by Corman, Ana
“I’m a pretty good judge of people, Catherine, and you never struck me as being so rigid. I won’t apologize for my career. I love what I do. As for whatever else there is about my life that makes you uncomfortable, I can’t help you with that if I don’t know what’s troubling you.”
“It’s just more of my fears and insecurities, Olivia. Just leave it at that.” Catherine heard Olivia’s exasperated sigh. “I’ve made you angry.”
“What did you expect? Wouldn’t you be pissed off if I told you our friendship was done at this point because of the little I knew about you? Well, I’ve got news for you. I care about you. I enjoy you. I had no idea this conversation would be our last.”
“I don’t want to lose your friendship, Olivia. I just need to keep you at a safe distance. I’m having a hard time understanding what you do to me and how I feel about you.”
“I’m a little overwhelmed by my feelings for you as well, Catherine. But I’ll give you all the distance you need. One thing I have very little of is time. I won’t let you waste it. You know how to reach me. But I think you’re making a mistake if you don’t even try to figure out what we feel and what we could share.”
Olivia clicked off her cell phone before Catherine could respond, and leaned forward in her patio chair. She stared into the circular gas fire pit, her tears blurring the blue-red flames dancing along the logs. She heard the sliding glass door open and turned to see Echo walk toward her.
Olivia wiped at her tears. “Echo, it’s almost eleven. What’re you doing up?”
“My very pregnant wife has a craving for a bowl of peas, which are cooking away in the microwave as we speak. She also claims to have a psychic connection to our daughter, who is requesting another slice of lemon meringue pie.” Echo eased into the chair beside Olivia. “What’s wrong?”
“I may have just talked to Catherine for the last time.”
“What do you mean?”
“There seem to be things about me and my life that make her uncomfortable.”
“Such as?”
“My career, for one. She wouldn’t tell me what else. She chalks it up to fears and insecurities. How am I supposed to help her if she won’t talk to me?”
Echo watched her friend carefully. “You care about her.”
“Very much.”
“What’re you going to do about it?”
Olivia stared into the fire pit and watched the flames slither erratically around the logs. “Absolutely nothing. As of that phone conversation, we’re done.”
“I know you better than that, Olivia. When you care about someone, you don’t give up so easily. How do you feel about her?”
Olivia looked into Echo’s chocolate brown eyes. “She’s beautiful, charming, fascinating, witty, and very bright. She stimulates my mind and sets me on fire. In essence, she scares me to death, and she dumped me before we could even get started. How’s that for a kick in the pants?” Olivia shook her head. “I never thought I could go through another Jessica derailment. I feel like I’ve lost something special with Catherine, and I don’t even know what we could have had.”
Echo leaned closer. “Give it a few days. I don’t believe for one minute this is any easier on Catherine than it is on you.”
“Good. I hope her guts are twisted in knots, too.”
“At the very least, don’t throw away a friendship that obviously means something to you.” Echo rose from her chair. “Come inside with me. I better get those peas and lemon meringue pie to my wife before my daughter gives her a psychic message that we’re out here talking and not attending to their every dietary whim.”
They stood together. Olivia touched Echo’s shoulder. “Thanks.”
“My pleasure. Be patient with Catherine. Obviously you overwhelm her as much as she overwhelms you.”
“My patience with Catherine O’Grady is quickly vaporizing.”
Echo laughed and guided Olivia to the sliding glass doors. “Oh, the trials and tribulations of lesbian attraction.”
Twelve
CATHERINE WALKED CAREFULLY over the memorial stepping stones, reading the names and the inscriptions of loved ones who had died of cancer. The warm afternoon breeze embraced her as she stopped beneath the towering metal sculpture of a maple tree. Each brass leaf was engraved with a name and dates. Catherine wondered how her mother would feel about having her name and the dates of her life placed in this memorial cancer garden. Dana had told Catherine about this lovely garden on the hospital grounds several times. This was the first time she’d dared to venture through here. What she was doing was a huge risk, and it could explode in her face, but she needed to see Olivia.
