“Me, too.”
As clichéd as it sounded, Belle knew in her heart it was true.
***
After demolishing a pizza and the rest of the wine, Belle and Ally sat together on the outdoor sofa, fingers clasped, shoulders resting against one another’s in the waning light of dusk. Belle slid the empty pizza box aside with her foot and extended her legs across the coffee table.
“We had his service over the weekend.”
“You did? I wish I had known. I would’ve come, even if it was just to lurk in the shadows.”
“It’s okay. My parents and sister were here for it. Craig and Charlene Wheeler even came. He’s buried in Judy’s plot with her. I’m having a footstone made with his name, Frankie Ashford.”
Ally gave her a quizzical look.
“I figured since Judy was such a fan of Frankie Avalon…”
“That’s sweet. You’ll have to take me to see it one of these days.”
Belle agreed with a smile.
“I talked to Shirley the other day,” Ally said.
“How’s she doing?”
“She’s a tough old bird, but after our conversation…” Ally shrugged.
Belle jerked her head toward her. “What did you—did you tell her about Bob?”
“I had to. It was one of the worst experiences of my life, but I owed it to a lot of people, both here and gone.”
“What did she say? Did she deny it?”
“No. She just listened with a mixture of shock, guilt, and an emotion I can only explain as relief. She’d believed her daughter when she’d told her about Bob, but I don’t think she had the capacity to fathom the full scope of the situation. After I talked with her, she seemed like a woman who’d spent her entire life under the thumb of a controlling man, probably verbal and emotional abuse, too.”
“Do you think she facilitated his behavior?”
“Not in an active role,” Ally said. “I know it sounds like I’m sticking up for her, but I’m not. She was truly horrified when I told her about the DNA results. She had no idea of the extent of his perversions. She’d somehow dismissed his assault of their daughter as a ‘moment of weakness’ by an otherwise upright man.”
“I guess I should credit her for sending Debra away. Some women in that position would’ve been too afraid to do anything except turn a blind eye.”
“I saw that when I was on patrol in the city,” Ally said.
Belle scoffed. “And the evangelicals say gays are unfit parents.”
“I’m not perfect by any means, but after six years raising Chloe, I can assure you that nobody would get away with hurting her.”
“I’m sorry you had to go through this.” She kissed Ally on the cheek. “Does Shirley hate your guts now?”
“Surprisingly, no. She thanked me for everything I’d done for her and Bob. But the best part is that her daughter is speaking to her again. They’re going to work on having a relationship.”
“I’m glad something good found its way out of this dumpster fire.”
“A lot of good did, Belle. Judy and her child are together, Craig and Charlene Wheeler received some long-overdue closure, and best of all…” She waved a finger between them. “Right here.”
“This really is the best.” She leaned against Ally and sighed.
“You know what else I was thinking?”
Belle’s heart fluttered. What was happening? Was she going to throw caution and good sense to the wind, drop down on one knee, and go for it? She swallowed hard and forced her voice to sound casual. “What?”
“I’m thinking of starting a sexual-abuse-survivors’ support group.”
Belle exhaled the breath she’d been holding and smiled. “That’s a great idea.”
“You think so?”
“Absolutely. It’s exactly what this repressed community needs.”
Ally laughed and pulled her closer.
“So, my realtor dumped me,” Belle said.
“You were dating your realtor?”
“No,” Belle said through a giggle. “After I turned down the second offer on the house for my exact asking price, she said I should stop wasting her time and call her when I’m truly ready to sell.”
“Ooh, that feisty little shit.”
“I know, right?”
“What did you tell her?”
“Okay.”
“You mean it’s not listed anymore?”
“She’s coming by tomorrow to get the sign,” Belle said, casually examining her fingernails.
“Wow. I guess that makes you an official ‘Danvillin’ now,” Ally said with a big smile.
“I guess so.” Belle sneaked a coy peek at Ally from the side. “But now I own a house with three huge bedrooms, a family room, and a massive yard.”
“Thinking of getting boarders?” Ally asked with a sassy grin.
Belle smiled. “You might say that.”
