Something Real Read online

  “I shocked you, didn’t I?” Michelle shrugged. “You probably didn’t think I even knew where the kitchen was,” she said laughing.

  Michelle’s eyebrows rose. She was still fascinated seeing this stern woman smile. “I uh…”

  “It’s okay, Michelle. I would have thought the same thing.” Diane took a seat at the island. “I guess I will have to start reading to my daughter myself. She seemed to love being in your arms while you read to her.”

  Michelle was surprised that Diane had seen Anna in her lap. “Every five-year old wants to be in your lap when you are reading to them,” Michelle lied. She didn’t know if that was true, but she understood why this child needed that.

  While they drank their coffee, they talked about other things besides Anna. The quiet conversation was broken by Michelle’s cellphone. She looked at the screen and saw Donna’s name.

  “Take the call, Michelle.”

  “Hello,” Michelle said softly.

  “Hot girl is in the bar.” Michelle didn’t respond. “You know, the one you were drooling over a few weeks ago.”

  “Yeah,” Michelle finally said.

  “She is here with some friends and none of them look like they are her girlfriend. Get your ass down here now.”

  “I-” Michelle began to decline to Donna.

  “Go, Michelle. We can wake Anna up so you can say goodbye.”

  “I’ll see you in a half hour,” Michelle said to Donna before disconnecting the call.

  “We wouldn’t want you to miss your chance with ‘hot girl’,” Diane said chuckling. She watched as Michelle’s mouth opened, but nothing came out. “Your friend was talking very loudly.” Michelle still didn’t respond, but she knew her face was beet red.

  The two women walked into the playroom and Diane bent down and touched her daughter’s arm. “Wake up, Anna. Michelle has to leave.”

  The little girl looked up at her mother and searched for Michelle’s face. “Don’t leave, Shell.”

  “Anna, she has an appointment to get to. Michelle will come back and see you again.”

  “Okay.” The little girl sat up and Michelle wrapped her arms around her. “When will you come back?” Anna asked.

  Michelle squeezed the girl and kissed her cheek. “I’ll let your mommy know when I can. Okay?” Anna’s head went up and down. “I had fun, Anna.”

  “Me too,” she said getting off the couch and held onto Michelle’s hand as they walked to the door. Michelle bent over and hugged the little girl again and then turned to her mother and did the same. She felt Diane’s body stiffen for a moment before she relaxed into the hug. Her mother most certainly is starved for affection too.

  “Good luck with the hot girl,” Diane whispered in Michelle’s ear before Michelle pulled away.

  CHAPTER 7

  Michelle walked into the bar and immediately saw Donna waving her over. “Is she still here?” she asked as she sat on the stool next to her friend.

  Donna threw her head back. “Over there.”

  Michelle glanced where Donna had indicated and saw her. “I thought you said she was alone?” she questioned, watching as the woman next to her touched her frequently.

  “I don’t think that she is with that girl. Look at her face because she doesn’t look happy to have that woman so near her.”

  Michelle glanced at the table of women again and then turned her back and ordered a beer. She was sitting there thinking she never should have run here at Donna’s request when someone walked up next to her. Shocked eyes stared into the mirror at the bar when Michelle saw it was her.

  “Can I get a beer,” the woman said to the bartender.

  Michelle swallowed her fear and said, “Hi.”

  The woman gave Michelle a quizzical look. “Hey.” The beer was delivered and the woman stood there drinking it instead of going back to the table.

  Michelle glanced into the mirror again and saw her watching her. The music started to play and she asked, “Would you like to dance? I mean if you are here alone.”

  Putting down her beer she turned to Michelle and held out her hand. “I’m here with friends.” She led Michelle to the dance floor. “Jillian.”

  “Michelle,” she said as Jillian took her into her arms.

  They swayed to the next two songs and then returned to the bar together. Michelle noticed how intently Jillian was staring at her. “Do I have something on my face?” she asked with a laugh.

  Jillian shook her head. “You are so beautiful,” she said touching Michelle’s hand.

