Authors: Barrett
Tags: #Gay & Lesbian, #Contemporary, #Fiction, #Romance, #Genre Fiction, #Lesbian, #Lesbian Romance, #Literature & Fiction
Balefire (12 page)
Silke walked through the older dining room to the large screen porch that covered the back of the house. Six women were sitting around, while Dawn held court behind the bar. She thought the two women seated at the bar looked vaguely familiar, but the two women seated on the couch with Rachel were strangers. At the moment, they appeared to be acquainted with Rachel. An odd prickly sensation started in the back of her neck.
“Rachel was just telling us about your new commission. Congratulations. I guess Dyson sculptures are going to be in hot demand now.” Dawn pulled out a stool at the bar. “Can I get you something?”
“A diet coke, if we have time,” Silke said.
Rachel whispered to the redhead on her left. They laughed, and Rachel came up to the bar. Silke cringed as she wondered what other stories may have been told at her expense.
“I know. All those great works of art, and I don’t even have one.” She draped her arm around Silke’s shoulder and put on a smug smile.
Silke looked around, feeling uncomfortable with not knowing what
had been said. She resisted a sarcastic response, knowing that Rachel nev
er had any interest in any of her art projects. She always treated them as a hobby and not meaningful work. The thought of Rachel’s disdain opened yet another avenue for suspicion and distrust.
“I never knew you were interested in one.” She squeezed the aluminum can.
Dawn set a glass on a coaster. “You remember Karen and Marilyn. They have the farm up in Erin?”
Of course, she remembered. They used to have an annual Super Bowl party. “Yes, it’s good to see you both. I’ll bet the last time we saw you was four years, or was five years ago?”
“Five years. That was the last year we had the party. The next summer was when Marilyn had her mastectomy.” Karen squeezed Marilyn’s hand. “So far so good.”
Silke didn’t know, nor had she asked. Still she felt badly. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know, but I’m glad you’ve done so well.”
Riz handed Rachel another beer. “You probably don’t know the gals on the couch. They have the pleasure of working with me at Harley. The big brute is Steffi from accounting. And old carrot top there is Lissa. She’s new and works in HR.” They both waved.
Haley brought the ice bucket and snuggled up close to Dawn in a pro
vocative manner. “You said to remind you to change.” Dawn rewarded her with an R-rated kiss that brought hoots from Karen and Marilyn.
“C’mon, Steffi, let’s dazzle these civilians with a dress blues,” Dawn said.
Chapter Twenty-four
“THANK YOU VERY much, Sergeant Kobach,” Kirin said. “I really enjoyed meeting you and hearing your story.”
“It was my pleasure, young lady. We’re always pleased when someone takes the time to recognize our veterans. And this year’s parade is going to be even more important since were honoring the young fellas who are finally getting home from Iraq. Damn, if anybody deserves a ticker tape parade, it’s these guys, and gals.” He chuckled. “Sorry. I guess I’m still not used to the ladies fighting. But from all I hear, they did a damn fine job right alongside the guys. When we sent out the flier, ten women signed up right away.”
Kirin smiled at the way the uniformed octogenarian twinkled when he talked about the lady vets. She’d enjoyed the interview. “I’m looking forward to it, and I’ll make sure the magazine sends several copies to your local post.”
Robbie, the teenager assigned as her escort, approached her. “We should go if you want to avoid the crowd.”
Kirin picked up her messenger bag containing another notebook and her cameras. She tucked the tape recorder into one of the pockets. Melissa had left her a note telling her where to meet after the parade.
She followed Robbie along the sidewalk crowded with summer tourists and locals lined up in lawn chairs. John Philip Sousa blared from strategically placed speakers along the route. The smell of popcorn and hot dogs filled the air.
The so-called grandstand was in reality a flatbed truck bedecked with patriotic bunting and a makeshift awning over a dozen or so folding chairs. Robbie left her at the stairs to go and find the chamber secretary who could introduce her.
It was a perfect summer day with a few billowy clouds dotting a clear blue sky over the Northern Wisconsin peninsula. A nice breeze made it comfortable and caused the bay to look frothy with whitecaps. Kirin
snapped a few shots of the empty parade route lined with enthusiastic pa
triots waiting to cheer their heroes. Flags waved and music played.
