by Lydia Rose
Tina was standing on the other side of the glass so she lowered the window. “Trying to decide whether to go in or not?”
“I don’t know if Quinn wants to see me,” Wendy said softly.
“There’s only one way to find out,” Tina answered with a smile. “She’s sitting on the back patio. Go through the gate and find out.”
“Maybe I should just go home.”
“Why?”
“The last time we were together, Quinn yelled at me for toying with her emotions.”
“But yet you’re back here. That has to mean something.” Tina rested her hands on the car door. “You like her. She likes you.” She shrugged. “I don’t see the problem.” Tina rested her hand on Wendy’s arm. “Quinn misses her friend.”
Wendy nodded and opened the car door.
“Quinn’s been moping around the store for the last few days. She was constantly checking her phone for one of your texts.” Tina put her arm around Wendy. “Quinn will be happy to see you.”
Wendy walked through the gate and came around the corner. Quinn was sitting on a lounge chair staring into the back yard. “Hi,” she said, as she came out of the shadows.
“Hey,” Quinn answered, surprised to see Wendy. “Is everything okay?”
“I guess,” Wendy said, sitting next to Quinn on the lounge chair.
Quinn chuckled. “You guess? What’s wrong?”
“I came to apologize for my behavior over the last few weeks.”
“Okay.” Quinn answered not looking at Wendy.
“I’ll stop the teasing. We’ve become friends and I don’t want to ruin that, Quinn.”
“Apology accepted, Wendy.” Quinn smiled. “Would you like to go with me to the beach tomorrow?”
“Yes.” Wendy smiled as Quinn’s eyes finally looked at her.
“I’ll pick you up at nine tomorrow.”
****
Wendy walked into her mom’s house and walked through quietly so she wouldn’t disturb her mother.
“Wendy,” her mother called out.
“Mom, what are you doing awake? Are you okay?”
“Yes, dear. I feel fine. I was just waiting for you.”
Wendy sat on the edge of the mattress. “Quinn and I are going to the beach tomorrow.”
“Good. You need some time to relax. You’ve been hovering like a momma hen since you got here.” Arlene took Wendy’s hand. “I’m glad you and Quinn have become such good friends.”
“I enjoy her company, Mom,” Wendy said smiling.
“I know you do, honey.” Arlene patted Wendy’s leg and stood up. “Good night, Wendy.”
“Good night, Mom.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
Quinn picked Wendy up at nine the following morning. “Hey.”
“Hi, Quinn,” Wendy said as she got into the car. She was wearing shorts and a t-shirt over her bathing suit. A cap and sunglasses were on her head.
After driving for more than a half hour, Wendy asked, “Where are we going?”
“Away from town. Are you hungry?” Quinn asked.
“No, I already had breakfast with mom. Are you?”
“Yes.” Quinn pulled into McDonald’s and ordered a breakfast sandwich with coffee.
“Do you want to pull over and eat that?” Wendy asked with a laugh.
“No, I can drive and eat,” she added as she shoved the sandwich into her mouth.
“You weren’t at the game on Wednesday night.”
“I couldn’t make it. I had to go pick up a special delivery for the store. Didn’t Mary tell you?”
“I didn’t ask her because I thought you were avoiding me.”
Quinn crumpled up the empty wrapper and took Wendy’s hand. “I should have sent you a text to let you know. It won’t happen again.” Quinn let go of Wendy’s hand.
“What? That you’ll tell me or you won’t miss another game?”
Quinn laughed. “I can’t promise that I won’t miss another game, but I will let you know if I can’t be there. I heard you won.”
“We did. The other team was terrible.”
Quinn glanced in the mirror thinking she saw someone following them.
“What’s wrong?” Wendy asked, glancing over her shoulder.
“I think there may be a car following us.” Quinn turned the corner to see if the car followed. She pulled over and waited. When no car followed, she pulled away from the curb. “I guess I’m just paranoid.”
“You have every reason to feel that way, but I told you they would move on once the story broke.”
