The Movie Star: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  “Thank god you came in here.” Wendy now stood behind Quinn and away from this overzealous fan.

  “Adam, shouldn’t you be at the store?” Quinn questioned.

  “I’m going, Quinn.”

  “Apologize to Wendy before you leave,” Quinn insisted.

  “Sorry, Angie.”

  “Wendy. It’s Wendy, not Angie. Angie is the part she played on TV.” Quinn’s voice showed her frustration at her employee.

  “Sorry, Wendy.” Adam left the café.

  “Here is your coffee,” Cindy called from the counter.

  “Thanks, Cindy.” Quinn took the large cup and walked toward the door.

  “Are you going to work?” Wendy asked, stepping outside with Quinn.

  “Yes.”

  “Do you stop for lunch?” Wendy asked quietly.

  “I usually just order in.”

  “Oh,” Wendy said softly.

  “Why?”

  “I thought I could buy you lunch to pay you back for saving me.”

  “It’s not necessary, Wendy.” Quinn walked toward her car.

  “I’d still like to buy you lunch.”

  Quinn had her hand on the car handle and looked at her. “I’ll meet you at Art’s at twelve thirty.”

  “Where’s that?” Wendy asked looking around.

  Quinn already had the car door open and pointed down the street. “Next to the hardware store.”

  Wendy smiled. “Okay. I’ll see you there.”

  Quinn waved before she stepped into the car.

  “Good morning, Mom,” Quinn said, walking into the hardware store.

  “Good morning, Quinn. Did you oversleep?” her mother asked.

  “No. I walked into the café and found Adam trying to make off with Wendy.”

  Tina Waverly began to laugh. “Where did he think he was taking her?”

  “I don’t know. He told me he loves her.”

  “I’m sure you got him to put her down,” Tina said with a smile.

  “Yeah, but now she wants to take me to lunch to pay me back.”

  “You sound like you don’t like her.” Tina moved closer to her daughter.

  “I don’t really know her, Mom,” Quinn said, but she knew that wasn’t the reason.

  “She’s probably just looking for a friend. She doesn’t know anyone in town except for Mary.”

  “I’m not looking for more friends.” Quinn began unpacking a box.

  “Honey, you liked her when she was on TV. I once heard you tell Mary you thought she was hot.”

  Quinn sighed loudly. “That was her character. I’m not interested in the woman.” She paused and let out a sigh. “Besides, she’s straight.”

  “So she can’t be your friend because she’s straight? If that was the case, you wouldn’t be friends with most of the people in this town.” Tina shook her head. “Be nice to her. I’m sure her living here and being worried about her mother is weighing heavily on her.”

  “Yeah, well, that’s why she has Mary. They went to school together. They’re close friends.”

  “Yes, but Mary has a husband and family. She doesn’t have the time to be with her friend every moment of the day,” Tina insisted to her stubborn daughter.

  She threw up her hands in frustration. “So now it’s my job?” Quinn asked, watching her mother’s face.

  “Quinn, what’s wrong? You’re always friendly to everyone including any new person who moves to this town. You’re even nice to the tourists and they can be a royal pain at times.”

  Quinn didn’t answer. She couldn’t tell her mother the truth.

  “Do you have feelings for her?” Tina asked, touching Quinn’s arm.

  Quinn pulled free. “Of course not.”

  Tina grinned knowing she was getting closer to the truth.

  “And wipe that smile off your face. I don’t have feelings for a straight girl.”

  Adam came in to the front of the store carrying boxes. “These were just delivered. Should I pack them on the shelves?”

  “Let me have the packing slip, Adam,” Tina said.

  Adam handed her the papers.

  “I heard you were causing trouble this morning.” Tina tried to keep her face serious as she scolded Adam.

  Adam looked at Quinn. “Yeah, I got carried away when I saw her walk into the café.”

  “It won’t happen again, right?” Tina asked.

  “No, Tina, it won’t.”

  “Good. Now back to work.” Tina grinned at her daughter.

  CHAPTER FOUR

  At twelve thirty Wendy walked up to the front of Art’s restaurant and peeked into the window. Seeing no sign of Quinn she went next door to the hardware store.

