The Movie Star: A Lesbian Romance

by Lydia Rose

  Wendy nodded. “I nearly spit out my coffee across the living room.”

  “What did she say?”

  First she laughed and then said, “I think Quinn is a sweet woman and I would be thrilled to know you have someone in your life like her.”

  “You’re joking again, right?” Quinn asked with a laugh.

  “Not this time. That’s what she said.” Wendy shrugged.

  “You straightened her out, right?” Quinn asked sitting next to Wendy again.

  “First, I said, thank you, Mom. I appreciate that you would love me no matter what.”

  “And?” Quinn added.

  “I told her we were just friends.”

  “Phew,” Quinn said, wiping her hand across her brow. “I don’t want her to think I turned her daughter gay.”

  “She would never think that, Quinn.”

  “You know this whole town will be coming to the store tomorrow.” Quinn smirked. “I’m going to spend my day saying no we’re not a couple.”

  “Do you want me to tell them myself?”

  “No, you’ll only add fuel to this fire. Hey, how come we never saw someone taking our picture?”

  “They have very sophisticated equipment. He could have been blocks away taking a picture with a long lens.”

  “I think I know who it is and if I see him again I’m going to give him a piece of my mind.”

  “Don’t do it, Quinn. He’ll either sue you for harassment or will think it’s true because you’re protesting too much.” Wendy exhaled. “They are very good at what they do, Quinn. Just do what you told me to do, ignore it.”

  “So I just ignore the town’s questions?”

  “Quinn, I really don’t care what you tell them. Say whatever you want or say nothing at all.”

  Quinn finally smiled. “You know, despite your teasing, you’d make a great girlfriend. I wish I could find someone as easygoing as you are.”

  Wendy smiled. “I will take that as a compliment.”

  “It is, Wendy. Has Travis asked you out yet?”

  “Who?”

  “Travis Arnold. He’s the city attorney. I heard he was going to ask you out.”

  “What does he look like so I can have fair warning?” Wendy asked nervously.

  “He’s six two, good looking with light brown hair and green eyes.”

  “You just described yourself except for the height. Any other details that would make him stand out?”

  “He’s got a giant scar across his face.”

  “Really?” Wendy asked smiling.

  “No,” Quinn said rolling her eyes. “He’s a regular guy.”

  “Well, I don’t want to go out with him.” Wendy crossed her arms knowing there was no man in this town she’d be interested in dating.

  “He’s a sweet guy and fun to hang around with,” Quinn explained.

  “Again, you just described yourself.” Wendy threw her hands up. “Maybe I should just date you? At least I like you.”

  Quinn paused for a moment and then grinned. “Funny, Harris, very funny.” Quinn shook her finger. “You almost had me.”

  “Who is kidding?” Wendy asked trying to hide her smile.

  “Stop your teasing, Wendy.” Quinn only wished that Wendy’s words were true. She wouldn’t hesitate dating this funny, easygoing woman.

  “Okay, I’m leaving. I’ve taken enough abuse from you. I ask you out and you turn me down flat.” Wendy’s face showed how indignant she was.

  “Yeah, yeah. Keep teasing. One day you’re going to tease yourself into a corner.”

  Wendy moved closer to Quinn to hug her.

  Quinn stepped out of her reach and closed the door. “What are you doing? He could be right out there,” she pointed.

  “Quinn, they usually go away after they get their story.” Wendy moved in and took her hug. “Better?”

  “Yeah, the door was closed,” Quinn said with relief. Every time her body was next to this woman, her heart would flutter with excitement.

  “A big strong woman like you is afraid?”

  “I don’t care what people say about me, Wendy. It’s you I worry about.” Quinn answered honestly. The last thing she wanted was this woman to hate her.

  “Then relax. Okay?” Quinn nodded. Wendy stood on her toes and gently brushed her lips across Quinn’s mouth. “Good night, Quinn.”

  Quinn stood in the open doorway just staring after her. What the hell was that? Is she still messing with me? “I know you didn’t mean that. You’re still teasing.”

  “Was I?” Wendy asked before getting into her car.

