Sara's Choice

by Patty Schramm

  Terry stepped up to the counter, finally, and placed Frank’s order, along with a mundane coffee for herself. She moved to the pick-up area at the same time someone else stepped in to grab a napkin. “Sorry,” Terry said, and her heart sank when she realized it was Sara. Words failed her as they stared at each other, the awkwardness filling the space between them like water in a sinking ship.

  “I—hey.” Sara’s voice trembled slightly. “I didn’t expect to see you. You hate the coffee here.”

  “I don’t hate it, it’s just not my taste really.” Terry swallowed against the lump in her throat. “Frank loves it, and because he’s helping me out, I’m treating him. He’s a nice guy and deserves a treat now and again. For helping me, especially.” God, she was rambling.

  “That’s good. It’s good to see you.”

  “You, too.”

  “Okay.” Sara clearly had more to say, but she didn’t seem all that comfortable in their current surroundings. Her eyes nervously searched around them.

  “Are you busy tonight?” Terry heard herself ask. “I think we should talk.”

  “About what?”

  “About us.”

  “There is no us.” Sara’s voice softened as she looked around them. “And there’s nothing to talk about. You left me.”

  “I did. But I had my reasons, and I think you should know them.”

  “Hello there.” The new voice belonged to someone Terry didn’t know. She had to look up to see the woman’s dazzling green eyes. Her hair was pulled neatly into a French braid, and her makeup seemed done like a professional model. Which she could easily be. She was stunning.

  “Hey,” Sara said. She looked as surprised to see the woman as Terry. “I was just leaving.”

  “Let me walk with you.” The woman slipped her arm around Sara’s waist. “I have a meeting at the bank this morning and was hoping I’d see you. How about lunch today?”

  Sara, for an instant, looked like she’d refuse, but when she met Terry’s gaze, something changed. “Sure. Lunch sounds great. Shall we?”

  “Of course.” The woman ushered Sara out of the building, leaving a shocked Terry behind.

  The barista called her, and when Terry turned around, she had the feeling the girl had been trying to get her attention for a while. She thanked her, took the coffees, and headed for her office, now sure that talking to Sara was a mistake. There was nothing left to mend, and it broke her heart all over again.

  ****

  Sara slipped away from Angel’s arm once they were out of the building. Why the hell had she just accepted Angel’s offer to go to lunch? She was busy as hell today and planned to eat at her desk. This wasn’t going to work.

  “Before you retract our lunch date, you should know I just did that to help you out back there.”

  “You did?” Sara nearly stopped in her tracks, but she was running late and forced herself to keep going. “Why?”

  “I saw you were having trouble with that woman and could use saving. Was I right?”

  “Sort of. She’s my ex.”

  “I figured. Her loss.”

  “Thanks.” Sara wished she’d seen Terry someplace less public. Maybe she wouldn’t have been on the defensive. Maybe she’d have just gone ahead and talked to her. She’d practically written her speech should the opportunity present itself. And yet she walked away with Angel’s arm wrapped around her. What was that about? Was she trying to make Terry jealous?

  They reached the bank, and Angel gently touched Sara’s shoulder before she walked in. “Let me take you to dinner. I’m really busy today, or I’d keep the lunch offer open. But I like you and want you to know that there are women who know how to appreciate someone like you.”

  Sara felt defensive toward the barb clearly meant for Terry. She didn’t think Terry was a bad person, but that didn’t stop her from being hurt or angry. She felt slighted at Angel’s judgmental comment. The look in Angel’s eyes, however, told Sara she’d meant it as a compliment. It felt nice to know she was appreciated, though she’d rather be spending her time with Bren.

  She paused a moment to recall Bren’s schedule. She’d said something about hanging out with Izzy. They were going out tomorrow night for sure, so Sara figured tonight would be okay. No reason she couldn’t go out with more than one woman. “Thanks. That’s nice of you to say.”

  “So tonight? I can pick you up around six?”

  “Sure.” Sara gave her a winning smile and headed to her office. Inside, she felt like she’d just made a deal with the devil.

