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TITLE: A Thousand Glimpses
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:![[livejournal.com profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/external/lj-userinfo.gif)
dreiser
EMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fixation on trying to fit things into canon.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just a bit of warning, the next chapter will take longer to come out simply because I want to see how spoilers play out this week on the show. There are things I want to write in the next chapter that might not be correct if I don't see how things happen on the show because despite me being a big spoiler whore they don't give all the details unfortunately. That being said, I'll probably update on the 15th since I'll be writing everything that's not spoiler relevant.
While writing this chapter which is again filled with the cute I listened to a lot of Keane which I consider to be a very happy mellow band despite their sad lyrics and because I too was taught to share by Sesame Street here are some mp3s.
Spiralling by Keane : With Or Without You by Keane : Is It Any Wonder by Keane And that's it! Hope you enjoy the songs and the fic.
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Six
The play wasn't nearly as carnal as Reese had expected and she was rather surprised that she enjoyed a great deal of it, even if she was to take away the fact Bianca was sitting at her side. When it was over and the cast had its curtain call, Bianca took Reese's hand to lead her on a winding journey through the aisles until she was speaking in low tones in French to the theatre manager. A few moments later, they went through a creaky wooden door and began a walk through what resembled a backstage labyrinth.
"Bianca," Reese stepped closer to the brunette, whispering in her ear, and finally recovering from the almost adolescent rush of emotions she experienced on having Bianca hold her hand. "Where are we going?"
"Oh!" exclaimed Bianca as she turned to face Reese, a sheepish look on her features. "I'm sorry, I wanted to go see Sofie, to congratulate her on the performance. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, I don't mind," said Reese wryly, shaking her head. "I was just hoping someone knew where we're headed because I'm lost."
Laughing at this, Bianca gave Reese's hand a gentle squeeze and confessed, "I am too. I've visited her backstage at a few different shows and no matter what theatre she's in I've always felt completely lost. That's why I usually ask the theatre manager for help."
"Well," Reese drawled and some strange silly part of her gave into impulse and she swung their hands lightly in between them. It was a carefree gesture she had seen couples do so many times before, one she had always wanted to imitate herself, but she never had. Maybe because she just never felt that sense of happiness she saw on the faces of those couples but she finally felt that happiness now and she wanted to try it for herself. "At least we can be lost together."
Smiling fondly at their swinging hands, Bianca studied Reese for a moment then asked, "Did you like the play?"
"Actually, I did," said Reese. A smile forming on her features, she leaned closer to Bianca, speaking in a faux whisper, she continued, "Don't tell your friend but it wasn't nearly as carnal as I imagined."
"I won't," said Bianca solemnly, returning the smile. Lifting an eyebrow, she questioned, "Is the lack of carnality a bad thing?"
"Disappointing but not bad necessarily," admitted Reese with sly humor.
"I'm onto you," Bianca accused playfully, lifting their joined hands to point an index finger at Reese. "You only care about the carnal. It was never about wanting to spend time with me."
Grabbing the pointed finger and entwining it with the others in her grip, Reese pulled their joined hands up to her lips and pressed a soft kiss onto the top of Bianca's hand while she looked into her eyes. "It was always about wanting to spend time with you," she promised.
Reese was rewarded with another blush gracing Bianca's pale skin and then the theater manager cleared his throat, looking at them rather indulgently before he turned towards a wooden door that was discolored from age and knocking on it loudly. "Mademoiselle Rousseau? Votre invitee est ici avec son amie. Elle voulait vous feliciter pour votre merveileuse interpretation," he announced.
"Oui, laissez les entrer s'il vous plait."
Twisting the door knob that squeaked from the effort, the theatre manager opened the dressing room door just a bit then turned back to Bianca and Reese, offering a smile as he said, "Elle est libre de vous voir."
After he said this, the theatre manager proceeded to walk away, leaving Reese staring after him as Bianca pushed the door completely open and was immediately greeted by the sight of her friend in nothing but a pair of scant black panties. Reese had just moved her attention away from the exiting manager and had three seconds to view the naked actress before Bianca's hand flew up to cover her eyes. "Sofie! Must you be such an exhibitionist?" Bianca exclaimed, her tones vaguely horrified. "Put some clothes on!"
"You're so bossy, it excites me," Sofie said with a lazy sort of amusement, reaching for a nearby silk robe and shrugging it on. After she had the sash tied about her waist, she tilted her head of long straight black hair to one side and studied Reese whose eyes were still being covered by Bianca, a wry smile on her features as she blithely accepted this. "Why are you covering her eyes? I wore less on stage."
Blushing yet again, Bianca dropped her hand from Reese's eyes, scowling in a manner the blonde found altogether endearing. It wasn't a real scowl because you could tell there wasn't a true anger behind it. In a way, it reminded Reese of the fierce attack of a baby kitten, batting its fuzzy paws harmlessly at whatever random object it perceived it to be an attacker. It was ridiculously cute and so terribly Bianca.
"It was a motherly reflex," Bianca protested, the blush still heating her cheeks, defensively folding her arms across her chest.
"She does not look like Miranda to me," commented Sofie in clever observation, causing Bianca to frown deeply. Taking several steps forward, Sofie extended a hand to Reese and gave a winning smile as she said, "Sofie Rousseau. I trust you enjoyed the show?"
"Reese Williams," replied Reese, taking the actresses hand and shaking it, frowning slightly when Sofie gripped her hand with an unnecessary amount of strength. When she looked up, green eyes glittered at her and a perfectly formed eyebrow was arched as Sofie pulled her hand away and walked over to her dressing table. "I liked it more than I thought I would. It was an interesting take on character analysis and you were certainly effective in the role of Snow White. So was your costar as The Queen."
"Brigitte?" Sofie sniffed and looked disdainful. She pounded on the wall next to her dressing table, causing it to shake and Reese swore she saw part of the ancient wallpaper fall onto the floor. "Comme tu le vois, elle est narcissique et megalomane!"
"C'est aussi bien que d'etre une lesbienne tragique!" came a muffled shout through the wall, accompanied by a loud thump and cursing.
A smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Reese through the mirror of her dressing table, Sofie began to wipe her stage make up away while she said, "The walls in these old buildings are so thin, within the second day of rehearsal we realized we could hear everything that the person next door said. Soon we began talking to each other through them and after The Molières members of the paparazzi began to lurk in our corridors. Brigitte and I thought it best to give them something for them to write about."
"Our feud is marvelously fun!" another muffled shout declared.
"You aren't worried about the bad press?" asked Reese with a touch of dry humor.
"There is no such thing," Sofie dismissed. Finished cleaning her face, she moved her attention to Bianca who remained silent through this entire exchange. Turning in her seat, a slow smile spread on her features and Sofie questioned, "Are you pretending to be cross with me?"
