Difficult Lessons (2 page)

“I think I will have a glass of white wine, the Seafood Alfredo, and a salad.”

“Excellent choice. I will be right back with your wine and salad.”

***

Sara slowly savored her salad and ordered one more glass of wine when her meal was brought to the table. The atmosphere at Italy’s Finest was always cheerful. Servers buzzed through the dining room taking excellent care of their guests People were laughing as they enjoyed the delectable food.

“Jeff, I am sorry about the things you are going through right now. Maybe things will work out between you and your parents though. Regardless, you take care of yourself,” Sara said as she paid her check. “I look forward to hearing good things from you and I want an invitation to your college graduation.”

“I will make sure I send you one, Ms. Carson. Next year my little sister will be a freshman at Mills. She is excited and nervous about high school, but I have told her how great you are. I hope you are still around when she becomes a junior.”

Sara smiled. “I’m sure I will be. I have no plans of going anywhere. Tell her to look me up and introduce herself when she gets there. I will try to alleviate some of her nervousness.’

“Sure thing. Let me get your change.”

“I don’t need change back,” Sara smiled as she pushed her chair back.

“Thanks, Ms. Carson. Have a good evening.”

Sara patted him on the back. “You too, Jeff.”

It was a beautiful night. A few nocturnal birds chirped. Crickets and cicadas could be heard all around. The smells from the nearby restaurants filled the air. That was one of the joys of a small town. There was a balanced mixture of the sounds of the country with the scents of the city, unpolluted by heavy traffic. Sara decided to leave her car where it was and walk the four blocks to Mel’s.  

She could hear the music coming from inside as she neared the front door.
Mel must be having a good night tonight. I can blend in and not be noticed,
Sara mused as she took note of the full parking lot.
 

“I’ll be damned! Look what slithered out of her cave.” Melanie Richards was never one to candy coat her words.

“Nice to see you too, Mel.”

Mel got up from behind the counter and walked around to hug Sara. Mel never dressed up, but she always managed to look good in men’s jeans and t-shirts. Her short brown hair was always spiked slightly. Even though she was only five and a half feet tall, she had an imposing persona. Not too many people attempted to mess with her.

“You look fabulous,” Mel said as she looked Sara up and down. “It has been too long. I am glad to see you out.”

“You look great too, Mel. Why are you sitting out here? I am used to seeing you behind the bar serving up your usual line of bullshit right beside Kathy.”

“Aw hell! I have to sit out here and monitor who comes in now. They watch me even more closely than before. A few months ago the mayor’s little butch daughter tried to sneak in here with a fake license. I threw her out and called her father. She lied to him and said that her and her friends came in here all of the time and drank.  Now the police come in and check everyone’s licenses at different times. I never know when they are going to show up. The mayor threatened to do whatever it took to shut me down if they caught anyone underage in here. I make sure that they don’t find anything wrong, not that I didn’t before. I sit out here and check licenses while Cindy helps Kathy behind the bar. Anyway, how have you been?”

“I’ve been good. I decided tonight that I needed a night out for a change, so here I am.”

“Well get on in there and have a good time. There are some little hotties in there tonight.”

“I am not looking for some little hottie. I just need some relaxation.”

“I can’t think of a better way to relax than a little fun with some fine young thing.”  Mel winked at Sara.

“You haven’t changed a bit, Mel. It’s a wonder Kathy doesn’t kick your ass. I’ll catch up with you before I leave.”

Shaking her head and laughing, Sara made her way into the dimly lit, crowded room. She spotted an empty stool at the end of the bar. There were a few people that she recognized, but no one that she knew very well.  

“Holy shit!” was the exclamation from behind the bar as Sara sat down on the stool. “I haven’t seen you in forever!”

Sara turned and met Kathy’s piercing blue eyes and devious smile. “I see Mel still has you slaving away in this place.” 

“Yeah. She is the ultimate slave driver. I guess it isn’t too bad though. Sleeping with the boss has its perks, you know,” Kathy laughed. How the hell have you been? It has been too long.”

“I’m good. Just working hard. I am usually too exhausted to go out much.”

“Are you still at the high school?”

“Still there. This is my fifteenth year.”

“I don’t know how you do it. You have low pay and even lower respect. Of course, I say that like I have the most respectable job in the world” Kathy made a wave across the bar with her arms.

“I love my job. And you should love yours too. You are very well respected in our little community. You and Mel provide us outcasts a place to hang out.”

“I guess you aren’t seeing anyone right now?” Kathy questioned while innocently pulling her blonde curls behind her ears.

“No, and as I told Mel, I am not looking either. I just need to shake off the stress from work.”

“Good luck tonight. There are some gorgeous women in here,” Kathy said as she placed a clean napkin in front of Sara.

