Page 14 of Finding Wonderland

Saturdays were usually Vera’s only day off. Although she vowed to change her habits each week, her Saturdays usually included running every errand she couldn’t during the week. That meant stopping by the pharmacy, paying bills, and, of course, grocery shopping. Usually, such mundane activities bored Vera to no end.

But it wasn’t everyday Vera ran into a gorgeous woman and got invited over for dinner.

Well, invited over to dinner by her kid.

It had been clear to Vera that Isla was only extending the invitation because she couldn’t—or wouldn’t—tell Mason no. Of course, Isla wouldn’t want a stranger at her house for dinner. And especially not a stranger who had randomly called her house a few nights ago. No, it all had to be because of Mason. Not that Vera could blame Isla. Mason was beyond adorable and Vera knew there was no way she could ever tell that cute kid no.

Which was precisely why she was currently standing in front of a full-length mirror trying to find the perfect outfit that was casual, but also flirty. Vera knew it wasn’t a date because Mason would be there, but that didn’t mean she didn’t want to look good for Isla. Not that she felt she had to look good for Isla; she just wanted to look good for her. For all she knew, the dinner would be her only chance to impress Isla. And even if Isla didn’t want to date her, then maybe they could be friends. After all, being friends was better than nothing.

Because the question still hung in the air like humidity in Florida: was Isla even gay?

Isla obviously had two kids and mentioned an ex-husband, but it was the nineties. Anything was possible. Vera had been rattling her brain all afternoon to try to find a way to work it into conversation. That would at least help her decide if she should try to pursue a relationship with Isla or leave it at a friendship. Although Vera definitely wanted the former.

There was something about Isla that Vera couldn’t quite figure out, but it was entirely captivating to her. Maybe it was her eyes, her smile, or the way she’d nervously reacted when Mason invited Vera to dinner. It was sweet and endearing, and Vera hadn’t been able to stop thinking about her all day.

Sighing, Vera took off the dress and changed into jeans and a button-up blouse. It fit fine; it wasn’t flattering in any way though. The shirt hung loose around her middle, and she wasn’t feeling the jeans at all. Sifting through her closet once more, she pulled out a light pink scoop neck top and a chunky gold necklace to pair with a pair of jeans she’d never worn before. Looking in the mirror, Vera nodded at her appearance.

“That’ll have to do.”

Glancing at the clock by her bed, Vera hurried back into the bathroom to finish straightening her hair. She added a pair of gold hoop earrings as she tucked her hair behind her ears. For someone who usually wore scrubs or pajamas every day, she had to admit she dressed up nicely.

Hopefully Isla will like it.

Vera couldn’t help but smile as she walked down the stairs of her townhouse. She’d stopped by the flower shop on her way home earlier and picked up a gorgeous fall bouquet for Isla. Not wanting to forget Mason, Vera had carefully placed her a little surprise in a gift bag under some tissue paper. With any luck, her gifts would win her some brownie points in both of their eyes.

As she headed out for the evening, Vera tried to calm her nerves. It wasn’t like she was going on a date with Isla. She was simply having dinner with Isla and her kid. At her house. Nothing weird about that. Right? Friends did that all the time.

Right?

Vera honestly had no idea. She’d forgone friendships in place of work years ago. Instead of parties in college, Vera stayed in her dorm and studied. While her colleagues went out after work, Vera stayed at work honing her skills. The extra work had helped her immensely in her career but it left her personal life years behind her peers.

With any luck, things would change after dinner.

Walking down the small corridor at the apartment complex, Vera found the correct apartment and knocked. She heard tiny feet scurrying toward the front door and she quickly decided her wardrobe choices were perfect as she held the flowers up in her hand. Mason opened the door with a wide grin on her face.

“Mommy’s not done cleaning yet,” she said with a giggle.

“Oh, is that so?”

“Yup.” Mason firmly nodded. “But my room is clean, so you can come and see it.”

It wasn’t a question; more a demand. But Vera didn’t care. She took a step inside the small apartment and looked around as Mason scampered off down the hallway. There was a lack of personality to the place. Cardboard boxes were still stacked against one wall of the living room while a couch and a small TV finished off the space. Vera could see the kitchen beyond the living room, but didn’t want to intrude. Thankfully, Isla rounded a corner from another room with an exhausted smile on her face.

“Hey.”

“Hey,” Vera felt her heart flutter—literally flutter—when her eyes met Isla’s. She never felt that way before, and she instantly found herself more nervous than she had anticipated. Isla was wearing a brown sweater with jeans and untied sneakers. Vera gestured to her feet. “Did I catch you in the middle of getting ready?”

Isla looked down, seemingly embarrassed. “Um, yeah, sort of. I lost track of time, then I heard the doorbell and Mason running to get it, so I just stumbled out here.” She sighed, her shoulders drooping slightly. “I’m sorry.”

“There’s nothing to be sorry for.”

Vera took a step closer to her. Then another. They were mere inches away from each other when Vera slowly held out the flowers toward Isla.

“These are for you.”

“For me?”

“Yes.”

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