Chapter 41 Getting Ready For Dinner

Hildy leaned on the island in the kitchen and watched her lover direct the caterers like a maestro in an orchestra. Hildy and Kami ate at home more often than in restaurants, when at home they enjoyed preparing meals together. On occasion when they hosted a family gathering, Kami would go all out to make the meal aesthetically pleasing to the eye as well as very flavourful.

Tonight, however was not one of these occasions. Instead, Kami called up their favorite restaurants and organized food to be delivered as she planned a mishmash of culinary delights for this impromptu dinner with Jaz and Donna. Looking at her, Hildy was reminded of the term 'whirling dervish' in the song 'Maria' that the nuns sang from the movie The Sound of Music. Kami moved back and forth among the caterers as they decided how to lay out the food on the sideboard in their formal dining room.

"I know Kami thinks this is a great idea, but I do not like it. I know she said everything will be alright, but I do not like it. I believe Jaz finally accepted the fact that there is no way on earth Kami would come back to her, but I still do not like it. The idea of that woman in our home makes me … makes me …I just do not like it". Hildy moved from leaning on the kitchen island to walking into the dining room as she admitted to herself that the food really did look scrumptious and the aromas would tickle anyone's appetite.

Looking at her lady she saw the please expression on Kami's face as she smiled. Hildy saw, not for the first time, how Kami's features combined the best of her parents and grandparents. Depending on her mood, it was as if her features gently morphed one parent or grandparent over another. She knew this was not physically possible but right now, it was as if Kami was a mini me to Nana. Hildy looked closely at her fiancée to determine what caused this impression and concluded that it was the way Kami used her hands and her posture while she walked around the room interacting with the restaurants' staff.

After a few moments Kami turned, looked at Hildy and saw the firm line her lover's lips made while looking at Kami and the transformation taking place in their dining room.

A cool feeling pressed against her heart as she realized that Hildy was not pleased. Kami realized that she wanted to get a sense of who Donna was so badly that she placed her wishes above her lover's. Seeing Hildy's expression was like someone took a large pin and popped her balloon of anticipation. Kami sighed as she considered what to do. She wanted the dinner to come off smoothly but at the same time she did not want to displease her lady. Weighing her options, she admitted to herself, that Hildy's feelings were more important than her desire to play matchmaker.

Walking up to her lady, Kami stood directly in Hildy's personal space, and gazed into her lover's beautiful green eyes and gently kissed her. Kami slowly broke the kiss, and they stayed like that for several moments without saying a word, it was as if they were able to communicate telepathically. Then Kami leaned her forehead on her fiancée's shoulder and said; "I got so caught up in the moment, in the potential of a positive outcome for Jaz that I forgot how emotionally upsetting yesterday was for you and I. I forgot what you went through when you met her and afterwards at my grandparents' home. I am sorry Hildy. I will call Jaz and Donna and cancel the dinner".

Hildy knew that Kami would really do what she said because the sincerity in her voice was real. Stepping back slightly from the full body contact, she took Hildy's hand and walked across to their land line phone. She began dialing Donna's number that was committed to her memory as it was a simple number to recall, but before contact could be established, Hildy depressed the dial tone button. Taking a deep breath, she looked at Kami and said;

"Sweetheart, I will be honest with you, I do not like the idea of Jaz coming to our home". Hildy paused as she gathered her thoughts. "I realize that the preposterous idea …. the absurd belief …. with this … this … claim she felt she had, was put to rest, and there is no reason for me to still feel … to feel upset. I need to deal with this …. with these feelings. Even though my heart does not want to, my mind is telling me to do it. So, let us host the dinner tonight as planned".

Kami looked at her lady and felt torn. Part of her wanted to continue with the plans but a bigger part wanted to have Hildy feel comfortable. Looking at her lover, Hildy could read the thoughts and sense the feelings Kami was experiencing and before Kami could object and insist in cancelling their evening she said;

"Darling, I have been looking at the dinner from the wrong perspective. Instead of seeing it as an upsetting happenstance, I need to re-frame my mental picture. Tonight, will be as you rightly said earlier, 'It will be Okay'. I trust you Kami and I know you want to push Jaz in the direction of this Donna woman in the hope that she will have someone to share her life with".

