Chapter Seven

There is a wound inside me and it’s bleeding like a flood.

There are times when I see light ahead, but hope is not enough.

As another night surrounds me and it pounds me like a wave.

God help me, am I the only one who's ever felt this way.

I sang along with Maria McKee as she sang loudly from my family room stereo. God, I missed Lone Justice. I danced around the kitchen as I prepared the last of the pasta.

Only thing left is the sauce and that needs to wait until we're ready to eat. I looked up at the clock and saw it was almost five thirty.

"Holy shit! I have to get ready and pick up Susan. Damn, time got away from me," I cursed as I ran from the kitchen upstairs to my bedroom and right to my closet. I grabbed a pair of loose fitting jeans and a burgundy V-neck sweater. I threw on some socks and my Doc Martins and ran into the bathroom. I brushed my hair and teeth and applied a small amount of make up to my face. I looked at my flushed reflection and realized that I was actually nervous about tonight.

What if she doesn't like me like that?

You mean, what if she does?

I don't know what I mean. I just know that I want her to spend time with me. I'm comfortable around her. I…

You like her.

Yes. I like her. So what?

So nothing. Just let things go at their own pace. You may find that you want her around for longer than a couple of nights.

No more matchmaker talk. I gotta go, I'm gonna be late.

I sprayed the tiniest mist of Picasso on my neck and ran back downstairs. I clicked off the stereo, grabbed my leather jacket and ran out the door to pick up my date.

Your date?

Yeah my date. That's enough out of you. I mean it.

Oh, yes ma'am.

I groaned knowing that wouldn't be the end of this conversation. I just wish I knew when these talks would end.

I got in my car and made my way down the driveway to pick up Susan.

*****

Driving towards town, my stomach was in complete knots. I was really nervous about Susan hearing my life story. I wasn't really sure how much she'd want to hear. I guess I'd find out soon enough.

I parked the car out in front of Susan's employer. I saw her shining smile the minute I looked up from the street. I got out of the car and walked around to her side.

"Hey," I smiled.

"Hi there," Susan replied with a large grin.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting long. I got caught up with dinner preparations. How are you feeling?" I asked.

"I'm feeling much better, now that I have the next couple days off," she beamed.

"I'm with ya there. Are you ready?" I asked hinting towards the car with my head movement.

"Absolutely! I'm really hungry. I can't wait to eat your masterpiece," she teased.

"Trust me, you'll eat like you've never eaten before," I stopped hoping that my last statement wasn't completely true. Although it probably was.

"Well, what are we waiting for?" Susan said excitedly as she got in my car.

"Me, I guess," I laughed as I ran around the car to the driver's side.

We drove out of the uptown area and back towards my house. I watched Susan quietly out of the corner of my eye. I watched her eyeing the streets we passed. I wondered what she was thinking.

"Penny for your thoughts," I softly said.

"My um, parents, used to live around here. I was just wondering if they were still in my old house. I don't know why, I could really give two shits," she said with a bite in her voice. I think she cares more than she wants to admit. There's plenty of time to explore that. No need to ruin our night.

"Oh, really?" I lamely responded.

"Yeah, if you take a right at this next street you'd be on my old street," she remarked sadly.

"Do you want me to drive down that road? We don't have to stop, we can just drive by," I suggested.

Susan was extremely stunned at my suggestion and looked at me with childlike eyes. After we almost passed the street, I heard her squeak out, "Could we?"

Without screeching too badly, I managed to slow the car enough to make the turn. We drove down a lovely street and I was very impressed with the houses we passed.

"Which one is it?" I asked unsure of her response.

"It's 220, the mailbox is the little log cabin on the left," I heard her breathing hitch as I slowed down a bit more for her to see her childhood home. It was a beautiful house. I would say it was a borderline mansion. Her folks must have had a lot of money.

"It's a beautiful house, Susan," I turned to find her with tears in her eyes. "Oh, Susan, I'm sorry. If I'd known this would make you cry I never would've suggested we drive by. I'm so sorry," I said as I took her hand.

I felt her squeeze it back. "I didn't think I would," She paused. "I honestly didn't know how I was going to react. It's been so long since I've thought about this house being my own, that I don't really know how I'm feeling at all," she admitted.

"I can understand that," I said as we paused a bit longer to take another look.

"Thank you," she said.