  ****

  Frank left with his coffee and took off to meet with a client regarding surveys he’d done during the summer. That was fine with Terry. She needed a moment to herself. Only she didn’t get it because the phone rang. She recognized Jackie’s number and picked it up immediately.

  “This is Terry.”

  “Hi, Terry. Jackie. Do you have a minute?”

  “Sure,” Terry said, her stomach clenching. “What’d he do now?”

  “It’s what you’re going to do that I need to talk to you about.”

  “Okay.”

  “I got a call from Shirley. She told me Mr. Dillson grabbed you the other day. Is that true?”

  Terry closed her eyes and leaned back in the chair. “Dammit. Yes, but he didn’t hurt me. I shook it off and went home.”

  “It doesn’t matter if he hurt you or not. It’s still assault. I need you to file a police report. Today if possible.”

  “What good will that do? It won’t make him stay away from me.”

  “Yes, it will. I plan on using it to force his attorney to keep him in line. We’ll file a restraining order if necessary. And this will work in our favor. The mediator won’t look kindly on Mr. Dillson’s actions.”

  “Fine. I’ll call when we’re done.” Terry paused, her eyes drawn to her picture of Felicia. “Any idea how much longer before we get this settled? It’s getting harder for me to keep the stress away from home.”

  “I understand. His attorney and I are going through the list of mediators right now. It usually takes a couple of weeks to get it scheduled, once we decide on the mediator.”

  “And his word is final? No court?”

  “Correct. The court referred us to mediation, and since Mr. Dillson agreed, then the mediator’s decision is final. That’s not to say he can’t refile or try to contest the decision, but these are rarely overturned. I doubt his attorney will recommend it.”

  “You sound like we’re going to win.”

  “I know,” Jackie said. “You keep a positive attitude, Terry. We’ll get through this. Now call the police and get that report filed.”

  “Will do. Thanks, Jackie.”

  ****

  Dinner with Angel went well and afterward they decided to go to the bar attached to the restaurant for drinks. Sara limited herself to a glass of wine, but it was still enjoyable. Angel was an interesting companion, talking about her work in realty and a gold mine near Yellowknife she had part ownership of. She’d never set foot there and certainly never had the urge to work any of the equipment, unlike Liv who would spend every day at one of her mines if she could.

  Maybe Angel was showing off for Sara, but it didn’t bother her. Angel paid for everything and Sara enjoyed being spoiled. She could get used to it, but she wasn’t about to allow it to happen. As much as she liked this side of Angel, Sara knew the relationship couldn’t go anywhere. There was no spark, no desire on her part.

  In all honesty, she’d much rather be out with Bren dancing. They definitely had sparks between them, and Sara was eager to explore them. With Angel there was nothing and Sara realized she needed to be clear about that. Sara hoped like hell she wouldn’t manage to hurt Angel’s feelings.

  Hours later they settled into Angel’s Jag, and Sara noticed the time on the radio. It was well past midnight. No wonder she was tired. The late hour and two glasses of wine had done her in. She put her
seatbelt on, relaxed, and enjoyed the rumble as the sporty engine came to life.

  Angel set the radio to some soft jazz and headed in the direction of Sara’s house. “Did I mention how lovely you look tonight?” Angel asked.

  “You did. Five times at least.” Sara laughed, even though she felt a blush creep up her neck to her cheeks. “You don’t have to keep saying it.”

  “It’s true. You shouldn’t devalue yourself. You’re a beautiful woman.”

  “Thanks,” Sara said.

  “I’d like to see you again,” Angel said. Her hand rested on Sara’s thigh. It wasn’t demanding, but it didn’t do anything for Sara. Not a single twinge or wave of heat. Just the gentle pressure of her touch.

  “You’re very sweet, Angel, but like I said last time, I’m not up for dating you. It’s great to meet you for dinner sometimes, but I’m sort of seeing someone.”

  Angel’s touch turned to a grip that stopped just short of painful. “Who?”

  “No one you know,” Sara said and removed Angel’s hand from her thigh. “We’re taking it slow, and I’m not sure where it’s going, or if it’ll even work out.”

