by Donna Jay
“What’ll it be?” Julie asked Yvonne.
“Umm.” She pursed her lips in thought. “I think I’ll have a Bacardi and Coke.”
“Ooh, living dangerously.”
It was a drink Yvonne didn’t often indulge in, as it tended to go straight to her head.
“Unlike when I was thirty, I’m sure I can handle it.” She didn’t have to spell out what she meant.
They’d only been together a few months and Yvonne had ended up crying drunk. She’d spilled her guts about past lovers and how breaking up sucked. Snivelling against Julie’s shoulder, she’d begged her to never break her heart.
At the time, Julie didn’t know if she could keep the promise, so she just stroked her hair and soothed her.
When Yvonne had tried to entice her into bed, stating she needed her, rather than take advantage of the drunken damsel in distress, Julie tucked her in, and held her tight until she fell asleep.
After placing some painkillers on her bedside table, she’d pushed the button in the lock and let herself out.
The next day, mortified, Yvonne texted Julie asking her to forget every word she’d said and to promise to never mention it again. Julie had kept her promise, but the night was one she’d never forget. It was also the first time Yvonne had said she loved her.
Drunk or not, those three little words had wrapped around Julie’s heart.
The bartender stopped in front of them. “Evening, ladies, what’ll it be tonight?”
“Bacardi and Coke for my lady, and what’s on tap?”
“We have lager or stout.”
“Ew. You can keep the stout.” Julie screwed up her face. She didn’t know how people could drink the thick, black brew. “I’ll have a lager, please.”
“Coming right up.” He pulled the handle, flicked froth off the top of the glass, then continued to pour.
After placing the pint in front of Julie, he grabbed a tumbler and addressed Yvonne. “Ice for the lady?”
She absently fiddled with her necklace, looking delighted. “Please, but not too much.”
As he turned to do her bidding, Yvonne nudged Julie in the side. She leaned in close. “Don’t look now, but do you know that woman at the end of the bar?”
Without thought, Julie spun around.
Her eyes locked on an attractive young woman. Lights from the bar shimmered off pearl drop earrings. Delicate curls of honey-blonde hair framed her face. A gold chain with a pendant drew the eye to her cleavage framed by a V-neck top.
Not wanting to be caught staring, she turned back around.
The muscles in Yvonne’s jaw worked. “I said don’t look now.”
“Come on, that’s like telling a kid not to play with matches. And no, I don’t know her. Why?”
“She keeps looking at us. Are you sure? Maybe you read her meter. And for God’s sake, don’t turn around again.”
“Considering I have my back to her, she must be looking at you? Maybe you priced up a job and were too expensive. Is she shooting daggers at you or smiling?” Julie took a mouthful of beer, enjoying the cold brew.
“Shit.” Panic flashed in Yvonne’s eyes. “She’s heading this way.”
Amused, Julie shook her head. “Would you relax? She probably knows those two blokes down there.” She pointed to the end of the bar.
“Hi.” A soft voice came from behind them.
Julie spun on her barstool and was met by amber eyes. At a quick guess, the woman was in her early thirties.
“Hi,” Julie said, being polite as Yvonne appeared to have lost her voice.
“I saw you looking my way. I’m sure you’re nervous, so I thought I’d break the ice.” She gave them an alluring smile.
“What are you talking about?” The sharp tone of Yvonne’s voice made Julie wince.
“Lisa and Tina?” She looked from one to the other, waiting for confirmation.
“No.” Julie pointed to herself and then Yvonne. “I’m Julie, this is Yvonne.”
“Oh.” Her face fell. “I should’ve known. Sorry to bother you.”
“Known what?” Yvonne asked.
The woman shook her head. “I’ve been stood up.”
“What’s your name?” Julie asked, unsure why.
“Barbara.” She cleared her throat. “Brenda.”
Eyeing her like an interloper, Yvonne didn’t beat around the bush. “You’re not sure of your name?”
“It’s complicated.” When the door to the pub opened, Brenda’s face lit up. A couple walked in, and her expression dimmed. She looked like a lost puppy.
