Chapter 3 14 страница

Kylie looked up at the night sky, giving the matter her full attention. "Well, holding hands on a first date is a little risqué, but I'm game."

"Are … I can't …" Julie stopped and looked at Kylie for a second. "I can never tell if you're kidding. Your expression doesn't change a bit! You always have a kinda half-smile that looks like your teasing, but you look like that when you're perfectly serious, too."

The smile left Kylie's face, and she adopted a more earnest expression. "I'm sorry, Julie. Of course I was teasing." She bit her lip for a second, then decided to be completely frank. "I'm nervous, and sometimes I sound like a smart-ass when I'm not in control of a situation."

"Why are you nervous, Kylie?"

The doctor looked adorably shy. Her eyes roamed a little, never meeting Julie's directly. "I want you to like me."

"I like you already," Julie said. "I'm nervous 'cause I want you to like me."

"Well, I like you already," Kylie said. "So let's not be nervous anymore."

"It's a deal." Julie took Kylie's hand again, and they walked down the street, exchanging small talk and details of their personal lives — neither one nervous in the least.

„G

They got back to Julie's home at 9:30, and Kylie stopped at the door. "I should get home," she said. "I've got to be at the hospital by 6:30."

"I understand," Julie said. "I go to work early, too."

Kylie smiled at her and said, "Do you mind if I summarize the information I've gleaned tonight? I want to make sure I have it all right."

Julie leaned against the door frame and crossed her arms over her chest. "You are awfully adorable, Kylie. I mean that."

The doctor smiled back. "I noted that you're adorable, too, so that's one thing off the list. I also learned that you've been single for about the same amount of time that I have, that you're looking for a relationship — not a fling — that you like to spend your free time attending cultural events, although you have a fondness for the L.A. Sparks women's basketball team, and that you're a runner, but you're not a fanatic about it." She had been ticking the items off on her fingers, and when she finished, she looked at Julie and asked, "How'd I do?"

"Very well," Julie said. "I learned that I attend more things at LACMA than you do, but that you do go to the major exhibits."

"Yeah, I'm more a live event kinda girl, but I spent a couple of weeks in Italy two years ago, and I was in one museum or another every day. So the art museum is definitely something I could get into."

"I also learned that you're a very nice woman to go on a date with," Julie said. She leaned close and touched Kylie's cheek, barely pressing her fingers against the skin. She kissed her very gently, her lips brushing across Kylie's like a whisper. "I had a very good time tonight."

"I did, too," Kylie said. She put her hand on Julie's waist and pulled her close, then kissed her. She held the kiss for several seconds, breathing in the pleasing scent of the woman. "I like you."

Julie was still staring at Kylie's lips, but she busied herself by straightening her collar. "Can I see you again?"

"Definitely. How about Sunday?"

"Afternoon or evening?"

"Yes," Kylie said. She gave her one more light kiss, then turned and walked down the sidewalk. "I'll call you."

"I'll be waiting," Julie said.

„G

Kylie got home early — a little after 10:00. Blair was asleep on the couch, both dogs sprawled over her. The dogs opened their eyes, but didn't move, and Blair didn't even do that. The doctor tried to tiptoe into the room to turn off the TV, but the sound woke her friend, who let out a little cry.

"Are you all right?" Kylie asked, walking over to her.

"Yeah. Yeah." She lazily wiped her eyes with the back of her hand and asked, "What time is it?"

"10:00. Wanna go to bed?"

"I think so. Help me?"

Kylie gave her a hand up after putting both dogs onto a cushion. Blair leaned against her, walking like a drunken sailor. When they reached her room, she sat on the bed, then fell backwards, too exhausted to move. "You can't sleep like that," Kylie said.

"Bet me," Blair muttered.

"Come on, take your clothes off and use the bathroom. You'll feel better." Blair let herself be pulled to her feet, and she stumbled a little when she started to walk to her bathroom. "I'm gonna wait here," Kylie said. "You look like you might fall asleep in there."

Blair muttered something and went into the bathroom, and a few seconds later, Kylie heard a bang and then a string of profanities. "I hit my funny bone," the blonde called out before Kylie could throw the door open.

"You sound more awake," Kylie said.

"Very helpful," Blair grumbled.

When she emerged, Blair collapsed on the bed once again, not bothering to pull the covers back.

"Can I cover you with something?" Kylie asked. She paused as Nicky and Nora got into position. "Besides dogs?"

