"Oh wow…This is big. Please tell me he's an athlete… I've always pictured you with a professional baseball player."
Thomas was having trouble keeping his eyes on the road due to the utter suspense.
"Well…"
"I mean I picture myself with one but you have a much better chance…Okay I'm sorry go on"
"Anyway, it is a professional athlete."
"Oh nice! Is it that young guy from the Dodgers? The one with the tattoos? You would look so good with him. Naughty and nice you know?"
"They have tattoos as well." She laughed a how close his little fantasy was to the truth.
"Okay just tell me, because you're being vague just to keep me at the edge of my seat. You know how I get when you tease."
She giggled to herself and decided to reward the man for his patience. He certainly would get a kick out of this confession.
"Okay but only if you promise not to overreact..."
"Scout's honor" He said with a hand raised in salute.
"It's the professional soccer player…Cosima Niehaus."
The car became silent for what felt like a minute to Delphine before Thomas burst out into uproarious laughter.
"Cosima?...Niehaus? The Fonz? The Great Converter? That is who you think understands you? Honey, the only thing she wants to understand how many goals she can score with you before the World Cup starts."
Delphine was completely embarrassed. She knew he knew of Cosima from being in the local gay community but she had successfully refused to acknowledge her persona until this moment.
"Wow Thomas…That was some response. Thank you for not overreacting."
"Aww….I'm sorry, it's just so hard to believe. I mean you a straight woman of high moral standard… and her, a lesbian scoundrel. It's too rich, it's unbelievable." He replied still laughing but seeming apologetic.
"Scoundrel? That's a bit harsh isn't it?"
"Ask her ex-girlfriend. She was supposedly sleeping with her married teammate while they were living together.
"Was that ever proven? I mean I know it looked that way but no one ever seemed to be able to validate it."
"Oh yeah, you've been hooked…But no I guess there never was any proof, just a headline. I can give her the benefit of the doubt. Just promise me you aren't trying to fix her like you are apparently trying to with Olivier. This isn't your 'thing' is it?"
"Non, not my 'thing'. And I don't think there is anything to fix, I've seen her twice and she's been nothing but charming."
"Wasn't Olivier charming when you first met him?"
"Ugh, why do you have to be so logical? I was content in my fantasy."
"I know Dear. We all do it. Just be careful. I'm not going to deter you because you're a big girl. That, and I've always wanted a lesbian friend, so even if you and dreadlocks don't work out we can tear up WeHo together."
"I'm fairly certain dating a woman would make me a bisexual, but we aren't even far enough to get into that."
"So tell me about this journey to the dark side you've been on in secret…"
The two spent their drive reviewing the events of the last week and Delphine briefly touched on the blowout with Olivier. He was definitely shocked to hear of the rehab ultimatum she'd given him. Thomas was completely intrigued since his love life was completely dry aside from the usual advances from his vocal coach who was twenty years his senior.
…
"Niehaus, you've got thirty minutes and then we are leaving! It's a surprise party so you need to be on time for once."
"Alright Sam! I told you, I need to look good tonight. You never know who might show up." Cosima shouted back to her teammate. She tried on her third outfit in the mirror and glanced at her phone for the hundredth time that hour.
"Dude, it doesn't matter what you wear and you know that. If you're dressing up in case we run into Kat I can assure you she won't be there."
"Why would I be doing that?" She asked with a scoff while modeling a dress she was contemplating.
"I don't know… Hey are you wearing a dress? This is new. Who are you trying to fool…I mean impress?"
"Fool? I wear dresses all of the time. You've seen me in them."
"Yes but never to a bar, least of all a gay one, but to each their own… So who's the new target?"
"Okay this is getting ridiculous. Can everyone please stop acting like I'm some kind of con-artist? I like women and they like me. I can't help that."
"Alright, I was just teasing you, but it seems like you're putting a lot of effort into tonight, so please tell me who is worthy of such attention"
"If you must know I invited a friend. She's the photographer I worked with on Friday. Her name is Delphine, she's French, and she's gorgeous. I saw her again this afternoon and we're really hitting if off…"
"This will be your second time seeing her? In one day?" Samantha said with a disbelieving look.
"Yeah Sam, I really like her so please don't be weird about this. She's the first woman I've really been into since Kat."