***
As Ally and Belle guided a blindfolded Chloe through the house and out onto the patio, the three of them cackled as they tried not to trip over each other’s feet and Red, who was traipsing along at their heels.
“When can I look? I’m getting dizzy,” Chloe said.
Belle and Ally stopped her on the patio, not wanting to get too close to the crate temporarily placed toward the back of the yard.
“Right now,” Ally said, then prolonged the torturous suspense a bit more. “Are you sure you’re ready?”
“Do you need more time to get your balance back?” Belle added.
“No, I’m ready, I’m ready,” Chloe shouted.
They positioned her body toward the crate off to the left and slipped off her blindfold.
“What is it?” she said, then nearly burst with excitement. “Is it a greyhound?”
“Go see,” Ally said.
Chloe bolted across the leaf-strewn yard toward the crate, and Ally and Belle trailed closely behind. Belle held up her cell phone to capture the big reveal on video.
“Oh my God,” Chloe yelled when she opened the door and saw the brindle rescue greyhound chilling inside on a plush dog bed.
With Red’s assistance, she coaxed the dog out of the cage and, after waiting for her to sniff out her approval, hugged and kissed it.
“You like her?” Ally asked.
“I love her,” Chloe said. “What’s her name?”
“Daisy,” Ally said.
“Hi, Daisy.” The dog dropped down next to her, rolled on her back, and twisted in the crunchy autumn leaves. Chloe soon joined her on the ground, but Red preferred to sit and watch their shenanigans.
“You want to tell her?” Ally said softly to Belle.
“She’d probably rather hear it from you, don’t you think?”
“No,” Ally said. “You really won her over. She was furious with me when I told her we’d broken up.”
“Really?” Belle said, effusive with pride.
“Don’t gloat.” She kissed her sweetly.
“Are we keeping Daisy here?” Chloe said.
“It’s a good idea, right?” Ally said.
“I guess it’s better than the condo. She’ll have a huge back yard,” Chloe said, sounding disappointed. “But I wish she could live with us.”
Belle and Ally exchanged smiles.
“She can’t, sweetie,” Ally said. “We just don’t have the room.”
“I know,” Chloe said.
“Why don’t you come and live here with her then?” Belle asked.
Chloe beamed up at both of them. “Is she serious?”
“Well, since Red spends most of his time here,” Ally said, pretending to be nonchalant. “Why not? I’ll be coming along, too, if that’s okay.”
“Yes, yes,” Chloe exclaimed with a fist pump. “This is awesome.” She ran over to them and pulled them in for a group hug.
Belle kissed Ally while they were still entangled in the embrace. “Thank you.”
Ally smiled. “For what?”
“
For bringing love and life back to this place.”
About the Author
Jean Copeland is an author and English teacher at an alternative high school in Connecticut. Her first novel, The Revelation of Beatrice Darby, won the Alice B. Readers Lavender Certificate and the 2016 GCLS Goldie Award for debut author. She’s also the author of the Rainbow Awards honorable mention The Second Wave and Summer Fling. When not writing, Jean enjoys traveling throughout Connecticut discovering its colonial history, and newest wineries and craft breweries. Feminism, organ donation, and shelter animal adoption are causes dear to her heart.
