Cosima slowly wakes up, though her eyes remain closed, until she realizes her head is on a harder surface than a pillow and they shoot open, taking in the body before her. The blonde curls resting on the very same appendage cluing her in that the shoulder belongs to Delphine. Cosima lifts her head and quickly checks under the covers, finding them both fully dressed, a sight which she's not sure if she's relieved by or not. She looks over at Delphine, who is still asleep. She's basically a blurry figure to Cosima without the aid of her eyeglasses, but even blurry and asleep, Cosima can tell how beautiful she is as the the sun peeks through a small slit in the curtain, illuminating her like an angel.
Cosima tries to look around for her glasses, having no recollection of removing them. As she reaches to check the bedside table closest to her, the bed shift slightly underneath her, causing Delphine to stir. Cosima pauses and looks at the blonde, whose own eyes slowly open.
"Bonjour," Delphine smiles at the jockey.
"Good morning," Cosima responds a little hesitantly.
"Did you sleep okay?"
"Yeah, I think so, I feel pretty well rested. I'm sorry, though, I guess I fell asleep on you."
"Yes, you did, but it's okay, I'm glad you were able to get some rest." She notices Cosima squinting, "Ah, I think I have something you need." She reaches over to the table next to her and picks up Cosima's glasses, turning around and presenting them to her.
"Thank you," Cosima puts them on, getting her first real look at morning Delphine. "I, uh, I think I may have gotten a little drool there," she motions towards Delphine's shoulder. "Sorry."
Delphine giggles, "It's fine, I need to change anyway."
"Yeah, me too. Guess we didn't have time to change into our pjs with me dozing off on you like that."
"No, we didn't," Delphine smiles as she gets up. "I'll get out of your hair, let you get dressed. And I better go do the same. We fly out at 1 this afternoon."
"I should probably text Felix and see when our bus is leaving, though I kinda dread the long hours we're gonna spend together and the conversation that will likely ensue."
"I bet, but remember, it was one race, Cosima, please don't let this get you down and make you doubt yourself or your abilities."
"I know, I just really don't want to disappoint Felix and your family."
"Cosima," Delphine takes her hands, "you're not going to disappoint us, okay? Just do your best, that's all anyone can expect from you." Cosima nods. "I'll see you back home, maybe you can show me how much progress you've made on that," she points towards the ukulele.
"I'd like that," Cosima responds. "Your ears might not though."
"I have ear plugs," Delphine kids. "Bye, Cosima." She turns to walk out.
"Wait, Delphine," Delphine turns back around and Cosima rushes over to her. "Thank you for last night. For coming here, despite me being a jerk, and making me feel better about everything. And for the shoulder, literally and figuratively. I really needed that and, well, I'm really glad that I, um, that I have you." Cosima gives her a hug and Delphine warmly returns the embrace.
—
A few hours later, Cosima boards the bus back to Virginia. Felix is already onboard and she sits down beside him.
"Look, Felix, before you start in on me, I know what I did wrong. I lost focus and I missed the cue for the lead change and because of that we lost the race. I got so caught up in what was going on around me, that I didn't pay attention to what Leda needed. I feel like shit about it, but I promise you, I will not make the same mistake again. Whatever training you need to put us through, I'm there. I'm prepared to work 24/7 until Kentucky if you want. I let you down, I let Pierre down, but most of all, I let myself down. I don't like that feeling and I'll be damned if I let it happen again."
"Is your soliloquy finished?" Felix inquires.
"Yeah. I mean, I can probably go on and on until we get home."
"Please don't. Look, Cosima, you messed up. Am I happy about it? No. But it happens. The world isn't going to end over one race. Now, if you consistently screw up like that, will you be out of a job? Maybe. But what's done is done. I know you know what you did wrong and I know you won't let it happen again. So let's just get back to the farm, put it in the extra effort in training, and go from there. Each race is a clean slate. Remember what you did, but don't dwell on it, just improve upon it. Alright?"
