by C. Fonseca
Lili could only nod her head in agreement. Perhaps Ben had had a hand in the way things turned out.
“I’m ready for a cuppa, but first I’ll have some more cake.” Scott stood up and strolled towards the dining table.
“Go easy on the sugar, darling,” Helen called, peering at him over her reading glasses. She resumed leafing through Lili’s gift. “I can’t believe Jess snapped these photographs with her phone,” she said to Lili and Alex. “There are some fabulous shots in here.” She turned a page and giggled, half covering her eyes with her hand. “Oh, that one’s not entirely flattering.”
Lili leaned across to look at the picture her mother pointed at and laughed. “When was that taken? You’ve been caught on Candid Camera, Mum.”
“We were helping Scott move the cows to a dryer paddock, and I slipped.” Helen gestured with her arm. “Swish. I was off my feet and onto my bottom.”
“Looks like the mud was winning. You and Ru are both covered from head to gumboot in the sludge.”
“And cow poo,” Helen shrieked. She covered her face with her hand again.
“I think Mum’s a bit tipsy,” Lili whispered in Alex’s ear.
“The photo book is pretty cute,” Alex said.
“It is. I love it.” She looked across the room and smiled. Aruishi was feeding Jess a spoonful of raspberry-mousse sponge.
Alex bent forward, resting her chin in her hand. “Do you have any idea what caused the fire?”
“We won’t know until the fire inspector’s been. The lights were flickering again yesterday,” Lili said. “It must have been something to do with the storm, maybe a power surge.”
Alex gasped. “Oh shit. You’re right. Thank goodness those big barbeque cylinders weren’t in there.”
Jess walked across the room and placed her half-eaten plate of cake on the dining table. Scott was hoeing into a slice of rhubarb crumble and looked up guiltily as Jess leaned towards him and made a comment that Lili couldn’t hear.
“What are those two plotting? Your father looks pleased about something,” Helen said. “I wonder what Jess said to him.”
Alex grinned at Lili. “Maybe she’s asking your father for your hand in marriage.” Even though she sat next to her, Alex spoke loud enough to make everyone in the room turn their heads.
The colour rose in Jess’s cheeks. Lili had never seen her blush so deeply. Jess shoved her hands in her pockets and said, in a clear voice, “And now I could.”
A hush came over the room, and at that moment everyone’s attention focused on Jess.
Lili sat up straight in her chair, reached for her glass of champagne with a trembling hand, and took a large gulp to settle her nerves.
Aruishi jumped off Usha’s lap, ran to Jess’s side, and clutched her leg.
Tash entered the room quietly, a damp tea towel over her shoulder, and sat next to Usha on the couch.
Lili returned Tash’s quizzical gaze with a shrug of her shoulders and a silly grin.
They both turned to focus on Jess, who placed one hand lovingly on Aruishi’s shoulder, then looked up and blinked, seemingly aware now that everyone was staring at her.
Scott cleared his throat loudly. “Jess has something she’d like to tell us,” he said.
Alex grabbed Lili’s hand and squeezed.
“Thank you, Scott. I do.” Jess glanced around at the small gathering. “It’s been an extraordinary day, and you are an exceptional bunch.” She stared down at her feet briefly and looked up again. “I came here under a cloud after Ben’s death. A stranger to you, really. You’ve all made me feel at home. I don’t want to leave.”
Lili didn’t want Jess to leave either. She prised her friend’s hand from hers. Alex’s grip threatened to cut off her circulation.
“I don’t want you to leave,” Aruishi said, taking the words out of Lili’s mouth.
Jess looked down at Aruishi. “I have to go away for a little while, but I will be back, soon. I promise.”
Aruishi yelled, “Hooray!” She jumped up and down on the spot. Lili was tempted to join her.
“As some of you already know”—Jess gazed at Lili—“I was recently approached by an Australian team to join their outfit for the next season.”
“Well, there have been those rumours on social media.” Alex exchanged a quick glance with Lili.
