Julia opened the door and sighed. Taylor stood on her porch in dark jeans and a button-down, holding a bouquet of what appeared to be wildflowers. “Hi.”
Julia didn’t use the word swoon lightly, but it came to mind. Even though she didn’t really consider herself a hopeless romantic, it was impossible not to bask in the butch splendor standing before her. Paying attention to her. Courting her. Okay, courting might be an overstatement, but it was the closest to it she’d had in as long as she remembered. Even the early days with Erica were more about the flash of first love and not being able to get enough of one another. This—whatever this was—with Taylor felt different, more intentional.
She realized with a start that she’d been staring. “Hi. Come in.”
She stepped back and Taylor crossed the threshold, handing her the bouquet. “I’d like to say I picked them myself, but I’d be lying.”
Probably not the time to admit imagining Taylor in a flower shop made her even more fluttery than the idea of her in a field. “They’re beautiful. And you really didn’t have to.”
Taylor smiled. “That’s why I did.”
When did Taylor Winslow get so smooth? “Do you mind if I put them in water before we go?”
“Of course not.”
Julia headed toward the kitchen. “This assumes I can find a vase.”
Taylor followed. “My money is in the cabinet over the refrigerator.”
“Why would you say that?”
She shrugged. “Accessible, but out of the way. It’s where you put the stuff you don’t need every day.”
It sort of made sense, even though it was the last place she’d think. She set the flowers down and dragged a chair over to the fridge. Sure enough, an assortment of vases were crammed in with a crystal punch bowl. “Well, I’ll be damned.”
“Perhaps your grandma and my grandma were kindred spirits. Or maybe it’s more of a universal grandma thing.”
“Either way.” She snagged one of the vases and climbed down.
After getting the flowers situated, they spent some time with Taylor’s camera. She remembered more than she expected. That and knowing she had close to a week to fiddle with it eased a lot of her worry. She offered Taylor a thank you as they headed out. Taylor walked with her to the passenger door and opened it. Apparently, it was a thing with her. A perfectly charming, make her sigh kind of thing.
When she did sigh, Taylor raised a brow. “Do you not like it or are you just not used to it?”
A fair question, one that deserved an honest answer. “Not used to it.”
Taylor pushed the door closed and got in on her side. She started the engine and offered a sideways smirk. “I can work with that.”
Julia nodded, not wanting to make a sarcastic comment but not trusting herself to say something sincere without being sappy. This whole thing could get her into some serious trouble.
Taylor drove them east, away from town. Julia wanted to ask where they were going, but she also liked the idea of being surprised. Of having someone want to take the reins when it came to making plans. Erica had done that so much in the beginning, but as her career became more demanding, Julia took over more and more of all the other details of their life together. She’d not minded, not really, except when it felt like Erica was merely going through the motions. Which, obviously, she was.
When they rolled into Trumansburg and Taylor pulled into an open parking spot right on Main Street, she said, “Have you been to Fig since they reopened?”
She’d heard about the fancy overhaul to the restaurant, but hadn’t been. “Not yet.”
“You’re going to love it.” Taylor seemed to catch herself. “I mean, I hope you will.”
“I have no doubt.”
In addition to a new menu, the inside had been redecorated. Her memories were fuzzy, but gone were the heavy tables and chairs and wood paneling. The new design managed to feel both light and intimate.
They shared a bottle of wine and the most incredible asparagus and ricotta bruschetta. She convinced Taylor to share an entree with her, too, so they could order dessert. Conversation meandered from Taylor’s work to Julia’s role at the winery. “I should probably try to learn the business side of things, or the wine making, but they don’t stir my soul, you know?”
“I do. Your passion and how you earn a living don’t have to be one and the same.”
She had a point. “Yeah.”
“I think you need both, though, one way or another.”
“I can’t believe I neglected both for so long.” Julia straightened her posture. “But no more.”
Taylor nodded. “We all get caught up in the noise sometimes. What matters is you’ve sorted out where you want to be and what you want to do.”
Julia lifted both hands defensively, but laughed. “Let’s not overstate things, shall we?”
Taylor angled her head. “I think you’ve got more figured out than you’re giving yourself credit for.”
“I don’t know if that’s true, but I’ll take it.”
