Devi's Bliss: Books 4-6

by Mika Lane

  A few minutes passed, and he breathed the slow and steady rhythm of someone who’d drifted off to sleep. As she began to disentangle herself from his arms, she startled him.

  “Whoa. Did I doze off? Shit. Let’s get to bed.” He stood, stretching. Taking Gaia’s hand, he led her into the bedroom, another room with expansive windows.

  “I’m gonna grab a quick shower. Did you want one, too?”

  She reached into the closet for a hanger for her dress. “No, I’ll just splash some water on my face.”

  “Do you want to borrow a T-shirt or something?”

  “No thanks. I’m good sleeping in the nude. If you think you can handle it.”

  He peeled down the covers on a massive king bed with the fluffiest down comforter she’d ever seen. He kissed her on top of the head.

  “Let me get you a glass of water,” he said, padding off to the kitchen.

  Minutes later, she listened to him in the shower, energized by a session that left her seeing stars. He sang a song that she couldn’t hear clearly enough to make it out. But it was something cheesy about blue skies and smiles. And that made it all the sweeter.

  As she drifted into her own deep sleep, she wondered when the last time was she’d held someone as he fell asleep.

  Actually, she didn’t need to think about it. She knew.

  Maybe now’s the time to try again.

  Chapter 8

  Gaia made quick work of setting up the spa two days later, covering for Devi, who was off to a doctor’s appointment. Small flames were lit under crocks of essential oils—over the course of the day, as they warmed, they’d fill the air with citrusy bergamot and spicy vetiver. Thirsty bamboo plantings were watered, and fresh pitchers of iced cucumber water were placed about to indulge thirsty clients. She filled each massage room with crisp, fresh sheets and piles of fluffy white towels, making sure the cushions on the teak furniture were fluffed to perfection.

  When she finished her tasks, she stepped back to admire her work. The one thing left to do was settle in behind the reception desk and take note of who would be coming and going that day. The schedule was packed, and she had to double check she had enough coverage for all the massages they’d booked. There’d be absolutely no room for walk-ins, that was for sure.

  The front door opened to permit a blaze of the morning sun inside. Jewel walked in, long black hair flowing, a slinky maxi-dress hugging her ample, perfectly proportioned curves. When she saw Gaia behind the desk, her face lit up.

  “Oh my god, you look gorgeous,” Gaia gushed.

  Jewel shrugged and pointed at her tummy pooch. “Thanks. But I have to lose a little.”

  Gaia rolled her eyes. “Oh my god, you are perfect just like you are. And you know, the clients love you.”

  “Aw thanks. You’re a good friend. How come I haven’t seen you in so long?” Jewel asked as she moved behind the desk to give her best friend a tight embrace.

  Gaia returned the affection. “Time gets away. You know how it is. Hope you’re ready for a busy day.”

  “Yup. Got a good night’s sleep, and I’m ready to go. Hey, I heard you had a special visitor here the other day.” Jewel’s eyes widened while she waited for the scoop.

  Gaia shook her head at her friend. “Yeah, I did. It was great.” She put her hands on her hips.

  Jewel took a step back. “Okay, okay. I was just asking. Geez.”

  “I know.” Gaia rubbed her temples. “I don’t know why I’m so sensitive about this guy. My sister’s been following the same line of questioning.”

  “Well, what’s the story?” Jewel asked. “I mean, look. It’s been a couple years now. People are rooting for you.”

  “Rooting for what? For me to just go about my life as if Dan never existed? Is that what people want?”

  Jewel put her hands on her hips. “Don’t be ridiculous. Whatever. I’m not going to discuss this with you.” She grabbed her bag off the desk and headed for the staff room.

  Devi arrived later that morning with Ruth, her partner of many years, in tow.

  Gaia jumped up from the desk when she saw her. “Ruth! Haven’t seen you in ages. What a treat.”

  Ruth offered a bear hug. “Good to see you, too, kiddo. Thank you for taking care of my girl here.” She gestured toward Devi.