  “Why can’t you go out with me, too? You’ve not made any commitments to this woman, right?”

  “Right, but that doesn’t mean I want to date two people at the same time. I did consider it, but I don’t think I want to. It wouldn’t work.”

  “Make it work,” Angel said, as if it were that simple.

  “No. Absolutely not. Bren’s too kind for me to do that to her. I’m sorry, but—”

  “But nothing. Make. It. Work.” Angel shocked Sara by pulling off the highway. She parked the car and faced her. She couldn’t see Angel’s face very well, but in the dim lights of the dashboard, she saw her anger. “I want to see you, Sara. I want you to give me a chance. I think you owe me that much.”

  “I owe you? What the hell are you talking about? I don’t owe you anything.”

  “You do. I brought in five more businesses to your bank. Each one coming to you for their client loans because I sent them there. Plus, I graciously saved you from having to deal with your ex today.”

  “I don’t care about the business, but you didn’t save me from anyone. In fact, I think if you hadn’t butted in Terry and I might have had a chance to talk. I need closure from her, and I might not get it if she thinks I’m not willing to sit down and listen to her.”

  “So you want to go back to her? Is that it?”

  “No. Yes. I don’t know!” Sara stared out the window into the dark night. “I need to end things properly with her. Then I can move on.”

  “Then get it done. Tomorrow.” Angel put the car in gear and sped off down the highway again, as if the conversation were now over. It so wasn’t over for Sara.

  “You don’t get to order me around, Angel. I’ll do what I want on my own time. I think going to dinner tonight was lovely, but it’s the last time. I’m not interested in seeing you anymore.”

  “Is that so?”

  There was something very scary about Angel’s tone, and Sara wished she were anywhere but in Angel’s car. “Yes. You’re not my girlfriend or my wife, and even if you were, I wouldn’t let you talk to me like this. No one orders me around. I don’t want to see you and that’s final.”

  “You don’t want to see me?”

  “No. I don’t.”

  “Fine.” Angel pulled off the highway again, reached across Sara’s lap, and opened her door. “Get out.”

  “What?”

  “You heard me. You don’t want to see me, so get the fuck out of my car.”

  Sara hesitated, not sure if Angel was being serious or not. When she pressed the button to release Sara’s seatbelt, she knew. An air of violence hung in that car, so Sara got the hell out of it. She slammed the door closed, and Angel pulled out so fast she spun her tires on the icy patches and slid onto the road in a reckless manner.

  Sara grabbed her cell phone and pulled up the first person she thought of. Her heart hammered in her ears when she realized who she’d called.

  ****

  Terry stretched and lowered the leg rest of her recliner, the book on her lap still unread. Her brain refused to stop thinking about the run-in with Sara earlier in the day. She looked beautiful as always, but there was something missing. Her smile didn’t reach her eyes, and she seemed—off. Maybe their chance encounter startled her.

  It’d certainly thrown Terry for a loop. She’d thought over and over what she would say if she saw Sara. Yet none of those rehearsed words fell from her mouth. Instead, she sounded like a babbling idiot.

  At least she’d tried to get Sara to make a time to talk to her. It sucked that her girlfriend walked up on them. It sucked more that Sara had moved on so quickly. Terry certainly hadn’t expected that. Then again, what had she expected? That Sara would become a nun?

  Her cell phone rang. She grabbed it and thumbed the Answer button by habit. She didn’t bother to check the caller ID. “Hello?”

  “Uh, hi, Terry. It’s Sara.”

  As if she wouldn’t recognize that voice. Terry’s throat constricted as she tried to form words. “Hey.”

  “I’m sorry to call so late, but I need help. I sort of got dumped along the roadside.”

  “What?” Terry was on her feet and almost outside before she realized she didn’t have her shoes on, or her coat, nor did she know where she was going.

  “Yeah. Look, can you come get me? I’m on Highway 1, about twenty minutes south of Whitehorse.”

