by Claire Adams
“Yes, even though I consistently turn you down.”
“All right, man. But I guarantee once you go on a vacation with us, you’ll be begging to come with us every year.”
I had no doubt about that, but we were in different stages of our lives. If Wendy hadn’t died, then we might have been the happy couple who went vacationing every year. But being a single parent didn’t give me much of an option unless I wanted to be on the phone the whole time. And I wasn’t about to waste money going away to work.
Though, imagining Jess and Gina on an Alaskan cruise with me, that would be something I’d want to do. So, if I had to do any work, I knew Gina would be taken care of properly. Jess and I could snuggle together in a cabin at night and make love floating on the sea.
That thought alone made me want to agree to Brandon’s proposal. But I’d have to see where Jess and I were headed with our relationship.
Every night that Jess stayed over, she either sneaked out early or got up to shower in my bathroom and pretended that she hadn’t spent the night. I had no doubt that Gina wouldn’t have minded us all going on a vacation together, but she would have questions when it came to the sleeping arrangements. Like hell would I sleep separately from Jess if I could help it. At least at home, I could have her as many nights with me as she wanted.
I grabbed the second half of my sandwich and dug in. “So, tell me about this Alaskan cruise.”
Later that evening, I didn’t need to wonder where to find Jess and Gina. They were in the family room working on the quilt. I’d insisted that Jess added expedited shipping on the sewing machine. It arrived on Monday, and she and Gina spent most of the afternoon setting it up. Now they were on their way to making all the squares.
Jess was working at the machine while Gina stood next to her, peering up on her tip-toes.
I waited until the machine went off before I rapped on the doorframe.
Gina turned around and rushed over to me. “Come see.” She grabbed my finger and dragged me into the room.
Jess gave me a shy smile, and I winked at her. Both gestures went over Gina’s head completely. She grabbed several of the finished squares and held them up to me.
“Wow,” I said, kneeling down beside her. “Those look great!”
“I helped cut them,” Gina said, beaming.
I glanced at Jess. Gina and scissors were a dangerous combination.
“She traced the squares,” Jess added. “I cut them.”
“That’s what I meant,” Gina said.
I kissed Gina’s forehead as I got up from the floor. “Show me what else you’ve done.”
While Gina went into the pile of fabric to dig out something, I rested my hand on the back of the chair Jess sat in. I discreetly moved my thumb across her back in a circular motion. She turned in her chair and blocked my hand from Gina.
Gina came over, holding a pile of fabric, neatly folded in her hands. “I’m making a square just for you, Daddy. Which one do you like?”
I squatted down to her level to look closer at the fabrics. I used Jess’s thigh to steady me. My intent had been just to touch her in any way I could. All day long I thought about it. Jess and I knew the deeper hidden meaning.
“I like these two,” I said, picking them out of the pile. Gina brought those two over to the couch and set them aside. “We can work on those tomorrow.”
Jess squeezed my hand when Gina wasn’t looking. She turned to me, and we were at eye level and a breath’s away from our noses touching. The corners of her eyes lifted in a playful way. I needed her to stay the night. There were so many things I wanted to do to her.
“Well, the lasagna should be ready,” Jess said, getting up from the chair. “Let’s go eat.”
“Yum! Yum! Yum!” Gina jumped with each word.
Jess laughed and jumped along with her. “I’m afraid it’s not my recipe, but I’ve made it before, and it’s delish.”
“Your food has never disappointed me,” I said.
Jess smirked. “You’re too kind.”
Neither Gina nor I had to ask Jess to stay for dinner. Ever since the weekend we’d spent together, Jess joined us for dinner every night. On the nights Jess stayed over, she would say goodnight to Gina, and I’d take Gina to bed, but Jess would stick around. With her dealing with Gina all day and my hectic work schedule, we went straight to bed, but most of the time, we didn’t fall asleep right away. And since I had a bathroom attached to my suite, there was no reason for Jess to wander out of the room until the morning.
Gina had always been a good sleeper, which made our little arrangement possible. We hadn’t had any close calls with Gina finding out yet.
After dinner, we carried through with our usual routine. Jess and Gina said goodnight and I went upstairs with my daughter. Jess was incredibly patient, even on bath nights.
When I came downstairs, Jess already had a bottle of wine open, and she sipped from her glass. I stood at the bottom of the stairs watching her pace my living room.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
Jess clamped her hand over her mouth and turned around.
I smirked. “Sorry.”
“No,” she said, waving her hand in front of her. “Don’t worry about it. I was lost in my thoughts.”
I came into the room and poured myself a glass of wine. I clinked it with hers and then kissed her. Her lips tasted of wine, reminding me of the first time we had sex. We were a little tipsy that night, but I couldn’t have wine since without thinking of her.
“What were you thinking about?” I asked.
Jess sat on the couch, and I followed. She leaned her head against her hand as if something heavy weighed on her mind.
“I need to ask you something,” she said.
“Anything.”
“Next week is my mom’s birthday, and I was planning to go down there with her to celebrate.”
