The Dark Side of the Moon by BadSquirrel

Epilogue

"Thank you for coming in. We'll be in touch when we've finished interviewing the other applicants." Kelly shut the door to her office and shook her head. "Unbelievable."

"If you hire her, I'm leaving you."

Kelly chuckled. "As if."

Hannah put her elbow on the desk and propped her chin in her hand. "Didn't anyone ever tell her that popping gum non-stop does not make a good impression? It was all I could do not to reach over and dig it out of her mouth."

Kelly shuddered. "Nasty image. Besides, she looked like a biter to me."

"And did she even try to comb her hair? Did she look in the mirror before leaving the house and think 'I look good'?" Hannah huffed tiredly. "This seemed like such a great idea. Too bad we haven't had any serious responses."

Kelly stooped to kiss her girlfriend's head before sitting down. "I'm sure they were all serious, hon. They just weren't right for us. But, we do have one more to go and her resume is very impressive."

"True, but she's young."

Kelly opened the next applicant's file. "Young, but with eight years of work experience and four years of college. These references are glowing. She might be exactly what we're hoping for."

"Maybe. But can we afford her? She's got a Master's in Business Administration. I'm not sure she understands that this is still a small business. It's growing, but it's not a Fortune 500 company."

Kelly smoothed the rim of an imaginary fedora with her fingers and a quirky grin. "Stick with me, babe. We're gonna be rich."

Hannah yawned. "Oh, all right."

"That's the spirit." Kelly leaned over to kiss her partner. "If she's not what we want, we'll just keep looking."

"Okay, but if she's chewing gum or flashing her tits, I'm not going to be held responsible for my actions."

"Sounds like a plan."

The resume and references were very impressive. Kelly had been intrigued from the first moment she had received them by fax. Only one of the other applicants had even bothered to provide a resume and it had been pathetic in comparison. She had a feeling about this one. If the girl was at all presentable and personable, Kelly was ready to hire her. That was why Hannah was taking a day off from her own work to help do the interviews. Hannah helped Kelly stay focused on the long term ramifications. All Kelly truly cared about was getting out of the office and back to the work she loved.

At the knock on the door, they glanced at each other hopefully and prepared themselves for the last interview of the day. Kelly stood up and went to open the door.

If she were not already in love with the most beautiful woman in the world, Kelly would have drooled. Standing in front of her was the second most beautiful woman she had ever seen. She was wearing pressed black slacks and a royal blue blouse that Kelly suspected was silk. For accessories, there was a slender gold bracelet and small gold hoops in the young woman's ears. All in all, she looked quite comfortable, but very professional. The girl was about Hannah's height, but that's where the similarity ended. She had long blonde hair, large blue eyes, flawless skin, and features that even the best models would kill for. She was almost too perfectly exquisite.

Kelly knew in an instant that Hannah would never approve of this young woman. Women didn't like it when their mates hired the young and beautiful as assistants. It was too much temptation. Or, at least, it might be for some. Even as lovely as this young woman was, Kelly knew that she would never stray. She had the best. Nothing was worth risking losing the love she had and nothing this girl had to offer could possibly match what Hannah gave her every day.

"Hello. My name is Sarah Wylie. I'm here to interview for the office manager position."

Kelly sighed internally. Hannah might not approve, but they still had to carry on. She put her hand out and shook the small, warm hand. At least it was a firm handshake. Not like some of the limp noodles she'd had to endure that day. "Hi. I'm Kelly Lowell. Come on in."

"Thank you."

Closing the door, Kelly shrugged at her partner over the girl's head. "This is Hannah Reece; my wife and business partner."

The young blonde turned to look at Kelly with a genuine smile of pleasure and then turned to offer a hand to Hannah. "It's a pleasure to meet you."

Hannah looked intrigued. "Thanks for coming in. Have a seat."

"Thanks."

The three of them settled into their chairs before Kelly began. "Okay. Let me tell you a bit about the business and what we're looking for before we start asking a bunch of questions."

