by M. Ullrich
“Strained relationship?”
Berit gave Lauren a thumbs-up. “We have a rocky history, one that almost killed my chances of owning a business.” Berit felt her mood start to nosedive and shook it off. “But that’s no fun to talk about. Let’s get back to the names from the zoo I grew up in.”
Lauren laughed. “I already know Lou.”
“Lou is actually short for Louise, and if you really want to piss her off, say ‘Jeez Louise’ around her. It’s hilarious.”
“I’ll do no such thing,” Lauren said with a shake of her head. “I adore Lou.”
Berit rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”
“And what about the other boy in the family?”
“Bartholomew.”
“You’re kidding.”
“Why do you never believe me when it comes to names?”
“Because you’re funny and a tease.”
Berit held Lauren’s stare for a second before looking at her beer. She found herself struggling to remain friendly and not flirt. “You’re not wrong, but I’m not kidding, although I’m sure Bart wishes I was. He was teased mercilessly throughout school.”
“I think Bartholomew is classy and old fashioned.”
“Bart the fart,” was all Berit said. She drank the rest of her beer as Lauren fell into a fit of giggles. Berit knew she’d have to find Lauren the most incredible woman on planet earth to date, because that was who she deserved. Berit started to ache at the prospect but forced herself to smile for the rest of the afternoon.
When Lauren announced she was going to hit the road, Berit slipped Hugo into his harness so they could both walk Lauren outside. Berit and Lauren stood beside her car in the cool, early night. Berit watched the streetlights dance in Lauren’s dark eyes. She wasn’t ready to say goodbye, but she knew Lauren wouldn’t, shouldn’t stay any longer. Hugo was sniffing around them. He was the perfect distraction from the awkwardness.
“He’d spend every minute sniffing the sidewalk if I’d allow him.”
“Can you blame him? There’s probably so much information built into every sniff. For all we know he could be picking up the number for a cute Yorkie right now.”
“I think he’s more of a poodle guy, but what do I know?” Berit watched Lauren’s face. She seemed lighter than when she arrived. If nothing else, Berit was happy she could do that for Lauren. “Today was fun, Lauren. I think you’ll be on your own behind the bar in no time.”
“Not too soon. I still have a lot to learn, but you’re a great teacher. You really know your stuff. If I didn’t know any better, I’d say you loved your job.”
The light breeze pulled Berit’s wavy hair back from her forehead. “I do,” she said with pride. “I loved bartending even before I owned my own bar. I get to be surrounded by people and let my creative side loose, and coming up with new cocktail recipes satisfies the mad scientist within. I couldn’t imagine doing anything else with my life.”
“The Dollhouse is a great place, and now I see why. Good management goes a long way.” Lauren reached out to squeeze Berit’s colorful forearm as she spoke. “As devastated as I was to be fired, I’m happy for the opportunity be a part of such a place. Thank you, Berit.”
Berit was taken by the emotion in Lauren’s eyes. She’d seen her cry before, but this wasn’t sadness. “I’m happy I can help. I’ll see you tomorrow, at work.”
As quickly as the storm of emotion entered Lauren’s eyes, it left. “See you tomorrow, boss. Good night, Hugo.” Lauren pulled away and got in her car. Berit focused on how cold her forearm felt as Lauren drove away.
Chapter Ten
“Did you check these over yet?” Lauren picked up two stacks of shot glasses. Lou nodded, giving Lauren permission to stock them in the bar. “Berit’s attention to detail still amazes me. I don’t think I’ve known someone so conscious of water spots before.”
“She’s certainly meticulous,” Lou said with a laugh. “But only here. Her apartment is usually a wreck. I sound like our mom every time I’m over there. ‘Berit, when was the last time you vacuumed? Berit, there’s dog hair all over the couch. Berit, dishes don’t do themselves.’ She brings out the worst in me.”
Lauren creased her brow. “Huh.”
“Huh, what?”
“I didn’t get that impression when I was over there the other day. Her apartment was very clean. I left with minimal dog hair on my clothes.” Lauren wiped the surface of the high bar chairs. “Do you think this theme will be successful?”
