Inside, Janie turned to Sam. “I’m so sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.” Sam met her halfway across the room. When Janie began to cry, she pulled her into her arms and held her. “It’s okay.”

“Why can’t he leave me alone? It’s not as if he loves me.” Janie sniffled but didn’t try to move away. She felt safe for the first time in a long time, and was in no hurry to draw away.

Somehow they gravitated to the sofa, where Janie continued to huddle in Sam’s embrace. They sat quietly for a while, until Janie broke the silence. “Can I ask you a question?”

“Sure.”

“How, um, when did you know that you were, uh, gay?” Janie kept her head on Sam’s chest, afraid to look her in the eyes.

“I think I’ve always known. I mean, when I was younger, I didn’t have a name for how I felt. But I’ve always been attracted to girls. Guys were who I hung out with, but I never felt anything but friendship for them.”

Janie raised her head. “Was it hard? Growing up?”

“Not any harder than for you, I guess. At least until high school. That was a bit rough.” Sam chuckled disparagingly. “A girl dressed like me wasn’t exactly well-received.”

“What happened?”

Sam sighed. “The usual. I was called names, pushed around, and teased. Got into my share of fights, too. Gran wasn’t too happy about that.”

“I’m sorry.” Janie snuggled down and hugged Sam. “I wasn’t much better when we first met.”

“Well, it turned out okay.” Sam rested her chin on the top of Janie’s head. “You’re probably going to get a lot of flack from him tomorrow.”

“I don’t care.” And, to her own surprise, Janie found that she didn’t. Her worst fear had happened, and she survived. She was looking forward to having Sam as a friend.

#

Sam closed the door carefully, trying not to make a sound. She tiptoed into the living room carrying her boots, picking her way around the furniture in the dark. She was almost to the sofa when the light flicked on.

Standing at the door to the hall was Betsy, leaning on a cane. “Coming in a bit late, seeing as how you weren’t on a date.” She took note of the boots Sam held in one hand. “Curfew was one o’clock,” she teased, pointing to the clock over the bookcase. “It’s almost two.”

“Curfew?” Sam plopped on the couch and dropped her boots. “Have you been mixing your pain pills?”

Betsy shuffled to sit next to her. “Nah. Just having some fun with you.” She made a point to look Sam over carefully.

“What are you doing?”

“Making sure your clothes are right-side out.”

Sam edged away from her. “Of course they are. Why wouldn’t they be?”

“Seeing’s how late you got home, I thought maybe you overslept and dressed in a hurry.”

“Huh?”

Betsy swatted Sam’s shoulder. “Never mind.”

It finally dawned on Sam as to what she was insinuating. “For god’s sake, Betsy. It was only dinner.”

“Dinner that lasted until almost breakfast, I might add. What exactly were you doing all evening?”

“Talking.” At her friend’s disbelieving look, Sam hastened to add, “Honestly, that’s all.” She leaned against the back of the sofa. “She’s a nice person.”

Betsy wasn’t convinced. “And there was no hanky panky going on? Not even a smidgen?”

“No.” Sam reconsidered. “Unless you count,” she paused, “no, you’re probably not interested.” She tried to stand but was hauled down by her belt.

“Wait a cotton-pickin’ minute, kid. I want all the details.” When Sam kept silent, Betsy wasn’t above pleading. “Come on, Sam. I’m an old woman. Don’t tease.”

Sam laughed and settled down again. “Teach you to pick on me. Seriously, though, we only talked. Well, and hugged.” Her grin turned cocky. “The cuddling on the couch was nice, too.” While Betsy sat with her mouth hanging open, Sam took the opportunity to jump up and race to the bathroom to change for bed. “Ha!”

“You brat!” Betsy struggled to stand and moved slowly toward her bedroom. She paused at the bathroom door. “You will tell me all about it over breakfast.”

“Maybe,” Sam sang through the door. She laughed louder when Betsy rapped the door with her cane. “Goodnight, Betsy.”

Betsy hobbled down the hallway. “Good morning, Sam,” she yelled, chuckling herself.

After undressing, Sam stepped out of the bathroom and moved quietly toward the guest room. She snuggled under the clean sheets. Even the discomfort of the old bed couldn’t wipe the smile off her face.

She linked her hands beneath her head and stared at the ceiling. The evening had gone better than she could have ever hoped. Janie was a marvelous cook, although the food paled in comparison to the hostess herself. The new hairstyle, along with the yellow sundress, made Janie glow. Sam had always thought she was attractive, but the new look made her realize what a lovely woman she truly was.

Sam sighed. Even Doug’s interruption didn’t ruin the night. After they’d moved to the couch, they spent several hours enjoying each other’s company. They talked more about Sam’s sexuality, Janie asking quite a few good questions that Sam was more than happy to answer. She felt as if they’d cemented their friendship. Anything else was pure wishing on her part, but Sam couldn’t help it. She felt more comfortable with Janie than she had anyone else in her life.

