The Brutal Truth by Lee Winter

Author:Lee Winter [Winter, Lee]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: lesbian fiction
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2017-09-17T04:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 19

Reaching an Understanding

“Oh my God, you weren’t kidding.” Maddie sighed after her first mouthful of double-chocolate fudge cake. Her taste buds did a happy dance. They were in Elena’s kitchen, perched on a pair of facing bar stools at the wide, central island. “When you woo a girl, you really do. This is gorgeous. How did you know I’d like it? God, how is it you even have food this decadent in your house?”

“Your mother told me, on your birthday, that chocolate is one of your favourites. We had a bit of a chat. Delightful woman. And Rosetta, my cook and housekeeper, is convinced I don’t eat enough and that tempting me with such endorphin-inducing food will fix that. She usually leaves something fat laden in the fridge.”

Maddie paused mid-bite, wondering if she was being pranked. “You think my mother’s delightful.” She waved her fork. “And you two just chatted? She sure left that bit out. Or are you just joking?”

Elena’s eyes lit with amusement. “I do not make a habit of joking. Well, except, perhaps, about the amount I had planned to offer for your story.”

“I see. By the way, this is a terrific opening gambit. Chocolate is my weakness.”

“I would never have guessed.” Elena eyed her licking the fork.

“Ha-ha. You’ve gotta admit this is glorious.”

“I admit, I’m not immune to the wicked lure of chocolate. As a teenager, I craved it, but I refused to succumb.” She looked at her untouched portion. Her fork wavered.

“It doesn’t show,” Maddie said, as she ran her gaze over Elena’s trim figure.

“No,” Elena agreed without a hint of modesty. “Although, I have a personal trainer, yoga instructor, and willpower to thank for that. So, now let’s discuss what you really want.”

“Do you even know?” Maddie gave her a challenging look, pulling her plate closer, her fork diving in again.

A mysterious smile greeted her. “Oh, I believe so. You are an open book.”

“Let’s hear it, then.”

“If you insist.” Elena examined Maddie’s face. “I suspect, in order of desire, you require: love, approval, career success, and stability in all areas. The latter is probably why you were not in love with New York. You were too far out of your comfort zone. Possibly, you desire a pet. I’m thinking a cat—something cute and snooty.”

Maddie loaded up her fork and shook her head. “No cats. Allergic. I also have an unfortunate habit of killing goldfish. And dogs need walking all the time, and one of us doesn’t have a housekeeper to do that. So…no pets in my immediate future.”

“And the rest?” Elena dug her fork in for a stab of the cake.

“I’d dispute the order of wants, perhaps, but it’s pretty accurate—as it would be for everyone, even you. I mean, it’s obvious you want success, so no contest there. And, come on, if you were dumped far enough out of your comfort zone, you’d crave stability, too. That’s not just me. Of course, you also require love and approval. Who doesn’t?”

“No,” Elena said, voice firm, “I don’t require approval.

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