Something Real Page 9

  Diane squeezed Michelle back. “Me too,” she said with a smile as she stepped away.

  “Hi, Babe,” Jillian said when she answered the phone.

  Michelle rolled her eyes. “Hi. Where are you?” Michelle could hear the noise in the background.

  “At the bar with some friends.” Jillian began to walk toward the hallway to hear Michelle better.

  “Hey, Jillian. Dance with me,” a woman said as she walked by.

  Michelle could hear Jillian covering the mouthpiece. When are people going to learn that doesn’t work?

  “I’m on the phone, Sherry. I’ll dance with you later.” Jillian went back to the phone. “So how is it going there?”

  “Interesting.”

  “You don’t sound like you are having a good time.”

  Not as good as you, obviously. “I’m learning a lot. I’ll let you get back to your friends.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you when you get back. Call me in a few days.”

  Yeah, right. “I’ll talk to you. Good night.” Michelle began to pace her room, but stopped to smell the sunny flowers. Diane is right. They do cheer me up. She realized that Jillian wasn’t going to be the one for her, but at least she was a pleasant distraction for a while.

  CHAPTER 16

  The rest of the conference was uneventful and for that Michelle was thrilled. She had dinner with Diane several nights and the more time she spent with her, the more she liked her. Her entire opinion of the woman had changed. She realized that Diane was different from the woman she had first met. She wouldn’t call her a warm person, but she was kind to her. All she knew was she enjoyed this Diane immensely.

  “I bet you will be happy to get home to Jillian?” Diane asked on the flight home. Michelle wrinkled her nose without answering. Trouble in paradise? Diane raised an eyebrow. “You two didn’t have a fight, did you?”

  “No,” Michelle finally said. “I just don’t know how much Jillian and I have in common.”

  Obviously the two weeks away from each other had caused Michelle to reconsider her relationship and for this Diane wasn’t disappointed. She did worry that it would cause Michelle pain in the long run. “You’ve been away from each other for two weeks. I’m sure once you are together it will be different.” Shut your mouth moron.

  Michelle shrugged. “Maybe.” She kept the conversation away from herself and Jillian for the rest of the flight. The limo dropped Michelle off first.

  “Thank you for being such a big help, Michelle.”

  “It was my pleasure, Diane. Enjoy your weekend.”

  “You too, and if you’d like to come to dinner on Sunday, give me a call.” Michelle smiled her response. Diane tried another tactic. “I’m sure Anna is missing you.” Michelle picked up her luggage that the driver had left on the curb.

  “Good night, Diane.”

  “Good night, Michelle.”

  Jillian called Michelle Saturday morning. “Hi, Babe. Can I come over?”

  “Hello, Jillian. I’m really beat from the trip.”

  “Okay,” Jillian said softly. “How about tomorrow?”

  “I can’t, Jillian.”

  Jillian sat down not knowing what happened. “Are we through, Michelle?”

  “I’m not sure, Jillian.” Michelle answered quickly. “I just need this weekend alone.”

  “We haven’t seen each other in two weeks.”

  “I know, Jillian, but please do me this favor.”

  “Okay, Michelle. Call me when you want to get together.”

  “I will. Thank you.” Michelle laid back on her pillow. Before she could berate herself for not seeing Jillian, Donna knocked on her door. “Come in, Donna.”

  “Hey, stranger,” she said coming into the room and sitting on the bed. “It was too quiet without you here last week.”

  Michelle smiled. “I missed you too.”

  “Have you spoken with Jillian?” Donna asked, not meeting her eyes.

  “I just got off the phone with her.” Michelle watched as Donna blushed. “You saw her at the bar, right?”

  Donna looked up surprised. “How did you know?”

  “I called her one night and she was there.”

  “Don’t shoot the messenger,” Donna pointed. “She danced with several women. They seemed very cozy on the dance floor.”

  Michelle smirked. “Somehow it doesn’t surprise me.”

  “I’m sorry, Michelle.”

  “Don’t be, Donna. We never said we were going to be monogamous.” Michelle laughed. “I can’t forget how we got together. I’ll never know if she really liked me or if it was the interview that put us together.”

