by C. Fonseca
“Maggie and Isabella met during the Korean War, at the army hospital in Seoul. They fell in love and were together for over fifty years.”
“That’s a long time.” Andi smiled. “Isabella is Irish, right? How come she was in Seoul? I didn’t know the Irish were involved in the Korean War.”
Caitlin walked back to the table with her second cup of coffee. “Yes, you’re right. She was serving with the joint forces, International Red Cross contingent. Isabella’s ancestors are from the Dingle Peninsula… You have heard of it.”
Andi looked over to the other side of the room and pointed in the direction of Caitlin’s photographs. “Only from reading National Geographic magazine. Your photographs are incredible.”
“Those were taken near Slea Head. Green rolling hills and long sandy beaches with cliffs and mountains towering over the ocean. The scenery is stunning, dramatic. I guess it is County Kerry’s answer to your Great Ocean Road. From what I’ve read, Apollo Bay and the Twelve Apostles will remind me of home.”
Andi returned from stacking their dishes in the sink. “Your parents live in Cork? And you too?”
Caitlin snared Andi’s hand and pulled her onto her lap. She lifted Andi’s chin so their eyes met, and a questioning gaze passed between them.
“That’s correct. Our home is in Cork, but we’ve always spent holidays and many weekends on the Dingle coast. Our cottage is very close to a beautiful, secluded sandy beach with views of Dingle Bay, the ocean, and the mountains.”
Caitlin lightly stroked the muscle above Andi’s knee.
“Sounds…very beautiful.” Andi’s breath hitched as Caitlin’s fingers brushed featherlike touches along her inner thigh under the jumper. “Caitlin…” Andi rested her face in the curve of Caitlin’s neck and nipped with her teeth.
Caitlin gasped. “You bit me.”
Andi kissed the corner of Caitlin’s lips and whispered, “Serves you right, with this straying hand.” She held onto Caitlin’s roving fingers. “Caitlin?”
“Yes, Andi?” Caitlin murmured against Andi’s moist lips.
“Do you have plans…for today?”
Caitlin moved her head back and grinned. “What do you think?” She manoeuvred her hand free from Andi’s grasp and continued her exploration of Andi’s flesh.
“I meant later. There’s a barbecue at Ellie’s this evening. You’re invited…” Andi grabbed Caitlin’s waist.
“I’d love to spend the rest of the day getting to know you better,” Caitlin whispered, her hand lightly stroking Andi, her thumb finding Andi’s centre. “And I will come…to the barbecue with you…Andi.”
Andi breathed in sharply and sought Caitlin’s mouth again. “Kiss me, Caitlin.”
And Caitlin did, deeply.
Caitlin increased her pressure, growing more determined, luxuriating in the feel of Andi’s arousal beneath her touch. Caitlin gently sucked her earlobe and murmured, “You are so beautiful…like this.” Her heart thumped loudly inside her chest. “So open to me…”
Andi’s muscles pulsed around her fingers, and her eyes grew wide. “More…more, please…” In release, she shuddered, and her body was molten honey in Caitlin’s arms.
As Andi’s breathing slowed, Caitlin held her tightly and looked into her eyes, drowning in liquid amber.
CHAPTER 18
Caitlin turned left into Yarra Boulevard, drove along Studley Park Road, and crossed the bridge over the broad, tree-lined Yarra River.
“Melbourne has such a spring in its step. It’s so busy and alive. There’s something happening on every corner; it’s incredibly vibrant,” Caitlin said as they passed a row of cafés and bars bustling with people in High Street.
“Spring Racing Carnival is one of the busiest times of the year. It is a world-class event. Thoroughbred racing and fashion,” Andi said.
Caitlin turned to Andi and grinned. “I hear champagne flows through the streets at the race that stops the nation,” she said. “Have you ever been to a Melbourne Cup?”
“Yes. One of our clients invited me to the Emirates marquee last year. I drank more than my share of champagne. The whole day was mind-blowing. It was a great experience, but I hate large crowds.” Andi shrugged. “Once was enough for me.”
They were stopped at a red light. Caitlin, unable to resist an opportunity to kiss, leaned towards Andi and was met halfway. The driver in the car behind sounded his horn, cutting the moment short.