She snapped on a telephoto lens. She wanted to get some close-ups of the wide-eyed children and world-weary seniors who were waiting, as they did every year, for the Fourth of July parade. She was glad she took the assignment. It wasn’t as exotic as some locations, nor as breathtaking, but this was Wisconsin—her home state—and she was proud of it.
SILKE FOLLOWED RACHEL and the others across a crowded park
ing lot, through the back door, and into a smoky, noisy bar. Her anxiety level shot up as soon as an excitable crowd of women surrounded them. She gripped Rachel’s arm as they navigated through. It was dark, and she felt claustrophobic.
“I thought we were going to a parade,” she shouted.
“We are,” Rachel said. “It’s out front.”
Her jaw tightened, and she bit back a retort. The questions, suspicions, and barely concealed anger were taking a toll on her. She wished she’d never agreed to this trip. She wasn’t sure whether Rachel wanted to flaunt her or embarrass her. Either way, she was uncomfortable and feeling trapped.
Someone squealed behind her, and she recognized Haley’s voice. “Oh my god, Melissa. I had no idea you were going to be here. Hey, guys, this is my friend Melissa. We met at the Pride Parade in Milwaukee last year.”
As they moved out the front door, Haley tried to make introductions. “Over here, there are some seats.” Silke followed, desperate to be out of the shoving and tripping. From what she overheard, the owners of the bar had set up a makeshift set of bleachers so that customers could view the parade. She made her way to the top row in order to avoid the shoving.
“Do you want a beer?” Rachel hollered from below her.
She nodded. From her vantage point, she had a good view of the parade route as it passed in front of them. They were also across from the viewing stand where the judges would sit.
She choked back her frustration. There was nothing she could do and no way to get out. Even if she complained to Rachel, she knew it would only lead to more placating comments. All she could do was to stick it out until tomorrow and hope they could go home early. Maybe a beer would help.
A loud speaker crackled to life. Silke could barely see him, but thought
that a man was standing at the front of the viewing stand. The music qui
eted as he welcomed everybody to the annual celebration. He sat down as a man and a woman stood up with microphones and began to describe the participants of the parade. Fortunately for her, the sun was slightly behind her or she wouldn’t have seen any of the faces.
After the first few floats and the high school marching band, Rachel climbed up to join her.
“Isn’t this great? I’m glad somebody thought of these bleachers, other
wise we would be standing shoulder to shoulder.” Rachel handed Silke a hot dog wrapped in foil. “I thought you might be hungry.”
“Thanks, I am.” The hot dog smelled great.
“Are you okay? You don’t seem to be having much fun.” Her question was earnest.
“Rachel, you know how difficult crowds are for me, and I really don’t know these people very well. It’s just . . . it’s uncomfortable.” Silke stopped when sadness filled her throat.
“You have to make an effort. These people don’t know you either. It’ll be more fun when we get back to Riz’s house. She has a big barbecue
planned and fireworks. Try to relax a little.” Rachel patted Silke’s shoul
der.
A cheer went up as the veterans came into view. Silke was surprised at how many there were. Looked like about twenty, and at least nine of them were women. It took her a minute to find Riz and Steffi. They did look smart in their uniforms. The crowd was applauding wildly and someone from the hotel on the corner was throwing paper confetti. The vets all beamed with pride.
As they passed in front of the viewing stand, Silke saw a photographer move close to the front taking pictures. She shielded her eyes and looked carefully. The woman looked exactly like Kirin Foster. How could that be possible? She watched as the woman hopped off the platform to get closer pictures. It was definitely Kirin.
“Way to go, Kirin!” someone in front of her hollered.
She craned her neck to see who had shouted. They had just met the
woman in the bar. What was her name? Melanie? Melissa. Then she re
membered that Kirin’s ex was named Melissa.
Well, I’ll be damned
. Small world. She smiled and watched as Kirin returned to the viewing stand and continued to take pictures of the parade.
For the first time all day, Silke felt that tingle of familiarity. In all the confusion, there was a friendly face. She looked back at the viewing stand and thought for a moment that Kirin was staring at her. She wanted to wave, but resisted. She glanced at Rachel who was busy talking to Dawn’s friend Lissa. Instead, she nodded and waited.
