Something Real Read online

  The woman looked at the sweats and t-shirt Michelle wore before she spoke. “Good morning. Coffee?”

  “Please, but I’ll get it.” Michelle poured her coffee while the woman went about her work. She stood there watching Cecelia make some type of dough. “Are those biscuits?”

  “Yes,” she answered, but continued doing her work.

  “You don’t like me for some reason, Cecelia.” The woman turned, but didn’t speak. “Did I do something to offend you?”

  “No. I know Anna is crazy about you. She hasn’t stopped talking about you since you two met.” Cecelia sighed. “I’ve been cooking for this family since Diane was fifteen.” She put her hands in the dough and placed the biscuits on a tray. “I know my Diane is happy too. I’ve seen her go from a sad woman over the years to happy in a short period of time.” She turned to Michelle. “Are you the reason?”

  Michelle smiled. “I hope so, Cecelia. I love them both so much.”

  “That’s all I needed to know, but don’t you hurt them. Either one or you will have me to answer to.”

  Michelle giggled. “I’ll consider myself warned. Now let me take Diane a cup of coffee.” As she passed Anna’s room, she heard her stir. Michelle opened the door and saw the little girl getting out of bed. “Let’s go visit mommy, Anna.” The little girl smiled and followed Michelle out of the room. She placed the coffee on the night table and placed Anna on the bed. Anna giggled and laid close to her mother. Michelle watched as blue eyes focused. “Morning.”

  Diane sat up and looked at Anna. “When did you get here?”

  “Just now, Mommy,” Anna giggled.

  Michelle handed the cup of coffee to her. “Thank you.” Diane glanced at the clock. “I guess you ran into Cecelia downstairs.”

  Michelle nodded with a grin. “We came to an agreement.” Diane raised an eyebrow high on her forehead and Michelle laughed. “I’ll tell you later.” Michelle looked at Anna. “Are you ready for breakfast? Cecelia made biscuits.”

  “Yes, please,” Anna said going into Michelle’s open arms.

  “Come on, mommy,” Michelle said with a wink at Diane.

  “I have to get dressed first.” Diane pulled the covers back and stood wearing her nightgown.

  Michelle’s eyes traveled over Diane’s body sending a chill right to her core. “Do you own a robe?” Diane nodded smiling. “Well, put it on and let’s go have breakfast.

  “Can I at least comb my hair and brush my teeth?” Diane asked looking at Michelle’s messy hair.

  “If you insist. We will be downstairs.” Michelle carried Anna out of the room.

  Diane found them downstairs sitting at the kitchen table. Scrambled eggs, biscuits and ham slices were placed in the center of the table.

  “Good morning, Ms. Baker,” Cecelia said looking at Diane’s attire.

  “Cecelia, please don’t call me Ms. Baker.” Diane looked down at her robe. “It’s only a robe, Cecelia,” she said taking her seat.

  “I have never seen you come downstairs before dressing,” Cecelia muttered as she poured Diane a cup of coffee.

  Michelle and Diane’s eyes met. “It’s my fault, Cecelia.”

  “I’m sure it is,” she said as she turned and went to the refrigerator to get Anna milk.

  “Let’s eat,” Diane said laughing as they passed the plates around the table. Anna sat there eating her biscuit and milk.

  “Mommy, are we going swimming today?” Anna asked looking from her mother to Michelle.

  “After breakfast, Anna. Now eat your meal.”

  After breakfast the trio went back upstairs. “I’ll get Anna ready while you go get ready,” Michelle said leading Anna into her room. Her bathing suit was put on. “Can you play with your toys while I go get ready?” Michelle asked touching Anna’s shoulder.

  “Okay, Shell.”

  Michelle walked into the master bedroom and grabbed her bag in search of another bathroom to use.

  Diane found Anna playing in her room when she returned. “Let’s put some sunscreen on you, Anna.” Anna stood up and walked over to her mother. Once she was slathered with the cream, Diane tried to reach her own back with the cream.

