Heart's Surrender (16 page)

CHAPTER 16

“Night, Mom.” Angela got under the duvet with a book in her hand.

Gillian sat down on the edge of her daughter’s bed. “Good night, sweetheart. And don’t forget about the fifteen minute rule, all right?”

“But, Mom―”

“Don’t ‘mom’ me,” Gillian interrupted with a smile. “It’s already late. Fifteen minutes of reading time, and then it’s lights out. Agreed?”

“But my friend Anne is allowed to stay up much later. I’m not a child anymore, Mom.” Angela pouted.

Gillian bent down, pushed back a shock of dark brown hair, and kissed her daughter’s forehead.
She has no idea how cute that grown-up act sometimes is.
“You will always be my child, and don’t forget that the fifteen minutes of reading time is a generous gift. Michael’s already asleep.”

“But Mom, he
is
a child.” Angela rolled her eyes. “He’s only six.”

“Daughter of mine, fifteen minutes. All right?” Gillian remained firm.

Angela took a deep breath, finally relenting. “Okay, but we have to talk about this. My birthday is coming up.”

“We will, sweetheart. I promise. Good night.” Tenderness for her oldest child filled Gillian’s heart as Angela picked up her book and began to read. She was a bookworm—as Gillian had been and still was. Her childhood had been a constant battle with a mother who couldn’t understand why her daughter carried a book around at all times. Gillian was happy that her daughter loved to read and didn’t spend half of her life in front of the computer like some of her friends. Gillian stepped out of the room and walked down the stairs, grateful that another day was finally over and done with. Breathing a sigh of relief, she entered the kitchen.

“Hey, do you want some coffee?” Tilde sat at the kitchen table, a cup of coffee in her hand and an open newspaper in front of her.

Gillian shook her head. “No, thanks. I would like to sleep tonight. What is it with you Scandinavians and coffee at all times of the day or night anyhow?”

“We’re a tough race, trapped in a freezing country where polar bears roam the streets twenty-four hours a day. Surely you understand the need for a hot drink to warm our icy bones?”

“Are you sure there’s only coffee in your cup? Let me see.” She took a step toward Tilde.

Tilde got up from her chair and sought refuge behind the table. “Go away, you crazy American, you. This is my coffee. Get your own.”

Gillian laughed out loud. “Thank you very much. I prefer a glass of wine.”

“Your loss.” She sat back down again. “Nothing better than twenty-year old whisky mixed with a bit of coffee.”

Eyes wide, Gillian couldn’t believe what she had just heard. “You heathen. You didn’t. Tell me you didn’t.”

Tilde shook her head. “No, just joking. But I found a whisky-flavored coffee today. It’s really good.”

Gillian went to the wine cabinet. “I really don’t like that flavored stuff. A coffee has to taste like coffee.” She picked a bottle of her favorite Shiraz and opened it. The slightly peppery aroma of the wine filled her nose. “And Tilde—I’ll have to kill you if you tell my father-in-law that I didn’t let the wine breathe.”

Laughter followed Gillian when she left the kitchen to go into the winter garden. She carefully placed her glass on the little side table and sat down in her favorite chair, facing the garden. Dusk had settled. Only a few birds were still on the lawn, looking for a late meal. All was quiet.
The blessings of suburban life
.

This was the moment she had been looking forward to all day. Tilde wasn’t the only adult in her life anymore with whom she could talk about the day’s happenings, what needed to be done tomorrow, or whatever else was on her mind. Ever since she and Sam made up over a week ago, they had a standing date in the evenings.

Gillian tucked some hair behind her ear, retrieved the cordless phone and dialed a by now familiar number.

Sam slowly dragged her tired body into her apartment and straight into the kitchen. She longed for a hot shower, a cold beer, and a certain phone call.
I’m so pussy-whipped, and the weirdest thing is that it feels so good.
Talking to Gillian was the highlight of her day.

They hadn’t been able to see each other after Gillian had left her apartment. Talking on the phone, however, was a set date every evening. Sometimes only for a few minutes but other nights they had talked until Sam had almost fallen asleep on the sofa. Tonight, however, would have to be a short call. Sam could feel every bone in her body and she needed to be bright-eyed and awake tomorrow for a job with a new customer.

