Southern Comfort (9781622863747) (4 page)

There was a knock at the pharmacy door. One of the head office admins popped her head in. “Oh, Ms. Howard, you are here. They need you in a meeting in ten minutes in the conference room.” The admin smiled before closing the door.

Teri and Ming looked at each other. The only time she was called into the big meetings was when big changes were being made.

Teri pressed the up button for the elevator. She got in the empty elevator and pressed the top floor.

“Can you hold that for me please?” a woman's voice rang out.

Teri quickly pressed the open button so the doors wouldn't close. Looking down, Teri noticed the tall black stilettos as they walked in the elevator. Teri's eyes shifted up as she admired the insanely sexy body of the chocolate woman with childbearing hips wearing a suit that looked like it was tailor made for her.

“Thank you,” the woman replied. “Floor eight please.” She smiled as she glanced over to see the button was already pressed. “Oh.”

Teri and the woman made eye contact. Teri shifted in her position. She hadn't seen anyone that fine in a long time. The woman's chocolate skin looked completely flawless. Her hair was laid to perfection in a short, funky haircut, on her ears were obviously real diamonds, and there was no ring on the finger.

“Looks like we are headed in the same direction.” Teri held her hand out. “I am Teri Howard.”

The beauty shook Teri's hand. Her skin felt like silk. Teri noticed the change in expression when she said her name the woman's eyes widened.

“Ms. Howard, pharmacy right?”

“Yes, correct.”

The woman shook Teri's hand faster. “I am Victoria Gold, the acting chief of staff.”

“Oh yes, right, hello.” Teri didn't want to let go of her hand. They finally stopped shaking hands as the elevator door opened to their floor.

“So I guess we are headed to the same place after all.” Victoria chuckled.

“I guess so.”

The two walked onto the administration floor. The receptionist sitting at the front desk looked at them as if she had seen a ghost. They smiled as they walked past her.

“She doesn't like me very much,” Victoria whispered. “We had a small run-in this morning.”

“Uh-oh, that doesn't sound good.”

“Let's just say I like people to be prepared, and she wasn't.”

They walked in the conference room to see all the department heads and board members sitting around the long conference table. Levi, the chair of the board, stood up.

“All right now it looks as though we can get started. As you all know Dr. Harrison is no longer with us. But we are pleased to introduce Dr. Victoria Gold as the acting chief of staff.”

The crowd all clapped as Victoria stood next to Levi. Victoria made eye contact with Teri briefly. A sexy smirk appeared on Victoria's face. Teri couldn't help but think that smirk was meant just for her.

“Well first I want to say it is wonderful to be here in Memphis. I come from Piedmont Healthcare in Atlanta, Georgia, but I have always loved the work that is being done in the healthcare world here in Memphis. I look forward to working with all of you.”

Teri scanned the room. Obviously she wasn't the only one in awe of the new chief. Women were sizing her up while the men were trying to look through her clothes. Teri's eyes made it back to Victoria. She was like everyone else; she couldn't take her eyes off of her.

“Well I won't hold any of you up. If you need anything my door is always open. Thank all of you again for your time.”

The room clapped again as people rushed to greet her and shake Victoria's hand.

“Fine, isn't she?” a deep voice whispered in Teri's ear. Carlos, one of the doctors and Ming's Adonis boyfriend, stood next to Teri.

“That she is,” Teri said admiring the way Victoria's breasts seemed to be sitting up perfectly. She couldn't help but wonder what they looked like.

“I think she bats for your team, too.”

Teri's head quickly snapped around to Carlos. “Get out. What makes you think that?”

“Just a feeling I got when I met her this morning. She didn't give me the look that most of these women around here do. You know, that ‘I will fuck the shit out of you' look.”

Teri and Carlos both laughed. The room began to clear out. Victoria's eyes shifted back to Teri. She began to walk toward Teri until she was standing in front of Carlos and Teri.

“Dr. Gold, this is—”

“Teri Howard. We met briefly in the elevator,” Victoria said cutting Carlos off. “And, please, call me Victoria.”

