Beautiful Dreamer

by Melissa Brayden

  “Why are you grinning like that?” Jill asked. “What’s going on in that head of yours?”

  She banished the smile from her face. “I was just ruminating on the fact that you let Charlie stay the night on a non-Thursday.” That’s right. Toss it right back to her.

  “So I did.”

  Devyn shifted to sincerity because there was something different about Jill this morning. She seemed lighter and heavier at the same time. Maybe she was more serious about Charlie than even Devyn realized. “Do you love him, Jill?”

  Her sister took a moment with the question before slowly nodding. She shifted her lips to the side and stared at Devyn, seeming unsure of what to do or say. Yep. She loved him, but it scared her. That much was clear.

  “It’s a good thing, you know. Falling in love. I’m happy for you.”

  Jill sighed. “Thank you, but love’s not all sunshine and rainbows. I’ve tried it before, remember? You were my maid of honor. Didn’t work, and I was left to pick up the pieces.”

  “Frankie was an ass from the start. You just decided to ignore half his personality because he was good looking. Is Charlie an ass?”

  “I give him a hard time, but no. He’s a really good person, Dev. He treats me like I’m somebody special even though I’m just me.”

  “Stop that,” Devyn said, with maybe more force than she intended. “You’re probably the nicest, most deserving person I’ve ever met, but you always sacrifice your happiness for everyone who is not you. You’ve got to stop taking the smallest proverbial slice of pizza for yourself. You deserve the big pizza, okay? If Charlie gets how awesome you are, and you happen to think he’s awesome right back, then I say throw Thursdays the hell out the window and be happy every damn day of the week.”

  Jill nodded. “You know, I’m warming up to the idea.” She pursed her lips together and seemed to make a decision to share more. “I can’t believe I’m telling anyone this, but last night was the first time he’s slept over.”

  Devyn made a point to remain casual so as not to frighten this new open and honest version of Jill. “And how was it? Having him here.”

  Jill scrunched her shoulders together in an adorable show. “I liked it. And he was so attentive and careful with me because of my injuries, you know? Offered to get everything for me. Do all the cleaning up after dinner.”

  Devyn tapped her coffee cup. “His stock is rising in my book.”

  They drank their tea and coffee and watched the neighborhood wake up slowly. An orange cat ran up a nearby tree. The across-the-street neighbor put out his trash can and waved. She had to admit, the slow pace was incredibly soothing. In fact, she couldn’t remember feeling this relaxed in…well, ever. Her mind drifted to the events of last night. The hot shower scene was one that was burned into her brain and body for all time. But more prominent was something Jill had just touched on herself. Waking up wrapped around Elizabeth was the nicest of discoveries. Her warmth, her sweet cotton scent, and the manner in which she held Devyn close resonated. She shook her head at the fullness of her heart. She was apparently in some sort of weird mood to let something that mundane affect her. The back of her neck prickled as she distantly considered that maybe it wasn’t so mundane after all. Maybe this was a big deal.

  “Have you ever been in love, Dev?”

  She studied Jill and grappled with how to sidestep the personal question, but then realized that Jill had opened up to her. She should try doing the same. She met her sister’s friendly brown eyes. “No.”

  Jill continued rocking. “You’re like me. You don’t let people in easily. My walls went up after my divorce, but you know something? Your walls have always been up. Why do you think that is?”

  Devyn let a little time pass before tackling the question, deciding it was easier to just dodge it altogether. “Probably because I’m married to my career. In fact, I should be on the phone right now, selling my ass off. Shaking my international contact list and seeing what falls out.” She stood, more than a little uncomfortable with the direction of the conversation. She didn’t do well in the spotlight.

  Jill nodded sagely but didn’t comment right away. Instead, she watched Devyn walk to the front door. “You hide behind it, you know? Your career.”

  Devyn scoffed, her hand on the doorknob. “I do not. It happens to be what makes me happy in life.”

  “That’s what you tell yourself so you can justify not having to get too close to anyone. If you live a fast enough paced life, you won’t notice what’s missing.” She tapped her temple. “You forget how well I know you.”