"You're welcome, Susan. Let's go home," the words were out of my mouth before I could stop them.

She didn't seem to hear me.

Lucky you.

Go away.

Bitch.

Bite me.

"Kelly?" Susan's tiny voice invaded my sparring match.

"Yes, sweetheart?" I said before I could stop.

I gotta stop doing that. Think Kelly, dammit.

"I really appreciate you taking me there. I've wanted to see the house for a while. I just didn't have nerve to go back. I guess I was just afraid I'd see one of my parents and go off the deep end again," she admitted.

"Hey, don't worry about it. If I can help you work through that at all, please know that I'm here for you," I truthfully said.

"Thank you… thank you for being my friend," she smiled with unshed tears.

"You're very welcome. Now let's go eat!" I excitedly said.

"I'm all for that. Drive on!" Susan gestured with her hands.

We drove the next couple of miles hand in hand and in comfortable silence. I knew the rest of the night would be much easier for us after we got out of this car. Food was always something I could make people smile with. I can't wait to see her expression when she takes her first bite.

Bite of what?

Oh for the love of Mary…

Chapter Eight

We pulled up slowly into my driveway and I could feel the tension in Susan had subsided some. I was grateful that our little trip down memory lane wasn't too upsetting for her. I would've felt like total shit upsetting her like that.

I turned off the engine and turned to face my guest.

"You ready to meet the other woman in my life?" I smiled.

She looked at me for a second with uncertainty and then smiled, "Yes, I forgot for a second who you were speaking of. I can't wait to meet… um… Matty was it?" Susan questioned.

God I love a woman with a good memory.

You just love a woman with big…

Don't even say another word.

"Yes," I smiled back. "Her name's Matty. You've a good memory."

"Yeah, well, I do my damndest," she fluttered her dark brown lashes at me and I almost sighed out loud.

I bet you do.

"Let's go in, shall we?" I suggested.

"Lead the way," she smiled at me.

I stepped out of the car and walked around to her side. She started to get out and I reached for the door handle. "Hey, I got it." I smiled sweetly at her surprised expression.

"Thank you, kind lady," she bowed as she stood from the car.

We giggled and headed towards the door leading into the house. I opened the door and the wonderful smells from my kitchen reached her nostrils.

"Oh, that smells heavenly."

"I'm glad you think so. I can't wait for you to taste it," I beamed.

I heard the 'clickity clack' of Matty's nails on the wood floor as she approached happily. She saw that I'd brought company and her tail started flailing around.

"Hey, girl! I told you I had someone I wanted you to meet!" I said in my mommy voice as I pet my pup behind her ears. "Susan, this is Matty. Matty, say hi to Susan," I introduced.

"Hey there, girl. Your momma's told me all about you. I'm so glad to meet ya." Susan said as she let Matty sniff her out. As soon as Matty felt that Susan was all right she rubbed against her as if she were a cat. Susan smiled and crouched lower to pet Matty. This was not a smart move on her part. Matty thought that anything on the floor was fair game so Susan went down and was assaulted by a wet slimy tongue that unfortunately wasn't mine.

Did I just think that?

You know you meant it, too.

So what if I did?

Here comes trouble.

"She’s beautiful, Kelly," my guest smiled at me. She was clearly enjoying the attention. I think they both were.

"Thank you. You hear that you big lug? She likes you. I guess your kisses helped," I smiled at the two girls hoping against hope that I too, would get the opportunity to kiss that beautiful face.

Oh Yeah, you’re in trouble.

Stop!

I cleared my head and remembered my sauce that needed to be made. "Would you like a tour of the kitchen? There’s some wine in the refrigerator." I offered.

"That’d be lovely, thank you. Come on, girl, let’s go see what your momma has conjured up in that kitchen of hers." Susan smiled as Matty stayed at her side.

Traitor.

Yeah, but look who she gave you up for?

True. Now go away. Please?

Fine…

We walked into the family room and I watched as Susan looked around with appreciation in her eyes. The sunken room was my favorite part of the house. I had my entertainment center in there and a large leather pit group that allowed me many nights of utter bliss in its comfort.

"This room is beautiful, Kelly. I bet you spend most of your time in here. God knows I would." She smiled.

"Yeah, it's my favorite room in the house. I've spent many nights on this couch. It swallows you up before you even have time to put up a fight." I laughed.