Books Available from Bold Strokes Books
Emily’s Art and Soul by Joy Argento. When Emily meets Andi Marino she thinks she’s found a new best friend but Emily doesn’t know that Andi is fast falling in love with her. Caught up in exploring her sexuality, will Emily see the only woman she needs is right in front of her? (978-1-63555-355-0)
Escape to Pleasure: Lesbian Travel Erotica edited by Sandy Lowe and Victoria Villasenor. Join these award-winning authors as they explore the sensual side of erotic lesbian travel. (978-1-63555-339-0)
Music City Dreamers by Robyn Nyx. Music can bring lovers together. In Music City, it can tear them apart. (978-1-63555-207-2)
Ordinary is Perfect by D. Jackson Leigh. Atlanta marketing superstar Autumn Swan’s life derails when she inherits a country home, a child, and a very interesting neighbor. (978-1-63555-280-5)
Royal Court by Jenny Frame. When royal dresser Holly Weaver’s passionate personality begins to melt Royal Marine Captain Quincy’s icy heart, will Holly be ready for what she exposes beneath? (978-1-63555-290-4)
Strings Attached by Holly Stratimore. Success. Riches. Music. Passion. It’s a life most can only dream of, but stardom comes at a cost. (978-1-63555-347-5)
The Ashford Place by Jean Copeland. When Isabelle Ashford inherits an old house in small-town Connecticut, family secrets, a shocking discovery, and an unexpected romance complicate her plan for a fast profit and a temporary stay. (978-1-63555-316-1)
Treason by Gun Brooke. Zoem Malderyn’s existence is a deadly threat to everyone on Gemocon and Commander Neenja KahSandra must find a way to save the woman she loves from having to commit the ultimate sacrifice. (978-1-63555-244-7)
A Wish Upon a Star by Jeannie Levig. Erica Cooper has learned to depend on only herself, but when her new neighbor, Leslie Raymond, befriends Erica’s special needs daughter, the walls protecting her heart threaten to crumble. (978-1-63555-274-4)
Answering the Call by Ali Vali. Detective Sept Savoie returns to the streets of New Orleans, as do the dead bodies from ritualistic killings, and she does everything in her power to bring them to justice while trying to keep her partner, Keegan Blanchard, safe. (978-1-63555-050-4)
Breaking Down Her Walls by Erin Zak. Could a love worth staying for be the key to breaking down Julia Finch’s walls? (978-1-63555-369-7)
Exit Plans for Teenage Freaks by ’Nathan Burgoine. Cole always has a plan—especially for escaping his small-town reputation as “that kid who was kidnapped when he was four”—but when he teleports to a museum, it’s time to face facts: it’s possible he’s a total freak after all. (978-1-63555-098-6)
Friends Without Benefits by Dena Blake. When Dex Putman gets the woman she thought she always wanted, she soon wonders if it’s really love after all. (978-1-63555-349-9)
Invalid Evidence by Stevie Mikayne. Private Investigator Jil Kidd is called away to investigate a possible killer whale, just when her partner Jess needs her most. (978-1-63555-307-9)
Pursuit of Happiness by Carsen Taite. When attorney Stevie Palmer’s client reveals a scandal that could derail Senator Meredith Mitchell’s presidential bid, their chance at love may be collateral damage. (978-1-63555-044-3)
Seascape by Karis Walsh. Marine biologist Tess Hansen returns to Washington’s isolated northern coast where she struggles to adjust to small-town living while courting an endowment for her orca research center from Brittany James. (978-1-63555-079-5)
Second in Command by VK Powell. Jazz Perry’s life is disrupted and her career jeopardized when she becomes personally involved with the case of an abandoned child and the child’s competent but strict social worker, Emory Blake. (978-1-63555-185-3)
Taking Chances by Erin McKenzie. When Valerie Cruz and Paige Wellington clash over what’s in the best interest of the children in Valerie’s care, the children may be the ones who teach them it’s worth taking chances for love. (978-1-63555-209-6)
All of Me by Emily Smith. When chief surgical resident Galen Burgess meets her new intern, Rowan Duncan, she may finally discover that doing what you’ve always done will only give you what you’ve always had. (978-1-63555-321-5)
As the Crow Flies by Karen F. Williams. Romance seems to be blooming all around, but problems arise when a restless ghost emerges from the ether to roam the dark corners of this haunting tale. (978-1-63555-285-0)
Both Ways by Ileandra Young. SPEAR agent Danika Karson races to protect the city from a supernatural threat and must rely on the woman she’s trained to despise: Rayne, an achingly beautiful vampire. (978-1-63555-298-0)
