First, they stepped into a shower together, where Charlotte got her first real look at Marin’s naked body in the light. There were alotof scars, but Charlotte appreciated them all. Standing here now, kissing Marin under a cascade of hot water, hands between each other’s thighs as they indulged in some quick shower sex, Charlotte couldn’t believe how close she’d come to losing her, that she’d spent two years thinking shehadlost her.
It made this moment even more meaningful. Charlotte came first, gasping beneath the spray as Marin’s fingers took her over the edge, but Marin followed moments later, hips bucking into Charlotte’s hand as she found her own release.
“Love this.” Charlotte stroked a hand through Marin’s wet hair as she caught her breath.
Marin smiled, water droplets glistening in her eyelashes. “Love how much we’ve both been using that word. Can’t wait to go home and use it even more.”
“So much more. In the meantime, I’ll be here with Ember, waiting for you. Whatever happens with Nancy, you’ll have us here to hug and kiss you afterward.”
Marin drew her in so that Charlotte’s forehead rested against hers. “I appreciate that more than you could know.”
“I know why you’re here.” Nancy settled across from Marin at the table. Her husband, Rick, sat beside her, sipping his coffee and looking like he’d rather be anywhere else.
That made two of them. Marin’s stomach sank. “You do?”
“Yes.” Nancy gave her a disapproving look. At sixty-five, eighteen years Marin’s senior, Nancy had little in common with her. Marin didn’t even have any memories of them growing up together since Nancy had already been away at college when she was born. Nancy brushed back a strand of short silver hair. “Fran called last week. Idon’t know why you asked her to keep secrets from me, but it was shortsighted of you since she and I are close.”
The way she said it emphasized the fact that she and Marin werenotclose. “I didn’t ask her to keep secrets. I just asked her to give me the chance to tell you myself.” Marin fiddled with her coffee cup. Nancy had invited her for breakfast, but so far, coffee was the only thing she’d served, and without food as a buffer, it was making Marin’s stomach sour.
“Well, you could have saved yourself a trip because I’ve already heard your news, and it wouldn’t have been worth a visit even if I hadn’t. I don’t need you to rub your lifestyle in my face.” Nancy’s expression was pinched. “Some things are better kept quiet.”
“I just wanted to be honest with you about who I am, who I’ve always been.”
“You don’tlooklike a lesbian.” Nancy sniffed, giving Marin a pointed once-over. “I suppose this is why you divorced Andrew?”
“Yes, it is.” Marin had prepared for this reaction, and yet, it hurt more than she’d expected. She’d come out a handful of times now, and until this moment, she’d received only support in response. This was the first time someone had rejected her to her face, and it felt like being kicked in the gut.
Nancy tsked. “What a way to repay that poor man after he dropped everything to care for you after your accident.”
“It had nothing to do with that. We weren’t in love. Getting divorced was for the best, for both of us.” Marin hated the defensiveness in her tone.
“What happened to your vows, hmm? For better or for worse? Marriages takework.” Nancy took Rick’s hand as if to emphasize her point. Rick remained fascinated with his coffee.
“We did work at it,” Marin said, “but sometimes it’s better to part ways. I’m happier now,somuch happier. I thought that might matter to you.”
“I would have preferred if you kept your private business private.”
Marin stood, leaving behind her half-finished coffee. “I’m sorry for wasting your time. If you ever want to talk, you know where to find me.”
Nancy picked up her coffee and sipped, her expression as sour as Marin’s stomach.
“I’ll walk you out.” Rick got to his feet, speaking for the first time.
“Thank you.”
“Sorry about that,” he said once they’d left the kitchen. “I think her feelings were hurt that you told Fran first.”
“I think she’d have reacted badly either way, but thank you.” Marin had always liked Rick. Too bad he didn’t have more influence over his wife.
“You might be right. I’m still sorry, and I’ll do what I can to help bring her around. For what it’s worth, I hope you find the happiness you’re looking for.” He rested a hand on her shoulder.
Marin forced a smile. Nancy’s words had cut deeply, but his kindness was appreciated. Marin left the house feeling deflated, tired, and sad. Fifteen minutes later, she pulled up in front of the cottage to find Charlotte on the front porch, tossing a ball with Ember.
Charlotte stood, watching as Marin parked and got out of the car. “How did it go?” she asked, but her pinched brow suggested she’d already read the answer on Marin’s face.
“About like I expected. No, actually it was worse.” Marin sighed. Even though she’d known Nancy’s rejection was a real possibility, she felt absolutely sick now that it had happened. “I didn’t anticipate that Fran would have already told Nancy my news. She was upset before I even arrived.”
“I’m sorry.” Charlotte walked straight to her, wrapping her arms around Marin. “I’m so sorry.”
