by Lydia Rose
Jane realized she had been dismissed and walked away.
Nicole completed the transaction and watched Jane walk out of the store. She really didn’t want to tell Jane that Jessica was going back to her ex.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Nicole got to the farm stand just as Karen was closing. “How was the day, Mom?”
“Good, honey.” Karen hugged her daughter. “I looked over the plans and I think they’re wonderful.”
“I do too. Ready to go back to the house?”
“Yes, I’m starving.”
Nicole went upstairs to shower and change. She came back to the kitchen and her mother put a bowl of stew in front of her. “Where’s Dad and Peter?”
“Outside in the fields.” Karen took a seat next to Nicole. She took notice of her pressed jeans and button down shirt. “Are you seeing Jessica tonight?”
Nicole kept her eyes on the bowl. “We’re not seeing each other any longer.”
“What happened?” Karen asked touching Nicole’s hand.
“She’s going back to her ex,” Nicole said softly.
“I’m so sorry, honey.”
“Hey, I guess it’s for the best. At least we weren’t going out long.”
“It still stinks.”
“Yeah, it does.”
“So where are you going tonight?” Karen asked worrying about her daughter.
“Linda and I are going to a bar.”
“And what? Drink all night?” Karen asked firmly.
Nicole smiled. “No Mom. We’re going to dance and have some fun.”
“And by fun that means what?”
“Hang out,” Nicole said keeping her eyes low.
Karen knew what Nicole was talking about and she couldn’t keep her daughter from going out. So she offered some advice, “A one-night stand won’t solve your problems, Nicole.”
“No it won’t Mom, but it sure as hell will feel better then I’m feeling now.” Nicole picked up her bowl and went to the sink. “I don’t know. I’m just going to dance Jessica out of my head.”
“Please be careful, Nicole.”
“I will Mom,” Nicole said kissing the top of her mother’s head.
****
Linda and Nicole walked into the darkened bar. They found a table near the dance floor and Nicole went to the bar for their drinks.
As she moved through the crowd, another person was watching her movements. Jane was sitting with her roommate Laura and her partner Sandy. Jane watched as Nicole carried two bottles to a table near the dance floor and handed one of the bottles to a woman. A woman who wasn’t Jessica. She watched as the woman leaned into Nicole’s ear and said something. A woman walked up to their table and asked the woman Nicole was with to dance. The woman stood up and took the hand of the other woman. It wasn’t long before Jane saw Kay walk over to Nicole’s table and sit down. She wished she could hear what was being said. Within minutes, Nicole was laughing at something Kay said. They stood and walked to the dance floor. Jane watched as the two women danced to the fast music. Jane couldn’t help but watch Nicole’s hips move to the rhythm of the music. The music changed and slowed down. Kay pulled Nicole close and they danced as if they had danced before. Kay was whispering something to Nicole because she laughed and threw her head back. As Nicole laughed, she created distance between the two women. After the dance, Kay bowed and walked away. Another woman grabbed Nicole’s hand keeping her on the dance floor.
“Jane, do you mind if Sandy and I dance?” Laura asked, but Jane’s attention was somewhere else. “Jane,” Laura waved her hand in front of Jane’s face.
“Sorry. What did you say?” Jane asked blinking her eyes.
“I asked if it would okay if we danced.” Laura asked pointing to Sandy.
“Oh, sure. Go ahead.”
Jane watched as Nicole went back to the table and took a drink of her beer. She got up and walked over to her table. Nicole was watching the women dance as Jane leaned in and asked, “Would you like to dance?”
Nicole slowly turned and looked up. “Jane,” she said surprised.
“Well?” Jane’s hands went to her hips. “I asked if you wanted to dance with me.”
Nicole shrugged and stood up. They walked to the dance floor and the music had a pounding beat, but Nicole was no longer dancing the way she had danced with Kay and other woman. “Are you okay?” Jane asked moving closer to be heard.
Nicole nodded and began to move a little faster.
“Where’s Jessica?” Jane asked watching Nicole’s reaction.