“I’ll leave you two in peace.” She gave them a half smile. “Enjoy your evening, ladies.”
“Must suck to be stood up,” Julie said, her heart sinking on Brenda’s behalf.
“I reckon,” Yvonne spoke in a whisper, her lips brushing the shell of Julie’s ear. “Should we ask her to join us? I feel really sorry for her.”
“I’m all for making new friends,” Julie replied. She met new people every day. Talking to strangers was second nature to her.
“Hey,” Julie said. Once she had Brenda’s attention, she pointed to an empty table behind them. “You’re welcome to sit with us while you finish your drink.”
“That’s a very kind offer.” A small smile crinkled her eyes. “I’d like that.”
Once they were seated, Yvonne asked the question that had been running through Julie’s mind.
“So, Barbara…”
“Brenda.”
“Right. So, Brenda, how does one forget their name.”
“I didn’t forget. Barbara’s my online name, my real name is Brenda. You two seem normal, so I dropped the alias.”
Confusion was written all over Yvonne’s face. She looked at Julie as if to say, please translate.
Totally lost herself, Julie drained the last of her beer. “Care to explain?”
“Yeah,” Yvonne said, sounding like a sassy teenager instead of a fifty-one-year-old woman. “Why lie about your name? Lying’s not a good way to start any relationship.”
Brenda smiled around the straw she was sipping on. She pulled it out from between her ruby-red lips and addressed Yvonne head on. “Firstly, who said I’m looking for a relationship? Secondly, have you ever dated online?”
“No. Never. My wife and I have been together for twenty years, married for almost five of those.”
Julie’s mind was still stuck on the first question. “I thought you said you got stood up?”
“I did.”
“But you were meeting Lisa and Tina.”
“I was.”
All the colour drained from Yvonne’s face before rushing back, her cheeks crimson. “Forgive me for being so forward…”
Julie put her elbows on the table. This was going to be good.
“Are you saying you were meeting a couple, a lesbian couple, to have, to you know…”
“To fuck?”
The way the word rolled off Brenda’s tongue sent an unexpected blast of heat straight between Julie’s legs. Brenda’s eyes never strayed from Yvonne, and that turned her on even more.
What the hell was going on here? Julie shook her head to clear it of all sexual thoughts, images of Brenda taking control, not only of her but of Yvonne as well.
If anyone could dominate them both, she had no doubt Brenda could. She had an aura about her that screamed stand up and listen. Or get on your knees, as may be the case.
“Wow, you don’t mince words, do you?” Yvonne looked equal parts impressed and embarrassed.
Brenda lifted a shoulder. “It is what it is, and I’m not here to waste anyone’s time. Unfortunately, it seems Lisa and Tina joined the site to do just that.”
Ice tinkled in Yvonne’s glass as she drained the last mouthful. “What site?”
“Find Someone.”
Julie was torn between going to the bar to get Yvonne a refill and staying glued to her seat, so she didn’t miss a thing.
“Sounds like a dating site to m
e, not a hook-up site.” Yvonne put her empty glass on the table.
“You’d be surprised.” A twinkle sparkled in Brenda’s eyes. She looked like mischief personified. “Can I buy you ladies a drink?”
Brilliant! A thrill shot through Julie. She wouldn’t have to leave the table after all.
“Oh, wow, what a nice offer. It’s Yvonne’s birthday.” Julie beamed.
Yvonne narrowed her eyes but let it go. She hated being made a fuss of, and that included Julie telling all and sundry it was her birthday.
“Since it’s rude to ask a lady her age, I won’t.” Brenda tucked a loose curl behind her ear. “But let me guess...” She tilted her head, studying Yvonne, gaze raking over her body.
Rather than feel jealous, Julie had the insane desire to ask if she wanted to follow them home.
Ugh, what was wrong with her? They were married, not playing the field. That ship sailed long ago.
“Forty-two. Am I right?” Brenda leaned back in her chair, arms folded across her breasts. Very nice breasts; high, full, and round.
“Is that how you snag your women, sweet talk them?” Yvonne said.
“Not at all, I prefer to order them around.”
Feigning a hot flash, Julie picked up a menu and fanned herself.
