by Lydia Rose
“What can I bring out?” Catherine asked.
“You can bring the plates and the silverware. I’ll get the salads just before we’re ready to eat.”
They bumped into each other as they each reached for something.
“I’m sorry, Cate,” Sam said stepping away from her.
“Don’t be. It felt nice,” Catherine said before picking up the plates and going out the back door.
Sam smiled as she picked up the plate of flatbread. Sam went back to the barbecue and placed the patties onto the flatbread. Then she put the bread on the grill. As Sam folded the flatbread over, she asked, “Cate, would you bring out the salads, please?”
“Sure,” Catherine said.
“I’ll help you,” Sandy offered and followed Catherine. “You two seemed to have finally relaxed around each other.”
Catherine smiled as she opened the refrigerator. “You’re right. Thank you for coming today. It allowed Sam and me to be together without the tension between us.”
“Oh, there’s tension all right, but not the kind you’re speaking of,” Sandy said with a chuckle.
Catherine’s mouth dropped and she felt her face turning red.
“See I was right,” Sandy said with a giggle. “The sexual tension between you two is very strong.”
“That was never our problem,” Catherine admitted. “We were very compatible in that area.”
Sandy put her arm through Catherine’s. “Let’s go eat that wonderful meal your girl prepared.”
The women spent the afternoon on Sam’s patio.
“How about pizza for dinner?” Hailey asked.
Everyone nodded in agreement.
“I’ll go in and place an order,” Sam said after she found out what everyone wanted on the pizzas.
“We really like Sam,” Sandy said taking Hailey’s hand.
“I really like her too,” Catherine said with a chuckle.
Hailey offered to go with Sam to pick up the pizzas. “Thanks for opening your house to us today. You’ll have to give me that recipe for those patty melts you made today.”
Sam reached for a business card and handed it to Hailey. “My email address is on there. Send me an email so I can get the recipe to you.” Sam gripped the wheel and glanced at Hailey. “You and Sandy have a wonderful relationship. You remind me of me and Robin.”
“How long ago did Robin pass away?” Hailey asked taking Sam’s hand that rested on the arm rest.
“Two years. It’s been so hard to get over that. I thought I would never find love again and then Cate came into my life. Now it’s like Robin dying all over again. Cate just walked out of my life,” Sam sighed deeply. “She’s trying to be my friend, but I don’t want to go back and just be her friend.”
“There’s more than friendship still there. You two shoot off sparks when you look at each other,” Hailey giggled. “I was ready to take Sandy into your house for a quickie.”
Sam laughed easily, but turned serious. “She’s fighting those feelings. Even if they are there, Cate’s not going to act on them.”
“You watch. By the time we get together with you two again, you’ll be a couple again.”
“I hope you’re right, Hailey. I really do,” Sam said as she parked the truck in front of the pizza place.
“It’s been fun today, Cate. We’ve really had a nice time with you and Sam. How did Sam’s house do during the storm?”
“She had no damage. The dune held up and there was just some flooding on the street and on her property.”
“Sam was lucky.”
Catherine nodded in agreement. “They’re back. How about a glass of wine with our pizza?”
“Sure,” Sandy said with a shrug.
Catherine went into the house and gathered paper plates, napkins, the wine and a beer for Sam. She carried out what she could carry and asked before she went back inside. “Hailey, beer, wine, tea or soda?”
“Beer, please.”
Catherine went into the refrigerator and took out two bottles of beer and backed right into Sam. “You again?” she chuckled. “You do want beer, right?”
“Please,” Sam opened the bottle of wine and handed it to Catherine. “I’ll carry the rest.”
“Thank you.”
After the pizzas and drinks were demolished, Sam went into the house and made a pot of coffee.
Catherine followed her in and reached for four mugs in the cabinet. “Do you have a creamer, Sam?”
Sam reached over her and took the creamer off the top shelf.
“Could you put that any higher?” Catherine asked with a laugh.