Cosima nods, "So you don't hate me?"
"Shut up, no I don't hate you."
"Does this mean I can play my ukulele on the way home?"
"Don't push you luck."
—
They arrive home just after 3am. After putting Leda in her stall, Cosima turns to Felix, "What time do you want me tomorrow?"
"Sweetheart, tomorrow is today. Let's take the day off, I need my beauty rest and you deserve time to regroup. We'll reconvene Tuesday morning at 7."
Cosima goes to her cottage and instantly falls asleep. She wakes up to a knock on her door and glances at the clock, it's just after noon. She trudges to the door and open it. Standing before her is Delphine.
"I'm sorry, did I wake you?" Delphine asks, looking into sleepy, hazel eyes.
"Yeah, but there are worse ways to be woken up. What's up?"
"I just wanted to say hi and see how you're doing."
"I'm fine, actually. Felix wasn't mad, so that was a relief."
"Good," Delphine stands in the doorway biting her lip.
"Oh, I'm sorry, did you want to come in?" Delphine nods and steps inside. "Do you want something to drink?" Delphine shakes her head. "Eat?" She shakes her head again. "Okay, um, well I have today off, what do you want to do?"
Delphine stares at Cosima, teeth still firmly gnawing on her lower lip. Her eyes quickly glance from the jockey's eyes to her lips then back up. Without warning, she surges forward, her hands grabbing the sides of Cosima's face and backing her against the wall as her lips find Cosima's in a searing kiss. Cosima is shocked still for a few seconds before her own lips respond fervently and her hands find purchase in Delphine's curls.
Cosima's phone dings, indicating a text message. Delphine pulls back, "Do you need to check that?"
"No," Cosima brings Delphine's lips back to her own. The phone dings again.
"You sure? What if it's important?"
"This is important," Cosima insists as she rolls them so Delphine is up against the wall. Cosima peppers her neck with kisses then finds her mouth again in a passionate lip-lock. The phone dings again. "Dammit," Cosima shouts pulling away from Delphine reluctantly. She opens her eyes and discovers she's laying in her bed, "Shit!"
The phone dings and she grabs it off the bedside table. There's 4 missed texts from Delphine.
D: I noticed you and Leda aren't outside training, I hope you're ok.
D: You better not be punching any walls.
D: I just realized you might be tired from the long bus ride and are asleep right now.
D: Hopefully I didn't wake you with these texts. I'll talk to you later.
Cosima smiles at the messages, then groans, "Why does she have to be so fucking cute? And why did I have to wake up right when her tongue was down my throat?"
Cosima picks up her phone and texts back.
C: I'm ok. Felix gave me the day off, so I was just relaxing.
D: Does that mean sleeping. Did I wake you?
C: Eh, it was time to get up, I haven't eaten yet today.
D: Want to come over and have lunch and then play for a bit?
C: Like a playdate? What are we gonna play? Scrabble? Operation?
D: You're dumb. Just bring your ukulele.
C: Ok, see you in a little bit.
Cosima jumps out of bed with a smile, throws on a t-shirt and jeans, grabs her ukulele and heads up to the cottage. She knocks on the door and Pierre opens it.
"I was hoping I'd see you today," he announces.
"Yeah, I'm sorry we didn't speak yesterday, I was kinda upset about what happened with the race. I really hope you're not mad, though I totally understand if you are and want to fire me."
"Cosima, would I have liked the outcome to have gone in our favor? Of course. But this isn't my first loss as an owner and I'm sure it won't be the last. That's the nature of the business. I'm not going to fire you. Just work hard and hopefully you'll bring us better results next time."
"I'll try my best. Thank you for being so understanding."
"Of course, now what can I do for you today?" He looks at her instrument, "Are you a traveling musician now?"
"Ha, no I'm just learning to play. I'm actually here to see Delphine."
"Oh, well come on in," Pierre holds the door open for Cosima. "Delphine, Cosima is here."
