by TJ Thomas
Christie blushed. “Right. Sorry.” She headed for the front door but then stopped. “Out of curiosity, does Mom know you entertain here?”
“She knows.”
Christie was almost at the front door when it happened. A voice called from the top of the stairs. “Jo, honey, what’s taking so long?”
Christie stopped, her mouth agape. Jo was powerless to stop what occurred next. Rhonda came into view, wearing only her silk robe. When she saw Christie, she was like a deer in headlights, frozen in place not sure whether to retreat or go forward.
Christie found her voice first. “Mom?” She looked between Jo and Rhonda. “What the hell is going on?”
Rhonda said, “Why don’t you give Jo and me a few minutes to put on a few more clothes and we’ll explain. Perhaps you could pour us all some wine.”
Jo was impressed with how calm Rhonda sounded. Before Christie could say any more, she handed her the wine and glasses. “Be right back.” Then she hightailed it upstairs and followed Rhonda into the bedroom. As soon as Jo shut the door, Rhonda spun around. “Oh. My. God. What are we going to do?”
“Okay, so clearly this isn’t ideal, but we’re going to go talk to her. We’re all adults. We’ve done nothing wrong. We can get through this.”
They quickly pulled on clothes and returned to the living room. Christie had poured the wine, but it sat untouched on the coffee table as she paced in front of the fireplace.
Rhonda had so many emotions fighting for dominance, she didn’t know whether to laugh or cry at the absurdity of the situation. She sank onto the couch and was thrilled when Jo sat beside her, close enough to touch. She didn’t, but it was enough to know that Jo was there. Jo supported her, she was with her, and they would get through this.
By the time Christie stopped pacing and turned to her, Rhonda was calm again. “So, Christie, I’m sure you have questions.”
“Uh, yeah, you might say that. What the hell is going on?”
“Jo and I are exploring our mutual attraction.”
Christie glared at Jo. “Oh, I’m just sure you are.”
Rhonda felt Jo bristle beside her. She put her hand briefly on Jo’s thigh. “Don’t be rude, Christie. This is my home, and you’ll treat Jo with the respect she deserves.”
“What does she deserve, Mom? She came in here and took advantage of you, and you want me to just stand here and let that go?”
“First of all, that’s not what happened. Jo has done nothing but be kind, patient, and honest with me. As for her taking advantage of me, she did no such thing. In fact, if I’d left it up to her, she wouldn’t even be living here anymore because she did not want to act on her feelings. She was going to leave rather than do anything that would make me uncomfortable.”
“Then how did this happen?” Christie waved her hand between Jo and Rhonda.
“I asked her to stay. I wanted to explore this attraction I felt, and Jo agreed.”
“I bet she did. What happens when Jo’s contract is up?”
“Then Jo goes back to California and I move forward.”
Christie saw it then, the look on Jo’s face. Not something her mom could see from where she sat. Jo looked sick with the thought of leaving. She doubted Jo was even aware of how much her face gave away in that moment. That look, more than her mom’s words, started to ease her concerns. Christie expelled a heavy breath. She finally picked up one of the wine glasses and sat on one of the chairs flanking the sofa. “So, walk me through this, when did you first realize you were attracted to Jo?”
She listened and watched as the two of them filled her in on how things had progressed from a simple dance at the wedding to what she had virtually walked in on. The more they spoke, the more comfortable they became with her being in the room, and they stopped resisting the urge to touch one another. They were so easy with one another. She wondered if either of them knew how hard it was going to be to let each other go at the end of Jo’s time in Massachusetts. She could not remember ever seeing her mom so happy with someone she was with and that included her dad.
Once they closed the door after saying good-bye to Christie, Jo kissed the top of Rhonda’s head. “I sense that went better than you expected.”
Rhonda tightened her arms around Jo. “Well, it’s certainly not how I would have preferred she find out. I’m honestly not sure what I expected, but Christie dealt with the news better than I hoped. One down, two to go. I wasn’t sure I was going to tell any of them. But now that Christie knows, I need to tell the others.”
