by Lydia Rose
“Mom asked you about Amy and me?”
“Yes and there was some other woman too that you used to hang around with. I can’t remember her name and she was definitely gay.”
“She was, but there was nothing going with us either.”
“I’ll talk to Bob and let you know tomorrow. I love you, Cate and I can’t wait to meet...”
“Sam, Samantha. I love you too, Patty.”
Catherine could finally relax since the tension she held since Saturday afternoon dissipated. Yes, she still had her parents to tell, but that could wait for now.
When Catherine heard Sam’s truck pull up, she met her in the driveway. Her arms came around Sam and she squeezed. “I missed you.”
Sam kissed the top of her head. “I was only gone for an hour,” she said with a chuckle.
“Seems longer.”
They walked arm and arm to the backyard. “You seem in a better mood.”
“I called my sister,” Catherine paused, “I told her.”
“You did?” Sam asked surprised.
Catherine nodded. “Sit down and I’ll tell you about my conversation with her.
CHAPTER SEVENTEEN
Patty and Bob were arriving Saturday morning. Catherine went to her house to wait for them. She thought it would be better to meet them alone. Catherine was pacing the living room when she heard their car pull into the driveway.
Catherine came outside and took her sister into her arms as she got out of the car. “I’ve missed you so much. Thank you for coming down.”
“I’ve missed you too. Let me look at you.” Patty held her sister at arm’s length. “You look wonderful. Happy.” Catherine smiled.
“I am, Patty.” Catherine looked over at the car and saw Bob smiling. “Hi, Bob. How are you?”
Bob walked around the car and gave Catherine a hug. “I’m good. Thanks for inviting us down.”
“Get your bags and we’ll get you settled.” Catherine held her sister’s hand.
They walked into the tiny house.
“Now this is downsizing,” Patty said as she walked around the small house.
“Put your things in the larger bedroom,” Catherine said leading them to her room.
Patty laughed when she saw the second bedroom had been turned into a walk in closet. “Where are you going to sleep?”
“At Sam’s house,” Catherine smiled.
“I’m anxious to meet this woman who has stolen my sister’s heart,” Patty chuckled.
“Well, get your things for the beach and we’ll go over to her house.”
Patty and Bob packed a small bag with their bathing suits and towels.
“Sam should have breakfast ready by the time we get there,” Catherine said leading them out of the house.
They pulled into Sam’s driveway and Catherine led them to the side door. “We’re here,” Catherine called as they came into the house.
Sam walked toward them. “Hi,” she said softly.
Catherine put her arm around Sam. “Sam, this is my sister Patty and her husband Bob. Guys, this is Sam.” Her smile was wide.
Patty held out her hand. “I’m happy to meet you, Sam.”
Bob shook her hand. “Patty has been beside herself since Wednesday. She couldn’t wait to meet the person that has changed her sister’s life.”
Patty elbowed him in the stomach. “Watch it, mister.”
Sam smiled. “I’m happy to meet you both. Cate’s been anxious too.” Sam looked at Catherine smiling. “Have a seat at the table and I’ll bring over breakfast.
Catherine brought over the carafe of coffee and Sam added a frittata to the table. The bagels and cream cheese were already on the table.
“So how was the traffic?” Sam asked.
“Not bad since we left early,” Bob offered.
Patty looked from her sister to Sam. “What do you do, Sam?”
“I restore classic cars.”
“Really?” Bob asked now excited. “What kind of cars do you restore?”
“All kinds. We’re working on two sixty five mustangs and a fifty seven Chevy right now.”
“Do you work for someone?” Patty asked.
“No. It’s her place,” Catherine said before Sam could respond.
“Do you own any classic cars?” Bob asked.
“I used to, but I sold them,” Sam said picking up her fork.
Catherine looked at Sam and knew the reason she must have sold them. When Robin died, Sam lost interest in most things and those cars must have been collateral damage.
