“Yes. I’m visiting for several months, and I’d love to.”
Jordan hesitated, wrestling with the conundrum of what to do next. She had never been comfortable with hugging nonfamily members, and the Food Lion parking lot was not the place to begin snuggling with an attractive woman she barely knew.
“Sorry. I have to run.”
Jordan’s hand was barely in front of her when Emmy reached out as if to shake then instantly covered it with her other and did not let go. The warmth was inviting.
“The next time, we can exchange invasion stories,” Emmy smirked.
Jordan released a small laugh and withdrew her hand. She waved and walked to her SUV.
****
The next day, Jordan arrived late for Thanksgiving dinner. She loved Grammy and Poppa Lange. Large family gatherings, not so much. They usually turned awkward at best and messy at worst, and this holiday would be a particular challenge since the state’s same-sex marriage ban had recently been ruled unconstitutional. Expecting the worst with the rigid views of her brother Gerry and a few other cousins, she braced herself and took a breath before walking into the house.
When dinner finished on a pleasant note, she felt grateful. After helping serve dessert, she joined her brother Carter and his wife, Angie, in the downstairs rec room with a few easygoing relatives. Her grandparents and mom remained upstairs. Unfortunately, the peacefulness did not last long when Gerry walked in with several conservative family members. She only acknowledged them with a slight nod.
The one who got under Jordan’s skin the most was a lawyer who passed himself off as a good ole’ country boy. She cringed when he said, “Letting the lower courts uproot state marriage law is unjust. We’re going to fight it.”
Gerry agreed. “Yeah, this year’s been a horrible disappointment. I’ll be happy to see 2014 end.”
The cousin slapped Gerry on the back. “With any luck, the US Supreme Court will come to their senses and uphold the constitution.”
“Congress should pass an amendment to defend the sanctity of marriage, but I’m not sure I have much faith in the government.”
“Don’t worry, Gerry. You might want to join the Family Research Council. We have a chapter opening up nearby.”
Jordan’s stomach lurched, and her skin prickled and tingled as if thousands of nanometer-sized insects were crawling all over her. The FRC was slick, but its extremist agenda had won them a spot on the Southern Poverty Law Group list of hate groups.
“Why do they have to publicly display that lifestyle? It’s disgusting,” another cousin said loudly. “I don’t want to see it!” She casually sipped her coffee and took small bites of pie with no clue to the impact of her words.
“Yeah, it’s unnatural,” Gerry added. “People are turning away from God these days.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Jordan saw the vein in Carter’s neck bulging, and he looked as though he would explode. “Not everyone agrees with your views on politics and religion,” Carter calmly said. “I didn’t come over for a sermon.”
Jordan’s mouth dropped when another cousin whose leanings seemed ambiguous said, “I think we have more important things to worry about in this country than who someone chooses to love.”
Before the situation became worse, Angie stood. “I’m going to check on the kids.”
Jordan jumped up to take advantage of the opening. “I’ll join you. Besides, I promised to drop by the employee dinner.”
“Yeah, I think I’ll leave too.” Disdain rolled off Carter’s tongue as the two brothers glared at one another.
Before they could make their exit, Aunt Elizabeth stood in the doorframe. They faced her like three ducks in a row, but her scowl fell upon the others.
“What the heck is going on in here? This isn’t a political rally. Change the topic. Now. For heaven’s sake, can’t you just talk football or something happy? What about music?”
Jordan suppressed a smile and thought, Yeah, I could talk about Taylor Swift and imagine her singing to me. Instead, she said, “I really do have to get going. Take care, everyone.” She waved and tried to edge past, but Aunt Elizabeth wasn’t budging.
“Your mother’s not going to be happy that you’re sneaking away to work.”
“It’s not work. It’s just some friends who have nowhere else to go. And Jo’s mom is sick right now. You all have each other.”
“We gotta check on the kids, and I promised to build a Lego spaceship,” Carter rattled off.
Elizabeth stepped aside. “You three go. The rest of you, tone it down for heaven’s sake.”
