[Hearts of Palomino 01.0] Love Is Eternal

by Emily Sharp

  “Amazing. So, you’ve known these guys for a while then?” I said, wanting to know more about them. They were obviously close.

  “I’ll tell you later,” she said. Then she pulled me in. “Let me dance with you first.”

  ***

  Three hours later the party was in full swing and there had to be over a hundred people there. Werewolves, vampires, superheroes all crowded around the middle of the larger living room made into a dance floor. A large group of other people was in the smaller living room playing beer pong, while some, like me, were in the kitchen, drinking a beer and getting some room to breathe.

  Alysa and Dave both wore Viking outfits, and with Alysa's red hair it really suited her. I was talking to her while Veronica was being a social butterfly talking to everyone she could.

  “But really, you two are great for each other. I haven't seen Veronica this happy in years,” Alysa was saying, then passed me a new cold one.

  “Thanks. Yeah, I just wish she had brought me over to meet you sooner.”

  Alysa smiled at me. “Don't take it personally. She’s reluctant to bring people into her home. And I mean not just here, her life. She’s protective of herself.”

  I nodded my head. It made sense. I knew with her last relationship it had hurt her bad, and I could understand why she wanted to go slow. And I respected that.

  “Well, this has turned out to be quite the party,” Alysa said. We both watched a guy dressed as cowboy walk out back with a cowgirl, his hand on her ass.

  “Sure has,” I said. “It looks like he might be scoring.”

  “You would think, but his name is Grant. Nice guy but he will end up puking before he gets in her bed.” She laughed.

  As we continued to talk, a girl I saw earlier wearing a farm girl outfit, complete with boots and denim shorts, came up to Veronica. Putting her hand on the small of her back, she whispered in her ear.

  Veronica shrugged, then followed the girl back to the living room. I felt my hand tremble holding my beer.

  “Sorry, Alyssa, I’ll be right back,” I said, fuming. I got caught up as a group of people came into the kitchen, laughing and blocking my way for a moment. Moving past them, I looked out to the dance floor and spotted them in the corner. The girl was dancing a little too close to Veronica for my comfort. I stood there watching them dance, my jealousy overtaking me. My eyes went wide, my jaw clenched as she rested a hand on my girl’s hip.

  Looking over, I grinned. A woman about my own age, wearing a sexy cop uniform looked absolutely bored as a guy was talking to her. I walked over and saw how his eyes were fixated on her chest, and she looked around desperately for help.

  “Hey, there you are,” I said, reaching my hand out. “Are you ready?”

  “Yeah!” she said, catching my intent and taking my hand.

  “Sorry,” I said to the guy dressed as a vampire. “Hold this please.” I handed him my beer.

  Laughing, I took her to the dance floor, leading her next to Veronica and the trashy farm girl.

  “What’s your name?” I said.

  “Donna,” she said as we moved to the music.

  “Hey, thanks for saving me. The guy was just perving and wouldn't take a hint.”

  “Not a problem. Dance with me for a few and you'll be all right.”

  I glanced over and Veronica and farm girl were laughing. She didn't even see me, and I felt my fist clench up again.

  “Ooh, good song,” I said, turning around and backing up to Donna.

  Taking her hands, I placed them on my exposed stomach.

  “Wow, that’s hot!” a guy called out.

  I moved against her, and her hands traced across my stomach to my sides. Veronica looked over and then did a double take as Donna's hands came back over holding my stomach, her fingers interlocked.

  I smiled at Veronica as I leaned my head back against Donna's shoulder.

  “We’re giving them all a show,” I said, reaching my arm up and putting it around her neck.

  “Yeah, we are!” she giggled.

  I looked back and Veronica was now standing in front of me, her jaw clenched.

  “Mind if I cut in?” she said, her voice strained.

  “Sure,” Donna said. “Thanks again.”

  I smiled as I danced close to Veronica, seeing farm girl walk off, looking a bit irritated.

  “What was that about?” she asked.

  “Oh, I don't know. I saw you dancing and thought I would do the same.”