A refreshing chill hit Sam’s body as she opened the fridge. She decided against an ale, choosing a light lager instead. The smooth, refreshing taste of the brew washed over her tongue.

She was just about to undress and step into the shower when the shrill ringing of her phone cut through her apartment. Her heartbeat quickened. She hurried to the phone and picked it up. “Sam here. I live to serve,” she said, suddenly embarrassed by the thought the caller might not be the person she expected.

“That’s good to hear.” Gillian’s laughter bubbled through the phone like champagne. “Hi, honey, how was your day? And how is your back?”

Sam closed her eyes, letting Gillian’s voice wrap around her, feeling better already. “Hi, Gillian. I’m so happy it’s you. I was afraid I had another customer asking me to do more heavy lifting. Hang on a second, all right?” She walked over to the sofa and sat with a groan. Her back was going to kill her one of these days.

“That doesn’t sound good.”

“No, no, I’m fine. Today was okay, really. I only had to install a ceiling fan and some smoke detectors. Yesterday was tough. Moving furniture and boxes the whole day is no fun, but it’s a good job. Today I even got warm pizza before I left.”

“That’s good. I was afraid you would have another night of Chinese left overs.” Gillian chuckled. “Does that mean there’s no more heavy lifting in your future?”

“Not in my immediate future, and that’s just fine with me.” Sam fiddled with the remote control. “So how was your day?”

“Oh, I met someone today. An old friend who is a dean at the college I told you about, and she said that I could sit in for some of the lectures.”

Sam knew how nervous Gillian had been about the whole affair. To hear that she had taken another step was great. A feeling of pride washed through her. “That’s cool. You’re taking big steps.”

“I am. Your encouragement and support means a lot to me. I’m not sure I’d be able to take these steps without you.” The emotion in Gillian’s voice came through clearly.

For a few seconds, Sam heard only breathing from the other end of the phone. She didn’t know what to say. The only thing she had done was spend the last week listening to Gillian’s dreams and encouraging her to do what she wanted to do. That was not really heroic. But the knowledge that Gillian thought so made her warm and fuzzy inside.

Just as she was about to break the silence, Gillian said, “I miss you.”

“I miss you too.” Sam swallowed hard. Talking about emotions, even saying mundane things like ‘I miss you,’ caused her stomach to clench up in knots. Past experiences had taught her that being vulnerable was like an intriguing invitation for some people to lash out and cause pain. Sam’s first instinct was always to build walls to protect herself. But they had decided to be open and honest with each other. Gillian held up her end of the bargain and she would too. “I’m sorry my job takes up so much of my time right now.”

“No, no, please. There’s nothing to be sorry for. I just really, really miss you.” Gillian cleared her throat. “And I wondered if you would maybe join us on Saturday? We’re going to the zoo.”

“The zoo?”

“Yes, Michael wants to and Angela, for once, didn’t try to kill him for choosing something so childish.”

“Right.” Sam pressed the cold beer bottle against her forehead. “You want me to join you and the kids for the zoo? As in getting-to-know-your-kids at the zoo?”

“I don’t plan to introduce you as my lesbian lover. I just want you to meet my children and thought that this was a good opportunity. But I guess it’s stupid. I’m sorry.”

“No. No.” Sam sat up straighter, ignoring the pain in her back for the moment. “No, I just…You caught me by surprise. That’s all. Gillian, this is big.”

“I know.”

Wow and double wow.
Where was the woman who had nearly shit her pants when Sam had sat down at her table in the coffee shop? “All right. I have to admit that this makes me a bit nervous but I’m in.”

“You don’t have to if—”

“Hell. Yes. I have to and I want to.” There was no way Sam was going to say no when Gillian had finally decided to move forward and do something so brave. “I’ll wrap up the job on Friday. And then I’m all yours on Saturday.”

“You sure?”

“Yes, absolutely.”
I won’t sleep the whole night. But that is another thing.
Sam yawned. “Sorry. The long days and short nights are taking their toll on my old body.”

“Your body is far from old. But you should take a hot shower and go to bed early. I can hear how tired you are.”

“Yes, Mom.” Sam chuckled. “That’s just what I’m going to do. Though I would rather shower with you.”

Gillian let out an exasperated sigh. “You can’t say things like that.”