Setting the cooler bag on a park bench, she stood by the edge of the huge circular garden. It bloomed with multicolored snapdragons, petunias, alyssum, miniature roses, and birds of paradise. Tables and benches were scattered all around the garden, though only a few other people had gathered here. Catherine slipped onto the bench and watched a family sitting around a table. Among them was an elderly lady in a wheelchair. She was wrapped in a pink terrycloth robe with her bald head wrapped in a matching scarf. She was pale with dark circles under her eyes. She looked weak and exhausted but couldn’t stop smiling at the stories her little animated granddaughter needed to share with her.
Catherine wondered if that was what Emma would look like in a month, bald and weak. Would her sons be able to take her out in this garden? Did she even have a granddaughter to entertain her?
Catherine breathed deeply and tried to ease the tension in her chest. She opened her eyes and saw Olivia approaching along a pathway lined with bright pink peonies. Her walk was brisk and hurried, and her sunglasses shaded her eyes.
She stood over Catherine and slowly removed her sunglasses. “I got your text message. Give me three good reasons why I’m even out here talking to you.”
“First reason is that it would give me the opportunity to apologize to you for being such an ass.”
“That’s a good start.”
“Second reason is that I brought you lunch.”
“I’m listening.”
“The third reason would be that I couldn’t stand the thought of losing you and your friendship.”
“I’d hardly call what we have a friendship. It’s more like an emotional tug of war.” Olivia’s eyes were honest but cautious. “That’s not how I want things to be between us, Catherine. It completely drains me. How do you suggest we set aside preconceived notions and begin a friendship?”
“Maybe with you visiting Cocoa Cream. You could see the store I love so much. And I could pay penance with a drink of your choice.”
Olivia slipped onto the bench beside Catherine. “A tall ice-cold mocha frappuccino?”
“With whipped cream.”
“Now you’re talking.” Olivia stretched her arm along the back of the bench. “Can you tell me what makes you feel uncomfortable about me, besides my career?”
“I’d like you to let me try and understand those fears first, and when they make any sense I promise to share them with you. As I would hope you would let me know if I make you uncomfortable.”
“That’s fair.” She paused. “How many candles did you light this morning?”
Catherine smiled. “Several. I needed all the help I could get. I didn’t get much sleep last night. I’m sure you didn’t fare any better.”
“You’re right about that. I care about you, Catherine. It’s too bad that frightens you, but you’re just going to have to get used to it. I want you in my life. If it’s only as a friend, I guess I’ll have to live with that. But please give us the time we need to understand what our friendship means before you dive into a rabbit hole without me. Can you do that for me?”
“Yes, I can.”
Olivia smiled. “Good. Now, what did you bring me for lunch?”
Catherine reached into the cooler bag and pulled out a brown paper sack. “I brought you a chicken curry wrap. It’s our most popular sandwich in the coffee s
hop. I hope you like it. I also packed a blueberry scone and a bottle of water. I figured the least I could do is make your tummy happy.”
Olivia peeked inside the bag. “That sounds wonderful.” She looked at her watch. “Unfortunately, I should head back.”
“Thank you so much for making time in your busy day to come and talk to me. That really meant a lot to me.”
“I’m glad you made it happen.”
Catherine gathered her things and stood. “Let me walk you back, Dr. Carrington. Then you can let me know if there’s anything else I can do to make amends.”
Olivia grinned. “Now you’re talking.”
Thirteen
CATHERINE LOCKED HER OFFICE DOOR and said good night to the evening manager. As she headed for the bustling coffee shop, she noticed Zoë and Echo winding their way through the busy tables. The connection between them was sensuous and magnetic. The way Echo held Zoë’s hand and led her through the busy room, smiling reassuringly, communicated a profound love that only they understood. Catherine smiled as they approached. “Hello, Echo and Zoë.”
“Hello, Catherine,” Zoë said. “This place is incredible. Is it always this crazy busy in the evening?”