“Yes, there are rumours, Alex.” Jess’s head was held high, and her voice was steady. “When I return to elite cycling next year, I will be racing with SwitchedOn, the Australian team.” She spoke with sureness and self-confidence.
As the room erupted in applause, Lili didn’t know whether to cry or burst into song. She noticed the glance that passed between Jess and Usha before the doctor grinned at Lili with a knowing nod.
Aruishi tugged on Jess’s trousers and stared at her with a rapt expression.
Jess crouched beside Aruishi, and her face softened as she looked from Aruishi, back to Lili. “I could never have dreamed that coming across the world to settle Ben’s estate…” Jess’s voice broke. “When I came back to Australia, I had no idea my world would change so dramatically. I never dreamed that I would find family or that I would make new friends. Or that I would find love.”
Aruishi launched herself at Jess, toppling them both onto the floor. “I love you too, Auntie Jess,” she said.
Jess looped her arms around her niece and rolled them both into a seated position.
Lili’s gaze darted to her mother and father, who stood at opposite sides of the room, then back to Jess and Aruishi. She wanted to savour the moment—to be thankful for her friends and family and the happiness and love that surrounded her.
She jumped out of her chair, flew across the room, and fell onto her knees beside Jess who was laughing now also as she held Aruishi close. She leaned in and kissed her daughter’s forehead before she reached for Jess and cradled her face in her hands. Jess’s lips parted in surprise.
“I love you so much, Jess. Thank you.” Tears welled up in Lili’s eyes, and despite her determination not to cry, they spilled down her cheeks.
“Why are you two crying?” Aruishi asked.
“Because we’re happy,” Jess whispered, against Lili’s lips.
“Well,” Alex said, “if this isn’t the best Bollywood ending ever.”
Epilogue
Two months later.
“Last night, the Australian television networks replayed footage of your horrific crash in the Netherlands,” the British reporter from The Guardian said. “Did it concern you, Jessica?”
“I don’t watch television the night before a race.” Jess sat forward in her chair and rested her chin in her hand. “It’s all part of cycling: the crashes and the media’s recounting of the event. I am in great form and look forward to the rest of the season.”
“But didn’t it rattle you today when at the final descent a touch of wheels brought down Hübl? On a psychological level, it must affect your confidence.”
“I am sorry Claudia’s day ended with an ambulance ride to the local hospital. But I’ve heard she’s okay,” Jess leaned back in her chair. “It’s not unusual to have some jitters and doubts before a first major ride after an injury. However, with proper preparation and training, they can be contained. As I said, crashes are a part of my sport.”
“Considering your success today, is it safe to say you’ve made a full recovery?”
“I feel amazingly strong. I look forward to continuing to wear the SwitchedOn jersey this season. The team’s tactics and planning set me up perfectly for the sprint finish. It is exciting to be part of this squad,” Jess replied.
“This season?” he repeated, raising an eyebrow. “Would you like to shed some light on the rumours that this may be your last year on the World Tour?”
“Ahh…rumours are just that, Mark. Rumours,” Jess said. S
he’d come to respect Mark Samson’s coverage of the pro cycling circuit, but there was no way she would feed speculation about her future.
Jess was clear with herself about the direction in which she was heading, with Lili and Aruishi taking precedence in her life, but that information was not for public knowledge.
Mark nodded and turned over a page in his notebook. She was relieved he didn’t pursue that subject. He scratched his beard and continued with his interview. “Due to your injuries, you missed almost a full season. How will it influence your ranking?”
“It won’t. As you know, the ranking system is calculated on a fifty-two-week calendar year. It’s January, the start of a new year.” Jess stretched her limbs, feeling like a lazy cat basking in the warmth of the dappled evening sunshine. “I’m focusing on my fitness, not titles or ranking,” she said, looking across the outdoor table to meet Lili’s gaze.
“You achieved such a good result today. What secrets can you reveal about your pre-race preparation?” Mark asked.
“Hmm…” Jess twirled a strand of hair and tore her gaze away from Lili to reply, “The details will remain a secret, Mark. But you know that a week of easy spins—with occasional intense workouts, great sleep, and good food—is the best preparation for race day.”
