Bella cracked up, her hands resting on her very pregnant belly. "She got you good, babe."
"Very funny." Mikey scowled at his wife. "Here. Go whine at Uncle Aaron." Mikey plopped Bailey in Aaron's lap and he laughed when she hugged him around his neck.
"Can I play your phone again?" she asked, and Aaron handed his phone to her.
"Have at it, kiddo."
With Bailey distracted, the ruckus calmed and Mikey turned to his sister, his hand on her shoulder. "It's good to see you."
"You too," said Mira, her eyes on the kitchen while she kept my hand in her lap, a death grip around my fingers.
"Where are you from, Billie?" asked Bella, her warm smile friendly and she spoke to me with ease.
"Seattle. Mira mentioned that you're a nurse?"
"Would you ladies like some wine?" asked Aaron as he plucked a bottle off the table beside him. Mira and I both nodded and he poured us each a glass.
"I am," Bella answered while smiling. "Though not at the moment." She patted her belly.
"I see that." I chuckled, stroking my thumb against Mira's palm. "When are you due?"
"A week. We shall see," she said, grinning at Mikey. He chuckled and blew her a kiss before returning his attention to us.
"How did you two meet?" asked Mikey, his comfort with our situation as evident as everyone else at the table.
"Um…" Mira's other hand joined our hands in her lap and she fiddled with the cuff of her blouse. "At work."
"Oh." Mikey perked up. "Are you a professor, too?"
"No." I smiled and bumped Mira's shoulder with my chin. "I'm a detective and a case brought me to Mira's classroom. She helped out and we became friends. Then things changed."
"Sounds like it." Mikey rubbed Mira's back. His affection and warm smile lifted my spirits some, though didn't seem to soothe hers any.
"A detective. That's exciting," offered Aaron. "What unit?"
"Homicide," I said, and he swooned, which made me chuckle.
Sedona returned from the kitchen, leaning over to smooch Aaron on the cheek while stroking Bailey's hair. She kept her eyes on Mira, her expression unnervingly neutral.
"I wined them up," Aaron told her, grinning as he nodded to the bottle. "How about you?"
"I might've had too much already," she said. "Dinner will be ready in a bit. Everyone eat this stuff." Sedona waved her hands at the spread of appetizers on the table that included a cheese board, charcuterie, and a vegetable platter. Bella helped herself to some brie and I plucked a carrot from the veggie tray. Mira watched me and I winked at her, her hand still grasping mine.
Small talk filled the space around us and I could tell that the two couples often spent time together. Bailey moved between them fluidly and appeared bored when not staring at a device or a book.
Mrs. Lewis returned, setting down the salt and pepper shakers on the table, a pleasant smile lingering on her mouth as she glanced between us. "Mira-doll, come help me a moment."
"Me?" asked Mira, a small wave of horror rolling over her features.
"Yes." Mrs. Lewis wiggled her finger at her and headed toward the kitchen. Mira's wide-eyed gaze landed on me and I gave her hand a squeeze before letting go.
"It's okay," I said softly, encouraging her.
She nodded, standing slowly before moving away from us and toward the kitchen. Her hands slid into her pockets and she glanced back at me before disappearing. Mikey met my gaze, offering me a soft smile.
"It's new for her," I said, keeping my voice quiet. "She needs time."
"I figured," he said, nodding as she glanced to Bella. Aaron seemed unfazed, but Sedona had something to say about it.
"I'll say it's new," she said, her neutral expression narrowing in my direction. "How does someone just suddenly have a girlfriend?"
"Sometimes things just happen," I said, offering her a mild shrug.
"Yeah well, we'll see." Sedona's lips pursed the same way Mira's do when she's upset or holding something back. I kept myself as calm as possible, and glanced to Mikey when he shifted his position.
"Sedona," he called, drawing her attention.
"What?" she spat, snatching up a celery stalk. "I can ask questions."
"Yeah, but you don't have to be rude," he said.
That seemed to shut her down and she glanced to Aaron. He lifted his shoulders in a heavy shrug, then shook his head at her. No one supported her approach, and it became clear.
