Chapter 11

“Are you sure you don’t want to drive?” Leah grinned at Ryan as the two women stood in front of Leah’s bookshop.

“The restaurant is only a few blocks up on Main, right?” Ryan glanced up the Ellicott City street. The sun had just set behind the hills that surrounded the small town, and its main thoroughfare was teeming with cars and pedestrian traffic.

“Yeah, but I remember my first new car. I wanted to drive it everywhere.” Leah nodded toward the new navy blue Honda Civic parked next to the curb.

Ryan grinned. “I won’t lie, it’s great having my own car - even though parking in the city is a bitch.”

Leah peered into the passenger side window. “It’s nice.”

Ryan put the keyless remote in her pocket. “Thank you, but I think I can part with it long enough to walk over to dinner.” She had the Civic for over a week, having decided to finance the car instead of using any more of her inheritance. She still had only told Nicole about the windfall, and wanted to keep things as normal as possible. Most people didn’t pay cash for their first new vehicle.

Leah and Ryan wound their way up Main Street with minimal conversation as the street noise made it difficult to hear one another. Ryan was thrilled to have the evening with Leah, and had been pleasantly surprised with how quickly the blonde had reached out to her for dinner after their uncomfortable exchanges on and after Ryan’s birthday.

Vibrant Wine Bar and Restaurant was in a renovated commercial building that had previously housed a local print shop. The unfinished concrete floors, exposed red brick walls, and wrought iron bar shelving and sheet metal bar top gave the space an industrial feel.

Ryan and Leah were seated near the rear of the restaurant, next to a large plate glass window that overlooked the Patapsco River. Though the tables were relatively close together, the space’s low lighting made it seem intimate. Ryan continued to feel fortunate, if not a little nervous, to have the evening with Leah.

“Do you have a favorite red wine?” Leah asked as she scanned the wine menu.

“I haven’t really got onboard with that whole wine thing yet.” Ryan took a sip of her water. “I guess I haven’t acquired the taste.”

Without looking up, Leah nodded. “It can take awhile.”

Ryan wished the tightness she felt in the pit of her stomach would go away. Her exchange with Leah outside the book shop after Ryan’s birthday had ultimately ended well, but had left Ryan uncertain if this was a date or another friendly outing. Ryan told herself it shouldn’t matter either way. Time with Leah was time well spent.

“We can try the Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon. It’s fruity with only a little bit of astringency.” Leah laid the wine menu down on the table. “I think you’ll like it, and if you don’t we can order a couple beers.”

Ryan smiled. “I’ll do my best.”

The two women picked up their food menus. Ryan was grateful for the distraction as she felt the conversation was halting, and she wasn’t sure what to do about it. She decided to stick with what was safe and relevant. “I was thinking about getting the lamb cutlet. What about you?”

Leah continued to concentrate on her menu. “Not a fan of lamb. I’ve had the pork tenderloin here, and it’s wonderful.”

Ryan nodded. With anyone else, she might not think much of the absence of small talk, but she and Leah had always been masters of banter. The lack of it now made the air around them seem thick.

“Have you ladies decided?” Their waiter was a man in his late forties. His black hair was meticulously parted and combed to the side. His white dress shirt, black vest, and black trousers were starched so severely Ryan imagined the entire ensemble could stand on its own in the corner.

“Can we please get a bottle of the Casillero del Diablo Cabernet Sauvignon? Then I’ll start with a Caesar salad, and then the pork tenderloin.” Leah handed the man her menu.

“And for you, miss?” The waiter looked at Ryan.

“I’ll have a Caesar as well, and then the lamb. Medium-rare, please.” Ryan gave the man her menu, and turned her attention back to Leah. “How’s business?”

Leah smiled. “It’s going well. We’ve just began a partnership with three new auction houses; so the additional outlets will increase business.”

Ryan nodded. “I imagine you lose a chunk of your revenue to auction house fees?”

“It can range between five and fifteen percent depending on the type of house.” Leah unfolded the black cloth napkin that lay on the table to her right, and placed it in her lap.

Ryan chewed nervously on the inside of her lower lip. “Are you okay?”

Leah looked surprised by Ryan’s question, but before she could answer, the waiter had returned with their bottle of wine. The next two minutes seemed like an eternity to Ryan as the waiter and Leah discussed the wine before the man poured a small amount in Leah’s glass for her to taste.

Leah took a sip and smiled warmly at the waiter. “It’s wonderful.” The waiter poured Leah and Ryan a half glass of wine each and excused himself.

“I’m fine.” Leah said just before she took a long drink of her wine. “To answer your question from earlier.”

“Are you sure?” Ryan was usually an advocate for taking people at their words. She had never thought much of prying information out of someone, particularly when feelings were involved. As with most things that involved Leah, though, Ryan’s usual playbook seemed moot.

Leah’s brow arched as she sat her glass of wine down on the table. “Why do you ask?”

Seeing an in, Ryan cleared her throat. “We’re usually better conversationalists than this; so I’m checking.”

Leah leaned back in her chair and rested her hands in her lap as she closely studied Ryan. “I’m still feeling awful about the comment I made to you the other day. I don’t want to pull you back into it, and force you – the offended – to console me, or convince me that everything is okay.”

Ryan was relieved at Leah’s candor, and felt something akin to their usual comfort with each other beginning to work its way back into the conversation. “I was hurt in the moment, but I wouldn’t be here with you now if I was still upset with you.”

