This story is a continuation Lottie's story from the series Choices. You can read that series if you choose too, but it isn't necessary. This story can be read on its own.
This story is written for pure enjoyment. So read, relax, and endulge.
"Woooooo Hooooooo!" a cheer went up across the bar as the crowd was riveted teams on the screen. The "Lady Badgers" were one kick away from securing another victory over their rivals. Deanna Lanetti wasn't watching the game. Her thoughts were elsewhere. Her eyes were glued to one person who was sitting in a booth across the room.
Charlotte Chance was completely unaware the she garnered attention from the gorgeous brunette at the bar. She was engrossed in conversation with her on-again off-again girlfriend, Terri. She and Terri had ended their relationship for the last time and Terri was moving to Vancouver to be with the man she loved. Tonight, was a farewell celebration for the two of them.
Dean was familiar with the history between these two women, and could understand to a degree. Did she like it? No, but that was life. After finding Charlotte alone and despondent one night over Terri, the two of them had formed a friendship of sorts. Dean smiled as she recalled the night from not so long ago.
Lottie was sitting in a park swing when she walked up and asked her to leave. She figured it was another vagrant or just a kid hanging out, but it wasn't.
"Miss, the park closes at nine I need you to vacate." she addressed her firmly.
"Fine, Dean. I'm moving." Lottie declared angrily desperately hiding her tears. Wanting to keep her from crying, she tried to just tease her a bit. But, it didn't work and she heard the soft sobs and tears Charlotte shed over someone else.
She wasn't about to let her wander off alone anymore so she goaded her into joining her for the evening, Unfortunately, she was still dressed from work and needed to change.
Charlotte was a neat person and she was at first apprehensive about inviting her into her home to wait, but she did anyway. She didn't seem repulsed by her so far so she proceeded to take her to her family's restaurant for dinner.
Everyone in her family knew of her lifestyle and supported her fully. Whenever she visited, she would rarely bring home a companion. And since laying eyes on Charlotte years before she hadn't brought anyone home.
When she arrived at the restaurant, Charlotte, who was till dressed in shrubs from her job, felt out of sorts. She quickly assured her that she looked lovely and went inside. Of course her family, who had heard Charlotte's name more times than they cared to realized who this girl was and pounced.
Nana even came out and met her. She approved. And quickly began to include Charlotte in family activities. At first she'd often refuse, but she'd never been up against the Lanetti women and soon fell into the fold.
However, much to Dean's dismay, Charlotte had her firmly locked in the friend mode. She had to get her to see her as more. But first, she had to wait. Terri had to be gone first. She refused to play second fiddle to anyone. Once she had Charlotte alone, she'd make sure she knew she was care for completely.
What grated on her nerves was how callously Terri used Lottie and didn't even seem to realize it. Lottie was the perfect companion. She was a true vision of loveliness and had a heart of gold. She took care of Terri in every way possible. She defended her against her ex-husband. She stood with her after the divorce was final. She even encouraged Terri, to go out and live.
She helped anyone who came to her with a need. Her job as a nurse demanded it, but it was how she was by nature. Terri was nice as well, just not right for Lottie. Soon, Lottie and Terri were both cheering for their favorite team, and Dean decided to cut her losses.
Tonight, she'd go back to her small house and just think about the one woman she wished she could be with. Then Lottie looked across the smoky room. Her eyes landed on Dean. Instant annoyance, she felt.
Why is Dean here all alone? I'm going to talk to her and make sure she's alright.
she decided.
Their eyes locked briefly and Dean could read her thoughts from where she stood.
Oh, well. I might as well get some fun out of the evening.
Dean sauntered over to the booth occupied by the two women. "Hello, girls. Mind if I join you?" She asked, her eyes trained on Terri.
Dean wasn't interested in Terri, but she spoke to her anyway. "So, I hear you're moving to Vancouver, soon?" she asked. Lottie didn't like it. Dean flirting with Terri bothered her. She knew she was attracted to her, but they were just friends, right?
Terri smiled at the thought joining Tom. "Yes, tomorrow, as a matter of fact."
Then Dean focused on Lottie, "Poor Charlotte, what are you going to do without your friend?"
Lottie's eyes flashed angrily, "I'll be fine Dean. And I've asked you not to call me Charlotte. The name's Lottie."
Dean smiled. She loved riling her. Her brown eyes darkened. Her sun-kissed complexion glowed beneath her auburn locks. The girl was beautiful and she was hers.
Dean sat grinning at Lottie. Then she leaned next to her ear and whispered, softly. "But baby, that's your name. Your name is Charlotte and I will call you Charlotte whenever I want. You will learn to love your name, simply because I like it." She gently kissed her cheek then she moved away.
Lottie's heart pounded. Heat flowed through her veins. Her nipple hardened, and she was wet. No woman had ever turned her own from a whisper. But Dean had done just that. She was speechless and the smirk on Dean's face told her that Dean knew how she affected her.
Terri sat and watched the exchange between the two women. She knew they'd form a friendship because Dean's family treated Lottie like one of their own. But she never really noticed how Dean treated Lottie until now.
Lottie never used her real name, but Dean used it repeatedly and Lottie didn't object too much. Terri swore she saw a little smile on Lottie's lips when Dean said her name. "Um, do I need to leave and give the two of you some privacy." Terri asked smiling.
Dean chuckled, "That won't be necessary, Terri. I'm headed home. You two girls, enjoy your night." Then she left. Lottie watched her as she walked away.
"You and Dean? Wow, I never thought." Terri teased her best friend.
Lottie blushed. "She's really nice. Not like she acts when she's here."
"Well, she'd better treat you right, or Tom and I will come back and-" Lottie laughed.
"What? Come on, I can take care of myself." Lottie declared.
Soon the night ended ant the ladies went home. Terri dropped Lottie off at her new apartment and she returned to the flat they used to share. Terri took a moment to walk around her old home, realizing that soon she'd be gone for good.
Smiling, she thought about her best friend Lottie. She hated leaving her, but maybe when she did Lottie could find the happiness she deserved. She was sure a certain dark-haired woman would strive to make her friend happy.
Lottie's phone started to ring just as she climbed out Terri's car. She began to search frantically for her phone as she headed into her small efficiency apartment. Fumbling for her door keys, she dropped them to the floor as she stubbed her toe on a ledge. Getting down and searching, at last she found them, but by that time, the phone had stopped ringing . She immediately checked her caller ID as soon as she entered her home.
Who had phoned her?
, she wondered. The Caller ID read restricted.
So shrugging off her thoughts, her phone rang again. It was the same restricted number. Lottie answered.