“Oh,” I said.
“I was able to line up a nanny friend of mine to step in while I’m gone,” she said.
I nodded. “How long would you be gone?”
“Not long,” she said. “I didn’t get the plane ticket yet. I wanted to ask you first.”
“It’s your mother,” I said. “Of course you can go.”
“Thanks.”
“We’re going to miss you.”
She chewed on her lip.
“Was there something else?” I asked.
“I have a backup nanny, but I wanted to see if you and Gina would come with me?”
“To Australia?” I asked.
“Yes.”
“To meet your mother?” I asked.
She hesitated. “Yes.”
Now I knew why she was so deep in thought when I’d come downstairs. She was worried about asking me to meet her mother.
“Are we that serious?” I asked.
She slipped her free hand into mine. “I think so. Don’t you?”
I squeezed her hand. “I do.”
“So, you will come?” she asked.
“Yes, we will come.”
“That’s great!” she said, throwing her arm around me and pulling me close. I gripped my wine glass harder, so I didn’t spill the liquid inside.
When she sat back, she looked positively radiant. I tucked a chunk of hair behind her ear, smoothing my fingertip along the sensitive skin behind her ear.
“Thank you,” she said.
“No, thank you for the invite. A vacation is exactly what we need.”
Chapter Twenty
Jess
As we did most Fridays, Gina and I went to visit Sierra at the record shop. It was a nice change from being cooped up in the house all week due to the fluctuating rain that ruined our plans over the past week. And bringing Gina to the local deli for an end of week lunch would be the kicker. Gina loved to eat out. I tried to prepare her food at home as much as I could though. I always let her take part in making her own meals since she seemed to enjoy it more. But since she and Noah were coming wi
th me to Australia, I wanted to celebrate with Gina somehow.
“Sierra!” Gina said skipping into the record shop.
“Girl, you look damn cute today,” Sierra said.
Gina picked out a frilly lace skirt that bounced with each step. “You said a bad word!”
Sierra waved her hand dismissively. “Believe me, that isn’t the worst I’ve said.”
“What’s the worst?” Gina asked.
“Sierra!” I hissed.
Gina giggled and went to the back of the shop. With our weekly visits, Gina was over the record Sierra played each time for her. Now with each visit, she wanted to hear something new. The smaller children’s section at the back would keep her busy for a little while until she picked the perfect record for her mood.
Sierra went behind the counter and sipped on her coffee.
“What’s going on with you?” I asked.
“I’m feeling a little lonely,” she said.
“How come?” I asked. Anytime she felt alone, she always found someone to fill her bed.
Sierra sighed. “Well, my best friend hasn’t been available for over a week. Her nights are busy.”
I pressed my lips together. “Very funny.”
Sierra smiled and leaned over the counter, glancing at Gina. “So, how’s it going with Noah?”
“Really good,” I said. “I invited Noah and Gina to come along with me to Australia to visit with Mom.”
“Shut up!” Sierra said, her jaw dropping. “He said yes?”
“He did,” I said. “I didn’t expect that when I asked, but I’m so happy they’re coming.”
“That’s so awesome, girl,” Sierra said sincerely. “I’m a little jealous that you haven’t invited me yet.”
“You hate flying,” I said.
“There are drugs I can take,” Sierra said.
“Next time,” I said, turning around to watch Gina. I tucked my hands behind me, pressing them against the counter. If I had to go away without Noah or Gina, I would miss them terribly. Now I didn’t need to know that feeling.
Gina moved to another set of records. Her little face scrunched with concentration. I watched her while Sierra took a customer.
Gina peered over the top of one of the stacks.
What was she looking for?
As if she heard my thoughts, she marched over to us and went behind the counter. She tugged on Sierra’s arm and opened her arms. Sierra hefted Gina onto her hip.
“Where’s that song?” she asked.
“Girl, you’re going to have to be more specific,” Sierra said.
“The song,” Gina said, turning to me. “The down under one.”
Sierra’s eyes bulged.
“Men at Work is the group,” I said. After Noah had told Gina about the trip, she spent the entire day yesterday asking me how to be more Australian. I introduced her to the group. “We listened to it all day on YouTube.”
Sierra grimaced. “I’m glad I wasn’t there. Sorry, sweetie. That’s not my type of music.”
“I don’t think they have that here,” I said and glanced at Sierra. She slowly shook her head with an expression of disgust.
I lightly slapped her arm. “They aren’t that bad.”
“Did Jess tell you I’m going to Australia?” Gina asked Sierra.
“I heard. I’m super jealous.”
“I’m super excited!” Gina said, pumping her fists in the air. “Jess, can you find the song?”
I proceeded to bring the song up on my phone and play it for her. Gina wiggled out of Sierra’s arms and came around the counter to dance with me to the catchy music.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Sierra said, trying to hold back a smile.
“Come on!” I said, reaching out to her.
“You can’t even dance to this music,” Sierra said. Her facade was cracking.
“Please!” Gina said, and I knew we had her.