"No, I'm …" Kylie heard the first soft snore, smirked at her friend and left the room, amazed at Blair's ability to fall asleep.

She went into the living room to read the paper, something she hadn't had time to do that day. She was about halfway through when Blair walked into the den. “Hey, Kylie?”

"Why are you up?"

"Backache," she said, a dramatic pout in place. "I forgot to ask if you had a good date."

"I did, thanks. I'll tell you about it tomorrow."

"'Kay. I don't remember when I put the dogs out. Will you let them out before you go to bed?"

"Sure." Blair started to head back to her room and Kylie asked, "Want a back rub?"

"You don't have to. It probably won't help."

"I’d like to," Kylie said. She got up and followed her friend into her bedroom, then took some lotion from her bathroom. When Blair was lying on her side, Kylie started to rub the lotion into her skin, working her fingers into the stressed muscles. Blair didn't say a word for a long time, but she let out many moans and groans of appreciation. Her voice was alert when she finally said, "Kylie?"

“Hmm?”

“How does this feel for you? Is this clinical?”

Her hands stilled, and she hesitated a moment. “Uhm … no, it’s not clinical. It … makes me feel very close to you and to the baby. It calms me down at the end of the day. I really like doing it.”

“Good,” Blair murmured. “That’s how I feel, too, and I didn’t want to think you were dispassionate about it.”

Kylie started to rub her back again, working on the muscles while she thought aloud. “I have to be in my usual business setting to feel businesslike about it — like today, during the ultrasound. The hospital is my office, and I feel very detached around medical equipment.”

“Good thing we don’t have a lot of medical equipment lying around then, ‘cause I like having you present when you touch me.”

"I like it, too," the doctor said.

"So, nothing personal today, huh? You couldn't identify me if all they found was the lower half of my body?"

"Gosh, you come up with the most optimistic scenarios."

"You know what I mean," Blair said. "I can't believe you didn't notice anything."

Kylie laughed. "I didn't say I didn't notice anything. I said it was clinical. Part of my job is to look at things and see if they look right. I looked at you, and you looked right."

Blair couldn't let go of the issue, so she kept prodding. "What did you notice?"

The doctor grinned at her. "I noticed a Caucasian woman, obviously pregnant, somewhere in her second trimester. I saw a faint linea nigra on your belly along with some visible veins. When the technician opened you, I saw what I assume was Chadwick's sign. I didn't notice any abnormalities on your vulva. Everything was just like I would expect.”

"Linea nigra? What in the hell is that?"

“A little darkening on your belly from your navel to your pubis. It usually starts in about the fourth month. Yours isn't very pronounced yet, and with your coloring, it might not get much darker."

"Great. I've always wanted a dark line down my belly. And what's Chadwick's sign? I know I read about it, but my memory is shot."

"That's a bluish tint to your vagina and cervix."

"I have that?! I'm blue?"

"Not blue. Bluish. Nothing severe."

"You tell me my pussy is blue, and I'm supposed to be reassured by 'bluish'?"

"You're fair-skinned, Blair. Your skin is more translucent than some women’s. The increased blood supply shows through a little bit."

"And it's on my belly?"

"Uh-huh. I assume it's on your breasts, too."

Blair sat up and yanked her T-shirt up. "Is it on them?" she demanded.

Kylie gave her a half-smile and nodded. "Yep. The veins show through, and they're definitely bluish."

"Oh, fuck me. Every good part is blue!"

"Hey, it's no big deal. It'll go away after you have the baby. The linea nigra might stay, but it's very faint."

Blair got out of bed and turned the overhead lights on. She went into her bathroom and pulled her T-shirt up, then stood on her tip-toes to be able to see her belly. "Why aren't there any full-length mirrors in here?"

"They're not recommended for pregnant women," Kylie said, only partially kidding.

Blair came back in the room and pulled her shirt up. "Tell me the truth. Swear you'll tell me the truth."

"I swear," Kylie said gravely.

"How bad do I look?"

With a full, warm smile, the doctor said, "You look wonderful. One of the prettiest women I've ever seen."

Her eyes closed a little when she spoke, and even though Blair was completely sure she was telling the truth, she was still astounded. "How can you say that? I've got a big line down my belly that looks like I was attacked by a sadist with a black magic marker, my tits are blue and swollen, my belly bulges out and has blue lines all over it, and my pussy's blue!"

"Well, you're wearing panties, so I can't see everything," Kylie teased, "but I say it because it's true. You look absolutely wonderful. You're like a beautiful meadow right before all of the blooms burst into color."

