Chapter Three

Prologue

"I'm sorry I'm late! My meeting ran overly long." A tiny dark-haired woman rushed up to a table of a well populated restaurant where three other women sat visiting. A whirlwind of energy, she sat down quickly grinning impishly at them. No one could be irritated by her entrance. She made complete strangers smile at her good looks and her movements. To an observer, all four of the young women seated at the table looked like very stylish and successful professionals. The newly arrived woman slid into the fourth open chair.

"Tia, you're always late." A very fashionable blond woman teased her affectionately as she responded. It was obvious by the look on her face she was amused by the woman who flew in. "We ordered a drink for you."

"Thanks." The dark haired bundle of energy called Tia grinned at the other occupants of the table. "Okay, who goes first?" She rattled away as she took a sip from the waiting glass of wine. Her smile glistened as her eyes slid from one woman to the other. Anyone watching would know that these women cared deeply for each other.

This was their monthly get together where they all caught up on each other's activities and shared their lives. They sought advice, helped each other with their problems, and loved each other unconditionally. They'd all been best friends since their early twenties and were still as close as ever. Tia, the last to arrive, was a very dainty, dark haired woman who stood no taller then five feet. Her diminutive size was in direct contrast with her capabilities. She moved quickly, worked hard, and loved deeply. Her black hair fell straight to her shoulders glistening with good health. Her eyes were large and as dark as her hair, humor and honesty in their expression. It was obvious from her coloring that she looked just like her Hispanic father, her mother being as blond as blue-eyed as a person could get. Tia was fond of saying with a laugh, that the only thing she received from her mother was her sense of humor. Her professional outfit consisted of a bright red stylish jacket and skirt and was an indication of her terrific sense of style. Years earlier she graduated with honors from the University of Washington with a degree in communications. She now held a prestigious job as head of corporate communications for a very large fortune five hundred company. She worked hard and paid her dues to get where she was. She loved her job and all it entailed. Her capabilities, unending energy, and professionalism made her well regarded at work.

Seated to Tia's right was Annabel McNeil, Anna to her friends. She wore her hair short, a light brown that, despite any attempts to be controlled, waved and curled attractively about her head. She had hazel eyes, which were always crinkled with laughter. Anna's looks and her openness was the first thing you noticed about her. Adding a strong work ethic and loyalty, it made her a good employee and an irreplaceable friend. She wore a pair of jeans, a yellow silk shirt, and a brown suede jacket. She currently worked as a mechanical engineer at the Boeing plant in Everett.

Across the table sat two other women, a shorthaired blonde, and a brunette with long hair. Both women looked like they'd stepped off of a fashion magazine. Van Terino wore her white blond hair extremely short and it stood up in stylish spikes. On some women it would have appeared masculine, but Van was far from that. She had large, sky blue eyes surrounded by thick lashes, her full mouth smiling, as she sipped a glass of water. Van's clothing was eye-catching with a skintight pair of black pants and a royal blue tunic jacket. She was a very talented commercial artist who currently worked at a popular advertising agency in Seattle as an account representative. She was romantic, generous, and very creative.

The fourth woman sat quietly watching the threesome. Emma Sharp worked as a counselor in a downtown junior high school in Seattle. It had been her dream to counsel young students, and she took it very seriously and did it well. She loved quickly and ferociously, her friends being first and foremost. She was dressed in a light beige pants outfit with a cream colored shell. Her eyes were a golden brown, an odd combination with her very long, wavy, dark hair. Her eyes were so light gold that it was the first thing you noticed about her. You also couldn't skip the fact that she stood almost six feet tall, a very shapely six feet. She was an impossible woman to ignore.

Just one of the four would capture someone's attention. They exuded a natural kind of sex appeal that drew your eyes to them. These women were very comfortable with who and what they were. A table with the four of them was bound to attract undo attention in the busy upscale restaurant, bustling with patrons. A popular spot in Seattle, the restaurant afforded a good view of the waterfront, and excellent food.

"Ladies, a table of men over there would like to buy all of you a drink." The waiter interrupted the start of their visit. He grinned at the four appealing women. He wasn't immune to their sex appeal.

Van snorted with impatience and started to make a pithy response when Emma interrupted her. "Tell them thanks, but no thanks." Emma was a peacemaker and she had read the reaction on Van's face accurately. Van was always clear and to the point, but not always tactful. Emma loved that about her, but knew at times it wasn't welcomed by others.

"Anna, how's work going?" Tia was determined not to acknowledge the interruption. She had better things to do.

"Good, very busy. I could work every weekend if I wanted to."

"I'm sure Michael would love that." Van teased her with a hug, drawing a blush of embarrassment from Anna. "The two of you just moved in together."

There wasn't much they couldn't talk about to each other, but Anna was shy and blushed easily. Van enjoyed teasing her. "You and Michael are doing well?"

"Our life is perfect. I just can't believe that everything has worked out so well." Anna's face indicated her happiness. Her eyes glistening with tears and her voice trembled with emotion. Anna's emotions were always close to the surface. Anyone who took the time to watch Anna carefully knew exactly what she was feeling. Her soft, gentle features and serious eyes gave away her every thought. She was a loving and gracious person.

"It's amazing that a little over a year ago we were all single." Emma reminded the foursome.

As the four of them grinned in memory, Tia chuckled quietly as she spoke. "And it all started with you." She clasped hands with Van and Emma, who in turn clasped Anna's as they gazed happily at each other.

Emma couldn't help but laugh with enjoyment. All four women had something wonderful in common. They were all lesbians who had found their soul mates within the past year, a year of upsets, conflicts, and so much love.

Chapter Two

Emma

"Emma, you met our new principal yet?"

"No, and I haven't seen anyone in the office." Chuck Sounder flopped down in the old wood chair across from Emma's desk, the only open chair in her office. Chuck taught Humanities and English at the junior high school and Emma had worked with him for over five years. They were colleagues and friends. He wore comfortable Dockers and a tee shirt, matching Emma's casual dress. They were the only two people in the school besides the janitor.

"No one seems to know anything about her but her name. I know she's been working with the district office all summer. You'd think we'd have heard something."

