by Gerri Hill
“You’re a doctor. You’re old. You can’t say that’s so cool. It’s just wrong.”
“I should have known. I think I did know, I just didn’t put two and two together.”
“You did not know.”
Courtney grinned. “Remember how Mark had such a huge crush on her. When she’d come over to swim, he used to just stare at her.”
“Yeah, Mark, the big queen, had a crush on my girlfriend.”
Courtney laughed. “But that’s how I should have known. You used to stare at her too.”
“I did not.”
“Yes, you did. You couldn’t keep your eyes off her. I used to think it was envy of her body or something. I didn’t know you were like, really looking at her with lust or anything.”
“It wasn’t lust.” Ashleigh turned serious. “Well, not just lust. It was love.”
“She’s the one who broke your heart in college.”
“Yes.”
Courtney led them into shallow water where she could stand. “How did you ever pull that off without Mom and Dad finding out?”
“I have no idea.”
“When did it start?”
“Down at the coast. The summer before our junior year.”
“I remember. Crissy always went with us, but that year you invited Gina.”
“Yes. I had no idea I was gay, but I knew that I was attracted to her. I just wasn’t sure what it all meant.”
“Gina?”
“Gina knew she was gay.”
“She didn’t force you or anything, did she?”
“Good Lord, no. If anything, I started it,” Ashleigh said. She raised her hand. “But I don’t want to talk about all that. The thing is, we haven’t spoken in twenty years. I have secretly hated her for twenty years. So when I found out she was coming to the reunion, I panicked. Here I was, still single.”
“So you made up a lover?”
“Yeah.”
“That is so childish.”
“Whatever.”
“Okay, so now Mom thinks you have a girlfriend. Just break up with her when you get home, call Mom, and all will be back to normal.”
“Gina also thinks I have a girlfriend.”
“Yeah, I thought that was your plan all along, wasn’t it.”
Ashleigh splashed water at Courtney again. “Yes, that was the plan. The problem is, Gina is single.”
“So? So you one-upped her. She’s still single and you’ve got a girlfriend. What’s the big deal?”
“God, I swear, you are clueless.”
“Well, if you would quit talking in circles, perhaps I could follow you.”
“I dreaded seeing her again. It turns out she was dreading it as well. But we talked. We cleared the air about some things. There were some communication issues in college and some misunderstandings. So we talked.”
“Good. You were best friends.”
“We were best friends and lovers. And Gina is single. And I’m technically single. And the attraction is still there.”
“After twenty years? Come on.”
“I’m serious.”
“Just because you talked, doesn’t mean you could rekindle anything.”
“Well, there was the dance. It was incredible.”
“You danced? Oh my God. So you think Mom won’t hear about that? It’ll probably make the paper. Two Women Seen Dancing in Hotel Ballroom,” she teased.
Ashleigh met her eyes. “And then the kiss in the elevator.”
“You kissed in the elevator? Ashleigh, you do realize you’re in Calloway, not Houston.” She leaned closer. “You kissed?”
“Yes.” Ashleigh grabbed her hand. “I nearly melted right there. And I wanted more than a kiss, Courtney. I think she did too.”
“Well then?”
“Duh. There’s Faith.”
“Oh my God. Your fantasy lover is keeping you from—”
“I know it’s silly,” Ashleigh said. “But the fact is, Gina thinks there’s a Faith, and so she won’t pursue anything. I know her.”
“So tell her the truth.”
“No. She’ll think I’m a pathetic, lonely old woman.”
“She may just think you’re insane, which is the direction I’m leaning.”
Ashleigh sighed. “Or I could just do nothing. I’m leaving tomorrow. I doubt I’ll ever see her again.”
“Wait a minute. Gina’s still here? In Calloway?”
“Yes. She’s staying the week so she and her aunt can catch up.”
“Why didn’t you say something?”
“What for?”
“That’s why you haven’t wanted to leave the house. That’s why we’ve been in this pool for two days. You’re afraid you’ll run into her.”
“Yes.”
“Well, that’s just crazy.”
