10. Holly

10

HOLLY

A s Holly looked out from the balcony of their Paris hotel room for the last time, the City of Lights seemed to match the glow she felt within perfectly. The Eiffel Tower stood like a giant guarding the city streets in the distance.

Wow. Is this for real? Do people wake up to this every day? It’s wild.

Holly turned her gaze back to Deborah, who was still peacefully sleeping. Paris had really deepened their feelings for one another, and each moment of their trip was infused with romance and discovery.

The quaint bistros, the curt waiting staff, the stunning art galleries—they had all somehow helped seal the bond between them with their magic. Paris had a glow about it, day and night. The city had cocooned them, making their lives back in L.A. feel distant and irrelevant. It was in these moments that Holly felt the most connected to Deborah as if their souls were intertwined as one.

But she knew that what had happened between them in Paris—the food, the wine, the extraordinary sex, the conversations, and even the comfortable silences—was only a temporary escape. Catching that flight back to the States meant facing the reality of their lives, where their relationship would no doubt be in the public eye by now. The gossip and speculation had already begun before they’d left, and Holly had noticed a couple of sidelong glances and hushed whispers when she was out and about. Each time, she remembered what it felt like to be in Deborah’s arms, and this helped her resolve to protect their love.

After they’d been back in L.A. for a couple of days, both of which were spent working in Deborah’s building on her internship program, Holly decided to head to the Indigo Lounge. The lounge was a familiar refuge, a place where she could unwind and be herself. This was her mom’s second home, and everyone had always made her feel welcome there. As she entered, the dim lighting and soft jazz music welcomed her. She exchanged greetings with a few acquaintances before making her way to the bathroom. She’d had way too many lattés in an attempt to power through the jet lag that still plagued here and was desperate to pee.

As she closed one of the stall doors, she overheard a conversation that stopped her in her tracks. Ruby, the author that Debs had told her about, was speaking. “I just don’t understand it,” she said. “Debbie is so much older than Holly, right? What was she even thinking? When it comes to that fake mommy/daughter vibe, it gives me the creeps.”

It was then that her stomach really cramped up into knots. She recognized the other voice immediately. It was Nora who responded, “They’re both adults. But the age gap is… noticeable. Everyone’s talking about it. And considering Deborah’s history, I’m worried about Holly. If Holly breaks up with her… Well, it won’t go down well. ”

A surge of anger coursed through Holly’s veins. She stepped out of the stall, startling the two women. “Mind your own fucking business,” she snapped. “Deborah and I are really good together. We know each other. We’ve actually got something. Isn’t that what matters?”

Nora looked taken aback but tried to offer a smile. “Holly, we’re just concerned. We don’t want to see you get hurt.”

“Nora! I’ll talk to you in a minute. I want to deal with this Ruby bitch first if you don’t mind. What the fuck is your beef, Ruby? We know you’ve been talking to Molly or Melly or whatever the fuck she’s called.”

“What? What are you talking about? I don’t know a Molly.”

“Sure you don’t! Deborah’s assistant. You’ve been filling her in on all the juicy details, haven’t you? You looking for ideas for your shitty novels. You fucking loser.” Holly crossed her arms, her glare unwavering. “Deborah and I love each other. Your concern is noted, but this is our relationship. Not yours.”

Ruby muttered an apology and hurried out of the bathroom. Nora reached out to touch Holly’s arm, but Holly stepped back. “I appreciate your concern, Nora. But please, keep your opinions to yourself.”

“I think you might have gone a step too far there, honey. You nearly ate Ruby alive. Calm down, okay? Let’s talk this through.”

“Let’s not bother.”

With that, Holly turned on her heel and left the bathroom, her heart pounding with frustration and determination. She made her way back to the bar, where she found the chef, Sasha, putting that day’s menus into little plastic covers.

“Hey, Holly! Everything okay?” she asked, noticing her flushed cheeks.

“I just had a run-in with someone who can’t mind her own business. No. Correction. Two someones who can’t mind their own business,” she replied, forcing a smile. “But I’m over it. Let’s not talk about it.”

