by Lydia Rose
“Hey,” Helen said as she moved closer.
“Did Alex tell you she brought us lasagna for lunch?”
“She did.”
“Wait until you taste it. It’s delicious.”
Helen took the seat in front of Rachel’s desk. “When are you going to ask that girl out?”
The coffee that had just gone into her mouth was spit back into her cup. “What?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. I see the way you look at that woman.” Helen threw her hands up. “I see the way she looks at you. You’ve both been doing this dance of trying to pretend that you aren’t attracted to one another, but it’s not working.”
“Helen, she’s my employee.”
“So. It’s not like this is a big corporation where you can or cannot promote her based on your relationship.”
Rachel looked at Helen. “Suppose it doesn’t work out?”
“I think it’s worked out pretty well so far.”
“We haven’t been dating.”
“Yes, you have. You’ve been to dinner with her how many times? You spent Christmas Eve together. Yes, you’ve been dating.” Helen sighed. “Do you want to admit how you’re feeling after Alexandra meets someone else?”
“No.”
“Then you ask that girl out and don’t take no for an answer.”
“You think she’ll say no?” Helen asked, worried.
“I’m sure she’s just as much afraid as you are.” Helen stood up.
“Thanks, Helen.”
“Anytime, boss.”
At the end of the day, Alexandra was in the break room washing the container that had once held the lasagna. She never heard Rachel walk into the room.
“Hi,” Rachel said softly.
Turning, Alexandra looked at her. “Hi. I thought you left already.”
“No, just finishing up some paperwork.”
Alexandra turned and began drying the plastic container. She glanced and saw Rachel just watching her. “Is there something I can do for you?”
“Yes,” she said softly.
Alexandra raised an eyebrow waiting for Rachel to tell her what she needed. Her hand stopped drying.
“Would you have dinner with me on Friday night?” Rachel finally asked.
“Dying for a hamburger again?” Alexandra asked with a smile. She put the towel down to dry and put her container in a bag, but kept her back to her.
“Not a hamburger. I thought we’d go to some place nice. Some place where we had to dress up.”
Alexandra spun around looking at Rachel, but she was too stunned to speak.
“I’m asking you out on a date, Alex,” she said softly as she moved closer to Alexandra.
“But…” Alexandra said, turning away.
“You’re only my employee when we’re in the office, Alex. When we’re through with work, we’re just two women.”
“I don’t think…” Alexandra couldn’t finish her statement as Rachel’s finger covered her lips.
“I know you are about to give me a bunch of reasons why we shouldn’t go out with each other. What you don’t realize is that we’ve been dating for a while now,” Rachel smiled. “Just without the benefits.”
“Benefits?” Alexandra asked, trying to fight her grin.
“Yes. Alexandra, I’m crazy about you if you haven’t noticed. Do you know how hard it’s been not to touch you? To kiss you?” She moved closer to Alexandra. “Please say yes.”
Alexandra nodded. “Yes.” Then Rachel leaned forward and kissed Alexandra’s lips softly.
“I knew they would be so soft,” Rachel said before her lips found Alexandra’s again. This time the kiss deepened and their arms went around each other. Both unable to stop the passion they felt for each other. As the kiss ended, Rachel looked at her face. “Amazing,” she said as her hand caressed Alexandra’s face. “So can I pick you up at seven?”
Alexandra nodded. “Yes.”
The rest of the week, Alexandra and Rachel kept their new relationship to themselves. When they were alone there were intimate looks passing between them, but they never crossed the line in the office.
Friday afternoon, Alexandra had her head in the refrigerator in the break room looking for soda.
“Hey,” Rachel said, whispering in Alexandra’s ear.
Alexandra popped up so fast, she almost hit her head on the opened door. “Don’t do that,” she said keeping her voice low. A smile crossed her lips as she watched the doorway. “Someone is going to catch us together.”
