by M. Ullrich
“Harper, I’ve heard a lot about you and Out Shore, and I have to say that it’s a dream come true to even be considered for the position.” Genevieve turned on her charm and removed her black blazer.
Harper looked at her emerald green blouse, and a smile of recognition lit up her face. “That’s a lovely blouse,” she said. “Would you mind me asking what the material is?”
“It’s a silk blend.”
“I’d be afraid of it staining from perspiration, you know, in high-pressure situations,” Harper said with a smirk.
“It’s my lucky interview blouse. The last time I wore it I landed a job that changed my whole life.”
“What happened?”
“I made a few uncharacteristic mistakes that led to my termination. I’m sure that’s not what you want to hear as a potential employer, but I’m not the type to lie in order to get what I want in life.”
Harper nodded as the silence stretched on, filling the room with familiar tension and unspoken feelings. “Genevieve, I don’t have to tell you how important Out Shore is to me and that I take its success very seriously. I want this magazine to be very successful.” Harper leveled a steely gaze at Genevieve, taking the same position she had in their first interview. “What can you bring to the table that’ll help make that happen?”
“An honest perspective,” Genevieve said simply.
“Why do you want to work here?” Harper said in a less confident voice, and she stared at her folded hands on the desktop, seemingly comparing her thumbs. Genevieve knew this was it: Harper was asking every unspoken question in seven simple words.
“Because I believe in this magazine, and I believe I can use my life experiences to not only help readers learn about themselves, but also come to accept the person they’ve been all along.”
“How so?”
“I was in a relationship with a man for many years—too many years—and I stayed because I didn’t believe in anything more than average. I’m from a very small town where most people married their high school sweethearts and followed in their parents’ footsteps when it came to work. That’s the average life expected of everyone.” Genevieve shifted to sit on the edge of her seat.
“What changed for you?”
“I was ready for a more exciting life.”
Harper deflated.
Genevieve smiled and added, “And I fell in love with an amazing woman.”
Harper’s head shot up, her pewter eyes wide.
“My feelings for her exceed average and certainly weren’t expected,” she said, and she giggled before continuing. “And she definitely added excitement to my life.” Genevieve stood and walked around Harper’s desk, looking down at the woman who had brought her to life so many months ago.
“I’m Genevieve Applegate, a woman from Milan, Pennsylvania, who chased the fulfillment of professional success to New Jersey. I told a few lies along the way, to myself and others, and I’m sorry for the pain they have caused.” Genevieve swallowed roughly and looked out the windows to the rolling ocean for strength to continue. When she looked into Harper’s eyes again, she saw the same powerful calm there. She could think of worse things than looking at either every day for the rest of her life.
“I’m so sorry for hurting you, but I can’t say I regret doing what I did.” Genevieve flashed a watery smile and laughed through a cry. Harper stood and wiped stray tears from Genevieve’s cheeks. Her face was set in a soft smile, and Genevieve took her first easy breath since that fateful Monday morning.
Harper looked at Genevieve. She tilted her head and said, “Why not?” She stepped closer to Genevieve, pinning her against the edge of her desk.
“Because it brought me to you.” Genevieve took hold of Harper’s lower back, balling Harper’s shirt in her fists. “I know you said you needed time, but you also said you hated salads. I didn’t listen then, and I don’t think I should listen now.”
Harper laughed and shook her head. She leaned forward and brought her lips within millimeters of Genevieve’s. “Always disregarding my words.” Harper’s joke fell flat when Genevieve pulled back and looked at her seriously.
“No more lies,” Genevieve pleaded. “I promise.”
“I know.” Harper moved back a step. That small distance felt like an infinite chasm to Genevieve and she whined dramatically. Harper laughed even louder. “You’re hired. You got the job and the girl, there’s no reason to lie.”
“I got the girl?” Genevieve said in awe.
“She’s all yours.”
“You needed time.”
“I don’t need time.” Harper framed Genevieve’s face in her hands. “I just need you.” Harper kissed her sweetly.