“Maybe someday you’ll restore one for yourself again,” Catherine said taking Sam’s hand.
Sam smiled without answering.
After breakfast they packed up and went up to the beach. As they settled in their spot near the water, Bob and Sam went into the water.
“I like her,” Patty said touching her sister’s arm.
“I like her too,” Catherine chuckled. “Amy lives next door to Sam.”
“Really? What did she think of you and Sam getting together?” Patty asked.
“She gave me a hard time in the beginning, but she’s okay with it now.”
“You look happy, Cate.” Patty squeezed Catherine’s hand. “Really happy.”
“I am, Patty. Very happy.”
As Bob and Sam walked out of the water, Patty said, “What a body she has.” Her head shook as Sam got closer. “She has abs.”
Catherine blushed, but didn’t say anything.
For the rest of the afternoon, the two couples got to know each other.
“What are the plans for dinner?” Patty asked.
“We thought we could go out to dinner,” Catherine said. “I’ve made reservations for seven thirty at a seafood restaurant.”
“Great,” Bob said.
****
As they sat in the restaurant having dinner that evening their conversation continued.
“When do you start school?” Patty asked.
“Monday. It’s just to get organized and set up my office. Classes will begin the following week, but I will have office hours for a couple of days. So when does Stacy come home from camp?”
“Tomorrow afternoon. We’ll be leaving here early,” Bob offered.
“Come to breakfast in the morning and then you can leave from Sam’s house.”
As Sam and Catherine got ready for bed, Sam said, “I like them. They’re funny and seem to be okay with us.”
“My sister likes you very much and Bob wants to see your place. I think you have a big fan there,” Catherine said with a chuckle.
“What did your sister whisper in your ear before she got in the car?” Sam asked.
“She told me to take care of you and she was happy to see me finally happy.”
“Are you happy, Cate?” Sam asked putting her arms around Catherine’s waist.
“Ecstatic,” Catherine answered kissing Sam’s lips.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
The week Catherine went back to work was rough on both women. Catherine would sit in her office thinking of Sam and she missed seeing her. She wouldn’t get home until late in the afternoon and in the evening they would sit on the couch holding hands and telling each other about their day.
****
Wednesday evening, Patty got a phone call. “Hi, Mom, how are you and dad doing?”
“We’re fine, honey. How are you, Bob and Stacy?”
“We’re all good here, Mom.”
“I called your house this weekend, but there was no answer,” Rita Parker said.
“We went to visit Cate down at the shore,” Patty chuckled. “You should see the tiny house she’s rented. The second bedroom was turned into a walk-in closet.”
“I remember those small houses,” Rita laughed with her. “Then where did you and Bob stay?”
Patty was still laughing. “Oh, we stayed in Cate’s room.”
Rita stopped laughing. “Where did Cate stay?”
“She stayed at Sam’s
house. They’re so cute together,” Patty said and then realized she had said too much. The laughter ended and she hoped her mother didn’t push.
“Who is Sam?” her mother asked.
“Ah,” Patty said with a choke.
“Who is he?” Rita asked.
“It’s not a he, Mom.” Patty waited for her reaction.
“Sam’s a woman? What do you mean they’re cute together?” Rita raised her voice.
“Cate and Sam are dating,” Patty said finally admitting the truth.
“Your sister is dating a woman?”
“Mom, don’t go off the deep end. You know you had questions about Cate when she was younger.”
“So she was involved with that woman all those years ago?”
“No, Mom, she wasn’t, but I think it was always there,” Patty admitted. “Cate’s happy, Mom. She really is happy. I haven’t seen her like this in years.”
“Did she start working yet?” Rita asked as she went over arrangements in her head.
“Yes, she started this week. If you’re going to call her, wait until the evening. Mom, please don’t give her a hard time about this.”
“Thank you for telling me,” Rita said.
“Yeah and Cate’s going to kill me.”
“Goodbye, dear,” Rita said disconnecting the call.