“You keep using that word. You’re starting to make me consider it.”
“Let’s invite her for dinner tonight.”
“No! Now who’s talking crazy?”
“Come on. It’ll be fun. Dad’s doing steaks. We’ll be out here. It’ll be very casual.”
Ashleigh shook her head. “I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”
Chapter Twenty-Six
Present Day
“Of all the invitations I thought I might get this week, getting a call from Ashleigh’s baby sister wasn’t one of them.” Gina patted the leather seat. “And a chauffeured ride at that.”
“I wanted a chance to talk to you.”
“I take it Ashleigh doesn’t know I’m coming to dinner.”
“Well, she won’t be totally surprised. It went like this. Me, let’s invite Gina to dinner. Her, I don’t think that’s a very good idea.”
Gina laughed. “She’s afraid to see me.”
“You could say that.”
“I take it you know.”
“Oh yeah. She spilled her guts.” Courtney reached across the console and playfully tapped her leg. “And I can’t believe Mom and Dad never caught you.”
Gina looked at her thoughtfully. “Why is Ashleigh afraid to see me?”
“Why do you think?”
“The kiss in the elevator.”
“That. And the dance.”
“The dance was innocent.”
“Whatever.”
“Whatever?”
“Look, my sister’s been single forever. So when she starts talking about attraction and melting from your kiss and all that crap, well, I couldn’t stand on the sidelines and let her make a complete fool out of herself.”
“Courtney, she’s not single, so don’t try to play matchmaker.”
“You mean Faith?”
“Yes. And I may have done a lot of things when I was younger, but now, no way would I come between two people who are in a relationship. I just don’t do that.”
“Okay, just between you and me, my sister’s an idiot.”
Gina laughed. “What’s she done?”
“I can’t tell you. She’ll never speak to me again. But if you can get into that tiny brain of hers, maybe you can figure it out.” Courtney pulled into her parents’ driveway and stopped. “Of course, when she sees you, she may not be speaking to me anyway.”
“But your mom knows I’m coming right? I’m not just crashing dinner?”
“She knows. Ashleigh thinks I went to pick up some rolls or something.” Courtney opened her door and Gina did the same. “By the way, I left her out by the pool, if you’re interested.”
Gina grinned. “Bikini?”
“Tiny black one, yeah.”
“Okay. Let me at least say hello to your mother first.”
And she did, sticking her head into the kitchen as Mrs. Pence was stabbing a fork into several large potatoes. Mrs. Pence winked at her and waved her out to the patio. Apparently the whole family was playing matchmaker.
She walked outside, finding Ashleigh immediately. She’d just pulled herself out of the water, her back to Gina. Gina stared, taking in every inch of exposed
skin, glistening wet as the last rays of the evening sun touched her. She remained quiet, watching as Ashleigh reached for a towel, tousling her hair before dabbing at her body. Then Ashleigh’s shoulders stiffened and Gina knew she’d felt her presence. Ashleigh turned slowly, using the towel to cover herself.
“I’ll kill her,” she said.
Gina walked closer. “It’s getting a little bloody around here, isn’t it? First Crissy, now your sister.”
Ashleigh nodded but didn’t say anything else. Gina couldn’t tell if she was angry that Courtney had invited her for dinner or still upset by the kiss they’d shared in the elevator. Gina assumed the kiss.
“Look, I should apologize,” Gina started, waiting for Ashleigh’s response.
“For?” she asked vaguely.
“I had no right to kiss you. I’m sorry. I know you’re in a relationship and I didn’t mean to belittle that by kissing you.”
Ashleigh looked away, feigning sudden interest in her towel. “Why did you kiss me?’ she finally asked.
“I don’t know. I guess it’s just being back here...all the memories, all that stuff. I realize we’re not in high school anymore, Ashleigh. We’re two completely different people than we were back then. I’m sorry. I crossed the line.”
Ashleigh gave her a slight smile. “Yeah. Just memories and all. And you know, that dance didn’t help.”
“Your idea.”
“True.”
“So? We’re friends? You’re not mad?”