“This is our usual Friday-night chaos. We love it. It’s so nice to see you, now that I know your names and a little of your story.” She hugged them both, then placed her hand on Zoë’s tummy. “This little girl better get here soon.”
“You’re telling me. I feel ready to burst, and I still have two months to go.”
Catherine looked from Zoë to Echo and felt them waiting. “I believe we need to talk. Do you want to sit and have a cup of coffee?”
“That would be great if you have the time,” Echo said.
Catherine took their drink orders and watched them head to the only empty table.
When she returned with a tray, Echo and Zoe looked more relaxed. She handed out the drinks and slipped into the empty seat.
Echo sipped on her caramel frappuccino. “This is wonderful, thank you.”
“You’re very welcome.”
Zoë leaned back in her chair. “This iced coffee is wonderful, too, and we’ve always loved your store. Now, let’s dispense with the pleasantries and get down to business. What the hell’s going on with you and Olivia?”
Catherine stared at each of them wide eyed. “Wow, you don’t mince words.” She took a breath. “What’s going on with us—at least what I hope’s going on with us—is that we want to be friends. It’s been a roller coaster week for us, but I think we’re finally on solid ground.” She hesitated. “I really care for Olivia. She’s bright and witty. I’m drawn to her warmth, charm, and sense of humor. I do want her as a friend.”
Zoë leaned closer and touched her arm. “Will you promise us one thing?”
“Absolutely.”
“Be good to her. Her last relationship ended terribly and we don’t want to see her hurt again. We want to see her happy.”
Echo and Zoë didn’t seem ready to accept this was only a friendship. “I can’t promise you that I won’t hurt her. I already have. What I will promise is that I would never hurt her intentionally.”
Echo set her cup down on the table. “I guess we can’t ask for more than that.”
“And as her friend, I’d love the opportunity to get to know the women she treasures as her sisters.”
Zoë rubbed her tummy. “Well, have you eaten yet?”
“As a matter of fact I haven’t, and I’m starving.”
“How does Chinese food sound?”
“Sounds wonderful.”
“Great then. Let’s go.”
Zoë and Catherine stood. Echo stayed seated. “Wait a minute. I’d like some time to browse.”
Zoë cupped Echo’s chin in the palm of her hand. “I’m very pregnant, very hungry, and about to get very crabby if you delay feeding me and your daughter another minute. Therefore, I highly recommend you rise from that chair and we’ll make plans to come here another evening.”
Echo slowly rose from her chair. “Is there any chance that my daughter is going to be just as bossy as you?”
Zoë stepped away and slung her purse over her shoulder. “Count on it.”
Olivia lit the last candle on the edge of her bathtub. The soulful melody of II Divo’s song “Unbreak My Heart” filtered around her. She slipped her legs into the hot water and sat on the towel on the edge of her Jacuzzi as she typed in a text message. Is this a good time for a friend to call?
Olivia set the phone on the edge of the tub and slipped into the steamy bath. She let the bubbles enfold her as she leaned her head back against the tub pillow and closed her eyes. The light scent of vanilla wafted from the candles surrounding her as she completely let herself go and luxuriated in this simple pleasure.
Olivia’s phone chimed for an incoming text message. She sat up, dried her hands on the towel, and checked the screen.
Absolutely.
She smiled and entered Catherine’s number.
“I understand you had an eventful evening breaking egg rolls with the crazy roommates.”
“I certainly did. They’re wonderful, Olivia. I can certainly understand why you love them so much.”
“They really enjoyed you, too. I’m jealous I couldn’t be there as well. Who the hell do they think they are going to dinner with you before I do?”
“They had more than just breaking egg rolls on their minds. They wanted to know what my intentions are with you, which surprised me a little since I’m sure you must have told them we’re just friends.”
“I’ve hardly seen them, Catherine. Were they really that bad?”
