"I think I have." She smiled. Her thoughts were already in New Orleans with the family waiting there for her.
***
“I hope you know Jessie is pissed.” Michael announced as he and Stan walked into the parlor.
“Yeah well, Dana deserved it.” Nicole pointed out.
“She did. All that talk about how much better New York was and then how backwards we are. It was annoying. I couldn’t take it anymore.” Aaron explained from where he was laying on the fainting couch.
“She is annoying.” Danny commented. He was slumped in a chair in front of the fireplace. It was not yet cold enough to start a fire, but he claimed it was nice pretending. “You should have heard her last night.”
“Yeah, but that was still cruel.” Michael’s indignation faded as realization struck. “Are y’all always this bad?”
“We haven’t been recently, but we used to be. Welcome back, Nicky.” Stan grinned. “Move over Sheryl.” He instructed the critic to sit. She was lying across the couch.
“That’s the second time I’ve been told that today.” Nicole’s tone was rueful.
“Well, it is nice to see you back in action. You’re fun again.” Stan grinned at her. “We missed that part of you.”
“Was I really that different?”
“Yes.” Sheryl commented. “We didn’t want to say anything, but it is nice to see ‘Zombie Nicole’ gone.”
“You too? Thanks.” The photographer did not know is she should be upset or flattered. “Now can you tell me what it is you and Jessie had to discuss earlier?” She turned the conversation back to her brother.
“No, you’ll just get mad.” Michael told her. “Are we going out tonight?”
“Yeah, but I need to ask you something first. Actually, Danny and I have to ask it.”
“Ok, I’m not escorting him down the aisle unless he’s in full drag, but anything else you can almost guarantee.” He teased.
“We want you to be a godparent.” Danny told him.
“To what? Mozart?”
“No silly, to our child.” Nicole did not want to tell him the truth. She did not want to see her brother tried for murder.
“And when is this blessed event supposed to take place?”
“June.” She watched as he did the math in his head.
“You’re pregnant then?” He did not move.
“About six weeks on.”
“Danny is the father?” She nodded. “And who are the other godparents?”
“Sheryl and Aaron.” Her smiled faltered at the tense look on her brother’s face. “What’s wrong?”
“This isn’t right. I don’t know, but something’s off here. I can’t.” He stood. “I have to think about this. It’s not adding up right.”
“What’s not adding up right?” Nicole stood and walked over to him. “The fact that your sister is pregnant or the fact two gay people are having a child?”
“Nicole, I can understand and respect your lifestyle. Really I can, but choosing to raise a child in that type of environment is another matter all together.” He did not turn around.
“So, you have a problem with two gay people having a child?” She asked again. Her friends were extremely quiet. She knew they did not want to witness this scene, but had no choice. They were trapped in the room. Michael blocked the only door.
“Yes I have a problem with it. How could you choose to do that to a child?” He turned to face her. “A lesbian mother and a homosexual father? The child might as well be born with a target on its back.”
“Michael, all children get picked on.” The photographer pointed out the obvious. “No matter what, kids get picked on. It’s a fact of life.”
“Yeah, but that’s not an excuse to purposely heap abuse on a child. Why do you want to do that?”
“I don’t want to make things difficult for my child. If you don’t want to stand as a godparent, fine don’t, but it’s too late to change anything else. I am pregnant. I am raising this child. I’m sorry you don’t agree with the choice, but it has been made. Accept it or not.”
“I can’t accept it. I’m sorry Nicky, but I can’t.” He backed out of the room. “I’m flying back to LA this evening. I’ll see you all later, maybe.” He slowly walked down the hallway. Nicole watched him until he was out of sight.
“Why didn’t you tell him the truth?” Stan broke the tense silence.
“It wouldn’t make a difference. I’d still be a lesbian choosing to raise a child with a homosexual father, a gay godfather and a bisexual godmother.” Suddenly weary, Nicole sunk down into her chair. “I’ve been expecting that type of reaction, but not from my brother.”