Susan smiled brightly at me in return. "So what can I help with? Is dinner nearly ready? It smells just wonderful." She commented.

"Well, I just have to finish my sauce and the pasta is in it's warmer, so I guess if you'd like to toss the salad, we'll be all set."

"I can do that. But first, how's about that wine you told me about." She waggled her eyebrows and I was unable to resist the laugh that came out of my throat.

"You looked absolutely adorable when you did that," I said hoping she wouldn't be offended or embarrassed.

Shyly she replied. "Thanks."

I could see her face flush and her smile broadened. My heart lurched with emotion at this display and I hoped that I could make it through dinner without choking or being busted for staring too long at my guest.

Susan tossed the salad with ease and I finished with the rest of the preparations. I strolled into the dining room to put the finishing touches on the ambiance for the night. I poked my head back into the kitchen.

"Shall we eat?" I smiled.

"Please, this has been torture for me to wait with all of this food around me," She giggled and I couldn't help but giggle with her.

I watched her go towards the kitchen table, but I stopped her and motioned towards the dining room right behind me.

"I thought it would be nicer to eat in here." I paused. "I hope you like it." I said as I bit my lower lip in anticipation.

I watched her face as she slowly walked towards the dining room doorway. A small gasp escaped her lips as she saw the candles burning on the table, set intimately for two.

"Wow… Kelly, this is beautiful. You didn't have to go to so much trouble… just for me." She said meekly.

"But I wanted to do this… just for you." I walked up behind her and whispered in her ear. "Please, take a seat." I gestured.

I felt a chill run through her body as I placed my hands on her shoulders to show her to her seat. Whether it was voluntary or not, I was glad to know I wasn't the only one with that feeling racing through my veins.

We sat down and she immediately dug into the pasta. I watched her face as she seemed to savor her first bite with much passion. It was completely arousing to watch her eat like that. She closed her eyes and groaned in pleasure.

"Oh… my… God… I have never tasted anything like this before. Oh... Kelly…" My heart was racing as I heard her moaning my name like that.

"So… you like it?" I joked knowing full well what the response was gonna be.

"Like? Oh, nononononono… it's way beyond that point. This is just obscene! This is the best pasta I've ever eaten. God, it just melts in your mouth. Do you make this sauce from scratch? This is no sauce mix… I could tell that in a heartbeat…" Her body and voice were getting extremely animated as she described the food I'd made for her while she ate with gusto. Seeing her this comfortable and open, was something I could really get used to.

Chapter Nine

Dinner filled us completely and we sat with our empty plates in front of us for several minutes waiting for it to start digesting.

"Oh, I can't move! I can't remember enjoying a meal so thoroughly before. I have to say your gift of narration is exquisite." I joked.

"I'm sorry, Kelly. I've always had the gift of gab, especially when something affects me deeply. That food was incredible. Thank you again for going to so much trouble," she said looking deeply into my eyes.

"You're welcome, Susan. I'm just glad you liked it so much. I would've been afraid to ask you out again if you thought I would poison you with my culinary skills," I grinned.

"No way, that was terrific. Would you mind if we went into the next room to sit for a bit? I'm feeling a little overstuffed." She asked with a grin.

"Sure, I'll turn on the stereo and we can just relax with some music or whatever," I suggested.

"That sounds great. Should I worry about your music choices?" Susan smiled as she stood.

"No, I think you'll be alright. I have a large variety, so if you'd feel better, you can pick the selection," I offered.

"Oh, no, I trust you. You go ahead. I think I need to visit the restroom though. Could you give me directions?" Susan giggled.

"Of course, go down the hallway and it's the second door on your left. I'll be in the family room," I replied as I started removing the dishes from the table.

"Oh, please, Kelly, let me help you clean up." Susan asked.

"Absolutely not! I'm not cleaning; I'm putting dishes into the sink. That's all I promise. I'm too full to do anything else," I laughed.

"All right, I'll see you in a bit."

"Ok." I smiled.

I watched as Susan walked down the hallway and I just smiled. I was really enjoying myself. It'd been awhile since I spent an evening with someone and I was thinking about more than just sex.

You like her.

Hush… I thought I told you to go away.

I never listen, you know that.

Truer words were never spoken.