“Well, if that’s how it works, I’m not interested.” Yvonne sat back, mimicking Brenda’s posture.
“Did I imply you were?” Brenda’s lips twitched. She was having fun.
Flustered, Yvonne held up her empty glass. “I’ll have a Bacardi and Coke, thanks.”
“How about you? Julie isn’t it?”
“It is, and I’ll have a lager, thank you.”
While Brenda was at the bar, Julie moved her chair closer to Yvonne’s. “Are you okay?”
She didn’t want to get rid of Brenda but if Yvonne was uncomfortable then she would. After all, it was Yvonne’s special night, and you only got to celebrate your birthday once a year.
“I’m having fun, and it would be pretty crappy to ditch her when she’s already been stood up once tonight.”
Julie spoke into Yvonne’s ear. “And she’s pretty hot.”
“She’s gorgeous. And at least twenty years my junior.”
Julie sat back. “And that doesn’t appeal to you?”
“I’m not even going to answer that.” Yvonne pursed her lips. “You’re my wife, and I only have eyes for you.”
Rather than point out Yvonne did in fact answer the question, Julie whispered, “Happy Birthday.”
The staccato of heels on the hardwood floor announced Brenda’s return. “Beer for you.” She placed a tall glass in front of Julie. “Rum and Coke for you.” She put a tumbler in front of Yvonne.
“Thank you, but I said Bacardi.”
How rude.
Cheeks on fire, Julie nudged Yvonne’s foot under the table. She ignored her.
Pulling her chair closer, Brenda rested her elbows on the table, chin on her hands. “Bacardi is rum. White rum.” She held Yvonne’s gaze. “You’re welcome, by the way.”
“Sorry, and thank you,” Yvonne said, looking and sounding remorseful.
Brenda sipped from a straw in a tall glass.
Julie nodded at the clear liquid. “Please don’t tell me that’s Bacardi on the rocks?”
“Sorry to disappoint, it’s water on the rocks.”
“Oh, great. Now I feel bad,” Yvonne said. “Not only was I rude, but you paid for drinks for us and didn’t get one for yourself. Here, allow me.” She picked up her purse.
“It’s fine.” Brenda put a hand on Yvonne’s forearm stopping her movements.
Time stood still as all three fixated on the unexpected contact. After what felt like forever, Brenda retracted her hand.
“Sorry, I don’t normally touch without permission. But I’m fine, honestly. I have to drive back to Dannevirke, so I can’t have another.”
“You drove all this way to hook up with someone?” Yvonne took a healthy swig of her drink.
Tempted to tell her to slow down, Julie reminded herself she was her lover not her mother. And she had to admit, when Yvonne’s inhibitions were lowered she was a sight to behold.
“Sure, it’s not that far, and Dannevirke’s a small place. I don’t need people knowing my business.”
“And what is your business?” Yvonne nailed her with a look that made Julie brace herself. “Breaking up married women?”
Ouch.
It took all of Julie’s willpower not to rip the glass out from under Yvonne’s nose.
“You’re adorable.” Brenda gave her a clipped smiled. “And ill-informed. I hate to break it to you, but not every couple is monogamous.”
“I know that. Before we met…” She looked at Julie and Julie shook her head, the movement almost imperceptible.
Relief swept through her when Yvonne trailed off. No matter how nice Brenda seemed, Julie’s affair with Sadie was no one else’s business.
“How does it work?” An adorable blush tinted Yvonne’s cheeks. “You know, when you meet up with a couple.”
“Would you like me to tell you? Or show you?” There was that enigmatic smile again. Brenda was trouble with a capital T. She was also sex on legs. Long, toned legs.
“You know perfectly well what I meant.” Yvonne’s tone was all business, but Julie wasn’t fooled. She was more than a little intrigued, and that intrigued Julie.
“May I ask you something?” Brenda directed the question at Yvonne.
Julie’s heart leapt into her throat. What was she going to ask? Would Yvonne be polite or shoot her down?
“Sure.”
“Where do you work?”
“Why?”
“I can learn a lot about a person by their job.”
