Page 16 of Bliss

Callie

While Callie walked to her desk the next morning, her cellphone vibrated with a new text message. She quickly pulled the device from her purse, a smile lighting up her face, thinking it was Alex. When she unlocked her phone, her smile slightly slipped at the name, and she took a deep breath as her cheeks heated, knowing what this conversation was going to be about, the memories of which were already making her tingly and giddy.

Hannah: How did it go last night? Did you tell Alex you love her?

Callie: It was the most perfect night of my life. Yes, we confessed our love for each other.

Hannah: Yes! Girl, I’m so fucking proud of you. I want to hear everything. Can you call?

Callie bit her bottom lip as she glanced at the time in the top right corner of her phone. She only had nine minutes before she had to clock in, and that wasn’t enough time to summarize how wonderful last night had been.

Callie: I’m already in the office and need to get my computer booted up so I can clock in on time. I can call on my 15-minute morning break. When are you free this morning?

Hannah: I’m booked solid with back-to-back appointments all day, but I had Janice block me out for two 30-minute breaks at 11:20 a.m. and 2:40 p.m.

Callie: I’ve already agreed to call Alex at 2:30 p.m., so I’ll call you at 11:20 a.m.

Hannah: Okay, girl. I have to go. I have two body wraps and an acupuncture facial booked in the same time slot in 10 minutes.

Callie: I don’t know when you figured out how to clone yourself, but I’m beyond impressed.

Hannah: Ugh, don’t be. My new receptionist accidently double and triple booked me on several time slots today and tomorrow, and Janice didn’t catch it until this morning. Rather than piss the clients off by having to reschedule last minute, I called my full team in for the next two days. A few of my assistants normally only work half days, so they’re grateful for the hours and extra tips.

Callie: If you get too busy, and don’t have time to talk today, we can have dinner and drinks tonight.

Hannah: I may have to take you up on that. I’ll text you if I won’t be able to talk later.

Callie: Okay. Good luck!

Hannah: Thanks, I’m going to need it!

Callie shook her head sympathetically as she locked and slid her phone back into her purse and speed-walked to her desk so she could get clocked in.

Hannah came from money — big money. Both of her parents came from long lines of highly-skilled and respected surgeons, and Hannah was expected to follow the same path, just as both of them had. When the two had met during their sophomore year of high school, Callie had been intrigued by Hannah’s ability to be a vivacious free spirit, while still trying to do her best to meet the exceptionally high expectations of her parents — expectations that often made her friend stressed, sad, and felt unseen by her parents. She excelled in school, taking every elective course the school would allow, as well as joining the debate team, student government, and the volleyball team. Hannah’s schedule was so overwhelmingly full that the friends rarely got to see each other outside of school except at one of Hannah’s debate and volleyball matches — Callie never missed a match, while Hannah’s parents only sat in the crowd for a few.

Two years into college, Hannah decided the freedom to be her own person was worth more than all of the luxuries having her parents control every aspect of her life provided in exchange. She happily and bravely leapt off the gravy train and decided to captain her own ship, deciding to pursue a career with set hours so she could have a life outside of work, rather than work being her life with little to no time for anything else.

Her parents didn’t approve of ninety-percent of her choices, but her father slowly grew to respect her tenacity and ability to stand on her own two feet, on whatever path she chose, no matter how difficult the journey was. It also helped that Hannah’s chosen career path as an esthetician was somewhat related to the field of medicine. And Hannah was very good at her job, so much so that she was one of the most highly sought after professionals in her field in the entire state, having won several “people’s choice” awards from the state’s largest newspaper and a few from major small business advocacy groups. She was always booked solid, and it was rare for someone to be able to get an appointment in under three to four weeks, unless there was a cancellation, which was even rarer. Hannah was simultaneously one of the youngest and most successful entrepreneurs in the state, and Callie couldn’t be prouder and happier for her friend.

After clocking in, and checking a few emails to see if there was anything immediately pressing that she needed to deal with, Callie locked her purse in her desk and grabbed her Luke’s mug. She couldn’t help but smile as she filled the mug with coffee in the break room, remembering the diner Alex took her to in Smithville, after their wonderful afternoon at the most amazing bookstore Callie had ever been to. Callie had never been to a diner with food that she’d actually want to eat again, or one that was so clean with such a friendly staff. And the way the staff and most of the patrons knew each other and chatted and laughed together reminded her of Luke’s diner from the Gilmore Girls television show. And that made her daydream about how nice it would be to walk hand in hand with Alex, exploring a cute little town like the fictional Stars Hollow . Smithville had some of the same vibes, but they’d only walked down Main Street; they didn’t go into any of the little shops. But Callie was confident that they’d return to the diner in Smithville and get to explore more of the town very soon.

