Never Let Me Go Read online

  “I hope you haven’t been waiting long?” the woman asked before kissing Ava softly.

  “It’s okay. Carol has been entertaining me and this is Mary,” Ava pointed. “Mary, this is my girlfriend Adele.”

  “It’s nice to meet you, Mary.” Adele’s attention was now on the senator. “Carol, it’s good to see you.” She placed a kiss on the senator’s cheek. “It’s been too long.” Adele now looked from Mary to Carol wondering if this was the senator’s new girlfriend.

  “I know that look, Adele. I just met Mary this evening.”

  Adele smiled. “Why don’t the four of us get a booth?”

  Carol leaned closer to Adele and whispered in her ear, “Don’t play matchmaker.”

  “I’m not,” Adele said with a laugh. As Ava’s hand wrapped around Adele’s waist, she added, “I’m starving. I thought the four of us could get something to eat.”

  Carol turned to Mary. “Feel like a bite to eat?”

  Mary’s gaze drifted over the three women. “Love to.”

  They carried their drinks and found an empty booth in back. “The burgers are the best in town,” Ava volunteered, looking at Mary.

  Mary picked up the menu and saw the different options for burgers. Once she decided what kind to have, she closed the menu and watched the women sitting across from her. “Do you work for the Senate too?” she asked Adele.

  Adele grinned. “No. I work in the White House.”

  “Wow,” Mary said softly. “Impressive.”

  “Not really, Mary. I’m just a grunt like a hundred other women working there. It’s not like I have direct contact with Mr. Baker.” Mary nodded. “Besides, I didn’t vote for him,” she added with a chuckle.

  “Don’t let her fool you, Mary. Adele has a very prestigious job,” Ava said taking her girlfriend’s hand and kissing her knuckles.

  “You’re prejudiced, honey,” Adele chuckled. “So Carol, how is it going for you?”

  “Same as always on the hill. We can’t get anything passed that would mean something good for this country.” Carol’s head shook. “Sometimes I think it’s a losing battle.”

  “Don’t say that, Carol. If we didn’t have senators like you, this country would be at the mercy of all the republicans. Where would we be then?” Ava asked.

  “I agree,” Mary added. “I know it must be an uphill battle, but at least you are there trying.” Her eyes met Carol’s as she turned.

  Carol laughed. “We have someone who hasn’t been here long enough to be jaded by this system.”

  “I don’t agree with that statement. I think this country is trying to better itself. Have you heard Robert Clayton speak? If he is elected, we might even see some changes that affect our lives,” Mary said pointing her finger amongst the women.

  The table got quiet for a minute before the women began to laugh. “I can see Mary in five years running for office,” Ava said pointing her finger. “I’d vote for you, Mary.”

  “Sure. Go ahead and make fun of me,” Mary said in a huff.

  “They aren’t making fun of you. It’s just that we’ve all been here for a long time and we see how slowly things change around here.”

  “I realize that, but if we don’t keep trying,” Mary took a breath, “nothing will ever change.”

  Adele held up her glass. “Hear, hear,” everyone clinked their glasses together. “I like this girl,” she said with a smile.

  “To Mary,” Carol said as their glasses went to the center of the table again.

  The rest of the evening was the best Mary had had since arriving in DC. They all shared phone numbers and walked toward the exit. “Adele and I would love to have the two of you to dinner one weekend,” Ava said looking at her lover who nodded.

  “I’m sure we can arrange that,” Carol answered with a nod from Mary. After hugging her two friends, Carol turned to Mary. “I so enjoyed your company, Mary.” She pulled Mary in for a hug and a kiss on the cheek.

  “I’ve enjoyed this evening too,” Mary said with a sincere smile. They all stepped out onto the street and went their separate ways. Mary sat on the train smiling at the wonderful night she just had. It had been so long since she spent time in the company of other lesbians.

  CHAPTER 4

  It had been a week since Mary had been at the club and she knew she’d have to get back there soon. Her mind was still drifting when the door to the outer office opened.

  “Eve,” someone called walking into the office. The woman took one look at Mary and giggled. “You aren’t Eve.”