She drove down Brunswick Street. It was a great area to hang out, with its mix of art galleries, cafés, and specialist shops only four kilometres from the centre of the city. Since her arrival in Melbourne, she often wiled away a few hours here, exploring the quirky boutiques, enjoying the gay-friendly atmosphere, and perusing the second-hand bookshops.
At their destination, Ellie’s party in North Fitzroy, Caitlin reversed the car into a tight space and then turned to Andi.
“Hey.” Caitlin lightly pressed Andi’s forearm. “How are you doing?”
“Hey.” Andi half smiled and wrinkled her eyebrows. “I guess we’d better do this. Ellie’s parties are usually fun. She invites such an interesting mix of people. They’re never boring,” she rambled.
“Don’t worry. There’s not much that surprises me,” she reassured Andi. Caitlin leaned forward, kissed her gently, and whispered in her ear, “Let’s just enjoy our time together.”
Andi reached into the backseat for the bottle of wine, and sixpack of ale. “Yes we’d better go into the party, before I throw you into the back seat.” Andi laughed and glanced into the cramped space of the Roadster. “Maybe not.”
They entered the brick terrace house to the sounds of loud music and laughter. Caitlin followed Andi down a long hallway. They passed a spiky-haired, leather-clad blonde and rooms scattered with an eclectic mix of women. Andi wasn’t wrong.
“Andi, you made it,” said one of the partygoers as she waved a bottle of beer precariously in front of her. “Oh, you haven’t been home, have you? You’re still wearing last night’s clothes.” The woman smirked.
“Actually, Helen, I’m about to fix that.” Andi placed the drinks on the kitchen bench and whispered to Caitlin, “Ellie’s in the garden, through there.” She gestured to the rear of the house.
Beyond a narrow staircase, Caitlin spied Ellie through a set of open multifold doors that led to a Mediterranean-style courtyard garden.
“I’ll be back in ten minutes. I need to nick upstairs and change,” Andi said.
“Sure.” Caitlin held on to Andi’s forearm and whispered in her ear, “Are you sure you don’t need help with that?”
Andi lifted one eyebrow. “I’ll be fine. Maybe later.” She turned to Helen. “Could you please show Caitlin where to get a drink and tell Ellie we made it. I won’t be long.” Andi bounded up the stairs.
“Of course, my pleasure,” Helen said, as she led Caitlin towards the bar that was set up in a back corner of the living room.
Caitlin sipped her drink and scanned the crowd. She noticed Ellie beckoning her to come outside. “Thanks, Helen. I see Ellie out there. I’d better go and say hello.” She made her way into the courtyard, aware that several women were gazing at her openly.
“Glad you could make it,” Ellie said with a welcoming smile. She checked Caitlin out from head to toe. “Love your gear.”
Caitlin had selected an outfit from the edgy end of her wardrobe. Red and black tartan pants, white cotton T-shirt, sable midcalf leather boots, and sleeveless black biker jacket. She pulled the red slouch beanie from her head and ruffled her hair.
“Thanks for the invitation, Ellie. It’s really nice to be here.”
A woman approached, and Caitlin recognised her as Ellie’s date from the Emerson the night before, the woman in the emerald dress.
Ellie drew her friend close to her side. “Caitlin, I’d like you to meet Meagan. Meagan, this is Caitlin, Andi’s friend.”
Meagan took Caitlin’s hand in a firm handshake. “Lovely to meet you. You
were at the dance last night.” Her dark eyebrows arched over piercing green eyes that appraised Caitlin with a casual, cool confidence.
“I was indeed. Good to see you again, Meagan.”
“Meagan and many of the other women here tonight are colleagues from the hospital,” Ellie said. “Meagan consults with me on some of my special cases.”
“You’re an M.D.?” Caitlin asked.
Meagan tipped her head towards Caitlin. “Psych consult.”
“A psychiatrist?”
Ellie laughed, and she tightened her grip around Meagan’s waist. “That’s correct, Caitlin. She’s a headshrinker, but you’ll be safe with her while I duck inside for a minute.”
“Caitlin, come and talk to me while I play chef,” said Meagan. She moved towards the grill, and Caitlin followed. A colourful mix of kebabs were sizzling, popping, and smelling delicious.
“Blast, just in time. I would have been toast if they’d burnt,” Meagan said.