"I'm not pretending," said Bianca and she did look altogether cross but in such a way that Reese was charmed by it. A reaction that apparently Sofie shared as she smiled widely at this response and wore a doting expression as she walked over to Bianca.
"You adore me," Sofie said this in tones of absolute certainty as she cupped Bianca's face in her hands and kissed both her cheeks. Moving backwards, she pushed a stray lock of hair behind Bianca's ear and smiled winningly. "I remind you of your beloved sister, yes?"
"Kendall is nicer to me," Bianca was definitely pouting now and Reese chuckled at this. Bianca turned her attention to the other woman, a blush returning to her pale features as she ducked her head, avoiding the blonde's gaze while Sofie turned her focus to the architect.
"Isn't she precious? I assure you, the longer she remains in your acquaintance the more delectable she becomes," remarked Sofie, sliding her hands from Bianca's features and watching with sharp eyes as Reese reached out to hold the brunette's hand.
"I can see that," replied Reese, taking Bianca's hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze, well aware of Sofie's observation. "So," she drawled, lowering her head to catch Bianca's gaze, smiling as she looked into dark eyes. "What's our plan for the rest of the night?"
"La Champmeslé would be my preference should we be able to convince Bianca to return to Le Marais," Sofie said, turning away from the two women and drifting over the far side of the room where a great many clothes resided on a hanging rack.
"Sofie," Bianca gave a quiet protest, embarrassment clinging to her voice. "I thought you understood."
"I understood five months ago when it was occurring but now that it is finished, I think it safe to return. Besides," Sofie looked over her shoulder. "It is not as if she owns Le Marais and she cannot be everywhere at once. Isn't she an externe? Surely she must be busy slaving away at some dreary hospital while we spend our nights filled with wine and song."
An exasperated expression on her features, Bianca laughed, shaking her head as she said, "Fine, fine. You and your logic win. We'll go to La Champmeslé." She quickly turned to Reese, a worried light emerging in her eyes as she asked, "If that's all right?"
"I like their cabaret on Thursday nights," revealed Reese, a twinkle in her gaze, causing Bianca to laugh happily.
"Then it's decided, La Champmeslé it is," said Sofie extravagantly, holding up a dress that was just as scanty as her panties and studying it with a contemplative expression. "Josy hasn't seen me in almost a month, she has been complaining."
"I don't know why," said Bianca in droll tones and when Sofie responded with a rude gesture, she laughed again. "Do you need a ride?"
"Penelope is traipsing about the theatre, she will take me," Sofie said dismissively. Looking over her shoulder, she started to slip her robe from her shoulders, a wicked smile forming on her full lips. "I am preparing to disrobe, Bianca. Either cover your paramour's eyes or exit the premises. Whichever you choose I won't be insulted. Unless you remark on the two pounds I've gained."
"We're going," said Bianca decisively, though she still looked to Reese who dipped her head in agreement while a smile of amusement tugged at her lips. Sighing wearily at this reaction, Bianca tugged Reese after her and as they left the dressing room, she said, "You're lying about the two pounds. If anything you've managed to make yourself skinnier."
"Flattery, it gets you everywhere," called Sofie as they shut the door to her dressing room.
"You remember how you apologized about your employees before we went to your office?" asked Bianca wryly. "I should've done the same thing with Sofie. I'm sorry about…" Bianca trailed off, unsure what she was apologizing for but knowing there was something that ought to be apologized for because, really, it hadn't been a very polite first meeting. "Just everything. She doesn't know the meaning of boundaries."
"It's all right," said Reese in reassuring tones, smiling softly.
"You're sure?" asked Bianca doubtfully, her brow furrowing in a way that Reese found utterly charming.
"I'm positive," Reese laughed and once again, she gave into the urge to swing their hands between them and when she did, Bianca laughed along, falling forward, her body pressing lightly against the blonde's, causing Reese's breath to catch in the process. "Though," she began in a thoughtful but tad ominous introspection, "we do have a slight problem." When Bianca looked to her, worry already appearing in her dark gaze, Reese formed a teasing smile as she drawled, "How do we find our way out of here without the theatre manager's help?"
Their gazes locked in mutual amusement and attraction, Bianca and Reese collapsed into laughter, their bodies resting comfortably together, fitting perfectly like pieces of a puzzle, and they stayed that way until an aggravated Sofie flung open her dressing room door, fully clothed and completely irritated with their noise. An irritation that disappeared the moment she witnessed Bianca's laughter, so very carefree and sincere, something that was painfully missing in the past few months.
In that moment, Sofie Rousseau decided she liked Reese Williams.
---
With the help of Sofie and her girlfriend, Penelope, they managed to find their way out of the backstage labyrinth. Their walk to Bianca's car was silent and the brunette had her arm hooked in Reese's as they made their way across the street. As they settled inside the car, slightly chilled from the night air, Reese thought about Bianca and Sofie's conversation, curious about the implied reluctance to go to Le Marais. It nagged at Reese, maybe because Bianca had been so open about being a lesbian. That openness didn't fit with having fears about being seen in a district of Paris known for its gay culture. What else could cause that reluctance though? Was it the externe they mentioned?
"Bianca?" Reese said her name with a hint of hesitation, causing Bianca to immediately look her way, concern forming on her features. On seeing this, Reese tried to discourage it with a warm laugh as she said, "Please don't look worried. It might not be any of my business and if you don't want to tell me, please let me know, but why did Sofie think you wouldn't want to go near Le Marais?"
Silence and Bianca formed a wan smile, it was sad and seemed to be filled with memories, and she murmured, "My ex lives in Le Marais. Our break up was difficult and it's only been somewhat recently that I think I've really gotten over her. Sofie was of the opinion it shouldn't have taken that long because of the circumstances surrounding why the relationship ended."
"Which are?" asked Reese quiet and gentle. When Bianca arched an eyebrow, she laughed, holding her hands and saying, "You can tell me to stop asking questions and I promise I will but I can't seem to help wanting to know more about you."
"You're talented at that," Bianca said in a fond accusation, a small smile curving on her lips. "Hiding little compliments in what you say."
"My compliments are never hidden," said Reese with playful offense. "I always make them known."
"Right," Bianca drew the word out slow and sensual, causing the blonde to shiver and look out the passenger door window as Bianca pulled the car onto the street and began their drive to La Champmeslé. "Maggie had an affair."
"Maggie?" echoed Reese, turning her attention back to Bianca.
"Maggie Stone, my ex," Bianca supplied and despite the relationship ending, despite the affair, Reese still detected affection in the way Bianca said Maggie's name. There was an obvious past there, a long history, and some unreasonable part of Reese couldn't help but feel jealous of it even though she was the one sitting in Bianca's car, spending time with her. "She was my best friend and for years we went back and forth on were we or weren't we. It was exhausting," Bianca admitted wryly. "And I never imagined she could cheat on me."