Leah frowned. “I’m having trouble forgiving myself.”

Ryan took her first drink of the wine, and Leah’s description of it had been spot on. The fruity notes coated her mouth, and a slight astringency puckered on her tongue as she swallowed the liquid. Looking at the glass, Ryan nodded. “Not to seem insensitive to your mental self-flagellation, but this is really good wine.”

Laughter erupted from Leah, and she quickly covered her mouth with her hand as diners at an adjacent table looked annoyed at her. “Sorry.” The amused woman whispered to the fellow diners.

Ryan was thrilled the mood seemed to be lightening. “Are we cool?”

Leah looked at Ryan, her eyes sparkling as they moved from Ryan’s eyes to her lips. “We’re cool.”

Ryan wiped at her brow. “Thank god, because I’ve got nothing to follow up with once I take the word flagellation out for a spin.”

The waiter appeared with their two salads. After crunching on a crouton, Leah smiled at Ryan. “Are you still wowing the public servants of Howard County?”

“I don’t know about the wowing part, but I may be annoying the hell out of them.”

“I seriously doubt that.” Leah looked suspiciously at Ryan.

Shrugging, Ryan took a drink of her wine. “I’m looking at everything for the first time, and have the benefit of a fresh perspective.”

“And that’s a bad thing?” Leah asked.

“No, but it means I’m making and recommending changes to systems that have been in place for years.” Ryan discreetly picked with her tongue at a bit of romaine lettuce stuck in her teeth. “In some cases the processes I’m changing were implemented by my senior co-workers.”

Leah nodded. “Back to the office politics?”

Ryan, confident she had extracted the lettuce, smiled. “Exactly.”

Leah grinned, and pointed to her own teeth. “Between your two front teeth. Lettuce.”

“Damnit. I thought I got it.” Ryan shielded her mouth with her napkin and using her pinky nail, extracted the lettuce. “Gone?” She smiled at Leah, who carefully inspected Ryan’s teeth.

“You’re clear.” Leah nodded, and the two women continued to eat their salads in what was now a comfortable silence.

The waiter returned to remove their empty salad plates, and refill their wine glasses. “Your entrees should be out momentarily, ladies.”

It dawned on Ryan that this was as good a time as any to learn more about Leah. Short of her limited knowledge of the woman’s history with the Myers, and her affinity for rare books, Ryan knew very little about the woman sitting across from her.

“So, do you have any brothers or sisters?” Ryan’s stomach and thighs were feeling warm, and she realized that unlike beer, the wine was spreading warmth throughout her entire body, not just her neck and head.

“My brother died many years ago; otherwise, no other siblings.” Leah’s tone was casual, and Ryan wondered if she and her brother hadn’t been close.

“I’m sorry to hear that. Was he older?” Ryan didn’t want to open up an old wound, but her curiosity got the better of her.

Leah nodded. “He was, but just three years. He died in a car accident.”

Ryan felt a twinge of sorrow for Leah. “Were you close?”

Leah shrugged. “Not particularly.”

Given Leah’s relatively short responses, Ryan was sensing she needed a subject change. “Do your parents live near Baltimore?”

Leah had been looking down at her lap when Ryan’s question caused her eyes to shoot up. “They’re both dead as well.”

The frankness in Leah’s voice did not match the sadness Ryan saw in her eyes. Reaching across the table, Ryan turned her palm up, encouraging Leah to place her hand in Ryan’s. Leah hesitated before sliding her warm, smooth hand into Ryan’s.

The waiter returned, and to make room for their plates, Leah and Ryan reluctantly released each other’s hands.

“Ladies, if you need anything else, please let me know.” The man smiled and left the table.

“This looks great.” Leah commented as she began cutting into the tenderloin.

“Mine, too.” Ryan cut the lamb cutlet, smiling when she saw it was cooked perfectly.

“What about your father, Ryan?” Leah asked as she lightly peppered the risotto that came with her pork.

Ryan finished chewing one of the most tender cuts of lamb she had ever had, and took a long drink of her wine before answering Leah. “He and my mother divorced when I was three, and the families didn’t get along; so I never really knew him.”

Leah frowned. “Where does he live?”

“Somewhere in New York, but he was never very interested in me.” Ryan felt her throat tighten as she listened to the words, realizing how terrible they must sound. “And my mother and grandmother made certain my interest in him was kept to a minimum.” Ryan cut another bite of lamb off the cutlet. “I don’t even know if I have half-siblings or what he does for a living.”

“What’s his name?” Leah asked, her brow furrowed as she considered Ryan.

“Nathan.”

Leah nodded. “Have you ever wanted to get in touch with him – you know, as an adult?”

“Not really.” Ryan paused as she weighed whether she wanted to continue this line of conversation. Ultimately, she knew she had started the family talk, and who was she to deny Leah her questions? “I do know that my mother was pregnant with me before they were married. I guess it was more a marriage of convenience than anything else.”

“I think that happens more than people care to admit.” Leah picked the nearly empty bottle of wine up, and poured the last of it into Ryan’s glass. “Should we get another bottle?”

Shaking her head, Ryan blushed. “I’m already feeling hot, and I still have to drive back to the city.”

“Maybe I should take this one then?” She reached for Ryan’s glass, and paused, waiting for the younger woman’s consent.

“Please. Have at it. I’m clearly not used to the effects of wine.”

