Hearts of Emerald Bay

by D G Barnes

  Mac shook her head. This was Dana’s night, and she wasn’t going to let her silly emotions ruin it. “Nothing. I’m fine.” She gave Dana a big toothy smile. “See?” she said pointing at her face. “All smiles. I’m fine.” Then she stole a kiss.

  She looked at Mac suspiciously. “Are you sure? You looked a little melancholy a moment ago.”

  “All’s well with the world. I have you, so how couldn’t it be anything but?” Mac said, handing her the award.

  Dana’s frown faded and her lips curled up. She took Mac’s hand in hers and stared at her for a moment longer. “Okay then.” She kissed the back of Mac’s hand. The kiss did make her feel better and the remnants of the sadness she felt earlier faded to nothingness. She gave Dana’s hand a squeeze, and they settled in their seats and enjoyed the rest of the presentations.

  Dana’s hand rested on Mac’s lower back as she guided her into a small banquet room adjacent to the auditorium. Ellie and Monica followed a pace behind. A waiter balancing a tray with several flutes of champagne greeted them and offered them a drink. Dana thanked him, took two, and handed one to Mac.

  “There is an assortment of non-alcoholic beverages on the buffet tables if the young ladies would care for a refreshment,” he said, gesturing toward the far side of the room, then moved on to the other guests.

  The room buzzed with the sounds of the smartly dressed people talking and laughing as they mingled. Dana had chosen to wear a black sleeveless dress that dipped in the front, teasing Mac with the smallest hint of cleavage. Mac too had worn a dress, not something she would have necessarily done on her own, but Dana had insisted, batting her eyelashes and pouting playfully. The look had been so sexy, Mac didn’t have a choice but to comply. Ellie and Monica also wore beautiful dresses that Dana had bought for them. With their hair and faces done, they transformed from the little girls Mac had always seen them as into beautiful young women. They were growing up fast.

  They didn’t make it more than two meters into the room before someone greeted Dana with a warm smile and a friendly hug, congratulating her on her win. Mac stood quietly and watched as Dana talked to the man. He was older, in his mid-fifties, she guessed. He stood a few centimeters taller than Dana and had short red hair that was graying at his temples. He had a round face with sparkling blue eyes, and when he laughed his ample belly shook, reminding her of a particular Christmas poem.

  “I knew you would win your category, Dana,” the man said. “There was never any doubt.”

  “How could you be so sure? I was up against some very talented competition.”

  “Bullpucky! Mere amateurs compared to you.” He waved dismissively in the air and laughed.

  “Dangerous words, George,” she said, raising an eyebrow. “And aren’t you married to one of those amateurs?”

  “What she doesn’t know can’t hurt me, right?” He winked as he glanced at Mac.

  Dana linked her arm with his and turned them to face Mac and the girls. “George, this is my girlfriend, Mac Mackenzie. Mac this is my good friend and agent, George Douglas.”

  Mac reached for the hand he offered and gasped when he pulled her into a one-armed hug. “Very nice to meet you, Mac. Any friend of Dana’s is a friend of mine,” he said as he released her, his face beaming. “And who are your lovely young friends here?”

  “Well, this is Ellie, Mac’s niece, and Monica, Ellie’s best friend.”

  “A pleasure, ladies,” he said, shaking their hands. “Are you enjoying yourselves?”

  “Very much,” Ellie replied as Monica moved slightly behind her.

  “You best keep your eye out for this one, George,” Dana said, resting a hand on Ellie’s shoulder. “She is quite the author in her own right. You just may see one of her manuscripts cross an editor’s desk in the not too distant future.”

  “Oh? Is that so?” He looked impressed. “That’s pretty high praise coming from Dana, young lady.” He studied Ellie with a serious eye. “Maybe I should give you my card. You keep old George here in mind when you land your first publishing deal. Okay?”

  Ellie blushed and nodded her head enthusiastically. “Yes, sir. I will,” she stammered, drawing laughter from the adults.

  “Dana,” George said after a moment. “I have news for you. Can we talk for a moment?”

  “Of course. Girls, why don’t you two get yourselves something eat,” Dana said.

