35. Breaking Through

Stassi

S aturday morning, Stassi woke up to her phone ringing. She stretched out in bed and grimaced. She wished Sage had been in her bed, but the past couple of nights, she settled for phone sex. One would wonder why she avoided going to her house, but the truth was the closer they got, the more the guilt started to crowd her.

She reached across and grabbed her cell phone, spotting Dad Immediately. Maybe this was a good sign. “Hello?”

“So, did you hear about the gala?” he asked.

“We got emails at work. You know me, always up for a good party. That hasn’t changed.” She stayed quiet for a few minutes, thinking about the fundraiser. While she was excited, the other employees didn’t quite seem to have the same appeal of the idea. “Was it your idea?”

“Yep,” he proudly stated. “I took your advice and decided we needed to do something. This could really get the cash flow back to the hospital. It’s what the hospital needs.”

“True. And I’m glad that you’re trying, but Dad, you have to realize the staff had their hours cut. Overtime isn’t paid. And now the hospital wants us to pay $70 for a ticket?” She laughed. “Talk about irony.”

He huffed. “You know, Stassi. It takes money to make money, and I’m doing the best I can. The staff should be grateful for that. They’re getting a discounted ticket. If they were someone on the street, they would have to pay more than double that. And I can assure you the tickets are already going fast, so people are willing to pay. Can’t you be thankful?”

Stassi frowned. He seemed to get defensive immediately. This wasn’t something she ever had to fear with him. “I’m thankful, Dad. And I hope it works, but I’m speaking from my heart about the rest of the staff. They are good people, and many don’t have the money to feed their families, let alone spend money on a gala.

“I’ll take that into consideration. Maybe I can get vouchers out there for those that are less fortunate and would like to still come and show their support.”

“You mean it?”

This would at least show that he hadn’t lost all compassion. Hope had filled her up inside. “I’ll put some things together and see what we can do. I have to run. I’ll talk to you soon.”

“Bye, Dad. And thank you!”

She heaved a sigh. At least he was trying. Once this was resolved, she could talk to Sage and explain why she didn’t tell her about her dad sooner. Sage would understand—she’d just have to. They would possibly even laugh about how scared Stassi was to tell her. All because her father had a hand in what was happening at the hospital, and she didn’t want Sage to know that she was one of those Hewitts.

She pulled up Sage’s contact info and called her. The phone rang three times before Sage answered. “Good morning, Beautiful.”

“Good morning! Are you off today? You are, right?”

“Yep. After I got my morning coffee I was going to give you a call. I thought maybe we could hang out or something. I’ve missed you.”

“I’ve missed you, too. So, how about if I get around and head your way? We could go shopping and get a new outfit for the gala. And then just, you know, be together.”

“Actually, that sounds great. I’ll see you soon.” Sage and Stassi disconnected the call and Stassi jumped out of bed. She was finally at peace with the guilt. Everything would be alright.

Stassi didn’t take long to take her shower and grab a piece of toast. She didn’t bother with the coffee, as she was going to splurge and show Sage what a good cup of coffee really tasted like. She left the house and drove to Sage’s. There was a different skip in her step. Giving her hope and vigor. She pulled into Sage’s parking lot and parked right next to her car.

When she knocked on Sage’s door, it immediately flew open. Sage pulled her into the apartment and wrapped her arms around her. She gave her a passionate kiss that knocked the wind from Stassi. Sage groaned. “God, I’ve missed that,” Sage whispered, breaking from the kiss.

Stassi grinned. “Just a few more minutes.” Stassi moved back in and hungrily kissed Sage, adding to the passion built between them.

“If we don’t stop, we’ll never get out of here.” Sage playfully pushed Stassi away, and Stassi pretended like she was falling back, dejected. She frowned like a lost puppy, and Sage laughed. “Don’t pout, Stassi Hewitt; it’s not very becoming,” she teased. Stassi grinned and turned away. There would be plenty more hours like that in their lifetime. “I’ll finish getting ready. Hang out for a minute.” Sage winked and then disappeared down the hall. Stassi glanced around the living room. Sage’s apartment was homie and inviting. She had come to feel like she belonged there.

She sat down on the couch and reached forward to grab a magazine. She briefly flipped through it and then reached forward to grab another. She quickly grabbed it and stared at the cover, her picture smiling back at her.

“What the hell?” she mumbled. She opened it up, and there was her spread. She had yet to actually go out and buy it because every time she considered it, she realized that she didn’t need to be sucked back into that life. She appreciated the opportunity, but if they called again, she wasn’t sure she would take it. It paid well, so that was nice, but at some point, she needed to realize her future needed more.

“Are you ready?” Sage popped into the living room and her eyes narrowed in on the magazine. “Um, yeah, so there’s that…”

“You bought a copy?” Stassi asked.

“Actually, Lena bought a copy.”

“When?” Stassi asked. Sage shrugged, but her eyes diverted to the magazine. “Why didn’t you tell me?”

