by Fiona Riley
Samantha was amazed at what happened next: Lucinda danced with Shelly, one whole dance, no missteps, no misplaced hands, and she got her to spin her with near perfect accuracy from the start to finish of one song. When they separated, Lucinda glowed and congratulated Shelly: she patted her shoulder, made direct eye contact and smiled, uttered calm but encouraging words, her hand squeezing hers…and Shelly didn’t flinch. She just smiled and blushed and shook her head in disbelief. She had successfully danced with a beautiful woman and not hurt her, spilled anything on her, or embarrassed herself. Pride poured off Shelly, and Samantha couldn’t have been happier.
And yet, she felt oddly jealous at the same time. She felt a yearning to feel the positive physical reinforcement that Lucinda so freely gave to Shelly. The envy was unexpected and she quickly tried to stifle the emotion. She wasn’t quite sure what was coming over her.
They all met in the middle of the room and compared schedules for the following week. Shelly was significantly more relaxed but tensed visibly when out of physical contact with Lucinda. Samantha noted that everyone seemed a little more at ease under Lucinda’s touch, herself included.
Shelly excused herself but not before stuttering a grateful good-bye to Lucinda, who graciously accepted and nodded her head lightly.
Lucinda walked to the stereo, shutting off the music and reaching for her bag as Samantha attempted to shrug on her overcoat.
“That went fantastically well, don’t you think?” Samantha called out, struggling to get her arm in the sleeve of her jacket.
“Yeah, she’s great.” Lucinda smiled and nodded, walking toward Samantha.
“Well, you were great, she was a good listener.” Samantha corrected playfully.
“Let me help you before you hurt yourself.” Long pale fingers closed around Samantha’s wrist, gently pulling down the sleeve of her coat.
Samantha fussed with her scarf and a few buttons until warm hands closed upon hers and gently brushed them away. Lucinda kept her gaze while she slowly tucked Samantha’s scarf beneath the flap of her overcoat, buttoning each button with care, only breaking their eye contact when she reached the last one. She reached up and smoothed out the scarf as it lay beneath the collar of the coat, the warmth radiating off her hand like fire along Samantha’s jaw. Samantha blinked her eyes closed, took a deep breath.
“I’ll call you about this weekend. We’re still on, right?” Lucinda practically whispered the words, as she forced herself to step back and remove her hands from Samantha. She wanted to touch her face, she wanted to kiss her lips, and she had a feeling that she could, but it didn’t feel right, not yet.
“Yes, of course,” Samantha replied quickly, maybe too quickly. “We made a deal.”
Lucinda felt her face light up as she stepped toward the door and motioned for Samantha to join her. She shut off the light and locked the studio before they exited to the street. “Do you need a ride? Or…?” Lucinda looked around the busy street before them.
“I’m all set,” Samantha replied. “I’ll hail a cab. I don’t live far from here.”
“Hmm, good to know.”
Samantha reached out and touched Lucinda’s forearm. “Thanks again for tonight. I’ll talk to you soon.”
CHAPTER SIX
“Andrew, it’s not a date.” Samantha grunted in frustration. “I’m her guest at a fund-raiser, that’s all.”
“Whatever, Sam. You called me to help pick out an outfit, not the other way around.”
“That doesn’t even make sense. Why would you ask for my help with an outfit?”
“Well, if I was going on a date and I felt insecure, then maybe I would.” He smirked and dodged the pillow she threw at his head. “You know, I think this is good for you, dating again, I mean,” Andrew added as he reclined on her bed, examining his fingernails in the light.
“Andrew, for the last time…Oh yeah, this is it,” Samantha mumbled to herself, the angry sound of hangers sliding across metal suddenly halting. She turned around with a huge grin on her face, holding up a purple satin dress and matching pumps.
“Oh, my.” Andrew grinned like an idiot. “First you dazzle in red and then you stun in purple? This is a situation now.”
“What? I can’t help it if I happen to have the perfect complexion for such vibrant color palettes.” Samantha winked. “I look great in purple.”
“I know. I bought you that dress and those heels. You are welcome, again, by the way. Maybe I should dress you for every occasion that you spend with Miss Moss.”