"Really? It took you almost six months to 'really be into' someone? If I recall correctly you were 'really into' that bartender a few weeks ago in your hotel room…"
"You know what that was…but this…this is different. I'm keeping a safe distance though… I don't want to overstep."
"Overstep what? She's over 18… right Cosima?" Her teammate asked seriously much to Cosima's chagrin.
"Yes! Who do you think I am?"
"Okay because you had me worried…so what's her deal then… she has a record…a child… a girlfriend?"
"Um…a boyfriend actually..."
"Oh so it's worse than I thought…well you might as well rip your heart out and stomp on it now because it'll hurt less if you do it yourself."
"A bit dramatic, no?"
"Maybe, but let's just see what the team thinks about this."
"Under no circumstances are you to tell our teammates Sam. I mean it."
"Well aren't they going to meet her? Unless you plan to hide her all night."
"They can meet her, she's my friend and I'll introduce her as such. Now drop it please we've already wasted 15 of my 45 minutes" Cosima joked shimmying herself into a tight black dress.
"Cosima! Seriously, Hurry up!…"
…
"Yep I've got a halfsie D... I mean it you look delicious. Dreadlocks is going to die when she sees you in this."
"You're terrible... Do you think it looks ok? Not too formal?"
"No, I mean you look straight but she already knows that." Thomas teased Delphine in an attempt to calm her nerves. He could see her sweating off the make-up he had spent 20 minutes on.
The red dress was still fitting in all of the right places and the black stilettos made her look even more statuesque. Her red lips were formed into a pout as she blotted her lipstick and she began to agree with him. The dress was a winner and it made her feel confident.
"Oui, no secret there… I honestly cannot believe I am going to a gay bar with the intention of meeting a woman. This is surreal."
"Does Ms. Fonzarelli know you intend for her to pound on your jukebox or will that be a surprise?"
"Who said I intended on that? I'm merely going to enjoy the company of a friend. Despite my connection to her I'm not entirely sure what my intentions are."
"Okay, well if she were a man would you be unsure?"
Delphine considered this question critically. If Cosima was a man would she be assuming she'd sleep with her? Would she be so intent on them remaining friends? Despite her excitement at their flirtation, she knew she was still too unsure to really pursue Cosima. There was also still the issue of Olivier, and although they were at odds she wasn't a cheater. After some back and forth she decided to let the evening play out. Before Friday she wouldn't have ever dreamed she'd be asking herself this question, so truly anything was possible.
"I don't know. Perhaps I wouldn't, but she isn't a man and I am not single. I do really enjoy her company but I feel I may be experiencing some confusion due to my situation with Olivier…Let us just see where the evening goes shall we?"
"Okay, but it seems you're indecisive tonight so I'll have my friend Jack help you choose your direction."
"Oh no, not whiskey? I want to remember the night…"
…
Generic electronic music blared from the speakers as Cosima and Samantha entered the club after skipping the line. All eyes were on the pair but Cosima was far too preoccupied to notice. Samantha began to text their teammates while Cosima examined the room for a familiar face. Although she hadn't heard from Delphine she was hoping she would see the woman at some point. After a short search the two found their group.
"Niehaus you made it before sunrise? Samantha I owe you a drink." Their goalie Kendall shouted from a roped off booth.
"You do but I'm going to pass it on to Cosima because she's a bit on edge." Sam blurted before remembering she was sworn to secrecy.
While her teammates bantered, Cosima fidgeted by the edge of the booth wondering why she'd chosen to wear a dress. While she liked the outfit, she felt it might be jarring for Delphine to see her looking so feminine. Regardless, it was too late to change her mind so she decided to join her teammates in their revelry and pray Delphine showed up.
"What's your deal Cos? And why so sexy tonight..Hot date?" Her co-captain Theresa asked with concern and waited patiently for a response.
"No date just meeting a friend here. Not certain though because I haven't heard from her since this afternoon."
"Oh alright, well take a seat. Kendall should be back with your drink in a bit."
Cosima sat and continued to adjust herself in her dress. She was clearly uncomfortable and her teammates were beginning to take notice.
"Hey dude we need you to loosen up. The birthday girl will be here shortly. Shake off whatever is going on and come dance with us."
