Texas Blues

by Ashley Quinn

  “Did they freak out?” London asked.

  Natalie shook her head. “Mine never did,” she replied. “They never said anything about it. The car ride home was quiet and I was too terrified to utter a word. The following week, they told me we had to move again. That was when they decided I’d have a better chance if I stayed with Celia and Jane.”

  “Oh, Natalie,” London replied sympathetically. “I can only imagine.” She knew the timeline was probably a coincidence, but she could also understand how an uncertain twelve-year old would mix messages. “If it was something they took issue with, you wouldn’t be as close to them now, right?”

  “I know,” Natalie agreed. “Celia has been out since before I was born. Sometimes I wonder if I would have felt less comfortable with who I am if I hadn’t been raised by them. I told Celia a year after I moved in with them that I was gay. She asked if I was sure and I said yes. They accepted it, but I think they still thought I was young. But I always knew what I liked. I never felt the need to try and convince myself differently.”

  “I admire that,” London responded. “You’re passionate about life and you follow your heart.”

  “Anything less and you’re not really living,” Natalie confirmed with a grin. “How else is there to be?”

  London decided that she could sit under the tree all afternoon with Natalie in her arms and listen to her talk. “I think you’re on to something,” she agreed with a smile. “Are you thirsty? There’s a big pitcher of lemonade at the house.”

  Natalie sat up and London immediately missed her soft skin. “Lemonade sounds great. Next time, I’ll remember to bring scraps from the bakery so we can feed the ducks.”

  They stood, brushing off their clothes, and leisurely made their way back over the hill. London bit her lip and tried to hide the grin she felt straining across her face.

  Next time she repeated silently. London felt downright giddy at the idea and took another breath as a second thought hit her. I could fall for her.

  CHAPTER 11

  Natalie took in the living room of the Foster estate incredulously as she followed London through the expansive home. Two crisp leather sectionals lined a corner while a 65-inch flat screen television hung across the wall. The dark hardwood flooring was cool beneath her feet and a thick Oriental rug spread beneath a long glass coffee table.

  Everything about this place reeks of money she thought. But there’s a sense of comfort here too. Natalie’s eyes fell on the back of London’s head and she smiled to herself. Or maybe it’s just her.

  Natalie followed London into the kitchen and studied her as she pulled two glasses from a tall, dark-stained cabinet. Gone was the stiff, serious businesswoman that she had first met. London looked relaxed and happy in the black yoga pants and gray striped tank top that she had been wearing all afternoon. Her hair was tied in a loose bun, but a few short strands fell around her face. She’s never looked more beautiful.

  Natalie glanced around the massive kitchen for a moment. I can’t believe we sat by the pond and talked for more than two hours she thought. She briefly remembered their first run-in. I never imagined talking to her would be so easy. After all, this is how the other half lives.

  She smiled at the careful, measured way that London handled the expensive glassware. She slowly stirred the lemonade in its pitcher with a long glass swizzle stick and then continued to fill their cups. I like looking at her when she thinks I’m not she realized as her heartbeat inexplicably quickened. That’s when I learn the most about her.

  Natalie blushed, realizing she had been caught staring, as London turned and handed her a glass. She gently clinked them together and met her eyes.

  “Cheers,” London announced with a cheeky grin.

  Natalie hoisted herself onto the granite island and let her legs dangle over the edge of the rounded countertop. “Salud,” she replied and then took a long sip of lemonade.

  London took a step closer, facing Natalie, and lingered between her knees. After a moment, she reached behind her onto the island. Natalie felt her breath hitch the same way it did when she had sat close to London by the pond. Her nearness, and the way she casually leaned over her lap, caused Natalie’s mouth to go dry. She quickly took another sip of lemonade.

  I want her to kiss me so badly. The sheer desire she felt nearly knocked the wind out of Natalie. Her heart pounded as the moment seemed to stretch forever. She’s going to kiss me. She’s going to...

  London straightened and held out a half-eaten box of doughnuts. She smiled brightly. “Powdered doughnut?” She asked. “I’m sure they’re not nearly as good as anything Mission Bakery has on its menu. I apologize, we don’t have much in the house right now.”

