My Soldier Too Read online

  Several times over the past six or eight weeks, Isabella had declined invitations to get together with Maria because she’d already made plans with Madison. Maria vividly recalled the scene in their uncle’s store and how Isabella had appeared uncomfortable to admit that she was getting special ingredients to make dinner for Madison. Come to think of it, Madison’s name seemed to pop up in ways that suggested she was more than a casual acquaintance. Evidently, they’d developed a special friendship. Nothing wrong with that. Many women only entrust their deepest secrets to their close girlfriends or their sisters. Men aren’t good at discussing feelings. Except maybe Anthony.

  She shook her head, bewildered. Even if they were close friends, the intimacy of the engraving spoke of something more. Perhaps the inscription explained why Isabella had been so secretive lately. She put the watch back in the box and returned to the lobby. There had to be a logical explanation—other than the one her suspicions led her to.

  She stopped at the front desk. “Sandy, Isabella wasn’t in her office. Any idea of how I happened to miss her?”

  Sandy looked up from her computer. “She must’ve gotten past when you stopped in the ladies’ room. She just left with Beth and a friend of Isabella’s. Madison, I think her name is. I thought you’d run into each other in the hall. You could probably catch her. They said they were going to the parking garage around the corner of the building. Check the first floor. That’s where our assigned parking spaces are. Beth drives a green Subaru. That might help you spot them.” She studied Maria for a moment. “Is everything all right? You look worried.”

  “Everything’s fine. I do need to try and catch her, though. Thanks.” Maria rushed out of the building. When she entered the parking garage, she saw Isabella from behind. She and Beth were standing next to a green Subaru with both back doors and the trunk open. Isabella was with Beth and a tall woman with long, sandy-blonde hair. That must be Madison. The tall woman turned so that Maria had a clearer view of her. Maria had to admit she was strikingly attractive. Be that as it may, whatever crush her sister might have on her, Isabella was as straight as a girl could be. Her involvement with Ben had proved that. Worries to the contrary were ridiculous.

  None of the three had noticed her. Maria overheard Beth say, “You’re really going to like the inn I booked us in. I got you two a suite next to mine and Marcy’s. After we pick you up tonight, we should stop for something to eat along the way to wait out the traffic. It’s going to be gridlock heading to P-Town at that hour.”

  P-Town? Imagining her sister in a suite in the gayest town in Massachusetts with this Madison woman galled her. She couldn’t believe it. A woman? Maria couldn’t care less who other people chose to sleep with. She held no ill-will against gays and lesbians—as long as they were in someone else’s family. But a lesbian in the Parisi family? Unimaginable.

  She watched in disbelief. The woman said something to Isabella. Her voice was low, so Maria couldn’t hear the words. She didn’t have to. The glance the woman gave her sister told the story. It was one Maria knew well. Anyone who knew true love would recognize it anywhere. She and Anthony had exchanged that look countless times.

  Isabella placed her hand in the small of the woman’s back with the intimacy of a lover. The gesture left no doubt in Maria’s mind that there was much more than friendship going on between them. She cleared her throat to make her presence known.

  Madison did a double take. The dark-haired woman coming toward them had to be a Parisi. Oh, right. She’d seen her countless times in the photographs at Isabella’s condo. In person, her resemblance to Isabella was unmistakable, even though she was an older, more cosmopolitan version with her high heels, flawless makeup, expensive jewelry, and a Gucci handbag. What did Isabella say her name was? Maria, I think.

  They made eye contact. Maria seemed to size her up. She didn’t appear angry, but she didn’t seem friendly, either. Her posture expressed the kind of message a mother lion might send to a would-be predator walking too close to her cubs. This wasn’t how Madison had envisioned her first meeting with a member of Isabella’s family.

  Isabella turned when Madison stiffened. “Maria? What are you doing here? I mean, hi… I mean, I’m glad to see you.” She moved half a pace away from Madison. “I’m surprised to see you.”

  “You’re a bit tongue-tied, little sister,” Maria said. “I dropped by your office in hopes we could have lunch together.” She smiled at Beth. “Hello, Beth. Good to see you.”

