by Lydia Rose
“Oh sure, just make us feel even more guilty.” Amber looked at her. “Come by the house tomorrow and I’ll write you out a check.” A smile spread across Nadine’s face. “You’re still a snob when it comes to Kim.”
CHAPTER 4
Saturday afternoon Nadine sat with her phone in her hand. Her finger hovered over Kim’s name until she couldn’t stand it any longer and pushed the button.
“Hello,” she said hesitantly not recognizing the number.
“Uh, hi, Kim. It’s Nadine. Nadine Connors.”
“Hi, Nadine. How are you?” Kim’s voice changed instantly hearing Nadine identify herself.
“I’m good. I was wondering if you had time to meet me somewhere so I can give you the money I collected.” Her eyes closed as she waited for Kim’s answer.
“Sure. How about meeting me somewhere and you let me buy you lunch. After all, you collected all that money.”
“I’d love to meet you for lunch, but I can’t let you buy.”
Kim grinned to herself. “If it will make you feel better, we can go Dutch.”
“Great,” Nadine answered. “Where would you like to meet?”
“There is a great hamburger joint on Taylor. They have the best micro brews you’ve ever tasted.”
“I don’t know about the beer, but the burger sounds good,” Nadine answered trying not to sound like an excited teenager.
“Not a beer drinker?” Kim asked softly.
“Sorry, no.” Nadine wrinkled her nose at the thought of drinking that horrible liquid. She was seventeen and it was the middle of summer when all her friends were drinking cold beers. She took a bottle and brought it to her lips in anticipation that it would taste heavenly on such a hot day. What hit her tongue instead was a vile bitter taste. The beer never entered her stomach because she spit out and put the bottle down. That was the first and last time she had a beer.
“Maybe you just haven’t tried a good beer.”
“That’s possible,” Nadine answered, but she doubted anyone could change her mind.
The two women chose a time and Nadine had just enough time to shower and change her clothes. She walked into the restaurant wearing a pair of faded jeans and a V-neck T-shirt. On her feet were pink sneakers to match her shirt. Her hair had been styled, but it looked more carefree trying to keep her look younger than her years. At the hostess stand Kim was laughing with the woman. When the hostess looked up, Kim turned around wearing a smile. Nadine watched as her eyes traveled over her body. “Hi,” she finally said.
Kim moved closer and now Nadine got to peruse her. Their dress seemed similar, but Kim was wearing basketball sneakers. “Hi,” she responded casually.
The woman who had been speaking with Kim nodded her head at Nadine and led them to a table.
“Would you like a taste of my beer?” Kim asked once their drinks had been delivered to the table.
“I think I’ll pass, but thank you.” Nadine began adjusting the tableware on the table.
“Just one sip,” Kim said forcing Nadine’s eyes up to meet hers.
Knowing she would sound too rude to argue, Nadine reached across the table and took the glass. She took a deep breath warning herself not to spit it out no matter what the beer tasted like. The glass went to her lips and she took the smallest sip she could.
Kim watched as Nadine’s eyes opened wide. A smile appeared on both their faces before Nadine took another sip. “Not bad, right?”
Nadine nodded her head. “It tastes pretty good. I was hoping I wouldn’t have to spit it out, but this is good.” She took another sip and looked up. “I hope you don’t think you are getting this back,” she said tilting the glass at Kim.
Kim put up her hand and signaled to the waitress that she wanted another beer. “I’m glad you like it.”
“How come this isn’t bitter and disgusting?” Nadine asked still with the glass in her hand.
“It’s the way it’s made. Even I can’t drink cheap beer,” Kim said chuckling as the waitress delivered the glass of beer. “Thanks.” She held her glass in the center of the table. “To trying new things.”
Nadine clinked her glass to Kim’s glass. “I don’t know how adventurous I’ll be, but for now I’ll say yes.”
“So, are your parents alive?” Nadine asked not looking at her in case she said no.