  “You aren’t so bad yourself.” Michelle rested her other hand on the hand that Jillian was touching. “I noticed you the last time I was in here, but I was afraid to approach you.” She watched as the woman’s eyebrows rose. How could someone not notice this tall blond? Her long legs and pale blue eyes were striking. Not as striking as Diane’s deep blue eyes. Shit. Where did that come from?

  “Then I’m glad that I came over to the bar,” Jillian said with a slight grin. “Would you have dinner with me Wednesday night?”

  “Yes,” Michelle said softly as she watched Jillian pull out her phone so they could exchange information. “Text me your address and I’ll pick you up seven.” Michelle nodded and smiled as she stared at the blond. “What kind of food do you like?”

  “Anything,” she answered.

  “I’m sorry, but I’ve got to leave to finish some work at home.” She pulled Michelle into a hug. “I’ll see you Wednesday night.”

  “I’m looking forward to it,” Michelle said returning the hug. Then Jillian was gone after waving to her friends.

  “Wow,” Donna finally said when they were alone. “You could feel the heat coming off you two.”

  Michelle turned, surprised that she had forgotten that Donna was there. “Huh?”

  “Hot girl really is hot,” Donna said laughing at the stunned look on her friend’s face.

  Michelle walked into her office Monday morning and saw Diane’s office door open again. “Good morning, Diane,” she called as she took off her coat.

  “Morning, Michelle.”

  Michelle was surprised to see the coffee pot announcing the coffee was ready. She poured a cup and walked toward Diane’s desk. “You didn’t have to make the coffee,” she said as laid the cup in front of Diane.

  “I told you I’m capable of making coffee.” Diane answered with a smile. She lifted the cup to her lips, but asked before she took a sip, “So, hot girl?”

  “Jillian.” Michelle answered forcing herself not to roll her eyes, but grinned.

  “So you got to spend time with Jillian?”

  “Yeah. I can’t believe I had the nerve to say hello to her.” Michelle covered her face knowing she was blushing and Diane laughed. “We’re having dinner Wednesday night.”

  “Then I’m glad that you being at my house didn’t disrupt your chance at meeting her.” Diane took another sip of coffee. “I’ll explain to Anna that you have a girlfriend and we won’t be seeing you on the weekend anymore.”

  “Don’t do that,” Michelle said staring at Diane. “I can always visit Anna after work if I’m tied up on the weekend.”

  Diane smiled. “Just let me know when you want to come over. The three of us can have dinner together.”

  “I’d like that. I would never want to disappoint your little girl.”

  Diane looked at Michelle surprised by her words. “Anna has to learn that life doesn’t always give you what you want.”

  “Diane, she’s only five,” Michelle sighed. “I think she can wait a few years to figure that out.” She couldn’t believe that she was speaking to her boss this way.

  This woman is amazing. She cares for my daughter, then her own personal life. How did I get so lucky in having this wonderful woman as my assistant? “You are right, Michelle,” Diane grinned, “that can wait at least another year,” she said with a wink.

  *

  Michelle had tried on four different outfits before she ended up
wearing the first one she tried. The black skirt and red blouse were casual without Jillian thinking she’d tried too hard. The brush had just left her hair when the doorbell rang. As she stepped out of the bedroom, she heard Donna greet her guest.

  “It’s nice to meet you, Jillian,” Donna said with her hand out.

  “You too, Donna.” Jillian looked at Donna again. “You were at the bar with Michelle?”

  Donna’s head went up and down. “I was.” She now watched as Jillian’s eyes focused over her shoulder. “Here she is.”

  “Hello, Jillian.”

  “Hi,” Jillian said, suddenly feeling shy. Swallowing she moved closer and kissed Michelle’s cheek. “You look beautiful,” she said before pulling away.

  “You do too.” Michelle looked at the dark slacks and sweater Jillian was wearing. Over the sweater was a leather jacket that ended at her waist. “Are you ready to go?” Jillian nodded. “See you later,” Michelle said to Donna before they both disappeared out the door.

