Family Love

by Jeanne Mccann

  “Great, thanks.” Payton couldn’t help but feel a twinge of fear. Was she making the right decision? She knew she loved Reina, but was it enough to give up her job and home? She was having huge doubts when she thought about what she was doing.

  Payton was well on her way to being moved. Her place was sold, her things were being moved, and her job was all but over. It made her feel a little strange, scared, and lonely. She was doing what she needed to do, but that didn’t make the changes any less terrifying. She called Reina before she left to meet her friends for reassurance and promised to call her Sunday morning. Just hearing Reina’s voice helped her settle her nerves and she felt better as she met her friends for dinner. It was hard to share with them why she was moving. They had no idea how important it was for her to try to make it work with Reina and her children.

  It was after midnight before she got home. There had been a lot of reminiscing and a few tears but she’d had a wonderful time. She would miss her friends very much. They were her support system and she wasn’t sure how she would feel without them. She readied herself for bed and crawled under the covers, then reached for the telephone. She needed to talk to Reina.

  “Hello.” Reina’s sleepy voice answered.

  “I needed to hear your voice.”

  “I’m glad you called, love. How was your dinner?”

  “Fine, it was nice to see everyone and have a chance to say good¨bye.”

  “I wish I were there, honey. I know it’s hard.”

  “I wish you were here, too.” Payton’s voice cracked. “I miss you so much. Reina, I’m scared.”

  There was a long pause before Reina responded. “Are you having second thoughts about us?”

  “No. I have no worries about us. I know I love you and your chil¨dren. I’m just so nervous about moving.”

  “Everything will be fine, love. Honey, I love you and miss you ter¨ribly. The kids talk about you all the time.”

  “I miss you so much. I picked up all the pictures today. I have so many good ones of you and the kids. I’m making a photo album for all five kids and one for Tamara and Lindy. I also started one for you and me.”

  “I can’t wait to see it, honey. Are you sure you are okay about all of this?”

  “I’m fine, Reina. I’ll feel better once I get there. I’d better let you get some sleep.”

  “I’ll call you tomorrow, and you can call me any time you want.” Reina’s voice was strained. She didn’t like what she was hearing from Payton. What if Payton changed her mind? For the first time in her life Reina had met someone she could really trust and love. She didn’t want to lose her.

  “I’m going into work until about one.”

  “I’ll call you around dinner time so you can talk to Max and Molly.”

  “Okay, honey. I love you.” I love you.

  Payton didn’t get home from work until after four and felt like crawling into bed. She decided to call Reina, talk to her and the kids, and then climb under her covers. She needed a good night’s sleep. She dialed the number as she struggled out of her clothes. She was exhausted, scared, and very upset.

  “Hello?” A woman’s voice jarred her into attention, especially since it wasn’t Reina’s.

  “Is Reina there?”

  “Can she call you back? She’s kind of busy right now.”

  “Could you tell her Payton called?”

  “Hello, Payton. It’s Lana. We met at the dance last weekend?”

  “Hi, Lana.” Payton’s heart slammed in her chest.

  “Reina’s cleaning up Max. He spilled spaghetti all over himself.”

  “Just tell her I called.”

  “I will. It might be awhile before she can call you.” Lana was going to try her hardest to keep Reina from calling at all.

  Payton hung up the telephone and slumped onto her bed. What was Lana doing at Reina’s? What if Reina had changed her mind? Payton could have died at that moment, as she thought of all the rea¨sons why Lana was there, none of them made her feel any better. She began to cry as she thought of what a mess she was in. She had sold her place and made arrangements to move her things. She moved too fast and now she was stuck. She decided to take a hot shower and crawl into bed. She needed to sleep. Before she could manage it there was a knock at her door. She went to answer it.

  “Hey Ben, Mitch. Come on in.” Payton tried to hide her feelings from her friends. She couldn’t tell them everything was falling apart.

  “Hello, doll. We brought you dinner. You look exhausted.”

  “I am. I was just going to pop into the shower.”

  “Go do that, honey. Mitch and I will get dinner ready.” Ben hugged her as he spoke.

