Mistaken Identity

by Jay, Donna

  Twenty minutes later, Kelly hung her helmet on her bike and stared up at Paula’s grand three-bedroom home. For the first time ever, the entrance looked foreboding rather than welcoming. With her heart thudding in her chest, Kelly rapped on the solid wooden door.

  “It’s open,” Paula called out, her voice barely audible through the thick wood. “Lock it behind you.”

  Kelly did as she was told, then inched her way further inside.

  The living room was empty.

  “In here,” Paula’s voice came from somewhere down the hallway.

  Trepidation surged through Kelly, the closer she got to the bedroom. She prayed her assumption was wrong. Her prayers went unanswered.

  Propped up on her elbow, looking sinfully sexy in a royal blue baby doll negligee and matching briefs, Paula gave Kelly a come-hither look.

  “I hope you wore something sexy under those jeans?”

  With no other option but to get straight to the point, Kelly pulled the terry robe off the back of the bedroom door and tossed it to Paula; a futile attempt to save some of Paula’s dignity.

  “I didn’t come over here to have sex with you, Paula.”

  Ignoring the robe, Paula sat upright, swung her legs over the side of the bed, and patted the spot next to her .

  The bed dipped as Kelly sat at the bottom end. Which was a stupid move because when she faced Paula the headboard filled her vision.

  Thoughts of that fateful night, two weeks ago, punched her in the gut, and steeled her resolve to end things. She didn’t belong in Paula’s home, or her life.

  Paula sidled up next to her. “We haven’t had sex for at least two weeks. Don’t you find me attractive anymore?”

  It was the first time Kelly had seen Paula look so vulnerable.

  Why now, damn it?

  “You’re a gorgeous woman, Paula. It’s not that.” Kelly didn’t add insult to injury by spelling out beauty went deeper than appearances.

  “Oh, I get it,” Paula said. “Is this to do with you wanting to do that kinky shit? Here.” She held her wrists together. “Tie me up if that’ll help get you off.”

  And as predicted, all the speeches Kelly had rehearsed failed her. Unbidden, words tumbled out of her mouth.

  “That’s the problem, Paula! You don’t get it. Kink isn’t about you giving up control just to please another. Letting your P.A. piss all over your friends isn’t acceptable either. You go about your day like you’re a high and mighty boss, with everything under control, and you don’t give a damn what anyone thinks of you. But behind the mask you wear, you’re just as insecure as the next person.”

  An angry scowl creased Paula’s forehead. “Who do you think you are, little girl?” Her voice dripped with venom. “How dare you speak to me like that.”

  Kelly hung her head, the last thing she’d intended to do was offend Paula. “Look. I didn’t come here to fight, or as you eloquently put it last night, have a pissing match. You’re a lovely woman, you’ve been great to me. But I don’t think we’re right for each other.”

  Paula plucked up the robe and covered her half-naked body. “Are you breaking up with me?”

  “Yeah, I guess I am.” Her own heart aching, Kelly gave Paula a sad smile.

  A flicker of anguish flashed in Paula’s eyes before her expression hardened. She held her chin high. “Fine. It won’t take me long to find somebody else who’s happy to play kitchen bitch and do my bidding.”

  It was a low blow, one that Kelly let her have. The unshed tears brimming in Paula’s eyes said more. Pride and hurt had made her lash out.

  Unable to get out of there fast enough, Kelly stood. “I’ll see myself out.”

  “Do that.” Paula sniffled and the sound almost broke Kelly’s heart.

  Being dumped hurt like a bitch. Putting somebody else through the same was no less painful.

  Chapter 9

  Happy her Saturday shift was almost over, Kelly wiped down the stainless-steel bench, her mind on the next few days off. Sunday, she planned on spending some quality time with her mum and little sister, Jo.

  With March only a few weeks away, the summer break would be over before they knew it and Jo would be heading back to Wellington for her second year of study.

  The doors between the café and the kitchen swung open and banged against the wall. Kelly turned to see her work colleague, Jacinta, beaming at her, presumably also looking forward to a day off.

  Kelly glanced at the clock on the industrial sized oven. “Ten minutes and we can knock off.”

