Chapter Thirteen
Tess was crammed in the back seat between Gabby and Bree while Hank drove the Tacoma pickup and Rachelle rode shotgun. Bree suspected that Tess hadn’t been sardine-style squeezed into a back seat for transport in ages, if ever. Bree was enjoying the proximity and Tess hadn’t complained.
Tess had left her hair down, as had Bree, and in a pale pink sweater and dark pair of slacks, Tess bore a very different look from the woman who wore a robe all week.
When Tess had walked out her front door after they’d pulled into her driveway, Bree had felt the anticipation of the evening with an acute uptick of her pulse and a flood of heat between her thighs.
So that Tess could scoot to the middle, Bree had jumped out to take a few deep breaths and remind herself that they were together to support Gabby.
But being with Tess elevated it to a whole new level of enjoyment.
“So glad you could join us, Tess,” Hank said over his shoulder. “We feel a little responsible for the cabin screwup, Your Honor, so I’m really glad to finally get to meet you in person to apologize. And to meet the woman who survived a week in captivity with Bree.”
“No calling me Your Honor tonight,” Tess replied. “We’re here in honor of Gabby and her play.”
“That too, but the Rude Rooster Diner was a no brainer.” Bree poked her niece.
“I think that you’re along, Aunt Bree, because Tess agreed to come.” Gabby looked past Tess to Bree and offered her a grin. “Can’t be a meeting this time. Is it a date?”
Bree avoided looking directly at Tess. Bree had wanted to avoid a label-defining characterization of this evening.
She knew what her professional obligations were, but she couldn’t seem to control her attraction to Tess whenever she was in her close proximity.
And that made her come across as a total flake.
Sleeping with the woman in Tahoe, walking away, wanting more, refusing to even allow a prolonged kiss… a total flake.
Bree had never been one to waver, yet she was now struggling to understand what she wanted in terms of the future and Tess. And now she was mixed up in the Commission’s investigation. How would Tess react if she eventually learned of her involvement?
“Actually, it is another meeting,” Tess informed Gabby. “Justice waits for no one.” Tess gave Bree a side-eye glance. So much for trying to avoid a discussion of labeling this little get-together, emotional quagmire that it was.
“Well, I’m glad you came, and that I get to pay you back for helping pick me up when Aunt Bree’s car broke down,” Gabby replied. “And anytime I can help you spend time with Aunt Bree…”
“Gabby, I know you like Tess and love Bree, but they don’t need a matchmaker tonight.” Rachelle turned around from up front. “I see the rude rooster on its pole, so we’re here.”
“Saved by a giant bad-mannered chicken boy.” Gabby laughed, and they all joined in as they pulled into the parking lot—even Tess, and that relieved Bree.
“I hope you brought a whole lot of math homework to do during dinner,” Bree said. “So many equations to solve that you won’t have time to give Tess and me any advice. Or you could practice your lines for the play.”
“If I don’t know them by now…” Gabby hopped out on her side, then threw back over her shoulder, “I hear you, Aunt Bree.”
Bree stepped out of the truck and then leaned back in to offer Tess a hand as she slid from the middle of the bench seat. Tess hesitated before she grasped it, but then even after she’d made her exit, Tess didn’t let go. They walked hand in hand behind the other three to the diner door.
Bree let herself silently binge on the linkage of their laced fingers, on the warmth and smoothness of the skinscape of Tess’s palm against hers.
Tess finally dropped the connection as they entered the diner.
Bree felt the separation but wanted to let Tess define the rules for tonight, for a meeting that wasn’t a date.
As practiced as the mask was that Tess wore, it was also clear that Tess’s feelings were fragile, and Bree knew that she was the reason.
“Gabby, what do you suggest I order here?” Tess asked once they were all seated and had perused the menu options. “Your burger recommendation at Maria’s Café was not my normal fare, but it was delicious.”
Gabby sat across the table from Tess and Bree with a parent on each side.
She glanced down at her menu for a moment.
“With that bird watching right here”—Gabby pointed at the image of a rooster on the page—“I’d hate to eat one of his chicken buddies.
You could go for the barnyard competition or you could order seafood. ”
Tess nodded as she continued to study the menu. “So maybe I’ll skip the cock-a-doodle-do burger and the pork on your fork and go for something from the ocean.”
