Unconventional Lovers

by Annette Mori

  Tara had taken care of everything, collecting Bri and Siera’s financial information to show a consistent income that more than supported the mortgage for the property. Jeremy, Deb, Maribel, Greg, and Olivia had made an offer on the house and contributed both the down payment and the additional fees to set up the loan. They had all agreed to present the gift at the party, where Kathleen could not react too negatively with others present. Olivia was sure Jeremy would catch hell later, and she was happy he was willing to take one for the team.

  Olivia glared at Carrie, while Siera picked up the envelope with her name scrawled in big letters. Olivia transferred her attention to Siera and watched her slip her finger under the flap, open the envelope, and pull out the papers.

  Siera tilted her head to the side. The real estate flyer showed the small, sage-colored house framed with beautiful flowers and trees, and trimmed in cream paint.

  Deb rushed to get all the words out, “It’s the house for sale close to the park you and Bri like to go to. It’s small, but has a large room that can easily be converted for your grooming business. We made an offer on your behalf and put a ten percent down payment on it. You both qualify for a first homeowner’s loan that only requires ten percent down. That’s our gift to you. It’s from Olivia, your mom and dad, Bri’s parents, and me. I remembered when you made a comment about the house and said you wished you could live in a house like that with Bri. You and Bri are all approved for the loan, and you can run the business in your new house. If you don’t like it, you can say no. We won’t lose much in the earnest money we put up.”

  Siera launched out of her chair and threw her arms around Deb, hugging her so tight she grunted. Siera quickly made the rounds to her mother, father, and Olivia.

  “I feel like I’ve won the lottery. Thank you, thank you, thank you. Can we really afford this?” Siera asked.

  “You can more than afford this, and we might have to renegotiate the terms of our business partnership. You won’t need me any longer, after you set up the room in your new house—unless you want to expand your business and set up a second location. Then you would have to hire more staff,” Olivia said.

  “Will you help us, Aunt Olivia, you know…hire some people?” Bri asked, as she offered her own hugs to everyone.

  Kathleen was scowling, but didn’t say a word. When she glanced at Jeremy, he shrugged his shoulders.

  “Wow, that’s quite a gift,” Carrie noted. “Are you sure that’s a good idea, putting pressure on the girls to make a monthly house payment when they have to depend on a successful business? Small businesses file for bankruptcy all the time.”

  “Bri and Siera have an extremely successful business. With what they have in their savings account, they could pay the mortgage for several years without taking in one more dollar. You need to shut your mouth about things you know absolutely nothing about,” Deb snapped.

  “I thought Siera was going to WSU and that might put too much pressure on Bri. Is Olivia going to pick up the slack as a silent partner?” Carrie asked.

  “I don’t want to go to WSU,” Siera said.

  “Now, honey, I know you’re a little burned out. I expected you to take a year off while you spend time on your little hobby, but then you can apply and get your Bachelor’s. After you get your degree, you can get a real job,” Kathleen patiently explained.

  Jeremy glared at Kathleen. “Honey, we are so proud of you and your success. If you don’t want to continue your schooling, you don’t need to. You have a successful business with Bri, and your mother and I have the utmost confidence you both will continue to succeed, whether you continue your partnership with Olivia or not.”

  “Well of course we are proud of Siera, but she has so much more potential,” Kathleen said.

  A tear ran down Siera’s cheek. “Mom, will you please listen? I don’t want to go to WSU. I want to live with Bri and get married.”

  “You what?” Kathleen exclaimed.

  Carrie shifted in her seat.

  Jeremy grabbed his wife’s arm. “Honey, come inside with me. I need to talk to you, alone.” He pulled her from her chair and practically dragged her into the house.

  “Carrie, I think the party is over. Time for you to go. Look, I know we need to talk, and I promise I’ll call you, but I think we need to figure some family things out right now,” Deb said.

  “How come Olivia isn’t leaving?” Carrie frowned.

  “Because Olivia is part of this whole thing as another partner. Please, just go,” Deb pleaded.

