by Lydia Rose
Carol looked at Jenna and said. “I know you from somewhere.”
“I don’t remember meeting you.” Jenna admitted.
“You just look familiar.” Carol’s hand went to her chin. “Oh well. I can’t remember now.” She stood up. “I have to get back home. It was nice to meet you, Jenna.”
“You too, Carol.”
*
“That wasn’t too painful, was it?” Christina asked as they drove back to the apartment.
“No. I like your family. It must have been great growing up with them?”
“We had our arguments over the years, but we never got angry with each other. I can tell you that my parents didn’t always like my girlfriends. They love you, honey.”
“I only just met them, Chris.”
“It doesn’t matter. My mom told me in the kitchen that I was very lucky to have you in my life.”
“I love you, Chris.” Jenna wiped a tear from her cheek.
“I love you too, honey.”
They held hands the rest of the ride home.
Walking into Jenna’s apartment, she felt her heart fill with love. Christina’s family accepted her into the family. She was going to have her sister and brother back in her life. Jenna finally felt she was living her life. She hadn’t felt this good since before her father passed away.
Christina took her arm. “Let’s go to bed,” she said pulling her toward the bedroom.
“Oh, yeah. What did you have in mind?” Jenna asked with a grin.
“How about I show you.”
Christina removed her clothes as she walked toward the bedroom. By the time Jenna reached her, she was nude and under the covers. Christina watched as Jenna removed her clothes and climbed in next to her.
“How did I get so lucky?” Jenna said as she went into Christina’s arm.
“We’re both lucky, baby.”
Christina wrapped her arms around Jenna pulling her close. “I love you so much.”
“Me too, love.”
Their lips came together as their bodies melted together in passion.
*
“So you’ve been talking about me since you met me,” Jenna said into the darkness as her hand made circles over Christina’s stomach.
“Yes,” she said shyly. “I had no idea if you were gay, but when you looked at me, I thought I was going to swoon.”
Jenna chuckled. “I liked you too, but I knew I could never go there. It took a lot of self-control on my part to hide my feelings.”
“Well, I for one am very happy that you stopped doing that.” Christina kissed her mouth softly.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
The week was uneventful except Jenna found out that the closing on the property was set for the following Friday. Jenna now had to clear her schedule so she could be at the closing, schedule a supply delivery for the salon and schedule the furniture delivery.
“Mary, I’m going to take next Friday and Saturday off. Would you try and reschedule those people for during the week? I’ll stay Wednesday and Thursday evening if need be.”
“Sure. Are you going away?” Mary asked.
“No. I just have some important things to take care of,” Jenna said with a wink.
“Really?” Mary asked wide eyed.
Jenna nodded.
Mary crooked her finger for Jenna to move closer. “What do I tell the witches if they ask about you next week?”
“Just tell them that I needed a few days off.”
Mary nodded and picked up the phone to make her phone calls.
*
“Are you nervous?” Christina asked as they drove to Ted’s home.
“A little.”
“Honey, they’re your family.” Christina took Jenna’s hand, rubbing her finger across her palm.
“I know, but it’s been so long.”
“I’m sure after a few minutes, it will seem as you three have never been apart.”
No sooner did they pull into the driveway, the front door opened and Ted and Hailey flew out the door. Jenna opened her car door and got out. Ted picked up Jenna in a bear hug.
“You’re beautiful, Jenna,” Ted said twirling Jenna around. He was taller than Jenna and built like a man who worked out for a living. His hair was the same color as Jenna’s hair.
“Hey, let me have a hug.” Hailey pushed Ted away. She grabbed Jenna and hugged her close. “I missed you, sis.” Her sister was Christina’s height and her hair was a shade lighter, but her body was built like Jenna’s. Slim frame and a full bust.
“I missed you too, Hail.” Jenna held out her hand for Christina. “Chris, this is Ted and Hailey.”
“I’m so happy to meet you both,” Christina said before they both grabbed her in a hug.
“We’re happy to meet you too.” Hailey began to wipe the tears that fell onto her face.
“Let’s go inside,” Ted said reaching for Jenna’s arm.
“How about something to drink? Hailey offered.
“I’m fine for now,” Jenna said as she looked around. “Your husband and kids aren’t here?”
“No. I wanted our first visit to be private so we could talk freely.”
Jenna nodded understanding.
Christina was surprised how much Jenna and Ted resembled each other right down to the eye color. Hailey had hazel eyes.
“You two make such a cute couple,” Ted said reaching for Christina’s hand. “So how did you two meet?”
Jenna went through the story of the salon and how Christina came to work for her.
“So has mom turned the salon over to you?” Hailey asked.
Jenna blew a raspberry. “She verbally gave me half the salon so I could do all the work and she collects half the profits without lifting a finger.”
“It sounds like mom,” Ted said with a growl.
“Yeah, she hasn’t changed.” Jenna added. “I’ve had to keep my relationship with Chris a secret, but that will change shortly.”
“Really?” Hailey asked.
“Yes. I’ve purchased my own salon and as soon as we’re ready to open, I will give mom the keys to her place back and tell her about Christina.”