“I know damn well the office coffee isn’t that good.” Joselynn sidled up next to Callie, eyeing her with a knowing grin. “Good date last night?”

Callie’s smile grew as she swallowed a sip of coffee. “The best,” she answered, as she rested her back against the counter to watch Joselynn add cream and sugar to her coffee. “It was perfect. Except for one small detail.” Joselynn lifted her brows in question while she stirred her coffee. “I wish we didn’t have to work today, so we could have spent the night together.”

Joselynn stared into Callie’s eyes with a smile that said she knew something Callie didn’t. She waited for her friend to sample the taste of her coffee, but even after she swallowed and nodded forward, heading for the break room’s exit, she didn’t say anything.

“Why are you smiling like that?”

“You’ll see.”

Callie stared at her for a long moment, studying the mischievous joy on her friend’s face. “What will I see?”

They walked the length of the hallway back to their department, before Joselynn answered with a pointed finger. Callie’s eyes immediately zeroed in on the addition to her desk that hadn’t been there when she went to the break room to get coffee. Her smile spread a mile wide, her eyes misted, and her heart fluttered with happiness.

“Security delivered it just after you walked away from your desk. It seems Alex also thought last night was perfect.”

Callie quickly set her coffee mug down on her desk to pull the card from the holder at the center of the large bouquet of white peonies, blue forget-me-nots, dusty pink roses, eucalyptus, small yellow daisies, and lavender. It was the most beautiful bouquet Callie had ever seen, and it smelled heavenly.

When she pulled the card from the little envelope, her already huge smile grew, and her joy bubbled up and out of her in a brief laugh.

Callie,

Am I alone in thinking it’s a bit serendipitous that our first date started in a bar called Bliss and that’s the state of being I’ve been in since?

I’m loving this story we’re writing together, and how genuine, understanding, and enjoyable it is. Last night’s chapter was especially perfect and wonderful.

With all my love,

Alex

Reading over Callie’s shoulder, Joselynn sighed, “Swoon,” and asked, “What exactly happened last night?” She gasped as she grabbed Callie’s hand, bringing the little card closer to her face. “I just read the closing. Love.” She turned to Callie, her eyes wide and mouth hanging open. “Did you say I love you to each other?”

Still smiling, Callie nodded, and after reading the little note again, she set it on her desk, and answered, “I wanted to tell her over the weekend. I had so many perfect opportunities, and moments when I felt it so strongly that I thought I would burst.”

She explained her conversation with Hannah on Sunday, and how she planned the evening to tell Alex how she felt, cooking Nana’s Cupid’s dinner.

“Wow.” Joselynn perched herself on the corner of Callie’s desk. “I don’t think anyone has ever done something so romantic and meaningful for Alex before. She has always been the one to carry that side of the relationship.”

A twinge of sadness and sympathy gripped Callie’s heart. Callie knew from experience just how romantic and giving Alex was, and it hurt to know that no one had ever done the same for her. Although, if they had, maybe she wouldn’t have met Alex. It was a selfish thought, but she couldn’t help it. Now that she’d gotten to know and fall in love with her, she didn’t want Alex to be with anyone else.

“I don’t think anyone should have to fully carry any one aspect of a relationship, especially one as important as keeping the fire burning. That’s not a true partnership.”

Joselynn’s smile widened as her eyes teared up. She jerkily nodded and cleared her throat. “I’m glad you feel that way. And I know Alex feels the same. It took her a while to believe she deserves that though. Her past partners tended to take advantage of her, expecting her to constantly shower them with gifts and pay for everything when they went out, and always be selfless and chivalrous, available at the drop of a dime for every need or desire. I mean, Alex is naturally a romantic and giver. But it was as if they thought because she’s masculine centered, she was required to meet society’s traditional expectations for how a man is supposed to court and take care of a woman. Which, that’s bullshit, even in a heterosexual relationship. Butches and men deserve to be romanced and taken care of too. And they shouldn’t be expected to pay for everything, unless they get married and the couple decides one person is going to stay home. Anyway…” She quickly waved her hands. “I’m going to climb back down from my soapbox. I’m really happy for you both.”

“Thanks, Jos, for everything.”

Joselynn stood and pulled Callie into a tight hug. After kissing her cheek, she whispered, “I’m loving this story too,” and when she pulled away, she winked and started walking to her own desk, calling over her shoulder, “Talk later.”

Callie quickly plopped down in her chair and pulled her cellphone out to text Alex. After drafting the message, she took a picture of the vase of gorgeous, fragrant flowers taking up a third of her desk to attach to the message.

