ARE YOU THE ONE?: A Lesbian Romance Page 10

  Meg looked up. “Something on your mind?” she asked perturbed.

  “No. Something on your mind you want to talk about?”

  Meg stared at Sarah and then motioned for her to sit down. “I’m not going to see Brielle anymore.”

  “Why?”

  “We’re just so different. Brielle runs in a different circle than me.”

  Sarah laughed. “You’re not so different. Brielle is so much fun.”

  “That’s just it. She loves to go to bars and hang out. That’s not me.”

  Sarah looked at Meg knowing there was something that she wasn’t saying. “What did you hear this time?”

  “She was out with some young blond on Friday night,” Meg said barely above a whisper. “I won’t share her with any woman that turns her eye.”

  Sarah started laughing and held out her hand. “Shake hands with the young blond.”

  Meg’s eyebrows furrowed. “Brielle was out with you?”

  “No, she was out with her friends who dragged her to the club. I saved Brielle from Grace,” she said with a sneer. “So whoever told you we were an item is wrong.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Sarah. Every time I run into someone, there’s a story about Brielle and all her conquests.”

  Brielle knew that she had screwed up royally this time with Meg. It was just another nail in her coffin to cause Meg to realize that Brielle wasn’t the woman with whom she wanted to spend the rest of her life. She got out her phone and started typing.

  I know you don’t want to see me anymore and I just wanted to apologize again for my downfalls. You gave up your job for me and I didn’t live up to your expectations. I enjoyed the time we had together and I will never forget you.

  Brielle hit the send button feeling all her energy just leave her body. She had finally found a woman she could love the rest of her life, but it wasn’t meant to be. A few minutes later, her phone chimed.

  Bri, I am so sorry for everything that has happened. I need some time because my life has completely changed since meeting you. Please know that no woman has ever touched my soul the way you did. Meg

  Brielle read the text over and over again. Meg never said she never wanted to see her again. She was either leaving the door open or she was trying to let Brielle down easy. She left her office that evening wondering if she could ever make it up to Meg for all the things that had happened. Brielle needed to talk to someone, so she called Barbara that evening.

  “Hey, Barb,” Brielle said trying to sound cheerful.

  “Hey, Elle. How’s it going?”

  “Not good,” Brielle sighed. “Meg broke up with me.”

  “She did?” Barbara asked shocked. “What did you do this time?”

  “Just being myself.”

  Barbara giggled. “Yeah, that’s a dangerous thing. No chance of you two getting back together?”

  “I don’t think so.”

  “You two looked so happy together. Is it because of her job?”

  “I’m sure that’s part of it, but my reputation kept getting in the way, too.”

  “I’m working on the job part for you and her.”

  “What do you mean?”

  “I can’t stand Grace Grimes and I hope her reputation sinks her soon. Meg deserves that position,” Barbara said emphatically.

  “I don’t think Meg would just walk out on her friend Steve. She never gave me the impression of just walking away from a friend.”

  “Maybe not, but we’ll see what happens over the next few months.” Barbara took a breath. “Do you love her?”

  “Yes,” Meg admitted freely.

  “Then don’t give up on her either. You’re going to owe me big time if I can pull this off.”

  Brielle laughed. “You can have my first born.”

  Barbara laughed. “Fat chance of you having a baby, Elle. Don’t give up hope.

  “Thanks, Barb.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  Over the past eight months Meg kept her mind occupied with work, but as she lay in bed at night, Brielle’s face was always there. She ached to see her smile, to kiss her lips but it wasn’t meant to be. Meg kept trying to convince herself that she made the right decision. Brielle wasn’t the type of woman to settle down with just one woman. Too many people told her that and she believed that was the truth.

  Steve was becoming more and more nervous as the month went on and Meg finally cornered him. “What’s going on Steve?”

  He looked at Meg over the top of his glasses and ushered her into his office. “Someone is interested in buying the company.”

