Never Let Me Go Read online

“I’m being silly, right?”

  “Very silly, but I love you anyway.” Mary was happy that this discussion was over. “Will I see you this week?”

  Katherine was quiet for a long moment. “I’m not sure. You know I want nothing more than to spend every night with you, but we have to be careful. At least for a little while.”

  Mary wondered if a little while would grow as Katherine took her new position. “I understand. Time for me to get back to work. Goodbye, Kate.”

  “See you soon,” Katherine said before she hung up the phone.

  Mary finished her day and went home. She looked in the freezer and took out a frozen dinner. It was in her hand when someone knocked on the door. Mary dropped the frozen box on the counter and went to the door. “Kate,” she said, shocked to see her standing there.

  “You sounded so sad when we spoke.” Katherine held up a bag. “I brought dinner.” Mary closed the door and pulled her in for a hug. “I’m so sorry that I’ve left you alone for so long. That you’re forced to live here,” she pointed around the room.

  “I don’t care, Kate.” Mary smiled. “You are here and that’s all that matters. How long can you stay?”

  “I’m yours all evening.”

  They made it a good evening. Dinner eaten quickly and they headed to the bed to make up for lost time. Katherine left at midnight leaving Mary sleeping soundly.

  CHAPTER 18

  It had been weeks since the night that Katherine spent the night with Mary. They spoke on the phone every few days, but Katherine’s time was dominated by her new job.

  “Hi, Arlene,” Mary said as she sat down at the lunch table. They tried to get together for lunch once a week since Arlene no longer worked in the same building as Mary.

  “Hey, Mary. How is it going?” Arlene asked seeing her friend was no longer the bubbly, happy person that she knew.

  “It’s going. I like working for Jennifer,” she said with a shrug.

  “Nick’s sister is in town. We’re having dinner Saturday night.” Mary listened to her friend and wondered where this conversation was going. “Come to dinner with us?”

  “I can’t Arlene.”

  “Why? Do you think Katherine will call and take you out?”

  “Probably not, but…”

  “No buts. It’s just dinner. You need to get out of that room and enjoy yourself.”

  Mary knew Arlene was right, but somehow it felt like she’d be cheating on Katherine.

  “Seven o’clock at Dino’s,” Arlene continued.

  Mary looked at her friend. “I’ll be there.” She knew she could always cancel if Katherine decided to show up.

  Katherine called earlier in the day and told Mary she was having dinner with two senators. Mary put on her dark blue dress and heels. Her hair was styled and she smiled in the mirror as she finished her make-up. Arlene was right, she needed to get out of this room. Having dinner with friends was just the ticket. She got into a cab and arrived at the restaurant just as the rest of her party arrived.

  “Mary,” Arlene said hugging her friend. “I want you to meet Nick and Ann Thompson. This is Mary Rogers,” she said smiling.

  Both Nick and Ann took her hand. “It’s so nice to meet you, Nick. Arlene has had only nice things to say about you.” Mary turned to Ann. “It’s nice to meet you too, Ann.”

  The foursome was settled at their table and perused the menu. “Arlene tells me you work for a congresswoman,” Ann said looking at Mary.

  “I do. What do you do for a living?” Mary asked interested. She knew that Nick was a lobbyist.

  “I’m a doctor,” Ann answered.

  “What field?” Mary asked.

  “General Practitioner. It’s me and another doctor that I went to school with.”

  Mary smiled and watched as the light-skinned black woman spoke with her. Her dark brown eyes danced as she spoke of her profession. “It’s nice to meet someone again that isn’t in politics.”

  Ann chuckled. “I know what you mean. Spending time with these two,” she nodded with her head to the two other people at the table. Nick and Arlene were oblivious to anyone else at the table as they hovered and whispered, “They never stop talking shop.”

  Mary laughed. “You won’t have to worry about me. I like to leave my job when I leave the office.”

  As the desserts orders were placed, Mary excused herself. She was just coming out of the stall when she saw Ann standing at the sink. “Hi,” Mary said as she reapplied her lipstick.

