Authors: Barrett
Tags: #Gay & Lesbian, #Contemporary, #Fiction, #Romance, #Genre Fiction, #Lesbian, #Lesbian Romance, #Literature & Fiction
Chapter Fifty-one
SILKE PRESSED THE cell phone against her ear. “I love you, too, have a safe trip. And Kirin . . . let me know when you land, okay? Bye.” She smiled and tucked the phone into her shirt pocket. The trip to New York was inevitable but hard.
“I think we’re all set,” Roger said and dumped a giant roll of bubble wrap on the floor. “I arranged for the Home Depot truck for Thursday and rented a big ass hand truck from the heavy equipment place. It costs a hundred bucks a day, but it’s seventy-eight inches tall and can hold sixteen hundred pounds. I’m pretty sure that will do the trick.”
“It sounds awesome. I spoke to the electrician this morning. He in
stalled Mr. Hardcastle’s wiring last week, and the cement base was poured on Friday.” Silke unrolled the blueprint design on her workbench and held it down with a mallet on one end and a pipe wrench on the other. “The only thing I’m worried about is the diameter of the anchor hole and the location of the pipe with the wires.”
Roger leaned on the bench next to her. “Well, what do you say we mea
sure it again and take a run up there? It wouldn’t hurt to do a walk-through. My friend John won’t be free until Thursday morning but he’s gonna bring his roommate, Rudy.”
Silke thought about the drive and decided it would be a good diversion. “Good idea. We can’t wrap it for a couple of days until it’s absolutely dry. Tomorrow I think we could take the top section apart and pack it. That’s too expensive to risk damaging.”
Roger grinned. “If you want to measure, I’ll go get my truck.”
SILKE GOT OUT of the shower and toweled off. She pulled on a clean tee shirt and cotton shorts, then loosely braided her hair. The day was over and with it the insistent subliminal jabs of conscience. The final hours before a big installation always brought up negative thoughts and worries about her inadequacy. No wonder Rachel found her such an easy target.
The bedroom looked the same as it always did and a room once filled with happiness and passion was now void of any connection. She started toward the door intent on escaping to her studio loft but stopped. This was her house now. It was time to reclaim it.
The bed felt unfamiliar to her but comfortable and cool. She stretched out and reread her last text message from Kirin and smiled. They had talked briefly when Kirin landed in New Jersey, but her mother’s call to
confirm the appointment with the eye doctor had interrupted their conver
sation. Her consciousness dimmed like the fading light on this summer night. One inch at a time, fatigue swept through her tired body until the last memory was of Kirin’s lips.
KIRIN READ THE midtown Manhattan address to the cabbie who swerved into a tiny opening in traffic. The intense energy in the air was palpable enough that she wondered if actual electricity caused her body
to hum. It wasn’t unpleasant, just unusual, more like being over-caffein
ated.
As the cab crawled south on Broadway, Kirin glanced up at the im
mense wall of stone that created a canyon through midtown. It amused her that the reason for the meeting in New York City was to discuss the article about the jungle.
The cab stopped suddenly and horns blared. It was only nine-forty but the temperature was already in the mid-eighties and her crisp cotton slacks and pressed shirt had wilted several blocks earlier.
Kirin was barely out of the cab before it blasted back into traffic. She
stood on the baking-hot sidewalk and looked up at the great granite struc
ture that housed Nuanced Publishers, Inc. Deep breath. She tucked the leather document bag under her arm and pushed the revolving door.
Sylvia Goebel had worked for Nathan Silver as long as Kirin could remember. Her large desk sat beneath the ornate logo hanging on the wall. The desk was stacked high, as usual, with manuscripts, correspondence, and courier envelopes. Sylvia waved.
Kirin looked around for a place to set down her bag. “Hi, Sylvia. It’s good to see you again. Busy as usual, eh?”
Sylvia smiled up at her. “Nice to see you too, Ms. Foster. I’ll let Mr. Silver know you’re here. He asked me to let him know when you arrived.”
Kirin took a seat in an ornate leather chair and crossed her legs just as Nathan’s office door swung open.
“Come in, come in, my dear. It’s wonderful to see you again.” The el
egant Nathan Silver stood with his arm extended, looking dapper in a dove gray suit and matching tie.
