Epicurean Delights

by Renee Roman

  And when it finally arrived, she couldn’t contain her excitement. Her parents, however, didn’t share her joy. In the end, she wasn’t given a choice. She left her parents’ house and moved in with Kara, where she stayed until she earned her degree. Moving upstate to the Capital District had been one of the hardest decisions she’d ever made. Kara told her it was about time she got out from under her wing and even helped her move, assuring her living in the twenty-first century meant they could visit each other often.

  “Tell me what’s wrong, and we’ll figure it out.”

  She held her head in her hand. “The damn bank turned me down.” Clattering noises over the phone meant Kara was on the move.

  “I’m coming for a visit.”

  Kara always knew what to say to make her feel loved. “You don’t have to do that. I can figure this out.” Spending time with Kara was enticing, but with working in the medical billing office and hosting at the restaurant nights, she couldn’t afford to take time off. Especially now.

  A growl came through the phone. “I know I don’t have to and I know you can figure out what to do. It’ll just happen quicker and be a lot more fun if we do it together.”

  “You know I’d love to see you. Are you sure you can get away?”

  “They owe me. I got them out of a big jam, and they’d do just about anything to keep me happy. No worries.”

  “I won’t be able to take much time off.” She tried to remember her schedule at the restaurant for the coming week.

  “Whatever time you have will be great. You can show off your village.”

  “Hey! I’ll have you know, it’s a real city. A very pretty one, I might add.” Ari picked up old newspapers and empty food containers as she moved around her small apartment. She’d been working so much she hadn’t had the energy to clean, but she didn’t want Kara to think she’d turned into a slob. Thinking of her impending visit, she felt the corners of her mouth lift. The future, at least her immediate one, looked a little brighter.

  Chapter Three

  Ari pulled Kara into a bear hug. “God, it’s great to see you.”

  Holding her tight and smiling, Kara spun her around before letting go. “I’ve missed you, too.” She picked up her discarded suitcase.

  “I’m parked right outside.”

  They hooked elbows, turned from the crowd of train passengers, and headed toward the exit to take the quickest route back to Ari’s place. Less than twenty minutes later, Kara plunked on the sofa and got comfortable.

  Ari needed a drink if she was going to relive the events of the last six months. She handed Kara a glass of wine and paced as she talked. The worn carpet under her feet reminded her of all she’d gone without since earning her degree. Even with two jobs she never spent money unless she absolutely had to, and those times could be counted on one hand. Like when the zipper broke on her well-worn black pants. Or the pair of living room curtains she’d found in a bargain bin. The apartment was filled with mix-matched items. Not that it mattered. Kara was the first person to visit her apartment. She didn’t have much energy left at the end of a day for a social life either.

  “You know how hard I’ve been working to save enough money to open my own business.” Ari thought about the long hours she spent developing flavors while she’d been at CIA. Every imaginable ingredient had been at her disposal. Her instructors marveled at her drive and told her it had been a long time since they’d seen a student with such passion for cooking, encouraging her to embrace the feeling. “I’ve even been making all these different recipes and bringing them to My Fare, where I’m a hostess, for the customers to try.” Ari grabbed a stack of papers in protective sleeves. Some of the recipes were fairly common. Others she’d developed along the way, tweaking the flavors until she was happy.

  Kara flipped through the top few. “This one looks good. Will you make it for me?”

  Ari promised before continuing, telling her everything she’d done, including writing a woman-owned, start-up grant proposal and a small business loan application. By the time she finished talking, she felt better than she had in weeks. Sharing with someone who cared eased her fears.

  “There must be something more you can do.”

  Ari shook her head. “I’ve tried everything. The only thing more left is to keep saving and hope for the best.” She hated sounding resigned. She’d worked so hard for so long, and now her dream seemed even further away.

  Kara held her hand. “Hey, I didn’t come here for you to give up so easy. We’ll think of something. Okay?” She pulled Ari in for another hug and rubbed her back. A loud grumble made them both laugh.

