Page 88

“Maybe after a few more beers,” Elena replied.

Cat chuckled. “I hear you.”

“Uh oh,” Cory said, looking towards the door. “I think Hattie just walked in.”

“Oh, great,” Cat groaned.

“Don’t turn around. I don’t think she saw you,” Cory said.

Elena immediately put her arm around Cat and scooted her chair a little closer. “Too much?”

“Perfect,” Cory replied, keeping her eyes towards the door.

“I don’t care if she sees us. I’m out having drinks with my sister, her girlfriend, and my girlfriend,” Cat said.

Elena squeezed Cat’s shoulder and smiled.

“She came in with a couple of women. I recognize one of them. She’s come into the liquor store a few times,” Cory said.

“Don’t let her spoil our evening. I’m not,” Cat said.

“That’s right,” Vi agreed.

“Is she back for good or just visiting?” Cory asked.

“I have no idea. She didn’t say and I didn’t ask. I really have nothing left to talk to her about besides selling the house,” Cat said.

Cory nodded. “It still makes me mad. It’s one thing to break up and move out, but to leave you with the financial responsibilities… That’s low.”

“It’s okay, Cory. I’ve made it work and it’ll be fine once the house is sold,” Cat said.

“I’m so excited about our new house,” Vi said. “I’d be happy to help you look.”

“Thanks, Vi,” Cat said, taking a sip of her beer. She turned to Elena. “Let’s dance.”

Before Elena knew what was happening, Cat grabbed her hand, pulled her out of her seat, and led them to the dance floor.

The music changed to a slow song and Cat took Elena’s hands and placed them on her hips then wrapped her arms around Elena’s neck.

“Does this remind you of your library crush?” Cat asked.

“Is that what we’re calling her?” Elena chuckled. She relaxed into this intimate embrace as they began to move to the music. Cat’s fingers were playing with the hair at the nape of Elena’s neck and she intended to enjoy every moment.

“I know I’m not your first dance with a woman,” Cat said.

Elena could feel Cat’s warm breath on her neck as the scent of Cat’s shampoo wafted through her nose. She could lose herself in those curls. She pulled Cat a little closer, nuzzling her neck, and imagined the possibilities of firsts with Cat. This may not be real, but it certainly felt real to Elena.

“This is perfect,” Cat whispered.

“It is,” Elena mumbled, not trusting her voice to say more. She closed her eyes and wanted to commit to memory every spot Cat’s body was touching hers.

The music waned and a more upbeat tune began to play.

Cat pulled away and smiled at Elena. “More beer?”

“Definitely, if you want me to dance to that.”

Cat led them back to the table and as they sat down Hattie appeared.