“He’ll come around.” Sheryl reassured her friend.
“I’m not so sure. I’m not sure many people in the family will agree with this.”
“Well, it’s not like you had a choice in the matter.” Danny told her. Everyone in the room knew of the circumstances surrounding the child’s conception.
“He has a point.” Stan added his voice to the discussion.
“You don’t have a problem with it do you?” She asked her cousin.
“Not in the least. My father’s sister and her lover adopted two children. We see them several times a year.” He told her. “I don’t know why Michael would have a problem with it. You’re his sister, and he was raised in LA. You would think he’d be a little broader minded.”
“Well, let’s recap what we did today. We have buried my grandmother; offended my brother’s idea about family, pissed off my cousin, and made a mockery of a New Yorker. I think we can all sleep easily tonight.” Nicole really wanted a cigarette. She fought the urge.
“Never a dull moment.” Aaron observed.
“I don’t think we should play with Dana’s head too much tonight.” Danny voiced the opposition. “It doesn’t seem right after the rest of the day we’ve had.”
“Yeah, and we really don’t want my sister all that upset with us.” Stan shuddered. “She’ll make life unbearable when she graduates and moves back down here.”
“I suppose we should apologize.” The photographer sighed. “Stan can you go get Jessie but avoid bringing back Captain Congeniality?”
“I’ll give it a shot.” He disappeared through the doorway.
“What a tangled web we weave.” Sheryl muttered. “At least you’re holding up well. You aren’t going to fall apart on us are you?”
“I wasn’t planning on it.” Nicole stretched. “I feel surprisingly good, all things considered. It’s strange, but lately I’ve kinda felt like little things were finally clicking in my head. The other night I swear I heard a pop. Maybe I’ve finally learned to accept things and move on.”
“’Bout damn time.” Jessie stood in the doorway. “I have to apologize for Dana. She was being such a bitch. I don’t know why, she’s really not like that at school.”
“It’s alright. We shouldn’t have done what we did to her.” Nicole did not fully believe herself, but she knew she had to at least say the words.
“Well, enough of that. I have her looking through baby pictures in the living room. So what’s with Michael? He left like someone just told him his goldfish got ran over by a train.”
“He objects to my bringing a child into this world.” The photographer put it in simple terms.
“Ah, ok. I didn’t know that was something you’re considering.” Jessie took the seat the photographer’s brother vacated. “Is it?”
“Yeah, it is. A little more than just considered though.”
“Cool. When?” Jessie grinned.
“June.”
“Does mom know?”
“Yes, I told her before lunch. She wants to throw a baby shower.” Nicole looked at her cousin. She was not surprised Jessie accepted it so easily; it was her cousin’s lack of questions that surprised her.
“Fun, I think. I’ve never been to one. Maybe we should have two. One for those of us still climbing the hill.”
“N
ow that’s an idea.” Sheryl looked up for the first time since Jessie entered the room. “That is a great idea.”
“I suppose we won’t be able to attend?” Danny asked.
“I don’t see why you couldn’t come to ours and do the father thing.” The critic reasoned. “Course, you may have to fight someone for the rights. Can we please call Laurel home now?”
“Maybe we should let her come home willingly?” Nicole asked the group. She really needed their input.
“Why do you ask that?” Jessie seemed a little too curious.
“For all we know she could be enjoying the booze, girls and different towns every night.” It was something she had not thought about really. However, it was a consideration.
“I don’t think she is, much anyway.” Jessie looked as if she wanted to reclaim the words.
“How long have you been in contact with her?” The final piece of the puzzle fell into place.
“Since she appeared in New York to make the CD. Want her email address?”
“What have you told her?”
“Nothing much really.” Jessie shrugged.
“Actually, since it’s confession time, we all have her email address.” Sheryl admitted.
“And have you used it?” Nicole realized she should have counted on her friends to at least keep up with the bassist’s movements. It was one of the many reasons why they were her friends. They looked out for her as much as she looked out for them.
