Knowing Her

by Raquel De Leon

  Lian bit back an inquiry about Holly. If Teresa didn’t bring her up, that was good—the fewer reminders, the better. She forced a smile on her face. “I’m glad you enjoyed yourself.” She paused and glanced toward the desk. She’d heartily devoured the plate of loaded potato skins, only leaving a few bits of bacon and crumbled scraps of potato. “Thanks for sending some food up, by the way.”

  “I had a snack too,” Teresa confessed as she sat on the edge of Lian’s bed and crossed her legs. Lian’s eyes almost watered with the effort it took not to look down. Teresa set her hand against the mattress and bent slightly toward Lian. “I figured it was only fair to make sure you didn’t starve.”

  “Mission accomplished,” Lian weakly replied. Teresa was so full of energy that Lian could almost feel it vibrating from her skin. It made her want to scoot closer. She remained precisely where she was. “So, there weren’t any problems?”

  A shadow briefly passed over Teresa’s expression. “Holly did try to approach me at the end. I told her I had something to do.”

  “Ah, that explains why you’re back so soon.” Lian squeezed her arms tighter around her legs. “I expected you to linger and mingle a bit longer.”

  “Oh, sorry, did you need more time alone?” Teresa pulled her hand back into her lap, looking ready to stand.

  Lian immediately shook her head. “No!” She rolled her jaw. “I mean, thank you for being so considerate, but I’m fine.”

  Teresa glanced toward Lian’s laptop. “Was the internet not good enough after all?”

  “No, it’s good,” Lian hedged as she dropped her gaze to her raised knees. “I just couldn’t get into anything today. It happens.”

  The room was silent for several seconds. Teresa shifted her weight.

  “Lian, are you nervous about tonight?”

  Lian blinked, then slowly looked up. “No?”

  Teresa’s expression softened when she smiled. “No? Hm. I’m sure you’ll look great in your suit. You don’t have to worry. It’s just me.”

  Rather than making her feel better, a taut feeling began to grow in Lian’s chest as she began to zone out. She was going to look like an idiot and Teresa was so, so out of her league.

  “Hey.”

  When she didn’t respond, Teresa shifted forward and lightly grabbed her arm. “Hey,” she gently repeated.

  Her skin tingling where Teresa was touching her, Lian felt compelled to look her in the eye. “Yeah?”

  “We don’t have to go to the dinner. It’s okay.” Teresa’s smile, soft and sincere and all for Lian, made Lian forget everything but how much she wanted it to stay on Teresa’s face.

  Lian took a bracing breath, resisting the urge to scoot closer to her friend. “No, I’m fine, I swear. I know how much you’ve been looking forward to tonight. I’m just being dumb.”

  “You are not allowed to insult yourself on my watch,” Teresa chided with a delicate squeeze of her hand.

  “Sure thing, boss.” Lian avidly watched as Teresa’s face scrunched up, delighting when the look was followed by a soft laugh. “And I’ll remember that the next time you call yourself dumb.”

  Teresa rubbed her thumb against Lian’s skin before finally letting her arm drop. “Fair enough. Now, I’m going to steal the remote so you can get ready.”

  ***

  Once alone, Teresa debated relocating to her own bed so she could lean back against the headboard. Feeling lazy, she remained where she was. She had a better view of the TV on the edge of Lian’s bed, anyway.

  Rather than changing the channel, she found herself interested in whatever dish the chef was preparing. Something vegetarian, by the looks of it. As the chef enthusiastically explained her recipe and what she was doing, Teresa lost all sense of time.

  When she heard the door to the bathroom open, she had no idea how long Lian had been getting dressed. The hesitant footsteps didn’t travel far, and Teresa had to fight her sense of curiosity to remain seated. Lian might need to make some adjustments and Teresa didn’t want to intrude.

  Mumbled noises that sounded a lot like cursing drifted from the sink area. Teresa bit her lip and squinted at the television.

  There were more hesitant footsteps, followed by a heavy sigh. “How bad is it?”

  Teresa eagerly turned. She held her hand up to her mouth. “Oh.”

  Lian grimaced and ran a hand over the buttons of her suit jacket. “That bad, huh?”

  “No.” Teresa blinked and shook herself. “Not at all.” Lian’s suit was flawlessly cut for her figure, the jacket buttoning low enough to show off a scarlet satiny vest with a faint swirling pattern—and showing enough curve to hint at the feminine form underneath. Her pants were the perfect height, not bunching around Lian’s ankles, and showing off sleek, shiny Oxford-style shoes. The pristine collared white shirt paired with the suit provided a pleasant contrast. Lian’s dark hair, normally worn loose and down, was up in a neat knot, emphasizing the high cheekbones Teresa hadn’t had much occasion to notice before. Lian was also carrying herself differently, somehow seeming larger despite her slight form. “You’re not allowed anywhere alone tonight.”

  Lian raised her eyebrows and stuck her hands in her pockets. If anyone else had done it, Teresa would say it was sexy. Since it was Lian, she just ignored it. Mostly. She cleared her throat. “Looking like that, someone will absolutely try to steal you away.”