  “Yes, of course.” She shoved her feet into a pair of boots and grabbed her jacket. She moved the phone away from her mouth to shout at her mom. “I need to go help someone out. I’ll text you to let you know how long I’ll be.”

  She heard Shirley’s voice but not her words as she was already in the driveway.

  “I’m putting the phone on Bluetooth. Don’t hang up.”

  “Don’t worry,” Sara said. Terry heard a tremor in her voice. “You’re the closest person I know to where I am. I’m sorry I had to call you.”

  “Stop apologizing.” She hesitated, not sure this was exactly the right time for the talk she wanted to have. “We broke up, but that doesn’t mean I’m not willing to help you.”

  “Thanks. I guess I wasn’t sure.”

  “You were sure enough to call me.” Terry didn’t bother to check her speed as she raced along the highway. “Are you on the west or east side of the road?”

  “Um, northbound. Coming into town, so that’d be the east side of the road.”

  “Got it.” Terry kept her high beams on and told Sara that. “I’m on my way.”

  “Good. It’s kind of creepy out here.”

  “Just stay close to the edge of the road.”

  “I’m practically standing on it right now.”

  “Good.” Terry’s heart was racing. She wanted to beat the crap out of the person who’d done this to Sara. Had they no idea how dangerous this could be? A person, alone, in the dark, along a highway that doesn’t have any streetlights and wasn’t very busy this time of night. Who does that?

  “Terry, are you still there?”

  “Yes, sorry. Just wondering what kind of asshole dumps someone on the side of a dark road.”

  “Trust me, I’m just as surprised as anyone. We had a nice dinner and—oh! I think I see your truck.”

  Terry looked toward the opposite side of the road and indeed saw Sara waving at her. Relief flooded her when she pulled alongside her and Sara climbed into her truck.

  “Thank you,” she said again.

  Terry disconnected the call and took a moment to give Sara a quick once-over. She didn’t have any visible injuries. “You okay?”

  “I am now. Take me home, please?”

  “Of course.” Terry eased her truck onto the road and drove a normal speed to Sara’s house. They were quiet on the ride there, despite the fact that Terry ached to talk to her. It d
idn’t feel like the right time, but perhaps this was a step in the right direction. Sara had needed someone and chose to call Terry.

  She pulled into Sara’s driveway and parked. Terry turned to her as Sara opened the door. The interior light made her face look unnaturally pale, and Terry was sure she spotted tearstains on her cheeks.

  “You sure you’re okay? Do you need me to come in with you? Does she know where you live?”

  “How do you know it’s a she?”

  Terry smiled and pointed to the black, form-fitting dress Sara wore. “You wouldn’t wear that unless you were on a date.”

  “It wasn’t really a date, just dinner with someone I thought was a friend.”

  “I’m sorry about that. She was an asshole for doing this to you, but I’m glad you called me. I’m glad I could be there to help you out.”

  “Me, too.” Sara’s voice was quiet, and she got out of the truck. “Thanks.”

  “Wait.” Terry had her attention, and it was now or never. “Can we please set up a time to talk? Just for a few minutes. Your office or mine, or somewhere else. I don’t care. I really need to explain myself.”

  Sara hesitated and Terry practically held her breath as she waited for an answer. “Sure. I’ll text you tomorrow.”

  “Great.”

  Sara closed the door, and Terry watched her until she was safely inside the house. It was definitely a start.

  ****

  Sara couldn’t sleep. She tossed and turned most of the night. Her cell phone informed her it was four thirty-five in the morning. She’d gotten home around one and should be well on her way to sleep after an exhausting night. Plus, it was Saturday and she wanted to sleep in. It was her day to be lazy and not get up until at least nine. This was ridiculous.

  The reason for her restlessness was easy enough to figure out. First, Angel being all possessive and dumping her on the highway late at night. Then Terry coming to her rescue like some hero from a romance novel.

  She should have taken advantage of the time together and talked to Terry. But now she feared facing her. Could they talk? Or would it end up being another fight? With all the hurt hanging between them—was it even a good idea to see her? She’d have to text her later today regardless.