Lisa had eaten in many delis over the years. Most were run-of-the-mill diners, furnished with simple, heavy-duty tables built for frequent use. Posters or photos of famous clients were generally the only decorations.
Rick’s Deli was different. The restaurant was tastefully decorated with comfortable cushioned chairs and booth benches, and most of the tables were occupied. The walls held an array of framed posters from major cities all over the world, but the shows they advertised were far different than those Lisa had seen in any other diner or deli. Most of the posters were signed and personalized to Rick.
“Who are those stars? I don’t recognize any of them.”
Gigi grinned. “Those are some of the biggest names in the drag-queen circuit. Some of them can sing and act circles around the artists they emulate. Rick has hosted some of the tops in the field here and in his nightclub.”
She pointed to an enlarged photo behind the cash register, featuring a ribbon cutting ceremony outside a place called Rick’s Rendezvous.
The aroma of food cooking, homelike and comforting, wafted into the front of the restaurant. Two of the three waiters bustling about were young men, and by the way they flirted with each other, Lisa guessed they were gay and possibly boyfriends. There was also a girl who looked no older than Lisa’s own children. She was holding her own, keeping up with the demands of the lunch customers.
Soon Gigi nudged Lisa, bringing her out of her reverie. “Why don’t we grab a table? Rick must be short-staffed in the kitchen or he’d be out here to greet us.”
“He cooks, too?”
“Rick can do it all, and he does it with panache. I’ll pick up the tab. I called Rick yesterday, so he knows I was planning to bring you by this morning. He’ll be out sooner or later.”
“You didn’t have to do that.” Lisa still wasn’t completely sure what to make of Gigi. Lisa’s immediate trust and comfort with this virtual stranger was disquieting. Lisa felt like she had known Gigi before they had ever met and envied Gigi’s artistic ability. Lisa was looking forward to seeing the work of her new landlady’s alter ego.
“I know, but let’s say this is my ‘welcome to the West Village’ present.”
Lisa hesitated. “Thank you. You’ve really put yourself out for me. Why?”
“Why what?” Gigi sat opposite Lisa at a small corner table.
“Why are you being so kind and helping so much? You don’t even know me.”
“Actually, I do know you.”
“What?” Lisa was suddenly alarmed.
Gigi lowered her voice to barely above a whisper. “You’re a person who had such a horrible experience she needed to get as far away as possible. You’re a person who was obviously given all the advantages but not much happiness. You said all that without saying a word.” Gigi looked deep into her new tenant’s eyes.
Lisa was tempted to reach out to her, but held herself back, clasping her hands together on the table. “How did you know?”
“It’s written all over your face, hon. And your clothes, your attitude, and your bankroll. You’ve obviously lived a privileged life. But what I don’t know yet is, why you left that life to come here. The painting is roughed out but not filled in yet.”
Gigi took a sip of the water that was placed in front of her and both women ordered glasses of iced tea. “Something, or someone, hurt you enough, or disappointed you enough, to give you the incentive to start somewhere new.”
“Are you sure you’re an artist and not a fortune teller?” Lisa smiled at her companion.
Gigi laughed. “Let’s just say I’ve seen it all, and unfortunately lived through some of it.”
“How so?” Lisa caught herself, shocked. “I’m so sorry; I shouldn’t be so nosy.”
“No, it’s okay.” Gigi took another sip of water. “I had a pretty decent relationship with my parents, but on my twenty-first birthday I told them I thought I was a lesbian.”
“Thought you were?”
“See, I knew you were smart. You caught that. I couldn’t tell them outright; I wasn’t brave enough.”
“So what happened?”
“My dad developed amnesia. My mother fixed me up with every person she knew who was single and had a cock.”
Lisa covered her mouth as she said, “Holy shit!” surprised at her own shocked utterance.
“Holy shit is right. I even dated some of them, and slept with a few. I gave it the good old college try, so to speak. But, alas, none of them did anything for me.”
Lisa nodded, hoping Gigi would continue.
“Right about that time, Sharon came into my life. She was so bright and beautiful…I fell in love at first sight. We were perfect for each other, and I thought she loved me back.
“We had only one problem. Sharon was in the closet. She never told me she was engaged to a man who had money, and she wanted the kind of life he could give her.” Gigi looked down. “What we had was wonderful…until her mother started planning the wedding—then she dropped me like a hot potato. I tried to convince her what we had was better, even begged her to leave him, but she became just another ambitious woman who married for money and power.”
“What if she was bisexual?” Lisa asked.
“She may have been, but as far as I’m aware, she only came over to the ‘dark side’ once, and it wasn’t enough to keep her there.” Gigi smiled wryly. “Or I wasn’t enough.”
