ARE YOU THE ONE?: A Lesbian Romance Read online

  “I’m not like that anymore, Meg. Believe me when I say, I do not want anyone else, but you.” Brielle hoped her feelings carried through the line.

  “I know, Bri. I’ll call or text you when I get home.” Meg disconnected the call before Brielle could say anything else.

  Meg went down to the lobby just before five thirty. Grace was waiting for her when she stepped into the lobby.

  “Hi. Are you ready to go?” Grace asked as Meg approached.

  Meg nodded and followed Grace out the door.

  “Good evening Ms. Grimes,” the chauffer said as he opened the car door for them.

  “Thank you, Albert,” Grace said as she stepped into the car.

  Meg remained quiet as they drove to the destination that Grace had chosen. They walked into the restaurant and were immediately greeted by the hostess.

  “Ms. Grimes, your table is ready for you. This way, please.” She led them to a table that would give them privacy to talk.

  “Good evening, ladies,” the waiter said as he walked over. “May I take your drink order?” He looked down at Meg.

  “I’ll just have water, thank you.”

  “Meg, have a glass a wine,” Grace leaned forward as she spoke.

  “I’m not much of a drinker. I’ll just have the water,” she repeated.

  Peter looked at Grace. “The usual?” he asked.

  “Yes, thank you, Peter.”

  He walked away quietly and someone else filled their water glasses.

  “Are you concerned that our merger with Reese Banking will be a problem with our department?” Meg asked wanting to get down to business so she could get out of here as quickly as possible.

  “Relax, Meg. We just sat down.” Grace looked at Meg smiling. “How were your holidays?”

  “Good. Yours?”

  “The best part is they’re over,” Grace said with a chuckle. “Did you spend the holidays with your family?”

  “No. I spent them with a friend of mine and her family.” Meg was just giving the least amount of information that she could to Grace.

  “Your girlfriend’s family?” Grace asked.

  “No, just a good friend of mine,” Meg responded. “So about the merger?” she asked trying to get the subject back to business.

  Peter returned with Grace’s drink. “Are you ready to order?”

  Meg hadn’t looked at the menu, but she didn’t want him to walk away. She glanced down at the entrees and said, “I’ll have the seafood risotto.”

  “How about an appetizer?” Grace asked.

  “No, I’m fine.”

  “Peter, I’ll have the filet mignon and the house salad.”

  Peter collected the menus and left.

  Grace looked at Meg and smiled. “I had no idea you were gay. I’ve never seen you at any of the clubs.”

  Meg wanted to get up from the table and walk away, but she needed this job. “I don’t frequent the clubs,” she said, not meeting Grace’s intense stare.

  “No, I definitely would have remembered you.” Grace lifted her glass of wine to her mouth. “You’re a very beautiful woman.”

  Meg ignored the compliment. “Ms. Grimes, I thought you wanted to discuss business.”

  “Grace, please.” She looked at Meg, her eyes almost pleading. “I’d like to get to know you better, Meg.”

  “Why would you want to do that? You’re my boss and I think we should keep the dinner conversation to business only.” Meg was ready to walk out if things didn’t change.

  “You’re right, Meg.” Grace smiled her most seductive smile just as the food was placed in front of them.

  The conversation was now about the merger and business. Meg hoped that the tide had turned and Grace would leave her personal life out of the conversation. Unfortunately, as the dinner plates were removed, Grace tried again.

  “How long have you been seeing Brielle?”

  Meg just stared at her face unable to believe Grace had just asked that question. “Grace, I enjoy my job very much, but my personal life is just that. Personal.”

  “I’m just trying to be friendly. I know Brielle,” Grace said with a smirk.

  “I know,” Meg said meeting her gaze. “Brielle told me.” She wanted her to know that she wasn’t going to shock her. To break her down with her intimate knowledge of Brielle.

  Grace raised her eyebrow in surprise. “I didn’t realize that you two would have talked about me.”

  “We haven’t really since there isn’t much to talk about.” Meg didn’t know where she was finding her bravery, but she was no longer afraid of this woman. “I know Bri had a past before I came into her life, but I’m here now and that’s all that matters.”