  “I can’t think when I’m hungry.” Kara rubbed her stomach.

  “Everything is close by,” Ari said. “We can walk the neighborhood and get something to eat.”

  Ari took Kara’s bag to her bedroom. “This is it. You can either bunk with me, or I can sleep on the couch.” She turned. “Either way, I’m glad you’re here.”

  “Me, too. Let me change out of these grungy clothes, and we’ll take that walk.”

  * * *

  Ari pointed out some of her favorite shops along Carriage Way. Two of her favorites were Fancy Pants, a vintage clothing boutique, and I’ll Be Dangled, a funky handmade jewelry store with a window display of whimsical scarves and hats. She was happy to have Kara by her side while they pawed items, just like when they shopped together as teens. It was good to hear Kara’s folks were doing well. They had been more supportive over the years than her parents ever were.

  She’d forgotten about the easy rapport she shared with Kara. They talked as they strolled along the edge of the park, soaking up the last few hours of the June sun. Kara pointed to a shop and they ducked inside. Ari picked up a pair of particularly interesting earrings several times before finally putting them down. At least her frugal ways didn’t take away from enjoying Kara’s company.

  In the next block, they checked out a pottery shop. Kara purchased a small bowl with pale blues and greens as a gift for her mother, who was coming to visit her in a few weeks. Kara said her dad was a bit harder to buy for and decided to keep looking.

  “Are you shopped out yet?” Ari asked.

  She looked at Ari in disbelief. “You know that’s not possible, but I am famished.”

  They stepped through the door of Lacey’s Bistro and were greeted by the scent of pine. A smooth, polished bar ran the entire length of the building with an impressive display of wine in floor-to-ceiling racks. Ambient lighting and warm colors filled the long, open space. Candles on every table and in many of the nooks and crannies added to the overall atmosphere.

  “This okay?” Ari asked, pointing to one of the small cocktail tables with padded seats.

  Kara turned in a slow circle. “It’s beautiful.” A painting displaying a semi-nude woman hung on the wall. “Is this a lesbian bar?”

  Ari leaned close and whispered, “I think so, but don’t tell the owners.”

  Kara wrinkled her nose. “Funny,” she said.

  “Actually, it’s owned by a lesbian couple, but the patrons are mixed. Eclectic, like the decor. Every dish is an original creation. Sarah invited me to cook with her one afternoon, and I learned some of the finer points of fusion cuisine.”

  Kara raised her glass. “I’ve missed the shit out of you. Whatever the problems are, I know you can figure them out. I love you.”

  “I love you, too,” Ari said.

  Ari’s friend Rae approached their table.

  “Hello, Ari.” She kissed Ari on the cheek.

  “Rae! It’s been a long time. Where have you been?” Ari turned in her seat and gave her a hug.

  “Running a business isn’t all it’s cracked up to be at times, but I wouldn’t have it any other way. I’ve had to change my gym time to evenings. Are you still going?” Rae asked.

  “It’s been a while.”

  “I’m going for a swim at the Y on Saturday if you want to join me.”

  Ari hesitated.
“Okay.” She wasn’t enthused with the idea.

  “Good.” Rae glanced at Kara. “And who is this lovely woman?” Rae asked.

  Ari made introductions. Rae asked where things stood with the plans for opening her business. Ari shared the disappointing news.

  “I’m sorry to hear that,” Rae said before her eyes brightened. “Have you considered buying a house?”

  “What?” Ari leaned closer.

  “Buy a house. It will give you collateral, and if you find the right one, you can run the business from it and write it off as an expense. Win-win.”

  “Oh, Rae, I don’t know.”

  “Rae’s right,” said Kara. “It’s worth considering.” She looked at Rae. “What could it hurt?”

  “Just promise me you’ll think about it,” Rae said.

  Ari sighed in resignation. “Fine. I’ll think about it.”

