Solid Foundation

by J. A. Armstrong

  Candace’s declaration fanned the flames of Jameson’s need higher. Jameson slid down on the bed and gripped Candace’s hips, guiding her to where she wanted her. Candace followed the unspoken direction. She turned and slowly lowered herself closer to Jameson’s mouth. Without warning, Jameson’s tongue had begun lavishing its attention over the length of Candace’s center. Candace lifted in response, but Jameson grabbed her hips and pulled her still lower. Candace could feel the reverberations of Jameson’s quiet moaning against her and it set off a series of small tremors in her core. She took a deep breath and bent over Jameson, gripping Jameson’s thighs and flicking her tongue faintly over Jameson’s need. Jameson lost her breath for a moment. “So good,” Candace sighed.

  “Oh God,” Jameson whispered against Candace as she resumed her searching and probing. Jameson felt Candace’s hips begin to rotate and slipped a finger inside her. Candace’s response was to suck Jameson’s clit between her lips for a second. Jameson pressed deeper into Candace, feeling Candace meet her thrusts. She struggled to keep pace with her tongue when Candace entered her.

  Candace tried to steady herself and concentrate on making love to Jameson. Jameson was bringing her higher by the second. Her muscles had grown rigid. Her heart was pounding. Her head was swimming in an array of sensation. She could feel Jameson’s muscles clenching, and her legs beginning to tremble. Candace gripped Jameson tighter, her breasts fell against Jameson’s stomach while Jameson’s nipples rubbed against hers. They fit together perfectly, in every way. Candace’s body erupted in a blast of violent shuddering without warning. She strained to maintain her attention to Jameson’s need. Jameson lifted up to her and Candace felt Jameson’s hips buck uncontrollably. It produced another incredible swell of pleasure within her. Candace tried to pull away, but Jameson pulled her down and thrust into her again, gently but forcefully. “Jameson!” Candace cried out before finally collapsing in exhaustion.

  Jameson guided Candace back up and into her arms. She brushed a strand of blonde hair away from Candace’s eyes and kissed her tenderly. She pulled back slowly and looked into Candace’s eyes. “I would give you the world if I could,” she said earnestly.

  Candace smiled. “You already have, Jameson. You already have,” Candace promised before snuggling into Jameson’s embrace.

  Jameson breathed in the woman beside her. She chuckled at the realization that Candace had immediately fallen asleep. “I love you, Candace,” she said with a kiss. “More than you will ever know.”

  ***

  “God, there are so many people here,” Jameson said.

  “Yeah…Well, your wife is a popular lady,” Dana said. Jameson beamed and Dana giggled. “You really are like a teenager in love, J.D.”

  Jameson shrugged and took a sip from her beer. “I guess. I was never in love as a teenager, so I have nothing to compare it to.”

  “Where is the missus?” Dana asked.

  “Candace is with Gollum and that guy from that magazine,” Jameson said. Her gaze had drifted across the back yard to Michelle.

  “Gollum?” Dana asked.

  “Huh?”

  “Who is Gollum?” Dana asked in amusement.

  “Jason,” Jameson replied evenly. Her attention had landed on a familiar pair of faces in the distance.

  “Hello? J.D.?”

  “Sorry,” Jameson turned back to Dana.

  “You okay? You just went from school girl to serious in less than sixty seconds. What gives?” Dana wondered.

  “Just putting the pieces of a certain puzzle together,” Jameson said. She looked back over toward Michelle, who waved. Jameson held up her beer and smiled. She watched and sighed heavily as Michelle turned her attention to a cute little redheaded architect.

  “Why are you looking at Melanie like you want to kill her?” Dana asked.

  “I am not.”

  “You so are. I always thought Melanie was your favorite at work, the way you talk. I mean, you talk like you love the girl to pieces,” Dana observed.

  “I do, just not more than I love Shell.”

  “What does that have to do with anything?” Dana wondered.

  Jameson sighed and put her arm around Dana. “Everything,” she said.

  ***

  “You’ve done a great deal to the house,” Don Burgess commented.

  “Me? No,” Candace laughed. “This was all Jameson,” she said proudly.

