Tess nodded her agreement. “So maybe it’s between thet-o-o-n-a, which it says is soy protein, or if you’re willing, Bree, you and I could order a sampling of vegetarian appetizers and split them.”
Gabby looked at Rachelle and shrugged before she smiled. “Sharing appetizers.”
While Tess diligently studied her menu, Bree gently leaned her shoulder into Tess for a moment. “I’m in. Shall we each order two appetizers to share, then?”
Tess nodded but didn’t say a word. Bree suspected Tess was dealing with the same thing that she was, sizing up how this all fit into their reset.
“If dairy is okay, how about I pick the feta bruschetta and avocado goat cheese truffles?” Tess finally said.
“Sounds perfect,” Bree replied. “And if you think the rude rooster wouldn’t object, how about the garlic-herb mini quiches and the artichoke deviled eggs?”
Tess agreed, and the waitress took the orders with a declaration that sharing appetizers with her girlfriend made for her favorite date dinner. Gabby had the good grace to only snicker.
The kids on the stage had just delivered the last line toThe Redemption of Terri Dactyl, and the audience had taken their seats again after a prolonged standing ovation. It was time for the raffle, and the drama teacher pulled the ticket for a whalewatching day for two followed by dinner and dancing at the Seaside Eatery and Dance Club. She announced with a flourish, “And the big winner of the date for two is Theresa Fairchild.”
“It looks like you two judges just landed a sequel event on the love boat,” Hank teased. “That’s what you get for donating to the cause, Tess.”
Tess pulled her ticket stub out of her pocket and went up on the stage to collect her prize. She was surprised at how much she was enjoying herself this evening because she’d had her reservations about exposing herself to more time with Bree and the personal turmoil that might entail, but instead she could only marvel that she was out with Bree and sharing a family dinner and a high school play with her family. She’d felt welcomed, included, embraced. And she’d learned even more about Bree. Things that only made Tess like her more.
She’d seen Bree with her niece before, and tonight had only reinforced what she’d observed—there was no doubt in Tess’s mind that Bree had earned Gabby’s love and her desire for her aunt’s happiness. The same went for her brother and Rachelle. She’d watched Bree and Hank talk and tease with such ease. The entire evening only expanded her appreciation of what had drawn her to Bree. Even with the wounds Bree carried from a bad marriage, she was solid. She was genuine. She knew how to appreciate and love the people in her personal life. And the fact that she’d been willing to share all this with Tess, it only increased Tess’s feelings for her.
The last time she’d spent a day on a boat with Bree, they’d ended up in bed together, spent the night together—the best night of her life. That was Tahoe. She didn’t want to offer mixed signals about the reset she’d instigated, and she didn’t want to dwell on how to handle this raffle ticket tonight. She’d figure it out. Tonight might have been about supporting a kid and a community function, but it meant so much more to Tess.
“Well, it’s certainly your lucky night,” Bree said. “Congratulations.”
Tess nodded at her and smiled before Bree stood up and moved toward the aisle. “Time to collect our future Broadway star and head home.”
Hank had been seated on the other side of the four of them, and when he moved toward the aisle on his side, Rachelle and Tess remained in the row alone and seated next to each other.
“So, what do you think? Did you have a good time tonight?” Rachelle asked. “I’m so glad you came with Bree. And not just because you were supporting Gabby.”
“I’ve had a wonderful time,” Tess replied.Such a wonderful time, Tess told herself, and she meant it.
“You can work out the specifics of your prize later,” Rachelle advised as she quietly held Tess’s gaze.
Tess knew that as close as Bree was to her family, Rachelle had significant insight into Bree and her life—and probably into Bree’s relationship with Tess. Maybe she didn’t know the exact details, but Rachelle was astute enough to realize there were things Tess and Bree needed to figure out.
Gabby, Bree, and Hank met them by the door, and they all headed to the truck. As they were approaching the vehicle, Rachelle’s phone rang. She hung back and answered it while the rest of them climbed into the truck and waited until she joined them.
“That was Mom. She says she thinks that she’s having a reaction to the medicine her doctor just started her on, and she wants me to come over.”
Hank thought a moment. “Can I drop you two off at your place, Tess, and maybe you can drive Bree home while I get Rachelle to her mom’s house?”
Tess didn’t hesitate. She’d need to face the reset later, but tonight had been so good and she was happy not to have it endyet. “I can do that.”
“What about me?” Gabby asked. “You’ll probably be hours at Grandma’s.”
“We can drop Gabby at your house, Hank, before I deliver Bree to hers.” Tess knew this evening couldn’t go on forever and decided she was going to deserve more than a glass of wine when she finally made it back home.
“Great. We’ve got a plan. Thanks, Tess.” Hank looked in the rearview mirror at her, then drove toward her house as they implemented the plan in relative silence except for the chatter Gabby offered about the play.
Fifteen minutes later they stood in Tess’s driveway and watched as the Tacoma’s taillights receded down the street. Tess fished in her purse for her car keys. She looked at her front door—she’d be back soon enough. She’d have that glass of wine and sort out her thoughts and feelings then.
After they were back on the road, Gabby asked, “Are you two going to call this whale watching raffle date for two just another meeting?”
Tess had no clue how to respond to a sixteen-year-old when she was still wrestling with what she was telling her adult self.
Bree broke the awkward silence. “Hey, kid. Even Cupid takes a night off.”
