Bennett gazed at Lisa in wonderment. She’d never seen anything as exquisite as what she’d just witnessed, never imagined a privilege such as this would be hers, and Bennett blinked back her tears. Gingerly, she extracted her fingers, softly smiling at Lisa’s contented coo, and moving up the bed, Bennett rested on her elbow, mesmerized by the woman lying next to her. She listened as Lisa’s breathing slowed, and then Bennett smiled again. They would have until the end of time to love each other, and snuggling against Lisa, Bennett closed her eyes and slept, too.

Chapter Forty-Eight

Bennett hadn’t been the original owner of the brownstone, and upon acquiring it decades before, she commissioned to have some changes made. She turned what was once a prestigious single-family home into apartments, for what better place to appear mortal than to live amongst them? The third floor had once housed three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a dressing room, and a small sitting area, but after walls were torn down and erected again, Bennett’s apartment took shape. Resolute that she’d forever be alone, there was no need for more than one bedroom, and its spaciousness matched the master bath. Over the years, she’d updated the bath and kitchen to meet the times, and as Lisa stepped from the shower, she appreciated her surroundings.

Longer than it was wide, the room was a blend of old and new. Tiny hexagonal mosaics decades old covered the floor, yet the white marble with grains of gray was as pristine as the day they were laid. While the double vanity appeared vintage it was not, and the blue-gray cadet finish accented the floor perfectly. The counter and sinks were modern, the solid surface holding two swooped bowls, and perched over each were brushed nickel, high stem, single-handled waterfall faucets. The modern touch continued in the bath and shower area at the far end of the room, where, behind sliding glass panels, was a large shower area, and on the opposite side of the space was a whirlpool bath. Variegated gray marble tiles covered the walls, and a darker shade on the floor formed an accent. Perched at the ready was a handheld shower mounted on a slide bar, and overhead were twin waterfall showerheads that Lisa could literally spend a week under.

Lisa stood in front of the mirror and opened the vanity drawer to retrieve Bennett’s one and only comb. She took her time drawing it through her wet hair, and once satisfied with the results, Lisa grabbed her robe from the hook on the back of the door. She padded into the bedroom, and when she saw the state of the bed, Lisa set about straightening the sheets and comforter, glancing around as she did.