He hopped off the bed and snatched the dress from her hands to hide behind it.
“Andrew!” She laughed and swiped at him. “Stop fooling around and help me pick out some earrings.”
“Now we’re talking, bring on the bling!” He hung her dress on the door to the closet before prancing to the jewelry on her dresser.
Samantha knew she was lucky to have such a good friend who just so happened to have great taste. Having him with her to quell some of her nerves over tonight was a blessing…and a curse, because she was nervous and he knew it.
*
Lucinda pulled in front of Samantha’s apartment building and laughed to herself. Samantha lived a few streets off the main strip of downtown Boston, in a towering building with lots of windows and a perfect view of the Commons. Everything she could ever possibly need was within walking distance. She was in the hub of the city, a stark contrast to Lucinda’s residence in the quiet suburban part of the city. A doorman quickly jogged to Lucinda’s driver’s side to valet her car. He was older, very handsome, and smiling broadly as he took in her sparkly midnight-blue 1970 Dodge Challenger, complete with a white racing stripe up the middle and black leather interior.
“Wow, nice car! You must be Ms. Moss, no?”
“That I am,” she affirmed as he helped her out of the car. “And you are?”
“Mario,” he replied with a nod of his head and a gentle shake of her hand. “I’m the doorman for Ms. Monteiro. She told me you would be arriving.”
“Well, I’m pleased to meet you, although I’m not used to having warnings sent out about my arrival,” she joked with him as he led her through the massive glass doors of the building.
“Ah yes, well, she wanted me to let you know she would be right down. Please make yourself comfortable.” He gestured to the ornate seating area in the lobby, as the phone rang at the desk behind them. “Excuse me…” He indicated to the phone and she nodded.
Lucinda was walking toward the couch when the ding of an elevator caught her attention. She turned toward the noise and caught her breath. Samantha stepped through the doors and into the lobby. She was positively gorgeous in an off-the-shoulder purple dress and sky-high heels. She was checking her phone and adjusting her shawl when she looked up and caught Lucinda staring. Lucinda probably should have looked away, but she couldn’t. She just smiled and raised an eyebrow. Samantha was dressed to kill tonight and Lucinda couldn’t be happier.
“Hey,” Samantha purred as she stepped toward Lucinda, “you look great.” Samantha’s gaze traveled over Lucinda’s black dress and pumps. Lucinda was glad she’d decided on the smoky eye tonight with a hint of dark blue glitter. Samantha’s eyes lingered on Lucinda’s lips before connecting with her gaze.
“Thank you,” Lucinda replied with a smile. “You look fantastic in purple.” She stepped forward and kissed Samantha’s cheek. “Are you ready to be bored out of your mind?”
Samantha blushed as Lucinda pulled back, keeping her hand resting lightly at her hip. “I was told to pretend to have fun the entire time and I am totally prepared.” She flashed a bright, cheesy smile.
“Perfect. Shall we?” Lucinda turned and offered her elbow to Samantha, who hooked her arm into it easily and rested her hand on Lucinda’s forearm. The ease of their contact now made Lucinda’s heartbeat pick up.
Mario hung up the phone and motioned for another man, younger but dressed in the same uniform and hat. The two men held the door
s for Lucinda and Samantha and rushed to open the driver’s and passenger’s doors. Samantha turned to look at Lucinda before whispering, “This is your car? Seriously?”
Lucinda smiled and winked as she patted Samantha’s hand that clasped her forearm before walking toward Mario. She loved the reaction she got from women when they saw her pull up in the muscle car. Once she and Samantha were seated in the car, doors closed, Lucinda shifted in her seat to face Samantha with a sly smile. “Whatsamatter? Not your style?”
Samantha scrunched her face. “I didn’t say that, it just surprised me is all.”
“Well,” Lucinda challenged, “what kind of car did you think I’d drive?”
“I hadn’t given it much thought.” Samantha chewed her bottom lip while she glanced around the car. “Maybe something black and sleek, something mysterious.”
“This isn’t mysterious enough for you?” Lucinda started the car and shifted into first gear, revving the engine before pulling away from the curb.