  “I picked Italian,” Jillian said as she opened the car door for her.

  “My favorite,” Michelle answered. As they drove to the restaurant, Jillian took Michelle’s hand and held it softly.

  “Thank you for asking me out.”

  “You don’t have to thank me for something I really wanted to do.” She turned and grinned at Michelle. “But you are very welcome.”

  After the women took their seats and placed their order, Michelle asked, “So what do you do, Jillian?”

  “I’m a writer for a magazine.” Jillian smiled before continuing. “I work for Women in Business.” Michelle’s laugh startled Jillian. “What?”

  “You are Jillian Stevens.” Michelle did not say that as a question, just a statement.

  “Yes,” Jillian said, still not understanding Michelle’s laughter.

  “We’ve been talking to each other for the last six months.” Jillian’s eyebrows rose into her hair. “I work for Diane Baker.”

  “You are that Michelle?” Jillian’s hand rubbed her face.

  “That would be me.”

  “That is too funny,” Jillian finally said, joining Michelle in laughter. “I can’t believe you are the woman that won’t put me through to Diane Baker, CEO of Baker Oil Company.”

  “I can’t believe how hard you try and even sending flowers,” Michelle was still laughing.

  “Did she throw them away?”

  “No, but she wouldn’t let me send a thank you card. She said it would only give you hope of ever receiving an interview.”

  “Yeah, what is it with her? Why is she afraid to let me interview her?” Jillian asked trying to find out that answer for the last six months.

  “She’s not afraid. Diane just doesn’t give interviews.” Michelle’s faced turned serious. “She does read your magazine. Diane has a subscription.” Michelle grinned. “I’ve read some of your articles. They are very good.”

  “Thanks, but the one I really want to get I can’t.” Michelle shrugged at her response. “So should I give up?”

  “That is up to you.”

  “Do you think I’ll ever wear her down?” Jillian asked hoping for some encouragement.

  “I don’t know, but I’ve enjoyed speaking with you,” she said with a wink.

  “If I knew you were gay when I was speaking with you, I would have asked you out sooner. I’ve enjoyed speaking with you too.”

  “I would have had to refuse if you asked,” Michelle admitted to a surprised Jillian.

  “Why?”

  “Because I would have thought you were asking me out to try to get to Diane.”

  Jillian’s head went up and down understanding. “You are right. I would have used you to try and get to her.” Her hand came across the table and took Michelle’s hand. “I’m glad we met the way we did so you don’t think I have an ulterior motive.”

  Michelle smiled, but she did worry that maybe Jillian knew who she was when they met at the bar. “I hope you won’t use my position to try and convince me to talk to Diane?”

  “As much as I want to, I won’t.” Jillian released Michelle’s hand as their food arrived at the table.

  “Would you like to come over to my place Friday for pizza and a movie?” Jillian asked as they pulled in front of Michelle’s apartment.

  “Sure.” Michelle watched as Jillian released her seat belt and moved closer to her. Their bodies moved together and lips met in the middle. Jillian’s hand went to the back of Michelle’s neck and pulled her closer as she deepened the kiss. When they broke away, they both were breathing heavily. “Good night, Jillian. Thank you for dinner.”

  “It was my pleasure, Michelle. I’ll text you my address.” Her mouth came back for another kiss. “Good night.”

  Michelle opened her car door and walked to the door before she turned around and waved at Jillian one last time before she stepped into the lobby.

  CHAPTER 8

  Michelle arrived at work before Diane did on Thursday. She knew the woman had a breakfast meeting at seven so she made the coffee and went about her work until the outer office door opened. “Good morning, Diane.”

  “I hate that man,” she said as she walked into office.

  Michelle chuckled quietly understanding David Mitchell the company’s attorney was never her favorite. He had been hired by Diane’s father and Michelle wondered how long she would put up with his arrogance before she fired him. She handed Diane a cup of coffee. “I’m sure you put him in his place. Again,” she said softly.

  Diane looked at Michelle who was grinning and laughed. One smile from her and it instantly changes my mood. She is not just a child whisperer. “One day I’m going to fire him.”

