Reaching Out

Chapter 3

"She's…she's your…aunt?" Lindsey stuttered as she regarded Megan, surprise written all over her face.

"Yes," the brunette replied. "She's my father's sister."

"You're Sara Sidle's niece?" Lindsey stated rather than asked.

The other girl nodded. Lindsey watched her ice blue eyes and she could almost see the wheels turning in Megan's mind.

"And my aunt is a friend of your mother?"

"Well, they're colleagues actually."

Suddenly it dawned upon Megan, realization settling in. "You're Catherine Willows' daughter." Now it was Lindsey's time to merely nod at the posed question.

"I guess it's true what she said about the Willows women," Megan muttered to herself before she started munching on her cookie.

"Sorry?" Lindsey said, not sure whether she'd heard her correctly.

"Sara told me about you…" Megan trailed off. "Well, more about your mother," she quickly added, smiling at the blonde.

"All good things, I hope?"

"Oh, no need to worry," Megan started. "She's quite fond of your mother…and you, for that matter."

"And what exactly did she tell you?" Lindsey asked with an amused look, crossing her arms in front of her.

"Well…" Megan hesitated.

Lindsey liked to see the brunette squirm a little and decided to tease her a little more. "She told you to keep away from us."

"No!" Megan almost shouted. "No, she told me that the Willows women were a force to reckon with," the brunette said as she started to fidget with the ring she wore on her thumb.

"And that Catherine had a beautiful daughter," Megan continued, staring straight into Lindsey's eyes. "And I can only say she was right…on both accounts."

The brunette smirked as she noticed the blush on Lindsey's cheeks. Lindsey, suddenly very self-conscious, tore her eyes away from Megan's ice blue ones, muttering a quiet "Thank you."

After a few minutes of silence the blonde spoke up, "Sara never mentioned she had a niece."

"That's because she didn't know she had one," Megan started. "My dad died when I was only five years old, at that time Sara'd long lost contact with the family. Not her choice, but Grandma's."

Lindsey looked at her questioningly, silently asking Megan to explain some more.

"Let's just say Grandma found out something about Sara she didn't particularly like."

"Oh," Lindsey replied, not completely getting the message until…"Ohhh."

"So, when I turned 18 last year, my dad's will was executed and I received a letter from him telling me about his sister Sara. First time we met was-"

"Last Christmas," Lindsey interrupted. "I remember Mom telling she went to San Francisco."

"Yep. We had a great time. She's such a nice and caring person. We hit it off right from the start. Turned out we have a lot in common…" Megan stated as she started at Lindsey unabashedly. "Even more so than we both imagined."

Lindsey saw the appreciative look in Megan's eyes and suddenly felt very nervous. "I…I'm gonna listen to some music," she quipped, quickly putting her earphones on.

"Oh…okay," Megan replied flustered, wondering if she'd misinterpreted the signs. She decided to give the blonde some space and grabbed her astrophysics book again.

It took only about two minutes, then Lindsey turned to her again. "I'm sorry. That was very rude of me."

"No, I should say sorry," the brunette started. "I thought that…"

"You thought right," Lindsey replied as she locked eyes with Megan. "It just…surprised me, I guess."

Megan smiled as the blonde offered her another cookie. While reaching for the offered treat their fingers touched. Lindsey couldn't stop the involuntary shiver that raced through her spine.

Both silently stared at their touching hands, both not moving an inch. Megan was the first to break the silence. She cleared her throat and said, "Why don't you come with me when we get to San Francisco?"

"I...Uh…" Lindsey started, completely surprised by the brunette's question. "I don't want to impose."

"You won't," Megan said sincerely. "Unless you'd rather…"

"No…No, I'd love to," the other girl replied.

"Good, great."

They smiled at one another before taking back their hands, then started eating the chocolate chip cookies.

"So," Lindsey said after a few minutes. "You're saying Sara has the hots for my mom?"

"Oh yes she does," Megan smirked. "But don't let her know I told you."