Emma remained seated at her battered wood desk in her tiny office. She often thought with her height alone, she should get a larger office. It was an eight by ten cubicle holding her desk, an equally battered file cabinet, and chair. She did have one window that faced the front entrance of her school which afforded her a little light and fresh air. It might have been small, but Emma wouldn't change a thing. She did good work in it, and it was all hers.

"Chuck, no one gets to be a principal without a lot of hard work." She reminded him as she poured herself a fresh cup of coffee.

"Thank you for that compliment, and who do I have the pleasure of meeting?"

Both Emma and Chuck turned with surprise at the sound of a deep feminine voice that had a trace of humor laced through it. The woman who spoke was standing directly behind Chuck. She carried a battered old briefcase in one hand, a beat up Starbucks coffee cup in her other one. Her dress was eye catching and summer stylish, with brilliant flowers on a white background. She had light brown hair that was pulled back in a loose bun at the base of her neck.

She managed to look professional and a little sexy. She grinned at Chuck and Emma as they both peered guiltily at her.

"My name is Chuck Sounder and this is Emma Sharp." Chuck stood up as he spoke.

"Hello, it's nice to meet the two of you. I'm Melinda Newcasde, your new mystery principal." The woman chuckled as she spoke, obviously unfazed by Emma's earlier comment. "I didn't realize that the staff was back. You aren't due for two more weeks."

"Chuck and I are the only ones here." Emma volunteered as she gazed up at the tall slender woman.

"Well, it's nice to know we have two such dedicated people working here." Her smile was genuine as she spoke to Chuck and Emma. "Now, I think that my office is somewhere down here."

"It's straight down the hall." Emma smiled again at the attractive woman as she pointed in the direction of the principal's office.

"Do I smell coffee?"

"Yes, I have a fresh pot. Would you like some?"

"Do you mind? I think I'm going to love living in Seattle. Everywhere you go there is such wonderful coffee!" There was a very slight southern accent that lingered in Melinda's voice adding a lyrical quality to it.

"Emma makes terrific coffee." Chuck reassured her with a grin as Melinda entered the office, her slightly worse for wear coffee cup held out in front of her.

The office was small with all three of them in it but you couldn't miss the pictures of famous men and women, along side quotes and affirmations covering the walls. Anyone who entered the room knew at once that the occupant cared a lot about the students she counseled, and that they would be safe and well cared for. It represented Emma very well.

"I have my own coffeepot so I don't have to leave my office. My students need to be able to find me." Emma explained as she proceeded to fill Melinda and Chuck's coffee cups. She felt it was very important to stay available to her kids.

Melinda took a large sip of her coffee. "This is heavenly." She sighed deeply, a look of pleasure on her face. "Can you teach me to brew this good coffee?"

Emma couldn't help but smile at the interesting woman grinning over her mangled coffee cup. She wasn't as tall as Emma, since Emma stood a hair under six feet, but she looked Emma almost straight in the eye. "I can teach you." Emma promised.

"Good. Thank you. Now, I need to go get some work done." With one last smile to Emma and Chuck, she turned and left Emma's office, walking rapidly in the direction of her office.

"Wow, she's a knockout." Chuck blurted out as he watched Melinda disappear into her office.

"She is that." Emma admitted with almost a guilty feeling, finding herself tingling with attraction from less then ten minutes of contact with Melinda. How inappropriate was that? She sat quickly down at her desk.

"Chuck, get out of here so I can get some work done."

"Okay, okay. Do you want to get a bite to eat at lunch?" Chuck lounged in the doorway.

"Sounds good." Emma's responded distracted by her thoughts.

"Great. I'll meet you here around noon." Chuck shuffled out of her office in the direction of his classroom.

Emma settled down and began to concentrate on her work in front of her. She had a lot to complete in preparation for the start of the school year and Emma was always prepared. An hour and a half later a knock on her door interrupted her.

"Could I beg another cup of that wonderful coffee from you?" Melinda stood in the doorway smiling, her plastic travel mug out in front of her.

"Sure." Emma turned and grabbed the pot.

"What's your secret?"

"It's the coffee. I buy whole beans and grind them just before I brew a pot. It keeps it fresher. The coffee is French Vanilla."

"Well, it's the best coffee I have ever tasted." Melinda sipped from the full cup.

"Thank you."

"So, you're the very popular guidance counselor. I've heard nothing but wonderful things about you and your work."

Emma blushed heavily. "I love my job."

"It shows from your reputation. It's obvious your students love you in return. I've been reading your career week program and I'm impressed. You've quite a collection of people willing to donate their time."

"There's a lot of good people in Seattle. I'm just lucky I find so many willing to donate their time."

"I don't think luck has anything to do with it. You must be very persuasive." Melinda chuckled as she turned to leave.

"Would you like to join Chuck and me when we go for lunch? We're just going up the road to a little deli for a quick bite." Emma had hesitated slightly before blurting her question. She wasn't normally so tentative but for some reason Melinda made her a little nervous.

"I'd love to. I'm barely able to find my way to work and to the store. It's going to take me awhile to get settled in Seattle. It's so much different from where I came from." Melinda stood in the doorway.

"Where's that?"

"Originally from Atlanta, more recently from Portland."

"I detected a slight southern accent."

"Ah honey, I can sound just like a good ole southern gal." Melinda teased, her voice dripping with Georgia servility.

"Wow that would melt the bones of just about anyone." Emma sighed with a smile.

"Darlin’, I wouldn't try to melt the bones of any old person." Melinda's eyes twinkled at Emma as she turned away and started back down the empty hall.

Emma had to blink her eyes twice just to make sure she'd heard her correctly. "We'll be leaving for lunch around noon." She called out loudly.

"Great. I'll meet you here at twelve." Melinda's voice echoed down the empty corridor.

Emma sat down quickly after Melinda left her office. She wasn't quite sure how to take Melinda's teasing. She couldn't know Emma was gay. Not that Emma was worried about her job. Everyone knew she was a lesbian. She'd never kept it a secret or denied it. She just didn't flaunt it. Besides, she didn't report to the principal. Her supervisor was located at school district headquarters. This was a fairly new system implemented two years earlier to make sure school counselors were focused on the health of their students and not on the politics of the school administration. Politics tended to get in the way of education at times and Emma avoided politicking at all costs. She liked the system very much. Her students would always come first to her, and that sometimes put Emma in a precarious position with the administration. Emma was committed to her student's welfare

Emma once again put her head down and concentrated on her work. In two weeks all hell would break loose when school started and she needed to make sure she was completely prepared. She needed to get a lot accomplished before then. She offered much more to her students than counseling. She provided career development, charity work, community projects, and anything else she thought her students might receive value from. She was usually one of the first to arrive and the last to leave when school was in session.

