Page 22 of Together at Ruby's

Although Aurora always dressed impeccably, her outfit today was especially attractive. Almost sensual. The skirt hugged her hips and showed off her legs, and the lightweight blouse had a neckline that dipped lower than was probably a good idea at the office.She’s wearing that for me,Tate thought.Does she still think she can attract me?

“Hello, Tate,” Aurora said as she moved to the paper towel dispenser and tore off a sheet before turning to Tate to hand it to her. “I haven’t seen you all morning.” Reluctantly taking the paper towel, Tate dried her hands while Aurora took another step until her breasts almost brushed Tate’s fingers. “For a second there I thought you might be avoiding me.”

Tate swallowed hard. “Not exactly,” she muttered hating herself for not being brave enough to outright tell her the truth. But the woman was currently her boss, and she didn’t want to make her angry. Starting to move past Aurora, Tate saw the woman turning out of the corner of her eye.

She had only taken a couple of steps when she heard Aurora give a little laugh, low and sultry. “You know Tate,” she said. “I love the way you dress. A little masculine, with slacks and button up shirts. I can tell your body is amazing. Someone powerful, which is exactly what I find attractive in a woman.”

Hesitating a second from disbelief, Tate could not find words to reply. All she wanted to do was get out of the bathroom. Reaching the exit, she turned the deadbolt to unlock the door and pulled it open at exactly the same time her executive assistant was trying to come in. They nearly crashed into each other. “Oh, excuse me,” the young woman said, and Tate stepped aside to let her pass. For a moment, no one moved and then the assistant looked from Tate to Aurora and back, with a hint of curiosity in her eyes.Damn it, Tate thought.She thinks the two of us are hiding something.It was the worst thing that could happen.

After callingin sick for work, Liza put on the shorts and T-shirt that Allie had lent her. They were a little baggy but considering she had no other clothing except what she wore to work the day before, she was thankful to have it. Wandering into the living area of Allie and Vivian’s condo, Liza found Vivian at the kitchen table reading the newspaper. “I didn’t know anyone still did that,” Liza said, sitting in a chair across from her.

“What’s that?” Vivian asked and Liza motioned at the paper.

“Read an actual newspaper. I thought everyone got their news online or TV.”

“Well, I guess I’m old school,” Vivian said with a little laugh. “I enjoy reading the articles in some sort of logical format rather than quips with lots of shocking graphics. It’s quite relaxing.”

Liza tilted her head as she sat in a chair at the table. “That actually makes good sense,” she said. “Maybe I should try it sometime.”

Vivian smiled. “You can have some of the paper now if you’d like.”

“I think I’m too distracted,” Liza answered with a sigh. “Actually, what I could really use is some coffee. I don’t suppose there is any?”

Vivian set the newspaper aside. “I can make you a cup with the French Press unless you would rather go out to the little coffee shop a few blocks away and have something fancier.”

“Actually,” Liza said realizing it would feel good to be out in the open on a warm summer morning. “I would love that.”

A few minutes later, Vivian and Liza were walking along the river toward a few shops nestled together along the waterfront. “This really is a beautiful walk,” Liza said. “Thank you. I needed a change of scenery.”

Vivian nodded. “Of course. I’m sure it does feel good,” she said. “You’ve been under a lot of stress.”

Liza sighed. “Definitely,” she said. “This stuff with Tate has been the worst.”

Vivian was quiet as they walked another minute before she spoke. “I have only known Tate for a short amount of time. But I’ve been a bartender for decades, and I have learned to get a good read of people.” She slowed and looked Liza in the eye. “I believe Tate is one of the most honest and hard-working women that I’ve met. Do you really think she is doing something behind your back?”

Liza was a little surprised at Vivian’s candor, but then realized the woman’s no-nonsense approach was something she appreciated. She thought about the question for a beat.Am I being foolish over this?she wondered.What if I am jumping to all the wrong conclusions?

Finally, she nodded. “Actually, you’re right,” Liza agreed. “Tate is honest and hard-working, and I love her. I don’t think she’s having an affair, but I feel something is going on, and she won’t open up to me about it.”

They reached the coffee shop, and Vivian paused at the doorway. “Then I suggest patience,” she said, and without waiting for Liza to respond, stepped inside. A moment before Liza followed her, she saw a curly-haired, blond toddler with his mother out of the corner of her eye and could not help but watch.That is what I want with Tate, she thought.But what if it never happens?She hadn’t lied to Vivian. She loved Tate with all her heart, but she also wanted to be a mother in her soul. If she really thought about what had happened between Tate and her the last few days, she realized it was less about a possible affair, and was actually about Tate’s unwillingness to get married. The real question came down to one thing—would she pick Tate no matter what, or would she choose the path of having children without her? Liza simply did not know the answer.

Thankfully,the rest of the day was filled with meetings where, even if Aurora Price was present, there were others to make her behave. It was hard for Tate to focus, and there were a number of reasons why. Not only was the Aurora situation upsetting her, but she could not stop thinking about Liza. She had not answered any of her texts all day, and Tate tried to be respectful and not call her, but with the day nearly over, she couldn’t stand waiting any longer.

With the office door closed, she sat behind her desk and dialed Liza’s number. After three rings, she was about to give up when she heard the woman she loved say hello.

“Thank you for answering,” Tate said in a rush. “I want you to know that I can’t stop thinking about you.”

“I can’t stop thinking about you either,” Liza said in a soft voice. “It’s been a really rough day.”

“Did you go to work?”

“No, I couldn’t bring myself to do it, so I called in sick,” Liza said.

I should’ve done that too, Tate thought.I should’ve found a way to get Liza to meet me and start repairing this. Tate let out a frustrated breath. “That was probably the right thing to do,” she said. “I’m sorry that everything is upsetting you so much.” She hesitated, wanting to find the right words. “I need you know there is nothing to worry about between me and my coworker.”

“Nothing?” Liza asked. “I don’t one hundred percent believe you.”

Tate’s shook her head. “I promise there isn’t anything—.”

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