Unconventional Lovers

by Annette Mori

  “Frank’s had a few bad breaks in life. He needs to find a nice woman to settle down with.”

  “Yeah, good luck with that. I don’t think Olivia would be a good match at all. She’s a successful vet, and I get the impression she’s not one of those women who needs a man to complete her.”

  “Really? And you could tell this from one phone conversation?”

  Kathleen shrugged. “I don’t know. She had this confident air about her.”

  “You’re probably right. Frank always tended to go for the girls who were somewhat more pliable, shall we say,” Jeremy admitted.

  “That’s a delicate way of putting it.”

  The front door slammed, and Siera rushed into the family room. Kathleen noticed the wide smile on her flushed face.

  “Hello, honey. Did you have a good time?” Jeremy asked.

  “We had pizza, and Bri showed me her room. She has more books than me. She loaned me Twilight and told me it wasn’t that scary to read. Olivia had a best friend too. She went to heaven. I told Bri she should come to a barbecue tomorrow. Can you make your famous burgers, Dad? Olivia said it was okay but wanted to call mom to make sure. They only live a few miles away. Bri said she could bike here. Her aunt said that wasn’t a very good idea. She offered to drop Bri off after she closes the clinic. So can she come tomorrow?”

  “Wow. That’s a lot of information. How about if I call Olivia in the morning and we can work out the logistics? By the way, why are you calling her Olivia instead of Miss Olivia?” Kathleen asked.

  Siera beamed. “She said I should call her what all her friends call her. Now I have two friends.”

  Kathleen patted the spot on the sofa to her right. “Why don’t you sit down and tell us all about your night? We shouldn’t stay up too late, because you and I have to work tomorrow, and your father needs his rest if he’s going to create a culinary masterpiece for your friend after his early morning training.”

  Siera slipped off her backpack and dumped it on the floor next to the sofa. She grinned after she sat down. “Okay, but I have so much to tell you. I don’t know if I can remember everything.”

  Kathleen was amazed at the transformation in Siera. She looked downright exuberant. Kathleen looked at her husband and saw him smiling. It was good to see her husband and daughter so happy. She wasn’t sure she’d ever seen both of them smiling so much.

  Chapter Eight

  Siera waved goodbye to the bus driver. He was always nice to her. When she would daydream, he’d remind her that her stop was coming up. She’d had a good day at the store. Everyone had been polite and nice to her. Those days were rare. Most people weren’t outwardly mean, except for some of the teenagers, but they would avoid looking at her or scrunch up their face. She could tell she made some people feel uncomfortable.

  Her mom wouldn’t be home for several hours, and Toby was probably still at his summer landscaping job. Toby was always showing off his muscles by taking off his shirt whenever a girl walked by. He would claim it was too hot, but Siera knew he wanted certain girls to notice him.

  Her dad was at some training at the firehouse. He sometimes went to these events on his days off. She hoped he’d be home in plenty of time to make sure everything was ready. He nearly growled when anyone else tried to get close to his grill. He called it his domain. It made Siera laugh when he would hug the big silver grill before firing it up. Her dad was silly sometimes.

  Siera wasn’t sure what she would do until it was time for Bri’s visit. She wasn’t positive her mom had been able to call Olivia to make the arrangements, but she was still counting on it. Mom promised she would call Olivia’s clinic first thing in the morning, when she got a chance.

  She decided to curl up on the couch and start reading the book Bri lent her.

  Siera’s mouth moved, as she slowly read the words of her new book. She didn’t know if the cats were in the house, but Sampson finally came out from his hiding place and climbed up on the couch, spreading his paws over her legs. When she heard the garage door open, she popped up, ready to ask if Bri was coming over. Sampson meowed as if to say, Hey, I was comfortable.

  “Did you call Olivia? Is Bri coming over? You didn’t forget, did you?”

  Kathleen set a grocery bag, a Dutch apple pie, and her handbag on the counter. “Yes, I called Olivia, and she’s bringing Bri over after her clinic closes. I invited her to join us. I’m still not very comfortable with you calling her Olivia and not Miss Olivia, but I suppose you are turning into an adult.” She pulled Siera into a warm hug. “My little girl is all grown up and ready for college. I’m going to have to start adjusting sometime, but it’s hard. You can remind me when I start treating you like a child.” Kathleen kissed the top of Siera’s head.