Jo kissed Rhonda tenderly. “I wish there was some way I could make this easier for you.”
“You being here makes everything easier for me.”
Jo turned, and with her hand linked in Rhonda’s, she led the way over to the couch. “Okay. Now I want you to sit right here.”
Rhonda sat as directed between Jo’s legs on the sofa and groaned when Jo’s strong hands began massaging her tense shoulders. “Hmmm, that feels wonderful.”
“Good. Just relax and enjoy it.”
Enjoy it she did. Jo’s hands worked magic on her neck and shoulders. The tension soon melted away, and Rhonda was able to concentrate on the feel of Jo’s hands on her body. She leaned back, enjoying each soothing touch. Jo must have sensed the change, she gentled her touch to a caress. She leaned over and brushed Rhonda’s hair aside to kiss the nape of her neck. Rhonda moaned.
Jo pulled Rhonda close and wrapped her arms around her in a tender embrace. “Rhonda, tell me something I don’t know about you.”
“Like what?”
“Anything. We have ten years to make up for.”
She wasn’t sure why Jo’s words made her so happy, but she was beyond questioning and enjoyed the moment. “Um, let’s see, I’m a sucker for sappy movies. My favorites are romantic comedies. I know life doesn’t always happen the way we want it to, but for entertainment I prefer a happy ending.”
Jo tightened the embrace and squeezed Rhonda in a quick hug. “Good to know. What else?”
“Uh uh, your turn. Tell me something I don’t know about you.”
“Well, I love reading mystery novels. I like puzzles and figuring things out. I think that’s one reason I like my job so much.”
Rhonda realized she hadn’t ever asked. “What is it you do?”
“I’m a performance improvement consultant. Basically, it’s a fancy title meaning I’m a problem solver. Companies hire me as an independent contractor to determine what’s hindering productivity. I show them ways to resolve the issue or issues so the company can increase their bottom line.”
Rhonda placed a hand on Jo’s leg. “You sound very passionate about your work.”
“I enjoy it quite a bit.”
“So, as a consultant does that mean you have to move around a lot for your job?” Rhonda asked.
“Sometimes. Sometimes it means I travel to different locations for a few weeks or months. But there are also companies who want to hire people like me full-time.”
After a few moments of relaxing into one another, Jo spoke again. “Rhonda, there’s another thing I need to know about you.”
“What’s that?”
“Would you enjoy making love in front of a roaring fire?”
Rhonda laughed in surprise. “Why, yes, I believe I would.”
Jo pushed Rhonda playfully. “Then get up, woman. I need to make a fire.”
Rhonda started to rise, but she stopped Jo before she could. Rhonda leaned down and kissed her sweetly. As she broke the kiss, she laid a hand on Jo’s cheek. “You should also know I really like that you make me laugh.”
While Jo built the fire, Rhonda laid a blanket and pillows on the floor in front of the fireplace. She lay appreciating the view. Jo’s Henley pulled tightly across her broad shoulders and strong back muscles while she crouched in front of the fireplace. Jo’s movements were brisk and efficient. Quickly, she lit the fire then stood and dusted off her hands.
Rhonda had quietly undressed, so
when Jo turned to her she was lying in the middle of the makeshift bed waiting for her. Jo removed her own clothing, making a small show of it. Rhonda enjoyed looking at Jo’s body, strong and toned, yet soft in all the right places. Jo and Rhonda spent hours in front of the roaring fire tenderly, sweetly, and deliciously exploring each other.
CHAPTER NINETEEN
Rhonda waved to Barbara when she saw her sitting in the restaurant. Barbara stood to embrace her. “You look wonderful.”
“Thanks, I feel amazing.”
“What’s your secret?”
“I have quite a story for you.” Rhonda blushed.
“Rhonda, you’re killing me here. I need details, woman.”
Rhonda told her everything that had happened since she’d seen her last, up to saying good-bye to Jo that morning as she left for work.