  “Thanks, guys. I appreciate this so much.” She became tearful.

  “We know you do, honey. Now go take your shower and put your pajamas on. That’s an order.”

  Payton didn’t argue as she headed for the bathroom and a shower. Within minutes she was soaking in the nice hot water. She tried not to think about Reina and the fact that Lana was at her home, but she couldn’t get it out of her mind. It was making her crazy.

  “Payton looked upset,” Ben commented as he and Mitch set the table.

  “She did. Maybe she’ll talk to us while we eat. She’s had a lot to do this week. She’s probably just overly tired.”

  The telephone rang as they finished their preparations. “Hello,” Mitch answered.

  “Hello, is Payton there?”

  “She is in the shower. Is this Reina?” Yes.

  This is Mitch. Ben and I brought her dinner.”

  “How is she doing, Mitch?”

  “She is exhausted, scared, and in love.”

  “I miss her so much. I need to see her.”

  “You know there are things called airplanes, and they fly into Seat¨tle quite often from California.”

  “Do you think I should?” Reina sounded excited.

  “Why don’t you surprise her? I could pick you up at the airport.”

  “I’ll do that. Can I call you later once I’ve made all the arrange¨ments? I’m not sure I can get someone to watch my children for the weekend.”

  “Sure, doll. We will be up until ten or so.”

  “Thank you, Mitch. Payton has wonderful friends.”

  “We can’t wait to meet you.”

  “Will you have Payton call me when she gets a chance?”

  “Sure, doll.”

  “That was Reina,” Mitch announced as Ben handed him a glass of wine.

  “I figured that out.”

  “She will be calling us later at home. She’s going to try and sur¨prise Payton and come for a visit.”

  “Good. Payton needs to see her.”

  “Don’t say anything,” Mitch warned.

  “I won’t.”

  “I mean it, Ben. You’re horrible when it comes to keeping secrets.” Mitch grinned as he teased his good-looking boyfriend.

  “I promise. Scout’s honor.”

  “You were never a scout. You might have slept with a one, but you never were one.” Mitch kissed Ben as he chuckled.

  “Hey, knock that stuff off,” Payton called as she entered the room. She had gotten a handle on her emotions for the moment.

  “Come on, Payton. Sit down and eat. Reina called while you were in the shower. You are to call her.”

  Payton looked at Mitch as she responded.” Okay.” Payton tried to hide how upset she was.

  “Payton, what’s going on?” Ben asked, putting his arm around her.

  “Reina’s ex-girlfriend answered the telephone when I called ear¨lier.”

  He sighed. “Then call her, Payton, and talk to her.”

  “But what if she’s changed her mind?”

  “She hasn’t changed her mind,” Mitch reassured her. “We’ll wait to eat until after you call her. Now go call.” He shoved her toward the telephone. Payton anxiously dialed the number and waited.

  “Hello?” Reina answered the telephone.

/>   “Hi.”

  “Payton, I’m so glad to hear your voice. I’m sorry about Lana answering earlier. She just showed up at dinnertime. I didn’t invite her. I asked her to leave as soon as possible. I didn’t want her here.” Reina spoke quickly. She needed to make Payton understand.

  “Why did she come over?”

  Reina hesitated before answering. “She wanted to know how seri¨ous you and I are.”

  “What did you tell her?” Payton’s heart pounded in her chest.

  “That I am madly in love with you and we are getting married.”

  “What did she say?”

  “She wished us luck, honey. She won’t be coming over any more.” Reina had made it clear that she wasn’t interested in Lana, when Lana cornered her in the kitchen, but she would keep that informa¨tion to herself.

  “That was nice of her.”

  Reina burst out laughing. “You hate that she was here.”

  “Yes. I can’t help it. Besides, why would she visit out of the blue?”

  “Honey, I love that you feel that way. You don’t have to worry about Lana. I told her she is not welcome here. Besides, I’m going crazy thinking of you in Seattle with all those women.”

  “I am certainly not looking. I have the perfect girlfriend.” Payton smiled as she spoke. “I have the perfect family.”

  “You do, and don’t you forget it.”