  “So why don’t you look happy about that?”

  “I’m afraid it won’t really happen. Do you know how much money they are talking?”

  Meg shook her head.

  “It’s enough money that with your stock options, you’ll never have to work another day in your life.”

  Meg swallowed hard. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “You have made this company much more attractive to buyers since you came here. You made this place look like a real company with your talent and poise. The people interested in my company asked if you would be willing to stay on.”

  Meg’s jaw dropped. “I’m flattered, but I...”

  “I know, Meg. The purchase isn’t dependent on you staying so don’t let that influence your decision.”

  “Thank you, Steve.”

  “No, Meg, I thank you and everything you did for me.”

  Meg got up and left Steve’s office. Now she worried about Sarah and what would happen to her if the company was sold. If she stayed on, she could convince her new employers that she needed Sarah. When she got back to her office, Sarah followed her inside.

  “There’s a rumor going around that Steve’s selling,” Sarah said watching Meg closely.

  “Close the door, Sarah,” Meg pointed. “It may happen and I may stay on.”

  “Don’t do that because of me, Meg. I can always find another job.”

  “But I brought you here and it has only been eight months.”

  “Meg, I’ve had other offers.”

  “You have?” Meg asked surprised.

  Sarah nodded. “I didn’t want to leave you. So do what’s best for you this time.” Sarah grinned. “Have you heard the bank opened a new corporate office in Connecticut?”

  Meg shook her head.

  “Yeah, and they’re looking for a president to run that division.”

  Meg raised her eyebrows. “They’ll have no problem filling that position.”

  Sarah stood up. “I’m sure they won’t.” Smiling, she turned and left Meg’s office.

  Two weeks later, Sarah left for her new job. Meg was just wrapping up the sale of Steve’s company and then she would be looking for a new job herself. Her cell phone filled the silence of the office. “Hi, Barb. How are you?”

  “I’m good, Meg. It’s been awhile since we saw each other.”

  “I know. I guess we’ve both been busy.” Meg answered with a smile in her voice.

  “Can you take Friday off?” Barbara asked.

  Meg looked around the empty office and said, “Yes.”

  “Good. Take the train to Connecticut. I’ll pick you up at the station.”

  “Can’t we meet here in New York?” Meg asked, not understanding.

  “Meg, I moved to Connecticut.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes, Kevin and I are living together.”

  “You gave up your job?” Meg asked shocked.

  “Not quite. I’m now at corporate up here.” Barbara lowered her voice. “I’m not going to miss another chance with Kevin. We both made that mistake years ago. I won’t miss out on love again.”

  “I’m happy for you, Barb. I really am.”

  “What about you? Anyone new in your life?”

  Meg laughed. “No.”

  “So I heard you’re out of a job?”

  “Who told you?”

  “Sarah did. I also hear you’re a rich
woman, too.”

  Meg laughed again. “Not that rich, and I plan on getting another job.”

  “Well, we’ll talk more when you get here on Friday. Text me your schedule.”

  “Okay. It will be good to see you again.”

  “You too, honey.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

  Meg took the train into Connecticut and arrived at twelve thirty. Barbara was there waiting for her when she stepped off the train. They hugged each other tightly.

  “I’m glad you came,” Barbara said when she released Meg.

  “Me, too. It’s good to see you again.” Meg smiled at her friend. Barbara looked so happy and she knew love had a lot to do with that.

  “Let’s go have lunch.” Barbara took Meg’s arm and led her to her car.

  As they sat at a table in a nearby café, Meg asked, “So how’s the new job?”

  “Great,” she chuckled. “I don’t even miss the hustle and bustle of the city.”

  “I think your being in love has a lot to do with that statement.”

  Barbara looked at her friend. “I am.”

  “Has Kevin asked you to marry him yet?”

  Barbara blushed. “We’re taking it slow this time. We both want to make sure that this is what we want.”

