Something Real Read online

  “Get your mind out of the gutter. We’re friends and nothing more.”

  “Is she pretty?” Terry asked poking Diane.

  “Beautiful.” Diane answered without censoring herself. “Not that I’m interested or anything.”

  “Let’s get going. I’m sure once I’ve put a few drinks in you, you’ll tell me the truth.”

  “Your cab is here,” Eli called from the living room.

  “Go ahead. I’ll be right behind you.” Diane waited until Terry left the room and picked up her phone. “I hope the party is going well,” her text said to Michelle.

  After dinner, Terry dragged Diane to a club near the restaurant. “You need more alcohol.”

  “I’ve already had too much,” Diane said as she was dragged into the club. She now watched her friend dance to an empty table. “What would your husband say if he knew you were here?”

  “He knew we were coming here and he doesn’t have a problem. Eli knows I love him and I don’t want anyone else.” Terry pulled Diane to her. “Now tell me all about Michelle.”

  Diane rolled her eyes. “I told you she is my assistant. We’ve become friends and Anna is crazy about her.”

  “Are you crazy about her?”

  Diane didn’t know what to say. She didn’t want to lie to her closest friend, but she knew if she told her the truth, she would tease her. “I enjoy her company,” she said trying to pick a middle of the road answer.

  Terry giggled. “You enjoy her company,” she said in a mocking tone. “Admit it, Diane. You like her.”

  Diane’s head lowered and she played with her drink before answering. “Okay. I do.”

  “I knew it.”

  “You knew what?”

  “I knew there had to be a reason why you came to visit. You don’t know what to do with your feelings for her, do you?” Diane shook her head at Terry’s question. “Diane, you had a horrible childhood, but it doesn’t mean you have to spend the rest of your life unhappy. If this woman makes you happy, go for it.”

  Diane grumbled. “Michelle has no interest in me that way.”

  “Is she gay?”

  “Yes, but I’m her boss.”

  “So…” Terry rolled her eyes.

  Diane rolled her eyes again. “I can’t go up to her and ask her out. She would have a good case of sexual harassment.”

  “So you don’t think she has feelings for you?” Terry asked looking into the blue eyes in front of her.

  “We’ve spent every Sunday for the last few months together and we see each other every day at work, but I think it’s just a friendship thing.” Saying these things out loud to Terry made her realize that Michelle was just a friend and nothing more.

  “Yeah, because we all spend our Sundays with our boss.” Terry took Diane’s hand. “Is she dating?”

  “She was, but they broke up.”

  Michelle heard her phone signal a text, but knowing Donna was due in less than a half hour, she ignored the text. She put out the snacks and bottles of liquor to make sure the guests had everything they needed. Gordon had promised to keep Donna out of the apartment all day and he had accomplished that task. She looked at the clock and saw they only had a few minutes before the door opened. “Everyone, find a hiding place. They should be here any minute.” Michelle dimmed the lights and they waited. The door finally opened and Donna hit the light switch.

  “Surprise,” everyone called out and went to greet their friend.

  By the time Donna got to Michelle, she was shaking her finger. “You know I hate surprises.”

  “I know, but you’ll forgive me.” They hugged. “I want you to enjoy yourself today.”

  “I haven’t seen some of these people in months,” Donna admitted.

  “I know and that’s why they are here.” Michelle watched as her friend mingled amongst the group. She now remembered she had had a text and pulled the phone out of her back pocket. Michelle smiled as she read Diane’s text and began to type.

  Diane looked at her phone as it indicated a text. The party is going great. Donna wasn’t happy about it being a surprise party, but she got over it. Are you having a good time?”

  Terry watched as a smile appeared on Diane’s face. “That’s from her, isn’t it?”

  Diane looked at Terry. “Yeah. I sent her a text earlier and now she’s asking if I’m having a good time.”

  Terry took the phone out of her hand. “Let me answer her.”

  Diane grabbed for the phone. “Oh no you don’t.”

