Piping Her Tune

by Maggie Brown

  Abby heard the words with some misgivings, but could think of no reason not to agree. She did like the Frenchwoman very much and Victoria didn’t seem interested in her. She’d made it quite clear after the dance in Japan that Abby was only a lapse of judgment to her. So she said, “Of course. It will be great to share time with each other.”

  “Mais oui. So come. Let’s take a double-decker bus ride and see the city sights.”

  By the time they arrived back at Abby’s hotel suite, it was after midnight. Abby opened the door. “What time tomorrow?”

  “I’ll pick you up at nine thirty.” Chantal moved closer and gently took her into her arms.

  The kiss was slow and sweet, and when Abby thought Chantal might take things further and was poised to pull away, the Frenchwoman moved out of the embrace. With a soft “goodnight,” Abby slipped over the threshold.

  After the click of heels faded down the hallway, Abby remained pressed against the closed door. Damn it! What on earth am I going to do? She expects more than friendship.

  “Did you enjoy that?” The question whispered in the gloom.

  Abby swung round. Shit! Victoria. Can things get any worse? “You were looking at us?”

  “How could I avoid it? You weren’t exactly discreet. You were standing in the open doorway under the hallway light. Blind Freddy would have seen you.” In an instant they were face-to-face. “You didn’t answer my question.”

  “What business is it of yours?”

  “Tell me if it was as good as this.” Immediately Victoria’s lips were on hers, insistent and demanding. Abby grasped her shoulders to push her away, but as she felt Vic’s tongue slide into her mouth, she pulled her closer. She sucked it in deeper. Heat shimmered across her skin. Victoria slid her hand through her hair and gently eased her head up until Abby’s neck was exposed. She dipped her mouth to feather kisses on the sensitive skin and then moved up to claim Abby’s mouth again. The kiss deepened and Abby whimpered as a sweet burning flared in the moist warmth between her legs. A heavy fullness settled in her breasts and stomach, and when a finger brushed against her nipple, she moved her hands down and massaged Victoria’s backside.

  She suddenly realized what she was doing; with an effort she jerked away. Her body protested immediately from the loss of contact. It took all her willpower to take another step backward. Breathless, she gasped, “No—no—no, honey. We’ve got to stop. If you start again I won’t be able to.”

  “I’m sorry. I’m sorry, but I couldn’t help myself. I was so jealous when I saw you kiss Chantal.” Victoria grasped Abby’s hand and sprayed kisses over the knuckles and palm. “Come to bed with me. Please…please, sweetie. I really need you to hold me tonight. If you don’t want to do anything more, we won’t.”

  Nearly sick with longing, Abby forced herself to say, “I…I can’t. It’s not as though I don’t want to. God, you’ve no idea how hard it is for me to walk away from you. All my heart wants is to bury myself in your arms and never surface for a week. But I’m talking with my brain now. When I give my heart and body to someone I must be sure. I won’t be taking the step lightly—it’s against my nature to be casual with anyone’s feelings, especially mine. I…I don’t want to be hurt.” She stroked the dark hair with her free hand and twirled the strands in her fingers. “You won’t like me for saying this, but I have to be fair to Chantal as well. She has flown all the way over here to see me and I can’t be sharing your bed while she’s taking me out. We’ve become…well…she expects…”

  Victoria went still. “You’d choose Chantal over me?”

  Abby’s hands shook with frustration. “That’s not what I meant. I’m saying she deserves to be treated with respect. She’s been only kind and considerate to me and a genuine friend. I won’t treat her badly.”

  “And I don’t deserve to be treated with respect?” Victoria rose and backed away, her posture wary and defensive.

  “You…you don’t understand.”

  “You’re a lot like me, Abby, so I understand what you’re saying. I’ve never been into casual sex and I don’t want to be hurt. But I am hurting. In a way, you’re also like my father. He didn’t think much of me either. I doubt if I’m able to compete with Chantal. She’ll put you on a pedestal so she can adore and look after you, but be warned: you’ll be so far up in the clouds, any ambition you’ve ever had will wither and die.”

  Abby stared at her, alarmed. Before her was a new and totally vulnerable Victoria. She struggled to ease the pain she had caused, but could only whisper, “I’m…I’m sorry.”