"I'm in the kitchen, send her in," she yells back.
"Her majesty will see you now," Pierre jokes as he extends his arm in the direction of the kitchen.
Cosima laughs as she heads that way. "Hey, Delphine."
"Hello, Cosima. I'm just finishing preparing our lunch."
"Whatcha making?"
"Crepes."
"Ooh, how very French of you, mademoiselle."
"Oui," Delphine grins. "Please sit down." Delphine finishes the crepes and hands Cosima a plate. "They have ham, brie, onions, tomatoes, apple butter, and some fresh apples in them. I hope you don't have any food allergies. I probably should have asked sooner."
"No, I'm allergy free. This all sounds delish." Cosima cuts into the crepe, sticks her fork in and takes a bite, "Whoa, this is amazing."
"Merci," Delphine grins as she digs into her own.
After lunch, they head to the basement. Delphine sits down at the drums, "Alright, let's see how you're progressing. What can you play?"
"Well, there's two songs I've been practicing. I've got Twinkle Twinkle Little Star down. Think you can keep up?"
Delphine smirks, "I think I can manage. Go ahead."
Cosima cradles the instrument and begins to play. Delphine joins in on the 2nd refrain.
"I think we should take that one on the road," Cosima suggests when they finish the song. "I bet we'd be popular on the nursery school scene."
"D'accord," Delphine smiles. "What's the other song you've learned?"
"Well, I browsed the songs you indicated you knew how to play and one stood out. I only have the chorus down though."
"Okay, let's hear it."
Cosima gets her hands into position and starts plucking at the strings. Delphine listens intently as Cosima struggles initially before correcting her fingering. Recognition crosses Delphine's face, "You Shook Me All Night Long," she smiles as she picks up her sticks and starts playing along.
Marie comes upon her husband standing at the top of the stairs to the basement, "What are you doing, Pierre?"
"Delphine is downstairs playing the drums with Cosima. She hasn't touched that set in nearly 4 years. Remember how she loved to play?"
"Yes, that's why you soundproofed the basement," Marie reminds.
"She's very talented, our daughter, and she used to light up when she played."
"It's been a while since we've seen her happy like that," Marie notes. "She's been so stressed out lately."
"I think Cosima is a good influence on her. I'm glad I encouraged them to spend time together," Pierre grins proudly as he quietly shuts the door to the basement and heads into the den.
After repeating the chorus 5 times, Cosima and Delphine stop playing. "What made you choose that song?"
"When I was flipping through the book, I saw AC/DC and figured it was appropriate since the band name contains your initials. Too bad mine aren't AC, we coulda had a great cover band."
"Well, cover bands usually change their name a little, so we can be CN/DC."
"That works," Cosima exclaims. "Hey, instead of the lightning bolt, we should put a double helix between the initials."
"Perfect!" Delphine smiles. "I think we need to work on the rest of the song, though, audiences might get bored fast with just the chorus. Once we perfect this one, we can move on to Back in Black and Highway to Hell."
"I wouldn't have taken you for a rock fan" Cosima marvels.
"No? What would you think I liked?"
"Hmm, maybe Celine Dion." Delphine gives her a hurt look and Cosima chuckles, "But this works for you, this whole rocker chick thing."
"Perhaps I can make you into a rocker chick, too, if you have the time this summer."
"I'll make the time," Cosima quickly responds, her eyes locking with Delphine's.
Delphine smiles, "Great! Alright, let's take it from the top and we'll move at your pace." Cosima looks at the sheet music and starts playing the opening to You Shook Me, Delphine joining in on drums.
They play for the next several hours until nightfall, stopping only to join Pierre and Marie upstairs for dinner.
The next morning, Cosima gets back into training mode with Felix, who has her and Leda spend the day working on their lead change.
After training, she goes back to her cottage, her phone ringing as she lays down on the couch. "Tony, man, before you say it, I'm sorry I haven't returned your texts or messages."
