Family Ties

by Lydia Rose

  “So what did your girlfriend want?” Tom asked with a smirk.

  Jenna turned around. “She’s not my girlfriend. She is one of my employees.”

  “Yeah, you always blush when one of your employees calls you on the phone. Is she gay?”

  “Yes,” Jenna said softly.

  “Now she thinks you’re straight because I answered the phone.”

  “It doesn’t matter, Tom. I could never be interested in her and you know why.”

  “Jenna, you are thirty five years old and you still let that witch tell you what to do and not to do. When are you going to grow up and tell her to fuck off?”

  Jenna shut off the stove and stood in front of Tom. “She owns half the business.”

  “So? It’s not like you couldn’t open your own shop and keep all of the money. You bust your ass and that woman takes half.”

  Jenna sat down on one of the stools. “That takes money, Tom.”

  “Jenna, you don’t have a life. I bet you’ve got enough saved that you could open your own shop tomorrow?”

  “Not if my mother tries to ruin my reputation in the industry.”

  “No one gives a shit today if you are gay or not, but having a great stylist is important.”

  Jenna didn’t comment.

  “Think about what I’ve said, Jenna. Don’t let life pass you by. Trust me, I know.” Tom stood up and cupped his hand on her shoulder. “I’ve hid for years and that’s why I ended up losing Brian.” He brushed the tear that dropped onto his cheek. “Don’t make the same mistake.”

  Jenna just nodded as she put her arm around her friend.

  *

  Christina was pacing back and forth in her apartment. “Thanks, Ellen. Oh, she’s gay. Yeah, you were so right.” Her hands came up in defeat. “Tom spent the night. He spent the night with Jenna.” Only her empty apartment could hear her, but Christina continued her rant. “Every time I meet someone nice, they’re never gay. Every single time,” Christina spit with anger.

  Christina’s phone began to ring and she looked at the screen.

  “You,” she said when she answered.

  “Hey, what did I do?” Ellen asked with a chuckle.

  “You said she was gay. Then tell me why is Tom still at her apartment?”

  “He is?” Ellen sighed. “How do you know that?”

  “I called her and he answered the phone.”

  Ellen laughed.

  “What’s so funny?”

  “Just because he spent the night doesn’t mean she slept with him.”

  Christina thought for a moment, but this time she wasn’t going to listen to her friend. “And it doesn’t mean she didn’t.”

  “Calm down, Chris. Wow, you really like this girl.” Ellen tried to hold back a giggle. “I’ve never seen you so jealous.”

  Christina sat down with a thud. “I don’t know what’s wrong with me, Ellen. I’m sorry for taking it out on you.”

  “You’re falling in love with her, aren’t you?”

  Christina laughed. “No I’m not.”

  “Then why are you so jealous?”

  “I like her. She treats me nice.”

  “Remember what I told you. Jenna is very deep in the closet if she’s gay. What makes you think you can pull her out of there?” Ellen sucked in a breath. “I doubt very much that you want to join her in that closet.”

  “I know you’re right, Ellen,” Christina said vehemently.

  “Then let me introduce you to some women. Ones that aren’t hiding.”

  “I’m not sure, Ellen.”

  “Tell you what. Jill and I are going over to Hannah’s tonight. Come with us.”

  “I won’t go on a blind date.”

  Ellen laughed. “There will be plenty of single women at the bar. You can choose your own date.”

  “What time?”

  “Jill and I will pick you up at eight.”

  “Thanks, Ellen and I’m sorry for yelling.”

  Ellen laughed. “No worries, Chris. We’ll see you tonight.”

  *

  Christina met the two women outside her apartment at eight. She climbed into the back seat. “Hey, Jill. It’s good to see you again.”

  “Hi, Chris. You too.”

  “Hey, Chris. Are you feeling better?” Ellen asked as she pulled away from the curb.

  “Yes. Thanks for asking me tonight. I needed to get out.” Christina sat back and smiled.

  At the bar, they found a table and ordered their drinks. Christina was smiling from ear to ear. “These women look so young, Ellen.”

