Sweet Carolina Girls Part 3

"It wasn't so much going back to men. I met a great guy, J.R. He was on the baseball team and two years younger than me. We just hit it off. We had so much in common. I had a great time with him and I might have even loved him, but he was going in the draft, after his soph.o.m.ore year, so we knew it wasn't going to last. He's in the Bay Sharks farm system now. He'll be coming through Durham. After he left, I met Jeff and now you know the whole story."

"That's so sad," Lauren said.

"Why do you say that?" Harper leaned in for the answer. They were now face to face and to anyone observing looked like lovers in deep conversation.

Lauren took a deep breath before she started, "You don't sound like you've ever really been in love or had a broken heart. You haven't ever given your heart and soul to someone."

Harper answered almost in a whisper, "Maybe I haven't found the right one yet."

Again their eyes locked. Harper felt like she was trying to hear what Lauren was saying, but Lauren wasn't speaking. She stared into the deep blue pools staring back at her. She could hear her heart pounding in her chest.

The moment was brought to a screeching halt when the waiter appeared with the check. Harper insisted on paying and dealt with the bill, while Lauren went out to the car. When Harper approached the Tahoe, she could see that Lauren appeared to be having a conversation with someone, although she was alone in the car. When Harper opened the door, she realized that Lauren was talking to someone on the car phone.

"Here's Harper now," Lauren continued. "Say hi, it's Shelby."

"Hi Shelby," Harper said to the roof of the car.

Shelby's voice came out of car speakers, "Hi Harper, is Lauren helping you find what you need?"

Harper looked at the roof again, "Yes, Lauren's been very helpful. I wish you could have been with us."

She added that last part, but did not really mean it, or maybe she did mean it. Maybe if Shelby was here none of this would be happening. She could go on happily with her little crush until it played itself out, like they usually did.

The speakers interrupted her thoughts, "Well you girls have fun. See you tonight honey. I love you."

Lauren reached for the phone b.u.t.ton on the rear view mirror, "I love you, too."

For the rest of the afternoon, Lauren and Harper acted like old friends. Laughing and giggling their way through all the mission furniture at the Lakeview Galleries. No more intimate moments, just two girlfriends out on the town. They sat on every chair and couch on the showroom floor. Then they went through several gallery books and, after almost four hours, Harper had selected all the furniture she needed and dropped nearly fifteen thousand dollars, so she made sure to get free delivery and set up. It was the least the excited little gay man who took her order could do. Some of the items were coming from the local store on Monday, like the couch and entertainment center. The others would be delivered, when they arrived from the other Galleries.

Harper was happy to have the furniture shopping out of the way. On the way home they stopped at the Tarr Barr for take home, because Harper had no food in the house. Lauren pointed out the Vet's Office and a great place to get fresh vegetables while they drove. When they arrived in her driveway Harper thanked Lauren for a wonderful day.

"I haven't laughed that much in a long time. I really enjoyed myself. Thank you so much," Harper said as she exited the vehicle. "Do you want to come in?"

Lauren smiled, "No, I need to get home. I have to let the dogs out." She paused and added, "Harper, I enjoyed your company very much. We'll have to do it again, sometime."

"Yeah, I'd like that." Harper kicked at the rocks in the driveway, unable to let go of the door.

"Well, I'll see you tomorrow," Lauren said, putting the car in drive.

"Tomorrow?" Harper asked.

"At practice."

"Yes, yes, at practice. I'll see you there. Thanks again."

Harper was able to shut the door, because she knew she would see Lauren again. She stood in the driveway to watch Lauren drive away. Lauren had gone only a few feet when she slammed on the breaks. She opened the door, got out and started toward Harper. Harper's heart skipped a beat.

"You forgot your sweats.h.i.+rt," Lauren said, producing a shopping bag.

"Oh, thanks," Harper said, trying to hide her disappointment.

"Well, see ya'," Lauren said, backing toward the car.

"See ya'," Harper replied, then both women turned away from each other. Harper turned to look, as she reached the top step. Lauren was still sitting in the driveway. Harper waited and just when she thought maybe she should go back down the steps, the rear lights flashed and Lauren put the car in gear and drove away. Harper wondered what was going through Lauren's mind. She knew what was going through hers and it could never happen. She had to keep telling herself that. What was it that Abby said, "You can look, but don't touch." Abby sounded wise right now.

Chapter Five.

