by G S Binkley
Lisa took her mother’s hand and held on tightly.
*********
What’s going on, dad?”
There were only a few food items left to finish before it was time to eat. “Your mom’s had a few more episodes of being light-headed…she hasn’t fainted again. At least that I know about…” He thought for a few minutes. “Maybe you should ask Stella. They talk. And she’s dropped a couple plates…bowls.”
“What else, Dad?” Lacy faced her father with her hands placed firmly on her hips.
Dan finally admitted something he was somewhat in denial about. “She’s weaker… I can tell. Oh, she doesn’t complain. Goes about things like she always does and when I offer to help…she jumps on me about it… like I think she can’t do anything.” He flopped down on a stool near the counter.
“And what have the doctors to say?” Lacy walked over to her father and draped her arm over his shoulder.
“She missed the last two appointments.” Dan held his head down.
Lacy was livid. “How could you…” She sucked in a deep breath. “We need to get her in right away and find out just exactly what is going on. I can tell she’s lost weight.”
Dan nodded.
*********
The excitement of good food, family and fireworks were muted this Fourth of July. Everyone was concerned about Lynn’s health. Everyone except Lynn, of course. She tried to convince her children and husband that she was just tired from getting up early and baking some pies for the day. No one believed her. Before the fireworks were lit and lighted the night sky, Jason and Lisa had left. She still was unable to eat much without her stomach rebelling. Dani and Jonathan had decided earlier to go into town and catch the city’s fireworks display. Nathan had left early that morning for the cities activities since he was meeting Shanti. Gage and Hank cleared up the outside yard and collected the trash while Denny, Crystal and Jen put the leftovers away. The kids helped Gage before the blonde gathered her brood up, getting them ready to go home. Lacy and Stella sat with Lynn in the living room until it was time to leave. Dan just worried.
Besides getting Lynn back to see the doctor, Lacy’s first order of business the next day was to talk with Stella. She was sure her mother-in-law would have told her if she knew what was going on with Lynn. Lacy was too tired to talk with Stella tonight. After the kids were put down to bed, Lacy had only one thing on her mind. Gage.
The blonde had meticulously arranged the pillows on the bed and waited patiently. She knew her partner was stressed and needed to relax. What Gage had in mind, might do the trick. When Lacy walked out of the bathroom, a huge smile bloomed on the blonde’s face. I am so lucky. “Come here.”
Lacy crawled up next to her lover.
Gage pulled her in close. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.”
The blonde was slow to bring up the delicate subject. “I’m calling Mark to cancel those interviews for the show.” To her surprise Lacy sat up quickly.
“Why?”
“Your mom…I know you’re worried and I thought…” Gage’s words fumbled.
Lacy placed her head on the blonde’s shoulder. “That’s a nice thought but…no” The concerned daughter closed her eyes before she continued. “If mom thought that I …any of us changed what we had going… she would… Gage, my mom believes in commitment and…”
“Yes, but…”
Lacy nodded. “She would feel bad about it and feel she was the one responsible for me… changing our plans.”
“We just won’t tell her…”
“Stella already talked to her last week about coming over here to help with the kids while we went to LA.”
Gage shifted in the bed to face her partner directly. “What about getting an appointment with the doctor?”
“Dad had already made one. Next Monday.”
The blonde eased back down on her pillow. “Good.”
Now Lacy scooted up. “Why good?”
“Oh, Hank wanted me to join him and Nathan… maybe Jason at the firing range.” Gage wasn’t keen on the idea but she did enjoy their company.
Lacy’s lone finger slid across Gage’s left arm. “You should do it. You’ve been a little tense lately.”
“Have not.” Gage shot her lover a stern look. “Besides, you know… I’d rather not stir up old memories.”
Lacy did know. Her partner was referring to a time when a much younger Gage and her friend, Johnnie, robbed a quick store. Unbeknownst to Gage, Johnnie had a gun. The way the blonde described the scene, Lacy understood how horrific it was for someone so young and alone. The clerk in the store died and her friend nearly did as well.
