Second Chances [Lesbian]

Chapter 16

I debated whether or not I wanted to call her. I wracked my brain trying to remember what we had talked about and anything I could have said to embarrass myself. The only thing I vaguely remembered was taking my pants off.

I chose to tackle the kitchen, instead. Ignoring my phone, I organized and put everything back. I glared at the offending bottle of wine.

The last time I had been drunk was after the custody hearing. I had chosen something a little stronger then. The difference was that I'd been completely alone with no one to reach out to.

I didn't drink often when I was with Whitney. Handling her when she was drunk was more than enough for me without having to deal with myself too. She was a social drinker and any time we'd been to a party, or any kind of social gathering, she'd end up overdoing it. Drunk Whitney was loud, crass and extremely flirtatious, like 'one of the boys'. She was so charming that everyone always excused it. She was labeled "fun" while I was the DD. "Come on, Ren.. she's just having fun." "Why do you guys have to leave? Whitney's the life of the party!"

I shook my head to clear it and put the bottle away. The ping from my phone echoed through the quiet house.

Morning, sleepyhead. How are you feeling this morning?

I chewed my lip and thought carefully before responding.

Morning. Well, I mostly feel like crap, but that's my own fault. How was your Aunt Lou's?

Maybe completely avoiding the subject would distract her enough from anything embarrassing I had said.

Mostly the same as every year. The big dramatic surprise this year was Aunt Jody declaring she's moving to Florida with her new husband.

Maybe I'm in the clear!

Sounds very exciting

There was a long pause and I started pacing.

Almost as exciting as your performance, Aretha.

I groaned. There it was.

About that.. I apologize for anything and everything I said last night..

Then my phone rang and I really didn't want to answer it. I took a breath.

"I'm about to get in the car to drive home. You certainly don't have to apologize for your rendition of "Natural Woman". It was actually pretty impressive considering the only actual words you sang were 'natural woman'.." she laughed and I wanted to sink into the floor.

"Well, now you've witnessed the span of my many musical talents." I was really hoping that was it. "So.. did I say.. anything else?"

"Mmhmm."

"What else did I say?"

"Oh, things. Here and there. I don't really remember.."

"Cam." I huffed.

"Oh, I like when you say my name like that," she purred.

"I need to know how badly I embarrassed myself."

"Just enough to be cute," she teased and I couldn't help but smile.

"I'm glad you think so. Don't get used to it, it doesn't happen often."

"Well, that's a shame."

"Will I see you tonight?" I decided to change the subject.

"I'll come by for dinner. See you tonight, Aretha."

I could still hear her husky laugh after we hung up.

***