Sasha nodded, sensing her need to change the subject. They chatted about her latest cocktail invention and the upcoming changes she’d be making to the menus. Holly felt the tension slowly melting away as she immersed herself in the conversation.

Later that week, Holly found Deborah sitting at the kitchen table, reading a magazine. The look of distress on her face was unmistakable. Holly’s heart sank as she approached the older woman.

“What’s wrong?” Holly asked, sitting down beside her.

Deborah didn’t look up; her voice started trembling. “It’s this article in Happening magazine. They’re talking about age-gap relationships in the lesbian scene. Listen to this. But don’t lose the plot. Just listen…”

She began to read aloud. “‘The trend of older women dating significantly younger partners has been gaining traction. While some view it as a refreshing challenge to heteronormative standards, others see it as problematic, questioning the intentions behind such relationships. Take, for example, high-profile CEO Deborah Lawson, who is currently dating Holly, the stepdaughter of billionaire real estate developer Nora Hartley.”

“What? That’s what I’m reduced to? Nora’s stepdaughter? I don’t even see her as a stepmom. I don’t get it,” Holly interrupted.

“Honey, I asked you not to lose the plot about 20 seconds ago.”

“Sorry. Carry on.”

“Their relationship has sparked debate, with some critics suggesting it mirrors the very same problematic dynamics seen in heterosexual age-gap relationships.’”

Deborah’s voice broke, and she put the magazine down, tears running down her cheeks and dripping into her mouth. “I knew there’d be gossip, but seeing it like this… It hurts me so badly, Holly. It feels like they’re questioning how I really feel about you. Or like they’re calling me some old pervert or something.”

Holly’s heart ached at the sight of Deborah’s tears. She moved closer, wrapping her arms around her. “Deborah, look at me. These people don’t know us. They want a story.”

Deborah leaned into Holly, sobbing quietly. “I’ve been through so much. My divorce was a nightmare. I don’t know if I can handle this public stress and shame again.”

Holly held her tighter, her voice firm. “We’ll get through this. I love you. That’s all you need to know right now.”

Deborah looked up, her eyes red and puffy. “I love you too, Holly. But what if this never stops? What if they keep writing shit like this?”

“Let’s just deal, okay,” Holly repeated. “We’ll show them that our love is stronger than their gossip. ”

Deborah took a deep breath, her tears slowing. “I don’t know what I’d do without you.”

Holly kissed her forehead gently. “You don’t have to worry about that because I’m here. And I’m not going anywhere. Mostly because your apartment is way nicer than mine, and I don’t have a cleaner, alright?”

Deborah cheered up at Holly’s joke, and they sat together in silence for a while, drawing strength from each other’s presence. Eventually, Holly spoke again.

“How about we go for a walk? Get some fresh air? Mom always says a walk helps clear your mind, and she’s right. She’s not right about a whole lot of stuff, but she’s right about that.”

“Esme’s always right.”

“Um, she thinks you can get rid of migraines by putting cheese under your pillow. I once had a really bad headache and woke up with cheese in my ear. The woman’s insane.”

Deborah nodded, wiping her tears away. “You’re right. Nobody’s got time for cheesy ears. That’s ridiculous.”

As they walked through the city, Holly held Deborah’s hand tightly. They talked about everything and nothing, and the simple act of conversation helped to ease the tension.

“I’ve been thinking,” Deborah said after a while. “Maybe we should talk to a publicist. Get ahead of the gossip; show them the real us. I know a few good ones through work. I’m sure I could find someone to help us.”

Holly nodded. “I think that’s a great idea. Let’s take control of the narrative.”

Their walk took them to a quiet park, where they found a bench and sat down, enjoying the tranquility. Holly turned to Deborah, her eyes filled with love and determination.

Holly leaned in and kissed her gently. “I love you, Deborah. And nothing will ever change that. I could spend the rest of my life kissing you.”

Deborah’s smile widened. “I love you too, Holly. You make me feel so alive, so wanted.”

A few days later, Deborah suggested they meet Esme and Nora for coffee. Holly hesitated, remembering the confrontation at the Indigo Lounge, but she reluctantly agreed. It was time to clear the air.