“I know your whole family has guns and…” Gage looked away.
“Gage, sweetheart, you don’t have to go. They understand and, besides, I don’t think we should have a gun in the house anyway.”
The blonde was relieved. One less thing to worry about than her mind returned to her lover. “Come here.” As Gage slipped her leg across her lover, Lacy flipped the blonde on her back.
“No…tonight I have to have you. I need to love you.” Lacy’s gaze was determined.
Gage knew she was the prey and Lacy the hunter. She willingly surrendered to her lover’s wishes. The blonde was ready to please her lover and make Lacy relax from the stressful day and gloom thoughts about her mother. But all that changed when Lacy struck her claim on the blonde.
Blue met willing green eyes. Their eyes caught and held each other in rapt silence. The glint in Lacy’s blue eyes sparkled, making Gage’s eyes dance with delight. The dark haired woman’s grin widened. They began the dance of love as sparks flamed brighter with each touch. Lacy’s hand ran over her lover’s arm. The sexual tension was bursting, ready to ignite at the mere touch of her lover. In that moment, there was only one thing that Lacy desired to do…touch her lover everywhere. Sheer electricity shocked the blonde below…spiraling her senses out of control.
Their lips caressed, tasted, nipped and sucked lightly until the flaming sparks burst; opening the dam of their unbidden desires. A kiss from Lacy lingered, enveloping the blonde in a swirling whirlwind beyond mere word could describe. Lacy’s need to love Gage was overwhelming. The stress and worry gave way as Lacy’s hands slipped over her lover’s hips, drawing the blonde near.
Gage relaxed at her touch. The blonde’s arms wrapped around Lacy, pulling her closer. Melting into each other, it was like heaven showered all the passion on them. They fell together in the vortex of desire with each caress, each kiss, each touch, each breath. Lacy’s body’s intense passion spiraled out of control and the blonde’s head arched back.
“I need you.” Lacy husked. Her desire so demanding, so overwhelming that she wanted to crawl up inside her lover and become one. Her lips sought and found the blonde’s hungry mouth. A kiss so powerful and arduous that no one could withstand its assault. Their tongues played against each other, licking, sucking and satisfying a deep quenching ache. One more kiss, softer this time yet firm begged for domination. The blonde acquiesced and yielded in indulgent supplication.
Wanting to taste the blonde’s entire body of the woman Lacy held that her lips wandered down the firm neck, leaving a trail of tingling sensations that only served to heighten Lacy’s craving for her lover.
Her hand found the blonde’s supple breast, allowing her fingers to graze over a firm nipple. So sweet was the touch that Lacy’s lips, like a magnet, were compelled to taste its delicious offerings. Tentatively but only for a second, the younger woman’s tongue ran over Gage’s hard nipple before filling Lacy’s mouth with such a delectable taste of heaven. The older woman pushed her breast to Lacy’s mouth, allowing full access. Lacy’s hands ran up the side of the blonde’s chest cupping both the lovely mounds. Suckling at the blonde’s breast swept them both away by the incredibly and intoxicating sensations. Tonight Lacy’s need was so great that she had to consume every inch of her lover and chase away the strain of the last few days. By
early dawn not one inch of Gage’s body hadn’t been devoured by her hungry lover. Lacy was satiated, fully, completely and deliciously satisfied.
Chapter Six
Gage met up with Hank and Jason at her home a couple weeks after the bab-be-que at Dan and Lynn’s home. Lacy was with her mom at that moment and couldn’t be there to discuss the plans regarding the small race track. “Glad you guys could come…I know it’s a small job but…”
“No problem.” Jason assured the blonde. “Having a baby is already costing a fortune.” When both Gage and Hank gave him a curious look, he quickly added. “And I’m loving it.”
“How’s Lisa?”
“Still fighting some nausea.” Jason rubbed his chin. “Not so much anymore but we decided that she would quit her job for a while…until she’s ready to go back.” Lisa worked as a veterinarian assistant and it was getting harder to manage the larger animals that came in for assistant.
