Exes and O's

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by Joy Argento


  “What do you think? Please say yes.”

  “Yes.”

  “Yes? For real?” Her excitement seemed to bubble over.

  “Yes. Wait till I tell Henry that his parents will be living together, like a real family. He will be so happy.”

  “Oh, Ali. I’m so happy.”

  Madison kissed her hard, starting a whole new wave of passion and another round of lovemaking.

  Epilogue

  Ali sat in her favorite booth waiting for her lunch order so she could get back to her writing and the house she and Madison bought together four months ago. She loved being back in Clyde and loved living with Madison even more. She missed Charley of course, but they talked almost every day, and Charley was planning on a trip down to visit soon. His boyfriend had moved in after only three months of dating. Just your typical lesbian, Ali had teased him.

  Madison handed a bag of food to Ali, leaned over the counter, and gave her a kiss. “Thanks, baby.”

  “See you at home, later. Geez, I like saying that.” Madison smiled.

  Ali turned to go and almost ran right into Tilly Miller.

  “Well,” Tilly said. “I see what’s going on here. I never pegged you for one of those.”

  “Those what?” Madison asked her.

  “You know darn well. One of those lesbians, just like you.”

  “That’s right,” Ali said. “And guess what? I ended up with the head cheerleader. Everyone in high school had a crush on her. You probably did too.”

  “Well, I never,” Tilly said in a huff.

  “You should. It might improve your disposition,” Madison said. “Here, I’ll cash you out.” She reached for the bill in Tilly’s hand. “Oh yeah, you got the tuna melt on rye. Did you know that is a favorite among lesbians? Does Ross know you lean that way?”

  Tilly threw a twenty-dollar bill on the counter and turned to leave without another word. “Don’t you want your change,” Madison called after her. She continued her trek out the door without turning around.

  “I can’t believe you just did that,” Ali said.

  “She insulted my girlfriend. I don’t want people like that in here.”

  “She called me a lesbian. That’s hardly an insult.”

  “It’s the way she said it. Like it’s a dirty word.”

  “Have I told you lately that I love you?” Ali asked.

  “You told me this morning, but you can tell me again.”

  “I love you.”

  “I love you too.” They were words that held so much meaning. Words they said to each other when they were young. Words that Ali would never tire of saying or hearing now that they were adults and had somehow found each other again. Words that Ali planned on saying for the rest of her life.

  About the Author

  Creativity for Joy Argento started young. She was only five, growing up in Syracuse, New York, when she picked up a pencil and began drawing animals. These days she calls Rochester home, and oil paints are her medium of choice. Her award-winning art has found its way into homes around the globe.

  Writing came later in life for Joy. Her love of lesbian romance inspired her to try her hand at writing, and she found her first self-published novels well received. She is thrilled to be a part of the Bold Strokes family and has enjoyed their books for years.

  Joy has three grown children who are making their own way in the world and four grandsons who are the light of her life.

  Visit her website at www.joyargento.com.

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