After an insanely delicious lemon tart, they left the restaurant and meandered through town. There was live music in the park, so they stopped under a tree and listened for a while. Toddlers and a few elderly couples danced. “Are they polkaing?” she asked.
“I think so. The old folks at least. The kids seem to be winging it.”
Julia chuckled. “Right.”
On the walk back to where they parked, Taylor took her hand. It was casual but, like the kiss on Taylor’s sofa, confident. On the ride back, music played softly. It took Julia a second to realize it was country. Just one more thing that felt both foreign and familiar.
“So, how do I measure up?”
Julia bit her lip and shot Taylor a sideways look. “Measure up to what?”
Taylor laughed. “Never mind. I don’t think I want to know.”
“The food was spectacular. The entertainment a very close second.”
“Oh, good.”
She paused for a moment, not wanting to seem flip, but not wanting to lay it on too thick, either. “The conversation, though, heads and tails above.”
Julia caught the smirk of self-satisfaction before Taylor turned a genuine smile her way. “I’m glad.”
She’d not expected it to be bad, but she also hadn’t expected it to be perfect. And it was pretty damn near perfect. “Me, too.”
In her driveway, Taylor once again came around and opened Julia’s door. It was the sort of thing she could get used to, honestly. Just like in town, Taylor took her hand for the short walk to the front porch. They stood by the door for a moment, not saying anything, but looking at each other with those hesitant smiles that came with not knowing what to do next. Did Taylor feel half the anticipation she did?
“I really did have a nice time.” Julia tucked a piece of hair behind her ear, suddenly nervous.
“Same.” Taylor looked so relaxed it wasn’t even funny.
“Does that mean we get to do it again?”
She nodded. “We do.”
“Good.” Julia thought for a second that might be the end of it, but no.
Taylor kissed her in the glow of the porch light and she felt about eighteen. Only there was no curfew, no one waiting up to make sure she made it home safe and into bed alone. Just her and Taylor and the desire that had been simmering between them all evening.
“Would you like to come in?”
Taylor gave her a knowing smile. “I appreciate the invitation, but no.”
“No?” Surely she’d misheard.
“No. I’m not staying over on our first date. And if I come in now, that’s exactly what’s going to happen.” Nothing in Taylor’s expression indicated she was joking.
“But we’ve already spent the night together.” It came out a bit more petulantly than she would have liked.
“Don’t tell me you’re incapable of delayed gratification.”
Julia frowned. “Not incapable. I just don’t see the point.”
“It lets you know if you really want something,” Taylor said without breaking eye contact.
“I’m pretty certain I want you.” She trailed a finger down the front of Taylor’s shirt. “If you come in with me, I’ll show you.”
Taylor’s eyes intensified. “I’m sure you would. But I’m pretty set in my ways when it comes to stuff like this. I’m not going to let you convince me otherwise.”
She wasn’t sure whether she admired Taylor’s resolve or loathed it. “You’re serious.”
“I am.” Taylor leaned in and kissed her again. And not some chaste peck on the cheek. It left Julia weak in the knees and more than a little hot and bothered. But then Taylor smiled the most casual of smiles. “Good night, beautiful.”
She opened her mouth, but all that came out was a small squeak.
At the bottom of the porch steps, Taylor stopped and turned. “I really would like to do this again.”
Julia bit her lip. “Yes, please.”
“I’ll text you.”
“Text me when you get home, too. Just so I know you made it safe.”
Taylor offered a casual salute, and then she was gone. Julia unlocked her door and went inside but watched from the window until Taylor drove away. When her taillights had disappeared from view, she turned and slumped against the door.
When was the last time she’d wanted someone so badly?
Julia hefted herself to an upright position and headed upstairs. She shed her dress and went to the bathroom to wash off her makeup and brush her teeth. She studied herself in the mirror and the reality of her situation struck her. She wasn’t sure she had ever wanted someone as much as she wanted Taylor Winslow.
* * *
Taylor hadn’t been at the family Fourth of July barbecue two minutes before Chris pounced. “So, how was it?”
She’d kept her texts vague because it wasn’t her style to kiss and tell. “I told you, it was good.”
“If you don’t give me more to go on, I’m going to have to sic Jack on you.”
