Party of Two

by Tey Holden

  Party of Two

  By

  Tey Holden

  Copyright © 2015 All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be copied, reproduced, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically or mechanically, including recording, printouts, information storage and retrieval systems without permission in writing from the author. Copyright to this publication is registered.

  (Publication date April 2019)

  Acknowledgements

  To my editor and beta reader for their patience, hard work and dedication

  Chapter 1

  “Brooke, I’d like to make clear that the only reason I agreed to go to the bar with you is because I think it’s time for you to move on and get a life. The best cure for a broken heart is love.” Alex was very firm in her statement.

  “First, and since we are clearing things, no one goes to a bar looking for love. People go to a bar looking to get laid. And that, baby, is what I intend to do tonight. I need a breather from love. I need some action! Now that I think about it, maybe that’s your problem. You expect to find love in a bar. Ha!”

  Brooke laughed and continued talking. “I don’t want to burst your bubble, dear one, but you are not going to find Mr. Right in a bar. And look who’s talking about finding love? Aren’t you the woman who finds no man good enough? With your track record, I think you should start looking somewhere else. Maybe the grass is greener on the other side, and the player you are looking for is on my team.”

  Alex chuckled. “Ha! Are you hitting on me again? I can’t believe what you’ve just said.” Alex was glad to see that her friend was already in her normal mode, joking and teasing. It was refreshing to see Brooke smile again after all she had been through with Lindsey.

  “Why not? Your mothers are lesbians, and no, I’m not hitting on you. I got my message loud and clear in high school. In fact, I think I still have a mark on my knee from the kick you gave me. Although, I’m very much available, and I still think you are cute.”

  “Cute? What happened to drop-dead gorgeous? I believe those were your exact words back then. Have I been downgraded? And where exactly is it that we are going?”

  Brooke and Alex had a great friendship based on mutual respect. The ease with which they treated each other was something that Lindsey, Brooke’s former partner, was never able to understand. Their relationship was simply a totally open, and relaxed friendship.

  Brooke chuckled. “No, you have not been downgraded. I just didn’t want to get kicked again, plus I need an escort to the bar. The bar is called Paradise. Let me put the address in the GPS. Seriously, you’ve never been attracted to any woman? Ever?”

  Alex was driving and remained quiet. When the light turned red, she stopped. “Brooke, don’t make this about me, tonight is about you. I have not been dating anyone lately, yes, you are right. My last experience was not all that great, as you know, and just because I’ve decided to take a break from men, that doesn’t mean that I’ve given up on them. So, stop this, okay? By the way, do you know what the odds are that the children of lesbian couples turn out to be gay?”

  “No, I didn’t even know there was any research or data on that subject.”

  “Well, there is, and the odds are minimal. I researched it when I wanted to know my odds. I’m not a lesbian, so leave me alone, and mind your own business. I’m taking you to a place where there are plenty of them, so that you can have your pick. And if I may say so, just to boost your ego, you look ravishing. So, I think your chances are good. However, be careful to whom you say ‘yes’ in there. Make sure she’s a nice girl.”

  Brooke rolled her eyes. “Are you sure you are not the one hitting on me?”

  Alex laughed and gave her one of her killer looks. “In your dreams!”

  Brooke sighed and pursed her lips. “What a pity! So, are we clear in that I’m not going in there tonight looking for a life partner? God help me!” Brooke said in jest pretending to be horrified by the thought. “I already had my share of that. Now all I need is a roll in the sack, and that shouldn’t be too hard to achieve tonight.”

  Alex chuckled. “You are such a slut!”

  “And you such a bitch! Now remember, the minute we walk in there, you get away from me. I need room to operate, and you take up too much space.”

  “Can’t help being gorgeous.”

  “Or conceited! Just, while we are there, take a look around the room. Maybe you’ll find something you like. This is supposed to be a nice bar, so there might be worthwhile ladies in there.”