“There’s no shame.” Leah grinned as she took a drink from Ryan’s glass. “We’ll work on that tolerance of yours.” She winked, and Ryan felt a skitter of heat shoot through her body that had nothing to do with the wine.

Ryan had thought she might steer the conversation toward Karen and Leah’s relationship. It seemed natural given the topic of conversation, but Ryan’s courage had faltered. The moment had slipped away, and Ryan was oddly relieved. She selfishly wanted to cling to the fallacy that Leah was entirely hers.

***

Leah held the bookshop’s front door open for Ryan, and then walked in after her, the tinkling sound of the bell spilling out into the night.

“How long have you owned the shop?” Ryan scanned the bookshelves. She had been in and out of the space so quickly before, she hadn’t taken the time to look closely at the inventory.

“Marty and I bought it from the previous owners about ten years ago.” Leah shut the door and flipped the deadbolt.

“So this is the retirement plan?” Ryan grinned, remembering her and Leah’s first conversation. She let her eyes wander over the rows of books. In some cases, the leather on the spines was so worn she couldn’t make out the titles.

“Part of it anyway. The shop is less than a quarter of our business. Most of the work happens online with the auction houses and private collectors.” Leah started toward the rear of the store. “Come on back to the office. I can make us some tea.”

Though the shop verged on cluttered, Ryan felt cozy in the space. She followed Leah through the stacks of books to a narrow wooden door that had been painted dove gray to match the adjacent walls.

“Are the renovations done?” Ryan asked, not seeing the plastic tarp anymore.

Leah cocked her head to the side, and then, realizing what Ryan was referencing, nodded. “Oh, that’s right, you saw that mess last time you were here.” She unlocked the office door. “It’s all done. We just needed to have the subfloor repaired, and then new hardwood laid over it.”

Ryan looked at the floor, but whatever work had been done was now covered by the bookcases. “It’s –”

“Completely unnoticeable, and still as expensive as hell.” Leah chuckled as she opened the office door.

“Exactly.” Ryan laughed.

The office had a single window, and a door to the right of the main entrance that Ryan assumed was either a closet or a small washroom. The space was furnished with a tattered leather sofa, a narrow wooden end table, a roll top desk with a closed laptop on top of it, and a series of shelves lined with books and papers.

“Earl Grey, right?” Leah was standing in front of a small oak table that had a Keurig coffee maker and several ceramic mugs on it.

“Yes, please.” Ryan stood in the doorway of the office suddenly feeling nervous about being alone with Leah.

“Go ahead and sit down. This will only take a few minutes.” Leah nodded toward the sofa.

Raising an eyebrow, Ryan considered her options as she crossed the small space. She was incredibly attracted to Leah, and the idea of spending any time alone with her, much less in the intimacy of a private office with a sofa, was very appealing. At the same time, Ryan had never felt more tentative about her feelings.

The reality was, in spite of her efforts at the restaurant, she knew very little about the beautiful woman who was now brewing her a cup of tea. They had connected almost immediately, but there was always the undercurrent of Leah’s history with Ryan’s family running between them. Something neither woman seemed willing to address.

Initially Ryan had thought she was the only one avoiding the topic. She had justified the willful ignorance by convincing herself it was none of her business who Leah knew over twenty five years ago. Now, given their recent conversations, and Leah’s visceral reaction to Jenny’s prodding about Ryan’s mother, Ryan felt certain Leah was avoiding the topic as much as she was.

Ryan stood in front of the sofa, the office smelling of Leah’s trademark vanilla scent. Fueled by wine and her own natural curiosity, Ryan decided she needed answers. Ryan suspected her sudden desire for candor had been triggered by their brief conversation about her father and Leah’s family.

“Why did you stop being friends with Karen?” Ryan had intentionally used her mother’s name. She needed the impersonal nature of it to shield her from what Leah might say.

Leah’s hand paused over the small glass jar that housed a stack of sugar cubes. Without looking at Ryan, she answered. “We grew apart.”

“How, specifically?” Ryan sat down on the sofa, and crossing her legs, leaned back. She was wading into this regardless of Leah’s willingness to go along.

Leah turned around, the steaming cup of tea in her hand. “Sugar?”

Ryan nodded her head. “Yes, please.”

Leah dropped a sugar cube into the hot beverage, and handed the cup to Ryan. She sat down on a wooden swivel chair in front of the desk, and ran her fingers through her blonde hair. “God, I don’t know. School, schedules.” She looked at Ryan. “Typical stuff.”

Ryan took a tentative sip of the tea, and finding it too hot to drink, rested it in her lap, cupping the hot ceramic mug carefully between her hands. “Why does my aunt hate you?”

Leah laughed, but the sound was hollow. “I think hate is a bit strong.”

Ryan recalled the two women’s interaction at the cemetery. “No. She really hates you. I mean, Lucy is a lot of things, but she’s rarely openly aggressive.” Ryan smiled, trying to ease the tension. “It would be considered rude, and a social faux pas.”

Leah nodded, her eyes focused on some unseen spot in the distance. “You’re right. She does hate me.”

Ryan leaned forward and sat her tea on the narrow end table next to the sofa. Resting her elbows on her knees, she considered Leah for several seconds before continuing. “Why?”

Leah stood up quickly. “Christ, Ryan. You should ask her.”

Ryan didn’t move as she continued to watch Leah closely. She was determined to finish the conversation. “I wouldn’t believe her.”

Leah crouched down in front of Ryan, her eyes scanning the younger woman’s face. “But you’d believe me?” Leah barely whispered the words as she laid her hand on Ryan’s knee.