Sarah Wylie nodded, her eyes interested and clear.

Kelly glanced at her wife, surprised to find her relaxed and alert, then dove into her spiel. "This garage has been my dream for a long time. Two and a half years ago, my wife and I decided it was time to make it a reality. It took a year and a half to get the location, the money and the approvals to get it started. Not to mention the night classes I took so I had a basic understanding of how to run a business and do the accounting. Family Motors has been up and running for a year now. It was slow at first, but we're making serious progress now. We've got five full time mechanics and one high school kid who works a couple of hours a day in the afternoons. He does clean-up and plays gopher. We've also got a guy who does nothing but drive the tow truck. We're open six days a week, but the office manager position is Monday through Friday. The reason that I'm looking to hire an office manager is because I hate working in the office. I started this business because I love working on cars and trucks. The paper work is sucking the life out of me."

Sarah laughed and it was a delightful sound. She cocked her head in Hannah's direction. "And why are you looking for an office manager?"

Hannah returned the laugh. "I want my mechanic back. Not the grumpy bear she's becoming."

"I see."

"I'm not that bad," Kelly grumbled.

"Not yet," Hannah teased lovingly, "but you will be if we don't get you back in the pits, elbow deep in grease and dirt."

Smiling, Sarah crossed her legs and rested her hands in her lap. "Tell me a little more about the position, please."

Kelly was starting to feel really good about this applicant. She was calm, collected and had a sense of humor. A big plus was the ease with which she was handling two women as lovers and partners.

"What I need is someone to take over billing, accounts receivable, payroll, ordering parts and expense reports. If we're busy out in the garage we might need some help with answering phones, but for the most part we've got that covered."

"What about taxes?"

"We're contracted with a local accounting firm for state and federal taxes. I could never wrap my head around that stuff."

Sarah nodded thoughtfully. "Hypothetically speaking, that might be something we could incorporate into the position at a future date. I'd have to take some classes in order to feel competent to take it on, of course, but it is a possibility to be considered."

Kelly blinked in pleasant surprise. "Okay."

Sarah waited quietly and Kelly tried to think of something to say. "Do you know anything about cars?"

"Only in regards to basic maintenance. I used to have an old Toyota that required a lot of pampering. I learned how to do tune-ups and oil changes to save myself some money. I can change a tire and wiper blades as well. Beyond that, I'm very much a novice."

Kelly leaned forward to fold her arms on the desk. "Used to have. What do you drive now?"

"A modified Prius."

"Modified?"

"A friend of mine heard about two guys that invented a lithium ion battery pack that goes in the back of the car and increases the mileage. He contacted them, learned how to do it and put one in my car."

Kelly was fascinated. "I heard about that. What kind of mileage do you get now?"

Sarah's smile was just a tad smug. "One hundred and four miles per gallon. Fifty miles at a time. After that it goes back to the normal forty-five until you charge it back up."

"Sweet. Can I look at it?"

"Unfortunately, it's not here. We came up in my girlfriend's car."

It took a few seconds for the words to register. Kelly whispered out of the side of her mouth, but never took her eyes off of Sarah. "She's family, hon."

"I caught that, babe," Hannah whispered back as Sarah grinned.

"What does your girlfriend drive?"

Sarah hesitated. "Um...she brought the Aston Martin."

"Aston Martin?"

"The V12 Vanquish."

Kelly fell back in her chair and put a hand to her chest. "I think I'm having a seizure."

"I think we're a little off track here," Hannah interjected. "I'll take over while Lug Nut here pulls herself together."

Kelly twitched a few times just for effect and considered drooling.

"Do you have any questions about the position?"

Sarah was smiling. "I do, but I believe they would only require answering if I am chosen to fill the position. I understand the basic nature of what you require. If you'd like to ask me some questions, I'd be happy to answer."

"All right," Hannah said seriously. "You know what we are looking for. What are you looking for?"