“Boy, I’d love to be a fly on the wall when you tell her. She’s going to have a stroke.”
“Did she know you were gay before you left?” Christina asked.
“She suspected and that’s why I left. I couldn’t stand to hear her call me an abomination continually,” Ted said softly.
“I’m sorry, Ted,” Jenna said.
“Hey, at least I got away. You were stuck with her. We both feel bad that we left you alone with her.”
“Don’t worry. I could have left right out of high school like you both did.”
“What kind of mother does this to their kids?” Christina asked not realizing she had spoken out loud. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have said that.”
“It’s okay.” Jenna took Christina’s hand.
“I asked myself that too, Chris. Now that I’m a mother, I can’t imagine treating my children the way she did us.”
“Do you have pictures?” Christina asked.
“Of course.” Hailey pulled out her phone and handed it to Jenna and Christina.
“How old are they?” Jenna asked.
“Ten and twelve. Jenna is the twelve year old and Simon is ten.”
“You named your daughter Jenna?” Jenna asked shocked.
“Of course. After my favorite sister.”
“I’d like to meet them.” Jenna wiped her eyes.
“Well, we’d love to see your new place. Maybe we can all have dinner soon.”
“We’d like that.” Christina answered allowing Jenna to get her emotions under control.
By the time Jenna and Christina were back on the road, it was early evening.
“I liked your sister and brother,” Christina said touching Jenna’s hand. “They’re a lot of fun. I liked hearing the stories about the three of you when you were all young.”
“I can
’t believe after all this time, we’re back in each other’s lives.” Jenna sighed. “It really is the start of a new life.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
As the new week began, Jenna’s plan was falling into place. Everyone knew to pack up their things at the end of the day on Saturday. Jenna had offered everyone an opportunity to set up their area in the new shop on Sunday or Monday if they wanted.
“Jenna, did you find someone to rent your apartment?” Ellen asked.
“No. I was going to leave that to the landlord.” Jenna looked at Ellen. “Why?”
“Well, Jill and I have decided to live together and we want a new place.” Ellen glanced at Christina. “Chris said that you don’t want the furniture.”
“No. The only things I’m taking is my kitchen supplies and mattress.”
“Good because I certainly don’t want to sleep on the bed that you two have been going at it.” Ellen laughed as she hooked her finger toward Christina.
Jenna laughed. “Why don’t you and Jill stop by later tonight and check out the place?”
“Thanks. We will.”
Christina walked past Ellen and punched her shoulder.
“Hey, what was that for?” Ellen asked.
“For the comment.” Christina kept walking toward the front of the salon. Before she could speak with Jenna. Margaret walked through the front door.
“Hello, Margaret,” Christina said softly.
Margaret nodded her head in acknowledgement. “Jenna, Amy and I aren’t working Friday and Saturday.”
“That’s fine.” Jenna answered with a smile. Everything was falling into place.
*
Friday, Jenna closed on the property and went to her apartment to meet the movers. Her personal items were loaded onto the truck and she closed the door for the last time. Ellen and Jill decided on renting her apartment and they would be moving in over the weekend. Jenna had warned them that Agnes might show up one day.
“Don’t worry, Jenna. We can handle her,” Ellen said. “If she asks where you are, I’ll tell her I have no idea.”
Although Jenna doubted once she told her mother that she was dating Christina, she’d want anything to do with her.
As the movers brought Jenna’s things into the new house, a delivery truck pulled up with supplies for the shop. Jenna unpacked the kitchen and had her mattress placed on the floor.
She was still unpacking the supplies in the salon when Christina arrived.
“Jenna, are you in here?” Christina asked as she walked into the salon carrying a pizza box.
“Back here.” Jenna called.
Christina put the box down and walked toward the back. She walked up to Jenna and kissed her softly. “You’ve been busy,” she said seeing the room fully stocked.
“I have. I also unpacked the kitchen, but I haven’t been grocery shopping yet. I just brought the things I had in my apartment.”
“I brought us a pizza,” Christina said with a wide smile.
“Great. I haven’t eaten all day. Do you want to eat over here or next door?”
“Next door. I’d like to see the house again.”
They walked through the breezeway into the side door that led to the kitchen.
“I’d forgotten how nice this place is,” Christina said walking into the kitchen. “You are very lucky to have found this place, Jenna. When is your furniture being delivered?”
“Tomorrow morning.” Jenna answered. She reached up into the cabinet and pulled out a couple of paper plates, napkins and two bottles of water. “How about I set up those empty boxes as a table in the living room?”
They sat on the floor in the living room eating the pizza. “Are you sleeping here tonight?” Christina asked.
“Yeah.” Jenna took a bite of the pizza and swallowed before she continued. “I had the mattress put on the floor in the master bedroom. I’ll be fine.” Jenna moved closer. “There’s room for two.” Her eyebrows wiggled.
Christina leaned over and kissed her mouth. “I thought you would never ask.”
“The bedroom can be the first room that we christen. Then we can work our way around the house until we covered them all,” Jenna said picking up another slice of pizza.
“Are you happy, Jenna?” Christina asked softly.
