by Lydia Rose
“If you were normal, you’d have plenty of friends.”
Jenna ignored her comment.
“Has the business improved with the new people you hired?” Agnes asked wanting to know how much money she was going to get.
“Since the three women were hired, the business has improved by fifty percent.”
“Fifty percent?” Agnes asked with wide eyes.
“Those three women bring a lot of business through our doors.”
“And you are not involved with that woman?”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “No, mother. She’s my employee and I’m her employer. That’s it.”
“Margaret has said the same.”
“So why are you asking me?”
“I’m just making sure.” Agnes stood up basically dismissing Jenna. “Let’s go to dinner next week.”
“Yes, mother.” Jenna walked toward the front door.
“I’m glad you’ve come to your senses.”
Jenna nodded and was out the door headed to Christina’s apartment.
*
The time seemed to move too slowly for Jenna while she waited for the official word on her loan. The two women kept their distance from each other while Margaret and Amy were working. It was becoming harder and harder each day. The moment the two crows left the salon, Jenna and Christina came together in a passionate kiss in the back room.
“Honey, would you go furniture shopping with me this weekend?” Jenna asked Friday night.
Christina looked around Jenna’s apartment. “You want to get new things?”
Jenna nodded. “There’s nothing here that I want. I’m starting a new life.” Jenna shrugged. “I want new things.”
Sunday morning they walked into the first store. “Okay,” Christina said walking toward the sofas. “Let’s see if we can find something you like.”
“I like the way your apartment is decorated. I’m not good at this stuff.”
“Baby, most of my stuff is old too. A lot of it came from my mother and sister’s hand me downs.” Christina grabbed Jenna’s arm and pushed her down on a nearby couch. “Do you like this style?”
Jenna shrugged. “Do you like it?”
Christina grinned. “I like this couch and chairs. It would look nice in the living room.”
Jenna reached for Christina. “Come here. Let’s see if it’s big enough for the two of us to cuddle.”
“You are taking a big chance in someone seeing us together and report back to your mother.”
“Yeah, like my mother has so many friends.” Jenna patted the seat next to her.
Christina laid next to Jenna. “Comfy.”
“Do you like the color?”
“I do.”
A salesman walked up to them. “Do you see something you like?”
“Yes. If I buy a house full of furniture, do you offer a discount?”
“We do,” he said wearing a wide smile.
“Okay. Put this on a list.” Next they went to look at bedroom suites.
By the end of the day, Jenna had purchased enough furniture to fill the downstairs. The upstairs would remain empty until the second part of her plan went into play.
“That was fun,” Christina said as they left the store.
“Thanks for your help, Chris.”
“I hope you’re happy with everything because you let me choose all the furniture.”
Jenna ignored Christina’s comment. “I’m starving. Let’s go grab something to eat.”
Once they were back in the apartment, Jenna sat Christina down in the living room. “Christina, I was hoping that maybe in a few months.” Jenna took a drink of the water she had brought into the living room. “Uh, you might want to move in with me.”
“Is that why you let me choose all the furniture?”
Jenna shrugged and lowered her head. “I know you might think it’s too soon, but I want you to know that when you feel comfortable moving in, I want you there.”
Christina leaned in and kissed Jenna softly.
“Are you sure?” Christina asked.
Jenna grinned. “Absolutely. I hate when we sleep in our own apartments. We seem to get along and when we spend our weekends together.” Jenna moved closer to her. “We both seem happy.”
Christina smiled. “When the time is right, I’ll be banging on your door.”
“You won’t have to bang. It will always be open for you.”
CHAPTER TWELVE
“My parents want to meet you, Jenna,” Christina said Saturday night. The look on Jenna’s face was priceless and Christina started to laugh. “I didn’t say you are going to an inquisition.” She continued to laugh and hard. “It’s only lunch.”
“But,” Jenna managed to say before her mouth went dry.
“Honey, they want to meet the woman I’m in love with.”