  “Okay, but can we at least have dinner? I need to talk to you,” Carrie said.

  “I’ll call you later,” Deb promised.

  Olivia watched the events unfold and laid her hand on Bri’s shoulder. She stood off to the side, apparently shell-shocked.

  “Come on girls, let’s go back to my house. You can both crash there and we’ll talk. Deb, do you want to come on over and stay?” Olivia asked.

  “Yes. I think that’s a grand idea,” Deb responded.

  “Won’t Mom be mad?” Siera asked.

  “Don’t you worry about your mom. Your dad will make sure it’s all okay, and I’ll call her tomorrow.”

  “Thanks, Aunt Deb. I love you,” Siera said.

  “I love you too,” Deb responded.

  Chapter Twenty-three

  Kathleen was so angry she could barely talk to her husband. “How could you do that? You ambushed me.”

  “No, I did what I thought was the right thing to do. Siera doesn’t want to go to WSU, and you’re too damn stubborn to see what’s right in front of your eyes. Siera and Bri are in love, and they have a wildly successful business. Did you realize they have over sixty thousand dollars saved? They are currently turning customers away,” Jeremy replied.

  “Did you hear your daughter? She said she wanted to marry Bri. It’s not that I think Bri isn’t a sweet girl, but for God’s sake, this is getting out of hand.”

  “What exactly do you have a problem with? Your daughter’s success and desired independence? Or the fact she wants to get married to someone she loves, like any other normal young woman?” Jeremy asked.

  “She’s too young. She doesn’t know what’s best for her,” Kathleen insisted.

  “She’s almost twenty-three, not sixteen. She’s far more mature and able to decide what’s best for herself than most young women her age that I know. After the first six months, when Olivia might have helped the girls a little with the business, they did everything on their own. I’m pretty sure they know what they’re doing. Hon, listen to yourself.” Jeremy grabbed his wife’s hands and led her to the couch, gently guiding her to sit with him. “Remember, years ago, when you said I was right? Well things haven’t changed. You’re back to treating her like all those people who underestimate Siera. Don’t jump on that train. Don’t you want her to be happy? Because you should have seen her face, hon, she’s happy. Can’t you be happy for her? Let her have her dream. Don’t make her live yours.”

  Kathleen sighed. “Of course I want her to be happy. Can you imagine how much shit narrow-minded bigots will throw at Siera and Bri when they learn they’re married? Doesn’t she have enough crap to overcome regarding the prejudgments about people with Down syndrome?”

  “No offense, hon, but you’re kinda the pot calling the kettle black. From the very beginning, for whatever reason, you’ve tossed out objections to Siera and Bri as a couple.”

  “Do you think they’re…um…physical with one another?” Kathleen asked.

  Jeremy shrugged. “I don’t know, maybe. They kiss each other. I suspect there has been some experimentation.”

  “Oh God.” Kathleen groaned. “I don’t know why I have an issue with that, but isn’t it normal for a mother to have a hard time imagining their little girl as a sexually active being?”

  “I suppose so, but hon, I also think a little bit of your issues has to do with narrow views about both homosexuality and kids with Down’s. Don’t fall into those traps. I�
��ll bet if you open the door, Siera will confide in you and tell you everything she’s thinking and feeling.” Jeremy squeezed his wife’s hands. “You know how sensitive she is to people. She can tell when you disapprove of something. Call her up tomorrow, and let her know you support her one hundred percent. I’ll bet she tells you her hopes and dreams, and you two will work your way back to the closeness you used to have.”

  A tear escaped Kathleen’s eyes. “I’m the cause for the distance, aren’t I?”

  Jeremy nodded. “She loves you, hon, but you’ve got to let her live her own life.”

  “God, I hate it when you’re right.”

  Jeremy chuckled. “Wow, twice in one decade. Not that I want to kick you when you’re down, but you’d better call your sister while you’re at it. I don’t think you’re her favorite person right now, either. I know you wanted to poke the fire a little and conjure up the green monster, but what the hell were you thinking inviting Carrie to the party?”

