The Wish, page 1
The Wish
by RJ Nolan
Published by Ylva Publishing, legal entity of Ylva Verlag e.Kfr.
http://www.ylva-publishing.com
Copyright 2013 RJ Nolan
Smashwords Edition
First edition: April 2013
Edited by Sandra Gerth
Cover Design by Krystel Contreras (krystelc@gmail.com)
This book is a work of fiction. Names, characters, events, and locations are fictitious or are used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons or events, living or dead, is entirely coincidental.
Smashwords Edition, License Notes
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Table of Contents
Foreword
Dedication
The Wish:
Yacht Club—Grosse Pointe, Michigan
New Year’s Eve—11:40 p.m.
Jess McKenna’s residence—Los Angeles, California
New Year’s Eve—8:50 p.m.
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California
Excerpt from L.A. Metro (RJ Nolan)
Other books from Ylva-Publishing
Coming from Ylva-Publishing in 2013
Foreword
I wanted to give readers a glimpse into the lives of Kim Donovan and Jess McKenna before they met in L.A. Metro. I chose to set this vignette on New Year’s Eve as it is a time of new beginnings.
Dedication
To everyone who is still looking for their soul mate. Never give up. You never know when or where that special someone will come into your life.
The Wish
Yacht Club—Grosse Pointe, Michigan
New Year’s Eve—11:40 p.m.
The floor-to-ceiling windows provided a panoramic view of the water. The clear black sky shone with muted stars. Kim Donovan longed to step out into the night and away from the press of people in the ballroom behind her. How did I let myself get talked into this? She sighed. The charity event sponsored by a women’s group from her mother’s country club was for a worthy cause. The money raised tonight would go to a foundation that helped children with AIDS.
That would have been all well and good if her mother hadn’t used the charity bash as an excuse to push every single and some not-so-single men she could find at Kim. Her mother was well aware of her sexual orientation. Kim had been out since her freshman year in college. But no matter how many times she reminded her mother she was a lesbian, her mother refused to accept it. If her mother warned her one more time that she wasn’t getting any younger and soon all the good men were going to be taken, Kim was going to explode.
Although she had only been here eight months, Kim already realized that moving back to Michigan and accepting the job at Memorial Medical had been a mistake. Tonight was just one more example of how useless it was to try and please her mother. She will never accept who you are. She won’t be happy until you’re married to some guy and have six kids. Kim shook her head. That’s never going to happen.
Kim stared at her reflection in the window. Her hair was swept back from her face, allowing her blond curls to cascade down her neck. A dark blue floor-length evening gown hugged her curves. The color brought out the blue of her eyes. The image was marred by the sadness in her eyes and the slight slump of her shoulders.
“Kim.”
She started, then smiled. “Hey, Brandon.” She turned and accepted the champagne glass he held out.
Kim had met Brandon earlier in the evening while getting a drink from the bar. He had been lamenting the fact that his partner had gotten called away for an emergency at work. She had quickly enlisted his help in keeping her mother at bay.
“Sorry I took so long,” he said. “Everyone is getting ready for the midnight toast.” His gaze darted around the room, and his mouth pursed as if he had tasted something sour. “Where is she?”
At least she wasn’t the only one who found her mother hard to take. Kim laughed and her mood lightened just a bit. Her mother had seemed shocked when she came up to them earlier with yet another man for Kim to meet and found her standing with Brandon. She had quickly recovered and tried to grill him on the spot. They had escaped only when Brandon asked Kim to dance.
She patted his arm. “I have no idea.” He really had gone above and beyond tonight in helping someone he had just met. “I really appreciate all you’ve done tonight in putting up with her. It’s too bad I wasn’t smart enough to insist on driving myself. I could just leave.”
Brandon shrugged. “No problem. I know how families can be.” His gaze shifted to a point over her shoulder. His eyes started to sparkle and a loving smile covered his face.
Kim turned around to see a handsome blond man approaching. His smile matched Brandon’s. Ah. This must be Donald. Brandon had spoken glowingly of his partner several times. Kim couldn’t help the wistful thought, If only I could find someone who would look at me like that. Her current lover was so closeted she might as well have been in a cave. Kim pushed away the bitter thought. Enough of this. You have a lot of things going for you.
“Donald!” Brandon said.
Donald lengthened his stride. He reached for Brandon’s hand and gave it a firm squeeze. “I told you I’d make it back in time.”
Brandon beamed at his lover.
Kim was saddened but not surprised that the men did not embrace. This was Michigan after all, not California. The tolerant attitude toward public displays of affection between same-sex couples that was common in California was nowhere to be found in suburban Detroit.
Smiling warmly at Brandon, she reached out and touched his arm. “Thanks again for your help. Happy New Year.” After giving Donald a brief smile and a nod, she started to walk away.
“Wait, Kim. You don’t have to go.” Brandon tugged his partner closer. “Donald, this is Kim. I’ve been helping her keep her mother from shoving men at her all night.” He rolled his eyes, then waggled his eyebrows. “Now if they had been women...”