“Do you think it could only take one experience to reveal who a person really is, her true nature?” Lisa was surprised at her fascination with both Gigi and this topic, but she couldn’t contain her questions.
“I don’t know about anyone else, but it convinced me. I left home. My parents couldn’t handle having a lesbian daughter, but they gave me some serious money my grandparents had invested for me when I was a child. At least they didn’t throw me out without a dime the way Jeff’s parents did.”
“Is that how you bought the brownstone?”
“Basically. The investment money, plus a couple of good commissions after my first show at the Amador Gallery.”
Lisa recognized the name—a top gallery. “I think that’s where I saw your work. I’m glad it worked out for you.”
“I was lucky.”
“Did you ever find another Sharon to share your life with?” Lisa knew it was nosy, but she couldn’t resist asking.
“I’ve been looking, but so far she hasn’t shown her face. Don’t get me wrong; I have a good life. I date, I have fun, but there’s nobody special. Not yet.”
Just as Lisa was about to respond, she was startled when a Humphrey Bogart lookalike stepped out from behind the kitchen door. He was probably in his late forties or early fifties, and if she didn’t know better she’d have sworn she was seeing Rick Blaine, ready to ask Sam to play “As Time Goes By.”
“Hello, my dear Gigi. Always a pleasure.” The man kissed Gigi’s hand and took a seat at their table. “And this must be my new employee, if I’m not mistaken.”
“Rick, you’re a mind reader.” Gigi laughed, then turned to Lisa. “This is Lori Bristol. Lori, this is my dear friend, Rick.”
“It’s nice to meet you, Rick.” Lisa put out her hand to shake his, but instead he took it and kissed her hand in the same gallant manner. Lisa couldn’t take her eyes off Rick. “If you don’t mind me saying—”
“Yes, I know.” Rick grinned with an open cheerfulness his namesake never achieved. “The likeness is amazing, although plastic surgery did help a bit.”
Gigi chimed in, smiling, “He’s Rick now, Lori. Formerly Harvey in a previous incarnation.”
Lisa laughed out loud. The people she was meeting each seemed to add another level of enjoyment and richness to this wonderful street she had stumbled upon. Although she guessed everyone was being polite to the new girl in town, Lisa appreciated how open and friendly everyone had been. She supposed having Gigi introduce her didn’t hurt either.
“My parents obviously did not have a clear vision of their little son’s future. To be perfectly honest I didn’t have the patience or inclination to give them a chance to push their vision for me.” Rick gently straightened the cuffs on his shirt. “So, my dear, I hear you’d like a job as a waitress, and would like to avoid getting paid by check.” Rick glanced at Gigi. “Are you sure she’s not a plant from the IRS?”
“With what I’ve seen, I’m pretty sure we’re dealing with someone entirely different.”
Lisa hoped she could earn Rick’s trust. “Do you have an opening? I see you have three waiters on duty already.”
“I happen to know that our sweet little lady over there,” Rick pointed to a young girl taking orders at a window table, “will be leaving us next week. She’s saved enough to get herself into Parsons School of Design. Won a scholarship, too, and qualified for work-study. I’m going to miss her.”
“That’s great! I mean, for both of us.” Lisa ducked her head, embarrassed by her selfish reaction.
“Yeah, good timing for all of us. She’s got talent, she deserves the chance.”
“When do you think I can start?” Lisa blurted out, not thinking of all the responsibilities she was setting aside. She wanted to find out what it was like to live in a way she never had before, and this was her chance.
“How about tomorrow during the lunch shift? You can shadow our lovely future fashion icon, and learn the ropes before she takes off.”
“That would be wonderful. Thank you so much.” Lisa couldn’t believe her good fortune. She was actually looking forward to working. She just hoped she’d have the stamina to be on her feet for so much of the day.
“Now, Lori and Gigi, I expect you both to be at my place tonight to celebrate. First drink will be on the house, as will lunch today, for both of you.”
“Come on Rick, you don’t have to do that.” Gigi squeezed Rick’s shoulder.
“Nonsense, darling. You brought me some help just when I needed it, and I always show my gratitude. And as far as tonight goes, I’m only paying for the first round. After that you’re on your own.”
Rick brought out two warm Reubens, cheese oozing out the sides. Lisa took a big bite and savored the flavors. That man could cook! She would be proud to serve Rick’s food.
* * * *
Lisa was relaxing in the window seat of the sitting room, enjoying the sunshine that somehow found its way between the high-rise buildings, when Jeff returned. She put aside her newspaper. “I have a job at Rick’s!” she said, proud as a teenager with her first job. “And he invited us to the club later.”
Jeff gave Lisa a warm hug and butterfly kissed her cheeks. “That’s great, honey. I look forward to mixing you a fabulous concoction.”