  “I was wondering if you wanted to have dinner with me one night this week.” Ann asked looking at Mary’s reflection in the mirror. Mary put her lipstick back into her purse and turned to face Ann. “Arlene and Nick have a work dinner to attend on Wednesday. I enjoyed your company tonight and I thought…” Ann shrugged.

  Mary smiled. “Sure. That is unless I have to work late.” It wouldn’t be work that would keep her from having dinner with Ann, but Katherine.

  “If you have to cancel, just let Arlene know. Does Arlene have your address?” Mary nodded. “I’ll pick you up at six thirty.”

  “Are you sure, Ann? I can just take a cab to the restaurant.”

  “It’s no trouble, Mary.” They walked back to the table and found that Nick had paid the bill and were ready to leave the restaurant.

  “Nick and Arlene, thank you for dinner. I enjoyed myself.” They walked outside. “Ann, I’ll see you on Wednesday night.” She moved over to Arlene. “Thank you. You knew just what I needed.” Mary whispered in Arlene’s ear.

  “Anytime,” Arlene said with a smile. “I’ll talk to you during the week.”

  “Good night,” Mary said before getting into a cab.

  Sunday morning Mary’s phone rang. “Hello,” she said picking up the receiver.

  “Hi,” Katherine said softly into the phone. “I tried you last night, but there was no answer.”

  “I went to dinner with Arlene and her boyfriend. Oh, and his sister.” Mary’s excitement showed in her voice. She was so happy to hear from Katherine.

  “I’m so sorry that we haven’t spent any time together. I never thought my time was going to be in such high demand.” Katherine tried to chuckle, but it came out more as a groan.

  “I understand, Kate.”

  “Do you, Mary?”

  “I’ll be honest, Kate. I thought you and I would have more time together. That we wouldn’t have to hide, but-” Mary didn’t finish her thought. She didn’t want to put extra pressure on Katherine. Mary knew she was doing the best she could under the circumstances. She just missed her so much.

  “I’ll make it up to you, Mary. Soon, very soon.” Katherine took a breath. “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to run. I’m playing golf with some lobbyist.”

  “Go ahead, Kate. I’ll talk to you another day.”

  “I love you,” Katherine said before she hung up.

  “I miss you,” Mary said to the dial tone.

  *

  Mary wasn’t sure how to dress for dinner with Ann. She had no idea where they were going and it wasn’t a date. She wore a pair of black dress pants, boots and a royal blue blouse. Small gold hoop earrings finished off her outfit. Mary walked down to the lobby and waited for Ann. When a car pulled up out front, she stepped out of the building.

  “Hi, Mary,” Ann said already out of the car. She greeted Mary with a hug.

  “Hello, Ann.” Mary watched as Ann opened the car door for her.

  They drove to the restaurant with small talk about the traffic and the weather. At the restaurant, they were shown to their table.

  “Nick tells me the food is as good here as Dino’s.”

  “I haven’t been here before,” Mary answered and picked up her menu. After they ordered, Mary asked, “So when do you go back to Virginia?”

  “I went back Wednesday.” Ann looked at Mary’s surprised face. “Mary, I live within a half hour of DC.”

  “I didn’t realize.”

  “I wanted to see you again. I e
njoyed your company so much Saturday night,” Ann said before their appetizers were delivered to the table.

  “I had fun too. I’ve been doing nothing but working lately.” Mary smiled and tried to relax.

  Ann now glanced at a table to their left. “Do you know that woman?” she asked trying not to be obvious.

  Mary turned and saw Katherine sitting at a table with two men. Her eyes met Katherine before her attention returned to Ann. “Yes. I used to work for Congressman Kelly and he and Kate were friends.” Mary kept her answer simple. Ann’s answer was just to nod.

  As they ate their dinner, Ann would casually watch Katherine staring at Mary. She finally asked, “Is she an ex?”

  Mary dropped her fork. “What?”

  “That woman hasn’t taken her eyes off you.” Mary didn’t answer. “I’m gay, Mary,” she said softly.

  Mary’s head shot up. “You are?”

  Ann chuckled. “Yes. I thought you knew.”

  Mary shook her head. “I had no idea. So this is a date?”

  Ann nodded her head. “You aren’t over her?”

  Mary sighed. How much should she divulge to Ann? “It’s complicated, Ann.”