"Emma lunch time." Chuck burst into her office and once again slumped in her chair.

"Good. I'm starved. We just need to wait for Melinda. I invited her to go with us."

"Great." Chuck played with Emma's Rubik's cube while Emma continued to work. Within moments Melinda joined them and the three of them headed out for lunch. It was a quick trip to the restaurant in Chuck's SUV.

"What brought you to Seattle?" Chuck asked through a mouthful of his chicken salad sandwich while the three of them sat at a table at the local restaurant. They chose to sit outside to take advantage of the beautiful summer day.

"I've liked Seattle since I moved to Portland eight years ago. When this job opportunity became available it just seemed like the right thing to do."

"Do you have a family?"

"No. I'm married to my job." Melinda smiled as she responded, but Emma couldn't help but notice what looked like a brief flash of pain pass through Melinda's eyes. "What about the two of you?"

"I'm married and have two children, a two-year-old little boy and a four-month-old little girl." Chuck's voice was full of pride as he spoke. He pulled a wallet out of his pocket to show them pictures. "Here they are."

"There're beautiful and congratulations. What about you, Emma?"

"Blissfully single." Emma smiled uncomfortably as she spoke.

She had told a very big fib. There was nothing blissful about being single. She couldn't remember the last time she had a date, let alone had sex. She wanted to find someone to be with. She just hadn't found the right woman. And Emma hated dating. She wanted more than anything to find someone and live happily ever after. It just wasn't easy to accomplish. Emma didn't have the same confidence in her personal life as she had in her career. Emma's doubts about her appearance made her shy away from meeting other women.

Melinda smiled at Emma almost as if she knew what Emma was thinking. Emma felt the tingle in the pit of her stomach as she gazed at Melinda. Great, now she was developing a crush on the new, probably very straight principal. No one had to tell Emma how inappropriate and dangerous that could be.

Chapter Three

The next two weeks flew by while Emma and the rest of the staff prepared for their first day of school. She and Melinda crossed paths repeatedly, and Melinda frequently came in to beg for a cup of coffee. She offered to pay Emma, but Emma just laughed, refusing to take anything, and filled her ugly cup. Melinda was way too appealing for her own good. It amused Emma so much that she still used the same old ugly plastic travel mug. She finally purchased a colorful ceramic cup one evening for her, placing it on Melinda's desk early one Friday morning along with a bag of coffee and a note.

"Here's some tasty coffee for the weekend. Enjoy, Emma."

It was after nine in the morning before Melinda entered Emma's office with her new coffee mug in her hand and a big grin on her face. As she glanced up from her computer, Emma couldn't help but admire the lightweight summer suit that Melinda was wearing.

"Thanks so much for the beautiful coffee mug and the bag of coffee. That was very thoughtful of you." Emma continued to gaze at her slender body in the pale yellow outfit. She looked professional and elegant.

"You're welcome. Besides, I couldn't stand to watch you drink such good coffee from such a funky mug." Emma teased her with a grin.

"Funky mug, huh?" Melinda's eyes filled with amusement.

"Really funky. Are you ready for Monday?" Emma asked as Melinda sat down in the chair across from her.

"As ready as I'll ever be." Melinda laughed. "I always get a little nervous before the first day of school."

"I know the feeling. I love the start of the year. There's always so much potential, so many new faces."

"And possibilities. Thank you again for your thoughtfulness."

"You're very welcome. Now, let me fill that pretty cup." Emma smiled as she leached for it.

The rest of the day flew by and it was after six in the evening before Emma headed for her car and home. She looked forward to a hot bath and an early night of sleep. She was exhausted and needed to rest up. She'd made plans to meet Van, Tia, and Anna Saturday night for a little dinner and a lot of dancing. She was looking forward to the evening. It had been a long time since she'd gone out for a little fun. She was way overdue.

"What are you still doing here?"

Emma turned with surprise to see Melinda approaching her car. "Probably the same thing you were doing, checking on last minute details."

"You're right." Melinda agreed with a chuckle. "Typical type A personality, but right now I want to eat dinner, climb into my pajamas, and go to bed early."

"My plans exactly. Would you like to have dinner with me? I have plenty of food. And my place isn't too far from here."

"I'd love to. I have to admit, I hate cooking for one."

"So do I. Why don't you follow me?"

Melinda climbed into her very sporty red Mazda convertible and Emma chuckled as she started her car. Melinda was a very interesting and appealing woman. The fact that she drove a sports car showed a completely different side of her. At least they could be friends. There just was so much that appealed to Emma. She pulled out of the parking lot and drove her more conservative Acura carefully to her home in the Greenlake area. She'd purchased the small, well cared house a little over two years earlier, and it was her pride and joy. She put all of her energies and her money into the place and it was starting to come together. She had refinished each room slowly, with care, and lots of help from her friends.

She pulled into her driveway and motioned for Melinda to park behind her. She headed for her front door and started to feel a tad bit awkward about inviting Melinda to her home. What if Melinda didn't know that she was gay? It might bother her or make her feel uncomfortable. Besides, Emma reacted way too much to Melinda and it was very unnerving.

"Your yard is beautiful, I like all the flowers." Melinda commented, joining Emma on the front porch. The house was completely surrounded by huge flower beds brimming with blooms, the grass freshly mowed and edged.

"Thanks, I love working in the gardens. It keeps me sane." Emma unlocked her front door and turned off the alarm. "Come on in."

Melinda followed Emma into her home and glanced around the small, but elegant living room while Emma turned on a lamp. The living room was tiny, but perfectly decorated. Two small couches were angled to take advantage of the gas fireplace and the large picture window facing the front yard. Art work hung on the walls and knick knacks sat on the low coffee table.

"Would you like a glass of wine or something?" Emma tried to hide her nervousness as she headed through an arched doorway into the kitchen and formal dining room area.