The ladies looked at each other without breaking eye contact. "My Heart are you sure?", Kami asked.

Hildy's face relaxed some of the tension she was feeling and answered, "Yes I am".

Hildy pulled her lover in her arms and they held on to each other as the caterers discretely gave them a few more moments before interrupting them to let them know they were finished with setting up the food.

Joyce stood in front of the mirror in her hotel room and assessed her appearance. She was satisfied that her outfit complimented her figure, her hair was in place and she looked like a beautiful woman going out for an evening of entertainment.

Staring at her reflection she asked herself; "Joyce why did you agree to this crazy dinner?" Hanging her head, an image of Donna filled her mind and the answer came.

"Oh Jaz", Joyce said with a sigh. "Girl, you have got it bad".

Walking away from the mirror and back to the bed she thought; "I feel nervous and I never feel nervous about Anything! But this dinner party is making my body feel tense. Oh God, what am I going to do? I want to take Kami's advice and test the water, but this can blow up in my face.". Joyce stood at the side of the bed and she continued the internal monologue.

"I am very attracted to Donna, both physically and to her heart, her soul, I would even say … that I …that I … love her. Love? Love? How can I love her? The only woman I ever loved was Kami. And even though I know my pride and jealousy were what prompted my 'reentry' into Kami's life, I know I did love her, and I still do". Joyce stopped speaking to herself in my mind as she sat and allow the emotions, she was experiencing to wrap around her.

"What I felt for Kami and still do to a lesser extent now, is so different from what I feel for Donna", Joyce said aloud.

Joyce's eyes took on a faraway look as she pulled up memories from her times with Kami. The first time she saw Kami was at the Loma Linda University Hospital's emergency room after she broke her ankle. Joyce remembered immediately feeling physically attracted to Kami and by the time she was finished helping her in the emergency room, she was determined to know her in the Biblical sense of the word.

Joyce knew she was a single-minded individual when she wanted something. She prided herself in keeping her focused until she achieved her objective. Joyce wanted Kami from the first time she met her, and she did not stop until she got her. A smile ghosted her lips as memories of the early months and years of their relationship washed over her. Kami tried so hard to please her, and Joyce admitted to herself that she loved being the centre of Kami's world. After a few moments the smile that the flashbacks produced faded as Joyce shook her head as the nature of the memories changes.

"I was so possessive of Kami, being the centre of her world was one thing but I realize now I took it too far. This part of me that likes to stake ownership has got to stop or at least slow down", Joyce thought. The memory of making love to Kami made her body feel mellow as she sat on the bed. Joyce recalled how she often assumed the dominant role in their love making. Reluctantly Joyce admitted that her possessive and controlling nature also manifested itself in the intimate times she shared with Kami.

"So, what if I like to be in charge? Is that such a bad thing?", Joyce asked aloud to the empty room.

Then a soft voice in her mind said "Yes it is if the one you love is being overshadowed by you. Or if she is losing herself while trying to be everything, she thinks you need".

Joyce stood up abruptly and began pacing the hotel room as she continued to work through her thoughts and feelings. Kami's advice from this morning came back clear as a bell to Joyce; Spend some time in reflection…. Think about your personality traits that could do with some improvement and purpose in your heart by the Grace of God to be a better person …. Test the waters …. You have nothing to lose".

"Hmm, be a better person, test the waters, I have nothing to lose. That is easy for you to say Kami".

An image of Donna floated into Joyce mind and without realizing it a gentle smile graced her face. Her pacing slowed down, and she stopped by the hotel window and looked out on the island of Manhattan with unseeing eyes.

"Meeting Donna was a polar opposite reaction to when I met Kami", Joyce thought. Her mind went into a type of split screen as images played almost side by side comparing her meeting with Kami to her meeting with Donna.

Donna was just a medical file to her. A file that one of her colleagues showed her of a woman who had an aneurism in her thoracic cavity that was literally hours away for erupting. Joyce was not conceited; she knew she was one of the three tops thoracic surgeons in the country and if the patient stood a chance of surviving, she was the one to save her life. Twice during the operation Donna almost died, but it was Joyce's single-mindedness, her stubbornness that kept her working on Donna and refusing to give up until the patient's life was saved.