  Veronica leaned in. “I love how you get jealous. It is a bit of a turn on.”

  “Really?”

  “Yeah, but not a lot, just a little,” she said.

  I smiled and then moved around her, my hand trailing across her stomach, then let my fingernails run down her exposed back.

  “I’ve been a bad girl, really bad,” I whispered.

  “Is that so?” she said as my lips brushed hers.

  “Very bad. What are you going to do about it?”

  She bit her bottom lip, then grabbed my hand and pulled me down the hallway into her bedroom. Locking the door behind her, she led me forward, her hands on my shoulders.

  “So, you have been a bad girl?” she said, kissing my neck.

  My body trembled lightly.

  “Very. I was letting that woman…touch me.” My voice was just a whisper.

  A small moan from her came to my ear as her hands trailed quickly across my stomach to my shirt. With a quick pull, it came undone.

  “Maybe I should punish you,” she whispered in my ear. Her hands moved up to cup my breasts in her hands.

  I leaned back, tilting my head. “Maybe you should.”

  I moaned into her mouth as our lips met and her thumb and fingers came together sharply on my puckered nubs. As we kissed, her left hand continued to tease my hard nipple, her right hand making short work of my skirt until it fell to the ground.

  “No panties,” she moaned. “You really are a bad girl.” Her hand came down, and I writhed against her hand as she rubbed between my legs, my body on fire, desiring more of her touches.

  She led me to the bed, and I sat on the edge as she turned around. Then she looked at me from over her shoulder.

  I moved the costumer down her arms slowly, and when she turned, her arms were crossed just under her breasts, holding them up as she wiggled out of the one-piece, which fell to the floor. As she stepped out of it, she leaned forward and kissed me.

  “You are so hot,” she whispered as she gently pushed me back onto the bed. A moment later she was on top of me, her mouth quick yet gentle. Kissing, licking and sucking. Pushing my breasts together, her fingertips sunk into the flesh as her tongue ran circles across each nipple, my hips pushing up against her. She traced a finger down the valley between my breasts, her soft lips brushing against my skin.

  I sought her lips, and our tongues came together as her hand explored down my stomach, then pushed my legs apart with eagerness. I gazed into her eyes, my heart swelling with love as she found my mound. She rubbed me slowly and brought her lips to mine, our tongues once again intertwining. Her teeth gently bit my bottom lip as I gasped for air from the attention she was giving me.

  I loved her, and in her arms, I cried out as I reached an orgasm, my body pulsing as the powers of sexual release coursed through my body.

  And afterward we held each other as lovers often do. I pushed her hair back over her ear, looking at her face, her eyes, her nose.

  “Everything about you is perfect,” I said.

  “It’s because of you.”

  “No, it’s you. You are everything I want to be and everything I always looked for.”

  She smiled. “I love you so much. I feel safe with you. Just don't leave me. Promise me you won’t leave me.” Tears welled up in her eyes.

  I ran my hand through her hair. “Baby, I will never leave you. We were meant for each other. Nothing is going to tear that apart.”

  The tears fell, and wiping them away, I kissed her
.

  “Do you love me?” I said.

  “You know I do.”

  Pulling her in tighter, we held onto each other. And a little bit later, we went back to the party hand in hand.

  ***

  The next afternoon, after a long kiss goodbye, I headed home. The streets had a light dusting of snow to them, and being cautious, I took my time driving home. I pulled into the parking lot, and Travis was there just getting out of his truck.

  “Hey, buddy, what are you doing?” I said. I had invited him to go to the party but he had texted me at the last minute saying he wasn't up for it.

  “Oh, I just grabbed a few drinks,” he said, holding up a six pack. For the time I had known him, there were two things about him I knew for certain. He always had a smile and he never wanted to drink.

  “Want some company for a few?” I said, closing my door and putting the backpack across my shoulder.

  “Sure,” he said, looking at me kind of odd.

  I looked down, totally forgetting I threw on the schoolgirl outfit this morning.

  “Long story,” I said, holding my hand up. “Let me change real quick, and I’ll be right over.”