"I'm looking for experience," Sarah said easily. "I have a Master's degree in Small Business Administration and no experience whatsoever in running a small business. I am looking for a company that is willing to teach me to do what I've been going to school to learn. My dream is to someday start my own business. As it stands right now, I am completely unprepared to do that and have any hope of success."

It was a very good answer. Kelly relaxed and let Hannah run with it.

"Why are you applying here? Wasn't there anything available in Anderson?"

"There are many job opportunities in Anderson, but none that would give me the scope of experience I am seeking. I had several reasons for answering your ad." Sarah adjusted her shoulders and went on. "My girlfriend and I are unhappy in Anderson and we are looking to relocate. I was not familiar with Edgewater beyond its general location, but Jordan said it was very nice here and she'd heard good things about the community. From what I've seen so far, she was right. It's beautiful here. Another reason was that your ad intrigued me. Specifically, the line about wanting someone who could grow with the company. I like the idea of taking a young business and making it stronger and more solid, but with supervision and guidance every step of the way. It is that kind of experience I am looking for. I was also drawn by the request that only the tolerant and open-minded need apply. It made me want to know more about your business."

"Because you are a lesbian."

"In part, yes."

Hannah seemed pleased. "How much experience are you looking for? How long can we expect you to hang around?"

Sarah's smile faded a bit. "I cannot make absolute commitments at this time. However, my plan has always been to work for five or ten years before investing in my own business. At this point in time, my most serious 'lack' is in life experience. There are no shortcuts. It will take as long as it takes. Rest assured that I am not planning on cutting out in six months to strike out on my own. If you find me to be competent and there are no serious personality conflicts, I expect to be here for a good while."

Hannah was quiet for nearly a minute, her eyes shrewd and thoughtful. "We can't pay a lot. Not what you think you're worth."

Sarah shook her head in denial. "What I expect is to start at a training wage. In time, if I do well and your company prospers because of the work I do, I'll expect a raise, but nothing outrageous. The money is secondary to the education I hope to get. Although, a few perks would be nice here and there."

"Perks?"

Sarah's eyes were dancing. "My very own parking space. A comfortable office chair. A coffee maker. Nubile maidens to fan me in the summer."

Kelly busted out laughing.

"Oh dear," Sarah said dryly. "Did I say that out loud? That was terribly unprofessional."

They were all laughing now.

"I think we can manage a box fan with a mud-flap-girl sticker on it," Kelly managed to choke out.

"Sold!"

Hannah was the one who got the interview back on track. "I do have a few more questions."

Sarah brushed her hair back over one ear and nodded.

Kelly just sat back and enjoyed the show. Hannah was asking specific questions about Sarah's previous work experience and her education. None of it mattered to Kelly. As far as she was concerned, Sarah had the job. If she was half as good as she appeared to be, they would be lucky to have her. Compared to the other applicants, there was no contest.

After fifteen minutes of detailed discussion, Hannah sat back. The scowl on her brow was an indication of deep thought, not displeasure. Kelly gave it a few minutes before asking, "Satisfied?"

"Almost." Hannah's eyes turned hard and cold. "Do I need to worry that you will make a play for either of us?"

Kelly almost choked on her own spit at the audacity of the query. "Hannah!"

"It is a reasonable question," Sarah interjected quickly. "I'm glad it was asked. Especially since I fell in love with my last employer."

Kelly and Hannah were both caught flat-footed. They gaped at the young woman.

Sarah took a calming breath before capturing Kelly's eyes with her own. "You are quite handsome." She turned her eyes to Hannah's darkening ones. "And you are very beautiful. From what I have seen so far, I like you both. Not just as individuals, but as a unit. But, here's the thing: neither of you are Jordan. She loves me and I love her. Desperately. She fills the emptiness inside of me with her love and tenderness. There is no one else and there never will be. If either of you are secretly wondering about the possibility of something extra with me, let it go right now. It's just not going to happen. Not ever."