  “So.” Ellen answered. “I didn’t say you have to marry anyone. Just have a good time, Chris. Get that closeted woman out of your head.”

  Jill snickered and then tried to cover it with a cough.

  “Its okay, Jill. I know I’m pathetic.” Christina put her hand to her head and took a gulp of her drink.

  “Hey, we’ve all been there one time or another.”

  Before Jill could finish, a woman came over to their table.

  “Hi,” she said.

  “Would you like to dance?” The woman asked Christina.

  Christina looked up at the woman and could tell how young she was. “Okay,” she said taking the girl’s hand.

  They danced to the fast songs playing. Each movement brought the girl closer to Christina.

  “I’m April.”

  “Chris.”

  As the music changed to a slow song, April held her arms out. Christina moved into April’s arms, but tried to leave room between them.

  “You’re very beautiful.” April whispered into her ear.

  “How old are you, April?”

  “Twenty three. Why?”

  “Just curious,” Christina said happy to hear she wasn’t younger, but knew she had to be at least twenty one to get into the bar.

  April chuckled and pulled Christina flush with her body. “You feel so good, Chris.”

  Christina didn’t answer.

  When the song ended, April pulled her into a dark corner. “You made me so hot,” April said softly into her ear. She looked at Christina’s face and then kissed her softly. “Do you want to get out of here?”

  “I came with friends. I don’t have a car.”

  “We can go to your place,” April said kissing Christina again, but this time deeply.

  Christina reached for April’s hand and led her back to the table. “I’ll talk to you,” she said reaching for her purse.

  Jill and Ellen watched Christina walked out the door. “That didn’t take long. That poor girl is going to be sore by tomorrow morning.”

  “Why do you say that?” Jill asked.

  “Because all of Chris’ sexual frustration for Jenna is going to come out tonight.” Ellen laughed and grabbed Jill’s hand and led her to the dance floor.

  As soon as Christina and April were in the door, Christina pounced. Her hands began pulling off April’s clothes as her mouth kissed her over and over again.

  “Slow down, baby. We’ve got all night.”

  Christina wasn’t listening as her hands plunged into April’s sex. She pumped her with a fury until April screamed out in release.

  “Touch me.” Christina commanded. “Hurry,” she said ripping open her jeans and pushing them to the floor.

  April touched Christina gently rubbing along the soft folds. Not in any hurry to bring Christina off as quickly.

  Christina grabbed her hand. “Inside. Inside now.”

  “Okay, honey, but next time we’re going to go slower.”

  Next time? Christina wasn’t thinking about next time. She was only thinking about now.

  April could barely move her hand as Christina thrust herself back and forth. She quickly came and screamed out. “Jenna.”

  April pushed Christina back. “Jenna? Who’s Jenna?”

  Christina hadn’t even realize what she had done. “What?”

  “You called out Jenna’s name.”

  Christina pull
ed her pants up and so did April. “I’m sorry.”

  “I think I should go,” April said turning toward the door.” “It was fun for a few minutes.”

  “Sorry.”

  “No worries.”

  Christina glanced at herself in the hall mirror. “Fuck,” she said to her image.

  *

  Ellen called Christina Monday afternoon. “Hello, Ellen.”

  “Did you have a good night?” Ellen asked with a laugh.

  Christina wasn’t about to admit what happened so she said. “Yeah, it was fun.”

  Ellen laughed. “Did she stay all night?”

  “No.”

  Ellen laughed again. “Oh, after your fun you through her out?”

  “I wasn’t looking to date her, Ellen,” Christina said frustrated by the conversation.

  “Okay. I won’t tease you anymore. I guess I’ll see you tomorrow.”

  “Have a good day,” Christina said before she disconnected the call.

  CHAPTER EIGHT

  Christina walked into the shop Tuesday morning. “Hi, Christina.” Mary greeted her as she walked in.

  “Good morning, Mary.” Christina continued walking. “Good morning, Jenna.” She called without looking at her.

  “Good morning, Christina,” Jenna said and followed her into the back room. “Is something wrong?” She asked.

