Somebody Like You: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  “I’m going to bed, mom.”

  “Me too. Good night, honey.”

  “Night, mom.”

  Michelle went into her room and changed for bed. Then she picked up her phone.

  “Michelle? Is everything okay?”

  Michelle laughed. “Why would you think something was wrong?”

  “I don’t know. You usually don’t call me.”

  “Well, I am now.” Michelle took a breath for courage. “Would you like to go out with me Saturday night?”

  “You mean like a date?”

  “Yes, Syd. Like a date,” she said laughing.

  “I’m on call.”

  “That’s okay. If you have to leave, I’ll understand.”

  “Is this really Michelle?” Sydney asked with a giggle.

  Michelle laughed again. “Yes, Syd, it’s me.”

  “Michelle, I would love to go out on a date with you.”

  “Good. What time should I pick you up?” Michelle asked.

  “I think I should pick you up. You know, in case I have to leave.” Sydney explained.

  “Makes sense. How’s seven?”

  “I’ll be there, Michelle.”

  “It’s only Tuesday. If you have time, you can always call me.”

  “I can?” Sydney asked surprised by the warmth in Michelle’s voice.

  “Yes, Syd. You can. It would be easier for you to call me because I won’t know when you’re at the hospital or not.”

  “Sure, sure.” They both stopped speaking.

  “Good night, Syd.”

  “Good night, Michelle and thank you.”

  “Thank you for accepting, Syd.”

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Sydney was walking down the hallway of the hospital when someone grabbed her arm and pulled her into a supply room. Alice’s lips were on her in a flash.

  Sydney pulled free. “What the hell are you doing?”

  “What does it look like I’m doing?” Alice tried to steal another kiss, but Sydney turned her head. “Do you want to go to dinner Saturday night?”

  “Uh, I can’t.” Sydney looked down at her feet.

  “Are you working?” Alice said with a poke in Sydney’s stomach.

  “No.”

  Alice pouted. “You mean it’s over already? I thought we’d have a little more time. This time.”

  “I’m sorry, Alice.”

  “Has another doctor or nurse caught your eye?”

  Sydney felt her face flush. “No. It’s not like that.”

  “You mean to tell me you are finally ready to settle down? You finally got that bitch out of your head?”

  “Uh.” Sydney could feel her face turning bright red.

  “Oh, Syd. It’s the bitch, right?” Alice asked. “How many nights did I sit with you as you cried in your beer? I thought you were going to flunk out of medical school because of her.”

  “It’s different now?”

  “Why is it different, Syd? Because you’re both older?” Alice shook her head back and forth. “Why would you do this to yourself?”

  “I still love her, Alice,” Sydney said softly. “When I saw Michelle in the ER and she grabbed my hand.” She wiped her brow. “I felt that same pull in my heart that I had eighteen years ago.”

  Alice moved closer. “I’ll be pulling for you, Syd. Believe it or not, I want you to be happy. I’ll be here if she breaks your heart again, Syd.”

  “I have to at least see if there is something we can build on.” A tear fell onto Sydney’s cheek. “I can’t just let her walk away again.”

  “Suppose she still can’t do it?”

  “I don’t know, Alice. I honestly don’t know.”

  ****

  Sydney arrived at Michelle’s apartment with a small bouquet of flowers. She didn’t want it to look like she was trying too hard. Grace opened the door.

  “Well hello, Doc. Are those for me?” Grace asked reaching for the flowers.

  Sydney pulled them away. “These are for your mother, smartass.”

  “Come on in, Doc. Mom has been going through her closet for hours. I think she had on four different outfits. They all were perfect, but then she went back and tried something else on.” Grace exhaled with a groan. “It’s not like you’ve never seen her before.”

  Sydney leaned over. “I changed a few times myself.” She had a pair of black slacks and tan linen blazer. Under the blazer was a blue blouse opened at the neck. Sydney’s mouth dropped when Michelle entered the room. She was wearing a black wrap around dress with three quarter inch sleeves. Her three inch heels made her taller than Sydney. “You look beautiful,” she finally said.