"People are capable of much more and far less than they think," Reese murmured.
She stared out the window, watching the lights flit past as she thought of Simon. She never thought she would consider ending her engagement to him but she was. In the back of her mind, Reese had been imagining it since the first moment she met Bianca. It was a ridiculous thing to contemplate. Her future was planned, it had been for years and now she was thinking of throwing it all away because of a sudden surge of emotion Bianca caused in her. But what would she be throwing away, really? Subterfuge and lies. It wasn't a true happiness and Reese knew that, she knew it and so she thought of ending it all but it was so frightening…
The concept of bringing to light everything she had hidden for years.
No one really knew her, they couldn't. Not with all of the walls she had created since she was a child, the things she kept to herself to form this ideal daughter that would appeal to her parents. Reese couldn't allow people to get too close, to know too much because the more they knew the harder it was to be that ideal she created and so it was better they only knew bits and pieces. Even Audrey only had pieces of her and she knew her better than anyone. It was such a lonely existence and Reese longed for it to end and when she looked at Bianca with her dark eyes that were endlessly kind, she wanted the brunette to be the one to end it all but to do that Reese had to be honest.
Bianca would have to be the first, the first person to see everything that Reese was, to know everything about her. The truly incredible thing was that Reese wanted to tell her, she wanted to tell Bianca all of her deepest darkest secrets because she had this inexplicable belief that Bianca would somehow understand and she wouldn't judge. She would never judge Reese. She just didn't have any idea of where to begin. Looking away from the window as the car came to a stop at a red light, Reese met Bianca's dark gaze that was full of warmth and empathy just as it had been the moment she met her and she forced a smile.
"Are you okay?" asked Bianca, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm fine," said Reese and she felt her smile become genuine at the sincerity of Bianca's inquiry. "Just got lost in thought." Tilting her head, she studied Bianca, closely taking in the delicate lines of her face as she questioned, "Are you okay? With going to Le Marais?"
"Of course," Bianca said this with such bravado that Reese couldn't help but look skeptical and on seeing it, Bianca sighed, shaking her head and laughing a bit. "I need to get over it," Bianca said finally. "Sofie's right. It's not like Maggie owns Le Marais."
"I hope not," said Reese in droll tones. "Because I've been living there for the past ten years."
Her eyes going wide, Bianca laughed again, taking a right turn as she said, "You're kidding!"
"My house is practically next to the Place des Vosges," said Reese seriously, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I had to get it," she revealed in a humorous sort of confession. "It had such wonderful architecture from the mid 1800's. How could I resist the second empire?"
"Well," Bianca said this dramatically and over emphasized the word, looking to Reese with shining dark eyes. "Naturally your house would be exempt to my Le Marais avoidance."
"Because of the mid 1800's architecture?" drawled Reese, raising an eyebrow.
"Because it's your house," replied Bianca smartly.
"Now who's talented at giving compliments?" asked Reese and while she said this teasing and playful, there was an honest joy and a inescapable thrill on hearing Bianca say these words. From knowing Bianca wanted to see her house, wanted to spend more time with her beyond this night that Reese had firmly determined was indeed a date. They had been flirting too much for it be anything else and knowing that she was on a date with Bianca Montgomery only served to cement her further enjoyment of the evening.
"I never said I wasn't," said Bianca just as smartly.
Chuckling softly, Reese took in the bright lights of the district as Bianca smoothly parked in a spot a few feet from La Champmeslé that was bustling with activity. Seeing the small crowd, Reese remarked, "I wonder if Sofie's attracted fans."
"They do love her here," Bianca said wryly as she exited the car. "But it's usually crowded on the outside."
Reese watched as Bianca crossed over to the passenger side, opening the door for her with flourish, making Reese laugh in delight, accepting Bianca's hand and stepping out of the car as she said, "Thank you, madam."
"You're quite welcome," said Bianca sweetly, hooking her arm in Reese's. As they crossed the busy street, she leaned closer to the blonde, her breath warm and welcoming on Reese's skin as she murmured, "Notice how the crowd outside is 100% male?"
"You're right," Reese realized Bianca was right as she said this, her eyes going a bit wide. "Why is that?"
"The club only lets in men they deem well behaved," revealed Bianca humorously. "Apparently the ones outside aren't."
"What defines well behaved?" asked Reese with a laugh.
"Dating other men, I would think," replied Bianca and she gave the large and entirely impressive woman at the door a beaming smile as she walked inside the club, taking Reese along with her. Bianca paused at the entrance, scanning the premises and adjusting to the dim lighting. For her part, Reese took in the 1950's décor, enjoying the exposed stone and impressive ceiling beams that were proud signs of the beauty and age of the building which she distantly recalled was constructed some three hundred years ago. "There's Sofie," Bianca said with a degree of relief, she turned to Reese, offering her a smile. "Did you want to get something to drink at the bar before we join them?"
"I'll order at the table," Reese said, shaking her head.
Upon joining Sofie and Penelope they were greeted by Josy, the club owner, who took a small basket from Penelope and gave Sofie a kiss to the cheek, ruffling the actresses hair before leaving their table. They were seated at a round table in a corner of the club that granted them a marvelous view of the premises and a decent amount of privacy. Reese pulled the chair on the left of Sofie out for Bianca with a smile, settling next to the brunette and trying to ignore the knowing look she saw floating in Sofie's gaze.
"Are you making Josy choose wine pairings for you again?" asked Bianca, an affectionate type of scolding in her inquiry.
"Making?" Sofie echoed and she had an aggrieved look on her sharp features. "Penelope brings the cheese she buys for me to eat, Josy asks to see it, then she takes it and picks out the wine we drink for the evening. How does that make her do anything?"
"She beguiles people into doing favors for her, Bianca," said Penelope, ducking her head around Sofie and offering a sweet smile. "I thought you had become used to this? You've seen it happen often since we've become friends."
"Bianca never does me favors," Sofie sniffed and she looked rather bereaved to admit this. "It pains me deeply."
"What kind of cheese did you buy?" asked Reese, both out of curiosity and a sense of politeness. Also, a touch of hunger. She had been so nervous about her date with Bianca that she only had a small snack for dinner.
"Saint Nectaire, Comté, Chaource, Valençay, Selles-sur-Cher," Penelope recited the various cheeses, trailing off at the end and looking to Sofie with a questioning expression. "Was that all?"
"I believe so," Sofie nodded solemnly.
"She always eats cheese and drinks wine after her shows on the weekends," said Bianca, leaning towards Reese and whispering in her ear. "It's a strange superstition she developed in acting school."
