Chapter 8: A Secret That Cant be Kept


I awoke early Sunday morning to the sound of rain pattering on my window. It was still dark outside and I snuggled further into my bed with the knowledge that I didnt have to get up. I was supposed to have worked that day, but one of the other techs came in yesterday asking for extra shifts so she could pay for some work on her car. Id been there before, and gladly gave her my Sunday hours.

As I lay in bed listening to the rain, my mind wandered back to the events of Friday night. Marina had been such a surprise. The way she didnt blink at the motorcycle, her wild cheering at the basketball game, and the kiss.the feel of her soft lips on mine. Just thinking of it lit a fire in me. Rolling over on my side, I pushed this line of thought from my mind and contemplated what I was going to do with my unexpected day off. A few more hours of sleep sounded like a perfect start.

Smacking, at the alarm clock, I was confused by the fact that it wouldnt stop. It just kept ringing and ringing. Slowly, I realized it wasnt my alarm, but the phone ringing. Bleary eyed, I groped for the phone. I found it just as I knocked the glass of water over. *****. *****. *****. I groaned.

Hello? Shanes voiced came over the line as a question rather than a greeting.

Hey, Shane. I said. My voice still heavy with sleep. Im sorry. I just spilled something. What has you up so early?

Hey, Im sorry I woke you up, man. It was nothing, just go back to sleep. Im sorry. Shane said.

No. Shane, its cool. Im up. You didnt wake me; I was already awake, just not out of bed. I lied as I stumbled across the room trying to find something to clean up the slipped water. Whats up?

Nothing. I was calling to see if you needed a ride this morning. She paused. I had no idea what she was talking about and when I didnt say anything she offered, With the rain and all, I figured you might not want to ride your bike.

Still not fully awake, I asked What are you talking about Shane?

Dude, are you sure youre awake? Brunch. Tina said she invited you. Shane replied. I dont know whats going on, but they want everyone to be there.

Oh, *****. Right. Right. I was suppose to work today and forgot about it I glanced at my clock, it was only 10:15. I could probably grab a quick shower and be ready to go by the time Shane got here. Okay, Shane, Im gonna hop in the shower, I should be ready to go when you get here. I hung up the phone and hurried to get ready.

I heard the knock at the door as I was slipping on my shirt. Perfect timing, I thought, as I ran my fingers through my still damp hair and went to let Shane in. Hey. I greeted her with a hug and a kiss on the cheek. Thanks for calling this morning. I would have totally forgotten about this.

Dont worry about it. Its on my way. She shrugged, And besides, with the pissy weather, you dont want to ride your bike.

Give me just a second and Ill be ready to go. I said as I headed back to the bathroom to try and gel my hair into submission. With the rain, it would be a wild, curly mop if I wasnt careful.

**************

Bette opened the door and greeted Shane with a hug. Shane motioned to me and said You remember Freddie.

Bette nodded and gestured for us to come in. Jenny and Robin were seated on the sofa while Dana and Alice were busy setting the dining room table. We all exchanged nods and waves.

Can I do anything to help? I asked as Shane slipped into one of the over sized chairs across from Robin and Jenny. Bette said that she thought everything was under control, but I wondered into the kitchen to check on Tina anyway. She was stretching to reach a large serving platter from the top shelf when I walked in and she glanced at me, eyes pleading for help as another dish threatened to come crashing out of the cabinet. I hopped over, but being shorter than Tina, was of little help and we both just cringed as the dish bounced off the cabinet before landing on the floor. Amazingly it didnt break; but the noise brought everyone rushing to the kitchen.

No damage. Everything is fine. Tina said with an exaggerated smile. Dana, would you mind getting everyone drinks? Everything is moving along in here and well be ready to eat in about 30 minutes. There is a pitcher of mimosas in the fridge, as well as OJ, and a pot of coffee is brewing.

Dana went off to take orders as Alice came into the kitchen to pull down various glasses and coffee mugs. I took over the waffle iron as Tina continued working on the fruit salad.

We were almost ready when Marina walked into the kitchen with a large bouquet of flowers. She greeted Tina with a peck on the cheek as Bette found her a vase. Marina glanced at me as she took car of the flowers. I wasnt sure how to act after Friday; we had ended the evening by completely ignoring the kiss, so I simply nodded my head in her direction and made myself busier with the waffles.

Bette took the flowers out to put on the table and Tina carried the fruit salad out of the kitchen as I checked the last batch of waffles.

Smells good. So, you cook too? Marina said as she placed her hands on my shoulders and leaned over me peaking at the waffle iron. I could feel her warm breath on my neck and it caused goose bumps to spread across my flesh.

I turned to face her and grinned saying This is all Tina, Im just an extra pair of hands in this production. I paused and Marina slid her arms around my neck. I put my hands on her hips and looked into her eyes for a long moment. But, if you are lucky I flirted, Ill make you one of my special breakfasts, one day.

Marina didnt break our gaze, as she replied with a brief nod of her head, Well, Ill hope for a stroke of luck then.

Alice walked in then. She cleared her throat and said, Break it up you two. There are hungry women out there.

We separated, and I blushed at the thought that we had been busted again; but this time by Marinas friends. I wondered what they would think of this strange twist, as I retrieved the waffles and bacon from the oven where Id been keeping them warm.

Tina came and told us all to go have a seat and that shed bring the last of it out. Alice, Marina and I left the kitchen. I noticed that Kit had arrived while I was busy in the kitchen. I waved a hello as Marina moved over to give her a hug. Dana gestured to a seat at the table and said Freddie, I poured you a mimosa. Is that okay?

Excellent I replied as I caught a sideways glance between Alice and Jenny. But before I could even wonder what that was about, Robin caught my eye and gave me a quick wink and nodded her head grinning. God, I thought to myself, nothing is a secret in a room full of lesbians.

Tina emerged from the kitchen with the large serving platter loaded with waffles and bacon.

Come on guys. Breakfast is served. Tina announced as she placed the platter on the table.

*******************

An hour later, we all sat around the table fat and happy, having enjoyed the breakfast, the mimosas and the leisurely conversation.

Suddenly, Kit smacked the table saying So, ladies, are we gonna get this show on the road or what?

Tina glanced at Bette and they both nodded. The rest of us glanced around the table wondering what this was about. Bette stood up and raised her glass. We have an announcement. She glanced down at Tina. They were both sporting ludicrously large grins and as Bette turned back to face the rest of the table, the words burst out of Tina Were pregnant! As, the table erupted with screams and everyone jumped up to rush the mommas-to-be, Tina looked up at Bette with a half cringing shrug and said, Im sorry babe. I couldnt hold it in any longer, it was killing me.