  “Are those for me?” Michelle asked walking over to Sydney.

  “Sorry. Yes.”

  Michelle chuckled as she took the flowers from Sydney and used her finger to close her mouth. When Michelle walked away with the flowers, Grace asked.

  “Are you okay, Doc? You look like you’re going to pass out.”

  Sydney’s head went up and down.

  “She looks good for a forty year old, huh?” Grace asked chuckling.

  “She always looked good. At eighteen or forty.”

  “That’s because you’re wearing rose colored glasses,” Grace said with a giggle.

  Sydney turned to Grace. “You should be happy Grace. You obviously have good genes in your family.” As Michelle put the flowers on the dining room table. “Know that you’ll look that good when you’re forty.”

  Grace turned and studied her mother. They both watched as Michelle turned and smiled at them.

  “Are you ready?” Michelle asked to a still stunned Sydney.

  “Yes.”

  “Honey, call me if you need something.”

  “Mom, I’m not a baby. Cathy’s coming over to watch movies with me.”

  “Have fun, Grace.” Sydney called as she opened the front door.

  “Have fun you two. Make sure you have mom home by midnight, Doc.”

  “Good bye, Grace,” Michelle said with a roll of her eyes.

  Sydney opened Michelle’s door and held out her hand as she stepped into the car. “Thank you.”

  Sydney quickly went to the driver’s side of the car and got in. “Pray that people stay safe tonight so we can enjoy our meal.” She turned the key in the ignition.

  “Wait, Syd,” Michelle said with her hand on Sydney’s arm.

  “Did you forget something?”

  “Yes. This.” Michelle leaned over the gear shift and kissed Sydney’s mouth softly. “I wanted to do that since you walked in the front door.”

  “Me too.” Sydney went back for another kiss.

  “Now there will be no anticipation at the end of the evening.” Michelle chuckled.

  “You mean I won’t get a good night kiss?”

  “I guess we will have to see how the evening progresses,” Michelle said smiling coyly.

  “That’s a long way away, Michelle. Can I have another one for the road?”

  Michelle laughed and leaned toward her. This time the kiss lasted longer and Sydney’s hand went to the back of Michelle’s neck.

  “If we don’t stop now, we will never get to dinner.”

  Sydney laughed as she put the car into gear. “I almost forgot how intoxicating your kisses were.”

  “Intoxicating?”

  “Intoxicating, desirous. Any adjective you can come up with can describe how wonderful I find your kisses. I always have, Michelle.”

  “I love your kisses too, Syd.”

  Sydney reached over and put Michelle’s hand on her thigh. She pulled the car into a parking space and rushed over to open Michelle’s door. Sydney’s hand came out and Michelle reached out and took the awaiting hand. As she did so, Sydney brought her closer and stole another kiss. They walked hand and hand into the restaurant.

  “Doctor Legend, it’s good to see you again.”

  “Hello, Sheila.”

  “Your table is ready. Please follow me.”


  Sheila led them to a table that would give the two women some privacy. “Enjoy your meal.”

  “Thank you,” they both said as she walked away.

  Michelle kept the menu closed as she leaned across the table. “Do you bring all your women here?”

  Sydney groaned. “All my women, huh?”

  Michelle smiled.

  “I’ve been here with Alice a few times.”

  “Are you still seeing Alice?” Michelle asked but kept her eyes on the inside of the menu.

  “No. I told her I was dating you.”

  “Does she know who I am?” Michelle asked.

  “She knows of you. Alice and I were in Medical School together.”

  “Oh,” Michelle said softly. “I’m sure she thought you were out of your mind?”

  Sydney shrugged. “I told her I wasn’t about to let our second chance pass me by.”

  “Syd, if I didn’t ask you out. Would you have asked me out?”

  Sydney thought for a moment. “Eventually.”

  Michelle laughed. “What does that mean?”

  “I would have waited to see if you were done with the straight world.”

  Michelle nodded understanding. “Do you believe I’m done now?”