"It is not superstition, it is fact!" declared Sofie imperiously, looking around Bianca to catch Reese's gaze in a hard stare. Pointing a perfectly manicured finger at the blonde, she continued, "If I do not drink wine and eat cheese on the weekends to celebrate my own brilliance then the play has bad reviews. I've had fifty two professional performances since the age of seventeen and the fourteen plays that were panned horribly by the critics were the ones in which I skipped this tradition. It's for the good of my career that I do this, don't you see?"
"I see," Reese replied and she looked appropriately understanding though a smirk twitched at the corners of her mouth, one that became full blown as Bianca giggled and bumped shoulders with Reese upon seeing the blonde trying to hold back her amusement. Joining Bianca who was bent over in a sudden fit of laughter, Reese grinned, full and wide as the other woman laced their fingers and she poked Bianca lightly in her midsection as she drawled, "You're trying to get me into trouble, aren't you?"
Shaking her head as an objection, gasping through her giggles, Bianca leaned against Reese for support and said, "You're so polite."
"I do not understand why this is funny," Sofie stated, looking to Penelope. "People are rarely polite. Why must it be laughed at?"
Penelope didn't have time to respond as Josy reappeared with a waitress, bringing back their selection of cheeses along with three bottles of wine, four glasses, and a decanter. After a brief conversation with Sofie and a congratulation on her award, Josy left them to decide which wine to begin with. Studying the bottles, Sofie gave Bianca a droll look and said, "Since you mock me, I give you no vote on what we drink."
"I'm the designated driver," Bianca informed primly, causing Sofie to roll her eyes.
"I am thinking one glass of wine will not impair you," remarked Sofie. Peering around Bianca to look at Reese, she questioned, "Have you ever eaten Comté or Chaource? It should go well with the 1992 Moulin de Gassac Cabernet Sauvignon that Josy chose for us. Comté often has a complex flavor, tasting of salt, nuts, and fruit but it pairs well with the smokiness of a Cabernet Sauvignon."
Despite having lived in France for a great many years, Reese had never obtained any level of expertise about wine and in particular, wine and cheese pairings, and with that ingrained politeness that had caused Bianca to dissolve into laughter still with her, Reese could only offer a smile and nod of her head in response to Sofie's analysis. Which naturally caused the brunette at her side to burst into giggles again.
Heaving a loud sigh and looking at Bianca grievously, Sofie picked up the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and popped its cork, pouring the contents into the decanter as she said, "Americans with your beers. You do not understand the simple joy drinking a delicious wine."
"Is she badmouthing Budweiser?" asked Reese, looking to Bianca with exaggerated insult. "It's the king of beer."
"I often have it with the complex flavor of miniature pretzels, tasting of bread and salt," said Bianca sagely, nodding her head.
"Ever so clever," Sofie scoffed and she offered a glass of wine to Bianca. "You do not deserve it but do have a drink."
"Thank you," said Bianca, smiling around the glass and taking a sip, watching Reese accept her glass from Sofie. The actress began to slice the cheese into small portions and she reached for a piece of the Comté, offering it to Reese as she said, "Have some? It tastes of fruit."
"And salt and nuts?" Reese reminded, chuckling as Sofie rolled her eyes and grumbled. Gazing at Bianca's delicate fingers that had the piece of cheese held by their tips, she contemplated whether she was meant to take it from the brunette with her fingers or her mouth. It was a debate that was ended for her when Bianca's hand lifted up to gently press the cheese against Reese's lips. Opening her mouth with what she was sure was an absurdly pleased smile on her lips, Reese accepted the food, chewing on it slowly and enjoying the way Bianca's dark eyes glittered with a muted desire. When she finished eating, she murmured in husky tones, "Yummy."
"A ringing endorsement," remarked Sofie dryly, sliding an arm around Penelope's shoulders as she studied them. "I do not think you are a food critic so do tell me what is your occupation, Mme. Williams?"
"I'm an architect," said Reese with a smile, finding a strange sort of entertainment in the way that Sofie was questioning her. It reminded her of those old television shows that had the over protective father interrogating the prospective date for his daughter. Only this was the lesbian version that involved close friends and potential love interests. "I have a small firm, Durand Williams, and we specialize in passive solar and zero energy building designs. Which Bianca can tell you all about because I explained it to her in great detail earlier this evening."
Lifting an eyebrow and meeting Reese's mischievous expression with an outraged one of her own, Bianca exclaimed, "You did not! I understood only when you dumbed it down severely for me. I'm getting a degree in business, not smart person science."
"Opposed to dumb person science, right?" Reese teased, laughing when Bianca looked further outraged at her comment. Looking to Penelope who had remained relatively quiet throughout their time together, she asked, "What about you, Penelope?"
"I am a costume designer," said Penelope with a soft smile. "I created what little clothing you saw Sofie wear tonight."
"She does much more than that," Sofie informed, idly playing with Penelope's light brown hair that curled at the nape of her neck. "This dress is one of her creations. I keep trying to convince her to begin a fashion line but she will not listen to me."
"I wouldn't enjoy that life," reminded Penelope, an affectionate look on her round features, relaxing into Sofie's touch. "The world of fashion is too competitive. It doesn't suit me, living that kind of existence, forever worried about my work being disparaged, stolen, or replaced by others."
"When I was in school I designed a beautiful church for an assignment, it melded the brick gothic and streamline moderne styles," Reese said and a far off look formed in her dark brown eyes as she thought of the designs she had spent weeks pouring over. A wry smile tugging at her lips, she lifted her glass of wine and took a long drink before she continued, "Another student stole my idea. I was crushed."
"What did you do?" asked Bianca and Reese could swear that along with the honest desire to know the answer to her question there was also a sort of anger in her eyes, not at Reese herself, but at the briefly mentioned student who had stolen her creation.
"I cried," said Reese in a deadpan delivery before giving a quiet laugh and setting her wine glass down on the table. "Then I worked nonstop to design a synagogue using a combination of the art nouveau and romanesque styles. In the end, it was a much better design and far easier to make into a model. So sometimes," Reese said wisely, looking to Penelope with a smile, "stolen ideas aren't always a bad thing."
The costume designer returned the smile with one of her own and as she did, Reese found herself mimicking Sofie's movements, sliding an arm behind Bianca to rest on the top of her chair, curving around her back. When Bianca turned to her with doe eyes warm and open as she leaned into Reese, resting their bodies lightly together, Reese took in a slow breath to still the thunderous beat of her heart. When it stilled and she relaxed, meeting Bianca's dark gaze, slipping their hands together in a soft hold, she realized something quite significant.
Never had a date felt this perfect.
To be continued...
SERIES: All My Children
AUTHOR:
dreiserEMAIL: dreiser7@yahoo.com
YAHOO ID: dreiser7
MY WEBSITE: http://www.dreiser.org/
CONTENT: F/F romance. Bianca/Reese. Breeze.
