Time of Day Read online

  “It’s been on the market for a few days. It’ll go fast. There hasn’t been an offer yet, but there will be; probably by the end of the day today or tomorrow. Any house here where you can see even a sliver of the water goes quickly, and generally at or above asking price,” Kinsley explained.

  “I don’t know if I’ll be able to get Elena on board that fast.” Riley swatted at a bee as it buzzed between them.

  “Most houses go pretty fast around here though, Riley. How fast is she realistically going to be able to make a decision? I mean, should we try FaceTime or something, since she can’t be here in person?”

  “No, she couldn’t even if she wanted to.” Riley rolled her eyes.

  Kinsley wondered what that reaction to her question was all about. She didn’t want to ask, though. She didn’t want to push Riley where Elena was concerned. She knew she didn’t want to hear about their amazing love story and the fact that they were looking for their dream home together.

  “She’s been busy lately,” Riley offered next.

  “Wrapping things up, I’m sure. Moving isn’t easy. I can’t imagine what it’s like if you’re the mayor of a town.”

  “Right,” Riley replied but appeared to be thinking of something else in that moment. “Well, I should be getting back to the office. I have a client meeting.”

  “So, this is a no?” Kinsley asked. “Or will you talk to Elena about it and get back to me?”

  “I’ll try to talk to her about it tonight. Can I call you or–”

  “You can call me, but we should try to sit down soon to talk more about what you’re really looking for. We could have Elena on speaker or something if she can spare the time. If I don’t get more specifics, I’m kind of just shooting in the dark.”

  “Right. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m wasting your time.” Riley held her head in her hands. “I just keep messing up with you, Kinsley. I keep trying to show you that I can be a friend, after my monumental error that night at my place, and I keep messing up. I promise you, I’m not a horribly selfish person. I’m also not normally a mess like this either. There’s just a lot going on.”

  Kinsley wanted to hug her in that moment. She wanted to pull Riley into her and hold onto her, but she knew that would be strange. Riley wasn’t in tears. She wasn’t sobbing uncontrollably. She was just stressed out. She’d just moved back home. Her girlfriend lived in another state and would soon be relocating to join her. She had a thriving new law practice. She had to buy a new house without Elena’s help. This wasn’t a hugging moment. It was a helpful friend kind of moment. Kinsley could do that for her.

  “What are you doing tonight?” she asked.

  “Working, probably.”

  “Why don’t you come over to my house? I’ll cook you something. My guess is you’re not much of a cook if you’re living on burgers and pizza.”

  “I’m not much of a cook. That’s correct.” Riley laughed.

  “I’ll make dinner. You bring wine or that imported beer you like. We can look at listings, maybe narrow a few down, and just – I don’t know – hang out.”

  “Hang out? When was the last time we’ve done that?”

  “Just the two of us? Never.” Kinsley realized it as she said it. “I guess we tried to, the other night, but that didn’t go well.”

  “Then, let’s try it again. No house talk. We’ll just hang out.” Riley smiled at her.

  “We should probably talk about the house. If we don’t, I won’t be able to find you a place to live once Elena gets here.” Kinsley tried to laugh. “But we can do that part first and then hang out if you want.”

  “That sounds nice,” Riley replied. “What time should I be there?”

  ◆◆◆

  Riley rang the doorbell. A few moments later, Kinsley opened the front door of her house and smiled so warmly to Riley, that it caused Riley to smile back immediately. She held out the bottle of wine and the six-pack of beer she’d brought with her.

  “I brought both.”

  “I guess we’re getting drunk tonight,” Kinsley replied and motioned for Riley to enter. “Come in. I’ll give you a quick tour.”

  “This place is great, Kinsley.” Riley looked around the open foyer with gorgeous redwood beams visible all over the place. “Really great.”

  “Thanks,” Kinsley said. “Can I take your coat?” she asked, pointing at the light blue pea coat Riley had worn over her black cardigan.