  “That’s how you met?” Don asked.

  Candace smiled at him. “It is. My press secretary and Jameson have known each other for years. Her husband Steve and Jameson have been best friends since college.”

  “And, you had never met before?” he asked.

  “No. It’s actually strange that we hadn’t in some ways. Dana is one of my closest friends.” Candace led the reporter and Jason down the hallway.

  “It’s a beautiful home. It was your grandfather’s; wasn’t it?” Don asked.

  “It was, and his father’s, and my great-great grandfather’s as well,” Candace explained. “I spent most of my free time as a child here with my grandparents. I love this house. You should have seen it before Jameson got her hands on it,” she laughed. “It was a shadow of what it looks like now.”

  “It doesn’t look new,” he commented.

  Candace nodded. “No, it doesn’t; does it? That was a neat trick. She’s very talented and very thorough,” Candace said. She pointed to a light fixture that hung in the living room. “That, for instance,” she said. “That chandelier is actually a period piece from the early 1800s. It’s wired for modern convenience. The lights come through the hollowed candles. Those are real.”

  “Clever,” he said. “Must have cost a fortune for all those details.”

  “Not really. It took Jameson a while to find the pieces that fit the style of each room. The detail work took time. She wired that in a weekend,” Candace said proudly.

  “You mean she did it herself?” the reporter asked in disbelief.

  “Yes,” Candace beamed. “Originally, I had thought that I would just have some cosmetics done and the addition to the kitchen built. Jameson loves a challenge,” she chuckled. “And, she just threw herself into it. Found a lot of hidden treasures in the process in the attic. And, a few hidden issues too. So, the entire house was in upheaval for a year. She and her father did as much as they could themselves. But, work takes precedence sometimes and we couldn’t live in the rubble. So, contractors handled most of the structural work, even the painting. Not the details though. She didn’t trust them for that,” Candace laughed. She led the pair into her grandfather’s study. “This is my favorite room. Always has been. This one, Jameson did herself.”

  “I feel like I just stepped back in time,” Jason commented. “I thought Jameson was an architect?”

  Candace laughed. She wanted to respond. “Well, she thinks your Gollum.” She didn’t. “She is an architect. Quite successful, although she could tell you more about that. I find it fascinating, but I can’t begin to comprehend the plans she lays out on our kitchen table sometimes,” she said. “Her father owns a small construction company in Ithaca. Jameson grew up building things. She loves it. This was Granddad’s study. It’s almost exactly as I remember it, only in even better condition.”

  Don Burgess turned to Candace. “Must be a lot of memories here.”

  “There are,” she responded.

  “What do you think he would say?” Don asked. “If he were here now?”

  “About his study?” Candace quipped. “He’d probably never leave it and Grandma would never forgive me.”

  “No, I mean about you. Your life, your decision to run for the office he once held. How do you think he would see his granddaughter as the first lesbian governor? Do you think he would approve?”

  Candace took a moment. She noticed that the color had drained from Jason’s cheeks slightly. She had expected these questions to arise. She was not anticipating them so soon. “I think,” she began, “that he would
see his granddaughter.”

  “Yes, but by all accounts your grandfather was a steadfast family man, and a faithful man in his religious convictions. Do you think he would approve? His reputation and legacy are impacted by your entrance into public life; more so now than ever.”

  “That’s true, I suppose. My grandfather lived in a different time, Mr. Burgess. I don’t know what he would say about my relationship although I am reasonably sure he would adore Jameson,” she answered.

  “Don’t you worry at all? Surely, you know there will be comments and questions now. Not everyone supports marriage equality. You’ve taken a huge step in that regard. It may polarize more people than you think, even here in New York. How the press depicts you to the public and how people react. You’ve often said that Governor Stratton is your role model. What do you think your grandfather would advise you? Do you think he would be glad that you are pursuing his old office?”

  “That’s not really,” Jason began.

