Never Let Me Go Read online

  Katherine realized this was more serious then she thought. “It’s hard to forget your first.” Mary just nodded. “I guess my question to you is moot now?”

  “What question?” Mary asked absently, but she remembered. How was she going to answer that question knowing she might be able to get Sandy back into her life.

  “If you wanted to date me?” Katherine asked softly.

  “Won’t I be jeopardizing your career?” Mary asked cautiously.

  “Mary, if you’d rather not, it’s okay.” Katherine made a move to leave, but Mary grabbed her hand.

  “Kate, I don’t know what I want to do.”

  “I know seeing Sandy has made you question your feelings for me. It’s really okay, Mary.”

  “No, it’s not. I don’t know if I have feelings for Sandy any longer.”

  “Honey, you don’t have to lie to me or yourself. I saw the way you two were looking at each other.” Katherine slid out of the booth. “Talk to her, Mary. I’ll be around if you decide that’s over with.”

  Mary watched as Katherine left the restaurant alone. She now turned to Sandy’s table and waved before she left too.

  CHAPTER 11

  Mary could wait no longer and called Sandy at eleven o’clock the following morning. “Hello. May I speak with Sandy?”

  “I’m sorry, but she isn’t in right now. May I take a message?”

  Mary wondered if this was Sandy’s roommate. “Yes. This is Mary Rogers.”

  “Oh, Mary. It’s nice to speak with you. Sandy told me she met you last night. I’m sorry I didn’t get to meet you.”

  Mary couldn’t believe how friendly this woman sounded, but knew instinctively that this woman was her lover. “How long have you and Sandy been together?”

  Jane chuckled. “We’ve been together for eight years. I met Sandy when she was still grieving over the loss of you.” Mary felt the tears sting her eyes and she clutched her chest. “Sandy never forgot you, Mary. We all never forget our first love.”

  “I’m glad she has you,” Mary said softly, but realized the decision about her and Sandy was already made.

  “By the way, I’m Jane. We both would love it if you would come to lunch today.” Mary hesitated. “You can bring your girlfriend if you want.”

  “I’d like to come,” Mary finally said. “I’ll be on my own.”

  “I can’t wait to meet you and Sandy will be so happy to see you again.” Jane gave Mary her address. “So we will see you at one?”

  “I’ll be there.” Mary hung up the phone and went to change clothes.

  It was just before one o’clock when Mary walked up the front steps. She knew by the building that Sandy was doing well. Mary was just about to ring the bell when the door opened. “Hi, Mary. I’m Jane.”

  “It’s nice to meet you in person, Jane.” Mary found herself taken into a strong hug by this virtual stranger.

  “Please come in.” Jane took Mary’s coat and draped it on the hall bench.

  “Mary,” Sandy said meeting them in the foyer. “I’m so glad that Jane asked you to come over.” The hug from Sandy was just as strong as Jane had given her.

  “Thank you for asking me.” Mary found herself being led to the living room. “You have a beautiful home.”

  “We’re very fortunate. Sandy inherited this place from her aunt.” Sandy was still holding Mary’s arm. “I never thought I’d see you again.”

  “I was pretty shocked myself.” Mary took a seat on a chair while Sandy and Jane took a seat on the couch together.

  “Are you dating Katherine Willow?” Sandy finally asked, but saw the surprise on Mary’s face. “I’ve seen her before at the White House. I assumed she doesn’t remember me because she didn’t say anything last night.”

  “I don’t think she did and I’m not sure what we are yet,” Mary finally said. “So you work at the White House?”

  “Yep. Have been there for two administrations. So where are you working?”

  “I work for Congressman Thomas Kelly.”

  “The same Thomas Kelly that you grew up with?” Sandy asked laughing.

  “One and the same. He is the one that convinced me to move here.”

  “So you’ve been back at home all this time?” Sandy sat back on the couch and waited.

  “Yes. I was working for the mayor.”

  “I can’t believe you stayed there all this time,” Jane finally spoke up. “I mean Sandy told me how bigoted that town was.”