Cosima decided to take Theresa's advice and relax. She walked out to the dancefloor and began to move with the beat. Thirty minutes later she'd had two more drinks and was feeling a lot more calm than when she'd arrived. She wanted to see Delphine, but she realized she had no control over whether or not the woman would show up.
….
"Thomas she told me to call her if I was coming. I can't just show up."
"If she invited you what's the issue? She didn't call you to cancel and if you were worried about this why didn't you call before we left?"
"Je ne sais pas. Il a glissé de mon esprit. J'étais tellement excitée et…"
"I know you're nervous right now but let's not forget I don't know what the hell you're saying, regardless of how sexy it sounds."
"Oh…Pardonnez-moi…You know how I get." Delphine couldn't help but laugh when she remembered how Cosima had pointed out her habit of switching dialects when her emotions got the better of her.
"Just hush and let me call her. You're making it worse."
Delphine found Cosima's name in her phone and pressed send. Just then she felt her stomach drop in anticipation.
After several rings Cosima answered.
"Hello"
"Cosima, hello I was on my way over to the bar before I remembered to call you. Are you still at The Abbey?"
"Hey you! Yeah totally. I was hoping you'd miss me and decide to come."
"I'm sorry, I can barely hear you over the music."
"Oh, okay IS THIS BETTER?"
"Oui, my friend Thomas and I are minutes away where should we meet you?"
"WE ARE ALONG THE WALL IN THE RESERVED AREA. I'LL KEEP AN EYE OUT!"
Delphine couldn't help but laugh at how loudly Cosima was yelling and thought of how cute she must've looked huddled in a corner somewhere.
"Ok Cosima, see you soon."
…
It took some time for Thomas to find a parking spot and the line at the club was quite long. After finally entering, Delphine grabbed her friends arm for moral support and led him toward where Cosima said she was seated. Just as she began to see familiar faces from the team, she spotted Cosima out of the corner of her eye. She was dressed in a tight black cocktail dress with burgundy pumps. She was nearly as tall as Delphine with the height of the heels. It was a simple look but the dress managed to showcase her shape,with her toned hamstrings and calves on display. In awe of her transformation, Delphine all but gawked as Cosima winded around her friends on the dancefloor. The brunette's hair was in a tight bun and she was sans glasses. Delphine thought it was a delicate look for such a 'scoundrel'. After the song ended Delphine released Thomas and built up the nerve to approach her friend who was still swaying to the rhythm.
In an effort to surprise her, Delphine sauntered up behind Cosima and whispered in her ear.
"Bonsoir mon ami"
Although she could barely hear the voice over the noise, she recognized the perfume.
"Why hello, glad you finally made it"
Cosima turned to greet the woman with a hug and was pleased to receive a peck on each cheek. Afterward she took a step back and took in the entire form before her.
She started from the top and studied every inch of Delphine down to her feet. She did this as discreetly as possible but still was able to marvel at Delphine's after hours look. She couldn't help licking her lips and prayed her friend hadn't noticed.
"Wow Delphine you clean up well. Who were you planning on running into tonight?"
"Just you I'm afraid. Thank you though." She teased before poking out her tongue playfully.
"All this for me? Being your friend has its perks."
"Oui, more than you can imagine." The blonde said pausing for effect. If the Jack Daniel's was meant to lead her in a direction, it was certainly leading her toward Cosima.
"Ahh you're in the mood to tease tonight…well two can play at that game Darlin'"
"No teasing these are the facts Cherie, and you look very nice tonight too. Are you in search of something?"
"Nothing in particular, just a good time. I'm easy" Cosima dared with a wink allowing her liquid courage to push her toward her desires without second guessing.
Suddenly, Delphine grabbed Cosima's wrist and dragged her further into the crowd on the dancefloor. By the time they reached the middle, Thomas and the team were scattered about. They were surrounded by strangers but they were in essence alone. Delphine pulled Cosima in to dance with her and their faces were inches apart. Just then "Show Me Love" by Robin S. began to play and the entire club erupted with the voices of people singing along.
"God I love this song…it reminds me of college. It came out when I was a kid but everyone knows the words." Cosima nearly shouted into Delphine's ear.
