by G S Binkley
Gage sucked in a deep breath and rose. Steadying her rising anger, Gage said quietly. “It happens…. an accident.”
Marva let out a shriek. “Isn’t that rich?” She cast Lacy an astonished look. “Forgiving? Is she good in bed, too? Come on, Lacy, tell me all the dirty little details.”
Gage stopped Lacy from tearing into her old friend. She could see that the older woman was a bit tipsy and recognized that Marva was baiting her. In that moment, Gage did something she didn’t know she had in her. Her green eyes lit up and she smiled at the ridiculousness of the situation. She smiled because she recognized the motivation behind Marva’s words. Fear. Fear of getting older. Fear of being unwanted. Fear of becoming an unwilling wallflower in the face of a much more beautiful woman that Marva had always considered as her major competition. Lacy was everything Marva wanted to be and Gage realized that Marva was jealous. That was the source of aggravation for Marva. She resented the love Lacy and Gage shared.
“No, Marva. There’s nothing dirty about what we have.” Gage pulled Lacy closer. “To tell you the truth, I don’t deserve her or her love.” Lacy nudged her lover but Gage continued. “But, I’ll take it and everything she’s willing to give me. And, I’ll treasure it and hang on to it with everything inside me. She loves me for me. She loves from her heart… her soul without reservation. That’s what sets her aside from all the rest.” Marva knew Gage directed this statement at her. “It’s not her acting ability or her beauty…. not her body….” Gage paused long enough to take a long lingering sideways glance up and down her lover’s body and smiled. “…but the depth of her love…. how deeply she can love and does. Me, her children, her friends….. even you, Marva.”
Her shaking hand brought the glass to her lips in an attempt to hide her crumbling façade. Marva drank deeply from her glass, emptying it.
“She’s your friend and always will be. Lacy doesn’t stand in your way…. no one does.” Gage leaned in closer so only Marva would hear her next words. “Only you do.”
Marva swallowed. Unable to summon a respectable exit herself, Gage did it for her. The blonde looked around to the captivated audience. Suddenly, she placed a strong arm across Marva’s shoulders. “I think we did it, Marva. Re-wrote that big dramatic scene just like you wanted between Jordan and Edie.”
The stunned group slowly came out of their dazed state. Not quite sure if what transpired was staged or not, they eventually were sold the bad bill of goods as Marva’s wide grin along with Lacy’s reluctant smile joined Gage’s already happy laughter. Again, Gage squeezed the older woman. “Guess we were good…. I think they bought it.”
The crowd knew Marva was always up for this kind of antic but was not prepared for Gage’s participation. “Hell, we were great!” Marva proclaimed and grabbed Lacy around her shoulder and pulled her in tight for a group hug.
The crowd broke out in cheers. A few suspected and a few knew the truth of what just happened but most were just happy to get the party back in full swing.
Having saved face, Marva would be forever grateful to the blonde she delighted in giving a hard time to during the filming of the movie. As Gage made her way over to Mark and Julie, Marva pulled Lacy back in order to spare her old friend a few words. “She’s a keeper.”
Lacy grinned and hugged her friend. “You’re not telling me something I don’t already know.”
The rest of the evening progressed without much fan fair. Michael spent an inordinate amount of time talking and dancing with Shanti. Griff hovered about relentlessly, pouting about the new development between her friend and the young actress. Ryan found a moment to talk with the young redhead. “I know you’re jealous.” The director rubbed his chin. “Just can’t tell about which one though.”
Elbowing him, she spat. “Oh, shut up, Ryan.” Then huffed off.
Chapter Sixteen
Before Gage and her family left LA for their home in St. Troy, she decided to pay a visit to her old social worker and friend, Grace Davidson. At first, Lacy offered for her and the kids to stay behind. Both Gage and Dani objected.
“But mom….” Dani whined. “Grace is like for sure to have pictures of her new grandbaby and I’m sure she’d want to see me… I mean us.” She mussed Derek’s hair, realizing that the new baby would be at least two years old now. “Right, Derek?”