Genevieve’s knees buckled, and she fell fully against the desk, the furniture holding her up as she reacquainted herself with Harper’s wondrous mouth.
Once they separated, Genevieve took a bit longer to grasp her bearings and speak again. She watched the colors shift from grays to blues in Harper’s eyes, and she lost herself in the emotion of the moment. A commotion outside the office door brought her back to reality.
“What about Clarissa?” Genevieve said.
“You don’t have to worry about Clarissa.”
“You fired her?”
Harper shook her head. “I got a little inspiration when I heard about the job you were being offered, and I decided to start a new department and column here. Clarissa is the new head of Travel and Leisure.” Genevieve’s smile grew larger as the idea set in. “She’ll be on the road most of the time, reporting on gay-friendly hot spots across the country.”
“How did she take that news?”
“Very well, after we had a screaming match about the stunt she pulled during the investors’ meeting,” Harper said. “I think she needed a break just as much as I did. To be honest, I’m hoping this change benefits her. Maybe while she’s meeting new people, she can find herself along the way.”
“Maybe she’ll find her Miss Right.”
“If it happened for me, then anything’s possible.”
Genevieve wrapped her arms around Harper and held her in a nearly painful embrace. Her future seemed limitless now. “I have to get to work.” She stepped away and walked to the door.
Harper called her back. “Wait!”
Genevieve turned back to see Harper stand with her palms turned up.
“I didn’t even get a chance to tell you that I love you, too.”
Genevieve’s heart swelled. She ran back for a quick kiss and said, “Tell me later over dinner.” She grinned and left the office, nearly running into Dana, who stood just outside the door.
“I’m happy you’re back, Gen,” Dana said sheepishly, barely making eye contact.
“I am too, Dana.” Genevieve walked off with her head high, determined to be the very best—for herself and for Harper.
When Genevieve sat at her old desk twenty minutes later, Matthew caught her up on all the office drama she had missed while she was gone, most of which revolved around Clarissa and her new position. She looked to her left and saw Maxine smiling at her. Not one of them asked about her lies. They displayed no malice as they welcomed her back, and they both seemed genuinely happy she occupied the spot between them once again. Genevieve popped a gummy bear from one of the nine bags left in her desk drawer into her mouth when she watched Harper walk past their desks. They shared a coy, knowing smile. Harper nearly stumbled when Genevieve added a wink.
It had all started with a spontaneous lie, followed by many trials and tribulations, but step by step, Genevieve was able to create a reality she was proud of. She could finally say that she had made it.
Always Celebrate Your Success
Eighteen months later
Genevieve didn’t expect to be having an engagement party just six months after moving in with Harper. But then again, when they lay sprawled across the sofa on a rainy July afternoon, Genevieve didn’t expect Harper to propose either.
Harper’s proposal h
ad easily become her favorite memory to lose herself in. Harper said the desire to get married didn’t come from a traumatic catalyst this time. Harper told her she wanted every boring day and every other moment of their lives to feel as special as that one. Marrying Genevieve was the only way Harper could have that. Genevieve cried for an hour straight, all while laughing and saying “yes” more times than she could count.
She took a break from deciding between the seven dresses she had laid out across the bed to admire her two-carat diamond solitaire, entranced by its sparkling and abundant facets.
“Are you staring at your ring again?” Harper said from behind her.
“I can’t help it, it’s so beautiful.” Genevieve stepped into Harper’s arms. She wore only her bra and panties, but Harper was fully dressed.
“Now you know why you always catch me staring at you.”
“I already said yes. You don’t have to keep sweet-talking me,” Genevieve said, wrapping her arms around Harper’s neck.
“I still have to get you to the altar. Why aren’t you dressed yet?”
Genevieve smiled shyly. “I can’t decide which one to wear. Imagine what I’ll be like when I’m shopping for my wedding dress.”
“We’ll never be getting married,” Harper deadpanned, earning a pinch from Genevieve.