Harper put away the things, from the rest of the boxes, and cleaned up on Sunday morning, antic.i.p.ating the furniture deliveries in the morning. It was warm by mid-day, so she left the French doors open, for Jasper to run in and out. He was mostly out, but came to check on her periodically. Once he presented her with a dead mole. Jasper smiled up at her, wagging his tail, his nose covered in black dirt with the mole hanging out of his mouth. Harper disposed of the mole and thanked him generously and he was off again.

She listened to NPR's Weekend Edition on her Bose radio and then put in a Joan Armatrading CD while she worked. Jackie had introduced the British artist to her during their time together. Harper felt like listening this morning, and when "Love and Affection" came on she danced around in her sock feet, on the hardwood floor, singing along. She had forgotten how much she loved that song. Back at work she unpacked the final box containing her CD's and DVD's, which she stacked on the floor near the TV. DVD's were all she had watched since she moved in. The cable company was really slow. She'd call again in the morning.

After eating lunch Harper dressed for practice. She put on a white Under Amour s.h.i.+rt, a tee s.h.i.+rt with dark blue sweat pants over sliding pants and baggy, long shorts. She added the UC sweats.h.i.+rt Lauren picked out. At one o'clock Harper loaded Jasper, his travel bag and her ball bag into her Hummer, along with several large coolers. She had taken c.r.a.p from environmentalists for the Hummer, but she countered with, it was an H3, manual s.h.i.+ft, it would go anywhere mountains or beach, it held her dog and camping gear, and to top it all off, she had quite a discount when she bought gas from her grandmother's oil company. If they ever built one that ran this good without gas, she'd buy it. Until then, f.u.c.k global warming.

She drove to the Exxon on the corner in Kerrville where she filled up the coolers with sport drinks, pop and beer. She also bought a bag full of Super Bubble gum. The new player should always be prepared. Harper wasn't trying to buy friends.h.i.+p; she was just that kind of person. Maybe she'd ask them to come over after practice. She had no food, but that could be remedied. Harper gave the address to the Onstar rep and then followed the directions fed through her radio. She was high with the thrill of playing softball again. This was going to be a great day.

She thought of Lauren fleetingly, but put her away. Harper did not want to get in the middle of any drama. She had talked to herself until she fell asleep last night. She weighed the pros and cons. The cons certainly outweighed the pros. There was no scenario that ended with a happy Harper. The only way Harper and Lauren could ever be together was if Lauren were no longer with Shelby. Harper wanted no part of breaking them up. After all, Shelby worked in Harper's department. She could ruin Harper's career. Maybe Lauren slept around. Harper didn't know her that well. No, she could tell Lauren was having a difficult time, too. Harper decided to avoid being alone with Lauren for a while, let things die down.

Pulling into the parking lot of Cedar Grove Park, Harper looked around for the softball fields and found Abby, Julie and Billie Jean leaning on a fence. The pregnant Billie Jean would have to keep the books this year. Harper was taking her place in the lineup.

Harper pulled up and got out, with Jasper right behind her. He stopped long enough to let her clip his leash, before finding something to hike his leg on. They approached the women on the fence.

"Hi, I guess I'm in the right place," Harper offered as a way to break the ice.

"What a beautiful dog," Abby said bending down to get the official Jasper h.e.l.lo, a full lick in the face. "You are a handsome fella." Abby stood back up, wiping her face with the back of her hand. "Glad you made it. How did the shopping go?"

"Great. I found exactly what I wanted. Some of it's being delivered tomorrow. Lauren was a big help," Harper added.

"I see you've gotten your first Tar Heel paraphernalia," Billie Jean said, pointing at Harper's sweats.h.i.+rt.

"Lauren insisted I get it, at the flea market," Harper answered, pulling on the front of her sweats.h.i.+rt. "We spent the whole morning there."

Julie spoke up, "Where was Shelby?"

It wasn't a friendly inquiry. Harper mustered a smile, "She was at the lab. She called while we were out. We talked to her. She sounds so nice. I can't wait to get to know her." There, that should settle that, Harper thought.

Other players started to arrive. Everyone got busy putting on cleats and tape. Someone on every team Harper ever played on had to have tape on them somewhere. It was contagious. Soon tape popped up on more players. Harper grabbed her bat bag and Jasper and headed down to the field. Stepping on the gra.s.s felt like home to Harper. Softball was the one constant she had in her life, since she was four years old. The field was her church, her sanctuary. The only thing she had to do here, on the gra.s.s, was play ball. Every other thought faded away.