Ashleigh took a deep breath, watching Gina as she exhaled. She nodded. “Friends.”
“Good.” Gina stepped closer, arching her eyebrows teasingly. “It would help immensely if you’d put some clothes on though.”
Ashleigh sipped her wine as she watched Gina being grilled by her father. Well, perhaps grilled was too harsh a word. Her father had always been straightforward and to the point, no need throwing pretty adjectives in to gloss over things.
“Is it just me or does Dad seem extremely interested in what Gina’s been doing the last twenty years?” Courtney asked.
“I blame the whole evening on you,” Ashleigh said, straining to hear what her father and Gina were discussing.
“It was fun, you have to admit. I had forgotten how charming Gina was.”
Yeah, she was charming. And just like in high school, Gina could flirt with her in such a subtle way that no one knew. At least, Ashleigh didn’t think anyone knew. She, however, was attuned to each and every glance and comment. The fact that Gina was flirting with her in the first place didn’t disturb her as much as her reaction to it. She’d never been able to resist Gina. Never. Now—like back then—she found her body responding to Gina. She recognized the pull, the attraction. It was no different than it had been when they were young. Each glance drew her nearer, each innocent touch made her crave more. Even now, she couldn’t take her eyes off Gina. She blatantly stared, taking advantage as her father distracted Gina. She followed the length of her bare legs, as long and muscular as she remembered—runner’s legs. The body she looked at now wasn’t the rail thin image of a teen, however. It was the full, mature body of an adult woman, curves and softness blending with the firmness that comes with regular exercise. As her glance settled on Gina’s breasts, a vivid picture suddenly popped in her mind and she drew a sharp breath, her mind’s eye reflecting an image of her mouth settling over Gina’s hard nipple, her tongue teasing her until Gina was begging for release.
“You okay?”
Ashleigh felt the hot blush on her face and she reached for her glass, the wine nearly spilling as she hastily drank. She took a deep breath. “I’m fine.”
“You don’t look fine.” Courtney leaned closer. “I think you should tell her.”
“Tell her what?”
“Now who’s clueless?”
“Look, I’m leaving tomorrow. Going back to Houston. Everything will be back to normal.”
“Yes. You’re going back to your empty condo, your loveless life. Going back to the job you hate in a city you hate.”
“All of which has nothing to do with Gina Granbury.”
“Tell her you’re still attracted to her.”
“I will not.”
“Why?”
“Because. It’s far too late. We’re too old. Too much time has passed.”
“Those are silly excuses. What are you afraid of?”
“I’m afraid—” But she stopped, closing her mouth as Gina finally escaped her father and came back to the table to join them. “Sorry,” Ashleigh apologized. “He gets carried away sometimes.”
“Oh, it’s okay. I always liked your dad. Besides, he gave me some tips on grilling the perfect steak.”
“I’m sure he did.” Courtney laughed. “Did he share his secret rub?”
“As a matter of fact, he did.”
“Wow. You must have really charmed him,” Ashleigh said. “I don’t think he’s ever told anyone his recipe.”
“I’m sworn to secrecy, so you won’t get it out of me.”
“More wine?” Courtney asked.
Gina shook her head. “No. I should probably head back to the hotel. Thanks for inviting me for dinner.” She glanced at Ashleigh. “I hope me being here wasn’t too awkward.”
“No, not at all. I enjoyed it.”
“Me too.” Gina looked at them both, then raised her eyebrows. “I kinda need a ride.”
“Oh, I completely forgot,” Courtney said. “Ashleigh volunteered to take you back.”
Ashleigh glared at her sister, a rebuttal on her lips. However, she knew it would do no good to protest. Courtney was smiling triumphantly as she sipped from her wine.
“Yes. I’ll run you back,” she said as she shoved away from the table, finding some solace in the situation as she pinched her sister on her arm as she walked past. She grinned at the muted ouch she heard.
“Good to see you again, Courtney.”
Courtney stood and gave Gina a quick hug. “You too. It was nice to visit with you. If you’re ever in San Antonio, look me up.”