  He smiled. “Sounds good.”

  I went into my apartment, and hurrying to my bedroom, I threw on a pair of jeans, a shirt, and a sweater, then headed over to his place, closing the door behind me.

  “Here,” he said, handing me a beer as I sat next to him on the couch.

  “Thanks.” I twisted the lid off and took a drink. My head felt a little woozy from last night, but I was glad I decided to pace myself earlier on. Veronica on the other hand was a different story. I had to help carry her to bed around three, and she was still suffering this morning.

  “So, what’s up? You seem down.”

  He sighed, then took a long drink. “It’s Alice. They are having her stay longer. They need her out in Afghanistan or some crap.” He shook his head.

  “Oh, honey, I'm sorry. How long? Do you know?”

  “No,” he said, taking another drink. “And that’s the thing, she’s going to miss Christmas, and they could keep her there until March. More than likely until her times up in late May.”

  He looked over at me, tears in his eyes. “I miss her, Julie. I mean, it hurts so bad.”

  Setting my beer down, I pulled him into me, and he cried against my chest.

  “I know you do, honey,” I said soothingly. “And just think, when she’s done, she’s done. Hell, you guys are going to be so busy in the bedroom making that baby, you will forget about all that time apart.”

  He laughed and a minute later sat back up.

  “Sorry about that,” he said, wiping his eyes.

  “No, don't be sorry. I get it.”

  “Thanks,” he said, then took another drink of his beer.

  I couldn't imagine being separated from Veronica. This was his wife, and it was tearing him up. With the holidays around the corner, what was he going to do? Spend it alone.

  “Hey, Travis, what are your plans for Thanksgiving?” I said.

  He shrugged. “Football here, maybe make some barbeque.”

  I smiled and grabbed his hand. “Why don't you come with us to my dad’s?”

  “Sure, that sounds fun,” he said.

  I was glad he said yes, then he wouldn’t have to be alone.

  Chapter Fourteen

  It was two days before Thanksgiving and we were outside Veronica’s place. Travis was helping her load her suitcase into the trunk. There was no snow outside but the sky was gray and the temperature was in the low forties.

  “All right, let’s get moving,” I said. “We have a schedule to keep. Everyone use the bathroom? I'm not taking extra stops.” I was a little zealous with schedules, but I was excited to get on the road.

  “Oh, buzz killer,” Veronica said. “Hey, Travis, want to ride with me? I bet we can get there a day earlier than grandma over there.”

  “Yeah, I may just borrow a horse and pass her on the interstate!” Travis said laughing as they high-fived each other.

  Those two were becoming inseparable and carried on like brother and sister and I bore the brunt of the torment.

  “All right, are we ready?” I said as Travis closed the trunk.

  “Yeah, grandma,” he said, then winked at Veronica.

  “That’s my buddy,” Veronica said. “He doesn't take it but dishes it out.”

  Putting the car in drive, I looked over at Veronica in the passenger seat and Travis in the back.

  “All right, you two, cut it out. I'm serious. I need to concentrate on driving, no horse playing.” I pulled out and drove off.

  Travis leaned forward and whispered in Veronica’s ear, causing her to snicker.

  “This is going to take forever,” I mumbled, and they both laughed.

  ***

  We had been on the road for two hours when Travis spoke up. “I'm hungry.”

  I groaned. We were making good time, and I was excited to see my dad and have him meet Veronica.

  “Hey, our boy is hungry, aren't you, sweetie?” Veronica said as she turned around and pinched his cheek.

  “Yes, ma'am, very hungry.”

  “Fine, let’s make it quick.”

  Veronica stuck her tongue out at me.

  “I saw that,” I said taking the exit.

  They both snickered as I came to a stop sign and the end of the exit.

  I looked both ways, then double checked when Veronica laughed.

  “Enough already! No one is coming!”

  “You can never be too sure,” I said as I made the turn.

  I drove down a mile and found a gas station with a fast food place attached to it. It was perfect; food, bathroom, and gas in one stop. We wouldn't lose much time.