  Dana moved to Mac’s side and linked their arms. “What news, George?”

  “Well, I received an interesting phone call this morning,” he said, pausing to snag a glass of champagne from the passing waiter.

  “From who?”

  “The English Department of Simon Fraser University.” He took a swallow of his drink, not taking his eyes from Dana.

  “Okay,” she said, cocking her head to one side. “What does that have to do with me?”

  “Seems they’re looking for a Writer in Residence for the coming academic year and possibly the following year, and they want you.”

  Mac looked at Dana, not at all sure what any of this meant. Dana stared at him, unblinking. The excitement on her face grew, and Mac felt her squeeze her arm.

  “Really? Wow!” Dana said with excitement in her voice.

  George laughed. “I figured that might be your reaction. But I have something else to sweeten the offer.” He paused for dramatic effect.

  “George! You’re killing me here.”

  He held up a hand and laughed. “Okay, okay. C.J. Jennings will be there as well.”

  “Oh, my god! No!” Dana squeaked, covering her mouth with her hands.

  Mac had no idea what they were talking about. What exactly was a writer in residence and who was C.J. Jennings? This was apparently someone of importance, to Dana at least, as she was acting much like Ellie had when she met Dana in their living room that first night.

  “This is amazing. I can hardly believe it,” Dana said, and her eyes flashed with excitement.

  “They would like you to fly out for a meeting on Monday morning. To discuss the offer and such,” George added. “I’ve taken the liberty of booking you a hotel, car, and a flight out on Sunday.”

  “So soon?”

  George shrugged. “School year starts in less than a month. They need to make sure you're onboard.”

  “Okay. Monday it is then.”

  “Great. I’ll send them a text and let them know to expect you,” he said. “You two enjoy the rest of the evening, and it was nice meeting you, Mac.” He gave Dana another hug and then disappeared into the crowd.

  How was she supposed to enjoy the rest of the evening? The news made Dana happy, but it hit Mac like a punch in the gut. Her stomach dropped as the thought of Dana leaving struck her. As much as she didn’t like the idea of her returning to Halifax, there was still the possibility of carrying on their relationship at least for a while longer. But this university was in Vancouver, the other side of the damn country. How could they possibly hope to make that work? She would be over four thousand kilometers away for a year, possibly two.

  She felt herself welling up, and her lip quivered. No! She scolded herself. She was stronger than this. She wasn’t going to do this here, in front of Dana. If moving to Vancouver was something Dana wanted to do and it made her happy, then she would be happy for her too. At least on the outside.

  Mac took a deep breath and wiped her eyes, but she wasn’t quick enough. Dana’s expression softened, and she took her hands.

  “Mac. What is it?”

  She shook her head and put on a brave face. “Nothing,” she said. Her voice threatened to crack. “I’m just happy for you. That’s all. But I will admit that I’m not thrilled with the idea of you being on the other side of the continent for a year.” She glanced at the empty glass in her hand, wishing it was full of something stronger than champagne.

  Dana dipped her head and caught Mac’s eyes. “Hey. Look at me,” she said softly and stroked her cheek. Their eyes met, and Dana gave her a reassuring smi
le. “It’s not actually a year, more like nine months. Besides, we can still talk and text, and I’ll be back for the holidays and spring break.”

  Mac raised the corners of her mouth and nodded. That sounded good, but would it really be enough? She wanted to believe it would. She sighed and pulled her into a hug. “I know,” she whispered.

  Not wanting to draw too much attention to themselves, Mac pulled back after a moment. “Shall we see what sort of goodies they have on the dessert table?”

  Dana searched her face before she spoke. “We could just get the girls and head back to our suite if you would rather.”

  “Don’t be silly. This is your evening. Let’s enjoy it.” She wanted to celebrate Dana’s win with her. She could feel sorry for herself later.

  They found Ellie and Monica standing off to the side of the buffet table. They each had a plate with fruit, cheese, and two big chocolate brownies on them. They grinned happily when Mac and Dana approached.

  “Where did you get those brownies?” Mac asked. “And, please, tell me there are more.”