  Quinn’s mom called as soon as Wendy pulled away. “Hey.”

  “Was she mad?” Tina asked.

  “No, she said she’s used to it. Wendy’s just going to ignore the story and not give it any validity.”

  “So she’s not interested in you?”

  Quinn sighed loudly. “Mom.”

  “I know. A mother could hope, can’t she?”

  “Good night, Mom. I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  CHAPTER TEN

  The morning started out as Quinn expected. She walked into the café and the questions started.

  “Did you watch TV last night?”

  “Yes.”

  “Is it true?”

  “No, it’s not true.” Quinn rolled her eyes. She knew that she’d be rolling her eyes all day long.

  “That’s too bad. Wendy would be a great catch,” the waitress said with a wink.

  “Can I get my coffee, please?”

  “Oh, sure, Quinn.”

  All morning in the hardware store it was the same thing. By lunchtime, she hid in her office. Quinn took out her phone to read the texts there. Claudia asked how she was and Wendy sent one to ask how she was holding up. Quinn dropped her phone on the desk and held her head in her hand. She thought, this is ridiculous. I have all the headaches without the benefits. Her phone rang and Wendy’s picture appeared. “Hello.”

  “Are you okay? You didn’t answer me.”

  “I was too busy answering questions about my love life.”

  Wendy giggled.

  “This is not funny.” Quinn stood with her hand on her hip and pouted.

  “I’m sorry.”

  “Have you been out of the house today?” Quinn asked sarcastically.

  “Yes, I went grocery shopping.”

  “Did anyone bother you?”

  “Nope, I guess you’re answering all their questions.” Wendy giggled. “The cashier did tell me that you are a great catch and I couldn’t do any better.”

  “What did you say?”

  “Yes, I know that,” Wendy answered, giggling wildly.

  “Wait a minute. I’ve spent all morning denying this and you go and give it credibility. I need a drink.”

  “Where are you going?”

  “Out of this town. That’s for sure.”

  “I’ll pick you up. You won’t be able to drive home if you’re too drunk.” Wendy hung up before she could respond.

  “I need a long vacation,” Quinn said to the empty room.

  After work Quinn went into her room to change clothes. By the time she finished dressing, Wendy was beeping the horn. “You know, you’re nuts.”

  Wendy giggled. “I know. Okay, where to?”

  They got to a bar on the outskirts of town and Quinn quickly ordered a beer and a tequila shot.

  “Slow down, Quinn. We’ve got plenty of time.”

  Quinn held up her empty glass. The second glass went down just as fast.

  Wendy pulled Quinn over to a table. “Why is this bothering you so much?” she asked, seeing Quinn’s eyes begin to glaze over.

  “Because I have all the problems of a relationship with you, with none of the benefits,” she admitted, and then covered her mouth with a giggle.

  Wendy sat back in her chair. “Is that’s what bothering you? You’d be okay with this if we were having sex?”

  “No, that’s not what I mean.” Quinn finis
hed off her beer and ordered another one. “I mean, we’re not dating, but everyone thinks we are.”

  “Why do you care, Quinn? It’s just a stupid rumor.”

  Quinn began to weave in her chair. “Most of the town has been in love with you.” She inhaled deeply. “For me it was the same, but we aren’t together and we will never be together.” Quinn now started to get more morose and her shoulders slumped as her mood continued on a downward spiral.

  “So that’s what’s really bothering you,” Wendy said, almost whispering. “Have you had enough to drink?”

  “Nope. I want to dance.” Quinn tried to stand up, but she fell back into her chair.

  “I think dancing is out of the question tonight.”

  “Then I want another drink.” Quinn held the glass up again.

  “No, Quinn. We’re going home.” Wendy paid the bill and lifted Quinn out of the chair. Quinn fell asleep as soon as she sat down in the car.

  Back at the house, Wendy tried to get Quinn to wake up. She finally had to manhandle her to get her into the house. “You’ll never make it up the stairs. I’m sorry, but you are stuck on the couch.” Wendy led her over to the couch and sat her down.