  She’d paired it with skinny jeans and black heels. She’d had a hard time picking out what to wear tonight. She was just hanging out with her friend, Kinsley. This wasn’t a date. If anything, it was a working dinner with her realtor that happened to be someone she knew from college, and a little more recently. Did that make Kinsley an acquaintance? That didn’t seem right. Riley placed the drinks she’d brought on the table by the door where Kinsley, apparently, kept her keys and a nice-looking candle centerpiece. Kinsley moved behind Riley and helped her with the jacket. When was the last time a woman helped her with her coat? Riley watched as Kinsley hung it up for her in the closet before grabbing the beer and wine and carrying it for her into the kitchen.

  “Damn, Kinsley. This place is amazing,” she said when she noted the wood notes continued throughout the kitchen and mingled with the stainless-steel appliances effortlessly.

  “Thank you. I’ll take you around in a minute, but let me get you a drink first. I knew you were probably bringing wine, but I put one out to breathe just in case. Would you like some of that or should I open the one you brought?”

  Well, this was different. Riley nodded toward the decanter of red wine resting on the kitchen counter and watched as a very well put-together Kinsley James poured them two precise glasses. Kinsley was wearing jeans, which Riley had noticed she pretty much always wore, even when she was working. She was also wearing a light gray scoop neck shirt with the logo of some 80s rock band on it in navy blue. The look made Riley feel slightly overdressed, but it also seemed perfect for the occasion and looked really good on Kinsley. She wore it with a confidence Riley hadn’t seen her possess before. Every time she’d seen the woman recently, she’d always seemed caught off guard by her. This was a different Kinsley. Both versions of the woman were charming, but Riley had to admit that she liked this version more than the one that had uttered ‘mother fucker’ at her the last time she’d walked into the woman’s office to meet with her. That reaction had been why she’d dropped her gift of coffee and bagels and ran the last time.

  They carried their wine around Kinsley’s home. Kinsley had pointed out the things she’d done herself to improve it since purchasing it. She added the things she’d like to do in the future, and the things that were the highest priority, like re-staining the decks outside. It was on the patio balcony that Riley took in the beauty she sometimes forgot about: the lake. When she grew up here, she knew tourists came to town specifically for the views, the outdoor activities, and the summertime fun. But she thought of the place as home. It wasn’t a vacation spot for her. As a busy adult, she also forgot the beauty of this place. The sun was just about to fully set. The sky was alight with pinks, purples, and oranges. Riley stood against the railing with her wine glass and just took it all in. Kinsley moved next to her but left enough space to stay in this moment. She didn’t say a word. After a few minutes, Kinsley moved to sit on her patio chaise. Riley turned around and noted it was the only piece of furniture on the balcony, save the table and lamp next to it.

  “Mind sharing?” she asked and headed toward the chair.

  “Oh, sure. Sorry. I have another one of these. I just had to stain it. It’s downstairs, in the yard,” Kinsley stated, and Riley wondered why she felt the need to do so.

  “Your place is perfect, Kinsley. Really. I can’t believe you can do all this. You really replaced the tile in your own bathroom?”

  “It’s not too difficult. I read a book. It’s mostly just time-consuming.”

  “I can barely boil water, and y
ou’re replacing the tile.” Riley laughed.

  “When I go to do it in the downstairs bathroom, you can watch. Maybe you’ll learn how.” Kinsley smiled at her as Riley sat on the end of the lounge. “It’s kind of fun in the beginning: you get to beat the old tile into submission with a hammer.”

  “Count me in,” Riley replied and took a drink of her wine. “This is great.”

  “I thought it would pair nicely with what I’m making.”

  “Where’d you learn about wine pairing?” Riley asked and crossed her legs, turning more toward Kinsley.

  “In culinary school,” Kinsley said with a smile that told Riley she should have known that. “Do you not–”

  “No, I remember.” Riley pointed at Kinsley as if to tell her that, this one, she knew. Kinsley didn’t have to remind her. “You majored in…” She thought for a moment. “You majored in finance, didn’t you?”

