"Go ahead," Rose says.
"It's hard to talk about," Trevor says.
Rose takes his hand in hers and smiles. "You know you can talk to me."
Trevor looks down. "I have to tell you why I needed to talk to you,"
"Go ahead, sweetie."
They're at a table outside a popular Mexican spot near Rose's work. Trevor called Rose yesterday and asked if he could talk to her about something in person. Rose invited him to lunch. Her treat, she insisted.
"Things with Susanne are going well," he says.
As I thought.
"I'm glad, sweetie. She's a lucky girl."
"We've got something special," he says. "A real connection. We've also made love."
Rose's face lights up. "I repeat, lucky girl! I'm happy for you."
"Yeah," he says. "So this part's tough to say."
"You and Susanne want to see each other exclusively," Rose says.
"Yeah. Rose, I'm sorry. I think you're amazing."
"No need to apologize. We had a great time together, but this was always a transitional relationship for you."
"I want to thank you. You did so much for me. You've been so kind."
"It was my honor," she says. "I'm happy to have helped start you on your sexual journey."
"My god, Rose." Trevor's voice breaks and he chokes back tears. "You've given me so much. I don't know if I can ever make it up to you."
"You don't have to, sweetie," Rose says. "Whatever I've done for you, consider it a gift freely given. No obligations incurred."
"Thanks," Trevor says. "I was nervous about this conversation."
"No need to be."
"Even so."
"Did you tell her about me?" Rose says.
"Yeah," he says. "And I told her I was going to break it off."
Rose leans forward. "Even if one phase of our relationship is ending, our friendship doesn't need to. If you ever need to talk about anything, I'm here."
"Thanks, Rose," he says. "You can't imagine how glad I am for you."
"Oh, I can imagine." Rose leans forward and gives him a short kiss. "I wish you all the luck in the world."
"You, too, Rose. I'd love it if you could meet Susanne someday."
"It so happens my friend Eric got an amazing job and he's moving to California," Rose says. "I'm having a going-away party for him this Saturday. You and Susanne should come."
"I'll ask her," he says. "But I don't see why not."
The waiter arrives with their food.
"Excellent," Rose says. "Now let's have a nice lunch."
***
Rose checks the time.
It's a quarter past three and the van from Occhiobello is only now pulling into her driveway. Guests are set to start arriving in a half hour.
Panic mode.
"Take a breath." Violet places a hand on Rose's shoulder. "Everything's going to be fine."
"I know." Rose puts her hand atop Violet's. They share a warm smile. "I just want it to be a memorable send-off for Eric."
"I know," Violet says. "Like everything else you do, it'll be spectacular."
"Thanks, Vee." Rose kisses her. "I told you already, and I'll say it again. You look amazing."
Violet shrugs. "You don't look so shabby yourself."
The doorbell rings before Rose can respond.
Rose wears a black sleeveless dress she saved for the right occasion. It flatters her plentiful assets and also displays most of her ink.
She's chosen a dark palette for her makeup and accessories, too. Black lipstick, black onyx earrings, black horn-rimmed glasses, and black rose pendant.
The caterers from Occhiobello set up the food. Rose has gone crazy, spending more than she should. At least it'll be a send-off to remember.
A charcuterie board, half a dozen hot dishes, and the salads are all laid out. The selection of Italian pastries goes into the fridge.
Rose glances at Violet while it's being set up. Her red hair is down and she's wearing a light purple dress with a blue floral pattern. A white sweater is on her shoulders. Rose would like nothing more than to take her in her arms and ravish her with kisses.
The caterers finish with time to spare. Rose double-checks everything. Utensils, wine, beer, napkins. All good.
What else?
Rose turns on the fireplace. What about the fire pit? Is the forecast still clear? She checks the weather app.
"Relax," Violet says, adjusting a vase of flowers on the dining room table. "There's still no chance of rain."
"I'm sorry. I need everything to be perfect."
Violet steps towards her and takes her hand. "Relax. Everything's going to be great. The social event of the season."
They kiss. A tender hug follows.
Rose sighs. "I don't suppose there's time to go upstairs and have wild lesbian sex before the guests start arriving?"
Violet smirks. "Regrettably, no. At least not without messing up our makeup."
"I guess we can't have that," Rose says. "Some other time?"
Violet smacks Rose's ass. "Count on it."
Rose gives Violet another kiss. It's all part of the casual affection which now exists between them.
Violet's phone rings. "Shit. Work calling. Have a glass of wine."
Violet picks up her phone and walks off. Rose follows her advice and pours herself a small glass of wine.
Eric balked when she suggested this party for him, but she insisted. What was she thinking? Twenty people are invited, mostly Eric's friends.
A bunch of strangers, but also Violet, Trevor, and Patrick. Trevor's invite was a whim, and hosting a party without Violet around doesn't feel right.
The first guests arrive, two friends of Eric's from college. One's interested in the view of the bay, the other in the view of Rose. He's cute and Rose shares a few flirty glances with him.
A cute couple arrives, Eric's younger brother and his girlfriend. They're in their early twenties, their eyes wide as they glance around Rose's home.
Rose hears another car door shut outside. She glances out the window.
Patrick
.
It didn't feel right not inviting him. Why is that? She's not catching feelings for him, is she? Sure, he's hot and sophisticated. Loving and kind. They vibe sexually, too, on a deep level. But
feelings?
Out of the question.
He's the essence of cool casual today. A gray buttoned down shirt and dark blue blazer with jeans and sandals. Not every man, especially one in his late forties, can pull it off but Patrick does easily.
Well done, Mr. Bond.
Violet appears at Rose's elbow. "That's Patrick, isn't it?"
Rose nods.
"Wow," Violet says. "You weren't kidding, were you? That's one sexy fucking man."
"I'm sure he'd love to give you a go sometime," Rose whispers. "Or the two of us at once."