“Yes, but we aren’t close.” Kim looked down at the glass of beer. “It’s the same old story. Once they found out I was gay we haven’t been the same family.” No, it went from bad to worse. Now she smiled. “At least I had the common sense to wait until I finished college to tell them.”
“You went to college?” Nadine asked shocked. “I’m sorry. That was rude.” She took a deep breath. “It’s just that I don’t know anything about you.”
“It’s okay. I went to Seton Hall thinking of pre-law, but once I took a marketing class,” Kim shrugged, “I changed my major. It worked out better because my degree comes in handy at the pantry.”
“Is that what you do when you aren’t donating your time?” Nadine asked now curious.
“No,” she said quickly. “What about you? I assume you went to college.”
“NYU.”
“I’m surprised you didn’t stay in New York.”
“I thought about it, but I would be a small fish in a big pond.” Her shoulders came up. “I interned in my father’s firm and ended up at a firm in his building. I became a VP two years ago. I never would have been able to do that in New York in that time period.”
“Why didn’t you stay with your dad’s firm?” Kim asked not understanding.
“Nepotism. I didn’t want people to think I had an advantage over the other employees. My dad was disappointed, but he understood. Connors and Anderson is doing fine without me.”
Her dad is Joseph Connors. Holy shit. “It sounds like you’re very successful.”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” she said with a smile. “I enjoy it and it pays the bills.”
“So that’s how you got your co-workers to donate,” she said chuckling. “They were afraid to tell the boss no.”
“No. Once I explained to everyone what their money would do, they were all in. We all forget that we have so much and other people need our help. I’m sorry that it took me so long to realize that.” Her eyes searched Kim’s face. “I won’t forget again.” Nadine reached for her purse. “Speaking of money...” She handed the envelope to Kim. “Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do something good for a change.”
Kim took the envelope and stuck it in her pants pocket. “The pantry thanks you so much. If you could only see the looks on the people’s faces when they fill bags with food. I know a child will not go hungry that night.” Kim reached for her cellphone and hit the photo album. “Here are some pictures I’ve taken at the holidays.” Kim handed the camera to Nadine.
Nadine went through the photos and saw the looks on parents’ faces. Then there were children who looked like they could have used some new clothes. Her eyes filled with tears and she blinked them away. “That’s so hopeful and sad at the same time.” She handed the phone back to Kim feeling her tears surface again. “Is there a place clothes can be donated too?”
“Yes. I’ll text you the address if you’re interested.”
“I am. Thank you.” Nadine picked up her beer and finished off the beer needing it more than enjoying the taste.
Kim decided to change the subject. “So, your parents are fine with your sexuality?”
Nadine nodded. “My mom knew what I was before I knew myself,” she said with a laugh. “Thankfully, I have a brother and sister who will give them plenty of grandchildren.”
“You can too, Nadine.”
Nadine laughed out loud. “I’m thirty-seven years old, Kim. I think my time has passed. I’m not even in a relationship and haven’t been in a long time.” She shrugged. “I’ll leave the kids to my siblings.”
“Are you the oldest?” Kim asked and watched as Nadine n
odded. “I have a younger sister in college and a brother two years younger than me.” She was now grinning.
“Your siblings are straight?” Nadine asked.
“Yes. My parents were afraid my sister was going to end up pregnant and never get to college.”
“Are you in a relationship?” Nadine asked not meeting her gaze.
“No. Not for a long time for me too.”
“You’re young. You’ve got plenty of time for committed relationships.”
“How old do you think I am?” Kim asked leaning across the table.
“I don’t know. Maybe twenty-four or five,” she said with a shrug.
“I’m twenty-seven,” Kim answered. “There are only ten years’ difference in our ages.”
“Kim that is a decade between us,” Nadine commented without thought and then realized what she had said. “You do look younger than twenty-seven.”
“That will come in handy when I’m in my forties,” she said laughing. “I assure you I am very mature and responsible. My mother always said I came out of her as an adult.”
