by Radclyffe
Chapter Twenty
"They look good," Anna called as she pulled the Jeep along side Daphne and her crew. She indicated the new shrubs the women were putting in beside the entrance at Yardley.
Daphne leaned down to the window, smiling at her boss. "Theyre great specimens! We should be done here soon. I thought wed start the plantings on the rear terrace tomorrow. The photographers will be out on Friday to do the front gardens."
Anna raised a shoulder nonchalantly. "Whatever you decide."
Daphne grinned. "The view is better from the terrace, too. If youre watching women!"
Anna caught the mischievous glint in her eye, and replied smartly, "You had better not be talking about Graham! And besides, I thought you were happily married."
Daphne laughed. "Completely domesticated - and even if I werent I know better than to lust after Graham. She doesnt know theres another woman on earth besides you, and youd have my hide just for the thought! I was talking about my new kid, Lorishes got a bad case for Grahams assistant. She seems to find all kinds of excuses to wander by the music room when theyre working."
Anna glanced at her watchit was almost five in the afternoon. "Are Graham and Sheila still at it? They were up most of the night! Graham promised me shed get some rest!!" she finished worriedly. The memory of the long agonizing months alone in Boston still lingered. Grahams recent illness left her terrified that something would take Graham from her.
Daphne saw the fear flicker across Annas face, and remembered how frail Graham had seemed not long ago. She reflected on the change six months had brought. "Anna," she said softly, "Graham looks great. Ive never seen her like she is now. Shes strong and healthy. And the music that comes out of that room! I have to practically drag my crew from the terrace."
Anna forced herself to relax, knowing what Daphne said was true. "Its helped Graham to have Sheila hereshes transcribing Grahams new work and cataloging her unpublished pieces. Its just that the two of them can get lost when theyre working. Sheilas almost as bad as Graham!"
"Shes writing her graduate thesis on Grahams compositions, right?"
"Yesactually, shes a student-in-residence with Graham for the rest of the year." Anna could scarcely believe it when Graham had asked her to contact the graduate student who had written so many times requesting an interview. Sheila had been with them for two months and had quickly become devoted to Graham. Her assistance was invaluable to Graham, and it soon became apparent that she had an innate sense of Grahams other needs as well. She dealt with Grahams blindness in an understated way that did not impinge on Grahams need for independence. Anna trusted her with her most valuable possession - her lovers well-being.
"Well a year ought to give Lori enough time to win her heart"
Anna laughed. "You have a one-track mind."
"Oh, and you dont?" Daphne rejoined.
Anna blushed, recalling the urge she had had on the drive home to feel Grahams hands on her body. Even now she couldnt believe the turn her life had taken. She hadnt imagined she could be this happy. She put the Jeep in gear and pulled away smiling.
**********
She tapped lightly at the door to the music roomit stood open and as she listened, she knew it was Graham playing without looking. Graham said that Sheila was a very gifted musician, but Anna never confused the two. When Graham played, the combination of grace and power was unmistakableit was her signature, a complete reflection of her self. Anna knew the cadence and the rhythm of her music with the same certainty as she knew the sound of her voice, or her caress.
She entered and watched from across the room. Graham was in motion, the notes flowing from her hands, her essence transformed into sound. It still took Annas breath away and often kindled desire so intense that she shook.
She cleared her throat as the refrain ended and called, "Hey, you twoare you ready to take a break any time soon?"
Graham swiveled toward her, smiling a greeting. "Youre home early, arent you, love?" She looked fresh and energized, a sure sign that her work was going well. She clearly had no idea of the time, and Anna was willing to bet they hadnt stopped for lunch. Anna cast a stern glance at Sheila, who shrugged her shoulders sheepishly as she escaped toward the door.
"Youre both impossible," Anna muttered. She crossed the room to Graham, draping her arms around her from behind, breathing a kiss into her hair. Graham reached up to cover Annas hands where they lay on her chest. She turned Annas palm up, pressing her lips to the soft skin before resting her cheek in the curve of Annas hand. She sighed contentedly.