“You and Mel have a very bad case of selective hearing loss, don’t you? Don’t try to set me up with anything other than a few cold beers tonight.” Sara knew that Kathy would ignore that and try her best to hook her up with someone before the night was over. 

Sara took a long sip of the ice cold beer and turned around to watch the crowd. The lights danced off the smoky haze in perfect time with the music that thundered out of the large speakers. There were quite a few bodies on the dance floor moving in time with it.

The best thing about this place was that Mel did not tolerate any trouble. Anyone who tried to start anything would be immediately removed. She never forgot a face either. If they ever tried to come back in, she would turn them around quickly at the door.

Sara was on her second beer when the attractive woman sat down beside her. She appeared to be in her thirties. Her dark brown hair rested on her shoulders.  She was neatly dressed in jeans, a blue t-shirt, and athletic shoes. She was surrounded by the slightest hint of jasmine. Her large brown eyes sparkled when she spoke. “Mind if I sit here?”

“Not at all.” Sara turned to acknowledge her.

“My name’s Cynthia, Cynthia Wesley.” She held out her hand as she introduced herself.

Sara shook her hand. “I’m Sara Carson. It’s nice to meet you.”

“I don’t normally introduce myself to strangers in a bar, but I am new in town. I wanted to meet some people. I guessed this would be a good place to start.”

Sara laughed softly. “Yeah, I guess it is. How long have you been in town?”  Sara’s curiosity was genuine and she could not take her eyes off of Cynthia.

“Well,” Cynthia paused. “I’m not officially here yet. I have just accepted a job here. I have to find a house to move into and all of the fun stuff that goes along with that. I am really looking forward to the move, but not the headache that goes along with it.”

“Moving isn’t fun.”

“No it isn’t. It is actually unsettling to me. I don’t particularly like change, but this is one change that I need to make. I could not turn down the job offer. It is a dream position.”

“Really? What kind of job?”

“I am going to be teaching at Mills High School. I was also asked to coach the girls’ volleyball team.” 

Sara almost choked on her beer. She grabbed the napkin that had been under her beer to wipe her mouth. When she could speak again she asked, “What will you be teaching?”

“I am not exactly sure what the courses are yet, but I will be in the math department. The principal said that they were still working on schedules for next year. I believe I am taking the place of a retiring teacher.”

“Mr. Sexton is retiring at the end of this year. Welcome aboard. I also teach math at Mills,” Sara said with a slight giggle. “May I buy you a drink as a welcome gesture?”

Sara motioned for Kathy who grinned and winked as she ordered the round of drinks for both of them. Sara shot her an evil look and laughed.

“I have to be here in two weeks for conditioning with the prospective players. That doesn’t leave me much time to find a place to live and get settled. I don’t even know where to begin looking for a house.” 

“I have a friend who is a realtor. I can give her a call if you like and see if she has anything worthwhile to look at and when she is free to meet with you. She may be available to meet with you tomorrow. She is a workaholic and works six and seven days a week. She is good at what she does though.”

“That would be great,” Cynthia said as she took a pen from her pocket and grabbed a fresh napkin. “This is my cell number and my e-mail address. I am staying at the hotel right down the street. If you get in touch with her, just give me a call.”

“I will.” Sara tore a corner off of the napkin. “Here is my e-mail, home phone, and cell.”

Sara motioned for Kathy with her empty beer bottle. Kathy came over with two fresh beers and winked at Sara again.

“She must be a friend of yours.”

“We have known each other for a long time. Her partner is the owner of the bar.  My ex and I used to come here a lot. Mel and Kathy have made it their personal mission tonight to set me up with someone before the night is over. I think you might have saved me from their debauchery.” 

“I take it you aren’t seeing anyone seriously.” Cynthia seemed interested in this fact.

“No, I’m not seeing anyone seriously. As a matter of fact, I’m not seeing anyone at all.  I devote a lot of time to work. A lot of people don’t understand that. They think my job ends when the bell rings. If someone came along that understood, I wouldn’t run away, but I am not actively looking.” Sara took another long drink of her beer.

Looking at her watch, Sara realized that it was almost closing time. “Wow! Time has flown by tonight. It has been really nice talking to you.  Would you help me out with a favor?”

“Sure. If I can.”

Sara laughed. “Just to give Mel and Kathy something to talk about, would you walk out with me?”

“You got it. It’s the least I can do since you are going to help me out with finding a house.”

Maybe I’ll ask her out to dinner sometime. It will be nice to have a friend and colleague to go out with once in a while and talk about things other than work. It also doesn’t hurt that she is gorgeous,
Sara thought as she drove home.
She had not felt this good in a long time.

Chapter 3

The sun’s rays danced through the window and tickled Sara’s face. It was only 7:00 a.m. She felt pretty good to have had only 4 hours of sleep. 

I might as well get started,
she thought as she flung her legs over the side of the bed.
This will be a long day if Diane can meet with Cynthia. I should be there since I’m setting it up.

