Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  It would terrify some, the falling in love for the very first time, and in such a rapid manner. It wasn’t love at first sight for Dallas. But it had been intrigue.

  It was something that happened from time to time. But not on the level Dallas had experienced with Lucy. And the way Lucy had been so vulnerable…It had added to the attraction.

  Lucy was dressed in her normal casual attire. No matter what she was dressed in, she was sexy to Dallas. “I hope coffee and toast is enough. It’s nearly lunchtime.”

  “I’m certain it will do.” Lucy didn’t know how to tell Dallas she had caved while the older woman had retrieved a snack for them and called her mother.

  Dallas could sense the change in Lucy’s demeanor the instant she had spoken. Was she regretting their lovemaking? “What’s wrong?”

  No one, except her mother, could read Lucy like Dallas. It was eerie. “I couldn’t help checking in with my mother. I told her I thought I was heading for a real relationship.”

  Was that why Lucy was ashamed? Dallas shook her head as she moved next to Lucy. “Darlin, I would have been dishonored had you not told your mother about me. Remember, as soon as I have my moms settled with the rebuilding, I’ll be meeting your mother. And anyone else you want me to meet.”

  Lucy nearly collapsed into the body of Dallas, nearly causing her girlfriend to drop their snack. Lucy’s body stiffened at the thought she finally had a significant other. One she could refer to as girlfriend.

  “Darlin, we still have to work on that self-confidence.” Dallas rearranged herself so she was holding the tray in one hand and had her arm wrapped around her sweet Lucy. “If I may be so bold, we have the rest of our lives for that.”

  The words were out before Dallas could think. It was akin to a proposal, of sorts. While Dallas wouldn’t shy away from such a proposal, she didn’t want to frighten Lucy. She was a skittish filly.

  “I know.” Lucy didn’t properly process the words. At least, not like Dallas had unintentionally intended them. “I just hate feeling like I’ve disappointed you.”

  “Let’s get one thing straight.” Dallas broke the embrace and placed the tray upon the table. She held out the chair, hoping Lucy would take the hint. After not understanding her unintended proposal, she wasn’t certain Lucy would.

  Lucy reluctantly sat. She took the coffee, grateful for the caffeine. She was functioning on little sleep. Her conversation with her mother should have helped. But it was her fears rearing their ugly head.

  “I will support you and help you grow. But you have to make certain why you are doing this.” Dallas took a moment to sip her own coffee. “It’s not for your mother. It’s definitely not for me. This has to be for you and only you.”

  “I’ll get it through my head.” Lucy picked up one of the slices of toast. She spread a generous amount of blueberry jam upon it. “It’s going to take me time, unfortunately.”

  “I understand.” Dallas was thankful she had selected a flavor of jam Lucy would like. Though she was falling fast and hard, Dallas knew she didn’t know a great deal about the grocery store owner.

  “I swear, sometimes it seems like you are decades older than me.” Before Dallas could respond with some smartass answer, Lucy continued. “You are what my mother would call an old soul. You are young at heart, but wise beyond words.”

  “I don’t know if either of my moms would agree with that assessment.” Dallas enjoyed the sound of Lucy’s laughter. She was determined to make her laugh. Every second they were together.

  “Speaking of my moms, I should call them. The three-hour time difference sometimes makes it difficult to stay in touch.” Dallas retrieved her cellphone from the charger before dialing.

  Her mom’s voice was one of concern. “I understand, Mom. It’s going to be a bigger rebuild than you first anticipated. I’ll be there as soon as I wrap things up here. I promise.”

  Dallas sighed. This news was certain to dampen the mood. But yes, they had to face reality. Soon, Lucy would be back in Michigan. Soon, Dallas would have to be back in Montana. It could be weeks before they saw one another again.

  “We knew this was coming.” Lucy placed her half-eaten piece of toast on the plate. “It’s depressing. But we have to make the most of the remaining hours we have together.” Lucy reached across the table and took Dallas’ hand. “At least, until we can be reunited again.”

