Alex made herself a grilled ham and cheese sandwich and was given one piece of orange chicken as Cyn placed the remainder of her leftovers on a plate to reheat. Smiling at her friend, she guarded her plate as she placed it in the microwave. Alex grabbed a bottle of water and noticed the time. She could call Sam, but then she may still be eating like last night. She didn’t want her wolfing down her dinner again so she decided to call later. As she sat at the table, she let Cyn know she was waiting for her, with the promise not to steal any of her dinner. Cyn came to the table never losing eye contact with Alex so she couldn’t sneak up on her and get another piece.
“This possessiveness over food is a new side I haven’t seen before. Is it just orange chicken or are you this way with all your favorite foods?” Alex was smiling, but it was also a serious question.
“So far it’s just the orange chicken, I think. But as you introduce me to more varieties, it could grow. Too soon to tell. How’s your sandwich?” Cyn smiled as she placed a piece of the glazed chicken in her mouth and made the yummy sound.
“Peachy keen. I don’t need to ask how your dinner is, do I?” Alex took a bite of her sandwich, which was very good, but it wasn’t leftover Chinese. “I forgot to ask. What did your fortune cookie say?”
“It wasn’t a fortune. It was one of those ‘you make friends easy’ statements. I felt cheated. What did yours say?” Cyn was really glad it hadn’t told her fortune.
“Something about strong principles meaning more to me than money. I felt cheated too.” It may not have been a fortune but it was the truth about her. “Do you have papers to grade or are you free tonight? After I call Sam I wondered if we could watch some television. Maybe there’s another good movie on tonight.”
“No paperwork tonight. But I was thinking about putting my profile back on the lesbian dating service. Will you review it for me before I post it?” Cyn was ready to jump back into internet dating.
“I’d love to, but are you sure you want to go that way again? You told me that last time you hated all the driving not to mention the false statements made in the women’s profiles.” Alex wished there was a bigger lesbian community in the area for Cyn to find Ms. Right.
“You mean the lies about age, financial security and gender? Yeah, well what’s a single girl in the middle of Heteroville to do?” Cyn at least had Alex to help review all the profiles of prospective girlfriends.
“You’re right. I just wish we could find someone for you locally who we can check out before you get too involved with her. Maybe Carol knows of some eligible lesbians in town. Now that she knows all about my life I won’t feel awkward asking her.” Alex realized that some of the townsfolk knowing all about her could turn into a very good thing.
“Well, if you ask, could you not mention any names? Tell her you’re on a fact finding mission for future reference. I don’t want it getting back to John that I’m desperate. He thinks I’m fighting off women all the time. I wouldn’t want to burst that little delusion of his.” Cyn liked that he thought she was popular with women. Maybe if the lesbian pool was a lot bigger, she would be.
“Why, you little rascal! Why didn’t you tell me this? Has this all come about since I went to the ranch?” Alex was finding out all kinds of new intel on Cyn tonight.
“Well, you were gone and I was somewhat of a celeb during that time.” Feeling herself blush, Cyn shrugged her shoulders in a ‘what’s a girl to do?’ motion.
“So the good Sheriff thinks you’re a ladies’ lady. Interesting. Tell me more. I think we should skip the movie and you should bring me up to date on what’s been happening here.” Alex took the last bite of her sandwich and smiled at her friend.
“Okay. But go call Sam first. I need time to remember everything you don’t know and also reasons I did it all.” Cyn smiled as she finished her dinner.
“Good idea. I want it all, every little thing in detail. Put the plates in the sink and I’ll do the dishes after my call. Deal?” Alex didn’t want Cyn doing the dishes every night.
“No deal. You’re my house guest and I do my best thinking while doing housework. Go call and leave me to it.” Cyn needed all the time she could get as there was a lot to tell.
Grabbing her down jacket, Alex walked out onto the porch and got comfortable on the swing. She faced the road and was hoping a white truck would drive by. Looking at the time on her phone, she calculated that Sam should be done with dinner and ready to talk.