  “I won’t. I love you Reina. I’m sorry I overreacted. I never have felt like this before.”

  “I love you, Payton. I will never give you any reason to doubt me. I promise.”

  “I love you, too. I don’t look at other women. You can trust me.” Payton stayed silent for a moment. “Can I call you later? Mitch and Ben brought over dinner.”

  “Of course, honey. Payton, trust me, I will love you forever.”

  “I will love you, forever.”

  “Now go eat, and call me later.”

  “Are you always this bossy?”

  “Always.”

  “Good.”

  “Goodbye, love.”

  “Payton, come eat,” Ben called, as Payton stood by the telephone after hanging up.

  “Okay, Ben. Have I thanked you guys for doing this?”

  “No, you haven’t,” Mitch teased. “Now sit down and eat.”

  And eat they did, and they visited, laughed, and enjoyed each other’s company. They got a little nostalgic after dinner, knowing that this would be one of the last times they might get to spend with each other.

  “We’ve got to go, Payton.” Ben hugged her.

  “Thanks for dinner, guys. I appreciate it very much.”

  “We know, sweetie. We love you, and as soon as you get settled in your new home we’re coming to visit.” Ben grinned.

  “I can’t wait.” Payton laughed.

  “Goodnight, doll.”

  “Goodnight, and thanks again.”

  Payton smiled as she headed upstairs. She would miss Mitch and Ben very much. They were two of her very favorite people. They’d been her friends from the very day she moved in. She cleaned up and crawled into bed, reaching for the telephone to call Reina.

  “Hello.”

  “Hi.”

  “Hello, how was dinner?”

  “Nice. I’ll miss Ben and Mitch very much. Actually, they want to come visit after I’m moved.”

  “Not until you and I spend some quality time together, alone,” Reina growled playfully. “I plan on keeping you all to myself for awhile, and I don’t think you’ll have any complaints.”

  “Oh, I know I won’t. Reina, I miss touching you, kissing you, lov¨ing you.”

  “I miss everything about you. I won’t change my pillowcases because they smell like you and I love that.”

  Payton’s breath caught in her throat. Reina couldn’t have said any¨thing more perfect.

  “Reina, I love you so much. Sometimes at night I roll over in my sleep and reach for you and you’re not there. I miss that more than anything. I love sleeping with you and rolling over and slipping my arms around you, nuzzling the back of your neck, and feeling you snuggle back up against me.”

  “Payton.” Reina breathed into the telephone. “I love you and I can’t wait to see you again.”

  “You’d better get some sleep, honey, it’s getting late.”

  “You too, sweetie.”

  “Goodnight.”

  “Love you.”

  Payton didn’t fall asleep right away, while thoughts of Reina naked in bed kept her awake for several more hours. Never had Payton felt like this, and she loved how she felt.

  Reina was having similar thoughts, as she lay awake, restless, and frustrated. One thing though, that made her frustration a little more manageable. She would be seeing Payton by Friday evening and would stay until Sunday night. She’d made all the arrangements after speaking to Mitch earlier. Just before Payton called she’d confirmed her flight and arrival time with him. Mitch knew Payton was plan¨ning to be home Friday night because she was coming over to their place for dinner. He couldn’t wait to see her face when she saw Reina.

  The next afternoon as Payton slid into the front seat of her car, she was amazed that, for as long as she worked at the same company, she was actually leaving it. They had surprised her with a small party, inviting many of the people she’d worked with over the years. Her co-workers had planned it for the end of the day just before she packed up her personal belongings to leave. Years of work and it was over just like that. She made the drive home in silence, the traffic uncharacteristically light for a Friday night. She planned to head home, change her clothes, and be at Mitch’s and Ben’s by six-thirty.

  Payton changed into a pair of old jeans and a comfortable sweater, combed her hair, headed down the hall to the elevator, and down two floors to the condominium. She carried a bottle of their favorite wine to contribute to the meal. She knocked on their door and Ben opened it.

  “Hey gorgeous, come on in.”

  “Here’s some wine for dinner.” She kissed him hello.