Lou was unmoving and staring at Lauren. “Yes,” she said. “Tropical themes are fun in the summer, and people love drinks with tiny umbrellas. When were you in Berit’s apartment?”
She considered Lou’s question a bit odd. “Last week. She was helping me learn about drinks and stuff.” Lauren felt herself start to get defensive, like she had to explain herself. “She invited me over and I had nothing else to do.”
Lou put her hands up. “At least you gave her a reason to clean.” Lou’s words were innocuous enough, but the seed had been planted. Lauren grew mildly irritated.
She felt like she wasn’t allowed to be friends with another lesbian without there being more. “I don’t have any background in the service industry, and I’ve never once considered what goes into the cocktails I drink.”
“I was wondering how you were making Bay Breezes already. Great job, by the way. Not one got sent back. That’s very good for a beginner.”
“Thank you,” Lauren said with a frown but obvious pride in her voice. This conversation was confusing her, so she changed the subject. “May I ask you a personal question?”
“You can ask, but I can’t promise I’ll answer.” Lou placed small tiki lights along the bar and on the surrounding tables.
Lauren looked around to make sure they were alone. So far she’d been scheduled only when Berit was working, but she was going through opening procedures with Lou this Friday. “You’re not gay?” Lou shook her head. “Or bisexual? Or pansexual or any of the other letters of the rainbow?”
Lou laughed and then sighed. “Nope. As much as I hate men sometimes, I love them. Everything about them,” she said, walking closer to Lauren. “I even love their body hair.” Lou laughed at Lauren’s disgusted shiver.
“Then why are you working here? No offense, of course, I just mean—” What did Lauren mean? “I know Berit is your sister, but I’m curious.”
Lou took a seat at one of the tables and encouraged Lauren to join her. “The story of the Dollhouse is for Berit to tell, but when she wanted to open her own business, I knew I’d be there to help any way I could. She’s my big sister. I’ve looked up to her since before I could walk.” Lou’s eyes were so big with admiration, Lauren’s heart swelled. She had never known that kind of sibling bond. “Berit came up short financially, and I stepped in to close the gap. Thirty percent of the Dollhouse is mine.”
“You’re business partners?”
Lou nodded. “I couldn’t imagine a better person to go into business with. Berit is brilliant and driven, and don’t you ever repeat any of what I’m saying now.”
Lauren zipped her finger across her mouth.
“I knew whatever she was getting herself into, it’d be successful.”
“Even if it was a lesbian bar?”
“Even then. Plus, women are gorgeous and easy to talk to. I love working here. When a customer is coming on strong, I still feel safe. The attention I get when I’m working the bar makes me feel great.”
“There’s definitely some good genes in the Matthews bloodline.” Lauren blushed at her own words. “Sorry.”
Lou smiled brightly, her teeth as perfect as her sister’s. Lauren was envious. “Don’t apologize. Being complimented by women has never made me uncomfortable.”
“I’ll keep that in mind, but I still don’t want to sound like I’m hitting on my boss’s sister. Wait, if you’re Berit’s partner, that means you’re my boss too, right?” Lauren knew she looked ridiculously
confused.
Lou waved her off. “No. I told Berit when we signed all the paperwork that I wanted nothing to do with the administrative side. I just wanted a steady job and a cut of the profits,” she said with a shrug.
Lauren could only imagine what those profits looked like. “From what I’ve seen, you both deserve your success.”
“Thank you. Lauren, I know Berit is—”
“Here,” Lauren said when she spotted Berit coming in the back door with Bellamy in tow. “With Bellamy.” Lauren felt her mood sour slightly, but chalked it up to jealousy because at least one of them was getting laid. “Hey, guys.”
“Ladies,” Berit greeted with her usual charm. “The place looks great. Are we ready for a tropical getaway?” Berit looked at the decorations: light-up palm trees in every corner, paper lanterns, tiki lights, and tropical outfits. “I know Bellamy is,” Berit said, biting her lower lip.
“I plan on making this theme night very profitable,” Bellamy said, shimmying out of her shirt to reveal a coconut bra. The natural cups held on to her perfectly perky breasts and nothing but twine secured the piece to her body. Lauren just stared and worried the cups would fall away from her bare skin, but they held on. Bellamy would earn a lot of tips, that’s for sure.