“Helen and Callie are getting ready to go home shortly. They’re busy finishing their work.” Rachel moved Alexandra away from the doorway. “I can’t wait for tonight.”
Alexandra eyes opened wide in shock.
“Wait. I don’t mean I’m expecting anything,” Rachel said stuttering. “I mean I can’t wait to be alone with you.”
“I want that too, Rachel,” Alexandra said with a wide smile.
Rachel quickly kissed Alexandra’s lips. “I’ve been dying to do that for days.”
Alexandra smiled. “I think I better get back to my desk.”
Rachel grabbed her arm before she could get away and gave her one more kiss.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
Alexandra was dressed and ready for her date with Rachel at six thirty. Her nerves were starting to get to her as she waited for Rachel to arrive.
“Sit down and relax, Alex,” Tracy said with a laugh. “Rachel will be here in a few minutes.”
“I know.”
“Why are you so nervous?”
“I don’t know. I guess I’m afraid that this won’t go so well.”
“You’ve been out with her before. Don’t think of this as a date. Just the two of you sharing dinner and having a good time.”
Alexandra nodded. “If only it was that easy.”
“Are you afraid she’s going to want sex?” Tracy asked quietly.
“No.” But was she? “This is our first date. I have no intention of going to bed with her.”
“Then settle down. It’s just Rachel.”
Alexandra nodded. “I’m just going to check my make-up.” She left the room. She knew that Rachel wouldn’t push their relationship too quickly, but what would happen when they finally made love. Would Rachel be disappointed? Would she be disappointed? All these crazy thoughts were going through her mind when she heard the knock on the door.
“Rachel, come on in,” Tracy said. “You look nice.”
“Thanks.” Rachel smiled at the choice she had made. She decided on a navy blue pair of dress slacks with a light blue silk blouse. Her outfit was completed with a black leather blazer.
“Alex will be right out.” As Tracy said that, Alexandra entered the room.
“Hi,” she said shyly.
“Wow.” Rachel commented. “You look beautiful.”
“Thank you.” Alexandra reached for her coat which Rachel took out of her hands. Rachel now held the coat out for Alexandra to slip on. Alexandra had chosen a black Aline dress with red across the bodice. Her black boots came to just below her knees. The heels brought Alexandra up to Rachel’s height.
“You two enjoy the evening.” Tracy stood there holding the door open for them.
“Don’t get into any trouble,” Rachel said with a wink.
“I won’t,” Tracy answered, returning the wink.
“You have my number if you need anything,” Alexandra said before leaving the apartment.
“Go,” Tracy said, rolling her eyes. “I’m not a child.”
The door closed behind them as they stepped into the hall. “I guess we were being overprotective?” Alexandra said.
Rachel reached for Alexandra’s hand as they walked down the hallway. As they got to the car, she opened Alexandra’s door.
“Thank you.”
Rachel got in the car and before she started the car she leaned over and kissed Alexandra’s cheek. “I’m so happy that you agreed to go out with me.”
�
��I don’t think either one of us had a choice in the matter,” Alexandra said with a chuckle. “I liked you from the moment I met you.”
“Me, too.”
“I doubt that.” Rachel raised her eyebrows. “Well, not before Callie gave me my makeover.”
“Believe what you want, but I thought you were very pretty even before that so called makeover.” Rachel tried to sound reassuring, but she could tell by the look on Alexandra’s face that she didn’t believe her.
Rachel took Alexandra’s hand again as they walked into the restaurant and walked up to the hostess stand.
“Benson,” Rachel told the woman.
“Yes, Doctor Benson. Your table is ready.” The woman smiled as she led them into the dining room.
As they walked to their table, Alexandra realized that Rachel had brought her to a gay-friendly restaurant. The tables were filled with couples of the same sex. A smile crossed her lips as she took her seat.
“I guess my choice of restaurant was good?” Rachel asked.
“Yes,” Alexandra said leaning toward Rachel. “That’s what I love about California. People can be themselves.”
