The Country Girl: A Lesbian Romance

by Lydia Rose

“What’s this, Mom?” Nicole said as she took the check. She opened the check and her eyes bugged out. “What is this about?”

  “That’s back pay that you should have received. It’s not enough for the work you’ve done around here, but it’s a good start,” Karen said smiling.

  “I can’t believe you convinced dad to part with this money,” Nicole laughed.

  “He had no choice. Now eat your breakfast so you can get to work.”

  Nicole worked her shift at the store and then stopped at the bank to deposit the check into the business account. Next store to the bank was a jewelry store and she opened the door before she could change her mind.

  “Good afternoon,” the saleswoman greeted her as she walked into the store. “Is there something specific you’re looking for?”

  “I’m not sure.” Nicole walked over to the showcases and began to work her way from one to the other. She knew she didn’t want a ring and then she saw the necklaces. “Can I see this one?”

  The woman unlocked the case and handed Nicole the necklace. Nicole looked at it closely and asked, “How much is this?”

  “It’s one seventy-five.” The woman’s smile never left her face.

  “I’ll take it,” Nicole said handing it back to the saleswoman.

  After Nicole left the jewelry store, she stopped at the grocery store. She knew she wanted to make Jane dinner for the weeks of neglect.

  At three thirty Nicole walked into Jane’s house and began cutting up vegetables. By the time she heard the front door open, dinner was minutes away from being ready.

  Jane walked into the kitchen and went right to Nicole’s arms. “This is such a nice surprise. How do you feel?”

  “I feel great. I’m sorry that I haven’t been around lately, but I’m going to make it up to you.” Nicole smiled and kissed Jane deeply.

  “With a kiss like that, we may never get to eat that dinner that smells so good,” Jane said with a laugh.

  Nicole had set the table for two and had the candles already lit. “Come on,” Nicole said leading Jane over to the table. “Sit down and I’ll get our food.”

  While the two women sat in the living room enjoying their coffee, Nicole handed the box to Jane.

  “You bought me something?” Jane asked as her voice choked.

  “It’s nothing extravagant, but I wanted to get you something that would say what I feel.” Nicole pushed the box that sat in Jane’s hand. “Open it, honey.”

  Jane looked at the small gold heart and then raised her eyes to meet Nicole’s. “This is so nice,” she said taking it out of the box. “I love it.”

  “You have my heart, Jane. So I wanted you to wear it around your neck.” Nicole smiled at Jane.

  Jane’s eyes misted as she put the necklace around her neck. “This is so nice of you, but you didn’t have to spend the money.” Jane leaned toward Nicole and kissed her mouth softly. “You have my heart too, Nicole.”

  “Let’s go upstairs, Jane. I think I’ve neglected you long enough.”

  The two women ran for the stairs.

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  By the end of October pumpkin season was over and the sales of apples had picked up. Nicole now only worked at the hardware store during the week and helped at the stand on weekends. The restaurant was moving along and was quickly coming to completion. Nicole had no doubt that by Thanksgiving the restaurant would be ready for business.

  One Saturday evening, Nicole and Jane were sitting on the couch watching a movie. Jane’s hand gently stroked Nicole’s thigh as they watched in silence. “Have you heard from your brother Mark?”

  “No, none of us have. You know, I’m beginning to believe that Mark never joined the service. I think he wanted to get away from the farm so bad that he used that lie to do so. I’ve called his cell, but he doesn’t even have the voicemail set up.”

  “I’m sorry. That has to be hard on your parents,” Jane said offering a comforting hand to Nicole.

  “My mom wants you to come to the house for Thanksgiving. My aunt and uncle and their kids will be there.” Nicole squeezed Jane’s hand. “I understand if you don’t want to come.”

  “Don’t be silly. Of course I want to come. I want to be with you and your family,” Jane smiled.

  Nicole put her arm around Jane and squeezed her shoulder. “Thank you. It would be so lonely this Thanksgiving if you weren’t with me.”

