by Lydia Rose
“Yes, she did,” Jessica said softly before going back to work.
*
“Well?” Kay asked the moment Taylor walked into the office.
“We’ve got a commercial. As a matter of fact, it was fantastic.” Taylor walked toward her office with Kay on her tail.
“So why don’t you look happy?” Kay asked taking a seat as Taylor took off her suit jacket.
“I am happy.” Taylor took her seat and didn’t look at Kay.
“Tell me,” Kay asked leaning toward Taylor. She knew her friend well and there was something she was holding back.
“Tell you what?” At Taylor’s questions, Kay rolled her eyes. “I think I found her,” she said softly.
“Who?” Kay asked taking her seat again.
“The woman from the club,” she answered through tight lips.
“That’s great.” Then she looked at Taylor’s face. “Why do I think that you aren’t happy about it?”
“I think she recognized me from the first time I was there. If that’s true, she isn’t interested in me.”
“How do you know that?”
“Because she barely looks at me and I saw her in the elevator the first time I was there.” Taylor didn’t know how to explain that Jessica looked at her hoping Taylor wouldn’t recognize her. “She looks terrified that I might recognize her.”
“Are you sure it’s her?”
“Eighty percent sure. She used a term that night and I heard her say it today.”
“What term?” Kay asked looking at her friend.
“Uh,” Taylor began, but then closed her mouth.
Kay lifted her eyebrow. “Just say it.”
“Holy fucking almighty,” she said barely audible, but she knew Kay heard her because she burst out laughing. Her eyes went to her friend who was now wiping her eyes. “I had the same reaction the first time I heard her say that.”
“That is so funny. You didn’t recognize her before that?”
“No. She wore a mask that night. Remember?”
“How do you know she recognized you? You had a mask on too.”
“I think she recognized my eyes. She commented on them that night.”
“Yeah, they are unusual,” Kay said putting her hand on her chin. “So, what are you going to do?”
“Do? I’m not going to do anything.”
“You could always ask her out.” Kay wanted nothing more than to have her friend find someone that she could love.
“She isn’t interested in me. Her body language made that very clear.” Taylor wished it could be different, but knew that was wishful thinking. She also knew that Brooke wouldn’t be happy to hear that she was dating an employee of hers. Jessica was probably worried about losing her job also. No, she decided, best to pretend and remain strangers.
CHAPTER 6
Jessica was on her way downstairs to meet Terry for lunch when the door opened up in the lobby. Before she could step out, someone was blocking her exit. She looked up and met the pale blue eyes. “Ms. Jamison,” she said allowing Taylor to enter.
“Hello, Jessica.” Taylor watched as Jessica stepped out into the lobby. Her finger went to the button to keep the door from closing. “It was good to see you again, J,” she said wearing a grin. Before Jessica could comment, the door began to close, but Taylor saw the shocked expression on Jessica’s face.
Jessica ran toward the cafeteria the moment the door closed. Finding Terry sitting at a corner table, she quickly hurried over. “She knows it’s me,” she said out of breath.
“Slow down, Jess. Who knows what?” Terry asked putting down her sandwich.
“Taylor. She knows it’s me.”
Terry’s face went pale. “Are you sure?” Jessica nodded her head. “How?”
“She called me J.”
“Oh my god.” Terry’s hand went to her mouth. “What are you going to do?”
“Do?” she asked raising her voice. “I’m going to do nothing. Brooke would have my head.” Her eyes opened wide. “You don’t think she’ll tell Brooke, do you?”
Terry laughed unable to answer for a minute. “Are you kidding? What do you think she is going to do? Walk into Brooke’s office and say, ‘Oh by the way, I had sex with one of your employees at a sex club.’ Be real, Jess. She isn’t going to say anything.”
*
Over the next few days, Jessica was still worried. She knew that Terry was right, but she thought she would be found out somehow. Her phone rang at just before five o’clock. “Jess Anderson,” she said picking up the phone.
“Hello, Jessica. This is Taylor Jamison. I realize you are at work, so you don’t have to say my name.”
“Okay,” Jessica answered nervously.
“I just wanted to let you know that I won’t do or say anything to jeopardize your job.”
“Thank you.”
“I saw how startled you were when you realized I recognized you.” Taylor took a breath before she continued knowing Jessica didn’t want to have this conversation. Kay had told her not to call and Taylor had fought that urge for days, but here she was calling. “I know you recognized me. I think from the moment we met,” she weakly chuckled.
“Yeah. It was your eyes,” Jessica admitted now wearing a weary smile.
Taylor also laughed. “I can see it would be hard to hide my eyes behind a mask and you did comment on them.”
“How did you know it was me? I certainly don’t have memorable eyes.”
“Yes, you do, Jessica. Your eyes are beautiful.” The words had left her mouth before her brain could stop her.
“Thank you, but how did you know?”
“Your expletive.”
“What did I say?” Jessica asked not remembering.
“When your co-worker was squeezing you because she was happy,” Taylor paused, “you said ‘Holy fucking almighty.’”
“Fuck,” Jessica said under her breath.