  When Alex parked, Brooke got out of the car and walked away with Alex trailing her and chuckling. “Good luck!” Alex yelled from behind, as Brooke waved her hand in the air brushing her off.

  Although Alex had concerns about going to a lesbian bar, she was comforted by the thought that she was doing it as a favor to her good friend, and because she thought that watching Brooke ‘operate’ would be fun.

  Alex thought that, after the debacle with Lindsey, Brooke needed a distraction and that getting back in the game was the best thing to do. She remembered Brooke’s recounts from her college years, and all the fun she had chasing women. She chuckled remembering that she used to call Brooke the ‘the hunter’ because of the way she pursued women. It was good that Brooke was now resolved to get on with her life. As Brooke said, some things are never forgotten, and being back in the game would be like riding a bicycle.

  Brooke walked in first and walked all the way to the end of the bar as naturally as she would have walked into her house. Alex was a bit slower as she took the time to observe her surroundings. Facing many stares and not knowing what to do, she took a seat in the center of the bar. She had never been the bar-type and felt a bit odd. She had promised Brooke that she would keep her distance and that meant that she would have to be alone. Nevertheless, she was resolved to have some fun watching Brooke. She asked the bartender for a beer and began to drink it slowly.

  Alex also remembered that she had told Brooke that one day she’d fall madly in love with a devastatingly sexy woman, and that the roles would turn and that she would be the prey. To which Brooke responded that if that day ever came, she would be the happiest prey ever.

  While reminiscing about Brooke’s love life, a tall, built woman approached Alex at the bar. She was wearing tight jeans and a nice, sleeveless white-collar shirt. She wore black boots and had a bird tattoo on her right bicep. Her hair was dark brown, short and spiked. She was about six feet tall and quite muscular. She approached Alex and practically undressed her with the look. “Sweetheart, you’ve got me going from just looking at you. How about a dance?” The woman attempted to pull Alex from her stool to drag her to the dance floor.

  “I beg your pardon,” Alex replied.

  “Are you the type that needs to be talked into it? You just name what you need and you got it.” The woman continued to grip Alex’s arm as Alex tried to loosen her strong hold.

  The scene had not gone unnoticed by a pair of blue watchful eyes observing the developing situation from the other end of the bar. The blue eyes had been captivated by the silhouette of the woman sitting at the center of bar. Her sophisticated appearance stood out from the rest of the crowd. The woman was not a regular at the bar, and did not look like the party type.

  The blue-eyed woman had been waiting for the gorgeous blonde to turn and reveal her face, but it hadn’t happened yet. There was always the intriguing anticipation of whether the face would match the rest of the package, or whether it would be the all too familiar disappointment. However, the developing circumstances interrupted the wait, and immediate intervention was necessary.

  The voice was firm and the message was delivered in a tone that made it very clear that whomever the voice belonged to was someone the other
woman respected. “Kat, she’s with me.”

  “Sorry, my mistake.” Kat, the woman with the tattoo, then turned to Alex, “I’m sorry miss.” She then turned and left to rejoin her group of friends. Alex relaxed when the tall, muscular woman retreated. Then she heard her voice. “My name is Blair, and I don’t think I’ve ever—.”

  Alex took her time to turn, knowing the usual effect she had on people. She thought this would probably turn into another pick-up. It was always the same. When Alex turned and the green eyes met the blue ones, they held each other’s gaze in what appeared to have been an eternity.

  Alex knew the effect of her eyes on people and always enjoyed staring at her catch. This time, however, the mischievous smile didn’t last as long as usual. The intensity of the woman’s electrifying gaze and her body language made Alex feel uneasy.

  Blair seemed to have lost her voice when she felt the green eyes burning right through her and literally paralyzing her. And truth be told, Blair was not easily paralyzed. In fact, this was a first for her. “Um, ah, I meant to say that I’ve never seen you around here.” Blair was tall, and athletic. Her short black hair was wavy and unruly and accentuated the depth of her striking blue eyes. Her almost cocky confidence added to her allure. An intriguing and inviting smile complemented the rest of the attractive face.