  “I’ll let you see the text before I hit send.” Diane pulled her hands away and waited. “Hi, Michelle this is Diane’s friend Terry. She has told me so much about you and yes we are having a good time. We went out to dinner and now are sitting in a club. Diane is out on the dance floor right now dancing her tail off.” She now hit the send button.

  “What the hell? You said you were going to let me see what you wrote.” Diane took the phone out of her hand and read the text.

  Michelle looked at her screen with Diane’s response except it wasn’t Diane answering. “Hi Terry, I’m glad Diane is enjoying herself because she works too hard.”

  “What did she say?” Terry asked leaning over to look at Diane’s phone and began to laugh. “Boy, does she have you pegged.”

  “I can’t believe you told her I was dancing my ass off.”

  “I said tail. I wanted to see if she got jealous.” Terry grabbed the phone again and began to respond. “You know her very well, but I hope you can change that.”

  Michelle chuckled as she read Terry’s answer. “I’m doing my best.”

  “What did she say?” Diane grabbed the phone again and smiled. “Hi, Michelle. Pay no mind to my demented friend. I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend, Diane.”

  Michelle looked at the phone. “You too,” she said before going back to the party.

  “She must like you because she took time out of a party to text us.”

  “Michelle was just being polite.”

  “I don’t know, Diane. There might be something there.”

  If only. “You are seeing things that aren’t there.”

  “No matter, but you are more relaxed than I’ve ever seen you and if she had something to do with it, I’m happy.” Terry grabbed Diane’s phone again. “Do you have a picture of her?”

  “Open the photo album. I took some pictures at the conference.”

  Terry opened the icon and began looking at the pictures. “She is gorgeous, Diane. How old is she?”

  “Twenty seven.” Diane answered as Terry kept looking at a picture of Michelle.

  “She looks younger. Her eyes are amazing.”

  “I know,” Diane said softly.

  “No wonder you like her.” Terry handed the phone back to Diane.

  “She is beautiful inside too, Terry.” And she was, Diane thought. There are plenty of beautiful women out there, but she hadn’t met someone as sweet as Michelle.

  CHAPTER 18

  Monday morning Diane arrived at work an hour later than normal. She had too much to drink Saturday night and by the time they left Terry’s house Sunday evening, she was beat.

  “Good morning, Diane.”

  “Morning,” Diane mumbled as she walked over to the coffee pot. “Sorry I’m late.”

  Michelle chuckled. “No worries. You didn’t miss anything.” She walked up to Diane as she poured the cream into her coffee. “You and Terry must have had a great time.”

  Diane took a sip of coffee. “We did, but I am paying for it now.”

  “I can clear your schedule if you don’t want to stay here all day.”

  “I’ll let you know,” Diane said walking into her office and closed the door.

  All week, Diane kept to herself and Michelle wondered what was wrong. She was getting ready to leave Friday afternoon when Diane caught her. “Will we see you on Sunday?”

  “I thought maybe you wanted to rest this weekend,” Michelle said picking up her purse and jacke
t.

  “I promised to take Anna to the zoo on Sunday.” Diane moved closer to her. “Don’t you want to come with us?” she asked softly.

  “What time do you want me to come over?” Michelle asked smiling.

  “Is eleven too early?”

  “Nope. I’ll see you then.”

  Sunday they were at the zoo with Anna and walked around like a married couple. Anna vied for their attention as they fed the animals and watched Anna’s excitement in seeing any animal she hadn’t before. Michelle now stood watching the pair together as Diane held Anna in her arms pointing at the giraffes. Diane now turned and her eyes landed on Michelle’s face. The smile the woman wore just melted Michelle’s heart as she watched them together. She took a breath in shock and grabbed the railing in front of her. When did I fall in love with her? It can’t be. We’ve never even kissed. Michelle may have been coming to an unknown realization, but she couldn’t deny that she did indeed love this woman who was watching her as if no one else existed except them. Then she felt her body go cold and thought she was going to pass out. She held onto the fence tighter and took a few deep breaths before she choked out her words, “I’m going to go to the bathroom.”

