Outing of the Heart Read Online Free

she launched into her first question, prepared to gain the information slowly and carefully.
Beginning to relax and feel at ease with Devon, who seemed to surround her with an aura of special interest, Tenille enjoyed responding. She found herself telling this woman about the marriage; the separation, the trials in her life with her husband and her mother. Devon listened sympathetically, nodding at times, one way or another always inspiriting.
‘ …you see, Mom felt my interest in dance was just a passing fad. She saw no future in it, blocked all my attempts to get involved, so in the end I lost heart.’ She passed a slender hand across her brow. ‘Now I’m out from under, so to speak,’ she looked up from her glass and smiled, more to herself than Devon. ‘I’m really keen to give it a go. Your coming along when you did … well, that was terrific.’ This time she looked her full in the face and bestowed a dazzling beam which warmed Devon through to her core.
‘Enough about me,’ she was adamant: ‘I’ve talked too much. Tell me about you.’
‘Let’s freshen our glasses first. Waiter.’ Devon caught the eye of the elderly gent who had served them before. ‘Same again please.’ She raised an enquiring eyebrow.
‘My turn,’ Tenille was quick, already diving into her purse. Devon simply nodded.
‘I’ve been fortunate compared with you Tenille. I’m an only child too, but Pops spoils me. He has pretty well let me do as I please … so long as I’m law abiding.’ A sharp, abrupt laugh. ‘And I am. I work for him as a receptionist. He’s a senior partner in an architectural firm. They have designed some impressive buildings. If ever we’re down in the business sector, I’ll point them out to you.’ She lit another cigarette then raised her glass in salute.
‘Go on,’ Tenille encouraged.
Devon shot her a quick, speculative glance. Was there a special interest here? ‘Also, unlike you, I’ve never been married,’ letting go that brittle laugh again. ‘Pretty close sometimes, but always backed out at the eleventh hour. Pops is very disappointed with me at the moment. He’d love to be a grand-daddy. I’m thirty-four and he feels I should settle down. How old are you? You’re at that stage when I think it’s hard to guess.’ She stared at Tenille through her slanting, cat eyes. This time she was unabashed by her directness.
‘I’m thirty. My birthday was October 12th.’
‘So you’re a Libran. I’m Gemini. I think our signs get along, don’t they?’
‘I don’t know. I don’t follow the stars.’ She regarded Devon silently, thinking how dramatic she appeared in the subdued lights of the bar. The cheek bones looked to have been sculptured by a master craftsman. That scatter of freckles entranced her. She could sit and watch forever. In her turn, Devon was reflecting on the parts of her story she was omitting. She had had many female lovers too. In fact, she thought, you could describe her as bi-sexual, but she hated labels. It was just that she couldn’t resist a beautiful face and men always found her attractive. She simply couldn’t say no to power and money. It was very difficult. Time was slipping away, especially if she wanted a family. But then, could she tolerate screaming tantrums, however cute the infant? She refocused her mind.
‘I’m hoping you’ll stick with Belen, Tenille,’ she confided sincerely. ‘I’m very serious when I say you have real talent. Belen was impressed with you last night.’
She wanted to protest she knew nothing of the dance form, but Devon held up a peremptory hand. ‘Hear me out. It’s not the steps we’re looking at. Those will come with practise. No. It’s your look. You have the carriage and the style of a Spanish dancer.’ She