  “It still is,” Mary interrupted. “Nothing has changed in the last ten years.”

  “Your parents?”

  “The same.”

  “Sara?”

  “Worse,” Mary said with a forced chuckle. “I should have left when you did.”

  “I knew you weren’t ready, Mary.” Sandy moved closer to the end and took Mary’s hand.

  “I’m so happy that you found happiness, Sandy.” Jane excused herself to finish getting lunch ready. “Does Jane treat you well?”

  “She does, Mary. Jane was able to get me out of my funk after I had to leave you behind.” She released Mary’s hand. “Katherine has a great reputation.” Sandy grinned. “She would be a good catch.”

  “I may have blown that possibility.” Mary looked at her friend.

  “You mean because I showed up?”

  She nodded. “She was just asking me if I wanted to date her when I saw you. After you left, Katherine asked me if I was still interested in her, but I couldn’t give her an answer.”

  “I’m sure she understands, Mary. Talk to her and don’t wait too long.” Sandy pointed her finger at Mary then smiled as she remembered. “I refused to go out with Jane too. She wouldn’t give up and I’ve never been happier since you and I broke up. I never believed I would find love again.” She took Mary’s hand again. “Have you been in love after us?”

  “No.”

  “Then you should see if there is something there with Katherine.”

  “I will. Thank you, Sandy.”

  “Anytime, my friend.”

  CHAPTER 12

  Mary didn’t wait. Sunday morning she arrived at Katherine’s door. “Mary. Is everything okay?” Katherine asked as she opened the door.

  “Yes. No.” Mary was surprised that Katherine was still worried about her. Maybe she did stand a chance of winning her back.

  “Come in and have a seat.” Katherine sat next to Mary on the couch and waited.

  “I’m sorry about last night.”

  “I understand. You never expected your first love to come walking through the door.”

  “It was a shock. I never expected to see her again.” Mary’s brain was scrambling, aching to find the right words to say to Katherine. “My feelings for you haven’t changed.”

  “Did you find out she’s already involved with someone?” Katherine asked sarcastically.

  Mary nodded. “She’s been in a relationship for the last eight years.”

  “So I’m your second choice?” Katherine got up and turned her back.

  Mary watched her posture, feeling Katherine’s anger. “You aren’t second choice, Kate. My heart has been frozen for the last ten years. You are the first woman I’ve ever met to melt that ice.”

  Katherine spun on her heels and faced Mary. “Yeah, but you would have never thought about me again if Sandy wasn’t involved with someone.”

  “That’s not fair.” The two women stood there staring at one another. “You’re right. I’m sorry for bothering you today.” Mary slipped her coat on. “I won’t bother you again.”

  *

  The next few weeks were tough for Mary. Even Thomas knew something was wrong. “Mary, why won’t you talk to me? Maybe I can help you.”

  “No one can help me Thomas.” Mary walked toward her bedroom and closed the door.

  “What did you do to her?” Thomas demanded when Katherine picked up the phone.

  “What are you talking about, Tom?” Katherine asked knowing he was talking about
Mary and what she had said to her.

  “Then why is Mary walking around like she is just waiting to die?”

  “Well, I had nothing to do with that. Do you know about her friend Sandy?”

  “Yes. She was in love with her. Probably still is.” Thomas admitted.

  “She saw her the other night, but she is in a relationship.” Katherine spoke softly and continued, “I think that really disappointed her.”

  “So you didn’t try to get into her pants?”

  “Now that might be nice, but no.” Happy that Thomas couldn’t see the roll of her eyes.

  “So she is like this because of Sandy?” Thomas continued to pressure Katherine.

  “Hey, ask her. I’m just assuming. Are we through?”

  “Yeah. Sorry, Kate.” Thomas hung up the phone and walked toward Mary’s bedroom. “Mary, Kate told me that you saw Sandy.” The door opened quickly.

  “What else did she tell you?” Mary demanded.

  “That Sandy was involved with someone else,” Thomas said holding up his hands in defense.