  “I’ll do that for you.” Michelle took the bottle and poured some of the cream into her palms. She began to rub the lotion into Diane’s back and slipped the straps of her bathing suit out of the way. As the lotion went into Diane’s skin, Michelle heard a soft moan leave Diane’s mouth. Her hands instantly stopped. “I can tell you like this but there are little eyes watching us.” Diane’s head went up and down. “Are you ready, Anna?”

  Diane and Anna entered the water and Michelle sat on a lounge chair covering her body with the warm cream. As she looked up, she saw Diane watching her. They smiled at each other.

  “Mommy, watch me swim,” Anna said forcing Diane’s eyes back on her daughter and away from where they desperately wanted to stay.

  Anna was put down for a nap and the two women laid on a lounge chair under the covered porch. “You have to stop looking at me like that,” Diane said in a low voice.

  “I’m just looking,” Michelle said with a giggle.

  “Yeah, but your looks are like touching.” She leaned closer to Michelle. “I thought we agreed to wait.”

  Michelle giggled again. “No. That was your idea, Diane.” The older woman let out a sigh. Michelle said, “Are you afraid of me?” She waited for Diane to continue.

  “Of course not, but it’s been a very long time for me, Michelle.” Her hands went up in the air in frustration at feeling like she didn’t have the right words to convey her feelings. Then she admitted shyly, “I don’t want you to be disappointed,” as she stared into the laughing green eyes.

  Michelle took Diane’s hand. “I’m sorry if you think I’m rushing you. It really is not my intention.” She kissed Diane’s cheek. “I just can’t help myself when I look at you.”

  “Is that any way to speak to your boss?” Diane asked trying to keep a straight face.

  “Not my boss, but my girlfriend. The woman who I want to kiss and never stop.”

  Diane squeezed Michelle’s hand and leaned over to her ear. “Do you know what your words do to me?”

  “Hopefully, the same thing they do to me.” A grin appeared on Michelle’s face.

  Diane looked over at her daughter. “How about we carry the little one upstairs and we can get out of these bathing suits?” Michelle raised an eyebrow. “Don’t say anything.” Diane stood up. “Let’s go.”

  Anna was placed in her bed and Diane turned on the monitor. She looked at Michelle who stood in the hallway and reached for her hand. They walked into Diane’s bedroom without a word. She pressed Michelle against the closed bedroom door as her hand turned the lock. “Do you want me to kiss you?” Michelle swallowed hard and nodded her head. “What else do you want me to do to you?”

  Michelle’s mouth was suddenly dry and her voice came out as a squeak. “Whatever you want to do to me.”

  Diane’s fingers went to the strap on her bathing suit. She dropped the strap down her arm and now her fingers were toying with the other side. She looked into Michelle’s eyes seeing her arousal. They continued to stare as Diane stripped away the unwanted suit. A smile appeared on Diane’s lips looking at the beautiful body before her. Her head moved forward and her lips went to the woman she had been wanting since she woke up that morning. “Michelle,” she said into the sensuous mouth. Her body pressed against her as their kiss deepened. Michelle couldn’t stand it any longer and lowered Diane’s suit with their lips never leaving the other. “Bed,” Diane moaned as their breasts pressed together. “Now.” Michelle’s smile caused their lips to finally separate.

  Diane tossed the covers back on the newly made bed and moved to the center. Her arms came out for Michelle to join her. As their bodies came together a soft sigh was heard. “I love you, Diane.” Michelle tasted her mouth as her hands began to explore the woman under her.

  “Touch me, Michelle.
Please before Anna wakes up.” Diane’s soft desire was all she needed to make love to this beautiful woman under her. Fingers gave pleasure and tongues danced across the softly scented skin from the pool. Michelle found her wet folds and her thumb caused Diane’s body to jump as she touched her clit. Diane was now breathing heavy as Michelle entered her. “Yes,” Diane said softly as her hips moved in rhythm with Michelle’s touch. Diane could no longer keep her hands from touching Michelle. She entered Michelle both panting with want. By the time they both had reached their peak, their bodies collapsed onto the bed in a heap.

  Trying to catch her breath, Michelle said, “I don’t think you have to worry about being rusty.” Diane giggled into her ear. “I think that was wonderful.”

  “For me too and we finished before Anna woke up.”

  “Who said we were finished?” Michelle asked, looking at Diane’s face before she made her quest to taste this beautiful woman.

