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Why is she doing this to me? What are we even waiting for? Oh, fuck her! I don’t care! Let her have herprecious time. It’s not like I’m short of admirers, for fuck’s sake. I could go out right now and fuck anyone I like.
But I won’t.
When they first met, Holly had been immediately drawn to Deborah’s obvious sophistication and grace. Her mom had told her about her friend’s achievements, her poise, and how the woman commanded a room. Their brief, clandestine romance had started as a thrilling game the night of the wedding and the Indigo Lounge. She had returned from Australia and knew exactly how furious her mother was with her about the time she’d wasted there. Her dalliance with Deborah out on the terrace had felt like a secret rebellion against the expectations of her mom and the world she and her new wife now lived in. But very soon afterward, Holly found herself wanting more than just that one stolen moment.
She sighed, pushing away from the railing and heading inside to prepare something to eat. Before she could even get to the refrigerator door, her cell phone started ringing.
“Hey, hon. It’s me.”
“Yo, Mom! Whassup?”
“Holly, do you think you could give theyosandthewassupsa bit of a rest? You’re a grown-up now. A full-grown-ass woman who speaks like a tween.”
“Right. What can I help you with, Mommy dearest?”
“Nora and I are having some people over at the yacht tomorrow night, and I want you to be there. Nora said you could start making connections with some of her people. She knows everyone in this town, you know?”
“Okay, I’ll be there. But I’m not fully decided on what I want to do yet, Mom. You know, I was thinking about?—”
“I’ve got to go, hon. We’ll chat about it tomorrow. Dress smart.”
And with that, Esme put the phone down.
The invitation had come as a surprise, and Holly felt a twinge of anxiety at the thought of spending time with her mother and her powerful new wife. She was confident and carefree on the surface. She was the sun-kissed hot chick from Australia, right? But beneath that facade lay a deep-seated fear of being seen as a disappointment. She was apprehensive about how Nora might feel about her new wife’s dropout daughter.
The following day, Holly decided to make her way to the Indigo to talk to her mother one-on-oneover coffee. She selected a simple yet elegant navy blue dress that accentuated her athletic build and paired it with silver sandals and a matching clutch. As she put on a pair of delicate pearl earrings, she glanced at her reflection, hoping she looked composed and not as nervous as she felt. She really wanted to show her mother that she was serious about her future, whatever it may be.
Holly arrived at the Indigo Lounge hoping to catch her mom before the mid-morning rush. As she entered the bar, she spotted Deborah standing near the entrance, looking as beautiful and elegant as ever in a form-fitting black pantsuit that hugged her curves perfectly. Her hair was styled in loose waves, and a string of pearls adorned her neck. Holly’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, and she quickly made her way over, her mind overtaken by the image of the woman in front of her and how hard they’d made each other come just the day before.
“Hey,” she said softly, trying to keep her voice steady. “I’m sorry. I honestly didn’t think you’d be here. Don’t worry. I’m not stalking you or anything. I came in to see my mom.”
Deborah turned, her eyes lighting up with surprise and pleasure. “Holly. I didn’t expect to seeyou here either. I had a schedule change, so I came by to see if I could have a quick word with Mia, but I can’t see her anywhere. Do you know where she is? I’m having a launch party for a new series in a few weeks, and I think her songs might match the vibe we’re looking for. Cam said she’s usually here in the mornings. I suppose I could always leave a note for her, right? Or call! I’ve got her number. I can call and leave a message. I could?—”
“Deborah?”
“Huh? Yeah?”
“You’re rambling a bit. Just call her. She’ll do it.”
“Sure. Yep. You’re right.”
“Will you be at the big yacht thing tonight?” Holly asked.
Just then, Esme came rushing over. Before Deborah could respond, Esme gave her old friend a warm hug. She was dressed in a stylish white dress that contrasted beautifully with her hair, which was pulled back in a sleek ponytail.
“I’m so sorry to interrupt,” Esme said, smiling warmly. “I just wanted to ask you a favor, Debs. Seeing as you’re both here, this is perfect timing!”
Deborah stood up straighter, smoothing her pantsuit. “No problem, Esme. What’s going on?’
Esme’s smile faltered slightly. “Listen, I’ve been so worried about what Holly will do with herself after wandering around Australia for five years.”
“Mom! I wasn’t just wandering around,” Holly protested, trying to keep her frustration in check. “I was living my life and experiencing new things.”
“I know, my darling, but now it’s time to move on fromall that,” Esme replied, turning to Deborah.
“You’re being a little harsh, Es! This isn’t like you. You’re all about freedom, tree-hugging, and live and let live, right?”
“Usually. You’re right. But I was hoping you could take Holly on as an intern. She needs a little direction, and I think she could really learn so much from you.”
