1. Deborah

1

DEBORAH

D eborah pulled at the strap of the midnight blue gown Cameron had convinced her to buy when they’d gone on their last-minute shopping spree before the big event. Its silk fabric glistened under the soft glow of the newly installed chandeliers of the Indigo Lounge.

“Jesus! Esme’s outdone herself this time! Would you look at this place?” she exclaimed, nudging Cameron in the ribs.

“Ouch, Debs. This isn’t Esme’s doing. Not a chance. This is what happens when you marry money. Speaking of money, you look a million dollars tonight, babes.”

“Less of the babes , Cam. This thing is itching like crazy. I don’t know why I let you talk me into these things.”

“Because I have incredible taste?”

“Sure. You wouldn’t be seen dead in this, and you know it.”

“Tux all the way for me, kiddo,” Cameron laughed with a wink.

All around them, the revamped Indigo Lounge was buzzing with excitement. The day had finally arrived. It was Esme and Nora’s wedding, and Deborah’s closest circle of friends and half the city’s elite were there.

“Jeez! Take a look around, Cam. Isn’t that Jasmine Ryder? I’m fairly sure she’s running for election. Do you see her? The blonde in Chanel?”

“She’s gotta be on the wrong side if she’s wearing Chanel. I’m betting she’s one of Nora’s crowd.”

“Um… you wear designer labels all the time, Cam. What are you talking about?”

“Never. I’m the queen of thrifting.”

“Cam?” Deborah let out a mischievous giggle, her eyes closely examining the exquisite, embroidered detailing on her friend’s beautifully opulent suit. “I’m inclined to call bull on this one.” Her laughter rippled through the air, blending with the thrilling ambiance of the upscale event.

Despite Cameron’s joking around, Deborah, who usually prided herself on being calm and in control no matter what the situation, couldn’t help but feel a little nervous.

“This is freaking me out, Cam. It’s never been this crowded in here, right? Where’s Harper? She’ll clear my head. I need Harper. Like… now.”

“No clue, but Mia looks like she’s getting ready for a set. Oh, the pipes on that girl. What I wouldn’t give to be able to belt them out like that,” replied Cam as she raised her head above the crowd to get a better look at the singer.

With a sense of anticipation mingled with sheer excitement at two of her best buddies tying the knot, Deborah’s timid smile widened as she made her way through the packed bar.

“Catch you later, Debs. As far as the eye can see, there’s fruit ripe for picking. Momma needs her fucking VITAMINS!”

“Cam? Don’t you ever take a night off?

“Sure. Once. I think it was a Tuesday… back in 2016,” Cam retorted with a loud laugh, her voice bold and carefree.

“Very funny. Just slow down. It’s an open bar tonight. Don’t get ahead of yourself,” Deborah cautioned, knowing her friend’s tendency to over-indulge at even the hint of a free drink.

“Did someone say champagne?” Cam replied with a cheeky wink as she crept off like a wolf looking for her next meal. Deborah stared in disbelief as she moved through the crowd and greeted Indigo regulars and acquaintances with kisses on the cheek (or the mouth), her charisma leading her straight into the jaws of an impending hangover.

Deborah turned her attention away from her fun-loving pal and spotted Esme and Nora. She felt as if her pride were about to take physical form and burst out of her chest when she noted the happiness in the newlyweds’ eyes. She crossed the room to join them.

“Esme, my darling. You look radiant. What a statement piece. Vera, right?” Deborah’s gaze swept over her friend, who stood in front of her in a floor-length lace gown, every square inch covered in intricate lace and beading.

“Vera who? Do you mean Nora’s cousin? No… it’s… what was it again, my love? Vanessa? Nope… um… Valerie? She’s lovely, by the way. Did you get to talk to her?” Esme’s pretty face turned into a frown as she did her best to remember the name of yet another member of her new family.

“Es, my cousin’s name is Velma. But I think Debs is asking if your dress is Vera Wang, honey. And, yes, it is. Vintage Wang. And do you know what, Deborah? She’s a goddamn goddess in it. Am I right?” Nora asked with a grin.

“You’ve never been more right about anything in your life,” Deborah whispered with a playful smirk.

“Oh, Nora! You know I don’t know about these things. You’re lucky you got me out of my dungarees,” Esme exclaimed with a teasing laugh as she gestured to her high-fashion gown and curtseyed as far as the fabric would allow her to.

“Your what now?” asked Nora with a raised eyebrow.

“She means overalls. She never says it right. Her grandmother was Scottish or something,” Deborah explained with a chuckle.

“Welsh,” Esme corrected with a mock-serious expression. “And dungarees is a perfectly good word.”

“You always look incredible in your dungarees . And out of them,” whispered Nora, leaning closer to her bride .

Deborah had known Esme for many years and seeing her friend so happy filled her with warmth. As Nora stood next to Esme, their hands intertwined in a gesture that spoke volumes of their deep bond, their love was palpable in the way they looked at each other.