“You told them?”
“Of course, I did.”
“Can’t we wait a while?” Jenna asked frantically trying to find a way out of this situation.
“Wait. How long?”
“Uh, maybe a year or two.”
Christina shook her head and opened her mouth, but Jenna’s phone signaled an email.
Jenna opened the email and looked up shocked. “It’s from my brother. He wants me to call.” Jenna held the phone so Christina could see the email.
“Call him.”
Jenna just sat there.
“Are you going to wait a year or two before you call him too?” Christina asked rolling her eyes.
Jenna snapped out of her shock and began dialing. Ted picked up on the first ring.
“Jenna?” He asked quickly.
“It’s me, Ted.”
“Let me put you on speaker so Hailey can get on with us.”
“Jenna?” Another voice said.
“It’s me, Hailey.”
“It’s so good to hear your voice again. How are you both?” Jenna asked closing her eyes.
“We’re both fine, Jenna.” Hailey answered. “I’m so glad that you reached out to us.”
“I couldn’t find you on Facebook.” Her eyes opened slowly. Christina was watching her.
“I’m married, Jen. My last name is Ricci. You’re an aunt. I have a two kids.”
“Wow, Hail. I can’t picture you married and with kids.”
“I’m not married,” Ted said adding to the conversation. “I’m still waiting for Mr. Right to come along.”
“You’re gay?” Jenna asked and saw Christina’s eyes open wide.
“Yes, Jenna. I’m gay.”
Jenna laughed. “So am I.”
“You are? What does mom think about that?” Hailey asked.
“She doesn’t know yet.”
“What do you mean she doesn’t know yet?” Ted asked.
“It’s a long story. Do you guys mind if I put you on speaker too. I want you to meet my girlfriend.”
“We don’t mind.”
Jenna pushed the speaker button and said. “Christina, this is my brother Ted and Hailey.”
“Hello. I’m happy to meet you both. Jenna has been so anxious for you to reach out to her.” Christina watched as Jenna cringed at her words.
“I’m sorry I didn’t do it sooner.” Jenna added.
“I guess we have Christina to thank for that. We’re happy to meet you too.”
“Why didn’t you reach out to me?” Jenna asked.
“Honey, you aren’t on Facebook, you have no listed phone number. We’ve been trying for years to find you.”
“Oh,” Jenna said softly. “Where do you both live?”
“We both live in New Jersey. We’ve been back for years now.”
“Can we get together, Jenna?” Ted’s voice couldn’t disguise his emotion.
“I’d like that. When?”
“Tomorrow?”
“I’d love to, but I’m supposed to meet Christina’s parents tomorrow,” Jenna said lowering her eyes.
Christina looked at Jenna. “Its okay, J
enna. You can go see them.”
“No.” Hailey interrupted. “That is something you should do first. I guess it’s pretty serious with you two?”
“It is, Hailey. I love Christina very much.” Jenna smiled at Christina. They leaned toward each other and kissed.
“Sounds like Jenna was trying to wiggle out of the parents meet?” Ted asked.
“You know your sister well,” Christina said with a chuckle.
“Jenna never was very good at confrontations. That’s why she obviously still speaks to our mother.” Ted added.
“It won’t be for long, Ted.” Jenna added with a smile.
“So tomorrow is out. How about next weekend?” Hailey asked.
“Perfect. I work Saturdays, but Sunday we are both free,” Jenna said waiting for Christina to nod in agreement.
“Jenna, are you a hairdresser too?” Ted asked.
“Yep.”
“So am I,” Ted said. “I guess that was in the genes too.”
“Jenna, we will text you our address and time for next Sunday. Please don’t tell mom we’ve spoken,” Hailey said softly.
“Don’t worry, I won’t.” Jenna confirmed easily.
“Jenna, make sure you bring Christina with you. We’re both anxious to meet her.” Ted was giggling now. “We need to meet the woman you fell in love with too.”