“Once or twice. Just to make sure she was ok.” Sheryl shrugged. “How were we to know otherwise?”
“I guess you have a point.” She sighed. “Is she doing ok?”
“The last time I got an email, she was getting bored, hates Jenna, and said something about running a cult.” Sheryl looked a little puzzled.
“That’s a running cult. She’s started jogging with a few of the guys on tour.” Jessie clarified. “I talked to her a few days ago on an instant messenger thing.”
“Ah. Well I’m glad to hear she’s ok.” Nicole did not give voice to the two questions she wanted to ask.
“She does ask about you.” Sheryl answered one of the unspoken questions. “Actually she asks about you whenever she sends me an email.”
“What do you tell her?” She ignored the other people in the room. She knew they would find out anyway, this just made it easier.
“I tell her a little truth and a little not truth.” Sheryl answered. “I tell her you are eating some, you do have a job, and you seem to almost be content.”
“Ok. Now where were we?” She changed the subject.
“We were discussing whether or not to bring her home.” Danny reminded her. “It’s Thanksgiving, Nicole. Bring her home.”
“I need for those of you in contact with her to remember this. Please. Things have changed again, and I’m not sure if we could work them out now. At least it would be harder if she’s gotten a little too comfortable with the amenities you hear about on the road, or can’t handle the child issue.”
“So that means if she has by any chance, and none of us know the answer to this question, picked up a girl or two you wouldn’t take her back?” Aaron asked. She could tell he wanted clarification.
“We aren’t together anymore. She can fuck whomever she wants, as long as she keeps herself protected. I was thinking about the other stuff.”
“The drug stuff.” Sheryl answered. “But, as an aside, she’ll accept the child. She has to in a way. It’s part you.”
“Fun stuff, that drug stuff.” Aaron’s comment was sarcastic. “Anyway, I need to be back at work fairly early in the morning. What say we leave after dinner?” He turned to his lover.
“That’ll work. Is Melba cooking tonight?” Danny looked hopeful.
“I told her she could go home, but she wanted to be here so she could throw all these people out of her house. She’s scared that if she leaves, they’ll trash the place. I don’t know if she cooked or not though.”
“Well, let’s go find out. I, for one, am sick of talking.” Stan stood and straightened his tie. They still had not changed from their funeral attire.
“I like that idea.” Nicole stood as well. “Let’s go find Melba.”
Chapter Thirty Six
"What? We haven’t even taken off yet?"
"Lakky, we’re home. You’ve been asleep since before the preflight rhetoric." Mandy laughed. "Come on, get your stuff."
"Really?" Laurel unbuckled her seatbelt. Her duffle bag had not shifted too much in the overhead compartment. She freed it with ease before slinging her backpack over her shoulder. "I can’t wait for them to send the rest of my stuff."
"They’re sending it to the house aren’t they?" Mandy asked as they exited the plane.
"Yes they are." Laurel paused to take in the weather. "Ah, it’s good to be home. Clear skies, no snow, lots of moisture in the air, it’s almost warm. It really is nice to be back."
"Yeah it is." The redhead commented. "Let’s go get your dog and get out of here. I need to get home and you need to drive back down to New Orleans."
"Alright, let’s move then."
They walked across the tarmac. The Gulfport-Biloxi Regional Airport was not large. It only had two terminals and no jetway. They climbed the stairs to the terminals and then took the escalator back down to baggage claim. They could hear Muggster before they could see her. The puppy was apparently not fond of flying. Laurel was glad they only had two short flights. She did not want to think about how the puppy might fare during an extended plane ride.
After claiming and releasing the over excited puppy, Mandy led the bassist to her car. They paid for parking and were soon on their way to Hattiesburg. Mandy drove. Laurel was content to watch the scenery she once took for granted pass them by. They were home before she knew it.
"Ok, are you going straight down there?"
