Rocket had instinctively placed himself between the crowd and Thelma and Jessie. Though his humans were Kathy and Candy, the puppy also received many treats from his other humans. He wasn’t about to allow anyone to harm them.
There were signs protesting against the LGBTQI community as a whole. It was something Candy had encountered from time to time at her own café. Normally, it was on the sidewalk out front. There was nothing they could do about that, as it was public domain.
But here at the bed and breakfast, it was a business and private property. Kathy had made her way so she was standing beside Jessie, who was already standing in front of Thelma. Candy knew better than to attempt to stand in front of Kathy. Still, she took a position beside her wife.
“I appreciate you have different views on life, but you don’t have to protest our way of life.” Thelma had taken a step to the side. She was more visible and could be heard this way. “This is private property. If you don’t disperse, we’ll be forced to call the police.”
“You do that you filthy bitch!” The words had been heard so many times in Thelma’s life. It didn’t even cause her to flinch. What did cause her to flinch was the fact her boarders were most likely hearing what was transpiring.
“Gladly.” Thelma retrieved her cellphone, only to have it knocked from her hand. She hadn’t even seen the person move. Jessie was instantly between the man who had slapped the cellphone from Thelma’s hand. “I thought you wanted me to?”
Instead of answering, the crowd began chanting even louder. Thelma retrieved her cellphone. It was cracked down the middle and of no use. Luckily, Candy was already on her cellphone.
“Please return to the bed and breakfast.” Jessie turned her back upon the crowd. It wasn’t necessarily the wisest thing to do, but she knew the police were on their way. The protestors would be stupid to try anything. “Please. If only to calm our friends.”
Thelma wanted to argue but knew someone had to return to the main house. She didn’t even have to ask as Candy followed in step. It left the two towering of individuals to deal with the crowd of about fifteen people.
Jessie returned her attention to the crowd. “I don’t seem to know any of you.” She took a tentative step forward. As she did, she retrieved her cellphone. She began videotaping, if only to have proof of all that were trespassing. “And I’ve lived in Albany all my life. Even went to church, until I was eleven.”
“That’s when the devil got a hold of you.” A familiar voice startled Jessie. It was someone she hadn’t seen since she was seventeen. After all, she’d been on her own since then, with the exception of Jackeline.
“And that’s when the devil told you to turn your back on your own daughter.” Jessie wasn’t about to hold back. Not on a woman who had allowed her father to cheat on her. Yet, when she had said she was gay, her mother had basically disowned her. “Yet allowed you to accept a cheating man as a husband.”
The slap was resounding. Jessie had known it was coming. Yet, she wasn’t about to strike at her own mother. “And now you can add assault to trespassing. I’ve got it all on here. Leave now and maybe I won’t press charges.”
There was a standoff, as Jessie’s mother would not give up. Nor would any of those with her. They were her fellow church members. Ones Jessie had never met. It wasn’t until the police came that the crowd left.
Jessie was angry. Her own mother had infiltrated her sanctuary. Not just her sanctuary, but the place she and Thelma had promised her boarders safety. This would not stand. Jessie would press charges. And she would see her mother pay.
Chapter 7
Everyone was gathered in the dining room. While supper was being served, it was a rather quiet affair. Not even Melissa was her usual bubbly self. The incident was something they each knew could happen. But Thelma and Jessie hadn’t truly been prepared for it.
After everyone was settled, it was Jessie who took the lead. “I know eating won’t be easy, especially when trying to move on. Especially when we promised a safe place to merely have fun.”
Jessie waited. She knew Melissa was quite vocal, as was Dallas. But the others were more reserved. The one who was affected most by the entire incident would have to be Geraldine. Jessie couldn’t even imagine what she was feeling.
“I don’t know about y’all, but I’m not one bit intimidated.” Dallas was speaking for herself. She only hoped Lucy wouldn’t run back to her mother. “I’ve dealt with the likes of those bigoted zealots before. I can handle my own.”