  “It’s not like that.” It was a lame argument, but it was all Devyn had.

  “Let her in, Devyn. You might just be surprised.”

  “Who are we talking about?” she asked, knowing full well and dodging the acknowledgment. She let herself into the house and spent the rest of the day making calls abroad and organizing a brokers’ open the likes of which the city of Philadelphia had never seen. Emotional vulnerability was the best motivation.

  When she finished her to-do list for the day, she sat back at her desk with two fingers of whiskey, watching the trees sway through the window as dusk fell. Jill’s words still rattled around in her head, annoying and loud. She was afraid to let anyone in? She’d never quite considered that and wondered now about the accuracy of the statement, fearing its validity. She’d always blamed her passion for her job for her lack of any real, close-knit personal relationships. She was too busy to get wrapped up in another person. She questioned the logic now.

  Because she could make time for someone important. She should make time for that person. So why didn’t she?

  Devyn took a slow pull from her glass, pondering. Maybe Jill was right, and maybe it was time to take down some of her walls. Wouldn’t be so hard if she just put her mind to it.

  But if that was true, why did the idea scare the living hell out of her?

  * * *

  “That one is not your friend,” Elizabeth said the following Wednesday, giving Hank’s leash a tug. “Uh-uh.” He stood nose to stinger with a brightly colored bumblebee, and it was up to her to save his precious life and nose. She gave him a whistle along with a second tug and he happily trotted on, leaving the potential friend behind. “You really made the right call with that one, Hank. He would have hurt you in more ways than one.”

  The energetic doggo, seeing he was close to his own street, picked up the pace, which prompted Elizabeth to match his speed and gusto. The late May sun beat down on her shoulders, making her happy she’d gone the tank top and sandals route. She adjusted her aviator sunglasses and took a deep inhale of the familiar fresh coffee aroma that particular street always served up.

  The sound of a car to her left pulled her focus. “Delivery,” a voice called. She turned to see a tiny green car, and Devyn ducking her head low and holding a to-go cup through the passenger side window.

  Elizabeth pulled Hank to a stop. “What in the world? You brought me coffee? Seriously?”

  Devyn shrugged and glanced away and then back. “Not a big deal. I remember you saying that the Hank walks always made you want a cup, and since you walk Hank on Wednesdays…”

  “And you know my schedule.” Elizabeth tapped her cheek. “Interesting.”

  “I happen to pay attention when you speak. It’s the polite thing to do. I also like it when you do that thing where you just talk a lot.”

  Elizabeth winked. “My nervous rambling. Let’s just call it what it is.”

  “We can. Regardless, I like it.”

  She studied Devyn, who had her hair pulled back today. “So, you thought you’d do something nice for me?”

  “I don’t know. I suppose I did.”

  This wasn’t the kind of thing Devyn did or was comfortable with. It was a simple gesture, but the effect it had on Elizabeth was anything but. Someone as important and as busy as Devyn had gone out of her way because she was thinking of her. She walked to the car and accepted the warm cup. “T
hank you.” She gestured to her charge. “This is Hank, by the way. Not as calm as Scout, but just as friendly.” He whined softly, wondering why in the world they would ever stop walking when there was so much to explore between here and his home.

  “Nice to meet you,” Devyn said, with perfect professionalism.

  Elizabeth laughed. “Want to walk with us?”

  Devyn smiled at her, and for a moment, that was all they did. Smile and stare, unwrapping each other. Finally, Devyn pulled them out of it, giving her head a wake-up shake. “Can’t. Though I’d really, really like to. Especially if that tank top is sticking around.”

  Elizabeth glanced down and grinned. “It’s probably better I keep it on, I’m thinking. Neighborhood sidewalk and all. And why is it you can’t join us? Hank would love to lick your hands, face, and shoes. Still not clear on why the last one is important to him, but it is.”

  “I’m sorry to miss that very specific initiation, but I have a call with my developer.” She leaned in farther toward the passenger window. “This, however, was a nice way to break up my morning.”

  “What? Me?”