  “Sorry doesn’t cut it anymore. Just remember, Abby. You can’t have your cake and eat it too.” She turned abruptly and was gone.

  Chapter Twenty-One

  The next morning dawned bleak and overcast to match Abby’s mood. Smog was a fuzzy grey blanket over the harbour; it was nearly impossible to see the junks and ferries. As it was to be their sightseeing day, she dressed in jeans, a T-shirt and slipped on her comfortable sneakers. In the breakfast area, Fiona was seated at the table and looked up with a smile. “What are you two up to today?”

  “Chantal’s got a trip planned to the Sai Kung fishing village for lunch. What are your plans?”

  The Scot shrugged. “Vic’s meeting someone for lunch so I’m having a day to myself.”

  Abby nudged her arm; time to offer an olive branch. “Wanna come with us? It’s supposed to be the best food.”

  “If Chantal doesn’t mind me coming along, I’d love to.” A bright smile appeared. “I thought you were still angry with me.”

  Abby flushed with guilt. She had no right to judge anyone. Let he who is without sin…“We all make mistakes, Fiona. I should control my temper more and be nicer to my friends. Come on; let’s put it all behind us. Where do you want to have breakfast, here or the dining room?” She glanced round the room. “Where’s Victoria?”

  “She’ll be back in a minute. She’s ordered room service for us.” The older woman clasped her hand. “You’re a wonderful person and I’m very sorry I interfered.”

  Abby gave a weak smile. If only the woman knew.

  She had slept only fitfully, tossing and turning as she relived her encounter with Victoria. God, how could she have been so callous and unfeeling? Victoria had begged her for comfort and Abby had treated her badly. The self-righteous platitudes she had spouted were all a load of crap. In the dark of night, filled with remorse, she finally faced the truth: she didn’t know how to handle her feelings for Victoria.

  Her insecurities had gotten her into the worst pickle of her life. She’d encouraged Chantal to come to Hong Kong so what was she going to do? The Frenchwoman would probably expect her to stay the night at some point, so how was she going to get out of that one? And Victoria? I’m going to have to do some major kowtowing there to get back into her good graces.

  As Abby was planning her strategy, the door clicked open and Victoria entered. She didn’t acknowledge Abby but addressed Fiona. “Breakfast will be here in a minute. Will you be all right by yourself? I’m sorry I have to leave you here.”

  “Abby’s invited me to join her and Chantal.”

  Victoria shot a look at Abby and said in a low voice. “That’s big of you to share Chantal with Fiona. She’s only here for a few days and I am aware you think she deserves your full attention.”

  Abby’s heart plummeted. The friction of last night was still alive. Fiona looked uncomfortable. She reached over to pat the older woman’s hand and murmured a light laugh of reassurance. “Heaven’s no. Fiona’s company will be the highlight of the day. There’s only so much two people can talk about. Chan was saying last night she’d like to learn more about Scotland and who better to tell her than a native?”

  A beaming smile was her reward. “Aye, lass, I’d like to tell you all…”

  Thankfully, the doorbell signalled welcome respite for Abby as the food tray was brought in. They ate in silence. Victoria disappeared into her room as soon as she had eaten and t
ension rolled out of Abby’s shoulders. Time to get out into fresh air to collect her thoughts. “Go and get dressed, Fiona. The car will be here in half an hour. Let’s get the show on the road.”

  * * *

  Victoria couldn’t believe how her life had disintegrated into jealous bouts and self-pity. She had no control anymore. One minute she went out of her way to antagonize Abby, the next she found herself begging. But the final act was the worst. She’d broken down and heaped the sins of her father on Abby’s head. Instead of playing it cool in the morning as she had meant to, she’d sniped immediately. Not that Abby shouldn’t share some of the blame. She was full of contradictions. How could she have shared her embraces with Chantal and yet still respond like a tiger to Vic’s kisses only moments later?

  Victoria took a second to relive the kiss. Wow. But Abby’s passion wasn’t the only thing about her that was exciting. The woman had spunk and a temper to match. What a mate she’d make.