  “Is the rest of your family going to be all right with me being there?” Jane asked nervously.

  “My mother has already spoken with both her brother and sister. They’re both happy for us. My dad doesn’t have any family left so it’s not a problem.”

  “I just have one other question,” Jane said with a grin.

  “Yeah and what’s that?” Nicole’s fingers gently squeezed Jane’s chin.

  “When are you going to officially move in here?” Jane looked at Nicole’s face for a reaction.

  “I’m here most of the time anyway.”

  “Yes, but I would love to know that you’ll be here every night.”

  Nicole lowered her head. “Jane, it has nothing to do with you, but I can’t right now.”

  “Why?”

  Nicole shrugged.

  “You’re thinking you don’t have the money to move into this house?” Jane accused.

  Again Nicole shrugged. “Please let me get the business off the ground and then we’ll talk about it again.”

  “You’re very stubborn, Nicole Harmon,” Jane said with a laugh. “So if I said that I love you and that’s all that matters, you’ll still say no.”

  Nicole’s head went up and down. “I don’t want your friends to think that you’re taking care of me.”

  “I don’t care what anyone else says, I love you.”

  “I love you too, Jane.” Nicole took Jane’s hands and held them. “Please let me do it my way. Just give me a little while longer. Okay?”

  “Okay, but you’re still going to spend time here?” Jane asked poking Nicole.

  “Honey, of course I will.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  It was the week of Thanksgiving and Nicole was at her parent’s house helping her mother make pies for Thanksgiving. Nicole’s cellphone rang. “Hi, Millie.”

  “Is your mother there with you?” Millie asked.

  “Yes, she’s here.”

  “Can you both come down to the site?”

  “Sure. We’re on our way.” Nicole disconnected the call and said, “Millie wants us to go to the site. I hope there isn’t a problem.”

  “Let’s go find out,” Karen said already grabbing her coat.

  They pulled up and were surprised to see the sign in place. Karen’s Barbecue Pit was clearly displayed on the top of the building. Nicole and Karen walked toward the back door.

  “Surprise!” the group yelled as they opened the door.

  The two women looked on stunned.

  “Come on inside and check out your new restaurant,” Millie said reaching for Karen’s arm.

  “It’s done?” Karen asked.

  “You bet it is,” Kay called from the crowd.

  Karen went around and explored the space. The smokers were toward the back and upfront there was a stove, sink, refrigerator, freezer and counter. The amazing thing was Millie had made separate garage style doors for the front. One was glass for the colder weather and one had screens for the warm weather. There was a shelf on the outside where customers would place their orders. On the side of the building was the eating area. There were screens and removable plexiglass for the colder days. The only thing missing from the area were picnic tables. Nicole had ordered them already and they should be arriving by early January.

  “This is beautiful. Thank you all for doing such a nice job. As soon as the weather warms up, we want to invite you all to a private barbecue,” Karen was wiping her eyes on the apron she still had on.

  Millie came over and put her arm around Karen. “It was our pleasure to bring your dream to
life. After Thanksgiving, we’ll move the farm stand over here and get some gravel in the parking area.”

  Nicole and Karen began hugging all the workers. Nicole hugged Jessica as she hugged the others, but Jessica held on longer.

  “Thank you,” Jessica whispered in Nicole’s ear.

  Kay’s hug came with a warning. “You take good care of that gal of yours or I’m going after her.”

  Nicole laughed. “Like hell you will.”

  Kay laughed along with Nicole.

  The two women wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving as they collected their tools and left.

  “So Mom, what do you think?” Nicole asked.

  “I can’t believe we did this.”

  “Are you scared?” Nicole asked.

  “Not at all. I know we’re going to be a big success.”

  Nicole squeezed her mother’s shoulder. “Of course we are.”

  ****

  Thanksgiving morning, Nicole and Jane went to her parent’s house to help with the preparations for the day’s meal. The three women worked in the kitchen side by side with laughter.

  “It’s so nice to have you girls working with me this year. I can’t tell you how happy I am.”

