by Lois Kay
“In the break room, ” Trishia answered. “She was starving, so I sent one of the uniforms with her, to get her something to eat. That bag of food your mother gave her, was trashed on the floor of that parking garage.” Trishia squeezed Lucy’s hand and playfully bumped her. “So, what’s this plan of yours I see forming inside that beautiful head?”
“I hope it’s a good one,” Lucy answered. “But I need to talk to Jody first. So, do you trust me?”
A pair of dark-green eyes looked up at Trishia with such intensity she understood there was a lot more to the question than just faith in Lucy’s ability to work out a plan.
“Always,” Trishia answered.
If they had not been at the police station, where there was a constant coming and going of people, Lucy would have wrapped her arms around the taller woman and kissed her senseless.
Trishia read the desire on Lucy’s face and saw the green eyes travel down to her lips. A small smile tugged on the corner of her mouth. She brought her head closer to Lucy’s and saw that she held her breath.
“I’ll make sure that, somehow, we can give into that today,” she whispered in a husky voice, seeing the goose bumps rise on Lucy’s arms. “It’s been too long since we had a full night of passion, don’t you think?”
“Way too long,” Lucy answered, swallowing hard and moistening her suddenly dry lips. “And you are wicked.”
Trishia laughed and jumped up from her desk, reaching out to grab Lucy’s hand and pull her along. “Let’s go, “she said. “I think Alice has had time enough to eat something decent. Besides, knowing Sam and Jody, there will be good food in abundance this evening. Oh, and Lucy?”
Lucy grabbed her satchel and looked up to Trishia who was standing so close to her, she could feel her body heat.
“Thank you,” Trishia whispered. She leaned in and gave Lucy a quick kiss, playfully running her tongue over her bottom lip.
Lucy softly whimpered when she felt her libido wake up and demand attention. With appreciation, her eyes drank in the sight of Trishia; a tall, muscular body, with a healthy tan. Trishia was in great shape and looked so strong, yet so soft. Breathing in deeply, Lucy shook her head and silently wished there was a cold shower around, so she could jump in and cool off. “Heck, a bucket would do,” she mumbled, following Trishia out of the door and promising herself that, as soon as they were at Jody’s and Sam’s, she would find a quiet spot, corner Trishia, and kiss her senseless.
*
“Honey? Do you think we have enough? I’d hate to think our guests will go hungry,” Jody asked Sam.
They were in the kitchen, cutting up vegetables and fruit that would go into a salad. Alarmed, Sam looked up from cutting the skin off a pineapple, and when she saw the mischievous smile on Jody’s face, she let out a breath of relief.
“You little troublemaker. For a moment, you had me worried.”
Jody laughed and tossed pieces of grapefruit in a big bowl. Whenever they had guests, Sam often was the center of jokes, because she always prepared way too much food.
“You’re so adorable when you’re cooking,” Jody confessed. She stepped closer to Sam and pressed her cheek against her shoulder.
“Only when I’m cooking?” Sam asked with a pout.
“Mmm…let me think about that for a minute,” Jody teased. One of her hands started to rub Sam’s back in slow, lazy circles. “Nope, not only when you’re cooking,” she said with a wink. She motioned Sam to bring her head closer and brought her mouth close to her ear. “You’re always adorable, but when you’re cooking, you’re also very hot,“ Jody whispered. She let her hand slide to Sam’s lower back and slip underneath her shirt. Sam almost jumped and with a loud clatter dropped the knife she had been holding.
“Are you girls alright?” Joan McDonnell’s voice sounded from the veranda, where Jody had made her rest in a big chair.
“Yes, Mom,” Jody replied, not able to hide the amusement in her voice.
Sam’s blue eyes sparkled when she turned and quickly pinned Jody against the kitchen counter. “You are a very, very evil person,” she growled in a low voice, holding the squirming Jody in a tight grip. “And if it weren’t for your mom, sitting…oh…. five meters away from here, I would… I would—.”
“Yes?“ Jody chuckled, taking advantage of Sam’s word finding issue to lean forward and press her lips against a soft cheek.