  “You thought it was a good idea to encourage a little jealousy, so don’t play Mr. Innocent with me now. I was trying to get Olivia to finally recognize her feelings for Deb. In this instance, I think I was right. Did you see how Olivia reacted to Carrie? Something has shifted, I’m sure of it.”

  “Okay, maybe you’re right on this one. I sure hope so,” Jeremy responded.

  †

  Bri slung her arm around Siera and kissed her. Although she knew Siera was sad about what that woman, Carrie, had said and how her mom had reacted, Bri was happy Siera wanted to get married. Bri couldn’t think of anyone she wanted to marry more. She’d been wanting to talk to her aunt about how she could ask Siera.

  “Did you really mean what you said—you want to get married?” Bri asked.

  Siera nodded. “I wanted to think of a special way to ask you. I don’t have a ring yet. I was going to ask Aunt Deb to help me.”

  “I don’t think your mom wants us to get married.”

  Siera looked down. “I know.”

  “Do you think your dad will be able to change her mind?” Bri asked.

  Siera shrugged. “Maybe.” She giggled. “I’ll bet Aunt Deb will say something. She can be scary sometimes. She’s got a temper, you know.”

  “Aunt Olivia is like that too. Especially when people are mean to me. Boy, you should see her when someone makes her mad. I don’t think she likes your aunt’s friend, Carrie. I don’t think I like her either. Is that wrong?” Bri asked.

  “Carrie was nice to me. She wasn’t comfortable hanging out with me like Olivia. I never felt like we were friends or anything like that.”

  “I know what you mean. Aunt Olivia and Deb treat us like we’re normal,” Bri said.

  “Are you excited about going to sign those papers tomorrow?” Siera asked.

  “Yeah. I can’t wait for when we can live together all the time. I like when Aunt Olivia invites you to stay and have a slumber party. When we have our house, we’ll be able to sleep together every night. We can read more of that book and try some new things.”

  “I’d like that.” Siera smiled.

  †

  Olivia took the chance Deb wouldn’t push her away. She took her hand, as they ventured outside for an evening stroll. The girls had retreated to Bri’s room, and she could hear them murmuring behind closed doors. She knew that, tomorrow, she would need to talk with Bri about Siera’s declaration. She suspected knowing Siera wanted them to get married was a very welcome announcement, but sensed her niece was trying to figure out a way to have a heart-to-heart with her. She wasn’t sure if it was about their newly discovered sexual intimacy or about topics like marriage and family. Olivia would be there for her niece and answer every question with brutal honesty.

  Over the past two years, she had methodically been preparing Maribel and Greg for this inevitable conclusion. She knew Bri and Siera wanted to live together. Siera’s declaration wasn’t a surprise to her. She thought that, maybe, her sister and brother-in-law were more prepared than Kathleen for the news. On the few occasions they had visited, Maribel had seen for herself how much Bri had blossomed. Maribel had asked about Olivia’s relationship with Deb, and Olivia had insisted they were only friends. Her sister hadn’t said anything, but her smile suggested she didn’t quite believe it.

  “So, when are you planning to call Carrie and go out to dinner?” Olivia asked.

  Deb smiled. “Why? Are you jealous? I saw the daggers you two were shooting each other today. I think I like the idea of two women dueling over me.” She laughed.

  “She’s a tool. Who does she think she is, butting into family stuff?” Olivia asked.

  “Um, I think I pretty much took care of that. I blame Kathleen more than Carrie. She was merely spouting the shit my sister has been spewing. They used to work together, so I’m sure Kathleen had already filled her head with her viewpoint on what Siera should choose for her future.”

  “Mmm hmm, I’m not so sure. I do believe there was a bit of a dig at me in her comment. I don’t think Carrie is too happy about my involvement with the girls and their business. No doubt, she is trying to figure out where I fit into your life.” Olivia stopped walking and looked into Deb’s eyes.