"As long as you won't remember I told you my mom has eyes for a certain colleague of her," Lindsey replied, grinning as she saw Megan's smirk turn into a full-blown smile.

"Really?" Megan asked. "Because Sara told me that there was some tension between the two of them...that they more than often disagreed on things."

"Well, I bet you can guess where that tension comes from," Lindsey started. "As for the disagreements, like you say before, the Willows women are a force to reckon with. Once my mom got something on her mind she won't easily let go...or change her opinion about things. Though with Sara..."

"Then, if your mom likes her why treat her like that?"

Lindsey shrugged. "I guess she's insecure. Her whole life she always had to show this tough, I-can-handle-things act. In her career she succeeded...her lovelife is a whole different story. Plus, she thinks Sara isn't-"

"Into women?" Megan interrupted. "I can see why she would think that. Sara isn't the most open person, especially when it comes to her feelings. Though, the past week I learned a lot about her. For instance about how she felt about your mother."

"Maybe we need to help them...push them into the right direction," Lindsey quipped.

"Perhaps we could show them how?" Megan replied, quirking an eyebrow.

Again, Lindsey was surprised by Megan's forwardness, though this time she didn't shy away from the brunette's piercing stare. The blonde smiled as she saw the sparkle in those ice blue eyes in front of her.

"We'll see."

Chapter 4

While the bus drove on in the darkness of the night, Lindsey's fallen asleep again, her head leaning against the window.

Megan was still reading. For some reason she hadn't been able to get her thoughts to settle down and rest some. Looking up from her book she smiled as she regarded Lindsey's peacefully sleeping form.

She removed her glasses and pinched the bridge of her nose. Then checked her watch and realized they'd been traveling for about five and a half hours, which meant they had about nine hours on the road left. Deciding she'd rest her eyes for a while, she closed her book and put it back in her bag.

She shifted a little to get comfortable in her seat, leaning her head back and closing her eyes. Suddenly she tensed as the blonde next to her shifted as well, her head coming to rest on Megan's shoulder.

She smiled as Lindsey muttered something incoherent. Sighing contently, the brunette relaxed and rested her cheek upon Lindsey's head. It didn't take long before both of the girls were fast asleep.

*-*-*-*-*

It was around 7.30 a.m. when Lindsey awoke, rays of sunlight falling across her face. She moved her head a little, trying to adjust her pillow. Suddenly her eyes shot open. Pillow? I didn't... Then it dawned upon her.

Megan.

Carefully she tried to look up at the brunette. Megan had been sleeping as well, but as Lindsey moved she started to wake as well. Lindsey smiled at her as she saw in the brunette's face that she was also searching her memory on where she was and what had happened.

"Hey," she said as she caught Lindsey's eyes.

"Morning," the blonde softly replied, not removing her head from Megan's shoulder. "Did you sleep okay?"

"Hmm, yes," Megan answered as she held up her hand, waiting for Lindsey to reach out and take it in hers. The blonde immediately responded and linked her fingers through Megan's. Together they watched their entwined hands in silence, enjoying this simple, small touch.

After a few minutes Lindsey's stomach decided to end the silence. Both looked at where the rumbling sound came from before they started to laugh.

"Guess I could use some breakfast," the blonde smiled sheepishly.

"Well, seems you're in luck," Megan replied as she looked out of the window and noticed they were pulling in at a bus station. "Come on," she started as she got out of her seat. She let go of Lindsey's hand and stretched her arms over her head. "I'm buying."

The bus driver told the passengers they'd have about forty minutes before they'd hit the road again, so both were glad they wouldn't have to rush like last time.

Megan was the first out of the bus and waited for Lindsey, stretching all the unused muscles of her tall body once again, taking in the surroundings. The morning sky was clear blue, not a cloud in sight, and though it still was a bit chilly it promised to be a beautiful day.

She suddenly felt another person next to her.

"Ah, fresh air," the blonde quipped before she took a deep breath.