When Jordan made her final round of goodbyes, she expected an earful, but Aunt Elizabeth must have said something because Mom, Grammy, and Poppa let her go without much grief. Hopping into the vehicle, she cranked up the radio. Despite the distraction, her muscles remained tense, and her arteries thumped more rapidly than the beat. Speeding down the gravel road, a plume of dust swirled behind her. She couldn’t get out of there fast enough.
Part of her original plan in returning home had been to eventually come out. Delaying was more than an unwillingness to move outside her comfort zone. Living in this part of the country meant picking your fights, and the fear of possible vandalism and memories of Karen were unshakable. But the damned balancing act was getting old, and lately, her internal panic attacks threatened to spill over into public view. She needed and wanted to change. It was simply a matter of timing. At least, that’s what she told herself.
Chapter Three
Relaxing in the coffeehouse, Jordan was in no hurry this morning as pleasant thoughts of Emmy filled her head. It had been two weeks since they spoke. Despite chance encounters or the casual wave as they drove past each other, Jordan wanted more, yet, how did she go about getting more? Sipping her coffee, she wondered if she needed to take fate by the throat and shake it in her favor. The ding of the door made Jordan glance up. Fate had just walked in, and she was followed by her aunt.
Betty Jean grabbed a to-go cup, placed a peck on her niece’s cheek, and left. Seemingly unaware of Jordan’s presence, Emmy removed her coat and scrolled through her phone while waiting for the order, giving Jordan time to get lost in thoughts of admiration.
Jordan’s pulse quickened as Emmy’s slender fingers tucked a piece of wavy blond hair behind her ear, and when Emmy responded to the barista with a soft laugh, Jordan tingled with anticipation. She watched her carefully balance a full cup in one hand and her coat and a couple of books in the other while making her way to a table. Jordan jumped up to assist.
“Looks like you need some help.”
“Fancy meeting you here,” Emmy said with a mischievous glint in her eye.
“Please, join me.” Jordan took Emmy’s cup and managed to not spill a drop despite the zing that went through her body when their fingers brushed together. As Emmy settled into the seat, Jordan noted the light makeup over her creamy skin followed by lovely hazel eyes. They appeared greener today.
Jordan held out the plate. “Scone? It’s delicious, but I probably shouldn’t have another.”
“Thank you. How did your invasion celebration go?” Emmy winked.
Pushing away the disturbing thoughts of her bigoted relatives, Jordan said, “I finished the evening at the employee dinner with plenty of laughter.”
“Laughter’s good for the soul.” Emmy took a bite of the scone, and her hand flew up to catch some crumbs.
“And how were your relatives?”
Emmy’s hand now was trying to cover a smirk. “Enjoyable. Although we had to spend the night. I drank too much. Nothing crazy, but we did kill a bottle of Irish whiskey that I brought them.”
“Sounds like a good time was had by all. You mentioned dual citizenship the other day. Will you go back to the UK after your visit?”
“I’ll be working in Washington DC for a couple of years since snagging a part-time position at our US headquarters. Most of my career was spent in London, but I recently completed three
years in India. I’m sick of traveling, and honestly, work. Part of the deal was the bank allowing me a four-month sabbatical. I also do private consulting, which can be handled anywhere with an internet connection.”
The thought that instantly zipped through Jordan’s mind was, She’s available, followed by, Oh God, I’m in so much trouble.
“You look surprised.” When Jordan didn’t respond immediately, Emmy said, “Is that a good thing or a bad thing?”
“Oh…I…um…good.” She wanted to crawl under the table as Emmy intently studied her over the coffee cup rim. Finally, Jordan found her voice. “Your aunt will be happy, and I would love to see you again.” Did I really just say that out loud? A flush ran through her, and she hurried to change the topic. “Tell me about your parents.”
“Well, as you know my father was Auntie’s brother-in-law. He went to university in England, became a British citizen, then worked as a banker in London. My mum was a teacher from Leestown. They met in Paris. My mum was on holiday, and my father seemed to be in the right place at the right time. They fell in love, married, and I was born in London. We lived throughout Europe, and I spent occasional summers in America with relatives. So, you can see my background is different from most people’s.” Emmy’s broad smile faded. “Unfortunately, my mother died over twenty years ago and my father passed last year.”