They chose a cozy café near Nora and Esme’s apartment, a place that felt safe and familiar to all of them. As they entered, Holly spotted Esme and Nora sitting at a corner table. Nora looked nervous, and Esme opened up her arms to her daughter as they approached.

“Thank you for meeting us,” Deborah said, looking down at her shoes.

Nora shifted uncomfortably. “Of course. This is great. We need to talk.”

Esme nodded cheerily. “We certainly do. And we appreciate you reaching out.”

They sat down, nobody daring to be the first to broach the subject. Holly glanced at Deborah, drawing strength from her presence. Finally, she took a deep breath and spoke.

“Nora, I know what you think about our relationship. But all you need to know is that I’m committed to making this work.”

“Holly, I never meant to hurt you. I can totally tell that you’re happy with Deborah, and that’s all I want—for you to be happy. I want what your mom wants, and she wants what you want. Get it?”

Esme placed a hand on Nora’s. “We’re sorry if our words or actions have caused any pain. And thank you for the souvenirs from France. I bet you girls had a blast. I was so jealous. I’ve never been to France.”

Holly felt a wave of relief wash over her. “ Thank you, Mom. You’d love Paris. I want us all to move forward and support each other.”

Deborah nodded before venturing her thoughts. “I guess we’re all family here in one way or another, and we need to stick together.”

Nora sighed and hunched over a little. “I apologize, Holly. I let my concerns cloud my judgment.”

Holly reached out and took Nora’s hand. “Thank you. That means more than you know. Now, I need to talk to you about my apartment. It’s the neighborhood. There are too many families with dogs. I can’t handle it—the barking, the crying babies, the Teslas. I need your help. Can you get me out of there?” she smirked. Her sarcasm and humor could melt the seriousness out of most situations.

The tension in the air dissipated as Nora recited some of her portfolio from memory.

“You’ve only been in there a couple of weeks! I’m not losing six months’ deposit because you can’t handle a couple of yelping puppies,” cried Esme, shaking her head in disbelief.

They spent the rest of the afternoon talking, sharing stories, and rebuilding the bonds that had been strained. Things almost felt normal for a moment, whatever normal was supposed to be anyway.

The days following the coffee meet-up felt like a fresh start. The warmth of their reconciliation had smoothed over any rough patches, allowing Holly and Deborah to move forward with renewed optimism. As they settled back into what was fast becoming a work-home routine, Holly couldn’t help but feel a subtle shift in their dynamic—a deeper connection.

One sunny afternoon, Holly and Deborah decided to revisit the Indigo Lounge. Holly was hoping that Deborah could reconnect with the familiar comfort of her favorite spot. The bar had always been a haven for the older woman, a place where the buzz of conversation and the clinking of glasses created a symphony of relaxation.

“Look at us,” Holly said with a grin as they took a couple of seats at the bar. “This should help you get back to a little slice of normalcy, huh?”

As Deborah smiled, her eyes crinkled at the corners. “It feels good to be here. It’s like reclaiming a piece of my world. Our world. ”

As they settled in, Sasha waltzed over with a skip in her step. “Hey there, Holly and Deborah. It’s great to see you both. The usual, Debs? Or would you both like to try a new cocktail I’ve been working on?”

“Yes, my usual sounds great,” Deborah responded, looking relieved for the welcome.

“I’ll try that new cocktail,” Holly offered, her gaze drifting around the room. She took in the atmosphere and marveled at what a wonderful job her mother had done creating the place.

Sasha prepared their drinks with ease, attempting some newly found skills of flipping, mixing, and shaking things.

“Don’t you usually do the cooking? How come you’re so handy with a cocktail shaker?” Holly asked as she watched on in amazement.

“Oh, we’re short on bar staff at the moment. Your mom hasn’t been around as much lately. I’d much rather be in the kitchen. I’m not a fan of chatting to strangers. I don’t know why Esme trusts me to run this place when she’s not around.”

“Don’t be so down on yourself, Sash! You’re doing a wonderful job.”

The lounge, with its plush seating and rich decor, was a comforting refuge from the whirlwind of their lives. As they sipped their cocktails and chatted about their latest adventures, Holly felt as though she were in a cozy enclave. They were simply Holly and Deborah, existing in a world without reluctancy around their love.

