Emily's Art and Soul

by Joy Argento

  “No, I’m not.” Andi softened. “Why are you getting upset about this? I would have told you if I was seeing someone.” She pulled Emily into a hug.

  “I don’t know what the hell is wrong with me. I think I’m just overtired.” The tears continued to fall as Andi held her. It felt good to be so close to her. “I am getting your shoulder all wet.”

  “That’s fine, as long as it’s only tears,” she teased gently. “Don’t wipe your nose on me. I have this thing against snot.”

  “Then you better hand me a napkin.” Emily pulled back. “Because my nose is starting to run.”

  Andi ripped a piece of paper towel off the roll and handed it to her. Emily wiped her eyes with it before loudly blowing her nose.

  “Hey.” She rubbed Emily’s shoulder. “I’m getting a little worried about you.”

  Emily wanted to hide from embarrassment. “I’m just tired. Sorry for being such an idiot.”

  “You may be stupid, but you ain’t no idiot,” Andi said, in a less-than-perfect Southern accent.

  “Jerk.” Emily leaned her head on Andi’s shoulder. “Thank you for being here for me.”

  “I’ll always be here for you.”

  “Thank you for being my friend.”

  “Friend,” Andi said, under her breath.

  Emily barely heard her. “Take me out.”

  “What?”

  “Take me out,” Emily repeated. “To a lesbian bar or a gay bar or whatever it’s called.”

  “You mean on a da—”

  “I want to meet women.” Emily interrupted. “Gay women. Lesbian women, and I am thinking there may be one or two at a lesbian bar. Come on, let’s do it. Let’s go.”

  “I don’t think any of them are open right now.”

  Emily couldn’t quite read her expression. “I know they aren’t open now, I meant later. Are they open tonight? I mean, I’m assuming they’re open Saturday nights like regular bars, right? See, I don’t know anything about this stuff. But I want to find out.”

  “Yes, they’re open.”

  “Okay, it’s settled then. We’re going.”

  “What about Mindy?”

  “I am not taking my little sister to a lesbian bar.” Emily swatted Andi.

  “No, I mean if you and I are out at a bar tonight, where is Mindy going to be?”

  “Mindy can stay by herself. She doesn’t need someone with her constantly. I wouldn’t want to leave her overnight, but she’ll be fine for a few hours.”

  “Okay. She can stay here tonight. Maybe I’ll stay with her.”

  “Oh no, you won’t. You’re coming with me, and I’ll bring Mindy home. That way I can pick out something nice to wear and she’ll be home tonight and can go to bed when she wants to. What should I wear? What do the other women usually wear?”

  “Flannel.”

  “Huh?” Emily asked. “Like pajamas?”

  “No, more like hunting shirts. Every woman that goes to a lesbian bar has to wear a plaid flannel hunting shirt.” Andi didn’t crack a smile.

  Emily swatted at her again. “You are such a liar.”

  “I was joking. I’m such a joker.” Andi smiled.

  “Okay, I’m going to go wake Mindy up and we’re going to get out of your hair.”

  “Would you like breakfast before you go?”

  Emily thought about it. “No, you’ve done enough for us. I appreciate the offer, but we’ll get something to eat at home.” She hugged Andi. “Thanks for everything you’ve done for me.”

  Andi didn’t say anything. She just hugged Emily back.

  ***

  Emily saw Andi pull into the driveway and opened the door before Andi had a chance to knock. “Hey there.”

  Andi cleared her throat. “Um, yeah, hi, I’m here to pick up my friend Emily. Is she here? Have you seen her?” She pretended to look down the hall, past Emily.

  “Jerk.” Emily grabbed Andi playfully by the collar and pulled her inside.

  Emily had taken great pains in choosing her outfit and applying makeup. She did a little turn to give Andi a 360-degree view. After trying on at least a dozen outfits she’d decided on a tight, black, strapless dress that dipped down at the neckline enough to show a tease of cleavage without showing too much. A wide strip of shimmering gold material circled her waist. Emily thought it showed off the curve of her hips nicely. A gold chain around her neck with a delicate teardrop diamond and a pair of black pumps with the slightest bit of a heel finished the outfit perfectly.

  “Wow, Emily. You look gorgeous.”

