Chapter 2
There was a steady, firm rat-a-tat-tat at the door. Carla was home alone. She quickly busied herself checking her hair in the mirror, and plumping up the cushions on the couch. What are you doing?! Carla muttered to herself, confused by her own behaviour, she headed toward the front door.
Carla answered the door. Stood in front of her, a shorter than her blonde woman, with hair that fell effortlessly around her face, beautiful green-blue eyes, and such a warm, kind smile. Carla was captivated by how beautiful the woman standing in front of her was, she felt her breath catching, hoping the other woman hadn’t noticed as she took in all her beauty - then quickly shook those thoughts out her head, hoping the other woman wouldn’t notice what Carla could only imagine was a strange look on her face - utter confusion from her own thoughts and feelings that had suddenly arose inside her. Carla quickly smiled warmly, hoping to shake off any strange looks she had been giving off and pushed her thoughts aside.
Lisa looked Carla up and down, hoping Carla hadn’t noticed her checking her out. Lisa knew a beautiful woman when she saw one, but she was taken aback by the tall, slim brunette standing in front of her with a warm and welcoming smile. Lisa’s heart skipped a beat at the sight of the other woman standing in front of her. She’s not sure what she expected, but she didn’t expect this.
“Hi Carla, it’s Lisa” She smiled. Holding out her hand, steadying it as she swore she was trembling. Carla shook her hand. Lisa, grateful that Carla didn’t seem to notice her trembling.
A jolt of electricity emanated between the two women. They both smiled at each other, hesitantly, daring eye contact, as they swore they could briefly hear the elevated heart rate of one another soar, if only for a split second but neither dare shake hands for a minute longer.
Carla broke eye contact first, inviting Lisa in.
“Coffee?” Carla asked, cheerfully. Not really sure what to do with herself all of a sudden.
“No, I’m good ta” Responded Lisa, glancing at the glass of red wine over on the dining room table, wondering if she too should have had a glass before she left, to settle her confusing nerves but knew better than to drink and drive - even if it was only one.
Carla noticed Lisa’s eyes on the dining room table. “Glass of red?” Carla teased.
Lisa blushed. “Um…” She smiled shyly, not too sure what to say.
Carla laughed a little. “Sorry, that was maybe too forward of me” rubbing her hands together, eyes darting around the room.
Lisa quickly changed the subject, digging out colour sheets from her bag. “So…” Lisa said, laying out what she had on the dining room table so Carla could see.
After an hour or so had passed, Carla had settled on neutral colours for the open plan living area downstairs. It was a huge room, with beautiful beams filled with a large living area, dining area and kitchen. Carla figured if she stuck to neutral, she could fill the walls with photos, memories and other things. Lisa had agreed with her, with some guidance of course and promised Carla that if she got whatever pictures and photos she wanted, that she’d frame these for her and hang them however she liked. Carla was a bit stunned at how efficient Lisa had come across.
“Right, I can start tomorrow if you like? Don’t worry about the furniture, I’ll bring all the dust sheets to lay out to protect everything, and I’ll call in at the paint shop tonight to pick up all the materials.” Lisa smiled.
“Oh, so soon? That’s great!” Carla smiled gleefully, a little surprised at the other woman’s forwardness, half expecting to be stuck at the bottom of a long list of customers who needed Lisa for other jobs.
“What times good for you?” Lisa asked, not wanting to intrude.
“Anytime from 7am is good. We’re early riders here what with the café and all that” Carla announced.
“The café’s yours?” Lisa questioned. She had noticed it had opened under new ownership after being closed for so long, but just hadn’t called in yet. Lisa then quickly apologised, not wanting to sound like she was being nosy. She blushed. Carla could see Lisa’s cheeks reddening.
“Yeah, there’s a story to it all which I’m more than happy to share with you another day, I don’t want to keep you too long” Carla’s not sure why she felt the sudden urge to share things with the woman she’d just met, but she felt a warmth from her that she hadn’t felt in anyone since her best friend Michelle. They still spoke regularly on the phone and Michelle had promised Carla a visit to Devon in the near future. Carla smiled at memories of her and Michelle, then suddenly remembered where she was, shooting out of her daydream.
“Oh, how much for the materials?” Carla questioned, rummaging around in her bag for her purse.
“No need, not yet anyway” Lisa replied, let’s see how things go first. You might not like my work and run me out your home!” Lisa laughed, nervously.
Carla laughed with her. They exchanged pleasantries and said they’d see each other tomorrow, 8am sharp, Lisa promised.