“Actually, it’s extremely mysterious, and intriguing, and…” Samantha focused on Lucinda’s right hand shifting and left foot pressing down on the clutch as they cruised down the street. “Wait, is this car a manual?”
“Yes, it is. Classic car, classic engine.” It was completely refurbished, the interior revamped and modern, the black leather interior embroidered with dark blue stitching and equipped with a stereo system fit for a dancer’s taste in fast, loud music. “I sort of inherited this car.”
Samantha traced the smooth lines of the dash, feeling the vibrations of the engine through the warm surface. “How do you do that?”
“Hmm? Do what?” Lucinda replied as she put her blinker on and slowed the car into the turn.
“Drive in heels.”
“I was a dancer. I can do everything in heels.” Lucinda smiled. “I’m not one to let inconvenient footwear mar a good time. You learn to forget about them.”
“You still are a dancer,” Samantha supplied quietly. “You still are.”
A lopsided grin appeared on Lucinda’s face as she surveyed her passenger with a raised eyebrow. “Of sorts, I guess.…” Her voice trailed off as she turned her attention to the road.
Samantha let her gaze settle on Lucinda’s ivory complexion. Pain etched her features.
They drove in amicable silence for a few moments and Samantha let her nerves settle into the comfortable leather seats. She broke the silence first. “So, tell me about this extravaganza we’re going to.”
“Ha. Well that’s generous of you. It’s a fundraiser for the aquarium.”
“Are you a regular contributor?”
“Me? Not particularly.” She flashed an impish grin before adding, “Mostly I just love fish.”
Samantha felt the blush creep across her face as she coughed out a nervous laugh, waiting for Lucinda to elaborate.
“A close family friend is speaking tonight. I try to come and support him as often as I can. Plus, I love when the aquarium is closed to the public. Walking around it at night in near darkness feels magical to me.”
Samantha could see the draw of quiet, unobstructed viewing, how it would feel positively otherworldly. “I like that way of thinking. That sounds tranquil. And romantic.”
Lucinda pulled up to the building and put the car in neutral, letting it idle for the valet before facing Samantha fully. “I really appreciate you coming tonight. You know, I would have helped you with Shelly even if you’d refused, right?”
“I was hoping, but I’m glad you asked me to come.” Samantha ducked away from Lucinda’s scrutiny as the valet opened the car door.
*
The function room was simply and beautifully decorated in off-white with modern angles and reflective stainless-steel encased pieces of the ocean’s floor on exhibit throughout the large open space. The rectangular room held seating that fanned toward a stage; waiters wandered around with beverages and appetizers. A long table with pamphlets and gift baskets ran along the east wall, manned by attractive men and women in matching uniforms, likely representing the aquarium. A projection screen stood in the middle of the center stage with a podium set off to the right. The lights were dimly lit and bright blues and greens reflected off the walls displaying pictures of ocean life. A gently swirling image ran across the projection screen like a screensaver, broken up periodically by photographs of scientific explorations and live-action images of water samples in slides under microscopes. Samantha found herself smiling as she appreciated the murmur of voices around her, talking excitedly about the upcoming presentation.
Lucinda led her gently by the arm past a few people in expensive suits and dresses and toward a reserved section off to the right of center stage. People were taking their seats and filing down the aisles as they made their way to the front. A waiter intercepted them en route and offered things to sample—Lucinda ignored him, her attention directed toward the stage, while Samantha politely declined the food but accepted the wine with a smile.
“Hey, Luce, red or white?”
Lucinda glanced back at her with an unreadable expression.
“Red or white?” Samantha repeated, motioning toward the glasses on the waiter’s tray.
“Um, white. Sorry. You surprised me.” She admitted, taking her glass.
Samantha quirked a curious eyebrow as she stifled a grin. “Because I called you Luce? Does that bother you?”
“No, not at all. I like it.” Lucinda’s lips formed a smile on her glass, sipping the cool wine before turning her head toward the stage again.
