And when she allowed herself to be completely honest, she could admit that she had been wrong about relationships. The sappy songs and romantic comedies had gotten it wrong, too. Love didn’t complete her. She had come to the table intact. Love simply made life make more sense. It lent purpose to her hard work to have someone with whom to share the things she acquired.
Cee-Cee tapped on the kitchen counter to get Phoenix’s attention. “Hey, look at this one.” She turned her laptop to face him, and he paused putting away dishes to have a look at the living room furniture on the screen.
“Eh…I’m not feeling that. Too much velvet, too many buttons.”
“It’s vintage. I like vintage.” She tilted her head and looked at the oversized sofa on display.
“Why don’t we go for something more modern?”
“I don’t think squares, plastic and leather are going to fit the design motif of the house, Phoenix.”
He laughed. “I didn’t say a thing about squares. Let me see that again? Yeah, see. That shit looks like something that would’ve been in my great-grandparents’ house. There’s gotta be a middle ground. It’s too stuffy.”
She shrugged and turned the laptop back to her side of the bar. “I like it.”
Ashley stepped into the kitchen and set down the last box from the moving van. Between Cee-Cee’s things she wanted transferred from her parents’ place and Phoenix’s furniture that he was setting up in their man-cave, unpacking might take weeks. He turned to Phoenix with a tired grin, pulling off his gloves and stretching. “What is it we’re disagreeing on this time?”
“Our tastes are too different,” Cee-Cee whined. Ashley grabbed her by the waist, spinning her around for a hug.
“Our tastes are just fine. We can figure out the décor as we go. It’ll be the most attractive interior on the block,” Ashley promised. He stroked her back as he explored her mouth in a searing kiss that left her tingling, forgetting about the furniture for a while.
“On second thought,” Cee-Cee murmured, “why don’t we just put beds in every room and call it a day?”
It had been like this between them since the interview. The sex was explosive, frequent and soul-stirring, but the late night conversations and waking up to each other was new. Learning that Ashley wasn’t a morning person. Discovering Phoenix was a neat freak. Teaching them not to bother her when she was working.
They were coming together in ways living apart wouldn’t have allowed, and Cee-Cee felt herself falling deeper in love with her two princes by the day. It was like the heartrending incident on the cruise ship had never happened and Gina Lafitte didn’t exist. While Phoenix still threw his heart and soul into his work, he made more time for them. Eventually Ashley had to pull away to go back on tour, but the Internet allowed them to stay in contact. He texted them throughout the day, and every night they video chatted.
While Ashley was away, Phoenix hired a landscaping team who came in the week after they moved in to begin transforming the rolling grassy lawn with flowerbeds and outdoor seating. Cee-Cee continued unpacking and decorating. She set up an office in a spare bedroom where she spent her free time working on a new app, with days as busy as before, if not busier.
The nights were too short. Cee-Cee and Phoenix slept together in the bedroom facing the sunset and watched the stars wink to life after long days of work. Cee-Cee spoke of her dreams and voiced her wishes, and the lifestyle she thought wouldn’t be hers made itself apparent. She could have the same kind of love her parents had without compromising her ambitions.
Cee-Cee hadn’t imagined things could be so great.
A few weeks after the official move, when unpacking and furnishing the house slowed down some, Cee-Cee dropped by her parents’ house to get her mom’s opinion on fabric swatches for window dressings. It was the weekend, and she found Josey and Brett in the den with the kids. Josey waved when she let herself in with the front door key she hadn’t bothered to relinquish upon moving out.
“What are you doing here?” Cee-Cee picked up Hailey and swung her around, and the baby cooed gleefully.
Josey responded, “You know I can’t keep these grandkids away from their favorite people. And when are you going to do a housewarming party? Brett and I picked out the loveliest—”
“Don’t tell her. It’s a surprise,” Brett said. Cee-Cee plopped down on the couch between them.
“We don’t keep secrets.”
“I know,” Brett said tellingly. “How are your boys, by the way?”
“Josey!” Cee-Cee squealed. Josey shrugged, laughing.
