by Donna Jay
Julie fished in her jean’s pocket and handed her a twenty.
“Put it away.” The hint of a smile appeared on her mum’s face, and Yvonne took that moment to give her a sideways hug.
“What can I do to help?”
“Why don’t you bring your bags in before you get your hands dirty? I’ve made up the spare room for you.”
The room with twin beds. Wonderful.
“I’ll grab the bags.” Julie plucked up the car keys, pecked Yvonne on the cheek, and was gone.
Once she was out of hearing shot, Yvonne braced herself. She knew what was coming before her mother even spoke.
“I hope there’s none of that sort of carry on tonight.”
Taking a deep breath, Yvonne reigned in her fury. “It’s called showing affection, Mum. We’re married.”
Her mother flinched as if Yvonne had just delivered disgusting news.
Gritting her teeth, Yvonne pressed on. “Can’t you just be happy for me?”
The stern look her mother shot her—lips pursed, brow furrowed—made Yvonne feel like she was five again.
“Don't take that tone with me, Yvonne Marie. Your brother’s married too, but you don't see Sandra fawning all over him."
Nope, that would never happen. Her sister-in-law was cut from the same cloth as her mother when it came to showing affection.
"It’s like you two are trying to prove something, and that makes people uncomfortable.”
Shaking her head, Yvonne muttered under her breath. “Makes you uncomfortable.”
“Pardon me?”
“Nothing, Mum. It’s fine.” It wasn’t, but she hadn’t come all the way to New Plymouth to argue with her mother. She was there for Nathan.
A second later, Julie bounded into the kitchen, all smiles and big brown eyes.
"Right, let's get this party started.” She rubbed her hands together, looking excited.
There was no way Julie couldn’t feel the tension in the room, but she didn’t let it show—never did when it came to the in-laws—and Yvonne loved her for it.
Right then, she wanted nothing more than to wrap her arms around her wife, but for the sake of keeping the peace she didn’t dare.
***
By mid-afternoon they’d been filled in on the plan. Nathan was golfing with his mate while the ladies went shopping, then they were supposed to meet up for a quiet dinner for four.
At five o’clock, they loaded the food and decorations into her parent’s car and saw them on their way.
Hannah and James piled into the back of Yvonne and Julie’s car. The drive across town gave Yvonne time to decompress.
“I don’t feel like I’ve relaxed since we arrived.” She exhaled a long, slow breath.
“You haven’t,” Hannah piped up from the backseat. “You shouldn’t let Gran get to you.”
“Huh, that’s rich coming from you.” James smirked.
“Whatever.” Hannah folded her arms across her chest and glanced out the window.
Julie swivelled her head, and Yvonne glanced in the rearview mirror.
James grinned like a five-year-old about to rat on his sister. “Hannah got a nose piercing, and when Gran told her she looked like a bull she took it out.”
“Shut up.” Hannah shoved him.
“No fighting, you two,” Julie said. “Tonight’s about your dad and making happy memories.”
***
By six o’clock, Nathan and Sandra’s home was packed with guests. Conversation and booze flowing. Finger food set out. Savouries warming in the oven. HAPPY BIRTHDAY banner pinned to the living room wall.
“Shh.” Hannah put a finger across her lips. “Everyone down.” She flicked off the lights.
Guests who’d driven had parked their cars around the corner. After bringing the kids home, Julie had taken their car back to her parents. Hannah had followed in the small car Nathan used for work and given her a lift back.
Excited chatter filled the room when a car pulled into the driveway.
“They’re here,” James whisper yelled.
Adrenaline surged through Yvonne, and a smile broke out on her face. Having a surprise sprung on her was her worst nightmare, but Nathan loved being the centre of attention.
Grinning, Hannah counted down. Five. Four. Three. Two. One.
A key rattled in the door. “I can’t believe you forgot the credit card.” That was Nathan.
“Stop complaining.”
Yvonne would know her sister-in-law’s voice anywhere. She didn’t even have to try to sound grumpy.
