“Because I didn’t want to let my friend go away without at least giving her my number.” Allison had her cellphone in her hand. “And hopefully receive her number in return.”
Geraldine swallowed. Was Allison for real? She had seemed so put off when they had last spoken. Or was it all in her mind? It took a moment for Geraldine to retrieve her cellphone. They easily exchanged numbers. “Is that all you wanted?”
“May I sit?” Geraldine nodded. Allison sat as close to the cowgirl as she could. “I wanted to tell you I’ve thought about things. What kind of person would I be if I didn’t accept you for who you are?”
The cowgirl couldn’t look Allison in the eyes. “But I have to say, what kind of friend are you?” The question caused Geraldine to look Allison directly in the eyes. “You could have at least left a note. Could have left your contact information. But you left without anything. Do you want to be friends?”
“I…” Geraldine cleared her throat. She wished she had something to drink. Once again, her gaze was averted from Allison’s sweet face. “I’ve never had a friend, besides my mother. And that’s not exactly the same as trusting someone you’ve just met.”
“True.” Allison managed to slide closer to Geraldine. It caused her to swallow. She knew what it could mean. For now, she would ignore it and focus on friendship. “I only really have my boss at work as a friend. And he wants more from me than friendship.”
“So I get it. At least the part about taking a chance.” Allison was staring at her friend. For the first time, she saw the male attributes that others probably saw and therefore would call Geraldine a man.
It made her angry that anyone would do that to someone. To judge them by their looks. But then again, America was sadly known for all sorts of bigotry. “Especially if you haven’t been off the ranch. Ever. I at least have to deal with the public nearly every single day.”
Geraldine shrugged. It could be her excuse. That she wasn’t accustomed to all the people. That it wasn’t just Allison that had scared her. But the truth was, if she admitted it, was Allison not accepting her, even if merely as a friend that terrified her.
“I could agree so easily.” Finally, Geraldine managed to look Allison in the eyes. They were so sweet and innocent. “But the reality of it was how I felt when I first saw you. I was extremely attracted to you. That doesn’t happen for me, not usually. So you not accepting me as a friend scared me. And caused me to try and run.”
“And I felt something when I first saw you.” Allison felt brave for the first time since she’d gotten in the car for the initial drive to the bed and breakfast. “I’m sorry I reacted badly. But I just want to try and be friends. If that’s ok. I’d like for you to remain. But if you can’t, I understand. We can remain in contact. Text. Call. Whatever.”
Before Geraldine could respond, she felt the scalding on her chest and hands. When she looked up, there were at least five men. Each of them held empty coffee cups. “Better be leaving, you freak! Albany doesn’t welcome queers. Get out!”
Chapter 9
It was nearly lunchtime. Jessie was sitting in the gazebo. She had barely spoken to Thelma since returning to the bed and breakfast. Partially, it had been seeing more strangers arrive. Yet, this was a bed and breakfast. That was their job meeting strangers.
Partially, it was her mother’s reaction. Was it odd that her mother barely saying a word had Jessie upset? She had been ready for a verbal onslaught. But nothing had prepared her for basically silence and being ignored.
That’s what made Jessie so angry with herself. After her mother had discovered she was gay, she had disowned her. She had ignored her. In all the years she had remained home, her mother had rarely said two words to her in a day.
Jessie had expected a conflict. For her mother to actually show she cared. It didn’t matter how. Yelling would have been expected and easily dealt with. Being ignored, yet again, was nearly too much for Jessie.
“Mind if I join you?” Melissa had wanted to catch up with her daughter, but knew Jessie was hurting. There was no response from the stoic young woman. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Melissa regretted one thing about her time in The South. She hadn’t exactly spent a great deal of time with her husband. Luckily, he knew how she was and understood her nature. “I’m sorry about your mother.”