  “There’s my positive woman.” Dallas suddenly was hungrier than she’d been in a long time. Why? It was because she witnessed something in Lucy’s eyes. It was a subtle change. But it was enough to give her hope.

  The sound of glass shattering caused Dallas to stand. She placed Lucy behind her. “Stay here.” Cautiously, Dallas made her way to the window.

  There was a stone buried beneath the shattered glass. Before Dallas could utter a warning to Lucy, another stone flew through the window.

  Unlike its predecessor, the second rock made direct contact with Dallas’ temple. Dallas took one step forward, before falling on the shattered glass.

  Chapter 13

  Abby cleaned the last of the glass from Dallas’ face. Luckily, no large pieces had embedded in her skin. That didn’t mean her face was not full of cuts.

  “I don’t think any of these require stitches. In fact, I should be able to use liquid bandages.” Abby hated that her nursing skills were once again coming into play.

  Dallas flinched as the petite blonde gently dabbed antiseptic on one of the deeper cuts. She glanced into worried azure eyes. “I can assure you, Lil Lady, I’ve had worse than this.”

  When Lucy continued to maintain her distance and wring her hands, Dallas knew she’d have to continue to reassure her. “I can remember once when one of the barn cats decided I was too close to her newborn kittens. I did require stitches then.”

  “If I had to guess, that’s where this line on your chin is from.” Abby was attempting to allow Dallas to do the reassuring, but knew Lucy required more. When she had heard the sheer terror in Lucy’s voice when she’d first entered the room, she knew the young woman was on the edge.

  “You are correct.” Dallas flinched as the liquid bandage began to dry. “That’s quite tight. But it’s better than having stitches or trying to keep bandages in place.”

  “We’ve come so far even in the time I’ve been a nurse.” Abby removed the surgical gloves she had been donning. “Not that I’m old or anything.”

  “I should say not.” Dallas was more than worried about Lucy. She hadn’t spoken a word since having called for help. “I believe we are close to the same age. And I’m not even close to being old.”

  Abby glanced at Lucy. She knew the expression. She’d worn the expression. On too many occasions, she’d worn the expression. It came with having a soulmate who had a dangerous profession. But she wouldn’t change anything for the world.

  “I’ll take that as a compliment.” Abby winked at Dallas. Her cellphone buzzed. She glanced at the text. “You’ll be happy to know that Tessa caught the one who threw the stones. There’s a picture. She isn’t giving her name.”

  “I can probably tell you who it is.” Dallas was careful as she moved her head. The stone that had hit her temple had caused a major headache, as well as a small cut.

  As soon as Abby showed her the picture, Dallas sighed. “It’s a little thing that comes from a rich family. I’ve worked for them as an independent contractor. Dina Martin is one of those that can’t take no for an answer.”

  “I was afraid it was something like that.” And yet, it was pleasant news. “At least this can be prosecuted, without question. She caused property damage, along with personal harm. If the local authorities don’t want to do anything, we’re friends with a couple of lawyers that would be happy to push the prosecutors along.”

  “Why am I not surprised you have friends that are lawyers.” Dallas leaned forward. She was grateful when Abby placed a second pillow behind her head. “If you don’t mind me saying, but you and your friends are
like a real-life version of The Justice League.”

  Abby blushed at the compliment. “We’re not heroes, by any means. What we are is ordinary people who have talents and are lucky to help others with those gifts.”

  “And modest, too.” Dallas wanted to push further with the compliments but recognized a person who wouldn’t accept them. “I admire you and your friends. If I’m in Middletown, I’ll have to look you up.”

  Lucy actually swayed, ever so slightly, at the mention of Dallas being in New York. The movement didn’t last long. Instead, the young woman became even more statuesque.

  “Our door is always open. And my mother-in-law’s bed and breakfast is always open to everyone.” Abby sensed the tension between the two lovers. Were they soulmates?

  As Abby witnessed the concern upon Dallas’ face and the near immobility of Lucy to think or talk, Abby inwardly smiled. She wasn’t as good as her wife or mother-in-law at reading people, but with these two one didn’t have to be.

