Blessings In Disguise (lesbian)

(19) What Is A Taco's Favorite Style Of Dance?

She couldn't stop herself. She wasn't certain why she was doing it, but the urge was too great to resist. It was as though she needed confirmation. Parked within her designated spot at the apartment complex, she scrolled through the alphabetized list of names and punched the 'send' button when she found one of the two people dominating her thoughts. Three rings later, her call was answered.

"Hey babe," Celeste cheerily stated. "We spoke like three hours ago. Miss me already?" She spoke louder than usual so that her caller could hear her over the blend of voices and beat heavy music in the background.

"Like crazy. I want to jump through the phone and throw my arms around you never to let go," Dylan deadpanned. She heard Celeste laugh and someone in a baritone asking for a Corona beer with a twist of lime. "Is the painting done? You and your friend at a nightclub?"

"No. We're about halfway done. I'm at a sports bar near Alice's house getting us some buffalo wings. She had a taste for them, so whatever my buddy wants, my buddy gets."

Dylan stared through her windshield with a perplexed expression. "When did you start being so solicitous?"

"I guess a compliment resides in there somewhere."

"Sorry. That was rude. What I meant to say is I like the new you that you're becoming."

"Thank you, Dylan." The comic could feel the smile through her phone. "I'm trying to rise above my evil woman status." She laughed when her ex failed to comment, most likely thinking about her accidental song dedication eight months ago. To fill the silence and because she was curious to know, Celeste asked why she called.

"Um, I wanted to say that it was good seeing you today and to wish you a safe trip home whenever you leave."

"Thanks again, babe. It was good seeing you too." A pause. "Oh, my order is ready."

"Okay, I'll let you go then. Bye, Celeste. Take care."

"You too, Dyl."

Call ended, the brunette continued her scrolling until she found the other person four names later. She glanced between Layne Bishop and the 'send' button several times before she snapped her cell shut. Snap out of this funk, she scolded herself. You'll see her soon.

Getting out of the car, Dylan grabbed some of her purchases from the trunk and headed toward the lobby, knowing that she would need to make a few trips to get everything inside. Unless her brother was home and willing, maybe she could slip Henry a twenty to help out.

~~~~~~~~~~

October 2nd 2006

Cozy in a sweatshirt and flannel pajama bottoms with her slipper sock covered feet perched on the desk, long fingers lightly tapped the keyboard as Dylan patiently waited for her friend's typed reply. She had her webcam switched off because Layne's had taken a fatal fall last week and the muralist had yet to replace it. Dylan terribly missed seeing Layne and Robin's faces but then smiled as she looked at the roundtrip plane ticket placed near the computer screen. Next Sunday, she would be on her way to NYC to celebrate a special baby girl's birthday.

[PaintByNumbers] Yes, I was selected for that job I told you about. The couple interviewed I think it was seven or eight muralists to paint a wall of their daughter's bedroom. It's to be a gift for her 10th birthday next week. This should be fun. She has a carnival fascination so there's going to be circus tents, clowns, acrobats, animals, amusement rides...

[StripTease] Congrats! (clapping) I knew you could get it! How long do you think it'll take to finish?

[PaintByNumbers] Her room isn't that large and I only have one wall to paint, so I'm estimating around seven to ten days. How is your work going? Are Tristan's adventures almost done for her latest book?