Ryan’s throat tightened, the heat from Leah’s hand moving up her thigh and into the pit of her stomach. She was having difficulty swallowing, much less thinking and speaking. She couldn’t remember when her longing for Leah had begun. She only now found herself in the middle of it.

Ryan reached for Leah. She placed her hands on either side of Leah’s neck, gently pulling her closer. Leah leaned forward, resting her hands on either side of Ryan’s hips. Leah’s light green eyes met Ryan’s blue ones, their lips inches apart.

Ryan felt as if she was poised on the edge of something she hadn’t realized she was waiting for. It felt astonishing and terrifying at the same time. Her heart was pounding in her chest, and she felt like her blood was on fire. The blaze wasn’t one that scorched, but one that lit her from within.

At last, there was an urgency in both women as their lips met. A gasp escaped Leah at the first touch of Ryan’s tongue to hers. Pushing Ryan against the back of the sofa, Leah straddled the woman, her fingers entwining in Ryan’s short brown locks.

Ryan ran her hands under the back of Leah’s sweater. The heat of her skin rippled through Ryan’s hands and up her arms. Leah pulled back, and cupping Ryan’s cheek with one hand, gently stroked her hair with the other.

Ryan turned her head to the side and leaned forward, resting her head between Leah’s breasts. The nearness of her caused Ryan’s breath to catch. Leah wrapped her arms around Ryan, clutching her tightly. Then Ryan shifted, laying Leah down on the sofa.

Ryan’s head was spinning and every inch of her body felt warmed by a million points of heat. Leah pulled Ryan down, their lips meeting again as their hands freely roamed over and under each other’s clothing.

While running her hand under Leah’s sweater, Ryan’s mouth licked and sucked at the supple skin along Leah’s neck. Something akin to electricity shot up Ryan’s arm as she cupped and massaged Leah’s firm breast through the silk fabric of her bra.

“Ryan. Wait.” Leah managed through gasping breaths.

Leaning back, her own breath coming in short spirts, Ryan looked confused. “Are you okay?”

Leah placed her hand on the side of Ryan’s neck, her touch suddenly cool and soothing against Ryan’s heated skin. “Too okay. We need to slow down.”

Ryan frowned, and shifted so she was kneeling between Leah’s legs. “Why?”

Leah smiled, propping herself up on her elbows. “I don’t usually move this quickly.”

The idea of Leah doing this with another woman made Ryan feel nauseous and foolish at the same time. “I don’t either.” She lied. Ryan wasn’t untethered when it came to sex, but she rarely got to the point she and Leah were at now and decided to put on the brakes.

“Then you understand?” Leah shifted and slid her legs from around Ryan. Sitting up, she ran her fingers through her tousled hair.

Ryan felt pouty as she sat next to Leah. She wanted the woman more than anything, but she understood Leah’s hesitation. They hadn’t really talked about a relationship or even the fact they were attracted to one another. Not to mention Ryan still didn’t fully understand Leah’s connection to the rest of her family.

“You’re upset with me.” Leah took Ryan’s hand in hers, the coolness from moments ago replaced with the woman’s usual warmth.

Ryan flattened her hand out, and pressed her palm into Leah’s. “Disappointed.” She looked out of the side of her eye at Leah, a faint smirk on her lips. “Mostly for you.”

Leah’s brow shot up. “Why’s that?”

Ryan leaned over so her shoulder was touching Leah’s. “Because I am really good at what you just stopped from happening.”

Catching Ryan’s more upbeat mood, Leah wrapped her arm around Ryan’s waist and put her lips to Ryan’s ear. “I’ve got more years of practice.”

***

It was nearly ten o’clock at night, and it had started misting. After circling for ten minutes, Ryan resigned herself to parking four blocks over from her house, and mucking through the rain. She jogged back to her house, feeling hopeful about her and Leah’s chances at making a go of it.

Rounding the corner, Ryan’s eyes narrowed. There was a black Lincoln Town Car double parked in front of her house, its lights on. Frowning, she trotted up the front steps, and before opening the door, she could hear the sound of Carol’s laughter.

“Ryan!” Carol was sitting on the couch next to Greg. Seeing Ryan come through the door, she hopped up and rushed toward her cousin.

“Carol?! What are you doing here?” Ryan wrapped her arms around the elated woman.

“We thought we would surprise you.” Lucy’s voice came from the kitchen as the woman rounded the corner.

Ryan’s eyes widened. Her aunt was the last person she had expected to see. “Aunt Lucy, ah – wow. You’re here – in my house.”

“Try not to overwhelm me with enthusiasm, Ryan.” The woman leaned in and quickly kissed her niece on the cheek. “We’re here. Let’s not make a big deal about it.” The sarcasm practically dripped from the woman’s lips.

Lucy was wearing a pair of black slacks, a purple cardigan duster that fell to just below her knees, and a black shell. The myriad of platinum and diamond jewelry that adorned the woman, along with the fact she looked as if she had just stepped out of a salon, was in stark contrast to the less ornate appearance of her surroundings.

Nicole was sitting at the dining room table, and Ryan could see from the look on her face she was not thrilled with the sudden onslaught of houseguests. “How long are you staying – in Baltimore?”

Lucy sat down at the dining room table, crossing her legs as she leaned back. “Through the weekend. My husband has business in the city, and we all thought it would be the perfect opportunity to catch up with Ryan.”

