Page 13 of Flamingo Christmas

Laughing, Sue hugged her hard. “Sorry, pal. You’re just not my type.”

Serious now, Colleen swiped at her cheeks and asked, “What is your type? I’ve often wondered.”

An image of a tall, lanky man sitting on the floor of the hospital waiting room, grinning at her like a partner in crime, came into her mind and wouldn’t be shut down, “I’ve never really given it much thought. I’ve always figured I’d recognize him when I see him.”

“Didn’t you think what’s his name… ahh, Paul was the guy? When you moved in with him, we were all waiting for wedding invitations.”

“I did for a while. We got along so well, and we seemed to be a perfect match. Between you and me, when he told me he had an important question to ask me, I was sure he’d be on his knees with a ring. I remember getting ready to meet him that night, and I could barely breathe.”

“Because you were excited?”

“No. That’s the strange thing in all of this. I was terrified. Every time I thought about marrying him, doubts crowded in and scared me. I thought I had all the answers, but I didn’t. When he finally asked his question… if I’d be willing to move to Scotland with him, I knew the answer was a resounding no. How could I leave my home here in Victoria and my parents? I knew then if I really loved him, I’d go to the ends of the earth to be with him. After a serious discussion, we parted as friends. I haven’t met anyone else whose sparked my interest since.”

Colleen’s expression still held a question. “You really do love Victoria, don’t you?”

“What’s not to love. We live on the edge of the ocean, with mountains in the distance, in a gorgeous flower-filled city that brings millions of tourists every year. Of course, I love it. Truthfully, I’d hate to ever leave.”

Colleen laid her head against Sue’s arm. “I wish my future could be as simple as yours, meet a man, fall in love, and start a family. For me, the world has always been tougher, and my chances of happiness aren’t nearly as good.”

“You’re probably right. Being gay can’t be easy. Thank goodness you live in Canada where it’s been accepted for years.”

“Yep. I’ve thanked God more times than you’ll ever know.”

Sue nodded, understanding Colleen’s sentiments, having gone through different biases surrounding her friend that still exist in some folks who aren’t open-hearted.

Wanting to take the onus off that subject, she added, “Yet it’s not all sunshine and roses for me either. I know I’m only thirty, but my choices have dwindled as well. I’ve tried to meet men, but it seems that the older one gets, the less opportunity exists. Many of the guys I’ve dated have too much baggage, others only want to party and get laid, and the rest who appear normal are already married. It’s not easy being a single woman in today’s world.”

Colleen lifted her drink to toast with Sue, her tone soft. “I never thought about it in that way.”

It was Sue’s turn to put her head on Colleen’s shoulder. “Look at us, crying in our beer.”

“We’re drinking margueritas.” Colleen’s dry comment made Sue laugh before she added, “Does it matter? Look, I have no doubt we’ll both find our one-and-onlys as long as we’re willing to wait for the right person.”

Smiling bravely, Colleen added, “Guess it’s you and me girlfriend, two lonely spinsters perched on a shelf with our claws ready to snatch our next victim.”

“I’ll drink to that.”

Chapter Eleven

The next day seemed to start a change. When she arrived at work, Sue instinctively felt something was wrong but couldn’t quite put her finger on exactly what bothered her.

Then she opened her emails and read the latest message from Art and the sun began to shine. The man had finally written back to her, saying he’d be happy to meet as soon as possible to discuss the flamingo for his sick little girl.

She answered him instantly, happiness lighting up her heart.

I’m so relieved to hear from you, Art.

I’ll be happy to come to the hospital today and deliver the flamingo if you prefer.

Let me know,

Sue.

Within a few seconds, she received a reply that thrilled her.

Hi Sue,

Yes, please. That would be perfect. We could meet in the children’s floor waiting room. The one they’ve decorated for Christmas.

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