Later that night, Natalie pulled up in front of the apartment building where she, her daughter and (when he wasn't aboard the Arizona or out to sea) husband lived. Bonnie, who sat in the passenger's seat, had said very little on the ride back – and in fact, seemed to be dozing.
Small wonder, Natalie thought. Out of curiosity, she had taken a sip of Bonnie's zombie. She could understand how such a concoction could almost turn the imbiber into one of the mythical Haitian creatures from which it took its name...
“Wake up, sleeping beauty...we're home,” Natalie said, patting Bonnie's shoulder gently.
“Mmmm...” Bonnie murmured, stretching a bit. “That rum hit me a little harder than I thought it would.”
Natalie nodded. “Well, I have supper ready. I just have to pop it in the oven.” Natalie had made a chicken casserole earlier with rice, green beans and a white wine and parmesan cheese mushroom sauce – a recipe she'd learned from her gourmet father. “Get some food into you before you hit the road.”
Bonnie turned to Natalie. “I had a swell time tonight,” she said.
“Me, too,” replied Natalie.
Bonnie put a hand against Natalie's cheek. “I loved it when we were dancing,” she said. She moved her face closer...
Natalie took a deep breath. “Bonnie, I think you're a little tipsy – let's go in and have...some...supper...” her voice trailed off.
The next thing she knew, she and Bonnie were kissing – softly, lingeringly – like lovers...Natalie felt herself being sucked down into the vortex of desire as their kisses became more insistent...she felt Bonnie's tongue caressing her lips.
She still tasted of rum and pineapple.
Reluctantly, Natalie slowly pushed Bonnie away. “Bonnie...”
Suddenly, Bonnie's face took on an expression of horror. “Oh my god,” she said, her face turning red. She turned and buried her face in her hands. “I did it again...I can't believe it...”
“Bonnie...”
Bonnie looked up. There were tears running down her cheeks. “Natalie, I'm so sorry...” She reached for the door handle. “I should go—”
Natalie took her other arm. “Not until you've had something to eat,” she insisted. Bonnie turned back to look at her – and saw Natalie smiling gently. “It's all right, Bonnie.” And with that, Natalie slipped her arms around the other woman. Her lips again found Bonnie's...
They kissed for a long time...