SUMMARY: Reese Williams had experienced a thousand glimpses of the life she always wanted but until she met Bianca Montgomery she never thought she could have it for herself.
DISCLAIMER: I own nothing but my fixation on trying to fit things into canon.
AUTHOR'S NOTE: Just a bit of warning, the next chapter will take longer to come out simply because I want to see how spoilers play out this week on the show. There are things I want to write in the next chapter that might not be correct if I don't see how things happen on the show because despite me being a big spoiler whore they don't give all the details unfortunately. That being said, I'll probably update on the 15th since I'll be writing everything that's not spoiler relevant.
While writing this chapter which is again filled with the cute I listened to a lot of Keane which I consider to be a very happy mellow band despite their sad lyrics and because I too was taught to share by Sesame Street here are some mp3s.
Spiralling by Keane : With Or Without You by Keane : Is It Any Wonder by Keane And that's it! Hope you enjoy the songs and the fic.
A Thousand Glimpses
By: Dreiser
Six
The play wasn't nearly as carnal as Reese had expected and she was rather surprised that she enjoyed a great deal of it, even if she was to take away the fact Bianca was sitting at her side. When it was over and the cast had its curtain call, Bianca took Reese's hand to lead her on a winding journey through the aisles until she was speaking in low tones in French to the theatre manager. A few moments later, they went through a creaky wooden door and began a walk through what resembled a backstage labyrinth.
"Bianca," Reese stepped closer to the brunette, whispering in her ear, and finally recovering from the almost adolescent rush of emotions she experienced on having Bianca hold her hand. "Where are we going?"
"Oh!" exclaimed Bianca as she turned to face Reese, a sheepish look on her features. "I'm sorry, I wanted to go see Sofie, to congratulate her on the performance. You don't mind, do you?"
"No, I don't mind," said Reese wryly, shaking her head. "I was just hoping someone knew where we're headed because I'm lost."
Laughing at this, Bianca gave Reese's hand a gentle squeeze and confessed, "I am too. I've visited her backstage at a few different shows and no matter what theatre she's in I've always felt completely lost. That's why I usually ask the theatre manager for help."
"Well," Reese drawled and some strange silly part of her gave into impulse and she swung their hands lightly in between them. It was a carefree gesture she had seen couples do so many times before, one she had always wanted to imitate herself, but she never had. Maybe because she just never felt that sense of happiness she saw on the faces of those couples but she finally felt that happiness now and she wanted to try it for herself. "At least we can be lost together."
Smiling fondly at their swinging hands, Bianca studied Reese for a moment then asked, "Did you like the play?"
"Actually, I did," said Reese. A smile forming on her features, she leaned closer to Bianca, speaking in a faux whisper, she continued, "Don't tell your friend but it wasn't nearly as carnal as I imagined."
"I won't," said Bianca solemnly, returning the smile. Lifting an eyebrow, she questioned, "Is the lack of carnality a bad thing?"
"Disappointing but not bad necessarily," admitted Reese with sly humor.
"I'm onto you," Bianca accused playfully, lifting their joined hands to point an index finger at Reese. "You only care about the carnal. It was never about wanting to spend time with me."
Grabbing the pointed finger and entwining it with the others in her grip, Reese pulled their joined hands up to her lips and pressed a soft kiss onto the top of Bianca's hand while she looked into her eyes. "It was always about wanting to spend time with you," she promised.
Reese was rewarded with another blush gracing Bianca's pale skin and then the theater manager cleared his throat, looking at them rather indulgently before he turned towards a wooden door that was discolored from age and knocking on it loudly. "Mademoiselle Rousseau? Votre invitee est ici avec son amie. Elle voulait vous feliciter pour votre merveileuse interpretation," he announced.
"Oui, laissez les entrer s'il vous plait."
Twisting the door knob that squeaked from the effort, the theatre manager opened the dressing room door just a bit then turned back to Bianca and Reese, offering a smile as he said, "Elle est libre de vous voir."
After he said this, the theatre manager proceeded to walk away, leaving Reese staring after him as Bianca pushed the door completely open and was immediately greeted by the sight of her friend in nothing but a pair of scant black panties. Reese had just moved her attention away from the exiting manager and had three seconds to view the naked actress before Bianca's hand flew up to cover her eyes. "Sofie! Must you be such an exhibitionist?" Bianca exclaimed, her tones vaguely horrified. "Put some clothes on!"
"You're so bossy, it excites me," Sofie said with a lazy sort of amusement, reaching for a nearby silk robe and shrugging it on. After she had the sash tied about her waist, she tilted her head of long straight black hair to one side and studied Reese whose eyes were still being covered by Bianca, a wry smile on her features as she blithely accepted this. "Why are you covering her eyes? I wore less on stage."
Blushing yet again, Bianca dropped her hand from Reese's eyes, scowling in a manner the blonde found altogether endearing. It wasn't a real scowl because you could tell there wasn't a true anger behind it. In a way, it reminded Reese of the fierce attack of a baby kitten, batting its fuzzy paws harmlessly at whatever random object it perceived it to be an attacker. It was ridiculously cute and so terribly Bianca.
"It was a motherly reflex," Bianca protested, the blush still heating her cheeks, defensively folding her arms across her chest.
"She does not look like Miranda to me," commented Sofie in clever observation, causing Bianca to frown deeply. Taking several steps forward, Sofie extended a hand to Reese and gave a winning smile as she said, "Sofie Rousseau. I trust you enjoyed the show?"
"Reese Williams," replied Reese, taking the actresses hand and shaking it, frowning slightly when Sofie gripped her hand with an unnecessary amount of strength. When she looked up, green eyes glittered at her and a perfectly formed eyebrow was arched as Sofie pulled her hand away and walked over to her dressing table. "I liked it more than I thought I would. It was an interesting take on character analysis and you were certainly effective in the role of Snow White. So was your costar as The Queen."
"Brigitte?" Sofie sniffed and looked disdainful. She pounded on the wall next to her dressing table, causing it to shake and Reese swore she saw part of the ancient wallpaper fall onto the floor. "Comme tu le vois, elle est narcissique et megalomane!"
"C'est aussi bien que d'etre une lesbienne tragique!" came a muffled shout through the wall, accompanied by a loud thump and cursing.
A smirk playing on her lips as she looked at Reese through the mirror of her dressing table, Sofie began to wipe her stage make up away while she said, "The walls in these old buildings are so thin, within the second day of rehearsal we realized we could hear everything that the person next door said. Soon we began talking to each other through them and after The Molières members of the paparazzi began to lurk in our corridors. Brigitte and I thought it best to give them something for them to write about."
"Our feud is marvelously fun!" another muffled shout declared.
"You aren't worried about the bad press?" asked Reese with a touch of dry humor.