“You’re – ah, you’re all here?” Ryan stood with her arm around Carol’s waist, trying to stave off the claustrophobic feeling creeping over her. She had lived in Baltimore for six years, and with the exception of a few visits from Carol, her extended family had never darkened her door. Seeing her aunt sitting so casually in her dining room seemed surreal and off-putting.

“Christ, Ryan. It’s not as if we’re staying with you.” Lucy stood. “We have a suite at the Monaco.”

“I didn’t think you meant to stay here. It’s just a surprise to see –” Ryan stammered and took stock of how quickly her evening had gone from excellent to odd.

Carol leaned in and laid her head on Ryan’s shoulder. “We were just leaving, but not before you agree to dinner tomorrow.”

Ryan smiled, the familiar citrus notes of Carol’s Tom Ford Plum Japonais perfume wafting over her. “Well, you have come all this way.” Ryan teased.

Lucy walked toward the door, and pulled her black Burberry rain coat from the hook near the door. “The Richmond at six.” Before Ryan could respond, Lucy turned her attention to Nicole and Greg. “Thank you for being so patient with us. I’m sure having a complete stranger arrive on your doorstep at nine o’clock at night was the last thing you expected.” Lucy glanced at Carol. “My daughter assured me we would be welcomed, and we were. Thank you.”

Nicole got up from the table, and crossed the small room, her hand outstretched. “It’s been nice to finally meet you.”

Lucy managed a faint smile. “Likewise.” Looking at Carol. “Ready?”

Carol gave Ryan a quick kiss on the cheek. “See you tomorrow.” Lowering her voice, and waiting until her mother had stepped outside onto the stoop, Carol continued. “I told her we should wait until the morning or at least call, but –”

“It’s fine.” Ryan reassured the nervous woman. “See you tomorrow.”

“Thanks Nicole.” Carol smiled, then turning her attention to Greg, grinned shyly. “It was nice meeting you. Ryan has had nothing but great things to say about you over the years.” She reached out her hand. “I’m glad one of my visits finally coincided with meeting you.”

Ryan watched as Greg actually blushed before taking the beautiful woman’s hand. “Just lucky I was here when you arrived.”

Carol nodded, holding Greg’s hand for several moments longer than necessary before Nicole cleared her throat and broke the awkwardness of the moment. “Okay then. So, Carol, take care.”

Ryan noted the tension in her roommate’s voice, and wondered if seeing another woman clearly enamored with Greg had triggered some jealousy for the otherwise uninterested woman.

Carol reluctantly released Greg’s hand, and stepped to the door. “Bye.”

Ryan and Nicole didn’t bother to respond as Carol’s attentions were clearly focused on Greg. “Bye.” The man raised is right hand and waved.

Shutting the door, Nicole turned and rolled her eyes. “You’re tragic.”

Greg, the spell broken, blinked several times. “What?”

Instead of responding to Greg’s confused utterance, Nicole turned to Ryan. “Our friend over there has it bad for your cousin. She’s in the door eight-point-three seconds and he’s making googly eyes at her.”

Greg squared his shoulders and looked directly at Nicole. “I don’t see why it should matter to you.”

Ryan’s brow arched, and she discreetly exited the room to the kitchen. Though she was now out of immediate fire, the irritation in Nicole’s voice was still evident from the other room. “I could care less who you flirt with, but could you limit your shenanigans to places other than my living room?”

“I was being friendly.” Greg insisted as he flopped down on the couch.

“What are you doing?” Nicole asked harshly.

“I’m finishing the movie. You’re welcome to join.”

Ryan leaned on the counter, sipping from the bottled water she had just retrieved from the refrigerator, a smirk on her face as she listened to her two friends square off.

“In case you missed it, I’m unhappy with you, and that should trigger something in your brain telling you to leave my house.” Nicole insisted.

“So, you don’t want to finish the movie?” Ryan could practically see the smirk on Greg’s face as he reveled in getting a rise out of Nicole.

“Fine! Stay, but I’m going upstairs.” Nicole’s declaration was followed by the loud stomping of her feet as she ascended the stairs.

Ryan cautiously exited the kitchen to find Greg sitting comfortably on the sofa, the remote in hand. “You, ah, you got her worked up there.” Ryan sat on the sofa next to Greg.

“She’ll get over it.” Greg dropped the remote on the coffee table, and turned to face Ryan. “So, how are you? We haven’t seen much of each other with your new job and my work schedule.”

Ryan smiled, appreciative of her friend’s interest. “I’m good. Work is challenging, but exactly what I want it to be.”

“Nicole mentioned you’ve been seeing more of Leah. Is that a good thing?” Greg tentatively asked.

Irritation flared in Ryan at the idea of her friends discussing her love life, but she reminded herself they always had her best interest at heart, and she doubted it had been anything akin to a gossip session. “It’s going well. We were out tonight actually.”

Greg nodded. “That’s great, and what about Jenny?”

Ryan winced. “Yeah, after her little performance at my birthday, we decided to let that whole thing go.”

Greg’s brow arched. “It was that easy?”

If anyone else had asked her that, Ryan would have felt defensive, but Greg was clearly and genuinely interested. “It was.” Ryan stated plainly with no concern Greg would judge her as being harsh or cold.

“Clean breaks can be the best sometime.” Greg said warily.

Ryan leaned back on the sofa, looking at her friend closely. “You’re not really that into my cousin, are you?”