Closing her eyes, Sam wondered what the next few weeks would bring.

#

Unable to sleep, Janie found herself in the kitchen, washing the dinner dishes. She had planned on leaving them until morning, considering the late hour. But once she was in bed, her mind kept whirling over the evening and she was unable to nod off.

As apprehensive as she had been before Sam arrived, she hadn’t expected to enjoy herself so much. But Sam had surprised her. She was warm, witty, and even though seven years her junior, very easy to talk to. Their conversations ranged from silly to serious.

Janie ran the scrub sponge over a plate then rinsed it in hot water. She looked at the china dish and remembered how complimentary Sam had been on her cooking. She hated to keep comparing her to Doug, but it was hard not to. His only comments during meals at her apartment had been innuendos about sex. It was nice to spend a meal with someone who had no hidden motives. Being able to have intelligent conversation was a treat.

The only blemish had been Doug’s unexpected arrival. She had been terrified of a confrontation. Doug’s temper, which had always been fiery, had recently become violent. It was another reason she’d finally decided to break away from him. But Sam had handled things well, and she had surprised herself by throwing Doug out. She knew there would be hell to pay later, but she didn’t care.

What happened afterward still made her smile. The tender way Sam held her, touched Janie deeply in places she didn’t know existed. She wiped her hands on a dishtowel and sighed. She could almost feel Sam’s arms around her, almost hear the beat of her heart. It was one of the nicest evenings she’d ever had, and she couldn’t wait to repeat the experience.

Humming to herself, Janie left the kitchen and headed to her bedroom. She knew what her dreams would hold.

Chapter Eight

There was a decided spring in Sam’s step as she brought Betsy her breakfast. “Good morning, I hope you like omelets. I was feeling creative.” She situated the tray and sat on the edge of the bed.

“You’re certainly chipper for someone who stayed out half the night.” Betsy tucked the napkin under her chin and concentrated on her plate. “What did you put in this, anyway?”

“It’s a surprise.” Sam pointedly ignored Betsy’s first remark. Nothing could ruin her good mood, even her friend’s teasing.

Betsy poked at the eggs with her fork. “Looks like you cleaned out my refrigerator.”

“Someone had to. Things were beginning to crawl to the front and jump.” Sam snagged a piece of fruit and popped it into her mouth.

“Stop stealing food off an invalid’s plate. It’s not nice.” But Betsy started on the omelet, humming contentedly as she ate. “Not bad.”

“Thanks.” Sam pulled her socked feet on the bed and put her arms around her upraised knees. “What’s on our agenda today?”

Betsy swallowed and sipped on her coffee. “I’d like to write up a business contract for you. I’d rather get it done sooner, than later. Besides, I can’t do much else.”

“Sounds like a plan.” Sam started to get up, but changed her mind. “Can I ask you something?”

“Sure.”

“Do you think, I mean, could it be possible,” Sam struggled for the right words. She exhaled heavily and impatiently brushed her hand through her hair. “Damn.”

Betsy continued to eat, knowing Sam would eventually get around to saying what was on her mind.

“Ugh.” Sam looked into her friend’s eyes, which twinkled with amusement. “It’s about Janie. Last night was,” she sighed, “amazing. I mean, we didn’t do anything, except eat and talk, but we got along so well. Am I making any sense?”

“It sounds like you had a nice time.” Betsy tried to be careful with her words. “I take it she’s more comfortable with you being a lesbian?”

“She seems to be. But I guess I won’t really know until we see each other in public.” Sam propped her chin on her knees. “Am I reading too much into last night?”

“I don’t know. I wasn’t there.” Betsy pushed the tray away and sat up straighter. “You didn’t make out on the couch, did you?”

Sam’s mouth dropped open and her eyes got wide. “Of course not!” Her face pinkened. “We did kind of snuggle, though.”

“Excuse me?”

“It wasn’t what you think. Janie’s ex-boyfriend showed up and upset her. I was only trying to make her feel better.” Sam turned thoughtful. “We spent the rest of the evening on the sofa. She could have moved away any time, but she didn’t. Do you think that means something?”

Betsy patted Sam’s foot. “I think it means she felt comfortable with her new friend. Don’t read any more into it. I’d hate to see you get hurt.”

Tired of the conversation, Sam got off the bed. “Don’t worry, I’m pretty tough.” She took Betsy’s tray. “I’m going to get the dishes cleaned up then I’ll start on the showers downstairs.”

“Okay, hon. Don’t wear yourself out.” Betsy waited until Sam was almost out of the room. “And you’re about as tough as a wet paper towel. Be careful.”

“Yes, mom.” Sam edged out of the room, barely dodging the pillow Betsy flung at her.