The light flicked on and everyone jumped to their feet, yelling “Surprise!”
Warmth flooded Yvonne when Nathan’s entire face lit up. His eyes went wide, his jaw dropped open, but no words came. He was literally speechless.
“Happy Birthday,” came a voice from out of nowhere. A second later a couple entered behind them. “You didn’t think we’d miss it, did you?”
“Good of them to make it on time,” Julie muttered under her breath.
“Shh, that’s his mate and wife. They helped set this up.”
“Hey, Dad.” James gave him a coy smile.
“Hey, I thought you were staying at your mate Carl’s.” He pulled Nathan into a sideways hug.
Nathan’s gaze moved around the room naming people as he went. “Mum, Dad, Tony, Mary—”
The look on his face when Hannah popped up from behind the couch was priceless. “Oh, honey, you’re supposed to be at—”
“University studying. I know, I know.”
He opened his arms and she flew into them. He blinked hard, holding her tight. “Thank you for being here.”
Swiping at her eyes, Hannah turned in his arms. “Guess who else is here?” She pointed to Yvonne.
“Sis!”
A tear slid down Yvonne’s cheek. Bloody hormones. “That’s me.”
“Get your arse over here.”
“Go.” Julie gave her a shove as if she needed a helping hand. It’d only been six months since she’d seen Nathan, but it felt like a lifetime.
She wrapped her arms around her brother, breathing him in. For someone who’d been golfing all afternoon, he smelled pretty good, like spring and aftershave. “Happy Birthday.”
The flash of a camera blinded her. When her vision cleared, she was met by Julie’s smiling face.
“Mum, Dad.” Nathan motioned to a spot beside him.
“Just because it’s your birthday, doesn’t mean you can boss me around.” A smile accompanied their mother’s words.
It was good to see her smiling. She looked genuinely happy. Relaxed. Proud even.
“Now there’s a handsome family.” Julie held up her camera. “Move closer.”
Yvonne smiled up at her dad when he slipped his hand around her waist and squeezed her side. Nathan snaked an arm across her shoulders, and their mother stood on the other side of Nathan.
What felt like a hundred cameras flashed at once.
The night went off without a hitch. Nathan’s wife was the perfect hostess. Her mother smiled all night. The cake was a hit, and everyone behaved.
By midnight, Yvonne was partied out. She flopped into a chair in the living room. Julie was having a blast, dancing with partygoers in the kitchen. She probably knew them all by name, too.
“You okay, Aunty?” Hannah perched on the arm of the chair.
“I’m fine, just tired.”
“Me too, I’m going to go and hide in my room.” She gave Yvonne a sideways hug.
“It was good to see you.” Yvonne hugged her back.
“You, too.” Hannah thumbed her phone and slipped out of the room.
“There’s my wife.” Julie wandered into the living room. “Come dance.”
“I’m beat. My feet are killing me.”
“Boo.” Julie pouted. “Party-pooper.”
Yvonne fanned away her beer breath. “Looks like I’ll be driving tomorrow.”
“Nope.” She waggled her fingers. “I�
��ll keep…” Hiccup. “Keep up my end of the deal.”
“What happened to the rule twelve hours between the bottle and the throttle?”
It was a rule Julie stuck to religiously during the week. It wasn’t often they drank after seven. One or two drinks before dinner was generally the limit. Neither of them were big drinkers. With midnight looming, it was no wonder she was tipsy.
“Where are your folks?”
“They left about an hour ago.” Yvonne dragged herself out of the chair. “You better be quiet when we get ready for bed.”
“Oh, I can be very quiet.” Julie pulled her to her feet, pressing their bodies together. The gleam in her eyes made her intentions clear.
“We are not having drunk sex. In a single bed. At my parents.” She glanced around, hoping no one heard her outburst.
“Did someone say sex?” Nathan poked his head into the living room.
“We’re going to take off.”
Julie squeezed her bum. Yvonne swatted her hand.