Kirin returned the nod and smiled.
Silke hoped the warmth in her cheeks would pass for sunburn. Surprisingly, the large cadre of adorable children on decorated bicycles did not hold her attention. A single figure in a red-and-white striped shirt and white shorts just across the street held her gaze.
As the parade ended, everyone began milling in the street. Very clev
erly, the owners of the Beer and Brats set out two long tables where they sold plastic cups of beer and pre-wrapped brats. Silke remained in the bleachers and tried to keep her eye out for the red-and-white striped shirt.
“Here.” Rachel reached up with another cup of beer. “Are you okay up there?”
“Yes, thank you. Better than down there.” Silke did feel better. The beer, the hot dog, and a very familiar face helped.
“Okay. Stay put and I’ll let you know when we’re ready to head out.” Rachel disappeared into the crowd.
No problem. She felt safer away from the suffocating throng of strang
ers. She spotted the red-and-white shirt. Melissa was dragging her across the street. Kirin simply waved.
“Haley, I want you to meet my friend, Kirin. Kirin this is Haley and her friends.” Melissa laughed. “You’d better introduce everybody.”
Riz and Steffi joined the group and cheered. Silke watched the introduc
tions from her safe spot on the bleachers.
Rachel shook Kirin’s hand. “Hey, Silke, this is Kirin Foster.” She pointed up at the top row of the bleachers. “Silke’s my partner.”
Kirin nodded with an imperceptible glint in her eye.
“Nice to meet you,” Silke said. It was an amusing and ironic moment.
She had never mentioned meeting anyone on her trip to Belize. And Ra
chel never asked. Now she was glad because she had a secret.
One by one, people joined the group. The afternoon faded until Riz started organizing everyone to follow her back to the house. Silke kept an eye on Kirin and watched as Melissa and another friend cornered her. It looked very much like they would be joining the group. Much to her delight. At last, a friend.
“Are you ready?” Rachel’s voice surprised her.
“Oh. Yes.” Silke took one more look as the red-and-white shirt crossed the street.
Chapter Twenty-five
BY THE TIME they reached Riley’s Bay, there must have been a dozen cars already parked on the lawn in front of the house. Rachel parked near the guesthouse, and the two women who rode with them got out.
“Why don’t you guys go ahead. Silke and I will be up in a little bit?” Rachel held the door while Silke got out. “I guess Riz got a little out of control inviting people. Should be interesting.”
“I don’t want to hold you up, I’m just going to grab a quick shower and put on some long pants. I’m guessing the mosquitoes will be out in full force.”
“Good thought. I’ll do the same and see you up there okay?”
Just remember, the more people there are the more distracted Rachel will be.
“I THINK YOU can park behind the car at the guest cottage. They won’t be leaving.” Haley pointed to the small cottage on the right.
Kirin pulled up behind the Lexus. She and Melissa followed Haley
to the main house, which shone brightly through the trees with its elec
tric blue paint and white trim, and music played from outdoor speakers. Originally, she had a few misgivings but figured Melissa knew some of the people so it might be fun. Either way she had her car and could easily slip out and go back to the hotel. Ever since she saw Silke sitting on the top bleacher, she vacillated between eager anticipation and nervousness.
The assignment was nearly complete, and all she needed to do was transcribe her notes. Just the same, she brought her tape recorder. Two of the women who marched in the parade were supposed to be here and it would be nice to have the perspective from one of the first out lesbians to march in a parade to celebrate local veterans.
As soon as they got inside, Kirin looked for Silke. She had been thrilled when she saw her across the street before the parade and amused to be included in the group that was celebrating. Small world.
Another big plus, she would not have to worry about entertaining Me
lissa who was absolutely gobsmacked by one of the vets. She’d always had a thing for uniforms, and the poor woman didn’t stand a chance.
“Glad to see you made it. I’m Dawn. My friends call me Riz. Please make yourself at home.” She held out her hand.
Kirin shook her hand. “Thanks for inviting me. I don’t want to be rude, but would you be willing to give me about five minutes for my magazine?”