"It's ok, Dreads, I saw the race on YouTube, I probably wouldn't have answered my phone either."
"Shut up, asshole."
"Seriously, how you doing?"
"I'm alright, better than I was after that screw up. I didn't take it well."
"I bet. You're really okay now?"
"Yeah, I'm good, actually. I mean, of course I'm still kicking myself for it, but everyone has been really cool about it here. And Delphine helped a lot."
"Ooh, tell me more, tell me more."
"Dude, you've watched way too much Grease. She's just been a great friend, helped me calm down and get over the loss. Lent me her shoulder all night."
"Say what?"
"We watched a movie and I kinda sorta fell asleep on her shoulder and she didn't move me, she slept with me in my hotel room, in my bed."
"Holy shit!" Tony shouts.
"Yeah, I know, man. When I woke up I thought I must still be dreaming, but it was real."
"So what's the status of your relationship now?"
"Just friends."
"Friends who sleep together."
"Dude, we were fully clothed, don't make it something it wasn't."
"Fine, but sounds like she went above and beyond friendship. Do you think she's into you like you said last week?"
"I don't know, we've been spending a lot of time together, she hasn't done anything explicitly that would scream she's into me, but she hasn't done anything that would make think she isn't either. And I could be imagining this all, but why would a hot, intelligent girl like her be spending so much time with me? Just to be friendly? I don't know. You're my best friend and I don't want to hang out with you that much."
"Gee, thanks."
"For real, don't you think it's weird?"
"Has she inappropriately touched you accidentally or otherwise?"
"What? No. Well not in real life. My dreams are another story."
"Continue," Tony implores.
"No way! I'm not sharing my Delphine fantasies with you, but dream Delphine sure is a great kisser."
"Damn girl! You better get to taste the real thing soon or you'll be taking a lot of cold showers."
"Tell me about it. Ugh, I don't know what to do. I like her a lot, Tone. She's perfect."
"I say go for it already. She's all you've talked about for over a week."
"God, it feels like I've known her so much longer. It's probably still too soon."
"Dreads, you've asked out and started dating girls less than 24 hours after meeting them."
"Yeah, but they were all obviously into girls, Delphine is different."
"Come on, Dreads, if you turn on that Cosima charm and she's feeling something for you, she won't be able to resist."
"I appreciate your confidence in me, I just don't want to screw up what we have."
"Look, I can listen to you talk about this girl all summer long, but when it's over and she goes back to school and you haven't done anything about it, then what? Are you gonna beat yourself up over not going for it? And if and when you find out she's dating someone else, how are you gonna react? I'm not saying this is definitely going to go the way you hope, I don't know the girl, but I do know you, and you can't live with what ifs. You're a go for broke kinda girl. When you race, you leave it all on the track and you're the same way in life."
"Fuck, dude, I hate when you're actually wise."
"I'm always wise. So does that mean you're gonna go for it?"
"Yeah, man, I have to, I just need to find the perfect opportunity."
"Good luck!"
—
Over the course of the next two weeks, Cosima spends long days training with Leda and Felix and nights with Delphine, either in the basement jamming to AC/DC or watching movies in the den. Cosima practices asking Delphine out in her head, but never actually gathers the nerve to go through with verbalizing it.
On Sunday night, Cosima joins the Cormiers for dinner. Felix has a date, so it's just the four of them. They sit around the table enjoying the food along with several glasses of red wine and pleasant conversation.
After dessert, the girls excuse themselves to the basement. Still tipsy from the wine, Cosima misses the last step and Delphine catches her arm, steadying her and preventing her from falling as they both giggle.
"Don't break your arm, you can't play the ukulele one-handed," Delphine teases.
"I can barely play two-handed," Cosima laughs.
"Oh, please, you're really good. Especially for someone who taught herself to play. I'm impressed."
"Ah, well as long as you're impressed, that's all that matters," Cosima winks.