“You’re looking good,” Lou said. “Berit looks like she stepped right out of Summer School. Mark Harmon, eat your heart out.”
Lauren tore her attention away from Bellamy’s bare skin to catch Lou flicking the collar of Berit’s Hawaiian shirt. With Berit’s sandy blond waves, rolled-up sleeves, and sideways smirk, Lauren knew she would be earning a lot of tips and numbers throughout the night as well.
Lauren looked down at her tank with a singular surfboard screen printed on the front and felt like she’d really missed the mark. “I’m not feeling very tropical anymore.”
“I came prepared for this,” Berit said, holding up a white shopping bag. She riffled through the contents and pulled out a large fake hibiscus flower. She broke the plastic stem so it was only a few inches and beckoned Lauren to come closer. Lauren stepped into Berit’s space and bit back a gasp when Berit brushed her hair behind her ear. Berit tucked the flower into place around her ear and smiled softly as she looked into Lauren’s eyes. “There. Now you look like you’re ready to serve a mai tai on white sandy beaches.”
Lauren’s ear was on fire where Berit had touched it delicately. “Thank you,” she whispered. She cleared her throat and stepped away from Berit. Bellamy looked amused, and Lou’s eyes were on the far wall.
“I’m going to finish hanging the little paper light things behind the bar,” Lauren said, trying to escape. Berit grabbed her wrist.
“Wait. I wanted to tell you that I’m giving you Wednesday off.”
Lauren went through every upcoming day in her mind and couldn’t remember needing the day for any specific reason. “Why?”
“You have a date.” Berit smirked, the small upturn of her lips holding mischief.
“A date?” Lauren squeaked. “Who am I going on a date with?”
“A buddy of mine has a sister.”
Lauren shook her head so rapidly she nearly gave herself a headache.
“What do you mean, no? Hear me out. I’ve known them both for years, and Jennifer is definitely the marrying kind. Great job, beautiful, and super sweet.” Berit ticked off the qualities on her fingers.
“Oh, Jennifer Kramer?” Lou said with a clap. “She is gorgeous and very funny. Oh, I’m excited for this date.”
“That makes one of us,” Lauren mumbled.
“Well that’s a piss-poor thing to say.” Berit’s tone was sharp, which made Lauren drop her attitude immediately.
“Fine, I’m sorry. Have you dated Jennifer?” Berit and Lou started laughing. “Why’s that so funny?”
“Jennifer isn’t really my type. Besides that, I’ve been friends with her brother since grade school. It’d feel almost incestuous if I went there.” Berit had a faraway look in her eyes, like she was trying to imagine it. “Just trust me, Lauren. I think you two will be great for each other.”
Lauren looked into Berit’s earnest eyes and found herself powerless. She agreed to the date. Trusting Berit wasn’t a problem, a fact that was scary enough. But what worried Lauren the most was meeting someone new. What if she didn’t like Jennifer and offended Berit in the process? She watched Berit walk away and talk to Bellamy. The last thing she wanted was to lose the first real friend she had made on her own. Lauren swallowed hard and hoped with everything she had that a tropical getaway would be the distraction she desperately needed.
Chapter Eleven
Lauren paced back and forth in front of the small Italian restaurant where her blind date was about to take place. She had been texting Jennifer on and off since Berit had made sure they exchanged numbers. They picked a mutual favorite place for dinner and set a convenient time for their date. Lauren hadn’t encouraged much conversation beyond planning for fear of exhausting topics before they were finally in each other’s company. Lauren had been on one other blind date in her life; her mother had set her up with a man named Terry from the office. Lauren had sworn off blind dates ever since.
Until Berit looked at her with her soft and caring eyes.
She checked her phone again. Jennifer should be arriving in five minutes, unless she was early. Lauren would appreciate that. She could feel the butterflies in her stomach turning violent. She wondered what Berit had told Jennifer about her. This was why Lauren hated meeting new people. She’d go through the entire date trying to act a certain way when all she’d want was the cheesiest meal on the menu and two desserts. She’d make sure to not say anything too off-color or politically incorrect, and not everyone shared her sarcastic sense of humor. Lauren heard her mother’s voice in her head reminding her to be more ladylike and soft spoken. What other parts of her personality should she hide away if she wanted the night to be a success?
