The Perfect Playlist Lesbian Story

16: She Keeps Me Warm (Mary Lambert)

Ash and Henry sat in the diner enjoying a few moments of father-daughter time. "Sweetie, how's the case?"

"Good, Dad. It's got some legs now. I think it's definitely a repeat offender. It's been quiet out there for a few days, so our activity is likely on his radar." Ash hesitated for a moment in contemplation.

"What's bothering you then?"

"Something about the perp. It's not disorganized, there's obviously a need there, and he's been smart enough to operate for a bit unnoticed. So, he's calculating. A few days ago I got one of those 'feelings.' Terry and I have been a little more cautious with our movements until our case is closed. Terry's good, he hasn't noticed anything while I work the downtown corridor, but something doesn't feel right."

Henry smiled softly, "Trust yourself, be careful."

"Absolutely, Dad."

Henry looked up and saw Meredith and Grace approaching from two different directions but on pace to reach the front door very closely to the same time. "Ash, look."

"Whoa." Ash watched, holding her breath.

Meredith reached the doorway first. She looked up and saw Grace just a few steps away and she immediately recognized the woman. Her mouth opened in a silent gasp. Meredith wasn't often dizzied by another person, let alone a woman, but she felt immediately unsteady.

Grace slowed as she approached the entrance. She saw a woman standing just outside, hand on the door, waiting patiently for her. Her eyes shifted to the face and her heart stopped. The woman's eyes captured her attention. They were blue and filled with awe and transcendent compassion. She felt drawn in and thought of Ashley immediately but something was off. She looked carefully at the woman's body and saw subtle differences in her posture and a difference in height. "You're Meredith." Grace grinned. "You are beautiful."

Meredith smiled, the compliment echoed in her ears,"Thank you Grace, I can see why you have been all Ashley has talked about lately." Grace balked again, now at the sound of her voice. Still standing outside with her hand on the door, Meredith returned her gaze happily waiting for Grace to process the moment.

Everything felt easy and comforting and surprisingly familiar to Grace. "Wow. Your voice, that's amazing. I can hear you and her." Grace was completely caught up in the moment. "Would you mind if I smelled your hair? Too weird?"

Meredith laughed, released the door and stepped to Grace letting Grace close the rest of the distance bringing her face to Meredith's shoulder-length hair she breathed in softly. Meredith shivered and Ash grinned watching the exchange through the window. "Different and the same," she murmured. When Grace's vision returned to Meredith's face her initial experience repeated. "Wow."

Meredith nodded and moved into the diner, Grace following. "So Grace, will you remember my eyes too?"

"No, they're not familiar, still new to me from one moment to the next. I can't recreate them in my mind in the same way."

Ash rose and gave her sister a quick hug and kiss, "Pretty amazing, right?" M. nodded, her eyes sparkling. Ash let Grace move closer to the table and she stepped to her, kissing her on the cheek, letting her hand rest gently on her waist. "Hey, Beautiful. You look like you've seen a ghost."

Grace laughed, "Yes, in a manner of speaking, I think I have. I think I might see another one."

Henry stood up and shook Grace's hand. "Hello, Grace." She held it for a moment taking in his face, and the familiar and layered voice.