"I'd love one, can I help with dinner?" Melinda couldn't help but grin when Emma stepped out of her high heels. Melinda would like to have done the same thing. Her feet were killing her.

"Yes, you can talk to me while I cook." Emma grinned as she led the way into the small, well-appointed kitchen. She opened a cupboard and pulled out two wine glasses, then moved to the refrigerator before placing a bottle of wine on the counter next to the glasses. Riffling though a drawer, she pulled out a corkscrew. "Do you mind opening the wine while I start dinner?"

"Not at all." Melinda settled herself on one of the kitchen stools and expertly removed the cork from the wine bottle.

Emma rummaged through the refrigerator piling things on the counter. As the pile grew larger Melinda began to laugh. "What are you planning on fixing?

Emma turned around to face Melinda grinning. "I thought I would make fresh pasta and salad."

"Can I help?"

"How are you at chopping vegetables?"

"I wield a mean paring knife."

"Then I leave the salad in your very capable hands." Emma felt that same little tingle in the pit of her stomach as she stared at Melinda. She was in deep, deep trouble.

For twenty minutes the two of them visited about school as they prepared their dinner. The colorful kitchen made Melinda feel right at home along with Emma's obvious competence, her easy conversation, and her light hearted humor. Melinda found herself relaxing and enjoying herself, and that was entirely too rare for Melinda.

"Do you want to eat in the kitchen or the dining room?" Emma asked as she finished preparing the pasta.

"Let's eat in here at the counter."

Emma placed the dinner plates on the counter and refilled the wine glasses before settling on a stool next to Melinda.

"Can I make a toast?" Melinda picked up her glass of wine and turned to face Emma. "To the chef."

"Thanks, but don't you think you'd better taste the food first." Emma teased, her eyes twinkling.

"Oh, I don't think you'd do anything halfway, Emma." Melinda's eyes glistened as she smiled at her, a glass of wine held up waiting for Emma to respond.

"Cheers." Emma forced herself to look away from Melinda quickly. She couldn't put her job in jeopardy. She loved it too much. Making a pass at her new, probably straight principal would not be a wise career move. But her body wasn't listening to her mind, as her heart raced and her skin tingled.

The meal was delicious and very enjoyable as Emma quizzed Melinda on how she ended up in Seattle. They were fast developing an easy rapport with each other.

"Melinda, what brought you to Seattle?"

"I needed a change from Portland. I was a principal at the same junior high for seven years and I wanted to do something different." Melinda responded, holding back a lot of the details. She wasn't ready to share everything with Emma. It was such a painful and embarrassing time in her life.

"So you moved to Seattle to be principal of our esteemed junior high."

"It was a good move for me." Melinda's eyes momentarily darkened with pain. There was more to the story, but Emma wouldn't push.

"Well, Portland's loss is Seattle's gain. You chose a very good school."

"They actually chose me."

"Good for them. It's going to be a terrific year."

After another half hour of visiting, centered on the start of school, Melinda stood up and prepared to leave.

"I have overstayed my welcome." She smiled at Emma as she spoke. "Thank you for the marvelous dinner. I would like to return the favor once I get my kitchen unpacked and I can find something to cook with."

"You're welcome, and I'll look forward to having dinner again. Thanks for joining me." Emma was serious. Something about Melinda appealed to her. Straight or gay, she liked Melinda an awful lot. Emma walked with her to the front door.

"Goodnight." Melinda turned and touched Emma on the arm before heading out of the house.

Emma watched her walk to her car and climb in before she closed her front door. She needed a hot shower and a good night's sleep. And she needed to shake the feelings she was having toward Melinda.

Melinda climbed into her car and dropped her head on to her steering wheel. "Melinda, what is wrong with you? You haven't been in Seattle for a full month." She muttered as she held her head in her hands. "You just got out of a mess and now you're putting yourself right in the middle of another one."

She started her car, Backed out of Emma's driveway, and headed for home. She needed to crush her feelings toward Emma and quickly. What made everything so tough was that she'd felt an instant reaction to her? Tall, gorgeous, sexy Emma, whose smile made her knees weak, and laugh made her shiver. She had tried to avoid her but was drawn to her, like a moth to a flame. But Melinda knew better than to even think of getting involved with someone she worked with. She had learned a very painful and valuable lesson the last time. She wouldn't go through anything like that again.

Chapter Four

The first week of school zoomed by while Emma was caught up in getting her students settled. She and Melinda repeatedly passed each other in the halls and she couldn't prevent the tickle of excitement she felt whenever she looked at her. She began to rely on a quick smile and a hello. She was entirely too preoccupied with work. Besides, the halls were filled to the brim with hundreds of junior high students, highly energetic, and loud.

Melinda was terribly busy and worked from six in the morning to seven or eight at night. Her contact with Emma all week long was limited to very brief encounters in the hall. She intentionally avoided her because every time she saw her she felt the same jolt in the pit of her stomach. The one that told her she should avoid Emma at all costs until it went away. She didn't need or want the distraction. But it didn't keep her from thinking about her all the time. Every night when she crawled into bed and she waited to fall asleep her thoughts would return to Emma. She was attracted to her ready smile, her talent and commitment to her students, and her beauty. She was six feet of gorgeous, sexy woman, and Melinda reacted to her every time she saw her. Thankfully, Julie Marks, a very dear friend, was coming to town for a visit for the weekend. She needed to be able to relax for an evening. She also needed to stop thinking about Emma.

"Come on, Emma. We're going to be late." Tia reminded her as they climbed into Tia's car. "You aren't your usual bubbly self, honey. What's going on?" Tia knew something was terribly wrong with Emma. She looked tired and was way too quiet.

"I am a little distracted. Nothing serious."

"Come on, I'm driving, so talk to me, girlfriend." Tia patted Emma's arm affectionately. They'd always been able to talk about anything. Besides, Tia could be relentless.

"I seem to have developed a serious attraction to my new principal."

"What's the problem with that?"

"I think she's straight."

"Geez, Emma. You can't flirt with a straight woman? You know that's crazy."

"I'm not flirting with her and I know it's nuts." Emma shook her head in agreement. "I'm not doing anything with her. I just can't help the feeling I get whenever I see her."