  “Yeah, you. Stay out of trouble, Liz. Maybe I’ll see you later if you’re not busy?”

  “I’m hoping so.” Elizabeth raised her coffee cup in the air and watched as the tiny Chevy Spark headed off down the street, leaving her on a high.

  A text from Thalia hit her phone. She stared at the message:

  Drinks tonight at Twill’s? Just you and me.

  A month ago, a sentence like that from Thalia would have sent her over the moon. She rattled off a reply:

  Unfortunately, I’ve got other plans.

  She turned to Hank as they headed off down the street. “That was Devyn. She makes life better.”

  * * *

  How was it already approaching five? The workday for Elizabeth had been a busy one. After helping with Jill, who had honestly made so many wonderful strides that she really didn’t need much assistance any longer, she’d come back to On the Spot headquarters, also known as her converted garage, and started fielding job requests like a maniac. Business certainly wasn’t hurting, and she knew that part of it had to do with her relationship with the community. Remaining upbeat and hospitable, even in the midst of a difficult job, certainly went a long way, and she wondered why more people didn’t take advantage of how far being nice would get you. She scanned her oversized day planner, which she much preferred to a laptop. That afternoon she had Genevieve and Haley, both sophomores at the community college up the highway, out on errands. Her two part-time employees, Drake and Brent, were delivering mulch in a very large quantity to the fire station, and she was already into scheduling the next day and the next.

  “Excuse me. Is this place open for business?”

  Elizabeth glanced up and smiled, already recognizing the voice. She hadn’t had more than a fleeting conversation with Devyn in the past three days, and damn it, her heart leapt at the welcome sight of her. “Well, hi. We are open. What can I do for you?” Elizabeth stood from her desk and watched as Devyn approached with a smile. She wore jeans, a short-sleeved navy blue T-shirt, and light gray Converse, dressed more casually than Elizabeth had ever seen her. A tingle flowed through her and she leaned into it. Devyn looked more than good.

  “Do you offer kissing services?”

  Elizabeth swallowed. She was caught off guard by the pointed question, but listen, she wasn’t complaining. Neither was the rest of her. The parts of her that hadn’t touched Devyn in a handful of days now. They usually took a few moments to warm up to lines like that, but today felt different. Devyn did, too.

  “Um. Well. You wouldn’t have guessed this from our very professional reputation at On the Spot, but we do on occasion offer such services for special cases. Yes.”

  “Is it very expensive?” Devyn walked farther into the garage until she stood, face-to-face, with Elizabeth. She smelled amazing. Cucumber and citrus. All Elizabeth could do was steal glances at her lips. She loved the bottom one especially, and the way Devyn used it to punctuate so many of her expressions. She probably didn’t even realize she did it.

  Elizabeth nodded. “We’re running a special.”

  “This is a really great coincidence I came today, of all days, then.”

  “Isn’t it, though? Let’s get started.” Elizabeth leaned in and pressed her lips to Devyn’s. They stayed that way for a moment, in the bliss of just that initial contact, until Elizabeth readjusted, parting her lips to deepen the kiss. She heard Devyn murmur against her mouth, which was, without question, incredibly hot. They were a hot couple. Had she ever been part of such a hot couple before? She forgot the question altogether because, sweet Jesus, Devyn’s tongue was in her mouth and she could no longer feel her own legs.

  “You taste really good.” Devyn wrapped her arms around Elizabeth’s waist and, oh man, with their bodies pressed together and their lips dancing, there were things happening lower that Elizabeth couldn’t quite find words to describe. The more time she spent with Devyn, the more she craved her, thought about her, and wanted more time. She wanted that opportunity. She wanted to explore what they were like…as a them. It was the first time she’d admitted that to herself.

  “The clock is ticking,” she said, breathless, as she pulled her mouth away from Devyn’s. The words were out in the universe before she realized it. Why did she do that? Her arms still rested on Devyn’s shoulders with her fingers laced behind, but now she felt awkward and nervous. Why did she have to go there? Just enjoy the moments they had. That was all she had to do.

  “What clock?” Devyn asked, glancing around the garage.