“Don’t make it too fabulous, I want to remain upright so I can enjoy the evening.” She’d found a renewed love of dancing during her week in South Beach. “I may even let off some steam and dance.”
“Now you’re talking. Is our lovely artist-cum-landlady upstairs doing her thing?”
“I think so. I haven’t seen her for hours. I brought home a sandwich from Rick’s for my dinner tonight, so I probably won’t see her until ten. That’s when we’re planning to leave for our night out.”
“Sounds great. See ya later, alligator.”
Lisa laughed, remembering the old song. “After a while, crocodile.”
“Oh, we’re going to get on just fine.”
Lisa looked at the time and closed the newspaper, replaced it on the coffee table, and headed up to her apartment. She ate her sandwich, listened to the radio for a while, and finally got dressed for the evening.
She’d have to ask Kelly to stop by the house and pick up a warm jacket soon. Indian summer wouldn’t last forever, but for tonight, her new Florida wardrobe would serve well enough. She chose a pair of black fitted jeans and a purple tank top, with a black button-down shirt worn open over it. She slipped on a pair of simple black ballet-style flats, and the outfit was complete. Looking in the mirror, Lisa considered wearing her hair up but decided the natural look was more relaxed, the way she was finally beginning to feel.
Gigi knocked on the second-floor apartment door just shy of ten o’clock, to see if she was ready. Walking side by side down the block, Lisa shared the story of her first foray into a nightclub before she was legally old enough—too young and silly to realize she needed a fake ID. She felt so comfortable with Gigi that she nearly confessed her real name, but she didn’t want to take that risk until she had spoken to Robert.
When they arrived at Rick’s Rendezvous, the place was just beginning to get crowded. Gigi caught Lisa’s wrist and quickly led her to a couple of empty seats at a table near the bar. “Better grab these while we still have the chance,” she said.
Lisa sat, taking in the huge sunken dance floor that took up the middle of the club. The place was ablaze with enough colored lights and spinning globes to make it exciting without crossing the line into dizzying.
“Specialty of the house, ladies,” said a voice behind them. Playing waiter, Rick set a strawberry margarita down before each of them.
Lisa took a sip. “Delicious! Thank you!” She finished off the drink faster than she probably should have, but she couldn’t help herself. When the time came for another, Gigi insisted on paying for the next round. Maybe it was partly the drink, but Lisa was feeling happier than she had in ages, and ready to make the most of the evening ahead. She was glad she didn’t have to get up too early for her first day at work.
“Okay, honey, it’s time.” Gigi held out her hand and tilted her head toward the rapidly filling dance floor.
Lisa nodded and took her hand willingly. Gigi and Lisa danced to several fast numbers and then a slow song came on. Gigi looked at her for permission to approach. Lisa glanced around.
There were some groups of men dancing, some groups of women, mixed groups, and a number of couples, almost all of whom were same-sex. Nearly every couple was same-sex, and all dancing so sweetly with their partners. The atmosphere was warm and inviting. It was all so different from the country club world she’d recently left behind, and Lisa was enjoying every minute.
Lisa couldn’t resist.
She wasn’t sure if it was the alcohol or the developing closeness she felt with Gigi, but she nodded and put her arms around Gigi’s neck while Gigi put hers around Lisa’s waist, and they began to sway to the beat of the music.
Soon Lisa rested her head against Gigi’s shoulder, feeling more comfortable than she would have ever thought she could be while dancing with another woman.
“You feel good,” Gigi whispered in Lisa’s ear.
“So do you.” Lisa giggled.
“What’s so funny?”
If my cheating husband could see me now. Lisa kept her thoughts to herself. “I’m just thinking about how you needed a new tenant just when I needed—”
Lisa was cut off when the DJ began to play another slow song. Feeling Gigi’s hands running up and down her back sent a warm feeling through Lisa’s body. She couldn’t understand why, but she felt safer than she had in a long time. After the music ended they returned to their table. Jeff brought them another round of drinks.
Finishing her third margarita, Lisa knew it was time to stop. “You know, Gigi, I’m feeling a bit tired. I think I’ll head home. You can stay if you’d like, I’ll be fine.”
“I’ll call it a night too. I’m in the middle of a painting. I’d like to return to it with the morning light.”
“I’d love to see it sometime; I’d love to see all of your work.”
“I’d like to show you what I’m working on. Tonight, if you’d like.”
“Wonderful!” They made their way back to the brownstone and headed up to Gigi’s apartment. The place took up the entire top floor and was twice the size of Lisa’s apartment.
“Come on, my studio is this way.” Gigi guided Lisa to an area near a bank of large windows and showed her the abstract she was working on. “I started it yesterday, after we met.”