Lili arched an eyebrow, reminding Jess how and where they’d spent most of their free time since she’d returned from the UK. Jess sighed, recalling the ways Lili had managed to keep her both on the edge and blissfully relaxed over the last week.
It was hard for Jess to take her eyes off Lili. She’d changed from her chef’s uniform and now looked refreshed in tailored grey shorts, a sleeveless mint-green shirt, and sandals. Her eyes twinkled when she laughed, and her slightly tousled hair seemed lighter and shone like gold. She was captivating in every way, and more than anything, Jess wanted to feel her close again. Now she was ready for them to be alone. After a gruelling, exhilarating race, Jess felt both light and pleasantly sore, and she was one hundred and one per cent willing to test Lili’s post-race recovery strategies.
The heated looks between them generated a spark and sizzle that had Samson flicking his gaze between Jess and Lili. “Jess.” He cleared his throat to get her attention. “A change of countries? A change of teams? Big changes. Have you made the right decision?”
“Yes, most definitely. I believe I proved that today.”
“All eyes were on you when you broke away and charged towards the finish line. Well done.” With that, Mark gave a quick nod and put away his notebook. Clearly, the interview was over.
“May I get you another drink, Mark?” asked Lili.
“Thank you, but no thanks. I have a deadline to meet, and tomorrow I must be up bright and early to cover the men’s race.” He adjusted his straw fedora hat, stood up, and held out his hand to Jess. She reached out to shake it firmly. “I covered your father’s racing career, and it is a pleasure to cover yours. I was at the scene of your crash at the Ronde van Drenthe last year, so it’s tremendous to witness your return. The very best of luck for the future.”
“Thank you, Mark.” Jess walked around the table to stand behind Lili. “I’ll see you at my next event?”
“You will. And La Route de France Féminine, in July?” Mark asked.
Lili looked up, and Jess squeezed her shoulders. “That’s what I am working towards, if it doesn’t get cancelled like last year. Maybe, you’ll see me at RideLondon instead.”
“Hmm, that was an almighty disaster for women’s cycling,” Mark said with a frown. “Not to be repeated. Yes, RideLondon is a fantastic choice for a sprinter. It would be a thrill to see you win in a city that for many years claimed you as its own.” He tipped his hat to Jess and reached for his leather briefcase. “Cheerio. Best of luck to the both of you. Thank you, again.”
They watched him make a beeline towards Bianca, the Italian sprinter, and her partner, a member from SwitchedOn, who sat together at one of the terrace tables.
“Alone at last.” Jess leaned down and kissed the top of Lili’s head, ruffling her hair with her hands.
“Is that the end of the interviews today?” Lili pouted. “Do I really have you to myself finally?”
Jess lifted Lili’s chin. “For about ten seconds at the most.” She brushed Lili’s lips lightly with her own. “Oh, and maybe not even that, because, look, here come Alex and Tash and Owen. And your parents with Aruishi, back from… Where was Ru again?”
“Camping,” Lili said. “At the Children’s Music Festival in Port Fairy.”
The timing of Aruishi’s vacation, when Jess had arrived back from the UK, had been opportune, giving her and Lili space alone to reconnect.
“Jess,” Aruishi called out, breaking away from Helen’s grasp. Jess squatted and held out her arms as Aruishi barrelled towards her.
Lili placed her hand on Jess’s shoulder. “You do realise Ru is coming home with us tonight?”
Aruishi covered Jess’s face with kisses. Jess looked up at Lili and tightened her hold around Aruishi. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
What a way to start the day. Lili and Jess lay exhausted, their limbs tangled and damp with perspiration—but Lili couldn’t resist touching her again. She tenderly ran her hands along the contours of Jess’s body, from her neck to the swell of her hip. She inched slowly down the bed and kissed the row of small horizontal scars along Jess’s silky thigh. This time, Jess didn’t flinch and slid her fingers through Lili’s hair, coaxing her closer. She was trusting and open; Lili needed no further encouragement. Within minutes, Jess’s supple back arched in surrender. She called Lili’s name, her voice trailing off to a low moan as she convulsed around Lili’s fingers.