His thick white hair and beard were trimmed perfectly, but as she got closer, Kirin noticed his face was drawn and showed pallor. He was also thinner than their last visit.
She took one of the tall back Chesterfield chairs in front of his beautiful desk with a mosaic inlays. He had a commanding view of the skyline, and his large office was as comfortable as a living room.
“We’ll have plenty of time to chat later, but I wanted to let you know
today’s agenda. Please understand I won’t do anything without your
authorization. But your beautifully written piece on the hurricane after
math created an excellent opportunity for Chuck and me to share our vision of publishing. It’s a good thing when old ideas and new ideas can find common ground, don’t you think?”
Kirin nodded, not entirely sure where he was going with this.
Even though his eyes twinkled with excitement, Kirin thought he looked tired. It worried her.
“We will be meeting Chuck in a little while but I wanted to go over some papers before we meet with him.” Nathan opened a folder and took
out several stapled documents. They were legal size and formal look
ing. “This is your original contract from several years ago. At the time, I deemed this a fair and equitable agreement between you and the magazine. If you recall, we modified it last year.” He turned it over and
picked up a thicker contract. “This is a merger proposal that I’m consider
ing. And this is a potential contract that Chuck Halpern prepared for you.”
Kirin felt a pain in her chest. Disconnect. He continued to speak but she couldn’t understand. Was he selling her off to another company? Was this how one terminated a long-term contract? He continued to read the contract, and she watched him without hearing. He used his fountain pen to indicate different items. She waited, hoping she could snap out of this.
When he finished he put the contract on his desk and smiled. “How does that sound you, Kirin?”
“I’m really sorry to sound stupid, but I’m afraid I don’t understand what this is about.”
He chuckled. “Of course I understand. This is a lot of legal mumbo jumbo.” He pressed the intercom. “Sylvia, would you ask Jack to join us? Thank you.”
He continued, unfazed. “Essentially Chuck wants to publish your ar
ticle in his magazine—with my permission—and, of course, yours. In addition,
he wants you to expand what you started and write a book about this magi
cal little country. He’s offering expenses and a very handsome advance.” He recapped his pen and leaned back in his chair.
Her head began spinning counter-clockwise now.
A book? He’s offer
ing me a book deal? I can’t believe this.
“I’m sorry . . . did you say a book deal?”
He nodded. “Yes, and a very good deal, if you don’t mind my saying so. He will explain all of this in glorious detail later, but I wanted you to have time to think about it.” He stopped and waited.
A knock at the door interrupted.
“Come.”
A young man walked in. “Good morning, Nathan. Ms. Foster, my name is Jack Walters.” He offered his hand. “I’m an attorney and I work for Mr. Silver. He asked me to look over a contract for you and let you know what I thought.”
“I’m sorry. Who are you?” Kirin frowned.
“Jack Walters. I work for Mr. Silver.”
“I don’t understand why he wanted you to look over my contract.” She looked at Nathan who just smiled and nodded.
“I probably wasn’t very clear. It’s the contract offer from Omni World.”
Mr. Walters pointed to the contract. “He felt you might be more comfort
able if a neutral third party reviewed it. So, essentially, I’m acting on your behalf.”
Her head stopped then started spinning again. “All right. I’m not sure I can afford a lawyer at this point . . .”
Both men smiled.
“I’m consulting on your behalf, but Mr. Silver has me on retainer for this sort of thing,” Mr. Walters said.
Kirin wasn’t sure why Nathan would do this but she probably would
have questions, if the damn gyroscope ever stopped. “It’s fine. I really ap
preciate any advice you might have.”
He sat down and picked up the contract. “First, let me say I think this is
a pretty inclusive contract and it leaves you a ninety day opt-out. The ad
vance is somewhat more than most publishers offer for this type of work, and the royalty is generous. He’s giving you thirty days to present
your proposal . . . and then twelve months to complete it. There is an ad
dendum that exempts you from a no-compete clause with your previous publisher.” He stopped and gave her an expectant look.
Kirin raised an eyebrow. “It sounds a little too good to be true, don’t you think?”
