by Lydia Rose
“Don’t you ever sleep?” Laura called as she brought her boat to Christine’s dock.
“I slept, thank you.” Christine stood up. “Going for a ride or fishing?”
“I thought I would take a short ride out to the ocean. Want to come with me?”
Christine hadn’t been on a boat since Jacqueline’s accident and just the thought of going on the water sent chills down her spine. “Thanks anyway,” she said with a shake of her head.
“I’m only going for a short ride. Please keep me company, Chris.” Laura didn’t want to beg, but listening to herself it sounded that way.
Now Christine worried that if she refused to go and something happened to Laura, she would never forgive herself. “As long as we aren’t going to be gone too long.”
Laura brought the boat closer smiling. “As soon as you say turn around, we’ll come back.” Laura held her hand out so Christine could board the boat. “Have a seat and relax.”
Christine held on as Laura maneuvered the boat away from the dock. As she reached the open water, she turned toward the ocean.
“I wanted to go early before the channel gets too crowded with other boats.” Laura kept one hand on the wheel and the other on the throttle.
As they came through the inlet, the ocean was calm. Opening the throttle Laura made her way further from shore. They went toward the north and Christine looked at the houses along the shoreline. Each year an older home was torn down to make room for a new home. She realized that someday all the older homes would be gone along with their history of all the families that had spent summers there.
At ten o’clock they turned around and headed back to the house. “Carol called me yesterday and wanted to thank you for suggesting the restaurant to Sara. They said the food was magnificent,” Christine said leaving out part of the thank you to Laura.
“I’m glad they enjoyed the food.”
“She also called to ask for your phone number for Mary.” Christine watched Laura’s reaction to the information.
“Mary? She barely said three words to me.” Laura said surprised.
“Carol said Mary is shy and I guess with Susan dominating your time, she didn’t get chance to talk to you.” Christine turned to Laura. “I didn’t give Carol your number. I have Mary’s number. This way if you want to call, you can.”
“Thank you,” Laura said with a deep sigh.
They pulled up to the dock and Laura helped Christine out of the boat.
“Thanks for the ride, Laura. I enjoyed myself. Are you hungry?” Christine asked still standing near the boat.
Laura’s head tilted and a grin appeared on her face.
“I know. You’re always hungry. Would you like to go to breakfast with me?”
“I’ll pick you up in a half hour.” She turned to leave. “Oh, I’ll bring Mary’s number with me.”
Laura smiled and waved as she pulled away from the dock.
Both women showered and changed clothes. Christine pulled into Laura’s driveway as scheduled. Christine drove to an oceanfront restaurant where they could sit outside and watch the beach activity. They took their seats on the outside balcony and placed their order. Laura stared at the ocean looking at the colorful umbrellas dotted along the beach and the walkers walking the boardwalk held her attention. Christine looked at her and wondered why she was so quiet.
“Is everything okay, Laura?” Christine asked softly.
Laura turned from the ocean and looked at Christine. “Everything is fine, Chris.”
“I was surprised that I never saw you last week. Did you do anything fun?” Christine asked trying not to be too nosy.
“A friend of mine from New York came down for a few days. We went to the beach.”
“At first, I thought maybe you were with Susan, but when I spoke to Carol she said Susan hadn’t heard from you.”
Laura smirked. “She wasn’t really my type.”
“So did you have fun with your friend?” Christine asked still probing.
“For a few days,” Laura said without elaborating.
“Have you and” Christine didn’t know her name and waited for Laura to fill in the blank.
“Rachel.”
“Have you and Rachel been friends for a long time?”
The waitress brought their food and Laura waited to answer.
Laura took a bite of food before answering. “We dated about five years ago, but we both know we weren’t meant to be together. So we became friends.”
“I’m glad you could salvage your friendship.”
“I’m not sure we can do that anymore,” Laura said softly.
Christine waited for Laura to continue.
“After two days, she tried to pick up where we left off when we were dating.” Laura looked at the water putting her fork down. “The sex was always good between us, but outside of the bedroom is where we had problems. Those problems are still there.”
“I’m sorry, Laura,” Christine said touching her hand lightly.
“You could have come over and talked to me if you needed to.” Christine said with a light touch on Laura’s arm.
Laura looked at Christine’s face. “The last thing you needed was to hear me bitch about an old girlfriend.”
“We’re friends, Laura. Of course, you could have come to talk to me.”
Laura smiled. “Thanks.”
Christine reached into her purse. “Before I forget, here’s Mary’s number,” she said handing her the paper.
“Thanks,” Laura said shoving the paper into her pocket. “Why are women so complicated?” She asked touching Christine’s hand.
“I’m the wrong person to ask,” Christine said with a chuckle. “Jacqueline was my first serious relationship. The only problem we had was Jackie thought she was too old for me.”
“How much of an age difference was there?”
“Twelve years.” Christine answered.
“Close to our age difference,” Laura said with a smile.
“So after we cleared up that blip, we just clicked.” Christine smiled in remembering.