"What are you saying?" Megan asked as she turned to face her, one eyebrow quirked. "You think I stink?" she said, feigning hurt.

"Not you silly, the bus," Lindsey said as she gave Megan a shove. "You," she started as she leaned closer to the brunette, "smell rather nicely."

Megan had to swallow, the closeness of Lindsey's body combined with the look in her eyes affected her dearly. "I...Uh...Thanks," she stuttered.

The other girl leaned even closer and placed a soft peck on her cheek. "You're welcome," she said as she turned and walked to the building.

Megan stood frozen to the ground; the only movement she made was that of her hand reaching up to touch the spot on her cheek where the blonde's lips had just been.

After a few steps Lindsey turned to see Megan still standing in the same spot. "Are you gonna stand there the entire time? I thought you said you were buying me breakfast?"

The brunette shook her head to clear the fog that had settled in her mind. As she saw the grin on Lindsey's face she snapped out of it and took a few quick strides to catch up with her.

They entered the building and headed over to the small diner that was situated at the back. There were a few people inside already having their coffees and toasts.

"You order our breakfast," Lindsey said to Megan as she walked over to the restroom.

"Alright," the brunette replied to Lindsey's retreating backside. She sat down at a window table and grabbed the menu. It only took a few seconds before a waitress headed over.

"Hi there," the grey-haired woman started, sounding very chipper. "What can I get you, this lovely morning?"

Megan smiled at the woman's cheerfulness, then looked back at the menu. "I'll have the scrambled eggs, bacon and toast, a coffee, and an orange juice, please."

The woman nodded as she wrote it all down, then turned to leave. Megan wanted to put the menu down, till her eyes fell on another thing on the card. "Ma'am?" she called after the waitress. "I'd like the blueberry pancakes as well, please."

"My, my, don't you have a healthy appetite," the woman smirked. After adding it to the list she headed to the counter only to come back to the table within seconds. "Here you go...coffee and an OJ. Rest'll be out in a few minutes," she said before walking to the next table.

"Thanks." Megan reached for the coffee and took a tentative sip, swirling the hot liquid through her mouth.

At that moment Lindsey came walking out of the bathroom. She had to smirk as she watched Megan enjoying her new fix of black tar. "You sure share that caffeine gene with your aunt," she said as she sat down opposite the brunette.

"Can't help it. She told me it runs in the family," Megan replied as she put the orange juice in front of Lindsey. "I thought you'd prefer this to...black tar," she kidded.

"Thanks."

"So," Lindsey started after she'd taken a sip. "What did you order?"

"You'll see," Megan quipped before downing another gulp of coffee. Lindsey turned her head towards the counter, trying to get a glimpse of their breakfast.

"Hey, no peeking," the other girl said trying to sound sternly, though failing miserably as she saw Lindsey's pout. "You asked me to order breakfast, so let me surprise you."

"Alright," the blonde said, smirking as she locked eyes with the brunette. They stared at one another in silence, sipping their drinks as they lost themselves in each other's eyes.

A soft cough pulled them out of their thoughts and as they looked up the waitress had returned to their table, carrying three plates. The grey-haired woman put the scrambled eggs, bacon and toast down.

"Hmmm, smells good," Lindsey stated as she started to reach for one of the plates.

"Wait till you see what I ordered for you," Megan said as she noticed the waitress returning with the last plate.

"What? You're planning on eating all this by yourself?" Lindsey asked. And remain in such a shape? she added mentally.

"I'm willing to share," Megan started, continuing as the waitress placed the plate in front of them, "if you are."

Lindsey's eyes grew large, and her mouth started to water as the sweet smell of blueberry pancakes filled her nostrils.

"But," the brunette added smirking, "judging by the look on your face I guess that's not an option."

Lindsey looked up from the plate and smiled at her. "Of course we'll share. You're paying for it, so…" She paused as she got up and stepped to the other side of the table. "Scoot."

Megan did as she was told, quietly regarding the blonde. Sara is absolutely right. Those Willows women definitely are a force to reckon with.