"I don't wanna be a meadow," Blair sulked. "I wanna be hot." She fell onto the bed again and tossed her arm over her face. "I want men to swoon when they see me naked, but not because they're ill!"

Kylie leaned close and spoke softly. "I'm not a man, but if I saw you lying in my bed, waiting for me, I'd … well … you'd learn how hot I thought you were."

Blair's arm moved just enough to show one eye. "Really?"

"Cross my heart. This is the first time that a straight friend ever begged me to tell her she was sexy, but I'm telling the truth, Blair. You are sizzling hot in my not-so-humble opinion." She leaned even closer and kissed her friend on the cheek. "And I have to tell you, I love natural blondes."

Blair took her arm away and stared at the doctor. "You looked!"

"Intellectual curiosity," she giggled, almost scampering out of the room before Blair whacked her with a pillow.

A minute later, the doctor knocked on the door. “I got you a little present today. Want it?”

"Of course." Kylie walked in, and Blair smiled at her. "I'm not mad at you, you know. I would have looked, too, but I know your hair's naturally dark."

"I didn't mean to let that detail register, but it did, and I thought I'd better come clean," she admitted.

“Where's my present? You owe me one for sneaking a look."

“I’ll show you. Close your eyes and lie on your back.”

"You're not gonna look again, are you?"

"Nope." When Blair lay down Kylie pulled her shirt up, exposing her abdomen. Then she placed something in Blair's ears. “Headphones?” the blonde asked.

“Shh. Gotta be quiet for this to work.” Suddenly, Blair felt something cool and smooth on her belly and concurrently heard her baby’s heartbeat, thrumming rapidly.

“Oh, Kylie!” Her eyes flew open, and she saw her friend grinning at her, moving the stethoscope around to various parts of her abdomen. “Is that your stethoscope?”

“Nope. It’s yours. You need a special kind to hear the heartbeat at this stage. I picked one up at a medical supply store on the way home. You said this morning that you’d sleep better if you could hear him.”

“Kylie Mackenzie, I’d gladly give up men and sex to keep you in my life. You constantly touch my heart.”

The doctor leaned over and placed a gentle kiss on her friend’s belly. “Well, you won’t let me touch your heart the fun way, so I have to get at it through your emotions.”

“Lean over here and put these on, wise guy. I want you to hear Baby Spencer.”

Kylie did, and the delighted look on her face remained in Blair’s heart, soothing her to sleep minutes later.

„G

On Saturday, Kylie spent much of the day at the hospital, tending to a woman who continued to have unexplained bleeding and pain nearly twenty-four hours after her surgery. The doctor called Blair several times, keeping her apprised of her schedule. “It’s okay, Kylie. Get home when you can. If your little doctor friends get here before you do, I can keep them entertained. Actually, I’ll spend the time finding out which one of them might be in the market for a new home.”

“But I won’t have time to cook,” she said. “I hate to order pizza.”

“I’ll handle it,” Blair assured her. “I’ll go to the gourmet market and buy all sorts of goodies. Don’t worry about it.”

“Okay, I guess I don’t have much choice. I think I have this patient stabilized, but I want to stick around for another hour or so — to make sure.”

“You do what you have to, Doc. Everything’s under control on the home front.”

„G

When Kylie got home, she stopped in her tracks as she entered the kitchen. The counters, bare when Kylie’d left, were now filled with attractive, silver-colored serving platters, trays and bowls. A dozen appetizer plates, a dozen matching glasses and vividly-colored linen napkins were neatly displayed, along with silverware that matched the Southwestern-themed serving ware and plates. “What's all of this?” she gasped.

“You didn’t have anything appropriate for a party,” Blair chided her. “You’re not in college any longer, Kylie. You have to act like an adult.”

“But … it's only my turn to have my buddies over for cards once or twice a year. Other than that, I never entertain.”

“Well, I do,” Blair said. “I have to entertain clients, and I have one or two big parties a year. We need things to serve people.”

The doctor picked up one of the platters and hefted it in her hand. “This stuff must have cost a fortune!”

No more than one month’s rent in a decent apartment, the smaller woman chuckled to herself.

“Is it silver?” Kylie asked.

“Of course not. I’d never buy something I had to polish. It’s … well, I don’t know what it is, but it’s not silver. It’s great stuff, though. It retains heat beautifully, and it’s got a real Southwest look, which is great for this style of house.”

Kylie looked at her for a moment, then asked, “Do you like to decorate? You sound like you know what you’re talking about.”