  Diane was going to say they would wait for her, but she saw the look on her face. “Are you all right? You look pale.” She lowered Anna to the carriage and took Michelle’s arm. “We will go with you.”

  Michelle felt her stomach turn as she stepped into the restroom. She flung open the stall door and dry heaved over the toilet. Before she realized what was happening, Diane’s hand was on her forehead with a wet cloth. “I’m so sorry, Diane. I don’t know what happened,” she said lying. “I think it was the heat.” Michelle stood up and went over to the sink and washed her face.

  Diane reached into the carriage and took out a bottle of water. “Drink this. You must be dehydrated,” Diane said with worry.

  “Thank you.” Michelle drank half the bottle before she stood up all the way.

  “Let’s go find a bench in the shade to sit down.” Again Diane took her arm and led Michelle and Anna out of the restroom.

  “Mommy, is Shell sick?” Anna asked worried.

  “I’m feeling better now, sweetie,” Michelle said trying to smile at the little girl. They sat down and she finished the rest of the water.

  “When you feel up to it, we will leave,” Diane said touching Michelle’s arm.

  Michelle looked at Anna’s face and said, “No. I’ll feel better in a minute.” She cupped Anna’s chin. “Don’t worry, little one. We can see the rest of the animals.”

  “Michelle, are you sure?” Diane asked. Her voice was filled with worry as to what happened. One minute Michelle is smiling and enjoying herself and the next she almost passed out. It suddenly hit her like a ton of bricks. She knows.

  “I’m sure.” Michelle waved off Diane’s concern.

  They finished the zoo and Michelle no longer felt as if she were going to pass out, but her mind was still spinning. What am I going to do? I can’t let her know how I feel.

  When they returned from the zoo, Michelle said she was going home. “Are you sure you don’t want to rest here for a while?”

  “Thank you, but I think I just got too much sun today.”

  “If you don’t feel better tomorrow, don’t come to work,” Diane said resting her hand on Michelle’s arm.

  Michelle looked at the hand and then into Diane’s blue eyes. “I’ll be fine tomorrow, Diane.” She hugged Anna and Diane and left in her car.

  Michelle did her work and tried to ignore her feelings for Diane. As the week went on it was becoming more and more difficult. She knew the only thing she could do was to transfer to another department where she wouldn’t see Diane every day.

  Diane sat in her office knowing something was wrong with Michelle, but she didn’t know what. She had asked her if everything was all right on Wednesday, but Michelle waved her off again. If she comes over Sunday, I’m going to make her tell me the truth.

  On Friday, Diane asked, “Are you coming over on Sunday?”

  Michelle didn’t look up from her paperwork. “Aren’t you tired of me yet?” she tried to laugh, but failed.

  “We both love spending time with you. Anna would be so disappointed.”

  Michelle looked up seeing sad eyes. “Would you be disappointed?” She asked unbelieving her sudden boldness.

  “Yes. Very much so,” Diane said trying to get Michelle to smile. “I thought we could hang out at the pool and talk.”

  Yes, talk. We need to talk, Diane, but what am I going to say to you? “I promised to visit my parents this weekend.”

  “I understand. You don’t have to feel obligated to spend your weekends with Anna and me.”

  “I enjoy spending Sundays with the two of you,” she said softly and then added. “But I can’t this weekend.”

  *

  Michelle walked into her parent’s home Saturday morning. “Hi, mom.”

  “Hello, dear. I’m glad you could make it this weekend.” Holly held her daughter tightly.

  “Where is dad?” Michelle asked when they parted.

  “Golf,” her mother said rolling her eyes. Holly poured her daughter a cup of coffee and they took a seat at the table together. “So what’s wrong, Michelle?”

  Michelle eye’s opened wide. “What makes you think something is wrong?”

  “I knew when you called to say you were coming for a visit.” Holly sighed. “So you may as well tell what it is.”

  Michelle let out a breath and lowered her head. “I’m in love.”

  Holly chuckled. “So why are you so unhappy? Is she married or straight?”

  “Nothing like that, but…” Michelle didn’t know how to tell her mother that she had fallen in love with her boss. A woman who just recently started to defrost from years of being cold. “She’s my boss.”