Laura nodded. “That’s what everyone is looking for in a relationship.” She grinned. “Just someone that we meet and just click. I can understand why you don’t want to date. It’s hard to duplicate such a great relationship.”
“Laura, it wasn’t all bed and roses. We argued, but we always worked on what was bothering us. It’s the communication which is missing in most relationship.”
Laura nodded in agreement. Her mouth opened to voice another comment, but instead she picked up her fork and went back to eating.
“What are you doing this afternoon?” Christine asked to a shrug of Laura’s shoulders. “Why don’t you come over and we can hang out around the pool.”
Laura looked at Christine. “Thanks.”
“That is, unless you want to call Mary and do something with her?” Christine asked with a chuckle.
Laura laughed. “No, I don’t want to call Mary.”
CHAPTER EIGHT
They were lying on the lounge chairs overlooking the river. Laura opened her eyes from her short nap and looked at Christine. She looked at her face and it appeared she was almost in a trance. Laura looked at the water and saw a sailboat just leaving their view.
Laura touched Christine’s arm. “Are you okay, Chris?” She asked softly.
Christine looked at the hand on her arm and then into Laura’s face. She nodded unable to hide the tears.
Laura squeezed her arm a little tighter. “You know she’s not coming back,” Laura said gently.
The tears fell onto Christine’s cheek. “I should have been with her that day. I was tired and didn’t want to get out of bed.”
“It wasn’t your fault, Chris. It was no one’s fault. It was an accident.”
Christine sobbed softly. “I know that in my head, but my heart feels differently.”
Laura got up from her chair and sat next to Christine. She held her until the sobbing s
topped. “I’m sorry that you had to go through that and I know how much you loved Jackie.” Laura rubbed her back. “I wish I could take away the pain that you carry in your heart.”
Christine finally sat up and released Laura. “Some days I can go without crying and then other days I just want to stay in bed and cry all day.”
“Don’t you think it’s time for you to stop sitting on that bench?” Laura asked softly.
“I’m trying, Laura. I really am trying to stop torturing myself.”
Laura smiled and kissed Christine’s cheek. “I’m here if you ever need to talk.” Laura stood up and held out her hand. “Go upstairs and change your clothes. I’m making us dinner tonight.
“Thank you, Laura. You are such a good friend.” Christine forced a smile.
****
Monday morning, Christine found she had slept until it was time to get ready for work. She smiled as she stepped out of bed and said. Thank you, Laura.
Christine was at her desk when Sally poked her head in the doorway. “Did you have a good weekend?”
Christine smiled. “Yes and you?”
“Not as good as yours,” Sally said seeing the smile on Christine’s face that looked radiant. This look hadn’t been there in years.
Christine eyebrows furrowed. “What do you mean?”
“This is the first day that I can say that smile of yours isn’t forced. Tell me all about her at lunchtime.”
Sally turned from the doorway. “But there isn’t anyone,” Christine said as she heard Sally’s giggles all the way down the hallway.
Christine reached for the mirror in her top drawer and looked at her face. Studying the image she didn’t see anything different. Christine would admit that she had more energy these days and her appetite had increased, but that was the only difference in her life. She put the mirror down.
Christine and Sally took their seats in a booth near the entrance of the diner. “Did you spend the weekend with Steve?” Christine asked.
Sally smiled. “We spent the weekend on his boat, but we never left the dock.” Her right eye winked and a chuckle left her mouth. “So are you going to tell me who she is?”
Christine snickered. “There isn’t anyone,” Christine insisted.
Sally stared at her face. “It’s someone from your party that Carol invited. Someone caught your eye finally.”
Christine rolled her eyes. “How can I convince you that I am not seeing anyone?” Christine held her hand over her heart.
Sally shrugged and shook her head. “Okay, if you aren’t ready to talk about it, I’ll let it go for now. But I know something is going on whether you want to admit it or not.”
“Trust me, Sally, when there is something to tell you I will.”
****
Christine walked into the house at five thirty. She went to the refrigerator and reached for a yogurt cup. Walking toward the back door, a smile appeared on her face. Laura was asleep on a floating mat in the pool. As usual, her bikini top was untied as she floated around the pool. The noise of opening the door, opened Laura’s eyes.
“Sorry,” Laura said with a wave.
Christine watched Laura flash her as she stepped onto the patio. “Don’t apologize, Laura. I look forward to seeing you in my pool after work,” Christine smiled and was met with a matching one. “I’m happy you’re enjoying the pool.” Christine put a spoonful of the yogurt in her mouth.
“Is that your dinner?” Laura asked walking up the pool stairs.
“Sure, why not? I had a nice lunch today with Sally.”
“What am I going to do with you, Chris?” Laura said shaking her head.
CHAPTER NINE
The next day at lunch Sally asked. “I brought my bathing suit with me. Want to ask a friend over for a swim?”
“Steve busy tonight?” Christine asked with a smile.
“He’s out of town,” Sally said and then added. “You’re not second choice, Chris.”
“I know. I just couldn’t resist.”
“We can order a pizza and make an evening of just us girls.” Sally smiled. “Let’s leave at four o’clock.”