“Oh, sure. Let your husband fight your battles.”
“You’re just jealous.”
She teased Chris, but it was rooted in a combination of admiration and affection. Jack was fierce, but in the best possible way. “I am.”
“What are you jealous of, gorgeous?” Jack sashayed over with a glass of wine.
Taylor smiled at him. “You.”
“Well, that’s fair. I’m fabulous.” He did a turn.
Chris threaded his arm around Jack’s waist and gave it a squeeze. “Actually, she’s jealous of me for snaring someone as fabulous as you.”
Jack’s face softened. “Your lady is out there. I can feel it.”
“Her lady might be right across town, but she’s withholding details.” Chris dropped the line with a casual air, but calculated precision.
Jack didn’t miss a beat. “Oh? Do tell.”
Out of the corner of her eye, she caught Chris’s smirk. “May I put my veggie tray down first? And grab a beer?”
Jack stepped aside and offered a sweeping bow. “I’ll follow you.”
And follow he did, with Chris right behind. Taylor settled her contribution to the party on one of the tables, then greeted her parents and some of the relatives and family friends scattered around the deck and yard. She grabbed a summer lager from one of the coolers and nestled it into a Winslow Woodworks koozie. Those had been marketing money well spent. She managed one nice sip before Jack cleared his throat.
“Okay, okay.” She related the details of her date with Julia—dinner and the concert in the park, driving her home, and the kiss good night. She left out Julia inviting her in because if Chris knew she’d turned it down, she’d never hear the end of it.
“That’s it?” Chris shook his head. “It’s so PG.”
“It was a first date,” she said.
“But isn’t she all about, you know, sowing her oats? Or whatever it is girls do?”
Jack smacked Chris on the arm and Taylor had to explain Julia’s commitment to promiscuity.
“And you,” Jack poked her lightly in the chest, “are not that.”
“Exactly.” She loved that he got it.
“So, you think this is a good idea?” Chris eyed him with exasperation.
Jack shrugged. “I think she’s doing what she needs to do.”
“Thank you.” Taylor tapped her beer to his wineglass.
Before Chris could argue the point, their niece Ava came running toward them. “Aunt Taylor, Aunt Taylor.”
“Hello, Miss A.” Taylor scooped Ava into her arms and gave her a hug. Although, at seven, she was teetering on the edge of too old for scooping.
Ava kissed her noisily. “Daddy got us sparklers for later. Will you do them with us?”
“Absolutely. Are you having a fun summer?”
She nodded. “I went to science camp last week with Ellie and Madeline and it was so fun. And Ellie’s birthday is next week and there’s going to be a bounce house and then Mama and Daddy and me are going camping for a whole week.”
Taylor filed away the assorted details so she could ask more questions later. “You sound like a busy bee.”
Ava shook her head. “Not really. Bees are some of the busiest insects, except maybe ants. Did you know a bee can fly six miles in search of nectar?”
“I did not.” Nor did she know where Ava had picked up such a specific factoid.
Their sister Mandy joined the small group. “Science camp included a trip to the insect exhibit at the Strong Museum.”
“Very interesting.” Taylor gave Ava another kiss before setting her down.
“What were we discussing before bees?” Mandy asked.
“Bees, in a way. Along with birds.” Chris angled his head toward Taylor. “Her love life.”
“You have a love life?” Mandy’s question held all the teasing and sarcasm of an older sister.
Chris flipped a hand back and forth. “Well, it’s not much of a love life yet. She’s doing the whole noble, take things slow move.”
Mandy nodded. “Who are you moving slow with?”
“Julia Pierce,” Chris said.
“Caroline’s sister?” Mandy raised a brow.
Right. Because Mandy and Caroline were friends. “That’s the one.”
She nodded again, this time more slowly. “Nice. Poor thing could use a non-asshole in her life after the number her wife pulled on her.”
“I do my best not to be an asshole.”
Mandy lifted her chin and smirked. “You’re giving her the knight in shining armor routine, aren’t you?”
“I’m no knight.” Taylor scowled. “And it’s not a routine.”
“Didn’t you literally come to her rescue, wingman?”
Of course Chris would bring that up.