“She’s right, Esme.”

“You mean you’ve seen my wife naked?” Nora teased playfully, her words, as sarcastic as they were, still filled with affection for Esme.

“Absolutely not! But you look breathtaking,” Deborah said with genuine admiration. “Vera Wang totally outdid herself.”

Nora flashed Deborah a warm smile. “Oh, thank you, Debbie. That means so much coming from you.”

“I swear I don’t think I could be happier than seeing the both of you like this,” Deborah continued as she wiped a tear from the corner of her eye. “Congratulations on your beautiful day. And on what you’ve done to the bar! Wow! I didn’t think this place could get any better and then you guys go ahead and prove me wrong.”

Esme beamed. “We’re over the moon with it.”

“Speaking of moons… and honeys… where are you two off to for your honeymoon?” Deborah aske d, eager to hear about what was, knowing Nora, bound to be an extravagant plan.

Nora shook her head and giggled softly. “We’re still in the decision-making stage. I’m hoping for somewhere secluded and tropical, but I need to drag this one away from this place first.”

“It sounds perfect, Es. You should go for it. This place can look after itself,” Deborah replied, rolling her eyes at her old college buddy. “You deserve a break.”

“Sasha will take care of things, darling. Even Mia said she could step in and tend bar while you’re away. Come on… we got this,” said Nora in an almost pleading tone.

“Mia can’t work the bar. She’s trying to write her album. I can’t ask it of her.”

Deborah decided to step in and help Nora, with the full knowledge that Esme was the heart and soul of the Indigo Lounge and had probably not taken a holiday since she opened the place. “You’ve got a gazillion friends who’ll make sure everything runs smoothly,” she said, placing a comforting hand on Esme’s shoulder.

As the evening progressed, Deborah mingled effortlessly, exchanging pleasantries with new friends and catching up on Indigo gossip with old ones. She had just managed to extricate herself from a far-too-in-depth conversation with Ruby about some hipster art exhibition down by the Amtrak station when she felt a presence just behind her—a presence that felt as though it were drawing her attention like a magnet and forcing her to look over her shoulder.

Deborah slowly spun around and found herself face-to-face with one of the most stunning women she’d ever seen. Her tousled chestnut hair and the sun-kissed freckles scattered across her nose were nothing short of mesmerizing.

The stranger’s eyes, a deep shade of blue framed by naturally thick lashes, met Deborah’s with interest. Deborah knew immediately that she was being drawn to this mysterious girl who commanded her attention so effortlessly.

Well, what do we have here? You’re a little puzzle to be solved, aren’t you?

Deborah hesitated for a second. What could she say to this girl? The age difference was obvious, but the younger woman, with her confident smile and perfect posture, gave Deborah a knowing smile. Why was there something so familiar about her? Where had Deborah seen this wild beauty before ?

“Have we met?” Deborah blurted out with little elegance, furious with herself at not having been able to come up with something better than a corny pick-up line.

“I find a ‘hello’ usually helps,” the stranger said in a melodic and playful tone.

Deborah laughed, her curiosity growing by the second. “Yes! Hello!” she replied, almost shouting as she offered an outstretched hand. “I’m Deborah.”

The younger woman’s handshake was firm but gentle and reassuring. “Right! Deborah!” she said with a slight nod. “I’m Holly.”

“Are you a friend of Nora’s?” Deborah asked, wondering how Holly had escaped her notice throughout the entire wedding celebrations.

Holly seemed to smirk ever so slightly. “Let’s just say I’m a big fan of weddings,” she replied enigmatically.

“I’ve got it! You’re the wedding planner!”

“Not exactly…” Holly laughed.

Deborah wanted to take a step closer to Holly. The allure of her confidence and the fact that she was being so cryptic only served to add an unexpected thrill to what Deborah was already finding to be a lot more exciting than your average encounter. As they continued to converse, Deborah thought she could detect the hint of an Australian accent but was finding it difficult to confirm above Mia’s increasingly exuberant singing. As she continued to make small talk about the food and the music, Deborah couldn’t shake the feeling that meeting Holly was about to unravel more than just the mystery of what she was doing at her friends’ wedding.

They exchanged small talk—Deborah finding it challenging to ask questions the girl was willing to answer—while the wedding festivities continued around them, the guests now in full-on party mode. Deborah noticed Holly’s effortless charm, a wild spirit tempered by a calmness that intrigued Deborah and unnerved her in equal measure.

The crowd started to thin toward the early hours of the morning, and as she danced with Harper and Esme, Deborah found herself stealing glances at Holly across the lounge. Despite there being fewer people on the dance floor, the temperature in the room was stifling, and Deborah decided to head out onto the terrace to grab a little fresh air. The rooftop of the Indigo Lounge never failed to amaze her with its stylish pool and panoramic vista of the L.A. skyline.