  “I did.”

  “And you hated it,” Riley added.

  “Completely.” Kinsley took a drink. “I went to appease my parents. As soon as I graduated, I enrolled in culinary school. I thought I’d run my own restaurant one day. But – I don’t know – that just seemed impractical. I knew how most of them were unsuccessful. Plus, I had that finance degree, that crusher of dreams.”

  Riley laughed and almost spat her wine out at that.

  “I ended up getting my real estate license. And now, I run my own business; it’s just not a restaurant,” Kinsley finished.

  “And you’re okay with that?”

  “I am. I love what I do. I didn’t expect to, but I do.” She shrugged. “It’s how I was able to find this place, and I love this place.”

  “I love it, too,” Riley said as she stared out at the sun disappearing into the horizon.

  “Is this something you’d like? This place?”

  “Oh, I don’t think I’d be able to afford anything like this. You know my budget,” she replied.

  Kinsley stared at her thoughtfully for a moment and said, “Right. Well, I got a great deal on this place.”

  “I’d hope so, or I would consider taking you up on that friendship deal of no commission,” Riley said.

  “I already told you: I’m not taking a commission,” Kinsley replied. “Come on. Dinner’s just warming up. We can talk more about it as we eat.”

  Riley nodded, and they carried their wine downstairs back into the kitchen. When Kinsley pulled some chicken dish out of the oven, it both looked and smelled delicious. Riley had missed lunch. She’d also skipped breakfast. She’d subsisted on a protein bar and a bag of chips. Kinsley walked them to the table, carrying the dish. That was when Riley noticed Kinsley had set the table. Their plates, silverware, cloth napkins, and salads awaited them along with brimming water glasses. Kinsley placed the dish in the middle of the table and nodded for Riley to sit, which she did. Kinsley disappeared into the kitchen and returned with the decanter and their wine glasses. She set them down and then sat down herself, across from Riley.

  “I don’t know what to say.”

  “I thought you could use a home-cooked meal,” Kinsley said.

  “I haven’t had one of those since my mom cooked for me before they went on their trip.” Riley picked up her fork. “Kinsley, you didn’t have to do all this.”

  “I wanted to. I like to cook, and I don’t often get a chance to do it for others.”

  “How do your friends not take advantage of this love of yours?” Riley smiled at her as she dished out a healthy portion for herself.

  “They do. But that’s mainly for parties. I don’t get to cook for them like this all that often.”

  “Well, I’m lucky I get the pleasure,” Riley said.

  They ate in relative silence for a few minutes before the requisite small talk began. Kinsley talked about her business and a few difficult to please clients. Riley did the same, leaving out some details to protect confidentiality. It was pleasant. Riley found herself trying to remember that this was not a date on more than one occasion. By the time they’d finished the chicken, they’d also nearly finished the wine. Kinsley stood and insisted Riley stay at the table. God, Riley hadn’t been pampered like this in years. Maybe she’d never been pampered like this. It was nice, but she couldn’t get used to it. This was two friends hanging out. She’d have to find a way to repay Kinsley for this kindness and amazing food.

  Kinsley came back out first with another decanter of wine, filled their glasses, and disappeared back into the kitchen. When she came out again, it was with two plates that contained some type of pastry dish. There were beautiful berries on top of it, and a dollop of whipped cream next to them.

  “I didn’t know if you were a dessert person or not.” Kinsley sat back down across from her. “If you’re not, you don’t–”

  “I am. This looks so damn good. What don’t you do, Kinsley?” Riley dug in with her fork.

  Kinsley laughed and replied, “I liked pastry the best in culinary school.”

  “It shows.” Riley took a second bite. “I’m not even ashamed of how much I like this and how I’m going to eat all of it.”

  “I made four. I can give you the other two. You can take them home with you.”

  “You keep them. Maybe I’ll come over again, and we can eat them together.”

  “They won’t keep beyond tomorrow, I’m afraid.” Kinsley laughed and took a bite.