“Good evening. I hope you’re done eating and have plenty to tell me about your day.” Alex loved the sound of Sam’s voice. It was so low and calming.
“Good evening, Darlin’. Well, it’s Thursday, so for dinner we had a choice of Yankee pot roast or cheeseburgers with all the fixin’s. That’s about all the exciting news I have to report. Oh, and I miss you very much.” Sam knew she would get some teasing about putting that little response last.
“You’re beginning to think like me you’re putting the food details first. I miss you and the Yankee pot roast too, in that order. Oh, how I miss Pablo’s cooking. I had a grilled ham and cheese sandwich. Yummy. What did you have?” Alex might as well take comfort in the fact that Sam was eating well without her.
“The cheeseburger with lots of onions. No one here to worry about having to put up with my bad breath while we’re making out behind the barn.” Sam could hardly wait for the time when she could be holding Alex again.
“I’m so glad to hear that. But I’ll be keeping you busy with plenty of exciting things to do when you get here. Between making out, cooking, making out, my building project and making out, you’ll have plenty to tell Jessie when she calls checking on you.” Alex knew Sam wouldn’t share the making out details with Jess.
“Are you saying my life is boring here without you, just because I have nothing to tell you?” Sam knew that was the truth.
“No. Your life is very exciting and will be even more so when you get here.” Alex was counting the days.
“You’re so cute when you lie. We both know the truth about ranch life especially with you gone. Although the trail rides are still fun, since we now get to take the new guests up to your little crime scene/haunted canyon. That’s still good for a couple of hours. Then having to retell the whole story is a chore so Andy and I have switched off doing that. But all in all it’s the same old, same old.” Sam hadn’t realized how much her life was missing these days until she met Alex.
“Well, it’s good to hear the guests are still interested in all that, but my life out here isn’t any more exciting than that. Cyn’s little drama isn’t progressing with any suspects. I did move some stuff into my new house today. Oh, and I forgot to tell you that Dez moved me out lock, stock and barrel. She put all my stuff in my garage and closet. It’s great not having to do all that. It’s the best present she ever gave me and the last thing I would have expected her to do. So I have dishes, a refrigerator, pots and pans, several small appliances and a futon in my new place not to mention a garage with boxes I never unpacked from my move to Dez’s. How’s that for exciting news? I know what I’m doing this weekend.” Alex would be unpacking big time. She wanted her place to be perfect when Sam arrived so they would have plenty of time for each other the first few days.
“Wow, you have been busy. Sounds like I’ll be able to cook for you all the time once I arrive. Is the futon for us or do you have a real bed?” Sam was hoping for a real bed.
“I have a real bed. It’s been in storage nicely wrapped these past four years. I can hardly wait to get it moved in. That will happen this weekend too. I just realized I need a washer and dryer. I need to get on that.” Alex didn’t remember if she saw either in the garage. She needed to ask Cyn.
As Alex looked at her phone, she realized the time and that she still needed to spend some of the evening with Cyn before bedtime. After spending another twenty minutes discussing the happenings at the ranch and the antics of a few of the new guests, Alex wrapped up her call with Sam. They
said their goodnights and exchanged wishes of sweet dreams until they could talk on Saturday. Alex informed Sam of the football game she was going to with Carol and the other parents. Sam told her to have fun and that she would miss her terribly, at which point Alex responded in kind.
Upon entering the house, Alex found Cyn sitting on the couch, channel surfing. Alex took off her jacket and sat next to her. Wanting to hear about all that had gone on while she was away, she told Cyn she had her undivided attention for the remainder of the evening. Cyn smiled, took a deep breath, and was ready to fill her in on everything. This could take a while.
Chapter 15
Cyn started with what happened while Alex was in the hospital from Saturday until Monday morning. First, she had to bring Sheriff John up to speed on all that had been happening at school that Frederick hadn’t already told him about including comparing notes on what he knew about Richard Greenway’s part in it all.