Genevieve shuffled through her choices again, holding each up beside Harper for comparison. Tonight was about them, so their appearance mattered more than usual. Feeling Harper grip her backside was a great distraction.
“I need to get dressed, and you aren’t helping.” Genevieve pushed back against Harper’s hands, hoping one would caress between her legs. When the touch she craved didn’t come, Genevieve stood and leaned back against Harper.
“I’m much better at helping you take your clothes off, not putting them on,” Harper whispered into her ear as she ran her palms over Genevieve’s abdomen.
No matter how much time had passed, Harper’s words and touch still demolished Genevieve’s resolve. She spun in Harper’s arms.
“You have ten minutes, otherwise we’ll be late to our own party.”
“I’m taking fifteen.” Harper lifted Genevieve and sat her on a nearby dresser. She kissed Genevieve’s throat and then the valley between her breasts. “Dana’s always early, and she’ll entertain everyone until we get there.”
“Wait,” Genevieve said, pushing Harper away gently. “I thought they weren’t coming back until tonight.”
“Dana sent me a message earlier, saying that she didn’t want to miss the party.”
“Does that mean Clarissa is coming, too?” Genevieve rushed to pick a dress and put it on, no longer caring which one.
“I received a message from her as well. She’s bringing someone special.”
“How’d that come up?”
“It didn’t. I got one message from Dana, and then one from Clarissa right afterward, and that’s all it said. I think it’s nice that she wanted us to know.”
Genevieve was shocked. “Do you think it’s someone she met in Cabo?” she said, referencing Clarissa’s latest Out Shore trip.
Harper shrugged. “I have no idea. I doubt it, though. She was supposed to spend her time sightseeing, not just having raucous sex with locals. That’s the whole reason I sent Dana with her—to keep her on a tight leash.”
“Even Dana isn’t that much of a miracle worker.” Genevieve touched up her light makeup in the vanity mirror before turning back to Harper. “How do I look? Worthy of your eternal love?”
“You look worthy of my eternal awe.” Harper kissed Genevieve’s cheek before raising her left hand to her lips. “You’re breathtaking.”
“And you look dashing as usual.” Genevieve smoothed her hands down the front of Harper’s sky blue, short-sleeved button-up. The color complemented her magenta dress.
“Ready?”
“Just need shoes.” Genevieve rushed to their closet and returned with two sets of heels. “Strappy sandals or classic pumps?” she said, holding them up in front of Harper’s face.
“You always complain when you wear the sandals.”
“But they’re perfect for summer,” Genevieve whined. “I’m wearing the sandals.”
Harper smiled and watched her strap on her shoes. Genevieve knew she wanted to make a comment, but she held out her hand for Genevieve to take instead and asked if she was ready to go.
Genevieve gripped Harper’s hand tightly. “Ready as I’ll ever be.”
*
The Blue Bar was the perfect place to have their engagement party. Festivities were in full swing by the time Genevieve and Harper arrived. The setting was decorated with modern touches, the staff was tattooed and pleasant, and the eclectic space overlooked the ocean. Genevieve had fallen in love the first time she stepped foot in the bar, and every time after was just as wonderful.
“Would you like me to get you a beer?” Harper said, grazing the shell of Genevieve’s ear with her lips.
“No. In celebration, I’d like to try something different tonight. I’m going to order a mojito.”
“I’ll order a beer. Just in case.”
Genevieve waited for Harper to get their drinks before meeting their group out on the reserved patio space. Harper got the young female bartender’s attention easily. Genevieve noticed the bartender looking her over, and she bristled when the bartender reached out to touch Harper’s forearm.
“Calm down, killer. I can see the steam coming out of your ears from here.”
Genevieve spun around. “Chloe!” Genevieve hugged her briefly before looking back at the bar. “She’s touching her, and I don’t like it.”
“She’s also working for tips, and Harper is very easy to flirt with. Need I mention your mother’s display of affection at Christmastime?”