  “I understand.” She began to reach for Mary’s hand, but she watched as she pulled away and put her hand on her lap. “Let’s enjoy our meal and forget about her.”

  Mary nodded, but she wasn’t so sure that would be easy. Ann kept the conversation going as she told her stories about growing up with Nick. Mary couldn’t help but laugh at some of the stories.

  “She’s coming over,” Ann said watching Katherine walk toward them.

  “Hello, Mary,” Katherine said looking down at her.

  “Katherine.” She looked at her, her face blushing.

  “Hi, I’m Ann Thompson,” Ann said putting out her hand.

  “I’m sorry,” Mary said quickly trying to recover her shock. “Katherine Willow, this is Ann Thompson. Ann is Arlene’s boyfriend’s sister.”

  Katherine glanced at Ann and took her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, Ann.”

  “My pleasure, Katherine. I met Mary Saturday night when we had dinner with my brother and Arlene.” Katherine looked at Mary who wouldn’t meet her gaze. “We just hit it off.”

  Katherine knew what Ann was doing. “I’m glad that Mary has met some new friends.” She turned to Mary. “It was nice to see you, Mary. Enjoy your dinner.” Katherine walked back to the table with her guests.

  “Do you want to leave, Mary?” Mary nodded and Ann signaled for the check.

  Once they were in the privacy of the vehicle, Mary’s eyes filled with tears and she tried to hide them from Ann.

  “It’s okay, Mary. I didn’t realize that you were involved with someone.” Mary turned and faced Ann. “I just don’t know why you were alone on a Saturday night. What’s wrong with that woman? If I was dating you, I certainly wouldn’t leave you alone.”

  “She can’t help it,” Mary finally said as a tear dropped onto her cheek. “Her job is keeping her occupied.”

  “That’s no excuse.” They pulled up to Mary’s apartment and Ann got out of the car. She held Mary’s door open and reached for her hand. They walked quietly to the front door. “Here’s my number,” Ann said handing Mary a piece of paper. “If you’d like to see me again, please give me a call. I enjoy your company Mary, and I won’t leave you alone on a Saturday night.” Ann leaned over and kissed Mary’s cheek. “Good night.”

  “Good night, Ann.” Mary went into her apartment and changed her clothes. Seeing Katherine tonight and Katherine seeing her with Ann had thrown her for a loop. When she agreed to go to dinner with Ann, she had no idea it was a date. Obviously from the looks Katherine was giving her, she knew. Then she remembered what Ann had said: “I wouldn’t leave you alone on a Saturday night.” Katherine no longer had time for Mary and she did feel as though she no longer had a girlfriend. Mary cried herself to sleep that night.

  CHAPTER 19

  Mary went to work feeling as though she had the weight of the world on her shoulders. Katherine hadn’t even bothered to call and ask questions. That hurt her the most-that she didn’t care if Mary was seeing someone else. Mary realized that she had to face reality. Her relationship with Katherine was over. Even Jennifer knew something was wrong with Mary.

  “Mary, why don’t you go home and get some sleep. You look like you’re coming down with something,” Jennifer said to Mary Friday afternoon.

  “Thanks, Jennifer.” Mary packed up her things and went home. Changing her clothes, she climbed into bed at four thirty. There was a knock on her door Saturday morning that brought her out of her sleep. “Kate.”

  Katherine looked at Mary seeing her condition of dress and asked, “Are you alone?”

  “Yes,” she said opening the door wider.

  “May I come in?” Mary opened the door all the way and walked into the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. Katherine looked at the unmade bed and realized that she had awakened Mary. “Are you sick?” Mary shrugged without turning around and continued to make the coffee. “I promised myself I wouldn’t come here. That I wouldn’t stand in your way.” Mary turned and faced Katherine. “But I had to hear you say the words.”

  “What words?” Mary finally asked.

  “That we are over.” Mary began to cry openly. She could no longer hold back her emotions and they flooded to the surface. “What’s wrong, honey?” Katherine asked taking Mary into her arms. Her hand went to Mary’s hair and she brushed her hair out of her face. “It’s okay, honey. I understand. I’ve treated you like crap these last few months and you got tired of waiting.” Mary began to cry harder. She couldn’t speak. Couldn’t explain to Katherine. She felt herself being led over to the bed. “I’m so sorry, Mary.”