#

Three hours later, Sam put the vacuum away. After she’d mopped the gym, she’d come upstairs and did some light housework, much to Betsy’s surprise. The older woman had asked Sam to help her make it downstairs, where she could keep an eye on the customers.

Betsy’s voice rang through the intercom from the gym. “Sam, could you help me with something, please?”

With a tired sigh, Sam trudged down the stairs to see what her friend needed. She pulled up short when she saw who stood at the counter with Betsy. “Janie?”

“Hi. I was telling Betsy how I wanted to rejoin her program, or maybe something else.” The pink tinge to Janie’s cheeks gave her away. “I was on my lunch break, and remembered you talking about the gym.”

Sam glanced at Betsy, who looked like the cat who swallowed the canary. “That’s great. Although I don’t know what—”

“I was telling Janie how I’m planning on starting up an aerobics class. One of the gals who comes in on Saturdays says she used to teach one before she moved here.”

“Really? Funny, you haven’t mentioned it to me before.” Sam had a sneaking suspicion Betsy was trying to play matchmaker. “When are these alleged classes beginning?”

Betsy shook her finger at her. “Don’t get smart with me, kid.” She turned to Janie. “As soon as I call Pamela and give her the okay, we should be able to start. Maybe you’d like to pass the word around.”

“Of course. The women at work are always talking about losing weight. This would be perfect.” Janie looked at Sam. “Do you work out?”

“Ha.” Betsy winked at Sam. “That one doesn’t have time to exercise, or so she tells me.”

Sam crossed her arms over her chest. “You keep me too busy, you mean.” She directed her next comments to Janie. “If you don’t mind me saying, you don’t look like you need to work out, either.”

Janie gave her an embarrassed smile. “I’d actually like to put on some muscle. I hate feeling so run down and tired all the time.”

“You came to the right place, then,” Betsy assured her. “As a matter of fact, since you’ll be my first aerobics customer, I’ll give you the gym membership for free. All I ask is that you tell your friends.”

“You don’t have to do that. I can pay.”

Betsy patted her hand, which was resting on the counter. “Pay the aerobics instructor her fee. We’re good.”

Janie didn’t look convinced, but she kept silent. She switched her attention to Sam, who still appeared peeved. “You don’t mind me coming in from time to time, do you?”

“Of course not. It’ll be nice to see more of you.” Sam heard the words and realized how it sounded. “I mean, nice to see you here.” She tried to ignore Betsy’s chortling. Her friend was getting too much enjoyment out of her discomfort. “Have you had lunch? I was about to run out and get ours, and I could grab yours, too.” She shook her head at herself. “Your lunch, I mean.”

Betsy howled. “My god, Sam. I didn’t know a person could turn that particular shade of red.” She popped open the cash drawer and took out a twenty dollar bill. “Here. Fetch us all some hamburgers, if you don’t mind.”

Sam glared at her as she took the money. “Yes, ma’am. So, Janie, what would you like?”

“I, um,” Janie appeared at a loss. She hadn’t planned on having lunch today. “You don’t have to—”

“Burger and fries it is.” Sam started out the door. “Mustard or mayo?”

Janie grinned. “However you like it will be fine. I’m easy.”

Betsy was about to say something, but Sam’s warning finger caused her to cover her mouth with one hand. She waited until Sam left before bursting into laughter, confusing Janie.

#

The gym’s office had been the perfect place for the trio’s impromptu picnic. Betsy had commandeered the chair behind the desk while Sam and Janie were each parked in folding chairs across from her.

Betsy watched the two interact, doing her best not to smirk. She wondered if they had any idea how cute they were. Seeing them together, she could plainly see the mutual attraction. Whether they would ever do something about it, she didn’t know. But it couldn’t hurt to give them a tiny nudge in the right direction. She finished chewing a potato chip before speaking. “Janie, how long have you lived in Piperton?”

Janie appeared startled at the question, but quickly regained her composure. “All my life. I’ve never even traveled out of town.”

“My, that is something, isn’t it? Why, by the time I was your age I’d lived in four different states. My Jack was a wanderer at heart. We never had a truly permanent residence until we moved here, but I wouldn’t change a minute of it.” Betsy nibbled on another chip. “Have you ever thought about traveling? What if your husband was transferred somewhere else?”

“That’s never going to be a factor. I’ve had my fill of men for a while. Although it does sound exciting to see more of the country.”

Sam finished her soda and set the can down on the desk with a thump. “Travel isn’t as exciting as you might think.”

“Oh? And you’ve spent all those years on the road because?” Betsy couldn’t wait to hear Sam’s explanation.

“Never found a reason to stay anywhere,” Sam admitted quietly, her eyes never leaving Janie.

The revelation gave Janie hope, although she wasn’t certain why she was so intent on Sam’s staying. “What would be a good reason?”