“What?! We don’t keep secrets, either!”
Cee-Cee shook her head and giggled. “They’re fine, thank you for asking. I gotta go see Mom about some sewing I want her to do. As far as a housewarming party, the three of us haven’t slowed down enough to invite people over, but you two will be the first to know.”
“Has Ashley started up his tour again yet?” Josey asked. “Now that I’m not with child, maybe Brett and I will get to travel to see him perform.”
“Ooh! We should all go! I’ve only seen him on stage the one time, and even though the venue was small, the guy can put on a show. I’ll have to see when Phoenix is free, and then we can all make plans. Now if you’ll excuse me, Mom’s waiting for me. And stop gossiping with your husband about me behind my back.” Cee-Cee wagged her finger as she scooted to her feet. Josey swatted her bottom playfully as she skipped out of the room in search of Winny.
She tapped on the door of the sewing shack, but the roar of the sewing machine drowned out the sound. Smiling nostalgically, Cee-Cee turned the knob and stepped in.
“Mom?”
The sewing machine thumped to a stop and Winny peeked over her shoulder at the sudden golden light from the open door. A wide smile spread across her face as her eyes widened with delight. She beckoned her in excitedly. “There you are. I thought you had forgotten! I was expecting you a little earlier.”
Cee-Cee sat beside her on top of a trundle of sewing material. “I had some things to finish up at the office for Uncle Bryan, but I would’ve called if I couldn’t make it. And what are you still doing out here? I thought you were taking over my room?”
“I considered it, but I’m not quite ready to change anything just yet. Getting used to having you girls out of the house has been tougher than I imagined. I don’t have Baby Joe crawling underfoot. I don’t have you trying to tear up my electronics. I don’t have Josey running up the phone bill. You’d think I’d be happy, but this empty nest business is for the birds,” Winny replied, grinning.
“Awww, Mom.” Cee-Cee smiled and blinked away unexpected tears. “I miss you guys, too. You know, I actually put the same cinnamon potpourri in my bedroom because it reminds me of you, but it’s just not the same. I’ll probably end up doing exactly what Josey does, coming over here every other weekend. Did you get the package I sent over to you?”
Winny gasped and looked around the sewing room for her gift. She pointed at the embroidery machine beside the mannequin. “I did! I got it to work the other day on a blanket for Hailey. It’s an amazing piece of machinery. What people can do with computers these days! I just synced it with your father’s laptop, and the graphic design embroidered itself. Can you believe that?”
“I know Daddy said he’d get it for you, but I figured he might want to get you something a little fancier for Christmas.”
“Ha!” Winny laughed. “Your father’s idea of fancy is a big book, which I wouldn’t turn down, but when do I get the time to read for leisure these days?” She chuckled. Cee-Cee patted her hand.
“Well, things are going to get a lot easier moving forward.”
“Now, honey, you don’t have to take care of us. We’re fine! And you have a family of your own now.” Winny turned away with a hidden smile.
Cee-Cee blushed. “I thought you and I agreed we’d end this prematurely marrying me off stuff. Anyway, Phoenix has to get past this campaign. We aren’t quite a f
amily yet,” she said, giggling nervously.
“Nonsense. Maybe not a family in the traditional sense of the word, but the three of you are making a fine home together. Don’t give me that surprised look. Nobody moves in a third wheel unless it helps with the ride.” Winny laughed. “I may not comment on everything I observe, but that doesn’t mean I don’t see what’s going on.”
“What’s going on?” Cee-Cee prodded, curious to know what her mother had ‘observed.’
Winny colored modestly and finally looked at her directly. “Ashley and Phoenix and you. Yes, I know. I figured it out some time ago. The three of you remind me of those artist communes from when I was younger.”
Cee-Cee didn’t know what to say. Her jaw dropped at her mother’s words. Winny nodded and patted her knee. “How did you guess?”
“Well, it didn’t seem likely Phoenix’s big confession during that interview was his way of saying he was cheating on you with Ashley, not as close as I know the three of you are. But it’s funny. Out of you and Josey, I never would’ve pegged you to be the one to engage in a polyamorous relationship.