“I tend to take myself seriously too.” She now began to smile. “My friends say I have a tendency to be snobby.”
“How so?” Kim asked finishing off her beer and signaling for two more.
“I have friends who have no ambition in life. They spend their time having a good time and not thinking about tomorrow.”
“Having fun makes life worth living,” Kim added with a grin.
“Maybe at your age, but when you’re over thirty,” she shrugged, “it’s time to start a life and career.”
“Not everyone is interested in a career,” Kim said smiling at Nadine.
That’s what I thought. “So, you have no ambition to climb the corporate ladder?” she asked trying to sound lighthearted.
“Nope, but that doesn’t mean I’m irresponsible either. I know what I want out of life and the top of my list is happiness.”
Nadine just nodded her head as if she agreed, but she thought how you can be happy if you have nothing.
“You don’t look like you agree with me.”
“I’ve always worked hard for what I have. I enjoy nice clothes, shoes,” she said grinning. “My apartment, car and ability to do what I want to do.”
“If it works for you, that’s great. I tend to be minimalistic. Material things aren’t important to me.” She saw the knowing smile on Nadine’s face. “I have everything I need, but someone to love and who will love me for who I am.”
“We are all searching for that too, Kim.” She nodded along with Kim.
CHAPTER 5
Nadine and Kim left the restaurant with no plans to get together again. Kim promised to text her the address for clothes donation. By the time Nadine got back to the apartment, Kim had sent a text. Besides the address, she wrote, Had a good time. I hope you will allow me to share some more time with you. Nadine sat down on the couch and stared at the screen. She had decided that she was correct about Kim. She had no ambitions in life, but she couldn’t get out of her mind how kind and generous Kim was with her time. That had to count for something. She began to reply, I had fun too. Would you like to see a movie tomorrow?
Yes, but I’m at the pantry until three.
Come to my apartment. We can have an early dinner and go see a movie. Nadine didn’t want Kim to spend money on another meal out.
Sure.
Can I call you or are you busy? Instead of a text, her phone began to ring in her hand. “Hi. I thought this would be easier. Is there something you don’t eat?”
“If you’re cooking, I’ll eat anything you put in front of me,” she laughed.
“Do you like wine?”
“I’ll drink a glass with my meal.”
“Good because you know I don’t have beer in the house.”
“That’s fine, Nadine.”
“Is four-thirty okay with you?”
“Yes.”
“What about the movie? Anything you want to see?”
“I’m open to anything.”
Nadine laughed. “You’re easy. It’s too bad that you are too young for me.” Then she realized what she had said. “Not that you would be interested in me.”
“Is it the fact that I’m too young or not ambitious enough?”
Nadine didn’t respond immediately. “I…” she hesitated.
“I’m only teasing you, Nadine and yes I am interested.”
“Uh,” Nadine said not knowing how she could answer her.
Kim laughed. “I’ll see you tomorrow at four-thirty.”
“Yes, you will,” Nadine said to the empty apartment. For some reason a wide smile was on her face.
Before Nadine got up from the couch, her phone rang again. “Hi, Mom.”
“Hi sweetie. I called to see if you wanted to come to dinner tonight. Your sister and brother are coming.”
“Oh sorry, Mom, I already have plans.”
“A date?” her mother quickly asked.
“No. Just dinner and a movie with a friend,” Nadine answered rolling her eyes. This was a touchy subject between her and her mother. She was always asking when Nadine was going to settle down.
“You can bring your friend with you,” Jennifer quickly added.
“Thanks, Mom, but not this time.”
“If you’re sure?”
“I am, Mom. I’ll stop by and see you next week some time.”
“Okay, sweetie. Enjoy yourself tonight.”
“Goodbye, Mom.” She stuck the phone in her pocket and reached for her car keys. She had shopping to do for dinner.
*
Nadine had just pulled the roast out of the oven when there was a soft knock on her door. “Hi, Kim. Please come in.”