The sound of people clapping and cheering drew their attention to the kitchen. A woman was leaning back in a kitchen chair, top pulled up to her boobs. Mark, her brother’s best friend, was lapping a shot out of her bellybutton.
“That’s disgusting.” Yvonne screwed up her face.
“What’s a bit of navel fluff between friends?”
“Tell that to his wife. By the way, where’s Sandra? I should thank her before we go.”
“She’s outside with the smokers, I’ll tell her you said bye.”
“Thanks.” She hugged her brother tight.
He knew there was no love lost between them. She might not think highly of her sister-in-law but she didn’t have to live with her. Nathan loved Sandra, and that was all that mattered.
***
The next day after bidding her parents farewell, they headed for home.
“God, I feel like I’m seasick.” Julie’s complexion was ashen. “Why couldn’t we have straight roads?”
“Straight’s overrated,” Yvonne said, slowing for a tight bend.
“You could show some sympathy. I was nice to you when you were hungover after your birthday.”
That was true, and she loved her for it. “I can’t do much about the windy roads. I’m barely doing the speed limit as it is.”
“I know.” Julie guzzled from a water bottle.
“At least Hannah didn’t inherit the Henderson gene.” Not that any of them were alcoholics but they all enjoyed a drink.
“Are you talking about the grumpy old lady gene?” Julie said with a smile in her voice.
“Someone’s feeling better.” Yvonne glanced sideways, pleased to see some colour back in her cheeks.
“Your dad gave me a hair of the dog when your mother wasn’t looking.”
“He didn’t!”
“Correct. But he did give me a hug.”
The thought warmed Yvonne’s heart. She wished she’d been there to see it. “Where was I?”
“Saying goodbye to your mother while I was putting our bags in the car. I came back up the porch steps and there he was. Thanked me for taking care of his girl.”
“I can’t believe he let Hannah drive when they went out to get lunch. Mum didn’t even say anything about that.”
“Do you think they would’ve treated our kids as equals?”
It was a loaded question Yvonne didn’t want to answer. She’d liked to think so.
Startled, Yvonne jumped on the brakes when a car swerved in front of them.
“Idiot!” Julie screeched, hand braced on the dashboard. “There’s a passing lane coming up. Why didn’t he just wait? So, you’re one car ahead, big deal.” She flipped the bird. “You won’t get there any faster, arsehole.”
Surprised by her outburst, Yvonne cocked an eyebrow. “Feel better.”
“Sorry.” Julie slumped in her seat. “You should hear me when you’re not in the car. I see dumb shit like that all week.” She shook her head.
“Don’t remind me.” Yvonne worried enough as it was when Julie had to traverse narrow country roads for her job.
The driver with a death wish had given Yvonne heart palpitations, but little did he know, thanks to his antics, she’d managed to avoid Julie’s question. They would never know if their children would’ve been embraced by her parents, so there was no point getting into a debate about it.
Chapter 20
Once they arrived back in Feilding, life quickly returned to normal, well as normal as it could get when you were a member of a dating site.
They liaised with a few women but no one that piqued their interest. After the disastrous date with Daphne, they agreed to ask more questions before arranging to meet. They also added a note to their profile stating: Do not ask one of us to play alone, we’re in this together.
One night after work, Julie did a quick search for single women in the lower North Island. A new profile caught her eye. Intrigued, she clicked on the username and read the bio.
Name: Pamela
Age: Forty-eight
Hair colour: Fire Engine Red
Sexuality: Bisexual
Eye Colour: Depends what colour contacts I’m wearing
Smoking: I don’t
Drinking: So much so I’m seeing stars the next day.
About me: I’m a spiritual person but not in the godly sense. The only time I like to hear the biblical name is in the throes of passion. Speaking of passion, I’m passionate about life and living it to the fullest. I don’t believe in sitting back and letting life come to me, I believe in going after what I want.
What I’m seeking: An attractive woman or two for no-strings-attached sex. I’m dominant by nature, and that includes in the bedroom. What I expect; mutual respect, someone with an open mind, and, of course, someone discreet.