"Well, my friend, I suggest you focus your attention on getting a real girlfriend."

"You're one to talk." Emma snorted. "When is the last time you had a date?"

"A century ago and I am in lesbian pain, but we were talking about you." Emma and Tia got out of the car and headed to the restaurant entrance.

"We'll talk later. Let's go join the rest of our family. And Tia, thanks."

Tia hugged Emma quickly. "Hey, I am your best friend. What are friends for? Let's go find our other two best friends.

"Ladies, it's about time you got here." Van and Anna were seated at their usual table. Van and Anna had been happily visiting in the elegant restaurant. The room was quietly filled with people sharing their day. The sound of conversation and the dining had made the two women feel welcome.

"Anna, Van, give me a hug." Tia demanded as the four of them exchanged hugs and kisses.

"Tia how's your new job?"

"Crazy, busy, fun, hard, tell me again why I took the job."

"Because you're talented, and better at it then anyone else." Anna reassured her with a grin.

"Besides, you love your job." Van reminded her as she poked her in the arm.

"Thank you, I needed to hear that." Tia sighed. "Now, how does someone get a drink around here?"

"We ordered for you. They're on their way." Van responded. "Emma, how's school?"

"Good, it's a great bunch of kids this year."

"You say that every year. Emma, tell them about your principal." Tia demanded as the waiter placed four glasses of wine on the table.

"Tia." Emma groaned with embarrassment. She really hadn't been ready to share her feelings with everyone.

"Talk girl." Anna demanded as the others waited for her to speak.

"I am attracted to my new, straight principal."

"Emma." Van cried out, disturbed by Emma's declaration. "A straight woman?"

"You know nothing good ever comes from being interested in a straight woman." Anna reminded her. They all knew from experience. They had seen first hand how devastated Van had been.

"I know, I know. It's not like I've done anything. I just get this fluttering in my stomach whenever I'm around her."

"Oh, honey." Van clasped Emma's hand in her own. "I'm sorry."

"It's not a big deal." Emma squeezed Van's hand in return, appreciating the support.

"Can you believe this? Four beautiful, talented lesbians, single, and very celibate, what is this world coming to?" Tia sighed dramatically. Tia's remark drew a bark of laughter from Anna and then hysterical laughter from all four women. It was several minutes before they settled down, grins still on their faces.

They were a rarity among lesbian women. Most of the time, in a group of lesbians there was at least two of them who had been lovers, but this wasn't the case. None of them had ever been involved with each other as anything more then friends. Unconditional support and love were what they provided each other, and they'd been doing that for over five years. They loved and trusted one another completely, and it showed in the way they listened intently to each other.

"Come on, let's eat. I haven't eaten all day." Van complained, as she waved at the waiter.

"That's because you take horrible care of yourself." Anna reminded her.

"I'm still starving."

"Okay, okay." Anna laughed good naturedly. "Let's order."

Within twenty minutes, all of them were happily eating and visiting. They never got tired of talking to each other. They shared everything, oblivious of the growing crowd around them. The restaurant had begun to fill up with its usual dinner crowd. It was a very popular restaurant owned and operated by two gay men, and catered to a large gay and lesbian clientele. It was located in the heart of Capital Hill and very well known in the community. It was a very upscale and busy establishment. The table of four well-dressed, gorgeous women captured quite a few glances and gazes as the crowd grew larger. They were such an animated group, humor and love made them even more attractive than their looks.

"Oh my God, she must be gay?" Emma almost shouted as she looked across the restaurant.

"Who, Emma?"

"It's Melinda, my new principal. She's sitting over there with another woman."

"Where?" Anna asked, trying to locate the table in question.

"Don't be so obvious." Emma groaned with embarrassment.

"Which one is she?" Tia and Van joined Anna in her perusal of the room.

"She's the woman sitting at the third table across the back. She's with a pretty blond woman."

"She's beautiful." Tia remarked. "She must be gay. Do you think they're together?"

Emma felt the painful catch in her chest as she thought of Melinda with another woman. Why was she acting this way? She didn't even know her that well. Emma didn't want to admit that she had fallen for her principal, but the hurt in her heart was telling her something different. And she didn't want to know that Melinda was with someone. Somehow, deep in the recesses of her heart, Emma had thought Melinda might be someone she could care for.

"Emma, are you all right?" Van touched her hand. "Honey, talk to me." Van's voice and eyes were gentle with love and concern.

"I'm fine, Van. It just caught me off guard."

"Honey, look at me. You've got it bad."

"I know." Emma had fallen hard for Melinda.

"What are you going to do about it?"

"Nothing."

"Emma, they're leaving and they're coming this way."

"Great." She groaned. She would have liked to crawl under the table. Given the fact that there was six feet of her, it made it all together impossible.

"Emma, I thought that was you." Melinda was as shocked to run into Emma as she was to see Melinda. She just hid it very well as she approached Emma's table. She had just been telling Julie about Emma. She wondered which one was Emma's date. She couldn't believe her bad luck!

"Hello, Melinda, these are my friends Tia, Van, and Anna. This is my new principal, Melinda Newcastle."

"Hi. This is Julie Marks. She's visiting from Portland for the weekend."

"Hello." The very pretty blond woman, smiled at the group. She surreptitiously checked Emma out. Melinda was right. She was incredibly sexy, as were the other three women at the table.

"Would you like lo join us for a drink?" Anna inquired and flinched when Emma kicked her under the table.

"Sure, Melinda and I would love to." Julie smiled as she pulled up a chair. She was going to see how Emma responded to Melinda. Melinda had been talking about her all evening. "So tell me about your city. I'm thinking about moving here."

Melinda pulled another chair over and sat next to Julie and Tia. She looked up and caught Emma's gaze. Emma's smile made her catch her breath, and she stared in return. She didn't break her gaze from Emma's until Julie poked her in her side to get her attention.

"Melinda, Anna asked you a question."

"I'm sorry. What was the question?"

Van and Tia exchanged knowing glances as they observed Emma and Melinda. It was only a matter of time. They were both attracted to each other. Everyone at the table was aware of it but the two of them. They couldn't keep their eyes off of each other.