  Mary grabbed some tissues from the box that was on her nightstand and blew her nose. “I didn’t know, Kate. I didn’t know.”

  Katherine looked at Mary’s face. “What didn’t you know?”

  “That it was a date.”

  “You mean with Ann?” Katherine asked and Mary nodded. “Oh.”

  “I thought we were just having dinner together. It wasn’t until you kept looking over at us that Ann asked if you were my ex. That’s when she admitted that she was a lesbian and that she liked me.” Katherine began to laugh. “It’s not funny.”

  “I know, honey. When I saw you two together, I wanted to die.”

  “You did?”

  “Yes, of course, I did. I thought I had finally lost you.” Katherine lifted Mary’s chin. “Did I lose you?”

  “I’ve been so lonely, Kate. When you didn’t call and ask me why I was with Ann…” Mary let out a deep sigh, “I thought you didn’t care.” Her tears began to fall again.

  “Oh, honey. It broke my heart to see you with her. I left my dinner right after the two of you left. I thought you went home with her.” Katherine squeezed Mary to her. “Go take a shower and get dressed. I want to show you something.” Mary nodded and left the room. Katherine poured herself a cup of coffee and waited for Mary to get ready. She now poured a cup of coffee into a travel mug for Mary who was wearing a pair of jeans and a sweater.

  They drove over to Georgetown and parked the car. Katherine took Mary’s hand as they walked along the sidewalk. When they got to the middle of the block, Katherine pulled Mary toward the front door. “Who lives here?” Mary asked as Katherine unlocked the door.

  “I do, but I was hoping that you would move in here with me.” Katherine took their coats and dropped them on the bench in the foyer. “I know I should have asked you to help me find a place, but I wanted to surprise you.” Mary still hadn’t spoken or moved out of the foyer. “What do you think?”

  “Did you buy this place?” Mary finally asked, stepping into the living room.

  “No. It’s a rental. I wanted a place that would afford us more privacy. It has three bedrooms and two and half baths.” She took Mary’s hand. “Let me show you the kitchen.” Katherine pulled her thr
ough the living and dining room and led her to the open kitchen. “The appliances are new and high quality. I thought the kitchen was big enough for both of us to cook in.”

  “You don’t cook,” Mary said smiling.

  “No, but I’m willing to learn. If you are willing to teach me.”

  “I don’t know what to say,” Mary admitted, touching the marble countertops.

  Katherine grabbed her hand again. “Let me show you the upstairs.” She showed Mary the two spare bedrooms. One of the rooms, Katherine had set up as an office. The main bathroom was updated, but kept the integrity of the building. She now led her to the master bedroom. Katherine’s king size bed didn’t feel cramped in the large room. There was a walk-in closet and half of the closet was empty. “I hoped this would be enough room for your clothes, but there are extra closets in the house to use.” Katherine now pulled her into the master bathroom. The room had white fixtures, a marble countertop with two sinks, a large shower, and a soaking tub finished off the room. “What do you think?” Katherine asked almost afraid to hear Mary’s response.

  “It’s beautiful.”

  “Do you think you’d like to live here with me?” Katherine asked softly.

  “Kate, I don’t want to hurt your career.”

  Katherine pulled her out of the bathroom and led her back into the bedroom. They both sat on the edge of the bed. “I’ve been a fool for allowing this new position to dictate so much of my time. I’ve been miserable without you. I’d like you to live with me. No matter what the consequences are.”

  “Kate, are you sure?”

  “I have never been so sure of anything in my life.” Katherine’s head lowered. “I thought I was doing all of this for you and then when I saw you with Ann, I thought I lost you before I could ask you to move in here.”

  Mary laid her head on Katherine’s chest. “I don’t know what to say.”

  “Say yes. I love you so much, Mary. Please say yes.”

  “Oh, Kate. I love you too. How can I say no?” Mary’s stomach began to grumble. “Sorry,” she said laughing. “I haven’t eaten since lunch yesterday.”

  “I’m not sure I can make up to you what I put you through, but I can start out by feeding you before you faint.”