If Only

C H A P T E R 16

DANCE

MIRANDA

Arriving to work that afternoon, I found Allison waiting to talk to me. She dragged me to the staff room and closed the door.

"Who was that Raven that took you home last night?" Her voice was low, a whisper, "heck, I didn't know you were gay. You don't give off the vibe?"

"Vibe?"

"My gaydar was not able to pick up on you. I figured you were straight as an arrow," she leaned against the door, "so? Who was she to you?"

Not wanting being cooped up here for the rest of the day. I told her the truth–the adulterated version, one that didn't incorporate the deception, coercion and revenge plot in the story.

"It was a whirlwind romance. I met her last year but she had to leave before we could say goodbye," that was true–the leaving part. Raven was gone before I woke that morning, "she found me a few weeks ago and we hit it off."

"I was afraid you were offended that we brought you to a place half-filled with gay people. I'm relieved that you're not angry," she smiled at me.

"Even if I wasn't gay, I have nothing against them," I opened my locker and deposited my things inside then, combed my hair up.

"Stacy said you guys acted like you were married."

Stacy... Stacy...

Fishing for information already, I'll give you a juicy one to munch on as you seethe.

"We got married but we're trying to hush things out first because none of our families knew," I showed her my ring, "so, I'd appreciate it if we keep this between us for now."

Allison looked at me like a fish fresh out of water. Her mouth was agape and it was like she forgot to breathe. If left alone she would tip the bucket, she was turning blue at the gills.

"Allison?" Tapping her face gently, I got her out of her trance, "you alright?"

"Wow!" She caught me in her arms and hugged me, "congratulations, Miranda!"

"Thank you," I stepped back and continued to prepare for my shift, "now back to work before the boss fire our asses."

Not that I'd fire her. I am the boss but nobody knew that.

Allison and I got out of the room, resumed our stations and worked our pay. There were instances when I saw her glancing my way or giving me a look–one of disbelief, still. She could not wrap her head around the fact that I was tied down to a woman.

That makes two of us.

* * *

Someone rushed into the café looking for me an hour before five pm. He was carrying two packages containing a pastel peach silk dress and a glittering sandal with an invitation taped on the box.

'Wear this. My driver will come to pick you up at six. P.S. Don't make me come and get you myself. –R.'

The naiveté of the woman from the early morning was gone. The Raven I married was back.

* * *

RAVEN

Talking business with a few colleagues, I was pleased to receive a call saying Miranda was in the building. She was very late. I was getting so impatient that I almost made good with my promise and get her myself.