As the coffee brewed, Sara sat down at her desk to check her e-mail. The first thing in her inbox was a message from C. Wesley. The subject was
thanks
.

Sara opened it and read aloud, “I know that you said you would call after you talked with your friend, but I could not wait to tell you how much I appreciate you doing this for me. I also wanted to say thanks for the evening. I really enjoyed talking with you. I hope you had a good night’s sleep. Talk with you later. Cynthia”

             
A huge smile crossed Sara’s lips. She resisted the urge to reply. She would be talking with her soon enough and she did not want to seem like she was overly anxious. 

Sipping her coffee, Sara read the rest of her e-mail and perused a couple of news sites.

I could do a people search on her. Nah.
I will learn about her the old fashioned way.

After pouring a second cup of coffee, Sara almost skipped down the hall to the shower. It was supposed to be very warm outside so she decided to dress in denim shorts and a t-shirt.

When the clock read nine a.m., Sara decided Diane should be awake.

***

“That’s great!” Cynthia exclaimed over the phone. “I’m so happy that she can meet me today. It would be great if I could actually find something today, but I’m not going to get my hopes up. Are you sure you don’t mind giving up a Saturday to help out a stranger?”

“It’s no problem. I don’t have any plans until this evening,” Sara explained. “I am more than happy to help you out today.”

“Oh you have plans tonight?” Cynthia sounded disappointed.

“Yes. I have a hot date with a very handsome man tonight.”

“A man? I’m sorry. I assumed that you were...” 

Sara cut her off laughing.  “It’s my dad. I promised him that I would have dinner with him.”

After hanging up the phone, Sara grabbed her briefcase from the table beside the door. She had time to work a little before picking Cynthia up at her hotel.

***

Cynthia was standing outside the hotel when Sara pulled her car into the drive.  Her black and white knit shirt was a perfect fit. Her beautifully tanned legs looked strong in the khaki cargo shorts that she wore. Her hair was pulled neatly into a ponytail. She stood there confidently. A smile spread across her face when she saw Sara. 

“I can’t thank you enough for doing this,” Cynthia said as she got into the car. “I hope your friend has something and this isn’t a waste of her time and yours.”

“I’m sure she will have something you will like. She helped me find my house a couple of years ago. Houses are really inexpensive around here. This isn’t exactly on the top of the list of the most desirable places to live. I mean, it used to be a bustling area before the factories closed down. A lot of people moved away because of jobs.”

“Is it a close-knit group? I mean, how do people feel about outsiders moving in?”

“Most people around here are cool. They welcome new people unless they are just way out in left field.”

“How do people around here view gay people?” Cynthia seemed seriously concerned as she asked this.

“I guess it is pretty much an even split on the gay issue. There is always going to be a group of people that are not accepting. It doesn’t matter where you are. Most people around here will be accepting as long as you aren’t flamboyant with it.”

“In other words, I probably need to keep my lifestyle under wraps. That’s cool. I can handle that. That is pretty much why I’m here anyway.”

Sara shot her a questioning look.

“Someone at my other school found out that I was a lesbian and started a campaign to have me fired. I resigned to save them the trouble.”

“Does Mr. Michaels know about that?”

“I told him that I resigned from my old position for personal reasons. My administrator agreed to back up my story and give me a good reference if I left without a fuss.”

“I just realized that I haven’t even asked you where you’re moving from.”

“I knew that question was coming eventually. I almost hate admitting where I’m from because of the stereotypes. I am coming from Mobile, Alabama. At times I think I am the only lesbian in that backwards little state.”

“That’s Diane standing there on the sidewalk. She sure looks different in a business suit,” Sara said as she parked the car. “She was a goofy kid when we were little.”

“So you have known her a long time?”

“All my life,” Sara smiled.

“I guess I am in good hands then.”

“The best,” Sara replied as she turned the car off.

Sara made the proper introductions as they entered and found a table. The Diner was a family-owned restaurant. It was always busy at lunch time. It did not matter what day it was. There was laughter and voices coming from all sides, dishes clanging in the back, and the waitresses were constantly back and forth from the kitchen to the dining room.

Once they had ordered, Diane did what she did best. She got to know Cynthia. She had a knack for being able to talk with someone for a few minutes and know exactly what type of person he or she was and what kind of house would be perfect. That is what made her one of the best realtors in the state. 

While they were eating, Cynthia looked at several pictures of houses. By the time the meal was finished, she and Diane had picked out five places to look at. All of them were rentals. Cynthia had decided it would be best to rent for a while before making a major home purchase. 

“I’ll take care of the check,” Diane insisted. “It is a business expense and I can write it off.”