The intercom system rang out calling Carlos's name.

“On that note I must get back to work.” Carlos nodded his head as he walked out the door.

“Well again it was nice meeting you, Teri. I am sure we will see lots of each other.”

Teri shrugged her shoulders. “I don't know about that. They like to keep me locked away in the pharmacy.”

“Well we will have to do something about that.” Victoria winked.

Teri felt a familiar feeling creeping over her. She wondered if Victoria could be flirting with her.

“Well, let me go. You know they have me in meetings for the rest of the day. It was a pleasure meeting you, Teri. Until next time.”

Victoria walked out of the room leaving Teri standing in her spot. Teri shook her head; there was no way Victoria would be that bold on their first meeting. Teri chalked it up to her having an inviting personality as she headed back out of the room.

Willow could tell the weather was about to take a turn for the worse when she dipped into her favorite small coffee shop. It was fairly empty; she knew the atmosphere would change as nighttime came and the famous SoHo area livened up with all kinds of characters. The one thing she loved about her holidays in the city was visiting the lesbian hangouts, something she didn't have near her university and definitely at her countryside home.

She ordered a cup of espresso and pulled out the book she was reading. She didn't know what made her listen to Piper who insisted that she read the latest mommy porn book that was sweeping the nation. She let herself get lost in the romance of the two main characters as best as she could in between the horrible writing. Willow shook her head as she read another repetitive statement from the male lead telling the female how much he loved her after screwing her brains out.

Within seconds of starting her book a loud clap of thunder rang out as large raindrops began falling to the ground. Willow loved the way the large raindrops were hitting the window of the coffee shop. It was calming; the perfect weather to get her through the bad book. Even through the bad parts, she felt a little envious of the main character. She wanted someone to long for her the way the male wanted the female in the book, just not with as many corny lines.

She buried her nose in the book. She heard the bell from the door ring out. Willow peeked up from her paperback to see a woman standing in the door. She nodded her head, as she watched the woman standing at the door trying to wipe the rain off her drenched outfit. Willow had to admit, the woman's choice of outfit was hot. The mix of preppy with a bit of urban flare was different from what she was used to out of the London lesbian scene. The woman's hair was braided in stylish cornrows in the front but loose braids in the back. She had to be at least five foot eleven, and very toned.

Willow watched as the woman shook her head. Willow felt her heart starting to race as she finally caught a glimpse of the woman's face. Not only could she dress but she had to be the sexiest butch woman she had ever seen in her life. Willow knew the book had warped her brain; she couldn't possibly be staring at someone as gorgeous as she thought.

“This rain stuff is crazy,” the woman muttered as she looked out the window. She began scanning the coffee shop for a place to sit.

An American,
Willow thought. No wonder she hadn't seen anyone like her before; she wasn't from London.

“I'm guessing you are new to London and our weather,” Willow spoke out. She couldn't believe she actually said something to the woman.

The sexy specimen turned her head to the voice she just heard. Her eyes widened. There sat a beautiful chick staring at her. She wondered when she was going to see one of the London hot lesbians she'd seen pictures of online but up until then all she'd seen was white chicks or really butch black women. This girl was definitely different.

“Yeah, I knew it was called dreary London but this is ridiculous. It came out of nowhere.” The woman walked closer to the table.

Willow smiled and nodded her head. “It happens. FYI: always carry an umbrella.” Willow and the girl both laughed. Not only was she gorgeous but she had a beautiful smile to match. “Would you like to have a seat?” Willow asked.

The woman sat down at the empty chair at the small, round table. She put her carrier bag on the windowsill. “Hello, my name is Katrina, but most people call me Tree,” Katrina said as she extended her hand.

Willow put her palm in Katrina's. She felt an electric pulse run through her body. Who was this girl and why was she having this effect on her? “I'm Willow; most people call me Willow.” Willow smiled.

“That's cute.” Katrina smiled back.

The two locked eyes again. Willow could feel her body heating up. Katrina was the most beautiful woman she had ever seen outside of television. Willow couldn't help wonder where the other half was. She knew someone that fine couldn't be single. “So what brings you to London?”