I walked into the family room after taking the last of the dishes and depositing them into the sink. I walked down to the stereo to decide what to listen to. I was a fool for the classics and old jazz. I hope she liked them as well.

I turned on the stereo and then stretched out on the leather sofa. I threw my feet up on the coffee table and felt the food work its way through my body. I was full and very sated. Susan returned from the bathroom and found me with my eyes closed and resting with Louie Armstrong coming from the stereo.

I see trees of green

And red roses too

I see them bloom

For me and you

And I think to myself

What a wonderful world

"I haven't heard this song in so long. My parents loved old jazz," she said with a small smile.

"It doesn't bother you does it? I can change it if you'd prefer," I offered.

"No… it's fine. It just took me by surprise to hear it." She said as she sat next to me on the sofa.

Her knees parted briefly and her leg touched my own. I didn't move and neither did she. I felt more comfortable with her, than I had in many years. How does one person who was no more than a stranger to me before yesterday, control my emotions on such a deep level? I haven't felt this open and content with people I've known for years!

"So how long have you lived here, Kelly?:" Susan asked as she turned her head to look at my face.

"I've lived here almost two years. I moved here after I got my promotion to Regional Director," I explained.

"How exciting for you. You must really love what you do to take it to the level that you're at," she stated.

"Yes, I do. I've always loved working with people. Retail gives you more than one opportunity to do that," I chuckled. "I like the interaction. The perks in this position are pretty good too," I waggled my eyebrows. I hoped that didn't sound like bragging. I didn't invite her here to do that at all.

"I can see that. This house is beautiful. I could bathe in the sink in your powder room," she laughed. It seemed as though she was okay with that comment. I needed to make a mental note to watch what I said about money.

"I think I'd pay to see that," I said out loud before I could stop myself. I had no idea what to expect with her reaction.

"Would you?" Susan asked in a deep tone with her eyes focused on mine. I found it very sensual.

"Indeed I would," I said not looking away at all. I matched the sensuality and I saw her face redden as she turned away.

"So, how about telling me a bit more about you?" Susan requested not meeting my eyes. The coloring of her face had gone back to normal.

"Ah yes, this was the Kelly show tonight, right?" I laughed quietly.

"Yes, that was the plan. I think I shared enough with you last night to warrant some insight into your life. What do you think?" She gazed timidly into my eyes.

I nodded slowly and thought about where to start. I leaned over to grab my wineglass off of the coffee table and took a sip to moisten my suddenly dry mouth.

"Well what part would you like to know about? My mom's death? My dad's departure? My love life or lack thereof? Well, actually, I used to have a string of love lives, perhaps you'd like to hear about that one? Pick a topic any topic," I said a little too playfully. She looked up into my eyes and took my hand in hers.

"It hurts you a lot to talk about those things doesn't it?" Susan's eyes were burning into me. I couldn't look away.

"Yes…" I whispered. "How did…?" I knew she was perceptive, but come on.

"Anyone that makes light of things that serious, tends to have a lot of pain behind the smile they show," she spoke softly.

God, she's amazing. It's no wonder I'm drawn to her.

She's got your number all right. Oops… sorry. Being quiet again. Love you… mean it!

Go away!!!

"Well I guess I can give you a bit of all of that. It all pretty much makes me who I am today," I rubbed her fingers softly. "You are very strong willed, Susan. Not many would call my bluff like that. You didn't even flinch." I threw some perception back at her.

"I'm used to people with sadness in their lives. I see it everyday, Kelly. And just like them, I'd like to do whatever I can to help you, if you want me to that is," she offered services I wasn't sure I exactly needed.

"What makes you think…?" I started.

"That you need help? I'm not saying that you do. I'm just offering an ear and perhaps a shoulder. I bet you've never entrusted your heart to many, especially not about subjects like these," she guessed.

"There was one…" I began. I couldn't believe I was talking about this. I swore I would never breathe her name again.

Susan's grip tightened around my fingers and I was helpless to fight off her gentle gaze.

"We met at a work conference about seven years ago. Her name was Julie Adams. We both worked for Saks and were both climbing the same ladder of success. We clicked immediately. We spent so many hours just talking after meetings and such. We even stayed a few extra days in the hotel just to hang out and talk. I thought that I had truly met the other half of my soul. I know now that I was severely mistaken," I paused to drink another gulp of wine. "I opened up to her more than I'd had with anyone in my life. I told her things that no one else knew. I told her about my mom, my dad… she even held me as I cried when retelling these stories. God, what a fool I was," I said bitterly.