“Because I didn’t want to make it such a big thing. I was trying to keep it from blowing into something.” Sage then walked over and took a seat next to Stassi. “Besides, the past few days we haven’t done much talking. I feared you were ghosting me, or whatever the kids call it nowadays.”

Stassi snickered. To be considered a kid was laughable, but she understood the gist. “I wasn’t ghosting you. But I guess I was getting worried. When I get close to people, they tend to abandon me. We were getting closer, and while I was glad about that, and I do love you, it brings back the fear that maybe it’s too good. And maybe…”

“I would never just abandon you, Stassi.” Sage reached out for her hand. “I’m not that type of person.” She ran her fingers through Stassi’s. “Communication is important, though. And if you don’t communicate, then that’s where problems start.”

“I know, I’m sorry. I should have talked to you.” Sage smiled and continued to hold Stassi’s hand.

“The fact is that we all have hurdles to overcome when it comes to relationships. When I first met you, I might have judged you. When I went to the modeling gig, preconceived ideas had already been made. I was wrong. You aren’t that sort of person, and I should have never believed my misinformed thoughts. I was burned in a past relationship. I trusted her with all my heart. She took advantage of that and thought she could do whatever she wanted in the relationship, including sleeping around whomever she wanted. I was afraid to lose her. And that was my problem. Eventually, I came to the conclusion that I was better off alone than with someone who didn’t appreciate being with me.”

Stassi shook her head. “She was a damn fool because she lost you. But I’m glad she did.” Stassi moved in and brushed a kiss against Sage’s lips. Getting things out in the open with communication was the smart thing to do. In a matter of time, she would have everything divulged, and they would slowly work through things. All about the small steps to reach a happier place.

Stassi watched as Sage licked her lips. She waited for her determination, hanging onto it like she was hanging for dear life. “Well?” she finally asked, when no words came.

Sage nodded. “It’s not bad.”

Stassi fell back into the seat and gawked. “Not bad? That’s all you’re giving me? You can’t be serious. Don’t you taste the freshness of the coffee beans? The uniqueness of the way the creamer blends into the coffee. It’s like they complete each other. You don’t taste any of that?”

Sage held up her finger and took another sip, then eagerly nodded. “You’re right. That explains it to a tee. How could I have missed that.”

Stassi laughed, playfully tossing a napkin in Sage’s direction. “You’re teasing me.”

Sage smirked. “It’s quite easy to do.” She gave a wink, then looked down at the coffee. “Now, if I’m being honest, while initially I didn’t taste all that imagery going on in this one cup, it’s easily my favorite cup of coffee I’ve ever had.”

“Yes!” Stassi pumped her fists into the air. “Now, that, is what I wanted to hear.” She wiggled in her chair, sipping on her own cup.

Sage shook her head. “You do put a lot of thought into what makes a good coffee, though.”

Stassi looked around the coffee shop and then met Sage’s stare. “I have spent many days in this shop. This isn’t the only one. This just happens to be the one in Pasadena.”

When they decided to go shopping at the store, Stassi figured Sage wouldn’t be comfortable at the stores where Stassi typically would make her appearance. They were way too glamorous for Sage, but the vintage shops in Pasadena would be perfect. Making a quick stop at Noel’s Coffee House was the right place to start their adventure. And what an adventure it was. Stassi found that spending a casual day with Sage gave her the added reflection she needed. Sage and she could have easy moments together, ones that Stassi couldn’t experience with her friends who came on the other side of the tracks. She liked having the best of both worlds.

“The blueberry muffins are also delicious,” Sage took a bite and sighed. “Melt in your mouth.”

“See, my world isn’t all bad,” Stassi teased.

Sage snickered and nodded. “Like I said before, I had preconceived notions. I’m learning.” She took another sip of her coffee, and Stassi noticed how her eyes glowed. She was confident that Sage was working her way into loving everything Stassi loved.

When they were done with their muffins and coffees, they stood up and headed outside. “I thought we would head down this strip. There are some cool shops down here and I believe we could find the perfect outfits.”

“Works for me.” They settled into a stroll with Stassi seeking out Sage’s hand. They held hands and stopped at some of the shops, just checking out the window displays and seeing the various items the store sold. “Do you like to read?” Sage asked, stopping outside a bookstore.

“Magazines,” Stassi replied, laughing. “What about you?”

“I love to read classic novels.” Sage turned to the window and scanned her eyes through it. Her eyes lit up, and she pulled Stassi into the small bookstore. Stassi would have followed her anywhere and laughed as it was clear Sage had seen something that excited her. She rushed over to a table, dragging Stassi behind her. “My favorite story of all time.” She held up the book.

“Anne of Green Gables,” Stassi read.

“Do you know what this book is about?” Sage asked, inquisitively.

Stassi scrunched up her nose. “A girl named Anne?”

Sage laughed. “Geesh, you’re so smart.” She playfully rolled her eyes and turned to the display. The display was set up with a whole slew of books related to the series. “I would go, as a child, to the library and just sit in the section that had classic stories. Anne of Green Gables was the first book I read, and I loved it. Of course, I had to read every story in the series.” She tilted her head. “You really should get the book and read it.”