  “Hey, Maria, good to see you, too.”

  Maria shifted her gaze to Madison. “We’ve never met. I’m Maria Greco, Isabella’s sister.” She held out her hand.

  It was a cordial but chilly handshake. Madison made the effort not to be the first to let go. She wanted to be polite but tried to send a subtle message through a firm grip that she wouldn’t be intimidated.

  Before Madison could respond, Isabella seized the moment. “Maria, this is my… friend Madison. The nurse from the VA clinic, remember? She and I were just on our way to lunch.”

  Madison tried to ignore the jolt of pain at Isabella’s choice of words. Friend. But how else could she expect Isabella to refer to her when she hadn’t explained their relationship to her family? Even so, it stung like a betrayal. She hoped she saw regret in Isabella’s eyes.

  Isabella took Madison’s hand and said, “Actually, Madison is much more than a friend.”

  Madison felt rooted to the spot. She had no idea what to say and suspected it was probably best not to say anything at all. Isabella had just come out to her sister. Madison stole a quick look at Beth, who appeared to be equally astonished.

  Maria shifted from one foot to the other, a risky maneuver in her high heels. “I’m not sure I’m following you, Isabella.”

  Isabella looked at Madison. “I need to have lunch with my sister so I can explain to her about us. I’m going to tell her everything. It’ll be okay. I’m ready to do this. I’ll call you later this afternoon.” She put her arms around Madison and kissed her cheek.

  Madison whispered into Isabella’s ear, “You’re a brave soldier, sweetheart, and I love you for it.”

  “I love you, too, Madison.”

  “What just happened?” Maria asked.

  Isabella offered her arm to her sister. “Remember when you said you only want me to be happy? Well, I finally am.”

  Maria reluctantly accepted Isabella’s arm.

  Isabella laid her hand atop Maria’s as it rested on her forearm. “Let’s pick up lunch somewhere and find a nice bench in the Common to sit and talk. There’s something I need to tell you.”

  Chapter 18

  The women’s section of the beach at Herring Cove in P-town was packed with summer vacationers. Isabella leaned back against Madison’s chest. Madison reveled in their time alone in the sun while Beth and Marcy swam. The temperature hovered around ninety degrees under a cloudless sky on a July day. P-town’s asylum gave her the rare opportunity to not have to hide her affection for Isabella from the world. The weekend would be their nirvana.

  Isabella sat between Madison’s legs on a cotton blanket as they faced the shimmering waters of the Atlantic. Madison squeezed her tight and kissed her cheek. It was too hot to wear anything but swim trunks and bikini tops. Madison preferred it that way. She loved the feel of Isabella’s skin next to hers.

  Isabella leisurely ran the palm of her hand along the outside of Madison’s leg, raising goose bumps all along the path of her touch.

  Desire stirred in Madison. “Careful, Beth and Marcy will be back soon.”

  Isabella reached over her shoulder and caressed the side of Madison’s face. “I love being with you and the feel of your body next to mine. I could stay like this forever.”

  Madison put her cheek next to Isabella’s. “Me, too.” She prayed for forever. She still feared the bottom would drop out eventually. “I’m glad things went so well with Maria at lunch yesterday. Maybe we were wrong about how your family would react.” Sh
e rested her chin on Isabella’s head. I don’t want you to feel like you have to tell the rest of them, though, until you’re ready. The important thing is that we’re together. We have time.”

  As she spoke the words, Madison’s heart sank. During the previous week, the rumor had been circulating that her unit might be sent back to Iraq. She should say something to Isabella about it. She had a right to know, but Madison couldn’t bring herself to do it. Maybe after the weekend, but not now when everything was so serene and promising.

  Isabella patted Madison’s knee. “I know you’d never pressure me. It was the right time to tell Maria. She and I have always been close. I knew she’d understand, or at least try to. Besides, when she saw us in the parking garage, she’d already figured it out. Nothing much gets past my sister.” Isabella shifted slightly. “She did suggest that I hold off telling my parents until after Michael’s wedding. I think she’s right about that. They’re not going to take it well at first, but I’m sure they’ll come around once they get to know you and see how happy you make me.”