Rachel took Alexandra’s hand and squeezed it. “I’m glad you like it.”
The waitress interrupted their conversation. “Can I start you out with something to drink?”
“I’ll have a club soda,” Alexandra said.
“I’ll have a cranberry spritzer.”
“Can you recommend anything good here?”
Rachel smiled. “Never been here. Natalie told me about this place, but she did say everything was good.”
Once the waitress took their order, Alexandra began to relax. “Have you ever been in a long-term relationship?”
Rachel nodded. “It’s been years. I was with someone all through med school, but we broke up when we started our internship in different states.” Rachel looked at Alexandra. “What about you?”
“No. I’ve been out with women, but nothing that lasted more than a few months.”
Rachel leaned over. “I’m glad.” Her hand squeezed Alexandra’s. “You were waiting for me.” Her smile was radiant as she looked at her.
Alexandra didn’t answer except for the smile on her face.
“Where would you like to go when we’re done with dinner?” Rachel asked as they were sharing dessert.
“We could go see a movie, but then we couldn’t talk. How about we take a ride?” Alexandra asked.
Rachel nodded. “I know just the place.”
Once they left the restaurant, Rachel began the drive up Mulholland Drive. When Alexandra realized where they were going, she said with a laugh. “You’re taking me to lover’s lane?”
“You said you wanted to talk and I thought why not talk with a view. If you’re uncomfortable, I’ll turn around.”
Alexandra reached out and touched Rachel’s arm. “I’m only teasing you. I haven’t been up here in years.”
They parked the car along with all the other people up here taking in the view. “Would you like to get out for a moment?”
“Sure.” Alexandra opened her door and they stepped out to take in the view. “It’s so pretty up here. We’re lucky it’s a clear night.”
Rachel reached over and took her hand. “It’s beautiful,” she said looking at Alexandra instead of the view.
Watching where Rachel’s eyes were, she said softly. “You are a charmer.”
“In a good way or creepy?”
Alexandra smiled. “Not creepy.”
Rachel’s smile matched hers. A few cars left and others took their place. The car nearest to them had a couple making out. “Would you like to get back into the car?”
Alexandra nodded and walked back to the car. Rachel opened the door, never letting Alexandra’s hand go until she had to close the door. “So tell me about your family?”
“Both my parents are surgeons and very successful. They wanted me to be a surgeon too, but I wanted to take care of people to hopefully prevent them from needing surgery.” Alexandra squeezed the hand that was in hers. “I know if I followed in my parent’s footsteps, I’d have the home in the hills and one at the beach.” She sighed. “But that didn’t hold any interest for me.” Rachel turned in her seat. “Do you think I have no ambition?”
“No, not at all. I think the small practice that you have is wonderful. Your patients love you and it doesn’t seem to cause you a lot of stress.” Alexandra looked into Rachel’s eyes. “Money isn’t everything. As long as you are happy, that’s all that should matter.”
“I am happy and getting happier by the minute,” Rachel said looking at Alexandra. She leaned over and kissed Alexandra’s mouth. As they broke away to take a breath, Rachel’s hand caressed Alexandra’s face.
“Tell me more about your family. You never said if you have any siblings?” Alexandra asked.
“Sorry, no, I’m an only child. My parents didn’t have time for another kid.” Rachel chuckled. “I’m lucky I’m here since their schedule keeps them pretty busy.”
“Well, I have a younger married sister. My Mom doesn’t work and my Dad has his own plumbing company. It’s small, but we had a roof over our heads and never went without a meal. We were happy. Are happy.”
“Maybe someday I’ll get to meet them all.” Her lips went back to Alexandra’s mouth. “They do know you’re gay?”
Alexandra giggled. “Yes, they know. I’ve been out for a long, long time. It helps that they know they’ll have grandchildren by my sister.”
“There’s no reason you can’t have a child, Alex. Gay couples are doing that every day.” Rachel looked at Alexandra. “Do you want kids?”