  “I’ll let everyone know you are going to be just fine.” Abby took one more look at the wounds. “Either positively or sadly, there won’t be any new scars. I’ll check on you after dinner. Elvira has ordered you both have some of her chicken.”

  “Tell her thanks. I am hungry.” Dallas continued to stare at her girlfriend. “And tell the others I appreciate the fast response and the equally fast fix of the window, even if it is only temporary.” Jarod had aided the maintenance man in sealing weather stripping over the window.

  “I’ll pass the thanks on to the appropriate people.” Abby hastily made her way to the door. “Thelma and Jessie send their love. They are sorry beyond words things keep happening.”

  Dallas merely waved her hand just before Abby exited her room. “Darlin, you need to snap out of it.” Dallas wasn’t certain if being so direct was the best approach.

  Lucy was now leaning on the wall next to the door. To Dallas, it was signaling the need to run. Azure eyes barely blinked. No sound came out as Lucy’s mouth opened and closed.

  “Come here.” Lucy was frozen to the floor. “Darlin, please come here.” Dallas voice was no longer forceful. It was pleading. It was begging. “I just want to snuggle. Plus, we have to have a talk.”

  A couple steps had been taken by Lucy. Dallas said one of the biggest things anyone fears, no matter where one is in a relationship. Once again, her feet were cemented to the floor.

  “If you don’t come to me, I’ll come to you.” Dallas began by uncovering herself. Abby had asked that she not move any more than required. The shot to the head by the stone was the only true concern.

  A deep breath was taken before Lucy finally made her way to the bed. If she were honest with herself, she once again felt like a child. At least like someone who can’t think for themselves or trust in other human beings.

  Slowly, Lucy settled herself next to Dallas. Even while in bed, she maintained a distance. No part of her was touching the truckdriver.

  “Lil Lady, you are scared.” Lucy luckily didn’t flinch when Dallas took her hand. “So am I.” Lucy’s head whipped around so she was looking into Dallas’ eyes. “I’ve finally given my heart away and anything can happen to take it away.”

  Tears were forming in Lucy’s eyes. “I’m sorry. The only other person I’ve cared for is my mother. Seeing you on the floor was bad enough. But when you rolled over and there was the glass and blood…”

  Dallas cautiously brought Lucy to her body. It felt so natural to hold Lucy. It was as if this was what the truckdriver had been looking for her entire life. “I understand. If it had been the other way around, I would have had trouble dealing.”

  Lucy was now softly crying. Dallas kissed her gently on the head. “I don’t think me saying visiting when in New York helped the situation, now did it?”

  There was no verbal response. Lucy managed to nod her head as the tears continued to flow. How had she become so attached to someone in such a short time? It was unreal.

  “Lil Lady, you have to remember something.” Dallas once again gently kissed Lucy on the top of her head. “I’m a truckdriver. I’m going to travel. Sometimes it could be just a day. Sometimes it could be a week or so.”

  The most adorable sniffle had Dallas grinning. “But the thing is…I’ve found my home. This may seem to be moving fast for us both, but I don’t want to be without you in my life. I want to grow old with you.”

  Lucy managed to lean up so she was looking Dallas in the eyes. “We’ve known each other for three days. And you are already asking me to marry you?”

  Dallas swallowed. Putting it like that was a little more than she had expected. Yet, it was exactly what she had said. “I guess I am. I do love you. I want to continue to get to know you before we exchange rings. But you are the one for me.”

  There were more tears. This time, they were tears of joy. “I don’t think Mom is going to believe this one. What about your moms? Do you think they’ll like me when I can finally meet them?”

  “They’ll love the fact you make me happy.” Dallas kissed her fiancée on the lips. “They will be ecstatic that someone has finally gotten me to settle down. At least as settled as either thought. Now if I could just find someone to help them out that I trusted…”

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  Allison was frustrated. For once, it was not on how to deal with her growing feelings for Geraldine. Or if Geraldine could ever return those feelings. Or if society would ever accept them as a couple.