  “Did you break up with her?”

  “No, but…” Michelle let her voice trail off. She didn’t know what she was going to do.

  “Enough about her. Tell me about the conference.” Donna sat on the bed and let her friend tell her all about the conference.

  Michelle told Donna about Jean coming onto her and even Sandra made a play too.

  “Wow. I wish I had men coming on to me that way.”

  “No, you wouldn’t. Jean was a shark. She wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

  “How did you finally get through to her?” Michelle giggled and told her what she and Diane did. “You are kidding? Diane Baker pretending to be your girlfriend.”

  “This stays between us, Donna.”

  “No one would believe me even if I told them.” Donna moved closer and grinned. “So how was she as a girlfriend?”

  Michelle thought for a moment. “Really good.” She remembered the dinners and the flowers. How Diane treated her with respect and their conversations were great.

  “Is there potential there?” Donna asked with a grin.

  “No, Donna, there is not. Diane is my boss,” Michelle giggled. “Listen to me. Diane has no interest in me. It was all an act for Jean’s purpose.”

  “Whatever you say, my friend.” Donna patted Michelle’s leg. “How about some breakfast?”

  “Sure. I’ll help,” Michelle said throwing back the covers. “So anyone new in your life?” she asked as they made breakfast.

  “Maybe,” Donna said blushing. “I met this guy that’s Arnie’s friend. We all had dinner together last night. Gordon asked for my number.”

  “That’s great, Donna.”

  “Don’t get carried away. Who knows if he will even call?” As the words left her mouth, her cellphone rang. “Hello.” Michelle watched as Donna’s eyes opened wide. “Hello, Gordon.” Donna walked out of the kitchen clutching the phone.

  Michelle shut off the burner and picked up her own phone. “Hi, Diane. Is the dinner invitation for tomorrow still available?”

  “Yes. Anna will be so thrilled.” So will I. “Why don’t you come over early so we can…” Diane paused, “I mean so you can spend time with Anna.”

  “How is three o’clock?”

  “Perfect. See you then, Michelle.”

  “Bye, Diane.”

  Donna came back into the room smiling widely. “We’re going to dinner and a movie tonight.”

  “That’s great, Donna. I’m happy for you.”

  “What about you?”

  “I’m going to do laundry and rest.” Donna frowned. “Don’t worry about me. It really is fine.”

  CHAPTER 17

  Michelle knocked on Diane’s door at three o’clock on Sunday. It surprised her when a certain five-year old opened the door. “Shell,” Anna screamed when she saw Michelle standing there.

  “Hi, honey,” Michelle said picking up the little girl and twirled her around the foyer. “I missed you so much.”

  “Me too, Shell.”

  “Where is your mommy?” Michelle asked looking around and not seeing her.

  “She is in the kitchen making coffee.” Anna took Michelle’s hand. “We’re going to have a snack,” she said dragging Michelle toward the kitchen.

  “Hi, Diane,” Michelle said as she entered the kitchen.

 
The smile opened wide when Diane faced her. “Hi,” she said shyly, but moved into Michelle’s arms for a hug.

  “Mommy, Shell hugged me too.”

  “I’m glad, honey. Don’t you think I deserve a hug too?” Diane asked looking at her daughter with love.

  Michelle was shocked. She used a term of endearment with her daughter and now her eyes are filled with love for her. Who is this woman? Michelle looked at Diane. “Your mommy deserved a big hug for asking me to dinner.” Who is this woman and what have you done with Diane.

  What do I have to do to get her to do more to me? Diane picked up Anna and placed her on the booster seat. “Is coffee okay? Or would you prefer a glass of wine?”

  “Coffee, please.”

  Diane poured their coffee and a glass of milk for Anna. Then she went to the oven for the snacks. Anna licked her lips as Diane placed the plate on the table. “You didn’t have to go to all this trouble, Diane.”

  Diane laughed. “I didn’t. Cecelia did this. I just had to heat them up.”