  “Hello, Wendy,” Tina called out.

  “Hi, Tina. Is Quinn here?” Wendy asked, looking around the store.

  “She had a delivery to make and hasn’t returned yet.” Tina looked at her watch. “Quinn should be back any minute.”

  “Should I wait next door?”

  “No, have a seat and wait here. You can keep me company.” Tina pointed to the chairs in front of the counter. “Quinn told me what happened this morning.” She grinned. “That’s nice of you to want to buy Quinn lunch.” Wendy shrugged. “Adam said he would leave you alone from now on.” Tina leaned over the counter. “Does that happen often to you?”

  “No, most people just say hello and keep walking. That was the first time someone was so aggressive.” Wendy smirked, her face suddenly becoming serious. “Why doesn’t Quinn like me?” she asked softly not meeting Tina’s eyes.

  Tina smiled. “Why would you think Quinn doesn’t like you?”

  “She rarely talks to me and she can’t even look me in the eye.”

  “I think Quinn is intimidated because you’re a TV star. I know she loved your show along with the rest of us in town.”

  “Tina, has Quinn ever been intimidated by anyone? I’ve seen the way she treats everyone in this town. It’s as if she owns the town and it’s her responsibility to make sure everyone is happy.”

  Tina laughed. “Yes, Quinn is quite charming and friendly to everyone she meets.”

  “Again, what’s wrong with me?” Wendy asked seriously.

  Tina came around the counter and took a seat next to Wendy. “I’ve been trying to figure that out myself. Not that she doesn’t like you, but what is holding her back from being friendly toward you.” Tina sighed. “I think maybe because she’s gay and you’re straight. Maybe she doesn’t want you to get the wrong idea if she’s too friendly toward you?” Tina’s shoulders came up and shrugged.

  “You mean, if she’s friendly I might think she’s coming on to me?” Wendy asked surprised.

  “That’s the only thing that makes sense to me.” Tina leaned closer. “I once heard her tell Mary that she thought you were hot.” After the words left her mouth, she sat back in shock. “Ooh, I didn’t mean to tell you that. Please don’t tell her I said that. Quinn will have a fit.”

  Wendy smiled and chuckled. “Your secret is safe with me.” She thinks I’m hot.

  Quinn chose that moment to come in the front door. “I’m sorry I’m late,” she said barely looking at Wendy. “Let me just go wash up.” She disappeared into the back.

  “Give her time to relax around you. Quinn is good person to have as a friend in this town.”

  “I could use a friend. Mary is too busy with her own family.”

  Tina nodded and got up from her chair. “She’s worth the wait.” She winked at Wendy just as Quinn returned.

  “Are you ready?” Quinn asked.

  “Sure. It was nice to see you again Tina.”

  “You too, dear.”

  Quinn went to the door and held it open for Wendy. She opened the door of the restaurant so Wendy could pass through first.

  “Thank you, Quinn.”

  “Sit anywhere you want, Quinn,” someone called from the back.

  The two women took a booth and Wendy opened the menu. “Wha
t’s good here?”

  “Everything,” she said, without opening her menu.

  The waitress walked over. “The usual, Quinn?” She asked.

  “Yeah, thanks.” Quinn answered, but kept her eyes on Sheila’s face.

  “Wendy?” the woman asked, waiting to write down her order.

  Wendy glanced at her name tag. “Sheila, what’s Quinn’s usual?”

  “Corned beef and pastrami on rye with cole slaw.”

  “I’ll have the same except with fries. Also, a coke.”

  “Coming right up,” Sheila said before walking away.

  “Does everyone know me in this town?” Wendy asked, looking at Quinn.

  “You’re a big star.” Quinn shrugged. “Of course everyone knows you,” she said without meeting Wendy’s eyes.

  Wendy sat there trying to find a way to discuss relaxing around her with Quinn. “So how come you seem to be the only one intimidated by what I do for a living?” Wendy asked.

  Quinn’s eyes raised and she looked at Wendy. “I’m not intimidated,” she said grinning.

  “Then why do you barely speak with me and you rarely look me in the eye.”