“Hey, stop that.” Squinting gray eyes cast a mean look at his sister as he ducked away. His mouth formed a distinct growl toward his sister.
Beaming, Gage was quick to agree. “Besides, Lacy, I want her to meet my family.” Then Gage looked toward Stella. “You’ll go with us?”
This brought an unexpected smile to Stella’s face that matched the one Gage had just displayed to Lacy. “I’d love to.” Stella figured that Gage’s mention of family didn’t really include her. But, a girl can dream, can’t she?
“It’s settled. We all go.”
Lacy picked up Sammy when he yanked at her pant leg. “Me, me. Go with momma.”
Having listened to the grown-ups discuss who was going to visit Grace, Derek hitched up his jeans and said. “Nobody’s leaving me behind.”
************************
The eighty-two year old woman still held a vibrant look in her hazel eyes as she gazed at Gage. Holding out her arms, she beckoned. “Come here.”
Gage wrapped her arms around Grace, inhaling deeply. “I’ve missed you.”
The older woman pulled back slightly. “Then we agree…. you won’t wait another twenty-five years to come and see me.”
Smiling at the woman in her arms, Gage winked. “Agreed. Grace, I’d like you to meet my….” The younger woman loosened her arm from Grace and extended it outward. “… family. Lacy? Grace, this is my partner.”
As Lacy reached her hand out, Grace embraced her. “I know. Stella told me.”
Before Lacy let loose of Grace, she whispered. “Thank you… for being there for Gage.” In response, the older woman squeezed Lacy even harder. “It’s good to see you again, Grace.”
Glancing quickly to Stella before she continued, Gage said. “Apparently, you’ve already met….”
“Hey, Grace. Remember me?” Dani didn’t hesitate. She flung her arms around the older woman. “How’s that new baby of yours?”
“My, my how you’ve grown up.” Grace carefully studied the young girl. “You look more like your mother every day. Over on the desk, I have some pictures.”
Dani relinquished her hold and zipped across the room to retrieve the photo album.
“Derek?” The young boy stepped up next to Gage. “You remember Grace, too, don’t you?”
Like a little gentleman, he extended his hand. “Yes, ma’am.”
Tiring, Grace sat down. “Not so shy anymore, hmmm?” Seeing that the young boy was not receptive to getting a hug, Grace mussed his hair.
Both Gage and Lacy froze and waited for the expected response from Derek that didn’t come. “No, ma’am. And, I don’t talk funny no more either.” Derek piped up proudly then glanced up at Gage who returned the smile.
Watching what transpired between Gage and the young boy, Grace knew there was story she would have to pry out of Gage. “Please call me Grace.” He nodded then joined his sister at the desk.
Seeing Stella standing in the background, Grace called to her. “Stella, come sit next to me. Let me see who you got there. Lacy, over here.” She pointed to the empty seat on her left. “I want you to tell me everything about what’s been going on with Gage.”
“Hey!” Gage protested.
“Hush now.” The old woman winked at Gage, dismissing her. “Who is this handsome young man?”
“His name’s Sammy.” Stella lifted him up. “Go on to Grace.”
The little tyke quickly wiggled away from his nanny to the older woman. Not even pausing, he continued his journey across Grace’s lap to his mother. “Momma.” Finally settled on his mother’s lap, Sammy turned his blue eyes back to the old woman then buried his head against L
acy’s shoulder.
“He reminds me of Derek the first time I saw him.” Grace noted.
Gage pulled up a chair across from Grace. “Worse. He doesn’t like me.” The blonde concluded.
“Gage!” Lacy protested.
“It’s true.”
“I find that hard to believe. You were always so lovable.” Grace countered.
Lacy’s interest piqued at the welcomed opportunity to find out more about her lover. “Tell me…. everything.”
“Hey!”
Lacy, Grace and Stella delighted in their conspiracy to divulge all there was to know about the increasingly frustrated blonde. Dejected, Gage turned her head toward the two oldest kids.
“You might as well come over here, Gage, and look at the pictures with us.” After Gage rolled her eyes, Dani added. “Mom finally found her source.” Referring to what Lacy knew would be a gold mine in finding out about the past that Gage was reluctant to share.