Nicole looked at Jane’s face, but didn’t respond. As the music changed, Nicole began to walk away.
“Stay for one more dance,” Jane said taking her hand. They moved closer together and Jane rested her left hand on Nicole’s shoulder. “Are you going to ignore my question every time I ask about Jessica?”
Nicole fell silent a moment and then said, “No.”
Jane waited and when she didn’t answer, she laughed in Nicole’s ear. “Are you afraid I’ll tell her you were here tonight?”
Nicole finally admitted, “We’re not seeing each other anymore.”
Jane stepped back and looked at Nicole’s face. “I’m sorry, Nicole.”
Nicole pulled Jane closer so she couldn’t see her eyes. “What can you do?”
“You two looked so cozy at your dinner date the other night.” Another slow song started and Jane held onto Nicole.
“She’s going back to her ex-girlfriend.” Nicole’s voice was so low that she wondered if Jane could hear her.
“Ouch,” Jane said. “I’m very sorry, Nicole.” Jane squeezed Nicole’s hand. “So are you drowning your sorrows tonight?”
Nicole laughed. “No. Despite what you and my mother think.” The song ended and Nicole began to walk away.
Jane followed her to the table and saw the woman that Nicole had arrived with. “Hi,” she said, “I’m Jane.”
“Hi, I’m Linda.”
Nicole sat down and motioned for Jane to take a seat. “Linda is my best friend. Jane is the woman who bought my grandparent’s house.”
“Oh, you’re the dentist?” Linda asked.
Jane nodded, “Yes.”
Laura and Sandy walked up to their table. “Hi,” Laura said.
Jane turned. “Hi. Nicole, Linda this is my roommate Laura and her partner Sandy.”
“Nice to meet you both,” Laura said.
“Why don’t you pull up some chairs and join us?” Nicole asked.
Jane moved her chair over which put her next to Nicole. “Laura is also a dentist. Laura is one of the partners in the practice.”
“So how do you two know one another?” Laura asked Nicole.
Nicole was about to answer, but Jane spoke first. “Nicole’s parents owned the house I purchased. Nicole has a farm stand next to the property.”
Laura raised her eyebrows.
“Millie’s going to be building a restaurant for Nicole and her mom when she’s finished with my house.”
Nicole leaned forward. “I wouldn’t really call it a restaurant. It’s going to be a take-out place.”
“Serving what?” Sandy asked.
“Barbecue,” Linda answered. “They make the best smoked meats you have ever eaten. They’re going to be a big hit.”
“Karen, Nicole’s mom makes specialty sandwiches on Fridays and I’ve had some.” Jane licked her lips. “They have been wonderful.”
“Oh, I remember you coming back from lunch one day, bragging that you had just had the best pulled pork sandwich.” Laura looked at Nicole. “Did she bring us back any? No, she didn’t.”
“You’ll have to have Jane stop by on Friday. We’re serving a brisket platter with Cole slaw and homemade baked beans.”
“Do you hear, Jane? Bring us back some of that food,” Laura insisted.
“I will,” Jane said smiling at Nicole.
Nicole stood up. “Can I get anyone something from the bar?”
“I�
�ll have another beer,” Linda said.
“A ginger ale and a beer,” Sandy said.
Jane laughed. “I’ll go with you Nicole. You’ll never be able to carry everything.”
Nicole placed the order and they waited at the bar. “Your friends are very nice,” Nicole said.
“Laura and Shelly, our other partner, and I have known each other for over ten years. We get along great.” Jane handed the money to the bartender when she delivered the drinks. “It’s on me, Nicole.”
“Thanks,” Nicole said returning the money to her pocket.
When they got back to the table, the table was empty. “I guess everyone’s dancing. Would you like to dance again?” Jane asked.
“Not right now,” Nicole said taking her seat. She took her bottle of beer and watched the women dancing. Her eyes followed someone she recognized and her hand came up in a wave. The other woman saw Nicole and left the woman she was dancing with alone on the dance floor. Nicole stood as the woman approached.