“Hell, I’d love to. Should I stay in uniform, or can I change?”
Kirin laughed. “Go ahead and change. It’s your party. Besides I have a few pictures I can use from the parade.”
The screen porch held most of the partiers and the bar. Kirin pulled a beer bottle from a large tub filled with ice. As the sun went down, the outside lights illuminated a large yard sloping down to the bay. Light stringers ran along the railing of the pier. She spotted Silke seated in an
Adirondack chair near the screen door, and mostly hidden in the shad
ows.
“Mind if I join you?” Kirin’s pulse raced.
Silke looked up and smiled warmly. “I would be thrilled. You turned out to be a pleasant surprise at the parade.”
Kirin pulled over a lawn chair and placed it in Silke’s line of sight. “I couldn’t believe it when I looked across the street and saw you sitting there. What are the chances?”
Silke shook her head. “I had no interest in coming up here, but Rachel came home early Friday with this great idea to go away for the weekend. Let’s just say it was easier to agree and keep the peace. What about you? This doesn’t seem like your normal exotic locale.”
They laughed.
“One of the other magazine’s writers needed emergency surgery, and Esther begged. When Melissa found out, there was no turning back. Turns out military parades are a good thing. She’s already set her sights on the vet with the curly gray hair. The way I figure it, if she can fight terrorists, she should be safe with Melissa.” Kirin looked around. “I couldn’t believe when your partner introduced me to you. I’m not gonna get you in trouble am I?”
“I seriously doubt it. Rachel is distracted. She’s in her element, smiling and flirting with everyone. I suspect one of the other houseguests was the
real reason she wanted to come up here. I don’t really care, but it’s humili
ating. I wish she had let me stay home.”
Kirin noticed the empty bottle on the ground. “Can I get you another beer?”
“Thank you. That’d be great. I’m sorry. I’m not gonna get all maudlin on you.”
“I don’t think you’re maudlin. Besides, that’s what friends do.” Kirin picked up the empties and trotted back to the house. The day had improved already.
With two beers in one hand, Kirin turned.
Riz came around the corner with a huge bowl of popcorn, nearly col
liding with her. “If you’re ready to interview me now, why don’t you meet me in the living room? It’ll be quieter.”
“Sure. Let me drop this off.” Kirin hustled outside and handed Silke the beer. “Will you still be here for a while? I asked Riz for a five-minute interview, and she’s ready. But I’d like to talk some more, if that’s okay?”
Silke smiled. “I’d like that, too. I’m not going anywhere. Thanks for the beer.”
SOME INTERVIEWS WERE tough to get started. Dawn Rizzoli made it easy. A couple of questions about serving under Don’t Ask Don’t Tell, and she ran for ten minutes. She was a good storyteller. She’d be a great subject for a whole article, sadly not this one.
“I really appreciate your time.” Kirin handed her a business card. “I’ll
send you a copy of the article when it’s ready. And thanks for your ser
vice.”
“Happy to do my part and I’m glad your magazine took the time to cover our little parade. It isn’t much as parades go, but it meant a lot to those of us who served to have our neighbors recognize our service.” Her voice cracked. “If you want some really good stories, corner Steffi after she’s hit the brandy.”
The crowd had thinned when she got back outside. She stopped when she saw Rachel sitting with Silke. The conversation seemed serious.
Kirin edged over to the other side of the yard and chose a bench under a tree. From there, she had a good view of the inky black bay glazed by moving reflections of moonlight. Three or four women’s voices echoed up the hill from the moored pontoon boat. The music from the house muted along with small pockets of conversation.
Kirin leaned back against the large oak and stretched. It had been a good day’s work, and she was tired. The drive back to Sturgeon Bay wouldn’t take long, but she didn’t want to leave yet, not without talking to Silke again. Who knew when they would have the next chance to meet? She glanced back. Rachel was standing with her hands on her hips. Suddenly she wheeled around on her heel and marched back into the house.
Silke remained seated, but wiped both cheeks with her hands. Was she crying? Kirin watched for a few more minutes to make sure Rachel wasn’t coming back. On impulse, she walked back to the house as though she were going for another beer. In the hall near the dining room, she could see Rachel whispering to the young woman with the red hair who was laughing.