  Jane walked over to Karen and rested her head on her shoulder as her hand wrapped her arm. “We’re happy to be here too.” Jane held out her hand for Nicole. “It’s so nice to be with family again on this holiday.”

  “Hank and I are so proud to have you be part of our family,” Karen said and wiped her tears.

  There was a knock at the back door and they all jumped. They knew it couldn’t be family already.

  Nicole went to the back door and opened it. “Mark,” she said rushing into his arms.

  Mark picked up Nicole and spun her around the room. “It’s so good to see you Nicole.” Mark put her down and looked at Karen. “Mom,” he said moving into her arms.

  Jane put her arm through Nicole and smiled at the warmth of being surrounded by family.

  “And who is this?” Mark said looking at Jane.

  “Mark,” Nicole said, “this is Doctor Jane Richards. Jane, my brother Mark.”

  Mark held out his hand to her. “It’s a pleasure meeting you, Jane.”

  “I’ve heard so much about you Mark, I’m happy to know you.”

  Mark looked from Jane to Nicole. He then leaned into Nicole’s ear. “You did well, dear sister.”

  “So are you going to tell us where you’ve been all these months?” Nicole asked

  Mark took off his jacket and hung it on the hook. “Where’s dad?”

  “He’ll be here shortly,” Karen said motioning for Mark to sit down.

  “I saw the place on the corner. I guess I have a lot of catching up to do,” he said with a laugh.

  “First you,” Nicole insisted.

  “I’ve been all over. Working odd jobs and things. I got to see a lot of this country.”

  “So you never joined the service?” Karen asked.

  “No Mom. I’m sorry for lying to you, but I needed to get away from here for a while.”

  “I understand and I’m sure your father will too,” Karen insisted.

  Mark turned to Jane. “So have you moved into the old house yet?”

  Jane smiled. “Yes.”

  “You should see the place. You’ll never recognize it,” Nicole said.

  Mark motioned with his hand. “So how long have you two been you two?” he asked with a chuckle.

  “For a while now,” Nicole said.

  “Since August,” Jane said patting Nicole’s arm.

  “So Mark, are you here to stay or are you going on the road again?” Nicole asked hoping he was here to stay. “We sure will be able to use your help once we open the take-out place.”

  “I’ll have to see dad’s reaction to my return,” Mark said softly.

  As the words left his mouth, Hank walked in the back door. “Mark,” he said smiling. “Glad you could join us for Thanksgiving.”

  All three women looked at each other surprised.

  “I hope you’re going to hang around for a while?” Hank asked.

  “Sure, Dad. As long as you need me,” Mark said reaching out his hand to his father.

  Hank looked at his son’s hand and grinned. Instead of shaking his hand, he grabbed him and pulled him close. “It’s good to have you home again, son. Let’s go see what sports we can find on the television so these ladies can continue making our meal.”

  Nicole and Karen started to giggle when the men left the room.

  “What’s so funny?” Jane asked.

  “I think someone took over my dad’s body. I’ve never seen him like that before,” Nicole said.

  “I think your father finally realized that he has to stop taking advantage of his children if he wants them to stay around,” Karen admitted.

  “It’s about time,” Nicole said putting her arm on her mom’s shoulder.

  ****

  Karen’s sister Susan and her family were the first to arrive. Hugs were given all around and then Nicole introduced Jane.

  “Aunt Susan and Uncle Ted, this is Jane.” Nicole’s niece and nephew came back into the kitchen. “Teddy and Holly, this is Jane.”

  They both shook Jane’s hand. “It’s nice to meet you Jane,” Holly said.

  Teddy shook her hand and went back into the living room with the rest of the men.

  “You guys have grown into wonderful adults,” Nicole said pulling her niece close.

  A few minutes later, Uncle Bobby and Aunt Lisa arrived with their son Steven. Introductions were made and everyone took a seat at the dining room table.

  Holly sat on Nicole’s right and Jane on her left. Holly leaned over to Nicole and whispered, “She’s very pretty, Aunt Nicole.”