“Nicole, baby,” the woman said wrapping her arms around Nicole.
“Hey Chris. When did you get back?”
“Friday. You have to visit the folks once in a while.” Chris looked at Jane. “I’m sorry.”
“Chris, this is Jane. Jane this is Chris.”
“I was Nicole’s first girlfriend.” Chris leaned toward Jane. “You know when they say your first love is the best,” she looked at Nicole, “she was the best.”
“Sit down, Chris.”
Chris took Linda’s seat and held Nicole’s hands. “I can’t believe you’re here. I was going to give you a call tomorrow to see if we could get together before I leave for California.”
“I’m working tomorrow all day. How about Monday?” Nicole asked.
“Sure, but now you have to dance with me.” Chris took Nicole’s hand.
Laura and Sandy returned to the table. “Where’s Nicole?”
Jane pointed toward the dance floor. “She met an old friend.”
Laura looked toward the dancers and saw Nicole with the other woman. They were practically having sex to the beat of the music. “Obviously, good friends.”
“First girlfriend,” Jane said chuckling.
“I can see that,” Laura laughed. “I like Nicole.” She looked at Nicole. “Do you?”
Jane tilted her head and smirked.
“I know,” Laura said. “She’s not in your class. I don’t know when you’re going to stop that crap and look at the woman instead.”
Linda came back to the table breathless. “Where’s Nicole?” she asked taking her seat.
Jane pointed toward the dance floor.
Linda scanned the floor and said, “Chis Jamison. She broke Nicole’s heart when she went to school in California and stayed out there.” Linda smiled. “Is she visiting or did she move back?” Linda asked looking at the women.
“Visiting, Chris said,” Jane answered as she put her empty glass down on the table. “Are we ready to leave?” Jane asked looking at Laura.
“Sure. If you want to.” Laura and Sandy stood.
“Would you tell Nicole that we left?” Jane asked.
“Sure. Go ahead. I’ll let her know. It was nice to meet all of you.”
“You too,” the women said.
Once in the car, Laura asked, “So why did you want to leave?”
“I’m tired,” Jane said from the back seat.
“Right,” Laura chuckled. “You wanted to leave as soon as Nicole met her old friend?”
“Leave her alone,” Sandy said.
Nicole and Chris came back to the table. Chris jumped into Linda’s arms. “It’s so good to see you, Linda.”
“You too, Chris. It’s been so long.” Linda looked at Chris. “You look wonderful.”
“You too, Linda.” Chris held Nicole’s hand.
“Where’s the rest of the group?” Nicole asked.
“They left,” Linda said. “So how’s California?”
“I love it. I told Nicole she should forget staying here and come out there.”
Nicole rolled her eyes. “I told you about the business my mother and I are starting. I’m not running off to California.”
“So are you seeing anyone out there?” Linda asked.
“I am. We’ve been together for two years.”
“Why didn’t you bring her?” Nicole asked.
“Because she couldn’t get off from work and I’m only here until Wednesday.” Chris answered. “Nicole and I are getting together on Monday. Why don’t you come with us, Linda?”
“I’d like that. What are we going to do?” Linda asked.
“I thought we could go to lunch and catch up.” Chris looked at Nicole. “I promised my parents I would be home early. I’ll call you Monday morning and we can decide where to meet.” Chris was already out of her chair. She kissed Nicole and Linda on the cheek and left.
“Wow, that was a surprise.” Linda said.
“It was. So why did Jane and the others leave?” Nicole asked.
“I don’t know.” Linda looked at Nicole. “You like her, don’t you?”
“Who?” Nicole asked absently.
“You know who? Jane.”
“Linda, she’s way out of my league. Why would she want to date a dirt farmer?”
Linda shook her head. “She could do a lot worse. You thought the same thing about Chris. She wanted you to go with her to California, but you wouldn’t leave the farm.” Linda shook her head again. “Do you want to leave?”