Okay then.
She grabbed a beer and headed back outside.
“Good time or bad?” Kirin said softly.
Silke looked up, surprised. “Both. I’m glad you came back. I was afraid you wouldn’t with Rachel here.”
“Would you like to take a walk?” Kirin looked around then set the beer on the table.
Silke stood. “I’d like to walk. There’s a path along the lake which might be visible in the moonlight, not that it matters. I can’t see it anyway.”
“No, but I can,” Kirin said. “You can relax and enjoy the water in the moonlight. And the quiet.”
Silke took her arm, and they navigated down to the water’s edge. Be
tween the moonlight and the reflection of the water, the gravel pathway was visible.
Kirin didn’t want to mention seeing Rachel inside—or that she was not alone. But she was curious about their argument even if it was none of her business. Silke held tightly to her arm and walked slowly.
Kirin whiffed the shampoo scent mixed with insect repellent. It was nice. It reminded her of youthful summer days and all those years piling in the car before dawn to get up north and open their cottage. Right now, her parents were up there. She felt a little selfish for choosing a work assignment to avoid going. She glanced at Silke and thought how fun it would be to take her up there to meet her folks. They’d like her as much as she did.
“Do you think a lot of people saw us arguing?” Silke said.
Arguing?
“No. There weren’t that many people outside, and I don’t think anyone heard you. But is everything all right?”
Silke stopped and turned. “Not really. I didn’t want to come up here, and I had no idea Dawn was planning this big party. I thought it was just going to be a few of us. You know how uncomfortable I get in crowds. So I asked Rachel if we could go home early tomorrow. She was furious, said she did this for me and how could I be so ungrateful.” Her voice
cracked. “Dawn invited a group of people to bring their boats over tomorrow for a big pontoon boat party.” She sighed and wiped her eyes.
“Rachel blames me for ruining the fun for everyone else. And the truth is, the only reason I can’t enjoy myself is because of her erratic behavior.” She started to cry.
Anger tightened Kirin’s throat. How could anyone be so insensitive? Silke was nearly blind because of Rachel’s temper, and she had the gall to blame Silke for it.
She stepped closer and put her arms around Silke’s shoulders. “You’re right. It isn’t fair. I wish there was something I could do.”
Silke held on to her waist. “Listening helps, believe me. I haven’t been able to talk to anyone about this because it’s so embarrassing.”
Kirin held her by the shoulders. “You have nothing to be embarrassed about. You’re the injured party. It makes me crazy that she treats you so badly. It’s too late tonight, but if you want, I’ll come out early tomorrow morning and drive you back to Milwaukee.”
Silke looked up at her, and the moonlight reflected off her tear-filled eyes. “Are you serious? You’d really do that?”
“Of course. I finished my assignment. I thought I might hang around to
see some of the sights. I’ll check, but I’m pretty sure Melissa has no inten
tion of going back right away, and if so, I think
someone
will be more than happy to give her a ride.”
Silke hugged her. “I feel like I’m always thanking you for saving me. I hate being such a pain in the ass, but I’m really glad you’re here.”
Kirin pulled her close and stroked the back of her head. “Trust me, you’re no imposition. I enjoy being with you. Why don’t we get you back to the cottage, and you can decide how early you want to get up and leave. You have my cell number you can always call.
Always
.”
Chapter Twenty-six
KIRIN SET HER backpack on the floor in the backseat, pulled off some paper towels, and wiped the dew from the windshield. Silke had
suggested meeting at the end of the driveway at six-thirty, before the par
tygoers were up and about.
Third Street was empty, and the flags hung limp on the lampposts in the still air. The sleepy little town had done her veterans proud the day before, and Kirin was glad she made the trip—for a couple of reasons. She followed route 57 back across the bridge, and then turned west to Riley’s Bay.
Before leaving the night before, she caught up with Melissa outside on the front porch. She smiled at the memory of her disheveled-looking ex.
“Kirin. Oh. My. God. Did I ever peg that woman wrong. She’s got some serious stamina. Damn.” Melissa leaned against the railing and laughed.
“You go on home. I have no idea when I’ll be back. Hey, thanks for bring
ing me along.”