“I don’t use it very often,” Sam shrugged. “It’s out of my way.” Sam poured the coffee into a carafe and they went back outside.
It was after eight o’clock before the party broke up.
“We have had a wonderful time and want to thank you both,” Hailey said.
“Sam, we’d like to have you and Cate over for dinner one night,” Sandy added.
“Come on. I’ll drive you all back to Cate’s place,” Sam said grabbing her keys.
When they got to the house, Catherine said, “Sam, would you park your truck and come inside a minute?”
Sam parked the truck so Hailey and Sandy could still get out of the driveway. Once in the house, the women collected their things.
“Thank you, Cate,” Sandy said hugging Catherine close.
Hailey did the same. “I’ll see you on Monday.”
The two women faced Sam and smiled, “We were so happy to meet you.” Sandy hugged Sam and whispered in her ear, “Hang in there. It will work out.”
Hailey hugged her too. “Thanks again, Sam.”
Once the women left, Sam turned to Catherine. “Did you need something?”
“I just wanted to thank you for being such a gracious hostess today. You didn’t have to do it. Thank you,” Catherine said hugging Sam tightly.
“I would do anything for you,” Sam said into Catherine’s ear.
Catherine nodded and walked her to the door.
****
Sunday morning Sam was in her back yard beginning her weekly chore. She began with the edger when she felt Catherine’s presence. Sam turned and saw her standing in the driveway wearing a grin. Sam turned off the machine and walked toward her.
“Is there something you need, Cate?” Sam asked.
“I just thought I would come over and keep you company while you work,” Catherine said walking past Sam.
Sam grinned again. “Have a seat.”
Catherine sat on the lounge chair and took notice of Sam’s torn t-shirt. The tear was over her left breast and gave her a peak at the sports bra underneath. The tear across her abs gave an even better view of what lay beneath. Sam’s shorts were even in worse condition. There were two tears under each cheek and the button was missing on front. Catherine stretched her legs out and lowered her sunglasses over her face. Her head rested on the back of the lounge and her hands were crossed on her lap. Now I’m ready.
“If you want something to drink, go inside and help yourself,” Sam offered before she turned on the trimmer.
Catherine raised her hand in thanks, but she wasn’t going anywhere.
Back and forth Sam went about her work. After she finished trimming, she went into the shed for the lawnmower. Every time Sam’s eyes went to the patio, Catherine’s eyes were on her. This time she knew Catherine wasn’t asleep behind those dark glasses and she watched every move that Sam made.
As Sam was putting away the lawnmower, Catherine went inside to get two bottles of water. She knew Sam needed one because of the work she had done. Catherine needed one because her mouth was so dry, she knew she couldn’t speak.
“Thank you,” Sam said when Catherine handed her the bottle. “It’s warm today.” She took the bottle and ran it across her forehead. “I’ve got to take a shower. You’re welcome to stay,” Sam said walking toward the door.
Catherine took her seat again even tho
ugh her body ached to join Sam in the shower. Taking deep breaths and drinking the water calmed the heat in her body by the time Sam came back outside. Catherine could smell the soap and shampoo on Sam’s body and it brought her body back to where it was a few minutes earlier. The pink t-shirt and black shorts Sam had changed into kept her body humming. Who are you kidding? You’d be turned on if she came back out wearing a potato sack.
Sam could see Catherine fidgeting in her seat. She pulled on the legs of her shorts and Sam couldn’t contain her giggle. “Are you okay, Cate?”
Catherine’s head spun around. “What do you mean?”
“You look uncomfortable,” Sam said wearing a wide grin.
Catherine’s jaw dropped and she fumbled for words. “I’m fine.”
“Okay, if you say so.” Her laugh continued.
After a half hour, Sam went into the house.
Catherine wondered if Sam was going to be back. She sat there for a few minutes more and then got up.
The patio door slid open and Sam asked, “How about some lunch?”
Catherine smiled and walked toward the door. When she walked into the house and took a seat at the island, Sam placed a bowl in front of her.