Christina giggled. “Now I know how Jenna feels about meeting my parents tomorrow.”
“I can’t wait to see you again, Jenna,” Hailey said sniffling.
“Okay, we’d better go before Hailey starts balling.” Ted added.
“I see tears in your eyes too,” Hailey said to Ted.
“We love you,” the two siblings said.
“I love you too,” Jenna said wiping her eyes.
“I can’t wait to meet you both.” Christina was right there with tears. She took Jenna’s hand and squeezed.
“I can’t believe it,” Jenna said when the call ended. “They want to see me.”
“Jenna, it sounds like they have been trying to find you for a long time.”
Jenna wiped her eyes. “Why did I wait so long to find them, Chris?” She fell into Christina’s arms.
“Sweetie, you had enough trouble handling your mother. You hated your life under her scrutiny. You didn’t want your brother and sister to feel that pain anymore.” Christina’s hand went through Jenna’s hair.
“Thank you, Christina. You don’t know how you changed my life since you walked into the salon.”
“Oh, honey. You’ve changed my life to.” Christina held Jenna back so she could look into the dreamy brown eyes. “What took you so long to find me?”
They both laughed alleviating the tension.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
“Are you sure I’m dressed okay?” Jenna asked for the third time since leaving the apartment.
“Honey, you look fine.” Christina leaned toward her. “Sexy. That top shows just enough cleavage.” She licked her lips. “I love your boobs.”
Jenna rolled her eyes. “I wasn’t going for sexy to meet your parents.” Jenna crossed her arms across her chest.
“Jenna, please. My parents are going to love you.”
“How can you know that?”
“Because you are the first woman they’ve ever asked to meet. I never talked so much about the women I dated. They knew they were never the one for me.” Christina sighed. “They met Harper, but they didn’t like her. They knew she wasn’t right for me.”
Jenna uncrossed her arms, but the nerves still remained.
“Just be yourself. So they can see this wonderful woman that loves me.”
Jenna grumbled. “Yeah, if they meet my mother, they would make you break up with me.”
Christina hit the steering wheel with her hand and roared. “No one is going to make me break up with you except you.”
“Me?”
“Yeah, if you’re hiding a jerk inside there.” Christina poked Jenna softly.
Jenna giggled and relaxed finally. “Jerk, huh?” She reached for Christina’s hand. “I would never do anything to chase you out of my life.”
“You better not. I’ve been with too many women who didn’t show me their real self at first and then turned into monsters.”
“How many women?” Jenna asked raising an eyebrow.
Christina giggled. “Jealous?”
“No.” She answered stubbornly.
“At least I had a relationship with the women I’ve been with. I never had a fuck buddy.”
“What choice did I have?” Jenna asked hanging her head.
“We’re here,” Christina said pulling into the driveway.
“I think I’m going to be sick,” Jenna said covering her mouth.
“Breathe, honey. Just breathe.” Christina handed Jenna the bottle of water in the holder. “Take a drink. I bet you didn’t have breakfast this morning.”
Jenna drank the water. “I was too nervous to eat.”
“I told you to eat while I went home to change.” Christina scolded softly.
“I know. I looked in the refrigerator and everything made me nauseous.”
“Are you ready?”
“No, but let’s do this.” Jenna opened the car door and followed Christina up the front steps.
“Hello.” Christina called as she entered the house.
“Chrissy.” Her father called as they entered.
Christina took Jenna’s hand and led her to the living room. “Hi, dad,” she said going into his arms.
Richard looked over Christina’s shoulder and met the nervous eyes of Jenna. “Hello,” he said opening his smile wider.
Christina stepped out of his arms. “Dad, this is Jenna.”
“Hello, Mr. Wilson,” Jenna said with her hand extended.
“I’m happy to meet you, Jenna.” He took Jenna’s hand in a friendly handshake. “Please call me Rich.”
“I’m glad to meet you to, sir.” Jenna forced a smile.
“Where is mom?” Christina asked.