  Mary’s head shook as she looked into the deep green eyes looking down at her. “No, Congresswoman Willow,” she said recognizing the woman. “Eve left to have a baby. I’m her replacement.”

  Katherine Willow smiled. “You have me at a disadvantage. You know me, but I don’t know who you are.”

  “Sorry,” Mary said feeling herself blush. “I’m Mary Rogers.” Her hand came out in greeting.

  “It’s nice to meet you Ms. Rogers. Is Thomas in?” Katherine asked looking around.

  “He won’t be back until three o’clock.”

  “I came to pick up a copy of the report on the children’s program.”

  “I have your copy.” Mary got up and walked over to the filing cabinet. Her skirt hugged her hips and the white blouse was tucked into the waist. The matching jacket was on the back of her chair. She turned with the report to find Katherine’s eyes traveling over her body. Mary shyly walked back to her holding the report in front of her chest. Katherine’s eyes now rested on Mary’s blue eyes. “Thomas said that after you’ve reviewed the report, he’d like to sit and discuss it with you.”

  Katherine opened the file and took a seat on the couch that was to the left of Mary’s desk. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a pair of glasses. Mary went back to her desk and tried to work, but she had a hard time keeping her eyes off this confident woman. It was Katherine’s green eyes that she first noticed, but her porcelain skin was next. She was at least four inches taller than Mary’s five foot three frame and her legs seemed to go on forever. The skirt was straight and the matching jacket went across her full breasts simply. The top three buttons on her blouse were open and showed just enough skin to make Mary’s mouth suddenly dry. Katherine’s blond hair was pulled back in an elegant style. It was perfect for work or an evening out at the ballet. Mary was trying to steal some looks without being obvious, but then she saw Katherine look up at her curiously, and a slight blush crept up her neck. “Do you have any questions, ma’am?” Mary asked staring at the green eyes.

  Katherine stood up. “Would you let Thomas know that I’ll be back here at three thirty?” She stood in front of Mary. “Unless he has another appointment at that time?”

  Mary looked at Thomas’ calendar. “No, ma’am. He is available.”

  Katherine grinned, “Ms. Rogers, please call me Katherine. Ma’am makes me feel so old.”

  “Yes, ma’am, I mean, Katherine.” Mary felt herself blushing again.

  “I’ll see you later, Ms. Rogers,” Katherine said walking toward the door.

  “Mary, please.”

  Katherine turned before opening the door and smiled, “Mary,” she said with a slight bow.

  Katherine Willow returned at three thirty. “Katherine,” Mary said standing. “Thomas is expecting you. You can go right in.”

  “Thank you, Mary.” She walked toward Thomas’ office door and knocked softly.

  The door opened and Thomas hugged his friend. “Katherine. Please come inside.”

  Katherine walked toward his desk leaving the door open behind her. They discussed the report in detail until Thomas’ private number rang.

  “I’m sorry, Kate. My dad was having some tests and I need to take this.”

  “Go ahead, Tom.” Katherine stood up and walked toward the open doorway. She stood in the open doorway when she realized that Mary was speaking softly to someone on the phone.

  “I’d love to have dinner wi
th you, Senator,” she said keeping her voice low.

  “I’ll send a car to pick you up. What time will you finish?” Carol asked.

  “A car isn’t necessary. I can take a cab,” Mary tried insisting.

  “Don’t argue, Mary. Let me do this.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you later.” Mary put the receiver down and then noticed Katherine standing behind her. “I’m sorry, Katherine. Can I get you something?”

  “No,” she said smiling. “Tom is taking a personal call and I wanted to give him privacy. I’m sorry I didn’t give you privacy too,” she said with a nod of her head toward Mary’s phone.

  Mary blushed. “That’s okay, Katherine.” She hoped the congresswoman didn’t hear her conversation.

  Thomas put his phone down and called Katherine back into the room. This time she closed the door when she returned to his office.

  Mary stared at the closed door wondering how much of her phone call Katherine Willow had heard.

  Once Katherine took her seat again, she asked, “How’s your dad, Tom?”