  Elizabeth bit the inside of her lip. Well, she might as well say it. She’d already half gone there, like an idiot. “Ours. Is it crazy that I’m suddenly very aware of it? That our time together is dwindling?”

  Devyn rolled her lips in and appeared to figure out how to tackle this one. “I know. How do we set that knowledge aside?”

  “I’m not sure. Jill is getting better, which is exactly what I want to happen, but that comes with a chain reaction, the implications of which…make me sad. I don’t want you to leave.”

  Devyn nodded and kissed the underside of Elizabeth’s jaw before moving away. “I don’t know what to say to that.” She placed her hands on top of her head. “It’s not like I’m disappearing off the planet when I head back to Philadelphia.”

  “That’s true.”

  “We’ll still be…”

  Elizabeth could tell she had no idea how to finish that sentence. She took control of the conversation. She had to. “At first we were just friends who flirted. Then, we were friends who hooked up.” She paused, musing. “I’ve never said ‘hooked up’ before.”

  A grin spread across Devyn’s face. “I’m really proud of you. Another milestone for today. That, and the kissing special.”

  She tilted her head, getting right to it. “Are we still just hooking up? It’s okay if we are, I’m just…needing to know, for my own piece of mind.”

  “I like you, Elizabeth Draper.”

  “Why do you so often call me by my first and last name?”

  “You would rather I didn’t?”

  “I call foul. That’s two questions in a row you haven’t answered.” She smiled. The lighthearted tone that had settled over the conversation somehow made all of this easier.

  “You’re very observant and very beautiful. Especially in your element like this.” Devyn gestured around them.

  “And now you’re trying to charm me off the topic. Focus.”

  Devyn scoffed. “I wouldn’t do that. I’m a straight shooter. I just…don’t have the answers you’re looking for. This is new territory for me, okay?” For the first time, Devyn appeared a little bit vulnerable.

  Her answer made sense but still frustrated Elizabeth. She dropped her head back and stared at the ceiling, studying the splatter of paint that had somehow made its way up there. What did she expect Devyn to do? Profess
her undying love, quit her job, and move back to Dreamer’s Bay, the one place she couldn’t stand? She sighed. “I’m overthinking, aren’t I? I should relax.”

  Devyn walked back to her and took her hand. “You’re not. You’re being a normal human with feelings and concerns. Generally, all things that would send me running and screaming.” She raised a finger. “That’s a new discovery for me, by the way.”

  “That feelings terrify you?” She laced their fingers and studied their intertwined hands. “You don’t have to be afraid of me, Dev. I’m probably the most harmless person on the planet.”

  Devyn paused, letting the comment land. “I like it when you shorten my name.”

  “You lengthen mine, and I shorten yours.” Elizabeth laughed and stepped in. “How about Big D? Even better?”

  Devyn covered her face. “Uh-uh.”

  “Hot D? Spicy D? Demolition D.”

  “Not even a little bit. No.”

  “I think it’s an honest-to-goodness nickname sensation.”

  “At the very least.” Devyn glanced at the driveway through the open door. “Let’s get outta here. Go for a drive. Pretend we have everything figured out.”

  Elizabeth eyed her and glanced at the desk. “I have scheduling to finish. You, of all people, being the self-aware workaholic that you are, probably sympathize.”

  She gathered her blond hair into a bunch and let it drop. “I’ll wait over there.” Devyn took a seat in the deep purple arm chair across from Elizabeth’s desk, picked up that day’s edition of The Dreamer’s Bay Tribune, and pretended to immerse herself.

  Hesitantly, very aware of Devyn’s presence, Elizabeth continued to pencil in job requests that had come in via the porthole she’d had set up online—the portion of technology she’d embraced—for her clients and began matching up tasks to appropriate employees. Drake would be perfect for the lawn mowing Mrs. Davidson needed. KC could handle picking up the Dawson kids from soccer practice. She would be more than happy to bring two Big Macs for lunch the next day to Mr. Ivers, who’d at least taken a few days off from fast food. She glanced up to see Devyn grinning.