by Lydia Rose
“How are Peter and the two boys working out?” Nicole asked, hoping the answer would be positive.
“Your dad said Peter is giving him some good ideas and the boys are doing a good job. This way I can help you anytime you need me at the stand.” Karen’s smile was wide as she spoke with Nicole.
“I’ll start spreading the word on the pulled pork sandwiches on Monday when the crew comes over for lunch.”
“How is the house coming along?” Karen wondered if the house being torn apart would upset her husband.
“From the outside, all you can see is the front porch is gone. I hear the inside is gutted.”
“I guess it was necessary,” Karen said softly.
“That what the workers tell me. They all say you have to tear it apart to put it back together correctly.” Nicole shrugged her shoulder.
“So do you like your new job?”
“I do. Everyone is nice and some of the contractors who come in to the store have shopped at the farm stand. Especially now that we’re carrying snacks and salads. If any of them stop at the stand, I’ll let them know about the sandwiches on Friday.”
“As the weather cools down, we can make soups too.” Karen was excited again.
“Sounds good, Mom.” Nicole picked up her plate and walked toward the sink.
Karen took the plate from her. “Go upstairs and get ready to go out with your friends. I’ll take care of the dishes.” Karen pushed her out of the room.
“Thanks, Mom.”
Nicole wanted to be honest with her mom, but what could she say? I’m going out to see if I can get laid? No, better to let her mom think she was meeting friends.
Nicole walked into the bar and found a seat at the bar. She ordered her beer and hoped it would last for a long time. As the music played in the juke box, she turned in her seat and watched the women dancing. As her eyes scanned the dance floor, her eyes stopped on a familiar face. Swallowing hard, she realized that Kay was dancing with another woman. As the song ended, she kissed the woman’s cheek and walked away. Nicole could only stare as Kay walked toward the bar. She almost turned away as she saw the recognition in Kay’s eyes.
“Well, well, well. I am so surprised to see you here,” Kay said coming over and putting her hand on Nicole’s shoulder.
“I’ve been here before, but it’s been a while,” Nicole said without being asked.
“Are you still uncomfortable around me?” Kay asked squeezing Nicole’s shoulder.
“No,” Nicole said quickly. Kay didn’t believe it because Nicole didn’t believe it herself.
Kay looked up and caught the attention of the bartender. “Two beers,” she called out.
The bartender delivered the beers and Kay moved one in front of Nicole. “I’m still working on this one. I have to drive when I leave here.”
“We’ll switch to soda after you finish this one,” Kay said finally taking her hand off of Nicole’s shoulder. “So are you here with anyone?” Kay asked looking into directly into the blue eyes.
“No. I’m here alone.”
“You’re not alone anymore,” Kay said whispering in her ear. As soon as their beers were done, Kay took her hand. “Come on. Dance with me.”
Nicole was happy that it was a fast song, but the moment they stepped onto the dance floor the music slowed.
Kay took Nicole’s right hand and rested it against her chest. Nicole’s left hand rested on Kay’s shoulder and Kay’s other hand was on Nicole’s waist. They moved to the music easily. As Kay’s leg moved between them, the heat built. As the second song ended, Kay nuzzled against Nicole’s neck and whispered, “Do you want to get out of here?”
Nicole leaned back and looked at her.
“I live close to here. You can follow me,” Kay said kissing Nicole’s cheek.
Kay’s intention was evident and Nicole wanted so much to say yes, but the words that came out of her mouth were different. “I’d love to, but I can’t.”
“Why can’t you?” Kay asked pulling Nicole away from the crowd.
“I don’t want it to be awkward with you working next door,” Nicole insisted.
“We’re just having fun. I’m not looking for a commitment, Nicole.”
“I’ll be honest with you. I have nothing against a one-night stand, but I would rather that would be with someone I don’t know.” Nicole looked at the disappointment in Kay’s face. “I’m sorry.”
“No reason to be sorry. I understand. Thanks for dancing with me. Have a good evening, Nicole.” Kay walked away.