Mr. Walters laughed. “Actually, it does, but I think Mr. Silver might
have influenced it a bit.” He nodded at Nathan and handed Kirin his busi
ness card. “Do you have any other questions? You have my number if you do. Just give me a call.”
“Thank you very much. This really helps.” She smiled. Nathan, as al
ways, played the grand puppeteer.
She gaped at him as the information penetrated her brain.
Wow.
“That’s incredible, isn’t it?”
“Yes it is. This sort of thing doesn’t happen very often, and I’m pleased that it’s happened for you. But you have always held great potential, and I think this may be your opportunity.” Nathan looked very pleased.
Kirin gave her head a shake. “I’m still not sure I get this. So I won’t be working for you anymore if I do this?”
His smile was genuine but his eyes looked sad. “Well, yes and no. Chuck and I are forming a merger of our small companies. As it stands, he will assume the responsibilities as managing editor, and I will step back into more of a consultant role.”
BY FOUR O’CLOCK, she was back at her hotel room, with a full stomach and giddy feeling, lying on her bed and holding a thick envelope
in her hands. The logo on the return address was for Omni World Publica
tions.
She laughed. Six hours earlier she believed her professional career might truly be over. She held it up and shook her head.
Unbelievable.
She left a text message for Silke, then set the phone on her chest and closed her eyes, for just a minute.
Chapter Fifty-two
SEVEN O’CLOCK THURSDAY morning found Silke, Roger, John,
and Rudy standing around the bubble-wrapped sculpture, which was firm
ly strapped to the six-and-a-half foot tall hand truck. They sipped coffee and inhaled the fresh doughnuts.
Silke carefully read the detailed plan for the installation. Roger would
drive the truck. Rudy would ride in the back, watching for any low hang
ing obstacles. Silke would ride with John and lead them.
Rudy started to giggle.
John elbowed him.
“I’m sorry. It’s not funny, but don’t you guys think that looks a little obscene?” Roger pointed to the bubble-wrapped phallic symbol.
They giggled until they were holding onto their sides laughing.
Silke had to admit, it never would have occurred to her until they put the bubble wrap on it . . . but yeah, it really did look obscene.
Ninety minutes later, her labor of love sat firmly anchored in the ce
ment base. The electrician connected the wires without any problem. Then he helped Roger strip off the bubble wrapping as Silke looked on.
She paced and chewed her thumbnail. She walked around the base, look
ing for gaps and filling them with silicone caulk.
She looked up at the sound of rapid footfalls.
Mrs. Hardcastle hurried across the patio, clapping her hands. “Royce was called out of town but I just know he is going to be thrilled when he sees this. Honey, your drawings didn’t do justice to this beautiful piece. Whoops, I forgot I made you all some lemonade.” She hurried off.
“Silke, could you get me the socket wrench?” Roger peeked around the side of the lighthouse. “I think all these nuts should be tightened.”
She retrieved the socket wrench and handed it to Roger on the steplad
der. His pride and attention to detail pleased her. Over the summer, he had matured and showed an increasing level of artistry in his work. Sadly, he had to
cancel his plans to attend art school in the fall because of a family emer
gency.
She hadn’t said anything yet, but she wanted to offer him the use of her studio while she was in Belize. In return for a free place to stay and work, he could keep an eye on her belongings and the house. It would be a win-win if he was interested. If not, she would have to store her belongings.
“All set. Does it look all right?” he yelled down.
Silke walked back to the house and stood by the patio doors. It looked plumb and the angle was good so that there was an unobstructed view to the lighthouse and the lake and skyline behind it. Her breath caught in her throat, and she felt as though she was seeing it for the first time. It looked so much better in this natural setting. The two-foot square base elevated it above the patio, creating the perfect stage. She gave Roger a thumbs up, afraid to trust her voice.
The screen behind her opened, and she heard a gasp.
“Oh my,” Mrs. Hardcastle exclaimed. “It looks a majestic, doesn’t it?”
“This really is the perfect setting for it,” Silke said. “I hope your hus
band will be pleased.”
“I know he will.” Mrs. Hardcastle beamed. “I was going to send him the pictures, but I think I’ll wait until he gets home tonight. He should see it in person, don’t you think? Will it be lit?”
“Yes, we installed a dusk to dawn sensor. It will go on at sundown and go off at sunrise. I left instructions in the envelope, but if there are any problems, please let me know.”