  Quinn wiped her hand across the table. Again her eyes were everywhere, but on Wendy.

  “Look at me, Quinn. I don’t bite.”

  A slight grin started to appear on Quinn’s face as her eyes met the blue eyed beauty sitting across from her. Her heart began to pound against her chest.

  “You’re so friendly with everyone in this town except me.”

  “Wendy, I don’t want you to get the wrong idea,” Quinn said softly.

  Wendy nodded knowing Tina had been right. “Are you afraid if you’re too friendly I’ll think you are coming on to me?”

  Quinn sighed in frustration. “I tend to be a touchy, feely type of person when I speak with someone.” She sighed loudly and leaned closer. “I don’t want you to think I’m looking to jump you.”

  Wendy chuckled. “Thank you for being so honorable and protecting my honor, but I would never think that, Quinn. I could use a friend while I’m here.” Her eyes were forcing Quinn to meet her eyes. “Would you like to be my friend?”

  Quinn looked up and met her eyes. “Sure.” Finally she showed Wendy a true smile, the one everyone else saw.

  “Then relax and I won’t read anything into your friendliness. I told Mary I thought you were the town Ambassador because of how friendly you were. So, Ambassador, I want to be welcomed into this town.”

  Quinn grinned. “Okay.”

  Quinn relaxed and the two women enjoyed the meal as two friends. When Sheila brought the check over, Wendy took it.

  “Aren’t you the lucky one, Quinn? Having a beautiful woman buy you lunch,” Sheila said, walking away.

  Wendy reached into her purse and pulled out a piece of paper. “Here’s my cell number in case you ever want to do something.”

  Quinn stuffed the number in her pocket. “Give me your phone.”

  Wendy handed Quinn her phone and she put her number into the contacts. “In case you want to call me.”

  Wendy took the phone back and took a picture of Quinn. “This way, I’ll know it’s you calling,” she said wearing a wide smile.

  “Hey, I look a mess. I’ve been working all morning,” Quinn protested.

  “You look beautiful, Quinn,” she said, staring at the beautiful woman sitting in front of her. Quinn’s light brown hair fell just above her shoulders cut to look messy, but it was sexy on her. Her makeup-free face glowed from the tan on her face.

  Quinn looked at the movie star and thought how beautiful this woman was. Her blond hair came to just below her shoulders and the dark blue eyes glowed with sunshine. She couldn’t believe this woman wanted to be her friend. The woman who appeared many nights in Quinn’s dreams. She chuckled to herself and thought if Wendy only knew what those dreams entailed, she wouldn’t want to be her friend.

  “I guess I better let you get back to work,” Wendy said, sliding out of the booth. “Thank you for having lunch with me, Quinn.”

  “Thank you for buying me lunch.” Quinn smiled as she held open the door again.

  They walked over to the front of the hardware store together. “Don’t work too hard, Quinn,” she said with a wave before walking away.

  “Bye, Wendy.” A bright smile was on her face as she walked back into the store.

  “I guess lunch went well?” Tina asked, seeing her daughter’s smile.

  “Yeah. Wendy’s easy to talk to.” Quinn went into the back room and went back to work.

  CHAPTER FIVE

  Two days later, Quinn called Wendy. “Hi, Quinn,” Wendy said, answering her phone.

  “Hi. Would you like to take a walk on the beach with me?” Quinn asked nervously.

  “I’d love that. I haven’t been down there yet.”

  “Can I pick you up in a half hour?”

  “I’ll be ready,” Wendy said before she disconnected the call. She now ran to her room to take a shower and change clothes.

  Wendy just stepped out onto the porch as Quinn pulled up. “Hi,” she said, getting into the car.

  “Hey.” Quinn could smell the soap Wendy had used and her head became intoxicated with the scent. This is a bad idea. Quinn parked the car and they got out and stepped onto the beach.

  Wendy immediately started picking up shells and sea glass as they walked down the beach. By the time they turned around, Wendy’s hands were filled.

  “Do you want to sit for a while?” Quinn asked as they neared where they started.

  “Sure,” Wendy said as she began to sit in the sand.