  Mary stepped back and sat on the edge of the bed. “She has been in love with Jane for the last eight years,” she sighed. “I spent Saturday with them. They both love each other very much.”

  Tom took her hand. “I’m sorry, Mary. Is there anything I can do?”

  “No, Thomas. I’m over Sandy. I have been for a long, long time. I’m glad she is happy,” Mary said softly.

  “Then why are you so unhappy?”

  Mary opened her mouth ready to admit that it was because of Katherine, but then she decided against telling him. “Sometimes life just sucks. I don’t think I’ll ever find someone to love me.”

  “I love you, Mary. I always have,” Thomas said quickly.

  “I know, Thomas. If only I was different, you’d be the perfect mate for me.” She squeezed his hand. “I’m a lesbian, Thomas. That is never going to change.” Thomas nodded his head and left the room.

  *

  Thomas went to lunch with Katherine the next day. “I’m sorry for jumping all over you yesterday.”

  “I understand, Tom. I know you care about her and you were just trying to help.”

  “She said she’s over Sandy and she’s happy for her. If that is true, then why is she so sad?”

  Katherine felt her face flush wondering if what Thomas was telling her was the truth. Could Mary be sad because of her? “I’m sure Mary will be back to her old self soon.”

  Thomas left for Virginia the next day and before noon Katherine walked into Mary’s office. “How are you?”

  Mary looked up from her desk surprised. “I’m fine. How are you?”

  “Worried about you.” Katherine moved closer to Mary’s desk and looked down at her.

  “Well, you don’t have to worry about me. I’m no longer your problem,” Mary said a little too harshly. She looked up at Katherine and saw the look on her face. “I’m sorry.” Her breath escaped loudly. “I’m thinking of moving back home. I’m just not cut out for this life here.”

  “Oh, you mean you had a life back home?” Katherine demanded forcefully.

  “No, but I never had this kind of pain. I went to work and minded my own business.”

  “So that’s living?” Katherine moved next to her. “That sounds like giving up to me.” She dropped her hand on Mary’s shoulder. As she did, she saw a tear drop onto Mary’s cheek. “I’m sorry for the way I spoke to you. I was hurt and I took it out on you.”

  “You had every right to be hurt. You had just admitted your feelings to me and the moment Sandy is standing there, I pushed you aside.” Mary grabbed a tissue and wiped her face.

  “Yes, and I never gave you a chance to explain when you came to my house that day.” Katherine crouched down next to her. “Why don’t you tell me what you were going to tell me that day?”

  “It doesn’t matter anymore, Katherine.” Mary spun her chair so Katherine’s hand dropped off her shoulder.

  “It matters to me.” Katherine again put her hand on Mary’s shoulder. “Please.”

  Mary kept her back to Katherine as she spoke. “I was going to say that even though Sandy was my first love, we could never go back. That you had captured my heart from the first moment you walked into this office. My feelings for you have been growing every day and yes, I want to date you.”

  Katherine spun Mary’s chair around and lifted her up. She stared at her lips for just a moment before she imprisoned them with her own. Over and over they kissed until they moved apart for air. Katherine’s arms continued to contain Mary as she moved toward her ear. “I want to date you too. There is nothing more I want than that,” she whispered in her ear.

  “Oh, thank god.” Mary squeezed Katherine to her before she kissed her again.

  “Come to my place tonight. We can order in and relax.” Mary nodded and Katherine kissed her nose. “I better let you get back to work so you can get out of here.”

  CHAPTER 13

  The two women walked into Katherine’s house together. After the take out was finished, they moved closer to each other on the couch. “Would you like to change out of these clothes?” Katherine asked as her arm went around Mary’s shoulder.

  “I would,” Mary answered quickly. She knew Katherine wasn’t asking to sleep with her.

  “Would you stay with me tonight?” Mary raised an eyebrow. “I just want to hold you, Mary.”

  “Yes.”

  They cuddled on the couch watching a movie and fell asleep. “Let’s go to bed,” Katherine said softly shaking Mary when she opened her eyes. Mary followed her to the bedroom and they spent the night in each other’s arms.