"What happened?" Susan's eyes never left mine.

"She fucked me, literally and figuratively… and yes in that order," I said bitterly.

Susan flinched. "I'm sorry, Kelly. How um… did she..?" Susan began.

"The figurative part?" she nodded. "Well after we'd become lovers, which was only four days after meeting. We knew our relationship was going to be hard, because I lived here and she did as well. There were work ethics that were being crossed since we were heading towards the same direction. I told her that I didn't want to sever what we'd started so I'd keep my mouth to myself, so to speak, and she agreed to do the same. Hell, I was in love with her! There wasn't much I wouldn't have done for her. Well, the company wasn't very open about the 'gay element' working for them at the time, so we were discreet and pretty much kept our relationship a secret. I'd have her over to my house every once in awhile, but she had a roommate that was against the whole thing so we never hung out at her place. She would just come over when her 'coast was clear' and we'd make the most of our time together.

"We were together almost a year when our next conference came up. I'd asked to be roommates again and she was unsure of whether we should or not. People used to do that all the time with people they knew within the company. Nothing's worse than spending four days with a complete stranger in a hotel room," she nodded with a tiny grin. "So when I arrived in Seattle and walked into my hotel room, I was surprised when I found someone else there and not Julie. I looked at this woman and asked where Julie was or was there a mistake, blah blah blah, and she said this was her room assignment and we were in fact roommates.

"I went down to the concierge of the hotel and asked which room Julie was staying in and if she'd arrived yet. She hadn't so I waited in the lobby for her to arrive. About an hour or so passed and I was getting very hungry and antsy, so I decided to get something to eat in the restaurant of the hotel until she arrived.

"I walked into the bar area and I saw her on a bar stool. I started to approach her until I saw a man walk up to her and kiss her quite passionately," I paused as I felt the same lurching in my gut as I did back then. Susan's fingers caressed my hand as I tried to composed myself. "I looked at her with disbelief in my eyes. I thought I was gonna throw up. I didn't quite know what to do. I watched their exchange a little bit longer and left the bar area altogether."

"Did she see you?" Susan asked softly.

"No, she was a little distracted at the time." I answered. "I didn't say a word to her until later that night. There was an awards ceremony that evening. She showed up dressed to the nines walking on the arm of the same guy from the bar. She was beaming until she saw me staring at her. She just took one look at me and winked," I said feeling the emotions begin to build.

"She winked at you? What the hell was that about?" Susan asked a bit annoyed with that revelation.

"At first I wasn't sure what it meant. Later in the evening I found out full well what it did mean. For that last year I'd been coaching her on her job skills, and did everything I could for her. I was so over my head I couldn't see the daylight in front of me. She really wanted to move up in the company and I was gonna do everything in my power to help her achieve that. These award ceremonies were to show new talent or up and coming promotion opportunities and so forth. I'd been up for the regional position and I knew it. They announced their candidates for the position and I wasn't on the list, but Julie was,"

"No fucking way! I can't believe that!" Susan almost yelled.

"It's true. Not only did she use me for my knowledge to move up in the company, but also she'd been lying to me for last year about her marital status. The guy on her arm was her husband. He had come to escort his lovely, successful wife to this dinner. It was the only event when the company allowed spouses to come along. It all became clear to me why we could never hang out at her place, or God forbid I pick her up from home! I never once stepped foot into her home!" I spat.

"Jesus! I can't believe her!" Susan yelled with me.

"I'm not even finished though. The worst thing about all of this was, she lied to our Vice President and said I'd been hitting on her to get where I was. It wouldn't do to have a gay Regional Director you know," I silenced Susan with a finger on her lips. "They believed her on top of all of that. I'd been their slave for almost five years and yet they believed this woman who'd been with us for only two years, but she had what I didn't; she had an acceptable social lifestyle.

"I couldn't believe she had done this to me after everything we'd been through. I never thought I'd want to hear the words I love you ever again. She'd hurt me so badly on so many levels with those words I just didn't know what to do next," I sighed and collected myself while wiping the now falling tears from my face.

"Here…" Susan handed me a Kleenex from the box on the end table. I thanked her and graciously blew my nose.

