Chapter 1
2244 Words
Chapter One
I had a problem with my neighbour.
Actually problem isn’t the right word…
You see, it’s because I liked her; I mean I really liked her and as she is openly gay and I’m single there shouldn’t have been an issue except that she’s also my best friend (yep, that old chestnut) and as far as she knew I’m straight.
Let me fill you in on some details. Eight years ago I married a wonderful guy called Rob and our marriage was as close to perfect as it gets. We both had high earning jobs and no kids, so money wasn’t an issue; we not only loved each other but respected each other, we had a nice house and a great group of friends and our s*x life was great. Unfortunately Rob was taken from me suddenly by a massive brain hemorrhage 2 years ago.
Jane had moved in next door about 6 months before Rob passed away and the three of us had quickly become good friends, often going out as a foursome with Jane and a date. Rob and I often joked about having a threesome with Jane (who wouldn’t -- she’s gorgeous!) but it never got further than a joke and we never mentioned it to Jane. I’ve never been averse to the idea of a relationship with a woman, I just never had the chance but the thought of sharing Rob sexually was something I’d have struggled to handle.
After Rob died I actually coped quite well initially; there are so many practical things that need to be taken care of after a death that they kept me pretty busy and gave me something to focus on; however after about eight weeks I started to crumble.
After the funeral many of our old friends seemed to drift away - I think they found it hard to know what to say, but Jane was there for me through thick and thin. If I was having a bad day she wouldn’t just say “there, there, it’ll be alright” she would make me do something to occupy myself. We did gardening and DIY; we went for walks; or to the pictures or out for a meal; we worked out at the gym or went swimming and you know what? It was exactly what I needed.
In the two years since Rob passed, Jane and I have become incredibly close and have done everything together, I’ve cried over Rob and she’s cried over a lover she thought was “the one”; we’ve been each other’s friend and confidant, plus-one partner at parties and events; had some lovely holidays and shared pretty much everything going on in our lives.
So here is the crux of the matter. How to tell Jane that I’ve fallen in love with her without blowing the best friendship I’ve ever had.
This is how that dilemma played out…
“Ellie?” Came a familiar voice from downstairs; we have keys to each other’s houses and don’t stand on ceremony.
“I’m up here in the spare room.” I called back. I was currently sitting on the floor surrounded by boxes of crap that I’d dragged down from the loft. The previous owners had left all this stuff up there and I was finally getting around to sorting through it and chucking it out.
“Oh Honey!” She has no idea of the effect that calling me honey has on me. “You look like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards!”
I was soon laughing with her as I stood and looked at myself in the full length mirror, seeing the smudges of dirt on my face and dust all over my clothes; my hair sticking out at odd angles.
“What the hell is all this stuff?”
“I’ve found boxes of books with subjects as diverse as taxidermy and gardening, a suitcase full of old shoes, ratty Christmas decorations, and this latest box is clothes that I’m assuming must have been for an amateur dramatics society!”
Jane crouched down next to me and picked up a moth eaten paisley waistcoat from the top of the box, revealing the largest spider I’ve ever seen. Before I could register that it was dead I’d squealed and launched myself in the opposite direction, losing my balance and knocking Jane over along the way, ending up sprawled on top her.
She was laughing at me and calling me a wuss but all I was conscious of was that my body was pressed against hers and our faces were a mere inch apart. What would happen if I kissed her now? That dilemma passed when Jane kissed me on the cheek and tickled me and the moment was gone.
There had been other “moments” as we were often physically close, whether walking arm in arm or snuggled up on the sofa watching a film but nothing ever came of them and it made me even more reluctant to bare my soul. Surely if Jane was interested she’d have made a move by now right? Or at least given me some kind of indication that she found me attractive?
Jane helped me take the boxes down to the local dump and when we returned we went to our separate houses to get ready for our usual Saturday night “date”. Unless Jane was dating, which seemed to be less and less these days, or one of us was busy, we tried to find somewhere new to go every Saturday and this week it was the turn of a new Cuban restaurant that had opened up in town.
The food was distinctly average but the barman could make a mean cocktail, so after several caipirinhas we were feeling no pain and enjoying the lively atmosphere, despite the food not being great. We were just thinking about moving onto a nearby bar when the music changed tempo and the volume increased as two dancers whirled their way onto a small dance floor, the Latin beat filling the room as their synchronized movements, full of passion and innuendo, caught everyone’s attention.
There was enthusiastic applause when they finished but rather than starting again they each grabbed someone from a table to dance with instead and the dance floor started to fill up with couples trying to emulate their style.
“Come on!” Jane said enthusiastically, grabbing my hand and hauling me out of my chair before I had a chance to answer.
I don’t profess to be an accomplished dancer but Jane seemed to at least know the basics, so with her guidance we danced until we were exhausted and I collapsed back into my chair as Jane excused herself to visit the bathroom.