  “Makes sense,” Meg said nodding her head. “I’m happy for you Barbara. I really am.”

  “Thanks, Meg.”

  They paid the bill and walked toward the door. “Do you mind if I stop at work for a few minutes?” Barbara asked opening the car door.

  “Sure. No problem.”

  As they stepped out of the elevator, Tom Walker was standing there.

  “Hello, Meg,” Tom said, extending his hand to her.

  “Hello, Tom,” Meg said softly. The shy Meg couldn’t meet his gaze.

  “Do you have a few minutes to talk?” Tom asked.

  Meg looked up. “Why?”

  “I have something I wanted to discuss with you.”

  Meg looked at Barbara whose eyes were saying go with him. “Okay, Tom.” Meg followed him to the conference room and they each took a seat.

  “I want you to hear me out before you just tell me no,” Tom said with a grin.

  Meg nodded in agreement.

  “I’ve got a president slot open here and I was hoping you would accept the position.” Tom handed her a piece of paper that showed salary, bonus money and stock options.

  Meg read the figures and looked up. “This is a very generous offer, Tom.”

  “Do I hear a but?” Tom asked.

  “Move to Connecticut?” Meg asked, as though he was asking her to move to the moon.

  “Your money will go a lot farther here and you do have friends here as I’ve been told.”

  “I do, but...”

  “I understand you’re going to be here all weekend.” Meg nodded. “Think about it and give me a call on Monday and let me know.” Tom stood up and extended his hand.

  “Thank you for the offer, Tom.”

  “I wish I had known about Grace Grimes before you quit. I’ve put an end to her career with us.”

  Meg just nodded as she left the conference room. She looked around for Barbara and saw her motioning her toward her office.

  “You couldn’t warn me?” Meg said as soon as she closed Barbara’s door.

  “No, because I thought you’d never even talk to him,” Barbara said wearing a knowing grin.

  Meg smirked. “You’re right.”

  “So, did you say yes?”

  Meg shook her head from side to side. “I told him I would think about it. I’m supposed to call him Monday with my answer.”

  “That gives me two days to show you around here and convince you to take the job.”

  Meg shook her head. “You think in two days you can convince me?” she asked with a chuckle.

  “It’s a good offer isn’t it?” Barbara’s head tilted to the side.

  “It is.”

  “So I don’t see what the problem is then.”

  “This is a big change from New York City.”

  “Meg, we’re close enough if you want to go to a show or a museum. You weren’t into the clubs.”

  “I know, but...”

  “He told you Grace got fired right?”

  “He did.” Meg got up from her chair. “Let me think about it, okay?”

  “Okay. Let’s go to the apartment and get you settled in. Kevin is taking us both out to dinner tonight.” Barbara took Meg’s arm and led her out of the building.

  The following morning Barbara drove all over town showing Meg the advantage of moving to a small quaint town. The two women ended the tour at the grocery store so they could make a nice dinner that night.

  While Meg and Barbara prepared the meal, Kevin set the dining room table. Meg glanced at the table and saw that Kevin had set the table for four and wondered who the mystery guest would be. Then she figured it would either be Barbara’s sister or Kevin’s friend who she met last Christmas.

  The doorbell rang a short while later and Kevin went to greet the guest. Meg was just recognizing the voice when Brielle appeared in the kitchen.

  “Elle. I’m so glad you could make it tonight,” Barbara said hugging her cousin.

  Brielle looked at Meg and smiled. “Hello, Meg.”

  “Brielle, it’s good to see you again.” Meg went back to stirring the sauce.

  “Barbara didn’t tell me you were in town,” Brielle said with a chuckle.

  “She didn’t tell me you were here this weekend either.” Meg looked at Barbara with a smirk. “There were several things she didn’t tell me before she invited me up this weekend.”

  Barbara and Brielle shared a glance. “If I told you everything, you might not have come up,” Barbara said with a giggle.