Delphine smiles, "What do you want to play tonight?"
"I think we've probably dried up our AC/DC repertoire, what else do you like to jam to?"
"Hmm," Delphine flips through the sheet music. "Do you like The Police?"
"As long as it's not Roxanne, that reminds me of a crazy ex-girlfriend of mine," Cosima responds without thinking.
Delphine's ears perk up at Cosima's mention of a girlfriend, as Krystal's words from a few weeks ago replay in her mind. "Girlfriend?" is all she manages to blurt in response.
Cosima freezes, realization setting in about what she let slip. "Ex," she finally answers.
"I see. So you're a lesbian or…?"
"Lesbian."
"Oh."
"Is that a problem? I don't know why it never came up before, I mean I'm usually pretty open about it."
"No, of course it's not a problem."
"Good. What about you? Are you only interested in guys?"
Delphine nods tensely, "Yeah, just guys."
"You sure?" Cosima narrows her eyes.
"Y-yes, of course."
"Hmm."
"What's with the 'hmm'?
"Nothing, it's just," Cosima finds a boldness she hasn't had before wash over her, maybe it's the wine or maybe it's just that they're finally discussing this, "if you're so into guys, why have you been spending almost all of your nights since you got back from school hanging out with me?"
"Because we're friends and I'm not dating anyone right now."
"Uh huh," Cosima responds.
"What? Do you not want to spend time with me?"
"No, not at all, I like spending time with you, Delphine. Actually, if I'm being completely honest here, I was kinda hoping you were gonna say you liked girls."
"Why?"
"Because then I'd know if I had a shot with you." Delphine blushes instantly at Cosima's words. "I like you, Delphine. I like hanging out with you and you've become a great friend, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't wish that we were more than friends. And it's not just cause you've got incredible hair and eyes that I can get lost in for days, it's because you're interesting and caring and smart and funny."
"Cosima," Delphine looks away, embarrassed, and Cosima gently raises her hand to Delphine's cheek, turning her face back towards her.
"It's true, all of it. You're amazing." Cosima removes her hand from Delphine's cheek and grabs the blonde's hand, "Go out with me."
"What?"
"Let's go on a date."
"Cosima, I just told you, I like men."
"I know what you said, but you can't deny there's something between us, something deeper than friendship."
"Cosima, I can't. I want to be your friend, but anything more than that, I can't."
"You can't or you won't?"
"What's the difference?"
"Well, you can't because you're not able to or you won't because you have zero interest in me." Delphine bites her lip and doesn't respond. "Delphine, tell me you don't feel anything for me and I won't bring this up ever again and we can continue to just be friends."
Delphine says nothing.
"You can't, can you?"
"Cosima," Delphine whines and closes her eyes.
"Please look at me, Delphine." Delphine opens her eyes. "Just tell me what you feel."
"I don't know," Delphine admits. "My head is all confused right now. But I do know that going out with you, in a romantic way, is not something I'm comfortable doing. I'm sorry."
Cosima nods, her face completely neutral as to not betray the hurt she's feeling inside, "Okay, I get it. I knew it was a long shot, but long shots are kinda my thing."
"Cosima, I hope this doesn't affect our friendship. I still want to spend time with you."
"No, totally, I want to be your friend, Delphine. This won't change that."
"Okay, good. So do you want to play?" Delphine motions towards their instruments.
"Actually, I'm kinda tired, I think I'm just gonna call it a night," Cosima picks up her ukulele and heads towards the stairs.
"Cosima," Delphine calls out, causing the jockey to turn around. "I'll talk to you tomorrow," Delphine says it more as a question than a fact.
"Yeah, sure," Cosima forces a smile. "I'll see myself out."
Cosima walks up the stairs and heads straight out the front door. She walks past her cottage, into the field, and lays down, looking up at the night sky.
Delphine sits down at the drums and contemplates playing but whips out her phone and dials Krystal instead.