A shrug was all Melissa received. “I’ve lived nearly seven decades on this earth. The one thing I can never understand is a parent disowning their child. Or worse, attacking them. What it does to the child…”
“I don’t know what was worse.” Jessie couldn’t look at Melissa. She knew her friend meant well, but this was the most painful of things to relate. “My mom rejecting me and attacking me or me attempting to pattern myself after my father.”
Jessie slowly rose. She made her way to the second entrance of the gazebo. “You see, in some ways I don’t deserve the life I have. I used women. I sometimes see their faces. Or hear their voices. And it makes me sick.”
The conversation had taken a turn Melissa hadn’t been fully prepared for. Yet, she knew how to handle such emotions. After all, she’d raised three children. The one who had given her the greatest of heartaches was Sam.
Why? It wasn’t because Sam was a lesbian. It wasn’t because Sam had had difficult teenage years. It wasn’t even all the things Sam and Abby faced as adults. It was witnessing the pain her child had endured.
“Remember something.” Jessie couldn’t help but look Melissa in the eyes. “We all have something in our pasts we regret. Something we have trouble facing. It might be something we’ve done or something done to us.”
“It’s not our pasts that should haunt us.” Melissa made certain she was looking her young friend directly in the eyes. “It’s how we deal with the past that should. You make a mistake, you face it and attempt to rectify it. And move on and not let it eat away at your very core.”
Azure eyes blinked several times. “The same can be said for parents. We make mistakes. I regret not telling my family Sam was a product of rape from the beginning. Or at least once they were old enough to understand.”
“But I didn’t want to take away from her innocence. Or the fact my husband didn’t see Sam as his stepdaughter. There was no distinction between the children.” Melissa was far from topic now.
But it was therapeutic, in a way. It was a subject not often spoken about. If only because Sam understood. As had finally her two sons. “I don’t know if you can understand or appreciate what I’m saying. I just hope it helps you, in any way.”
Jessie had been told similar. Candy had said as much during those tentative first weeks of her relationship with Thelma. If it hadn’t been for the sweet young woman… “My brain knows it. But the heart is another thing.”
Melissa’s laughter caught Jessie off guard. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have laughed. It’s just how life is. We can know something, but to convince our heart is another. Even me, who had been widowed for over two decades, had trouble allowing my relationship with Jarod to flourish. Even if it didn’t seem like it to those that don’t know me.”
“Thank you.” Jessie made her way to where Melissa remained sitting. “Not just for coming with me this morning or saying whatever you did to my mother, but for being a true friend. Those are rare. I can see why Jackeline likes you so much.”
“Please.” Melissa rose. She hesitated a moment before hugging the much taller Jessie. “I’m just a person attempting to make it in life. Who likes to, butt in, as my daughter says. But really, I’m trying to pass on what little I’ve learned in this life.”
“Well, I for one appreciate you and your unexpected visit.” Jessie allowed the hug to go on. Besides Candy and Thelma, she wasn’t much of a hugger. “Now, shall we track down your daughter? I hear she’s here to help us with security.”
“If anyone can, it’s my Sam.” Melissa hated to sound like she was bragging. When it came to Sam, she was far from bragging. There was something about her
daughter. It was as if she was magical in all she did.
“An endorsement I can accept and get behind.” Jessie was feeling a lot better. She remained irritated with herself over how she had allowed the situation to affect her. But Melissa’s words had helped. More than she could say.
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“Do you want Kathy to speak to her?” Candy had enjoyed watching Rocket and little Alex play. Thankfully, the hospital had allowed Rocket to join them when they read to the children so the puppy was used to children. “She barely spoke to you when she got back.”
Thelma was concentrating on making lunch. She had a feeling it would be Kathy, Candy, Melissa, Jarod, Jackeline, Jessie and herself. She knew Lucy and Dallas were off once again. Penny was MIA, as was Allison. Perhaps young Allison was chasing Miss Geraldine.
“Jessie told me enough. Her mother had basically ignored her. It troubles me.” Thelma decided a salad and lasagna would do. It wasn’t the meal she wanted to send Kathy and Candy back to the city with, but there would be more time spent together in the future.