“All right,” she said and joined us.
When Noah arrived home that night, he surprised me with three tickets to Sydney.
“Noah,” I said completely taken off guard. “I could have purchased my own ticket. I invited you, remember?”
“It’s fine,” he said, kissing my cheek. Gina was in the living room watching a cartoon, so we didn’t have to worry about hiding anything. “I have the money, and I wanted us to sit together.”
“Thank you,” I said graciously.
“But you have to promise to take us to the real Australia. Of course, we should see some touristy things, but I want to know where you grew up. What places shaped the woman you are today.”
“It’s not that glamorous, I promise,” I said.
“It doesn’t have to be,” he said. “I want to get to know more about you.”
I took a steadying breath. “Okay.” Little did Noah know that I was going to keep much of my past a secret, at least until we were a bit more serious about each other. I liked him, but knowing the shit I’ve been through could be a deal breaker this early on in the relationship. Besides, he seemed genuinely excited about the trip, and I wanted him to have the best time. At least his first time down there.
“I want to warn you that my mom can be a bit much,” I said.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” he said.
I had to stifle an eye roll. “I hope it’s okay if I don’t stay the night. There are a lot of things I have to do this weekend to prepare for Monday.”
He sighed dramatically, and I laughed.
“Okay,” he said. “But I’m going to need one hell of a kiss to hold me over.”
I glanced toward the living room where Gina still faced the television, oblivious to her father’s and my growing relationship. I dragged him out of view and kissed him.
On the way home, I called Mom. She’d wanted me to come down for her birthday. It was the only way she could guilt me into the trip. She knew I was coming, but not with two extra people.
“Jess!” Mom said when she picked up the phone.
“Hey, Mom,” I said.
“Is everything all right? Are you still coming next week?” She sounded worried.
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh, thank heavens. I thought you were calling to cancel.” I pictured her pacing the kitchen with worry. It made me feel a little guilty that I made her feel that way.
“I’m not calling to cancel. I do have some change in plans though.”
“How so? Are you coming later in the week? I wanted you here for my actual birthday—”
“I’m bringing two people along with me,” I interrupted before she went on too long.
“That friend of yours?”
“No, not Sierra. Noah and Gina.”
There was a long pause on the other end, and I checked to make sure the call was still connected.
“You’re bringing a man here?”
“Is that a problem?”
“A problem?” Mom asked. “It’s not a problem, love. I’m a little surprised is all. You’ve never brought a man home with ya.”
There was a reason for that. Mom could be a little over the top even for an Aussie bloke.
“It must be serious between you two,” she continued.
“It is,” I said. “But his daughter, Gina, doesn’t know about us yet. So, I need you to be on your best behavior.”
She let out a snort. “I’m always on my best behavior.”
“Mom,” I warned.
“All right, all right.”
I detailed the trip to her and told her I’d see her next week. I was sure to hear from her on Sunday, and I’d be offering up another warning to remind her that Noah was also my boss. But I had a feeling he would take anything she said in stride. At least I hoped.
Chapter Twenty-One
Noah
The thirteen-hour flight to Sydney wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. Having the five-hour layover in Los Angeles had helped us adjust before the long stretch. Jess had the forethought to pack Gina a bunch of
activities, coloring books and the like, so she was distracted for most of the time.
Though the flight crew did a fantastic job of preparing us for jet lag by turning the lights down low, synchronizing us with the Australian time zone. And our first-class tickets gave us enough room to wander around when we needed to stretch our legs.
When we landed, I was happy to be grounded in this new and exotic place.
Jess’s shoulders visibly relaxed when the wheels of the plane touched the ground.
I looked forward to getting to know the place where she grew up and how she turned into the woman she was today. Gina and I were taking a deeper look into Jess’s life, drawing her closer, turning our tight-knit duo into a trio. At least that’s what I hoped for.
When it was time to disembark the plane, Gina shuffled down the aisle. She zapped her energy around the three-quarter mark of the flight, yet she still hadn’t recovered. I’d have to ask Jess how to get Gina back on a regular time so she could enjoy our stay. A tired Gina was a crabby Gina. And a grumpy Gina was more of a handful than normal.
I ruffled Gina’s hair, and she leaned back, nearly falling over. I took her hand a guided her down the jet bridge into the airport.
I sneaked my other hand behind me and took Jess’s in mine. I squeezed it lightly. We hadn’t breached the topic of our budding relationship to Gina yet, but I still had the urge to touch Jess whenever I could.
“How does it feel to be home?” I asked.
Jess sighed, clearly affected by the long flight as well. “Good. I haven’t been home in a while. I suspect Mom will bring that up as much as she can while we’re here. The guilt can be unbearable sometimes.”
“She probably just misses you,” I said.
“Yeah,” she said dismissively.
“Does she know about us?” I asked in a low voice.
“I had to tell her,” Jess said, her cheeks turning a little pink. “She has a knack for digging around where she doesn’t belong, and I didn’t want her to say something in front of Gina.”