Page 56 of Hidden Desire

“Yep. After I got my morning coffee I was going to give you a call. I thought maybe we could hang out or something. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too. So, how about if I get around and head your way? We could go shopping and get a new outfit for the gala. And then just, you know, be together.”

“Actually, that sounds great. I’ll see you soon.” Sage and Stassi disconnected the call and Stassi jumped out of bed. She was finally at peace with the guilt. Everything would be alright.

Stassi didn’t take long to take her shower and grab a piece of toast. She didn’t bother with the coffee, as she was going to splurge and show Sage what a good cup of coffee really tasted like. She left the house and drove to Sage’s. There was a different skip in her step. Giving her hope and vigor. She pulled into Sage’s parking lot and parked right next to her car.

When she knocked on Sage’s door, it immediately flew open. Sage pulled her into the apartment and wrapped her arms around her. She gave her a passionate kiss that knocked the wind from Stassi. Sage groaned. “God, I’ve missed that,” Sage whispered, breaking from the kiss.

Stassi grinned. “Just a few more minutes.” Stassi moved back in and hungrily kissed Sage, adding to the passion built between them.

“If we don’t stop, we’ll never get out of here.” Sage playfully pushed Stassi away, and Stassi pretended like she was falling back, dejected. She frowned like a lost puppy, and Sage laughed. “Don’t pout, Stassi Hewitt; it’s not very becoming,” she teased. Stassi grinned and turned away. There would be plenty more hours like that in their lifetime. “I’ll finish getting ready. Hang out for a minute.” Sage winked and then disappeared down the hall. Stassi glanced around the living room. Sage’s apartment was homie and inviting. She had come to feel like she belonged there.

She sat down on the couch and reached forward to grab a magazine. She briefly flipped through it and then reached forward to grab another. She quickly grabbed it and stared at the cover, her picture smiling back at her.

“What the hell?” she mumbled. She opened it up, and there was her spread. She had yet to actually go out and buy it because every time she considered it, she realized that she didn’t need to be sucked back into that life. She appreciated the opportunity, but if they called again, she wasn’t sure she would take it. It paid well, so that was nice, but at some point, she needed to realize her future needed more.

“Are you ready?” Sage popped into the living room and her eyes narrowed in on the magazine. “Um, yeah, so there’s that…”

“You bought a copy?” Stassi asked.

“Actually, Lena bought a copy.”

“When?” Stassi asked. Sage shrugged, but her eyes diverted to the magazine. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to make it such a big thing. I was trying to keep it from blowing into something.” Sage then walked over and took a seat next to Stassi. “Besides, the past few days we haven’t done much talking. I feared you were ghosting me, or whatever the kids call it nowadays.”

Stassi snickered. To be considered a kid was laughable, but she understood the gist. “I wasn’t ghosting you. But I guess I was getting worried. When I get close to people, they tend to abandon me. We were getting closer, and while I was glad about that, and I do love you, it brings back the fear that maybe it’s too good. And maybe…”

“I would never just abandon you, Stassi.” Sage reached out for her hand. “I’m not that type of person.” She ran her fingers through Stassi’s. “Communication is important, though. And if you don’t communicate, then that’s where problems start.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I should have talked to you.” Sage smiled and continued to hold Stassi’s hand.

“The fact is that we all have hurdles to overcome when it comes to relationships. When I first met you, I might have judged you. When I went to the modeling gig, preconceived ideas had already been made. I was wrong. You aren’t that sort of person, and I should have never believed my misinformed thoughts. I was burned in a past relationship. I trusted her with all my heart. She took advantage of that and thought she could do whatever she wanted in the relationship, including sleeping around whomever she wanted. I was afraid to lose her. And that was my problem. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I was better off alone than with someone who didn’t appreciate being with me.”

Stassi shook her head. “She was a damn fool because she lost you. But I’m glad she did.” Stassi moved in and brushed a kiss against Sage’s lips. Getting things out in the open with communication was the smart thing to do. In a matter of time, she would have everything divulged, and they would slowly work through things. All about the small steps to reach a happier place.

Stassi watched as Sage licked her lips. She waited for her determination, hanging onto it like she was hanging for dear life. “Well?” she finally asked, when no words came.

Sage nodded. “It’s not bad.”

Stassi fell back into the seat and gawked. “Not bad? That’s all you’re giving me? You can’t be serious. Don’t you taste the freshness of the coffee beans? The uniqueness of the way the creamer blends into the coffee. It’s like they complete each other. You don’t taste any of that?”

Sage held up her finger and took another sip, then eagerly nodded. “You’re right. That explains it to a tee. How could I have missed that.”

Stassi laughed, playfully tossing a napkin in Sage’s direction. “You’re teasing me.”

Sage smirked. “It’s quite easy to do.” She gave a wink, then looked down at the coffee. “Now, if I’m being honest, while initially I didn’t taste all that imagery going on in this one cup, it’s easily my favorite cup of coffee I’ve ever had.”

“Yes!” Stassi pumped her fists into the air. “Now, that, is what I wanted to hear.” She wiggled in her chair, sipping on her own cup.

Sage shook her head. “You do put a lot of thought into what makes a good coffee, though.”

Stassi looked around the coffee shop and then met Sage’s stare. “I have spent many days in this shop. This isn’t the only one. This just happens to be the one in Pasadena.”

When they decided to go shopping at the store, Stassi figured Sage wouldn’t be comfortable at the stores where Stassi typically would make her appearance. They were way too glamorous for Sage, but the vintage shops in Pasadena would be perfect. Making a quick stop at Noel’s Coffee House was the right place to start their adventure. And what an adventure it was. Stassi found that spending a casual day with Sage gave her the added reflection she needed. Sage and she could have easy moments together, ones that Stassi couldn’t experience with her friends who came on the other side of the tracks. She liked having the best of both worlds.

“The blueberry muffins are also delicious,” Sage took a bite and sighed. “Melt in your mouth.”

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