“Are you still getting scripts?”
“Yes, but now some of them are to play a lesbian,” Wendy said with a giggle.
“Sorry,” Quinn whispered.
“Don’t be sorry. I’m not.”
“So your mom is still doing well?”
“Yes. It’s amazing. I’m just hoping it’s not a fluke or she gets better before she gets worse.”
“What has her doctor said?”
“We have an appointment soon where she’ll have some tests to show if the cancer is gone.”
Quinn squeezed Wendy’s hand. “I hope it goes well.”
“Are you worried that I’ll run back to California immediately?”
“Yes,” she answered softly. It would break Quinn’s heart if this wonderful woman disappeared from her life.
“Whatever the results are, Quinn. I don’t plan on just running away.” Wendy looked around as Quinn parked. “Where are we?”
“The house is owned by friends of mine. This is a private beach and I figured it would keep away the prying eyes.” Quinn put the key into the lock and opened the door.
“This is beautiful, Quinn. Who are these friends?”
“Kevin and Joe. They’re attorneys in Raleigh, and this is their summer place.”
“But you have a key?”
“Yeah. I check on the place for them from time to time.”
“They do know we’re here, right?” Wendy walked through the massive Great Room and stood in front of the stone fireplace. “It would be romantic to be here in the winter in front of the fireplace.”
“I called them last night after you left to tell them I was coming. They said to make ourselves at home.”
Wendy plopped onto the couch. “I’m comfortable.”
“You wait here while I get some things from the car.” Quinn went out the door and carried in a basket with food and a duffle bag.
“We’re going to have a picnic?”
“If you want to.”
Wendy peeked inside and saw sandwiches and salads for their lunch. There were also bottles of water and soft drinks. “We better put these things into the refrigerator for now.” She emptied the basket while Quinn went to change.
Quinn came out of the bedroom wearing a bikini top, a pair of boy shorts and an open shirt over her outfit.
“Nice outfit,” Wendy said, coming over to Quinn. “Let’s check out the beach.” Wendy took off her t-shirt and shorts. When she looked at Quinn, her eyes lowered having been caught. Wendy chuckled. “It’s okay to look, Quinn.”
“Are you starting this again? I thought we agreed to no teasing and playing around,” Quinn scolded.
“I’m sorry. You’re right.” Wendy grabbed her beach bag and followed Quinn outside. “Quinn, this is beautiful.” The door opened to the beach and they had the beach to themselves.
Quinn grabbed the blanket near the door and they stepped out to the beach.
“Do you want an umbrella?” Quinn asked.
“Maybe later.” They laid the blanket out and Wendy began putting lotion on her body. “Would you do my back?”
Quinn took the bottle and spread the lotion over Wendy’s shoulders and back. “Lie down so I can get the back of your legs.” Quinn started at her ankles and worked her way up.
“Your turn,” Wendy said sitting up. “Lie down.” She worked the lotion into her legs and hips. Wendy’s touch was tentative at first until she rea
ched her thighs.
Quinn sat up quickly and shook her head.
“The beach is so empty,” Wendy said, seeing that no one was in sight.
“It may appear that way to us.” Quinn shrugged. “You’re the one who told me that these people use long distance lenses.”
Wendy looked around. There were boats out on the water and places for someone to hide. “Shit,” she said quietly.
“I think we should take a dip so at least we can cool off.” Quinn stood up and went toward the water.
They swam in the water for a while. “Are you hungry?” Quinn asked, floating near her.
“Starving,” Wendy said quickly.
They swam back to the shore and went toward the house.
“Oh, they have an outdoor shower,” Wendy said, opening the door. “I want to get the sand off me before we eat. I left my towel on the couch, would you get it for me, please?” She turned the water on, took her bathing suit off and rinsed her body and suit.
“Here’s the towel,” Quinn said draping it over the door.
“Thanks.” Wendy came out of the shower with the towel wrapped around her body. “Your turn.”