Gage nodded, having gone through two of Lacy’s pregnancies. “So, how much is this gonna cost me?”
“Surprisingly not much.” Hank informed his sister-in-law. “We’ve got a deal for you.”
The blonde’s eyebrows shot up.
“Jason and I have been working with Habitat for Humanity and we could use some influence at a fund raiser later next year.” Throughout all of the Ryans’ family life their parents instilled in the virtue of giving back to the community.
“She’s your sister…why don’t you ask her.” Gage grinned.
Instead of Hank responding, his partner did. “Because you have influences with her that…well, you know.” Jason matched the blonde’s grin.
Gage glared at Lacy’s former husband. “Funny you should mention that…”
“Well?” Hank wanted a firm commitment. His wife would reward him greatly if Gage and Lacy agreed to the event.
“Sure.” Gage knew Lacy would eagerly accept. “But…”
Hank’s left eyebrow rose in suspicion. “But what…?
The blonde wrapped her arm over Hank’s shoulder as they walked back to the house. She enlightened him about Derek’s plan regarding the island and Gage needed a professional crew to handle the job.
Hank and Jason were all in after they heard the proposal.
********
With the small race track underway, Derek and Sammy helped their uncles whenever they had a chance. Derek participated in two more races that favored the young man with a second place finish and a wipe out. On graduation day from his training as a race car driver, Sammy and a few other students were able to have a mock race. He loved the sport and vowed then and there to one day be a professional race car driver after he made his directorial debut.
Dani had spent most of the summer working with the Little Theatre and hanging out with friends. She was delighted when her mom asked her along for a two day trip to New York City. Lacy was scheduled for two interviews there since the third season of her show Calley Carew was set to air early September. She called Lane Grayson and they made plans to meet while Dani was in New York.
Gage was busy writing the final scripts for season four of their television show. When Hayley wasn’t hanging around with her favorite writer, she was trying to spy on the painting her mom continued to work on.
Lacy and Gage registered their children for the new school year. Hayley was to start first grade, Sammy was going to be in fourth grade, Derek moved up to eighth grade and Dani was going to be a senior in high school.
*********
Lacy and Dan finally had word from Lynn’s doctors. Even as Lynn resisted any idea that something was wrong, she reluctantly agreed to all the tests and now waited the final verdict. Stella asked to come along since she had become best friends with Lynn through the years.
“Don’t be so nervous.” Lynn placed her hand over her daughter’s shaking one.
Lacy took her other hand and placed it atop her mom’s hand. “Hopefully, we will finally know what’s…” Lacy refused to use the word ‘wrong’. She wanted to keep a positive mental attitude. Every night at bedtime, the Ballant family would pray for her mom and the children’s grandmother.
When the foursome entered the doctor’s office, Dan sat next to his wife. Dan was anxious so he stilled himself for the worse news. For the first time in his life, the big strong man was afraid. He hadn’t always joined in with the church going that his wife and children did. However, the last few weeks, Dan got down on his trembling knees and prayed to God.
The door opened and shut quickly allowing the young doctor access. “Hello, Mr. and Mrs. Ryan…” Doctor Tanner recognized both Lacy and Stella. He acknowledged them with a nod. The good doctor sat down and opened his folder. He gray eyes scanned the reports one last time. Before he addressed them, Doctor Tanner sat back in his leather chair and folded his arms then rubbed his chin. “The thing is Mrs. Ryan…every test we’ve ran hasn’t given us much to go on.”
Dan was relieved.
“But Doctor…” Lacy scooted up on the edge of her chair. “…what about my mom’s symptoms?”
“Yes that…we looked at Chronic Fatigue Syndrome but ruled that out…now as far as the fainting…” The doctor sat up and viewed the report again. “You’ve only reported it happened a couple times?”
“Three.” Dan answered.
“My report indicates that when that happened you had gotten up suddenly?”