“I’m sorry. My dad died when I was a little girl.”
“Was your father from Spain? Betty Jean said you lived there for several years after graduating from culinary school.”
Jordan bit her lip. “Yes.” She reached for her cup and accidentally knocked it over. The last dribbles of the coffee spilled over Emmy’s books. “Shit.”
They both grabbed napkins, sopping up the liquid frantically.
“No harm,” Emmy said. “The smell of coffee will remind me of you while reading.”
Jordan froze when she saw Philip Simmons’s book. While Emmy continued to wipe down the books, Jordan softly said, “Have you read it?”
“I just bought the mystery.”
“No, I meant Learning to Fall: The Blessings of An Imperfect Life.”
“Oh, almost finished. What an inspirational piece. Simmons’s humor and ability to stop and point out the beauty in life were a gift that he left for us all. I’m not sure I could be brave in his position.”
After a few silent seconds, Jordan looked up. “The essays he wrote were nothing short of amazing. Lots of quotes to live by.” She swallowed hard and quoted from the book. “When we learn to fall, we learn that only by letting go…we find, ultimately, the most profound freedom.”
Emmy reached out and placed her hand on top of Jordan’s. In that instant, Jordan wanted to crumble. The gentle warmth of Emmy’s hand felt good, and her eyes revealed trust, but fear caused Jordan to retract. Leaning back in the seat and sipping her coffee, she recalled the night she first met Emmy. The night she found her missing copy with the Polaroid tucked in the middle.
The awkward silence was soon interrupted by Betty Jean’s booming voice. She sauntered to the table, carrying a small shopping bag, and wrapped Jordan in a big hug.
“Well, twice in one month. That’s a record. We should come here with your mom and Aunt Elizabeth. We don’t get to see one another as much as we used to.”
Betty Jean’s jovial character usually lightened everyone’s mood. Jordan only felt relief that Emmy didn’t have time to pepper her with questions. She heard herself say, “Yes, it would be fun,” and hoped the lack of enthusiasm went unnoticed.
“So, you two getting to know one another?”
“Gradually but surely,” Emmy said.
As Betty Jean rattled on, Jordan found it impossible to pay attention. She stood. “Betty Jean, why don’t you sit closer to the fire? I have to get over to the restaurant.”
“Oh, but so soon? It’s early. Won’t you stay for a few minutes longer?”
“I’m sorry. We’re extremely busy this time of year. Christmas is right around the corner. It’s been lovely seeing you.” She hugged Betty Jean again and held out her hand to Emmy. “And nice to enjoy your company again.”
“Likewise.” Emmy wrapped both hands around Jordan’s. “I enjoy our discussions. We’ll have to get together again. Soon, I hope.”
Jordan sensed strength and determination in Emmy’s touch and saw the sincerity in her smile and eyes, but she had to get out of there. “Yes. Well, enjoy your day, ladies.” She slid her hand out from Emmy’s and waved goodbye.
Somehow, Jordan managed to walk out of the coffeehouse. Glancing back inside, she saw Emmy once again watching her. Instead of the devilish smile like the night before, the smile seemed to acknowledge the vulnerable moment they had shared.
****
Betty Jean tried to include Emmy in a conversation she had struck up with a friend who passed by the table, but Emmy’s mind was on Jordan. The tall, dark woman was a mystery. Beautiful and talented with a killer smile. Yet, that smile and the sparkle in her eyes sometimes clouded over with worry and sadness. Shortly after the coffee spill, Jordan looked hurt and was aimlessly turning her pinky ring over and over while staring at the book cover.
Learning to Fall was one of the most powerful and uplifting books Emmy had ever read but impossible to complete without crying because it was written while Simmons was dying of Lou Gehrig’s disease.
Emmy was drawn physically and emotionally to Jordan. Hopefully, whatever made Jordan sad was in the past.
Chapter Four
The town was strangely quiet, and lunchtime had slowed to a crawl. Jordan needed to loosen up.