  “When’s Dad coming home? He needs to start the grill. They’ll be here soon. We won’t have anything ready.”

  “Relax.” Kathleen turned her head. “I think I hear your father now.”

  Jeremy was whistling as he entered the house and smiled as he tossed his keys on the counter. “Wow, my two best gals at the door eagerly greeting me. To what do I owe this honor?”

  “I think your daughter is excited for her friend’s visit. I invited Olivia as well. Where’s the steak and chicken I asked you to pick up? I don’t think everyone likes buffalo burgers.” Kathleen leaned in and gave her husband a quick peck.

  “Don’t worry. Toby is getting it on his way home. He should be here any minute. I’ll go fire up the grill, so it’s the perfect temperature before I create my culinary masterpieces.” Jeremy sauntered to the sliding glass door that led to the back patio.

  Siera turned around when she heard the kitchen door slam. Toby barreled into the house carrying a large, brown grocery bag. His face was smeared in dirt and grime, and his t-shirt had large perspiration stains under his armpits.

  “I come bearing gifts of meat. Argh, argh, argh. Nothing better than the man bringing home the meat.” Toby tossed the bag onto the island in the kitchen.

  “You’re all dirty and gross. You better not have gotten it all over the food. Yuk,” Siera exclaimed.

  “It’s in the bag.”

  “Go wash up. Siera’s right, you’re a sweaty ball of muck. Don’t put on those ratty jeans, either. We’re having guests, and I’d like you to pretend you’re civilized.”

  “Aw, come on, Mom, don’t you want to give me a big hug? I’ll think you don’t love me anymore. What about you, big Sis? Come on, give your brother some love.” Toby stretched out his arms and lumbered over to Siera.

  Siera screamed and ran to the sliding glass door. “Daaaad.”

  Jeremy pulled the door open and walked back inside. “Ah, that’s what all the screaming is about—the prodigal son has arrived. Where’s my meat?”

  Toby pointed to the bag on the island.

  “Go on, git. Quit teasing your sister.” Kathleen smiled, plucked the dishtowel off the handle on the stove, and swatted Toby on his behind.

  “Chicks dig that manly smell.” Toby stuck his nose in his armpits and sniffed.

  “Oh no, you did not refer to young women as chicks! And I guarantee your grubby body is not a turn on to anyone of the opposite sex. If your father gave you that crap advice, I would recommend never listening to another word he says.”

  “No, it was my buddies on the crew. They told me about the rich women who love getting it on with the hot sweaty laborers.” Toby grinned.

  Kathleen grabbed Toby’s arm and swung him around. “You listen to me, you hormone crazed product of my loins. I did not spend fifteen hours in labor with you to produce a knuckle dragging Neanderthal. I’d better not ever hear you disrespecting women, young or old. I’ll yank you from that crew and make you work in a flower shop if I ever hear that shit come out of your mouth again.”

  “Aw, Mom, I was kidding. I’m heading to the shower right now, and you’ll be amazed at my transformation. Besides, I might have a date with Amy tonight. I think she saw my bulging muscles. She t
old her friend, who told Kevin, she thought I was cute. Kevin said they were all heading to see the new Twilight movie, and I’m supposed to look like Jacob. Go team Jacob. It’s a chick flick…oh sorry, Mom, I mean the girls love those movies. I finally caught Amy’s eye. Can I take the car, please?”

  “You be home by midnight. Remember you have to work tomorrow. You treat Amy like a lady; she’s a nice girl.”

  “I will, Mom.” Toby charged up the stairs whistling.

  Siera looked down at her baggy jeans and favorite t-shirt. She felt dumpy and unattractive. She didn’t want Bri thinking she didn’t have any nice outfits to wear. She hadn’t considered taking a shower after work, and now she felt as grubby as her younger brother. “Mom, do you think I have time to take a shower too? I want to change into my blue shirt.”

  Kathleen turned her wrist and glanced at her watch. “I think so. Your father and I will entertain Olivia and Bri while you get ready, but I’m sure your friend doesn’t care what you’re wearing. It’s not like this is a date or anything.”

  Siera stomped her foot. “I don’t want to look sloppy.”