“I would throw you over my shoulder,” Sam whispered, nuzzling Jody’s neck, nipping her skin and immediately feeling her wife’s breathing increase. “Take you into our bedroom…Rip off your clothes…. and….. leave you there so I could eat your piece of Pavlova.”
Jody groaned and let her head fall against Sam’s shoulder. Sam wrapped her arms around her and pulled her close. She laughed. “Paybacks, my love.”
“I guess I deserved that,” Jody said with a smile. “Although I do like the idea, except for you leaving me there and eating my dessert.” She kissed the base of Sam’s neck. “And I can’t believe that after only a few months of marriage, you find Pavlova more enticing than your wife.”
“You’re insatiable.” Sam grinned. “I need Pavlova to keep up my strength.”
“Listen who’s talking.” Jody snorted. She pushed Sam back so she could look up and catch her gaze. “If I remember correctly, you were the one who woke me up this morning, hours before the alarm went off, almost begging me to —.”
Sam shot a look toward the veranda and quickly clamped her hand over Jody’s mouth, who immediately responded by nibbling the palm of her hand.
“Hush. I don’t want your mom to know all about our love life,” she said, feeling her cheeks grow warm. “Besides, Fiona is around and you know we would never hear the end of it if she —.”
“Hear the end of what?” Fiona’s voice sounded from behind them, and Sam groaned in frustration, feeling her blush deepen, while Jody threw her head back and laughed out loud.
“Don’t you two ever get enough?” Fiona asked. She walked into the kitchen and snatched a piece of pineapple from the cutting board. “I should do some research on that. See what it is you two eat that makes you so…. horny. If I come up with the right formula, I could sell it and become rich.”
“Fiona McDonnel.” Joan’s voice sounded from outside, and for a moment Sam wished the ground would open and swallow her whole.
The expression on Sam’s face made Jody even laugh louder, and even though she felt sorry for her wife she couldn’t help herself, it was just too funny.
“Jody, stop laughing,” Joan’s voice sounded again. “Don’t encourage that sister of yours.”
“Oh, Mom, don’t worry,” Jody called back, wiping a tear from the corner of her eye. “She’ll get what she deserves soon enough. Just wait till the brat falls in love. I’m sure we’ll all thoroughly enjoy that. “
Fiona threw back her long, dark hair and wrinkled her freckled nose. Her dark-green eyes took in the scene in front of her, where Jody was still pinned against the kitchen counter with Sam’s arms firmly wrapped around her. She loved seeing her sister so happy, and everybody knew she adored Sam, but even though she enjoyed witnessing the loving interaction between the two, she’d rather die than admit that.
“I’ll never fall in love,” she said, chewing on the snatched piece of fruit. “I’m too smart for that.”
“So, I am not? “Jody countered. Her eyes were sparkling.
“You are smart,” Fiona answered with a smirk. “Just not smart enough.”
“Your time will come, baby sister,” Jody warned her good-naturedly. “And then it’s our turn to have some fun. And you know what? I’ll reserve a front row seat.”
“And I’ll sell the tickets,” Sam promised.
Fiona grinned and popped a strawberry in her mouth. “Sounds like I need to copyright my future love life.”
*
As soon as she entered the break room, Lucy’s eyes picked out a slender form, sitting at the far end, away from everybody else. She c
ast a look at Trishia, who nodded and with purposeful strides, she crossed the room until she had reached the teenager.
“Hi,” she greeted Alice, extending her right hand. “I’m Lucy McDonnell.”
The girl hesitated. Her blue eyes traveled from Lucy’s face to her hand and back again. After a moment of silence, she reached out as well and accepted Lucy’s handshake.
“Alice,” she said. Her voice was so soft, Lucy almost didn’t hear her.
“Do you mind if I sit down?” Lucy asked. She wanted Alice to know she respected her boundaries.
Alice shook her head. Lucy sent her a smile and sank down into a chair across from Alice.
“I’m one of Joan McDonnell’s daughters,” Lucy said. “Trish and my mom have told me what you did today. That was a brave thing to do.”
Alice’s gaze traveled to Trishia, who was talking to one of her coworkers, before fixing her gaze on Lucy again. She shrugged and nervously played with a paper napkin.
