Bound Together

by Lydia Rose

  “Have a seat, Jess.”

  Jessica now began to feel a dread come over her body. She couldn’t remember doing anything wrong, but the look on Brooke’s face was anything, but friendly. “Is everything all right?” she finally asked.

  Brooke pursed her lips before speaking. “I’ll just come to the point.” There was a long pause. “Someone saw you with Taylor Jamison.”

  Jessica felt her insides tense up. Brooke hadn’t given her content and now the club flashed through her head. “Excuse me?” she asked innocently.

  “Saturday night, you two were having coffee together,” Brooke added with her arms crossed.

  Jessica let out the breath she had been holding and grinned. “I guess the person wasn’t there long enough to actually know what happened.” She watched as Brooke leaned forward. “I went to the movies with my friend and met Taylor and her friend there.” She now saw the strained look on Brooke’s face begin to relax. “We all ended up in the same coffee shop after the movies. Anyway, to make a long story short, my friend and Taylor’s friend hit it off and we gave them some alone time.” Jess was now leaning forward too. “I am not dating Taylor Jamison and she has no interest in me either.”

  A smile crossed Brooke’s face. “I was hoping it was something innocent like that, but I still worried.”

  “Because I’m gay and she’s gay?” Jessica asked with her arms crossed.

  “I wasn’t sure that Taylor was,” she said with a shrug. “How do you know she is?”

  Now you did it. Let’s see you talk yourself out of this one. Think, you idiot. “It’s a gaydar thing,” she said quickly and watched Brooke’s brows furrow. “It was mentioned when we were having coffee.”

  Brooke’s face relaxed again. “I’m sorry, Jess, but I had to ask. Ms. Jamison’s account is very important to this firm and I needed to make sure we didn’t have a conflict.” Brooke stood up with her hand extended.

  “I understand, Brooke.” Jessica took the extended hand.

  *

  Taylor walked through the office checking on the progression of the software. Satisfied that everything was moving forward, she turned and caught Kay’s attention. “Guess who April and I ran into at the movies?”

  Kay shrugged. “I have no idea.”

  “Jessica and her best friend.”

  “It almost seems like destiny with the two of you.” Taylor chuckled at her comment. “It does.”

  “It is not destiny. It was a lesbian film’s premier and nothing more.” Taylor grinned. “April hit it off with Jessica’s friend. I think they are going to start dating.”

  “Well, at least one of you has the courage to go for it.”

  Taylor grumbled. “Jessica and I are nothing more than friends and barely that. She works for our advertisers. If her boss thought there was anything more, she would lose her job.”

  “It doesn’t seem like a sacrifice to me.” Her hands came out like a pendulum. “Love or job? I know what I would choose.”

  “You say that because you’ve never had to choose. Jessica is well-respected at her job and to lose her job would set her career back.” Taylor sighed. “I would never ask her to do that.”

  “Can you live with that decision?” Kay asked moving closer to her friend and employer.

  “Of course. It’s not like we’re in love or anything.” No, of course not. Then how come she is always on your mind? How come you look forward to the next time you run into her? No, you have no feelings for her. “We had fun for one night and that’s it.”

  Kay turned to leave. “Keep telling yourself that.”

  Taylor watched as her friend walked away. “I will,” she said softly.

  CHAPTER 9

  Kay’s words echoed in Taylor’s head long after their conversation had ended. She was confused about her feelings and wondered if she could just ignore the attraction she had for Jessica when her phone rang. “Taylor Jamison,” she said picking up the receiver.

  “Hello, Taylor. This is Brooke Levi.”

  “Hello, Brooke. What can I do for you?” she asked, wanting to say I know what you can do for me.

  “I just wanted to let you know that we are getting a lot of hits on the media advertisement.”

  “I know because our sales are soaring. We couldn’t be happier, Brooke, with the results of the campaign. We just hope we can sustain this average.”

  “Well, if you start to see a drop in sales, we can come up with something new to bring the software to the forefront again.”

  “Thanks. I appreciate everything you and your employees have done.”