  “Thank you. I need to go touch up my makeup before we go.”

  “You don’t need to. Really. You look great exactly like you are.”

  “Well, I am going to do it anyway. Come on in and make yourself comfortable. I’ll only be a few minutes. You look pretty darn cute yourself, you know.” Beautiful, in fact.

  Andi wore a long-sleeved white button-down shirt with French cuffs. A thin leather belt looped around her waist, and her shirt was tucked neatly into black chinos. Crisp and clean, and yes, beautiful.

  Emily touched up her lipstick and blush. She returned to find Andi and Mindy in the living room deep in a discussion about I Love Lucy. “And I pray for them every n-n-night.” Mindy was saying. “God bless Lucy and Ricky and Fred and Ethel. I love them. Lucy is my best friend.”

  Andi smiled at the remark. And Emily silently smiled at Andi. Her heart swelled at the sight of her two favorite people.

  “You do look really nice,” Andi said, turning her attention to Emily. “Now go get your flannel shirt on so you don’t freeze and we’ll get going.”

  Emily chuckled. “I’m afraid my flannel shirt is at the cleaner’s.” She held up the black wrap she had in her hands. “I guess this will have to do.” She brought it around her back and up to her shoulders, struggling to put it on straight.

  Andi was on her feet in a split second. “Here, let me help.” She untwisted the material in a single turn before gently draping it over Emily’s shoulders and smoothing it out with her hands. Andi pressed her mouth against Emily’s ear and whispered, “Are you sure you want to do this?”

  Emily’s stomach did a little flip and heat rose from her center. She swallowed hard against the feelings.

  “Hey!” Mindy said loudly, startling both women. “You look bea-u-ti-ful, Emily.”

  “Thanks, honey,” Emily said. “Anything you need before we go?”

  Mindy shook her head. “Nope.”

  “Then I’ll see you in a couple of hours. Okay? And don’t stay up too late.” Emily gave her little sister a squeeze before turning to Andi. “Ready?”

  “Ready as I’ll ever be, I guess.”

  Chapter Twelve

  Andi had no trouble finding a parking spot in the large lot. “Here we are.”

  Emily wasn’t sure what she was feeling. Excitement? Anxiety? Fear? Happiness? Yes. All of the above. She was so glad Andi was with her. She wouldn’t have wanted anyone else by her side tonight. “Yep. Here we are.”

  Music thumped through the air and into Emily’s chest as they entered the dimly lit bar. Small tables lined the wall next to a dance floor. A wraparound bar off to the left was almost completely filled with women. They seemed to be keeping the three female bartenders hopping. Another room beyond the dance floor held three pool tables and a few more tables and chairs.

  “Where do you want to sit?” Andi said, right up next to Emily’s ear.

  The closeness made Emily’s breath catch in her throat and sent a surge of electricity straight to her groin. Emily chose to ignore it.

  “How about we sit there.” Emily pointed to the tables near the wall. That whole section was raised a couple of steps higher than the rest of the place, and Emily thought she could observe the crowd better from that vantage point. Andi nodded, took Emily’s arm, and led her up the steps. She pulled a chair out for Emily before sitting down opposite her.

  A server was at the table within minutes to take drink
orders. She looked like she was barely legal. Her purple glasses only added to her youthful appearance.

  “I’ll have a Seven and Seven. Thanks,” Emily said, then turned her attention to the sights around her. It looked like a regular straight bar. The only thing different was the absence of men. She liked the difference.

  Andi ordered a Coors Light from the tap when the server turned toward her.

  “Anything to eat?” she asked them.

  “Em?” Andi asked.

  “What?” She was lost in sensory overload from the sights and sounds around her.

  “Do you want anything to eat?”

  Emily pulled her attention back to Andi. “No thanks.” She was beginning to feel a bit overwhelmed but wasn’t sure why. The feeling left her as soon as Andi smiled at her.