“I want to thank you,” Lucy continued. “My mom means a lot to me and my sisters and brothers. I’m grateful that she is all right.”
“Is she?” Alice mumbled, apparently not used to talking much at all. “I mean, is she alright?”
“Yes, she sure is. They checked her out at the hospital, and it’s just a painful swelling, but nothing serious. My sister, Jody took her home with her.”
Lucy’s keen eyes noticed that Alice slightly relaxed, although her slender fingers were still twisting the napkin into something unrecognizable. She also saw the empty plate and an almost empty glass of milk on the table in front of her.
“Did you have enough to eat?” she asked casually. She didn’t want Alice to think she was fussing over her. Instinctively, Lucy knew Alice wouldn’t appreciate that. “It’s only a police station, but they make a great sandwich. My favorite is the ham and cheese, but only with extra cheese and no lettuce. “
A pair of blue eyes met hers and were almost immediately cast down again, but Lucy was convinced she had seen a hint of amusement in that cautious stare.
“It was okay,” Alice answered. It was evident she wasn’t used to getting attention.
Alice stared at her fidgeting fingers. She felt completely out of place and wondered why a woman as beautiful as Lucy McDonnell would even give her the time of day. She wished she would be able to carry herself with the same confidence Lucy showed. But deep down inside Alice knew that was impossible. She had no reason to be confident; her life was too full of uncertainties. Most of the time she didn’t know where her next meal would come from, or if she would be able to find a place to sleep. And whether it would be warm enough and safe. There had been nights she didn’t even know whether she would live to see another day. A shiver ran down her spine, and Alice’s body tensed. The kindness of the people she had met today made her realize how much she was missing out of in life. And how incredibly alone she was.
Sometimes, very rarely, she allowed herself to imagine what her life would have been if… Or how it could be, if… But she never found the answers. She often watched other teenagers go to school, backpacks slung over their shoulders, talking to each other, laughing. On those occasions, the cold numbness was briefly penetrated by envy. How she wished she could go to school and to have a place to return to at the end of the day. But as soon as those feelings surfaced, she pushed them away again, knowing that she would never be so lucky. Her priority in life was to survive. The kindness Joan and Lucy McDonnell showed her would probably not last long. It would make them feel better to help her out for a little while until they felt they had repaid her. After that, she would be on her own again.
“Did Trishia tell you that you can come with us?” Lucy’s voice interrupted her thoughts.
“It was either that or the shelter,” Alice answered gruffly. “It’s not like they left me much choice.”
“I’ve never been in a shelter,” Lucy confessed, keeping her voice neutral. “But Trish has a cozy place, you might like it there.”
Alice mumbled something unintelligible and Lucy bit back a smile sensing the girl’s discomfort. A familiar presence made her aware of Trishia, who was standing behind her.
“Are you girls ready to go?” Trishia asked.
“I am,” Lucy said. She stood and looked at Alice, who didn’t show any sign of following her. She just looked at Trishia, with hooded eyes. A picture of caution and distrust.
“Do you always take in strays?” she finally asked, not able to hide the hostility in her voice.
Lucy held her breath and looked from Alice to Trishia, waiting for Trishia’s response.
“Not really,” Trishia answered calmly. “Only when I think they’re worth it.”
Alice cast down her eyes and felt her cheeks grow warm, not able to fight the rising blush that covered her pale features. Though a nagging little voice in the back of her mind reminded Alice that the tall policewoman didn’t even know her, a tiny spark ignited in the depths of her soul, spreading a warmth that was pleasant but had become alien. Not knowing what to say or do, Alice stared at the table, feeling very uncomfortable. Slowly she pushed back her chair and stood, shooting the two women a shy glance.
“Let’s go.” Lucy beamed. “I can hear a Pavlova calling my name.”
“You and food,” Trishia teased, aware that Alice was taking in their every word, even though she seemed distant and still annoyed.
“You’re just jealous that my sister is a better baker than you are,” Lucy teased.
Trishia smiled, holding the door for Lucy and Alice to walk through. “Anyone is a better baker than I am and I’ll be the first one to admit that. And Jody is an excellent cook. Why else do you think I hang out with you?”