  “Oh, so you think she won’t tire of you and move onto someone else?” Grace asked leaning forward.

  “I can’t say we’ll be together forever, but I will fight for her.” Meg leaned toward Grace showing her determination.

  Grace grinned. “I was totally wrong about you. I always thought you were this shy little woman, but I can see that’s only an act.”

  Meg wanted to tell her it wasn’t an act, but no sense tipping her hand. “So are we okay?”

  “Yes,” Grace said, finally showing a real smile. “I’d like to take you out one night on a real date.”

  Meg rolled her eyes. “I’m dating, Brielle.”

  “So you think you’re the only one? I’m sure when Brielle isn’t with you, she’s seeing someone else. I’ve known her a lot longer than you.” Grace’s bitchy side was showing again.

  “I don’t believe that’s true, but if it is,” Meg shrugged, “I am not going to be seeing anyone else.”

  “It’s a shame. We could have had so much fun,” Grace said reaching for Meg’s hand.

  Meg pulled her hand away before it could be captured. “I’m not looking for fun except with Brielle.”

  Grace stood up. “Just know that when she dumps you, I’ll be here waiting.”

  Meg insisted on taking a cab home instead of letting Grace’s driver take her. She closed the door to her apartment and sent Brielle a text. I’m home. Good night. Meg went into the bedroom and stripped off her clothes wanting to wash the evening off her body. Before she stepped into the shower, her phone chimed.

  Sweet dreams. B

  Meg knew she should have called Brielle, but Grace’s words kept her from making the call. Was Brielle seeing someone else while she was dating her? Would she toss her aside as soon as she was bored? Meg had never given her heart to anyone before and now she wondered if she had made a mistake in having given it to Brielle.

  CHAPTER THIRTEEN

  At noon time, Meg’s phone rang. She knew it was Brielle even before she looked at the screen.

  “Hi,” Meg said into the phone, still typing on her computer.

  “Are you okay?” Brielle asked softly.

  “I’m fine.”

  “I hope your dinner with Grace went okay?”

  Meg didn’t respond.

  “Did she ask you a lot of questions?”

  “She said a lot and asked a lot of questions,” Meg said with a sigh. “It wasn’t a business dinner.”

  “I’m so sorry, Meg.”

  “It’s not your fault.” Meg replied and then Sarah called on the intercom.

  “Ms. Grimes is here to see you, Meg. Shall I send her in?”

  “Shit. I’ve got to go, Brielle.” Meg disconnected the call. “Send her in, Sarah.”

  “Hello.” Grace breezed into the room wearing a big smile. “I came to take you to lunch.”

  Meg looked at her dumbstruck. “I’m working through lunch,” she said meeting her gaze.

  “I can’t have my employees skipping a meal. Come have lunch with me?”

  “I’m not going to skip a meal. I’ll order something and eat at my desk.”

  “You need a break, Meg. Take some time for yourself.”

  Meg stood up and Grace took this as a good sign and opened her smile. “I’m sorry, Gr
ace, but I don’t want to go to lunch.”

  Grace knew she wasn’t going to convince her so she turned toward the door. “I don’t give up easily,” she said turning toward Meg before she reached for the door knob.

  “We’ll see,” Meg whispered to the empty room.

  Sarah came in a few minutes later. “Are you okay?”

  Meg sat down in her chair again. “Have you seen her at the clubs?”

  “Yeah,” Sarah said with a smirk. “She comes in all high and mighty thinking she can have anyone in the room. Some women fall for her charm, but most stay away from her.”

  “Can I ask you a question?” Meg asked and motioned for Sarah to sit down.

  “Sure.”

  “Have you seen Brielle at the clubs since we started dating?”

  Sarah looked at her. “Maybe a couple of times.”

  “Did she leave with anyone?”

  “Not that I saw.” Sarah’s lips pursed. “I know what you’re thinking. I know Brielle has this reputation and you’re so different from the women she normally dates.” Sarah paused. “I don’t believe she’s cheating on you.”