  Brooke chuckled. “Yes, I even heard you and Jessica ended up at the same movie and coffee shop.”

  Taylor was quiet for a moment wondering if Jessica had said something. She finally said, “Yeah, we did.” Taylor didn’t volunteer more information.

  Brooke continued, “I hope,” she paused, “I hope Jessica didn’t do anything to upset you?”

  Taylor couldn’t believe what she was hearing. Swallowing hard, she tried to get her temper under control. “I can assure you that Jessica did nothing to upset me. Now if there is nothing else, I’ve got a meeting to go to.”

  “Oh, yes, of course. Let me know if you need anything from me.” Brooke could tell she had upset Taylor.

  Taylor hung up the phone with a little more force then she intended and watched as Kay raised her eyebrows in the doorway. “Hey,” she said lifting her head.

  “Everything okay?” Kay asked stepping into the office.

  “Yeah,” she answered, not wanting to tell her how annoyed the phone call had made her. Taylor wanted to get Jessica on the phone and find out if she was all right, but was afraid that Brooke would threaten her job.

  Taylor walked into her apartment and she went to the kitchen and poured herself a glass of wine. Sitting at the snack bar, she picked up her phone. “Hey, April. How are you?”

  “Fantastic, Taylor.”

  “I guess you and Ann are still together,” she said chuckling.

  “Yes. She is wonderful, Taylor. I can’t believe I’ve finally found someone to spend my life with.”

  “Whoa, April. You two have only been dating for what, ten days?” Taylor asked trying to bring her friend back to earth.

  “The best ten days of my life. She is everything that I’ve ever wanted, Taylor. Ann is fantastic and I want to spend all my time with her.” April wanted to go on with her praises, but Taylor cut her off.

  “Have you spent any time with Jessica?” she asked casually.

  “Oh, so that’s why the phone call, huh?” April began chuckling.

  Taylor grumbled. “Okay. I did want to know how you and Ann were doing, but I wanted to see if Jessica is all right?”

  “All right? What happened?”

  Taylor went on to explain the phone call she had with Brooke. “I was worried.”

  “Ann hasn’t mentioned anything to me, but I can find out if you’d like?” April asked knowing her friend was worried.

  “Do it casually, April. I don’t want her to think I’m worried about her or anything.”

  “No, of course you aren’t worried.” April gave a slight laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll do it without involving you.”

  “Thanks, honey.”

  Taylor didn’t hear back from April until Saturday afternoon. Her mind had been filled with horrible scenarios of Jessica losing her job because of her involvement with her. The only thing keeping her going was Brooke didn’t have any idea about the two women in the club. “How are you?” Taylor asked when she answered the phone call.

  “Good. Sorry I didn’t get back to you sooner, but I didn’t want to make it obvious asking about Jess.” April took a breath. “We had a double date with her last night. Ann wanted to introduce Jessica to one of her co-workers.”

  Taylor felt her stomach drop. Then she shook her head shaking away her thoughts. Jessica didn’t belong to her. She could see anyone she wanted. “How did that go?” Taylor aske
d softly.

  “Not good. It definitely wasn’t love at first sight like Ann and myself. They had nothing in common. I grant you, the woman was beautiful, but Jessica seemed to have no interest.”

  “Were you able to ask her about work?” Taylor asked changing the subject.

  “Yes. She said everything was okay, but there was something in her eyes that made me believe that wasn’t true.”

  “Shit,” Taylor said and then realized she had said that out loud.

  April’s response was to laugh. “Ann told me later that Jessica hasn’t been happy at work for a long time. Way before you, so stop worrying.”

  “How can I not worry? I may have made her work environment worse.” Taylor let out a deep breath. “Did she seem upset?”

  “Only with who Ann set her up with,” April said with a laugh. “At the end of the night, I thought Jess was going to kill her best friend.”

  “That will teach Ann to play matchmaker.” Taylor was happy to hear that the match didn’t work. She didn’t know why because she was never going to get the opportunity to take Jessica out on a date. It was just the thought of someone else making love to her that didn’t feel right.