  Christina hung up her coat. “Of course, not.” She answered again not meeting her gaze. Christina finally looked up. “I’m sorry for interrupting you the other morning.”

  Jenna grinned. So that’s why she looks embarrassed. “Hey, you weren’t interrupting anything.”

  Christina looked at the floor. “I hope you had a good time.”

  “We did.” Jenna said quietly.

  Christina walked past Jenna and went over to the coffee pot. Jenna was about to say something, but Terry and Ellen walked into the shop.

  “Good morning, ladies,” Jenna said going back to her station.

  “Good morning, Jenna.” They called out. “Hey, Chris.”

  “Hi, Terry. Hey, Ellen.” Christina responded.

  Within a few minutes, Terry and Ellen had Christina laughing at something.

  Jenna greeted her first customer trying to ignore the friendly banter the three women had.

  “So what did you do this weekend?” Terry asked Ellen.

  “I took Jill and Christina to Hannah’s Bar.”

  “Did you have fun, Chris?” Terry asked innocently.

  Ellen giggled.

  “What?” Terry asked, but saw the look on Christina’s face.

  Ellen leaned close to Terry so she couldn’t be overheard. “She wasn’t there long enough. Chris left with a young chick.”

  Terry looked up shaking her finger at Christina. “Shame, shame.”

  Christina turned bright red and looked at Jenna to see if she overheard the comment. Luckily, Jenna’s back was turned to them.

  Jenna continued to cut the woman’s head, but she had heard part of their conversation. She didn’t know what Ellen had said, but she had a good idea based on Terry’s admonishment. So Christina got laid Sunday night.

  The hair salon was busy all day with new clients. The shop had not seen so many clients in a single day in a long time. Jenna knew that by the end of the week, they would have a new record.

  At the end of the day, Jenna walked over to her star employees. “I want to thank you ladies for bringing all these new clients to the shop.” Jenna looked at Christina. “Christina, thank you for coming to work for me and bringing Ellen and Terry here.”

  “It’s our pleasure, Jenna.” Christina answered.

  “Yeah,” Ellen began. “You aren’t uptight like our last boss. She would have had a fit for us talking to each other.”

  “We have a good time.” Terry added. “So much more relaxed. It made the days go so fast.”

  Jenna nodded her thanks. “I’m glad you three are happy here.”

  Everyone grabbed their things. “Chris, how about coming to dinner at my house tonight? Ellen’s coming over.” Terry asked.

  “Sure. What can I bring?” Christina asked.

  “A nice bottle of wine. The kids are with my mother for the night.” Terry turned to Jenna. “You are welcomed to come too.” Her smile radiated her sincerity.

  “Thank you, Terry. Sorry, but I’ve got other plans.”

  Tall, dark and handsome? Christina wondered.

  *

  “How did you put this dinner together so quickly?” Christina asked as she took her seat at the table.

  Terry chuckled. “The slow cooker.” She poured herself a healthy glass of wine. “Ah. To kids spending the night with the grandparents,” she said holding up her glass.

  “Oh, you love your kids, Terry. Who are you kidding?” Christina asked with a laugh.

  Terry turned to Christina. “What’s up with you and Jenna?”

  Ellen nearly spit her wine across the table.

  “What?” Terry asked.

  “Chris likes her,” Ellen said before Christina could deny anything.

  “You do?” Terry raised her eyebrows. “Didn’t we hear last Saturday that she has a boyfriend?”

  “Yes,” Christina said staring at Ellen.

  “But you like her anyway?” Terry asked not understanding.

  “As a friend,” Christina said firmly.

  “Yeah, right,” Ellen said into her wine glass.

  “I don’t get it. Is she bi-sexual?” Terry asked shaking her head.

  “Let me explain,” Ellen said. “I believe Jenna is gay, but shoved so deep into the closet she will never come out. Probably because of her mother. You saw how she was treating Jenna that day.”

  Terry shook her head up and down. “Yeah, she scared me too. I almost turned the job down when I met her.” Terry looked at Christina. “So you like Jenna, but she won’t even acknowledge that she’s a lesbian?”