Biting back a grin, Julie nudged Yvonne’s elbow. “Go on, tell her who you work for.”
“Gary’s Erection Company.” She held Brenda’s gaze as if challenging her to poke fun at the name. Gary’s ego aside, Yvonne was fiercely loyal to her boss.
When Brenda turned her attention to her phone, it took everything in Julie not to tell her to stop being so bloody rude. How dare her ignore Yvonne to check her messages. Perhaps she had a message from her no show.
A slow smile spread across her face. “Nice to meet you, Yvonne Henderson.”
“What?” Yvonne’s mouth fell open. “How did you know my last name?”
“It’s on the company website. Project manager, huh? Nice.” She looked from Julie to Yvonne. “Rule number one when playing, don’t give out your real name.”
“Who says we’re playing?”
“No one, you asked me to tell you how it works.”
“Sorry.” Yvonne nodded. “Go on.”
“Do you have a landline?”
“Sure do,” Julie replied, thoughts of her mother making her smile.
“In the phonebook?”
“Yep,” Yvonne replied. “Under my name.”
“So I could find out your address too.” A smug smile graced her face.
Well I’ll be a mother fucker.
Just how easy it was to be found hit Julie like a sledgehammer. She was always cautious about what she posted on Facebook, which wasn’t much these days, but not once had she stopped to think bragging about her wife and the projects she was managing could lead someone to their doorstep.
“Where do you work?” Yvonne asked Brenda.
“In retail. Rule number two. Don’t reveal too much about yourself too soon.”
Barely taking her eyes off Brenda, Yvonne pushed her empty glass in front of Julie.
“No giving out real names, got it. When does the fun begin? Because from where I’m sitting, being stood up isn’t much fun.”
“Oh, I don’t know about that. I’m having fun, aren’t you?” She flashed Yvonne a killer smile that made Julie weak in the knees.
Hoping her legs wouldn’t give out, she got to her feet. “Would you like another water?”
“If I’m not overstayin
g my welcome,” Brenda replied, “That would be lovely.”
Chapter 11
After too much to drink, and a delicious meal of fish and chips, they said goodnight to Brenda and fell into the backseat of a cab, laughing.
Yvonne rested her head on Julie’s shoulder. “Oh, my God. Can you believe it? She offered us a lift home!”
“I can, she was nice and totally into you.” Julie hadn’t missed Brenda’s appreciative gaze rake over Yvonne’s body on more than one occasion.
“Was not.” Yvonne snorted.
“Was too.”
“Well, tough, I’m all yours. And when we get home, I’m going to show you how hot I think you are.”
“You’re drunk.”
“I’m horny.” She hiccupped on a giggle.
“Shh.” Julie nudged Yvonne when the cab driver glanced at them in the rearview mirror.
Once they arrived home, she put Yvonne in the shower and turned it to cold.
“Fuck.” Yvonne screeched, nipples puckering under the cold jets. “That’s just mean. No sex for you.” She pouted.
“Good.” Julie turned the water to warm. “I’d hate to be accused of taking advantage of you while you’re drunk.”
She turned to pull a towel off the heated rail and was assailed by big fat drops of water. She turned and got an eye full…of water.
She held up her hands, shielding her face. “What the fuck?”
“Oops, sorry. Now we’re even.” Yvonne giggled, hanging up the showerhead.
Not willing to admit defeat, Julie slipped out of her wet shirt. “We’re not even until I’m naked, too.”
In the blink of an eye, the atmosphere went from playful to charged. Yvonne wrapped her arms around her, pulling her close, chest to chest.
With her heated gaze locked on Julie, Yvonne walked backward, towing her toward their bedroom. All of Julie’s good intentions not to take advantage of Yvonne while she was drunk flew out the window.
In the bedroom, she quickly stripped and joined Yvonne on the bed. “Tell me you want me.”
“I want you. So, so much.” The desperation in her tone ramped up Julie’s excitement. She lowered her mouth to Yvonne’s, swallowing her moans of pleasure.
They kissed long and slow, bodies and tongues entwined. Weaving her leg out from between Yvonne’s, Julie cupped her mound. Liquid heat soaked into her palm.