As her thoughts drifted to the streets below and the vast array of life in the city she loved to call home, Deborah didn’t notice Holly standing next to her until the younger woman leaned in and whispered in her ear.

“Incredible view,” Holly muttered in a low and intimate voice. “And I’m not talking about the Hollywood hills.”

Deborah wondered whether she wasn’t perhaps experiencing a drunken hallucination. How many drinks had she had?

“Huh?”

Several minutes of silence ensued. This wordless agreement between them somehow felt comfortable… but charged with tension. Deborah listened to Holly’s rhythmic breathing beside her. The sound lulled her into a deep sense of relaxation.

“I hope I didn’t come across as rude earlier,” Holly finally said. “I’ve been told I can come across that way sometimes.”

Deborah shook her head gently, her heart fluttering in her chest. “Not at all. I mean, you barely answered a single question, but there’s something intriguing about you, Holly.”

Holly giggled, the softness of her laughter sending a shiver down Deborah’s spine. “Really? Intriguing? I’ll take that, Deborah. What else have you got for me?”

Turning to face Holly in the moonlight, Deborah noticed that the younger woman appeared more vulnerable than she had earlier that evening. She found herself truly captivated by the play of light and shadow on Holly’s face and the way her eyes seemed to hold a thousand secrets… a thousand promises.

Deborah reached out without a second thought and brushed her finger down Holly’s cheek. She heard Holly gasp audibly and watched as her eyes locked with Deborah’s in a silent exchange of mutual understanding and desire.

The party inside the Indigo Lounge faded into insignificance as they continued to stare at each other. It was as though Deborah and Holly were the only two people in L.A. right there and then, two souls pulled together by an irresistible force. Deborah placed her hands on Holly’s hips, gently stroking the soft lace of her dress. As Holly responded, wrapping her arms around the older woman’s neck, her lips found Deborah’s in a hesitant but hungry kiss.

Holly’s hands moved toward Deborah’s waist, pulling her closer. The two women melted into each other, the heat of their bodies mingling and the taste of each other’s lips a delicious revelation. Time seemed to stand still as they kissed, the wedding and the remaining guests wholly forgotten in the rush of passion and desire in their purest forms. Two strangers intensely attracted to each other under, letting the passion take over.

“Let’s go somewhere,” Holly gasped as she pressed her palm against Deborah’s pussy, feeling the throbbing of her clit beneath the silk dress. “Oh, Jesus… you’re not wearing panties…”

“Holly… wait… you’ll get my dress wet…”

“I want to get your dress wet… my fingers wet… my mouth wet…” Holly muttered in a husky whisper filled with longing, her hot breath tickling Deborah’s ear.

Deborah lifted her dress, allowing Holly’s hand to slip up her thigh. She felt so wet as Holly’s middle finger caressed her outer lips before slipping inside her with ease, pushing deeper and curling slightly, expertly finding her sweet spot as if she’d done it a thousand times before. Deborah licked Holly’s neck before placing two fingers in the younger woman’s soft mouth. Holly gasped, before increasing the pace of her finger inside, using her thumb and pressure to gently massage Deborah’s clit. The excitement of the situation thrilled Deborah. She could feel her body burning as this hot stranger turned her on in the most intense situation.

“I’m going to come!” cried Deborah, not caring if anyone could hear. “You’re making me come…” She couldn’t believe how turned on she felt.

“Damn straight, I am.”

As Deborah’s long, unexpectedly fast, mind-blowing orgasm came to an end, they pulled apart. She felt breathless and dizzy as she searched Holly’s eyes to gauge her emotions. What was it she saw there? Desire? Shock? Maybe she’d never made someone come so fast. Maybe she was more drunk than she seemed?

No. She saw guilt in the younger woman’s eyes.

“I… think I’d better get out of here,” Holly murmured, her voice barely audible.

Deborah gave her a blank look, her mind reeling with questions. What had just happened? And why did Holly look like she regretted it?

“So, you don’t want me to return the favor?” Deborah managed to say in a voice tight with emotion. “I’d love to…”

But with a final lingering glance, Holly turned around and walked back into the lounge, leaving Deborah standing alone on the rooftop, the sound of her post-orgasm heartbeat thudding in her ears. People didn’t often walk away from Deborah, especially when it came to women.

She walked over to the pool and leaned against the railing, closing her eyes and letting the cool night air flood over her burning-hot skin. The memory of Holly’s expert finger skills felt so dangerously alluring. She had to see her again. That couldn’t have just been a one-off. The spark between them was insatiable. How could anybody let that disappear without even exploring it? Every thought passed through Deborah’s mind. Maybe Holly was married to a guy? Maybe Holly was on the run? Either way, she still wanted to find out.

But as Deborah looked down at her hands, still slightly damp with Holly’s saliva, her thoughts raced faster than she could control them. Nobody had ever made her come that fast before. And nobody had ever walked out of her life as quickly, either.