“You are worried her mother’s church group is planning something stronger than merely picketing?” Thelma nodded as she began preparing the lasagna. It would take an hour in the oven. “It is the quiet ones to watch out for. I remember Kathy’s mother at the end.”
It was a story Candy didn’t share very often. How her mother-in-law had taken her own life. Waiting until her daughter, who was still recovering from a serious back injury, was there. So Kathy would have to live with the guilt of not saving her mother, like she did with her brother.
“I’ve had experiences where it’s both.” Thelma had the lasagna noodles boiling as she was browning the sausage and hamburger. She and Jessie liked their meals spicy. “Look at Jessie. She’s been anything but quiet.”
The burst of laughter was not unexpected. Thelma knew her best friend knew exactly what she was referring to. Of course, the opposite could have been said about Kathy. She was quiet as they come. She remained monosyllabic.
There was a bit of silence as Thelma realized what she had said could relate to Kathy. But there was a difference. Kathy hadn’t known what emotions were. She’d suppressed them for so long so remaining silent was part of her being.
The silence lingered long enough for the lasagna to be placed in the oven. Thelma was now viciously attacking the lettuce. “Do you want some help?” Thelma shrugged. “I’ll take that as a yes.”
Candy retrieved a knife and began working on slicing the tomatoes. “I think you need to really talk to Jessie.” The aggression was further taken out on the lettuce. “I know you talk, but you can’t stop. It’s a dangerous slope. One anyone can slip upon.”
Thelma sighed heavily. “I know.” She shook her head as she realized she’d nearly pulverized the lettuce. “And before I mangle anymore of the food.” Thelma began shredding the carrots that were already peeled.
“I’m just worried. Not just about me and Jessie.” Thelma placed her knife on the cutting board. There wasn’t much more to do but wait now. “We’ve already lost one boarder. Geraldine was taken to the bus station. What about the other three? What if this is leaked and people see we aren’t as advertised?”
“I’m certain Dallas, Lucy and Allison are here for however long they were supposed to be.” Candy took a seat at the counter. “I’m sorry about Geraldine. It could happen. A bad review. Someone gets hold of a police report. But I don’t think it will.”
“And you now have someone who is going to help you with security.” Candy took a swallow of her coffee. She missed the specialty her café was known for. “I’ve spoken a little with Abby. Granted she was a nurse before entering into her wife’s business, but the things those two have been through…I really think you have one of the best in the business.”
“I hope so.” Thelma took a sip of her coffee. “I hate feeling like this. Ever since we were married, I haven’t felt like this. Unsure. Hating myself. Wishing I knew what to say or do. It reminds me of when I first met you.”
“I remember that day.” It was a day that would live in infamy for Candy. All she’d wanted to do was make a new friend. Thelma had thwarted her at every step. “I also have seen the changes in yourself. The changes in Jessie. No matter what happens, you have one another. You’ll not only survive but thrive.”
“You always know exactly what to say.” Thelma knew her friend was right. When you’ve been through as much as Thelma had, it wasn’t always easy to believe or remember. “I’ll try and hold onto that.”
Before Candy could respond, Thelma’s cellphone alerted her to a text. “Maybe the big lug has decided she wants to talk.” Candy had to move as she watched her friend sinking in her chair. “Who would be so cruel? How did they get my cellphone number?”
Candy steadied her friend before retrieving the cellphone. “We have to show this to Sam. And forward it to the authorities.” The picture was of women in dresses. They had signs labeling them as lesbians. They were hanging from a tree.
“Can you please get Jessie and the others.” Candy made certain Thelma wasn’t going to pass out before she hastily exited the kitchen. Thelma couldn’t help staring at the picture. What world were they living in?
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Sam was exploring the grounds with her daughter in tow. Abby had chosen to remain with Kathy. It seemed the two had a connection of sorts. The former SVU detective wasn’t jealous. In fact, she was proud the connection was about how each had a calling to serve.