Greg looked sheepishly at Ryan. “No. But she is very attractive, and maybe –” The man hesitated.

“And maybe it didn’t hurt that Nicole lost her mind when she saw you hitting on another woman?” Ryan said casually, not wanting Greg to feel she was judging him in anyway.

“She really did lose her mind, didn’t she?” A faint smile found Greg’s lips.

Ryan took a drink of her water. “And how.”

Greg picked up the remote, and sat back on the sofa. “Cool.”

Ryan stayed downstairs for another hour watching Star Trek Into Darkness with Greg before the two friends said their goodnights, and Ryan went upstairs to get ready for bed.

Ryan pulled her phone out of the back pocket of her jeans, and seeing the text notification icon, realized she had left her phone muted from when she was at dinner with Leah.

Did you get home okay? Leah’s text had been sent over an hour ago, and Ryan quickly responded, not wanting the woman to worry.

Sorry for the delay. Phone muted.

Ryan put the phone on her nightstand, and finished getting undressed. As she slipped a pair of gray cotton shorts and a white t-shirt on, her phone chimed.

I was getting worried, but glad you’re okay.

Ryan didn’t want to talk about her out of town visitors or the Nicole and Greg drama over text; so she opted for what she thought was the more interesting topic. I had a great time tonight. Dinner and after.

Sliding under the covers of her bed, Ryan reached over and turned the lamp on her nightstand off. The room was plunged into relative darkness with the exception of the faint light coming from her phone display.

Me too. Sleep well.

Ryan smiled. Night.

Ryan wanted to say more. Her chest felt as if it might explode from the sensations of euphoria, hope, and joy. She couldn’t remember ever feeling so utterly pleased with any other endeavor than she felt about her and Leah. Part of her cautioned against becoming too enamored, but Ryan was pleasantly surprised that her less cynical side was winning out.

***

The Richmond restaurant was located in the Baltimore neighborhood of Harbor East. The high end Southern style eatery sat near the Inner Harbor and across the water from Federal Hill. Ryan had never ventured in as she was rarely in the neighborhood. Besides, the restaurant’s multi-course tasting menu could run in excess of a hundred and fifty dollars for six courses, plus wine.

“Welcome.” An early twenty-something woman, dressed in a black cocktail dress with her brown hair pulled back in a severe bun, greeted Ryan.

“Hi. I’m with the Myers-Howland party.” Ryan looked around. The dining room was lovely with warm peach and cream colors running throughout. The wallpaper was accented with a discreet gold floral design, and the high-back chairs were upholstered in persimmon velvet.

“Of course, Ms. Myers. Please follow me.” The woman led Ryan through the main dining room, into a room with only one large round table, and walls lined with bottles of wine.

“You’re the first to arrive this evening. Franklin will be assisting you.” The hostess pulled a chair out for Ryan, and offered her a menu. “Enjoy.”

Ryan took her phone out of the front pocket of her brown slacks. Glancing at the phone’s clock, she rolled her eyes. Her family was nearly ten minutes late even though she had fought Friday night rush hour to get from Columbia into downtown Baltimore. Their hotel is less than two miles away and they can’t bother to get here on time.

Just as Ryan was about to work herself into a full on rant, Carol and Lucy walked into the private dining room.

“We’re late.” Carol announced, with the hostess from moments ago following behind her and Lucy. “I’m so sorry. Have you been waiting long?” Carol leaned over and kissed Ryan on the cheek.

“I just got here.” Ryan stood up to greet her aunt.

“Your uncle and cousin are indecisive asses.” Lucy took her trench coat off and handed it to the hostess. “They’re coming – they’re not coming. Christ, the Middle East crisis will be resolved before the two of them make up their minds.”

Lucy crossed the room and hugged Ryan. Looking down at Ryan’s brown slacks and light green sweater, the corner of Lucy’s mouth turned down. “Are you coming straight from work?”

Ryan had learned years ago that her aunt rarely came out with a direct compliment or insult. Rather, the intended recipient – or in this case victim – had to watch the woman’s face carefully. Tonight, Ryan’s subdued attire had warranted the dreaded oh, you poor thing look from Lucy.

Where Carol had a tendency to justify and explain her perceived short comings to her mother, Ryan had adopted a more passive approach. “I have. Traffic was awful.” Feigning ignorance of the slight mitigated the possibility of a superficial conversation about hairstyles and skirt lengths from enveloping the evening.

Lucy nodded as she took her seat across the table from Carol and Ryan. “I loathe traffic, and this city’s car services are a joke.”

Not wanting to hear her aunt’s litany of reasons Baltimore was a subpar city in comparison to New York, Ryan interjected. “Should we order some drinks?”

Just then a tall gentleman in his late thirties entered the room. He was dressed in an impeccably tailored black suit, white dress shirt, and black tie. His brown hair was combed perfectly to the side, and his skin was smooth with an olive complexion.

“Good evening, ladies. I’m Franklin, I will be assisting you this evening.” He scanned the table. “I see two additional place settings. Are you still expecting them?”

Lucy shook her head. “No. Please bring me a Macallan Old Fashioned.”

“And for you two ladies?” Franklin looked at Carol and Ryan.

“Tanqueray and tonic with lime, please.” Carol began looking over the menu.

“I’ll have the same.” Ryan didn’t drink very much liquor and had no idea what she liked, but gin and tonic seemed like a harmless option.

Franklin left the room, and Ryan picked up her menu. “What did you do today?” She asked Carol.