Calendar Girl by Georgia Beers. Forced to work together, Addison Fairchild and Kate Cooper discover that opposites really do attract. (978-1-63555-333-8)
Lovebirds by Lisa Moreau. Two women from different worlds collide in a small California mountain town, each with a mission that doesn’t include falling in love. (978-1-63555-213-3)
Media Darling by Fiona Riley. Can Hollywood bad girl Emerson and reluctant celebrity gossip reporter Hayley work together to make each other’s dreams come true? Or will Emerson’s secrets ruin not one career, but two? (978-1-63555-278-2)
Stroke of Fate by Renee Roman. Can Sean Moore live up to her reputation and save Jade Rivers from the stalker determined to end Jade’s career and, ultimately, her life? (978-1-63555-62-4)
The Rise of the Resistance by Jackie D. The soul of America has been lost for almost a century. A few people may be the difference between a phoenix rising to save the masses or permanent destruction. (978-1-63555-259-1)
The Sex Therapist Next Door by Meghan O’Brien. At the intersection of sex and intimacy, anything is possible. Even love. (978-1-63555-296-6)
Unexpected Lightning by Cass Sellars. Lightning strikes once more when Sydney and Parker fight a dangerous stranger who threatens the peace they both desperately want. (978-1-63555-276-8)
Unforgettable by Elle Spencer. When one night changes a lifetime… Two romance novellas from best-selling author Elle Spencer. (978-1-63555-429-8)
Against All Odds by Kris Bryant, Maggie Cummings, M. Ullrich. Peyton and Tory escaped death once, but will they survive when Bradley’s determined to make his kill rate one hundred percent? (978-1-63555-193-8)
Autumn’s Light by Aurora Rey. Casual hookups aren’t supposed to include romantic dinners and meeting the family. Can Mat Pero see beyond the heartbreak that led her to keep her worlds so separate, and will Graham Connor be waiting if she does? (978-1-63555-272-0)
Breaking the Rules by Larkin Rose. When Virginia and Carmen are thrown together by an embarrassing mistake they find out their stubborn determination isn’t so heroic after all. (978-1-63555-261-4)
Broad Awakening by Mickey Brent. In the sequel to Underwater Vibes, Hélène and Sylvie find ruts in their road to eternal bliss. (978-1-63555-270-6)
Broken Vows by MJ Williamz. Sister Mary Margaret must reconcile her divided heart or risk losing a love that just might be heaven sent. (978-1-63555-022-1)
Flesh and Gold by Ann Aptaker. Havana, 1952, where art thief and smuggler Cantor Gold dodges gangland bullets and mobsters’ schemes while she searches Havana’ s steamy Red Light district for her kidnapped love. (978-1-63555-153-2)
Isle of Broken Years by Jane Fletcher. Spanish noblewoman Catalina de Valasco is in peril, even before the pirates holding her for ransom sail into seas destined to become known as the Bermuda Triangle. (978-1-63555-175-4)
Love Like This by Melissa Brayden. Hadley Cooper and Spencer Adair set out to take the fashion world by storm. If only they knew their hearts were about to be taken. (978-1-63555-018-4)
Secrets On the Clock by Nicole Disney. Jenna and Danielle love their jobs helping endangered children, but that might not be enough to stop them from breaking the rules by falling in love. (978-1-63555-292-8)
Unexpected Partners by Michelle Larkin. Dr. Chloe Maddox tries desperately to deny her attraction for Detective Dana Blake as they flee from a serial killer who’s hunting them both. (978-1-63555-203-4)
A Fighting Chance by T. L. Hayes. Will Lou be able to come to terms with her past to give love a fighting chance? (978-1-63555-257-7)
Chosen by Brey Willows. When the choice is adapt or die, can love save us all? (978-1-63555-110-5)
Death Checks In by David S. Pederson. Despite Heath’s promises to Alan to not get involved, Heath can’t resist investigating a shopkeeper’s murder in Chicago, which dashes their plans for a romantic weekend getaway. (978-1-63555-329-1)
Gnarled Hollow by Charlotte Greene. After they are invited to study a secluded nineteenth-century estate, a former English professor and a group of historians discover that they will have to fight against the unknown if they have any hope of staying alive. (978-1-63555-235-5)
Jacob’s Grace by C.P. Rowlands. Captain Tag Becket wants to keep her head down and her past behind her, but her feelings for AJ’s second-in-command, Grace Fields, makes keeping secrets next to impossible. (978-1-63555-187-7)
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