“Very happy, Chris.” She moved closer to Christina and began nibbling on her neck. “You are the best thing that ever happened to me.”
“I feel the same way, Jenna.” Christina’s arms went around Jenna as she pushed her down on the floor. Her fingers went to the hem of Jenna’s top as her mouth sucked on her soft lips. Christina’s hands and mouth suckled her breast.
“We’d be more comfortable on the mattress,” Jenna moaned.
“We’ll go there next,” Christina said as her hands went to the zipper on Jenna’s jeans.
*
The two women awoke early Saturday morning tangled in each other’s arms. Jenna groaned as she rolled over. Christina stirred next to her. “I think I’m too old to make love on the floor.”
Christina chuckled. “I’ll give you a massage tonight.” Her fingers went to Jenna’s stomach. “I finish up at four today. I’m going to go grocery shopping and then I’ll be over.”
“Are you sure you don’t want me to do the shopping?”
“You have plenty to do here. I’ll get us something special for dinner.” Christina kissed Jenna on the nose and got out of bed. “Do you want to join me in the shower?”
Jenna didn’t answer because she was right behind Christina.
CHAPTER SIXTEEN
Christina walked through the grocery store picking out things she and Jenna would enjoy having. She knew there was a barbecue in the backyard and she waited for the butcher to cut her two steaks. Christina never heard the woman approach.
“That’s a lot of food for one person,” the voice said.
Christina turned shocked to see Agnes Walton standing there. “Mrs. Walton. How are you?” Christina asked ignoring Agnes comment.
Agnes looked in the cart. “Are you dating someone?” She asked narrowing her eyes.
“I don’t think that’s any of your business,” Christina said and put the steaks into her cart.
“I’m your boss. It is my business.” Agnes insisted.
Christina laughed. She couldn’t help herself. “You may be my boss, but that doesn’t give you a right to discuss my private life.”
“Are you involved with my daughter?” Agnes asked grabbing Christina’s arm.
Christina pulled free. “Again, it is none of your business.”
“I can very easily fire you.”
“Go ahead,” Christina said staring her down.
“Don’t think I won’t do it,” Agnes said to the retreating Christina.
*
Jenna opened the package that contained a new comforter, lots of pillows for the master bedroom. She had chosen soft blues and dark blues because she knew these were Christina’s favorite colors. Jenna was doing everything so that Christina would consider moving in with her. She heard the front door open and moved into the living room. “What’s wrong?” Jenna asked seeing Christina’s face.
“I met your mother in the grocery store.”
Jenna reached for the bags that Christina was carrying. “What did she say?”
“It doesn’t matter, Jenna.”
“Yes it does. Please tell me.” Jenna led Christina over to the couch.
“She threatened to fire me.”
“What did you say?”
“I told her to go ahead. She saw I had enough groceries for two and that’s when she started with her questions.” Christina sighed loudly. “She wanted to know if we were seeing each other.”
“I’m sorry, Chris.” Jenna wrapped her arms around Christina and squeezed her tightly. “It’s almost over. She won’t be bothering you after this weekend.”
“Are you sure, Jenna? It might make her angrier.”
“Once I confirm that you and I
are a couple, she won’t want anything to do with me or you.”
“I hope you’re right.”
The two women unpacked the groceries as Jenna calmed Christina’s nerves over her mother’s encounter.
Christina stepped back into the living room. “Oh, Jenna. This looks great.” Christina smiled. “Wow. The furniture goes perfect in here.”
“You still have to pick out some more artwork and pictures for the walls,” Jenna said with a chuckle.
Christina lifted Jenna off the couch. “How about we pick those things out together?”
“If you insist,” Jenna said smiling. “Come on, let me show you around.” She grabbed Christina’s arm. “You already saw the kitchen when we unloaded the groceries.” Jenna led her to the bedroom.
“Oh, Jen.” Christina looked at the bedding and her hand went to the tears that were falling. “You picked out the colors I love.
“You really like it?” Jenna asked moving closer to Christina.
“Is there anything in this house that you like?” Christina asked unable to stop the tears.
“You, honey.”
“Jenna, this is your house. You should be buying the things that you like.”
“I do like all of the things in this house.”
Christina moved into Jenna’s arms. “What did I ever do to deserve you?”
“Everything.” Jenna’s cellphone began to ring.
“Aren’t you going to answer that?” Christina asked.
“That’s my mother.”
“Jen, you may as well answer it.”
Jenna looked at Christina before she took the phone out of her pocket. “Yes, mother.”
“I want you to fire that Wilson woman on Tuesday. You should have heard the way she spoke to me.”
“Mother, you don’t have to worry about that. Christina quit,” Jenna said with a wink.
Christina grinned.
“Is there anything else you wanted?”
“I don’t want you anywhere near her again.” Agnes insisted.
Jenna could almost see the rage on her mother’s face. “Mother, we shouldn’t discuss this on the phone. I’ll be at your place in a half hour.” She disconnected the call without bidding her goodbye. “Well, I guess the shit is going to hit the fan today,” Jenna said moving out of the bedroom.
