Family Ties

by Lydia Rose

  “If it gets any better,” Christina said with a laugh. “I’m in real trouble.”

  Jenna took Christina’s mouth softly as their bodies melted into each other. This is where Jenna wanted to spend the rest of her life. In the arms of the woman she loved. No matter how hard life got, she wanted nothing more than to have Christina show her how much she loved her.

  CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

  The first week the shop was busy, but it went smoothly. Mary looked at the two empty stations.

  “Jenna, don’t you think we should fill those empty seats? We still have to hire a manicurist and someone for waxing so why don’t we advertise for two more hairdressers?”

  “You’re right, Mary. Let’s work up an ad and get it into the paper and internet.”

  *

  Two weeks later, Jenna had a manicurist, someone to do the waxing and a young hairdresser. Rita was a friend of Ellen’s and even though was just out of school, Jenna gave her a chance. The shop advertised that Rita was new to the shop and offered a discount to come in for a haircut. Mary advised Jenna that a seasoned hairdresser would be arriving for an interview later that afternoon.

  Christina was standing near Jenna when the front door opened. She saw her body tense.

  Mary called out. “Hi, you must be Harper?”

  Harper ignored Mary and looked at Christina. “Chris?”

  Christina ignored her presence and walked away.

  Harper turned back to Mary. “Sorry. I am Harper.”

  Mary stood up and walked over to Jenna. “Harper, this is the owner, Jenna Walton.”

  Jenna’s eyes narrowed. “Hello. Follow me, please,” Jenna said leading her to the lunchroom. “Have a seat.”

  “If you haven’t figured it out yet, I know Chris.” Harper offered softly.

  “I know who you are.” Jenna lowered her voice. “I can’t hire you, Harper. I won’t do that to Christina.”

  “I have a good following, Jenna. I can bring a lot of business to your shop.”

  Jenna smirked. “I wouldn’t care if you came with pages of clients. Christina means more to me than any amount of money.”

  “So you and Chris are?”

  “Yes.”

  “She’s a wonderful woman. I was a fool to let her go.” Harper admitted with a chuckle.

  “Yes, you were. I have no intention of doing anything to jeopardize our relationship.”

  “I understand.” Harper stood up and held out her hand. “Thanks anyway.”

  “I’m sorry you had to waste your time coming here.” Jenna walked Harper out to the front noticing Christina was still absent. “Where’s Chris?” Jenna asked Mary.

  “She said she was going to feed Blondie.” Mary answered.

  Jenna walked into the kitchen and saw Christina putting fresh water in Blondie’s bowl. “Are you okay?” Jenna asked walking up to her.

  “I’m fine.” Christina put the bowl on the floor. “Is she gone?”

  “Yes. I didn’t hire her.”

  “Good,” Christina said softly.

  Jenna sat down at the kitchen table and watched as Christina took a bottle of water out of the refrigerator. “Do you still have feelings for her?” She asked wondering why Christina looked so upset.

  “Is that what you’re worried about? That I might have feelings for that horrible woman?” Christina asked with her hands across her chest.

  Jenna shrugged.

  Christina sighed loudly. “I still can’t believe I ever loved that woman. How could I have been so stupid?”

  Jenna walked over to Christina and lowered her arms so she could squeeze her close. “We’ve all made mistakes, Chris.” Jenna looked into Christina’s eyes and kissed her. “She knows she made a big mistake in letting you go.”

  Christina looked at her surprised. “Did she tell you that?”

  Jenna nodded. “I told her I would never make that mistake.”

  “You know she does have a good following.” Christina offered softly.

  “I know. She told me that, but I told her I didn’t care how many customers she would bring to the shop.” Jenna kissed Christina again. “You’re the only one I care about.” The house phone began to ring. “Hello,” Jenna said answering.

  “I hate to interrupt,” Mary said. “But your customers are waiting for you and Christina.”

  Jenna chuckled. “We’ll be right there.” She hung up the phone and looked at Christina. “Are you ready to go back to work?”