“When you said that, I understood the looks you were giving me,” Taylor admitted and continued. “At first I just thought you were nervous around me.”
“I am nervous around you,” Jessica said quickly. “Now I really have something to fear from you.”
“No, you don’t, Jess. I would never do anything to hurt you. Please believe me.”
Jessica didn’t speak for a few minutes. She let the silence continue, but said, “I believe you.”
“I’m glad. Well, I guess that’s all I had to say. It really was good seeing you again, J,” she paused, “I mean Jessica.”
Jessica liked the way Taylor used her initial instead of her name. It was as if she were using a term of endearment. “You too,” she answered without saying Taylor’s name.
CHAPTER 7
“Hello, April,” Taylor said answering the phone.
“Hey, stranger. Are you still working day and night on that software?” her friend asked.
Taylor couldn’t help, but chuckle. “Of course.”
“Seven days a week yet?” April asked shaking her head even though Taylor couldn’t see her.
“I’m not working Saturdays right now.”
“Good because that movie about the two lesbian women is out this weekend. How about Saturday night?”
Taylor thought for a few minutes. She had grocery shopping to do and laundry. “Yes,” she answered. Taylor realized that she could do those other things during the day and enjoy herself at night. “Do you want me to pick you up?”
“Not necessary. I’ll pick you up at seven.” April chuckled. “At least this way, I know you’ll be coming.”
“You know me too well,” she said sarcastically.
“You know it, my friend.” April now turned serious. “I’ve missed spending time with you these last few months.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
*
Taylor was in the living room waiting for April to pick her up. Her laptop was calling her, but she refused to open it and work. Tonight, she was going to enjoy herself.
Even if it was only for a few hours, work would just have to wait until tomorrow. The horn signaled April’s arrival. Taylor opened the car door and slid into the seat. “Hi, April.” She leaned toward her friend and kissed her cheek.
“Hi, sweetie. Thanks for going with me tonight.”
“I’m glad you called.” Taylor was now squeezing April’s hand. “So, what’s going on with you?”
“Nothing,” she said sighing. “Absolutely nothing.”
“You need to get over Carol and get back out there.”
“Yeah, just like you, huh?” April asked before she continued. “We’ve both been screwed over and it isn’t easy for either one of us to trust again.”
“I know, honey, but as soon as this software is done, I’m going to try again.”
“So, you told me that the girls were taking you to that sex club. How was it?” April asked glancing at Taylor and saw the smile on her face. “That good?”
The smile left Taylor’s face quickly. “It was okay.”
“I know there is more to that story than you are saying, but unfortunately we’re here.” April shut off the engine. “We will talk after the movie.”
They got out of the car and went to purchase their tickets. As they walked to the concession stand, Taylor stopped in her tracks. At the counter, she saw Jessica with a woman.
“What’s wrong?” April asked seeing her friend stop walking.
“Nothing,” she answered and caught up to April. They were now standing behind Jessica and her date. Taylor watched as Jessica turned around and nearly dropped the popcorn she was holding. “Hello, Jessica.”
“Oh, Ms. Jamison,” she said swallowing hard.
“Taylor, please.” She now looked at the woman who was with Jessica. “Hi. I’m Taylor and this is April.”
“Forgive me,” Jessica said remembering her manners. “Ann, this is Taylor Jamison.” The women shook hands. Jessica reached for Ann’s elbow. “Enjoy your movie.”
April watched as the women walked away. “What the hell was that all about?”
Taylor handed the sodas to April. “She works for the firm that is doing the advertising for my software.”
April grabbed her arm to stop her from walking. “There is more than that to the story. I saw the look on both your faces.”
Taylor ignored her friend and continued into the theatre. In the dim light, they took their seats never noticing that Ann and Jessica were sitting two rows in front of them.
“So, who is the hottie?” Ann asked leaning toward Jessica’s ear.
“A client from the firm,” she answered, shoving a handful of popcorn into her mouth.
Her arm went around Jessica’s shoulder. “You can tell me,” she began looking at her best friend. “Do you like her?”
Jessica chuckled. “I told you she is a client.”
“She is beautiful. I mean for an older woman.”
Again, Jessica laughed. “She isn’t that much older than we are.”
“I would say late thirties or early forties, but she looks great. Do you have her phone number?” Ann whispered into Jessica’s ear.
This time Jessica pushed Ann away from her. “No I don’t, and if I did, I wouldn’t give it to you.”
Ann laughed and the person in front of her gave her a dirty look. “It’s only previews,” she said to the woman. “I know you like her. Don’t try to deny it.”
Luckily the lights went down and the movie began. From the rows behind, Taylor was watching the two women interact. She wondered how long Jessica and Ann had been dating because to her they seemed more like friends than lovers. She never noticed April speaking to her until she felt her hand on her arm. “Sorry.”
“I said, the screen is up there,” she said chuckling softly. “She’s pretty.”
“Who?” Taylor asked pretending she didn’t know who April was talking about.
“We will talk after the movie,” she said turning back to the screen.
Taylor had a hard time following the movie because her eyes kept drifting to the blond in front of her.