As they talked about their plans for the weekend, Holly felt Deborah’s hand brush against hers, a gentle reminder of their connection. “You know,” Holly said, “I’ve been thinking about joining a painting group. I need to get back into my work.”

Deborah’s eyes lit up with interest. “That sounds wonderful! Maybe I could join you. It’ll be a fun way for us to spend time together, but I don’t really have any hobbies. It’s all work, work, work with me, and it’s been that way for years.”

Holly beamed with enthusiasm. “You’ve got yourself a date, missy. We’ll find a group and make it a regular thing. I bet you’ll end up being natural.”

As the evening wore on, Holly and Deborah found themselves in a lively discussion with a couple of Deborah’s friends she hadn’t seen in a while. The conversation was light-hearted, filled with laughter, reminding Holly of the fantastic times she’d had with the people she’d met in Australia. She was enjoying the camaraderie, the feeling of being part of a community that embraced them for who they were.

Later that week, Holly and Deborah had a scheduled meeting with a publicist named Amelia. Deborah had mentioned that Amelia had a reputation for handling sensitive situations with grace and expertise, and Holly was eager to see how she could help them navigate the ongoing scrutiny.

The meeting took place in a sleek, modern office with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking the city. Holly and Deborah arrived early, giving them a chance to enjoy the view and collect their thoughts. When Amelia arrived, she greeted them with a warm smile and a confident air.

“Deborah, Holly, it’s a pleasure to meet you both,” Amelia said, extending her hand.

“Thank you for meeting with us,” Deborah replied, shaking Amelia’s hand. “We worked together on a project a couple of years ago. I don’t know if you remember. We appreciate your time.”

Amelia settled into her chair, her demeanor professional yet approachable. “I understand that the recent media attention has been challenging. ”

Holly took a deep breath. “Our relationship is real, and we want to show that we’re committed to each other. Part of me thinks it’s got nothing to do with anyone else, but if they’re going to talk, they should be talking about facts.”

Amelia nodded thoughtfully. “I think that’s a really great approach. We can craft a strategy that shows the world who you truly are.”

Deborah’s eyes sparkled with hope. “Sounds perfect. God knows why we’ve suddenly become a source of interest. Here, can I send you these links?” she said, pointing at her phone. “I’ve collected all the stories I’ve found in the press recently and kept them in a file.”

“Don’t worry. I’ve got all that. We found 147 articles both online and traditionally published.”

“What?” yelped Holly, her heart thudding in her chest.

“Don’t panic. The Internet is a big place. They’re spread all over the place, but we have software here that collates everything. I know what I’m doing.”

Amelia leaned forward and made direct eye contact with Holly. “It’s important to present your love in a way that resonates with people and counters the negativity. ”

After the meeting, Deborah and Holly decided to take a stroll through a nearby park.

“I’m thrilled we met with Amelia,” Holly said, stopping briefly to stroke Deborah’s cheek lovingly. “She seems to really understand us.”

Deborah nodded, her smile soft and content. “Yes, she does. I feel much better knowing we have someone in our corner who truly gets it. I’m sure one day soon we will just be old news, but right now it’s best to stay ahead of the wave.”

“Is she gay?”

“Yes. I’ve also worked with her wife. I can’t remember her name.”

“Debs? Do you only work with lesbians?”

“Ha! Yep! I try to! Or at least women in general. When I started out, women in my business were next to nonexistent, so now I am passionate about changing that.”

They found a quiet spot under a large oak tree and sat down, their fingers entwined. The park was serene, with the distant sound of cars making their way home in the after-work traffic and the gentle rustling of leaves in the branches above. Holly placed her head on Deborah’s shoulder.

“This feels so perfect,” Holly murmured. “Just us. ”

Deborah kissed her forehead softly. “It does. And I’m grateful for every moment we have together.”

Holly looked up at Deborah, her heart swelling with love. “I wouldn’t want to go through this with anyone else. You make everything better, Deborah.”

Deborah’s eyes shone with affection. “And you make my life complete, Holly. I love you more than words can say.”