"Hi Del!" Krystal answers cheerfully.
"You were right."
"Of course I was. Right about what?"
"Cosima. She likes me."
"Ha. I knew it. Did she just come out and tell you? No pun intended."
"Not exactly. We were hanging out and she mentioned an ex-girlfriend, I asked her if she was a lesbian, which she is, and then she asked me out."
"She asked you out? What did you say?"
"What do you think I said? I said no."
"Why?"
"Why? Because I'm not interested in girls."
"I don't know, Del, maybe you should open yourself up, explore all possibilities."
"Krystal, are you crazy?"
"Hear me out for a sec. Did you ever think why it never worked out with you and any of the guys you dated?"
"Because we weren't right for each other. Not because I wasn't into guys."
"No, I know, and I do think you like men, but, sometimes we have a connection with someone and it transcends gender. Like, that night, when I picked up on Cosima's interest in you, that was totally obvious, but then she had this drastic effect on your mood, and when you came out of those stables, it was like a whole new Delphine. I think she really got to you."
"Yeah, as friends."
"And that's all? Really?"
"Yes."
"Every night when I text you, you're doing something with her. And even when she went to Arkansas, you didn't want to go out. What did you do those nights? Did you contact her at all?" Delphine is silent. "Yeah, I thought so. Del, be straight with me. Sorry, poor choice of words, don't be that straight with me, but be honest. Do you like her more than just as a buddy?"
Delphine mumbles into the phone.
"What was that? I couldn't hear you."
"I said maybe."
"Aha! So, what, are you just, like, too scared to go for it?"
"No, I'm not too scared to go for it, I don't want to go for it. Yes, I like her, but there's a difference between liking someone and wanting to date them."
"That doesn't make sense."
"It makes sense to me, Krystal," Delphine insists.
"Fine, whatever you say, but there's something else I have to tell you."
"What is it?"
"I ran your charts, yours and Cosima's."
"Okay. And?"
"You're, like, a perfect match. I was totally surprised, but it's a fact. And I know you don't believe in horoscopes and astrology, but the stars don't lie, sweetie."
Delphine flashes back to the night with Cosima looking up at the stars, how close they were, how it felt when she held Cosima's hand as she traced the big dipper for her. She smiles, but then quickly shakes it off, "Non, I'm not going there, Krystal. I just want to be friends with her, that's it."
"Okay, suit yourself. But if it was me, and I suddenly found myself interested in someone like you obviously are, regardless of gender, I'd go for it."
"Ha, I'd like to see that."
"Yeah, well, I'm not the one who's having impure thoughts about a girl right now."
"Bye, Krystal," Delphine grumbles into the phone.
Delphine tosses her phone to the side as she lays down in her bed. "I'm not scared," she tells herself, "and I'm not having impure thoughts about a girl." She stares at the ceiling, realization dawning on her as she's unable to see anything other than Cosima's face, "Fuck!"
"Fuck!" Cosima shouts simultaneously as she looks up at the stars, Delphine's rejection playing over and over in her head.
—
"Hi, Cosima," Delphine hesitantly approaches the jockey in the stables.
Cosima turns her head, "Oh, hey, Delphine." She then refocuses her attention on brushing Leda.
"Cosima, are we ok?"
Cosima doesn't turn, "Yeah, of course, why wouldn't we be?"
"We didn't speak at all the last two days and I just… I just wanted to make sure you're okay since our conversation the other night."
"You mean when you turned me down?" Cosima asks nonchalantly.
"Yes. Are you mad?"
"No, I'm not mad. I just had a couple really big training days in preparation for Kentucky this weekend and fell right to sleep afterwards."
"So we're good?"
"Yeah, absolutely."
"Great, so do you want to come over and watch a movie later?"
Finally, Cosima turns to look at her, "What movie?"
"I don't know, I was just going to see what's on demand. You can choose if you want."
"Okay," Cosima says cheerfully.
"See you at 8?"
