My Fair Ladies

Brave

Siobhan was heading to the nursery to work again. She had been there a fair amount the last few weeks and this morning she was almost looking forward to it. She and Vivian had had a few interactions over the weeks and even exchanged numbers to meet up for coffee.

Unfortunately, Roger hadn't really given her any time for herself lately. , he seemed to have created endless tasks just to occupy all her time. She rolled her eyes at the thought. His incessant need for control was overwhelming.

She got right down to the tasks for the day, and other than the constant ping of her phone she have interaction with anyone. It was nearly time to go for the day when Roger rung her saying he wouldn't be home until the next afternoon.

She could just go home, have a glass of red and relax, but her first thought was that bit of paper tucked neat in her pocket. She didn't know why the dark-haired woman captivated her. Did she admire her strength and independence? Did she want to be her, or did she want to be with her?

As she picked up the nursery landline and dialled the number, she whispered to herself "be bold, be brave." No answer. When the beep sounded to leave a message, she froze and just hung up.

She was more than a little disappointed, but she also wondered if Vivian would have even agreed to go. It had been a while since she gave her the number. Either way, she decided to just take herself off to the pub for a glass of wine.

After her first glass of red, she found herself pulling the slip of paper from her pocket. She dialled the number and this time she left a message.

"Vivian, this is Siobhan. I was calling to see if you wanted to meet up. I am at the pub around the corner from the nursery." She was surprised at herself. To make a second attempt was uncharacteristic for her.

As she picked up her glass to take another sip, she heard a familiar voice from behind her. "I never thought I would be ghosted in my forties" The blonde turned. "Actually, I tried to call you ...twice." She couldn't believe she had admitted that.

They sat with each other in silence for a moment before Viv spoke. "Your phone is oddly silent." The blonde certainly didn't want to spend the night talking about Roger. "He is out of town. I don't really want to talk about him. Not tonight." Viv raised an eyebrow, but didn't pry.

"You don't get much time out by yourself, do you?" The blonde sighed. "He likes to spend time with me. I have been meaning to call. I just haven't had the time..." She trailed off.

Vivian realised that the blonde had become uncomfortable. It was the last thing she wanted and not why she approached her. "I want a meeting." Siobhan was startled. "For?"

"I haven't decided yet, but I will be stopping for coffee on my way in. What's your pleasure?"

"Okay, I can do Monday at 9. We can meet in the family room in the nursery. Black Americano."

"See. That was ." The blond smiled at her. She didn't know what was happening or what might happen, but she sensed that just agreeing to that meeting, for the blond, was incredibly brave.