"This is one of the first songs they've played that I know." Delphine replied with a blush.
"You're so 90's, it's adorable."
As the song played they each considered the lyrics silently while they danced around one another.
"Heartbreaks and promises I've had more than my share
I'm tired of giving my love and getting nowhere nowhere
What I need is somebody who really cares
I really need a lover, a lover that wants to be there…"
"You're a really good dancer, is this how you hook them? The women I mean…" Delphine asked attempting to sound impartial.
"I know what you meant. I've noticed that you seem to be very interested in how I attract women. This could mean one of two things…One, you're looking for tips or two, you are wondering if you're falling for the same things that other women have?"
Cosima questioned the woman sincerely needing to know why Delphine was so curious. She needed to know why her new straight friend would dress up and meet her at a gay club when she had a boyfriend at home. Cosima had listened to Samantha's warnings and decided not to beat around the bush. She wanted Delphine and it was time to see whether or not she was wasting her time.
"Well I suppose it can't be the first option…"
"Look D, I'm tired of getting caught up in those one night affairs, What I really need is somebody who will always be there." Cosima sang along and Delphine laughed into her shoulder.
They were truly sight to onlookers as they laughed and swayed, singing along to the parts they remembered. They continued to dance for nearly an hour without realizing they were neglecting their friends. They would seem like a couple to anyone casually walking by. The person who was most shocked by this display was Thomas. Even though he didn't deter her initially, he felt Delphine was in over her head. He decided to interrupt the precious moment and introduce himself.
"I see you found your friend. You forget about me as soon as you see a pretty girl? Is this what I have to look forward to?" He asked half-jokingly yet half annoyed.
"Non, don't be silly. You knew I went to find Cosima."
"So this is the famous best friend? It's a pleasure to meet you Thomas." Cosima said earnestly wanting to make a good impression.
"Likewise…and my, aren't you pretty?" He stated dryly not wanting to be won over.
Just then a few of Cosima's teammates approached the trio.
"So this is why you've been M.I.A. during my party? I figured you went home with someone." Margeaux teased not knowing who Cosima was speaking to.
Thomas and Cosima rolled their eyes at her teammate's insinuation. Delphine stared off uncomfortably before the guest of honor made a request.
"Cosima I want you to dance with us for at least one song"
"Go ahead I don't mean to keep you from your friends."
"You're not, and this is Margeaux by the way. Mar this is my friend Delphine and her best friend Thomas."
"Charmed" Thomas replied with fake enthusiasm.
"Enchantee"
"Oooh French, I like this one Cosima. She's much prettier than the one…"
Samantha nudged Margeaux in the ribs before she could finish the damning statement. Cosima then realized that her teammates were hazardous to her pleasant evening and had to think fast.
"Yes she is pretty...gorgeous in this dress but she was just telling me how much she wanted another drink so we'd better get in line, right D?"
"D?" Thomas repeated with an exaggerated eyebrow raise.
Delphine couldn't help but blush with a clear look of confusion on her face. Cosima grabbed her bicep lightly and led her toward the bar in the back of the club. It was as far as they could get away from her teammates without leaving.
"I'm so sorry for that, I hope they didn't embarrass you."
"Non, honestly I expect it"
"What do you mean?" Clearly puzzled, Cosima was on edge.
"Well you seem to meet a lot of women, so it's logical for your friends to assume I'm your date."
"Yeah…I suppose. It's not that many women but they like to embellish a bit." She said in order to quell Delphine's growing concern. She was afraid the blonde may be beginning to believe the hype that surrounded her. She decided to change the subject.
"What did you want to drink? Glass of red wine perhaps?"
"Whiskey sour. Please and thank you." She replied before licking her lips seemingly unconsciously.
" Ms. Cormier you are full of surprises."
"Oui… But I have to ask you…why do you refer to me so formally? It's so odd."
"You know, I think it's my way of remaining cordial…boundaries and all. I apologize for calling you D by the way, your friends' response tells me that you hate that?"
"Non, I like it just fine and I don't care what you call me. It just seems like I'm a school teacher when you refer to me as Miss…anything really."
"Well if you were my teacher I'd get detention just to see you after class."
"Oh?… You'd better quit while you're ahead Ms. Niehaus."