The six of them visited and chatted for another hour before Anna announced she was ready to go home. They'd given up on dancing for the evening. Julie and Melinda stood up to leave and the rest of them decided it was time to call it an evening. As Julie said goodnight to the others, Melinda and Emma found themselves face to face. Emma was tongue tied as she looked at Melinda.

"It was really nice running into you, Emma."

"It was a very pleasant surprise to run into you."

"Yes, ah Emma, maybe we need to talk."

"Okay." Emma waited for Melinda to continue.

"Could we get together Monday evening after work?"

"Monday evening would be fine." Emma was puzzled by Melinda's behavior. She hoped she hadn't done anything wrong.

"Good." Melinda went to step away but Emma reached out and clasped her hand.

"I'm glad we ran into each other." She smiled at her.

Melinda squeezed her fingers, gazing back at her. "Emma, I'm very glad we ran into each other."

"Goodnight." Emma whispered softly. She found it difficult to release Melinda's fingers as she headed for Tia and the car. Emma remained lost in thought until she and Tia were well on their way home.

"Well, girlfriend, what are you going to do?" Tia asked as they headed north on Interstate Five.

"What do you mean, what am I going to do?"

"Honey, it looks to me like your principal is smitten with you." Tia chuckled as she glanced at her flustered friend. "And I think you've gotten bitten by the love goddess."

"That's ridiculous!" Emma sputtered, turning away from Tia.

"Someone doth protest too much."

"At least she's gay."

"And very interested in a certain, tall, gorgeous lesbian, who's also my best friend."

"We don't know if she is interested."

"Oh yes, we do. She watched you the whole time she sat at the table. She devoured you with her eyes."

"She did not. Really?"

"Honey, the heat between the two of you was obvious to everyone. Now, I repeat my question. What are you going to do?"

"I don't know."

"Emma, you told me earlier that you're wildly attracted to Melinda. Have you changed your mind?"

"No, but she's the principal of my school. I may not report to her, but I have to work with her."

"And..."

"And it's very unprofessional behavior to be lusting after the principal of my school."

"Honey, when is the last time you went on a date or made love?"

"What does that have to do with this?"

"Emma, what if she is the one, your soul mate?"

"Tia, what am I going to do?" Emma sounded devastated.

"I think you're going to have to figure that one out with Melinda."

Emma had no response for Tia and remained deep in thought for the rest of the drive until Tia pulled into the driveway. "Thanks, Tia."

"Emma, I love you honey. You deserve to be happy. And if Melinda will make you happy, then I am all for it."

"Thanks Tia, I love you too."

"Goodnight."

"Night."

Emma crawled into bed forty minutes later and found it difficult to fall asleep. She thought about the evening and the odds of running into Melinda. At least she knew Melinda was gay. She just didn't know what to do about it. She'd never dated anyone at work. She was very positive it wasn't a smart idea. It could easily get extremely messy. She finally slid into a restless sleep after making the decision she would squelch her feelings for Melinda. It was the best thing to do. Emma didn't want to even think about being involved with someone who could have such a huge affect on her heart. The way that Melinda had looked at her and Emma's reaction had told her that any relationship with Melinda would be risky. Emma wouldn't take the chance to have her heart broken.

Melinda was having an identical silent conversation with herself. She didn't need the headache. And she certainly didn't want a mess on her hands. She had refused to discuss it with Julie on the way home, but she knew it would come up at breakfast. Her heart ached as she was reminded of the embarrassment and heartbreak she had endured at her old job. She couldn't allow it to happen again. She would force herself to forget her feelings for Emma.

Chapter Five

"Melinda, you're overreacting." Julie responded with just a hint of exasperation. She had listened to Melinda's same argument over and over since the two of them had returned from breakfast.

"Julie, you forget what happened."

"I'm not forgetting, but this is a different situation."

"Everyone knew." Melinda's face showed her anger and heartbreak.

"Yes, everyone knew, but no one cared except for a few narrow minded people."

"Those few people just happened to be on the school board."

"Honey, I know everything was very hard on you. I wish I could take your pain away. But it's over and you need to move on." Julie hugged her tightly trying to take the sting out of her words. She wouldn't hurt Melinda for the world. She just wanted to make her leave the past behind.

"And now it's starting all over again." Melinda's voice broke, her eyes filling with tears.

"Honey, it isn't the same. The school board here knows you are gay. No one can hurt you with that information."

"I just can't take any chances."

"Melinda, do you like Emma?"

Melinda hesitated before answering. "She's beautiful, funny, and very nice."

"And sexy as hell."

"That doesn't mean I have to be anything more then a friend."

Julie ignored Melinda's last statement. She had seen the smoldering looks between her and Emma. It was only a matter of time. And if she could do anything about it, she would push the two of them together. Melinda deserved to be happy. She was such a good person.

"So what are you going to say to Emma Monday night?"

"I'm going to ask her to keep my being gay quiet. I don't want it to be all over the school. And I am going to make sure she knows we're just friends."

"Emma doesn't strike me as a person that would gossip. What about her feelings? Don't you think she might have her own opinion?"

"Of course, I won't hurt Emma's feelings, but I can't let anything happen again."

"What happened to you will never happen again. Rita didn't care who she hurt."

"Especially me."

"You didn't know she was so unstable."

"I should have seen the signs."

"No one saw the signs. She was ill, honey."

"But I was sleeping with her."

"Honey, hindsight is always much clearer. Please, stop punishing yourself. It's been over a year."

"I just wish I could forget about everything."

"Melinda, you of all people deserve to be happy."

"Thanks, Julie. I'm glad you came up this weekend. I'm sorry I'm being such a pain."

"You aren't being a pain, and I'm glad I could visit. I miss my best friend."

"I miss you, too." The two women hugged tightly. They had known each other for several years and Julie had stood by Melinda when she had needed a friend very badly. Melinda loved her very much.

Julie headed back home to Portland a little after one that afternoon and Melinda tried to put her apartment in order. It still looked fairly empty and not much like a home. She wasn't used to so little space. Most of her things were in storage, especially since she had moved from a three-bedroom house to a two-bedroom apartment. Melinda worked until late evening to complete most of the unpacking. It wasn't until she crawled into bed that she began to worry about what to say to Emma.

Chapter Six

Monday morning was just too busy for both Melinda and Emma. They didn't run into each other until lunch time. Melinda literally collided with Emma as she was coming out of her office, papers tumbling out of Emma's hands.