What I hate: Small-minded people. Don’t judge me, and I won’t judge you.
GUYS - Don’t bother messaging me, you’re blocked.
***
With each line Julie read, excitement built. Pamela sounded perfect for them. Too perfect. Her heart sank. If something sounded too good to be true, it probably was.
She glanced up to see Yvonne eyeing her curiously. “What’s going on? I’ve lost count of how many emotions I’ve seen play across your face; happy, sad, thoughtful.”
Deciding it was better to show than tell, Julie unfolded her legs and joined Yvonne on the sofa. Ginger gave her the stink eye when she flopped down. She poked her tongue out at him.
“Don’t be mean. He’s still upset with you for telling a stranger he sprays all over the house. You’re lucky he hasn’t done that just to piss you off.”
“Nice pun,” Julie deadpanned. “Here. Read this.”
She handed her phone to Yvonne and scratched Ginger between the ears, something she’d been known to do when he permitted it, of course.
He watched her through narrowed eyes. His scrutiny sent shivers up her spine. It was as if he knew she’d bad mouthed him.
He yawned and Julie batted the air. “Good God, Ginger, when did you last brush your teeth?”
“I’m taking him to the vet next week,” Yvonne replied, without taking her eyes off the screen. “What drew you to Pamela, her profile or her picture?”
“Both,” Julie answered honestly. Her face wasn’t visible, but the image of a woman wearing a leather corset laced up at the sides, a mini skirt, and black thigh-high boots was certainly eye-catching.
“You realize this picture might not be her?”
“I do,” Julie said, trying not to let her disappointment show.
“Hey.” The sharp tone of Yvonne’s voice made Julie brace herself. She felt like a child about to be scolded.
“Don’t go dropping your lip. It could be her, and if it’s not, she could be equally as enticing. We won’t know until we meet her.”
Hope flared in Julie’s chest. Yvonne wasn’t being cynical, she was being realistic. Something they’d agreed they’d have to be after the fail
ed date with she who shall not be named.
She who they ended up blocking after her third attempt to get them to meet again. She’d gone as far as to state she felt a little overwhelmed meeting two women and hadn’t meant what she said to Yvonne. Liar.
Yvonne nudged her. “Stop daydreaming. Send Pamela a message.”
“Should I ask her where she lives?” Julie asked, deciding that was as good a place as any to start.
Yvonne pursed her lips. “I don’t know if I’d be comfortable with going to a stranger’s house.”
“I meant what area. I know she’s listed as Manawatu, but that could be any number of towns. If we or she have to travel—”
“Come again?” Yvonne narrowed her eyes.
As tempting as it was to make a sexy innuendo, Julie stayed on track. She tried again, rewording the sentence. “If either of us have to travel, it’d be nice to know how far.” The Manawatu-Whanganui region covered a good chunk of the lower north island.
“She could be as close as our home town or as far away as Ohakune.” The minute the word left her mouth−Ohakune−a shiver run up Julie’s spine.
The wry smile that slid onto Yvonne’s face told her she’d sensed it too.
“Ironic, isn’t it?” Yvonne tipped her head to the side.
At least this time she was smiling. Last time Julie mentioned going to Ohakune, she’d been oblivious Yvonne thought she was cheating.
“According to my lovely wife, at least one kinky couple lives there.” A cute blush tinted Yvonne’s cheeks. “Did you really see a man on his knees?”
“I did.”
“New rule,” Yvonne said. “No playing with the drapes open.”
“We don’t.” Julie would happily make love with sunlight streaming through the net curtains, but even after all these years together, on the rare occasion they had daytime sex, Yvonne still insisted on closing the drapes.
“But we might meet someone who likes the idea of being watched.” Yvonne chewed her thumbnail.
“I like the idea of watching.” The admission made Julie’s cheeks heat. She wasn’t embarrassed, but it was a hell of a thing to say aloud. “Do you think I’m weird?”