“Before he was called out of town, we wanted to have a little unveiling
Sunday night, just for the family and a couple of neighbors,” Mrs. Hard
castle said. “If you and your crew are available, we’d love to have you come. I’ll let you know after I find out.”
“That’s awfully nice of you,” Silke said, as Roger stepped away from the lighthouse. “It looks like we’re about finished so we’ll be on our way. Thank you for everything.”
“YES, THANK YOU,” Kirin said to the waiter, who refilled her coffee cup.
She glanced at her watch, relieved that she still had plenty of time be
fore she had to take the airport shuttle.
The previous day was still a bit of a blur, and she had to pinch herself when she thought about the great deal he had offered. It took all of her willpower not to call Silke and tell her. When they had talked the night before, all she revealed was that her meeting with Nathan had gone well and that he was pleased with the article.
Silke had been excited with her own news about the installation and embarrassed she hadn’t sent pictures.
Kirin smiled and sipped her coffee. She felt giddy and couldn’t keep the smile from her face. It was hard to decide which was more exciting—
the unbelievable book deal or being head over heels in love with an incred
ible woman.
She opened the envelope and reread the contract as she finished her coffee. The phone rang again and the caller ID indicated it was Esther. She hadn’t had the time to see her earlier and hoped they would have a chance to connect.
“Hi, Esther. Sorry I missed you yesterday.”
“I understand completely.” Esther sounded harried as usual. “It’s been nuts around here. Well, it has been for the last couple of weeks. Listen, I’m calling because Nathan wanted to meet with you briefly before you leave. I thought we could sneak in coffee before.”
“That sounds great, please tell Nathan I’ll be happy to meet him when
ever he’s free.”
“Will do. And congratulations kid!”
She returned to her room and decided to pack since she would leave directly after meeting with Nathan. She brushed her hair, hoping to tame it a little and added some makeup. After all, it wasn’t every day she’d have a chance to rub elbows with her New York publisher.
She laughed and improvised a little dance in front of the bathroom mirror. Her parents would be thrilled. Maybe she should plan a party? She could announce her big news and introduce her new girlfriend.
Girlfriend
. Damn, she couldn’t wait to see her.
The navy blue blouse looked good with the white slacks. She only wished she had better shoes. With that huge advance, she could definitely buy new shoes.
“Mr. Silver, Mr. Halpern, I am ready to sign your contract.”
Chapter Fifty-three
SILKE HOPPED OUT of bed Friday morning, feeling better than she had in years. It was almost as though the earth had shifted on its axis and began turning in a different direction. Even though she had been up late the night before making plans with Diane, she still felt rested and energized.
When she had expressed an interest in staying in Belize for several months, Diane said they had adapted an area for a studio. There was no turning back. Since Phillip was willing to take care of the house, she could focus on the new project. And now, drawing would be much easier.
She took plastic bags and a clipboard out to the studio with the intent of bagging up some of her small carving tools and drawing supplies to ship to Belize. The only shadow hanging over her bright new future was the question of whether Kirin would be able to join her for any of the time. It sounded like the meetings went well, but even the best case scenario, Kirin was a travel writer and would probably need to travel. But she sounded so happy when she called . . . well, she’d have to wait and see.
The studio somehow looked empty without the tall sculpture occupy
ing the center of the room. As she reached the top step, she smiled at the unmade bed. The high temperatures the past few days had kept her in the house with the air conditioner at night, but her memory of the last night out in the loft with Kirin remained vivid.
She removed the pillowcase and held it up to her face. The mingled scent was faint but enough to bring back memories. She folded the pillowcase and then stripped the bed. When she presented the proposal, Roger had not indicated whether he planned to sleep at the studio or just work there. She decided to leave him a set of sheets just in case.
Her cell phone vibrated in the pocket of her shorts. “Hi, Phillip, this is a nice surprise.” She sat down on the foot of the bed.
“I got your text message, and I wanted to congratulate you on complet
ing the project and getting it installed so quickly,” Phillip said. “Is the guy happy with it?”