  “But you don’t know for sure?” Meg asked.

  “Don’t listen to Grace Grimes. She’s jealous because you took the best player off the market.”

  “That’s just it,” Meg said with a sigh. “Why would a player want to be with someone like me?”

  “Why?” Sarah laughed. “You’re beautiful, kind and you’re not a phony.” She chuckled. “I would have left my job if you had agreed to go out with me.” Sarah blushed. “I couldn’t figure out if you were gay or not and that’s why I never asked.”

  Meg’s mouth opened and closed without speaking.

  “Please, Meg, don’t let Grace scare you away from Brielle.”

  Meg nodded. “Let’s get back to work.”

  Meg left the office at five without calling Brielle about getting together tonight. She needed time to think, to decide if this relationship with Brielle would end up breaking her heart.

  Brielle called at seven that evening. “Hi,” she said softly into the phone. “I guess you didn’t want company tonight?”

  “No, I’m sorry, Bri, I didn’t.”

  “I understand. I’ll talk to you tomorrow.”

  “Sure,” Meg said and disconnected the call.

  Brielle looked at her phone feeling helpless. Not knowing what Grace had told Meg, all she could do was give her some space. She grabbed her keys and went to the club down the street. She took a seat at the bar.

  “Hey, Bri,” the bartender said. “Haven’t seen you here in a while.”

  “Yeah, haven’t felt like coming in.”

  “She must be something to keep you away so long?” Helen asked.

  “Yeah, she is,” Brielle said with a smile. “I’ll have a beer, Sandy.”

  “Coming right up.”

  Brielle sat nursing her beer for a long time before she felt someone’s hand on her shoulder. She turned around and was face to face with Grace Grimes.

  “What do you want?” Brielle asked angrily before she remembered this was Meg’s boss.

  Grace laughed. “Now, now, Brielle.” She leaned close to Brielle. “We don’t want you to say something that might hurt your girlfriend and her job.” Grace’s left eyebrow rose up. “Would you?”

  Brielle smiled brightly and said, “What do you want, Grace?”

  “I don’t want anything. I saw you sitting alone and I thought I would come over and keep you company.”

  “I was just leaving,” Brielle said pulling some bills from her pocket.

  “Aw, don’t leave, Bri. We can talk about Meg if you want to.” Grace touched Brielle’s arm. “Let me buy you another beer.”

  Brielle sat back down and Grace ordered another beer for her. She stayed at the bar drinking her beer, but faced the women in the bar.

  Grace leaned over, “I’m surprised to see you here tonight. I thought you would be with Meg.”

  Brielle didn’t respond.

  “She’s a sweet thing, but certainly not your type. You need to be with a woman who can set your world on fire. Someone like me,” Grace said with a laugh.

  Meg had heard enough and walked away. “Would you like to dance?” she asked a woman standing with her friends.

  The woman looked at Brielle and allowed her to take her hand leading her to the dance floor.

  In the corner of the bar Sarah was watching Brielle the whole time. She saw her sitting with Grace and now dancing with another woman. Maybe she was wrong about what she told Meg today. Maybe Brielle wasn’t the woman for Meg.

  CHAPTER FOURTEEN

  Meg walked into her office with a quick greeting to Sarah. She was exhausted from the lack of sleep. Her mind kept tumbling with Grace’s words of Brielle: unable to be with one woman. She had spent her entire life looking for someone to give her heart to and when she thought she found her, it was all disappearing.

  Sarah walked into her office. “Are you okay, Meg?” she asked moving closer to the desk.

  “I’m fine, Sarah,” Meg said lowering her eyes.

  “You don’t look fine. Did you get any sleep last night?”

  Meg’s head swung from side to side.

  “I’m sorry, Meg.” Sarah sat in the chair in front of Meg’s desk. “I saw Brielle last night at the club.” She looked at Meg’s eyes wondering if she should continue.

  “Go on,” Meg said.

  “She was sitting at the bar alone until Grace went over to her,” Sarah said with a snarl. “I don’t know what she was saying, but I could tell Brielle wasn’t happy.”