“No, not really,” Blair said. “I called a buddy of mine who dresses homes for me, and we went shopping together.”

“Forgive my stupidity, but how does someone dress a home?” Kylie asked, grinning.

“Oh. Well, when I have a house that isn’t up to par because of how it’s decorated, I make the owners put their own things into storage, and I have Walter furnish the place with things he rents or keeps in his warehouse.”

“People don’t mind having to do that?” Kylie asked.

“Well, of course they mind,” Blair said, looking slightly puzzled. “But that’s part of the deal before I’ll agree to list the house. I’m not going to waste my time trying to sell a dog.” She patted Kylie on the side and said, “Walter was going to dress your condo if I’d had to list it. I would have squeezed another $25,000 out of your unit if I’d had it spiffed up.” She was giving Kylie her usual confident grin, and the older woman realized that she wouldn’t have complained a bit if this determined, charming woman had ordered her to clear out of her own home.

“You’re good at what you do, aren’t you?” Kylie asked rhetorically.

“You betcha. Now go put on something nice. We’re having company!”

„G

Blair didn’t spend much time in the living room during the time when the doctors were actually playing cards. She did her best to keep the dogs entertained in the den, but the little devils kept dashing into the living room, hoping that someone dropped a scrap of shrimp or some guacamole, which Blair discovered, quite by accident, the puppies adored.

The card players took a break for dinner at 8:30, and Blair joined them, drawing a chair up next to Kylie. The food was a big success, and after everyone had eaten, Blair started to get up to return to the den. “Hang out for a while,” Kylie urged. “You might like playing cards.”

“No, I really don’t,” Blair insisted. “I never got the bug.”

“C’mon,” the doctor urged. “Watch a hand or two. You can help me.”

Unable to say no to her friend, Blair tucked her chair right behind her and leaned over so they could whisper. They were having such a good time that Eileen finally said, “C’mon, Kylie, let’s move.”

Giving her an outraged look, Kylie said, “I’m instructing my friend. Patience.”

Another few whispers, several more giggles, and Kylie finally asked for two cards. Perhaps because everyone else was bored to distraction, Kylie won the hand, and Blair gave her a hug and a kiss on the cheek. “Good job,” she said. Standing, she said, “That’s enough excitement for me. Have fun.”

As she walked away, Monique couldn’t help notice the furtive glance that Kylie shot after her or miss the mild look of disappointment on her face.

„G

When the game broke up at 11:00, Kylie said to the group, “I’ll go tell Blair you’re leaving.” She returned moments later, saying quietly, “She’s asleep on the couch. She never makes it past 9:00 anymore.”

“It’s good for her,” Monique said.

“Oh, I know. She usually sleeps while I watch TV at night. I make sure she’s getting her rest.”

“I’m sure you do, Shakes. You’re quite persuasive when you want to be.”

On the way to their cars, the doctors gathered near the end of the driveway to gossip. “What in the hell is going on here?” Jocelyn asked Monique. “Are they lovers or what?”

Monique wasn’t going to reveal anything she’d learned from Blair, so she shrugged. “Not to my knowledge.”

“Well, Kylie acts like she’s in love — big time,” Jocelyn said. “I’ve never seen her act so considerate and caring. She smothered Stacey less.”

“Well, I don’t know what’s going on, but I think Blair’s a doll," Monique said. "I’d love for Kylie to have a family, no matter how she gets one.”

“Yeah,” Jocelyn agreed, “we’d all like for her to have that. But I sure hope she isn’t trying to get it from someone who can’t give it to her.”

Chapter 7

On Sunday Blair was scheduled to meet with clients for both brunch and an early dinner. When she finished dressing she went into the den to tell Kylie of her plans. She found the doctor outside, reading the New York Times. Both dogs were lying in the sun, Nora on her back, tanning her belly. "This is such a lovely picture of domestic bliss," Blair said. She kissed Kylie on the top of her head and played with her curls for a minute. "I'm gonna be gone all day. Can you man the fort?"

"I think I can handle it. Julie's coming over around noon, and we're gonna hang out for a while, then we're going to the Bowl to hear the symphony." Kylie turned so she could face her friend, and Blair noted a look of disappointment on her face. "I wish you were gonna be here. I'd like you to get to know her a little bit."

"This might surprise you, but some women don't like to have a third person on a date. You have to concentrate on her, Kylie, not on letting your roommate get to know her." Blair sat on the edge of her friend's chair and handed her a silver necklace. "Will you put this on me?"