"8 sounds great," Cosima responds.
—
There's a knock at the door at 8:03 and Delphine let's Cosima in. "Hi. I'll get us snacks, why don't you go choose something for us to watch."
Cosima enters the den while Delphine heads into the kitchen. She sits on the couch, turns on the tv, and starts scanning the movie listings. She smiles when one catches her eye and she selects it, pausing just as it begins.
Delphine returns with soda and popcorn, handing Cosima hers, "What did you choose?"
"Imagine Me and You. Have you seen it?"
"No, what's it about?"
"It's a romantic comedy."
"Oh, I love romantic comedies," Delphine grins as she settles on the couch with her snacks.
Cosima smiles, "Then I'm sure you'll love this one." She hits play and the movie begins.
"Cosima," Delphine says about 10 minutes into the movie.
"Yeah?" Cosima responds, keeping her eyes on the screen
"Is this a lesbian love story?"
"Technically, no, as one of them isn't a lesbian, but it is a love story between two women."
"Uh huh."
Cosima glances towards Delphine, "Is that a problem, do you want to watch something else?"
"No, no, it's fine."
"Ok, great," Cosima turns back towards the screen and Delphine does the same.
Throughout the rest of the movie, Cosima checks on Delphine's reaction during key moments in the film. Delphine laughs where appropriate, but otherwise sits relatively stone faced.
"What'd you think?" Cosima asks when the movie concludes.
"I liked it, it was cute."
"Really?" Cosima asks with surprise.
"Yes."
"And it didn't bother you that two girls fell in love?"
"No, of course not, it was very sweet."
"Great, then go out with me."
"Cosima," Delphine groans, "we've been over this."
"I know, but if you're okay with those two getting together, why not us?"
"Is that why you chose this movie, to get me to change my mind?"
"I chose it because I like it, but if it also caused you to change your mind, then even better."
"I haven't changed my mind."
"Didn't you find anything similar between you and Rachel, like the fact that you both assumed yourselves to be straight, but then found yourselves falling for a woman."
"What woman am I falling for?" Delphine asks with a straight face.
"You're not funny," Cosima sticks her tongue out. "Me."
"Cosima, I am not falling for you."
"Oh, my bad, you've already fallen."
"You really think that highly of yourself, don't you?"
"Hey, I just call it like I see it. You, Delphine Cormier, are into me."
"I think you're just projecting how into me you are onto me."
"I don't deny that I like you, Delphine. I've liked you from the first day we met, and I've only grown to like you more as I've gotten to know you better. But I think you feel the same, you're just not ready to admit it and that's fine, I'm not going anywhere. I'm also not giving up on you." With that, Cosima gets off the couch, "Goodnight, Delphine." She lets herself out, leaving a stunned Delphine sitting on the couch in silent contemplation.
The next day, as Cosima preps Leda to board the trailer for their trip to Kentucky, Delphine enters the stables.
"I just wanted to come say goodbye."
"Thanks."
"I also wanted to wish you and Leda good luck."
"Leda and I appreciate that, don't we girl?" Leda whinnies at Cosima.
"Just don't put so much pressure on yourself. You were beating yourself up after Arkansas and I don't want you to do that again."
"I won't," Cosima promises.
"Good." Delphine turns towards the horse, "Leda, you listen to Cosima, okay, she's knows what she's doing." She gives Leda a little hug around her muzzle.
"Oh my god!" Cosima suddenly shouts.
"What?" Delphine looks at her with concern.
Cosima looks at Leda, then at Delphine, then back at Leda, "I don't know how I didn't notice this before."
"Notice what?"
"You and Leda, you kinda look alike. I mean if you flat ironed your hair, you could be sisters."
Delphine glares at Cosima, "Are you saying I look like a horse?"
"No, it's just, you know how they sometimes say an owner and their dog start to look alike? That's you and Leda. She's like the horse version of you. Delphorse, if you will."
"Delphorse? Really?"