  Victoria frowned. Mate—when did I start thinking along those lines?

  Depression set in again. I gave her the ultimatum last night; it’s Chantal or me, and the damn Frenchwoman’s got the inside running.

  Mercifully, the beeps on her alarm brought her out of the doldrums and back to other matters. She had only an hour to dress and get to her appointment with their Asian accountant.

  Li Jiao’s office was on the third floor of a multistoried office block in downtown Kowloon. Victoria had only met her a few times, their business conducted mainly through Skype video conferencing. The accountant was a striking woman and a particular favourite of the gossip columnists. Her lover was a famous Chinese Kung Fu actress who starred in mass-produced B-grade action movies. It was unsurprising then, that after they concluded their business and went to lunch, the paparazzi, spying Jiao with another woman, began clicking their cameras. Victoria cursed. She hoped their photos wouldn’t be splashed across the front page of the daily paper for Abby to see. The pictures would just add a few more nails in the already well-sealed coffin.

  * * *

  Chantal arrived in a chauffeur-driven Mercedes to pick them up. She was gracious about Fiona accompanying them on the trip, and it turned out to be an entertaining day. The fishing village was a pretty spot, with shrimp and crab dishes to die for. By the time they arrived back at the hotel, the Scot left them to continue to share their evening alone.

  Abby and Chantal took a walk through the eye-opening Temple Street Night Market: a rowdy place, where hawkers flogged cheap wares, fortune-tellers clustered in tents, Chinese opera troupes busked, and outdoor stalls sold strange food. A bargain hunter’s paradise.

  Chantal was attentive, insisted on paying for everything, and was overprotective as they strolled along. Abby couldn’t help thinking of Victoria’s prediction that the Frenchwoman would put her on a pedestal. As much as she tried to take the lead, Chantal’s possessive hand still steered her along. The next two days were the same. They took a sampan ride, visited art galleries and dined at exclusive restaurants, and each time, Chantal took charge. At night, Abby went back to her own hotel where they went no further than kissing. Victoria didn’t appear again, much to her relief.

  On their next-to-last last night together, Abby knew she couldn’t keep Chantal at arm’s length any longer. As much as she liked her as a dear friend, any romantic spark just wasn’t there. All she could think of was Victoria and what she was up to. To make matters worse, on the cover of the English newspaper The Standard, was a full-page photo of Victoria with a sensational Asian woman. The headline screamed—Mysterious Beauty Cuckolds Chuntao. Abby ripped the page to shreds.

  But she had an even bigger problem. Chantal had made it quite plain she assumed they had a future together. Every gesture, every touch, every look reeked of love and commitment. When she walked Abby to the door, she took her by the hand and stroked her knuckles. “I would like you to spend tomorrow night with me. Tomorrow’s our last day together. Why don’t I pick you up in the morning?” Chantal paused, and seemed to gather herself before she spoke. “I think it’s time to take the next step.”

  Hell!

  Abby gulped, at a loss about what to do. She just nodded. “See you tomorrow.”

  Coward!

  She hardly slept a wink as she spun ideas around and rejected them immediately. In the end, she decided she would be honest about her feelings. How would she explain why she’d been leading her on? Chantal was considered an exceptionally eligible gay woman, and would be highly insulted to be knocked back by someone like Abby. And she didn’t deserve to be hurt like that.

  A stream of sunlight woke her. Abby felt she’d gone through a clothes dryer, her eyes burned and she had a dull headache. Still dressed in her skimpy night panties and top, she wandered into the kitchen to ease the pain with coffee. Victoria was already there and her eyes lingered on Abby’s bare midriff and exposed thighs. A thought flashed through Abby’s mind as she took in Victoria’s appreciative look. Maybe she should ask her advice about what she should do about Chantal. Then the image of the Asian woman in the paper popped up. No. Victoria doesn’t give a damn now. She’ll probably tell me I got myself into this mess so I’ll have to get myself out of it. I’m not going to give her the satisfaction of gloating.

