ARE YOU THE ONE?: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  ARE YOU THE ONE?

  By

  Lydia Rose

  Edited by Holly Schneider

  FOR LINDA ALWAYS

  CHAPTER ONE

  Brielle Sanders had just walked into her New York apartment when her cell phone began to ring. She knew from the ringtone that it was her mother and let the call go to voicemail. She set down her briefcase and flipped off her shoes. As she walked into the bedroom the rest of her clothes hit the bed as she reached for her robe. Brielle reentered the living room to return her mother’s call.

  “Hi, Mom,” Brielle said as she poured herself a glass of wine.

  “Hi, honey. I just wanted to make sure you’re taking the train up tomorrow.”

  Brielle could hear her mother working in the kitchen even though they were on the phone. “Yes, Mom. I’m taking the four o’clock train up.”

  “How long are you going to stay?” Melanie asked as the food processor hummed in the background.

  “A few days, Mom.”

  “Okay, dear. We’ll see you tomorrow.”

  Brielle sat down on the couch and pinched the bridge of her nose with her fingers. She loved her family, but spending the next few days with them was going to be trying. This was going to be the third year in a row she was showing up alone. After her three year relationship with Amy ended, her love life became pathetic. The last three years were nothing but casual dates. Okay, so they were one night stands. Sue me. At the age of thirty two Brielle could still turn someone’s head as she walked into a room. Even though she was only five feet five inches tall, her personality made her seem taller. The dirty blond hair and deep blue eyes finished off her perfect figure.

  Brielle made her way to the front of the train car and took a seat. The train began to fill with passengers headed to home and family. A woman entered from the back of the train car and searched for an empty seat. Brielle watched as she walked nearer noticing the strained look on her face. Brielle held up her hand and pointed to the seat opposite her. The woman smiled and walked over to the seat.

  “Thanks. I thought I was going to have to stand the whole way,” she said, taking a seat.

  Brielle noticed the chocolate eyes first and then the woman pulled off her wool cap and she saw the matching hair to the eyes. A hand moved through her shoulder length hair as she tried to straighten the mess she saw reflected in the glass. The woman turned to Brielle.

  “I’m Meg,” she said with her hand extended.

  Brielle smiled. “Brielle.”

  “Are you visiting family for the holidays?” Meg asked.

  “Yes and you?”

  “No. My parents are away and my friend didn’t want me to spend the holidays alone.” Meg shrugged. “It feels kind of awkward going to spend the holidays with only knowing one person.”

  Brielle wondered if this woman was talking about a man or woman friend. Her gaydar didn’t go off with this woman, but she couldn’t say straight for sure. Brielle liked the sound of her husky voice and she watched as her face became animated as she spoke. At times she found herself staring instead of listening to what the woman had said. Before she knew it, their train had arrived.

  “It was nice speaking with you, Brielle. Merry Christmas,” Meg said as she grabbed her bags.

  “Merry Christmas to you and I hope you have a good time.” Brielle’s hand came up in a wave.

  They both walked away and waited on a cab to take them to their destination. Brielle got a cab first and found she was disappointed leaving the stranger behind.

  Brielle got out of the cab and reached for her suitcase. She stood on the sidewalk staring at the large house before her. The large colonial looked wonderful with the white Christmas lights and a coating of snow on the grass. She walked up the front stairs and opened the front door.

  “Hi. I’m here,” Brielle called from the foyer.

  Her mother came out of the kitchen wiping her hands on a dishtowel. “Oh, Elle. I’m glad you’re here.” Her mother said hugging her tightly.

  Brielle rolled her eyes at the name her family insisted on calling her. Her attempts to get them to call her Bri or Brielle had gone on deaf ears. Everyone in Connecticut called her Elle. “Hi, Mom. It’s good to be home. Where is everyone?”

  “Your sister, Matt and the kids will meet us at Helen’s house for dinner later. Your dad is in the den.” Melanie pushed her daughter. “Go say hello to your dad.”

  Brielle stood in the doorway and saw her dad napping on the recliner. “Hey, Dad,” she called softly as she stood in front of him.