Lindsey settled next to her, grabbed a piece of toast and started munching on it. Megan merely watched the blonde, not eating any of the food. The other girl felt the brunette's gaze. Realizing she hadn't eaten anything yet she turned her attention to Megan. She forked some of the eggs and held it in front of the brunette's mouth.

As she saw the blonde's offerings, Megan suddenly realized how hungry she really was and quickly took the offered bite.

"Now you know how this works you can do the rest by yourself," Lindsey quipped.

"I think I prefer you feeding me," Megan started. "Tastes much better that way."

"Right," the blonde said. "How old did you say you were?"

"Aw, come on," Megan whined.

"We'll make a deal," Lindsey replied after a moment. She had secretly enjoyed feeding the brunette, though she didn't want Megan to know that. "First we'll eat this," she said, indicating the eggs, bacon, and toast, "and when we get to the pancakes I'll give you a hand."

Megan immediately grabbed the fork Lindsey was holding and dug in eagerly.

*-*-*-*-*

"Hmmm," Megan hummed as she closed her lips around another bite of pancake. "Best blueberry pancakes I've ever had."

"Oh really? Well maybe you should compliment the chef," Lindsey quipped. "Thank him for the tasty breakfast."

Megan placed her hand on Lindsey's thigh, her thumb starting to make caressing circles. She locked her ice blue eyes on Lindsey's green ones. "I don't think it's the chef I should thank." She leaned in and, just like the blonde had done to her, placed a soft kiss on Lindsey's cheek.

"Sweet talker." Lindsey blushed, looking away from Megan's penetrating stare.

At that moment the waitress returned. "You want a refill?" she asked, pointing to Megan's empty mug.

Megan slowly removed her hand from Lindsey's thigh, though not before giving it a last soft squeeze. "Could I get a coffee to go instead?" she asked.

"Sure." The woman smiled before she headed back to the counter.

"I'll be right back," Megan said to Lindsey and walked off to the restroom.

"Where'd your girlfriend go?" the waitress inquired as she got back with the coffee.

Lindsey practically choked in her last gulp of orange juice, almost spilling it all on the table. "She's…not…we," she stuttered, feeling like a little kid caught with her hand in the cookie jar.

"Girl, I might be old, but I am not blind," the grey-haired woman said, winking at the blushing girl.

Before Lindsey could reply, Megan reappeared and asked the waitress for the check.

*-*-*-*-*

With only five minutes left the two got back on the bus. It would take about another six hours before they'd reach San Francisco.

As they sat down in their seats again, Lindsey reached for her backpack and pulled out a book.

"Henry James, nice," Megan said as she'd caught a glimpse of the book's cover.

"He's one of my favorite authors," Lindsey stated. She traced the imprinted letters on the cover before continuing. "Sara gave me this book for my birthday."

Megan smiled. "He's one of her favorites, too. As is-"

"Edgar Allen Poe," the blonde finished.

Megan grabbed her bag and pulled out a book as well. Showing Lindsey the cover she replied, "Yep."

They both smiled, thinking the same thing. Sara and her preference for literary birthday presents…

"Speaking of Sara," Megan continued as she put the book away again and reached for her cell phone. "She made me promise I'd call her, I'd better do that first."

Lindsey smiled at her, then turned her focus to the book, starting with a new short story, The Beast in the Jungle.

She tried not to eavesdrop on Megan's conversation, focusing completely on the story. Though when she felt the brunette's hand on her thigh she looked up from the book and heard Megan say her goodbyes.

As Megan locked eyes with Lindsey she quickly added, "Oh, and Sara?"

"Yeah?"

"I now know what you meant when you were talking about those Willows women," she stated smiling broadly at the blonde who covered her hand with her own, giving a soft squeeze. And with that said the brunette hung up.

*-*-*-*-*

Back in Las Vegas…

Sara stared at her phone, wondering what her niece had meant with that comment.

Continued…

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