  “I’ll open the wine,” Brielle said reaching for the corkscrew and bumping into Meg. “Sorry, Meg.”

  The meal was ready and they all took their seats at the table. Kevin sat at the head and Barbara at the foot of the table. Meg and Brielle sat across from each other.

  “So what brings you up this weekend besides Barbara’s invitation?” Brielle asked glancing at Meg.

  “My old boss offered me a position,” Meg answered.

  Barbara choked. “A position? Tom offered Meg President of the division and he told her that Grace was fired.”

  Brielle’s eyebrows rose. “Wow, that’s great. I heard Steve sold his company for a lot of money.” Her fork stopped before going into her mouth. “I heard you did well.” Meg nodded in agreement. “I guess you were right all along.”

  “I’m thankful that it did work out,” Meg said softly.

  “And now you can go back to your office with a promotion,” Brielle said with a smile.

  Barbara giggled and Brielle looked at her with furrowed brows. “There’s just one hitch.”

  “What?”

  “The job is here in Connecticut.” Meg answered. She pointed her fork at Barbara. “She’s trying to convince me to move up here and accept the position.”

  “I can’t believe it,” Brielle said holding her head.

  “I showed Meg all over town today, showing her the advantages of moving here,” Barbara said with a smile.

  “Did you tell her the disadvantages?” Brielle asked.

  “There’s no disadvantage, Elle. Don’t start.” Barbara pointed her finger at her cousin.

  “You two are funny,” Kevin said, holding his napkin over his mouth. “I don’t know how you two didn’t kill each other as kids.”

  “I still can’t believe you left New York, Barb,” Meg said. “I thought you loved New York.”

  “I do, but I love someone more,” Barbara said, throwing a kiss across the table to Kevin.

  “I love you too, honey.”

  Meg and Brielle looked at each other and giggled. “Should we both leave?” Brielle asked.

  “Maybe after dessert,” Barbara said with a giggle.

  “Meg, are you seriously
considering taking the job here?” Brielle asked softly.

  “I’m not sure. The offer was very lucrative and the town seems nice, but I’m not sure.” Meg laid her silverware on her plate. “Can you see yourself leaving the city?” she asked looking at Brielle.

  Brielle looked at Barbara and then back to Meg. “Yes,” she answered.

  Meg laughed. “Right,” she said, not believing Brielle’s answer. “You love the restaurants, the clubs. No, you’d never leave the city.”

  “I might surprise you,” Brielle said.

  Meg laughed again. “Uh, huh.”

  Barbara looked at Brielle with a nod of her head. “Tell her,” she whispered.

  “I moved back home two months ago,” Brielle said faintly.

  “You what?” Meg asked.

  “I moved back home.”

  “Why?” Meg asked, shocked.

  Barbara nodded to Kevin who picked up the plates and left for the kitchen with Barbara.

  “I didn’t want to stay in the city without you in my life,” she said barely above a whisper.

  Meg’s eyes opened wide. “You gave up your job?”

  Brielle nodded. “Yes.”

  “Do you have a job?” Meg asked.

  “Yeah.” Brielle grinned. “The cost of living is cheaper here. I can get by on a lot less. Besides, I’m living with my parents for now.”

  “I can’t believe you left the city and your job.”

  “You left your job and it worked out for you.”

  “Yes, but that was different,” Meg said leaning across the table.

  “I’m happy with my new job. The people are great and the work is good.”

  “But you must be making a lot less than you did in New York?” Meg asked.

  “It doesn’t matter, Meg.”

  They both sat there quietly and Kevin and Barbara came back into the dining room with dessert and coffee.

  “I see you kept another secret from me,” Meg said looking at Barbara.

  “It wasn’t my place to tell you about Brielle,” she said looking at her friend. “She asked me not to.”

  Meg nodded, but looked at Brielle as she did. She knew now her decision to accept the job came with seeing Brielle often in this small town. Was that going to make her decision easier or harder?