“Robby, I’m heading off to the gym.”
“How about working out for me, too?” He grinned.
“You should get a membership. Thirty minutes a day, three days a week would do you some good.”
“I walk. Sorry, never been into lifting weights or working on any machines. You enjoy.” Scolding, he added, “Also, you might want to take a long weekend or vacation. There’s got to be more than work and doing gym time.”
“Has my mother been coaching you?”
“Nope. Just want you to know I care, too.” He kissed the top of her head before continuing with dinner preps.
Jordan had met Robby shortly after the opening of her restaurant. His connections to wealthy and influential people helped the struggling restaurant thrive, even with the heavy competition from Sherry’s Café and the Lost Dog Saloon. Snagging him as her sous chef was a lucky break. Fortunately for her, Robby was sick of the Washington DC traffic, and his wife wanted to be closer to her aging parents.
“You could walk with me for some exercise and then return.” Jordan poked him in the ribs. “Come on. The sun is peeking out of the clouds. Jo can handle things on her own until you get back.”
“No, thanks. Besides, I’m waiting until you’re gone to eat some leftover dessert.”
If there was one thing Robby overindulged in, it was sweets. She laughed and jokingly shook her finger at him while heading out the door.
Jordan breathed in the crisp air along the way. The gym improved her mood. It was like a minivacation, even if only for thirty minutes. She liked the peace and quiet from Tuesday to Monday and avoided other busy times. Fiddling with her earbuds in one hand and her iPhone and bag in the other, she entered the locker room and collided with someone.
“Pardon me.” Jordan looked up, right into Emmy’s eyes. Her breath caught in her throat.
“No, my apologies. I was rushing.”
Jordan eyed Emmy’s tight-fitting T-shirt accentuating ample breasts and shorts that hugged nice hips. Embarrassed, she stepped aside. “I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “Ah, I’ll see you out there.”
Emmy wasn’t flustered in the least and nodded. As she glided past, their upper torsos touched. Jordan sucked air into her lungs and breathed in Emmy’s scent. Oh my God, she can have me any way she wants. After putting her things into a locker, Jordan sat on the bench for a moment. She had always bee
n the cool, calm, collected pursuer. Around Emmy, she felt like the prey. The kind that wanted to be gobbled up. She filled her lungs again then walked out to the machines. Emmy was waiting for her.
“How about we work together? I could use some encouragement and help with the equipment,” Emmy pleaded.
“Sure.”
After stretching, Jordan started at a fast pace. Emmy was no slouch. She had a muscular, stocky build that screamed strength, and Jordan shivered at the thought of feeling those arms and thighs wrapped around her.
Emmy must have picked up on Jordan’s gaze. “Although I’ve been a serious tennis player most of my life, my thunder thighs and arms are courtesy of genetics from the women on my mum’s side.”
For a split second, the tennis reference brought memories of Karen to Jordan’s mind. She brushed it aside. “You’re beautiful.”
“Why thank you, Ms. Simón. Did anyone ever tell you what a lovely, mischievous grin and cute legs you have?”
The open flirting left Jordan speechless.
“I’m sorry if I’ve made you uncomfortable.” Emmy moved to the stationary bikes while casting a sly look over her shoulder.
After standing with a slack jaw, Jordan caught up to her and steered the conversation to a safe subject: movies. She was delighted to hear that Emmy liked sci-fi. Jordan’s favorite was The Matrix while Emmy’s was Star Wars.
Within no time, the gym hour flew by. “Okay. I can see you liking drama but never thought you’d be a sci-fi fan,” Jordan said as they strolled toward the locker room.
“Why not? Lots of intelligent, cute, and take-charge women in sci-fi. Carrie Fisher was the first badass princess. And since you’re a Matrix fan, have you read any of the books talking about philosophy and The Matrix?”
“We have to dig deeper next time and talk literature.” Jordan rattled on but soon realized that Emmy was not by her side. She turned around and raised her brows, forgetting what she was about to say next.
Falling for Love: A Winter Romance Page 2