SILKE EASED THE screen door closed and stepped out on the front step. She listened. Muted songbirds and cicadas were the only sounds on
the densely wooded property. Toward the water, she could hear the waves lap
ping on the gravel at the shore and the call of a gull. The pine needles muffled her footsteps.
Once she distanced herself from the cottage, her breathing returned to normal. The main road was about six-hundred feet further. Narrows streams of light filtered through the tree branches animating the fog. The driveway was graded, but she used her cane just in case.
The tension eased the further she walked. Not surprisingly, Rachel had come in late or early in the morning. Silke had no way of knowing except that she turned on the light to look for her things then pitched a fit about the twin beds. When she settled down, Silke told her that one of the guests had offered to give her a ride back, so Rachel could feel free to stay and enjoy herself. She thought she delivered the news in a way that would make Rachel happy. Of course, it didn’t. The argument died quickly when Silke refused to discuss it.
When the large cement gate markers were visible, Silke thought she
could see the silhouette of a car and picked up her pace. It was Kirin’s car.
“Good morning. Thank you so much for doing this,” Silke said.
Kirin took Silke’s bag and opened the car door. “I was afraid I might be late, but there certainly isn’t much traffic at this hour. I thought we could stop for breakfast in a little while, if you’re interested.”
“I’d love some coffee, so whenever you want to stop is fine with me.”
“I remember stopping for gas at a truck stop near Brussels. It shouldn’t
be too far.” Kirin steered the car onto the highway and set the cruise con
trol. “After I left you last night, I ran into Melissa.” She laughed. “I think she has met her match. She thought that the soft-spoken vet, Steffi, was shy. Evidently, the military trained her well. In addition to other skills, she seems to have indefatigable stamina.”
Silke couldn’t help it. She laughed as she thought about Dawn’s stiff, stocky military buddy and Kirin’s lascivious blond ex. “So I gather she wasn’t disappointed that she had to stay a little longer.”
“Honestly, I’ve never seen her that way. She could barely focus. Her eyes were glassy, and she had a smile about a mile wide.” Kirin continued to chuckle. “In fact, she told me she didn’t know when she’d be home.”
They rode in silence for a while, and Silke thought about Kirin and her ex. It made her sad when she realized the heady sex-filled days early in her own relationship had been short lived. And even then, it had never been about pleasing her. It had always been about Rachel. Why had she stayed so long?
Kirin pointed. “There’s the turnoff. Are you ready to eat?”
“Absolutely.” Silke’s stomach gurgled in response.
THE WAITRESS WROTE down their order and filled their coffee cups. Silke slid closer to the window, glad that the booth behind them was unoccupied. The small truck stop was busy for a Sunday morning, and the
loud voices made her edgy. When she looked, she saw a curious expres
sion on Kirin’s face.
“Sorry. I guess I’m still a little nervous in public.” She swept her hair back behind her shoulders.
“What happened to your arm?” Kirin pointed at her wrist where several dark bruises had blossomed.
Silke felt the heat rise in her neck. “When we were arguing last night, I tripped over my bag, and Rachel grabbed my arm.” She wasn’t sure, but she thought that’s when it happened.
Kirin nodded but didn’t look convinced. “Looks like it hurts.”
She put her hands below the table, feeling self-conscious. “Not really.
I get banged up worse than this when I’m sculpting.” She shifted posi
tion and leaned back. “Which reminds me. I ordered the white cedar
for my commission project, and hopefully it’ll be here next week. I’m re
ally excited to get started.”
“So you finished the designing?”
The lanky, leggy waitress delivered two plates. “Who had the sausage and eggs?”
“I did.” Silke smiled and put her napkin in her lap.
The server set the plate down in front of Silke and the other in front of Kirin. “Can I get you ladies anything else?”
“I don’t think. This looks great,” Kirin said.
Silke busied herself, mixing her eggs and hash browns then added ketchup. It smelled wonderful. “Yes. I finished the design last week, and the client loved it. He has a home on the bluff overlooking the lake off Lake Drive. He wants a lighthouse for his patio. I’m pretty excited about it.” She chewed her first bite and savored it—the spicy combination warmed her stomach. She thought Kirin’s French toast looked yummy, too.