  “Wait,” Quinn said, taking Wendy’s arm. “Your phone is in your back pocket.”

  “I forgot it was there. Would you take it out, please?” Wendy asked, showing her filled hands.

  Quinn reached back and pulled out the phone. She now put it in the front pocket of her t-shirt. Quinn had left her phone in the car and understood Wendy’s need to keep her phone close in case something happened with her mother.

  Wendy now laid the shells gently at her feet and began inspecting each and every one of them.

  “Don’t go away,” Quinn said standing. “I think I have a bag in my trunk.” She jogged up to the car and found the plastic bag. “Here you go,” she said, handing it to Wendy.

  “Thanks. I don’t know why I continually pick these up when I have so many, but I just can’t resist.” Wendy smiled as she looked at the darkening skies. “So how was your day?”

  “Good,” Quinn said softly. “How about yours?”

  “I read through some scripts that came through the mail. Nothing that really held any interest for me.”

  “Shouldn’t you be striking while the iron is hot, so to speak, since you are coming off a very popular TV show?” Quinn asked, wondering what Wendy’s plans were.

  “You know I should, but I just don’t have the energy right now.”

  “What would you do if you stopped acting?” Quinn asked, turning in the sand.

  Wendy giggled. “Retire.”

  “You’re kind of young to retire, aren’t you?”

  “In years, yes, but I’ve made more money than most people earn in a lifetime of working.”

  “Can you see yourself retiring here?” Quinn asked, wondering why she was even interested.

  “Not if my mother doesn’t get better. I would be all alone here.”

  “Yeah, I guess you have plenty of friends in California?” Why would this woman ever think about staying in this little town Quinn thought?

  “Actor friends. Most of them have egos the size of the State of California. If I wasn’t in the business, I would have nothing in common with them.”

  “Well, I have a feeling your mom is going to be fine.”

  “She’s always been a fighter, Quinn, but I don’t know if she has the strength to fight this.” Wendy sat there remembering the pain etched on her mother’s face even though she tried to hide it from her.
/>   Quinn unconsciously took Wendy’s hand. “You have to have faith, Wendy. The whole town is pulling for her.” Her thumb ran over the top of Wendy’s hand.

  The sun was very low in the sky behind them and the only light was coming from the three-quarter moon overhead.

  “Thank you for bringing me here, Quinn, and for allowing me to speak my mind.”

  “Wendy, you can talk to me about anything. You’ll find as you get to know me that I’m not a gossip. A lot of people have come to me with their problems,” Quinn said softly. Her hand still held Wendy’s. When she realized that, she let go.

  “I believe you and I think that’s why so many people love you in this town.” Wendy turned in the sand and looked at Quinn. “Would you like to have dinner with me some night?”

  Quinn glanced at her before speaking. “I would, but I think we should have it out of town.”

  “Are you afraid to be seen with me?”

  “Of course, not. I’m thinking of your reputation.”

  “My reputation?” Wendy asked.

  “Yeah. You’re a famous heterosexual star and I’m the gay bumpkin. I wouldn’t want the rag papers to drag you through the mud.”

  “Gay bumpkin,” Wendy said giggling. “There’s no paparazzi down here.”

  “Everyone with a cell phone is a paparazzi.”

  It was Wendy’s turn to touch Quinn. “I don’t care what anyone thinks, Quinn. You’re my friend and I’m not going to hide you like you’re a dirty little secret.”

  “If you’re sure?” Quinn asked, looking at the hand on her arm.

  “I’m very sure, Quinn.” Wendy stood up. “I think we should head back. I’d like to say goodnight to my mother before she goes to sleep.”

  Quinn stood up and followed Wendy to the car. She couldn’t believe this amazing woman. Quinn had thought that Wendy would be the typical star that would feel entitled. She never expected her to be so down to earth. It was just another reason why she liked this woman.

  As they pulled up to Wendy’s house she turned to Quinn. “Thanks again, Quinn, I had a good time.”

  “Me too,” Quinn said softly. “Let me know when you want to go to dinner.”

  Wendy opened the car door. “I will. Good night.”

  “Good night, Wendy.”