Quinn just stared as she stepped into the shower. By the time Quinn came into the house, Wendy was again dressed in her t-shirt and shorts. Quinn went into the bedroom to get dressed.
Wendy was putting the food on the island as Quinn returned. “Did you find everything you needed?”
“Yes. This kitchen is laid out so efficiently. I would love to cook in here looking out at this view.”
“We can come here anytime the place is empty.”
“Would you get me Kevin and Joe’s address so I can send them a thank you note?”
“They would love that especially coming from you. They’re big fans, too.”
With the sandwiches finished and the kitchen cleaned up, Wendy took Quinn’s hand and led her to the couch.
“Don’t you want to go back on the beach?” Quinn asked as she was being tugged along to the couch.
“Can we let our food digest first?” Wendy asked as Quinn nodded nervously. “So how was your week?”
“Small talk?” Quinn chuckled.
“Well, what would you like to talk about?” Wendy asked, pulling her legs under her.
“I don’t know. Why don’t we just go back to the beach?”
Wendy mumbled, but stood. “Fine.”
“Hey, what did I do?” Quinn asked to Wendy’s back.
Wendy turned around. “Nothing.”
Quinn fell asleep on the blanket not long after the two women returned to the beach. Wendy sat there watching Quinn’s chest go up and down with each breath she took. Her hand wanted so much to touch the skin that was in front of her that it almost did against her will. Feelings of the past were coming closer and closer to the surface again no matter what Wendy did to push them away.
Quinn turned and opened her eyes. “Is everything okay?” she asked, seeing Wendy staring at her.
“Fine. I think we should put that umbrella up before you burn,” Wendy said lying.
“Yeah, your face is kind of red.” Quinn jumped up and placed the umbrella so both women were shaded. “I’m going to take a dip. You interested?”
“No thanks. I’m just going to lie here.” As soon as Quinn moved away, Wendy sat up on her elbows and watched Quinn dive into the water. Her head went back to the blanket and another woman took over her thoughts. Kelly had been the only woman that Wendy had been with and she knew at that moment what she was. Unfortunately, she wanted a career more than she wanted the physical love of another woman. So she buried those feelings for all these years. Meeting Quinn brought all those feelings to the surface again and no matter what she did they wouldn’t go away. Quinn came back to the blanket and shook her head over Wendy’s body, sprinkling a few drops of water, bringing her thoughts to the present. “What are you doing?”
“Nothing,” Quinn said, sitting back down on the blanket.
“How’s the water?”
“Wonderful. I could stay out here forever,” she said with a loud sigh.
“Me too.” Wendy admitted.
****
Quinn didn’t drop Wendy off at her mother’s house until after eleven. They had stopped for dinner on the way back, but the trip had changed somehow. Wendy had remained relatively quiet and only spoke when answering a question. As Quinn pulled up to the house, she asked, “Did I do something wrong?”
Wendy turned in her seat as she undid her seatbelt. “Of course not.”
“Then why were you so quiet all afternoon?”
“I guess I was just thinking and relaxing.”
Quinn knew there had to be more, but she didn’t want to push Wendy. “Okay. I guess I’ll see you during the week.”
Wendy nodded. “Thanks for taking me to the beach.”
Quinn smiled. “I had a good time.”
“Me too,” Wendy said as she opened the car door. “Good night.”
“Good night, Wendy.”
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
Wendy walked into the kitchen to find her mother making breakfast. “Mom, what are you doing?”
“Making breakfast. I feel fine so don’t lecture me,” Arlene said with a chuckle.
“Where’s Harper?”
“I sent her to the store.” Arlene reached for a plate. “You got in late last night.”
“Quinn took me to her friends’ beach house. The house sits right on the beach.”
Arlene put the plate in front of Wendy and rested her hand on her daughter’s shoulder. “You look very happy,” she said, taking the seat next to her.
Wendy could feel her face blush. “I do?”
“Yes. Quinn has been good for you.” Arlene touched Wendy’s hand. “Don’t you have a game tonight?”