Lili crawled up the bed to lie beside her. She nuzzled into Jess’s shoulder before sweeping her tongue over her breast. “Stop,” Jess pleaded, moving her hand to the back of Lili’s head and holding her still, while her breathing slowed. “Your stamina amazes me.”
“Darling.” Lili placed a gentle kiss in the curve of her neck, then looked up and was caught in Jess’s soft gaze. “I didn’t ride over a hundred kilometres yesterday or stand on the podium afterwards.”
Jess propped herself on one elbow, reached for Lili’s arm, and squeezed her biceps. “You have plenty of staying power. Chef’s work is physically hard, hauling heavy pots and bags of potatoes,” she said. “Ooh, feel those muscles.” She tossed her head in the cheeky way Lili had come to adore, and her hair flew out of her eyes. “Aruishi is not exactly a lightweight, now, either.”
Lili tugged Jess’s hair playfully. “Have you noticed how much she’s grown in the last two months?” She closed her eyes, relishing their closeness and the sensual flow of energy between them. She’d missed all this: the intimacy, sensational sex, the easy, high-spirited banter that they’d shared for those two heady weeks last year before Jess had returned to England.
Resting her head upon Jess’s breast, Lili marvelled at how easily she’d succumbed to Alex’s insistence she take the week off. With Jess just back, she would have been unable to focus and a total klutz in the kitchen anyway.
They were hardly apart. They’d kissed—she’d spent hours appreciating Jess’s sensuous lips and their limitless talents—made love, talked, and made plans. Every morning, Jess went out for a ride. Otherwise, they were inseparable.
“Where did you go?” Jess asked. The tips of her fingers traced over the nape of Lili’s neck and down her spine.
Lili shivered, at Jess’s touch. “Nowhere. I’m right here. Exactly where I want to be.”
Jess pushed herself up onto her knees and hovered over Lili, her expression bright with mischief.
“Oh, found your second wind, have you?” Lili asked. “You’re adorable, but get that look off your face.” She pushed Jess onto her back, reversing their positions. “I need food and a cup of tea.” She held Jess’s wrists and kicked at the
dishevelled bedclothes to untangle them from her legs. “I bet you’ve worked up an appetite. There’s a lot of growling and rumbling going on in here.” She leaned down to kiss Jess’s midriff. “You must be hungry.”
“I am hungry…for you.”
Jess freed her arms from Lili’s grip, ran her fingers along Lili’s rib cage and up to clasp her shoulders. Her kiss was sensual and fiery—demanding, yet slow and lingering.
Lili lifted her head slowly. “I love you, Jess, and I’d love nothing more than to stay here in bed with you all day and explore every inch of you.” Lili glanced at the clock on the bedside table. “But Ru will be awake any minute.”
Jess moaned and cradled Lili’s cheek in her hand. “I love you too, and I look forward to the next time, and all the times after that.”
Lili rolled over and propped herself on her elbow. “Don’t go away, I’ll be back.” She swung her legs off the bed, reached for her robe, and slipped it on. She picked up the nightshirt off the floor where Jess had discarded it last night and tossed it onto the end of the bed. “I won’t be long,” she said, opening the childproof latch. She left the door slightly ajar before heading towards the kitchen.
On her way back, Aruishi’s animated voice made Lili stop outside the bedroom door. Tea tray in hand, she leaned against the hallway wall, curious to know what stories Aruishi was telling Jess.
“But you were away for such a long time,” she heard Aruishi say. “I really missed you, and so did my mummy. We were lonely for you.”
So true.
“And I missed you both very much.” Jess’s voice was soothing. “But we talked on FaceTime, and we shared videos. Remember the one I made when I rode past Buckingham Palace?”
“Where the queen lives.”
Jess chuckled. “Yes, exactly. Oh, and hey, I saw you riding your bicycle along the farm track, past the brand-new storeroom.”
“I’m almost as fast as you. Grampa took that video. I like the iPad you gave us, but I like it best when you are here. Don’t go away again, Jess. Please.”