  Arthur opened his eyes and smiled. “Elle. You’re home.”

  “Merry Christmas, Dad,” she said with a smile.

  Arthur stood up and hugged his daughter. “Merry Christmas to you too, honey. How was your commute?”

  “Fine, Dad.”

  Every year her family went down the street to her Aunt Helen and Uncle Sam’s house on Christmas Eve. Christmas day would be spent in her parent’s home. She was anxious to see her cousins, Jennifer, Barbara and Billy. Billy was the oldest at thirty eight, Barbara next at thirty five and Jennifer the baby at thirty. They all grew up together and Brielle and the girls were more like sisters than cousins. Brielle’s own sister Cindy who also was thirty was very close to Jennifer.

  “How about a snack?” Melanie asked from the doorway to the den.

  “Sure,” Brielle said following her mother to the kitchen.

  Melanie put a small plate of crab cakes and a stuffed mushroom in front of Brielle and poured her a glass of wine.

  “Are you dating anyone new?” Melanie asked as she sat across from her daughter.

  “No, Mom.”

  “Why not? You’re a beautiful woman, Elle.”

  “Mom.”

  “I want you to be happy, honey. I don’t want to see you go through life alone.”

  “I don’t either, Mom.” Brielle shook her head. “I haven’t met anyone that I’ve cared to date.” She finished the plate of food. “I’m going to get changed. What time are we leaving?”

  “In about an hour.” Melanie picked up the empty plate and went to the sink. She worried about her daughter living all alone in New York City.

  Brielle went up to her room and opened her suitcase. She hung her clothes in the closet and took the dress pants off the hanger. A cashmere sweater was added to the bed as she stripped off her jeans and sweatshirt.

  Margaret Wilson knocked on the door after the cab left her off. Her heart was in her stomach as she waited for someone to open the door. A tall man opened the door.

  “Well, hello,” he said. “You must be Meg?”

  “I am,” Meg said standing on the porch.

  “Come inside, please. I’m Billy, Barbara’s big brother.”

  “I’m happy to meet you, Billy,” Meg said shyly. Her shyness had always kept her from meeting people and it always made her seem standoffish. They would take one look at her and go in the opposite direction. Barbara had been different. They met through work and Barbara moved beyond Meg’s shyness and they became friends.

  Barbara came bouncing down the stairs. “Meg, I’m glad you’re here,” she said taking Meg’s arm. “Let me introduce you to everyone. “Mom, Dad, this is Margaret Wilson. Meg, these are my parents, Helen and Sam Ramsey.”

  “Mr. & Mrs. Ramsey, it’s so nice to meet you,” Meg said with an extended hand.

  “Please call us Helen and Sam.” Helen took the extended hand.

  “Thank you for inviting me for the holidays,” Meg said smiling, trying to meet Helen’s gaze.

  “It’s our pleasure, dear. We’re happy to have you here. Barbara talks about you all the time.”

  Jennifer came int
o the room and she walked over to Meg. “Hi, Meg. I’m Jennifer.”

  Meg smiled at how much the two sisters looked alike. “It’s nice to meet you, Jennifer.”

  “What time are Aunt Melanie and Uncle Arthur getting here?” Jennifer asked.

  “They’ll be here soon.”

  Barbara asked, “Are Elle and Cindy coming too?”

  “Yes. We’ll all be together.”

  “Is Elle bringing anyone?” Barbara asked.

  “According to your aunt, no.” Helen added, looking at the girls.

  “Elle and Cindy are our cousins. We grew up together and we are still very close,” Barbara said with a smile showing the affection she had for the two women in her voice.

  Meg was starting to feel overwhelmed. Not only did she have Barbara’s family to contend with, but now she had an aunt, uncle and cousins to add to the group.

  “What time will Nana and Pop be here?” Jennifer asked.

  “They’re on the way,” Helen said, ushering everyone to sit down in the living room.

  Meg swallowed. Two more people coming.