“This is the one!” Cynthia exclaimed as they walked through the third house. “It is absolutely perfect. I have always wanted a large living room. Those windows make it so bright and cheery. The open kitchen is perfect for when I have guests, not that I know anyone in town to entertain. That extra bedroom can be an office or storage. The yard is landscaped so beautifully too. What is this neighborhood like? Are there any other gay people close by”

“Most everyone is around your age. The couple in the house next door is a gay male couple. They have been together about twelve years. I sold them their house almost ten years ago. The owner of this property is Kim Daniels, a lesbian. I really don’t know that much about anyone else. I do know that there is a community pool about 2 blocks from here. Use of it is included in the lease. I think you will like it. Shall we get Kim over here to meet you?”

“Definitely! I really want the house!” Cynthia responded excitedly.

***

Cynthia could hardly contain herself on the drive to Diane’s office. “I am so excited. I never thought I would find a place on the first day. I have you to thank for it.”

“I am really glad things worked out for you today. At least that is one thing that you can put behind you. Once you get the lease papers signed, I am going to have to rush you back to the hotel. I hate too, but…” 

“Maybe the paperwork won’t take too long. Would you like to go out after your dinner with your dad?  Not like a date or anything. Just too sort of celebrate. I would like to treat you to a night at Mel’s, or we can go somewhere else if you would rather.”

“Mel’s will be fine. I am picking Dad up at seven. He likes to be home by 8:30. I can meet you there by nine, or should I come by and pick you up at your hotel?”

“You have chauffeured me around enough today. I’ll just meet you there. I am forever in debt to you. I am so glad that I decided to check out the local night life last night.” Cynthia was almost giddy.

Me too
, Sara thought as she turned and smiled at Cynthia.

Chapter 4

Stan Carson was notorious for being able to talk for long periods of time about nothing of extreme importance, as well as delving into the deep recesses of Sara’s personal life. They discussed the weather, her job, and a few other menial topics on the way to the restaurant. She was glad for the light conversation. It was a welcomed c0nversation. She really did not feel like being subjected to his third degree about her dating, or not dating, as was the case. 

The restaurant had a buffet and was usually not crowded. Tonight was no exception. They were directed to a table quickly and their drink order was taken. As soon as the waiter brought their drinks, they made their way to the buffet. They arrived back at the table at the same time. Sara had only taken a couple of bites when it started.

“You know, Sara, if you would dress more like a girl you might have better luck finding a husband.” His comment was directed at the plain black slacks and Polo-style shirt that she was wearing.

“And if you wouldn’t wear so much cheap aftershave, you might have better luck finding a wife, Dad.” Sara’s reply was a lot angrier than she meant for it to be and she could see the shock on her father’s face. 

“I don’t need a wife. I had one of those once. I didn’t do too well by her. I have no desire to mess up another one.”

“I don’t need a husband either, Dad. I do just fine on my own.” Sara tried to laugh to soften the previous response. 

“I know you don’t need one, but don’t you get lonely sometimes?”

“Work keeps me busy and I have Meg at home. Can we talk about something other than my lack of marital bliss? This conversation is getting old and I really want to enjoy my dinner with you. It has been a while since we have had this chance”

“Okay. You win. I swear sometimes you are just as hard-headed as I am.” 

“Funny. That’s exactly what Mom says.”

They both laughed and thankfully the conversation lightened up.

“How is Myra?  It has been a while since I have run into her. You know I really did love her. I still do actually. I just did not know how to be a married man back then.”

“I know, Dad. Mom is doing fine. She keeps herself busy with her volunteer work. You know how she is about a good cause.”

“That’s her. She always has been more concerned about others than herself. That was one thing that attracted me to her.”

***

“How about a walk in the park before I take you home, Dad?” Sara asked as they were leaving the restaurant. “It is just a couple of blocks over. We have time.”

“That would be great.”

“Do you remember me bringing you here when you were small and pushing you in those swings? I always loved that.”

His reminiscing was almost remorseful as they walked. They used to spend so much time together, but life had gotten too busy for both of them.

“How about one for old times’ sake?” Sara asked as she sat down in a swing.

Her dad could not refuse her. Sara laughed like she did when she was a child as her dad pushed her. 

“I really hate for this to end, but we need to be going if you want to be home by 8:30.”

“You know me all too well, Sunshine. This has been fun though.”

“Yes it has, Dad.” Sara put her arm around her father as they walked back to the car.

***

“I can make some coffee if you want to come in for a bit.”  

“I can’t,” Sara graciously declined. “I am meeting a friend in a little while. I need to get going.”

“A male friend?” Her dad sounded hopeful.

“You are a mess, Dad.” She playfully slapped his arm.

“Okay. Okay. I give up!”

“No you won’t, but I love you anyway.” Sara leaned over to kiss her father on the cheek. 

He waved her on as he closed the car door, but she waited, not driving off until she saw the light on the porch go out. Sara glanced at her watch. She would make it to Mel’s right at nine. She hoped that Cynthia had not given up on her.