Chapter 7 #2
“Marie Zimmerman was an amazing artist, and she was one of us,” Elodie said. “I want to help preserve the memory of as many butch women as I can.”
“That’s awesome.” Gabe handed Elodie the original vehicle title, sheathed in protective plastic. “She used to live in Gramercy Park. Nice neighborhood.”
Elodie tilted her head. “I actually own that property too. It came on the market just after I released Night Deeds—”
“Your first Oscar,” RB said as if Elodie and the rest of them didn’t already know that.
Elodie nodded and had the grace not to look irritated by the interruption. “I almost bankrupted myself buying it, but it’s still one of my favorite properties.”
That was high praise, considering that her extensive portfolio included a private island, if the article in People magazine was accurate.
Shay looked over the car roof at Gabe and raised her eyebrows.
What would it be like to have that kind of money?
They’d scraped, bartered, and put everything they had—and everything they didn’t have—to get their dream garage off the ground.
Elodie climbed out of the car and grinned. “Any chance we can get her out of here so I can get on the road?”
“Sure thing.” Gabe motioned to RB, who then went to the wide rear doors that opened onto their parking lot.
The bodyguards quickly joined her and surveyed the area before they gave Elodie a thumbs-up.
Elodie pulled something from her back pocket and gave it to Gabe. “If you ever need any help with the garage, give me a call. It’s so good to see veterans succeeding… Too many of us don’t fare so well.”
Gabe slipped the card into her pocket and nodded. “Thank you. That means a lot.” She leaned into the car and released the parking brake, then the four of them pushed the Brewster out onto the tarmac.
“The paperwork!” RB ran back into the garage and returned with the relevant documents to sign ownership over to Elodie.
Ice put her hand on Shay’s hip. “I’ll drop in the next time I’m here.”
“I have a feeling I’d like that.”
“You’d more than like it,” Ice said and squeezed Shay’s hip firmly before joining Elodie outside.
Shay sighed quietly. When she told Rosie about this tonight, she had a feeling she’d be as disappointed as Shay was.
Gabe opened the side gates, then she and one of the bodyguards shifted their vehicles to clear the alley.
“Will Lori Turner be at the Sanctuary?” Elodie asked as she slid back into the driver’s seat, while Ice sat beside her.
“That’s where I left her this morning.” Gabe’s eyebrow quirked slightly.
Elodie grinned. “Ah, you’re together. Nice.” She nodded approvingly.
Ice leaned out of the window. “Don’t text or call to tell her Dee’s dropping by.”
Elodie shook her head. “She meant to say please, obviously.”
“I did?” Ice wound the window back up without another word.
Elodie started the engine and pulled away, closely followed by the dark SUV.
Before they were out of sight, Solo pulled up in the lot. She jumped out of her car and slammed the door. “Tell me I didn’t just miss Elodie Fontaine and Madison Ford picking up the Brewster in person.”
Shay shook her head. “You didn’t just miss Elodie Fontaine and Madison Ford picking up the Brewster in person…” She waited until Solo sighed with relief. “You did miss Elodie Fontaine and her friend picking up the Brewster in person.” She laughed, and everyone but Solo joined in.
“Fuckity fuck fuck.” Solo kicked the door panel of her car and left a dent. “Double fuck,” she said, inspecting it.
“New cars get damaged so easily,” RB said.
“Old cars don’t fit three baby seats.” Solo sneered then looked back out to the alley as if that might inspire Elodie Fontaine to throw the car in reverse. “I don’t believe it.” She spun back around. “Did you know she was coming?”
“No. They were here when we showed up a few minutes ago.”
“We’ve got photos,” Woody said.
Shay shoved her; it was clear there was more to Solo’s outburst than mere angst at missing out on meeting a lesbian icon.
Woody grinned, not ready to give it up just yet. “I can superimpose you onto them.”
“Gee, thanks.” Solo gave her car another kick and stomped past them into the shop.
“Looks like there’s still trouble in paradise,” RB said. “Further proof that being a bachelor is far less complicated.”
Gabe clapped RB on the back. “Less complicated but less fulfilling,” she said and followed Solo inside.
RB looked at Shay. “What do you think?”
Shay’s watch buzzed with a message before she could answer, and she tapped the screen when she saw it was from Rosie.
Still on for tonight?
“I think you can be plenty fulfilled with no complications.” Her situation with Rosie was proving to be exactly that. “Come on, let’s go put Solo’s world to rights.” She motioned for RB to go before her and fired off a quick text back to Rosie.
Already thinking about it. I’ll be there.
Recalling their last encounter, she rubbed her wrists and smiled, then she sent Rosie another text.
Your turn.
Yeah, she was plenty fulfilled without complications. And nothing was going to change that.