"Emma, are you okay?"

"Yes." Emma chuckled as she bent to pick her things up. "I should have looked before I flew out of my office."

"Are you as busy as I am?" Melinda helped her gather up her folders.

"Swamped."

"Are you still up to getting together after work?"

"Sure."

"Good. I should be able to get out of here by 5:30. Would you like to go get a bite to eat?"

"That would be great. My last conference is at 4:30."

"Shall I meet you here at 5:30?"

"Perfect." Emma smiled at the very nervous woman standing next to her. She knew the feeling. Her stomach was full of butterflies as she gazed at Melinda.

"Great, I'll see you later then. I'm sorry I ran over you."

"Melinda, maybe you haven't noticed, but I'm a pretty strong woman. I think I can survive a small collision."

"Oh, I've noticed." Melinda grinned as she headed down the hall.

Emma couldn't keep from smiling back at her. Melinda was very cute when she flirted.

Monday afternoon flew by for Emma, as she dealt with mini problems, unhappy students, and anything else that crossed her busy desk. She was still industriously recording notes from her last meeting when Melinda walked though her open office door and slumped in her chair.

"How do you look so fresh and stylish after ten hours of work? I know you've been here as long as I have."

"Underneath this calm, cool exterior, is a woman just begging to take her shoes off." Emma's eyes twinkled as she spoke. Melinda didn't have a hair out of place. She looked as fresh and as appealing as she'd looked at lunch time.

"Then let's get out of here so you can do that. What do you say to takeout at my house? Shoes are optional." Melinda responded, her own eyes sparkling with humor.

"I'm done. I just need to lock up."

The two of them visited easily about their school day as they walked through the now empty school corridor, their voices echoing loudly. It was amazing how a few hundred students could transform the building with their noise, energy, and enthusiasm. Now it was silent and restful, as the two of them exited out of the side door, heading for the equally empty parking lot.

"Emma, do you like Chinese food?"

"I love it."

"There's a restaurant two blocks from my apartment that has pretty good food. Do you want to follow me and we can stop on the way? I'm afraid I'm not much of a cook."

"Chinese will be just fine, and I'll follow you."

It took less then a half an hour for the two of them to pick up the takeout and get to Melinda's home. It was an older apartment complex with a lot of charm. The apartment was good-sized, filled with oak furniture that matched the shiny wood floors. Two overstuffed couches made up the living room, along with two large watercolors of soft beach scenes. Emma felt herself relax as she followed Melinda into the spotless apartment, through the dining room, and into the kitchen. The apartment was very restful and softly elegant, just like Melinda.

"Come on in and make yourself comfortable. Please feel free to take your shoes off. I'll get some plates for us. Would you like a glass of wine?"

"Wine would be nice. Here, let me help. We bought way too much food. There's enough here for four people."

"I always order too much and then I end up eating it for days." Melinda laughed as she placed china plates on the counter, and then poured wine into two crystal wine glasses. "Here's your wine. Why don't we eat at the dining room table?"

Emma picked up the bag of food and the plates, following Melinda to a very old dining room table. "Do you collect antiques?"

"A little, just a few odds and ends."

"This table is beautiful."

"Thanks, it took me six weeks to refinish it."

"You did it yourself?" Emma was very impressed, as her eyes slid over the shining wood surface of the table. Melinda placed two placemats onto the table and took the plates from Emma.

"I like doing things like that. Here, have a seat."

"You're lucky. I'm not in the least bit handy with tools. I'm much better at gardening. I can hear my house groan when I pick up a hammer." Emma laughed as she sat down next to Melinda and sipped her wine. "Anna has made me promise not to do any more carpentry jobs on my house. It took her and Van two weeks to fix my last one."

"Well, I can't keep a plant alive, so we're even." Melinda grinned, as she handed Emma one of the white cartons from the bag.

"Melinda, I'm sorry if our running into each other this weekend is a problem."

"It's not a problem." Melinda put her fork down and turned to her. "I just would like to keep my private life outside of work."

"People at school know I am gay. I'm very open about it. But I would never talk to anyone about you. That's your own business."

"I appreciate that. I told the school board I was gay before they hired me. But I don't want to announce it at school. I don't want the students and teachers to know about my private life."

"You should probably not spend too much time around me then."

"Why do you say that?" Melinda looked at Emma with a puzzled expression.

"Guilt by association." Emma teased her with a grin.

"I don't think that's a problem."

"Oh no? Last year I began talking to our janitor in the evening when I worked late and my students started a rumor that I was having an affair."

"Were you?" Melinda's eyes told Emma she was teasing.

"Excuse me?" Emma sniffed in humorous disgust. "Our janitor is a sixty-three-year-old man. And he is five-feet-two."

Melinda burst out laughing. "What did you do about the rumor?"

"I told the janitor about it, and he and I shared a laugh. Then we ignored it."

Melinda laughed heartily over Emma's declaration. "Have you ever had any problems at school over your being gay?"

"No, I've always been out, so it hasn't been an issue."

"What about a partner?"

"Well, I don't have one. And if I did, I wouldn't keep it quiet. Enough questions about me, what about you?"

"What about me?" Melinda turned away from Emma.

"Melinda, don't think you can give me the third degree and not get it in return."

"Okay, what do you want to know?"

"Is Julie your girlfriend?"

"Julie? Heavens no, she's my best friend. I don't have a girlfriend. I'm single."

"How long have you been single?" Emma almost grinned when she heard Melinda's response.

"About a year, my last relationship ended badly. I haven't really dated much after that."

Emma nodded her head as she listened. She understood what Melinda was saying. Dating was hard work.

"So do you need my friends and me to introduce you to some single women?" Emma teased Melinda, but she was praying that Melinda would say no. Her attraction to Melinda was bubbling all through her body. "What type of woman are you looking for?"

Melinda chuckled at Emma's suggestion. "No thanks, I think I'm fine right now. Besides, didn't you just say you were single?" Melinda's eyes dared Emma to respond.

Emma looked her straight in the eye. "Do you want to date me?"

Melinda started to say she wanted to get to know her better. She knew it wasn't smart to date someone from her school. But Melinda couldn't lie to herself or to Emma. "Yes."

