achievement. All the contractors’ businesses had taken off on account of all the exposure received. Sandy and Cindy became famous overnight, as people began to ask who was responsible for the exquisite décor. Addy and Karen had collected everyone’s business cards and handed them out left and right. Craftsmen, pool service, chimney services, anyone who helped them build the inn profited from their referrals.

  Sandy and Cindy were retained for massive projects. Andre and Margo’s restaurant was always booked solid. The pubs in town were overflowing with customers and the shops were booming. Every Saturday during summer and fall there was some kind of activity or festival in town where the local businesses showcased their products. Even vendors from nearby towns came to exhibit their products in Altee. The Chamber of Commerce provided a trolley to take tourists to the different locations around town and the inn. There was even a taxi service in town now.

  The inn had put the town of Altee on the map, and was drawing a lot of affluent city people seeking refuge in luxurious accommodations in the solace of the quiet countryside. Soon after opening, the inn was also providing packed lunches for country picnics and for poolside eating. Reservations were being made for horseback riding, and sailing lessons, and even fishing in the nearby streams. All these businesses, although owned by other individuals, eventually became affiliated with the inn.

  Addy decided that they had to concentrate their efforts on running the inn and therefore, she came into arrangements whereby the guests would pay them for the amenities, and then they would remit a percentage of the income to the affiliated businesses. Since everyone came initially to the inn, it became t
he source of customers to all other the businesses. According to a very happy Karen, by not owning the affiliated business, their liability was minimized.

  Six months after opening, the inn had its own restaurant. Andre and Margo loved the ambiance at the inn and the constant flow of people. They decided that running the inn’s restaurant they could make as much money as they would independently because they had less overhead expenses, so they closed their place and worked the restaurant at the inn. Karen and Addy were delighted because their food was a gastronomic delicacy.

  The wonderful reviews received made the inn the number one place to stay in Scotland. The restaurant also made it to the top of the charts. The rich, the famous, the up and coming, and even a few royals stayed at the Inn of Scotland. It came to be that anyone wanting to be socially accepted would have had to stay at least a couple of nights at the Inn of Scotland. This word-of-mouth publicity added to the inn’s allure.

  ***

  They were having a small private celebration in their hot tub one night. “Ms. Marcos, I owe you at the very least, a curtsy. You, my dear, are like King Midas. What you touch turns to gold.”

  “Thank you for the complement, but instead, I’d like you to remember those words just in case I have some other future idea that you might think to be crazy. Remember, you can’t go wrong with me, honeybunch.” They toasted their champagne glasses, even though they weren’t drinking champagne or white wine for that matter. Addy didn’t like either. They toasted with a very red, bold Rioja wine as they nibbled on Manchego cheese and Cantinpalo sausage.

  “No, I have not ever gone wrong with you, that’s for sure.” Karen raised her eyebrows in a very suggestive way.

  Addy wrinkled her nose and smirked. “Just remember what you’ve just said! You know me, something new might come up.”

  “I will. And, if anything ever goes wrong, I guess, I will have to overlook it, for the many times you were right.” Karen kissed her.

  “Should I be recording this?”

  Karen laughed. “You don’t have to, baby, my word is as good as gold.” Addy laughed, thinking that the Rioja wine was having too much of an effect on Karen already.