“Lauren?”
Lauren jumped at her name and the soft touch on her shoulder. She turned to find a tall, gorgeous butch woman smiling at her. “Jennifer?”
Jennifer nodded with a growing smile, and damn, it was blinding.
Lauren stuck her hand out awkwardly. “It’s very nice to meet you.” Jennifer had big hands and impeccable style. She wore a cerulean oxford shirt and kept it untucked over her flat-front black trousers. Lauren was sure Jennifer’s black leather loafers cost more than her rent payment. Lauren dropped Jennifer’s hand when she realized she’d been holding it for too long. Jennifer was tan with short black hair that fell gently onto her forehead. Lauren nearly swooned.
“Shall we go inside?” Jennifer said, her voice low and raspy.
“Yes. After you.” Lauren motioned for the door, but Jennifer stepped ahead to open it.
“Ladies first.” She was chivalrous, too, and be still Lauren’s heart, Jennifer even had deep blue eyes.
Lauren wished she could hug Berit. No, she wouldn’t want Berit there. That’d be weird. Lauren stepped into the small restaurant and walked up to the hostess. They got a small table in a secluded corner, which offered quiet privacy for conversation. Lauren sat and waited for Jennifer to decide on a drink.
“How do you feel about sharing a bottle of wine?” The candlelight highlighted Jennifer’s chiseled face.
“Sure.” Lauren sat back and allowed Jennifer to order what she felt paired best with the evening to come. Lauren understood why Jennifer wasn’t Berit’s type. She really needed to stop thinking about Berit, even if she was the reason for the date. “I’m ready to order whenever you are. I know all of my favorites.”
Jennifer shot Lauren the warmest smile she’d ever seen. “So do I.” They ordered as soon as their waitress arrived, and they fell into conversation the moment they were alone. “Tell me about yourself, Lauren. Berit didn’t tell me much aside from how beautiful and witty you are. And she was definitely right about the beautiful part.” Jennifer locked her eyes on Lauren’s as she sipped her
water.
Berit actually thinks I’m beautiful? Lauren shook her head to forget the thought and sipped at her own water to collect herself. “Berit didn’t tell me much about you, either, aside from you having a good job and being gorgeous.”
“She should’ve gone into sales.”
Lauren laughed genuinely. She was happy Jennifer had a sense of humor. “She should. She was able to get me here. I hate blind dates.”
“I do, too, but I trust Berit. We’ve known each other for a long time, and she’s heard about my latest dating struggles. Most eligible women are too overstimulated by technology and dating apps to want to settle down.” Jennifer’s small shrug looked sad. Her expressive eyes lit up when the waitress placed a basket of warm bread on the table. “I’m a little old fashioned when it comes to relationships. I date one woman until it either doesn’t work or I know I want it to work forever.”
Lauren’s heart skipped a beat. “I feel the same way. Dating is treated like a game, and it’s been so hard to find something real.” Lauren and Jennifer shared a smile. “This bread looks really good.”
“It’s fresh and incredible. But it’s also the number one thing I should avoid.”
“Are you on a diet?” Lauren said, hesitating before filling the tip of her knife with seasoned butter. Just a little wouldn’t give the wrong impression.
“Not quite. I’m a personal trainer, so I try to eat the right things and keep active. But bread and Italian food will melt my willpower every time.”
Lauren imagined Jennifer sweat slicked and lifting weights. A deliciously distracting image. “From what I can see, you’ve done pretty well in spite of temptations.” Lauren loved the small blush creeping up Jennifer’s cheeks.
“What do you do for a living?”
Lauren had been rehearsing for this question. “I’m between things right now,” she said coolly. “I’m a paralegal, but my last job didn’t work out. I’m working for Berit in the meantime while I search for a law firm that’ll appreciate my talent and dedication.” Jennifer’s face was expressionless. Lauren closed her eyes momentarily, sure her employment status had just killed her chances with Jennifer, then she heard a small, surprisingly feminine laugh. Which was very sexy to Lauren.