The tone was calm and gentle, but there was steel in the words. There would be no negotiations on the subject. Sarah Wylie was solid to the core. Kelly and Hannah shared a look that spoke of the trust they had in themselves and in each other. There were no secret fantasies within them involving this girl. It was a moment that reaffirmed everything that they were with each other. As one, they broke into grins.

"I like her," Kelly said.

"So do I," Hannah agreed.

"Do we need to talk about this first?"

"We just did, babe."

Kelly reached a hand across the desk with a wide open smile. "Congratulations. You're hired."

Sarah took Kelly's hand with a laugh. "Really?"

"Yes, really."

"I stated in my cover letter that I couldn't start for two weeks. Will that work for you?"

"It's going to take me that long to clean this room up for you."

Sarah looked around doubtfully. "You're giving me a corner office right off the bat? I had my heart set on a cubicle. How am I ever going to learn humility?"

Hannah threw her head back in a laugh. "You're going to fit in just fine."

Sarah succumbed to a little happy dance in her chair. "This is so great! Thank you! Thank you very much!"

Kelly found the paper she'd prepared with benefit and salary information. She handed it over the desk. "You might want to look that over before you commit yourself."

Sarah's smile never faltered as she studied the page. "This looks just fine to me, but I won't need the health insurance. I'm fully covered by my girlfriend's policy."

"Okay. Maybe we can add the premiums we won't be paying onto your salary."

Sarah cocked her head thoughtfully. "Or...you can set me up with a budget to redecorate this room. I'll be spending a lot of time in here. It's a little...cold."

Kelly looked around at the dark paneling and the concrete floor. "You don't like this?"

"Do you?"

Kelly dropped her head down between her shoulders and scowled. "You're gonna be prissy about the bathroom, too, aren't you?"

Laughter was lurking around the edges of Sarah's face. "Of course not. Once you get the guys to go outside and start working on that weed problem along the fence, we shouldn't have any problems at all."

All three of them ended up giggling helplessly over that one. Kelly really liked that Sarah was so quick-witted and willing to open up. She would need that kind of humor with the guys. They could be pretty crass at times. At least Sarah wouldn't be defenseless.

"Thank you for taking a chance on me," Sarah said as they calmed. "I'll have a lot of questions to start, but I'm smart and I'll work very hard for you. It won't take me long to catch on. And don't worry that I'll start making lots of changes that no one but me will understand. If I can see a better way to do something, I'll bring it to you before I implement anything."

"That's good to know," Hannah said. "I think you'll be an excellent addition to this madhouse."

"What is it you do here?" Sarah asked Hannah.

"My involvement is purely financial. I have my own business. I groom dogs."

"Oh! Maybe sometime I could pick your brain about running a business?"

"I'd like that."

They spent a few minutes confirming when Sarah would start work, the pay schedule, vacation and sick time, her hours and lunch times. Sarah was accommodating about all of it.

"And the dress code?" Sarah asked.

"We're pretty casual here," Kelly said. "You're not a receptionist, so it's not like you need to dress up. Jeans are fine."

"Don't show what you don't want to share," Hannah added. "Especially around here. The guys are all very nice and usually respectful, but they're still guys. Too much skin brings out the caveman."

"That makes sense. Um...this may not be entirely appropriate, but my girlfriend is out in the parking lot. I'd really like for you to meet her."

Kelly's eyes widened. "An Aston Martin is in my lot? Right now?"

Hannah and Sarah shared a look that made them both laugh and they followed Kelly outside.

"Sometimes she's like a little kid," Hannah said fondly.

"Mine, too," Sarah shared. "It's very endearing."

"That it is."

Kelly was not the only one enamored of the high performance car. There was a small crowd around it. By the time Hannah and Sarah reached it, Kelly had chased them all back to work and was riveted on the shiny machine. She was reverently studying the lines and contours of it.

