Page 6 of Balancing Act
“Hey.” She felt the soft touch of Jamie’s fingers against her jaw as she cupped her cheek. “Nothing to be sorry for or embarrassed by. That was one hell of a time for me. I don’t know anything about this Lane person, but for the record, you have me impressed.”
There it was again—that cocky grin that sent a wave of warmth through her.
“But I didn’t even touch you.”
“Who says I didn’t thoroughly enjoy myself, too?” Jamie smirked. Beth searched her brown eyes and saw only genuineness there. “Guess that gives me an excuse to ask for your number so I can take you to dinner sometime soon. We can get into a bottle of wine, and I’ll share all my secrets.” She winked, then pressed her forehead to Beth’s. Beth leaned into Jamie’s touch, startled by how easy it felt. Too easy. This was supposed to end here, but something about Jamie already felt like the beginning of more.
This thing between them was supposed to be a physical celebration for Beth and all her hard work from the last year. Nothing more. But if that were true, why did she feel a soft flutter at the thought of Jamie taking her out to dinner?
“I’d like that.”
“Great. It’s a date, then. But right now, we need to get straightened up and get you back out to the party.”
Beth climbed off Jamie’s lap. It was only then she realized how thoroughly fucked she looked. She smiled as she tossed Jamie, who had yet to move from her spot on the couch, her suit jacket.
Beth straightened herself, wrapping her black dress around her again and taming her hair into an elegant low bun. The two redressed in a comfortable silence, making themselves presentable, and once again, Beth couldn’t help but marvel at how this moment—post-hookup—should have felt awkward,but even as they gathered themselves quietly, the awkwardness never came.
That devilish smile was back on Jamie’s lips as she slipped her suit jacket over her shoulders. “I, uh, should probably go out first, and then you can follow,” Jamie said, her hand on the doorknob.
She was momentarily puzzled, before realizing they of course would need to rejoin the party separately.
“Wait. Give me your phone before you go,” Beth said. Her fingers brushed Jamie’s as Jamie handed over her phone. “You want my number, right?”
She entered her number under “Bullshit-Free Beth” with a sly smile and sent herself a text so she would have Jamie’s number. Too late to turn back now. The ball was officially in Jamie’s court.
“There.” She smiled. “Don’t make me wait too long for that date.”
“I wouldn’t dare,” Jamie said, with a wink. “Thanks for tonight, Beth.” She leaned in. Before Beth could fully process what was happening, Jamie kissed her swiftly before slipping out the door and back into the gallery.
TWO
JAMIE
Dim morning light pushed through the small windows of Jamie’s converted Sprinter van. Unable to sleep any longer, she stared at the ceiling and listened to the rhythmic drumming of the chilly September morning rain on the metal roof. The sharp buzz of her alarm broke the stillness, her phone vibrating as it flashed 6:30a.m. She rolled out of bed, dressed quickly, and brewed coffee, the nutty aroma of hazelnut filling the van as she leaned against the wall, briefly closing her eyes. Flashes of the night before rushed back to her.
Jamie hadn’t even wanted to go to the event. Art wasn’t her thing, and she’d much rather have spent the evening curled up with a video game. But Amanda, ever persistent, had dragged her along—which, to be fair, she had fully expected.
Beth, however, was magnetic, poised, and completely unexpected. Something about her felt untouchable, making Jamie nervous. Yet she had approached Jamie, suggested they go back to her office, and then had unraveled completely in her arms.
The memory still thrummed in Jamie’s veins, warm and insistent. Beth’s laugh, low and teasing, had wrapped around her. The way she’d leaned closer, lips casting into that smile as ifshe had known precisely what she was doing to Jamie. The way their bodies had melted together, soft and unguarded. Jamie hadn’t stopped thinking about the press of Beth’s lips or how her name had sounded whispered in the dark.
For Jamie, sex was easy—fun, uncomplicated, and exactly how she liked it to be. The rest? Not so much. Commitment wasn’t her thing. She had decided long ago that life was too short for all that. But Beth? There had been something real, something electric, between them that made her want to see Beth again, and soon.
A foreign flicker of excitement shot through Jamie at the thought of seeing Beth again. Jamie would only be in town for a few months, after all. Might as well have some fun.
Jamie jumped as her phone vibrated in her hand, snapping her thoughts back to the present moment.
Amanda 6:37 AM
Hiii! Can you pick me up at the ferry terminal in 15 mins? Bike’s in the shop again. I have lavender scones!!!!! Your favorite, so now you can’t say no to me!
Jamie smiled and tossed her phone on the bed as she finished getting ready. For Amanda, her answer would always be yes.
She pulled up to the curb outside the small ferry terminal that serviced Bainbridge Island, the small island across the bay from Seattle, Washington. Amanda stood with her flaming red hair tucked into the hood of her black rain jacket, a bag slung over her shoulder, and a paper bag in one hand.
“Thank you! You’re a lifesaver.” She handed Jamie the crinkled paper bag. “A gift of my undying gratitude.”
Jamie had met Amanda when they were six and taking their first gymnastics class together. They had been quick friends.The fiery, spirited redhead had taken a shy Jamie under her wing, and they had been inseparable ever since, in both life and gymnastics.