  “Well, join the crowd. I’m also trying to figure out where I fit into your world.”

  Olivia brought her lips to Deb’s forehead. “We’re not having this conversation until after you figure out where you stand with Carrie. Have your dinner with her, and then we’ll talk. I promise to tell you everything I’ve been ruminating over since that she-devil walked back into your life.”

  Deb chuckled. “She-devil. Geez, Olivia, don’t hold back. Tell me what you really think. Ruminating, huh? I think I’d better have this dinner soon, I’d hate to have you ruminate too long.”

  Olivia squeezed Deb’s hand. “I care about you.”

  “I know.”

  “So, tomorrow morning, I think we should talk to the girls before we take them to sign the papers. If they have sex questions, we’ll have to get over any discomfort we have with the talk. Although, I think they went ahead and took it upon themselves to get the information on their own. I am a little concerned about how thorough that book is regarding lesbian sex. I think it goes into graphic detail and includes BDSM and anal sex. I’m not so sure they should be experimenting into the more fringe elements.”

  Deb raised her eyebrow. “Hmm, vanilla huh?”

  “What, no!”

  “Ooh, do tell. What fringe are you into?”

  “Oh no, we are not having this conversation,” Olivia said.

  “You opened the door.” Deb grinned.

  “So…um…you mean you’re…oh God, never mind. Let’s save this conversation for another time, if and only if, it is relevant to…um…the evolution of our relationship.”

  Deb chuckled. “God you’re cute when you blush. Just for the record, a little bit of role play and light bondage can be quite fun.”

  “Indeed, it can,” Olivia bravely declared. “Will you call me after your dinner date?”

  “I will.”

  †

  Siera and Bri stumbled into the kitchen. Olivia was flipping pancakes, while Deb sipped her coffee. Bri thought they looked comfortable together. She liked how Deb made her aunt smile.

  “Good morning girls. Are you ready to sign those papers?” Olivia asked.

  Siera bounced on the balls of her feet. “I’m so excited. When can we move in?”

  “I think you can close on the house in another three weeks, but you also have to find a contractor to convert that large room. I thought it would make the perfect place for grooming, but it needs to be plumbed.”

  Bri frowned. “Will that cost a lot? Do we have enough saved?”

  Olivia waved her hand in the air. “You have plenty, and I believe it’ll be a good investment. But if you want to continue to work out of my clinic, we can keep our current setup.”

  Bri looked at Siera who nodded. “How about if we kept both locations?”


  “I want to hire people like us to do the grooming at the clinic. We can give somebody a chance. It’s hard to get a job when you have a disability or look like us,” Siera said.

  Olivia glanced at Deb. “Okay, but you two are pretty special. We need to make sure the person has the skills to work with animals, even the ones who are afraid and nervous.”

  “Aunt Olivia, Siera is really good at stuff like that. It’s like she has this superpower for screening people. You can trust her judgment,” Bri exclaimed.

  “You’re right. I trust you two to make the right decision. I can help with all the paperwork. It gets more complicated when you hire someone and have to pay them. Did you learn about that in your classes, Siera?” Olivia asked.

  Siera frowned. “No, we didn’t learn a lot about that. Would you Olivia? Then you can still be a partner. We can expand our business. I like the idea of running it out of our house—being independent like that. I also like you being another partner. Are you disappointed we don’t want to go completely on our own?”

  “Of course not. I would love to stay involved. I’ll try not to butt in too much, because that will surely mess up your mojo,” Olivia said.

  “Mojo?” Siera asked.

  “Yep the magic you’ve got going with Pretty Paws,” Olivia answered.

  “We wanted to talk to you two about something else.” Deb looked at Olivia, who gave her a slight nod.

  “Olivia found the book in your nightstand. She wasn’t trying to invade your privacy, but…” Deb started.

  “I’m sorry. When you’ve asked questions in the past—you know, about sex—I must have given you the idea I wasn’t comfortable answering them. I’m sorry for that. We want you to know you can ask us anything,” Olivia added.