Chapter 6 - As the music dies, and all its sad goodbyes
Over the next few weeks, Paige helps show the apartment. Sarah takes applications from about 20 people, mostly students or younger professionals like Paige herself. A few men, but nearly all women. Their first pick was a woman named Kelsey. She's a few years older than Paige. Just finished a law degree and starting as a junior associate.
Unfortunately when Sarah called her back she'd already found another place and signed a lease. They work their way farther down the list, and end up with a new tenant named Tamara Yoon. A couple of years younger than Paige, a student.
When Paige meets her, the first thing she notices is her smile. She's beautiful, and seems so happy and excited about life. Tamara has long black hair, hung in loose waves around her shoulders.
"Here are your keys, and our numbers if you need anything," Paige says as she hands over a little envelope. "You said you were a student?"
"Yeah, Imaging Sciences at BSU," Tamara replies.
"Oh no way! I did my degree there in Medical Lab Tech. Oh man, did you have any classes with Dr. Felzan?" Paige asks with a laugh.
"Christ, yes. Ugh... he was the WORST," Tamara says. "I don't give A's because nobody is perfect," she adds in a mocking tone. "What a fucking hard ass."
"Like once a week he'd try to erase the white-board with the mouse," Paige says as they both break down in laughter. She hadn't intended to stay, but she quickly finds herself sitting on the bed with Tamara sharing stories about their school days.
"Hey, this is maybe a little fucked up to ask, but any chance you're going out shopping or anything sometime soon? I don't have a car currently. It's my first time living on my own. I didn't really think about all the things I'd need," Tamara says quickly. Clearly nervous, she fidgets with her pillow. "It's cool if you aren't, no pressure. You know what forget I asked, sorry."
"No, no, it's no problem. I'm free now if you want to go do some shopping," Paige says, trying to be as calm and reassuring as possible.
"It's all so overwhelming," Tamara says with a sigh. "I've never been on my own like this before. I was living at home still, but it wasn't really working anymore." Tamara gathers up her things and heads to the car with Paige.
When they arrive at the mall, they shop for mundane household things. The kinds of things you don't really think about the fact that someone had to buy them originally. A toaster, oven milts, a plunger, a drip tray for snowy boots. In one aisle as Tamara is trying to decided between two different comforters she turns to Paige.
"Is it alright if I ask about you and Sarah? Like... are you... you know?" Tamara asks nervously. "Sorry if that's not OK to ask, just tell me to shut up and I will."
"It's OK. Yeah, we're together," Paige says gently.
"That's so cool. She's really pretty," Tamara says turning back to the blankets.
Tamara is fairly quiet until the drive back to Sarah's house. Paige can tell something is gnawing at her, but doesn't want to pry. She fidgets in the passenger seat.
"Did you tell your parents? Do they know about... that you're dating a woman?" Tamara asks finally. The question clearly weighing on her. It takes Paige a few moments to process it. Honestly she hadn't even thought about telling them, its been such a crazy time.
"No, I haven't told them yet. It's pretty new. I guess I'm still figuring things out," Paige responds.
"I can't say I'd recommend it," Tamara says sadly.
"Sorry you had to go through that," Paige says, gently placing a hand on Tamara's leg and giving a squeeze. They ride in silence for a while. Paige considers turning the radio on, but decides that might be inappropriate.
"My friends call me Tam," Tamara says finally.
After unloading the car Paige sits with Tam on her bed for a while. She tells Tam all about meeting Sarah and Liz, leaving out some of the details, including their fame and past. Hearing about Paige being with both Liz and Sarah has Tam intrigued.
"So Sarah doesn't mind that you're with other people?" Tam asks.
"Not really, shes.... kind of wild," Paige attempts to explain. Then suddenly Tam leans in, and kisses Paige.
"My parents were awful to me when I told them I was attracted to women. My mother cried and told me I was a bitch for not letting her be a grandmother. Like I only existed to reproduce, and it didn't matter if I was happy," Tam says softly. "It's nice to meet people who are open minded, accepting."
"Are you sure about this?" Paige asks. When Tam nods, Paige pulls her close, kissing her softly. Paige kisses down her neck, across her collar bone, the tops of each breast. She pushes up her shirt, gently kissing a trail down her stomach.
Tam arches her back to meet Paige's mouth. Paige hurries to undo Tam's pants. Throwing them to the floor as she dives in, her mouth exploring Tam's most intimate areas. It doesn't take long for her to leave Tam panting softly as Paige slides back up the bed to lay beside her.
"Did Sarah teach you that?" Tam ask breathlessly, her face flushed. "Think she'd take on another student?"