Callie: Alex! The flowers are so beautiful! Thank you, baby. I really love them. And I’m crazy in love with you and this story we’re writing together. I haven’t been able to stop smiling since I woke up. Did you get enough sleep?

Alex: Good morning, my love. I’m glad you like the flowers. I slept like a rock for a few hours. I should be tired, but I’m not. My energy level will probably crash hard later this afternoon, but staying up late with you was more than worth it.

Callie bit her bottom lip, her blushing smile trying to take over her face again. Alex had held Callie while she slept for an hour, before she decided to get up and put the dinner leftovers away and wash the dishes. Alex had so thoroughly made love to her that Callie hadn’t woken until Alex tried to stealthily climb back into bed and pull her back into her arms. But once Callie’s eyes fluttered open, she had no desire to go back to sleep, at least not any time soon. A kiss and a caress of a cheek quickly escalated into a passionate bout of lovemaking that lasted well over another hour. It was after 2 a.m. when Alex had to leave, though neither wanted her to.

Callie: Last night was the most perfect night of my life.

Alex: Mine too, babe. I wish I could keep talking, but my 8 a.m. is finally ready to get to work. If I’m not able to text beforehand, I’ll talk to you on your lunch break.

Callie: Okay. Have a good day and please be careful. I love you.

Alex: I love you too. And I hope you have a great day.

Callie sighed as she set her phone aside and unlocked her computer. She wanted to text Hannah, but she knew her best friend was overwhelmed with work. She’d have to wait to send her the pictures of the flowers and card from Alex.

Reluctantly, she logged into Hatch, the project management program they used at Vine Designs and Advertising Agency to keep track of their design projects and deadlines. After reviewing what projects she had due this week, she decided to knock out the emails she needed to send before she got started on the three new marketing campaigns that were due to the clients for approval by Friday. She first sent follow-up emails to a couple of clients and their in-house advertising agents, reminding them that any changes or corrections on the designs sent out this past Friday had to be requested by noon and final designs had to be approved by 4 p.m. or they wouldn’t meet their publication deadlines. She then responded to several emails from advertising agents for print and digital campaign extensions, asking for more details or clarification on design and content changes they’d requested.

Just as she was opening her graphics design program to start working on a marketing campaign for a huge antique car show scheduled at the end of July, Torance, one of the advertising agents she worked with the most often, sidled up to her desk with a stack of papers in her hand.

Instead of greeting Callie, she whistled and bent to smell the gorgeous flower bouquet. She hummed in appreciation, then met Callie’s expectant gaze with a mischievous grin and a curious twinkle in her root-beer brown eyes. “Who are the flowers from? Secret admirer?” Lowering her voice and wiggling her eyebrows, she teasingly asked, “Or maybe they’re from that cute lady beefcake you were seen sucking face with out front last week?”

Callie quietly chuckled, and even though she wasn’t embarrassed or ashamed of being caught kissing Alex when she came to pick up her and Joselynn for lunch, her cheeks blushed. She nodded, while admiring the flowers for the umpteenth time that morning. “Her name’s Alex.” Motioning to the stack of papers in Torance’s hand, she asked, “What do you have for me?”

She had a good working relationship with Torance, but they weren’t friends — they didn’t talk to each other about personal matters. She wasn’t trying to be rude by redirecting the conversation, just sticking to their typical dynamic, and she was grateful that Torance didn’t seem upset or put out by it.

“We need to make some changes to the campaign extension for Stewart’s Brewery and Pub. They’re starting a trivia night on Thursdays with drink and food specials. The prize is a free flight board with four of their house brews of the winner’s choosing and entry into a monthly drawing for a gift card valued at fifty dollars.”

Callie’s eyebrows shot up. “If trivia night is only on Thursday’s, that makes for some fantastic odds of winning that gift card. Are there multiple rounds per night?”

Torance nodded, and explained, “Three, starting on the hour at seven, eight, and nine, so the odds are one in twelve. But they can increase their odds by winning multiple rounds or multiple nights, if they come weekly. And you can play solo, or increase your odds of winning by playing as a pair or team. They’re hoping with such amazing odds it will entice people to make Stewart’s a weekly outing.”

“When’s the first trivia night?”

Tilting her head with a grin, Torance asked, “Why? Thinking about taking your new squeeze? Would you play as a team or against each other?”

Callie chuckled and shook her head. “It does sound like it could be fun, if it isn’t too crowded and people don’t get crazy, so we might check it out. As a team. But I was asking so we can look at the deadlines and see if they’ll get adequate exposure before the launch night or if we should try to change up their products for the first week.”

“Oh, right.” Torance’s eyes started scanning the paperwork in her hands. “I looked at the digital and print deadlines for the products in their original contract. Unless we can schmooze some of the publishing partners, we’ll miss the cut off for a few of the products for the first week. The launch night is June 13 th .”