"Im glad youre home," she murmured.
"Are you all right?" Anna whispered, tightening her hold on the woman who meant more to her than her very life.
"Fine," Graham replied. "But I have news."
"What?"
Graham hesitated, her fingers caressing Annas, the expression on her face contemplative. "I have agreed to give a performance for the symphony in July."
Anna gasped. "Oh darling, thats wonderful!" It was more than she had ever imagined possible.
"You dont mind?" Graham asked in a subdued tone. "It wont be a problem?"
Anna slid onto the piano bench beside Graham, slipping an arm about her waist. "What makes you think I would mind?" she asked quietly.
"It will mean Ill be working moreand when Im preparing for a performance, I tend to get absorbed."
Anna thought she understood what Graham wasnt saying. "And you think Ill come to resent that?"
"Perhaps."
"Graham," Anna began carefully, "I know what youre like when you work, and sometimes I do worrybut not about us,- about you. You forget to eat, you forget to sleep, you lose weight you dont have to spare. I have never felt, not once, that I didnt matter to youor that you had stopped loving me, even for a moment."
"I couldnt stop loving you, not and still draw a breath," Graham whispered, her fingers tightening their grip on Annas. "You are my light, and my heart. You are the reason there is music in my soul."
"As long as that is true, well be fine," Anna assured her. "But you must promise me that you will take care of yourself. I need you so much, Graham. Without youtheres no point"
Graham stilled her words with a kiss. "I promise, my love."
There was something else. Anna could sense it in the tension of Grahams body, the quiet tone of her voice. Something worried her lover still.
"Now tell me the rest," she ordered gently, fitting herself closer against Grahams side.
"If I perform," Graham began uncertainly, then finished firmly, "Ive been here before, Anna. Theres no point pretending it wont create an uproar. Once I make an appearance, the demands for my time will intensify. There will be pressure for me to tour."
Anna took her time, thinking of the ramifications of Grahams words. She welcomed the changes in Graham over the last months. Graham was suffused with energy, her creative powers seemingly unleashed by the security of Annas presence. She was vital, dynamic, almost intoxicating in her passionate embrace of life. Her ardor for Anna, her muse, was boundless. Anna hadnt imagined she could be this happy. Now she was faced with the reality of Grahams true stature in the world. She was a peerless artist, one whom the world would not let go lightly yet again. If she returned to the concert stage, she would be resuming the life she had led before Anna. What Anna said now would determine the course of both their lives. Graham took her silence to mean Anna was opposed to the idea.
"Its no matter," Graham said decisively. "Ill simply tell them no."
"You cant do that, Graham. And I wouldnt ask you to," Anna began quietly. "I love you - and I have always known who you are - what you are. You dont belong just to me-"
"I do belong just to you," Graham interrupted fiercely.
Anna laughed gently, resting her hand possessively on Grahams thigh. "I know that , my darling. I was speaking of your music. I wouldnt keep you from it, and you cant keep it from the world - youll have to tour, Graham."
Graham stood, pacing by the pi
ano, formulating plans. Anna realized that other than her blindness, Graham was very nearly the woman she had been before her accident. When she stepped onto the stage, her return would be complete. She was about to reclaim the world she once ruled, and Anna could see that it was destined. Graham was transformed before her eyes into the impresario she had only glimpsed in faded newspaper clippings. It was breathtaking, and a little terrifying.
Graham ran a hand through her hair, thinking aloud. "Sheila would almost certainly want to come. That would be a great help. I can limit foreign travel- but its still going to be unbearable being apart from you -"
Anna rose, stilling Grahams restless motion with a hand on her arm. She grasped her about the waist, holding her firmly. "You cant think Id let you go without me? Not only would I go mad with worry, I have no intention of leaving you unattended with all those glamorous society women! You seem to have no idea of the effect you have on women, but I certainly do! "
Graham looked at her in confusion. "You cant think I could ever want anyone but you? Dont you know you are my life?"