"Thanks." I blew again and took a deep breath.

"How could you work for a company that showed you no support whatsoever? You knew that's not what happened." She said.

"Yes, but I wanted to have them hear me out before I made my final judgment. Luckily for me, Julie fucked up big time before I had that talk with my supervisors. I was gonna go under the lamp with Human Resources too because hitting on fellow coworkers is not allowed, especially if it's an unwelcome gesture. You know, the old sexual harassment?" Susan nodded. "Well luckily for me, Julie let everyone know that she was a liar so I never had to take a stand on that," I continued.

"What happened?" Susan asked truly involved with my tale.

"Well, the next week we were supposed to submit our figures and plans for the upcoming year. I had implemented a plan in my area that was going to be considered for the company to use. It's a huge deal if corporate chooses one of your ideas to roll out within the entire company. I knew that my plan had a great chance of becoming that next "new idea". Well when it came time to send in my plan I had, and the next day, my boss called me across town to talk about it. I was really excited so I sped right over there to see if my labor plan was gonna be considered. I sat in his office and he sat at his desk with an indifferent expression on his face.

"Jack? Is there something wrong?" I asked.

"Yes, Kelly, unfortunately something is very wrong," he finished.

"Well what is it? We don't pull punches with each other, what's going on?" I asked bluntly as I always had with him.

"Someone has told me something very unnerving about your labor plan," he said while folding her fingers together.

"What do you mean?" I asked getting a bit upset at what was sounding like an accusation.

"My sources tell me that you stole this idea from another leader in our division," he stated clearly.

"What?! You cannot be serious Jack!" My temper was mounting quickly. "You've known me for five years! I've done nothing but help this company out whenever possible. It's bad enough I got passed up because of some lies, but now I'm being accused of stealing my own idea? I just want to get this straight," I spat back at him. "Who's idea does this supposedly belong to?"

"That's precisely what I'm talking about. You're angry with Julie since we decided to go with her instead of you. Now you've stolen one of her ideas to make yourself look better!"

'Who's dick is she impaling herself on now?' I thought to myself. I think I'm looking at her latest victim.

"Jack, can I ask you a question?" I asked.

"Of course," he smiled fakely.

"Where are the plans we sent you? Are they still on e-mail? Or have you printed them out?"

"I haven't printed anything. I wanted to get down to the bottom of this before I gave anyone a hard copy of this," he explained.

"Where is Ms. Adams now? Is she close?" I smugly asked. I knew I was going to have fun with this one.

"Actually, she's in the building. I brought you both here to question you about this whole thing," he answered.

"Good. Bring her in here. Now." I demanded.

"What?" His eyes were wide with question.

"I said bring her in here now. I think I'll have your answer in a few minutes if you'll give me the courtesy," I responded sweetly.

"Fine," he reached to his intercom and asked his secretary to ask Ms. Adams in.

Shortly thereafter, Julie strode cockily into his office and sat next to me with out even looking in my direction.

"Hi Jack, you wanted to see me?" Julie innocently smiled.

"Yes. I wanted you both here to get to the bottom of this," he stated flatly while his eyes said otherwise.

Bastard.

"Fine. What would you like to know?" Julie smiled.

"Well, first off, I want to know how you know that Kelly stole this idea from you and not the other way around," Jack said with a smile.

"Well, I just figured my numbers would speak for themselves here. My costs have gone down considerably with this plan of mine. How else could this have happened?" she innocently responded.

"How about my coaching you for the last year? How about that Julie! You'd never be where you're at right now if I hadn't helped you over the last year!" I continued to plead my case. "My numbers are better than yours are anyway!" I finished knowing I was going to get nothing for my troubles.

"Oh, Kelly. Come on. A few helpful tips don't change things the way my labor development plan affected things. It's bad enough I had to deal with all of your advances during…." I'd had enough. It was time to pull the trump card.

"Jack? Let me ask you one question. What is my signature on any document that I send you via e-mail?" I watched Julie shift uncomfortably in her chair.

His eyes got wide like saucers once it sunk in what I was saying to him.

"Print them," I snarled.

Jack turned to his computer and brought up my file and then brought up Julie's. He printed out both documents and instantly I knew I had won.

"What do you see, Jack?" Come on I need to see her God damned face!

"Yes Jack, what do you see?" Julie said very nervously.