Dallas was grateful Dina was missing in action. Though she also wanted to have the confrontation with the young woman about following her, right now distance between them was for the best.
“For some of us, it’s not that easy.” Lucy remained upset with Dallas. It didn’t matter why. All that mattered was she was angry. “I was nearly arrested for defending myself on the way down here, just because I told a man I wasn’t interested. He poured hot coffee on me! Then I was attacked just after filling my tank. Why I was here later than I should have been. I had to use pepper spray!”
Thelma wanted to say something but knew everyone had to have their say. She hoped Jessie would do the same. She hoped Melissa would maintain her silence but give her support to those that needed it. Same with Candy and Kathy. Jackeline was, understandably, shaken a bit.
“I wasn’t attacked but can relate.” Allison wasn’t very verbal normally, but this was serious. “I had minor car issues. I was terrified, even though it was a female mechanic. I don’t want to feel scared here.”
Geraldine took a sip of her water. Did she say anything? Now was not the time to admit to those that didn’t realize her true nature. Especially not the recovering Allison. “I too had an uncomfortable moment on the bus. It happens, I guess. I haven’t been off the ranch much in the past decade.”
“Thank you for all saying something.” Jessie placed her fork on her plate. She wasn’t up for eating, as were most of her boarders. “I faced a lot in my time. I think it’s only fair you should know the leader of the group was my mother.”
Melissa wanted to emit one of her daughter’s famous growls. While there was so much hate and bigotry in the world, when intolerance was perpetrated by parents, it was a special level of low. “I would love to face your mother.”
Jessie couldn’t help the smile. Already she knew Melissa was the kind of mother she wished she’d had. “I already plan on making a visit to her tomorrow. Alone.” Jessie knew Thelma wouldn’t like it, but it was for the best.
Thelma felt slighted. And yet, she knew why. Jessie didn’t have a relationship of any kind with her mother. To have her wife accompany her would make a tense situation even tenser. There was no need for that.
“As for here, we can’t offer much more in security at this time. We will be looking into more, for the future.” Thelma hated having to do this. But times were what times were. “And we will offer a full refund to anyone who wants to leave.”
It was tempting. Geraldine once again took a sip of her water. Her mother’s voice was in her head. This time it was telling her the same thing as she was feeling, for now. “I, for one, am staying. Besides, I finally get my book autographed.” She turned to Candy. “If you’ll do the honor. Sorry I didn’t recognize you before.”
Candy instantly blushed. This meeting had gone from the serious to placing her in the spotlight. It wasn’t why she was a writer. It was to give those that didn’t have hope of a happy ever after that dream. “Of course I will.”
“Not to take away from you, Miss Candy, but I want to say I’m staying.” It wasn’t about the money for Allison. Part of her had been tempted to take the money and run. But she wanted to see her friendship with Geraldine through. Or maybe run. But for now, she would remain.
“I’m not only staying, I’m going to make certain anyone that shows up here knows just what idiots they are.” Before Jessie or Thelma could react, Dallas continued. “I know how to speak to people. I’ll make certain to use big wo
rds so they’ll be confused.”
Lucy was waffling. It wasn’t about the money at all. Though her business struggled, it was about what her mother would say. Shouldn’t she see what Dallas had to say for herself? “I’ll be staying, at least through tomorrow.”
The atmosphere became lighter. While there still wasn’t a great deal of speaking, everyone was able to relax enough to enjoy the meal they were savoring. The hour grew late and they all went their separate ways.
()()()()()()()()()()()()()
Everyone had dispersed. Lucy was on a mission. After dinner, she had sat down and had a real conversation with her mother. Real meaning she had informed her mother everything that had been happening.
Lucy had been loathed to admit she had not been prepared for her journey. How she had thought she was a confident woman. It had turned out she had been comfortable in her life and with those few that surrounded her.
While the drive to the bed and breakfast had been eventful, it had also been isolated. It wasn’t even the different landscapes. Lucy had not been prepared for the people she had encountered.