“Shopping mostly. Dad and Andrew were in meetings all day, so Mom and I puttered.” Carol looked across the table at Lucy. “What was that little boutique we were in that had that beautiful sapphire and diamond ring?”

Without looking up from her menu, Lucy responded. “Lightell’s, but I told you, the diamond quality was horrible.”

Ryan listened as her cousin and aunt went back and forth on whether there were any decent diamonds left, and if any of those could be found in a small shop in Baltimore. The conversation could not have interested Ryan less. She found herself wishing Franklin would hurry back with their cocktails, as maybe alcohol would ease her into what was shaping up to be an incredibly dull evening.

“What is it you’re doing now, Ryan?” Lucy asked as Franklin set her Old Fashioned down in front of her.

“I work for Howard County.” Ryan thanked Franklin for her gin and tonic, then took a quick sip before continuing. The floral and citrus flavors of the gin were surprisingly refreshing. “I work closely with the vendors and community program directors.”

Lucy took a long drink of her Old Fashioned. “Carol tells me you’re seeing Leah.” Her gaze was steady as she looked intently at Ryan.

Ryan shot her cousin an annoyed glance, as Carol shifted nervously in her seat. Ryan had mentioned Leah briefly in a text exchange she had with Carol over a week ago, but it hadn’t occurred to her the woman would share that detail with her mother.

Before Ryan could speak, Franklin returned. “Ladies, have you decided?”

Lucy handed Franklin her menu. “We’ll have the six course, chef’s choice. No shell fish please, and a bottle of the Harlan Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.”

Franklin retrieved Carol and Ryan’s menus and left the room. Lucy drained her Old Fashioned, the ice cubes clinking as she sat the empty glass down on the table. “So, Ryan – you and Leah?”

It occurred to Ryan she could just lie and downplay her relationship with Leah, but that seemed disrespectful to Leah. “We’ve just started dating.”

Lucy’s perfectly manicured eyebrow arched. “Dating? You must be joking.”

Ryan took a drink of the gin and tonic, a slight tremor in her hand as her aunt’s tone reminded her of the many heated arguments her mother and she had. Karen would begin by sounding incredulous, shift to indignant, and seamlessly transition to irate.

“I – I’m not joking.” Ryan narrowed her eyes disapprovingly at her cousin before turning her attention back to Lucy. “It’s early on, but we’re enjoying each other’s company.”

Lucy leaned forward and rested her elbows on the table. “I’m sure she’s enjoying your company, but what in god’s name do you talk about?”

Carol cleared her throat. “Mother, Ryan isn’t going to give us details, and frankly it’s none of our business.”

Lucy pointed her thin, tapered index finger at her daughter. “I wasn’t speaking to you, and anything to do with this family is my business.”

In lieu of a retort, Carol reached for her drink. Ryan was struggling not to sink to her aunt’s level, and indulge them both in a heated argument. “We’re consenting ad-”

“You should know there’s a history there, Ryan.” Lucy gestured to Franklin as he entered the room that she needed another Old Fashioned. The man quickly removed the empty glass, and left.

“What history?” Ryan was surprised how easily the otherwise elusive backstory of Leah and her family was going to, in the end, come to light.

“She made advances toward me when we were in high school, and when I rebuffed her, she moved on to your mother. It’s a game for her – the seduction.” Lucy cringed as if the very thought of Leah turned her stomach.

Ryan was struggling to wrap her mind around what her aunt was saying. “What kind of advances? What does that mean?”

Lucy winced. “Do the details matter?”

“Yes.” Ryan said flatly.

Rolling her eyes, Lucy looked down at the table. “I love you, Ryan, and because of that I’m willing to drudge this muck up again if it spares you heartache.”

Ryan heard the words coming out of her aunt’s mouth, but she continued to doubt the validity of what the woman was saying. “I appreciate that.”

Lucy sighed, bracing her hands on the edge of the table. “I had already begun to wonder about Leah, but hadn’t said anything to your mother.” Lucy wiped at invisible tears just under her eyes. “I was happy she had made a friend she clearly cared for.”

Ryan was getting the distinct impression her aunt was stalling, and Ryan couldn’t muster the patience for it today. “The advances, Aunt Lucy. What happened?”

A flash of irritation shot across Lucy’s face, but almost immediately her features softened. “She was staying overnight, and we were both in the kitchen.” Lucy’s eyes were unfocused as she stared at the table top. “She cornered me and tried to kiss me. When I told her I wasn’t like that she stormed off.”

The last part of her aunt’s declaration had come quickly, her words running together. Ryan leaned back in her chair, unsure what to say. She could see how the incident could be upsetting to a straight woman, but it didn’t ring true to what she knew about Leah.

Not waiting for Ryan to respond, Lucy continued. “It’s sad really, she’s a beautiful woman and could have almost anyone, but she clearly wants what she can’t have.” Lucy paused for effect. “Of course, now, you’re giving her what she’s always wanted.”

Ryan swallowed the lump in her throat, her aunt’s words jabbing into her like sharp knives. “Giving her what?”

Lucy grinned. “Don’t be naïve. She’s always wanted a Myers woman. Our power – our money. Now she’s got one – a generation late, but who’s counting.”

Franklin sat Lucy’s Old Fashioned in front of her, and the woman slowly lifted the drink to her full lips, her eyes set on Ryan as she drank.

Carol put her hand on Ryan’s forearm. “I’m sorry, Ryan.”