  Candace held up her hand. “It’s a fair question,” she said. “My grandfather was an interesting man, Mr. Burgess. You mentioned his focus on family. You are quite right. He was a people politician. Do you know what I mean by that?” she asked him. Burgess shook his head. “I mean that his desire to serve was about people. He loved people. People first, politics second, press last. Those were his priorities. Things have changed in many ways. You are asking me several things. Do I think my grandfather would approve of me as a lesbian? Do I think he would approve of my marriage? I think my grandfather might surprise you. Family was always first, even on the campaign trail, even when he was in office. He was not a perfect man, Mr. Burgess. He was a man who chose to try to lead. Did you know that he employed more women in his administration than anyone before him? He valued people. So, I don’t know what he would say. That was a different time. I do know that he loved me. I do know that Jameson loves me. I think he would see that. I don’t dwell on those questions. There’s no point.”

  “But others will raise them.”

  “True. They will. And, they will believe whatever they choose. Most never knew my grandfather, and even those who did, Mr. Burgess; they knew Governor Stratton, not Granddad. He was part of a greater person. I am not running for governor to reclaim the past. I am running to make an impact on the future. History teaches us, but it is past. None of us can go backward. And, why would we want to when there is so much living still to do?” she asked him.

  ***

  Jameson sidled up next to Melanie. “Having fun?”

  Melanie jumped and then smiled. “I am, J.D. This is great. By the way, I am really happy for you.”

  “Thanks. What about you?” Jameson asked.

  “Me?”

  “Anyone interesting in your life these days?” she asked.

  Melanie blushed. “Maybe…not sure yet.”

  “Oh?” Jameson inquired. She watched Melanie’s gaze fall on Michelle and sighed. “Mel,” she said.

  “Yeah?”

  “Be careful,” Jameson said bluntly. Melanie turned to Jameson and flushed immediately in embarrassment. “Shell’s been hurt once, pretty badly.”

  “J.D., I…”

  “Just listen. She’s a big girl. This might sound weird to you. Shell’s not just my friend. She’s only nine years younger than me. I get that. To me, she is like a little sister, but in reality she is my step-daughter now. I love her.”

  Melanie smiled weakly. “The thing is J.D., I love her too.” Jameson was surprised at Melanie’s revelation. As far as she knew, Melanie was straight. That worried her. Her hackles were raised protectively. She adored Melanie, but she loved Shell. It was almost unsettling how protective she felt. Melanie watched Jameson’s jaw tense. “J.D….I really do. I didn’t plan it. I didn’t see it coming. The thing is, she’s become like my best friend. I don’t even know how she feels. I don’t want to lose her, so you don’t need to get all mama bear on me. I haven’t even said a word to her.”

  Jameson took a deep breath and scanned the crowd for Michelle. Michelle’s forehead creased in worry when she caught sight of Jameson looking at her and standing beside Melanie. Jameson chuckled uncomfortably and turned back to her friend. This was an awkward situation. Melanie was a friend but also Jameson’s employee. Michelle was Jameson’s friend but also Jameson’s step-daughter. Melanie’s words had stuck a personal chord with Jameson. No one could predict when they would fall in love. She looked at the ring on her finger and back to Melanie with a shake of her head.

  “You do know how she feels,” Jameson said. Melanie swallowed hard. “Look, I can’t tell you this doesn’t worry me. It does. If you really love Shell, you owe it to her to tell her that. I just hope you are prepared for what that means.”

  “J.D., Shell is not some experiment if that’s what you are thinking. I miss her when she’s not with me; you know? Like…I just want to talk to her. It’s kind of scary for me too; you know? I’ve known for a long time I guess, about me. I just ignored it. My parents, they won’t be like your parents are, J.D. With Shell, I just…I don’t want to lose her.”

  “I can see that. I do understand. Just be sure this is what you want. Shell, she talks a good game. She’s really very sensitive and I do know when she falls, she falls hard,” Jameson said.

  “Yeah, I know. If she hasn’t fallen for me, I lose her altogether.”

  Jameson saw Michelle beginning to make her way over. “Somehow, Mel, I don’t think you need to worry about that,” she said. “Just know…you break her heart, I’ll kick your ass. And, I’m a lot less intimidating than Candace,” Jameson said just as Michelle reached them.

  “What are you two whispering about over here?” Michelle asked. Melanie looked at the ground nervously.