  Natalie closed her eyes slowly.... She’s going to give me a powdered doughnut.

  She reached in and plucked a small doughnut from the box. Why won’t she kiss me? She thought as she tried to cover her disappointment. We sat together so intimately by the pond and had great conversation. This magnetic energy, this attraction between us keeps growing. At least, it does for me. Maybe she doesn’t feel the same way. Or maybe she’s confused. Disappointment washed through Natalie at the idea as she took a bite. Or maybe she’s that scared.

  “Is Netflix okay?” London asked. She nodded toward the living room. “We could see what movies are on.”

  I’d sit through a six-hour documentary on Persian cat grooming if it means you’ll finally kiss me Natalie thought. She glanced up as she nibbled her doughnut and met London’s gaze. It was then that she became all too aware of the fact that London hadn’t moved from where she stood between her knees. Natalie wanted nothing more than to lock her legs around London’s waist, nudge her closer and meet her soft lips. Instead, she remained still.

  They watched each other, wary and unwavering, for a few quiet moments. After a beat, London reached up and ran her thumb over the corner of Natalie’s bottom lip.

  “You have something...” she started. Her voice was barely above a whisper. “Powder...” She glanced at her with an unspoken question in her piercing eyes before tentatively leaning forward. She slowly kissed the sugar from her lip.

  Natalie sighed happily and closed her eyes against the warm feeling of London’s lips against her own. She wrapped her arms around her and drew her closer. Their kiss deepened and Natalie was sure she was losing her mind as their tongues explored each other’s mouths.

  As the kiss slowed, a moment of hazy silence hung over them. Late afternoon sunlight filtered between the kitchen blinds and illuminated moving spots along the floor in the otherwise darkened room. London’s hand tenderly cupped her face. She closed her eyes and pressed her forehead to Natalie’s.

  “Finally,” Natalie whispered teasingly. She brushed her thumb along London’s jaw as they both giggled.

  “I wanted to kiss you,” London admitted. “But I wanted it to be special.”

  “You’re a romantic at heart, aren’t you?” Natalie asked as the sweet realization dawned on her. She smiled and hugged London close to her. “Every kiss is special between us.”

  “You looked so cute with powdered sugar stuck to your lip,” London went on with a wicked grin. “I almost didn’t want to brush it away. But then I realized how much more I wanted to taste it.”

  A shiver raced up Natalie’s spine. She was enamored with the seductive newcomer as she felt something deep and welcome, something she hadn’t felt in years, open up inside her. She had an inkling that the explosive pangs she felt when they kissed held the possibility for something more profound than casual dating or a temporary crush.

  Oh my God she thought as she leaned in and met London’s lips once more. She smiled against her mouth and felt warm all over. I could fall for her.

  ---

  Natalie blinked in the shadowy darkness of the Foster estate and realized she had no idea what time it was. Their exploratory kisses had led to innocent cuddles on the couch as they paid half-attention to some slasher movie from the ‘80
’s. She was beginning to enjoy the feelings that rose up through her stomach and chest as London relaxed against her.

  “What should we watch next?” Her rich voice cut through Natalie’s consciousness and brought her back to the present moment. She yawned as London stopped the credits of the movie and then lazily flipped through a few categories on Netflix.

  “We could watch another cheesy horror movie,” London went on with a laugh. She switched categories. “Or there’s always an indie flick.”

  Natalie tried not to notice as London curled closer to her. She inhaled the light orchid scent of her shampoo and tried to focus. “What about a good old Food Network marathon? Chopped is my weakness.”

  London scrolled to the Reality Television category and selected Natalie’s favorite show. “Would that be your ideal date?” She asked. “Going on a food and wine tour? Trying out all the top-tier hotspots around Fort Worth?”

