Hearts of Emerald Bay

by D G Barnes

  “Not a chance, girlfriend. You in the shower with me would not save water as neither one of us would be washing, and you know it.” Mac waved a finger at her before she slipped her robe on. “And I am delighted you are enjoying my ass.”

  Dana flopped back on the bed and pulled the covers up. “Fine. You’re no fun when you’re in bartender mode.”

  Without warning, Mac turned, moved quickly to the bed, and pinned her arms above her head.

  “Ahh! What are you doing, crazy lady?” She protested with a laugh, struggling, if only for show against Mac’s grip.

  “This bartender can be plenty of fun, Missy Jane.” Mac peppered her face with soft kisses before finally capturing her mouth. The kiss was slow and sensual, growing in intensity as the seconds passed. Their tongues soon clashed, and Dana felt her body awaken once again. She pushed her hips against Mac. Her hands were now free, as Mac sat up.

  “You’re not stopping?” Dana asked with ragged breath.

  Mac smirked. “Sorry, babe, duty calls.” She crawled off Dana, fixed her robe and headed for the door. “I’ll make it up to you tonight. I promise.”

  “Mean bartender!” Dana teased and tossed her pillow at her.

  When Dana entered the kitchen after showering and dressing, Ellie was already there chatting with Mac. The three of them enjoyed a hearty breakfast before they headed off to face their respective days. Dana had stopped off at her beach house for a quick change of clothes and a bit of grooming before making her way to Between the Covers.

  Dana turned from the window and her view of Main Street to find Rhonda standing by the small table and comfy chair that had been set up for her near the front of the store. A couple stacks of her latest novel rested on the table, ones she would autograph for customers who wished to donate to the library fund. There was also a promotional poster for the book signing fastened to the front of the table. Rhonda had placed a large pail at the end of the table and was writing something on a piece of paper when Dana approached.

  “What’s this about?” Dana asked pointing to the pail.

  “I had an idea,” Rhonda stated and continued writing.

  “Um, okay. Care to share?”

  “Right, sorry. There may be folks who already have a copy of What the Heart Desires but would still like an autograph. So, I was thinking. What if we offered autographs on copies of your books that people already owned in exchange for a free-will offering to the library fund, and not just your latest book but any of your books? What do you think?” She bubbled over with enthusiasm.

  Rhonda’s excitement was contagious, and Dana found herself caught up in it too. “Wonderful idea, Rhonda. How are you going to let folks know?”

  “Well, the girls are making up a sign for the front window, and I called the radio station. They were willing to amend the ads for today.”

  “Awesome.” Dana rounded the table and settled into her chair. “You may need to order more pens.”

  “Not to worry. I have lots of pens,” Rhonda said, beaming that ever-present smile.

  At one o’clock, the advertised start time of her book signing, Dana wasn’t at all surprised to see Ellie and Monica enter the store. They hesitated by the door, and Monica whispered something in Ellie’s ear, all the while glancing in Dana’s direction. Ellie took a step back, pointed at Dana and then gave Monica a gentle push in her direction.

  “Hi, Miss Law…I mean, Dana.” Monica’s voice trembled as she spoke, and a light blush touched her cheeks.

  “Hello, Monica.” She glanced at Ellie who gave her a small wave.

  “I…I was hoping I could still get an autographed copy of your book.” Her voice was soft, and she looked at her shoes more than she did Dana. “If…if that’s okay?”

  “Of course. I promised you a book, and you shall have one. Would you prefer hardcover or paperback?”

  “Oh! Hardcover. Please,” Monica said.

  “Coming right up,” she said, taking a copy from the stack and writing a short message on the inside; after she signed it, she handed it to the teen. “Take this over to Rhonda at the cash and tell her I said it was on the house. Okay?”

  Accepting the book, Monica stood taller, and her smile grew until it touched her eyes, which now sparkled with joy. “I will, and thank you so much, Dana.” She hesitated for a moment as she studied the book in her hands. She bit her lip and met Dana’s eyes. “Wo-would it be okay if I gave you a hug?”

  For being so shy, that took a lot of guts. Dana stood, came around the table and held out her arms. Monica moved into her and squeezed her tight, and Dana returned the hug. They pulled apart, and Monica held the book to her heart. “Thank you again. I’ll treasure it always.”

