“It’s late. You shouldn’t drive at night,” Ricki added.
“I appreciate your concern.” Abby smiled. “But it’s only eight. I’ll be home a little after ten. It’s fine.”
“You don’t have to go,” Blythe said.
“I know, but I want to.” Abby realized the truth as soon as the words slipped from her mouth. Ricki was right. She needed space to process all that had happened. Ricki was giving them all a gift, but it would take Blythe time to understand it.
Abby went to Blythe and took her hand, “Would you grab my bag from your room?”
She wanted a moment alone with Ricki, but would Blythe pick up on it?
Blythe stared at her for a moment, but then she smiled. “Sure. It’ll take me a few minutes to gather up your stuff.”
Abby smiled. Blythe understood.
As soon as Blythe left, Abby walked toward Ricki, who backed up against the counter.
“I won’t bite,” Abby said, standing in front of her.
Ricki let out a nervous chuckle. “Uh, yeah, I know.”
Abby took both of Ricki’s hands. Ricki didn’t resist. “I’m sorry, Ricki.”
“No.” Ricki violently shook her head. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
“I feel like I do.”
“And I feel like I do, too.”
“We’re quite the pair, huh?” Abby smiled.
“I suppose we are.” Ricki squeezed Abby’s hands. Her eyes were sad, but Abby also saw how much Ricki cared. Any doubt she had about how Ricki felt vanished. Ricki’s struggle equaled Abby’s or was even greater.
“I don’t regret what happened,” Abby said. “I never will. But I regret it put this wedge between us.”
“It might have been the catalyst, but it would have happened, anyway.” Ricki continued to look Abby in the eyes, no longer trying to hide.
“Yes, it would have.” Despite their cryptic communication, Abby knew they were on the same page. Ricki had feelings for Abby, too, and it was only a matter of time before Ricki would have distanced herself. “I guess it was good we got that night then.”
Ricki swallowed hard, and her eyes glistened. “I’m still trying to decide if I agree with that.”
Abby nodded. “Fair enough. I suppose it’s making this even harder.”
“I love Blythe with every fiber of my being. She’s my best friend. My family. Her family has taken me in as one of their own and—”
Abby put her finger against Ricki’s lips. “You don’t have to explain yourself. I understand. Just know, I’d never do anything to damage that. You two have a special bond.” Abby let her hand trail to Ricki’s cheek, and she cupped it in her hand. “You’re incredible, and any woman would be so lucky to have you. But please, promise me, you won’t settle for anything less than you deserve.”
Ricki’s gaze dropped to the floor.
Abby gently lifted her chin. “Promise me.”
Ricki finally looked up and met Abby’s gaze. Tears welled in her eyes. “I need to hurt for a while. It’s all I know to do.”
Abby put her hand against her own chest and rubbed. “I feel that.” Then she put her hand against Ricki’s and massaged her sternum.
Ricki closed her eyes, and she put her hand over the top of Abby’s. Abby closed her own eyes, and they stood for some time with their hands clutched over Ricki’s chest.
“Blythe will be back soon,” Ricki said, breaking the moment.