“They were on a mission. They grilled me for the first hour on my education, upbringing, religion, morals, beliefs, goals, and aspirations. I was just waiting for them to ask me to produce copies of my bank statements and last tax return.”
Olivia closed her eyes. “Now I’m really going to kill them.”
Catherine laughed. “I’m exaggerating, Olivia. They weren’t nearly that bad. At least they tried not to be so overt in their quest for information. Mainly we talked about our careers and the imminent arrival of your niece. I loved hearing how they decorated the nursery with angels and teddy bears. You’re blessed with true friends.”
“That I am.”
“Where are you right now?”
“I’m submerged in my wonderful Jacuzzi. I love my tub. It’s the one place I can completely let go and relax after a busy day. You should be getting some bubbles coming through your phone any minute now.”
Catherine swallowed at the thought of Olivia naked in her tub. “Tell me about your home, Olivia.”
“It’s quite an architectural marvel. My dads built the house in two identical wings. Each wing has four bedrooms, a sitting room, and a small kitchen. The focal point of the house is the common family room and huge kitchen, plus we have a big entertainment room, an exercise room, a library, and an indoor pool. Even with our own private wings we tend to spend whatever time we have together cocooned in the same room. I just wish I had more time to spend here.”
“It sounds lovely.”
Olivia was starting to recognize the aloof tone Catherine used when she became uncomfortable. “What about you, Catherine? Is your home your haven away from work?”
Catherine hesitated. “It’s my oasis. It’s everything I want and need.”
Olivia wished she could see Catherine’s eyes to try and understand what that really meant.
“Did you enjoy the Chinese food the crazy roommates brought home for you?”
“I sure did. I thoroughly enjoyed the fortune cookie they said you sent home for me.”
“What did your fortune say?”
“It said beware of a beautiful Irish woman with crystal blue eyes. She’ll challenge every fiber of your being.”
“Liar.”
“It’s all in the interpretation, my Irish friend. What it really said was you’re in for a wonderful surprise.”
<
br /> “Honestly?”
“Honestly. I’ll show you the proof. What did your fortune say?”
“It said to follow my heart.”
“Now isn’t that interesting.”
“Very. I’m putting it in the small treasure chest I keep on my desk with all my dreams and wishes. I’ll show it to you when you drop by the bookstore.”
“Do you care to share any of the dreams and wishes you keep in your treasure chest?”
“It’s an ever changing list but the current top three are my mom’s continued good health, the continued success of Cocoa Cream, and a trip to Paris. I’ve never been and would love to go someday.”
“Your mom has certainly fulfilled her part. It sounds like Cocoa Cream is already a national treasure, so that leaves your trip to Paris. You’ve made the first two happen, so Paris should be a shoe-in.”
“I really hope so. But if it doesn’t, I’m thrilled with the first two.” Catherine hesitated. “What’s in the top three on your wish list?”
Olivia floated her hand through the sea of bubbles. “My current list is the safe arrival of my niece, a better balance between work and play, and last but not least a Maui vacation and an exotic island woman dressed only in a grass skirt serving me a tall icy Mai Tai.”
Catherine laughed. “Your imagination knows no limits, Olivia. I like that. You must be starting to prune by now. Is the water getting chilly?”
“A bit. I haven’t enjoyed a bath like this in a very long time. Thanks for joining me.”
“Thanks for inviting me. Are you working this weekend?”
“I’m afraid so. It’s my weekend on call. What about you?”
“I’m opening the doors of the bookstore at seven a.m.”
“Well then, I should let you go. Good night, Catherine.”
“Good night, Olivia,” Catherine said, not wanting to hang up.
Fourteen
OLIVIA WALKED ACROSS THE PARKING LOT to the large automatic glass doors. The patio tables across the front of the store were full of patrons enjoying their specialty drinks in the balmy evening air. She stopped in the entranceway and smiled at the plastic figurine of Friar Tuck dressed in a flowing green robe waving an Irish flag. He must have stood three feet tall and his chubby face and gregarious smile welcomed everyone.