  Ellen put her hand on Terry’s shoulder. “You got it.”

  “Ooh. I’m so sorry, Chris. Jenna seems like such a nice person. I’m not even a lesbian, but even I can see how beautiful she is. Those long legs of hers in slacks. Jenna’s got a great body.” Terry shook her hand out. “I bet she looks great in a dress too.”

  Ellen chuckled. “I think you’ve been hanging around too many lesbians. You are starting to sound like one.”

  “Hey, I can admire a beautiful woman without wanting to go to bed with her.” Terry insisted.

  “Yeah, keep telling yourself that, honey.” Ellen chuckled.

  *

  The following Saturday evening, Jenna and Christina found themselves alone again. Jenna watched as Christina swept the hairs under her chair into a pile. “Did I do something to upset you, Christina?”

  Christina stopped sweeping and looked up. “No.”

  “You haven’t talked to me all week.”

  Christina’s mouth opened ready to defend her actions when Jenna’s cellphone rang.

  Jenna cursed under her breath and went to her phone. “Mother,” she said abruptly.

  Christina swept up the hairs and went in back to get her coat and purse.

  “Why don’t we go to brunch tomorrow?” Agnes asked.

  Jenna watched as Christina approached. “I can’t. I have plans.” As Christina neared her, she reached out her hand and touched her arm. “Don’t go.” Christina stood there waiting.

  “Are you going out with Tom again?” Agnes asked with almost glee in her voice.

  “Yes. I’ll call you on Monday.”

  “Good bye, dear,” Agnes disconnected the call.

  “Did you need something?” Christina asked when Jenna ended her call.

  “Would you like to go with me to a new antique store tomorrow? I thought we could have lunch too.” Jenna waited, but Christina seemed hesitant. “Unless you have something else to do?” She added at the lack of her response.

  Christina’s shoulders slumped. “Jenna, what do you want from me?”
<
br />   “What do you mean? I was just asking a friend if she wanted to do something.”

  Christina wanted so much to say no, but she couldn’t find those words. “Okay. Yes.”

  “I’ll pick you up at eleven?” Jenna asked.

  Christina nodded and began to walk to the door.

  “Wait,” Jenna said following her. “I don’t know where you live.”

  “I’ll text you my address and directions.”

  “Good night, Christina.”

  “Good night, Jenna.”

  Jenna watched as she walked out of the shop. She knew there was something wrong, but wasn’t sure what she had done.

  *

  Jenna arrived at Christina’s apartment just before eleven. She knocked on her door.

  “Hi, Jenna. I just have to get my coat.”

  “Take your time, Christina.” Jenna looked around the spacious apartment. “You have a nice place here.”

  “Thanks,” Christina said buttoning her coat. “Ready?”

  “Sure,” Jenna said opening the door.

  “Ellen and Terry enjoyed their week at your shop,” Christina said softly.

  “I glad they’re happy. Although if looks could kill, Margaret and Amy would have killed me by now.” Jenna tried to laugh.

  “I know. They looked at me the same way knowing they are my friends.” Christina turned to look at Jenna. “Are you hoping they’ll quit?”

  “Let’s just say if they do, I won’t be disappointed.” Jenna answered honestly as she pulled into the parking lot of the antique store. “Let’s go see if we can find anything interesting.”

  Christina finally smiled and got out of the car.

  “I never asked you if you like antique shops,” Jenna said opening the door for her.

  “Thank you,” Christina said as she walked into the store. “I do.”

  They started out looking together, but eventually separated as each woman saw something they wanted to check out.

  Jenna was crouched looking at a beautifully painted watering can when Christina walked over to her.

  “That’s beautiful, Jenna.” Christina whispered next to her ear.

  Jenna turned and stood up. “Yeah, if only I owned a house and had some place to put this.”

  “You can put it in your apartment.” Christina suggested.

  “It won’t quite work there.” Jenna chuckled. “Did you find anything interesting?”

  “Yes, but nothing I really need.” She answered with a grin.