  Jacinta grabbed the cloth out of Kelly’s hand. “I can finish up here.”

  The huge smile on her face piqued Kelly’s interest. “ What are you looking so happy about?”

  If it was even possible, the smile grew wider. “It’s not every day a sexy woman comes into the cafe.”

  That wasn’t true, they had plenty of good looking regular clientele. However, Jacinta normally swooned after the men.

  “Your point?” Kelly quirked an eyebrow.

  “She’s asking for you.”

  More than a little intrigued, Kelly stood on her tippy-toes so she could see over the door swinging in Jacinta’s wake. When her gaze landed on the sexy woman in concern, Kelly’s stomach lurched. “Shit. What does she want?”

  “You,” Jacinta replied. “Go get her, tiger.” She shoved Kelly in the back.

  Caught off guard, with no time to brace herself, Kelly stumbled through the doors making a not so grand entrance into the café.

  “Hi, what brings you here?” Kelly asked, pleased her voice didn’t shake and giveaway the butterflies churning in her belly.

  “Can we talk? ”

  The words were spoken so softly, for a minute Kelly wasn’t sure she’d heard Ashleigh right, or perhaps that was wishful thinking.

  Had Ashleigh finally decided to confront her about the night Kelly had tried for the last few weeks to put behind her? She wanted to bolt but also owed it to Ashleigh to hear her out.

  Maybe it had nothing to do with that night, Kelly tried to convince herself, but in the pit of her stomach she knew better.

  “Sure, let me go get my things. The shop’s about to close.”

  “I know.” Ashleigh interrupted. “I didn’t want to have this conversation at your work, but I had no idea how else to find you.” She blushed and damned if she didn’t look adorable.

  “I couldn’t really ask Paula, and I’d appreciate it if you keep this conversation between us, okay?”

  That was more than fine by Kelly. “Sure. Nicole’s at her boyfriend’s tonight, you’re welcome to come over to the flat.”

  The minute the words left her mouth Kelly wondered if she needed her head read. But it was the one place she was certain Paula wouldn’t show her face.

  “I’d like that. Lead the way.”

  On the ride home, Kelly’s mind raced along with her motorcycle. Every time she turned a corner, her mind took off in another direction. Should she start the conversation, or wait Ashleigh out? Should she tell Ashleigh she was clean?

  No that probably wasn’t a good idea. Not only would it be humiliating but Ashleigh could also take it as a slur on her character.

  ***

  Once at home, seated in the living room and unable to stand the silence for a second longer, Kelly took the liberty to speak first.

  “I’m glad you’re here. I’ve wanted to apologize ever since that night. I can only guess what you think of me.” She wiped her sweaty palms on her jeans.

  “You don’t have to apologize,” Ashleigh said. “Shit happens, and I’m fairly sure you didn’t plan it? ”

  Her warm smile astounded Kelly. How could Ashleigh be so flippant about what happened? It suddenly struck Kelly that perhaps Ashleigh was bisexual and in an open relationship. The thought was so ludicrous Kelly almost laughed at herself.

  Rather than continue to let her mind run amuck, Kelly asked the question. “Did you tell your fiancé, Craig?”

  A sparkl
e twinkled in Ashleigh’s eyes. “Of course. He thinks it’s great and would like to meet you.”

  What the ever-loving fuck?

  “He thinks it’s great that I ravished your body? Oh, God, please don’t tell me you’ve come here to invite me to join you two. I don’t do threesomes… or men.”

  The colour drained out of Ashleigh’s face. Scowling, she folded her arms across her chest. “What the hell are you talking about?”

  Confused beyond belief, Kelly tossed the question back at her. “What are you talking about?”

  “Paula’s potluck dinner. I thought you were excusing yourself for the way you spoke to Colette. But like I said shit happens and I’m sure you didn’t plan on being rude to her.”

  Stunned, Kelly’s mouth fell open as she realized she’d made a huge faux pas.

  Relaxing her posture, ever so slightly, Ashleigh continued. “Craig has never liked Colette, only tolerated her for the sake of my friendship with Paula. When I told him about you and the way you handled Colette, he looked at me in awe and said, ‘Damn I need to meet this woman’.”