  “I know you are, but will it stick when you do?” Michelle asked chuckling.

  “I don’t know. He’ll make me feel guilty and brings up my father if I do.”

  “It’s your company now. You get to make all the decisions.”

  Diane sat heavily in her chair. “Yeah, I do.” She looked up at Michelle anxious to know how her date with Jillian went. “How was your date with the hot girl?”

  Michelle smirked at Diane using hot girl instead of her name. “Jillian and I had a nice time.” She moved closer to Diane’s desk. “You will never believe who she is.”

  “Who?”

  “Does the name Jillian Stevens mean anything?” Michelle asked with a cocked eyebrow.

  “The journalist?”

  “One and the same.”

  “Michelle, sit down.” Diane watched as she took her seat and leaned forward. “Are you sure she isn’t going out with you because…” Diane paused, touching her chest.

  “We had a good laugh when I realized who she was. Jillian would have to be one hell of an actress to be as surprised as she was when I told her who I was.” Michelle shook her head. “She didn’t know who I was before she asked me out. I am certain of that.” Or I think so.

  “Good. You had me worried there for a moment.” Diane lowered her head and picked up some paperwork that was on her desk. “She didn’t ask you to talk to me about the interview?”

  “She didn’t, but she said that didn’t mean she was going to give up on trying to get you to do the interview.”

  Diane threw her head back in laughter. “She is very persistent, isn’t she?” Michelle nodded. “My dad never did interviews and I want to be the same way. No matter what you say, the writer always interprets it another way. You end up looking like an idiot. I’ve seen it before with friends of mine. Too many times.”

  “Don’t worry, Diane. Jillian might keep calling, but she won’t get through to you.” Michelle started to get up, but Diane’s question caused her to stop.

  “Are you going out with her again?” Diane asked, trying not to sound too nosy.

  “I’m going to her apartment Friday night for pizza and a movie,” Michelle said not meeting Diane’s eyes. She didn’t want to sound like a tramp going to Jillian’s apartment on the second date.

/>   She’s not wasting any time trying to get you into bed. Diane’s eyebrow rose when Michelle looked at her.

  “It’s just pizza and a movie, Diane,” Michelle said as if she could read her mind. Just keep telling yourself that it’s only pizza and a movie and maybe you will believe it because no one else does.

  “It is none of my business, Michelle.” Diane watched as Michelle stood up and turned to leave the room. “Anna has been asking about you,” she told her before she left the room.

  Michelle turned when she reached the doorway. “Pick an evening next week and I’ll be there.”

  Yeah because I’m sure you are going to be busy all weekend being in her bed. “I’ll let you know, Michelle.” Are you jealous?

  Michelle arrived at Jillian’s apartment and rang the bell. “Come on in, Michelle. I just got home.” Jillian held a pair of socks in her hand as she spoke. Her hair was damp from the shower and her jeans and t-shirt were wrinkled as if she pulled them out of the laundry basket.

  “You could have called me and changed the time.” Michelle was still standing near the door.

  “Don’t be silly,” Jillian said moving closer and touched her lips to hers softly. “I missed you.”

  Michelle smiled at her words. “I missed you too. Why don’t I order the pizza while you finish getting dressed?”

  “The number is on the frig in the kitchen. I want pepperoni on my side.”

  Michelle laughed as Jillian sat down to put on her socks. “A whole pepperoni pizza coming up.”

  The slices disappearing from the box indicated how hungry the two women were. As Jillian took a sip of her beer she eyed Michelle cautiously. “Do you think Diane would be pissed if I just showed up at her house to speak with her?”

  “You know where she lives?” Michelle asked shocked. She will kill you if you do.

  “The information is public knowledge. So what do you think?” Jillian pressed.

  “I don’t think that is a good idea.” Michelle sighed loudly. “Diane told me that her father never gave interviews and she intended to carry on that tradition.” Jillian let out a groan. “You have to remember this is a privately held company. There are no stockholders to appease.”