  “We all have dinner here Christmas Eve and tomorrow we’ll be at Helen and Sam’s house,” Barbara said with a light touch to Meg’s hand. “Let’s go upstairs and get you settled.”

  Meg followed Barbara up the stairs as she led them to her room. “I made room in the closet for you,” Barbara said. “Come down whenever you’re ready.”

  Meg sat on the edge of the bed feeling her heart beat rapidly. In a little while she would be surrounded by people she didn’t know. She only hoped that Barbara didn’t leave her alone. Meg could handle talking to one or two people, but a room full of strangers was something she never got used to doing. Even though her job as a bank vice president forced her to talk to strangers all the time it was usually in a small group of people at a time. At thirty five years old she had hoped to overcome her shyness, but it never happened. She shocked herself today when she sat across from Brielle and spoke with her with ease. Brielle seemed quiet and she allowed Meg to keep the conversation going. She wondered if Brielle was even more shy than herself. She changed her clothes and went back down the stairs.

  By this time, the grandparents were there and she heard new voices coming from the kitchen. Barbara came out of the kitchen and pulled her arm.

  “Come meet the rest of the family,” Barbara said as she led her back to the living room. She introduced her to her grandmother, Lucille and her grandfather, Richard. Then she introduced her Uncle Arthur and his son-in-law, Matt. Now, Barbara was dragging her toward the kitchen.

  Before they walked through the door, it swung open. “Meg,” Brielle said surprised.

  “Brielle,” Meg said with a wide smile.

  “You two know each other?” Barbara asked.

  “We met on the train,” Brielle said still looking at Meg who now wore a blush creeping up her neck.

  “Of course, you would chat up a beautiful woman who crossed your path, Elle,” Barbara said with a laugh.

  “Elle? I thought you said your name was Brielle?” Meg asked not understanding.

  “My name is Brielle and my family has been calling me Elle forever. I can’t break them of the habit.”

  Meg laughed. “So I guess you prefer Brielle?”

  “Or Bri,” she said, sticking out her tongue at Barbara.

  “Well, you’re never going to get the family to break the habit,” Barbara said with a chuckle.

  “So I guess you’re the friend that invited Meg?”

  “Yes. We’ve known each other for about a year. Billy has been dying to meet you Meg.”

  Brielle and Meg raised their eyebrows in question as they looked at one another.

  “You invited me here to set me up with your brother?” Meg asked lowering her voice and eyes.

  “No. I’ve been talking about you since we met and I wanted you to meet the entire family. My brother said I speak about you so much, he wanted to meet this woman who had me under her spell,” Barbara said with a giggle.

  “Oh, yeah under her spell?” Brielle questioned.

  “Get your mind out of the gutter, cuz. Meg and I are just friends.” Barbara shook her head. “We straight women can have girlfriends without wanting to take them to bed. Unlike you.”

  Brielle laughed. “Okay, if you say so,” her shoulders rose in a shrug.

  Meg looked at Brielle. Barbara had just outed Brielle to her and stared at her face. Barbara was wrong about Brielle chatting her up. Yes, she offered her a seat, but it was Meg who had done all the talking.

  After the rest of the introductions were made everyone took their seats in the dining room. Helen, Lucille and Melanie brought the food out to the table. Somehow Meg ended up with Brielle on her left and Billy on her right.

  Billy leaned over. “All these women in this family can cook. You’re in for a real treat.”

  Meg smiled at him, but didn’t comment. As the conversation around the table became lively, Meg leaned over to Brielle. “I can’t believe you’re here. I thought I’d never see you again.”

  “I’m glad you’re here,” Brielle whispered. She watched as Billy tried to get Meg’s attention.

  “Meg, do you come from a big family?” Billy asked.

  “No. It’s my mom and dad and I have two brothers. Both grandparents passed away years ago and both my parents were an only child.”

  “That’s too bad,” Billy chuckled. “Although, this crowd can get to you and make you wish you were an only child.”

  Brielle watched her cousin hit on Meg and wondered if Meg was enjoying the attention or was she just being polite.

  Meg leaned toward Brielle again. “So what do you do for a living?”