Callie’s mouth stretched and turned downward in a grimace. “Damn, someone really dropped the ball. That’s only going to give them less than two weeks of exposure in less than half of their contracted products.” Callie turned to her computer, pulling up the campaign details for Stewart’s Brewery and Pub, double checked each product’s booking and content deadline, and started drumming her fingers on the desk. “Okay, let’s run through what they want, and if you can’t get anywhere with schmoozing the publishing partners, I’ll call and see if I can pull off any miracles.”

“You’re the best. Okay, here’s the information they want included.” Torance leaned over the desk, shuffling pages across the surface for Callie to review. Twenty minutes later, Torance stood with a list of publishing partners she needed to call to see if they could bend the deadlines for them. “I’ll let you know how it goes.”

“Sounds good. I’ll get on this right away.”

“Thanks, Callie.”

After Torance walked away, Callie’s eyes drifted to the flowers and she allowed their beauty and lovely scent to distract her for a moment. But only for a moment. She had an hour to modify six different print ads and just as many digital banner ads and one thirty-second video before her scheduled call with Hannah. Because of the urgency of these changes, and the extremely tight deadlines, she’d have to put talking to Hannah off until tonight if she couldn’t get the designs finished and emailed for approval before then.

***

When Callie opened the door for her best friend, just after 7 p.m., Hannah looked like she was ready to crash in a bed and sleep for three days. She was still wearing her white work scrubs, her dishwater blonde hair was tossed up into a messy bun, and her eyes looked heavy.

“I need coffee.”

“Already brewed.”

“You’re a godsend,” Hannah sighed, as she looped her arms through one of Callie’s, resting her head and some of her weight on her shoulder, as they made their way to the kitchen. “Dinner smells good.”

“I made huli huli chicken with coconut rice and spring rolls.”

Hannah moaned mmm , and squeezing Callie closer to her side, she pleaded “Marry me,” making Callie laugh and roll her eyes. Hannah smiled as she leaned in to give her a loud and wet smooch on the cheek, before releasing her and descending upon the coffee pot like an eagle snatching a fish from a lake in its talons.

While Hannah became momentarily distracted by her mission to caffeinate, Callie dished up dinner and filled two glasses with ice and fresh lemonade. After Hannah finished her coffee, they took their plates and glasses out to the living room to eat comfortably on the couch.

“Oh, wow. Those are gorgeous!” Hannah quickly set her plate and glass down on the coffee table to get a closer look at the flower bouquet on the center of the low table. “Damn, you must be just as much a goddess in the bedroom as you are in the kitchen.” She looked over at Callie with a naughty grin and laughed. “Those red cheeks and that adorable, shy smile tell me everything.” As she sank into the cushions, Hannah sighed and closed her eyes. “Oh, God, I could fall asleep right here.”

“You have to eat first.”

Hannah’s lips lifted with a smile, before she tilted her head and opened her eyes, meeting Callie’s concerned gaze. “Thanks for cooking. If I’d been left to my own devices tonight, I probably wouldn’t have eaten more than peanut butter on toast, if I’d had the energy to even do that.”

“How bad does tomorrow look?”

“Bad.” Hannah exhaled hard as she sat up to grab her plate and utensils. “I have one less time slot that was double or triple booked, but the ones that do overlap are going to be challenging to manage. It’s doable, as long as my clients aren’t super chatty, but it’s going to be exhausting.”

She picked up a spring roll and dunked the soft rice paper wrapped bundle of julienned cucumber, carrot, red bell pepper, avocado, and cilantro into a little bowl of soy sauce-based dip with sesame seeds, sliced red chilies, and green onions floating on top. She moaned around a bite, shaking her head in delight.

“So damn good.” She dunked the spring roll again and finished it in one big bite. After swallowing, she sighed, then looked at Callie, who was watching her with a bit of amusement. Hannah chuckled and shrugged. “Okay, I’m ready. Tell me about last night.”

While they ate dinner, Callie told Hannah about how perfect the previous night had been with Alex. And although Hannah hung on every word, appropriately reacting with happy smiles and supportive comments, Callie could see the stress of the day slowly draining her normally very energetic friend. By the time they’d finished eating, Hannah couldn’t stop yawning and blinking.

“Okay, sleepyhead, it’s time to tuck you in,” Callie said, as she stood and grabbed their plates to take to the kitchen.

“I don’t think I can drive home.”

“I know.” Callie smiled, and offered, “You can stay the night and I’ll wake you up in time for you to get home and shower and change for work. I’ll bring you some pajamas and a blanket and pillow.”

“I love you, girl.”

“Ditto.”