“Oh, food actually.” Katrina glanced at the menu. “I'm a chef and I'm opening a restaurant in Memphis, Tennessee, so I decided to come over to Europe for a month to see the sights and taste the cuisine. I've been in London for three days; next up is Paris tomorrow.”

Willow wanted to scream. The perfect woman walks in and sits at her table and she meets her on her final day. “Have you had anything good here?”

Katrina shrugged her shoulders. “Honestly, it's been okay. I am still wrapping my head around the fact that no one puts ice in drinks.” They both laughed.

“Sorry to hear that. We have some great food places actually.”

“Yeah, that's too bad. I've wanted something good but best I've found was fish and chips.”

“Head over to Nando's and get some piri piri chicken.” Willow batted her long natural eyelashes.

“Nando's? Yeah, I need to check that out. I love piri piri chicken,” Katrina said not taking her eyes off Willow's big brown eyes.

The connection was obvious. The two chatted as if they were old friends catching up after a long time apart. They couldn't believe how much they had in common. Both loved food, traveling, and fashion. Willow told Katrina all about hot spots in various European countries she had visited. Katrina found herself admiring the well-traveled Willow. Although she could tell that Willow came from a certain type of wealth, she didn't come out like an arrogant rich chick.

“So if you love the countryside so much why are you even here in the big city?” Katrina asked Willow as she walked back to the table with two more coffees.

Willow's face dropped. She thought about her father. “Well after my father passed I decided to come back into the city and start working on my career again. I am a fashion designer.”

“Really? Man, that's cool. I love fashion.” Katrina nodded her head.

“I can tell; you have a very unique look about yourself. It was the first thing I noticed.” Willow wanted to slap herself. She didn't want the girl thinking she was weird for staring at her.

“Really? Is unique a good thing or a bad thing?” Katrina asked.

“Good.” Willow nodded her head. “Very good.”

The two stared at each other smiling.

“So what brings you to London?” Willow took another sip of her coffee. She noticed the change in Katrina's face. Her face dropped a bit.

Katrina thought about Saura. “Well the truth is originally I was coming to try new foods and just experience being out of the country. But then my ex broke up with me and moved to another city so this trip became an experiment in healing.”

Willow wanted to jump for joy. At least the girl was single, which was all she needed to know.“I didn't have a breakup, but when my father passed I just wanted to get back in the city to get away from our family home. Too many memories, ya know?” Willow sipped her coffee again.

“Yeah, I totally know.”

“Well, then, to escaping our pasts.” Willow held up her coffee cup.

“And to new futures.” Katrina clicked her cup against Willow's. The intensity was growing; they couldn't take their eyes off of each other. “So tell me more about this Nando's place,” Katrina broke the silence.

“There's one down the street actually. Best piri piri chicken you will ever eat.”

“Big words. I will have to check the place out. I do need to put something on my stomach other than coffee.”

Katrina and Willow both laughed. Three hours had passed and it felt like Katrina had just walked in. The rain had long passed and the nightlife of the street was starting to take over. The once empty coffee house was now buzzing with all sorts of characters, but somehow they still felt like they were the only ones in the room.

Katrina didn't know what was coming over her but this girl was working a magic spell on her. She wasn't ready to leave her just yet. “So, Ms. Willow, would you maybe like to introduce me to this Nando's? I mean if you aren't busy,” Katrina asked without taking her eyes off of Willow.

Willow felt the ball forming in the pit of her stomach. There weren't too many things she knew in life but one of them was that she wasn't going to let the night end in the coffee house.

“I guess I could eat.” Willow smiled.

The two stood up, gathering their belongings. Katrina held the door for Willow. “Well, Ms. Willow, lead the way.” Katrina held her arm out. Willow locked arms with Katrina, and she knew it wasn't going to be the last time.

 

The two walked out of the restaurant full on more than just food. They couldn't stop laughing and talking. Willow didn't know why, but it felt like she had known Katrina her whole life.

“So is there anything else you want to see in London?” Willow asked, still not wanting the night to end.