  “Oh, Mickey.” Her hand came out and she clasped her daughter’s hand tightly. “Does she love you too?”

  “She doesn’t know. We aren’t dating or anything. We hang out on Sundays with her five year old daughter.” Michelle wiped at her eyes. “I still don’t know when our friendship changed. Diane has done nothing to lead me on.” Holly handed Michelle a tissue. “She is my friend.”

  “Are you so sure that is all she is feeling?” Michelle nodded firmly. “Then you need to have an honest conversation with her.”

  *

  Diane invited Michelle over again on Friday afternoon. “I’ll be there, Diane.”

  “I thought we could take a swim and talk,” Diane said cautiously. Michelle still wasn’t herself even after her visit to her parent’s home and they needed to resolve this issue. Even if it meant she would lose Michelle for forever.

  Yes talk. We need to talk. “I’ll be there,” she said before leaving for the day.

  Michelle spent Saturday trying to think how she would explain to Diane about her transferring out of her office. By Sunday morning, Michelle was sick with worry.

  “Come in, Michelle,” Diane said when she opened the front door. “Anna has been in her bathing suit all morning waiting for you to arrive.”

  Michelle looked at the cover up Diane wore. It was the first time she had seen so much of her body and it made all the blood rush to her lower half. “Thank you.”

  “Shell.” Anna came running. “Can we go swimming now?”

  Michelle put down her beach bag and picked up Anna. “Are you sure you want to swim?” she asked jokingly.

  “Yes, Shell. Mommy and I want to swim.”

  “Do you know how to swim?”

  “Yes. I’ve taken swim lessons.”

  Michelle looked at Diane. “She has, but she still wears a lifejacket.” Diane took Michelle’s arm. “I have drinks and snacks out on the patio.”

  “You take such good care of me,” Michelle said, trying to hold back her emotions.

  Diane didn’t say anything, but she knew Michelle was upset. She would not let today end with
out finding out why. Diane put Anna’s lifejacket on while Michelle took off her t-shirt and shorts pulling her hair into a high ponytail.

  “Don’t you get in that water before we do. Do you hear me?”

  Anna stopped in her tracks. “Okay, Mommy.”

  Michelle walked down the pool steps and held out her arms for Anna. She didn’t hesitate as she jumped into the water in front of Michelle. “She has no fear,” Michelle said looking up at Diane.

  “I know and that’s why I wanted her to take lessons.” Diane now took off her cover up revealing a dark blue one-piece suit. The suit was high cut on her hips and a V dropped between her breasts. Diane smiled inwardly for a moment noticing how Michelle’s eyes opened wide when she saw her. Maybe there is potential there?

  Anna showed the women what she had learned in her swim lessons and then Anna started to tire. Diane put her on one of lounge chairs under the covered patio and let her sleep.

  Michelle and Anna sat near the pool on a pair of lounge chairs. Tell her now. Don’t wait or you’ll lose your nerve. “Diane, I was thinking…”

  Diane turned on her chair. “Hmm.”

  “I want to transfer to another department in the company.” Okay, you said it. Don’t look at her face. She’s probably angry. Don’t look. But she looked. What shocked her was that Diane’s face wasn’t angry. Instead she saw hurt. Real and true hurt on her face. “I’m sorry,” she said lowering her eyes.

  “Why?” Diane asked softly. She does know I have feelings for her? “What did I do? You know I would never act on my feelings.”

  You did nothing except be yourself and that’s why I fell in love with you. You didn’t even try. Hell, I didn’t try and here I am a lovesick idiot. She stopped her brain and realized what Diane had said. “I uh… What?” It finally sank it what Diane had said.

  “You owe me the truth, Michelle.” Diane insisted.

  “Did you just say you had feelings? Feelings for me?”

  She didn’t know. “I was just…” Diane couldn’t finish. She had painted herself in a corner and didn’t know where to go or what to say.

  Michelle broke the tension and began to laugh.

  “What’s so funny?” Diane asked, not understanding what was going on.