  Jameson shrugged. “We weren’t whispering. You just weren’t here to hear us,” she said. “I need to go find my wife,” she said with a smirk.

  “That’s so weird to hear,” Michelle said.

  “Yeah, not really. One day you’ll get to practice it too, I’m sure,” Jameson said. Melanie coughed. “You okay there, Mel? Something go down the wrong way?” Michelle looked at Jameson suspiciously and instinctively put her arm around Melanie. Jameson shook her head. “Don’t do anything I wouldn’t do,” she said.

  “Based on Mom’s scream last night, I’d say we are screwed then,” Michelle quipped.

  Jameson shrugged. “Jealousy doesn’t become you, Shell.” She winked at the pair and took her leave.

  ***

  Candace searched the crowd for Jameson. “She’s over there,” Pearl said as she pointed to the pool. “How’d the tour go?” she asked Candace.

  “Oh, you know...Fine. What would Granddad think of his married, lesbian granddaughter running for his old office?”

  “He’d be very proud,” Pearl said. “And, he would love Jameson; just in case you wondered at all.”

  “No,” Candace said. “I know he would.”

  “You do?”

  “Sure. You love her. You’re just like him,” Candace said.

  Pearl smiled. “I guess I am, except I am a far better cook.”

  “Agreed,” Candace chuckled. She smiled as Jameson caught sight of her and began heading over.

  “Speaking of just like someone,” Pearl gestured to Michelle.

  “What is going on there?” Candace asked. Michelle was sitting next to Melanie with her head on the architect’s shoulder.

  “Young love,” Jameson answered. She kissed Candace on the cheek.

  “What?” Candace asked. “Shell is in love with Mel?”

  “Yep. Think so,” Jameson said. “And, Mel is in love with Shell. Oh God, that rhymes. Mel and Shell? That’s just…”

  Candace whacked Jameson gently. “Leave them alone,” she said. Jameson moved behind Candace and wrapped her in an embrace. Candace leaned back happily.

  “They’re cute,” Pearl said.

  “Mm,” Jameson groaned.

  Candace gently stroked the hands holdin
g her. “You don’t approve?” she asked Jameson as the trio watched Michelle and Melanie in the distance.

  “It’s not that,” Jameson said.

  “What is it then?” Pearl asked curiously.

  “Like I told Mel, if she breaks Shell’s heart I’ll have to kick her ass. Good architects are hard to find, you know.”

  Candace laughed. “A little protective; are we?”

  Jameson huffed. “Maybe, I am,” she admitted.

  Candace leaned back farther and let Jameson support her weight. “How do you know it won’t be Shell to break Melanie’s heart?”

  Pearl laughed. “You two. Why do you think anyone’s going to get their heart broken?” Candace and Jameson both turned to Pearl. “Peas in a pod. See that? I seem to remember a similar pair sitting in my kitchen all goo-goo eyed and too afraid to say anything about it.”

  “What are you talking about?” Candace asked.

  “Uh-huh. Nice try, Candy. Just like looking in the mirror; isn’t it?” she chuckled.

  “We were never like that,” Jameson said indignantly.

  Pearl looked at the pair and shook her head. “Kids,” she muttered before walking away.

  “What do you think?” Candace asked.

  “About them?” Jameson replied. She felt Candace’s nod against her. “Well, I hope they are as lucky as us.”

  “Me too.”

  “Hey? Where’d Perez Hilton go? Is he snooping round here somewhere still?” Jameson asked.

  “Do you have a nickname for everyone?” Candace wondered.

  “I’ll never tell,” Jameson said.

  Candace laughed. “No worries about snooping. I left him in the company of Gollum.”

  “Ooo. You must not like him much. His ankles are gonna be sore tomorrow.” Candace laughed harder as Jameson’s lips brushed over the top of her head. “You are a complete lunatic.”

  “Careful how loud you say that. Perez will be calling you Governor Gazoo.”

  “Maybe he should call me Governor Reid.”

  Jameson pulled back and spun Candace to face her. “What?”

  Candace grinned. “What?” she repeated the question back to Jameson.