  They sat in relative silence—well, except for the near-ear-splitting music coming through the sound system. The drinks arrived and Emily took a long swig. The couples on the dance floor slow danced to a song Emily didn’t recognize. She was mesmerized by the swaying bodies. It was interesting how some of the dancers held each other with space between them, but most of the women were wrapped around each other as they moved in rhythm to the music. Emily noticed one couple wasn’t dancing at all. The shorter of the two women was pressed up against the wall while her partner pressed into her, their mouths crushed together, almost frantically. Emily could see, even in the dim light, the woman against the wall squirming against the leg that her partner had pushed between her thighs. The sight made Emily’s heart beat a little fast, and a small charge of electricity ran through her.

  Pairs of women sat at the bar drinking and talking. Some exchanged kisses and subtle caresses. A few women sat alone nursing their drinks. Emily watched with fascination as an attractive redhead approached a brunette at the bar. The brunette swallowed the last of her drink and followed the redhead out on the dance floor. They stepped into each other’s arms and slow danced, their bodies held close but without the familiar intimacy that she saw in some of the other dancers.

  Emily smiled at Andi. “Wow. I’ve never experienced anything like this before. It’s great.”

  “I’m glad you’re enjoying yourself. Do you want another drink?”

  She looked at the empty glass in her hand. She’d drained it without even realizing it. “Sure,” Emily said. “Another Seven and Seven would be great.”

  Andi motioned the waitress over and ordered the drink for Emily. “You were pretty lost in your thoughts there.”

  “Sorry.” Emily gave Andi a shy smile. “This is just so new to me. It only reaffirms what I want.”

  “Why?” Andi asked. “Is there someone here who interests you?” She scanned the crowd.

  “No, I mean the whole thing. Seeing all these women together, dancing, laughing, kissing. I mean, it makes me want a woman in my life even more.” Yes. This was what she wanted, what she had been missing her whole life. She looked out at the sea of possibilities before her. She glanced over at Andi, so glad she was here to share it with her.

  Andi’s eyes held an intensity that Emily hadn’t seen before. Their eyes locked for a long moment. “I just want you to be happy, Em.”

  All Emily could do was nod. She was afraid that if she tried to speak in this moment, her emotions would overwhelm her and she would cry. Yes. This was it. She looked away and attempted to compose herself, feeling stupid for being so close to tears. They sat in silence as Emily finished her second drink, motioned the waitress over, and ordered another.

  Emily was almost done with her third drink when Andi broke the silence and asked her if she wanted to play pool. “Sure,” Emily said, glad for a diversion. “Can I get another drink?”

  “Of course.” Andi made a detour to the bar.

  Emily leaned close to the bartender. “Whiskey sour,” she said, loud enough to be heard over the music. “What would you like?” she asked Andi.

  “Ginger ale,” Andi half yelled back.

  Emily paid for the drinks and handed the soda to Andi. They made their way to the pool tables. It was nice to get away from the thump of the music as they stepped into the room. It was quite a bit quieter.

  Andi pumped quarters into the slots on the side of one of the pool tables. “Eight ball or straight pool?” she asked Emily, once she had the balls racked.

  “Nothing straight tonight,” Emily said, with a smile.

  “Then eight ball it is.” Andi took Emily’s drink as she handed her a cue stick. She took a sip before setting it down on a table next to her ginger ale.

  Emily leaned over to take a shot and thought she caught Andi checking out her cleavage as the weight of Emily’s breasts pulled the black material of her dress down. Andi averted her eyes and Emily wasn’t sure if she had been looking after all. She was disappointed that she might have, in fact, been mistaken. Disappointed? Disappointed that Andi might not have been checking her out? She considered it…Yes. Disappointed.

  She shook the feeling away and hit the cue ball. The five ball landed squarely in the corner pocket. “Yes!” Emily said. “I get solids.” She smiled at Andi and was rewarded with a big grin in return. Her breath caught in her throat for a moment. Andi looked even more beautiful when she smiled.

  Distracted, she missed the next shot, and Emily reclaimed her drink while Andi took her turn, sinking three balls in a row. The glass was empty by the time Emily set it back down. She flagged down a waitress for another.

  Several shots later, Andi was way ahead. “Eight ball, side pocket,” she said. The cue ball slammed into the black ball and sent it flying. It slowed to a stop, but the cue ball continued on and sank out of sight into the pocket, winning Emily the game.

  “Yes!” Emily exclaimed. “You scratched. I win.”