  “Me?” Lian snorted and tilted her chin at Teresa. “With you in that dress? I won’t exist to anyone with eyes.”

  Charmed, Teresa smiled. She stood and played with the ends of her hair, still drinking in the changes. “You’re sweet but, sorry, you look hot.”

  “Hot, huh?” Lian said with an abashed smile as she rubbed her neck. “Well, I guess we match.”

  Teresa snapped her fingers and pointed an accusatory finger Lian’s way. “Oh, a casual flirt. That’s dangerous when you look like that. Nope, no, definitely not allowed anywhere without a chaperone.”

  “And, what, you’re supposed to be that person?”

  “Absolutely,” Teresa agreed as she gave into temptation and positioned herself in front of Lian. She ran her hands over the top of Lian’s jacket in the guise of checking the cut, then ran a finger under a slender lapel. Her eyes widened and she stopped, then gently tugged. “That is the exact shade of my dress on the inside. Who the hell is your tailor?”

  Lian bit her lip and looked up at Teresa from under her lashes. “You’re embarrassing me.”

  Their eyes met and something shifted in Teresa’s stomach. She swallowed. “Should I stop?”

  For a long, breathless moment, Lian simply looked at her. A slow smile grew on her face. She shrugged. “I’ll let you know.”

  Teresa sucked on her lower lip and nodded. “Good. That’s good. Communication is important.”

  “Right.” Lian reached up and clasped Teresa’s hand, delicately removing it from her lapel and guiding it down near their sides. She squeezed once before releasing it, then took a step back and slid her own hand back into the pocket of her slacks. She gestured toward the door. “Why don’t we head out? We can have a drink before dinner if we’re too early.”

  “Sounds good.” Teresa walked back to retrieve her clutch, ensuring she still had a key card inside. Lian allowed her out first, pulling the door closed behind them and making sure it was secure. Teresa fidgeted with her purse before hesitantly reaching out. “May I?” she asked with her hand poised at Lian’s elbow.

  Lian tilted her head and smiled. “I won’t wander off, you know.”

  Disappointed, Teresa dropped her hand and looked toward the bank of elevators. “Of course not.”

  “But,” Lian said as she stepped closer and reached for Teresa’s arm. “If you think it’ll help.” She guided Teresa’s hand to curl into the crook of her elbow.

  Teresa ignored the tingle that raced down her spine. Her hormones were being ridiculous just because Lian looked incredible in a suit. Whatever. She smiled and held her
head up high. They’d have a damn fun night and look great together while they were at it. She flipped her hair and swayed her hips more than usual as they moved to stand near the elevators. She pressed the down button without releasing her grip on Lian’s arm.

  “The restaurant isn’t far. I plan on having several drinks, just so you know.”

  Lian snorted. “Thanks for the warning. I’ll make sure you get back to our room safe and sound.”

  “My hero,” Teresa drawled flatly. “I’m not getting wasted. I just want to take my time and enjoy the night.”

  “Huh, what a coincidence,” Lian said with a shrug. “Me too.”

  The elevator chimed, revealing its empty interior. Teresa got on with a grateful smile, temporarily dropping Lian’s arm. She was glad she got to be alone with her a little longer; she’d noticed how uncomfortable Lian had been before with company in the small space. She silently watched Lian press the button for the bottom floor.

  The elevator doors closed. Next to her, Lian leaned her head back against the wall. “So, is Holly supposed to be at this dinner?”

  Oh, right. Holly. Teresa crossed her arms and pursed her lips. “She usually does the dinners, yes.”

  “Hm.”

  Teresa looked at Lian without turning her head. “Hm?”

  “I’m giving you special permission, just for tonight, Teresa.” Lian twisted to meet her eyes. “You can be as affectionate as you please.”

  Her almond-brown eyes were warm and mildly distracting. Teresa squinted, then chuckled and shook her head. “You want her to think we’re together.”

  Lian waved flippantly. “I just want you to relax and have fun.” She hummed to herself. “I mean, plus, you seem like the type to get handsy with a few drinks.”

  “Excuse me!” Teresa wagged a finger at Lian. “You’ve had drinks with me before! I have never ever, not once, disrespected your personal boundaries!”

  Unperturbed, Lian affected a contemplative look. “You said I looked hot tonight.”

  “Yeah,” Teresa’s eyes wandered down to admire Lian’s suit once again. “I meant it.”

  “I rest my case.” When Lian looked away, her face was flushed.

  Teresa bit the inside of her cheek, then shifted closer to Lian. She settled her hand in the crook of Lian’s arm again, making a point to stare at the elevator doors as they opened. “I promise not to go overboard, and you have the right to change your mind at any time.”

  “Okay.”

  ***

  The restaurant, which Lian had been delighted to discover was on her list of places to try, had been exceptionally busy. She hadn’t minded since it meant that she had both been able to eat some things she’d only read about, and had been able to spend quality time with Teresa. The latter was surprising not because she didn’t normally like spending time with Teresa, but for the first time she hadn’t felt out of place at Teresa’s side.