  Christina put her arm through Jenna’s and nodded. “Let’s go.”

  *

  On the other side of town, Agnes Walton was sitting in her Salon waiting for the realtor to arrive. Over the last few weeks, her temper steamed at how her daughter could do this to her. After thirty years of owning her own business, she was now forced to sell. Agnes had no other choice. She certainly couldn’t keep the shop going with Margaret and Amy as her only hairdressers. The front door opened and Agnes stood. “Are you Stella?” She asked.

  “Yes, Mrs. Walton.” Stella held out her hand.

  Agnes shook the hand slightly. “Thank you for coming. Let me show you around.”

  Stella followed the woman through the shop hoping Agnes never found out that she knew Jenna and had helped her find her new place. After the tour, Stella said. “I have everything I need to get your shop listed. I’m sure it won’t take too long to find a buyer.”

  “I hope you’re right. I want to get rid of it as soon as possible.”

  Stella nodded as Agnes signed the contract. She could see sadness in this tough woman’s eyes. Stella almost wanted to ask if she was okay, but kept her mouth shut.

  After Stella left, Agnes took one more look around the shop and closed the lights. While Agnes was out, she decided to stop at the grocery store. As she walked along the aisles, she saw them. They were looking at the shelves standing far too close to each other to be in public and Jenna’s hand rested on the small of Christina’s back. Agnes walked over. “It’s bad enough that you two carry on in private. Do you have to do it in public too?”

  Jenna and Christina turned at the growl behind them. A grin appeared on Jenna’s mouth as she took Christina’s hand. “I can’t help myself. I’m so in love with this woman.” Jenna began to pull Christina out of the aisle.

  “I hope you are well, Mrs. Walton?” Christina asked before Jenna could move her out of the aisle. Her eyes showed her sincerity which sent Agnes off balance.

  “I’m perfectly fine,” Agnes said and went in the opposite direction.

  “Can’t we go anywhere without running into my mother?” Jenna asked in a huff.

  “She doesn’t look good, Jen.”

  “Oh yeah. That’s why she started in on me the moment she saw us.”

  “She’s hurting, Jen. Can’t you see that?”

  “No. I can’t. All I saw was a bitter old woman.”

  Christina shook her head and knew she was going to have to do something. What she didn’t know, but she was going to try.

  Little by little, Christina had moved into Jenna’s house without even realizing it. She still had her apartment, but most of her clothes were at the house. As the groceries were put away, Christina said. “My lease is up next month.”

  Jenna turned. “And?”

  “And?” Christina asked with her eyebrows raised.

  “You’re going to move in officially. Right?” Jenna asked with a grin.

  “You’re so romantic,” Christina said with a chuckle.

  “Hey, I asked you to move in with me the moment I bought this house. Besides, I thought you were living here already. I can’t remember the last time you went to your apartment.”

  “I told you that you would have me moved in without realizing what I was doing.” Jenna smiled and crushed Christina to her.

  “Seriously, I am so happy, Chris. Really I am.”

  “Since we haven’t furnished the upstairs. My furniture might go well up there.”

  “What a great idea,” J
enna said with a grin.

  “Is that why you never furnished the upstairs.”

  Jenna shrugged. “Well, I thought you might want your things close by and whatever you want to use down here is fine with me.”

  “We’re really doing this?” Christina asked.

  “We’ve been doing it, Chris. The next thing to do is for you to.” Christina’s hand covered Jenna’s mouth quickly.

  “Don’t say it. If you say it, you and I will be married within the month.”

  “Is that so bad? I love you and I want to be with you forever.”

  “I want that too, honey. It’s just too soon.”

  “Too soon? What does that mean?”

  “Honey, we haven’t even known each other for a year. I know you love me and I love you.”

  “So isn’t that enough?”

  “It should be, but can we live together for a while before we make that next step?”

  “If you insist, but I will ask you again.”