  “As fun as that sounds, I work around food so much already,” Natalie admitted. “My ideal date is simple. I’ve always loved fireworks, ever since I was a little kid. Fourth of July is one of my favorite holidays. I used to get excited weeks in advance for the annual fireworks show. I don’t know why. I mean, fireworks are fun and all, but nothing that a kid looks forward to like Christmas morning, right? But there’s something special about them too. Cuddling up with the one you love, in the dark and under the stars, enjoying the celebration. It probably sounds silly, but...”

  “No, it doesn’t,” London interrupted with a smile. “It sounds like a really good date. Romantic, even. Maybe I’m not the only romantic at heart...”

  London’s voice trailed off as Natalie pressed her lips to the top of her head and wrapped her arms around her tighter. “I guess we’ll find out,” she teased. “When do I get to see you again?”

  “Anytime you want,” London replied with a smile.

  “Soon?” Natalie asked hopefully.

  “My father’s flight comes in tomorrow afternoon,” London thought out loud as she scratched her knee. “So tomorrow is out, but this weekend I’m all yours.”

  “I’ll take it,” Natalie replied. She leaned in and kissed London’s lips gently. “I didn’t realize it’s almost nine o’clock. I should get going. I have to open the bakery tomorrow and, believe me, the hungry people of Weatherford wait for no one.”

  London nodded as they stood and walked to the front door. “I understand,” she said as she stretched. “Try to get some rest. Thanks for hanging out with me today.”

  She smiled and Natalie felt her chest tighten. “I had a really great time,” she started and then paused. “I can’t wait to see you again. I’ll send you a text when I make it home, okay?”

  Natalie started down the front path and turned once to blow a kiss back at the wide French doors. London waved and gently touched her fingertips to her lips in return.

  ---

  Natalie managed to hold herself together long enough until she closed the door of her truck behind her. Oh my Lord she thought. That woman is everything I want. She placed her hands on the steering wheel and closed her eyes as she sunk further into the driver’s seat. She wasn’t sure how long she had been sitting in the winding driveway and replaying the day over in her mind when a silver Prius squealed into the narrow space next to her truck.

  Tiffany she realized ruefully. Guess I’d better head out before she fixes to tell London that I’m daydreaming away in their driveway like a nut. Natalie pushed the gear into reverse and quickly glanced behind the truck. She eased her foot off the brake and then slammed it again as the driver’s side door of the Prius jerked open wildly.

  Natalie glanced out the window in mild annoyance and watched as Tiffany half-rolled and half-fell from the driver’s seat. She sprawled onto her hands and knees in the tight space between their vehicles and disappeared from her sight. Natalie turned away and wrinkled her nose as the sounds of heaving floated up through the open windows of her truck.

  She’s completely drunk she realized as the heaving turned to unmistakable vomiting. She doesn’t even know I’m here. I could back away carefully and be out of these gates before she even realizes there was a truck in the driveway.

  Natalie bit her lip and sighed. “But I can’t do that to someone, even if it’s someone I don’t know well,” she muttered to herself as she unbuckled her seatbelt. She hopped out of her truck and gingerly stepped around the front. Especially if that someone happens to be London’s younger sister.

  Tiffany looked small, frail and young as she crouched against her car and shook uncontrollably. Natalie knelt quietly next to her and gently moved her shaking hands away from the mess on the asphalt.

  “At least it’s supposed to rain overnight,” Natalie started gently. Tiffany’s body quivered unconsciously and she sniffled. Natalie reached out and put a hand on her shoulder to steady her.

  Tiffany jerked in surprise and glanced at her with glassy eyes. “Why do you say that?” She asked after a moment.

  Natalie averted her gaze but nodded once at the puddle of vomit. “It’ll wash away,” she replied carefully. “Are you sick?”

  She watched as Tiffany paused and then nodded slowly. “Must have the flu, I guess,” she muttered. “I’m really sorry that you had to see this. I was having a good time with a friend of mine and...”

  A once-over of London’s sister confirmed to Natalie that she did not, in fact, have the flu. Her bright blue eyes were dull and glazed over while her mind seemed unfocused. She reeked of cigarette smoke, alcohol and vomit. She’s lying through her teeth Natalie thought with a sigh.