“Now, let’s look at fabric, shall we? What did you have in mind? I know you’re not big on flowers, but I have this lovely magnolia print that might suit if you give it a chance.”
“Wait a second, Mom. Since we’re being candid with each other, you don’t think I’m in over my head, do you? I think…I think what I have with Phoenix and Ashley might be what works best for me, but is it possible?”
“Your boys bring out a side of you I’ve never seen. They make you glow, Cee-Cee. I’m happy you’re exploring love with such gusto. You needed to see how fulfilling a relationship could be, and if it takes two, well, then…listen, the one thing I’ve learned about love is that there is no one size fits all. When you find something you like, you don’t ditch it just because it’s not what everyone else is doing.”
Cee-Cee chuckled in amazement at her mother’s response. “Josey told me you’d react this way.” Winny giggled conspiratorially. “Maybe times really are changing.”
“Changing times, or people finally realizing that what other people do in their bedrooms is none of their business. I’m certainly not inviting anyone into the bedroom with me and Marty.”
“Mom!”
Chapter 42
Standing before the tall mirror in the hallway corridor at his mother’s house, Phoenix tugged on his tie to straighten it and surveyed his reflection decked out in a sleek black suit with a white shirt. Silver cuff links glistened at his wrists, as well as the bracelet he wore that matched the ones he had given to Cee-Cee and Ashley. His dark hair was neatly combed aside and his beard was trimmed. “How do I look, mother?”
“Amazing, as usual,” Lucy murmured. “What about me?”
“Like a jewel,” he fired back with a grin.
Lucy Briton’s magnificent house had been transformed into a wonderland by a florist and decorator. Late season blossoms perfumed the house and added bursts of color above the doorjambs and at each windowsill. Caterers bustled in and out a side door carting food to the kitchen and dining area. The string quartet she had hired for the occasion added squeaks and squawks of their instruments as they set up.
Phoenix aimlessly traversed the hall, back and forth, rehearsing his speech quietly to himself. The speech was nothing fancy, and this dinner party his mother had arranged was nothing formal. Lucy felt he should await the election results with friends and family rather than over at the mayor’s office, cold and aloof. Votes were being counted, and he would soon find out his standing within the community.
“Phoenix, why don’t you sit? They’ll be here when they get here.”
Phoenix strode to the front door and peeked out for the millionth time. Cee-Cee and Ashley were on their way and would arrive ahead of other guests. He was anxious about what his mother would think of them. The rest of the guest list was short and included Cee-Cee’s parents and Josey and Brett. None of his political personnel was invited. This was a family affair.
“Are you sure you’re ready for this, Mom? I don’t want you to be uncomfortable in your own home.”
Phoenix had also invited his sister, Sally, and Sally’s mother, Tonya. More than worrying about the election or how his mother would receive Cee-Cee and Ashley, he was concerned about how Lucy would take having his father’s former mistress and illegitimate child in her home.
“Paolo and I will be fine. I’m over the past, darling. Your father can’t hurt me anymore.”
Phoenix inhaled deeply and expanded his chest, shaking off his nervousness. Wallace Briton had disappeared from town after the interview with Five Parker, and Phoenix was sure it had something to do with Buddy Steele blackmailing him over the embezzlement scandal Wallace had never done the time for. But he couldn’t worry about the trouble Wallace had brought upon himself.
As usual, he was left taking care of his father’s unfinished business, which included making sure Sally had what she needed in life. He had finally met his little sister, and she was a darling. She wasn’t at all like he had been at twelve—much more outgoing and giggly—but she still reminded him of the wonder and confusion of that age. He wanted her in his life. Knowing that Lucy was finally over the heartbreak of her embarrassing relationship, Phoenix wanted his mother to get to know her, too.
A horn blew outside. He ran to the door and looked out again. “They’re here.”
“Ashley and Cee-Cee?” Lucy said excitedly. She strolled to the dining room, calling for Paolo. “Our company is arriving!”
Phoenix chuckled as Paolo hurried down the stairs to join her. The construction worker looked uncomfortable in his three-piece, but it was a handsome look for him. “Coming, coming,” he shouted.