"Im not taking any chances," Anna uttered as she kissed her swiftly.
"But your job?"
"Ill try to work something out with Lauren when the time comes - maybe I can freelance for her. Work part time - I dont know. I dont care. Where you need to be is where Ill be. Youre what I need."
Graham pulled her near, admitting in a low voice, "Im not worried about the music - thats never been the hard part. But the people - the promoters, the agents, the press - they want so much from me. Its hard to keep from being consumed. Im not sure I could do it again- especially now, when I cant see."
It was so unlike Graham to voice any concern, particularly regarding her blindness, Anna was instantly protective. She tightened her hold, her voice unflinching. "You wont have to worry; youre not alone any more."
The tension finally eased from Grahams body as she gentled under Annas caresses. She kissed Anna lingeringly, before murmuring quietly, "Thank you for my life, Anna."
Anna grasped the slender fingers that made magic the entire world laid claim to. She drew them to her breast, where they played only for her. "Thank me upstairs," she whispered urgently.
Graham lowered her lips to Annas ear as she stroked her tauntingly. "A command performance - my favorite thing."
"It had better be," Anna gasped. "And I cant wait any longer for you to begin."
Grahams laughter echoed through the halls as she led her love to their bed.
Chapter Twentyone
"What time will the car be here, dear?" Helen asked anxiously for the third time since Anna had arrived home early from work.
"Five-thirty." Anna replied with a smile.
"My goodness, its one oclock! Id better get ready!"
"You have plenty of timeyoull end up waiting," Anna suggested as if it would make a difference.
"Ive been waiting nearly fifteen years for thisa few hours is nothing! I still think we should take the Bentley. Graham always went to a performance in the Bentley!"
"I know, Helen," Anna said patiently. "But Graham wanted it this way."
"Well, I guess it will be all right then," Helen relented. Then she continued with concern, "You did interview the chauffeur?"
Anna laughed. "I did, and its a woman. She understands exactly what we need. It will be perfect."
"And you double checked that the invitations went out for the reception? I could have done that, you know. I always did that before."
"I know," Anna replied gently, "and I would have been lost without your help this time. I know they arrived, because Lauren got hers. It was more important that you look after Graham." Anna was nearly as anxious as Helen, and she desperately needed to see Graham. "Now, where is she?"
"Shes upstairs in the master suite. Max brought your gown and her suit. I had them sent up."
"Good. How does she seem?"
"Calm. She slept late, she didnt even practice. She rarely did the day of a performance. The barber has come and gone. Oh, I do hope it goes well! This is so important to her!"
"Helen," Anna reminded her with conviction, "this is what Graham was born for. Dont worry, shell be magnificent."
"You believe that, dont you?"
"Absolutely. I know it."
"I give thanks every day that you came to us," Helen whispered, tears in her eyes.
Anna hugged her. "No more than I."
**********
She entered their bedroom to find her lover reclining in one of the chairs before the open window. She was in a black silk dressing jacket, looking impossibly relaxed. And impossibly beautiful. In repose, her features always reminded Anna of a classical sculpturecool, remote, elegantly refined. It was the same handsome face that looked back at her from the posters all over the city announcing Grahams concert that night. Anna admired her from a distance before Grahams expression softened with recognition at the sound of her step on the parquet floor.
"Hello, my love," Graham called softly.
"Hello, darling. What were you just thinking of?"
Graham looked surprised. "The music."
Anna settled onto the arm of Grahams chair, resting her fingers in the thick hair at the base of Grahams neck. She leaned to give her a swift kiss. "I should have guessed."
"Why?" Graham asked, pulling Anna down into her lap.
"Because you looked like you were lost somewhere, somewhere no one can follow."
"Does that bother you?" Graham murmured as her lips sought the sensitive spot beneath Annas ear.
