AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“I’ll have to see about it, Lily,” he said, trying not to seem too eager. “I’m up to my eyeballs in solving murders.”
“That’s so sad. Any leads?”
“Not a one, but thanks for asking. Where do you want to meet?”
“At our usual place, the park by the marina,” Lily said. “Meet me at ten.”
“It’s going to be difficult for me to get away tonight.”
“Can you tell her it’s for work?”
“I’ll figure something out.”
Lily had plans to meet Lisa that night, too, and since Alan rarely spent more than an hour with Lily, she’d be right down the beach when the time rolled around. Lisa had been so aggravating lately, making a big issue about the kids being home from school and using that as an excuse not to see her. This was going to be their last night together for a while, Lisa had said.
After work, Lily went back to her apartment to prepare for her two dates and to get a short nap in. She felt guilty because she knew Lisa wasn’t napping, but she had a nanny, and if she couldn’t find time to rest up before their date, that really was her problem.
At six o’clock, she awoke, feeling a little groggy and wobbly on her feet. She got into the shower and prepared to have sex with two people. The thought made her giggle. Neither knew about the other. She’d never even mentioned their names. But it was time to end that. She owed herself more than either person gave her. She might even get married someday. Having one lover, Lisa, would give her the time she needed for a real relationship.
Checking her watch, she thought she had time for a snack. It would hold her until later, when she’d stop by Shore Pizza for a pizza after saying good night to Lisa.
Sea View was a five-minute drive from town, and she went by Lisa’s cottage as slowly as she could. The lights were still on, but it was early yet. Lisa had stood her up in the past when Ryan stayed up past his usual bedtime. She’d just go to their door if it happened tonight.
Alan’s car was already in the parking lot. Seeing him still made her heart race. She wasn’t single because she lacked opportunities to be in a long-lasting relationship. She knew she was with Alan and Lisa because they were both unavailable. What was wrong with her that she kept sabotaging her life?
She’d broken it off with Dan Chua because he had the morals of a stray cat, and she just couldn’t have a long-term relationship with someone like Dan. She couldn’t have his children, knowing his perverted take on life.
The issue with Dan was Lisa and Ryan being brother and sister, the amorality of it. Being with Lisa contradicted that, too. And now, here she was, immersed in a relationship with Lisa that had no resolution in sight, but she didn’t really care. Her parents would never accept their relationship. Although she rode Lisa constantly about more involvement, it was just a ploy, a way to control her. She’d never expect, nor did she want, more than the occasional midnight rendezvous.
The marina was lit up. Even so late in the year, there were still boats in the water. Alan’s empty car was visible from the street. Trees cast long shadows, and in the ghostly darkness, she saw a lanky form with glowing embers of a cigarette burning. Her heart hammered, the anticipation of what they would do setting her on fire.
She parked next to his car, looking over to where he sat on a picnic table. As soon as the season was over, the park maintenance people stacked the picnic tables together, and before the snow came, they’d haul them away to an unknown location.
As she approached him, her hoodie open with the low V of her T-shirt exposing an ample amount of enticing cleavage, Alan stood up, grinning.
“Go to my car,” he ordered, throwing his cigarette to the ground as he reached for her.
Alan left the marina at ten forty-five.
“I’m going to head over to the precinct before I go home.”
“Covering your tracks,” Lily replied, combing her hair.
“No. I really have to check on something. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Maybe not,” she said, winking. “Remember what I said.”
“Okay, well, let me know how that works out for you, Lily. It’s been fun while it lasted.”
Lily watched him drive off, feeling a satisfying finality about it. She might actually survive without Alan Stone.
She locked her car, leaving it in the parking lot. She usually parked at the beach access further north, but tonight she wanted to see Lisa home after theirdate,so leaving the car at the marina would be a good excuse not to have to part too soon. And she wanted that pizza.
Lisa finally showed up on the beach, a dark knitted cap pulled down over her golden hair. She’d brought along yummy wine coolers.
“I thought we’d have a toast,” she said, handing Lily one after twisting the cap off and sticking it in her pocket. “To us. Fun, female, and freaky.”
“Lisa, that’s hysterical.” She took a long drink. “This is delicious!”