“Yeah. Let’s stop at the diner for a snack.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Over the month of August, Jane’s house was taking on a whole new appearance. New windows were added along with new cedar siding. The front porch had been rebuilt and the gas line was run into the house. Jane pulled up to the house early Saturday afternoon and covered her mouth in shock. It had been two weeks since she had been to the house and she couldn’t believe the transformation. Jane walked to the front door and put the key into the lock that Millie had given her. A soft gasp left her mouth when she saw the walls were up and crown molding had been added to the room. She could see the kitchen now from the front door since the wall had been taken down. The cabinets were in place, but the countertops and appliances were still missing. She walked toward the office and laundry rooms. Both rooms were just waiting for finishing touches. The half-bath already had the toilet and vanity installed and again more crown molding. Jane looked at the dining area and saw the wainscoting and crown molding had been installed. She was now anxious to see the upstairs. As she walked up the staircase, her hand touched the white wainscoting that went the length of the stairs and into the hallway. Jane walked into the master bedroom and went toward the bathroom. The fixtures were installed and though the room wasn’t the largest she had ever seen, it was perfect for her. The other bedrooms had been spruced up and she wondered how long it would be before she could move into the house.
Nicole was waiting outside of her stand as Jane came out of the house. “It looks good, doesn’t it?” she yelled to Jane.
Jane walked over quickly. “Have you been inside?” she asked excitedly.
“Yeah. Millie showed me around yesterday. My dad’s going to flip when he sees the house.”
The smile left Jane’s face. “You mean he’s not going to like what I’ve done?”
“No. He’s not going to believe that you turned an ugly duckling into this beautiful swan,” Nicole said chuckling.
“You scared me,” Jane said holding her hand over her heart. “I thought he was going to be angry.”
“I hope the house lasts another hundred years.”
“You have my word that I will take very good care of her,” Jane giggled. “Is your friend still here from California?”
“No. She went back home on Wednesday. Chris was anxious to get back to her girlfriend.”
Jane smiled. “Someone she’s serious with?” Jane berated herself. She couldn’t believe how blatant
she was with personal questions.
Nicole chuckled. “Yes. Why?”
Jane shrugged and knew she was blushing. “I thought maybe you two were going to get back together. She seemed so smitten with you.”
Nicole noticed the blush on Jane’s face and chuckled. “That was a long time ago.”
“Are you almost ready to close?” Jane asked.
“If you want to buy something, come on inside.” Nicole held her arm out for Jane to go ahead.
“No. I just thought maybe you’d like to go have a bite to eat with me.” Jane felt suddenly shy.
“I’m not dressed to go out,” Nicole said pointing at her dirty jeans.
“Why don’t you go home and change and I’ll wait for you?” Jane hoped she didn’t sound desperate.
Nicole looked at Jane for a long moment before answering, “Why don’t you follow me to the house and you can come inside and wait.”
Jane nodded and went back to her car.
Nicole and Jane walked into the house and met her family in the kitchen.
“Jane,” her mother said standing. “Please sit down and have something to eat.”
“No thank you, Karen. Nicole and I are going to go out and have something to eat.”
“Mom, would you do the honors of introducing everyone while I go get changed?” Nicole asked.
“Sure, go ahead. Jane, please have a seat. Can I get you something to drink?”
“Karen, please sit down and finish your meal,” Jane insisted.
Karen turned to her husband. “Hank, this is Doctor Jane Richards. Jane this is my husband and Peter.”
Jane stood and shook Hank and Peter’s hands. “It’s nice to meet you both.”
“Karen tells me the house is looking great,” Hank said.
“I can’t believe it myself. I was shocked when I walked into the house today.”
Karen was smiling at Jane and she wondered why the look. Nicole came down the stairs ten minutes later. Her hair was still damp, but she had changed into a clean pair of jeans and a nice shirt.
“Are you ready to go?” Nicole asked as she reached the kitchen.
“Whenever you’re ready,” Jane said standing.
“It was nice to meet you both,” Jane said following Nicole.
“You girls have a good time,” Karen said walking them to the back door.