Stassi scoffed. “I’ll take your word for it.” She looked around and pointed to the magazines. “Now, that, that is a section.” She pulled Sage after her, and they went to the magazines.”

“You can take the girl out of the glamor but can’t take the glamor out of the girl.” Sage shook her head. “Fashion, fashion, and more fashion. Which is your favorite.” She motioned with her head towards the magazine. “That one has your picture on it, so I would say you’d start there.”

Stassi snickered. “You would think, but you’d be wrong.” She grabbed one of the other magazines and looked through it. I would lean toward this one. If I was the one buying it, that is.”

“I don’t know.” Sage reached out and took the magazine that had a picture of Stassi. “I would be more inclined to choose this one.” She quirked up her lips in a grin. “In fact, I haven’t seen this one. I think I’ll purchase it.”

Stassi leaned forward. “The thing about magazines is they’re small. You could literally peruse through it and not have to waste the money.” Stassi put the magazine she had back on the rack.”

Sage laughed. “True, you could, but then that loses the appeal when you want to read it again.” She grinned. “I think I’m definitely getting it.” Stassi considered that then turned and went back to the table with the Anne of Green Gables display. “You don’t have to,” Sage argued.

“I know I don’t, but I do need some culture in my life.” She shrugged. “Might as well start here.”

Sage held her fist to her mouth, pretending it was a microphone. “Ladies and gentlemen, that’s where it all started. A woman fell in love with classical reading at a little bookstore in Pasadena. It can happen to anyone.”

Stassi shook her head and laughed. “We’ll just see if I truly fall in love with it.” She winked, and they went to the counter to pay for their purchases. They left the bookstore and continued down the walkway, checking out each store as they passed it. Sage had her hand back in Stassi’s, and the morning felt perfect.

As they walked across the street and went to the other side, they saw a vintage shop that looked like it had just what they were looking for. At least from the outside. They stepped inside and were hit with the air conditioning.

Sage grinned. “I could stay in here all day.”

Stassi had to agree. “The sun is getting hot.” Yet, she still enjoyed the peacefulness of being together and enjoying their day. There was no drama, no work, nothing but two people loving their time together.

They wandered around the small store, checking out rack after rack, not seeing anything that jumped out at them until Stassi saw a pantsuit that she believed would look perfect on Sage.

“What do you think?” Stassi asked. “Holding it up.”

“Is it my size?” Sage asked, peering at the tag and nodding. “Do you like it?”

“I think it would look great on you, but the question is, do you like it?” Stassi held it up and allowed Sage time to take it all in. “You could try it on and see what you think.”

“Let’s give it a whirl.” Sage grabbed it, and Stassi led the way to the back of the store, where the dressing room was hidden. She stood outside and waited, pacing some because she was nervous that Sage would think Stassi was trying to change her. Stassi truly didn’t care if Sage came dressed in a garbage bag, but Sage would look nice in the suit, if she wanted to add some flare, making it something new.

The door opened, and Sage stepped out and twirled around. “What do you think?” she asked.

Stassi smiled. “I think you look great. You could add a chain to it, if you’d want.” That would be something that would keep Sage’s own look. “Or…” Her words trailed off and she held up her hand and disappeared from the fitting room. She found the rack of ties and leafed through them, until she found a bolo tie that would look perfect to it. She hurried back and held it up in front of Sage. Sage turned to the mirror, and a smile deepened across her face. “Sexy,” Stassi commented.

Sage turned and leaned in for a kiss, causing Stassi’s toes to curl. “I love it,” Sage replied.

“Perfect.” She gave one more look to the mirror and nodded in agreement. “Now, I just need to find something that will go with it. You get dressed, and I’ll be right back.”

As they had been looking, she spotted a lavender dress that she had her eye on. She wanted to get something that would complement Sage’s outfit, so everyone knew they belonged to one another. The dress would be ideal. She came back with it just as Sage exited the dressing room.

“Don’t look,” she said, rushing into another stall. She quickly shed her clothes and dressed, then checked out her reflection. She stepped out of the room and did her own turn in front of Sage. “And?” she asked.

“You look breathtaking,” Sage commented. She cupped her hand around Stassi’s neck and pulled her into a kiss. “Beautiful. Sexy. Perfect.” She spoke between soft kisses, and Stassi glowed. They had their outfits and were set for the big gala.

Stassi paid for both outfits despite Sage arguing with her. “I got paid for the modeling gig, and this is how I want to spend my money. Just say thank you and smile.” Stassi gave her a quick kiss and slid her card to the woman behind the counter.

Once they were paid, they left the store, two garment bags in hand. They continued their walk, still looking in the shops, despite they had everything they needed. When they reached the beach, Sage turned to Stassi. “Are you hungry?”

“Famished,” Stassi remarked.

Sage led the way to the food cart on the beach. “My treat,” she replied, arching an eyebrow so Stassi didn’t dare complain. Sage ordered them each two tacos and they walked along the beach, eating tacos and keeping their date going. It was a highlight to them just spending the day together, but it was obvious they were their happiest with each other.