Lynn nodded.
“Has the medicine we’ve given you helped at all?”
“Yes.”
“Are you still feeling tired?
“No.”
Dan glared at his wife. “Yes.”
Lynn patted her husband’s leg. “We’re just getting older… that’s all.”
“I just retired last year…I’m not that old.” Dan rebuked her ascertain.
The doctor smiled. “You’re right…that’s not old at all. Many people are just getting started in life. Now as far as your diet… have you been eating right?”
“Yes.” And it was true, Lynn religiously followed the diet her doctor ordered and she did feel better.
“Fainting, low energy and dropping things?” The doctor read the list of symptoms again.
“Mom?” Lacy got her mother’s attention. The actor had talked with Stella and found out more about what might be causing her mom’s issues. “Tell the doctor.”
Lynn sucked in a deep breath. “It’s really nothing…after talking with my friend…” Lynn glanced at Stella. “…I realized I’ve been very stressed out about my daughter-in-laws pregnancy and…”
Stella interjected. “Tell him!”
“I was trying to lose weight.”
Dan turned to his wife astonished when he heard. “Why in the…” He quickly took control of his emotions. “…you’re perfect. Why would you want to lose weight?”
The good doctor saved Lynn from answering. “That would explain the fatigue, low blood pressure and low blood sugar will cause fainting. And if you’ve been stressed more so than usual …it’s not out of the realm that you would drop things from time to time…or be forgetful.”
Dan crossed his arms, not having one clue as to why his wife would starve herself. It was then he started to blame himself. “I should have noticed.”
“Doctor, I’m sorry for all the trouble…”
The Doctor held up his hand. “You’re still pre-diabetic, that needs to be addressed…all the time with diet and exercise.”
“We started doing Tai Chi.” Stella informed everyone.
Lynn’s head popped around to look at her friend. “Can you even keep a secret?”
Stella shrugged. When Lacy leaned on her to reveal what she knew, Stella released a floodgate of information. It was true that Lynn had added stress of worry about her daughter’s pregnancy and nausea. She was also worried that her husband was not as attracted to her. Lynn was never vain but sometimes when one looks in the mirror and doesn’t recognize yourself it can be a hard pill to swallow.
Lynn tapped Dan on
the arm. “It’s your fault really.”
“Me?”
“Yes, I saw you eyeing the cash register girl at the store. That’s why you offer to go grocery shopping so much.” Lynn crossed her arms.
Dan just smiled. “That’s so sweet.”
His statement took everyone back.
Dan further explained. “That after all these years you are jealous.” He would have laughed but the repercussions could have been devastating. “Honey, since I retired I thought I could help out more. That’s why I offer to go to the store. Gets me out of your hair for a while as well.”
It was true Lynn was not used to having Dan underfoot once he retired. She loved him but sometimes Lynn just wanted the afternoon to herself to read or piddle around the house. With her husband home all day, Lynn felt she had to entertain him now.
Once she divulged her feelings, Dan nodded. “No problem. I can help the boys for a few hours every day. Or work in the garden more.”
The doctor interrupted. “Mrs. Ryan, you still need to follow the diet prescribed and exercise will help you with the stress issue.”
When they reached the car, Lacy was relieved. She had spun up all sorts of diseases and issues that could have affected her mom. “Mom, I love you but never ever put all of us through this again.”
**********
Before their trip to New York, Dani offered to take her siblings to get all their needed school supplies. Lacy was grateful since sending Gage was a mistake. The writer in her partner would always come back with reams of paper, spiral notebooks, pens, pencils, colors and anything else she could find that related to art or writing.
Lacy and Gage had sorted through all the supplies and the new school clothes that Lynn Ryan and Stella Smith had graciously offered by taking their grandchildren shopping.
With that task complete, Lacy and Gage along with Dani finished packing their clothes for a two day trip to New York. The plan was for the actor and writer to do a couple of interviews there while Dani was able to visit with Lane Grayson.