“And you would’ve had a bunch of cranky, hungry women on your hands. What is it like to be a psychiatrist in a big hospital?”
Meagan chuckled, turned the vegetable kebabs, and basted them with marinade. “Busy. I’m part of the behavioural medicine unit that serves children and teens. And you? Ellie mentioned you are working in Melbourne?”
“Yes, I’m helping to set up a private art gallery, and in a couple of weeks, I’ll present my first guest paper for the art history department at the University of Melbourne.”
“You’ve got quite a lot on your plate, then. How do you like it here?” Meagan asked.
“I’m enjoying it very much. Better to be busy than to have idle hands.” Caitlin lifted her glass of wine in a salute.
Meagan threw her head back and laughed. She picked up her glass to return the gesture. “For some reason, I doubt very much that those hands have been idle lately.” She looked around. “Speaking of which, where is Andi?”
Caitlin bit her lip to stifle a grin.
Meagan nudged her lightly. “Here she comes now.”
They watched as Andi descended the stairs. She wore slim-fitting denim jeans and a black T-shirt that accentuated her sculptured body. She stopped at the foot of the staircase to talk with two women Caitlin recognised from last night. They were part of Erica’s crowd. Caitlin was surprised when one of the women looked directly at her, then whispered something to Andi.
“She always looks like sunshine, doesn’t she? All golden and glowing,” Meagan said with a grin.
“Ah ha, that she does.” Caitlin cleared her throat and drained her glass of wine. Andi was simply stunning.
Andi moved to the bar, where she poured herself a drink and threw back the shot. Whiskey, perhaps.
A few minutes later, Andi made her way towards them, holding a half-empty bottle of beer. A crowd had gathered around the grill, all of them women with their plates already loaded with food.
Caitlin followed Andi to a small bench under a weeping cherry tree in the corner of the garden. It was good meeting Andi’s friends, but after the intimate time they’d just shared, Caitlin wished they were alone together.
Andi’s brow furrowed, and her back was unnaturally straight. Caitlin wanted to wrap her arms around her and pull her close. She wanted to take Andi home to bed and start all over again. She longed to touch Andi, breathe in her intoxicating scent, and see the unconcealed desire and longing in her eyes once again.
Caitlin tugged on the straps of Andi’s red braces. She was startled and disappointed when Andi pulled away. What was wrong? Did Andi regret last night?
“Are you hungry?” Caitlin asked. Perhaps she just needed food.
“Not really.”
“I recognise the two women you were talking to by the stairs. They were at the Emerson last night.”
Andi turned to Caitlin. She narrowed her eyes. “Yes. They’re interns at Edge Gallery. They work with Erica Hunt. I believe you know her.”
Oh, so that’s what this was about. Caitlin took a deep breath and spoke in what she hoped was a soothing voice. “I do. Erica is the director of the gallery. Isabella loaned her a painting for an exhibition a few weeks ago.”
Andi glared at her. “I’m a bit confused, Caitlin. The interns, Jess and Sarah, have the impression that you and Erica are seeing each other.”
“Seeing each other?” She rolled her shoulders back and matched Andi’s gaze. “Seeing each other is a very broad statement.”
Andi drained the rest of her bottle, turned abruptly, and headed inside.
Caitlin ran her hands through her hair, looked around, and sighed in frustration. What could she say?
Andi returned with two bottles of beer. She held one out to Caitlin, took a large swig of her own drink, and placed the empty bottle down on the bench with unnecessary force.
Caitlin placed her untouched bottle on the bench and wiped her damp hand on her trousers. “Erica and I have seen each other a few times. Our paths do cross a bit, professionally.” Damn, whatever Caitlin said was bound to come out wrong.
Andi reached across Caitlin’s lap to grab the full bottle. “If you’re not going to drink that, I will.”
“Don’t you think you should slow down? You’ve hardly eaten a thing since this morning.”
“I’m fine. I think I know how much I can drink.” Her voice was raised and edged with frustration. Her hands were balled into fists.
Caitlin rolled her eyes. She reached for one of Andi’s hands and gently stroked her fingers. “I was hoping you’d want to come back to Kew tonight. If you stay, we could go to the farmers’ market tomorrow and have lunch at the Convent Bakery.”
Andi shook her head and pulled her hand out of Caitlin’s grasp. “No, I can’t do that,” she said. “I have to go home to Koda in the morning, and I’d rather leave from this side of town.”