"Sure." Kylie hooked the piece and settled the clasp at the center of Blair's neck. "Pretty necklace."

"Thanks." She stood up and modeled a little. "How do I look?"

"Is this new?" Kylie reached out and fingered the material. "Did you go shopping?"

"Yeah. I had to buy a couple of skirts. I can still wear my blazers, but my skirts were nasty looking."

"You look great," Kylie said. Her eyes closed slightly, and she looked her friend up and down. "This new look is gonna take some getting used to. Your short skirts were part of your style."

"Yeah, nothing better looking than a short, tight skirt that's partially unzipped," she said, laughing. "I had to beat guys off with a stick."

"Your legs look great." She gazed at her friend for a moment and said, "You know, the style for pregnant women is to show off their bodies. You don't have to cover up if you don't want to."

"I want to," Blair said, her tone leaving nothing in doubt. "I'm no Demi Moore. I don't wanna be nude on the cover of Vanity Fair."

"I wasn't suggesting nude," Kylie smiled. "I was simply saying that your body's nothing to be ashamed of. Everyone will know you're pregnant; why not be proud of how you look?"

"If I could get away with it, I'd wear a heavy wool poncho that covered me to my knees. Actually, the Victorian idea of keeping women out of the public eye when they're pregnant is starting to sound pretty appealing."

"You're obviously feeling uncomfortable in your body right now, buddy. But all I can do is tell you that you look fantastic. You don't have a thing to hide."

Blair reached down and ruffled Kylie's hair. "I wish everyone were like you." She started to hum, then sang, "I see trees of green, red roses. too, I see them bloom, for me and you, and I think to myself, what a wonderful world," as she left the house.

„G

Around four o'clock, Blair ran home to freshen up before her dinner. Nicky and Nora didn't run to greet her, so she assumed they were outside with Kylie and Julie. When the dogs were outdoors, they couldn't hear people come and go, a condition that distressed them no end.

She went to her room and tidied up, then reapplied her lipstick. She still had half an hour to kill, so she decided to go offer Kylie and Julie something to drink. When she got to the sliding door in the den, she stopped abruptly, amazed at how quickly Doctor Mackenzie could get to work when she had a mind to.

The pair had taken the cushions from the lounge chairs and put them by the edge of the lap pool. Julie was lying on her stomach, and Kylie was straddling her. It looked like the doctor was applying suntan lotion to her back, but after a moment, it became obvious that Kylie was giving her guest a massage. Julie's top was off, and Blair found herself staring at the women, unable to move. Kylie was laughing, her lips open and perfect teeth gleaming, making her all the more radiant. She bent over and started to kiss and nibble at Julie's neck, and that's when Blair decided that this wasn't the best time for a visit. Still, she didn't leave immediately, despite knowing that she was spying on the couple.

There was something so different about Kylie that she couldn't stop herself from observing her for a moment. The gentle, sweet concern that always seemed to be present in the doctor's touch seemed completely absent. The kisses she lavished on Julie had a sexual, sensual quality that Blair had never felt from her friend. Kylie appeared possessive and determined when she took Julie's hands and spread them out, rendering the woman absolutely helpless against the barrage of kisses that rained down on her.

For her part, Julie looked like resisting was the last thing on her mind. Still, Kylie looked like she was in complete control, and Blair found this new facet of her personality to be absorbing — and arousing. She felt a definite tingle between her legs, and by the time she tore herself away from the display, her clit was swollen and sensitive. Okay, I might have been puzzled before, but now I know there's no earthly reason that Kylie's single. I thought she might be shy or ungainly around women, but if she'd been any more gainly — I'd be on the floor right now!

She got into her car and started to leave the property. But once outside the gate, she killed the engine and sat for a few minutes, thinking. Well, this pregnancy has produced a wealth of surprises. A divorce, blue body parts, swollen ankles, and now I find that I'm totally aroused by a woman. What's next? Maybe I'll join the circus!

She laughed softly when a little voice reminded her of something. Yeah, like that's the first time in your life you've ever been aroused at the sight of two women making love.

Well, it is! she said, defending herself. This is the first time I've ever seen a woman I know making love, and that's a whole different thing. Watching a movie with your husband isn't the same as seeing your best friend get it on in the yard. And in the movies, there was always a guy involved, too. Yes, I got aroused when I watched those movies, but it was the dynamic of the group that made me hot. Today was different — very different, and I'm not even sure why — but I know it was!

Дата добавления: 2015-09-04