“Then let’s get back so I can finish my work,” Christine said already standing.
****
As soon as they got to the house, they both went upstairs to change into their bathing suits. “I’ll order the pizza before I come outside,” she said to Sally.
Sally walked into the backyard and saw a woman lying on a lounge chair. “Hello,” she said as she walked closer.
“Hi,” Laura said already standing and walking toward the stranger. Her hand was extended as she said. “I’m Laura Lerner.”
“Sally Stevens. I work with Chris.” Sally studied her face. “You’re a client?”
“Yes.”
“I think I saw you in the office a while ago. You’re David’s daughter, right?”
“I am.
“He was such a nice man. I’m sorry for your loss, Laura.” Sally’s eyes softened.
“Thank you.” Laura looked at Sally and asked. “Where’s Chris?”
“In the house changing.”
“I’m usually gone by the time Chris gets home from work. It’s the days that she gets home early that throw me.” Laura grabbed her towel. “I’ll let you ladies enjoy the pool.”
Sally reached for Laura’s arm stopping her escape. “Stay with us, Laura. We’re having pizza for dinner.”
“Pizza, huh? Well, I guess it’s better than the yogurt Chris had for dinner last night,” Laura said with a laugh.
Christine walked out of the house at that moment. “Oh, hi Laura,” Christine said trying to sound casual. “Did you meet Sally?”
“We’ve met and I invited Laura to share the pizza with us.”
Christine could see the wheels spinning in Sally’s head. She wanted to question Laura and she wasn’t about to let her just walk away.
“Let’s take a swim,” Sally said grabbing Laura arm.
Sally swam over to the mat and Laura grabbed the pink noodle. Christine sat on the steps and watched as the two women interacted.
“Don’t you live nearby?” Sally asked.
“Two houses away.” Laura answered glancing at Christine out of the corner of her eye.
“Were you at Christine’s Memorial Day barbecue?”
Laura looked at Christine before she answered. Christine was holding her head in her hand and shaking her head. Their eyes met before she answered.
“I was here,” Laura said with a grin.
Sally paddled closer to Laura. “So you’re gay?”
Again Laura’s eyes found Christine. “Yes.”
Christine heard the car door in the driveway and got out of the pool. She put her cover-up on. “If you are through interrogating Laura, I’ll go get our pizza.”
Once Christine went into the house, Sally asked. “Are you two dating?”
Laura laughed. “No, we’re not.”
Sally studied Laura’s face. “But you would like to, right?”
Laura thought for a moment and wondered how honest she should be with this virtual stranger. “She turned me down.”
“You’re not going to give up, are you?” Sally asked touching Laura’s arm.
Laura laughed as Christine came back into the yard.
“Leave her alone, Sally. Laura and I are just friends.” Christine hoped that was what Laura confirmed.
The other two women exchanged a glance and walked toward the pool stairs. Sally wrapped herself in a towel and Laura slipped a tee shirt over her bathing suit. Sally took the seat next to Christine and Laura sat across from the two women.
“How about some wine with our pizza?” Christine asked already standing and walking toward the back door.
Laura got out of her chair when she saw Christine at the door holding the wine and three glasses.
“Thank you,” Christine said as Laura opened the door for her. She poured the wine and then picked up her glass and took a long dr
ink.
“Thirsty? Sally asked with a laugh.
“Dig in,” Christine said ignoring Sally’s comment.
Laura ate a couple of pieces of pizza and picked up her plate and wine glass. “Thanks for dinner, Chris. I’ll let myself out.” She turned to Sally. “It was nice meeting you.”
“I hope to see you again, Laura,” Sally said with a wink. “Good night.”
“Good night, Laura.”
“Good night,” Laura said opening the patio door and disappeared.
“Pretty girl,” Sally said and waited for Christine to respond. When she didn’t, she added. “I like her.”
“She’s very nice and that’s why several of the women at my party went for her.” Christine laughed. “One didn’t leave her side and another wanted her phone number.”
“Is she seeing either one?” Sally asked.
“Laura said the Susan, the one who stuck to her like clue wasn’t her type. I don’t know if she’s called Mary to ask her out yet.”
“She’s crazy about you, Chris,” Sally said touching Christine’s hand.
“Did Laura say something to you?” Christine asked shocked.
“She didn’t have to. I have eyes.”
“She did ask me out, but we got that straightened out.” Christine offered.
“I know you can’t see yourself dating again, but keep an open mind. I think Laura would be good for you.”
“She’s a good friend and a wonderful chef,” Christine said with a smile.
“See. What more do you want in a partner?” Sally asked with a laugh.
Christine just shook her head.
CHAPTER TEN
It was late in the day and Christine yawned as she answered her emails. She went through responding to her clients questions and the last email took her by surprise. It was from Laura.
Hi - I just wanted to apologize to you about yesterday. I seem to apologizing to you a lot lately. Here is my cell number 732-555-1718. I enjoy using your pool, but please call me if you’re leaving work early or bringing friends over. Laura