  “Great. My job here is done. Kara, it was a pleasure to meet you.” Rae took Ari’s hand and brushed her lips over the back, then she winked over her shoulder as she strode out the door.

  Kara picked up her glass before motioning to Ari to do the same. “To a great solution from a sizzling hot woman.”

  “So, how do you know the looker?” Kara asked.

  “She owns her own business in town. And she’s a regular at the restaurant where I work. I’ve picked her brain a time or two for ideas.”

  “Uh-huh. I’m sure you have,” Kara said. “How regular?”

  Ari pursed her lips and picked up a menu. “Let’s order. I’m starved.”

  * * *

  Tugging at the shirring of her one-piece suit, Ari tried not to let her discomfort show. It had been a long time since she’d been swimming, and the bathing suit felt too snug. People milled about nearby, but they didn’t seem to notice her fidgeting. A group of children splashed around at the far end of the pool, their cheers and laughter echoing off the tiled walls. Rae had texted saying she was running a little late and to start without her. Ari sat on a bench and waited for adult swim time, taking it all in.

  A head broke the surface, and a tall figure emerged from the shallow water. The woman gathered the children around her and demonstrated a stroke. Clearly defined muscles flexed in her shoulders and arms, highlighted by the water’s reflection. Wet tendrils of dark, wavy hair clung to her face and neck. A feeling stirred deep in Ari’s center, one she’d all but forgotten. Her heartbeat quickened as she continued to stare, mesmerized by the dark-haired woman, and forgetting all about her discomfort.

  The shrill sound of a whistle made her jump. The children scrambled out of the pool shaking off water as they went. The woman followed them toward the locker room, heading in Ari’s direction. Their eyes met and the woman smiled. Ari was mortified at having been caught. Heat rose up her neck. She broke their connection by turning away, looking anywhere but in her direction. When she was sure the coast was clear, she glanced at the doorway. The heat in her face began to subside. If swimming instructors looked like that when I was a youngster, I’d have a gold medal by now.

  * * *

  Ari handed Kara a glass of Riesling.

  “How was your swim?” Kara lounged at one end of the couch, a cooking magazine open on her lap.

  “It was fine until I tried to do an underwater flip and ended up swallowing half the damn pool.” She flopped on the other end of the couch, looking forward to a much-deserved break. The rest of the morning had her running errands, including the dreaded grocery store. Unless she was shopping for ingredients for a new recipe, she rarely stocked her refrigerator. Kara’s arrival meant she needed to have food in the apartment, and wine was always on the list. She also picked up the items to make the recipe she’d promised Kara.

  “It did have an upside though.”

  “What was that?” Kara asked.

  “There was a very attractive swim instructor.” Ari envisioned the toned body. She pressed her thighs together and tried to ignore the unexpected throbbing.

  “Well, as I live and breathe! You haven’t mentioned a woman that way in ages. A little eye candy for your swim? Did you talk to her?”

  “Of course not.” She drained her glass. “She had a group of kids with her, and they left the pool right after I got there.” Ari waved her hand dismissively.

  Kara tossed the magazine on the table. “Shit. You’re going to have to go for another swim.” She waggled her eyebrows, making Ari laugh.

  “Maybe. I’ll be pretty busy house hunting and working.” She stared into her empty goblet. The prospect of buying a home scared her to death. Even with a decent down payment, the mortgage would most likely prove to be too much for her to handle.

  Kara scooted closer and put an arm over her shoulder. “Don’t you dare be sad. I know you can find the perfect place. Then you can tell the bank to go fuck themselves.” Kara always did have a way with words. “As long as I’ve known you, you’ve never backed down from a challenge, including the really big ones. You’re going to make this work, you hear me?”

  Kara was right. There’d been many challenges in her life, and she’d conquered each one. This was just one more.

  “I’ll drink to that. Hell, this isn’t nearly as scary as that time we went careening down the hill and crashed into that car.” She laughed at the memory. They’d been insane to try the daredevil stunt, but they’d been kids and the element of danger was exciting to them back then.