  Diane had just laid her head on Michelle’s chest when little hands were knocking on the door. “Mommy,” Anna called from the other side.

  “I’ll get her dressed and settled. Why don’t you go take a shower and I’ll meet you in there.” Diane changed Anna and set her up with a movie. She followed the sound of the water still running in the shower. Diane opened the shower door and watched as the smile on Michelle’s face opened up.

  It was an early evening for them as they both settled Anna in for the night. Then Diane reached for Michelle’s hand and led her back to the bedroom.

  CHAPTER 20

  Michelle was the first one up on Sunday morning. Knowing Diane couldn’t cook, she began to make pancakes. By the time she was finished, both Diane and Anna appeared in the doorway. She grinned as she saw both of their hair standing on end. “Just in time,” Michelle said as she placed the plates on the table.

  “I’m starved,” Diane said reaching for the syrup.

  “I can’t imagine why.” Michelle kissed the top of Diane’s head before she did the same with Anna. She now cut up Anna’s pancake before taking her own seat.

  Today was going to be a quiet day for all of them. It was drizzling outside as Anna watched a Disney movie. Michelle and Anna both dressed in jeans and a casual top, and they held hands as they watched Anna enjoying the film.

  “How about a cup of coffee?” Diane asked.

  “Sure. I’ll get it.” Michelle began to get up before Diane stopped her.

  “Let me get it and I’ll get Anna something to drink too.” Diane went back to the kitchen just as the doorbell rang.

  “I’ll get it,” Michelle said already out of her seat. She opened the door and stood there gawking.

  The woman removed her sunglasses and chuckled as she looked at Michelle. “Hello.”

  Michelle blinked out of her trance and stated, “You’re Lee Stanton.”

  “I am and you are?” Lee asked as Michelle still stood in the doorway.

  “I’m uh…” Michelle felt someone at her side.

  “Hello, Lee. This is Michelle Whitman, my assistant.”

  “I see you are still working seven days a week, Di,” Lee said as she entered the house.

  Anna came out of the living room to see who was here. “Auntie Lee,” she said running into her arms.

  Michelle looked at Diane as she shut the door and mouthed. “Auntie?”

  “Lee is my sister-in-law.”

  “Should I go?” Michelle asked as she watched Lee and Anna go into the living room.

  “No. Please stay.”

  “So, Lee, what are you doing in Dallas?” Diane asked as she took a seat on the couch.

  “I was filming a TV movie and I thought I should visit my favorite niece.” Lee was smiling down at the little girl.

  Diane laughed. “She is your only niece.”

  Lee now glared at Michelle. “Does my sister-in-law have you working every weekend?”

  Before Michelle could answer, Anna did. “Shell is our friend. She visits all the time.” Anna climbed up next to Lee. “We went swimming yesterday.”

  “Anna, there is a bag in the foyer.” Lee touched her cheek. “Go open your present.” Once Anna left the room, Lee looked at Diane. “What’s going on, Di?

  “What do you mean? Nothing is going on,” Diane answered quickly. Michelle is a friend besides my employee. Anna just loves her.”

  “Well, I’m glad to see you look better than the last time I saw you.” Lee looked at Michelle who just sat there without saying a word. “Are you the reason?”

  “I hope so,” she said without thought. “I mean Diane and Anna’s friendship has meant a lot to me too.”

  Anna came running into the room with a new video and a doll. “Look, Mommy.”

  “What do you say?” Diane instructed as she stroked Anna’s head.

  “Thank you, Auntie Lee.” Anna ran over to her and gave her a hug before moving over to Michelle and showing her.

  “Wow, honey. Isn’t your dolly beautiful?” Michelle asked as the little girl nodded. “It was very nice to meet you, Ms. Stanton.” Michelle stood up. “I like your show.”

  “Thank you, Michelle, but please call me Lee.” Michelle nodded at her words and went to collect her things from upstairs.

  Diane went to the foyer as Michelle came back down the stairs. Anna ran toward them before Diane could say anything. “You going home, Shell?”

  “Yes, honey.” She gave the little girl a hug and turned her toward the living room. “Go sit with your aunt.”