  * * *

  Victoria hadn’t slept well. It was crunch time. Chantal would expect Abby to sleep with her tonight. She’d heard Abby come in every night much to her relief, but if Chantal was serious, there was no way she would leave Hong Kong without cementing the relationship. Even if Abby wasn’t quite ready, she didn’t have a hope once Chantal got her in her room. She was the mistress of seduction. No woman could resist her, certainly not anyone inexperienced. She’d have Abby’s clothes off in the blink of an eye. She wondered why Abby hadn’t yet succumbed to her charms. Well, one thing was for sure: Victoria was finished with Abby if she stayed the night. She wouldn’t share. Full stop!

  When Abby wandered in, hair tousled and clothes barely covering anything, Victoria nearly choked on her egg. Hell, Chantal must be nearly off her head by now from waiting. She’ll go all out tonight.

  “How are you finding Hong Kong, Abby?” she asked, determined to make an effort to be pleasant.

  “It’s interesting. Despite the East-West clichés you read in brochures, it isn’t a bad description. Hong Kong Island is such a modern city, but in parts of Kowloon I felt I was literally in the middle of China.”

  “I know what you mean, there’s no doubt it’s a city of contrasts. What’s on your agenda today?”

  “We’re going on a helicopter ride this morning and taking the trolley up the peak for lunch. And you?”

  “Off to the races. There’s a big meet on.”

  Abby popped a piece of bread into the toaster and gave Victoria a quick sideways look. “With Jiao?”

  Sooo, Abby had seen the paper. “With Fiona. She likes a flutter occasionally. Contrary to the tabloid trash, Jiao and I aren’t sharing a secret love nest, nor am I planning to confront her lover, Chuntao, with the intimate details of our sordid affair. Jiao is the chief accountant of our Eastern branch and I went to see her on business.”

  Abby giggled. “No love nest, huh?”

  “If you’ve ever seen Chuntao, there wouldn’t be any confrontation either. She’s built like a brick and she’s a Kung Fu expert. Just the thought of tangling with her puts me into a cold sweat.” Victoria cast a calculating look. “What about the four of us going out for dinner? It’s our last night and it’d be nice to share it together. We have to be at the airport by nine so we can get to bed at a reasonable hour.”

  Abby looked contrite and lightly touched Victoria’s arm. “I’m sorry. Chantal wants to cook me a meal herself tonight at her hotel. Maybe you can help me with…”

  “Oh, well, it was just a thought. Have a nice time,” Victoria interrupted and hurried from the room. She closed the bedroom door behind her feeling miserable. Abby’s going to Chantal’s room.

  Chapter Twenty
-Two

  Abby checked her watch—her shopping trip had taken a little longer than she had planned. Chantal had the door open almost immediately at the first chime of the bell. “Come on in. Did you see anything you liked?”

  Abby placed the bag on the table in the hallway and pecked her hostess on the cheek. “Two great knickknacks at a street market. I was lucky you sent me shopping while you prepared dinner. It was my bonus for the day.” She sniffed appreciatively at the aromas wafting out from the kitchen. “Something smells good.”

  “Genuine French cuisine. Come, we’ll have a glass of champagne first. Curl up here beside me on the lounge.”

  Abby glanced at the glowing candlelight. Uh-oh! It’s started already. “Just one, okay. I don’t want to be tipsy before I eat. I really want to be able to savour every mouthful since you’ve gone to so much trouble.”

  With a little reluctance, she allowed herself to be pulled over until her back nestled against Chantal’s chest. The scent of perfume shimmered, and Abby nearly moved away as the soft breasts pressed against her. The Frenchwoman wasn’t wearing a bra; her nipples were firm pebbles through the silk of her shirt. A leg slid up around Abby’s side and the fabric fell away to reveal a creamy thigh.

  A whisper tickled her ear, “Comfy?”

  Abby took a swig from her flute. “Yes, thanks.”

  When the lips feathered kisses along her shoulders and a hand slid under her shirt to tickle her stomach, it was enough for Abby. “Come on, Chan. Let’s eat. I’m starving.”

  Chantal registered her surprise with a low hiss. By the time she rose, Abby was seated at the table. Chantal moved to the kitchen and stroked Abby’s shoulder as she passed. In between each thoroughly chewed mouthful, Abby continued a stream of conversation. By the time they cleared the table it was already after ten.