Page 36 of SapphicLover69
We clapped and cheered; Tammy drummed on the table and whistled. The Universe knew what it was doing to award her something for her trouble after almost being killed helping defend me.
“That’s all, folks. Enjoy the brunch, the amenities, and the remainder of the activities. I’ll see you in the banquette hall at seven o’clock.” The announcer turned off the microphone and wandered the room greeting people. Elaine strutted back to our table with her brightest grin yet.
“We’re so happy for you!” Winter exclaimed.
Tammy stood to pull out her chair and help reseat her in it. “Congratulations. Absolutely amazing.”
“Thanks, you guys,” Elaine responded with a blushing glow.
“Now you can buy an even bigger purse,” I teased, prompting a tinkling laugh from Winter.
“Enough of all this fuss,” Elaine dismissed, glancing down as she secured the envelope in her giant handbag. “So, what’s on the agenda for today?”
“Keeping Aspen safe,” Beth declared.
“Keeping all of you safe,” Tammy corrected. “Let’s look at this schedule.”
It was unreadable at the folds and tattered beyond recognition when she spread it on the white tablecloth. “Q.L. is doing her reading this afternoon with the one o’clock group, along with Jules Novik, and three others,” Beth read. “R.B. Taylor is on the ice queens panel, and Selina Fowlerton is on the AI panel. So, what does everyone want to do?”
“I want to support Q.L. and be present for her reading,” I said, thinking,and get an idea about that other sci-fi writer.“Then how about taking a dip in the pool? I’ll bet it would feel amazing.”
Instantly, I wondered if I’d made the wrong suggestion. Could Beth or Elaine even go swimming?
“The pool sounds fun,” Winter seconded. “I hardly ever get to go swimming in Wisconsin.”
“Swimming is the one exercise I can do,” Beth added, her eyes sparkling with delight. “Tammy and I were hoping to get a dip in. What about you, Elaine?”
“I enjoy swimming,” she answered. “I used to be self-conscious about wearing a bathing suit, but I’m so over it now. Who cares what I look like, as long as I’m having fun?”
Relief washed through me to know I hadn’t created an awkward situation.
“So,” Tammy concluded and wiped her mouth with her napkin. “We hang out until the reading at one, then change and meet at the pool around two-thirty, stay until we’re ready to go inside, then get ready for the banquette. Aspen, do you mind missing R.B.’s panel? I’m guessing you can skip Selina’s since she’s put a bullseye on you.”
“That’s the last panel, opposite AI, which I’m just sticking my head in the sand about,” I reasoned. “If we’re getting hot, we can come back inside to hear her, and, if we’re having a wonderful time, we can stay. Does that work for everyone?”
“It works for me!” Winter confirmed with enthusiasm. I wanted to kiss her.
Chapter 19
Queries and Conversations
“Are you OK?” I asked Winter. We split up for a short while after brunch before the author reading began, and it was the first time I’d had her alone since the night before. Elaine was socializing with Marty Sanderson, and Tammy and Beth had gone to see Catherine.
We strolled through the opulent lobby, with no destination in mind, just to be together before the next activity began.
“Yes,” she answered. “Are you?”
“I mean, when I woke up in the middle of the night, you were gone.” My voice carried a touch of disappointment that I wasn’t aware I had put there. “I thought we had both fallen asleep.”
“We did,” she answered, peering around at the plush surroundings, the museum-quality paintings and golden crystal chandeliers. “When I moved to change positions, I realized I was lying on you, and … well, I figured I should go back to my room.I mean, you didn’t invite me to stay, we just kind of crashed, so I wasn’t sure—”
“Hey, Aspen, Winter,” R.B. called. I looked up to spot her and Selina strolling toward us and the elevators.
“We booked appointments at the spa,” Selina said, giving me an amused smirk. “Got to look our best to receive our awards tonight.”
“Where’s Jeri?” I asked.
“At the hotel gym, getting in a workout,” R.B. replied.