A blush heated Kim’s face.
Donald laughed. “Nice to meet you. Brandon’s right, you don’t have to go. Stay with us and ring in the new year. Otherwise, I’m sure your mother will find more than one man eager to kiss you at midnight.”
Kim shivered. “Thanks, but I think I’ll just find myself a quiet, out-of-the-way spot.”
“Are you sure?” Brandon’s voice was full of concern.
“I’m fine. Honest.” She smiled at both men. “Thanks again.”
“Anytime,” Brandon said. “Oh... Wait a sec. See those tall plants over there?” He pointed to the end of the room.
Kim nodded.
“Just on the other side is a small, glass-enclosed alcove that juts out over the water. You’d be out of sight there.”
Tipping her champagne glass in salute, Kim smiled, then turned to make her way to the offered sanctuary. She waved off a waiter who offered a paper hat and party horn. Her gaze swept the room. She hoped to spot her mother before her mother saw her.
Kim sighed with relief when she reached the indicated area without being intercepted. A pleased smile appeared at the sight of the curtain covering the alcove. She crossed her fingers that her luck would hold and the area would be empty.
It was.
She allowed the curtain to fall shut behind her and was cocooned in darkness. Kim felt as if she was suspended over the water. The brightly lit boats floating at anchor contrasted sharply with the darkness where she stood. She imagined, for just a moment, what it would be like to sit in the stern of a boat, gently rocking on the waves, while being held by someone who loved her. She forced her gaze away and once more focused on the night sky.
Jess McKenna’s residence—Los Angeles, California
New Year’s Eve—8:50 p.m.
Jess set the split of champagne and a single glass down on the coffee table. She didn’t know what had prompted her to buy the champagne. New Year’s Eve was no big deal. It wasn’t as if she had someone special to celebrate with and look forward to the coming year. There had not been a woman in her life for well over a year.
Sam, her younger sister, had invited her to a party with some of her police officer friends in San Diego, but Jess had declined. She was not the party type.
With a sigh, Jess flopped onto the couch. She reached down and patted the dog lying in front of the couch. “Just you and me as usual, big guy.”
At the sound of Jess’s voice, Thor lifted his head, then lay back down with a contented sigh.
“I’m glad one of us is content.” This is why you always work the holidays. Most of the year, Jess kept so busy at the hospital it was easy to push aside the realization of how empty her personal life had become.
She glanced at the clock. It was almost midnight in New York. She contemplated turning on the TV and watching the ball drop in Times Square. She was working early tomorrow, so had no intention of staying up until midnight California time.
Shaking off the sense of loneliness that seemed to permeate the air, she sat up and poured herself a glass of champagne. “Enough with the pity party,” she said into the silence of the room. “A lot of people have things a lot worse than you do.”
Jess knew she was fortunate. Her family loved and accepted her. She had seen far too many people in the ER over the years with f
That didn’t stop the small wistful part of her that hoped for someone to share her life with.
Careful not to step on Thor, Jess rose from the couch. She took her champagne and made her way to the sliding glass door.
Jess glanced at her watch. It was almost time. Midnight on the East Coast is close enough.
She stepped out onto the deck and walked over to the railing. The temperature was mild, in the mid-sixties. The stars were dimmed by the surrounding city lights. Seeing the brightly lit windows of the surrounding houses made Jess, for just a moment, long to be inside her own home, sitting in front of a crackling fire, while holding someone she loved. She sighed and turned her gaze back to the night sky.
Grosse Pointe, Michigan, and Los Angeles, California
Unknown to each other, Kim and Jess stared up at the night sky. Cradled by the darkness, each alone in her own thoughts.
A shooting star blazed across the heavens.
Together they tracked its path, and each lifted a glass of champagne to the sky and whispered,
“I wish...”
###
Excerpt from L.A. Metro
RJ Nolan
Entering the park, Kim followed the signs that lead to the dog run area. Jess had really managed to shock her yesterday. Having Jess ask her to meet with her outside the hospital was the last thing she had expected. While it was what she had been hoping for, Kim was still nervous. She wasn’t sure what to expect. I can do this. Finally spotting what she was looking for, she headed for the large fenced-in area.
Dogs of all shapes and sizes were playing in the bright fall sunshine. She easily spotted Jess leaning against the fence just inside the dog run, near the gate. Kim stopped for a minute to admire the woman. Instead of the Dockers and button-down shirt or scrubs she was used to seeing Jess wear, she was dressed in Lycra shorts and a T-shirt. Kim’s gaze ran appreciatively over her well-muscled body. Broad muscular shoulders, well defined biceps, and a flat stomach with trim hips led down to heavily muscled legs. Kim knew that Jess was a beautiful woman, but now, dressed like this… Kim shivered as a wash of arousal cascaded down her body. The strength of her response surprised her. Friends, she sternly reminded her wayward libido. I’m going to be her friend. She forced the distracting feelings away before heading over to Jess.
“Hey, Jess. Good morning.”