"So Billie," said Bella. "What's the life of a homicide detective like?"
"Unpredictable at times, lots of paperwork and interviews. Nothing like you see on television," I said, offering her an appreciative smile.
"I bet. Nursing is a lot more poop and a lot less Grey's Anatomy, let me tell you."
"And teaching fourth grade is a lot more ridiculous parents and a lot less fun than I expected," said Mikey, chuckling. "Reality is relative."
"It is." I perked when I heard him say that, then turned to Sedona. "What's marine biology like?"
She hesitated, her disdain for me growing. "Wet."
I laughed, but everyone else seemed to hold on to their amusement. "Can't say that's not expected though."
"No." She smirked, and just for a moment, a hint of Mira fluttered across her expression. She was malleable, and I could tell.
"Wet is a good way to describe it. The smells though, that's what you gotta look out for," added Aaron, and to that everyone chuckled.
Mira returned from the kitchen, her expression blanched, which struck a chord of worry in my torso. She returned to her seat, and I reached for her hand immediately. Her clammy, cool skin sent a warning shot through my gut and I caressed the back of her hand.
"Did you grow up in this house, Mira?" I asked, drawing her attention to me. She nodded, her eyes rather glassy. "Want to give me a tour?"
"Sure." We stood together, and I kept a hold of her hand. "Be right back," she said, glancing to Mikey, and avoiding everyone else. She led me down the hall away from the others, and I stayed close to her.
"Which room was yours?" I asked when the hall curved toward the stairs at the front.
"Sedona and I shared," she said, leading me toward the room at the far end of the hall. Carpets met our feet when we entered the pristine room, set up with two matching twin beds. It didn't look like a kid’s room anymore, but rather a guest room. Soft blues and whites made it feel cozy, but not personal.
"Okay, can you sit for me?" I asked, and she nodded, taking a seat on the edge of the bed.
"I don't feel very well."
"I know, baby. You look about ready to faint. Lie down." I urged her head onto the pillows, and she listened to me, turning on her side to face me when I crouched beside the bed. "What did your parents say to you?"
"Nothing." Her bottom lip trembled and I kissed her forehead. "They're acting strange."
"I can tell. It's new for them, too, right?"
She nodded, then covered her face with her hands. "In the kitchen…" she began, her breath hitching. "It's in there."
"What is, honey?"
She shook her head. "I have to think about something else."
"Okay. How about Einstein? Our ugly safe word."
A chuckle left her and she dropped her hands to watch me. "I never used it."
"Nope. Because you like what I do to you." I tapped her bottom lip and it made her smile. "But it's our secret."
"Yeah. And maybe the neighbors a little. We're not quiet," she said, and it made me laugh.
"Not at all."
"You're always taking care of me, Billie. It's not fair to you," she said, covering her face with her hands for a moment.
I kissed her elbow, rubbing gentle circles over her stomach. "Not always, baby."
"Yes. All the time. When do I get to take care of you?" she asked, lowering her arms to gaze at me.
"Right now, Mira, I've made a choice to stay by your side while you're moving through your own personal process. I know how painful it can be and th
e stress that comes with it. Taking care of your emotional needs is a part of a healthy relationship. We're building that and I want it more than anything. Eventually, we will feel more balanced with caretaking," I said, my resolve firm as I held her gaze. "All right?"
"Yes, honey." She nodded, placing her hand on top of mine. A small smile tugged the corners of her mouth. "I get it."
Footsteps in the hall drew our attention and Mikey poked his head around the corner of the open door. "You okay, Mimi?"
"Lightheaded," she answered, though avoided his gaze. "I'm fine."
"Was the kitchen a mess?" he asked, stepping into the room. "I can clean it up."
"No. Just…can you tell Dad just to use a regular knife?" Mira asked, her gaze falling on her brother who understood what she meant immediately.
"I'll take care of it. Do you want me to send Bella back?" Mikey looked at me and I shook my head at the same time that Mira responded.
"I'm okay. I just didn't expect it," she said, and he sat beside her, patting her knee.
"I think your girlfriend is pretty cool." Mikey grinned and her cheeks turned bright red. "But don't tell her yet. She's gotta earn her way into my good graces."