  “I don’t want to sleep here,” Quinn said opening her eyes. “I want to sleep in my bed.” She stood up and went to the stairs weaving back and forth.

  “Wait.” Wendy was at her side. “Let me help you up the stairs before you fall.”

  Quinn made it up the stairs and sat on her bed. She tried to get the buttons opened on her shirt. Wendy put the light on and said, “Let me help you.” Once she had her shirt open, she asked, “Where are your sleep shirts?”

  Quinn pointed to the dresser. By the time Wendy found something, Quinn had her shirt and bra off and her jeans were at her knees. Wendy put the shirt on over Quinn’s head and thought, you have a magnificent body, Quinn. Wendy took off her shoes and slid her jeans off. “Okay, let’s get you under the covers.” She pulled the covers back. “Lay down, Quinn.” Quinn followed her instructions and laid back. Wendy covered her with the sheet and put Quinn’s phone on the night table. She now went downstairs for a bottle of water. “Where are your aspirin, Quinn?” Quinn didn’t answer, so Wendy checked the medicine cabinet and retrieved two pills. She returned with the water and leaned over to shut the light.

  “Don’t you want to stay?” Quinn asked into the darkness as her hand gently held the other woman’s arm.

  “Not tonight, Quinn,” Wendy said smiling.

  “Okay, maybe next time?” She asked, almost whining.

  “Ask me again when you aren’t drunk,” Wendy said with a giggle.

  CHAPTER ELEVEN

  Quinn opened her eyes grabbing her head. She had no idea how she had gotten into bed. Quinn knew that Wendy drove her home, but that was all she could recall. She saw the water and pills on the night table and quickly took the pills.

  Today at the café no one asked her any questions. She figured her appearance might have something to do with that. Quinn took her coffee and went to open the store. A few minutes later a text came through.

  Are you up?

  Quinn looked at the phone and answered. At work and feel like crap. What happened?

  You drank too much, you silly goose.

  “Great, a comedian,” she said before she began to type. Did you put me to bed?

  Yes.

  “Just great,” Quinn said without typing.

  “Who are you talking to?” Adam asked, seeing Quinn alone.

  “Just myself, Adam.”

  “You look terrible.”

  “Gee, thanks. Tell me something I don’t know.”

  Adam laughed and walked away.

  Who undressed me? Quinn sent the message and waited impatiently for her answer.

  You did. I tried to keep your modesty, but when I turned around you were undressed except you couldn’t get your jeans all the way off.

  Quinn could just hear Wendy giggling. You think this is funny, don’t you?

  I’m sorry, but there was nothing I could do about it. Came Wendy’s response.

  Yeah, I’m sure. Another text came through before she could respond.

  You have a magnificent body and trust me honey, I’ve seen plenty of naked women in Hollywood,

  “Great, just great.” She furiously began typing. Well, I’m going to hang myself now. Goodbye.

  Don’t be mad. You have nothing to be ashamed about. We’ve all had too much to drink sometime in our lives.

  Quinn didn’t respond and put her phone in her pocket. “This woman is driving me crazy.”

  Her mother walked in at lunchtime. “Quinn, what happened? You look awful.” Arlene’s hand went to Quinn’s forehead.

  “I’m fine,” she said, moving away from her mother.

  “You reek of alcohol. You got drunk last night?”

  Quinn nodded and looked at the ground.

  “Go home and get some sleep. Make sure you have something to eat to absorb whatever is left in your system.”

  “Mom, I could stay.”

  “Go home, Quinn.”

  “Okay, okay.” Quinn collected her things and drove home.

  All afternoon Wendy continued to text Quinn without a response. She finally called.

  “Hello,” Quinn said through a gravelly voice.

  “Quinn?”

  “Yes,” she answered yawning.

  “Are you okay?”

  “What time is it?” Quinn asked.

  “Five thirty.”

  “Wow. I slept all afternoon.”

  “That explains why you haven’t answered my texts.”

  “How many did you send?” Quinn asked, sitting up.

  “Too many. Don’t read them. Just delete them all.”