  “Tell me about it.” Kara giggled. “I still have the scars to prove riding on your handlebars wasn’t as cool as we thought!”

  * * *

  The newsstand held dozens of papers from the region, as well as an array of free house hunting guides and open house flyers. Ari stacked them in her arm and kept searching, not wanting to miss any. She had an appointment the next afternoon with Sally, a Realtor that Rae had recommended who wanted to have an idea of what she was looking for and how much she could spend. Sally told her it was a buyer’s market, meaning she could negotiate a better price if she found a house she liked. The news was encouraging. She hoped a sizeable chunk of her savings would be left for the business. She was going to need it.

  Ari spotted more magazines on the bottom shelf, and when she leaned over, the precarious stack slipped and shot across the floor.

  “Damn it.”

  A pair of black western boots stepped into view and the person wearing them handed her a couple of magazines that had slid out of her reach.

  “Thanks,” Ari said before looking up. Oh, my God. It’s her. She stared into the captivating eyes of the instructor from the Y. It took a minute to realize the woman was offering her outstretched hand to help her up. The muscles in her arm flexed, just like they had in the pool. Ari swallowed hard. The fire low in her stomach smoldered to a slow burn.

  “You’re welcome.” The woman looked around. “I think that’s all of them.” She smiled, displaying dimples. She tapped the stack Ari had finally managed to straighten. “Looks like you’re going to be busy.”

  Off-kilter from the sudden rush of attraction, all Ari could do was nod before finally finding her voice. “Yes. Looks like you are, too.” She pointed to the renter’s guide in the woman’s hand.

  “Yeah. Time to find someplace I can call my own. Good luck.” The woman turned and headed for the door.

  “Wait!” Ari’s sudden outburst drew stares. The woman looked back, and her friendly features turned to confusion.

  She fumbled, knowing she needed to come up with a reason for calling after the woman. “Can I buy you a cup of coffee?” Now what do I say? “As a thank you?”

  “That’s very nice of you, but it was just a couple of magazines.”

  “Still,” Ari said, “one good deed deserves another.”

  Chapter Four

  Sitting so close to the woman was unnerving. Ari didn’t know where the sudden impulse to pursue the woman had come from, but staying mute would make her look more foolish than she already felt. While one part of her brain was glad the woman accepted her
invitation, another wondered what the hell was wrong with her.

  She stuck out her hand. “I’m Ari. And thank you again.”

  The woman clasped her hand and gave a gentle squeeze. The warmth against Ari’s cool skin sent a shiver up her spine. The light sweater she wore didn’t ward off the reaction.

  “My pleasure. I’m Hudson.” She blew across her steaming coffee before taking a tentative sip.

  Ari watched her soft looking lips, unable to stop staring at them until Hudson spoke, then she pretended a sudden interest in the contents of her cup.

  “Are you looking to move into the area?”

  Ari shook her head. “I already live in the southwestern part of town. I moved up from NYC a couple of years ago.” She sipped on her latte. “I’m looking to buy a home in my neighborhood.”

  “You have a little whipped cream on your lip.” Hudson pointed to her own mouth.

  Ari quickly dabbed her lips with a napkin. “Smooth, aren’t I? So much for making a good first impression.”

  “Is that what you’re doing? Trying to impress me?”

  “No! I…” Of course that’s what she was doing, although she couldn’t imagine why. She’d been with any number of women in dozens of situations, but none had thrown her into such a tailspin.

  Hudson laughed and touched her hand. The heat she left in its wake should have scorched her skin. What in the hell is wrong with me?

  “I was only teasing you. You’re doing fine. So that’s the reason for all the flyers and magazines?” Hudson glanced at the renter’s guide on the table before turning her attention back to Ari.

  “Well, I’m actually looking for a multipurpose place. One I can live in and run a business from.”

  “What kind of business?” Hudson sat back, looking like she had all the time in the world.