  “I’m counting on it.”

  CHAPTER NINETEEN

  Christina decided to throw a dinner party for her parents. She had one other person that she wanted to ask and went to the Hallmark store. Christina looked through the racks looking for just the right card.

  “Hey, mom. I was wondering if you and dad wanted to come to dinner on the twenty third.”

  “What’s the occasion?” Her mother asked.

  “Nothing really, but I’m going to ask Agnes to attend.”

  “Oh, honey. Do you think that’s a good idea? You told me what happened in the grocery store.”

  “Yeah, but she looked so sad when she looked at Jenna. I have to at least try.”

  “I wish you luck, honey.”

  “Thanks, mom. I’ll need it.”

  Christina sat down and wrote out the card. Agnes, Jenna and I would love to invite you to dinner at our house to meet my parents. They are anxious to meet Jenna’s mother and I would love for all of us to get to know you. Please accept this invitation with my utmost sincerity. Christina Wilson. Christina closed up the card and walked to the mailbox. Before she dropped it into the slot, she said a silent prayer.

  *

  Christina was preparing dinner a week later when her cellphone rang. Jenna was still in the shop. She walked over to the phone not recognizing the number.

  “Hello?” Christina answered.

  “Is this Christina?” The voice said.

  “Yes. It’s Christina.” It suddenly dawned on her who this was. “Mrs. Walton?”

  “Yes.” Agnes paused before speaking. “I received your invitation to dinner.”

  “I hope you can make it,” Christina said showing her enthusiasm.

  “I’m not sure my daughter wants me there. Did you tell her you invited me?”

  “Well, no. I didn’t want her to be disappointed if you didn’t come.”

  “Disappointed?” Agnes barked.

  “Yes, disappointed. You both have your differences, but she does love you.”

  “I doubt that. She couldn’t wait to get away from me.”

  “Whose fault was that, Mrs. Walton?”

  Agnes ignored the question. “I’m not sure I can come.”

  “My parents really do want to meet you.” Christina tried another tactic.

  “I’ve had to put the salon on the market,” Agnes said lowering her voice.

  “I’m sorry. I really am sorry that it came to that.”

  “I should have given Jenna the shop a long time ago. Where is she working?”

  “Well, if you come to dinner. You’ll find out,” Christina said with a giggle then listened to the silence on the other end of the phone.

  “I’ll come if you don’t tell Jenna I’m coming.”

  “Why?”

  “I don’t want her to call me and ask me not to come.”

  “I won’t tell her if you promise to treat her with respect when you arrive.”

  “You’re a very pushy woman, aren’t you?”

  Christina giggled. “Yeah, I am. My mother always said that.”

  “Is that how you got my daughter to fall in love with you?” Agnes asked with a smile in her voice.

  “Your daughter is just as stubborn as you are. No one can push her into anything she doesn’t want to do.”

  “I doubt that’s true. I pushed her for a long time,” Agnes said sadly.

  “Well, then it’s time for a change. A time to forgive.”

  “What can I bring?” Agnes finally relented.

  “Nothing. Just yourself.”

  “Okay.” Agnes was ready to hang up.

  “Mrs. Walton,” Christina said quickly. “Thank you.”

  “I hope you know what you’re doing.”

  “See you on Sunday.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY

  “What time are your parents getting here?” Jenna asked as she watched Christina put the roast in the oven.

  “In an hour.” Christina went to the refrigerator and removed the appetizers.

  “Are you excited to have your parents here for dinner?”

  “Yes.” Christina moved around Jenna. “Why don’t you go sit down in the living room so I can finish getting ready?”

  “Why are you so nervous? It’s just your family.”

  “Go.” Christina pushed Jenna toward the living room.

  “Okay. I can take a hint.” Jenna turned on the television and watched until the front door rang. She got up and went to the door. The smile left her face when she saw who was standing there. “Mother.”

  “Yes, it’s your mother,” Agnes said walking past Jenna and into the house. In her arms was a bouquet of flowers. “Where’s Christina?”