"There is no such thing," Sofie dismissed. Finished cleaning her face, she moved her attention to Bianca who remained silent through this entire exchange. Turning in her seat, a slow smile spread on her features and Sofie questioned, "Are you pretending to be cross with me?"
"I'm not pretending," said Bianca and she did look altogether cross but in such a way that Reese was charmed by it. A reaction that apparently Sofie shared as she smiled widely at this response and wore a doting expression as she walked over to Bianca.
"You adore me," Sofie said this in tones of absolute certainty as she cupped Bianca's face in her hands and kissed both her cheeks. Moving backwards, she pushed a stray lock of hair behind Bianca's ear and smiled winningly. "I remind you of your beloved sister, yes?"
"Kendall is nicer to me," Bianca was definitely pouting now and Reese chuckled at this. Bianca turned her attention to the other woman, a blush returning to her pale features as she ducked her head, avoiding the blonde's gaze while Sofie turned her focus to the architect.
"Isn't she precious? I assure you, the longer she remains in your acquaintance the more delectable she becomes," remarked Sofie, sliding her hands from Bianca's features and watching with sharp eyes as Reese reached out to hold the brunette's hand.
"I can see that," replied Reese, taking Bianca's hand and giving it a reassuring squeeze, well aware of Sofie's observation. "So," she drawled, lowering her head to catch Bianca's gaze, smiling as she looked into dark eyes. "What's our plan for the rest of the night?"
"La Champmeslé would be my preference should we be able to convince Bianca to return to Le Marais," Sofie said, turning away from the two women and drifting over the far side of the room where a great many clothes resided on a hanging rack.
"Sofie," Bianca gave a quiet protest, embarrassment clinging to her voice. "I thought you understood."
"I understood five months ago when it was occurring but now that it is finished, I think it safe to return. Besides," Sofie looked over her shoulder. "It is not as if she owns Le Marais and she cannot be everywhere at once. Isn't she an externe? Surely she must be busy slaving away at some dreary hospital while we spend our nights filled with wine and song."
An exasperated expression on her features, Bianca laughed, shaking her head as she said, "Fine, fine. You and your logic win. We'll go to La Champmeslé." She quickly turned to Reese, a worried light emerging in her eyes as she asked, "If that's all right?"
"I like their cabaret on Thursday nights," revealed Reese, a twinkle in her gaze, causing Bianca to laugh happily.
"Then it's decided, La Champmeslé it is," said Sofie extravagantly, holding up a dress that was just as scanty as her panties and studying it with a contemplative expression. "Josy hasn't seen me in almost a month, she has been complaining."
"I don't know why," said Bianca in droll tones and when Sofie responded with a rude gesture, she laughed again. "Do you need a ride?"
"Penelope is traipsing about the theatre, she will take me," Sofie said dismissively. Looking over her shoulder, she started to slip her robe from her shoulders, a wicked smile forming on her full lips. "I am preparing to disrobe, Bianca. Either cover your paramour's eyes or exit the premises. Whichever you choose I won't be insulted. Unless you remark on the two pounds I've gained."
"We're going," said Bianca decisively, though she still looked to Reese who dipped her head in agreement while a smile of amusement tugged at her lips. Sighing wearily at this reaction, Bianca tugged Reese after her and as they left the dressing room, she said, "You're lying about the two pounds. If anything you've managed to make yourself skinnier."
"Flattery, it gets you everywhere," called Sofie as they shut the door to her dressing room.
"You remember how you apologized about your employees before we went to your office?" asked Bianca wryly. "I should've done the same thing with Sofie. I'm sorry about…" Bianca trailed off, unsure what she was apologizing for but knowing there was something that ought to be apologized for because, really, it hadn't been a very polite first meeting. "Just everything. She doesn't know the meaning of boundaries."
"It's all right," said Reese in reassuring tones, smiling softly.
"You're sure?" asked Bianca doubtfully, her brow furrowing in a way that Reese found utterly charming.
"I'm positive," Reese laughed and once again, she gave into the urge to swing their hands between them and when she did, Bianca laughed along, falling forward, her body pressing lightly against the blonde's, causing Reese's breath to catch in the process. "Though," she began in a thoughtful but tad ominous introspection, "we do have a slight problem." When Bianca looked to her, worry already appearing in her dark gaze, Reese formed a teasing smile as she drawled, "How do we find our way out of here without the theatre manager's help?"
Their gazes locked in mutual amusement and attraction, Bianca and Reese collapsed into laughter, their bodies resting comfortably together, fitting perfectly like pieces of a puzzle, and they stayed that way until an aggravated Sofie flung open her dressing room door, fully clothed and completely irritated with their noise. An irritation that disappeared the moment she witnessed Bianca's laughter, so very carefree and sincere, something that was painfully missing in the past few months.
In that moment, Sofie Rousseau decided she liked Reese Williams.
---
With the help of Sofie and her girlfriend, Penelope, they managed to find their way out of the backstage labyrinth. Their walk to Bianca's car was silent and the brunette had her arm hooked in Reese's as they made their way across the street. As they settled inside the car, slightly chilled from the night air, Reese thought about Bianca and Sofie's conversation, curious about the implied reluctance to go to Le Marais. It nagged at Reese, maybe because Bianca had been so open about being a lesbian. That openness didn't fit with having fears about being seen in a district of Paris known for its gay culture. What else could cause that reluctance though? Was it the externe they mentioned?
"Bianca?" Reese said her name with a hint of hesitation, causing Bianca to immediately look her way, concern forming on her features. On seeing this, Reese tried to discourage it with a warm laugh as she said, "Please don't look worried. It might not be any of my business and if you don't want to tell me, please let me know, but why did Sofie think you wouldn't want to go near Le Marais?"
Silence and Bianca formed a wan smile, it was sad and seemed to be filled with memories, and she murmured, "My ex lives in Le Marais. Our break up was difficult and it's only been somewhat recently that I think I've really gotten over her. Sofie was of the opinion it shouldn't have taken that long because of the circumstances surrounding why the relationship ended."
"Which are?" asked Reese quiet and gentle. When Bianca arched an eyebrow, she laughed, holding her hands and saying, "You can tell me to stop asking questions and I promise I will but I can't seem to help wanting to know more about you."
"You're talented at that," Bianca said in a fond accusation, a small smile curving on her lips. "Hiding little compliments in what you say."
"My compliments are never hidden," said Reese with playful offense. "I always make them known."
"Right," Bianca drew the word out slow and sensual, causing the blonde to shiver and look out the passenger door window as Bianca pulled the car onto the street and began their drive to La Champmeslé. "Maggie had an affair."
"Maggie?" echoed Reese, turning her attention back to Bianca.