Katrina frowned as she shrugged her shoulders. “I don't think so, but I can say for the first time this whole time I don't want to leave.”

Willow felt the butterflies flying in her stomach from Katrina's statement. She had to fight with herself to stay calm and not let her excitement cover her face.

“Well, there is one thing you have to do. I can't let you leave without doing one thing.” Willow smiled as she held her arm out on the side of the street. A black cab pulled up in moments.

“What is the one thing?” Katrina questioned.

Willow smiled. “Don't you trust me?” Willow smiled as she opened the door to the cab.

Katrina thought about the question. She had known this girl for all of five hours and she was about to get in a funny-shaped car with her. “Strangely enough, yes, I do.”

The cab drive just added to the amazing night. Willow pointed out all the sites, giving a brief synopsis of some of the buildings as they passed them. Katrina found herself regretting her decision as they arrived at the west bank. She stared at the massive London Eye Ferris wheel, the one thing she told herself she would never ride.

“Oh come on, you can't come to London and not ride the Eye.” Willow chuckled as she took Katrina by her hand, pulling her along.

“See where I am from we tend to steer clear of places where we can fall to our death.” Katrina's voice cracked.

“Trust me, you will love it.”

The two grabbed tickets and got into the usually small line. Before they knew it they were in the capsule being closed in. Katrina held on to the rail, closing her eyes as tight as she could. Willow couldn't help but laugh, especially since there were children in their capsule who were super excited to make it to the top. Katrina squeezed Willow's hand as they started moving.

After a few minutes Willow tapped Katrina on her shoulder. “Can you do me a favor and just open your eyes for one moment?”

Katrina paused, but finally opened her eyes. The sight was breathtaking. The sun had set and the lights of London were illuminating the sky.

“Oh my God,” Katrina said as she stared at the city that had treated her so poorly up until that day.

Willow continued to point out sites to Katrina as they went around. Finally they stopped at the top. Katrina looked over at Willow who was smiling while staring out the glass. Katrina didn't know what it was, but there was something special about this woman. She grabbed Willow's hand as their fingers interlocked.

The two headed back toward the street. The lights from the Ferris wheel shined off of the Thames River. The night was young and there were so many things to do just in that area alone. They headed down the dock to one of the river cruise boats. Willow pointed out sites as they cruised down the Thames River. After the ride Willow and Katrina walked hand in hand on South Bank until making it back to where the black cab originally dropped them off. It was the best either had felt in a long time.

“Well, Willow, thank you so much for this. You really have changed my opinion of this city.”

Willow blushed. “I wish you had more time. There is so much more to show you. But you are going to love Paris. Don't forget to check out those places I told you about.” Willow tried to think of something to keep Katrina with her, but she came up with nothing.

“Well maybe you could give me your number and I can call you when I get there, just to make sure I am remembering all the places. Do you have Facebook?”

Katrina held her phone out. They each exchanged phone numbers and Facebook usernames.

Two black cabs pulled up at the same time.

“I guess this is it. Thank you again, Ms. Willow,” Katrina said as she held her arms out.

Katrina and Willow hugged. It felt like a magnet was holding them together. Finally they forced themselves to pull away.

 

 

Willow felt like she was floating. She opened the door to her flat to find Piper and Corrie sitting on her sofa drinking wine and watching television. She was so happy she didn't care that Piper was in the arms of Corrie, the ex she stated she wasn't going back to.

“And where have you been, miss?” Piper asked.

“Just having the best time of my life.”

Piper and Corrie both noticed the grin on Willow's face.

“You slut, you met someone!” Piper jumped off the couch and ran up to her friend. “Tell me everything.”

Willow could still see Katrina vividly in her mind. She could smell her cologne on her skin. “I met this girl named Katrina. Oh my God, she was gorgeous, intelligent, and sexy as hell.”

Piper screeched.

Willow felt her iPhone buzzing in her pocket. She pulled it out to see the Facebook friend request notification. She quickly pressed accept and pulled up Katrina's profile photo. She held the phone out so Piper could see.