  The usual confident Alex, who was normally quick with comeback lines, was at a loss for words. The way Blair was looking at her was daunting. She felt challenged by the uncanny way the blue eyes were searching her face and couldn’t help conducting the same kind of scrutiny. Finally, she managed to put a few words together, not her usual witty type of come back, but rather a simple statement to hopefully make the woman go away. She felt an irrational need to make this woman go away.

  “Thank you for your intervention, but I’m here with a friend, and I’m not looking for company. I’m also not gay. So, thanks for your help, but like I said, I'm not interested in company.” Alex turned and took a sip of her beer feeling lousy about her statement. Oh my God, could I be ruder?

  Blair didn’t move. “Ouch!”

  Alex couldn’t help smile when she heard the reply. Although it was not a very original line, on Blair’s lips it acquired a new meaning. When Alex looked back to Blair, she couldn’t help notice her smile and her dimples. The warmth in Blair’s face made Alex grin automatically, and she immediately felt different about her.

  Blair tried not to smile because she knew that when she did her dimples appeared. She always thought that the dimples killed her cool-sexy look and made her look silly. The more she tried not to grin, the more she did, especially because for some unknown reason, Alex couldn’t stop smiling back at her. She finally looked away from Alex to stop grinning. She took a sip of her beer and spoke. “So, what’s a straight woman doing in a lesbian bar?”

  “See the brunette over there?” She pointed to Brooke, and Blair looked.

  “Yeah, what about her?”

  “She’s my friend, Brooke. She’s a lesbian. She just ended a long relationship. I agreed to come here with her tonight to keep her company, until she hooked up with someone. Happy now?”

  Blair looked back to her. “Not quite.” She sat next to Alex and took another look at her. Although she was trying to hold back her smile, she couldn’t and the dimples showed again.

  Alex raised her right eyebrow, also trying not to smile. She couldn’t believe how different the woman looked when her dimples showed. She, however, was resolved to push her away. “I don’t mean to be rude, but you are wasting your time on me. I’m not a lesbian, and I’m not interested in company.”

  Blair didn’t know what to make of Alex. It seemed that the blonde had a quick response for everything. For the first time in her life, Blair felt like she was running out of lines. As of lately, she’d come to the realization that she had gotten more selective in picking whom she’d spend her time with. She was not looking for frivolous pastimes anymore. She’d always had standards, but for some time now, she found most women trashy, shallow, unbearable, and brainless. She was looking for someone different, someone intelligent, with whom she could hold a serious conversation. Could this be the one?

  “Oh, I got the not a lesbian part and the not interested part, but I still don’t feel like I’m wasting my time. I’m actually having a good time. By the way, I was wondering how come you seem so comfortable and relaxed in a gay bar. I mean, look around you, isn’t it a bit intimidating for a straight woman with your looks to be surrounded by all us lesbians?”

  Alex almost thanked her for the complement, but didn’t. “You are assuming that everyone here is a lesbian. Since I am living proof that your assumption is incorrect, you must definitely be wrong. Anyway, do you have anything against lesbians? Aren’t you one? Or am I making an incorrect assumption as well? Do you think anyone here is going to jump me, or something like that? I mean I know a lot goes on in these bars, but I don’t think anything happens that two consenting adults don’t agree to. Am I wrong?”

  Alex’s witty response was brilliant, and Blair felt a tingle of exhilaration. This was indeed a bright woman and a beautiful one too. Blair grinned delighted with the response. Alex was again forced to smile to the point that she had to look away to hide her face.

  Blair noticed and was thrilled that Alex was putting on a tough front. She thought it was good that the woman knew how to take care of herself. But she also sensed that Alex did not dislike her as much as she was letting on, and that was encouraging. She was resolved to find out more about her. Every one of Alex’s responses had excited her even more than the previous. It was as if with every statement Alex made, in an attempt to drive her away, intensified Blair’s need to know more about her.