  “Awww. You guys are so cute,” Gaia said. Then a pang hit her. A memory flashed of when people would say that to Dan and her. But she ushered the thought to the side. She was getting better at that sort of thing.

  It’s time for the present, my friend. The past is…past.

  Devi slung her arm about her beloved. “Yeah, we’re cute. As cute as two old dykes can be.” Both she and Ruth looked at each other and roared with laughter.

  “Hey. It’s Ruth!” Gaia’s fellow masseuses, Isabella and Aurora, joined the group from the staff room, all wearing their white kimono robes.

  “We heard the laughter out here,” Isabella said. “Had to see what was going on.”

  As soon as the words were out of her mouth, the front door swung open, and a client entered. The chatter came to an abrupt stop as everyone scattered to their posts. Ruth took a seat on one of the reception area’s cushy sofas and picked up a magazine while Devi dashed around the desk to get to work. Gaia ushered the client to the Third Eye treatment room.

  When she returned to the reception desk, she took a seat next to Devi.

  “It’s been a busy morning,” Gaia said.

  “Business is definitely good.” Devi knocked on wood.

  Ruth rose from the sofa to lean over the front desk. “So, Gaia…we hear you have a fella.”

  Gaia rolled her eyes. “Good grief, is there no privacy in this place?”

  Devi tilted her head and said in a patient tone, “Now, now. There’s no need to get touchy. You know we’re only asking because we care.”

  Gaia looked at her fingernails. Devi was right, of course. She and Ruth were like surrogate parents and wanted only the best for her. And all the girls at Devi’s for that matter. They were family.

  Ruth smiled kindly. “You don’t have to tell us about him if you don’t want to.” She stole a glance at Devi. “But I’m dying to hear about him, truth be told,” she added with a hopeful smile.

  Gaia couldn’t help but laugh at her honesty. And curiosity.

  “All right, ladies. I wouldn’t want to let you down. To be honest, I am still getting to know him. But he’s smart, funny, kind. And we have great chemistry.” She blushed.

  “Why you blushing, sweetheart? Nothing to be embarrassed about.”

  Is there anyone in the world more wonderful than Ruth? Besides Devi?

  Gaia shook her head, laughing. “I know, I know. Honestly, how lucky am I? I mean, not long ago I was—” She stopped short.

  There we go again…

  Swallowing, she looked down at her fidgeting hands again. “Well, you know. I mean, I’d just lost Dan and didn’t know how I was going to live.”

  Ruth reached out and took her hand. “Sometimes you don’t know how you’ll live. But you do. You just do.” Her voice cracked.

  Devi cleared her throat. “Okay, ladies. Enough sentiment. We have a business to run here.” She turned to Ruth. “And you, my darling, have a hospital to run.”

  “Babe, I don’t run the hospital—”

  Devi waved off Ruth’s modesty. “I know, I know. You’re only the head of surgery. But you basically run the place.”

  Ruth turned to Gaia. “Great seeing you. Good luck with the guy.” Then she turned to Devi.

  “See you for dinner, darlin’.” And with a peck goodbye, she was gone.

  “You guys are so well-suited to each other,” Gaia said.

  “I agree. It’s not always easy. But, it’s worth the work it takes. Hey, speaking of work, what are you and your sister doing about the shop?”

  “She’s putting together a Letter of Intent. She’s gonna try to buy the building from the businessman who just bought it. There are lawyers i
nvolved. It’s so complicated.”

  “Well, I’m glad to hear she’s taking the bull by the horns. I’m proud of you girls.”

  “Your support means a lot, Devi. If and when all this works out, we’ll have a party at the shop.”

  “All righty. But don’t expect me to buy any of those teeny tiny panties you guys carry there. Not my style!”

  Gaia burst out laughing.

  With her shift at Devi’s complete, Gaia braved the Golden Gate Bridge traffic into San Francisco. She was now a bit sorry she’d offered to help Tabitha at the shop. She’d gotten up early to open up Devi’s and was now exhausted. But with a nice, sugary latte, she’d perk right back up. Tab needed her, especially with the store in limbo and the very future of it to be decided, most likely, in the next few days.