  “All right, here’s the plan. I will get gas. Travis, you grab your food. Now Veronica…” They opened the door and got out before I finished. Shaking my head, I got out. “Hey, what are you doing?” I said as they walked off.

  “Sorry, you talk too much,” Veronica said, then blew me a kiss.

  I laughed, then walked around to pump the gas.

  ***

  “How do I look?” Veronica said, looking nervous with her hands at her side. She was wearing all black from her boots and jeans to her leather jacket. And she looked stunning.

  “You look beautiful,” I said as I rang the doorbell. “Stop worrying.”

  “How about me?” Travis asked with a grin. “Do I look OK?”

  “Shush, you!” I said, then turned as the door opened. “Dad!” I stepped in to hug him.

  “Damn, kiddo, you look great,” he said, kissing my head. “And who is this beautiful young lady?”

  My heart went out to her as her hands pulled at her jacket.

  “Dad, this is Veronica,” I said.

  “Veronica, you never mentioned her before,” he said. Then, as Veronica looked at me, he laughed. “Just kidding. It’s nice to meet you.” He stepped out and pulled her in for a hug.

  Veronica seemed to hesitate, then hugged him back.

  Dad extended his hand. “Travis, good to see you again.”

  Travis shook his hand. “You too, sir. Thanks for having us.”

  Dad looked at all of us and smiled. “So glad you are all here, I really am.”

  I poked his stomach. “So, any chance we could come inside or are we hanging out here all day?”

  “Oh, yeah, sorry. Come in, come in.”

  I took Veronica’s hand in mine. “Relax, my home is your home.”

  She nodded but still looked nervous.

  “Let me give you guys a quick tour,” Dad said. “So, here is the office.” He opened the French doors. “Cathy works from here sometimes. She will be here tomorrow.” He walked down the hall. “And the kitchen, and there with the couches…”

  Veronica cut him off. “The livingroom?”

  Dad glared and then laughed. “I see now why she likes you,” he said. We followed him down the hallway
. “Now, Travis, your room is here,” he said, showing him the guest room.

  “Thanks, Craig. Hey, Julie, can I have the keys? I’ll get the luggage.”

  I reached into my pocket and handed him the keys. “There you go, and thanks.”

  He walked back to the front door.

  “Show her your room,” Dad said. “Meet me in the kitchen.”

  “Come on,” I said, pulling her into my bedroom.

  It hadn't changed much since high school. My bed was in the corner with the white comforter and a few stuffed animals on it. Pendants from cheerleading and pictures of friends adorned the wall. The desk and white dresser topped it all off.

  “Cheerleader, huh? Did you date the quarterback?”

  My face went red as I looked away.

  “Did you really?” she said, her mouth hanging open.

  I laughed, “Yeah, for like two weeks. It was nothing. Really silly. I don't know why I did it.”

  “Why did you? Come on, tell me!”

  I shrugged. “I don't know. I was like fifteen. I just wanted to see what it was like.”

  She pulled me into her. “You are terrible. Did you break his heart?”

  “No, it was like one of those social things, and I thought, why not? We didn't even kiss. As matter of fact, he gave me his jacket, and I think we had one lunch together.”

  She laughed. “Aww, my girlfriend dated the quarterback.”

  “Sheesh, it was silly. We really didn't date.”

  “Hey, I was kidding. I'm sorry.”

  “No, it’s OK,” I said, then kissed her. “So, my room, what do you think?”

  She smiled, then went over to a pegboard.

  “Cheerleader, look at you showing off that body. Tell me, were you prom queen as well?” I didn’t say anything, but my face gave me away. “Oh, my God, you were!”

  I sighed. “Come on, let’s go back.”

  Travis came walking down the hall, dropping both of our bags off in front of us. “I bet half that weight is makeup,” he said.

  “Thank you,” I said. “And yeah, Veronica brought enough clothes for a week as well.” I rolled my eyes.

  We laughed as we put the bags in our rooms and headed out to the kitchen. Dad smiled as the three of us walked in. He was wearing his favorite sweatshirt that was about as old as he was.