  If Holly had seen them, Lian wasn’t aware. She didn’t care.

  They had been seated at a rectangular table with four other people, and Lian had only been interested in the way Teresa tossed her head back when she laughed deeply. The attraction had some unexpected benefits. Her hyperawareness of Teresa had kept her engrossed, especially with the soft touches she’d received all night. They had been light and mostly to her arm and shoulder, but Lian had loved every single one. They’d tried each other’s dishes and, as they lingered over dessert, the entire table conceded that the restaurant deserved its reputation.

  After a small debate over their bill, she and Teresa had agreed to split the check. They wandered out of the restaurant and stopped off to one side.

  “So, what did you think? Not bad for a bunch of radiology nerds, right?” Teresa looked up, as if trying to peer past the light pollution to view the stars.

  Lian watched her carefully, ready to move if it seemed someone would run into Teresa. She silently sighed. “The other attendees seemed nice.” Not that she’d paid them much attention, but they’d made Teresa laugh a few times.

  A large group made to pass, so Lian stepped closer to Teresa and kept a protective hand low on her back. The gesture made Teresa laugh. She finally glanced at Lian. “Is it the suit that’s making you so protective?”

  As her cheeks heated up, Lian was glad not to be standing directly under a streetlight. “No, I’m afraid it’s a character flaw revealed by the wine I had with dinner. Ask Vivian. In the early days of MBI it was just me and her; many of the clients we approached were more interested in making passes at her than engaging our services. I stepped in a lot on her behalf even though she’s perfectly capable of taking care of herself.”

  “Oh?” Teresa tilted her head, obviously interested.

  “Yes. It’s the only reason Jack became an active partner. People took us more seriously with a well-dressed white guy as the face of Vivian’s business. Now, of course, we’re established enough to make it on our own.”

  Teresa softly frowned. “Jack? I don’t think I—”

  A familiar voice cut in before she could continue. “Well you certainly didn’t wait long to move on.”

  Lian’s hackles rose. She’d only heard Holly’s voice a handful of times, but it had always grated on her nerves. Though the accusatory words were delivered in a quiet way, Teresa still tensed under her hand. She leaned closer to Teresa.

  “Holly,” Teresa greeted evenly.

  Holly’s arms were crossed as she stared at them. She didn’t say anything else, instead shaking her head almost violently before lowering it and rushing past them. It was in the opposite direction of their hotel.

  Lian tried not to scowl. “I wonder if she’ll realize the absurdity of that comment.”

  “I think she only remembers she’s married when it’s convenient for her.” Teresa pinched the bridge of her nose and sighed. “Come on, let’s head back to our room.”

  They began walking. Lian kept her hand on Teresa’s back; Teresa’s silent stewing worried her. “Are you going to be alright?” she finally asked.

  Teresa sighed again. “Yes. I’m just… reliving all my failures in rather vivid clarity.”

  “Ah. I’m familiar with this.”

  “You?” Teresa gave her a side-look. “Your life seems as about as close to perfect as it gets.”

  Lian snorted. “An illusion.” She was silent for several strides. “I am the family disappointment. I didn’t really have much choice growing up with two genius sisters who plowed through our private schools. Jessica, the oldest, is a doctor. And you know Caroline is a lawyer. I dropped out of college the first year.” She worked her jaw for a few paces.. “I never even picked up Mandarin the way they did. I understand a lot of stuff, but hell if I can hold a damn conversation.”

  Teresa stopped and linked their arms together. “As we’ve discussed before, it’s unhealthy to compare yourself to other people.”

  “Tell that to my dad,” Lian muttered without rancor. She knew her parents loved her—she was just also aware she’d dashed all their hopes and dreams for her future.

  “Hm.” Teresa gently tugged on her arm, indicating they should start walking again. “The way I see it, you’re still massively successful. I know what kind of money MBI brings in, and you do that without the student loan debt I’m sure your sisters are saddled with.”

  Lian pursed her lips in an attempt not to smile. Teresa was looking at her from under her lashes, a sweet expression on her face. “I take pictures for jealous spouses, Teresa.”

  Teresa raised her eyebrows and squeezed Lian’s arm. “But that’s not all. You find people. You help them.” She shook her head and faced forward. “Don’t sell yourself short.”

  Uncomfortable, Lian shrugged. “In any case, I didn’t mean to derail the conversation. I was under the impression that you wanted to talk.”

  “I do, but,” Teresa paused and looked up. They’d arrived at the hotel. “Up in our room. I might need to raid the mini bar.”

  Lian delicately patted
Teresa’s hand. “How about some tea instead? I saw some in our room earlier.”

  “Still afraid I’ll become handsy?” Teresa joked with a discomfited smile.

  “No.” Lian angled her head. “I just want to make sure that you only share things you really want to share, and not because alcohol has given you no filter.”

  Teresa stared, then pulled Lian’s arm closer and looked away. “Lian, you’re different from anyone I’ve ever known.”