  “Did Cecelia make the dinner too?” Michelle asked with a laugh.

  “Of course she did. I wouldn’t force you to eat anything I tried to make.” Diane smiled. “It’s already in the oven cooking. Both Cecelia and Irene have Sundays off.”

  After the snack, the two women carried another cup of coffee into the massive living room. Anna laid on the floor with her coloring book and the women sat on the couch. Diane wanted to ask why Michelle wasn’t with Jillian today, but she didn’t want to spoil the mood by saying her name.

  Michelle giggled and then looked at Diane. “Donna got a kick out of what we did to Jean.”

  “You told her?” Diane asked shocked.

  “Don’t worry,” Michelle said touching Diane’s leg casually. “She’s like Jean and won’t repeat what I told her.” She laughed again. “She even joked asking if there was potential between us.” Michelle laughed until she saw Diane blush. Why is she blushing?

  “I hope you are right,” Diane finally said. “My reputation would be ruined if that got out.” But that isn’t what she was worried about.

  “Trust me, Diane. Our secret is safe. I would never hurt your reputation by anyone ever believing that you and I were involved.” Michelle lowered her voice, “Never, Diane.”

  Michelle’s words were comforting, but they also told Diane that she wasn’t interested in anything other than friendship from her. Don’t let her see you get upset. Breathe and stay calm. “So did you get your rest yesterday?” How do I get her to touch me again?

  “I did and I took care of the things I needed to while I was gone. Donna had a date last night so I had plenty of time to do all the boring stuff.”

  “It was quiet here last night too,” Diane added.

  “Mommy was happy that you were coming today, Shell,” Anna said so innocently. “Me too.”

  “I’m glad,” Michelle said without meeting Diane’s gaze. She knew without looking at Diane that she was blushing again because she got up from the couch.

  “I just want to check on dinner,” she said, knowing dinner would not be ready for hours.

  Michelle got up and sat on the floor next to Anna. “How did you know your mommy was happy I was coming over?” she asked in a low voice.

  “Mommy was smiling when you called. Does my mommy like you like she used to like my daddy?”

  Michelle swallowed hard. “Your mommy and I are good friends, Anna.”

  “Okay,” Anna said seemingly happy with Michelle’s answer.

  Diane returned to the room more composed and hoping that Anna wouldn’t slip with anything else. She watched as Michelle and her daughter laid on the floor inspecting the page that Anna had colored.

  “Mommy, Shell said I did good,” she said holding up the book.

  “You are so talented, Anna,” Diane answered with a wide smile.

  *

  The women watched as Anna’s head drooped at the table. “I should go put her down for the night.” Diane picked up Anna without even waking her. By the time Diane returned, the dining room and kitchen were cleaned up. “You should have left it, Michelle. Cecelia would have taken care of it in the morning.”

  Michelle shrugged. “That’s not me Diane, and it was no bother. I put the leftovers in the refrigerator.”

  “Bring your glass of wine into the living room.”

  “I should get out of your hair and let you get ready for tomorrow.” Michelle mumbled shyly.

  “Don’t be silly. It’s only seven.” Diane took Michelle’s arm and led her out of the room and back into the living room. “Anna asked if you were going to sleep here tonight,” she said laughing. “It’s hard to explain friendship to a five-year old.”

  “I know. She asked me if you liked me like her daddy did.” Michelle’s face suddenly went pale. She couldn’t believe she said that out loud. “I’m sorry. I never should have said that.”

  Diane waved her hand in the air. “Don’t worry about it. What did you tell her?”

  “I said that you and I were good friends.”

  “We are,” Diane said softly.

  The following week Michelle called Jillian. “Hi, Babe.”

  “Hello, Jillian.”

  Jillian could hear the seriousness in Michelle’s voice. “We’re done?”

  “I’m sorry, Jillian. I just don’t think it would ever work out with us.”

  “Is there someone else, Michelle?”

  “No.” Michelle didn’t feel she was lying because the only people in her life were Donna, Diane and Anna. “I enjoyed the time we spent together.”