  “Tiffany, how much have you had to drink?” She asked gently. “And why did your friend let you drive home?”

  She sighed heavily and stared at the asphalt. “I only had a few,” she insisted. “I just, you know, don’t drink often so sometimes, um, it hits me hard. I’m a...a lightweight, I guess,” she stammered.

  Natalie sensed something else was amiss but shrugged it off. She was about to stand and help Tiffany up when the younger woman’s mini-backpack fell open and its contents clattered down the driveway. Natalie’s mouth dropped open as several orange prescription bottles rolled in different directions and Tiffany struggled to grab them all.

  Tiffany glanced at her suspiciously as she quickly shoved the bottles into her bag. “I have a lot of prescriptions,” she spoke unnecessarily. “I’ve just had a rough day, okay?”

  Natalie opened her mouth to speak as Tiffany’s eyes suddenly lit up. “Oh shit, Natalie!” She exclaimed.

  She was taken aback. She just now realizes who I am? She wondered silently. She’s slurring her speech. She can hardly get the words out.

  “Natalie, you cannot tell London about this,” Tiffany continued desperately. “Please promise me! Don’t tell London that you saw any of this!”

  She hesitated. “I...I don’t know if that’s a good idea,” she replied honestly. “I don’t want to keep anything from her.”

  Tiffany gripped Natalie’s hand and blinked rapidly. “Please, Natalie,” she begged. “I don’t want her to be disappointed in me. You don’t understand. I’ve never had London in my life. Ever. We’re finally spending time together and we’re actually bonding. Well, kind of. But even still, I’m not ready for her to know all of this.”

  “Know all of what?” Natalie asked pointedly.

  “That I take pills, okay?” Tiffany continued. “Is that what you wanted to hear? I just...I know they're bad, but some days are worse than others and those are the days I really need them. London isn’t exactly the sister I’ve always envisioned, but it’s too early to have her hate me.”

  “Tiffany, she’s not going to hate you...” Natalie started. She gently pulled her hand away.

  “She’s perfect,” Tiffany cut in. A single tear escaped the corner of her eye and rolled down her cheek. “She doesn’t let anyone see her weak, at least. I just can’t bear seeing her face when she hears about how truly messed up her little sister is. I drank a
little too much and forgot exactly how much Adderall I’d taken. It could’ve happened to anyone.” Tiffany threw a hand up in frustration.

  Natalie opened her mouth to speak but closed it again as Tiffany continued tearfully. “I already ruined the most perfect date of my life today,” she went on. “Wayne is like London, though. Perfect. I keep trying to find all these things wrong with him and I still had a great time.”

  “So how did it go from that to this?” Natalie asked as she gestured around them.

  Tiffany sighed. “I got a text from my best friend Lorena,” she explained. “My pregnant best friend who I ordered the baby shower sweets for, remember? She told me that I can’t continue to be a part of her life until I get help for the drinking and the pills. I was supposed to be her baby’s godmother, but she said it would be best if she asked her cousin instead. We’ve been the closest of friends since high school. I don’t understand. Her life went one way and mine went another, I guess. She’s married and starting a family. What am I? A pill-popping idiot who can’t even finish college.”

  Tiffany stood and attempted to brush herself off. Natalie grabbed her and steadied her. “I was so upset when I got her text message,” she admitted. “Wayne kept asking me what was wrong and why I had suddenly changed. But how do you explain all of that to someone who’s perfect? He’s never had an out of control day in his life. So I ditched him. I cut the date short, met up with some friends from U.N.T. for happy hour and we barhopped for a while...”

  Natalie leaned over and picked up the last prescription bottle. “Who is Stephanie Curtis?” She asked as she glanced at the label.

  Tiffany’s arm shot out quickly as she grabbed the bottle and fumbled it back into her backpack. “One of my U.N.T. friends,” she replied defensively.

  Natalie raised an eyebrow. “Do I need to ask why you have a full bottle of her Adderall or should I just ask how much you spend each week to buy it off her?”

  Tiffany’s mouth dropped open. “You can’t tell London, please...”