  Although she’d never say so out loud, Madison thought Isabella straddled the line between optimism and naïveté when it came to her family. “I hope so.” Her stomach growled, reminding her of the lunch Isabella had brought for them. “Let’s eat when Marcy and Beth get back from their swim. I’m starving.”

  Isabella twisted her body around and pulled Madison down on top of her. “Hmm, I’m hungry, too, but not for food. Something besides my stomach is clamoring for attention right now.”

  Madison grinned as she rubbed her thumb over Isabella’s bottom lip. “Now isn’t the time or place for me to satiate those other hungers. This will have to tide you over.” She covered Isabella’s mouth with her own. Her tongue hinted at what would come later when they were alone.

  Marcy’s voice cooled their passion. “If you two aren’t careful, you’re going to light the beach on fire.”

  Madison rolled off Isabella. Resting on her elbows, she squinted up into the sun. “You have impeccable timing, Marcy.”

  “I know. I’m sorry to intrude on you two lovebirds, but I can’t stop thinking about lunch.” She plopped down on the blanket and opened one of the coolers. It contained cold water, sodas, and a bottle of Pinot Grigio. “You guys keep your eyes peeled for the park rangers while I pour us some wine. They wouldn’t go easy on a lawyer with an open bottle of booze on the beach, would they?”

  Beth took a spot on the blanket next to Marcy. “Well, it’s a good thing we know so many lawyers, in case you get arrested. Sorry we interrupted you two, but we probably should eat soon. Marcy gets cranky on an empty stomach.”

  Marcy poured wine into each of the four plastic cups. “You know, Madison, I was wondering… do you ever worry that you’ll be seen by someone in the military when you’re in a place like this, kissing your girlfriend on the beach?”

  “Now that ‘don’t ask, don’t tell’ has been repealed, I think about it a lot less. Don’t get me wrong. It’s not like everyone in the military has suddenly figured out that gays are real people, too, and just as much entitled to love anyone we want to. I’ve heard about some ugly stuff that’s gone on for some soldiers who’ve admitted they’re gay. I figure the smartest thing is to keep a low profile and mind my own business.”

  “But the law says it’s okay to be gay and be in the military now,” Beth said.

  “Unfortunately,” Madison replied, “what the law says and what people think are two different things where this issue is concerned. There’s still a lot of resentment and plenty of soldiers who aren’t happy at all with the law having been repealed.”

  “You’d think,” Marcy observed, “with everything a soldier or sailor has to endure, guarding their sexual identity shouldn’t have to be something they need to worry about.”

  “You’re right,” Madison said. “It was exhausting always having to look over my shoulder. I did enough of that in Iraq when the bad guys were shooting at us.”

  Marcy scowled. “That’s my point. You’re fighting for our country. You ought to be able to kiss your girlfriend on any damn beach in this country if you want to.”

  Madison stole a glance at Isabella. “Regardless of what’s happened with ‘don’t ask, don’t tell,’ maybe it’s time for me to think about getting out now that I’ve found Isabella. I’ve got a lot of other things I want to do with my life.”

  “Really?” Isabella asked.

  “Yeah. Don’t get me wrong, the military’s been good to me. It gave me opportunities I never would’ve had otherwise. In some ways, it saved my life. I doubt I’d have met Isabella if I hadn’t ended up here because of the Army. I think I’ve about done my time, though.” She smiled at Isabella. They’d have to continue this conversation later when she could tell Isabella that she might have to go back to Iraq before she could think about giving up her commission. Madison gave Isabella a fleeting kiss on the lips. “If you guys don’t mind, I need to cool off in the water before I eat. I’m baking in this sun. You start lunch without me.” Madison extracted herself from Isabella’s arms and legs. “I’ll be right back.”

  “Sure, take your time,” Isabella said.

  Isabella finished putting their lunches together as Madison came out of the water. The vision caused her heart to skip a beat. Madison pushed the long wet strands of hair away from her face. Her sculpted arms were a reminder of her muscular feminine body. Isabella craved her.