  “He needs to change his diet and get more exercise, but he’ll be okay.” Thomas picked up the report again.

  “Where did you find her?” Katherine nodded her head toward the door.

  “Oh, you mean, Mary?” Thomas chuckled. “She was my girlfriend.”

  Katherine’s eyes opened wide. “You brought an ex to work for you?”

  At this, Thomas laughed harder. “We were in the third grade at the time. Mary

  and I are just friends. Best friends. Besides she is…” Thomas stopped realizing he almost said gay.

  “She’s what?”

  Thomas controlled his face and said, “She’s like my sister.”

  “She did a good job with the report,” Katherine added lowering her eyes so Thomas couldn’t read them.

  “I’ve been trying to get her out of Virginia for years and when Eve was leaving, I finally convinced Mary to get away from her parents.”

  “What’s wrong with her family?” Katherine asked not understanding.

  “Religious fanatics.”

  “Oh,” Katherine said softly. She understood that too well. Katherine had a pair of those too and that’s why she hadn’t seen her family in five years.

  “Yeah, I guess you would know what that feels like.”

  “Only too well, Tom.” Katherine smiled. “Let’s finish going over this report.

  Mary wasn’t in the office when Katherine returned to the outer offices and left.

  CHAPTER 5

  Mary was standing outside when a black car pulled to the curb. The driver got out and walked toward her. “Ms. Rogers?” he asked.

  “Yes,” she answered and he opened the back door.

  “I’m Cary and I’ll be your driver this evening.”

  “Thank you, Cary.” Mary stepped into the car.

  Katherine Willow was just leaving the building when she saw Mary getting into the car. Whoever Mary was seeing, Katherine realized they were someone of importance. She walked toward the curb and hailed a cab.

  The driver pulled up in front of a modern building and opened Mary’s door. Ms. Walton is in apartment four,” he said with a slight bow.

  “Thank you, Cary.” Mary walked up the steps and pressed the buzzer.

  “Come on up, Mary,” Carol said into the intercom.

  Mary walked over to the elevators and waited for the door to open. As she stood in the elevator car she began to take deep breaths. “Calm down. It’s only dinner,” Mary spoke to herself, “but maybe she wants more.” The door opened on Carol’s floor and she walked toward the door.

  “Mary,” Carol said smiling. “Please come inside.” She now pulled Mary in for a hug.

  “Hello, Carol.” Mary looked around the room. “You have a beautiful place.”

  “Thank you. I’ll give you the tour later.” Carol took Mary’s coat. “Dinner is ready.” She led Mary to the dining room. A woman carried their plates. “Mary, this is Pat. I couldn’t function without her.”

  “It is very nice to meet you, miss.”

  “You too, Pat.” Mary was smiling as she placed her napkin on her lap.

  “Pat, you can leave now.”

  “Dessert is in the refrigerator.” Pat now kissed Carol’s cheek. “See you in the morning.”

  “Good night, Pat.”

  The woman left the room quietly. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble, Carol.”

  “It was no trouble. Pat cooks for me every night that I’m home.” She poured Mary a glass of white wine. “I hope you enjoy the meal. Pat is a wonderful cook.”

  Mary looked down at her plate and then took a bite of sliced beef on her plate. “It’s delicious, Carol.”

  Carol smiled and began to eat herself. “So how was your day?”

  “Good, thank you.”

  “I thought I might have seen you again at Roxie’s?” Carol said grinning at Mary.

  “I worked late last Friday and was just too tired to drop in there.”

  “Who do you work for and I’ll have a talk with them,” Carol said with a laugh.

  “I work for Thomas Kelly and he is always pushing me not to work late. It’s me.” Mary shrugged. “I like to make sure everything is done before the weekend.”

  “Conscientious and beautiful.” Carol put the fork into her mouth with a glance at Mary. She now noticed the slight blush on the young woman’s face. “And modest too.”

  “Thank you for the compliment,” Mary said softly.

  “You aren’t used to being complimented, are you?” Carol asked touching Mary’s hand. Mary shook her head. “Well, that is going to change from this day forward.”