  She smiled as she watched Monica rush to Ellie’s side and bounce with excitement as she showed her the autographed page. It moved her that this girl could be so grateful for such a simple gift. As Monica took her treasure to the cash, Ellie joined Dana at the table.

  “Hey there, Ellie.”

  “Hi, Dana. Thanks for doing that for Monica. I think you made her week.” Ellie glanced at her friend. Dana saw something then, in Ellie’s expression, and she knew exactly what she was feeling. Because she felt it too when she looked at Mac.

  “You intentionally made her come over by herself to ask me about the book. Didn’t you?”

  Ellie nodded. “Yeah. She is so shy sometimes, it's painful to watch. So, I try to encourage her when I can to interact with others on her own.”

  “You’re a good friend, Ellie. I can tell you care about her.”

  “I do.” Ellie gazed in Monica’s direction. “Very much. She’s important to me. Ya know?”

  Dana’s heart swelled at the declaration. “I’m happy for you, Ellie. I know what it’s like to care for someone special.”

  “As in Mac?”

  “Of course.” She winked at her as Monica joined them, brushing her shoulder against Ellie’s

  “Hi,” she whispered softly.

  Ellie gave Monica a smile, then turned back to Dana. “Well, we need to bolt. We’re off to my Grandpa Stanley’s birthday party.” The teens turned and headed for the exit.

  “You two have fun,” Dana called after them. The girls paused at the door, waved one more goodbye, then joined the crowd on the sidewalk.

  The girls weren’t gone long before there was a noticeable increase in the number of people entering the bookstore. Most of them were there for her newest book and an autograph. Still, others had brought copies of her older stories to have signed. She made a point to talk with each person for a few moments and thanked them for their interest in her books. A few people stood back and watched, taking a photo or two with their phones and talking excitedly to each other.

  Before she knew it, her allotted time had flown by. It was late afternoon, and the growl from her belly confirmed it. She signed the book in front of her and handed it to the older woman who Rhonda had introduced her to a few moments earlier. She smiled to herself as Mrs. Gallant, wife of the local Baptist minister, took the book. Was that a twinkle in her eye?

  “Hope you enjoy the book, Mrs. Gallant.”

  “Heavens no, dear. It’s not for me. This is a gift for my niece,” she replied somewhat louder than needed. “She’s a fan of yours and couldn’t make it here today.” Mrs. Gallant glanced around, looking to see who might be listening in. Leaning a little closer, she whispered, “I’ll enjoy it too.” She winked and headed for the cash.

  Dana chuckled and packed up the remaining books on the table. They had received a lot of donations this afternoon if the ache in her wrist was any indication. She had enjoyed helping with the town library fundraiser and meeting all the people. But what she really wanted to do now was get out of the skirt and heels and into a pair of shorts and a tee shirt. Next on the agenda would be food, preferable with Mac, who wasn’t working tonight and had the loft to herself. Maybe she would go to Mac’s and let her cook supper after they had undressed each other. Yeah, that sounded lik
e the perfect plan.

  She snatched up her phone to let Mac know of her brilliant idea when an all too familiar voice stopped her and sent chills through her.

  “Hello, Dana. Fancy meeting you here.”

  She set her phone down and turned to face the woman who she hadn’t spoken to in over a year. “Gail. What a surprise.” Her gaze quickly travelled the length of Gail’s body. She had done it before she realized it and hated herself for it. Gail was a beautiful woman, always had been. Her chestnut brown hair hung at her jawline and had a slight inward curl. The flawless olive complexion of her face framed captivating brown eyes. She was wearing cool, comfortable clothes today that did nothing to hide the fit slender physique that was underneath. There was a time when the sight of Gail entering the room filled her with wonderful warm feelings that easily triggered her libido, and for only a second, she felt that twinge again.

  It didn’t last, that traitorous feeling, as Dana quashed it immediately. She turned her attention to the other brunette who stood at Gail’s side, their arms linked together. Clair looked at her, beaming slyly. Dana acknowledged her with a slight nod and turned back to Gail.

  “What brings you to Emerald Bay?” Dana asked, wishing the uneasy knot in her stomach would go away.