The only reason Joyce accepted Donna's invitation to lunch after her recovery was to observe her medical progress firsthand. Joyce saw Donna as a medical file, a walking surgical wonder. It took a while, but slowly Joyce began to notice the woman instead of the patient. It was at that point that their relationship moved from just acquaintances into friendship, but still Joyce did not see her new friend as a anything more than a friend. It wasn't that Donna was unattractive, far from it, it was that Joyce was busy with her career and her occasion lovers.

"I don't know how it happened but somewhere along the line I began to appreciate Donna's inner beauty more and more. That is when I began to truly look at her and realize that besides being beautiful on the inside, she was also gorgeous on the outside. How could I have been so blind?" Joyce just shook her head as her own question.

"I want a relationship with Donna. I don't want to mess it up like how I messed up what I had with Kami. I have to tone down my need to be in control all the time because I know that will not work with Donna", Joyce reluctantly thought.

Just then she heard a knock on the door. Joyce opened the door to see the object of her desire standing there with a beautiful smile and dressed to kill.

"Joyce".

"Donna".

After a few moments, Donna's sense of humour kicked in. Leaning on the doorframe with a twinkle in her eye, she said; "Are you going to just stand there staring at me with your mouth open and drool rolling down your chin or are you going to compliment me on how I look".

Joyce immediately closed her mouth and cleared her throat. Standing straighter if that were possible, and with a very noticeable blush creeping over her skin, Joyce said,

"You clean up very nicely Ms Walters".

Donna looked at her friend with mischief and something else in her eyes that Joyce did not dare to put her finger on. Smiling Donna said,

"Thank you, Dr Zachery. You clean up nicely also. I would even go so far as to say, you look beautiful, as you always do, and I am honoured to be your escort for the evening".

Joyce's caramel coloured skin flushed as her skin blushed even more at the compliment much to her annoyance. She disliked when her body betrayed her like it was doing now by letting Donna know that she was positively affected by her words.

Clearing her throat, she said in a voice that sounded a little squeaky even in her own ears "Let leave immediately, the sooner we start this dinner, the sooner it will be finished".

Donna's smile got brighter if that was humanly possible. She did not take offense at Joyce's ignoring of the compliment she paid her because the lovely blush that spread over her neck and face was enough to let Donna know her words struck a pleasant chord in her friend's heart.

Mumbling as she grabbed her clutch purse and walked back to Donna standing at the threshold of the hotel room, she ushered out her friend, pulled in the door closed a little forcefully, and began striding away from the room. After a few steps she noticed Donna was still standing outside the room with the same smile on her face. Joyce was affected more by Donna's beauty than she knew how to handle, so she did what she usually does when feeling unsure how to proceed, she put on her best 'in control' tone of voice and continued walking towards the elevator as she said rather than ask; "Are you coming", to which Donna replied in a sultry voice that left no room for misunderstanding; "No, but you will be all over me".

Joyce stumbled as she heard the words, an immediate image flooded her mind of her and Donna in bed. In a flash she saw Donna smelling and tasting her essence as her friend buried her face in Joyce's intimate valley. If she thought Donna's compliment from minutes before made her blush, her words from mere seconds ago made her entire body tingle and her nipples stand at attention under her bra.

Donna did not expect Joyce to stumble but she loved the affect her words had on her friend. Donna felt that the impromptu dinner with her friend's former girlfriend might just be what she needed to set the stage for Joyce know how she felt, and she intended to make the best of every opportunity to tease her friend and keep her off balance, pun intended.

Joyce righted herself and turned to look at her in shock. Donna also saw longing and sexual hunger in her Joyce's face as her eyes glazed over. Shaking her head slightly Joyce brought herself back under control and refocused on Donna for a moment before turning her head and staring straight ahead.

Joyce stood in front of the elevator waiting for it to open as Donna stood at her side. Taking a quick glance at her friend, Joyce observed the smirk on her face as she tried and failed to look nonchalant. The elevator arrived; they joined the persons who were in it as the box descended to the lobby.

"I can't believe Donna said that! Does she understand the effect she has on me? I guess she does. Oh, she feels so smug with herself, getting me so …. so …. hot and …. and …. arggg. Donna does not understand the fire she is playing with. I think the need to test the water is no longer necessary because now I know the temperature is hot", Joyce thought to herself. As the elevator came to a stop and the other hotel guests began to file out, Joyce turned to Donna with smothering eyes and a deeper than usual voice she said "Be careful what you plan my friend because if you get what you want it will be so much more than you can handle".