Wendy turned and looked at the schedule on the refrigerator. “I forgot all about that. I’m going to bring lunch to Quinn today as a thank you for yesterday.”
****
Quinn was quiet most of the morning at the store. Her thoughts were in a turmoil as to what she could have done to make Wendy so quiet yesterday afternoon.
“Are you all right, Quinn?” Tina asked, finally unable to stand the quiet.
“I’m fine.”
“Did something happen yesterday when you were with Wendy?”
Quinn stared at her mother’s face and shrugged.
“Did you two have another fight?”
“No,” Quinn finally admitted. “I don’t know what happened. We were having a good time and then in the afternoon she just clammed up.” Quinn put her hands up in defeat. “I don’t know what I did.”
“Maybe Wendy is just worried about her mother?”
“Maybe, but I don’t think that’s it.” It was the look in Wendy’s eyes that told her something was bothering her, but what it was Quinn didn’t know.
“Did you ask her?”
“I did, but she said I didn’t do anything wrong. I don’t believe her.”
“You can either forget it or ask her to be honest with you,” Tina said softly.
At eleven thirty Quinn had to make a delivery to one of the beach houses. Before Quinn left the store, she said to the cashier. “Chris, I should be back before twelve if anyone comes looking for me.”
“Okay, Quinn,” she said with a wave.
At noon, Wendy walked into the hardware store. “Hi. Is Quinn around?”
“She had a delivery to make,” Chris answered and saw the look of disappointment on Wendy’s face. “She’ll be back soon.”
“Okay, thanks.”
“Would you like to wait in her office?” Chris asked, seeing the bags Wendy was carrying.
“Thanks.” Wendy put the bags on the desk and waited for Quinn. She now got up and looked at the pictures on the wall. They were Quinn and her family at different ages. Wendy smiled as her finger traced over a ten year old Quinn. She was all legs and hair which made her smile.
Quinn walked into the b
uilding through the warehouse and she made her way to the store.
Chris saw her walk in and said, “Wendy is in your office.”
“Thanks, Chris.” Quinn came around the corner and saw her sitting there. “Hey.”
“Hi,” Wendy said, standing up. “I brought lunch.”
Quinn walked through the doorway and shut the door. “How are you?” Quinn asked.
“I’m fine, Quinn.” Wendy opened the bags and took out the sandwiches. “We have a game tonight.”
“I know.” Quinn watched as Wendy took a bite of her sandwich. “Are you sure everything is okay between us?”
Wendy smiled. “Yes, Quinn. We’re fine.”
****
“Well, we all played horribly today,” Mary said to the group. “Anyone up for a drink?”
“Count me out,” Quinn said. “I’ve got work tomorrow and worked all day today.”
“Me, too,” Wendy said. “I promised my mom I would come home after the game.”
Mary looked at the two women eyeing them suspiciously, but didn’t say anything.
“Good night, ladies,” Quinn called out as they left the field. No one noticed that Wendy got into Quinn’s car.
“Finally,” Wendy said, letting out a long breath. “I could have fallen asleep at third base tonight.”
“Didn’t you sleep well?” Quinn asked.
“No. My mind kept tumbling with thoughts.”
“Do you want to talk about it?” Quinn asked.
“Nothing to talk about, Quinn.” Wendy patted Quinn’s hand before she got out of the car. “Good night, Quinn.”
“Come to my house tomorrow night for dinner?” Quinn asked before Wendy could escape.
“You’re working. Come here for dinner instead.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, Quinn.”
“Okay. Good night.”
Wendy waved and went toward the front door.
****
Arlene met Quinn at the door the following evening. “Hi, Quinn. Come inside, please.”
“How are you feeling, Arlene?”
“Wonderful.” She leaned over to Quinn. “Wendy has been puttering around in the kitchen all afternoon. I don’t know what we’re having, but it smells good.”
Quinn and Arlene walked toward the kitchen. “Hi,” Wendy said. “Dinner will be ready in a few minutes. Why don’t you and mom sit down in the dining room?”