Ryan looked at Carol, the muscles in her jaw jumping. “I don’t believe her, and besides, what happened twenty five years ago doesn’t have anything to do with me.”

Lucy tisked. “Of course it does. A leopard doesn’t change its spots. Once she’s bedded you, and hopefully scored a few pricey gifts, she’ll move on.”

Ryan’s stomach turned at her aunt’s crass language. “You don’t have to be so vulgar about it.” Ryan was surprised at the sternness in her voice.

Lucy’s shoulders stiffened. “I’ll say it as I see fit, and you’d do best to mind your tone.”

Ryan had been in this position with her aunt before. It was a clear divergence as to which direction the conversation could go. She could acquiesce to her aunt, or she could argue with her. Where Leah was concerned, Ryan was inclined towards the argument.

“I’m not a child, Aunt Lucy, and I’ll choose my own tones.” Ryan shifted in her chair.

Carol bristled as she reached for Ryan’s arm. “Ryan.”

“No, let her make a fool out of herself.” Lucy sat forward, resting her elbows on the table.

Ryan looked at Carol, ignoring her aunt’s taunting. “I’m sorry, Carol. I just find it hard to believe Leah would be that careless.”

Carol opened her mouth to speak, but Lucy quickly interjected. “You address me directly, Ryan Haley – this is our conversation.” Lucy tone was sharp, her finger pointing at Ryan as she spoke. “Don’t pull your cousin into it.”

Ryan was pulled in two directions. What she knew of Leah didn’t align with what Lucy was saying. It did, though, shed some light on Leah’s vagueness around her relationship with Karen, and her and Lucy’s animosity toward one another.

Ryan stood up, her knees feeling weak. “I’m leaving.” She looked at Carol. “We’ll talk later.”

Lucy stood. Her posture was suddenly welcoming as she reached for Ryan “Don’t be ridiculous. At least eat something.”

Shaking her head, Ryan nearly ran into Franklin as she exited the room. “No thank you. Bye.” Winding her way back through the restaurant, Ryan’s head was spinning and she felt tears pushing their way out. The cool night air and noise of the busy city street snapped her back into place, and she took several deep breaths before walking toward her car.

She needed to talk to Leah, but had no idea how to broach the subject of whether or not Leah was a seductress bent on sleeping with Ryan because of her family money. It sounded so ridiculous. Sliding into the driver’s seat of her Civic, Ryan stared into the distance, the lights of oncoming cars blurred by tears.

It doesn’t make sense. We could have slept together last night, after dinner. Leah put the brakes on, she’s been the one hesitant about getting into a relationship.

Ryan wiped at her face, and started her car. Her aunt’s words kept running through her mind as she navigated through downtown Baltimore: It’s a game for her.

Through the haze of disbelief and despair, Ryan managed to park her car a block from her house. Sitting in the vehicle, she highlighted Leah’s contact information on her phone, and pressed the call button.

“Hi. I was just thinking about you.” Ryan couldn’t help but smile at Leah’s cheerful tone.

“Good stuff, I hope.” Ryan managed through a tight throat.

“What’s wrong? You sound upset.” Leah’s lighthearted tone shifted to one of concern. Ryan shook her head. “Ryan, are you there?” Leah asked.

“Sorry. I’m here. I was shaking my head no.”

Leah chuckled. “I must have missed that. Does the head shaking mean you’re okay?”

“I am.” Ryan was forcing air in and out of her lungs in an effort to keep her voice even. “Can I see you tonight?”

“Oh, I can’t. I’m actually driving over to meet Marty for dinner, and then I’ve promised to watch any number of sci-fi movies with him tonight.” Leah chuckled. “I am very cool.”

“How about tomorrow?” Ryan was trying not to sound desperate.

“I’m volunteering at St. Martin’s in Catonsville tomorrow until four, but any time after works.”

“You volunteer at a convent?” Ryan was momentarily pulled from the confusion of the evening by this new and unexpected fact about Leah.

“Like I said, I’m very cool.” Leah teased. “My aunt was Catholic. She lived in the nursing home there until she died. So I helped to take care of her, and in the process grew fond of the nuns. I try to help out when I can.”

“That’s really nice.”

“Try not to sound so surprised, Ryan.” Leah joked. “Hey, why don’t you meet me there tomorrow, and we can go have an early dinner? There are tons of little mom-and-pops in the area.”

Ryan’s head was pounding, and she needed to blow her nose. “Sounds great. Four then?”

“Yep. See you then!” Leah sounded outright ecstatic. A mere twenty minutes ago Ryan would have shared her enthusiasm about getting together, but now she was struggling not to break down in a sobbing heap.

“See you. Bye.” Ryan quickly hung up and immediately began crying. She resented her aunt for putting this on her, and she was angry with her cousin for betraying a confidence. Once again, her choice to disassociate from her family was being validated, and the unintended comingling with them again clearly a mistake.

Ryan got out of her car, and as she walked toward her house, she tried to imagine what Leah would say to her tomorrow when confronted with Lucy’s accusations. Ryan needed her to be outraged and indignant, but if she wasn’t – if she said it was all true – was Ryan prepared to stop seeing Leah?

People change. Even if she was a money-grubbing asshole then, that doesn’t mean she’s an asshole now.

It seemed simple enough to Ryan, but as she unlocked her front door, her stomach still in knots, she instinctively knew it wasn’t going to be that easy. After all, nothing with her family ever was.