  “Thanks, honey. Why don’t you go in the living room and I’ll go pour you a glass?”

  “Thanks, Ben.”

  Payton walked into the other room, enjoying the stunning view of the Seattle skyline. They had a perfect picture window that looked out over the city.

  “Payton.”

  Payton’s heart pounded and she turned rapidly toward the voice. It couldn’t be Reina, but it was. “Reina!”

  It was all Payton got out of her mouth as Reina threw herself into Payton’s arms. Payton held on tightly to her, unwilling to release her for even a moment. Reina covered Payton’s face with kisses.

  “I’ve missed you so much. I had to see you,” Reina whispered.

  “I am so glad you’re here.” Payton’s mouth covered Reina’s, two weeks of pent up frustration released. Reina moaned as Payton’s lips ravaged hers. Reina responded, her tongue stroking Payton’s lips driving her nuts. It was several minutes before the two of them real¨ized they were standing in the middle of Ben and Mitch’s living room. Payton refused to release Reina from her arms as she looked for Ben and Mitch.

  “Guys, where are you?” She called.

  “We’re in the bedroom,” Mitch called from down the hall.

  “You can come out.” Payton’s smile was huge as she hugged Reina to her. “Nice surprise, guys.”

  “We thought you would appreciate it.” Ben grinned as he and Mitch joined them.

  “I can’t tell you how much I appreciate what you’ve done.” Pay-ton’s eyes filled with tears.

  “We didn’t do anything, it was all Reina. Now, there’s a picnic bas¨ket on the kitchen counter for the two of you to take with you, and Reina’s suitcase is by the front door. Go home, Payton and Reina,” Ben demanded with a smile.

  “Thank you, Ben, Mitch.” Reina happily followed their advice. “Come on Payton.”

  Payton grinned at the two men and followed Reina. She picked up the picnic basket while Reina
carried her suitcase. They stared hap¨pily at each other as they entered the elevator. Payton leaned over and kissed Reina as soon as the doors closed. They broke apart when the elevator opened on Payton’s floor. She led the way to her condo¨minium and unlocked the door, letting Reina enter. She’d just closed the door when Reina pulled her into her arms again.

  “I can’t tell you how much I missed you,” Reina whispered as she gazed at Payton’s face, touching her cheek with her fingers. “I love you so much.”

  “I have been going crazy not being able to see you, to touch you.”

  “I’m here now, and I don’t need to fly back until Sunday night. Mrs. Lenahan is staying with Max and Molly, and you are all mine.”

  “I can’t believe you’re here.” Payton’s hands slid down Reina’s back, reassuring her that Reina was actually standing in front of her.

  “I think I can convince you,” Reina promised, kissing Payton and releasing all of her pent up emotion. Payton moaned as Reina’s hands stripped her of her sweater. “I need to love you.”

  Payton melted against Reina and succumbed to the wonderful sensations that Reina was creating in her body. Reina removed all of Payton’s remaining clothes, her hands and mouth covering every inch of Payton’s body. Reina described her feelings as she made pas¨sionate love to Payton until Payton was shaking with want. Reina kneeled in front of Payton, her lips touching her softly between her legs. Payton cried out as Reina’s mouth pleasured her. Her fingers joined her mouth, stroking Payton’s wet and trembling center.

  “I love the taste of you,” Reina shared as her fingers drove Payton over the edge.

  “Reina,” Payton hissed, an orgasm tearing through her body, building with intensity. “Oh God.” She cried and pulled Reina into her arms.

  Holding tightly to her lover as her body trembled and shook, Pay-ton began to weep quietly on Reina’s shoulder. Reina comforted her. “I can’t believe what you do to me,” Payton sighed.

  “I plan on doing this to you several more times tonight,” Reina promised, wiping the tears from Payton’s face.

  “I think I have some plans of my own.” Payton’s fingers unbut¨toned Reina’s blouse. Her lips covered the tops of Reina’s breasts as her hands cradled them. Reina moaned with pleasure when Payton removed her brassiere and buried her face in Reina’s breasts. She breathed in the scent of Reina before finding her nipple with her lips and sucking gently.