  After thirty minutes of zigzagging across the city to avoid one traffic jam after another, she finally arrived at the Union Square parking garage and left her keys with the valet. In spite of the afternoon fog and her fatigue, she headed for the coffee shop with a spring in her step. The store was going to be fine. She was going to be fine.

  She just knew it.

  But when she arrived at the door of Kiki’s, she found it closed.

  What the hell?

  She peeked in the front window but saw nothing. Not a single light. She glanced up and down the street as if she might find an answer there. She peered inside again.

  Where the hell is Tabitha?

  She rested her hand on the door, and pulled her cell from her pocket.

  The door shifted. She put a bit more pressure on it, and it shifted more.

  It wasn’t locked.

  She held the door open, but remained outside.

  “Hey. Anybody there?” she yelled in through the crack.

  Steps advanced toward her through the dark, and she stepped back from the door to let it swing shut.

  Tabitha emerged from the shadows, pulling open the front door to allow Gaia inside.

  “Oh, hey!”

  The unexpected greeting pushed Gaia’s heart into her throat.

  “Jesus, Tab. You gave me a heart attack. What the hell are you doing in the dark?”

  “Ugh. Power’s out. I went to the back to get some candles. Supposedly it’ll be right back on.”

  “Oh.” Gaia took a deep breath. “Oh. Okay.” She entered, carefully navigating among the display racks, her eyes adjusting to the darkness.

  “Ouch,” she cried.

  “Oh, yeah, careful of that rack. It’s kind of just sticking out. I was moving it when the lights went out.”

  “Yeah, I noticed. I just smashed my boob on it.”

  “Oh, sorry. Who knew a lingerie shop could be so dangerous?” Tabitha giggled. “Here, I found the flashlight.” She flicked it on and a narrow beam of light brought the shop to life.

  “And here are the candles…” Just as she struck a match, the lights came back on.

  “Wonderful!” Tabitha looked around the shop brightly, as if she’d never seen it before. “We can get to work now. I’d better keep this close by, though.”

  Tabitha rubbed her palms together. “Shall we get down to business?”

  Well, she’s in a good mood.

  An hour and several good sales later, the front door bell tinkled. Old Mr. Schneider, the bashful building manager, stood in the doorway.

  “Ladies,” he greeted them. He avoided looking at the merchandise as if it would burn his eyes. His gaze flickered to his hands, then the ceiling, and finally to Tabitha and Gaia. But, he still managed to avoid looking at the lingerie.

  “I see the electricity’s back on. Sorry about that. There’s a little remodeling going on next door.”

  “Mr. Schneider,” Gaia said, “what’s going on with this building?”

  “Well, ya know, all I know’s the place has been sold.” He looked at Tabitha. “But you’re gonna try and dicker with them over it, right, Miss Moon?”

  Tabitha nodded. “Yes, Mr. Schneider. I have a Letter of Intent with the lawyers right now.”

  He started backing toward the door. It was amazing how well he avoided looking at the pretty silk and lace underthings brushing against his forearms. In his haste, he made a quick turn and smashed right into the table holding the display of the ouvert open-crotch panties. In an effort to catch himself, his palms landed right in a pile of silk and lace.

  Horrified, he turned several shades of red. He brushed his hands, as if they’d gotten dirty, against his workpants. Mumbling, “See you ladies later,” he blasted for the door.

  When it closed behind him, the two sisters looked at each other and burst out laughing.

  “I love it when he comes in here,” Gaia said.

  Tabitha wiped tears from her eyes as she caught her breath. “Oh, that poor man. Whew.”

  Gaia made her way to the back of the shop to begin checking in new merchandise. Just as she got elbows-deep in the first box, the front door bell tinkled again. She listened as Tabitha greeted a customer, who responded with a familiar voice. A very familiar, male voice.

  Gaia peeked around the corner.

  Luke!

  What a surprise! Wearing a huge smile, she smoothed her dress and rushed toward him. “Luke, what are you—”

  But when she caught his eye, his expression stopped her cold.

  He looked from Gaia to Tabitha, and back, his face crisscrossed by confusion. “What are you doing here?” he said to Gaia.