When the final credits appeared on the screen both she and April stood up. “It was very good,” Taylor said before walking to the aisle of the theatre.
“It was. How about walking over to that coffee shop down the street?” April watched as Taylor nodded her head.
“First, I need to make a pit stop.” Taylor hurried to the ladies’ room as they exited the theatre. By the time Taylor appeared again, April was standing by the exit. “Ready?”
“Yes,” she answered taking Taylor’s arm. “That friend of Jessica’s is really cute.” Taylor’s feet stumbled for a moment before she turned to look at her friend. “What? I was just making an observation.”
“I’m sure Jessica wouldn’t be happy to hear that you are trying to steal her girlfriend.”
“I just said she was cute.”
“Yeah, right. I’ve seen that look before.” They walked into the coffee shop and ordered their drinks. After they got their drinks, Taylor turned and looked at the full café. “I guess everyone had the same idea,” she said not seeing an empty seat.
“Why don’t you sit with us?” a voice called out from the side.
Taylor looked and saw Ann and Jessica sitting at a table. Her eyes scanned the room again hoping someone had left so they could sit by themselves. Unfortunately, no one had and April now took her elbow and led them to the table.
“Thanks,” April said as she took a seat next to Ann.
“This place seems to get very crowded after the movies,” Ann offered, looking at April.
Taylor and Jessica still hadn’t said a word to each other as they sipped their drinks quietly.
“Did you like the movie?” April asked the table.
“We did,” Ann again answered for herself and Jessica. “It was very tasteful and had a good story.” Her eyes glazed. “That Katie is one hot actress,” she said chuckling.
April pointed her finger firmly. “Better watch that or your girlfriend might get jealous,” she said glancing at Jessica.
“Girlfriend?” Ann broke into a fit of laughter. “She isn’t my girlfriend. We are friends. Best friends since grammar school, but never dated.” Ann watched as Taylor’s eyes looked at her before her eyes moved over to Jessica.
I guess I was right. “April and I have been best friends since college,” Taylor offered before April could respond. “What is it you do, Ann?” Taylor asked now feeling more relaxed with the confirmation that the two women were not a couple.
“I work in the administration department of the hospital,” Ann answered and turned to April. “What about you?” she asked smiling at April.
“I’m a teacher and Taylor is in software development. She owns her own firm,” April answered for both of them.
The table got quiet, but Ann and April continued to watch each other as if they were the only ones at the table. Jessica looked at the two women and turned her gaze to Taylor. A slight grin appeared on her face as they both recognized what was happening. “I’d say we should leave these two alone, but there aren’t any tables yet,” she said leaning toward Taylor who just nodded her response. “How about a refill?” Jessica asked the two women who seemed to be oblivious of the other women.
“Sure,” Ann answered.
“Come on, Taylor,” Jessica said already standing. “I figured we could give them a few minutes to exchange information.”
“I didn’t realize you were a matchmaker,” Taylor said with a chuckle and her eyes fell on Jessica’s rear end. Her eyes closed in remembering how it felt in her hands. Her eyes opened as they placed the order.
“I didn’t have to,” Jessica said after the order was placed. “You could feel the electricity between them the moment they met.”
“If you say so,” Taylor shrugged. “The only comment April made was that she thought Ann was cute.”
“Well, there you go.” Both women chuckled as they picked up the coffees.
Walking back to the table, Jessica put the coffee in front of the two women who didn’t even notice their return. Jessica nodded to a table that had just opened and walked toward it. “Do you think they’ll miss us?” Taylor asked chuckling.
“Not at all.” Taking their seats, Jessica asked, “How is the software going?”
“Great,” she answered smiling. “We should be ready to go to market in the next week. We’re just working out some bugs.”
“Have you got anything else in the works?” Jessica asked trying to keep the conversation from getting personal.
“We do, but this time it’s going to be something fun.” Taylor was smiling as she thought about the software that was only in the early stages.
“What is it?” Jessica asked doubting Taylor would tell her.
The grin on Taylor’s face said it all. “I wish I could tell you, but it’s too early to say anything at this stage.”
“I understand. Talking about something like this is like the government talking about war plans.”
Taylor chuckled. “Well, I wouldn’t go that far, but right now it’s top secret.”
The conversation suddenly quieted. All talk of business had reached its end and neither woman wanted to discuss anything that might be too personal. “Do you think we should go back to the table and end their love fest?”
“Yeah, I’m tired and want to go home.” Taylor and Jessica stood and walked over to the table. “Are you ready to go, April?” she asked trying to get her friend’s attention.
April turned slowly and looked up at Taylor. “I guess. Sure.” She turned back to Ann. “I’ll call you.”
Ann smiled at April and then looked at Taylor. “It was nice to meet you, Taylor.”
“You too,” Taylor said returning her smile. She turned to Jessica. “It was good to see you again.”
Jessica smiled and nodded. “Enjoy the rest of your evening.”
CHAPTER 8
Jessica wasn’t at her desk for more than ten minutes when Brooke poked her head into the room. “Jess, can I speak with you?”
“Sure, Brooke.” She stood up and followed Brooke to her office.