“Oh! Paolo, your buttons are mismatched.”
“I hate suits,” Paolo grumbled, jogging back upstairs to re-button.
“You look fantastic, Paolo. They’re going to love you.” The doorbell rang and Phoenix opened the door for Ashley and Cee-Cee. “My loves,” Phoenix greeted them. Cee-Cee rolled her eyes but smiled in pleasure at the sight of him.
“Is she here? Do we get to meet her yet?” Ashley asked as he pushed inside.
“She’s on her way. Come in, get comfortable. My mother’s waiting for you.”
“I can’t believe this damn campaign is finally over, and we get to see who was elected. I’m so nervous. And meeting your mother, too? I feel like a kid on prom night,” Ashley said with a smile. Phoenix laughed loudly.
“Well, the good news is, Wallace isn’t here with a shotgun.”
“My parents are on the way,” Cee-Cee replied. “They’re amped. Everyone is so excited for you, Phoenix. We know you’re going to win.”
After the fateful interview, Phoenix’s popularity had taken a swift dip, but it had gradually stabilized and started to increase again. Buddy Steele was lagging now. Leslie Zanders was Phoenix’s main contender. He had managed to keep the press off the property by promising a press conference after the dinner party so that things could remain intimate and personal, and he was grateful his mother had allowed them to use her house for the dinner.
Cee-Cee and Phoenix were still working on the yellow house on Crown Street, getting it move-in ready since Ashley had gone back to performing shows. Ashley had flown in from California to be present for this get-together. He’d be leaving as soon as the electoral count was announced, but Phoenix was just happy to have him present. Everything was falling into place, exactly as it should be.
He led them to the dining room where Lucy was waiting. She turned around with a bright smile and hands outstretched. Cee-Cee shyly stepped forward and clasped hands with her. “How do you do, Lucy?”
“Phoenix, she’s striking. You’ve really hit the jackpot! I’m fine, darling. Thanks for asking. Cee-Cee, isn’t it? And you must be Ashley.” She turned to the rock star, and Ashley tossed his hair out of his face as he stepped forward to shake her hand.
“Pleasure to m
eet you, Lucy. We’ve heard so much about you. All good things.”
“It better be all good,” Lucy laughed. “Sit, sit! We’re waiting for Sally and her mother to arrive, and dinner will be served. Let’s chat and get to know one another.”
Phoenix leaned back in his chair and observed as his socialite mother easily drew them into conversation. She coaxed Cee-Cee into talking about her job as a programmer, which sounded like fascinating stuff. Phoenix knew she was his tech girl genius, but he didn’t realize she was so technical.
“And, Ashley, I hear that you’re an amazing singer,” said Lucy. “I’d love to hear. Why don’t you sing a little something for me?”
“Do what?” Ashley blushed shyly. “I don’t usually…I mean, I don’t have my guitar. I, uh…”
“Oh, just give me a few notes,” Lucy urged, grinning. Her gaze connected with Phoenix, and he smiled in amusement.
“Careful, Ashley. You’re part of the family now. If she hears how great you sound, she’ll have you leading all the Christmas carols and singing for dinner guests at every get-together,” he teased.
“You hush,” Lucy laughed. “Phoenix tells me you have a few more months on tour. What will you do after that?”
“Well, I’m planning on taking these two back to Australia with me for a brief visit. You can’t know an Aussie if you’ve never dived the Great Barrier Reef. And, of course I want them to meet my mum and dad and my friends. After that, possibly American citizenship? Who knows?” Ashley smiled enigmatically. “But, let’s see. Which song would you like to hear?”
“Do ‘Fall into Bliss,’ Ashley,” Cee-Cee suggested.
The doorbell rang, and Phoenix left Ashley singing the opening bars to his favorite song. He had a smile on his face when he threw open the door, expecting Sally and her mother. It wasn’t them. It was his secretary. “What are you doing here? I gave you the night off,” Phoenix replied.
MMF BISEXUAL ROMANCE: Phoenix Running Page 31