  The waiter came over. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  Michelle looked at him. “I’ll have a glass of merlot.”

  “Club soda, please.”

  “Well?” Michelle asked still waiting for Sydney to answer her question.

  “I know there’s no guarantee that we will feel the way we did eighteen years ago. I just hope if this doesn’t work out,” Sydney sighed. “It’s not because you want to go back to dating men.”

  “Honey, I can promise you this.”

  The waiter returned with their drinks.

  “He’s starting to piss me off,” Michelle said. “As I was saying. I can promise you that if we don’t click, I am not going back to men.”

  “Do you think we’ll have trouble reconnecting?” Sydney asked anxiously waiting to hear Michelle’s answer.

  “If I were to base it on the kisses we have had, then no.” Michelle smile widened.

  “How about we start all over and get to know each other?” Sydney asked with a grin.

  “I already know you.” Michelle insisted.

  “You knew me eighteen years ago. I don’t know this Michelle and you don’t know this Sydney.”

  “Okay. Let’s see.” Michelle put her finger to her chin. “Do you see your parents often?”

  “No. They’re still in Chicago and I don’t have the time to go see them.”

  “Why can’t they come see you?”

  “Because they are very sought after psychiatrists. They have a lot of celebrity clients.”

  “How about your brother, Bart?”

  “He went into mom and dad’s field. I don’t see him much either. I know you see your parents, but what about your sister?”

  “Jan’s good. We’re not close. Never were and never will be.”

  “So you don’t miss them living here in California?”

  “I feel bad saying it, but no. I feel free for the first time in my life. I owe that all to Grace.”

  The waiter interrupted them again. “Enjoy your meal,” he said leaving the table.

  “We’re not leaving him a tip,” Michelle said before continuing her story. “My mother was constantly telling Grace that she should go to NYU or Columbia.” Michelle grinned. “My smart daughter wouldn’t argue. She would just say. Thanks grandma. I’ll think about that.” Michelle leaned forward. “I think Grace was afraid to leave me in New York with them. That’s why she suggested I move out here with her.”

  Sydney listened to Michelle speak, but didn’t want to give her opinion. Yes, she believed that Grace understood the one sided relationship Michelle had with her family. It was always what they wanted and not what Michelle needed to make her happy.

  “You aren’t going to comment?” Michelle asked as she stared at Sydney.

  “What do you want me to say?”

  “Be honest with me. Did I waste the last eighteen years of my life doing what my mother wanted me to do?”

  “Michelle, if you came with me to California you might have resented me from keeping you from your family. Besides, you wouldn’t have that beautiful, intelligent daughter that you have.” Sydney exhaled loudly. “I guess things are supposed to work out when they are supposed to.”

  “I hope you’re right, Syd.”

  “So how has work been?”

  “Good. Doesn’t seem to be any repercussions from me getting hurt. I guess they don’t blame me.”

  “Why would they blame you? You weren’t driving the damn golf cart.”

  “I know, but I thought they would.”

  “That comes from your mother. She would have found a way to blame you. She would have said you should have anticipated that a manic would be driving too fast as you crossed.”

  Michelle laughed. “You’re right. I’m really sorry that I had to turn down the job at Willow.”

  “Wilma understood. Her wife was a single mother too. Her life was rough until she met Wilma.”

  “Now she has a sugar momma?” Michelle asked with a laugh.

  “It’s not like that with them. Wendy didn’t want Wilma’s help for a long time. Most people in a relationship fight over money. Most times it’s because they don’t have any. In this case, it was because Wilma had so much.”

  “Has that been a problem in your relationships?” Michelle asked as she toyed with her food.

  “No. Lately, all I’ve dated have been doctors. Sometimes a nurse or two.”

  “You make more than nurses do. I could see it being a problem living together and trying to figure out money.”

  Sydney put her fork down. “Michelle, I haven’t lived with anyone, ever. If I fell in love with someone and asked them to move in.” Sydney took a deep breath. “Whatever I have is hers. I don’t care about money. You see where I live. I could afford a much nicer home, but I don’t want that.”