“Why?” A grin spread over Sam’s face. Teasing Gillian was always a lot of fun.

“How am I supposed to go to sleep with the image of you and me together in the shower?”

“What do you think I’m doing with the same image when I’m in the shower? Ever heard of adjustable showerheads?” She could just imagine the blush flooding Gillian’s face. She adored her innocence and at the same time it had been so great to see how Gillian slowly grew bolder.

“I’d rather have the real thing instead of a device.” Somehow, Gillian managed to sound prim.

“Oh, Gillian. Me too, believe me.” Another moment of silence lingered between them. Sam closed her eyes, imagining Gillian sitting next to her on the sofa and not so many miles away. “Is there any chance for some alone time, just you and me? Soon? I mean, I know that we said that we’ll take it slow. And I want to. But…I miss you.”

“Why, Ms. Freedman…are you asking me for a date?”

“Indeed, Mrs. Jennings. I am.”

“Perfect, ‘cause I’m free on Monday night. How does that sound?”

“Wonderful.” They hadn’t been able to see each other for what felt like an eternity. Phone calls were great. They had helped them to get to know each other better but still, nothing beat face-to-face interaction.

“And what would you say if I told you that I’m free the following Saturday. And not only free but without a curfew?”

Sam swallowed. “What do you mean?”

“The children will be staying with their grandparents from Saturday till Sunday evening.”

A whole night together, not only seeing but maybe also touching Gillian. Touching, tasting, smelling. Sam’s brain almost short circuited when she thought about the possibilities. She licked her suddenly dry lips.
Down girl. Down.
Maybe she could take her to a romantic dinner. Sure, it was Gillian’s turn to come up with a plan for a date…but having dinner together could be a great start for an evening. Some delicious but not too heavy food, some good wine, a lot of flirting, and then a whole night together. That sounded like a perfect plan. But would Gillian be ready to go out on an actual date? In public?

“Are you still there?” Gillian lost her earlier playfulness. “I understand if it’s too short notice. We could just meet, and then I could drive home again. That’s fine.”

She grimaced at the insecurity she heard in the quiet voice. “Yes…no. I was just speechless for a moment. I would love to spend the night with you. Honestly. I was just wondering if you would like to go out or if you’d prefer to stay in for dinner.” She braced herself for the answer. As much as she would love to have a romantic dinner somewhere, she would be all right if they stayed home and ordered takeout.

“Going out as in a date?”

“Yes.” Sam held her breath.

“Our second one?”

“Well, actually our third one.”

“That’s true. So, our third date…I would love to.”

Sam had a hard time containing her elation. “All right. That’s great.” She already had a place in mind. “Why don’t we meet here around seven? I’ll be dressed and showered by then.”

“That’s a shame, really.” Gillian’s voice dropped to a low, intimate tone. “But maybe we could shower together the next morning?”

Images of a naked and wet Gillian flashed through her mind. “You’re evil.”

Gillian chuckled.

A bright grin spread across Sam’s face. “Great, I’ll make reservations.”

“Please, yes. Oh, and I hope you like hot dogs.”

“Hot dogs.” Sam scratched her head. “Yeah. But I planned on something more elaborate.”

Gillian laughed. “No, sorry. My children insist on having hot dogs for lunch at the zoo.”

“Ah, that’s all right. As a matter of fact, I love hot dogs.”

“Good for you, then. I don’t, but the children are allowed to choose food on special occasions, so it’s going to be hot dogs on Saturday.”

Sam’s jaw cracked as she yawned. “Sorry, it was a long day.”

“You must be dead tired. Go on and have your shower. Alone,” Gillian added.

Sam got up from the sofa “No can do. It’s going to be me and my fantasies.” She chuckled at the splutter of Gillian blowing a raspberry. “We’ll meet on Saturday for the zoo, and then I’m going to see you on Monday evening and next Saturday and Sunday? I’m the luckiest girl in Springfield.”

A whole night with Gillian. Sam really was on cloud nine. No time constraints, no hurry to fit as much sex as possible into the two or three hours they have had before. This time she could wine and dine her, take her time flirting, talk about everything and nothing, and then, well, and then she could also take her time seducing her. They had a whole night together. Wow. This was going to be beyond great.