Nicole went back to the bar and took a seat. She ordered a cranberry juice.
A woman came over to her. “Hi, I saw you dancing with Kay. Isn’t she beautiful?”
“Yeah, I guess.”
“She doesn’t sleep with a woman more than once or twice. Is that why she left you alone?”
Nicole just looked at this rude girl not believing what was coming out of her mouth. “Kay is a friend. I have never slept with her.”
“Oh. It didn’t look like that when you were dancing. You don’t have to lie. A lot of us have been dumped by her.”
“I’m not lying.” Nicole stopped trying to defend herself. She didn’t know this stranger and she didn’t care to. She got up from the stool and walked toward the exit.
CHAPTER SIX
Nicole was packing up a box with the food for the farm stand when her mom came in the back door. “Good morning, Mom.”
“Morning, Nicole.” Karen poured herself a cup of coffee. “You came home early last night.”
“Yeah, I was tired and I didn’t want to fall asleep on the way home.”
“Honey, you’re a grown woman. If you want to stay out, just send me a text and let me know you’re safe.”
Nicole looked at her mom before she stuck her head in behind the refrigerator door. Since her family got the money, her mother got a new phone and was texting everyone. “I know Mom.”
“As long as you’re being safe.”
Nicole looked at her mom and wanted to say, celibacy is the best way to be safe. “Yes, Mom.” Nicole picked up the box and went to the back door. “I’ll see you later.”
****
Monday at lunchtime, the workers started coming into the stand. They grabbed their snacks and made their way to the register.
“Friday I’m serving a special lunch,” Nicole said to the group.
Everyone’s ears perked up.
“I’ll be selling pulled pork sandwiches on fresh rolls with homemade barbecue sauce and Cole slaw.”
Most of the group showed their appreciation.
“The lunch will be served by my mother, Karen. So you all better be on your best behavior.”
“Aren’t we always?” Luke asked.
Nicole smiled. “Yes, and I’m hoping you’ll be like that on Friday.”
“The doc is stopping by on Friday at lunch to check on our progress. I’ll let her know what you’re serving,” Millie said.
Kay was the last one in line. “Don’t worry, Nicole. I’ll behave,” she said with a wink. “You left the club early.”
“Yeah, I was tired. I know you get weekends off, but I work seven days a week.”
“All work and no play…” Kay said shaking her finger. “You’re going to collapse one of these days.”
“I think I’ll make it for a few more years,” Nicole said sticking out her tongue.
“See you tomorrow.”
****
Before Nicole walked into the backyard, she could smell the meat in the smoker. Karen was standing by. “It smells wonderful, Mom.”
“I know. Your dad and the workers were asking if this was dinner. I had to disappoint them and tell them no.” Karen laughed. “Next time, I’ll make an extra one for dinner. I made the Cole slaw and I’ll pick up the rolls tomorrow morning.”
“Sounds good, Mom. If this goes well tomorrow, I’m going to apply for a food license.”
“Do we need one?” Karen asked.
“Yeah, Mom. We don’t want to get caught selling food and have fines to pay. On top of never being able to sell food again.”
“You know, Nicole,” her mother moved closer to her, “we should open a breakfast and lunch stand instead of fruits and vegetables.”
“That’s a nice dream Mom, but once the workers are gone,” Nicole shrugged her shoulders, “we won’t have any other customers.”
“We will have to see if anyone else comes to eat after you get our food license. We can do lunch every day.”
“Mom, I’ve never seen you so excited about anything before,” Nicole said with a chuckle.
“It’s nice to do something different besides housework or working in the garden. Your dinner is in the oven, and think about what I said,” Karen said with a wave.
****
Karen arrived at the stand at eleven o’clock. She brought two crock pots and plugged them in. Then she opened the rolls and put the Cole slaw in the refrigerator until the first customer arrived.
“I’m ready,” Karen said putting her box of gloves, her box of foil and serving utensils on the table Nicole had set up for her.