Lisa looked at the canvas. It was alive with color and left a feeling of happiness in the viewer. “It’s wonderful.”
“We can look at the rest another day. Come on, I’ll give you the grand tour.” Gigi offered her hand and Lisa took it, no longer questioning the friendly gesture.
Gigi had a larger kitchen with an open-plan living and dining room combination. She opened the door at the opposite end of the apartment from the art area to reveal a beautifully decorated bedroom, filled with an array of blacks, whites, and grays accompanied by splashes of red. Lisa drew a breath. “It looks like a Manet! It’s beautiful! I’d know you were an artist even if I hadn’t seen your work.”
“Thank you.” Lisa was surprised to note a blush rise in Gigi’s face.
They stood at the threshold of the bedroom. After a moment, Lisa turned and saw Gigi gazing straight down into her eyes. Without waiting an instant, Gigi kissed her on the lips. Shocked, Lisa pulled away, but when she looked into Gigi’s eyes she couldn’t stop herself. Whether it was the alcohol that gave her license or something entirely different, Lisa leaned in, and this time she initiated the kiss. Then Lisa stopped thinking altogether and let her feelings lead the way. Both women’s lips parted. Lisa shivered as their tongues met, their arms tightly wrapped around each other.
Lisa moaned her desire into the kiss and Gigi responded quickly. She pulled off Lisa’s loose-fitting outer shirt, then, separating their lips for a split second, made quick work of removing her tank top.
Unwilling to stop the need building within, Lisa began to touch Gigi, sliding her hands under the shirt that kept her from feeling Gigi’s skin. All Lisa could think about was Gigi’s warm body, so close. The rest of their clothing came off somehow. Gigi guided Lisa to the end of her bed, encouraging her to lie on top of it, with her knees bent at the edge and her feet resting on the floor. Lisa lost herself in all the touching. She tangled her fingers in Gigi’s hair, as she tenderly fondled and sucked on her breasts.
“Oh God.” It was incredibly erotic. Lisa loved having Gigi’s soft fingers caress her, her warm tongue lick the now erect nipples, as a hot moist feeling began to build between her legs.
Gigi continued to work her magic. She knelt between Lisa’s legs and spread them wider. Lisa rolled her head from side to side, seeking the lost contact. As if in answer, Gigi reached up and began vigorously squeezing Lisa’s breast and then pinching her nipple, rolling it in her fingers.
“Ahhh!” Lisa cried out. The pain and pleasure were shooting through her simultaneously. Using her free hand, Gigi opened Lisa and began to tentatively lick just inside the sensitive folds of her labia. Lisa began to pant, the heat building beyond bearable. Gigi began laving her without letting up. Lisa legs shook as she arched her back. “Gigi!” she cried out as the heat and wetness sent shock waves through her system as she came, almost without warning.
Gigi wasn’t finished. As she lifted Lisa’s legs on to the bed and joined her, Gigi pulled something out of her bedside drawer. For a moment Lisa thought she ought to leave but nothing could make her move from this bed, from Gigi’s touch.
First Gigi guided Lisa’s hand to her own velvety wetness. Lisa couldn’t resist. She began returning the motions, alternately massaging and rubbing, as Gigi had done to her. She wanted to make Gigi feel as wonderful as she had. She smiled, hearing Gigi moan deep within her throat at the continual touch. Then she simultaneously began massaging Lisa again. Lost in every sensation, Lisa’s eyes widened as Gigi showed her the vibrator. Gigi remained still until Lisa nodded. When Gigi pressed it slowly inside Lisa, their eyes met. “Oh God, oh God.” Gigi then turned on the vibrating device and Lisa arched. “Gigi, Gigi!” The wetness and heat built into a feeling she had never experienced before.
It wasn’t long before both women were coming. Lisa climaxed harder and stronger than she ever had before. “Lori, you’re so—” Gigi’s words were cut off as she shuddered. The two women clung to one another as their passion erupted.
Gigi’s breathing soon returned to normal, and she quickly let the vibrator roll off the side of the bed.
Lisa caught her breath soon after and looked around her. The realization hit her in the gut. “Oh my God, what have I done?”
Without saying another word, Lisa quickly threw on her oversize shirt, grabbed the rest of her clothes, and ran back to her apartment. Her hand shook as she fumbled with the key. When she finally entered her own space, she made her way to the bed, curled up in a fetal position, and wept from the depths of her shock and confusion.
* * * *
Upstairs, Gigi was sitting up in bed, staring at the scarlet amaryllis she’d painted, O’Keeffe style, ten times life-size. “Well, that was brainless,” she told herself conversationally. “Look at the bright side. She didn’t sign a lease, and you probably just saved both of you years of anguish.”