“That’s not a problem. I can drive you back here in the morning,” Caitlin said.
“I don’t think that’s a good idea, Caitlin.” Andi stood and started to walk away. She stopped and turned back to Caitlin. “It looks like our paths have crossed too.” She shoved her hands into her pockets.
Caitlin took a few deep breaths and forced herself to remain calm. “Do you want to talk about it now? We can go and sit in the car.” She looked around them. “Just not here.”
“No, I don’t want to talk about it. I’m the one who has obviously got it wrong.”
Caitlin stood. “No, Andi, you haven’t got it wrong. But…”
Women spilled out into the courtyard, and it became uncomfortably crowded. Caitlin pulled Andi into a corner to avoid making a scene.
“But what?” Andi shrugged to release her arm.
Caitlin rubbed at her forehead. Was Andi jealous, or was she annoyed that she’d found out about Erica from two strangers? Caitlin had been the one to pursue Andi. What bad timing—they’d finally slept together, and now she learned about Erica. As far as Caitlin was concerned, her infrequent encounters with Erica were no reason for Andi to be so upset.
She was developing a headache. “I’m sorry you’re upset. There is really nothing to be jealous about—”
“I never said I was jealous, Caitlin.”
“Well, what then? Tell me what you’re thinking.”
“I’m pissed off. I discovered that you and Erica were sleeping together—after last night. It’s how I found out. God, what was I thinking?”
“Last night was wonderful. I don’t want to spoil that,” Caitlin said. “Why can’t we talk about it in the car? I can’t do this here.”
“What’s there to talk about? You don’t owe me an explanation. We had sex. It was great,” she said bluntly.
It was great. Caitlin was exhausted from this whole ridiculous scene. “I should make my way home now. I’m sorry.” She looked at Andi and hoped that she would ask her to stay. She didn’t.
Disappointed, Caitlin pulled her into an embrace and said, “I will call you tomorrow.”
Andi’s rigid hug l
acked warmth, and Caitlin gave up trying. She released her and stepped back.
“Enjoy the rest of the party, Andi.” Caitlin leaned in to kiss her cheek. Andi looked distant and conflicted. If only Andi would ask her to stay.
Caitlin walked away, telling herself not to look back. She headed into the house, down the hall, and out the front door. She was thankful neither Ellie nor Meagan were anywhere to be seen. It would have been awkward to explain her sudden departure.
That the party hadn’t gone well was an understatement. Caitlin drove home in a bit of a daze. When she arrived at the estate, she parked in the garage and, in her frustration, tried to slam the car door, but the soft-close mechanism prevented her from doing so. Instead, she yelled, “Damn!”
She walked the well-lit brick path to the house, replaying the evening’s events over and over in her mind. How had something so incredible turned into something so horrible in such a short time?
At the rear of the building, the automatic door closed smoothly behind her. “Fuck it,” she yelled and dragged herself up the stairs to the first floor.
The confusion on Andi’s face was etched in Caitlin’s mind. She’d wanted to say more—to explain—but Andi wouldn’t let her. Now she felt totally stuck and inept. She didn’t mean to be evasive or make excuses. She knew she’d have to explain the situation with Erica eventually.
She hadn’t even had time to process her own feelings about Andi and their night together.
Caitlin stepped into the stairwell that led to her apartment and pushed forcefully at the heavy door. It closed with a satisfying bang. “Finally. A door I can slam!”
What did Andi expect from her—that she’d been a nun prior to meeting her? So she hadn’t told her about Erica, but she hadn’t seen any reason to explain. And how could she expect to have a conversation like that at a party? It was totally the wrong place.
Caitlin reached the top step. The foyer was lined with bookcases, a small library that represented the last ten years of her life. She wished she could catalogue her emotions as easily as she could her book collection.
Since her relationship with Rachel had ended, she’d placed a high priority on her studies, research, and travel. She’d also been free to engage in a series of affairs. And that had suited her just fine. She enjoyed her independence and freedom. It wasn’t that she went out of her way to avoid intimacy—it was just convenient to keep things at the fun stage, that initial foray when two people experienced a mutual attraction, enjoyed each other’s company, and had sex. Uncertainty and unpredictability had always added to the excitement for Caitlin.