  “Bye, Shell,” Anna said before hopping away.

  “I’ll call you later,” Diane said touching Michelle’s arm. “If that’s okay?”

  “Of course.” She squeezed Diane’s hand before opening the door. The two women stared at one another both wanting to kiss, but knowing that was impossible. “Talk to you later,” Michelle said before opening the door.

  “Anna, let me set up your new movie for you.” Lee slipped the disk into the machine and hit play. “How about offering your sister-in-law a cup of coffee?”

  Diane nodded and they walked to the kitchen. “So how long will you be in Dallas?” she asked as she made the coffee.

  “Only a couple of weeks.” Lee waited for Diane to sit down before she began with her questions. “So after thirteen months your mourning period is over?”

  “I think about James and my father every day, Lee,” Diane said a little angrier than she anticipated.

  “That may be true, but I would have expected you to choose a partner worthy of your position.”

  “I haven’t chosen anyone.” Diane hated lying, but to Lee she had no choice.

  “So you aren’t fucking your secretary?” Lee asked through frustrated eyes.

  “Listen, Lee. You and I were never close. You saw your brother less and less every year and I’m surprised that Anna even remembered you. Was it a year ago you stopped by on your way to somewhere else?” James was dead and Diane wasn’t going to take this superior attitude from her sister-in-law any longer. When James was alive, she tolerated this movie star, but she was no longer obligated.

  “What kind of message are you sending your daughter?” Lee tried another tactic.

  “Anna is being exposed to love and affection. Something that has never been in this house.”

  “So you’re admitting you’re sleeping with her?” Lee snarled.

  “What I do in my life isn’t any of your business. I don’t want to take Anna out of your life, but I won’t put up with your accusations or threats. Never again.” Diane’s eyes closed slowly. “I wanted to divorce your brother years ago. I listened to you then that it wouldn’t look good for the family. Well, guess what, Lee? I don’t give a fuck what you think anymore.”

  “You wouldn’t want me to take you to court to gain custody of this child,” Lee threatened.

  Diane chuckled. “Yeah, a judge will give you, the great Lee Stanton custody. A woman who has gone from man to man.” She leaned closer. “I’ve heard a few women were in your be
d too. If you try anything as idiotic as that, I will bury you and your career.” Diane stood up. “Don’t think that I won’t. Now say goodbye to Anna and get out of my house.”

  Lee stood with a huff and went into the living room. “Come say goodbye to Auntie Lee.”

  Anna got up and hugged her aunt. “Are you coming back tomorrow?”

  “No, Anna,” Diane said quickly. “Aunt Lee has to work and then she’s going back to California.”

  “Is Shell coming over tomorrow?” the little girl asked.

  Lee stared at Diane. “No, honey. Tomorrow is a work day.” Diane walked Lee to the door. “Don’t come by unless you call first,” she said as she shut the door in Lee’s face.

  Michelle walked into the apartment and put down her suitcase. “You’re home earlier than I thought,” Donna said from the living room.

  “I have work tomorrow.”

  “Do you want to get a pizza for dinner?”

  “Sure. Order it when you want.” Michelle took her suitcase into the bedroom. She laid back on the bed lost in thought. She had always been a fan of Lee Stanton, but the way she looked at Michelle made her feel like didn’t belong in the house. She is going to be trouble. I just know it.

  *

  It didn’t take long for the two women to see what type of trouble Lee would cause. An anonymous person had leaked to the business press that a well-known CEO was sleeping with their Administrative Assistant who was eight years younger. No names were given which only made the press try to find out who this person was.

  Michelle walked into Diane’s office carrying her phone. When she stood in front of Diane’s desk, she turned the phone around. Diane’s eyes opened wide. “That bitch. I told her not to mess with me.”

  “At least she didn’t use your name,” Michelle said as she tried to lighten the news.

  “I’m sure there are plenty of CEO’s who are sleeping with their admin,” Michelle said with a laugh. Michelle’s joke didn’t go over well.

  “She’s making it sound like this is some sort of sordid affair. As if you were doing this to get ahead in the company.” Diane took a breath to calm herself down. “I love you, Michelle. This is not an affair.”