Patty picked up her phone and called her sister. “I’m sorry,” Patty said.
Catherine laughed. “Sorry for what?”
“I just got off the phone with Mom.”
“Oh, Patty. You told her?” Catherine’s hand went to her head.
“I didn’t mean to. It just slipped out. I think you’ll be getting a call this evening. I didn’t want you to be caught off guard when she called.”
“Thanks for that at least. I take it she didn’t take it well?” Catherine asked.
“I don’t know. She wouldn’t really comment on it.”
All evening, Catherine was on pins and needles waiting for her phone to ring. She hadn’t told Sam about her conversation with Patty.
“Are you all right?” Sam asked looking at her.
“I’m fine.”
Sam’s phone rang and Catherine nearly jumped out of her skin. After Sam hung up the phone, she sat next to Catherine and asked again, “What’s wrong and don’t tell me nothing.”
Catherine told Sam about her phone call from Patty.
“Honey, you’re thirty eight years old. It’s your life, Cate.”
“I know it is.”
“It’s going to take time for them to get used to your new life. Did you think they would jump for joy?”
“I don’t know what I thought. I hadn’t planned on telling them until I saw them in person. Now my mother heard it from Patty and not me directly.”
“You’re waiting for a phone call?” Sam asked.
“Yes.”
“Don’t have a heart attack. We’ll deal with this together,” Sam said kissing her softly.
“Thank you for being so understanding,” Catherine said. “Let’s go to bed.”
“Best offer I’ve had all day.”
CHAPTER NINETEEN
The rest of the week, Catherine began to relax. There was no call from her mother and she hoped it was just her mother’s way to think the situation through and deal with it.
Saturday morning, Sam’s doorbell rang. “Hi. Can I help you?” Sam asked the woman who was standing on her porch.
“Is my daughter here?”
“I don’t think so,” Sam smiled and then her heart began to beat rapidly. “Who is your daughter?” Sam asked cautiously.
“Catherine,” Rita said firmly.
“Oh.”
“May I come in?” Rita asked.
“I’m sorry. Of course, Mrs. Parker. Please come in.” Sam thought she was going to faint.
“Is Cate here?” Rita asked again.
“She’ll be here shortly. Please sit down.”
“She’s not at the house she’s renting. I went there first.”
“She’s at the store. Can I get you something to drink?” Sam asked still standing there.
“Coffee, please,” Rita answered.
“Sure.” Sam went into the kitchen when she heard the side door open.
“Hi, honey,” Cate said as she walked in.
Sam ran to her and covered Catherine’s mouth.
“Ooh, what game is this?” Catherine asked through Sam’s hand.
“Your mother is here.”
Catherine’s eyes opened wide. “You’re kidding?”
Sam shook her head. “I wish I was.” Sam took the bag that Catherine was carrying and pushed her toward the living room.
“Hi, Mom,” Catherine said when she walked into the living room.
“Catherine,” her mother said hugging her.
“Why are you here?” Catherine asked finding it hard to speak.
“I can’t come visit my daughter?” Rita sat down as Sam came into the room carrying a tray with coffee and two cups.
Sam left the two women alone.
“She’s attractive,” Rita said when Sam left the room.
Catherine poured their coffee and handed the mug to her mother. “I thought you would have called after big mouth Patty told you about us.”
“I had to see for myself.” Rita looked at her. “Patty said she had never seen you so happy.” She looked at Catherine over her coffee cup. “You don’t look happy.”
Catherine smirked. “You could have at least warned me that you were coming.”
“Do you love this woman?” Rita asked.
Sam waited in the kitchen listening to their conversation. Now she held her breath waiting for Catherine’s answer.
“Yes, Mother. Loving Sam is like coming home. I feel safe and comfortable.” Catherine answered. “I couldn’t love anyone more.”
“Does she love you?” Rita asked.
“She’s never said the words, but she shows me in everything she does.”
“You mean the sex?”