“Great job, Mom. It looks like you’ve been doing this your entire life.”
“No, I’ve been preparing for this my entire life. Can I make you a sandwich?”
“No thanks. I don’t want to eat the profit. If there’s any left after lunch, I’ll have three.”
Karen ignored Nicole and made her a sandwich. “Eat,” she said and went back to her station.
No sooner did Nicole finish her sandwich than the crew began walking over. “Here they come, Mom. Start making sandwiches.”
“Hey, everyone. This is my Mom, Karen.”
The group stood in line for a sandwich. “That smells wonderful, Karen.”
Millie leaned over the table and took a deep breath. “I can’t wait to take a bite of that sandwich.”
Karen handed her the sandwich. “Enjoy.”
The next person ordered two sandwiches and down the line the group kept Karen busy making sandwiches. They also took the desserts that were made for the day along with a side salad.
“Hey, Nicole,” Kay wore a big smile. “Karen, would you make me two, please?”
Karen smiled and watched her daughter interact with the woman in front of her. “Nicole, we could hire this crew to redesign this stand into a take-out place.”
Kay turned toward Nicole. “Are you thinking about doing that?”
“That’s my Mom’s idea,” Nicole said with a roll of her eyes.
“I think that’s a great idea, Karen.” Kay paid for her food. “Enjoy your day ladies.” Kay turned around before leaving. “What have you got planned for next Friday?”
“Maybe smoked turkey sandwiches with gravy and stuffing,” Karen said with a smile.
“The crew would love that.” Kay waved and walked away.
“See, your friend liked my idea,” Karen said moving closer to her daughter. “Now how about another sandwich?”
“Wait, Mom, I think we have one more customer.” Nicole watched as Jane approached.
“Hey, Jane. How’s the house?”
“Like a train wreck,” Jane said with a shrug. “I heard you’re serving a great sandwich today.”
“Yes. Jane, this is my mother, Karen. Mom, this is Doctor Jane Richards.”
Jane stuck her hand out to Karen.
Karen laughed and pulled off her glove. “It’s so nice to meet you Doctor Richards.”
“Jane, please. It’s nice to meet you.”
Karen handed Jane a sandwich. “On the house.”
“Thank you, Karen.” Jane unwrapped the top of the sandwich and took a bite. “This is wonderful. Kay told me you’re going to be serving a turkey sandwich next week.”
Both women nodded.
“I’ll have to make sure I don’t have any appointments at lunchtime,” Jane said taking another bite. “Thanks for the sandwich and I’ll see you next week. It was nice to meet you, Karen.”
“You too, Jane.” Karen looked at Nicole. “She’s very nice.”
“They’re all very nice,” Nicole told her mother.
“And women on the crew. That’s wonderful.”
“Mom, the woman you first served, Millie, she’s the owner of the business and her partner is a landscape architect who has her own landscaping company.”
“Are the other two women gay too?” Karen asked as she made a sandwich for herself and another one for Nicole. She handed the sandwich to Nicole and took a seat near her.
“What’s the difference, Mom?” Nicole asked.
“It doesn’t make a difference to me, honey.” Karen looked at her daughter as she took a bite of the sandwich. “This is good,” she said with a laugh.
“Yeah, it is.” Nicole got up and grabbed two bottles of water and handed one to her mother.
“I’ve waited for you to tell me for years, Nicole.”
“Tell you what, Mom?” Nicole asked as she twisted the cap off and then realized what her mother was saying.
“It doesn’t matter to me, Nicole. I just want you to be happy.”
“Who told you?” Nicole asked now sounding panicked.
“No one told me. I know my daughter. I’ve seen men look at you all these years and you’ve never given them a second look. Today, I saw the way Kay looked at you.” Karen touched Nicole’s hand. “Are you seeing her?”
“No, Mom. I’m not.”
“Why not? She seems nice.”
Nicole grinned and shook her head. “Mom, she’s a player.”
“A player?” Karen asked not understanding.