  CHAPTER 10

  Months had gone by and either April hadn’t seen Jessica or she had nothing to pass on to Taylor. The new software concept had been developed, but they were still working on the coding. Taylor spent many late evenings in the office working, but now that Friday night was here, she was done for the week. Kay had made her promise that she wouldn’t work the weekend because they couldn’t afford for her to get sick. So, she left the building alone and drove home to an empty apartment.

  The next morning Taylor drove to the mall. Now that the weather was becoming milder, she needed some things for spring. Searching through the racks and not finding anything she wanted, she looked up and saw Jessica searching through another rack. Her eyes scanned the area wondering if any of Jessica’s co-workers could be close by. Still staring, the blond raised her eyes as if she knew she was being watched. A smile crossed her face and her hand came up in a wave. Taylor easily returned the wave then realized she would have to be careful. Her eyes went back to the racks as she searched for the perfect outfit. Never noticing someone standing next to her until a voice spoke.

  “Is everything all right, Taylor?” Jessica asked standing next to her.

  “Uh, no,” she answered, but her eyes darted again to the people milling around.

  Seeing Taylor scanning the room, her eyes also searched. “Who are we looking for?” she asked with a chuckle.

  “Aren’t you concerned that someone you work with might be around?” At Taylor’s question, her face showed she didn’t understand. “You know, so they don’t report back to Brooke,” Taylor further explained.

  This time instead of a perplexed look, Jessica began to laugh. “Sorry. I don’t mean to laugh, but I couldn’t care less.”

  “Aren’t you worried about losing your job?” Taylor asked not understanding Jessica’s casualness.

  “Oh,” she said softly. “I guess you didn’t hear.” A smile again was on her face. “I left Levi & Jensen.”

  “You did?” Taylor asked with eyes wide.

  Jessica nodded. “How about a cup of coffee?” Taylor nodded and followed her to the food court.

  The moment they sat down with their drinks, Taylor said, “I’m sorry.”

  “For?” Jessica asked with a grin.

  “For you losing your job,” she said without meeting Jessica’s gaze.

  “I didn’t get fired, Taylor. I quit,” she said grinning. Seeing Taylor’s expression didn’t change, she continued, “I’ve wanted to do that for a long time now.” She smirked. “I think the incident with you was the final straw.” Jessica’s hand came out almost touching Taylor’s before she realized what she was doing. “My commercial would never have been chosen if you liked the one Brooke had chosen. I was never going to be taken seriously there.”

  “Do you have another job?” Taylor asked still concerned.

  “I do and I couldn’t be happier. I am head of the media department.” She smiled. “I took Terry with me as my assistant.” The worried look on Taylor’s face finally eased. “Feel better now?”

  “Yes. I was so worried that you were going to lose your job because of me. You don’t know how your news has lifted a weight off my shoulders.” Taylor took a drink of her coffee feeling relaxed. “So, you like your job?”

  “I do. It’s a small firm, but we have some great clients.” Jessica grinned. “Maybe you will give our firm a shot when you have another software to promote?”

  “Of course, I will,” Taylor answered smiling at the blond.

  “Would you like to have dinner with me tonight?” Jessica asked shyly.

  Taylor sat back in her chair surprised by the blond sitting next to her. There was no longer a reason why they couldn’t date, but they could be faced with the same problem if Taylor decided to use her new firm for future business. “Yes,” she finally said smiling.

  “Great.” This time Jessica allowed her hand to touch Taylor’s hand. “Can I have your number?”

  “Yes, of course.” Taylor reached into her purse. “Let’s switch phones and enter our contact information.”

  Jessica gave Taylor’s phone back to her. “You can text me your address later.”

  “I can pick you up if you prefer?” Taylor asked.

  “Not necessary,” she answered with a smile. “Now I really should go find a great outfit to wear tonight.”

  “Me too,” Taylor said and they both stood, going back to the stores.