  “We came to check out the festival. Clair comes every year and thought I would enjoy it.” She kissed Clair on the cheek. “Isn’t that right, honey?”

  “Yes, I did. Seeing how no one else ever brought her here.” The sarcasm was palpable.

  Dana raised an eyebrow at Gail, choosing to ignore the not so subtle jab. Gail gave her a meek smile and shrugged.

  “On a happier note,” Gail said, moving the conversation in a different direction, “we’re getting married next month.”

  That came out of nowhere and slammed Dana straight in the gut. Suddenly feelings she thought she had put behind her surged to the surface. The knot in her stomach gave way to nausea, and she tasted the bile at the back of her throat. Right then, at that moment, it was sixteen months ago, and Gail was telling her she was leaving her for Clair. The pain, sorrow, and guilt she had felt then, washed over her again.

  Dana had come to realize she was the reason they broke up, and that hadn’t helped lessen her pain or the guilt she felt for not being the partner Gail deserved. It had been then she swore off the idea of any future relationships. But here she was, in the middle of a new relationship, and it was waiting for her to screw it up too.

  Maybe Gail’s unexpected arrival was a good thing, a wake-up call. It wasn’t too late, was it? God, she didn’t want to hurt Mac; it was the last thing she wanted to do. Would ending things now be any less painful than waiting weeks or months? Maybe it would, maybe it wouldn’t.

  “Wow,” Dana managed. “I’m happy for you, Gail. Truly.” It wasn’t a lie.

  “Thanks, Dana. We sent you an invite but haven’t received your RSVP.”

  “Oh?” That was shocking news, to say the least. “I’ve been staying at Jenny’s beach house for the last few weeks. My mailbox is probably overflowing back home.”

  “I see. Well, we hope to see you there.” Gail smiled at her sincerely, but it didn’t look to Dana that Clair was overly thrilled with the idea. She could only imagine the heated discussion they must have had over adding her name to the guest list.

  “Thank you. I’ll try, but I cannot make any promises.”

  “Yes, of course, with your writing and all…” Gail’s words hit home, and they stung. “Anyway, we must be off. It was nice seeing you again. If we don’t see you at the wedding, then do take care.” She glanced at the stack of books on the table, then back to Dana and gave her a strange little smile. Dana wondered if it was pity she saw in her expression.

  The women walked away and exited the store, and she stood there for several long moments staring out the window, mulling over the encounter. She hadn’t been prepared for the chance run-in with Gail or the torrent of memories and emotions it brought. It scared her so much she gave serious consideration to ending things with Mac. She didn’t want that, not really. She needed to see Mac, hold her, let her exorcise the ghosts of doubt that haunted her.

  ***

  Had there been a revolving door at the entrance to The Rusty Anchor, it wouldn’t have stopped turning today. Saturday of the Festival weekend had always been a busy day for Mac, Ricky, and the rest of the staff, and today was no exception. It was especially hectic for the kitchen and wait staff as tourists flocked here by the busload for their signature lobster dishes.

  It was late afternoon when Mac set a tray of freshly-cleaned glasses on the low counter behind the bar. She scanned the room and gave a silent cheer as she took in the tables and booths filled with happy customers who enjoyed an early supper.

  “I think it’s busier than it was during last year’s festival,” Sara said. “Could you pull me a draft, please?” She took two bottles of Keith’s IPA from the fridge and placed them on her serving tray.

  Mac handed the twenty-something hostess two clean glasses and a sympathetic smile. “I think you’re right, Sara.” She filled a glass from the beer tap and placed it on her tray. “I appreciate all your hard work today; thanks.”

  Sara beamed, her day brightened, and headed off to her waiting customers.

  “Ricky, I’m taking ten. You have the bridge,” she said, patting his shoulder as she passed. After a trip to the ladies’ room, she went to her office and plopped down into her chair, taking pleasure in the momentary relief from being on her feet for the last several hours. She made a mental note to pick up a pair of new shoes for work. These ones didn’t cut it anymore.

  She gave her computer a quick check for urgent emails, then her phone for any missed calls or texts. Dana had sent one at noon, and she eagerly opened it.

  Miss you. Hope you have a great day. See you this evening?