“Yes. Kay likes women and lots of them. She’s not for me.” Nicole shook her head.
“What about the doctor?”
“What about her?”
“Is she gay?” Karen asked.
“No,” Nicole paused, “I don’t know, Mom. Besides, she’s way out of my league.”
“Why would you say that?”
“Because she’s an educated doctor. Why would a woman like that be interested in a farmer like me?”
“Because you’re a beautiful woman and kind.” Karen crumbled up the paper from her sandwich. “I saw the way she looked at you too.”
“Mom, could we not talk about this?”
Eddie walked into the stand. “Can I get four more of those sandwiches put in your refrigerator until we get off work? Some of the guys want to take it home for dinner.” He handed Nicole the money.
“Sure, Eddie.”
Karen went over and made the sandwiches. “That’s the end of the meat.” She put the sandwiches in a bag in the refrigerator and began packing up her things. “Are you working at the hardware store tomorrow?”
“Not tomorrow.”
“Then take tomorrow off. I’ll run the stand. Call Linda. You two haven’t spent any time together in so long.”
“That’s not necessary, Mom.”
“Yes it is. You have to go out and have some fun.”
“I’ll call her and see if she wants to do anything.”
“Good.” Karen picked up the box with her things.
“I’ll take that to the car for you.” Nicole picked up the heavy box and carried it to her car. “Thanks Mom. Your food was a big hit.”
“I had fun and I liked all your friends.” She waved and got in the car.
Nicole went to her phone and sent Linda a text. Her phone rang a few minutes later. “Hey.”
“Hey yourself. You’re not working tomorrow?” Linda asked.
“No, Mom insisted I take a day off,” Nicole chuckled.
“What do you want to do?” Linda asked sounding giddy.
“It’s Pride week. We could go to Asbury Park and check out the festival.”
“I’d love that. What time are you going to pick me up?” Linda asked laughing.
“I’ll pick you up at ten. We can go for breakfast somewhere first.”
“Great, see you then.”
<
br /> CHAPTER SEVEN
Nicole and Linda walked around the festival looking at the stands and the women in attendance.
“I’m glad you called, Nicole. We haven’t done anything together in so long.” Linda’s excitement showed on her face.
As they walked around, Nicole heard her name called. She turned around. “Hi Alex,” she said smiling.
Alex walked over holding a woman’s hand. “Hi Nicole. This is my wife Alicia.”
Nicole put her hand out. “It’s nice to meet you Alicia. This is my friend Linda.”
“You’re one of the contractors?” Linda asked Alex.
“That’s me,” Alex answered with a grin. “You’re not working today?”
“No, my mom’s running the fruit stand today.”
“Honey, you should have tasted the pulled pork sandwiches Nicole’s mom made.” Alex smacked her lips. “They were divine.”
“I’m glad you liked them,” Nicole said smiling.
Alex reached for Alicia’s hand. “Enjoy the festival, ladies.”
“Thanks, you too.” Nicole and Linda walked away.
The two women heard music coming from the bandstand and walked over. They took a seat on a wall and listened for the next hour.
****
Karen was just opening the farm stand when she saw a car pull into the driveway next door. A few minutes later a truck pulled up. She now saw one of the women was Jane. The other vehicle had Millie and another woman. A woman stepped out of the passenger side of the vehicle and she hugged Jane tightly. Karen watched the three women interact. The woman who had hugged Jane was walking around the yard pointing out things. Karen assumed this was the landscape architect. Millie went into the house leaving the two women alone. After a half hour, they walked toward the farm stand.
“Hi, Karen,” Jane said as she walked toward her. “Where’s Nicole?”
“Hi, Jane. I made her take the day off,” Karen responded.
“That’s good. Karen, this is my good friend, Alice. Alice, this is Karen.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Karen.”
Jane walked over to the refrigerator and removed three bottles of water. She dropped three dollars on the counter. “Thanks Karen. Have a good day,” Jane said wearing a big smile.