Sam rolled her eyes and could picture Catherine doing the same.
“No, Mother. I don’t mean the sex. Sam is a wonderful person. She cares about my feelings. Sam’s interested in me, in what I want.”
“Well, where is she? Is she hiding?” Rita asked.
“Sam,” Catherine called.
Sam walked out of the kitchen and took a seat next to Catherine. “Mom, this is Samantha Daniels. Sam this is my mother, Rita Parker.”
“It’s a pleasure to officially meet you Mrs. Parker.”
“So, Samantha, do you love my daughter?” Rita asked.
Sam looked at Catherine instead of Mrs. Parker. “Yes, I love you. You have brought such joy to my life that I thought I would never feel again.” Catherine smiled as she took Sam’s hand. Sam turned to Rita. “Yes, I love your daughter.”
“You didn’t feel this way with Alan?” Rita asked.
Catherine lowered her eyes. “I loved Alan, but no I didn’t feel this way with him.”
“Cate, I want to see the house you’re renting. Your sister said it’s so cute.”
“Sure, Mom, we can take you there,” Cate said standing.
“Let Sam do what she has to. I’d like to be alone with you, Cate,” Rita insisted.
“I’ll be back,” Catherine said with a smile in Sam’s direction.
“Have a good time,” Sam said as she walked them to the door.
“What time is your flight, Mom?” Catherine asked hoping it was soon.
“Three o’clock.” Rita walked out the door and got into the rental car.
“Here it is,” Catherine said smiling when they walked into her small house.
Rita wasn’t interested in the house and she suddenly became agitated. “What hold does this woman have on you?” Rita asked critically.
Catherine was shocked. Gone was the calm woman and now she could see the rage in her mother’s eyes. “She doesn’t have any hold on me,” Catherine said quietly.
“You’re thirty eight years old and you came home two months ago and now you’re a lesbian. This woman seduced you and now you’ve lost your mind.”
“You’re wrong. I’ve never been this happy in my life,” Catherine barked back.
“Pack a bag, I’m taking you home with me until you come to your senses.”
“I’m not going anywhere with you. If you can’t accept me for who I am, then leave.” Catherine was so agitated that she thought she was going to pass out.
Her mother stood in front of her and pushed a finger into Catherine’s chest. “I don’t want to hear from you until you come to your senses.” With that Rita stormed out of the house.
Catherine stood there for a few moments not believing what had just happened. As the anger left her body, she slid to the floor and began to sob.
****
It had been hours since Catherine left her house. Sam paced back and forth in the living room. She looked at her watch for the tenth time in one minute and picked up her phone. The call went to voicemail. “Honey, is everything okay? Please call me.” Sam called again in the next hour and again the call went to voicemail. Sam grabbed her keys and went to Catherine’s house. When she pulled up, the first thing she saw was the rental car wasn’t there. Sam jumped out of the car and went to the door. She knocked and after receiving no response, she tried the door. It was unlocked and she walked into the house. The house was stone quiet and she walked to the bedroom. Sam wasn’t prepared for what she saw. Catherine was curled in a ball lying on the spread. She rushed over to her. “Cate,” Sam said moving her hair away from her face. “What’s wrong?”
Catherine turned her head away from Sam. In between sobs, she said, “My mother.”
Sam moved closer to her on the bed. “What about your mother?” she asked worried that they had an accident on the way over.
Catherine finally looked at Sam. “She told me not to call her again until I come to my senses.”
Sam’s shoulders sagged. Her worst fears had come true. Sam’s heart ached for Catherine, but her heart ached too. This could destroy her relationship with Catherine. “I’m sorry, baby. Let me hold you?” Sam asked holding out her arms.
Catherine looked at Sam and shook her head. “I need to be alone. Please, Sam. I just need to be alone.”
Sam stood up shocked by Catherine’s rejection. “I’ll leave you alone for now, but I’ll call you later. We can get through this if we work this out together.”