“Wait, what? Wingman? What’s going on and why don’t I know about it?” Mandy’s teasing tone had a hint of an edge. She might have the role of annoying older sister, but she had a protective streak, too.
Ava, clearly bored with the grownup direction the conversation had taken, let out an exaggerated sigh. “I’m going to find Sal.”
She ran off and Taylor couldn’t help but chuckle. “Can I get away with that move?”
Chris, Jack, and Mandy all shook their heads. “No.”
Mandy folded her arms like they were all kids again and she was the bossy sister who always got her way. Some things never changed. “Spill.”
She didn’t spill, exactly, but gave the highlights. It was a wacky enough story that Mandy didn’t seem to mind getting the broad strokes, at least to start. She asked a few questions. Jack asked a few more. Chris’s prodding had nothing on the nosiness of their sister and his husband.
“Can we talk about something else now?”
Jack gave her a look of pity. “Of course, honey. Besides, we have news.”
Taylor made a sweeping motion with her hand. “Please.”
He looked at Chris for a moment, as if seeking permission. Chris gave an almost imperceptible nod. Jack took a deep breath but didn’t immediately speak.
“Well, go on. You’re killing us.” Sometimes, Mandy’s impatience worked in her favor.
Chris nodded again and Jack said, “We’ve been approved to be foster parents.”
Taylor lifted both hands. “How could you not lead with that? That’s fantastic.”
They’d been discussing it for the better part of a year. What began as a plan to adopt morphed into wanting to offer a home to older kids, ones who had a harder time being placed. They’d started the application a couple of months prior, but the paperwork and home visits and everything else made it seem like it would be years before they got anywhere.
Chris put his arm around Jack again. “Not only that, we’re slated to get our first placement next week.”
Taylor gaped. “Holy crap. That’s soon. How old? What’s their story? Do you know how long they’ll be with you?”
Chris and Jack took turns filling in the gaps—boy, Marcus, age eleven, and probably only a couple of weeks until his grandparents could make it up from the city. Taylor was thrilled for them, and relieved for the change of subject. Not that she wouldn’t share with her family. Things with Julia felt, what? Delicate. She didn’t want to jinx them.
“You okay?” Jack regarded her with concern.
“Totally fine.” She forced a smile.
“You’re making it worse.” Mandy’s lip curled. “What’s up?”
“Sorry. I got distracted. Let’s keep talking about Marcus.” That was his name, right?
Mandy shook her head. “We’ve moved on to Miss Kitty LaGrande’s move to drag story hour.”
“Right. Sorry I zoned.” Jack had started doing story hour with another drag queen at the library in Ithaca and had recently convinced the Kenota branch to do the same. It caused a stir at first, but Mandy and Caroline championed it and now it was a twice-a-month thing. Kids loved it and Jack had an outlet for his inner diva that was less brutal on his nine-to-five lifestyle.
“It’s fine.” Chris elbowed her. “We don’t expect you to have an opinion on whether eleven is too old for story hour.”
“Huh.” She didn’t.
“So, if you and Julia end up together, will you have kids?” Mandy asked.
“Oh, my God.” Talk about jinxing.
“What? It’s a perfectly valid question.”
Before Taylor could disabuse her of that notion, Ava reappeared, requesting a hot dog. Mandy shrugged a mock apology and off they went. Taylor congratulated Chris and Jack again and excused herself to make the rounds. She chatted with her father about the raised beds her mother wanted and her mother about the raised beds her father insisted she needed, then some aunts and uncles and cousins.
Jessica found her and went on and on about the wedding pictures. She promised to pass the compliments on to Julia, along with Jessica’s giving Julia’s name to at least a dozen other people in town. Taylor liked the idea of Julia’s phone ringing off the hook.
She lingered long enough for sparklers but headed home shortly after dark. She put down the windows on the ride home and cranked the radio. Her thoughts drifted to Julia and that perfect kiss on her front porch. It had been pure torture to leave, especially after Julia’s not so subtle invitation.
In her driveway, Taylor cut the engine but remained in her truck. She contemplated their next date. And the one after that. What it would be like if Julia stayed. If she decided playing the field was as overrated as Taylor believed it to be. And as she headed inside and made her way to bed, Mandy’s question, the one about having kids, hovered at the edges of her imagination.