  A group of attractive younger women stopped to gawk as well. One in particular wasn’t subtle. She raised her sunglasses and whistled.

  Aghast, Isabella asked, “Did you see that girl ogle Madison?”

  Marcy swallowed a bite of her sandwich. “If you’re going to date a high-performance sports car, Isabella, you better get used to other people enjoying the view.”

  Beth slapped Marcy’s arm. “That sounds like something a guy would say.”

  Madison sat next to Isabella.

  “Oh really?” Marcy said. “Let me ask Madison this question. If you had to describe Isabella as a type of car, what would it be?”

  “A Maserati… a very fine Italian sports car,” Madison said.

  Isabella reddened. “You’re right, Beth. That does sound like something a guy would say.”

  Madison grinned. “There a few things we lesbians have in common with straight men. We love women, and some of us really like cars, too.”

  “Cars, huh? What other surprises do you have in store for me?” Isabella asked.

  “Stay with me long enough, and you’ll learn them all. I promise,” Madison said.

  Marcy put her sandwich down and turned her hands palms up. “I rest my case. You see, the thing is, lesbians come in such a wide, delicious variety. I love cars, too, and I definitely love lesbians. Therefore, the car analogy is my way of describing all the things I like about them both.” She gestured out at the beach. “Take, for example, the group of women sitting under the blue beach umbrella. They’re definitely your basic Subaru types. Look at how practically they’re dressed for the beach. They’re sort of utilitarian in their approach, with an eye toward not getting too much sun exposure. I like how sensible that is.” She pointed to the long-sleeved T-shirts she and Beth put on over their bathing suits after the swim. “Likewise, Beth and I are definitely your basic Subaru types.”

  Beth responded, “Okay, Einstein, what about those very butch women playing volleyball over there?”

  Madison answered first. “That’s easy. Toyota Four Runners, definitely. Tough, rugged, dependable, go anywhere, no-nonsense types.”

  Marcy nodded in agreement. “Absolutely, but let’s not forget the very popular, and ever growing, population of lipstick lesbians.” She gave Isabella’s expertly manicured toenails painted a feminine shade of lilac an obvious visual inspection.

  Isabella laughed. “Really, you think I’m more of a lipstick lesbian?”

  Marcy, Beth, and Madison nodded in unanimous agreement.

  Isabella glanced
at Madison’s toenails, which were manicured and painted a dark shade of blue. “If painted toenails make a girl a lipstick lesbian, then Madison must be in that category, right?”

  Marcy shook her head. “No, Madison is one of those women you can’t easily categorize.”

  “What do you think, Isabella?” Madison asked.

  “I don’t want to label you. It would be too much like putting you in a box. I love that you’re so many wonderful different things. You’re sometimes strong, sometimes fragile, always soft and beautiful. Your mysteries amaze me.”

  Madison held up her hands. “This is getting too mushy. You’re going to embarrass me if you keep saying things like that in front of Beth and Marcy.” She picked up one of Isabella’s hands and kissed it. “How about one of those sandwiches you made?”

  “For you, anything,” Isabella answered.

  Beth lay back on the blanket next to Marcy. “Ah, young love is such a great thing to witness.”

  * * *

  “I loved our day together.” Isabella held tight to Madison’s hand as they walked under a warm, humid night sky. The slight breeze off the ocean cooled her skin as they neared their suite.

  “Best I’ve had in a long time—spending the day at the beach with Beth and Marcy, having lobster for dinner, and dancing.” Madison followed Isabella up the stairs to the entrance of their suite. “And now I get to have you all to myself.”

  “I like the sound of that. I wish we could have more days like this where we didn’t have to hide our feelings for each other and got to wake up in each other’s arms.”

  “We’ll have to plan more weekends here in P-town.” Madison took the key to their room out of her pocket and unlocked the door. She reached for Isabella when the door closed behind them.

  Isabella’s body melted into hers. Madison was the puzzle piece that exactly fit the empty space in her life. “Did you mean it when you said you might get out of the military?”

  “I did. My commission’s up in a year. I’ve never considered leaving the Army until now, so it’s a lot to think about. What I know for sure is I want to be with you.”