***********************
After a few hours of reacquainting themselves, Gage suggested. “It’s getting late and you’re tired. We should go.”
Grace grabbed hold of the blonde’s hand. “Not before we talk… alone.” She looked to Lacy for her approval. Getting it, Grace tugged at Gage bringing the younger woman next to her on the sofa.
“Come on, kids.”
Dani hurried up to her old friend. “Grace. My birthday is later this week. Can you come for my party?”
“I’m sorry, honey. I don’t get around as much as I used to. I’ll send you a gift though.” Grace offered.
Now the thought of receiving a gift was always very appealing to Dani. However, Dani was extremely fond of Grace and getting to visit with the older woman again was more than enough for the young girl. “Seeing you is my gift.”
Everyone was impressed with Dani’s insightful and kind words. After Grace received a warm kiss on the cheek from Dani, she said. “Your mother should be very proud of you.”
“Oh, she is.” Dani assured her and left.
All Lacy could think to do was shrug her shoulders at her daughter’s sincere audacity.
When the others had gone leaving Grace and Gage alone, the blonde suddenly felt a little awkward. “I’m sorry. I should have stayed in contact with you. You did so much for me when…..” Gage let her words trail off.
“Then you won’t mind doing something for me.” Grace said.
A suspicious eyebrow shot up. “I know you, Grace. What’s on your mind?”
“You were extremely bright then. I see that hasn’t changed.” The old woman ran a soft hand along Gage’s cheek. Gage fell into that familiar touch she remembered from so many years ago. “Stella tells me…”
“Grace.” Gage started to protest.
“Hush now. You blame her for leaving you.” Gage turned her head away from the accurate statement. “I left, too, and you don’t hold that against me.”
“That was different. Your husband took a job in another city.”
“Stella didn’t want to come between you and your new family.”
Gage slumped back and crossed her arms. “Some new family. Not even a month and they sent me packing.”
“I didn’t know about that until years later, Gage. You do believe me. If I’d had known I would have….” Gage lifted her arm and pulled the white haired woman closer before she continued. “The same for Stella. She found out only when she came to work for you and Lacy.” Referring to Gage’s partner, she added. “Such a nice girl she is, too.”
“Yes.” Gage agreed but was very reluctant to concur with her about the nanny. “Grace. When she came to the center, we did everything together. It was like…”
“Like what?”
“Nothing.”
“Mmmmm Hmmm.” Grace shifted so she could look directly into sad green eyes. “Give her a chance. Talk to her, Gage. For me?”
Feeling defeat upon her, Gage conceded. “If you say please, I guess there’s nothing I could do to resist you.”
Once again, Grace stroked the blonde’s cheek. “Please.”
“Okay.” The blonde hugged Grace. I’ll try. I really will. No one seemed to understand the way Gage felt regarding Stella’s sudden disappearance from her life. Not Lacy and not Grace. Stella offered no explanation or no goodbye. One day she was there and the next day, she was gone. After being placed with her newly adopted family later that week, Gage’s temporary excitement deluded the emptiness of Stella’s absence. Within a month after being shipped back to the home, depression, loneliness and the feeling of worthlessness caved in on the six year old. It shadowed her life until she met Lacy.
“She wears your necklace.” Grace stated flatly.
Bringing Gage from her dark musings, she confirmed with a smile. “Yes. I love her so much.”
“That’s evident.” Grace backed off from the embrace and nodded to the door. “They’re waiting. Next time you’re out here… come visit me.”
Gage kissed her cheek and promised. “We will.”
************************
Back home in St. Troy, Lacy prepared for Dani’s upcoming birthday party. Several of the girls her daughter had met last year in school were coming over for a sleep over. She acquiesced to her daughter’s request to erect a tent and allow them to sleep outside and tell ghost stories. However, after Gage’s conversation with Lacy’s father, the worried mother was on the verge of changing her mind.
“Lacy, she’s going to be disappointed.” Gage offered.