Mira laughed softly while rubbing her thumb over my knuckles. "I won't. Sedona is upset. And mom is acting like she isn't. Dad is…I don't know."
"They're just shocked. Give them time. I'll take care of the kitchen," he said, giving her leg another pat. "Come back when you're ready."
"Okay." Mira's hands warmed against mine while we watched her brother leave us again. I understood what upset her then, and brushed my lips over her knuckles.
"Mikey is very supportive," I said. "I like him."
"He is. Sedona thinks I'm dramatic. Only when Mikey started dating Bella who saw me faint a few times did she take it seriously. Mom, too, sometimes. I can't help it. It's not like I want to faint when I see an electric knife or blood or something. It just happens. And I feel really anxious right now. I should've told them over the phone about you. Maybe we shouldn't have come." Mira's doubt roared to the surface amidst her vulnerability. "Maybe it was a mistake to bring you here if they're going to treat you like this."
"Baby, everyone has treated me just fine. Sedona is just posturing because she's protective of you. She'll calm down. And your parents probably just need a minute to wrap their head around everything. They've been kind, right?"
"Yeah." She let out a slow breath and sat up carefully with me. "I feel better I think."
"Good. I think I can tell when you're about to faint. You get very pale, and your hands get cold and clammy. Did you know?"
She shook her head as I came to kneel in front of her. A soft smile parted her lips while she stroked my cheeks and I rested my hands on her knees. "Did you really want a tour?"
"Nah. I figured you needed a minute."
"I love you, Billie. I really do. As a friend first and now more."
"I don't doubt that at all." I rubbed her firm thighs wrapped in thick leggings, then fixed the hem of her sweater dress against them after. "I love you, too. I'm right here with you. Give your parents some time, okay? Not everyone reacts with excitement like at the game. That was a great moment."
"It was." A smile brightened her features, lending light to the dimness that plagued her. "It was really good."
"It was. You were very happy."
"I was. I like being proud of you."
"I'm proud of you right now and I'm proud to be your girlfriend." I nodded toward the open door. "Don't let their tempered reactions wash out your colors. We're a rainbow for a reason."
"So sappy. And so cute." She beamed, her smile genuine again. "Thank you."
"C'mon. Let's go be great lesbians in a room full of heteros." I stood up and held my hands to her. She laughed as she joined me, and fixed her dress before leading me back toward the dining room.
When we returned, Mikey helped his parents bring out all the food to the set table, and we returned to our seats. Without a phone to play with, Bailey became extremely distracting and entertaining. Dinner became a family affair, much larger than I was used to. Although I didn't know their usual family dynamics, I agreed that Mrs. Lewis was overly polite, and Mr. Lewis was unusually quiet. Occasionally, I caught Sedona staring at me with a narrowed brow, and once Aaron nudged her arm to get her to knock it off.
Mira didn't touch a spec of meat, but she picked at the rest of the sides. Mikey, Bella, and Aaron were the most talkative, followed by Mrs. Lewis who asked me about work and my family in an excessively casual manner that made me both uncomfortable and amused me. She was trying at least, that said something.
Beside me, Mira's stress remained at a dull roar, and I gave her leg a pat every now and then to remind her that she wasn't alone. Mikey held her attention. His ease with the situation calmed my insides, and I knew Mira would have at least some support.
After dinner and dessert, the party flickered out with all the full bellies and sleepy faces. Mira and I remained at the dining room table with Mikey and Mrs. Lewis, while everyone else wandered to the living room. Bailey passed out on the carpet with a cat sleeping by her head, and Bella dozed on the sofa beside her. Aaron stared idly at a sports game on television with the endlessly grumpy Sedona at his hip, and Mr. Lewis nodded off on the far end of the sofa beside them.
Mira sipped her coffee, then leaned her head on my shoulder as the exhaustion of the day seemed to take its toll. I brushed my lips over her forehead while she toyed with a crumbling cookie on her plate. Mrs. Lewis offered me a soft smile as she gazed at us and I returned the gesture.
"Are you staying over, sweetie?" Mrs. Lewis asked Mira who shook her head.