Then on Sunday, Cyn and the Sheriff needed to return to Taylorwood for photos of the area. He had taken the pictures and roped the crime scene off to keep the locals and students from causing the hillside to fall away any more. While they were there, they began talking about relationships and crimes of passion. The Sheriff asked Cyn if women were more capable of this type of crime, wondering how passionate and possessive they could be when it came to being involved with another woman. Cyn mentioned she had never had this problem herself when dating other women, but it could be possible. So, when the Sheriff made assumptions about her life and having to beat women off, she didn’t exactly correct those assumptions. In a way she was just as guilty as Lucy for not correcting people when they assumed she was seeing Alex. When Alex asked her what she told the Sheriff about her current status, she said she was still looking. Alex’s look brought a response from Cyn, assuring her that in no way did she imply she was dating her, and that nothing was going on between them. Smiling and shaking her head, Alex commented to Cyn that she didn’t think she had it in her to pretend to be a swinger, but promised not to burst the Sheriff’s illusions about her. Then she asked her if there was anything else she needed to be briefed on. Cyn responded she didn’t think so, but if there was, it would be sure to pop up one of these days.
Alex had learned so much about Cyn tonight and then suddenly remembered to ask if she had a washer and dryer hook up at her house. Cyn informed her there was a washer and dryer around the back of the work room in a little shed all by themselves, as well as a little sink. Alex thanked her again for finding her such a great house, and informed her she owed her big time for it.
Grabbing a piece of paper, they began to work on Cyn’s profile for the internet dating service. Alex wanted Cyn to know from the start she would be the last word on who was acceptable to date her and she didn’t want any arguments. Cyn agreed and figured it wouldn’t really be that big of a deal as the possibilities of her having more than one or two to consider were very slim. The usual details were easy such as age, color of hair and eyes, occupation, income range, etc. Now came the hard part, coming up with the words to describe what she was looking for in a partner or just a date for that matter. Alex looked at Cyn who shrugged her shoulders as she didn’t really know what she was looking for.
“You must have some idea. Should she be older, younger, shorter, taller, athletic, couch potato, brainy, funny, serious? Jump in here anytime, Cyn.” Alex saw the blank look on her face and knew she didn’t have a clue.
“If I could place an order and have her delivered to my door, no problem. But that doesn’t happen. I have to pick a real live woman who has faults and virtues, and who also wants the perfect woman like we all do. But since that isn’t possible we have to pick one out using words to describe her spirit. What makes her want to get up in the morning? What is she passionate about in her life? I don’t want to pick her apart for little quirks she may possess. Oh, I don’t really know what I want when I have to put it into words. If you had to describe Sam, could you and get the same person? We all think we have qualities others don’t see in us, or ones that others think we have that we’re not aware of. How do you put into words enough to get someone interested in you, but not make it sound too wordy or over the top?” Cyn just said a mouthful and hoped Alex had the answer.
“You’re right. I could describe Sam, but then she is one of a kind and if she read it she would probably disagree on some points. As far as being passionate about something, I don’t know if she is. Maybe about her horse Smokey, but we never really talked about it. Okay, so take a piece of paper and write down everything you like and dislike in a woman. Then we can try to word it in such a way as to not sound too demanding, but like we’re setting guidelines.” Alex was going to do the same thing and then see if she came up with Sam.
They stared at their pieces of paper thinking of the easy stuff, like honesty, sense of humor, intelligence, loyalty and morals. Then Alex started to write down everything she saw in Sam. She had a love for animals, nature, and family. She had a good work ethic, as well as being very responsible in carrying out her job. She cared for others, but not at her own expense. She had patience to allow someone to be themselves, but also the wisdom to know when enough was enough. There was a devotion to the one she loved most without smothering that person, but at the same time not ignoring them. She was available to spend quality time being intimate or just watching television. She allowed them to be themselves and do their own thing without being jealous of who or what they spent time with. Looking over at Cyn, she realized she hadn’t written a thing.