“No, and please don’t ever again. Now look at my ring and squeal like a true best friend and maid of honor.”
Chloe obeyed with a dramatic display of excitement that got the attention of every other patron in their area.
“I guess my intuition to order a drink for Chloe was accurate,” Harper said as she returned to Genevieve with an extra mojito in hand. “Genevieve wanted to try something new, and I ordered you the same because I know you’ll drink anything.”
“She’s thoughtful and remembers all the most important things about me. She really is a keeper, Gen.”
“I know.” Genevieve wanted to say more, but she saw a very tan Dana approaching. “Dana! Nice tan.” She hugged Dana briefly. “I’m happy you made it back in time.”
“Thank you, and there was no way I’d miss this.” Dana said, her eyes only on Genevieve. “We’re all out on the patio, waiting for the guests of honor to arrive.”
“Is Clarissa here?” Genevieve said, her hand cupped around her mouth conspiratorially.
Dana nodded like a bobblehead doll before answering. “Yes, yes, she is. But you, Gen, should focus on yourself and not others. Tonight is about celebrating the love you found unexpectedly.” She grabbed Harper’s hand and then Genevieve’s and gave them a less-than-gentle tug. “Come on.”
Genevieve looked back at Chloe and then at Harper oddly as she dragged them along. When they arrived at the doorway that separated the patio from the indoors, every face from Out Shore greeted them with broad smiles. They shouted a robust round of congratulations and Matthew popped a cork from a champagne bottle, causing Genevieve to shriek.
“Get your bubbly, ladies.” Matthew handed them each a champagne flute before holding his own up. “A toast to our amazing boss and the most beautiful flower the backwoods of Pennsylvania has ever produced. Your love makes me believe that maybe I’ll fall in love one day, just not anytime soon because there’s at least three guys—”
“Matthew!” Maxine scolded.
“To love!” He held up his glass and everyone followed.
“Thank you, Matthew.” Harper touched her glass to his and then to Genevieve’s before sipping her champagne.
&nb
sp; Genevieve looked at the glass in her hand and back to Harper in a panic. Was it bad luck to not drink after toasting your own engagement? She looked around the crowd, and as everyone else finished off their champagne, she nonchalantly set her glass on the outdoor bar top. A flash of red hair from the end of the bar caught her attention.
Clarissa looked good, as expected, but she appeared to be in a heated discussion with someone hidden by a poorly placed support beam. Clarissa’s face was void of any anger, many softer emotions playing within her expressions. Genevieve craned her neck to see who Clarissa was talking to. The other person had to be her “someone special.” Clarissa looked down as she spoke, which led Genevieve to surmise her date was shorter. Once Clarissa took her date’s hand and kissed it tenderly, Genevieve felt like a voyeur and forced her eyes away.
“Genevieve?” Harper said.
“What?”
“Chloe wants to know if you plan on drinking your mojito, because she wants it.”
Genevieve took a healthy sip of her drink, fully prepared to hate it, but she was surprised at the minty lime concoction. “This is delicious.”
“Damn.” Chloe snapped her fingers and stalked off toward the bar.
Genevieve checked her surroundings before saying to Harper, “Look straight ahead.”
“Okay. What am I looking at?”
“Clarissa.”
“I see her.”
“She’s talking to her date. Can you see them?”
“I see Clarissa, but she’s only talking to Dana.”
“That’s impossible. Just a few seconds ago, Clarissa was kissing someone’s hand.” Genevieve turned around, and the realization hit her immediately when she recognized the watch on Dana’s wrist. “Holy shit. Clarissa and Dana.”
“No way.”
“Way,” Matthew chimed in. “I didn’t think it was possible either.” He picked up Genevieve’s untouched champagne and walked away.
“Wow.” Genevieve couldn’t stop watching Dana cozy up to Clarissa, and the way Clarissa noticeably softened.
“They make sense.” Harper wrapped her arms around Genevieve’s waist and nuzzled the crook of her neck.