“Just don’t pick the Rocky Mountain oysters because they’re not from the ocean. They’re barnyard and disgusting.” Gabby wrinkled her nose and shook her head. “I almost ordered them once. Saved by the waitress.”
“Got it.” Tess chuckled. “Is the Crab Louie safe?”
“If you don’t mind eating a crab named Louie. I’m sure chicken boy would approve. Or you could check out the appetizers,” Gabby suggested.
“I don’t think that’s what the Louie means, but now you’re making me feel guilty.” Bree turned and looked at Tess. “And guilty is a word with consequences in our profession.”
Tess nodded her agreement. “So maybe it’s between the t-o-o-n-a, which it says is soy protein, or if you’re willing, Bree, you and I could order a sampling of vegetarian appetizers and split them.”
Gabby looked at Rachelle and shrugged before she smiled. “Sharing appetizers.”
While Tess diligently studied her menu, Bree gently leaned her shoulder into Tess for a moment. “I’m in. Shall we each order two appetizers to share, then?”
Tess nodded but didn’t say a word. Bree suspected Tess was dealing with the same thing that she was, sizing up how this all fit into their reset.
“If dairy is okay, how about I pick the feta bruschetta and avocado goat cheese truffles?” Tess finally said.
“Sounds perfect,” Bree replied. “And if you think the rude rooster wouldn’t object, how about the garlic-herb mini quiches and the artichoke deviled eggs?”
Tess agreed, and the waitress took the orders with a declaration that sharing appetizers with her girlfriend made for her favorite date dinner. Gabby had the good grace to only snicker.
The kids on the stage had just delivered the last line to The Redemption of Terri Dactyl, and the audience had taken their seats again after a prolonged standing ovation.
It was time for the raffle, and the drama teacher pulled the ticket for a whale watching day for two followed by dinner and dancing at the Seaside Eatery and Dance Club.
She announced with a flourish, “And the big winner of the date for two is Theresa Fairchild.”
“It looks like you two judges just landed a sequel event on the love boat,” Hank teased. “That’s what you get for donating to the cause, Tess.”
Tess pulled her ticket stub out of her pocket and went up on the stage to collect her prize.
She was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself this evening because she’d had her reservations about exposing herself to more time with Bree and the personal turmoil that might entail, but instead she could only marvel that she was out with Bree and sharing a family dinner and a high school play with her family.
She’d felt welcomed, included, embraced.
And she’d learned even more about Bree. Things that only made Tess like her more.
She’d seen Bree with her niece before, and tonight had only reinforced what she’d observed—there was no doubt in Tess’s mind that Bree had earned Gabby’s love and her desire for her aunt’s happiness.
The same went for her brother and Rachelle.
She’d watched Bree and Hank talk and tease with such ease.
The entire evening only expanded her appreciation of what had drawn her to Bree.
Even with the wounds Bree carried from a bad marriage, she was solid.
She was genuine. She knew how to appreciate and love the people in her personal life.
And the fact that she’d been willing to share all this with Tess, it only increased Tess’s feelings for her.
The last time she’d spent a day on a boat with Bree, they’d ended up in bed together, spent the night together—the best night of her life.
That was Tahoe. She didn’t want to offer mixed signals about the reset she’d instigated, and she didn’t want to dwell on how to handle this raffle ticket tonight.
She’d figure it out. Tonight might have been about supporting a kid and a community function, but it meant so much more to Tess.
“Well, it’s certainly your lucky night,” Bree said. “Congratulations.”
Tess nodded at her and smiled before Bree stood up and moved toward the aisle. “Time to collect our future Broadway star and head home.”
Hank had been seated on the other side of the four of them, and when he moved toward the aisle on his side, Rachelle and Tess remained in the row alone and seated next to each other.
“So, what do you think? Did you have a good time tonight?” Rachelle asked. “I’m so glad you came with Bree. And not just because you were supporting Gabby.”
“I’ve had a wonderful time,” Tess replied. Such a wonderful time, Tess told herself, and she meant it.
“You can work out the specifics of your prize later,” Rachelle advised as she quietly held Tess’s gaze.
Tess knew that as close as Bree was to her family, Rachelle had significant insight into Bree and her life—and probably into Bree’s relationship with Tess. Maybe she didn’t know the exact details, but Rachelle was astute enough to realize there were things Tess and Bree needed to figure out.