Emma's face lit up with a smile as her heart leaped in her chest. "Okay, when do you want to start dating me?"

Melinda grinned as she responded. "Tonight."

"Darn, if I had known tonight was a date I would have brought flowers and worn something different." She leaned into Melinda and nudged her. "Aren't you supposed to tell me it's a date?"

Melinda was enjoying Emma's wonderful sense of humor. "I just did, and I like what you are wearing."

"Thank you. Now, let's get this dating thing cleared up. Would you like to go out to dinner and a play with me on Friday night? I have season tickets to the Fifth Avenue Theater."

"I would love to go."

"Good. I'm glad we've got this dating thing out of the way." Emma sighed dramatically as Melinda grinned at her. "You'd better eat up. We have a ton of food here."

The two of them visited quietly as they enjoyed their dinner. It was surprising how easily the two of them got along. They talked about school, music, and art, enjoying each other's company as they got to know one another.

"Do you want to sit in the living room? I'll fill our wine glasses."

"Thank you." Emma wandered into the living room and curled up on the end of the couch. As Melinda entered the living room to join Emma, she stopped as she caught sight of her. Emma's hair was loosely gathered over her shoulder in a thick dark brown curtain. She had her legs tucked up underneath her, and was seated comfortably against the corner of the couch. Emma was wearing a slim knit dress that was just a slightly darker gold then her eyes. Her light golden eyes glowed as she watched Melinda enter the room. Melinda's stomach fluttered as her eyes traveled up Emma's long legs and body to her beautiful face.

Emma smiled as she watched Melinda hesitate before entering the living room. She admired the way that Melinda carried herself. She walked with determination, with long strides that ate up the ground. She reeked with confidence as she went about her job at work. But Emma had seen the flash of attraction on her face, followed by the indecision. She found that small show of weakness infinitely more appealing then the very capable woman she interacted with at work.

"Here's you go." Melinda sat down on the couch, leaving a wide space between her and Emma.

"Melinda, tell me why you moved to Seattle?" Emma asked softly, turning to face her.

"They offered me the job."

"The real reason, please." Emma tapped Melinda on her arm.

Melinda sighed and turned to face Emma. She wasn't sure how to begin. "I was principal at a very large high school in Portland for about four years. At the beginning of my fifth year a new English teacher joined our staff. She was young, with only three years of experience, but had impeccable recommendations."

Melinda stopped speaking and placed her wine glass down on the coffee table. Emma didn't have to be told that Melinda's memories were very painful.

Emma put her own wine glass clown and grasped Melinda's hands in her own. Squeezing gently, she smiled, but remained silent.

"I should have seen the signs but I didn't. I was too wrapped up in my job. Rita was pretty, outgoing, and a lesbian. Somehow she found out I was gay and began to pursue me. It was flattering and I was attracted to her. I had been single for such a long time." The heartbreak in Melinda's voice made Emma's own heart hurt. She slid closer to Melinda as she continued speaking. She let go of one of Melinda's hands and slid her arm around her shoulders, hugging her gently. Melinda smiled at Emma.

"Rita was everywhere, and within a month we were sleeping together. At first the relationship was fine, but after a month, Rita started showing up at my house every night. If I had a late meeting she would accuse me of seeing someone else. If I didn't answer the telephone in my office when I was working late, she would fly off the handle. It just got worse and worse. She would interrupt meetings at work and cause embarrassing scenes. Finally, I told her I didn't want to see her any more and she flipped out."

Melinda's eyes glistened with tears as she looked at Emma. Emma pulled Melinda into a gentle embrace to comfort her. Emma hated to see anyone hurt but Melinda had, in a short space in time, found a spot in her heart.

"Honey, it's alright." Emma murmured into Melinda's hair. "You don't need to say anything more."

"But I want to, please." Melinda whispered as she pressed her face against Emma's. She pulled away from her and smiled. "I can't believe I am telling you all this."

Melinda's fingers traced Emma's cheek as she began to speak again, their faces inches from each other's. Melinda's touch had thrown Emma, as heat unfurled in her body. She wasn't surprised at her reaction. But the strength of it was unsettling. She trembled as she tried to keep it hidden.

"Rita went nuts when I broke it off with her. She began to stalk me. She broke into my house, my car, and my office. And she followed me everywhere I went, threatening my friends and co-workers. And then she threatened me. I had to get a restraining order against her. She sent horrible letters to the school board, and they placed me on leave while they investigated whether I had behaved inappropriately."

"Melinda, I'm so sorry." Emma couldn't keep the horror out of her voice. It was the very worst thing that could happen to a gay teacher or school administrator. Every one of them was fearful of just that kind of situation. It could ruin a career and wreak havoc with a person's life.

Melinda's eyes welled up with tears and they slowly slid down her cheeks. "I never wanted to do anything else but run a school." Her voice was husky with emotion.

"I know, honey." Emma's soft lips kissed Melinda's tears away as she held her face in her hands. "I know."

Emma's gentle touch melted Melinda as she slid her own lips along Emma's chin. Emma's lips found Melinda's in a soft tentative kiss, and then she pulled away. The last thing in the world Emma wanted to do was to frighten Melinda. But, Melinda wasn't frightened she was caught under Emma's spell. Melinda smiled at her as she pulled her tightly against her body. Her mouth caught Emma's in a kiss, and Emma moaned with pleasure as the heat roared through her body. Melinda's kisses were pure heaven to Emma, and she feasted on Melinda's mouth and tongue. A dam burst in Melinda's heart as Emma's lips tasted her mouth, her tongue, and covered her face with sensuous kisses. Her lips traveled along her jaw, before sucking on Melinda's lower lip, drawing a gasp from her before she opened her mouth to Emma's tongue. Melinda pulled away from Emma's mouth and buried her face in her neck as she tried to catch her breath. Emma held Melinda tightly in her arms as she attempted to calm her wildly beating heart.

"I'm in trouble." Emma whispered in Melinda's ear as she stroked her hair.

"Why?" Melinda turned to look at her.

"I think maybe I am going to like dating you." Emma's remark made Melinda smile.

"Do you mind if we keep this between the two of us? I'm still a little fearful about being too open at work."

Дата добавления: 2015-11-14