  No, her frustrations had to do with her employer. Rick had texted. There were changes being made. There would be no more overtime. There would be no more bonuses. In fact, there were to be layoffs.

  The cashier was worried. While Allison had five years, she knew her corporation was what they termed an ‘at will’ employer. In other words, they could fire her for no reason. The fact she made more than some would be reason enough.

  Geraldine was in the bathroom. It had been nearly two days since she’d gone through her daily rituals. They were time consuming and giving Allison time alone to think.

  It was giving Allison time to do some research. As she sipped her now cold coffee, she was scrolling through the internet. Since Allison didn’t have any family to speak of or many friends, remaining in Michigan wasn’t a priority.

  Yes, Lucy had offered her a new start. But did Allison want to remain a cashier? It was becoming tiresome interacting with the public. Most were becoming entitled. One little thing could set them off and Allison would have to take whatever they felt was worthy verbal punishment.

  Another text came in. Allison stared at her cellphone. It couldn’t be true. They were closing the store. It would be closed by the end of the month. It gave Allison two weeks more of paychecks and she would be unemployed.

  Allison had to save for how long just to afford this vacation. A part of her regretted even coming. Yet, it would mean not having met Geraldine and the others. It was a double-edged sword.

  Her scrolling took her to a website for Montana. It was probably because she knew Dallas was originally from the state. It made sense it would be in the back of her mind.

  There was a call for jobs. Some were in the retail industry. But there were entry level positions. Ones that didn’t require any experience. Paid training. As Allison read more, it seemed too good to be true.

  The bathroom door opening caused Allison to look up from her cellphone. Geraldine was dressed in a pink top once again. The shorts were black this time. The only thing missing was her trademark cowboy hat.

  “Hey, gorgeous.” Allison meant what she said. As time went by, Allison was noticing less and less the features that most would term as masculine. All she saw was a woman standing before her.

  “Hey.” Geraldine was blushing from the term of endearment. Looking into hazel eyes, she knew something was wrong. Part of her hoped it wasn’t her. “Did something happen while I was getting dressed?”

  “It did.” Allison finished off her cold coffee. It would
n’t be long and lunch would be ready. “My boss, and friend, texted me. The store I work at is closing. In two weeks, I could be out of a job. There is the possibility of transferring or working for Lucy, but I’m tired of retail.”

  Geraldine made her way so that she was standing behind Allison who was sitting at the table. The blinds were drawn once again. “I’m sorry. The only work I’ve ever known is ranch work. I love it. But it’s not for everyone.”

  “Thank you. I’m not big on horses.” Allison winked as she spoke. “Not because of the fall. I’ve just never liked animals bigger than me. Even some large dogs scare me a little.”

  “Horses aren’t for everyone.” Geraldine placed her hands on her friend’s shoulders. It felt natural to do. She couldn’t help wondering if this could become normal.

  “And retail is definitely not for everyone.” Allison sighed. “I’ve heard in the past when they close stores they give them a tiny payout, if you don’t want to transfer to another in the chain. I’m thinking…”

  The way Allison had hesitated had Geraldine wondering exactly what her friend was thinking. She decided to sit across from Allison and wait to see if she would be confided in.

  “I probably researched it, a little, because of Dallas.” Allison handed her cellphone to Geraldine. “Montana. It’s not the worst place for those in the LGBTQI community. And the economy is still on an upswing. There’s one link I haven’t clicked upon. It has to do with data entry. Something I studied to do but was never hired.”

  A silence hung between them. It was uncomfortable. Allison couldn’t handle it. “We can look for a job for you. I’m sure there would be a ranch or farm that would hire you. If you want to stay in Oklahoma, we can Skype or whatever. This is a big decision. But remaining friends with you is the easiest of all.”

  Geraldine knew she had to respond. While she too didn’t want to lose Allison’s friendship, there was her mother to think about. Or was that merely an excuse?

  “I’d have to speak to my mother.” Geraldine didn’t know what else to say. She was twenty-eight and using her mother as an excuse.