“Will do.”
Ashleigh waited patiently as the scene was repeated with her parents. She was a little surprised by the affectionate hugs both her mother and father gave Gina, as well as the invitation to stop by if she was ever back in Calloway.
“You have a great family,” Gina said as they backed out of the driveway.
“Thanks. They have their moments.”
“You mean like Courtney volunteering you for the ride?”
“Yeah, that.” Ashleigh smiled. “And dinner.”
“Well, I enjoyed the evening. I’m glad she invited me.”
Without thinking, Ashleigh reached over and squeezed Gina’s arm. “I didn’t mean that I didn’t enjoy your company. I did.”
Gina nodded. “So, you’re leaving tomorrow?”
“Yes. I need to get back.”
“I’m sure you miss...Faith and everything.”
Ashleigh frowned at the slight hesitation. Was Gina starting to question whether Faith really existed or not? She tightened her grip on the steering wheel. Or—and I’ll kill her if she did—had Courtney opened her big mouth and told Gina the truth?
She squared her shoulders. “Yes. I miss...her.” She finally relaxed as the hotel came into view. The evening was nearly over.
“I’m really glad I came to the reunion, Ashleigh. It was good to see you again.”
Ashleigh slowed, turning into one of the empty parking spots. She debated leaving the engine running, but thought that would be rude. “Yes. After dreading it as much as I was, I’m glad we had a chance to catch up.”
Gina was quiet, then her glance slid to the hotel. “You want to come up to the room?”
Ashleigh shook her head. “No, I...I should get going.”
Gina tilted her head. “We’ll probably never see each other again. You want to say goodbye in a car?”
“We used to do a lot of things in a car,” Ashleigh blurted out, imme
diately wishing she could take the words back.
“Yes, we did. And I guess we said our share of goodbyes there.”
Ashleigh looked at her, hearing just a hint of disappointment in her voice. Knowing she had no business going to Gina’s hotel room, she gave in. “But you’re right. We probably won’t see each other again. I guess a proper goodbye is in order.”
“Thank you.”
They were silent as they walked into the hotel and down the short hallway to the elevators. The door opened immediately and they got in, Ashleigh leaning against the wall, mimicking her position from the other night. When she realized it, she pushed off the wall, turning away from Gina to stare at the doors. It was a short ride to the second floor and Gina motioned her off, then led the way to her room.
Ashleigh was actually nervous as Gina slid her key card into the slot, watching the green light flash before Gina pushed it open. Ashleigh followed her inside, hearing the distinct click as the door swung shut and locked.
“I’d offer you something to drink, but I never really stocked the fridge,” Gina said.
“I’m okay. Thanks.”
They stood several feet apart, watching each other. Ashleigh was afraid to go to her, afraid to hug her, afraid to say goodbye. As they’d said, they probably wouldn’t see each other again. There was no reason to.
“Well, again, it was good to see you,” Gina said, taking a step closer. She smiled slightly. “You’ve grown into a lovely woman, Ashleigh. But I think my memories of you will always be that of the beautiful teenager I fell in love with.”
Ashleigh nodded as those words hit home, making her take a step nearer to their goodbye. “Yes. When I think of you, I see the skinny girl with the long dark hair.” She slowly reached out, touching Gina’s hair. “But I like your hair shorter like this. It suits you,” she said as her fingers threaded through the longer strands at her neck. She dared to meet Gina’s eyes, surprised by the questions she saw. She immediately lowered her hand.
They were silent as seconds passed, then Gina spread her arms. Ashleigh moved to her without hesitation, her own arms circling Gina’s shoulders as they both pulled each other closer. The hug started innocently enough, yet neither pulled away. Ashleigh closed her eyes, relishing the feel of Gina’s body for what she knew would be the last time. Her arms tightened, as did Gina’s, both of them moving closer still until their bodies were flush with each other, head to toe. Ashleigh bit her lip, trying so hard to feel nothing, willing her body to remain under her control and not Gina’s. But—as had always been the case—her body didn’t listen to her, not where Gina was concerned.