Jess offered a tentative smile. “Hi, Kim. Glad you could make it.” She opened the gate for Kim and motioned her inside the dog run.
The realization that Jess was a bit anxious made Kim feel better about her own nervousness. To give them both a chance to get used to being together in a non-work situation, Kim took the time to look around. Excited dogs chased each other, nimbly dodging the park benches scattered throughout the area. A black lab was splashing in one of the large water bowls strategically placed around the run.
Several small dogs ran up. Their exuberant yipping pierced the crisp morning air. Kim knelt down and held out her hand to be sniffed. Once assured of their friendliness, she petted them. She smiled at Jess when she squatted down next to her and offered her own gentle ear rubs to the canine trio.
Kim stood as the small dogs scampered off. A lot of her tension had eased. Dogs were great stress relievers. She looked at Jess, pleased to see she appeared more relaxed as well. “They were cute, but I still like big dogs best.”
“Well, luckily I can help you out there,” Jess said. “Ready to meet my boy?”
Knowing Jess had a big dog, Kim checked out the dogs nearby. The only two dogs she saw that she considered big dogs were a German Shepard and a very large Doberman. “Which one is he?”
Jess quickly scanned the area, glancing right past both dogs Kim had spotted. “He must be down at the other end. See where those trees are? He’ll come when I call.”
That’s when Kim noticed just how large the fenced area really was. “Great. I’m looking forward to meeting him.” Kim glanced over at Jess. Uh-oh. Never saw that look before. Jess had a little half smirk on her face. The look screamed—look out; here comes trouble. Kim tried to brace herself for whatever was coming. At the same time, she was delighted to see Jess relaxing the tight control of her emotions she maintained at work.
Jess led them over toward a group of benches. Just as they reached the seats, Jess let out a piercing whistle, causing Kim to jump. “Sorry about that. I should’ve warned you.” She pointed off to the left. “Here he comes.” Jess slapped her palms against the tops of her thighs. “Come on, Thor. Come here, boy!”
Kim turned toward where Jess had pointed and nearly fainted. Charging straight at them was the biggest dog Kim had ever seen.
“Oh my God, Jess, that’s not a dog. That’s a horse!” Kim took a step back and moved slightly behind Jess.
Jess grinned as the big dog skidded to a halt in front of her. “I thought you said you liked big dogs.”
Embarrassed that her bravado had slipped so badly, Kim mock-scowled at Jess. “Yeah, big dogs. You didn’t say anything about a Clydesdale.”
“Don’t worry,” Jess said, trying hard to control her laughter. Reaching out and stroking the big dog, Jess reassured Kim. “He’s big, but he’s harmless.” Jess took Kim’s hand and urged her to stand next to her. “Kim, this is my Great Dane, Thor.”
Kim offered her hand to be sniffed.
“Thor, this is Kim. Be nice,” Jess said.
Thor took a step forward to check her out. Kim swallowed a bit nervously when she realized the dog’s head was almost chest height. And she was tall for a woman, she only missed by a couple of inches matching Jess’s almost six-foot stature. He wagged his tail and proceeded to give her a thorough sniff. She smiled as her trepidation eased. Kim quickly saw what a gentle giant the big dog truly was and began to stroke his head and ears.
Thor made his approval known. He gazed into her eyes, and then laid his head against her breasts.
“I don’t believe it,” Jess muttered. She shook her head and stared.
“What?” Kim asked as she continued to pet Thor.
“I’ve never seen him do that with anyone except myself or my sister. He’s not unfriendly, but he tends to be standoffish about offering affection to strangers. Usually he sniffs someone and then just walks away.”
Thor suddenly leaned harder into Kim, forcing her to step back as his weight against her increased.
“Thor.” Jess grabbed his collar. “Back up.” She urged Thor back several steps. “Sorry.”
Kim laughed. “It’s okay. He’s not bothering me.” Pointing to the bench next to her, she said, “Why don’t we sit down and you can tell me about this handsome boy.”
Jess sat down, but kept a firm grip on Thor’s collar.
“He’s fine, really. Let him go,” Kim said as she moved to a spot on the bench near Jess.
As soon as Jess let go of Thor’s collar he headed for Kim.
Kim was a little taken aback when Thor stepped close. The huge dog’s head was now level with hers. She met his eyes and was surprised by the intelligence that shone in his dark brown eyes.
Thor gently laid his head in Kim’s lap. When she began to stroke his head, he closed his eyes and sighed in contentment.
“Come on, you big moose. Kim is not a cuddly toy.” Jess reached for Thor’s collar, intent on pulling the big dog off of Kim’s lap.
Kim laughed. “Honestly, he’s fine. Leave him.” She stroked her hand down his shining black coat. “I’ve never seen a Great Dane that looked like this before.” His black head and body shone in sharp contrast to his white neck and chest. “He looks like he’s dressed in a top hat and tuxedo.” Kim slid her hand down one of his strong front legs. “He even has the white spats to go along with his formal attire.”