“She’s on the phone in the kitchen.” Richard answered.
Again Christina took Jenna’s hand and led them to the kitchen.
“They’re here,” Janet Wilson said as they walked into the kitchen. “Hi, honey,” she said as she hung up the phone.
Christina went into her mother’s arms. “Hi, mom.” She turned to Jenna. “Mom, this is Jenna.”
Jenna’s hand came out, but Janet pulled her in for a hug too. “Thank you for having me over today,” Jenna said softly.
Janet looked at Jenna. “We had to meet the woman who has made our daughter so happy.” Janet turned to Christina. “She is beautiful, Chris.”
Jenna felt the blush on her face. She looked at her mother seeing where Christina had gotten her blond hair from. The two women looked more like sisters than mother and daughter.
“And modest too,” Christina said with a smile. Her arm went through Jenna’s. “It smells good in here, mom.”
“Dinner will be ready soon. Why don’t we all go sit in the living room and get acquainted?” Janet led them into the living room.
Christina sat on the couch with Jenna and took her hand.
“Christina tells me you are opening your own shop,” Janet said looking at Jenna.
Jenna nodded. “It will only be a few weeks before we move into the new place.”
“I’m sure you are excited in starting a new business?” Richard asked.
“It won’t be much different from what I’ve been doing.” Jenna offered. “I’ve been running my mother’s salon for years now.”
Janet nodded knowing about Jenna’s mother from Christina. “It still will be exciting to have your own place to do as you feel fit.”
“It will.” Jenna admitted.
“Jenna, do you have any siblings?” Janet asked.
“I have a sister and a brother, but we haven’t seen each other in a long time.” Jenna swallowed. “Chris and I will be visiting them next weeke
nd.”
“I’m happy to hear that you will be reconnecting with your family. Family is a very important thing in your life. It’s the ties that make us who we are.”
“I only wish that my mother had wanted those family ties all these years,” Jenna said softly.
“Do you have any other family members?” Richard asked.
Jenna shook her head. “If there are any out there, I’ve never met them.”
“Your mother or father didn’t have any siblings?”
Christina could see how uncomfortable Jenna was with their questions. “Mom, can we change the subject please?”
Janet nodded. “Well, Rich and I would like to welcome you to our family.” Her smile was wide and sincere.
Jenna’s head snapped toward Janet. “Thank you,” she said feeling her face flush again.
After the awkward moments of speaking about Jenna’s family, the dinner conversation was lighter. Richard told Jenna how Christina and her sister would get into such mischief and fight, but they always remained close.
“I knew Christina was gay before she did.” Janet volunteered. “Carol was boy crazy in her teen years, but not Chris. I sat her down when she was seventeen and told her it was okay. I didn’t want to see her suffer alone with no one to talk to.”
Jenna looked at Christina who had tears in her eyes as her mother spoke. She reached for her hand under the table. “Chris was very lucky to have parents like you both.”
Christina squeezed Jenna’s hand. “I was. I mean, I am.”
The front door slammed. “Hello.” A voice called from the foyer.
“Carol,” Christina whispered to Jenna.
“Hello, everyone,” Carol said wearing a wide smile.
Christina stood up. “I didn’t think we’d see you today,” she said hugging her sister.
“I have a half hour. I left Oliver with the kids.” Carol kissed her mother and father. “You must be Jenna?”
Jenna smiled. “Yes.”
“My sister hasn’t stopped talking about you since she met you.” Carol admitted as she took a seat at the table.”
“Honey, do you want something to eat?” Janet asked.
“No, thanks, mom.” Carol looked across the table at Jenna. “Chris said you were beautiful, but you are gorgeous. Chris is very lucky.”
Jenna blushed as Chris squeezed her hand. “I think I’m the lucky one.” She chuckled. “You both look like your mother except you have your dad’s blue eyes. I have a glimpse as to what Chris is going to look like when she’s older,” Jenna said looking at Janet.