"Kelly's watermark." He said defeated.

"Her what?" Julie shouted.

"My watermark you lying piece of…" I stopped my words before I couldn't contain all I wanted to say to her. I threw the document in her face and watched her stare at the page knowing she was soon going to be out of a job. "I put a watermark on every document I send so that there's no mistake of who it belongs to. When you so lovingly stole that file from my computer, you took it in all its glory." I gritted through bared teeth. "I hope you had your fun at the top, or should I say 'on top'?" I whispered the last part in her ear with as much controlled anger as I could conjure up.

I redirected myself to Jack. "I demand that a full investigation take place. I'll be calling Human Resources immediately to start the hearings," I turned my head to look at the forlorn face of Julie. Nothing made me happier than to see justice happen at my own hand.

Bitch.

"I will call a meeting first thing in the morning. As for you Ms. Adams, you are suspended until further notice. You may leave," he said as she stood without saying a word and quietly left the room.

Yes!

I mentally pumped my fist.

"I can't believe she did that to you. She was really not a nice person," Susan added as I finished my walk through memory lane.

"Yeah, she was a peach all right. Best thing was that the company didn't approve of Jack's involvement with Julie, so he was let go as well. His position came open so there was a Regional Director's chair up for the taking. I unfortunately didn't get it, though," I explained.

"What? After all of that crap you'd gone through, they didn't even have the decency to promote you?" Susan asked excitedly.

"No, but this time I knew the person they did hire for the job, and he was more than qualified for the spot. I worked very closely with him and I learned a whole lot more than I thought I'd needed to. They were right not promoting me at the time, I really wasn't ready. I stayed in the field for another few years and doing this job now, I know it was wise of them to wait. I got a full apology from the Vice President, the President and all of my colleagues that had known that I would never behave in that fashion. All in all it was a very good learning experience for me. I learned a whole lot about my peers and how not to give away my heart. It hurt too badly when it was broken," I whispered.

Susan took both of my hands in hers and raised them to her lips and gently kissed my knuckles. "I'm so sorry that happened to you. There's been no one since Julie?" Susan asked gently.

"Well… that leads into a different tale. I had plenty of companionship, let's just leave it at that. We talked about one night stands last night, right?" I gazed into her eyes.

"Yes, I remember. Is that what your life turned into? Nights filled with faceless, nameless bed mates?" Susan asked with a sad grin.

It sounded better the way she said it. Most everything did.

"Yeah, it's been that way for several years now. I just can't give my heart away again… I can't… " I stuttered knowing if we talked about this anymore I would start crying wholeheartedly.

"I know it's hard believe me. My own parents turned their backs on me. My heart hasn't quite healed from that experience either. I really am so thankful we've become friends, Kelly. I feel so safe when I'm with you. I haven't felt safe in a very long time," she said gently as she squeezed my hands, keeping them in her lap.

The speakers started filtering in one of my all time favorite songs. The violins began and I instantly knew I wanted to hold this woman in my arms.

"Would you dance with me, Susan?" I asked as I raised myself off the couch lifting her gently towards me.

She smiled uncertainly and nodded as I led her into the open area of the family room. I held one hand and placed her other one on my shoulder while mine went instinctively around her waist. I looked into her dark brown eyes and felt myself falling.

At Last…

My love has come along

My lonely days are over

And life is like a song

Oh yeah yeah

We swayed to the music and slowly began a tiny circle around the room. She felt so nice in my arms. After a bit I pulled her closer and she immediately embraced me fully.

At Last…

The skies above are blue

My heart was wrapped up in clovers

The night I looked at you

I felt her hands gently rubbing my back as I did the same. Her scent was intoxicating. I wasn't sure if it was the clouds I was walking on or what, but I knew something had changed between us.

I found a dream that I could speak to

A dream that I can call my own

I found a thrill to rest my cheek to

A thrill that I have never known

Oh yeah yeah

Susan and I were gliding across the floor as if we'd danced a thousand times before. Etta James was singing my emotions causing my breathing to hitch. I knew the person in my arms would never hurt me the way I'd been hurt before. I knew with all of my heart that I'd finally found what I was looking for.

You smile, you smile

And then the spell was cast

And here we are in heaven

For you are mine…

At last…

To Be Continued…

Feedback is the Ruler of All Bards

DSBauden@att.net