  The bartender walked over to them. “Blair, do you want something to drink?”

  “Yeah, let me have a beer, would you like another one?” She asked Alex.

  “No, thanks. One is my limit.”

  “One? That’s your limit?” Blair smiled again.

  “Yeah, is that a problem? Is there a minimum required consumption here?” She put on a begging face when she spoke again. “You are not going to go away, are you?”

  Blair smiled. The dimples were prominently displayed. “The answer is no to all your questions.”

  “Please, go out there and find someone else. You know you are not going to get anywhere with me. I know you do. You look smart. I don’t know why you are still here! You are risking going home alone.”

  Blair smiled looking down to her beer. “Won’t be the first, or the last.” Alex looked at her somewhat surprised with the confession. Leaning into the bar counter, Blair looked to her side to look at Alex. “Your assumption is also incorrect.”

  “How so?”

  “You assume that I come here looking for women, and that my goal in having a conversation with you is to pick you up.”

  Alex couldn’t help laughing, which in turn made Blair smile. She’s having fun too!

  “And you are not?” Alex rolled her eyes. Both women grinned, and Alex continued talking. “Let me guess? You are here with the chess club and you approached me because you wanted to know if I play chess so that you can recruit me for the team, right?”

  Blair laughed. “This may come as a surprise to you, but I don’t come here with the intention to take someone home. Although, I’m frankly flattered that you think I can with just the wink of an eye.” She straightened up from the bar and looked straight at Alex. In fact, she had a hard time not looking at her. It was as if her eyes didn’t want to move from her. “And since you brought it up, do you play chess?”

  Alex grinned. “The bartender seems to be very familiar with you.”

  “She is, she’s my sister. And she’s not gay either. She works nights here. Pat, the bar owner, is our aunt. Megan works here at night because she has a three-year old and needs the extra income. I come around when I can to check on her. I have a busy schedule and don’t stick around long.”

 
Alex was not smiling now. She was trying to figure out whether to believe her or not. The story sounded credible. “So, if I call her, was it Megan? She would be able to corroborate your story?”

  Blair waved her hand towards Megan as an invitation to Alex to ask. Alex looked at Megan and back to Blair. “I’m not going to embarrass myself by playing your game, sorry. But tell me, you just hang out here long enough for what?”

  “Just what do you mean?”

  “I mean that maybe you just hang out here long enough for a quick rendezvous?”

  “I don’t know if I should be flattered or offended. Once again, I’m kind of flattered since you seem to think I’m so good with the ladies, but I also feel offended that you think I’m some kind of slut who beds anyone.”

  “I didn’t mean to offend. You look pretty decent. Why don’t you go check out my friend Brooke, she’s the one looking for company, and she’s really nice.” Alex was already a bit edgy, not knowing how to dissuade Blair.

  Blair looked at her with a sad resigned look. “Thanks for the ‘pretty decent’ compliment. Can we call a truce? If I assure you that I will not try to pick you up, can we just enjoy a beer together?”

  Alex didn’t expect that response and smiled. “That seems fair. So, yes, why not? It’s a public establishment. And I’d like to clarify that my comment was not meant as a compliment, it was meant, well, as if it doesn't look like you would kill someone.”

  Blair chuckled. “You sure know how to make a girl feel good! I’m definitely flattered now. Now that we have that clear, can we talk?”

  “Sure.” Alex chuckled, surprised that she had agreed to talk. What am I doing?

  “My earlier question was because a lot of straight women feel intimidated when they come to a lesbian bar.”

  Alex looked at her “Not me. First, I think women who think like that are uncertain about their sexuality. Second, I grew up around lesbians, and have many lesbian friends. Does that satisfy your curiosity?”

  “No, actually, now I’m more curious.”