  “In the kitchen,” Jenna said almost losing her voice.

  “Mrs. Walton,” Christina said meeting her guest in the dining room. “I’m so glad you could make it.”

  “These are for you,” Agnes said as Jenna’s jaw slacked open.

  “Jenna, get your mother something to drink and show her around,” Christina said closing Jenna’s mouth with her fingers.

  “Ah, what would you like to drink?” Jenna asked.

  “A glass of wine, please.”

  “Coming right up. Have a seat.” Jenna motioned to the living room. Christina was putting the flowers into a vase when she walked into the kitchen. “What’s going on?”

  “I invited your mother.”

  Jenna held her head. “I can see that, but I feel like I’m in an alternate universe. How did you manage to get her here?”

  “I asked.”

  Jenna shook her head and chuckled. “You asked. I’m sure it was harder than that.”

  “Honey, don’t leave your mother alone. Go out there.” Christina said as she placed the flowers in the center of the table.

  Agnes was looking at the pictures on the mantle when Jenna came back into the room. She was studying the picture of Ted and Hailey. There was also a picture of Hailey with her husband and children and one with the three of them smiling at the camera.

  “How old are Hailey’s children?”

  “Ten and twelve.”

  “They look like her.”

  “They’re sweet kids.” Jenna handed her mother the glass.

  “Is this Christina’s parents?”

  “Yes and that’s Christina’s sister Carol with her husband and kids.”

  “They all look happy.” Agnes turned to Jenna. “You look happy too.” She took a sip of wine. “I see your shop is right here.”

  “It’s great to work right next door. Would you like to see the shop?” Jenna asked.

  Agnes nodded and followed Jenna.

  “You’ve done well for yourself. Christina has been a good influence on you.”

  Jenna just nodded holding back her emotions.

  “I’ve sold the salon. I got a good offer.”

  “I’m happy for you, mother.”

  “I should have given you the shop a long time ago, Jenna. I’m sorry,” Agnes said so
ftly.

  “It worked out okay, mother. I’m happy here.”

  “I’m sure you are.”

  Jenna heard the car door. “Time for you to meet Christina’s parents.” She locked up the shop and they walked back into the house.

  “Jenna.” Janet called out when she saw her. Her arms went around Jenna and kissed her cheek. “Thanks for inviting us.”

  “Richard,” Jenna said hugging him too. “I’d like you both to meet my mother. Agnes Walton this is Richard and Janet Wilson.”

  “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Agnes,” Janet said shaking her hand. “You have a wonderful daughter.”

  “Agnes,” Richard said with a shake of her hand. “Where is my daughter?”

  “I’m right here, dad.” Christina handed them both a glass of wine as she kissed their cheeks. “Have a seat.” She motioned to the living room.

  Jenna brought over the appetizers and then sat on the arm of the chair that Christina sat in.

  “Isn’t the shop marvelous?” Janet asked Agnes.

  “Yes. It’s very modern and large.”

  “The two girls are doing well.”

  Agnes looked at Christina with question. “Oh, it’s not my shop,” Christina said with her hand on her chest. “Jenna owns the shop.”

  “Christina works just as hard as I do. We’re doing it together.” Jenna smile was wide as she took Christina’s hand. She waited for Agnes reaction to her open affection. When none came, she got up and grabbed a crab puff. “Try these, mother. Chris makes the best crab puffs.”

  Agnes leaned over and took one onto her plate with a few stuffed mushrooms.

  “I know you don’t need an invitation, Rich. Just leave some for everyone else,” Jenna said with a laugh.

  “You see the way she talks to me,” Richard said looking at Agnes. “She’s as bad as my other kids.”

  “That’s because you treat her like she’s one of your daughters,” Janet said giggling.

  “She is one of my daughters. I’m happy to have her in our lives.” Richard popped a crab puff into his mouth.

  “Thanks, Rich. I feel the same way about you.”