  “Oh,” Kelly replied sounding pathetic, and wishing she could take back her comment.

  “Craig and I are exclusive. He’s the only one who’s had access to this body since we got together.” A cute blush spread up Ashleigh’s cheeks. “I’m not sure why you were under the impression, you and I…you know?” She smiled shyly. “Care to explain? I’m a good listener.”

  Instinct told Kelly she could trust Ashleigh, not to mention Ashleigh deserved an explanation. “To repeat your words, I’d prefer it if this conversation doesn’t go any further.”

  Swallowing around the lump in her throat, and needing a minute to gather her thoughts, Kelly stood.

  “Can I get you something to drink? Tea, coffee, juice, water? I haven’t been to the bottle store yet, so I can’t offer you anything stronger.” Nerves made her ramble.

  “Relax, Kelly. I don’t drink and drive, so a glass of water will be fine.”

  “Ice?”

  “Please.”

  Due to the flat being shut up for the better part of the day the air was thick and humid.

  Kelly plucked at her jeans clinging to her legs. “Make yourself at home.” She turned on the small fan on route to her room. “I’m just going to change into something more comfortable.”

  The amused twinkle in Ashleigh’s eyes made Kelly chuckle.

  Damn she liked this woman.

  How on earth Ashleigh and Paula were so close was beyond Kelly, and not something she cared to dissect.

  When Kelly returned to the living room, feeling much cooler wearing a pale blue mini-dress, she found Ashleigh staring at a portrait that held centre stage in the lounge and Kelly’s heart.

  She handed an iced water to Ashleigh. “Here.”

  Barely taking her eyes off the picture, Ashleigh took the proffered drink. “I recognize the faces. You and Nicole, right?”

  “Yep.”

  Although the picture had been taken years ago, there was no mistaking the teenage girls grinning from ear to ear.

  “And the men?”

  “Our fathers.”

  Kelly stared at the image of her and Nicole, their dad standing behind them hands on their daughter’s shoulders, two gleaming milk tankers shining in the background.

  “Not only did my dad work with Nicole’s father, they were great mates too. As you know, it’s how Nicole and I met.”

  Remorse radiated in Ashleigh’s eyes. “I’m sorry I didn’t interject when Colette…”

  “Stop.” Kelly held up a hand. “It wasn’t your battle. Colette was out of line and, if anything, Paula should’ve been offended that her P.A. was putting down her girlfriend. But, no, she just sat back as though it was totally acceptable.”

  “You do realize Paula’s very insecure? She craves acceptance like a child craves the love of a parent. She’ll go to lengths to be the centre of attention.”

  “I didn’t to begin with, but after a while it became more obvious.”

  The day she’d strolled into the café and asked Kelly on a date she’d seemed like the most confident woman in the world. But over the last month or so, the cracks in her armour had become more apparent, and unappealing. Kelly wasn’t the most secure person in the world, but she was a loyal friend and would never let anyone speak down to someone she cared about.

  She had to give credit to Ashleigh for being there for Paula. “I’m glad she has a friend who can see the good in her.”

  It was on the tip of Kelly’s tongue to ask Ashleigh if she was one of those people who took in stray friends like stray animals. Not only would it be inappropriate and offensive, but Kelly figured Ashleigh and Paula’s friendship went way deeper than she’d ever know, or understand.

  Smiling, Ashleigh pointed at the picture. “Tell me about this day. Your father looks extremely proud.”

  Love for her father blossomed in Kelly’s chest as her mind flicked back to the day in question.

  “The dairy company had a strict policy on cleanliness, trucks included. As you can imagine, the roads, or should I say dirt tracks to milking sheds are rather…”

  “Shitty?” Ashleigh supplied.

  “Exactly.” Kelly chuckled, wrinkling her nose.

  The size of some of the cow patties she’d seen over the years flabbergasted her.

  Needing to take a load off her tired legs, Kelly slumped into the nearby armchair.

  Following suit, Ashleigh returned to her seat on the sofa.

  “On that day, over a decade ago, Nicole and I scrubbed those trucks until they shined like polished silver. The manager of the dairy company stopped by, snapped our photo, and presented us with vouchers to a fancy restaurant. The way our fathers puffed out their chests, beaming with pride, was worth more to me and Nicole than the lavish meal our families feasted on that night.”