"Maggie Stone, my ex," Bianca supplied and despite the relationship ending, despite the affair, Reese still detected affection in the way Bianca said Maggie's name. There was an obvious past there, a long history, and some unreasonable part of Reese couldn't help but feel jealous of it even though she was the one sitting in Bianca's car, spending time with her. "She was my best friend and for years we went back and forth on were we or weren't we. It was exhausting," Bianca admitted wryly. "And I never imagined she could cheat on me."
"People are capable of much more and far less than they think," Reese murmured.
She stared out the window, watching the lights flit past as she thought of Simon. She never thought she would consider ending her engagement to him but she was. In the back of her mind, Reese had been imagining it since the first moment she met Bianca. It was a ridiculous thing to contemplate. Her future was planned, it had been for years and now she was thinking of throwing it all away because of a sudden surge of emotion Bianca caused in her. But what would she be throwing away, really? Subterfuge and lies. It wasn't a true happiness and Reese knew that, she knew it and so she thought of ending it all but it was so frightening…
The concept of bringing to light everything she had hidden for years.
No one really knew her, they couldn't. Not with all of the walls she had created since she was a child, the things she kept to herself to form this ideal daughter that would appeal to her parents. Reese couldn't allow people to get too close, to know too much because the more they knew the harder it was to be that ideal she created and so it was better they only knew bits and pieces. Even Audrey only had pieces of her and she knew her better than anyone. It was such a lonely existence and Reese longed for it to end and when she looked at Bianca with her dark eyes that were endlessly kind, she wanted the brunette to be the one to end it all but to do that Reese had to be honest.
Bianca would have to be the first, the first person to see everything that Reese was, to know everything about her. The truly incredible thing was that Reese wanted to tell her, she wanted to tell Bianca all of her deepest darkest secrets because she had this inexplicable belief that Bianca would somehow understand and she wouldn't judge. She would never judge Reese. She just didn't have any idea of where to begin. Looking away from the window as the car came to a stop at a red light, Reese met Bianca's dark gaze that was full of warmth and empathy just as it had been the moment she met her and she forced a smile.
"Are you okay?" asked Bianca, her voice laced with concern.
"I'm fine," said Reese and she felt her smile become genuine at the sincerity of Bianca's inquiry. "Just got lost in thought." Tilting her head, she studied Bianca, closely taking in the delicate lines of her face as she questioned, "Are you okay? With going to Le Marais?"
"Of course," Bianca said this with such bravado that Reese couldn't help but look skeptical and on seeing it, Bianca sighed, shaking her head and laughing a bit. "I need to get over it," Bianca said finally. "Sofie's right. It's not like Maggie owns Le Marais."
"I hope not," said Reese in droll tones. "Because I've been living there for the past ten years."
Her eyes going wide, Bianca laughed again, taking a right turn as she said, "You're kidding!"
"My house is practically next to the Place des Vosges," said Reese seriously, though a smile tugged at her lips. "I had to get it," she revealed in a humorous sort of confession. "It had such wonderful architecture from the mid 1800's. How could I resist the second empire?"
"Well," Bianca said this dramatically and over emphasized the word, looking to Reese with shining dark eyes. "Naturally your house would be exempt to my Le Marais avoidance."
"Because of the mid 1800's architecture?" drawled Reese, raising an eyebrow.
"Because it's your house," replied Bianca smartly.
"Now who's talented at giving compliments?" asked Reese and while she said this teasing and playful, there was an honest joy and a inescapable thrill on hearing Bianca say these words. From knowing Bianca wanted to see her house, wanted to spend more time with her beyond this night that Reese had firmly determined was indeed a date. They had been flirting too much for it be anything else and knowing that she was on a date with Bianca Montgomery only served to cement her further enjoyment of the evening.
"I never said I wasn't," said Bianca just as smartly.
Chuckling softly, Reese took in the bright lights of the district as Bianca smoothly parked in a spot a few feet from La Champmeslé that was bustling with activity. Seeing the small crowd, Reese remarked, "I wonder if Sofie's attracted fans."
"They do love her here," Bianca said wryly as she exited the car. "But it's usually crowded on the outside."
Reese watched as Bianca crossed over to the passenger side, opening the door for her with flourish, making Reese laugh in delight, accepting Bianca's hand and stepping out of the car as she said, "Thank you, madam."
"You're quite welcome," said Bianca sweetly, hooking her arm in Reese's. As they crossed the busy street, she leaned closer to the blonde, her breath warm and welcoming on Reese's skin as she murmured, "Notice how the crowd outside is 100% male?"
"You're right," Reese realized Bianca was right as she said this, her eyes going a bit wide. "Why is that?"
"The club only lets in men they deem well behaved," revealed Bianca humorously. "Apparently the ones outside aren't."
"What defines well behaved?" asked Reese with a laugh.
"Dating other men, I would think," replied Bianca and she gave the large and entirely impressive woman at the door a beaming smile as she walked inside the club, taking Reese along with her. Bianca paused at the entrance, scanning the premises and adjusting to the dim lighting. For her part, Reese took in the 1950's décor, enjoying the exposed stone and impressive ceiling beams that were proud signs of the beauty and age of the building which she distantly recalled was constructed some three hundred years ago. "There's Sofie," Bianca said with a degree of relief, she turned to Reese, offering her a smile. "Did you want to get something to drink at the bar before we join them?"
"I'll order at the table," Reese said, shaking her head.
Upon joining Sofie and Penelope they were greeted by Josy, the club owner, who took a small basket from Penelope and gave Sofie a kiss to the cheek, ruffling the actresses hair before leaving their table. They were seated at a round table in a corner of the club that granted them a marvelous view of the premises and a decent amount of privacy. Reese pulled the chair on the left of Sofie out for Bianca with a smile, settling next to the brunette and trying to ignore the knowing look she saw floating in Sofie's gaze.
"Are you making Josy choose wine pairings for you again?" asked Bianca, an affectionate type of scolding in her inquiry.
"Making?" Sofie echoed and she had an aggrieved look on her sharp features. "Penelope brings the cheese she buys for me to eat, Josy asks to see it, then she takes it and picks out the wine we drink for the evening. How does that make her do anything?"
"She beguiles people into doing favors for her, Bianca," said Penelope, ducking her head around Sofie and offering a sweet smile. "I thought you had become used to this? You've seen it happen often since we've become friends."
"Bianca never does me favors," Sofie sniffed and she looked rather bereaved to admit this. "It pains me deeply."
"What kind of cheese did you buy?" asked Reese, both out of curiosity and a sense of politeness. Also, a touch of hunger. She had been so nervous about her date with Bianca that she only had a small snack for dinner.
"Saint Nectaire, Comté, Chaource, Valençay, Selles-sur-Cher," Penelope recited the various cheeses, trailing off at the end and looking to Sofie with a questioning expression. "Was that all?"
"I believe so," Sofie nodded solemnly.