  She didn’t get to respond because Ricky chose that moment to appear at her doorway. “Mac, you have a visitor.”

  She looked up as Ricky stepped aside to reveal the striking woman with short blonde hair and blue highlights that stood behind him. Mac smiled instantly in recognition.

  “Jenny!” She rushed from behind the desk. As she approached the woman, she held open her arms for an embrace. Jenny stepped into her, placed her hands on the sides of her face and kissed her. Hard. Instinctively, her hands went to Jenny’s back and for the briefest of moments, she allowed herself to enjoy the familiarity of this woman’s mouth on hers.

  Alarm bells sounded in her head, and she quickly pulled away, but it was too late. From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a fleeing form. Turning her head for a better look, her heart stopped. “Oh, god, no!” she croaked as she watched Dana rush out the back door. She froze with panic, staring at the door as it closed slowly.

  “Mac. What’s wrong?” Jenny asked when Mac pushed passed her and raced after Dana.

  “Dana! Wait!” Mac yelled as she burst through the door. It was too late, and all she could do was stand there feeling sick as she watched the BMW kick up clouds of dust and send gravel flying as it tore out of the parking lot.

  She sat heavy on the step and covered her face with her hands. “Shit! Shit! Shit!” She could only imagine what Dana must have thought when she saw Jenny kissing her, and she really couldn’t blame her for it either. But it had caught her entirely off guard. She wouldn’t have allowed it to happen had she known. Then again, she should have known better. Her hellos with Jenny were always steamy if no one was around to see them.

  She raised her head at the sound of the door opening behind her. Jenny stepped outside and sat on the step beside her.

  “Mac, what’s going on? What happened?”

  She looked at Jenny, her brow furrowed. She was angry, more at the timing of Jenny’s unannounced arrival than at Jenny. If Dana hadn’t come into her life, then that kiss would have led to the door closing and a hot make-out session, followed by great sex later in the night. She knew it, and so did Jenny. “I
t seems Dana got a little upset seeing you kiss me,” she said flatly.

  Jenny straightened. “Please tell me it wasn’t my Dana.” Mac nodded, and she groaned. “You two are…I mean how long? Wow.” An awkward silence ensued.

  “Since the night she arrived in town I guess. She came into the Anchor and twisted her ankle. I helped her out,” Mac said. “I thought she would have told you about us, being your best friend and all.”

  “I’ve been in Europe working. We haven’t spoken since I left, which was a couple of days before she came here,” Jenny explained. “So, you two are what? Girlfriends?”

  “Yeah. Well, we were up to now.” Mac felt like throwing up. She had to explain this to Dana. Tell her it had been a mistake. She stood and turned for the door. “I need to call her. Tell her I’m sorry.”

  Jenny was on her feet in a flash and grabbed her wrist. “Mac, please wait.”

  She stopped, looked at the hand on her wrist and back up to Jenny as she pulled free. Heat rose in her face. “No, I can’t wait. I need to set things straight.”

  “Mac, please. This is my fault, and I feel horrible for it. Let me talk to her first.”

  She studied Jenny’s face; her eyes were wet, and she bit her lip. She sighed. Maybe it would be easier if Jenny spoke to her first. She nodded slowly. “Okay, you talk to her. It’ll give me time to figure out how I’m going to make this up to her.”

  Jenny nodded. “Mac, I’m really sorry this happened. Had I known…”

  “I know. I don’t blame you.” She opened the door. “Just go talk to her and tell her I’ll be here if she still wants me.”

  ***

  Dana sat on her bed and stared at the coffee cup in her hand. The image of Mac kissing that blonde played over and over in her mind. She never thought Mac would do something like that. Not to her. But then again, how well did she know her? They’d only been together half a dozen weeks. Maybe the visit from Gail had been an omen, a sign she was making the same mistakes again.

  She shook her head and wiped her tear-filled eyes. No, she didn’t want to believe that. But there it had been, right in front of her. Mac was kissing another woman, precisely like Gail had been kissing Clair while they were still together. The ache in her chest felt like something had been torn from her. She had experienced that when Gail left too, and it surprised her. She had been with Gail six years, but she had only been with Mac six weeks. Still, the hurt was as intense.