  Mary awoke early because her bladder was calling out to be emptied. Katherine was tucked into her back and she slipped out of the bed without awakening her. As she came back into the room she saw Katherine hugging her pillow as if she had been looking for her. Smiling Mary climbed in on the other side and pulled Katherine to her. A slight moan left Katherine as her hand took possession of her around her waist.

  The next time Mary awoke, the smell of coffee coming toward her was evident. She stretched her body and sat up on her elbows. A smile immediately took possession of her face. “Morning.”

  “Good morning,” Katherine said sitting on the other side of the bed as she handed the steaming cup of coffee to Mary. “Did you sleep well?”

  Mary took a sip of the dark liquid before answering, “Wonderfully.”

  “How did I end up on this side of the bed?” Katherine asked patting the mattress.

  “I had to go to the bathroom and when I came back you had clutched my pillow and moved over.”

  “I guess my body was looking for you,” she said touching Mary’s cheek. “What would you like to do today?” Katherine wanted Mary to control the progression of their relationship.

  “When was the last time you were at the National Gallery of Art?” Mary asked smiling at Katherine.

  “It has been years and years.”

  “Well, you love art and I would love to see the gallery with you.”

  “Sounds like a plan.” Mary jumped off the bed. “How about some yogurt?”

  “Right behind you.” They ate their breakfast standing against the counter not really saying much. Katherine watched as Mary’s mouth sucked in the spoon and slid over her tongue. That was all she needed to see and her resistance of Mary controlling the situation was out the window. Katherine put down her yogurt and took Mary’s from her hand. Their mouths and bodies came crushing together as if their lives depended on it. Katherine could feel Mary’s nipples hardened against hers. Over and over they kissed as if they were trying to swallow the other’s mouth. “Oh my god,” Katherine moaned against her mouth.

  “If we don’t stop, we will never get out of here,” Mary said regretfully. She didn’t want to jump into bed with Katherine yet. How long she was going to be able to hold off was the big question.

  They strolled through the gallery enjoying the pain
tings until the latter part of the afternoon. After dinner at a nearby place, Katherine drove Mary home. “Will I see you next week?” Mary asked as they pulled up to Thomas’ home.

  “I have meetings out of the office most of next week,” Katherine said touching Mary’s face gently. “I’ll call you in the evening.”

  “I’d like that,” Mary answered leaning forward and kissing Katherine softly. Her hand went to the back of Katherine’s head as the kiss deepened. Remorsefully Mary pulled back. “Good night, Kate.”

  “Good night, Mary.” Katherine waited until Mary was inside the apartment before she pulled away. “I’ll call you.”

  And call they did each night. They spent hours on the phone speaking softly to each other. It couldn’t possibly replace being in the same room together, but it was the only thing they had. Mary’s fingers itched to touch Katherine as she heard her sensual voice over the phone. By Thursday night they were both feeling tortured.

  “Will you come over tomorrow night?” Katherine asked almost begging.

  “Yes,” Mary answered softly.

  “Will you spend the weekend?” Katherine asked with her eyes closed awaiting Mary’s answer.

  “Yes,” Mary answered quickly.

  Katherine chuckled. “Should I ask for anything else?” she asked teasing.

  “Anything. Anything you want, I want too.”

  “Your voice is making me so aroused,” she admitted easily.

  “Me too. I’ll see you tomorrow night,” Mary answered freely.

  CHAPTER 14

  Mary arrived at Katherine’s apartment Friday evening. The door opened as soon as she rang the bell. They fell into each other’s arms the moment Katherine closed the door behind them.

  “Take me to bed, Kate. Please,” she said looking at Katherine’s stunned expression.

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes,” Mary moaned as Katherine’s mouth captured hers. “Please, Kate, I can’t wait any longer.”

  Katherine moved them quickly to the other room and pulled Mary’s shirt over her head. Her hands slid the pants down easily and she sat Mary on the edge of the bed. Katherine looked at Mary’s face before her lips tasted her. Her body was reacting to Katherine’s lips and mouth. Her moans were the only sound that could be heard in the darkened room.