  Kelly didn’t know if she believed in the afterlife, but liked to think he still watched over her. More than once she’d felt his presence before telling herself she was being silly.

  “This was my dad’s chair.” She pushed her foot on the floor, lulled by the gentle rocking. “When he died, mum put it in the garage. I guess the pain of seeing it empty was too much for her to bear. I never forgot it was there and when Nicole and I moved into this flat, I asked Mum if I could take it.”

  Ashleigh’s gaze, full of empathy, never wavered from Kelly. The fact she seemed genuinely interested kept Kelly talking.

  “Mum burst into tears, wrapped me in her arms, and said, I’ve dusted that chair off more times than I can remember. At times, when you girls were fast asleep, I’d go out to the garage and sit in your father’s chair. Sometimes I’d smile, other times I’d get angry at him for leaving us.”

  A tear slid down Kelly’s cheek. “I know she didn’t mean that in a nasty way, it wasn’t like Dad had a choice about dying.”

  Suddenly feeling self-conscious, Kelly sniffled. “Anyway, mum was delighted and here I sit spilling my guts to you as if I’ve known you forever.”

  Ashleigh set her empty glass on the coffee table. “That’s the thing, Kelly. I feel it too, it’s as if we’ve known each other for a lifetime.”

  A phone chirped and they both glanced down.

  “It’s mine,” Ashleigh declared, swiping the screen.

  Fascinated, Kelly watched Ashleigh’s expression go from neutral, to smiling, to bashful. She glanced up and saw Kelly watching.

  “It’s Craig.” She cleared her throat but didn’t elaborate.

  Seeing her opportunity to dodge a bullet, Kelly took it. “Well then, you better get going, don’t keep the man waiting.”

  A sardonic smile slid onto Ashleigh’s face .

  Just when Kelly thought she was off the hook, Ashleigh reeled her back in.

  “Oh, no you don’t.” Ashleigh waggled a finger. “I might be ten years your senior, but I don’t suffer from CRAFT yet.”

  Say what?

  Kelly took
the bait. “What’s craft?”

  “Can’t Remember A Fk’n Thing.”

  It took a moment for what Ashleigh said to sink in. Once it did, Kelly burst out laughing, both amused by the acronym and the fact Ashleigh wouldn’t say the F word.

  “That’s a good one. I’ll have to tease mum next time she can’t find her car keys.”

  Although, at the tender age of forty-nine, Kelly’s mother was still sharp as a pin. Not much got past her, especially when it came to her daughters.

  All traces of humour gone, Ashleigh turned serious. “I’m all ears,” she said softly. “And rest assured, I won’t repeat a word of what you tell me.”

  The mere thought of that fateful night made Kelly break out in a cold sweat .

  She took a deep breath and relayed her story, how she was supposed to meet Paula in the bedroom, seeing Paula in the hallway, not knowing who she’d slept with, and how her and Nicole had concluded it was more than likely Ashleigh, and why.

  “I wasn’t entirely convinced, and with no way of knowing for certain, I tried to put the night behind me.”

  When Kelly didn’t receive any righteous comments, she finally met Ashleigh’s gaze. Her eyes were full of a tenderness that made Kelly want to jump into her arms.

  For a hug.

  As a friend.

  Nothing more.

  Yeah, right.

  “When you turned up at the café talking in hushed tones and stating we needed to talk, I put two and two together.”

  “And came up with six?” Ashleigh smirked.

  “You got it.”

  “If it’s any consolation, I think you did the right thing not telling Paula. Not that I’ll ever admit to saying that. ”

  Once again, Kelly wondered how deep Ashleigh and Paula’s friendship went. From where she was sitting, it appeared they kept a lot from each other.

  Then again, Kelly didn’t tell Nicole everything so perhaps she shouldn’t be judging.

  As if reading her mind, Ashleigh reiterated her thoughts.

  “I have two close friends, but some things even best friends shouldn’t share with each other. Know what I mean?”

  “Yep,” Kelly replied.

  “For all you know your flatmate, Nicole isn’t it?”