Hannah watched closely as Sarah joined her girlfriend. Jordan was a surprise. She looked like a man. Not just any man, but the most strikingly handsome man Hannah had ever seen. In fact, even with the small breasts and Sarah's naming of Jordan's gender, Hannah was not entirely convinced of it, but the love their eyes shared when they looked at each other was nearly enough to make one cry. It was like being too near the sun and Hannah had to take a step back.

"Jordan," Sarah said, "this is Hannah Reece and her wife, Kelly Lowell." She looked at her new employers with a peaceful smile. "This is my heart, Jordan Crisp."

"It's a pleasure to meet you," Hannah said as she shook the masculine woman's hand.

"Likewise," Jordan spoke in a gentle tenor.

Hannah held her breath as Kelly and Jordan squared off. She wasn't sure what was going to happen next. The air felt charged.

"You're the owner," Jordan began.

"We both are," Kelly clarified. "Nice car."

"Thanks."

"My hands are clean. May I touch it?"

Jordan raised an eyebrow. "Did you hire my girl?"

"Sure did."

Jordan smiled. "Smart move." Keys appeared and flashed through the air. "Go ahead."

Kelly caught the keys with open-mouthed shock. "Seriously?"

"Sure. But if you wreck it, you fix it."

"Deal!"

Kelly paused, inviting Hannah with her eyes to go, but Hannah declined with a small shake of her head. Seconds later, the car was pulling smoothly out of the lot.

Jordan turned to Sarah and swept her off the ground with a swirling hug. "Thank you, baby. I'm so proud of you! "

Hannah turned away to give them some privacy. She could still hear Jordan praising Sarah, but at least they had the illusion of privacy.

There were a lot of questions bubbling inside of Hannah. Aston Martins weren't cheap. Calling it The Aston Martin spoke of having several cars to choose from. It spoke of money. Even their clothing screamed money. So, if there was serious money involved, why was Sarah excited about getting a job that would pay her half of what she was worth? And why was her lover thanking her for getting the job?

Hannah watched the two women out of the corner of her eye. They were just too open and sincere to be scheming. Hannah knew there was a lot of story going on and she was dying to hear it. When they started looking around, Hannah turned to them with a smile.

"Is this your first time in Edgewater?"

Over the next twenty minutes, they discussed real estate agents, the gay community, the general attitude in Edgewater and the activities available for having fun. They were talking about hiking trails when Kelly drove the black Vanquish back into the lot. Kelly got out of the car reluctantly and slapped the keys into Jordan's hand.

"Congratulations," she grinned roguishly. "You're my new best friend."

Jordan laughed.

"What about Cantina?" Hannah asked.

"She drives a Nissan."

"It's a Pathfinder."

"It's a glorified station wagon. Do you see this car?" Kelly used both hands to indicate the Aston Martin. "Can't you see how hot it is? I actually drove it. That makes me so much hotter than Cantina can handle. Sure, she was my best friend for a long time, but now I have Jordan. She let me drive her awesome car. She would be devastated if I didn't dump Cantina for her. Isn't that right, old buddy, old pal?"

Jordan laughed. "You're just a little car slut, aren't you?"

"Little?" Kelly pulled up her sleeve and made a very impressive muscle with her biceps. "Can you beat that?"

"Nope."

"Didn't think so," Kelly boasted.

"But I can pee standing up."

"She can," Sarah giggled.

Kelly draped herself over Hannah's shoulders with a pout. "Tell me I'm still butch, baby."

Hannah patted Kelly's arm as she winked at Jordan. "Feeling a little feminine?"

"Yeah. And I don't like it. It's...ooky."

"I know what will make you feel better, baby."

Kelly wiggled her eyebrows lasciviously. "Me, too."

"Let's introduce Jordan to Freddie."

"That's not what I..." Kelly straightened up. "Oh God. Freddie's going to have an attack of the vapors."

Jordan frowned. "Who's Freddie?"

Hannah and Kelly dissolved in laughter.