Page 50 of Stroked
She kissed me again. “I didn’t mean to upset you. I didn’t know you’d have such a reaction.”
“Neither did I.”
Chapter 27
Amy
Valentina headed back to her place Sunday night. But we went back to the club for a few minutes before she did. She was definitely loosening up on the PDA there, but once outside, she was still cautious. Which was fine, because the little touching we did in public was more than I expected so soon.
Lucy gave me the third degree again, but I explained it was all her; I was being patient and letting her set the boundaries.
“What about you? Jason has mentioned you leaving the station a few times. Sort of bossy if you ask me.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “He’s not telling me I have to quit. And he’s said the same about me managing the music here. You don’t hear all sides of the story. And he’s right, by the way. It’s been more than I expected.”
“Well, you had the station first.”
“Yeah, but without all the extra shifts and ads I’m not making much. But I can’t do the extra shifts and ads when I have to be here.”
“Okay, so stop working here and go back to that. Problem solved.” I took a swig from my bottle.
She shook her head. “I love managing this stuff. Plus, I’ve made so many great connections in a short amount of time. I never had this kind of luck at the station and that’s the whole reason I started working there. I don’t know. I’ve sort of thought about leaving the station. With notice, of course.”
I straightened in my chair. “Wow. Never thought I’d see the day. Jason sure has done a number on you.”
Lucy turned to me. “Says the girl who is lovesick over someone they just met.”
Beer sprayed from my mouth, flying onto Lucy and over the edge of the bar.
“Shit, Amy!”
“Well, I’m sorry, but what the fuck? Lovesick?”
“Yes!” she shouted as she wiped herself with cocktail napkins. Jaz ran down with a towel and quickly retreated once she took a look at our faces. “You, you’re like a puppy. You barely know her.”
“I know enough. I can’t believe you are giving me such a hard time.”
“Are you willing to live this way forever? Is she worth you sneaking kisses by the bathroom or grazing hands like teenage girls at school?”
“You told me to grow up, now you’re telling me I’m moving too fast. I’m sorry, but you can’t help who you love.” I slammed my bottle down on the bar.
Lucy stopped rubbing her shirt with the towel, her mouth a perfect O shape. “What did you say?”
“I didn’t mean…Well, shit. You know what…maybe I do. Maybe I do love her.” My lip trembled as the words rolled off it.
“Amy, I’m sorry. I didn’t know you had those kinds of feelings. I thought you were lusting after her.”
I leaned on the bar, threading my fingers through my hair. “I knew I had strong feelings for her. But that just occurred to me. And now, it does sound crazy.” I pressed off the bar and turned to Lucy. “But I really think I do. I’ve never felt this way, not even a little. And I trust her.” I paused. “I told her everything. I’ve never told anyone but you, once the trial was over. Most of the people who were around then moved on after college. She knows about the one crazy ex. And I don’t know, I hate not being with her, even if it just means being near her. Maybe it’s crazy, or dumb. Maybe both. But I do. I think I love her.”
Lucy wrapped her arms around me and squeezed. Small droplets forced from my eyes, and I pressed my face to her shoulder.
“Amy, if you love her, I will support you and respect her wishes.” She pulled away and swiped a finger across both cheeks, wiping the tears away. “I just want you to be happy. And you’ve never been one to be so secretive. Just be sure you tell her how you feel. About everything. When Jason and I were apart, just for a few days, it was misery. And all because we were both stubborn mules. But if you can handle this, I will handle it, too.”
“If you want to quit the station, I know it’s not Jason’s fault. I just like to give him a hard time.”
Lucy smiled and nudged my shoulder. “I know. Between us, I think it’s kinda funny. Plus, it gets him all riled up.”
“Eww, gross, I don’t give you details, I don’t want yours. Especially with BDE.”