“It can’t be helped.” Lacy paced around the bedroom. “I…. we can’t take the chance. Not now.”
Sammy wiggled in Gage’s embrace. He wanted his momma. “Would you hold still?” She offered him a cookie to occupy his attention while Gage tried to reason with her partner.
Lacy was too on edge to allow logic to enter her thinking on the subject.
“You promised her.” Gage reminded the concerned mom.
Glaring at Gage, Lacy stood in front of her with hands on her hip in defiance. “You heard what dad said. And, they’re down there now getting ready.” Lacy spared a quick look out the window. “In another hour or so it will be dark outside.”
“I know. I know.” Gage patted the spot next to her on the bed. “Come here.” When Lacy refused to move, the blonde repeated. “Come on.” Once Lacy settled next to her, Gage let loose of the anxious young boy in her arms. Sammy plopped on his momma’s lap.
Lacy gently pulled him closer finding some solace as she held her son. Having a child in her arms comforted her and Gage knew it. She watched Lacy’s face, etched with concern; soften as Sammy snuggled up to his mother.
“I have an idea. I’ll get Dani and her friends settled into their tent next to the garden. They’ll be able to see the lake that way and it will give me a place to hide.” Gage saw Lacy’s eyebrow raise in question. “Once it gets dark, I’ll go back out there and park myself at the gazebo where I can keep watch on them all night long. Okay?” Gage slipped her hand to the small of her partner’s back, gently rubbing it.
Turning her head sideways, Lacy looked up. “You’d do that?”
“Of course.” Seeing the smile spring on her lover’s face, Gage knew she made the right decision. Just what I wanted a night out under the stars…. alone.
“Anything that Jim had access to has been checked. We changed the locks and talked with the police.”
The gardener Gage hired only worked for a couple more weeks after Lacy and Gage left to resume their movie. Dan Lewis was the first to notice his disappearance and notified Gage. After a brief discussion, they decided to have the locks changed and Dan checked with the owner, Steve, from the lawn place. He found that Steve didn’t really know much about Jim except that his last name was Smith and only worked for him for a couple of weeks before Gage’s request for a full time employee.
Dan and Hank did a thorough check of the premises, finding nothing missing or out of the ordinary. Gage and Lacy did the same upon their return from Los
Angeles with the same results. It was cause enough for Lacy to worry as there had been a rash of kidnappings throughout the United States.
Gage’s words reassured the concerned mother quite a bit. Lacy placed a thankful kiss on her lover’s lips. The very observant young boy paid close attention to everything his mother did and realized she had relaxed somewhat. He continued to watch as his mother and Gage exchanged small reassuring kisses. Suddenly, he popped up and wiggled his way between the two adults. Even the young boy could recognize that the blonde who was always hanging around his momma was reassuring her and that pleased the Sammy.
Gage backed up figuring the young boy didn’t like all the attention she was getting from Lacy. It took her totally by surprise when Sammy leaned over and placed a wet kiss on her lips. Shocked, Gage looked at him then to Lacy and back to Sammy who was smiling. “Thank you.” She ducked down and pecked him on the cheek causing him to giggle.
“See! He does like you.”
Not totally convinced, Gage conceded. “Maybe… a little bit. But, I’ll take what I can get.” She jumped up off the bed. “Come on. Let’s get downstairs. I’m sure Stella would like a reprieve.”
Lacy followed Gage to the door but stopped when the blonde came to an unexpected halt. “You know, the real problem is going to be keeping Derek inside. He’s been dogging the girls ever since they got here.”
The younger woman placed her hand on Gage’s cheek gently caressing her. “You solved my first problem. I’m sure you can come up with something for this one as well.” She passed a perplexed Gage and headed downstairs.
************************
“Mom, would you fix us pancakes in the morning? Chocolate chip pancakes?” Dani asked as her three friends stood close by.
“Yes, I will. Are you sure you wouldn’t rather stay inside tonight? You can take over the living room. Pitch the tent in there.” Lacy had to try one more time to coax her daughter and friends to camp inside away from the uncertainties of the night.