“I smelled this when I came in for the water,” Catherine said with a smile.
“I hope you like chili? It’s been cooking for hours.”
“Did you know I would show up today?” Catherine asked.
“I only hoped, Cate.” Sam took her seat and began to eat. She could tell Catherine was trying, but she also felt her fears. “I had a good time yesterday,” Sam said softly.
“Me too. It’s nice to see a couple that still loves one another after all those years together,” Catherine sighed. “Hailey told me she takes Sandy skiing during the Christmas holiday so she doesn’t have to think about her family. Sandy’s siblings can’t even invite Sandy and Hailey because her parents won’t allow it.”
Sam thought this was Catherine’s way of telling her she can’t give up her family for her.
“I think it shows how much Hailey loves Sandy. Sandy told me it doesn’t matter if they go skiing or just stay at home. It’s being with Hailey that gets her through all the holidays. She insists it’s her parent’s loss and not hers.” Catherine paused. “I’m not sure I can live without you, Sam,” Catherine said weakly. “But I have to make sure I can live with never speaking with my parents again.”
“Cate, I know how hard it is to give up your family. I wouldn’t want you to do that for me and someday regret it. I love you, Cate, but I don’t want you to have any regrets. It would be too hard to have you completely and then have you walk away from me again.”
“I love you too, Sam. Trust me when I say that and if I come back,” Catherine’s sigh was deep, “I’ll never leave you again.” She carried her bowl over to the dishwasher. “Thank you for the show and lunch,” she said with a smirk. “Have a good week, Sam.” Her hug was fierce.
“You too, Cate,” Sam said walking her to the door.
CHAPTER TWENTY FIVE
Wednesday morning, Sam walked into work and sat at her computer. She smiled automatically when she saw an email from Hailey.
Hey, Girl: Here’s my email address so you can send me that recipe when you get a moment. Your girlfriend is still walking around like she has the weight of the world on her shoulders. Sandy and I are meeting friends at a club on Friday night. Why don’t you come out with us and have some fun? Let me know. H
Sam sat there wondering if it was a good idea even contemplating going to a bar with Hailey and Sandy. Then she thought maybe Jessica and Carol would go with her. Sam sent a text to Hailey and asked where and what time on Friday.
Plans were made and Sam would be picking up Jessica and Carol on Friday night.
****
“Hey, Cate,” Hailey said when she met Catherine on her way to her office. “How are you?”
“I’m okay, Hailey. How are you?” Catherine asked.
“Great. Hey, Sandy and I are meeting Sam and a couple of friends of hers at a club on Friday night. Are you interested in going?”
“A gay bar?” Catherine asked softly.
“Of course.”
“Thanks anyway, Hailey, but I don’t think so.”
“Okay. Enjoy your day.”
Catherine walked to her class and thought about Sam going to a bar. Despite what Sam had said to her, it seemed she was moving on.
****
Friday night while Sam was getting ready to go out, Catherine picked up the phone.
“Hi, Mom,” Catherine said when her mother picked up the phone.
“Have you stopped seeing that woman?” Rita asked forgetting all pleasantries.
“Yes, Mother. I gave up the love of my life because of you.” Catherine’s words were bitter.
“Love of your life?” Rita snorted. “I’m just glad you came to your senses.”
“Do you even care if I’m happy, Mother?”
“Of course I care. You’re young and beautiful. I’m sure Amy can fix you up with some single men down there.”
Catherine cringed at the thought of having a man touch her ever again. “Yes, Mother.”
“Are you coming down for Christmas? Your sister already said they’re going to Bob’s family for the holidays.”
“I don’t know, Mother. I’ll have to let you know.”
“You girls care nothing about your father and me.”
“Why don’t you come here for the holidays? This way you can see Patty and her daughter and spend time with us.” Catherine waited for her mother’s refusal.
“Oh, no. We can’t go there. Your father and I hate the cold now.”
“Don’t you want to see your granddaughter?” Catherine goaded.