  “But you don’t want to anymore,” Jillian interrupted. “I get it. Have a good life, Michelle.”

  *

  Michelle’s time from then on became work and spending Sundays with Diane and Anna. Each Sunday she would come over earlier and earlier and she looked forward to spending time with her two favorite people.

  “Michelle, Anna and I are going to visit my friend Terry this weekend.”

  Michelle tried to hide her disappointment. “Good for you. I’m sure Anna will be thrilled to get away.”

  Diane chuckled. “She will because Terry has two girls. One is Anna’s age and one is two years older. I’m sure she will have fun playing with them.” She looked at Michelle’s face. “Do you have plans for the weekend?”

  “It’s Donna’s birthday this weekend. I think I’ll throw her a birthday party.” Michelle had thought about it earlier, but she had hoped to still go to Diane’s house on Sunday.

  Diane and Anna started their trip early Saturday morning. Terry was thrilled that they were coming and promised to take Diane out Saturday night. The two hour trip went quickly and Diane pulled into Terry’s driveway. She watched as Terry and the girls came out to greet them.

  “I’m so happy you’re here,” Terry said pulling Diane into a firm hug.

  “Me too.” Diane smiled at her friend. Terry had been the one woman who didn’t shy away from Diane’s lack of affection. She was always touching her and making her feel welcome.

  “Girls,” Terry said, “do you remember Anna?”

  The two girls nodded as Terry’s five-year old Ava took Anna’s hand. “We can play in my room.”

  Anna looked up at her mother. “It’s okay, Anna. Go with Ava and Jess.”

  Terry put her arm through Diane. “I’m glad you came. Eli is going to watch the girls tonight and you and I are going to have some fun.”

  Diane raised an eyebrow. “What kind of fun?”

  “Dinner, drinks.” Terry giggled. “Anything that doesn’t involve being a mom.”

  “Who are you kidding? You love being a mom.”

  “I know I do, but once and a while you have to let loose.”

  “Oh boy.” Diane held her head. “I just know you are going to get me in trouble.”

  Terry pulled Diane closer. “You can use some trouble in your life,” she said sincerely to her friend.

  All afternoon the three g
irls played together in the family room while the adults watched over them. Diane watched as Eli got down on the floor and played with the girls. “Can you imagine my father ever doing that?” Diane asked laughing.

  “Not unless someone had a gun to his head,” Terry said laughing. “You sound more relaxed than the last time we spoke on the phone. What’s going on?” Terry asked with a grin.

  Diane looked at the girls and Eli who were too close. “We will talk later.”

  Terry was dressed to leave before Diane and she joined her in the bedroom. They both had decided to wear a dress. “I hate you,” Terry said as Diane slipped on her dress.

  “Why?” Diane asked as she pulled up the zipper on her dress.

  “Your body looks like it did when we were in college together.” Terry’s hands crossed in front of her chest. “It’s not fair.”

  Diane began to laugh. “You look great, Terry. I have no idea what you are talking about.”

  “I’m flabby. My clothes and spandex hide that fact. You don’t have an ounce of extra fat on you.”

  “I do and I certainly do not have the body that I did in college.”

  Terry came over to Diane just as she lifted her leg to put her heels on and squeezed her to her. “You feel firm.”

  Diane pulled out of her embrace. “What is wrong with you? You are even touchier and hugging more than you normally are.”

  “No I’m not. I’ve always been like this,” she said with a grin. “Admit it. You love it.”

  Diane sat on the edge of the bed. “I do not, but I’m starting to get used to it. I’ve even hugged Anna a few times.”

  “You have?”

  “Not like Michelle hugs her, but yes.”

  “Michelle? Who is Michelle?” Terry asked, sitting next to her.

  “My assistant,” Diane sighed. “Michelle hugs me too.” Her face burned red as the words left her mouth.

  “And what do you feel when she does that?” Terry asked with a grin.

  “It felt strange when she began to do it, but now I look forward to her hugging me.” Again she sighed. “Sometimes she doesn’t and I miss it.”

  “What else do you want her to do?” Terry asked with a raised eyebrow.