  “Then, I’ll be back tomorrow.” Riley meant it as a joke, but she also meant it, period.

  “I’ll make fish and pair it with a nice white,” Kinsley replied.

  They left it at that, and the conversation drifted a little to the topic of their friends. Kellan and Reese were doing well. Remy and Ryan were doing well. Morgan was doing well at the store and trying to expand her family’s business but was still looking for love. When it came time to do the dishes, Kinsley again tried to make Riley sit down, but Riley wouldn’t hear of it. They did them together, and it was nice. It was nice doing this with someone. When they finished, Kinsley carried the half-empty decanter into the living room, where she also started a fire, and they sat staring for a few minutes as it burned.

  “So, should we talk about the house you two want now?” Kinsley asked after some silence.

  Riley looked over at her, taking her eyes away from the fire, and replied. “Right. I guess I should stop wasting your time.”

  “I don’t think you–”

  “No, it’s my fault.” Riley felt the wine she’d consumed hit her in that moment. “I’ve been putting it off. I shouldn’t be. I asked you to do this, and I keep not answering your questions.”

  “Is something wrong?” Kinsley asked. “If you want to hire another–”

  “I don’t want to hire anyone else. I just might not need a realtor after all.”

  Riley took a long drink of her wine, finishing it. Moments later, her glass was full again, and Kinsley had topped off her own as well. Though, Riley hadn’t been paying attention as they’d drank. It might have been her consuming most of the wine tonight, because Kinsley did not appear even the slightest bit tipsy.

  “I think maybe you should discontinue your search. I can let you know to pick it back up again if I need it.”

  “Did something happen?” Kinsley asked.

  “Elena might be the first lesbian governor of the state of Texas.” Riley took another drink and knew she’d regret this in the morning.

  “What?” Kinsley laughed a little. “Are you serious?”

  “The party wants her to run for governor. The current governor’s term is up in about a year and a half. It’s perfect timing to start a campaign.”

  “But what about your plans?”

  “That’s what I’ve asked her about. She hasn’t answered me yet.”

  “What do you mean?” Kinsley took a drink.

  “I mean, I sent her the links you sent me right after I got them. I got a short email back that she’d take a look when she could. She hasn’t told me how she feels about th
em yet.”

  “What did she say when you talked to her?”

  “That’s the thing: we haven’t talked since that night.”

  “The night I was there?” Kinsley asked.

  “She told me about possibly running for governor, and I didn’t take it well.”

  “I can see why,” Kinsley replied. “She’s really thinking of staying?”

  “She’s changing our entire plan if she does,” Riley said. “I gave her three years. That was the deal. She wanted this term, and then she’d give it up and move to Tahoe with me.”

  “And if she runs?”

  “Well, that’s a year and a half of campaigning without me, and then four years in office without me.”

  “So, basically another six years until she’s here. Would you consider moving there?”

  “What’s the point? We wouldn’t be living together. She’s not out.”

  “Oh. I guess that would be a problem,” Kinsley said.

  Riley took another drink and added, “It’s been a problem all along. I’ve just put up with it.”

  “Why do you?”

  “Why do I what?” Riley asked, feeling a little fuzzy.

  “Put up with it?” Kinsley paused and set her glass on her beautiful coffee table. “I mean, I don’t know if I could do what you do. How does it even work?” She paused again. “And I’m not judging or suggesting it doesn’t work; I’m honestly just curious.”

  “It worked really well in the beginning. But that was probably because I was there for three months. We spent every free moment we had together. She was in the closet and always had been. She’d married young to try to push the gay away. When her husband died, she finally decided to date women. I was – and still am – the first long-term relationship she’s ever had with a woman.”

  “Really? She’s forty-six.”

  “How’d you know that?” Riley asked.

  “I may have Googled her.” Kinsley shrugged. “There’s only one mayor in Texas named Elena.”

  Riley laughed so hard, she nearly spilled her wine and said, “You Googled her?”