“Maybe we can come up in the spring. I’ll have to speak with your father. I’ve got to go, Cate. The ladies are waiting for me. I’m happy you came to your senses. Good bye, dear.”
“Good bye, mother.” Catherine wondered if it really was her final good bye. Patty had been right all along. Her mother didn’t care about anyone except herself, and Catherine had paid the price by throwing away her happiness.
***
Thirty miles away Sam sat with her friends in the bar. She had been looking around when a petite blond caught her eye.
Hailey took notice and leaned toward her. “That’s Deb. She’s cute isn’t she?”
“Who?” Sam played dumb.
“You know who. Go ask her to dance. She had a bad break up with a girlfriend a few months ago and she lives near you in Brick. I’m sure she’d say yes.”
Sam stood up and walked over to the table where Deb was sitting with friends. “Would you like to dance?” Sam asked looking down into the bright blue eyes.
Deb looked up and smiled, “Sure.”
They danced to the next two fast songs and when the music changed, they both stayed. Sam took Deb into her arms and held her close as they slowly moved around the dance floor.
“I’m Sam.”
“Deb, I don’t think I’ve ever seen you here before,” she said.
“That’s because I’ve never been here before. I came with Hailey, Sandy and friends of mine.”
When the song ended Sam took Deb’s hand and led her over to her table. “Deb, you know Hailey and Sandy. This is Jessica and Carol.”
Deb hugged Hailey and Sandy and shook hands with Jessica and Carol. “It’s good to see you again.”
Sandy’s friends came back to the table and also hugged Deb. Before the night was over, Sam got Deb’s phone number. They hugged goodbye and the friends went home.
CHAPTER TWENTY SIX
Saturday morning, Sam called Deb. “Hi, Deb. This is Sam. We met last night.”
“Hi, Sam. I remember you,” she said with a giggle.
“I’d like to take you out to dinner tonight,” Sam swallowed, “if you’re free?”
“I would like that Sam.”
Deb gave Sam her address and they agr
eed on the time. Sam disconnected the call almost feeling like she was cheating on Catherine, but she also knew she couldn’t sit around and wait for her to make the decision that would be in her favor.
Sam was on her way to pick up Deb, when Catherine stepped off the boardwalk. She walked toward Sam’s house and immediately noticed the truck was missing. As she turned around, Amy came out of her house.
“Hi, Cate.” Amy waved her over. “Taking a walk?”
“Hi. Yeah, I thought I’d see if Sam was doing anything,” Catherine offered.
“Oh, she went out a little while ago. She was all dressed up. I think she had a date,” Amy said easily and then regretted her words.
Catherine suddenly felt dizzy. She sat on Amy’s step.
“Are you okay?” Amy grabbed her hand. “You feel clammy.”
“I think I walked too much,” Catherine said offering a lame excuse.
“Come inside and I’ll get you some water,” Amy said already lifting her off the stair.
Catherine sat at the kitchen table and drank the water Amy put in front of her. “Thanks. I feel better now.”
“I’m sorry, Cate,” Amy apologized.
“For what?”
Amy rolled her eyes. “For telling you Sam went out on a date.”
“It’s her business, Amy. I broke up with her and I have no claim on her time or what she does.”
“I still can’t believe you just gave her up like that for no reason,” Amy said shaking her head.
“It wasn’t for no reason. It was because of my parents.”
Amy grumbled. “Have you talked to the almighty Queen herself and told her you gave up happiness for her?”
“Yes.”
“And?”
“She was happy that I came to my senses.” Catherine looked away from Amy’s intense stare.
Amy sat back in her chair. “You realized you made a mistake in breaking up with Sam, didn’t you? The Queen doesn’t care about your happiness. All she cares about is herself. She’s always been like that. You just had blinders on because she was your mother. You’ve always been that way.”
“What does it matter, Amy. I’ve lost Sam and she doesn’t need someone in her life who can’t make up her mind on something so important.”
