Chapter 25

Deanna stands, her arm wrapped around Beverly's waist, waiting while Beverly stares at the framework of a small building, partially covered with panes of glass.

"I don't get it?" Beverly says. "What is it?"

"It's a greenhouse!"

Still, Beverly is confused. Deanna explains.

"It's for you. For your plants." She waits but doesn't get the response she was hoping for. "You said you don't get enough sun for them. And I know some don't like the salty air so I thought a greenhouse would be perfect. It will have an air filter and everything."

Beverly doesn't answer her and Deanna starts to feel embarrassed, that maybe she made a mistake.

"Oh God. I'm sorry. I just thought that maybe, you love it here so much and I love you. I know it's only been a short time but it feels right. I miss you so much when we're not together and, I don't know, I just thought that maybe, I mean, I don't know, that you might want to live here…."

"Deanna…I…"

"Maybe it's too soon and so much has happened and I know we're both going through some things and then there's Rudi and all. I guess we don't have to live together, not like that, maybe, if you want, you can take the extra bedroom and we can just be roommates and see where it goes and, oh, Beverly, I am so sorry to just spring it on you like this…

"Dee…"

"Forgive me. Pretend like it never happened. We can talk about it another time. You can still use the greenhouse if you want or not, I don't care really, I just thought it might be something you would like and…"

"Deanna! Stop talking!"

"Umm…OK."

"It's a wonderful surprise. I love it. I really do."

Deanna can hear the 'but' coming and looks at her fingers where she's nervously pulling on them.

"The rest of this? It's a lot. I'll admit that. It's not like I haven't thought about it. I have. Being able to be with you every night. Waking up next to you. I dream about that. But it is fast and so much has happened. I'm not sure of anything right now. Anything but you. I guess what I'm saying is, I don't know."

She pauses and touches her fingers under Deanna's chin, lifting her face up to meet her eyes.

"But I love you. And I would like to try. At least for a while. See how it goes. If that's OK?"

Deanna's eyes fill with tears. She doesn't trust herself to talk, only nod. With a smile, Beverly pulls her close and kisses her. Before long, she has Deanna pinned to the side of the house, her hands wandering. Just before she loses control, Deanna pushes her back.

"No. We can't. Not here."

Beverly nips at her neck and Deanna feels her knees wobble.

"Seriously. There's a boy who lives next door. He's like 14."

"Mmmm…so…he's gotta learn some time."

"Beverly! His room is right there!" She gestures over Beverly's shoulder. Beverly sighs.

"Fine. I'm hungry anyway. But remember, this isn't done."

"I'm counting on it." Deanna says with a laugh as they head inside 'their house'.

He's exhausted. It was a long night. And a long day. It was a good day. She was there. Mayde wasn't. Maybe she was sick, didn't get the letter. That was a disappointment. He so wanted to see her again, let her know how much he loves her. The other woman was there. That was good. He watched her. She looked at him. He saw how much she wants him, the look on her face.

He followed her car from the body. She went to the police. She must work there. But she's not police. She didn't do police things. She just watched. Waited. For him.

Now he's waiting for her. He followed her car from the station to an apartment. He didn't see her. Just the car when she went out. He's been here all night. Waiting. For the car to come back. Waiting for her.