Donna was not expecting Joyce to respond so directly to her taunt, and it took her a beat before the meaning registered on her mind. But when it did, she retorted, "Bring it on Dr Zachary, anything you can give, I can more than handle. As a matter of fact, you are the one who will be begging me to stop because your cup will be full and overflowing", Donna chuckled as a glow seemed to almost radiate off Joyce's body in response to her words.

Joyce did not stumble this time at Donna's words but her breathing hitched. She decided to keep quiet rather that responding. After a few moments of walking in silence out of the hotel, Donna threw her head back and gave an outright laugh before saying. "Cat got your tongue Doctor? Tonight, is going to be so much fun".

Joyce looked at her friend who seemed to become bold all of a sudden. She lifted her perfectly arched eyebrow and gave her best haughty expression while keeping silent. This just made Donna laugh more as she hooked her arm with her friend as they entered the taxi that stopped in front of them.

Ellen walked slowly up Nostrand Avenue Brooklyn feeling tired after the double shift she had just completed. Her tenth anniversary was in a few days and she worked the double shift in order to apply for a couple days off work. With the weekend coming up in a few days, the extra two days off would provide her with the four-day weekend she and her husband Andrew needed. They were happily married but Ellen was beginning to feel a little neglected, and she would not be surprised if Andrew felt the same way. They both had jobs that demanded a lot of their time, between their careers and the shared responsibility of raising their two children, they seldom had quiet alone time with each other. This was why Ellen was looking forward to the anniversary weekend with her husband so much.

Her longtime dear friend Kami, who was like her sister, offered to babysit her children so that she and Andrew could go away for the few days. This offer was a precious gift that was more appreciated than the store-bought items she knew Kami was buying for her anniversary. Knowing her children will be safe in Manhattan with her friend made the upcoming quiet time with Andrew even more special. Thinking of Kami, made Ellen think of Nana. On the spur of the moment she decided to turn down Dean Street and pay her honourary grandmother a visit.

Kathrine and James always welcomed her and her family into their home. She did not need to call first before dropping by because they treated her as their second granddaughter and that made Ellen feel loved and wanted. Her own grandparents died before she was born, and her mother also passed away from cancer when she was in her teens. Being welcomed into Kami's family all those years ago was like a healing balm to her wounded soul, especially as she did not have a close relationship with her father.

She rang the bell at the lovely brownstone house on Dean Street and Pappy answered the door, welcoming her with a cheerful greeting. She followed him into the kitchen where the fragrant aroma of sweet bread and raisin rolls tickled her nostrils.

"Oh Nana, I guarantee you if you even open a bakery you would not be able to keep up with the orders", Ellen said with a chuckle.

Nana thanked her granddaughter for the compliment as she smiled graciously at her.

Ellen looked around at the quantity of goods and wondered if her grandparents were expecting company.

"Are you expecting company Nana? I know my visit is impromptu, so I can leave and come back another time", Ellen offered.

Waving her hand in a way that could be both dismissive and reassuring, Nana said; "No I am not expecting company. I am making this for Kami, she has guests coming over and I plan to drop off a little desert. I also have some of the barbadeen ice cream that Hildy is so fond of to add with the baked items".

James gave a snort as he rolled his eyes and shook his head at the same time. Ellen was surprised by Pappy's response. She knew like any married couple, her grandparents had differences of opinions from time to time, but she also knew they had a deep an abiding love for each other and whenever they looked at things from different point of views, it was done in a respectful manner. Pappy's obvious dislike over the reason for the baked goods whetted Ellen's curiosity.

"OK, spill. Tell me what is going on?" Ellen asked with a twinkle in her eye.

The two octogenarians looked at each other as if daring each other to look away. Letting out a sigh James stepped closer to his wife and gently kissed her cheek before saying; "I do not agree with this Kay, but I know when I am licked. I know as soon as you tell Kalia about your dinner desert plans she will be cheering you on, because you are her eyes and ears in all things Kami".

Shaking his head, he said; "Women".

If Ellen was curious before she was down right intrigued now.

"Pappy, Nana, what's going on".