  “Okay, honey, I’m sorry. Go right ahead. You look lovely in your blue shirt,” Kathleen soothed.

  Siera ran up the stairs and decided she would try to put on a little makeup. She’d never had a date before. She could pretend her friend, Bri, was a date. Bri said her Aunt Olivia kissed girls so in Siera’s mind that meant two girls could date.

  Siera thought she would enjoy kissing Bri a lot more than any of the boys who teased her. She bet her lips were really soft.

  †

  Bri held the bunch of flowers from Aunt Olivia’s garden in her hands, while her aunt carried the bottle of wine and pressed the doorbell. Bri was nervous to meet Siera’s family. She wanted them to like her, because she was desperate to continue spending time with Siera. They got along better than she could remember clicking with anyone else. It was more than the fact they both had Down syndrome. Siera was sweet and so pretty. Bri liked how her long, dark hair whipped around in the wind.

  When a beautiful woman answered the door, Bri knew it was Siera’s mom. She had the same wavy hair, and her smile made Bri relax.

  “Oh, I’m so glad you could join us. We need some additional female energy. The testosterone is driving me nuts. Now we can tip the balance in our favor. Since Olivia insists on Siera addressing her by her first name, you’ll have to do the same, Bri. I’m Kathleen, not Miss Kathleen, okay?” She stuck out her hand, and Bri tentatively clasped it.

  Kathleen opened the door and gestured for them to enter the house. “Come on in. Olivia, it’s so nice to meet you in person. I’ve heard great things about your clinic. I think I’ll change vets. Our rambunctious kitties might take a shining to you. They hiss and growl every time I take them in for a checkup. I heard you have quite the touch with animals, Bri.”

  As if on cue, a gray and white cat wove in and out of Bri’s legs, as she bent down to scratch his ears.

  “Wow, that’s Sampson. He doesn’t usually come out when strangers arrive. I wonder where Delilah is hiding.”

  A small gray tabby darted out from under the couch and screeched to a halt in front of Olivia, who slowly bent down and stuck out her hand for the cat to smell. “This one is smart. I think she detects that faint, vet-office odor. She isn’t about to wind around my legs, until she knows I don’t have a big needle or a thermometer to stick in her behind.”

  Kathleen chuckled. “Well, can you blame them? I’m glad we get the thermometer in the mouth when we’re sick. Siera is primping but should be down any minute. Her younger brother is also primping. I swear he spends more time on his hair than Siera.” Kathleen leaned in and whispered, “He has a big date tonight.”

  Bri looked up, as Siera came walking down the stairs. She was wearing a royal blue shirt and flowing black pants. Her bright-blue eyes sparkled, and Bri thought she looked like a beautiful angel. Her crooked smile landed on Bri, whose heart skipped a beat.

  “Hi,” Siera whispered.

  “Hi. You look so pretty. We came right from the office.” Bri smoothed down her t-shirt. “I look ugly next to you.”

  Olivia stroked Bri’s hair. “No you don’t, hon. You’re wearing your dress T today, and that color makes your hair shine.”

  “It does. You have the shiniest hair I ever saw,” Siera exclaimed.

  “She does, doesn’t she?” Olivia agreed.

  “We all look fabulous. The boys will have to wear their sunglasses all night long to shield them from the glare of our brilliance.” Kathleen led the group out to the back patio. “Jeremy, can you pause from your meat Picasso to say hello to our guests?”

  Jeremy closed the lid to the large, shiny, stainless steel grill and set his tongs on the tray covering the side burner. He wiped his hands over his King of the Grill apron and waved at his guests with a boyish grin. “I’m Jeremy, Siera’s dad. You ladies are in for quite the treat. The steaks and chicken are almost done. Please tell me neither of you like your meat well done, because it would be a crying shame to cook all the flavor out of those magnificent meat specimens.”

  Kathleen smacked him on the arm. “Hon, not everyone likes their dinner still mooing.”

  Bri giggled. “I like it rare, Mr. Jeremy.”

  Jeremy touched his heart. “Oh, if only I wasn’t already married. Clearly, you appreciate the only way to prepare a steak. Just Jeremy, please.” He winked. “Olivia, how do you like your steak, or would you prefer some chicken?”