"We're driving back tonight," she said, sitting upright again.
"Are you sure? Eight hours in the same day?" Mrs. Lewis' brow wrinkled with concern.
"We'll share the task," I said, holding Mira's hand under the table.
"Well, that is hopeful then." Mrs. Lewis let out a long sigh. "Mira-doll, I can't say I expected Billie." She gestured toward me, her smile everlasting. "But I am happy that you're happy."
"I am," said Mira, holding my hand in a death grip. "I'm very happy."
"Good." Mrs. Lewis reached across the table to stroke the hand that poked at her food. "I'm glad."
Mira drew in a deep breath and nodded before looking at me. "I think we should get going."
"Okay, baby." I nodded, patting her thigh before standing with her. Mrs. Lewis and Mikey stood with us.
"Michael, Mira and Billie are leaving." Mrs. Lewis called to her husband. He jerked awake, shaking his head like someone poured cold water on him. Mikey and Sedona both laughed at him.
"Where?" he asked, then glowered at them.
"In here, old fool." Mrs. Lewis grabbed his elbow and tugged him to the dining room when he stood. He chuckled at that point and followed her. Mikey stared at his sister, and she stood up as well with Aaron.
"Bye, Dad," Mira said when her father kissed her cheek. "See you soon."
"Coming for Christmas?" he asked, glancing between the two of us. He hadn't said much to us directly all night except for that. I couldn't help the smirk that found its way to my mouth.
"Maybe," she answered, her gaze flickering in my direction. "Billie might have work so we'll see."
"Thank you for the invitation, Mr. Lewis," I said, extending my hand. He shook it, and a small smile made it to his mouth.
Mikey's warm goodbye mirrored his mother's, but Sedona's resolve remained the same. She hugged Mira, her hands on her shoulders afterward.
"I don't understand this," she said, her voice soft.
"I don't care," retorted Mira, stepping away from her and returned to my side. "Bye, Sedona."
"Bye." The two of them exchanged the same pained expression as we broke away from them.
Mira's parents walked us to the door, and after one more round of cheek kisses, they bid us farewell.
"Call us when you get home, girls," her mot
her called after us and it made me chuckle.
"Thank you for having me," I said, smiling at the two of them. "Good night."
Mira offered them a gentle smile before we headed off to the car. I opened the passenger door for her, and she laughed softly. "Show off."
"You know it." I swatted her elbow before she hopped in, then closed the door. I scurried around the SUV and climbed into the driver's seat. "Ready to roll?"
"Get me out of here please."
"On it. Should I adorn the sirens?" I pointed to the glove box. "We could really tear out of here."
"No way." She laughed as we buckled up, and offered her parents a wave before we headed back home.
"Are you sure you don't want to stay in a hotel for the night, babe? It's almost eight."
"I'm okay. Are you?" She turned sideways in her seat and her posture relaxed some.
"I am. We can swap if we get tired." I glanced at her as we rolled to a stop sign. "That wasn't terrible. Your parents warmed up."
"Yeah. Not Sedona though."
"I think she's protective of you. Talk to her when you're ready."
"Maybe. I wish they were happier for me." She dropped her head against her seat. "I wish their happiness matched mine."
"I don't want to sound like I'm defending them or anything, because let's face it, I've never had reason to defend parents before. Maybe they just need time with it, baby. To me, they seemed more worried about you than rejecting of your sexuality. Does that make sense?"
"A little. I was a mess after Declan and they saw that. They still see me as a mess. I mean, look what happened tonight." She gestured toward the window. "I almost fainted again."
"But you didn't. Can I ask you something somewhat personal?" I glanced at her before merging onto the highway.
"Always."
"Did you ever go to therapy for what happened to you? I've worked with a lot of trauma survivors and seeing what you saw is a trauma…let alone the loss."
"No. I mean, I tried, but I didn't like any of the therapists." She shrugged. "And doctors just wanted to medicate away anxiety. I'm not anxious all the time. It was all bullshit. Did you ever go to therapy?"
"A bit at the LGBTQ Center when I was younger. I had a lot of self-esteem issues."
Entanglement Page 27