“He’s very excited. He’s not only having an official unveiling Sunday night, we’re invited if you guys want to see it. And he included a nice bonus when his wife told him how hard we worked. He sent the check
to the gallery. Lucien, from the gallery, will deposit my money on Mon
day.”
“I’m really happy for you, sis. I know this year hasn’t been the best for you, but it looks like things are changing. Speaking of bad news, have you heard any more from Rachel?”
Silke had to laugh. Her brother never missed a chance for a little dig. “Not a word, fortunately. I’m sure she’s counting your money and thinking she got the better end of the deal. I don’t care. That’s something I don’t need to even think about.”
“Hey, Mom says you got good news from the eye doctor. What hap
pened?” Phillip asked.
She lay back on the bed, closed her eyes, and smiled. “I went up north for the weekend with my friend Kirin . . .”
My friend, my very close friend.
“And she took me out on their boat Saturday. The strangest thing happened after we went swimming. When I got out of the water, I started having these weird colored spots dancing around my field of vision. It didn’t hurt or anything, but it was a little scary. Since then I’ve had times where some of my peripheral vision comes back. When I called the doctor, he asked to see me so he could check. From the test in the office, he thought the circulation had improved, not completely, but enough to help—especially in my left eye.”
“That’s incredible news, I’m so happy for you. Does he think you’ll keep improving?”
Silke sighed. “There’s no way to know. He wants to check it again in three months, but it sure surprised me.”
“You must be so relieved. I know I am. I was worried about you.”
“It was scary and I’d almost given up thinking there’d be a light at the end of the tunnel—no pun intended. Even this little improvement has made a difference. I don’t trip over as many things.” Silke laughed.
“Let’s definitely plan to get together Sunday night. Will you need a ride?” Phillip asked. “I can pick you up, unless you have other plans.”
“I’ll give you a call Sunday when I know for sure. Roger may be able to do that, if he’s interested.” Silke disconnected and stared at the phone. She still hadn’t given Kirin the information about the Sunday night get together or the doctor’s report. With all the busy-ness in New York and the installation here in Milwaukee, the time to tell her just never felt right.
She wanted to be alone when she told her, and she prayed that the timing would be good to invite her to Belize. She gathered the sheets and
headed downstairs. A clock above her workbench showed one-thirty. Ki
rin’s flight from New York would arrive at three forty-five.
And she had promised to call as soon as she landed.
“WELCOME TO MILWAUKEE, Wisconsin. The local time is three-f
orty p.m. and the weather is clear with a temperature of eighty-four de
grees. Please remain seated until the captain has turned off the seatbelt sign.”
Kirin texted a brief message, saying she would call Silke when she got to her car. Her endorphins carried her through the first hour of the flight. She then settled back to read more from the Omni World portfolio. Chuck
thought it would help. Now the excitement about her book deal was run
ning second to her excitement about seeing Silke again.
She dug through the pocket of her backpack to find the Bluetooth head
set then tapped Silke’s number as she crossed into the parking garage.
“Hi, are you home?” Silke said.
Kirin’s tension level decreased dramatically at the sound of Silke’s voice. “We just landed, and I’m about to get my car. How soon can I see you?”
Silke responded with a throaty laugh. “I have no plans except to see you. Why don’t you take care of whatever you need to, and I’ll order something for dinner whenever you’re ready.”
“That sounds perfect. I really don’t want to go anywhere and I have so much to tell you . . . it could take all night. How does that sound?”
Silke laughed again. “I guess I better order a big dinner. I can’t wait
to see you, and I’m so glad you’re home. Now, go drive and don’t get ar
rested.”
Kirin didn’t even notice the late afternoon traffic. Her whole body
jittered from anticipation, memories, and desire. It wasn’t just her imagi
nation, Silke sounded just as excited. The entire week of worry about writing, worry about publishing, worry about having a job, and the consummate worry about what she was going to do next slipped away from her like a shadow in the sun. All she wanted was to hold Silke in her arms and melt into the bliss of her sensual body.
The condo was clean and cool after bustling through busy airports. Kirin checked her messages, dumped the contents of her suitcase on the bed, and tossed most of the clothes in the hamper. She left the Omni World portfolio in her backpack and threw on some clean clothes. She chuckled. She did not intend to come home for at least twenty-four hours. She might not even need the clothes, she thought as she threw in her toiletry kit.