  “I like your home. It suits you.”

  “If I was with someone and they wanted a nicer house, I would buy one.”

  “Why would you do that? There’s nothing wrong with your home. It’s modern and comfortable. Ostentatious doesn’t suit you.”

  “Thanks. I do like my home and I can’t see living anywhere else.”

  “Good.”

  The waiter arrived again. “Would you like dessert or coffee?”

  “No. We will just take the check.” Michelle answered for both of them.

  Sydney was giggling behind her napkin. “Poor guy is just trying to do his job.”

  “He can see we’re talking. He could cool his heels for a moment before interrupting every ten minutes.”

  The waiter brought the check and Sydney handed him her credit card.

  “I asked you to dinner. I should be the one paying.” Michelle crossed her arms over her chest.

  “Are we going to fight over money already?”

  “I guess so.”

  Sydney reached across the table and took Michelle’s hand. “Let me do this. Spend your money on your daughter and I’ll spend mine on you,” she said with a wink.

  “I can tell we’re going to have more arguments about this subject.”

  Sydney took Michelle’s hand again as they left the restaurant. “It’s still early. Do you want me to take you home or would you like to go somewhere else.”

  “Take me to your house,” Michelle said softly. “Unless you want to sit on the couch at my apartment with Grace and Cathy?”

  “Are you sure, Michelle?”

  “Honey, I didn’t say I was going to sleep with you. I just want some alone time.”

  “Uh, I didn’t mean we were going to.”

  Michelle started to laugh. “Had you scared there for a moment, didn’t I?”

  They walked into the house and Sydney turned on the lights. “Can I ge
t you something to drink?” She asked taking off her jacket.

  “I’m fine, Syd.”

  Sydney walked into the kitchen and took a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. She drank half the bottle trying to quell her nerves. Calm down. She doesn’t want to sleep with you. Just sit and talk to her. By the time Sydney came out of the kitchen, Michelle had dimmed the lights and put on some soft music. Michelle had taken off her heels and was sitting on the sofa with her legs tucked under her. Sydney took another drink from the bottle.

  “Sit down, Syd. I won’t bite,” Michelle said giggling.

  Sydney put the cap back on the bottle and sat down. “Did you call Grace to see if she’s okay?”

  “I sent her a text. She said Cathy is spending the night.”

  Sydney nodded and drank some more water.

  “Thirsty?” Michelle asked with a grin.

  Again Sydney nodded.

  Michelle inched closer to Sydney and took her hand. She placed the hand on her leg. That motion caused Sydney to look at her. Michelle could see the vein in Sydney’s neck throbbing. Her lips went to the vein and she kissed her skin softly. Sydney’s head went back as she dropped the water bottle on the floor. Before she knew it her arms were around Michelle as she kissed her mouth. Sydney’s tongue urged Michelle’s mouth open as their tongue began to move against each other. Someone moaned or both women had as Sydney’s hand went to the bare skin above Michelle’s dress. When they finally came up for air, their eyes met.

  “You still can get me going quickly,” Michelle said going back to Sydney’s mouth.

  As their lips came apart, Sydney’s cellphone rang. “Sorry.” She was off the couch in a flash. Sydney listened to what she was being told and then turned to Michelle when she disconnected the call. “I’m sorry. I have to go to the hospital. I can drop you off.”

  “No. Get to the hospital.”

  “Do you want to call a cab?”

  “If you don’t mind, I’ll stay here.”

  Sydney swallowed. “Sure. Use my room and help yourself to my clothes to sleep in.” Michelle walked Sydney to the door. “I don’t know when I’ll be back.”

  “I’ll be fine, Syd. Go save someone.”

  Sydney grabbed a kiss before she left.

  Michelle picked up her phone and called Grace. “Hi, mom. I told you we’re fine.”

  “I know, honey. Sydney was just called to the hospital. I’m going to sleep at her place tonight or do you need me to take a cab home?”