  “Oh, no. I’m going to read every one of them, but would you give me a minute to go to the bathroom?”

  “Go ahead.”

  A few minutes later, she said, “I’m back,” as she laid on the bed.

  “Have you eaten today?”

  “Ah…” Quinn said.

  “Easy question, Quinn.”

  “No. I’ve been sleeping since one something.”

  “And you were in no condition to have breakfast this morning. Do you have anything in the refrigerator you can make?”

  “I don’t know. Probably some eggs.”

  “I’m coming over.”

  “Wait,” Quinn tried to say, but it was too late. She unlocked the front door and went back upstairs to take a shower and brush the fuzz off her teeth.

  Wendy got to the door and knocked. When Quinn didn’t answer, she tried the door and found it unlocked. “Why would she leave her door open?” Wendy asked the empty room. Then she heard the shower running and understood. She went to the kitchen and looked in the refrigerator. There were eggs, cheese and ham. Wendy began to make an omelet. She found the coffee and set up the pot to brew. By the time Quinn came downstairs, her dinner was ready.

  “You put this together in such a short period of time.” Quinn sat down. “I tried to stop you from coming over, but you hung up.”

  “I knew you would try to talk me out of coming.” Wendy giggled. “I may not know you long, but I do know you well.”

  Quinn spit her coffee back into the cup. “You know me, huh?”

  “Yes, and after last night, I know a lot more about you,” Wendy said with a wink.

  “Uh, Wendy. Can you please lay off me today?”

  “I’m sorry, Quinn. I’ll be good.”

  “Thank you.”

  Quinn finished everything on her plate just as Tina came in through the back door.

  “Oh good, you’re eating. Hello, Wendy. Did you make this one some food?” Tina asked hooking her thumb at Quinn.

  Wendy chuckled. “Yes.”

  “I brought you soup, but you can have it tomorrow.” Tina began to put the container in the refrigerator.

  “I’ll have a bowl,” Quinn said quickly.

  “You just ate a lar
ge omelet with two pieces of toast,” Wendy said laughing.

  “I’m hungry,” Quinn moaned, as her mother brought over a bowl and a spoon.

  “You’ll be throwing up later,” Wendy said shaking her head.

  “Not this one. She’s got an iron stomach,” Tina said laughing. She put her hand on Quinn’s shoulder. “You’re in good hands. I’m going home to rest.”

  “Thanks, Mom,” Quinn said, gobbling the soup.

  “Bye, Tina.”

  “Goodbye, my girls,” Tina said with a wink.

  Quinn picked up the empty plate and bowl and put them in the dishwasher.

  “So are you going to ask me tonight?” Wendy said trying to hold back a giggle.

  “Ask you what?” Quinn looked at Wendy, wondering what she was talking about.

  “What you did last night?”

  Quinn’s shoulders came up in shock. She didn’t want to turn around and face Wendy, but she had no choice. “What did I do?”

  “You asked me to stay,” Wendy said with a wink.

  “I did?” Quinn said, holding her head with her hand. “Can it get any worse?” She rubbed her temples.

  “Aw, Quinn. It was sweet and you were totally out of it.”

  “You thought it was sweet that I asked you into my bed?” Quinn rubbed her temple again.

  “It was flattering if nothing else.”

  “You are driving me crazy, woman. You flirt with me. Kiss me and tell me it’s flattering that I want to sleep with you.” Quinn looked at Wendy. “What’s going on? Are you interested in me?”

  Wendy looked at Quinn without answering.

  “Thought so. You just like the flirting back and forth, but when you’re put on the spot you don’t know what to do.” Quinn’s words were harsh.

  Again Wendy didn’t answer.

  Quinn stood up. “Can we stop playing these games now?”

  “Yes,” Wendy said softly, not meeting Quinn’s stare.

  “Good. Do you want to go for a walk on the beach?”

  “You don’t want me to leave?”

  “Of course not.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  The week ended with no contact between the two women. Friday evening Wendy drove over to Quinn’s house and sat in her car out front. She was so lost in her thoughts, Wendy jumped when someone tapped on the window.