Alexandra laughed. “I haven’t really thought about it much. Remember, I haven’t been in any long term relationships. Besides I’m thirty six years old.” Her hand went to Rachel’s hair and she moved it behind her ear. “What about you?”
“I guess with the right woman, it might be nice,” she said with a smile. “I meant to tell you today that I spoke to my friend about Tracy’s manuscript. I’m going to see her on Sunday and give it to her.”
“That’s great,” Alexandra said excited.
“Would you write down Tracy’s contact information so I can include it with the manuscript?”
“Sure, have you got paper and a pen?”
Rachel looked through her car and pulled something out of the glove box. “Here you go.” While Alexandra wrote down the information, she said. “I think we should keep this to ourselves for now. I don’t want to get Tracy too excited and then have nothing come of it.”
Alexandra handed the paper to Rachel. “You’re right. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.”
“I enjoyed the story so why not give her a break. Nothing may happen, but at least we can say we tried.”
Their lips came back to each other. Alexandra opened her mouth waiting for Rachel’s tongue. They kissed until they became breathless again. Both becoming aroused.
“I think I’d better take you home now,” Rachel said breathing heavily.
Alexandra giggled. “Good idea before we both self-combust.”
“I feel the same way, Alex.” Their hands went back together as Rachel took them down the winding road.
Back at Alexandra’s apartment, Rachel exited the car and walked Alexandra inside. At her door, she kissed her good night. “I had a wonderful time, Alex.”
“I did too,” Alexandra said as her arm slid down Rachel’s arm. “Thanks for asking me out.”
“Can I call you tomorrow?” Rachel asked tentatively.
“Of course. Maybe we can do something together?” Alexandra watched the smile appear on Rachel’s face.
“I’d like that. Good night.”
Alexandra opened the door and went inside.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
“How was your date?” Tracy asked as Alexandra sipped her morning coffee.
“Good,” Alexandra said, wearing a wide smile.
“I can
tell. I’m glad. I like Rachel,” Tracy added.
Alexandra nodded. “I do too. Do you want to do something today?”
“I thought you would be with Rachel today?”
“I’m not sure. She said she would call, but I don’t want to leave you alone again.”
“I plan on writing all day so please don’t worry about me.”
“Are you sure?” Alexandra asked, not wanting to just abandon Tracy again.
“I’m very sure.” Tracy answered quickly.
As the two women sat to have breakfast, Alexandra’s cellphone began to ring. “Good morning.”
“Good morning to you,” Rachel said with a laugh. “Would you like to come over and have lunch with me?”
Alexandra got up to put her plate in the sink. Tracy went into the bathroom to give Alexandra privacy. “Over there?” Alexandra chuckled. “Are you trying to get me all alone?”
“Uh, I thought you might want to see how the cooking lessons you gave me for Christmas turned out.” Rachel laughed softly. “The alone part is just a coincidence.”
“Uh, huh. What time?” Alexandra asked, unable to keep a smile off her face.
“One o’clock?”
“I’ll be there. See you later.”
“Later,” Rachel said before disconnecting the call.
*
Alexandra drove to Rachel’s house. She carried the dessert she had stopped for on the way over. Her hand came up to knock, but the door opened instead. “Hi,” Alexandra said, feeling suddenly shy.
“Hi, yourself. Please come in.” Rachel stepped out of the way allowing Alexandra to walk past her. Once the door closed, Rachel kissed her. “Hey,” she said as her finger traced along Alexandra’s cheek. “What did you bring us?”
“Just a little dessert,” Alexandra said, opening the box so Rachel could see inside.
“Oh, I love those,” she said before capturing Alexandra’s eyes. “How did you know?”
“I’ve heard you talking about them in the office.” Alexandra knew these Italian cookies were Rachel’s favorite.
Rachel put her arm around Alexandra’s shoulder and led her to the dining area. “I hope you’re hungry.”