“Stuck?” Alex was lucky because she had Sam to describe. She wasn’t so sure she could come up with someone out of the blue.
“Totally. I could describe a younger you. Would that be weird?” It was all Cyn could think of.
“No. Not really. I just described Sam. Describe me as you see me and then tweak it. You know, add the things you want to do. You love camping, so add that as a must do activity.” Alex was curious as to how Cyn would describe her.
Cyn started to write. Alex was surprised at how quickly she came up with her description, plus her own tweaking.
Please respond if you are fun loving, adventurous, and not easily bored with day to day activities. Someone who likes to cook, as well as being cooked for. Is eager to work in the yard or on the house, and not afraid to get dirty, or break a nail. Willing to go camping, even if it’s not one of your favorite activities. Is able to enjoy the company of others when called upon to do so. A romantic at heart, but doesn’t wear their heart on their sleeve. Who can see the humor in life’s little problems, and doesn’t blow a gasket when things don’t go right. Able to talk about what’s bothering you, and open to discussion if there’s a problem. If so, let’s hook up and take the road less traveled to see where we end up.
“So this is how you see me, with your own tweaks.” Alex liked what she read.
“Is it okay?” Cyn hoped she liked it.
“I love it. I would reply to this.” Alex put an A++ on
the paper and handed it back to Cyn, who was beaming. “Really? Great, I’ll put it on the site tonight. Thanks,
Alex.” Giving Alex a hug, she jumped off the couch and
headed for her computer.
“You’re welcome. But remember I get the final
word.” Knowing it was easier said than done, Alex just hoped
Cyn would find someone worthy.
“Yes, ma’am.” Cyn was really hoping this would be
the case.
Turning on the television, Alex looked at her
description of Sam and was grateful she had already had her
order for a girlfriend filled and delivered. Now she would see
if there was anything worth watching tonight.
Cyn was still working away on the computer when
Alex gave up trying to find anything worth staying up and
losing sleep over, and went to bed.
Chapter 16
Cyn
’s alarm buzzed to life. Alex begrudgingly awoke. She had been dreaming of Sam and a lovely night of making love. The days were dragging and this month was going to take forever to end. But the good news was it was Friday and she needed the weekend. The past week hadn’t been that demanding, but her mind wasn’t in her work it was still in New Mexico wanting to be fed breakfast in bed and to curl up with a good woman at night. Another sixteen days to go before Sam arrived. Ugh, was all she could think of as she drug herself out of bed. Taking a look out the window, she wished the white truck would drive up the road and the driver would introduce himself, but no such luck. Tonight was the football game so no time to do any work moving her belongings into the house. But come Saturday morning she was going to make it her mission to have everything out of storage and in her new home by the end of the day. At least that was the plan.
On the drive to work, Alex was filled in on what Cyn had done all evening and what time she finally got to bed. Cyn was excited. She thought her profile was the best one she had ever done. Alex hoped the results would be just as exciting. She had a good feeling and that was a good thing. As they approached school, Alex thought to herself how much she loved her job and how when Sam arrived things were going to be almost perfect. The “almost” came from Sam only staying a month, but who knew, the stars worked in mysterious ways. Alex would need to check and see if Mercury, Venus or Jupiter where due to go retrograde anytime soon.
“See you at lunch,” came out of Alex’s mouth as she turned to look back at the parking lot as the sound of a vehicle speeding away caught her attention. It was a white pickup, just like the one she saw down on the road. “Cyn, look. It’s him.”
“Who him?” Cyn looked at Alex and then in the direction of where she was pointing. “What did you see?”
“The white pickup. It drove down the driveway heading for the main road. It came from the maintenance yard.” Alex wanted to go find out who it was, but first period was going to start in three minutes. “Okay, at lunch we find out who belongs to that truck.” Now they were getting somewhere, and the sooner the better.
but, mercury's not in retrograde! Page 7
