Sweet & Spicy Lesbian Short Stories (GirlxGirl)

Call Me Blue: Part 2

I shrug. "I wouldn't say that. I'm just someone who can't make up her mind about careers."

Blue tugs her suit jacket and wiggles her shoulders, as if uncomfortable. "Tell me about it."

"What, you think about career changes?" I ask, surprised.

She considers, tilting her head. "This life was chosen for me by my parents. Sometimes, I don't know how much I like it. It's stressful, tiring, and very lonely."

"I've heard it gets lonely." I study her, finding the layer of sadness beneath this perfectly put-together exterior. It's something about her posture—defeated—and the way her smile flickers between genuine and forced as she talks to me.

"What would you do instead?" I ask.

Blue's eyebrows pinch together as she looks at me, her gaze searching.

"I'm sorry," I say with a start, like I've been caught breaking the law. "I'm overstepping. Please don't let me hold you up. Would you like me to call for—"

"I want to be a teacher," she says quietly. "Elementary school, I think."

I let out a breath, trying not to be so tense. She must think I'm uptight. "You'd be a good one. The kids would love you."

Blue opens her mouth, closes it, then looks straight ahead. My heart is beating fast for some reason.

A black car pulls up, and an older woman rolls down the rear window. Automatically, I step forward to help her get out.

"I'm not getting out," she barks, waving me off like a fly. "Hurry up, Blue. We're late."

She says this like it's Blue's fault.

Blue casts me an apologetic look as she walks to the other side of the car. I hurry after her to help her get in.

She stops me with a gentle hand on my wrist before I can open the door.

"What time are you done your shift?" she whispers, her breath tickling my lips.

"Um—" My heart stutters. She smells minty and fresh, and my imagination goes to a place where I can taste her more thoroughly.

I feel like I shouldn't answer. Am I allowed to share details about my shifts? It's like there's an implied rule that guests should think of me as part of the hotel, not a human being with a life outside of this. But my lips move before I can stop myself. "Nine o'clock."

She nods. There's a pause. Standing an inch from me, she opens her mouth, and then turns to the car door.

No! What was she going to say? Why did she ask me when I'm off?

Remembering my duty, I jump forward to open the car door for her. She already has her fingers around the handle, so I end up grabbing her hand.

"Sorry. I'm sorry." My face is burning.

Her gaze catches on mine, and the faintest smile tugs at her lips.

She turns her hand, palm up, and laces her fingers through mine as if I'm helping her to get into the car. She holds my hand for longer than needed, her thumb making a little circle.

My head spins, my brain slow to process what's happening.

"Buckle up, and let's go," the woman beside her barks. "We've got lunch with Steven before the fitting, and he wants you to look at this script. Tell me what you think. I think it's trash, but we might have to take it..."

"See you later, Tess," Blue murmurs, holding my gaze. Her eyes are pleading for help but I can't do a thing about it.

"Enjoy your day, Blue."

Her lips twist into a sad smile.

I wish I could whisk her back into the hotel, and we could order room service, watch movies, and float in the swimming pool all afternoon.

Instead, I shut the car door and step back.

As the driver takes Blue away from me with that awful woman who must be her agent or publicist or something, I take deep breaths to calm my racing heart.

What was all of that about? Why did she take my hand, stand so close, and ask when I'm off?

It's absurd of me to even consider this, but... Is she flirting with me?

I smooth my jacket and return to my post. No, I'm being hopeful and jumping to conclusions. Blue Rivers isn't interested in me. She's my celebrity crush, and way out of my league.

I must be mistaking kindness for flirting. It's the only explanation.

* * *

At the end of my shift, I head to the staff lounge, where I change out of my uniform and gather my stuff at a snail's pace. Blue still hasn't gotten back, and by 9:15 p.m., I can't stall any longer. It's time to go home.

I'm about to head to the parkade when Nick at the front desk pokes his head into the staff lounge. "Tess, can you bring this up to room 2205? I just got a call, and she requested that you do it."

He's holding one of the complimentary toiletry bags we give to all guests.

My heart skips. "Blue Rivers?"

"Yeah. I don't know why she asked for you specifically. Or why she needs this. Celebs are weird."

"She wants me to bring this to her room?"

"Yes," he says slowly and clearly. "Room 2205."

I take the embroidered rose-gold bag and master key, and walk to the elevators in a daze. On the ride up, I check my reflection. My white lace top is sitting nicely, my wide-leg jeans are as cute as ever, and my boots are dirt-free. I look tired from the long shift, so I rummage in my bag for makeup. A dusting of powder helps. I have time to take out my bun and set my curls free before the elevator door opens.

My feet are moving on their own as I walk down the hallway.

Room 2205.

My heart is hammering against my ribs.

I knock. Nobody answers, of course. She hasn't returned yet. I let myself inside and put the toiletry bag on the bathroom counter.

God, this suite is gorgeous. Everything glistens, and there are even crystals embedded in the floor.

I chew my lip. Was that all Blue wanted? Am I overthinking this? I should leave before she gets back. I could get fired if someone finds out I'm lingering in a guest's room.

And then there's the fact that I'm here because I must think there is some chance that Blue Rivers is interested in me. As if she would be interested in a porter. There is no reason a well-established celebrity would be into a girl who can't even figure out what she wants to do with her life.

Ugh, what am I doing? I have to get out of here.

I make for the door, my pulse racing. If I can go down the stairs, maybe I won't run into her in the elevator.

My hand is on the knob when the lock clicks. I gasp, my hand automatically going to my heart.

The door opens, and Blue Rivers steps inside.

~

Part 3 coming tomorrow! Read the full story right now on "Sweet & Spicy Sapphic Stories" at patreon.com/tianawarner. Plus you'll get early access to next week's story.