Kathrine turned, looked at her and asked, "When last did you speak to your sister?" As Ellen was an only child, Nana could only be referring to Kami.

"I spoke to her a few days ago when she offered to look after the children for Andrew and I, we plan on having a long weekend as our anniversary in on Saturday. Why is something wrong? Did something happen?" Ellen began to feel a little anxious by the unusual expression on Nana's face.

Without any preamble, Nana said; "Jaz is back".

Those three simple words spoken by Nana conjured up a rush of memories and images in Ellen's mind as her heart seemed to miss a beat.

"What? I could have sworn you said Jaz was back". Ellen looked from James to Kathrine as her mouth slowly opened as the expression on their faces confirmed that she heard what she heard.

"How…. Why? …..I don't understand", Ellen said in a soft voice. Memories of a time when she feared her dearest friend's friendship was lost to her forever came back. During the time when Kami and Jaz were a couple, her friend pulled away from her emotionally. Kami knew Ellen did not like Jaz and did not miss an opportunity to let Kami know this.

Ellen always saw through Joyce's dominating tendencies and feared her sister would lose herself as she attempted to please and pacify Jaz. And just as she feared, when time went by, Kami became more and more withdrawn, as she did her best to be what Jaz wanted her to be. Ellen thanked Heavenly Father repeatedly when Kami finally left Jaz. Now with her engagement to Hildy, Ellen could not have been happier for Kami.

Nana took the next few minutes to bring Ellen up to speed over what took place from the time Hildy met Jaz, to now with the dinner in progress at Kami's home.

Ellen sat in silence in the kitchen as Nana's words soaked into her mind. Finally, she said, "After all these years this is the stunt that woman pulls?" Kathrine came close to Ellen and said,

"Yes, it is. However, Kami spoke with her and set her straight, and she firmly believes that Jaz has accepted that this foolish notion has been put to rest. Kami is even convinced that Jaz has strong feelings for a friend, some woman named Donna. It appears that Donna also has feeling for Jaz because the woman flew from California to New York this morning to be with Jaz even though she knew that Jaz had a meeting with Kami. Obviously, the woman knew that this foolish plan of Jaz would explode in her face and she came to offer support".

The two women sat looking at each other as James sat off to the side looking at them and shaking his head as he thought, "These ladies in my family, they just love the emotional drama. Just look at Ellen's face, if I was a gambling man, I would bet that she encourages Kathrine to carry the baked goods over to Kami's house and crash the dinner party. Thank God Ellen has a husband and children to go home to or else I would not be surprised if she insists on going with Kathrine to 'check out the Donna woman'.

"Nana, I wonder how deep Donna's feeling for Jaz is? To fly all the way here is a bit much for just a friend. But then again, I would have done it for Kami if I thought she was going to get egg all over her face from some harebrain idea. But then again Kami is too sensible to do something so foolish as to look for an old lover after 5 years to lay a claim", Ellen said as Nana nodded her head in agreement.

"I know Hildy and Kami can take care of themselves in the presence of Joyce and her friend, but I want to see them interact for myself. Hence the pastry that I plan to take over there. I know Kami called a couple restaurants to cater the meal and there is a possibility that she also ordered desert, but I made her and Hildy's favorites and I know they will not turn my gift down".

With those words Kathrine got up and began collecting the bags that she had placed the pastries in when Ellen stood up also.

"I am coming with you Nana".

Before James could edit his words he blurted out, "Ellen what about your husband and children? Shouldn't you be heading home instead of going to Manhattan at this hour?"

Nana narrowed her eyes at her husband's words but before she could say anything Ellen said with a twinkle in her eyes "No Pappy, James has the children and they went to the movies. I have a few hours before they get home. Plus, I would not miss the chance to see Jaz and her potential girlfriend".

James just shook his head and mumbled "Women, as long as I live, I will not be able to correctly anticipate them". Even though he spoke softly Kathrine heard him. She walked over to her husband and gently kissed his lips. They looked as each other for a moment after and then James took her hands and kissed them,

"Enjoy yourself Mrs. Robinson".

Kathrine smiled and said; "I will Mr. Robinson".

Ellen went over to Pappy and give him a quick kiss on the cheek as she accompanied Nana out the house and into their waiting chauffeur driven car.