  Andi shook her head but couldn’t seem to keep from smiling as Emily did a little victory dance. She picked up her empty glass and raised it in the air. “That deserves a little sex on the beach. Which is exactly what I want for my next drink.” She ignored the fact that the room seemed to be spinning and everyone in it seemed a little off-kilter. “Can I have a Sex on the Beach?” Emily asked the waitress who had just entered the room. She managed to order the drink without giggling. She had no idea what was in it, but she liked the name. She set her empty glass down on the server’s tray along with a twenty-dollar bill. “Andi, what would you like?” Me? Would you like me? I’m thinking I’m a little drunk here. Andi would you like drunk me? She laughed at her own thoughts and then pushed them away. Of course Andi wouldn’t want her. That was just crazy. She and Andi were friends. Nothing more.

  “Do you want to dance?” The question surprised Emily. It wasn’t Andi asking. Why hadn’t Andi asked her to dance?

  Emily turned toward the voice. The woman resembled a young boy in her tan cargo pants, work boots, and red and black-checkered flannel shirt. Her short blond hair stood at attention in stiff spikes. Emily looked over at Andi, not sure what to say.

  “Go ahead,” Andi answered to Emily’s unspoken question. There was that sense of disappointment again.

  Emily accepted the stranger’s extended hand and glanced at Andi over her shoulder as she was being pulled onto the dance floor. Andi was racking the pool balls, obviously planning on playing another round without Emily.

  Emily felt a bit unsteady as the stranger pulled her into a soft embrace. Emily wasn’t sure where she was supposed to put her hands, settling on the blonde’s waist. After a few missed steps, Emily picked up the rhythm of the slow dance, and her movement flowed with her dance partner. It didn’t feel quite natural, but Emily didn’t know if that was because she was dancing with a woman or with someone she didn’t know.

  “Thanks,” Emily said when the music faded. “I better get back to my friend.”

  “Thanks for the dance.”

  She peered toward the pool tables and saw Andi’s backside bent over, pool stick in hand, getting ready to take a shot. Emily smiled sweetly, walked over to Andi, and pulled the cue
stick from her hand just as she was bringing the stick back to hit the cue ball. She leaned the pool stick against the table and grabbed Andi by the hand.

  “Dance with me,” she said, and pulled Andi onto the dance floor, ignoring the surprised look on her face. Emily pulled Andi in close and wrapped both arms around her waist. They stepped into the rhythm of the music and each other effortlessly.

  A sigh escaped from Andi’s throat as Emily rested her head on her shoulder.

  The warmth of the alcohol mixed with the warmth of Andi’s body soothed Emily’s soul. She closed her eyes and let the music carry her. It felt so right having Andi in her arms like this. Emily lifted her head and placed her cheek against Andi’s. She knew it would only take a slight adjustment to have her lips on Andi’s. It only took a second to make the decision and the adjustment. With her eyes still closed her lips brushed Andi’s. But then the lips were gone and Emily felt nothing but air. She opened her eyes. The music played on, but their dancing had stopped.

  Andi pulled her head back and out of the reach of Emily’s mouth. “Emily, you’ve had a lot to drink. I don’t think this is a good idea.”

  Emily’s heart sank as the contents of her stomach threatened to rise. She reached for the right words to say. She needed to let Andi know how she felt. But she wasn’t even sure herself exactly what that was. No words came to her. She felt light-headed and more than a little foolish. “I think it might be time to go home,” she said.

  “Are you all right?” Andi asked.

  “I’m fine. You’re right. I am not used to drinking that much. I’m sorry.” But she wasn’t sorry because she tried to kiss Andi. Just sorry Andi hadn’t responded to the kiss. It was obvious that Andi wasn’t having the same feelings she was.

  “No, no, nothing to be sorry about. You’re entitled to have a good time.” Andi put her arm around Emily’s shoulder and guided her out into the fresh air. They were silent on the ride home.

  ***

  Andi helped Emily out of the car and led her up the front step to her house. She took the key that Emily held out and unlocked the door. Once inside, Andi led her to her bedroom and sat her down on the bed. The fact that the room was spinning at a rapid rate and she had to hold on to the bed to keep from going with it told Emily she was definitely feeling the effects of the alcohol.