“What’s up?” she asked on her return. I can only assume that I had a somewhat wistful look on my face but I was hardly about to tell her that I’d been thinking about how wonderful it felt to have her hands on my body as we danced. She hadn’t got as raunchy as the professionals but never the less, her hands had skimmed my curves and she had absolutely no idea of the scorch marks they’d left in their wake.
“I was just thinking that learning to dance properly might be fun,” I lied convincingly “fancy coming to a class with me?” I was deviously thinking that if we got to spend more time dancing close then I might find a way to show Jane I was interested in her.
“Hmmm maybe.” Ok, so that wasn’t the enthusiastic response I’d hoped for but I was sure I could work on getting her agreement.
We asked for the bill and while we were waiting Jane asked if I fancied one last dance. As we joined the dance floor the music changed to a slow dance and I thought Jane was going to sit down again, so I grabbed her hand to stop her.
“This I actually know how to dance to.” I stated and pulled her close and placed my hands on her hips.
Only seconds into the dance I realised I was being guided and couldn’t help but laugh out loud, causing Jane to look at me quizzically with a raised eyebrow.
“Sorry, I just thought it funny that you instantly took the lead.”
“Hey, I’m used to dancing with women and you’re used to dancing with men; it makes sense for me to lead.” And with that she dipped me theatrically, making me squeal and laugh.
As the dance ended we hugged and I turned my head to kiss Jane on the cheek, thanking her for a fun night. It seemed Jane had a similar idea and as she turned her head as well my kiss landed squarely on her lips. Despite it being the briefest of kisses I know I flushed but it had nothing to do with embarrassment and everything to do with the electric feeling of her lips on mine, so I turned quickly and headed back to the table hoping she hadn’t noticed.
Our taxi ride home was unusually quiet that night and whereas we generally ended the evening with a coffee or nightcap in my house or hers, Jane declined and said she just wanted to head to bed. I was feeling a little squiffy from the cocktails myself but I did find it strange, especially when Jane was stiff as a board when I gave her our usual hug goodbye, so I tried to put a brave face on things and headed inside to bed, drifting into sleep concerned that my accidental kiss had damaged our relationship.
Something woke me but I didn’t know what. Lifting my head from the pillow was a bad idea and I instantly vowed never to drink another caipirinha. Fortunately I’d had the foresight to take a large glass of water to bed with me, so I downed it in one with a couple of aspirin and went back to sleep almost instantly.
The next time I woke I had a strange sensation that something was wrong. I cautiously lifted my head and was pleasantly surprised that the water and aspirin had done their job as my head was no longer banging. It was only when I sat up properly that I noticed Jane sprawled out across the bottom of my bed, fast asleep.
The room wasn’t overly warm and she was only wearing a pair of shorts and a tank top, so I covered her in a light fleecy blanket before heading to the bathroom on my way to the kitchen, noticing my mobile on the counter flashing to say I had a message.
Jane had sent a text at about 8.30 asking if I was up for breakfast, which was probably what woke me the first time, so I rummaged through the fridge.
As I walked back into the bedroom carrying a tray, I couldn’t help sigh at the sight of Jane snuggled up on my bed. She looked so sweet as she slept that I placed the tray on the desk and bent over to kiss her lightly on the forehead. She smiled slightly in her sleep but didn’t stir, so I kissed her gently on her nose.
She stretched like a cat before her eyes opened and she realised where she was, suddenly sitting bolt upright and clutching her head as her hangover reasserted itself.
“Here you go,” and I handed her a glass of water and a couple of aspirin which she accepted gratefully.
“This will help too.” As I sat in bed propped up against the headboard with the tray on my knees, patting the empty side of the bed beside me.
Jane looked dubious for a moment (which didn’t go unnoticed by me) but kicked off her slippers and came and sat under the covers with me, the smell of bacon and scrambled eggs on toast, or the sight of a cup of tea obviously too much to resist.
We ate in silence for the most part but once finished Jane sat back and patted her tummy.
“Ellie you are an absolute angel -- that was just what the doctor ordered.” And she flashed me one of her gorgeous smiles, making me relax somewhat.
“So just what were you doing on my bed young lady?”
“Ah yes, sorry about that. I’d sent you a text and when you didn’t answer I came around to wake you up but you looked so peaceful I didn’t have the heart to disturb you. I only sat down for a moment and the next thing I knew you were kissing my nose!”
“You should have got under the covers; you’d have been more comfortable.”
“Hmmm maybe. Sorry, I need the bathroom.” And with that she climbed out of bed and quickly left the room.
I sat there in bed wondering what to do. Jane was definitely being offish with me -- usually she’d have a witty comeback. Maybe it was that kiss last night or maybe it was her hangover.
Should I just leave it for now or should I try to force the issue and find out one way or the other?
- Writer
