Part VI: Gay or Not Gay?
When Jessie woke up that morning, it was different. She felt light and happy. At breakfast she tried to find reasons to her newfound feeling. In the end there was only one thing different the day before: Katie Singer. As she walked to work her head was in a silent battle.
Katie Singer
I like her?
Well… Maybe because she's a nice person…
She's gay… Do I want to spend time with people who are gay?
Well… I don't really know.
She's better than the guys I ever dated.
For some reason I don't know why…
Was last night a date?
I don't know… Maybe?
Do I want to see her again?
Hell yeah!
Am I gay?
Jessie shook her head and went on her way. She has to focus on work. She'll deal with it later.
----
Sarah stirred in Katie's couch and found Katie already on the phone. Russell was still fast asleep on the floor.
"Katie… who died and you're up this early?" Sarah asked as she rubbed her eyes.
"Oh… Good morning. I just wanted to send flowers…" Katie smiled and waited for the other line to answer.
"To whom? The girl you went out with last night? I thought she was straight?" Sarah asked furrowing her brows.
"She's straight. But that doesn't mean I can't make her gay." Katie smirked.
"Sure Katie whatever you say. Just don't come to us crying when she breaks your heart." Sarah sleepily rested her head on the pillow.
Katie furrowed her brows.
It's a risk I have to take.
----
Jessie arrived in the hospital. Every thing seemed normal. Well… not really. People were looking at her. Tad wasn't in his office. And Grace wasn't in the hall to greet her.
Wonder where those two are…
She was still perplexed as she reached her office. To her surprise Tad and Grace were there along with five dozen flowers.
"They came in with these…" Grace held out the cards.
"Who's KS?" Tad said sporting a grin on his face.
"Oh… some person…" Jessie blushed and turned her back on them.
"… Some person who you went out with last night?" Grace asked grinning.
"Maybe?" Jessie replied.
She smiled and pushed them out of her office. She closed the door and hurriedly looked for Katie's number.
"Hello? Can I speak to Katie Singer? This is Jessica Sammler." Jessie nervously waited for a reply on the other end.
Speaking. I caught up the name of the hospital you worked in with the details you were saying yesterday. Just thought I should send you something.
Jessie was surprised.
How did she get that information with everything that I said last night?
Jessie?
"Oh… Yeah… Thanks… You shouldn't have…" Jessie replied.
But I wanted to. Do you have plans later? Maybe we could have dinner.
"Oh… I… I don't know… I'm…" Jessie wanted to see Katie again.
But she wasn't sure about what she was feeling.
If you're having second thoughts… It's ok. We could do it some other time. When you're ready…
"I… Katie…"
I understand. No big deal. I should go. I have work. Thanks for calling.
"Yeah… Thanks… Bye…" Jessie clicked the end button on her mobile phone.
She stared at the flowers for a while. They were lovely gardenias. She smiled.
She remembered I like Billy Holiday too...
How come she remembers more about me than anybody ever had?
It's only been just a day…
This is too confusing…
----
"Wow! Katie that's fabulous!" Alexa, one of the gallery owners was browsing through some of Katie's work.
"It's not even finished yet!" Katie laughed.
"Promise me this goes to my gallery Katie. Promise me!" Alexa shook Katie to make sure her attention was fixed on her.
"Yeah sure… I just started that today… so don't get too excited." Katie smirked.
"This will be worth the wait Katie. Who's your subject?" Alexa asked as she noticed a figure of a blonde woman on the unfinished painting.
"Someone…" Katie smiled.
"The new love of you life?" Alexa grinned.
"I have never been in love Alexa."
"Oh really?"
"Yeah. Really." Katie laughed.
"Remind me to give your current inspiration a check for making you start a wonderful painting. Remember Katie. THIS goes to my gallery when it's done!" Alex exclaimed.
"Yes Alexa. Only yours." Katie shook her head and smiled.
----
Jessie was done for the day, but she couldn't take Katie out of her head. She stared at Katie's number for a while.
Should I or shouldn't I?
What is wrong with me?
I'm straight… right?
But why am I thinking of her?
Jessie sighed.
If I couldn't take her out of my mind there's probably a reason for it silly…
To hell with labels…
She took out her phone and dialed a now familiar number.
----
Katie was cleaning up her painting materials when her phone rang.
"Hello? Katie Singer here."
Um… Hi Katie... It's Jessie… I was wondering if… Um…
Katie smiled.
"The offer still stands Jess. What time do I pick you up?"
Anytime you're ready.
"Ok. I'll meet you there in an hour." Katie put the phone down and hurriedly searched for clothes in her closet.
Overly innocent…
Too seducing…
Katie rummaged around her clothes looking for the perfect outfit.
Too perky…
Just right!
Katie grinned at herself.
Time to sweep her off her feet.