“Hi. Thanks.” Kim gazed around the room. “Nice place.”
“Thank you. I hope you’re hungry.” Nadine smiled. “I’m afraid I went overboard.”
“I’m starving.” Kim followed Nadine into the kitchen where she handed her a glass of wine. “Is there anything I can help with?”
“You can bring the wine and glasses to the dining room table, please.” Nadine followed her with their plates.
“That looks great.” Kim waited until Nadine took her seat. “I feel bad that you cooked.”
“I like to cook when it is more than myself. Besides I didn’t want you to spend money on another meal out.”
Kim’s fork stopped before it went into her mouth. “Nadine, I can assure you that I am not poor and not a client at the pantry.”
“I never said you were. It is just so expensive to eat out.”
Kim grinned. “For someone who isn’t interested in having children, you are treating me as if I’m a child.”
Nadine got quiet before speaking. “I’m sorry. I know nothing about your situation.” Especially since you won’t tell me what you do for a living. “Forgive me.”
“Nothing to forgive.” Kim reached out and took Nadine’s hand. “Just relax around me. Okay?” Nadine nodded. “So, what movie did you choose for us?”
“A romantic comedy. Is that all right?” Nadine asked wondering if she had made a mistake. She had already purchased the tickets online.
“That’s good.” Kim continued eating the wonderful meal Nadine had prepared for her. As she placed her fork and knife on the plate she said, “Do you still think I’m too young for you?”
Nadine wiped her mouth and looked at Kim. “Yes. Your parents are upset that you are gay. Can you imagine telling them you’re dating a woman ten years older than you?” she asked laughing.
“They don’t get to decide who I see.”
“I like you, Kim and I’d like to be your friend.”
“Friend?” Kim asked chuckling. “Okay, for now I’ll accept that, but I’m not giving up.”
Nadine didn’t miss the scowl on Kim’s face as she picked up the tickets that were already paid for. “You can buy the snacks. Will that make you feel any better?” Nadine asked as she put her
arm through Kim’s and led her toward the concession stand.
The women laughed at the movie and when it ended, they were both smiling. “Good choice, Nadine.”
“Yeah, I thought it was good too.”
They walked toward the car standing close together, but not touching each other. When Kim heard the signal of the doors opening she reached for the driver’s door and opened it for Nadine. “Thank you,” she said taking her seat.
Kim ran around the car and got into the passenger seat. “Thanks for inviting me today. I had a good time with you,” she said almost reaching for Nadine’s hand.
Nadine didn’t miss Kim’s move and reached forward to start the car. “You are welcome. Maybe we can do this again?”
“I’d like that, but you have to let me buy you dinner next time,” Kim said smiling without looking at Nadine’s glare.
“Kim, I told you that isn’t necessary. If you insist on going out, we will split the bill if you won’t let me pay for the meal.”
“Nadine, I am not going to let you buy me food. I appreciate the offer, but it isn’t necessary.”
“I can always cook again and then we don’t have to argue,” Nadine said grinning.
“We aren’t arguing. We just disagree on this subject. Someday you are going to trust me when I say I am fine financially.” This time Kim did reach across the seats and put Nadine’s hand in hers. “Okay?”
“I’ll try, and I promise not to mother you.” Nadine just hoped that she could honor that promise.
Back at Nadine’s apartment the women stood there saying their good nights. Nadine turned toward her apartment building, but a hand stopped her from moving. Kim had pulled Nadine to her and gave her a hug. “Good night,” she said and then walked toward her car.
Nadine just stood there watching until Kim’s taillights disappeared. “Strange woman,” she said quietly shaking her head.
CHAPTER 6
Nadine received several texts from Kim during the week. It wasn’t about getting together, but how her week was going or things in general. She wanted to see if Kim wanted to do something over the weekend, but she didn’t want to keep her from her friends or a possible date. So instead she made plans with Cheryl and Amber to meet at the bar for drinks Friday night.