  Mary didn’t think Carol complimenting her would make her feel any more comfortable, but it was nice to hear her words. “I think you are very beautiful too,” Mary said without looking at Carol.

  Carol took Mary’s hand and squeezed it until Mary raised her head. “Thank you. You know just how to make an old lady feel special.”

  “You aren’t old,” Mary said quickly.

  “Oh, honey,” Carol smiled. “I’m at least fifteen years older than you. So I am an old lady.”

  “I’m thirty,” Mary said. “So if you are forty five, you look wonderful.”

  Carol laughed. “Thank you, Mary. I have my parent’s genes to thank for that.”

  They finished their meal and went into the living room to have their coffee and dessert.

  “Thank you for coming over this evening, Mary.”

  “Thank you for having me.”

  Carol laughed. “I haven’t had you yet, but I hope you’ll allow me soon.” She now watched Mary blush from the tip of ears down to her neck. “I’m sorry if I embarrassed you, but I find you so attractive.” She leaned closer to Mary. “I wanted to take you home with me the night we met.” Carol looked at Mary’s face for an indication that she was out of line. “Am I being too forward?”

  “No,” Mary finally said, “I am attracted to you too.”

  Carol wiped her hand across her forehead. “Thank god for that.” She put her coffee cup down. “May I kiss you?” As Mary’s head began to nod up and down, Carol moved closer. She rested her hand on Mary’s cheek and stared into her eyes. “So beautiful,” she said before kissing Mary’s mouth softly. They kissed over and over again. When Carol moved to Mary’s neck and heard her moan, she pulled away before she dragged this young woman to her bedroom. She knew from past experiences that taking these women too soon scared them away faster. Carol held onto Mary’s hands and asked, “Would you have lunch with me at the club Saturday?”

  “Yes.”

  “One o’clock?”

  “Perfect,” Mary said with a wide smile before Carol stood up.

  “Cary will drive you home.” She walked Mary to the door and kissed her softly. “I’ll see you Saturday.”

  “Good night, Carol and thank you.”

  Carol smiled. “It was my pleasure, Mary.” And it was f
or Carol. Maybe this time she could make her stay longer than the others. Carol thought as she opened the door. “Good night, sweetie.”

  Thomas and Mary rode to work together in the morning. “You came home late last night,” he commented as she got into the car.

  “I had dinner with someone.”

  “Anyone I might know?” he asked glancing at Mary.

  “I’m not sure I should say.”

  “You and I don’t have any secrets.”

  “I was with Senator Walton.”

  At the traffic light Thomas turned toward her. “Where did you meet her?”

  “At the club.”

  “She’s left many a broken heart, Mary. Carol can be a shark. I would hate to see you get hurt.”

  “I’m not looking for a serious relationship, Thomas. I like her and she likes me.”

  “I just hope you know what you’re doing,” he said with a touch to her hand.

  “I’ll be fine, Thomas.” Mary thought about what he said, but Carol was beautiful, sophisticated and she wouldn’t mind being eaten by this shark.

  Katherine stopped into Thomas’ office two days later. Today she was wearing a grey pants suit. There was a thin stripe of lighter grey running through the suit. Her legs looked even longer today as her heels emphasized her long legs. “Hello, Mary. Is Thomas in?”

  “No. I’m sorry he’s back in Virginia,” Mary said taking notice of her appearance.

  “Oh, I thought I could drag him to lunch with me.” She looked at Mary. “Can I convince you to have lunch with me?”

  Mary stared at Katherine’s face not knowing if it would be appropriate to have lunch with her.

  “There are no rules that I can’t take you to lunch if you are worried,” Katherine said with a smile.

  “Okay. Thank you.” Mary put on her suit jacket. Her pencil skirt hugged her legs and Mary thought they looked good together. Get that thought out of your head woman. Katherine isn’t the woman for you. You’ve got Carol.

  “We’re leaving the building, Mary. Take your coat.” Mary nodded as she went to the closet to retrieve her coat.

  The two women walked out of the building and into a cab. Katherine gave the driver the name of the restaurant and they moved away from the curb. “So when will Thomas be back?” Katherine asked turning to look at Mary.