  CHAPTER 11

  Jessica followed the GPS directions to Taylor’s apartment arriving sooner than she thought she would. Looking at the clock, she sat in the car for a few minutes before she made her way to the front of the building. The elevator ride took her to Taylor’s floor and she walked down the hallway feeling her heart was pounding out of her chest. She was excited and nervous to be alone with Taylor again. She knew that Taylor had been concerned with Jessica’s business future, but she didn’t think the woman’s feelings went further than that. This dinner invitation had left her mouth before she thought of the consequences and now it was too late to change her mind. Her damp hands went down the legs of the dress pants and she pulled at the silk blouse collar from her matching blazer to the black pants. Jessica swallowed before her hand came up and she knocked on the door. She didn’t have time to compose herself when the door opened. Taylor’s smile greeted her and Jessica’s eyes scanned her outfit. The straight skirt landed just above her knees and a light sweater finished off the ensemble. The sleeve of the sweater landed just below her elbow and Jessica could see the gold watch and gold bracket on her wrist. Finally realizing she was staring, she said, “Hi, Taylor.”

  Taylor’s smile opened wider. “Hello, J,” she said softly. “Please come in.”

  Jessica wore a wide smile as she followed Taylor into the room hearing her call her J. As she passed the shorter woman, her perfume hit her senses in remembrance. Everything returned to the forefront. Jessica remembered how her skin felt, how it tasted under her lips. The blush crept up her neck until she knew her cheeks would show her embarrassment. Trying to deflect her awkwardness, she asked, “Are you ready to go?”

  “Yes,” Taylor answered softly. “Let me just get my jacket.” She lifted the leather jacket and before she could open it, Jessica held it for her. “Thank you.”

  Again, Jessica’s eyes traveled over the woman in front of her. The black leather jacket ended at the waist of Taylor’s skirt and the smell of the subtle leather mixed with her perfume had her head spinning. Jessica turned to the door and opened it. “I hope you’re hungry.”

  “Starving,” Taylor answered as her stomach agreed with her in a low grumble. “Sorry,” she said covering her face.

  “I’m starving too,” Jessica added so the smaller woman wouldn’t feel self-conscious.

  “Where are we
going?” Taylor asked when she got into Jessica’s BMW.

  “Have you been to the Spotted Pig?” she asked, glancing at Taylor.

  “No, but I’ve heard some good things about it. I heard the brisket is to die for.”

  “It is, and so are the ribs.”

  Taylor looked down at her outfit thinking she should have worn something more casual, but Jessica was also dressed up. “Is this going to get sloppy?”

  Jessica let out a laugh. “Not if you’re careful, but then again, your fingers might get dirty, but that’s the fun of eating barbecue.”

  Taylor smiled. “I’m looking forward to it.” As Jessica drove along the highway, her eyes kept glancing at her. Her strong fingers held onto the steering wheel and Taylor remembered what those fingers had felt like on her skin. She was so lost in thought that she didn’t notice when they pulled up to the restaurant.

  “Are you all right?” Jessica asked concerned.

  “Yes, I’m fine.” She opened the door and stepped out only to have Jessica at her side.

  “I’ll get that,” she said pushing the door closed.

  Seated at their table, the women decided on sharing a platter that contained various meats. Once they decided on the side dishes, their conversation began.

  “April told me Ann tried to set you up with someone.” Taylor watched Jessica’s face.

  A snort came out of Jessica’s mouth. “It was an epic fail.” Taylor waited for Jessica to continue. “The woman is a doctor and when she heard what I did for a living, the date was over.” This time she chuckled. “What a snob.”

  “I’m sorry,” Taylor said softly.

  “Don’t be. Even if she wasn’t a snob, I didn’t feel anything for her.”

  “No spark?” Taylor asked holding her breath.

  “Spark? Not even an ember.” Jessica looked at Taylor. “Sometimes you meet someone and you know in the first five minutes if there is potential. Do you know what I mean?”

  Taylor smiled. “Yes, I do,” she answered not meeting the other woman’s gaze.