Samantha felt a warm flush through her chest as she sipped her own glass. She let herself believe it was the alcohol, but her eyes continued to focus in an envious way on the way Lucinda Moss’s lips touched the glass. She got the distinct impression Lucinda was letting herself be admired, the twinkle in her eye when Samantha stopped staring at her mouth and looked up all but confirming it. There was a definite flirtation brewing between them. She liked it.
“That guy in the suit over there, with the dark-rimmed glasses, he’s speaking tonight.” Lucinda pointed to a handsome man shuffling some papers at the podium. He had jet-black hair and a strong jawline. He looked both nervous and annoyed as he fidgeted with the microphone pinned to his lapel. “He’s giving a quick lecture on the effects of pollution on marine life to kick off the night. He’s an important featured guest here, and a good friend.”
Samantha nodded and glanced at the speaker. He sipped a bottle of water and straightened his tie before looking up at the audience and waving to Lucinda with a broad smile.
“He’s such a dork.” She laughed and waved back. “Come on, let’s get into our seats before they dim the lights and we trip over everyone’s blatant displays of wealth.”
Samantha looped her arm with Lucinda’s as they moved toward the second row. She heard Lucinda mutter a name to the aisle attendant who nodded and motioned for them to sit in the reserved seats to his left. “You must be something special to get these magic seats,” Samantha teased as they were seated.
“The most special.” Lucinda winked back flirtatiously.
The quiet voices around them increased to a low rumble as the remaining seats were taken and the overhead lights flashed. The emcee thanked the audience for their attendance and generosity during the night. She informed them that after the presentation the aquarium would be open for their enjoyment and that food and drinks would circulate throughout the facilities. A silent auction would be held by something called the Touch Tank and live music would be performed every thirty minutes in the Jellyfish Room. She added regretfully that the sea lion exhibit was closed because Jacques and Cousteau were under the weather, but that all other exhibits were open. When the applause quieted down she introduced the featured speaker, Massimo Andiamo, and stepped off the stage.
Massimo cleared his throat and greeted the audience. He had a soothing, deep voice, demanding attention. Samantha was enraptured by his presentation. He spoke of climate changes affecti
ng the marine world and how each individual in the room could positively change and limit the amount of waste generated. She shivered and rubbed her hands in her lap at the sight of rubber tires and dead sea creatures wrapped in discarded plastic that flashed across the screen.
“Are you cold?” Lucinda leaned over and whispered quietly, her forehead creased with concern.
“A little, I guess.” Samantha adjusted her shawl. She wasn’t sure if it was the cool air in the room or the damning visions on the screen that were making her shiver, but Lucinda’s concern felt like a warm blanket.
“Here, let me…” Lucinda reached across, her eyes asking permission before she took Samantha’s cold hands in her own, gently rubbing her thumbs along each knuckle.
Samantha let the heat and strength of Lucinda’s hands ground her. They were so warm, her hands, as though she had held them by the fire. Suddenly the images before Samantha weren’t as overwhelming anymore.
They sat like that, hands together for a while, before Lucinda opened her hand and repositioned Samantha’s so she could intertwine their fingers lightly. She kept her eyes on the stage but could feel the quick glance from Samantha at her bold move. She smiled to herself when she felt Samantha flexing and curling her fingers into a more comfortable position as she slid her other hand underneath in a cradling motion. Massimo was winding down his lecture, but Lucinda was content to stay like this for as long as necessary—she liked the feeling of Samantha’s hand in her own. It fit perfectly.
“He’s fascinating,” Samantha said quietly as they separated their hands to applaud. “That was great.”
“Yeah, he’s really passionate about this stuff, it’s sort of infectious.” Lucinda chuckled and shifted on her feet to nod toward the stage. “Would you like to meet him?”
Massimo was surrounded by a few important-looking people in suits. A photographer in the background shot candids of him talking and shaking hands while a small group of admirers began to form. When Lucinda stepped closer, he looked up between handshakes just long enough to make eye contact with her and beamed. “Excuse me a moment, gentlemen, I have to talk to this lovely lady.” Before he reached them, he adjusted his glasses with a shy smile and swept forward, wrapping his arms around Lucinda, spinning her on the spot, and laughing. “Lucy, it’s been too long. You look great.”