  “I knew you would go nuts when you saw them.” Ellie touched her fork to the delicious-looking treat. “They’re over there.” She pointed at the table that held a large assortment of squares and other sweets.

  Mac turned. “Come,” she said to Dana. “We must rescue the brownies.” What better than chocolate to raise one's spirit?

  “Lead the way.” Dana followed as she made a beeline for the sweets.

  For the rest of the evening, Mac, Dana, and the girls mingled and chatted with other recipients and guests. Mac was feeling a lot better as they made their way to the elevator at the end of the evening. Dana pushed the button for their floor, then slumped against the back wall of the elevator next to Mac. Holding onto Mac’s shoulder, she reached down and pulled off her heels.

  “Damn, that feels so much better,” she said with a groan.

  Ellie and Monica giggled, and Mac asked. “Maybe you would like me to rub your feet later?”

  Dana looked at her and smirked. “I just might take you up on that offer.”

  “I wouldn’t mind one of those myself,” Monica said, then immediately turned a bright shade of pink when the elevator went quiet and three pairs of shocked eyes fell on her.

  “I…I…Um,” was all Monica could manage.

  They all laughed, and Ellie put an arm around her shoulder and squeezed. She whispered something to Monica that Mac couldn’t hear, then kissed her cheek.

  Back at the suite, they went to their rooms to change into something more comfortable.

  Dana stood in front of the dressing table and removed her necklace and earrings. “Unzip me?”

  Mac moved behind her and slowly pulled the little zipper down. The whole time she gazed into the mirror, watching Dana’s face. She dipped her head and kissed the smooth skin of her shoulder while she pushed the thin straps off and let the dress fall. She caressed her upper arms and kissed up the column of her neck, then nibbled on her ear.

  “You’re beautiful. You know that?” she whispered.

  Dana’s breath hitched. “What are you doing to me, Mac?” Her bra joined her dress on the floor. She ran her hands down Dana’s sides, then back up and cupped her naked breasts. She watched herself in the mirror as she squeezed the soft flesh and pinched each nipple, giving them a twist. Dana groaned and brought her hands up to cover Mac’s. She tilted her head back, and Mac kissed along her jaw and down her neck.

  “Fuck,” she croaked and turned in Mac’s arms to face her.

  Mac moved into her. Tangling fingers in her hair as she captured her mouth in a passionate kiss. Her other hand moved to Dana’s hip, slid into her underwear and cupped her ass as she pressed her thigh against her center. Dana sucked a breath and Mac knew she was ready. Holding the pressure, she didn’t move until she broke the long kiss moments later.

  She saw the flush of Dana’s skin and felt the heat as she kissed along her collarbone and down to heaving breasts. Mac took a nipple into her mouth, chasing the erect bud for a moment before continuing her journey downward.

  On her knees, she pulled the black panties down and off. She glanced up at Dana’s face and her own arousal grew. Dana’s eyes were shut, and her lips slightly parted. Her breaths came quick and ragged. Mac kissed her thigh, and Dana shuddered. She kissed upward across the soft skin until she reached the apex.

  Dana moaned and gripped the edge of the dressing table when Mac kissed her center. Another kiss, then her tongue snaked out and flicked upward. Dana jerked. Two more swipes and a hand gripped the back of Mac’s head, guiding her. Another swipe and Dana coaxed her on.

  “Yes,” Dana hissed. “Right there!”

  Mac took her entirely in her mouth, and that was all Dana needed to send her careening over the edge. She cried out and shuddered, grabbing onto the table as her legs buckled. Mac stayed with her, holding her hips, and kissing her softly until she recovered.

  Mac stood and wrapped her arms around her. “You okay?”

  Dana moaned. “Yeah. That was…wow,” she said and kissed Mac softly.

  Mac studied her face and brushed a thumb across her lower lip. “Shall we finish changing and see what the girls are up to?” If she stood here staring at that face any longer, the dread of Dana’s departure from her life would overwhelm her again.