  She laughed. “What do you mean, what am I doing here? Don’t be silly.”

  His brow was creased and his lips tight. “I’m serious.”

  She’d not seen that expression before. Moving toward him, her own face twisted into confusion.

  “Remember, I told you I was helping my sister out today after I finished at Devi’s? This is my sister, Tabitha. Tab, this is Luke.”

  Tabitha approached him, hand outstretched. “Luke! Great to meet you at last.”

  Luke reflexively took Tabitha’s hand, but his expression remained unchanged. He raked his other hand through his hair.

  “Wait,” he said, looking at Gaia. “This is your sister’s shop? I thought you said she had a little shop on Union Square.”

  “Well, this is the Union Square neighborhood. And this is a little shop. So, yeah, that’s right. And what are you doing here, anyway? Hey, wanna go get a coffee? I’m feeling a bit—”

  “You didn’t tell me your sister had a lingerie shop on Maiden Lane.”

  “No? I guess I’m in the habit of saying Union Square since not everyone knows Maiden Lane.”

  Something wasn’t right.

  Tabitha looked from one to the other. “Luke, is something wrong?”

  He cleared his throat and looked around the shop. He turned to Gaia. “You did not tell me your sister had a lingerie shop on Maiden Lane.”

  “Okay. I was vague. What’ the big deal?” Both sisters stood staring at him.

  Luke’s jaw twitched. “The big deal is that I just bought this building. And I’m the one evicting you.”

  Chapter 9

  The next few seconds passed very slowly. And silently. Tabitha turned to her sister.

  “Gaia, did you know Luke was the person who bought the building?” The pitch of Tabitha’s voice was higher than usual.

  “What?” Gaia looked from Luke to her sister. “He told me no such thing.” She turned to Luke. “How could you not tell me you were buying the building my sister’s shop is in?”

  Luke’s eyes widened. “How could you not tell me your sister had a lingerie shop on Maiden Lane? If you had, one of us would have put two and two together.”

  “That you didn’t know the exact location of my sister’s shop does not matter. What does matter is that you have no qualms about putting a small business out on the street.” Gaia stepped closer to Luke, hands on hips.

  “You know how hard my sister has worked on this shop? She’s built a real business. And you want to destroy it!”

  Tabitha
joined Gaia. “That’s right, Luke. Have you reviewed my Letter of Intent to Purchase?”

  “Wait just a minute,” he bellowed. “Everybody calm down.” He held his hands up, as if he could referee the situation. “Can we just talk about this calmly, please?”

  Gaia shook her head. “What is there to talk about? You’re killing my sister’s business.”

  Luke’s mouth fell open. Nothing came out.

  “Luke, you can’t blame my sister for being upset on my behalf.” Tabitha backed off, taking the role of good cop like she always did. “I would do the same for her. And yes, I am sure we can talk about this rationally. Real estate is a difficult game in this city. But you’ve got to have options beyond this address. Are you willing to consider letting me buy the building?”

  “Um…well…no. I’m sorry, but my partners and I have plans for the building. We’re moving two businesses in.”

  Tabitha’s smile didn’t waver. “Now, Luke, I’m sure we can work something out. You could always just take the upper floors and leave us here at the street level.”

  Luke’s gaze ping-ponged between the two sisters, as if he couldn’t figure out which one to address first. “Look, ladies. I’m really sorry. This is a business decision. Nothing more. Retail is easily moved—”

  “Retail is not easily moved. That’s BS,” Gaia said through clenched teeth. “How can you say that?”

  “Gaia, this isn’t personal. And this does not have to affect our seeing each other.”

  “Like hell it doesn’t.” She turned on her heel and marched to the back of the store.

  She sat on the settee in the dressing room, a lump building in her throat. She heard her sister and Luke speaking in the next room, but couldn’t make out what they were saying. It didn’t matter. The business would have to move. Or, even worse, close. And she’d found out someone she thought was great was…well, not so great.

  But what did she expect? Truth be told, she didn’t know much about him, and besides, it was too soon after Dan’s death.