The shower reinvigorated her, and within an hour of touching down in Milwaukee, she was back in the car and heading to the north side to the arms of the woman she was falling more in love with daily. Even the sight
of the lake’s distant whitecaps brought back memories of their picnic din
ner beneath the lighthouse beacon. It hadn’t been that long ago, and now Silke’s lighthouse was installed and working just a little farther north. Silke’s belief in her vision had never wavered. She smiled when she thought of those gifted, determined hands.
The fluttering in her chest started just after she turned off Lakeshore
drive. At the first stoplight, she wiped her hands on her shorts. Her breath
ing was shallow like a teenager on a first date. The events on the night of their torrid studio tryst reanimated on her interior wide-screen. Small muscles in her belly tightened.
Kirin parked in front of the house. She looked in the rearview mir
ror and finger combed the sides of her humidity-coifed hair. “Give me strength.”
She got out and trotted up to the door. She rang the doorbell and peeked through the screen door.
“Come in.” Silke’s voice echoed from the back of the house.
Kirin stepped into the living room and Silke came through the kitchen doorway directly in front of her.
They stopped and gazed at each other for a nanosecond.
Kirin pulled Silke into her arms and held her tightly as the pounding in her chest increased. “I’ve wanted to do this for days. You have no idea how much I missed you.”
“God, you feel so good.” Silke put her hands on the sides of Kirin’s face and pressed their mouths together.
Kirin’s lightheadedness gave away to the sweetness of Silke’s kiss. And they continued alternately tasting and touching each other all the way to the couch.
“Are you hungry?” Silke muttered between kisses.
“Not right now. Don’t stop kissing me.”
Silke laughed and continued as directed.
THE NEIGHBORHOOD WAS still and quiet, the wind barely a whis
per, except for a few muffled summer sounds.
Silke cuddled close to Kirin and stroked her arm. “Are you sure you don’t want any more pizza?”
Kirin kissed Silke’s forehead. “I’m sure. That was perfect. I am very content at this moment and would like it to go on indefinitely.”
“Can you tell me more of what happened in New York?” Silke looked up at Kirin. “You seemed so happy when I talked to you. I guessed that they were going to publish your article.”
Kirin shifted slightly so that she faced Silke and smiled. “Yes, that part’s true. I won’t bore you with the grueling business details. The Cliffs Notes version is this: Nathan Silver was a prince and put my needs ahead of his own . . . well, mostly.”
Silke stroked Kirin’s forehead. “Good.”
“I think he’s been grooming the new guy, Chuck Halpern, for a long time. Nathan’s cunning. He recognizes the warning signs and knows that publishing is changing. I’m guessing he’s had his eye on Halpern and his company, Omni World. They are using cutting-edge technology and have a bold vision of the future. They publish a magazine called
Across New
Borders
. It highlights lesser-known destinations around the world. My article will be in the next issue.” Kirin’s words came faster with her grow
ing excitement.
Silke bit her lower lip to avoid grinning.
“Anyway, Nathan said my article was a good way to get to know Chuck. They seem to be pretty simpatico and are working on a merger. So the reason Nathan wanted me to come to New York was not only to meet Chuck, but to explain how the merger would affect me.”
Silke realized her pulse had sped up and her chest tightened painfully.
Was Kirin going to New York?
Was bad news on the way
? All the joy that had filled her was leaking out of her like sand from an hourglass.
She grasped Kirin’s hand. “This is scaring me a little.”
Kirin’s face clouded. “Why? This is good news. I’m sorry I’ve been holding onto it. I wanted to tell you in person. Chuck Halpern offered me a book deal.”
Silke blinked up at her. “What do you mean, book deal?”
Did they want her to edit for the new company
?
“He is going to give me a ten-thousand dollar advance to write a book that will follow up on my article about Belize.” Kirin took Silke’s hand and smiled. “Nathan is encouraging me to do it. This means taking my writing to a new level.”
Silke sat up as her excitement and relief sloshed together like lovely jewel-tone paints. “That’s wonderful. That’s what you wanted.” The joyful expression on Kirin’s face stopped just short of alleviating Silke’s anxiety. Her default was always waiting for the other shoe to drop.