  “Did Brielle get angry with Grace?”

  “Her face was scowling, but she didn’t speak. She finally walked away and asked some woman to dance with her.”

  “Why didn’t she just leave the bar?”

  Sarah shrugged. “Maybe she was afraid that Grace would follow her out?”

  Meg nodded. “Did she leave with this woman?”

  Sarah just stared at her.

  “Please tell me.”

  “They danced a few dances and then they left together.” Sarah got up and went to the other side of the desk. “That doesn’t mean anything happened, Meg. I’m sorry.”

  “Thanks for telling me, Sarah.”

  Sarah went back to her desk closing the door to Meg’s office.

  At lunchtime Sarah came back into Meg’s office. “Sorry to bother you, but Grace called earlier and asked if you were free for lunch.” Meg’s jaw dropped open. “I told her you had an appointment to go to out of the office.”

  “Thank you, Sarah.”

  “I think you should leave and try to get some sleep.”

  “I won’t be able to sleep.”

  “Take something and get some rest. If you don’t feel any better tomorrow, stay home. I’ll take care of everything here,” Sarah said reaching for Meg’s coat.

  “Thank you, Sarah. I don’t know what I would have done without you.”

  “Nothing to thank me for. You’re a great boss, Meg.”

  Meg walked into her apartment and went to the bathroom to get a bottle of aspirins. She took two and went into the bedroom. Meg didn’t even bother to take her clothes off before she lay on the bed.

  Brielle tried Meg’s cell phone again seeing if she would finally take her call, but this call went immediately to voicemail, too. She dialed Meg’s office.

  “Hi, Sarah, this is Brielle. Is Meg available?” Brielle asked.

  “I’m sorry, Brielle, but she’s not in the office right now.”

  “Would you ask her to call me?” Brielle said, trying to sound as though she wasn’t begging.

  “I know she’s going to be tied up all afternoon. Maybe you can try her cell later,” Sarah said, not really offering Brielle a better option. If Meg wanted to talk to Brielle, she would have to call her because she wasn’t going to help Brielle.

  Meg spent the afternoon asleep. She awoke at six o’clock starving. She
went to the kitchen and opened the refrigerator. As she looked for something to eat, she remembered she never turned her phone back on from last night. Now looking at the screen, she saw she had several missed calls. They were all from Brielle. She listened to the messages.

  Don’t do this, Meg. Please talk to me. If you want to yell and scream at me, it’s okay.

  The next message was calmer. Please call me when you’re ready to talk.

  Meg could hear the emotion in Brielle’s voice as she listened to the last message. I’m sorry, Meg. I... The message ended before Brielle finished.

  Before Meg could ponder what Brielle was going to say, her cell phone rang. She looked at the screen and smiled. “Steve, how are you?”

  “I’m good Meg. How are you?”

  “Oh, you know. Same thing different day.”

  “Then it’s time you change that. I need you, Meg,” Steve said into the phone.

  “Need me for what?” Meg asked.

  “To come to work for me. What else have I been asking for the last six months? We’ve grown into a real company, Meg. I need someone to run this place. I want to be able to do my work and have someone take care of all the other stuff.”

  “Yes,” Meg said quickly.

  “Yes? Just like that you’re finally saying yes.”

  “I need a change, Steve. I can’t stand this corporate bullshit anymore.” Meg sighed. “I have one stipulation.”

  “Only one? Don’t you want to hear the salary and perks?” Steve asked with a laugh.

  “Steve, I trust you and we can discuss those things later. I want to bring my secretary with me.”

  “Is she someone special?”

  “Not that way, Steve,” she said with a chuckle. “I depend on her a lot and she’ll be a great asset to your company,” Meg paused, “if she agrees to come with me.”

  “That’s great, Meg. How long a notice will you have to give?”

  “That will be up to the bank. They may tell me to leave that day or they may want two weeks. I guess I’ll find out tomorrow. I’ll talk to Sarah and then we can plan on meeting to discuss the details.”

  “Meg, you’ve just made my day. I can’t thank you enough for doing this.”