Harper let Jasper run a little then tied him up inside one of the dugouts. Everyone arrived and gathered in a huddle around Jane. Harper noticed when Lauren and Shelby arrived, but so far had avoided direct contact. Now they were across from each other, in the huddle. Harper kept her eyes on Jane. Jane instructed them to run two laps around the field, stretch then warm up their arms. The women dropped their gloves and took off running with no hesitation. Good, Harper thought, this is a real team.

Harper fell into step with the lead group of Alicia, Shelby, Dee and Chita. Dee and Chita were talking about what happened at the bar last night. Evidently, Dee hit on some chick with a big girlfriend. Harper laughed along with Shelby and Alicia as the conversation got heated.

In her thick accent, Chita said, "You knew that b.i.t.c.h was hooked up, but you fell for her game like a little girl."

"She's hot," was all Dee would say.

Shelby ran up to Harper's right, "Dee is our resident Shane."

"Like on The L Word, yeah, I get it," Harper nodded.

Shelby, Alicia and Harper ran away from everyone else. They were into their full stretches when the others joined them. Lauren plopped down beside Shelby to stretch.

"Hi, honey. What took you so long," Shelby said, teasing Lauren.

"I'm not half gazelle like you three," Lauren shot back.

Shelby leaned over and kissed Lauren sweetly, "That's okay honey; I'll always be able to catch you if you run away."

Harper turned over to stretch in the other direction. She did not feel comfortable watching Shelby with Lauren. She'd have to learn to deal with it. So far she had avoided eye contact.

From behind her came Lauren's voice, "Did you spend all night deciding where to put your furniture, Harper?"

Harper didn't roll over; she said over her shoulder, "Yes, I did as a matter of fact. Thank you again for the help."

"Lauren's a great shopper. She knows the triangle like the back of her hand," Harper heard Shelby say.

The run and stretch had warmed Harper up. She took off her sweat pants and put them in her bag. Grabbing her glove she picked up a ball and tossed it to herself until Shelby came over and offered to warm up with her. While they tossed the ball back and forth, Harper learned Shelby was the first baseman. They also talked about the department Harper would soon be joining.

"We'll have to do lunch this week. I'll show you around. How does Wednesday, twelve-thirty sound?" Shelby asked.

"I'll have to check the furniture deliveries, but it sounds good to me. I'll let you know Monday after I talk with them." Harper was genuinely appreciative of Shelby's offer. She already met most of the research team, but not really toured the facility.

Shelby was not only beautiful outside; she seemed to be a beautiful person on the inside as well. Smart, beautiful and charismatic; who wouldn't be attracted to her. Harper could definitely see why Lauren loved Shelby. Then why was she flirting with me, Harper questioned herself. It didn't matter. After seeing what kind of person Shelby was, Harper knew she could never be a part of hurting such a beautiful soul.

Throughout practice Harper was able to avoid eye contact with Lauren. It helped that Jane put Harper at shortstop and Lauren in left field. Harper concentrated on playing well. It had been three months since her last game. It appeared that it had been much longer for some of the other players. Errors were made, but by the end of taking infield, the team started to pull together. During a break in practice Harper offered the team the beverages, in the back of her Hummer. She fixed Jasper a bowl of water and gave him a chew toy.

During batting practice Harper showed what she could do with a bat. The rest of the team became very excited. She hit several line drives into left field. She watched as Lauren skillfully tracked them down and threw into second. Harper thought she was graceful, almost elegant in the way she moved. She hit two pop flies before she got Lauren out of her head and blasted the last pitch over the left field fence.

She played different positions, so other players could bat. Inevitably, she ended up standing close to Lauren. The silence was palatable. It was Lauren who finally spoke.

"Jane said you were good, but Jesus."

Harper answered humbly, "I've been playing a long time."

"That was nice of you to bring drinks," Lauren said, not taking her eyes off the batter.

"I wanted to make friends."

"Well, I wouldn't worry. I don't think you'll have any trouble with this group. I like you already," Lauren said as she dashed off to pick up a ground ball.

When Lauren resumed her position next to her, Harper finally made eye contact. "I like you, too," she heard herself say.

Harper immediately took a position in the infield. She didn't talk to Lauren the rest of practice. When it was over Harper asked if anyone wanted to come over, grill some steaks or burgers. She invited the husbands, girlfriends and children too. To her surprise everyone said yes. She gathered information on how many were coming.