"Nope. I want a shower. Flying always makes me feel grungy." Laurel grabbed her bags. "It’s the compressed air. Come on, Muggster, go explore the yard." She watched the small dog run around the trailer.
"She’ll be fine out here right?" Mandy asked.
"She should be. She’s a pretty adaptable dog."
"Good. Let’s go inside. I need to start some laundry. What do you want for dinner?" The redhead asked as she unlocked the door. "Sure you don’t want to stay the night and then go tomorrow?"
"Nah. I’ll drive down tonight. I won’t be able to sleep being so close." Laurel set her bags down inside the door. "I’m going to take a shower, eat, collect some clothing and then jet."
"Alright. Leave any clothes that need washing by the door. I’ll bring them down to you later." Mandy called out as the bassist headed for the bathroom.
As she waited for the water to heat up, Laurel sorted her clothes into two piles. One pile stayed as laundry, the other was put back in her duffle bag. The water was at the point she preferred quickly. It was the benefit of a gas water heater. She was half undressed before an idea occurred to her.
"Hey Mandy, can you bring Muggster back here? She needs a bath too." She wanted everything to be perfect for her reunion with Nicole. That included a puppy that did not smell like an outside dog.
"Sure. Hang on a moment." The door opened and she heard Mandy call for the puppy. "Here you go." A minute later, Muggster was handed through the door. "I like the tattoo."
"Thanks." Laurel laughed. "Alright Muggster. Time for a shower."
Muggster was at most nine months old. She was still small, a little larger than a pug, and Laurel easily handled her in the shower. It was the easiest way to get them both clean. The puppy did not like baths. The first time Laurel gave her one, everything in the bathroom got soaked. This way was better. Laurel was able to wash the dog then wash herself. Muggster was placed outside the shower after being cleaned. The bassist knew the puppy would pout by the door, but could not leave until she finished her shower.
"Where?" Laurel looked around. The small dog was nowhere to be seen. Thinking Mandy freed the pu
ppy; the bassist dried off and got dressed. She carried her duffle bag into her bedroom before searching for the dog.
"I’ve got her." Mandy called out from the living room. She did indeed have Muggster wrapped in a towel and sitting on her lap. "She ran out when I opened the door to toss some clothes into the washing machine. I figured I’d dry her off for you."
"Thanks." Laurel looked at her puppy. Muggster looked comical wrapped in a towel like a baby. Her little face peeked out from under the terry cloth. "I figured you’d find a way of spoiling her quickly."
"It’s not my fault animals love me." Mandy commented. "Are you done in the bathroom?"
"Yes. What’s for lunch?"
"You pack. I’ll sort another load of clothes, and we’ll answer that in a few."
"Ok." She shrugged. "I’ll be in my room."
Her room was just the way she left it, messy. Laurel searched through her closet for decent clothing. She could not find any. There was a pile of clothes she vaguely remembered setting by her desk. She looked through it and rescued a few very wrinkled shirts and pants. She thought about changing into nicer clothes, but decided the jeans and shirt she was wearing would work. Her arrival in New Orleans would shock Nicole. Laurel did not want to give the photographer a heart attack by wearing something nice. She tossed the new additions into her duffle bag, leaving one shirt out to act as a jacket.
She located her backpack, which contained her laptop, and set it on the bed. It was hard for her to decide what to take. Her confidence in the trip’s success was waning. She knew it was nerves. It was an odd feeling. Laurel was not used to being nervous. Nicole had that effect on her.
"Almost finished?" Mandy asked from the doorway.
"I think so. I have clothes, necessities, computer, games, video camera, dog toys and a little doggie food." Laurel inventoried the contents of her backpack and duffle bag. "I think there’s only one more thing to take." She reached in her closet and pulled out a battered guitar case.
"Taking Jon’s guitar?"
"Yeah. Just in case I need to serenade her." She commented. She opened the case and double checked the contents. Her guitar pick was tucked beneath the strings. The strap was still attached. Everything was present and accounted for.
All That Jazz Page 41