  “At the risk of offending you, I don’t eat red meat, so I’d appreciate you grilling up an alternative. Chicken works for me,” Olivia answered.

  “Whew. I almost had Toby pick up some Portobello mushrooms, because I wasn’t sure if you ate chicken. Siera mentioned something about a vegetarian pizza. We’re a family of carnivores, so that was different for her.” Jeremy stuck out his tongue. “See, hon, I am not a meat snob.”

  “I think the operative word is almost. I, on the other hand, did pick up vegetables and the Portobello mushrooms, just in case. I’ve been wanting to try them anyway. I think all the meat we eat isn’t very healthy for our arteries.”

  “Oh, that’s a bunch of hooey. My dad is still going strong, and he’s never paid a bit of attention to limiting his red meat intake. Not that being a vegetarian is wrong or anything,” Jeremy added.

  Olivia laughed. “It’s just that certain animals are too close to the ones I fix up in my clinic. I see those big cow eyes, and I can’t bring myself to eat beef. I feel the same way about pigs. They’re so darn cute when they’re born.”

  “What about baby chicks? They’re adorable, and you don’t have a problem with chicken,” Jeremy teased.

  “Well, I don’t eat the baby chicks, and when they grow up, they’re not cute and cuddly. I suppose pigs aren’t very cute when they get to be a thousand pounds, but I still think of that children’s movie, Babe. I can’t do it.”

  Bri was listening intently to the conversation. She’d never thought about the fact that she was eating cows and pigs. She wasn’t sure she wanted to eat chickens now, because they reminded her of the geese she loved.

  “Could I maybe try those mushrooms?” Bri tentatively asked.

  “Me too, Dad,” Siera echoed.

  “I think I’d like to try that too.” Kathleen grinned. “Good thing I marinated them. They shouldn’t take too long to grill up. I’ll go get them.” She brushed against her husband and kissed him on the cheek before going back into the house.

  “You people are killing me. Okay, I’d better move the meat to the warmer section before they taste like leather. More for Toby and me.”

  Bri turned her head, when she heard the banging of the sliding glass door.

  “What do we get more of, Dad?” Toby asked.

  “Meat. The ladies here are having mushrooms.”

  “Epic. I’m starved. I worked up an appetite today. I think I can definitely eat two steaks. Ick, mushrooms, really? Hey, I
’m Toby, Siera’s good looking younger brother. Siera has been talking nonstop about her two new friends, Bri and Olivia.” Toby walked over to Siera, slung his arm around her shoulder, and revealed a lopsided grin.

  Bri liked the easy way Siera’s family interacted with one another. She felt the warmth and love that hovered all around them. She knew her mom and dad loved her, but this seemed different. Even Toby seemed to treat his sister like she was a normal girl. Sometimes she forgot she was different around Aunt Olivia, but even her aunt could be overprotective—reminding her she wasn’t exactly like everyone else.

  Toby removed his arm and grabbed one of the plates on the patio table. “Can I grab the steaks off the grill and chow down now? I kinda got plans tonight and need to leave pretty soon. Mom said I could take the car.” He lifted the lid to the grill. “Dad, you’re letting the steaks cook too much.”

  “Oh, shit. Oops, sorry, ladies. If you’ll excuse me, I need to salvage our meal.” Jeremy grabbed the tongs and expertly moved several pieces of chicken and steak to the top shelf on the grill. He placed two large steaks on Toby’s plate.

  Toby took his plate to the table and began slicing up the meat and shoveling it into his mouth.

  Kathleen returned to the patio, carrying a cookie sheet of large, brown mushrooms. She raised her eyebrow. “Why are you serving Toby before our guests?”

  “Hot date, I think. He told me you said he could use the car, so I assumed you already knew.” Jeremy grabbed the mushrooms with his tongs and placed them on the grill.

  “Sorry, Mom, but I’m gonna be late if I don’t hurry,” Toby mumbled around a mouthful of food.

  “Chew, please, and remember to be home by midnight. I mean it Toby, not one minute after. I don’t care if you’ve managed to convince Amy to take a romantic walk in the moonlight. You treat that young girl with respect and get her home at a reasonable hour.” Kathleen crossed her arms.

  “Ooh, Amy. She’s the cute little blond, right?” Jeremy held up his thumb.