"It might," Anna breathed as she turned her lips to Grahams. The kiss deepened, and soon they were both gasping. Annas head felt light and her body burned. "If I couldnt call you back to me," she said, her voice husky with desire.
Graham got to her feet, pulling Anna up into her arms. "You can always call me back," she whispered against the warm skin of Annas neck. "Because I am yours." With one hand she held Anna close, with the other she parted the front of Annas blouse, slipping her hand inside to cup her breast.
Anna groaned, feeling the length of Grahams naked thigh pressing against her. "Graham, stopwe cantyou need to get ready." She gasped as Grahams hand dropped lower, finding her rising heat. "Oh no - thats not fair! You make me want you so much!"
Graham laughed, pulling Anna toward the bed. "Dont you know Ive been waiting all morning for this? You are the only thing I need right now.
**********
"Is that some sort of pre-performance ritual?" Anna asked as she toweled off from the shower. Grahams lovemaking was always a reflection of her emotional state, and this time she had been explosively intense, consuming in her hunger.
Graham grinned. "Now theres an idea. It certainly could be arranged."
"It did wonders for my nerves," Anna said with a smile. "How are yours?"
Graham held out a perfectly steady hand as her grin deepened. "Where are the studs for my shirt?"
"On your dresserjust to the right of your brushes."
Anna watched the graceful fingers expertly fit the small mother-of-pearl studs through the holes in the starched formal shirtthe same fingers that just an hour ago had claimed her, relentlessly, until they had drawn the last trembling shudders from her body.
"Youre watching me," Graham remarked, reaching for the white silk tie. She turned the length of it in her fingers, orienting it so she could tie it.
Anna laughed softly, drawing the delicate fabric into her hands, reaching up to fit it around her lover's neck.
"Was I doing that wrong?" Graham asked, her face puzzled.
"You never do anything wrong," Anna admonished gently. "Im doing it because it pleases me to do it." She finished the knot and brushed a kiss across Grahams lips. "I love youand Im so proud of you."
Graham returned the kiss, her expression serious. "I love youwith all my heart. Now, tell me about your dress. I want to have a picture of you in my mind tonight."
Anna stepped away, lifting the flowing fabric fr
om the hanger, settling it over her body. "Why dont you come see for yourself," she teased.
A faint smile flickered at the corner of Grahams fine mouth. No one in her life could command her the way Anna did.
"All right."
She crossed to Anna, who stood still as Graham gently traced the material that fell from her shoulders, following the lines along her bodice and down to her waist. Her exploring touch rekindled the fire in Annas body, and Anna battled the urge to draw those gently stroking fingers to her again. They absolutely did not have time for this now!
"And the color?" Graham murmured huskily, her hands resting on Annas hips.
"Midnighton a clear night in October," Anna managed, sliding her arms around Grahams neck.
Graham nodded, holding her close. "Beautiful."
Anna touched a finger to her own lips, then to Grahams. "Thank you.
*********
They rode in silence to the symphony hall. Annas hand rested gently in Grahams. Grahams hand was warm and steady. As they slowed to glide up to the curb, Anna glanced out the window.
"Tell me," Graham said calmly.
"There are a lot of peoplequite a number of photographers. The sidewalk is roped off, though."
"How far?" came the quiet question.
"The same distance as from our front door to your music room. Four steps upthen five steps to the door. Sheila is waiting back stage in your dressing room."
Graham didnt ask how Anna knew the precise distance Graham would have to travel in front of a curious crowd, a walk she had taken so many times before, but never in darkness. Anna didnt tell her she had been there the day before just to be certain. Anna couldnt even begin to imagine how difficult this first public appearance since the accident must be for Graham. She wanted to make it as easy as she could for her. She squeezed Grahams hand reassuringly.
"Thank you," Graham said softly, knowing instinctively what Anna had done.
"You can do this easily by yourself, Graham."
"Yes," Graham said as she pushed the limo door open, stepping out to a barrage of camera flashes and a cacophony of voices calling to her"Ms. Yardley! Meistrin! Over here!"