"She always eats cheese and drinks wine after her shows on the weekends," said Bianca, leaning towards Reese and whispering in her ear. "It's a strange superstition she developed in acting school."
"It is not superstition, it is fact!" declared Sofie imperiously, looking around Bianca to catch Reese's gaze in a hard stare. Pointing a perfectly manicured finger at the blonde, she continued, "If I do not drink wine and eat cheese on the weekends to celebrate my own brilliance then the play has bad reviews. I've had fifty two professional performances since the age of seventeen and the fourteen plays that were panned horribly by the critics were the ones in which I skipped this tradition. It's for the good of my career that I do this, don't you see?"
"I see," Reese replied and she looked appropriately understanding though a smirk twitched at the corners of her mouth, one that became full blown as Bianca giggled and bumped shoulders with Reese upon seeing the blonde trying to hold back her amusement. Joining Bianca who was bent over in a sudden fit of laughter, Reese grinned, full and wide as the other woman laced their fingers and she poked Bianca lightly in her midsection as she drawled, "You're trying to get me into trouble, aren't you?"
Shaking her head as an objection, gasping through her giggles, Bianca leaned against Reese for support and said, "You're so polite."
"I do not understand why this is funny," Sofie stated, looking to Penelope. "People are rarely polite. Why must it be laughed at?"
Penelope didn't have time to respond as Josy reappeared with a waitress, bringing back their selection of cheeses along with three bottles of wine, four glasses, and a decanter. After a brief conversation with Sofie and a congratulation on her award, Josy left them to decide which wine to begin with. Studying the bottles, Sofie gave Bianca a droll look and said, "Since you mock me, I give you no vote on what we drink."
"I'm the designated driver," Bianca informed primly, causing Sofie to roll her eyes.
"I am thinking one glass of wine will not impair you," remarked Sofie. Peering around Bianca to look at Reese, she questioned, "Have you ever eaten Comté or Chaource? It should go well with the 1992 Moulin de Gassac Cabernet Sauvignon that Josy chose for us. Comté often has a complex flavor, tasting of salt, nuts, and fruit but it pairs well with the smokiness of a Cabernet Sauvignon."
Despite having lived in France for a great many years, Reese had never obtained any level of expertise about wine and in particular, wine and cheese pairings, and with that ingrained politeness that had caused Bianca to dissolve into laughter still with her, Reese could only offer a smile and nod of her head in response to Sofie's analysis. Which naturally caused the brunette at her side to burst into giggles again.
Heaving a loud sigh and looking at Bianca grievously, Sofie picked up the bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon and popped its cork, pouring the contents into the decanter as she said, "Americans with your beers. You do not understand the simple joy drinking a delicious wine."
"Is she badmouthing Budweiser?" asked Reese, looking to Bianca with exaggerated insult. "It's the king of beer."
"I often have it with the complex flavor of miniature pretzels, tasting of bread and salt," said Bianca sagely, nodding her head.
"Ever so clever," Sofie scoffed and she offered a glass of wine to Bianca. "You do not deserve it but do have a drink."
"Thank you," said Bianca, smiling around the glass and taking a sip, watching Reese accept her glass from Sofie. The actress began to slice the cheese into small portions and she reached for a piece of the Comté, offering it to Reese as she said, "Have some? It tastes of fruit."
"And salt and nuts?" Reese reminded, chuckling as Sofie rolled her eyes and grumbled. Gazing at Bianca's delicate fingers that had the piece of cheese held by their tips, she contemplated whether she was meant to take it from the brunette with her fingers or her mouth. It was a debate that was ended for her when Bianca's hand lifted up to gently press the cheese against Reese's lips. Opening her mouth with what she was sure was an absurdly pleased smile on her lips, Reese accepted the food, chewing on it slowly and enjoying the way Bianca's dark eyes glittered with a muted desire. When she finished eating, she murmured in husky tones, "Yummy."
"A ringing endorsement," remarked Sofie dryly, sliding an arm around Penelope's shoulders as she studied them. "I do not think you are a food critic so do tell me what is your occupation, Mme. Williams?"
"I'm an architect," said Reese with a smile, finding a strange sort of entertainment in the way that Sofie was questioning her. It reminded her of those old television shows that had the over protective father interrogating the prospective date for his daughter. Only this was the lesbian version that involved close friends and potential love interests. "I have a small firm, Durand Williams, and we specialize in passive solar and zero energy building designs. Which Bianca can tell you all about because I explained it to her in great detail earlier this evening."
Lifting an eyebrow and meeting Reese's mischievous expression with an outraged one of her own, Bianca exclaimed, "You did not! I understood only when you dumbed it down severely for me. I'm getting a degree in business, not smart person science."
"Opposed to dumb person science, right?" Reese teased, laughing when Bianca looked further outraged at her comment. Looking to Penelope who had remained relatively quiet throughout their time together, she asked, "What about you, Penelope?"
"I am a costume designer," said Penelope with a soft smile. "I created what little clothing you saw Sofie wear tonight."
"She does much more than that," Sofie informed, idly playing with Penelope's light brown hair that curled at the nape of her neck. "This dress is one of her creations. I keep trying to convince her to begin a fashion line but she will not listen to me."
"I wouldn't enjoy that life," reminded Penelope, an affectionate look on her round features, relaxing into Sofie's touch. "The world of fashion is too competitive. It doesn't suit me, living that kind of existence, forever worried about my work being disparaged, stolen, or replaced by others."
"When I was in school I designed a beautiful church for an assignment, it melded the brick gothic and streamline moderne styles," Reese said and a far off look formed in her dark brown eyes as she thought of the designs she had spent weeks pouring over. A wry smile tugging at her lips, she lifted her glass of wine and took a long drink before she continued, "Another student stole my idea. I was crushed."
"What did you do?" asked Bianca and Reese could swear that along with the honest desire to know the answer to her question there was also a sort of anger in her eyes, not at Reese herself, but at the briefly mentioned student who had stolen her creation.
"I cried," said Reese in a deadpan delivery before giving a quiet laugh and setting her wine glass down on the table. "Then I worked nonstop to design a synagogue using a combination of the art nouveau and romanesque styles. In the end, it was a much better design and far easier to make into a model. So sometimes," Reese said wisely, looking to Penelope with a smile, "stolen ideas aren't always a bad thing."
The costume designer returned the smile with one of her own and as she did, Reese found herself mimicking Sofie's movements, sliding an arm behind Bianca to rest on the top of her chair, curving around her back. When Bianca turned to her with doe eyes warm and open as she leaned into Reese, resting their bodies lightly together, Reese took in a slow breath to still the thunderous beat of her heart. When it stilled and she relaxed, meeting Bianca's dark gaze, slipping their hands together in a soft hold, she realized something quite significant.
Never had a date felt this perfect.
To be continued...
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