“Just remember that Alice,” Lucy called over her shoulder. She opened the door of the car. “Whenever Trishia cooks or bakes anything, and I mean anything, make sure she’s the one who tastes it first.”
Alice cast a nervous look at Trishia. She didn’t see any anger, just a relaxed smile. Trishia winked at her and motioned Alice to get into the car. “Just ignore Lucy,” she advised. “When you get to know her a little better you’ll find she does have a few redeeming qualities.”
Trishia’s eyes noticed the shadow of a smile on Alice’s face but pretended she hadn’t seen it. She didn’t want Alice to know she was being observed, but she didn’t want her to feel ignored either, and that’s why Trishia was pleased with the way Lucy had been approaching her. With respect and kindness, laced with Lucy’s typical sense of humor.
“Try not to get a speeding ticket today, will you?” she asked Lucy while buckling her seatbelt. “I am off duty and can’t bail you out this time.”
“Ha! Like you’ve ever done that,” Lucy answered, with feigned hurt. “Sometimes I think you sic your friends on me on purpose. Ever since I met you, I get pulled over at least once a week.”
Trishia chuckled and shook her head in denial, glancing aside to see a pair of sparkling green eyes. “I would never do that,” she grinned. “I think my coworkers just want to meet you in person, to see for themselves if all the stories they hear from Peter are true.”
“And what stories might those be? “
“You know Peter.” Trishia shrugged. “He likes teasing you. And I never hear what he tells the others, I swear.”
“Sounds like I need to have a word with him soon,” Lucy said. “Although I must admit it’s nice to have—,” she shot a glance at Trishia. “…connections …in the police force.”
Alice was staring out of the window, pretending she wasn’t listening to the gentle bantering that was going on between Trishia and Lucy. But that was far from the truth. She followed the teasing with keen interest and rising curiosity. She wondered what the exact nature of their relationship was. It was evident they were good friends, but Alice sensed something more, something she couldn’t put her finger on yet, but she was determined to find out by keeping a close eye on them.
*
Joan McD
onnell was dozing off, enjoying the breeze that gently ruffled her hair and provided relief from the afternoon heat. On the table, next to her chair stood a tall glass with freshly made lemonade. Ice cubes floating on the surface. Jody had ensured that her mom’s glass was never empty. The view, dominated by different shades of green and blues had been so relaxing, her eyes had grown heavy. The sounds from the kitchen had gradually faded, and Joan had lost all awareness of her surroundings. She did not hear nor see the approaching car, and even the sound of a car door being slammed shut did not wake her up. Only when somebody kissed her softly on her cheek, Joan’s eyelashes fluttered, and she sleepily opened her eyes.
“Lucy.” Her voice was hoarse. “I… What…My goodness, I must have fallen asleep. What time is it?” Joan shot upright, immediately regretting that move, because of the heavy, pounding in her head. With a groan, she rubbed her still painful skull and leaned back into the pillows.
“Hi, Mom.” Lucy took a seat next to her. “I didn’t mean to wake you. I’m sorry. How are you feeling?”
“Not too bad,” Joan answered, feeling the pounding in her head slowly subside. “I must have dozed off.”
“You probably needed the nap,” Lucy said. “We brought a guest.”
“So, I heard.” Joan smiled and looked at Alice who seemed reluctant to climb the stairs up to the veranda. “Hello, Alice, it’s nice to see you again. I’m glad you could make it.”
Alice nodded and stared at her shoes. Her fingers were twisting the fabric of her shirt, and she was so tense, she reminded Joan of a live wire.
The door to the kitchen opened, and Jody appeared, followed by Sam and a curious Fiona.
“Girls, this is Alice,” Trishia said, motioning to the girl who was still standing at the bottom of the steps and did not show any intention of coming up on the veranda.
“Alice, this freckled redhead is Jody, the tall blonde is Sam, and that copy of Lucy is called Fiona.”
Alice’s eyes had widened at the sight of the three women and Jody could tell the girl was on the verge of panic. Quickly she stepped off the veranda and grabbed Alice’s hand in a warm grip. “Hi, Alice, it’s nice to meet you,” she smiled, her gaze held the frightened blue one. “And thank you so much for helping Mom this afternoon. Are you thirsty?”