Cosima winked and handed Delphine her drink. There was something about the way the blonde was looking at her that made her feel like it was the right time to lay the cards out on the table.
"You know…every time I see you I feel like we share this connection Delphine...And it takes a lot of strength not to act on it. I think that's why I call you funny names and tell jokes. It's my way of masking how I'm truly feeling."
Delphine was taken aback. The club was so loud that even though they were in a corner she could barely hear the other woman. Cosima's lips were so close to her ear when she was speaking that Delphine felt as if she was paralyzed for a moment. A mixture of fear and longing began to consume her as she reached out to pull Cosima in closer. Delphine began to move her right thigh further in between Cosima's and it caused the brunette's dress to ride up slightly. Eventually they were chest to chest and Cosima was clearly fighting against herself to remain still.
"Cosima…" She whispered and she found her hands around the back of Cosima's neck.
As she began to pull Cosima forward she felt resistance.
"Delphine, you're intoxicated. Please don't let this be a drunken mistake. We can find your friend and get you sobered up." Cosima grumbled avoiding eye contact and beginning to scan the room.
"Cosima please…" She moaned as she looked into the woman's eyes in an attempt to reassure her.
"I can't Delphine. What kind of friend would I be if I took advantage of you?"
"You just told me you feel that we have a connection. I feel it too… I want to know what it feels like to do what I wish without thinking. Is that wrong?"
"Yes… I know what I said but I was hoping to have a conversation. Believe it or not but my goal isn't always to be physical." Cosima said clearly frustrated; partly at herself for not just accepting the woman's advances.
"Je te veux. Don't you see that? I've wanted to kiss you ever since our car ride together. It took all of my strength to contain myself. You are like no one I've ever met. You make me question everything I've ever believed about myself. I may be drunk but I know what I feel."
"Oh…well…why didn't you tell me? I was so afraid I was getting too involved in this and that I was misinterpreting your interest?" Cosima questioned holding Delphine's wrists in between their bodies in an effort to stop the woman's roaming hands.
"Because so was I Cosima. J'ai peur… This is all new to me. How was I to know you weren't just flirting to get a rise out of me?"
The two were staring intently at one another during this exchange and their hands were now gesturing as they spoke. Just when Cosima decided to take Delphine on her word, Samantha appeared behind Delphine with a disapproving look on her face. She excused herself and pulled Cosima aside as Delphine stood in place, utterly overwhelmed.
"Excuse me! That was extremely rude. I was having an important conversation."
"What happened to keeping our distance, and not overstepping Cos? Even if she's playing along you have to remember that she has a boyfriend. Do you want to be with a cheater?"
Cosima considered this carefully. Although everyone assumed she was a cheater, in reality she wasn't, and she hated people who were. She always made her intentions known in relationships and if the woman decided to stay it was their choice. Had she really been so blinded by her feelings for Delphine that she was ready to compromise her values?
"You're right…" Was all Cosima could say before she returned to Delphine who was now frantically texting who she assumed was Thomas.
"Hey…I'm sorry about the interruption. I have to admit everything in me is telling me to throw caution to the wind and be with you in whatever capacity that is possible, but when I remember that you have a boyfriend…"
"I know…I wasn't thinking. You were right, I'm very drunk but everything I said was true. It's just not something I can act on…Not until I know where Olivier and I stand."
"Okay…but I don't know what this means for us Delphine…"
"Je comprends. Just promise me we can try and be friends?"
"We already are."
With that admission Delphine flinched. She knew what Cosima said was true but it still hurt to hear it.
"Oui, you are right. I will let you return to your friends. I have to be in Burbank early in the AM."
"Oh…you have to leave already? Are you guys okay to make it home?"
"Yes, Thomas is waiting for me at the bar up front… Goodbye Cosima"
She reached in for a brief embrace and she closed her eyes tightly as she held the smaller woman like she'd never have a chance to again. Cosima could smell her shampoo and feel the smooth skin of her exposed back. The sensations were almost too much to handle so Cosima withdrew and gave the woman a weak smile.
"Bye D, text me when you're home…please?"
"Vous faites cela dur sur moi… but yes… I will. Have fun everyone…"
The blonde sighed with discontent as she waved at Cosima and her teammates.