  “Commercial artist. I love to draw and paint, but I didn’t think I could make a living doing that. What about you?”

  “Banking,” Meg said without elaborating.

  “Banking? You’re not a teller. I can tell that,” Brielle said looking at the expensive clothes on Meg’s body.

  Meg laughed. “I’m a VP,” she said softly.

  “Don’t be embarrassed. I think that’s great,” Brielle said almost touching Meg’s hand.

  Meg watched as Brielle’s hand came near hers, but suddenly pulled back. “Some people think I’m bragging when I tell them what I do for a living.”

  “That’s because they’re jealous of your accomplishments.”

  “Thank you, Bri,” Meg said softly.

  As the family was having dessert, Jennifer’s boyfriend Steve showed up with his friend Kevin. The look on Barbara’s face as he walked into the dining room was priceless. Barbara and Kevin dated for years, but her choice to accept a job in New York City ended their relationship.

  “It’s good to see you again, Barbara,” Kevin whispered near Barbara’s ear.

  “You too,” Barbara said without looking at him, but Meg and Brielle saw the look on her face.

  The women began cleaning up and the men went into the living room.

  Barbara grabbed Jennifer’s arm. “Did you know he was coming tonight?”

  Jennifer held up her hands. “I had no idea they even knew one another.”

  Barbara looked at Meg. “I’m sorry, Meg.”

  “Don’t worry about it,” Meg smiled weakly. “If you want to spend time with him, don’t worry about me.”

  “I couldn’t do that,” Barbara said glancing at Brielle.

  “Don’t worry, Barb, I’ll keep Meg entertained,” Brielle offered.

  “I could ask Billy?” Barbara said looking at Meg.

  “Please don’t worry about me. Go out and have some fun,” Meg pleaded.

  “Are you sure?” Barbara asked again.

  Meg smiled and nodded, “I’ll be fine.”

  The two couples left the house together and Meg and Brielle went back into the kitchen.

  “The meal was wonderful, thank you all so much,” Meg said to the women.

  “We’re glad you enjoyed it,” Helen sai
d with a smile.

  “Yes, Aunt Helen. I feel like I’ve gained ten pounds,” Brielle added. “How about a walk, Meg?”

  “I’d like that,” Meg said already leaving the kitchen. “I’ll go get my coat.”

  The women looked at Brielle. “What?”

  Melanie looked at her daughter. “Is she gay?”

  “I don’t know, Mom. You want to ask her?” Brielle asked. She heard Meg coming back down the stairs. “I’ll be back.” Brielle put her coat on and the two women went out the front door. Once they were on the sidewalk, Brielle said, “I’m sorry about Barbara leaving you behind.”

  “Barbara has talked about Kevin and I know she still has feelings for him. I saw her face.”

  “I did, too. They were such a great couple, but she didn’t want to pass up the job opportunity in New York,” Brielle explained. “Are you sorry you came up here?”

  “If I hadn’t met you on the train, I might have been. I would have been left alone in a house with no one that I knew.” Meg chuckled. “Even though you and I spent less than two hours together, you’re easy to talk to. I tend to be shy around strangers.”

  Brielle stopped walking. “Really? You had no trouble talking to me.”

  “I know. It was so unusual for me to talk your ear off.” Meg chuckled. “You barely said a word to me.”

  “I enjoyed listening to you,” Brielle said with a shrug. As they passed Brielle’s house, she asked, “Would you like to go inside and warm up for awhile?” Brielle motioned with her hand.

  “Is this your parent’s house?” Meg asked as they walked up the front stairs.

  “Yep.” Brielle opened the door and she led Meg to the living room. “How about a glass of wine?”

  “Sure.” Brielle motioned for Meg to have a seat in the living room. As Brielle came back into the room with their wine, Meg asked, “Maybe I can come over in the morning and help you and your mom make Christmas dinner?”

  Brielle handed Meg the wine glass and took a seat next to her. “My aunt usually makes a big breakfast and then they open their gifts. “I don’t think you want to insult them by leaving before breakfast and I’m sure Barbara wants to spend time with you, too.”