“Sounds daunting. How do you sculpt a lighthouse?” Kirin drizzled a generous amount of syrup.
In between bites, Silke described the process of drilling a hole through
the log for the galvanized pipe to hold electric wiring. She drew on a nap
kin to show how to connect the two log sections. “I’ll construct a scale version of a widow’s walk, then use a commercial-size street light with copper roofing.”
“It sounds awesome. How big will it be when you’re done?” Kirin wiped her mouth then put the napkin on her empty plate.
“The lighthouse itself will be eight feet, with two more feet for the lamp fixture. But it will be sitting on a square cement base about twelve inches high. I’m hoping that will keep it from blowing over.” She laughed, visualizing the epic project tipping over in the wind. Not really funny.
Kirin shook her head. “You’re a remarkable woman, do you know
that?”
Silke felt herself blushing. “I sure don’t feel that way.”
Kirin picked up the check, and Silke snatched it from her. “Please let me get this. It’s the least I can do since you rescued me. I’d also like to pay for the gas next time we stop.”
“That’s not necessary. Remember, I’m being reimbursed for this trip.”
Back on the highway, Silke felt sated, comfortable, and safe. She put her hand on Kirin’s arm. “I can’t thank you enough for this.”
Kirin smiled and squeezed her hand.
For the next hour, they remained hand in hand with the radio playing softly.
Silke closed her eyes and enjoyed the warmth of the sun on her lap and Kirin’s warm hand in hers.
Chapter Twenty-seven
KIRIN CHOSE THE lake route, which was beautiful on a bright Sun
day morning. The wind was calm and only a few high clouds streaked the sky. A variety of small boats dotted the water along the shore. The smell of the lake blew through the open car windows. Silke couldn’t remember the last time she’d enjoyed a Sunday drive. It was different with Kirin, who didn’t seem uncomfortable with long silences. And it felt good to let her mind wander rather than be on alert and defensive.
She gazed at Kirin’s silhouette outlined by the morning sun. She liked the strong features and the way she jutted her chin when she was concentrating. Their curious introduction in a Dallas Airport seemed like such a long time ago, and Kirin seemed so different from that woman. At first, she thought she was imagining things, but, in fact, Kirin’s voice was softer and much lower. She found it hard to imagine how much stress she must have been feeling for her voice to have sounded so strained.
She shifted in her seat and tucked her leg under her. In truth, she felt different herself. Knowing her relationship was irreconcilably broken and that she had to break it off scared her. But in moments like this, she didn’t feel quite so alone. For too long, the friends she had were mutual friends. And now she wasn’t sure which ones she could trust. Other than Diane and Mark, and now Kirin, she felt very alone.
She closed her eyes and draped her arm across the back of the seat. The open windows brought the scent of freshly cut grass. They passed a sign that read Fox Point. “My brother and his family live here, a little bit west.”
“Do you have a big family?” Kirin asked.
“Just Phillip and his wife, Barbara, my two nephews, Jack and Jor
don—eight-year-old twins—and my mom. That’s where I was last weekend. We all went out to see my mom for a barbecue. She still lives in Elm Grove, but my dad passed away five years ago. I called Phillip because he’s the lawyer who drew up the legal documents for Rachel and me. Since she won’t make an effort, I will have to end it.” A cold ball reformed in her gut.
Kirin looked at her with a wonderfully kind expression. “That must have been a hard decision for you. You’re very brave.”
She smiled. “I don’t know about that, but I feel like I don’t have a choice. Rachel is comfortable with the status quo, but I can’t live this way anymore. I need Phillip’s help because, if I leave it to her, she’ll throw me out with nothing. I just . . . I can’t trust her anymore.”
Once again, Kirin clasped her hand.
“It’s the brick house, you can park in front,” Silke said.
Kirin pulled the car up in front and put it in park. “This is a charming neighborhood. It’s so quiet.”
“Most of the neighbors have lived here for years. Many work at the uni
versity because it’s within walking distance. Would you like to come in?”
“Sure, if you’re not too tired. I know this weekend has been an ordeal for you, so if you want to be alone . . .”
“Actually, I’d rather not be alone, but if you’re busy . . .”
They looked at each other and laughed.