Perhaps it was because Lucy was too dependent on her mother. As she searched the grounds for Dallas, the thought caused her to skid to a halt. She had been halfway to the cemetery when the thought hit her like a ton of bricks.
Her father had run off. It had left her mother and herself to fend for themselves. While strong, it had affected Lucy’s mother. Who wouldn’t be affected by losing the one you believed to be your soulmate in any manner? It had caused the two to become close.
Was it too close? Lucy didn’t want to deal with the thought. Her cellphone chirping nearly caused her to become angry. Why? Her mother only wanted her to be happy. After all, she was the one who had pushed Lucy to take this adventure.
Lucy glanced at the message. Her mother wanted to know if she had found Dallas yet. If anything, her mother wasn’t the clingy one. It was Lucy, a grown woman, who was clinging to her mother.
The voices caused Lucy to once again focus on her surroundings. One was familiar. As she slowly made her way toward the sound of the voice which seemed to call to her, she realized she was overhearing an argument.
Since one of those voices belonged to Dallas, Lucy decided against following her instincts to give privacy. She had never been so infatuated with a person before. There was something about Dallas.
Lucy found herself a decent hiding place behind one of the evergreens that surrounded the cemetery. Dallas and the strange lady were outside of the fencing. It was, in a way, less disrespectful.
“I’ve told you a thousand times.” Dallas was beyond angry. She remained on edge after the demonstrators. While she talked a good game, she was human. Though she could shrug it off, for the most part, it still had her jumpy.
“But we’ve never had a chance to spend any time together.” Dina was more than determined to make this happen. It wasn’t because her father had given her whatever she had asked for.
It was because Dina had never been turned down by a woman yet. She’d be damned if Dallas was the first. “Just give me this weekend. Then, if you don’t want to be with me, I can head back to Atlanta.”
“Head back now. Save your daddy the money.” Dallas wasn’t holding any punches with the young thing. Apparently, neither was Dina. Dallas gingerly held her hand to her left cheek. The slap was sure to leave a mark.
“I’m sorry. You know I hate it when people say I’m just living off my father.” Dina’s hand stung. She hadn’t meant to slap Dallas with such force. But it was her weakness. It caused her to react without thinking.
“No.” Dallas moved so that she was standing directly in front of the shorter, younger woman. “I know you hate the truth. You have never made anything of yourself. You have relied on your family’s influence. You couldn’t handle a real job if it fell on you.”
There was now only mere inches separating the two. “And you certainly couldn’t handle a real woman like me. Now either go home to Atlanta or stay. Either way, leave me the fuck alone!”
Dallas didn’t wait for a response. She knew what kind of response she would garner. She was finished with the likes of Dina. And if Lucy didn’t want anything to do with her, then she would move on.
What Dallas wanted in life was to settle down. It didn’t mean not traveling or being a truckdriver. It meant having the same woman waiting for her at home. To have that same woman calling to see how she was doing. To bring flowers or candy or some dumb souvenir from wherever her crazy schedule had taken her.
Lucy was torn as she remained hidden. Did she follow Dallas or did she follow the stranger? It could come down to following her mind or her heart. Which was it to be? She couldn’t wait too long.
It was only a matter of moments before Lucy was trailing Dallas. What was she to say? Certainly not how she had overheard Dallas’ conversation with the young woman and now felt stupid for doubting her.
For a moment, Lucy lost track of Dallas. When she caught up with the older woman, she was sitting in her big rig. For a moment, Lucy’s heart sank. It could mean Dallas was thinking of leaving.
For a moment, Lucy hesitated. Until she heard the sound of Dallas’ voice. “I’m sorry my lovely, but I’m nowhere near your twenty. And even if I were, things will be changing. Friendship is all I can offer you.”
There was a response, but it was muffled. Did it really matter? Twice now Lucy was eavesdropping. Twice now she had heard Dallas wasn’t the person Lucy had thought she had been. All because one woman had attempted to seduce Dallas…
“Some women.” Dallas jumped from the cab before slamming the truck door. In such a mood, Dallas didn’t even realize Lucy was standing there. She literally collided with the young woman.