Abby said she would make the salad. Billie Jean volunteered to bring the baked potatoes already cooked and all the dressings for them. By the end of the arrangements, Harper only had to supply the steaks, even though most of the women said they would bring their own meat, Harper won them over. Excited about the impromptu party, Harper gathered up Jasper and headed to the Harris Teeter for supplies.

At Harris Teeter she had to ask the butcher to cut more N.Y. strips. She needed eighteen steaks, along with hamburger and hot dogs, in case some of the kids came. She checked out with a cart full of condiments, buns, paper plates and plastic cups, napkins and anything else she could think of you might need at a cook out. Of course she got more beer and ice and the steaks. Thank G.o.d, the deck came with a huge stainless steel grill. It was the biggest grill Harper had ever seen, so she was sure the steaks would be no problem. She already replaced the gas bottles, so it was ready to go. She had cooked on it several times and loved the flavor, from the lava rocks.

On the way home from the grocery store, Harper suddenly panicked. "I don't have eighteen steak knives, Jesus I don't have any chairs"

The only phone number she had was Lauren's. The roster with all the names was on the table at home. Harper pulled out her phone and found Lauren's number in the contacts list. She hit dial and waited as the blue tooth connection allowed her to speak and hear through the radio. Harper was all about driving attentively, hands on the wheel. The phone rang three times before Lauren answered.

"h.e.l.lo, Harper. Sorry, I'm out of breath. I was in the other room."

"Hey Lauren, I hate to ask you, but could you lend me some steak knives. I don't think I can cover eighteen steak eaters."

"Sure, do you need anything else?"

"Well it would probably be a G.o.d idea if everyone brought chairs. I have those built in benches, but I don't have deck furniture. You've seen it. It's pretty barren."

"I'll call Abby; she and Sandy have tons of deck chairs. We'll bring some too," Lauren hesitated and then added, "Do you need me to come over early, to help you get ready?"

Harper could hear Lauren breathing all around her, in the car speakers. "Yes, that would be nice. Give me time to get to the house. I need to unload these groceries and take a shower. How about forty-five minutes."

"Okay, I'll see you then. Bye." Click and Lauren was gone.

Harper hung up the phone and stared ahead at the road. She absolutely did not mean to say that out loud. She thought it, but her real brain said no, bad idea. The parts of her brain that controlled desire, said bring it on. Alone again with Lauren, look but don't touch. This was now Harper's mantra. She repeated it over and over until she reached the house.

At the house, Harper unloaded and put away everything. She moved the little Wally World table and chairs out to the deck. She lit the grill and set it to warm slowly. She had just cleaned it so it was ready for the meat. Harper found the fire logs she had for the chimineas on the deck. There were two small ones and one big one. She loaded them up and started fires in all of them. She also started the gas fireplace in the Great room, since people would be going in and out.

She fed Jasper and went upstairs to shower. In the shower, she thought about Lauren. She was so hot for her she ached. She washed her hair and soaped her body. Standing under the hot water she began to squeeze her nipples. Her breathing began to change, coming quicker. One hand slid down through her soft blonde pubic hair, parting her lips. Familiar circles quickened her breath. She slid her middle finger inside and in one movement her body exploded into o.r.g.a.s.m.

When she regained her breath, she said out loud, "Oh my G.o.d, what in the h.e.l.l was that."

Leaning against the gla.s.s in the shower, Harper thought she heard a voice calling her name. She turned off the water and listened.

"Harper, are you up here." It was Lauren.

"Yes, I'm just getting out of the shower." Harper grabbed a towel and wrapped it around her. She grabbed another to dry her hair. She opened the bathroom door and there was Lauren sitting on the edge of her bed with Jasper by her side.

It could have been a dream, but it felt like a nightmare.

Lauren smiled, looking around the room. "I'm a little early. You left the front door unlocked and Jasper showed me where you were."

"Great guard dog," Harper said, still standing in the doorway.

"I love this bedroom suit. You have great taste, Harper"

"Thank you. I'll get dressed and we can go down and start getting dinner ready."

Harper went to the dresser and got out her clothes. She chose jeans and crimson under amour s.h.i.+rt. She turned to Lauren who remained sitting on the bed. Harper had been naked around countless women. She had no problem getting dressed in locker rooms full of women, but she just couldn't bring herself to get naked, in front of Lauren. Lauren must have sensed her need for privacy.