"Hey, she's beautiful, like you are."
"Cosima," Delphine can't stop the blush on her cheeks, "don't."
"Don't what? Don't tell Leda she's beautiful?" Cosima pats Leda on her muzzle, "Cause you are, Leda, you're a very pretty horse."
"Maybe you should ask her out," Delphine suggests.
"That's not a bad idea. Hey, Leda, would you like to go out on a date with me?"
Leda brays.
"Was that a yes?" Leda nods her head. "Hooray! I just scored a date with the hottest filly in here."
"Aren't you lucky," Delphine giggles.
"Totally," Cosima grins. "Leda is probably a great kisser."
"Yeah, if sloppy horse kisses are your thing."
"Maybe they are," Cosima shrugs.
"Stop," Delphine cringes.
"Why? You jealous?"
"No, I'm definitely not jealous of you and Leda."
"I don't know if I believe that," Cosima's tongue pokes out between her teeth. "I know you really want to go out with me, Delphine."
"Oh, yeah, what makes you think that after I told you no more than once?"
"Your lips say no, but your eyes," Cosima moves away from the horse and closer to Delphine, "your eyes say yes. You're scared, I get it, but you don't have to be. I don't bite. Unless you want me to," Cosima wiggles her eyebrows.
Delphine can't help the scoff that escapes her mouth, "You're ridiculous."
"If ridiculous is wanting to take you on a proper date, then I'm definitely a complete fool. Come on. How about we make a bet?"
"A bet?"
"Yeah, we're in the horse racing world, betting is part of it, right? How about if Leda and I show at the Derby, you go out with me?"
"Are you proposing that if you come in at least 3rd place at the Kentucky Derby, then I have to go on a date with you?"
Cosima nods, "I am."
Delphine ponders the offer, "Okay, maybe I'd be willing to take that bet." Cosima's eyes brighten. "But let's up the ante a little."
"What do you have in mind?"
"You come in anything less than 3rd, there's no date. You come in 3rd, we go to a movie."
"Wait, we've already watched movies together."
"Yes, but not at a theater and those weren't dates."
"Maybe not official dates, but come on, they were like pre-date dates."
"Cosima," Delphine scolds.
"Sorry, sorry, go on.
"Ok, if you come in 2nd, we do dinner and a movie. And, if you win, the date is completely up to you. How does that sound?"
Cosima mulls it over, "Can I choose the movie?"
"Sure."
"Can I hold your hand throughout the whole movie, including previews?"
Delphine smiles, "Yes, you can hold my hand."
"Nice!" Cosima pumps her fist. "And if I come in 2nd, can I choose the restaurant and the movie?"
"Yes, you can choose the restaurant and the movie."
"Cool, cool. And if I come in 1st, I get to plan anything I want? Anything at all?"
"Yes, anything."
"Great, we've got a deal," Cosima holds out her hand and Delphine shakes it.
"Cosima," Felix yells from the doorway, "it's time to hit the road."
"I'll be out with Leda in a sec," she shouts back, then turns towards Delphine. "We have to go."
"I heard."
"So I guess I'll see you tomorrow in Kentucky?"
Delphine nods, "Our flight gets in at 3, so we'll meet you at the pre-race dinner."
"Awesome! Well, I have a long road trip ahead of me, so I'll be planning our date the whole time."
Delphine laughs, "You're that confident you're going to win our bet?"
"Hell yeah I'm gonna win. With stakes like these, no way I'm losing."
"Cosima!" Felix hollers.
"Shit, I better go. Bye, Delphine."
"Goodbye, Cosima. Have a safe trip."
"Thanks, you too." Cosima starts walking Leda out of the stables, then stops as they pass the blonde, quickly placing a kiss on a surprised Delphine's cheek before continuing on outside to Felix.
As soon as Cosima is out of sight, Delphine lifts a hand to her cheek and smiles, her resolve at resisting Cosima quickly diminishing.