Alex was running free. Even back in Middletown, New York, there wasn’t this kind of freedom. Her mother’s bed and breakfast was settled on four acres, but mostly covered by woods. The Loweridge Bed and Breakfast was nestled on over a hundred acres, mostly unused fields.
This was a place she could see herself and her soulmate retiring to. If Sam ever chose to fully retire. She’d been injured numerous times. Some in the line of duty. Some because there were personal feuds with the criminals she had been after.
It was why Sam was always on guard and would probably never retire. The fact she had two sons nearing college was on her mind. The giggles caught Sam’s attention. Her daughter had found something. “What is it, Alex.”
The sandy blonde child held up what she thought was an innocent toy. Sam nearly lost the contents of her stomach when she realized what Alex was holding in her hand. “Can your mom see that?”
Alex looked at the burnt piece of wood. Her first instinct was to put it in her mouth. The second was her new furry friend. Rocket would love to play fetch with it. But if her mom wanted it, she would let her see it, at least. “Here you go.”
Sam relaxed slightly when she had the burnt cross in her hands. She’d have to show it to Thelma and Jessie. Not an expert by any means, it appeared to be something from the distant past. If she had been around during the time of slavery, she would have found a way to put an end to it.
How, Sam wasn’t certain. After all, women didn’t have power a hundred and fifty plus years ago. They were still fighting for power now. In fact, some suggested she run for office of some kind. It was a thought, but not one she was certain she would ever act upon.
“This is ucky. I’m afraid we can’t keep it.” Sam waited to see if her daughter would cry. While she was a handful energy wise, it seemed she already had a good sense of right and wrong. She rarely cried when she was told no.
“Ok. I look for more.” Alex didn’t wait for a response. The toddler was off like she’d heard the starting gun at a race. Sam shook her head. She should have left Miss Alex with Abby. She wasn’t ever going to fully explore the grounds.
Making certain she could still see her daughter, Sam made her way along what was the property line. There was no fencing. There were only signs on the trees and posts every so often that marked it.
Sam sighed. She knew Thelma and Jessie wanted open spaces for their boarders, but this would not do. Even tall, wooded fencing with sensors would be bet
ter than nothing at all. There didn’t need to be cameras…though if there were…
Her daughter was being entertained by two regular sticks and a rock. Alex loved music. That had been obvious as a baby. It was sometimes the only way to calm her when she had been teething.
Slowly, Sam edged along the property line. Another ugliness caught her attention. This wasn’t from the distant past. This was fresh. On the trunk of one of the large pine trees was a message.
“There’s going to be big trouble.” Sam retrieved her cellphone. Instead of calling either Thelma or Jessie, she chose to call the one person she knew in the immediate area who could be of assistance. “Jarod, I need you to meet me. Somewhere we can talk. Give me another hour.”
Sam waited for the question of why. Unlike with her mother or the others she worked with, Jarod never asked. He merely asked to synchronize their watches.
It took less time for Sam to survey the rest of the property line than she had thought. It helped that Miss Alex loved to explore and that everything became a toy. Sometimes the latter wasn’t the best thing as there had been a few ant hills Sam had had to rescue her daughter from.
Having documented everything she had found, Sam made her way to the bed and breakfast. Jarod was waiting on the porch with a bottle of water. Sam gratefully took the water. There was also juice for her daughter.
“I found some disturbing things.” Sam held up the burnt cross. “This is history and disturbing but not what has me concerned.” Sam retrieved her cellphone.
As the messages flashed before Jarod, his breathing slightly escalated. Someone was out to get the boarders or the owners. Or both. The kind of hate Jarod was witnessing was something he hadn’t seen since he’d left the force.
“Did you bring your revolver?” Jarod’s eyes darted from the cellphone to look into azure eyes. They were cold. They were steely. It was not a good look for whoever was attempting to spread their hatred. “I know Mom doesn’t approve, but…”
Kindling Page 13