Luckily, Dallas’ reflexes were as good as ever. She managed to steady herself and Lucy. “I’m sorry, Lil Lady. I didn’t even look where I was going.”
“I overheard a little. You seem upset. I hope I’m not classified as ‘some women’.” Lucy wasn’t certain what she was doing. She really wanted to find someplace exclusive and truly talk with Dallas.
“Oh, Lil Lady, you are far from ‘some women’.” Dallas couldn’t help feeling good after seeing the adorable blush upon Lucy’s face. “I’m not all that hungry, but I sure do have a powerful thirst. Plus, I have some energy to burn off. Why don’t we get something to drink and take a walk?”
Lucy’s blush immediately transformed into an amazing grin. “I’d like that.” They both began heading to the bed and breakfast. Dallas maintained a respectful distance. “I wanted to say I’m sorry for yesterday.”
Dallas held the door open as they made it to the front door. Melissa was sat upon the little bench. She was on her cellphone. Dallas waved before making her way towards the kitchen. “You have nothing to apologize for.”
After entering the kitchen, Lucy made her way to where the coffee was calling to her. She hadn’t slept much the night before. Not after having witnessed Dallas in a compromising situation. “We both know I do.”
Lucy poured her coffee. She waited until Dallas retrieved a pop from the refrigerator. “Let’s wait until we can be alone.” Lucy took a sip of her coffee. It was stronger than she was accustomed to. “If that’s all right.”
“Lil Lady, it’s more than all right.” Dallas once again waved at Melissa, who had been joined by her husband. They seemed to be having an animated discussion. Unusual for the normally stoic man.
It wasn’t until they were on the clay road that Lucy chose to speak. “I think I’ve realized something about myself.” Lucy took a sip of coffee. She should have chosen something cold. The caffeine and temperature of the brew was causing her to sweat.
Or was it nerves? “I’ve lived a sheltered life. More than I thought possible. I guess owning my own store I thought I was a brave and independent person.” Lucy’s cellphone chirped. She glanced at it before hastily placing it in her pocket.
“That was a prime example.” Lucy noticed ho
w Dallas kept her gaze steady on the road ahead. Was it because of the disturbance earlier in the day? Or was it in an attempt to be respectful and listen?
“As always, that was my mother.” Lucy thought she could hear an engine in the distance. She edged closer to the ditch. “While I love her to death, I think it’s my biggest problem. I’m too reliant on her.”
Dallas waited a moment before speaking. She was nervous when the engine she’d heard in the distance seemed to be idling. “There’s nothing wrong with respecting your mother. Or counting on her.”
“No, there’s not. But if I limit myself because of my relationship with her…” Lucy swallowed. She was how old and she was confessing to basically being attached to her mother. It was embarrassing, to say the least.
“Darlin, I already realized you have a strong bond with your mother.” Dallas made certain she was shielding Lucy. The continuing idling engine was bothering her. Especially since it sounded like a big rig.
“And before you say another word, there’s nothing wrong with being close to your mother.” Dallas reluctantly took her eyes from the road. She stared into a sea of blue. “I have two moms. I’m extremely close to them. In fact, I should give them a call later. They live back in Montana so it won’t be so late for them.”
“Two moms?” Dallas nodded. It was a wonderment to the truckdriver how some in the LGBTQI community wanted acceptance but weren’t willing to give it fully. “Sweet. But Mother’s Day probably is expensive.”
Dallas relaxed. She had judged Lucy correctly, it seemed. The truckdriver was grateful. Even if friendship was all they would take away from their time together, she was happy to have met Lucy.
The sound caught Dallas’ attention. Before she could fully react, the big rig was bearing down on them. “Run!” The two took off at full speed. Dallas lagged slightly behind the younger woman so she could shield her.
Kindling Page 10