  “Yes, she is and the sweetest woman you will ever meet,” Nicole said proudly.

  “We hear you’re a dentist,” Susan said across the table.

  Jane swallowed the food in her mouth before answering, “I am.”

  “Where do you practice?” Lisa asked.

  “I have a firm not far from here. I have two other dentists in the practice. Shelly is oral surgery and Laura is orthodontics. I’m general practice,” Jane responded. “We all went to school together.

  “Nice catch, Aunt Nicole,” Holly nudged Nicole’s arm.

  “I’m a very lucky woman,” Nicole said to the table.

  “You’re both lucky,” Karen added.

  Once the meal was done, the boys left to meet their friends. Holly stayed to help clean up the table while the men went back to the living room.

  Nicole came back into the dining room to find Holly and Jane whispering to each other. She looked at them both and Holly laughed at her.

  “Are you afraid I’m hitting on your girlfriend?” Holly asked laughing.

  “No,” Nicole said.

  “Don’t tease Nicole,” Jane said to Holly. “She’s very touchy about things like that.”

  Back in the kitchen, Holly put on her coat. “Aunt Karen, thank you for the wonderful meal. Mom, I’ll see you later.” She hugged everyone all around and whispered into Jane’s ear, “Welcome to the family.”

  “Thank you, Holly. I enjoyed meeting you,” Jane offered with a tight squeeze.

  After the kitchen was cleaned up, Susan suggested, “Jane, would you take us to your house and show it to us?”

  “I’d love to see it,” Lisa said.

  “I still haven’t seen it,” Karen added.

  Nicole and Jane looked at one another. “I don’t see why not,” Jane said smiling.

  Karen peeked her head into the living room. “We’ll be back in a few minutes to serve dessert.”

  “No hurry, Karen,” Hank said as he waved her off.

  Everyone got into Jane’s car and they drove over to the house. The front light came on as they entered the driveway. Jane walked to the front door and unlocked the door and flipped on the lights.

  Susan was the first one in
the door and she put her hand to her chest. “Oh Karen. Your in-laws would be so happy to see their house brought back to life.”

  Karen stood in the living room in awe. Her eyes moved toward the back of the house and she was amazed at the large beautiful kitchen. The women gravitated to that room and Karen ran her hand along the granite tops. A large farm table completed the room. “Jane, this is beautiful. I knew you were updating, but I never expected this,” Karen said with a wave of her hands.

  “Come on, I’ll show you the rest of the house.” Jane took them through the rest of the downstairs and all the women walked up the stairs. As they reached the master bedroom, Jane flipped on the light.

  “What a beautiful room, Jane,” Lisa said walking into the master bedroom. “I don’t remember this room having a bathroom.”

  “No, it didn’t. I eliminated one of the bedrooms so I could have a master bath and walk-in closet,” Jane chuckled.

  As they came back down to the living room, Karen said shaking her head, “You did a wonderful job, Jane. I love the house.” Karen stood next to Nicole and reached for her arm. “No wonder I don’t see you very often.”

  Nicole laughed, but didn’t comment.

  “Okay, let’s go back to the house and have coffee and dessert,” Karen said already walking toward the front door.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  It was after eleven o’clock before Nicole and Jane walked into the house. They were now lying in bed close to each other.

  “So are you going to tell me what you and Holly were discussing?” Nicole asked.

  Jane chuckled. “You’ve been dying to know, haven’t you?”

  Nicole’s hand went to Jane’s stomach. “Yes.”

  Jane turned on her side. “Holly said she’s never seen you so happy and she welcomed me to the family.”

  “She did?”

  “Yes, sweetheart, as well as your aunts.”

  “Susan told me that she thought you were such a special woman and I’d better not do anything to hurt you,” Nicole chuckled.

  Jane laughed. “I think that’s a good rule.”

  “They all thought I was lucky to be living in this house.” Nicole’s hand drew circles around Jane’s stomach. “I told them I wasn’t.”