  Later that night as they lay in bed, Mac on her back and Dana snuggled alongside with her head on her shoulder, she stared up at the ceiling. She felt a small shiver run through her as the sheen of sweat from their lovemaking cooled her body. Although she sighed contentedly at the pleasant calm and relaxation that came after the series of mind-numbing orgasms, her sigh was also born from the unpleasant thoughts that had been at the back of her mind, now rising to the forefront once again.

  Dana moved her head at the sound. “Penny for your thoughts.”

  Mac kissed the top of her head. “This residency thing; it’s important to you.” It was a statement more than a question.

  “It is. Just having them ask me is an honor. I’ve always thought it would be thrilling to be able to pass on my knowledge of writing to others. Maybe mentor other aspiring authors, like I’m doing with Ellie.”

  “I see.” Her chest tightened, and her stomach clenched. That was it then, wasn’t it? Dana was going to fly out to BC and take the offer. She took a breath before she spoke again. “The person that George mentioned, somebody Jenkins, Jennings…”

  “C.J. Jennings,” Dana supplied. “She’s a well-known and highly respected author. Best known for her historical fiction sagas. She’s right up there with the likes of Tolkien and Rowling. I’ve been a fan and admirer of her work long before I started writing. She inspired me to start writing to begin with. I guess you could consider her my idol.”

  “So, it’s a done deal then?” Mac’s asked softly.

  Dana was quiet, and Mac didn’t need to hear her answer to know what it was. “I’m sorry if it upsets you, Mac, but this is too important of an opportunity for me to pass up.”

  Mac hesitated for a moment before speaking, pushing back the lump that had formed in her throat. “I know, Dana, and I’m happy for you. Honestly, I am.” Her tone was less than convincing, and she knew Dana would have heard it too.

  The silence that followed was deafening. She stared at the ceiling for the longest time as thoughts of Dana leaving played in her mind. After a time, she heard Dana’s soft rhythmic breathing as she slept. She bit her lip as the tears rolled down her cheeks.

  Chapter Fourteen

  For the third time in as many minutes, Dana snugged the seatbelt over her hips. She peered out the small window and watched the buildings and streets of the city grow larger as they rushed up to meet the plane. For a moment she wondered if they were going to clear the urban sprawl in time. The steel, glass, and concrete abruptly gave way to a field of grass and then to the asphalt of the runway. There was a mild but noticeable thud as the wheels of the Airbus kissed the ground. The aircraft
shuddered, and the engines roared for a moment as the mighty jet slowed and then continued to taxi to the gate.

  Dana slowly released her breath and loosened her death grip from the arms of her seat. She had flown more times than she could count, but landings were still the scariest part of the flight as far as she was concerned. The flight from Halifax to Vancouver always made for a long day, and a two-hour layover in Toronto didn’t help. What the trip did do though was give her plenty of time to think. She had thought about the upcoming meeting with the university the next day and what a terrific experience it would lead to. Being able to help new aspiring authors learn the craft was thrilling, and working with the author who had inspired her was a dream come true.

  But, the previous 24 hours had been foremost in her thoughts, and it left her feeling uneasy. When she had awoken in the hotel suite the morning after the awards ceremony, she could smell Mac’s scent on the sheets. She had reached out for her and found the spot where Mac had slept empty and cold. Opening her eyes, she looked around the room, giving her brain a moment to clear the fog of sleep and process her surroundings.

  She swung her legs around and sat up on the edge of the bed, stretched, and yawned. She hummed at the slight ache between her legs that reminded her of their activities from the night before as she strolled to the en-suite for a shower.

  Ellie and Monica were sitting at the dining room table and gave her a bright smile as she approached. Mac stood beside a room service cart, placing plates of eggs, bacon, and pancakes on the table. She looked up at her, but the dazzling smile Dana expected to see wasn’t there. Instead, the corners of her mouth curled up slightly, then flattened almost immediately.

  Dana moved around the table and behind Mac, wrapping her arms around her waist. “Good morning,” she said and leaned in to kiss her. To her surprise, Mac pulled away and moved to one of the empty chairs.

  “I hope you don’t mind that I ordered breakfast. I should get back to the Anchor,” she said without emotion.