Barbara laid her hand across the table. Rhonda took it. “I’m so happy for you. It sounds like you’re having a lot of fun.”
Rhonda sighed. “I keep pinching myself to make sure this isn’t all a great dream. I’m trying to enjoy every moment as it comes. I didn’t want this chance to slip by. I’ll worry about the aftermath when I need to.”
“Are you dreading Jo leaving already?”
Rhonda shrugged. “I am. Everything is going so well, I don’t know what to think. Jo has turned into an amazing woman, and I can see us together. But then I wonder if it’s too much to hope for or if it’s all wishful thinking on my part? So I’ve decided to enjoy the moments we have.”
“Rhonda, you know you will eventually have to have that discussion.”
“I know, eventually, but not yet. I want time to see how it goes, to figure things out. I don’t want to put too much pressure on us. I want to take it a day at a time. And the deal was no strings or commitments. I promised that. It’s not Jo’s fault I’ve started wanting more. I’m not sure I can ask that of her.”
Barbara nodded. “Have you told the kids?”
“Only Christie, so far. She came the other night and kind of caught us. It all came out.”
“And?”
“She was shocked at first, but she handled it beautifully. I’m still trying to figure out how to bring it up with Julie and Mike. Obviously, I need to tell them soon.”
“Your kids love you and want you to be happy. I’m sure it will be fine.”
Rhonda sighed. “I wish I was. Oh, before I forget, can you come over Friday night for family dinner?”
“Of course I can.”
*
Rhonda pulled into Julie’s driveway and parked. Dylan should be going down for his late morning nap soon. She hoped Julie would have time for a chat. She reached for the pie on the seat beside her and mentally prepared herself for what lay ahead, or at least tried to as best she could. She quietly let herself into the house in case Dylan was already sleeping, and she headed for the kitchen to put the pie down. Julie stood and gave Rhonda a hug. “Hi, Mom.”
Dylan was engrossed in whatever he was drawing and only noticed her at that moment. “Gramma!”
Rhonda bent down and was ready for him when he leapt into her arms. She hugged him tightly. “Hey, buddy, what are you doing?”
“Mommy said I could finish my picture before I take my nap.”
Dylan loved drawing, and for a four-year-old, he was pretty good.
“Can I see it?”
“Okay.”
Rhonda looked at the drawing of a girl with a basketball.
“It’s for Jamie.”
“I think she’ll love it.”
Rhonda met Julie’s gaze over Dylan’s head. “Ready for your nap, little man?”
“Okay. Gramma, will you take me?”
“Sure.”
As Rhonda carried Dylan to his room, he laid his head on her shoulder. “I love you, Gramma.”
Rhonda hugged him a little tighter. “I love you too, Dylan.”
After stopping by the bathroom, she got him settled with his favorite Transformer, kissed him on the forehead, and quietly left the room.
Rhonda found Julie in the kitchen. Julie glanced over as she came in. “Thanks.”
“You’re welcome. You’re doing a wonderful job with your kids.”
“I had a pretty good teacher.”
Rhonda was too distracted by what she needed to say that she ignored Julie’s compliment. “Julie, I need to talk to you about something.”
“I figured when you called to say you were coming over in the middle of the day. Is everything okay?”
Rhonda tried to reassure her. “Everything’s wonderful, at least I think so.”
“Okay, what is it you wanted to talk about?”
“Jo and I are dating.” Okay not completely accurate, but it was better than telling her they were exploring a sexual relationship due to their mutual attraction. Wasn’t it? Technically, they had been on two official dates. Okay, this part so wasn’t important right now.
Julie stopped and stared at her in disbelief. “Jo. Jo?”
“Yes.”
Julie’s face transformed from mild curiosity to outrage. “That’s not right, Mom. This is crazy. Jo’s my age. How did this happen?”
The anger in Julie’s voice shocked Rhonda. She had considered Julie might struggle with this, but she hadn’t thought she would be angry.
“Julie, I’ll try to answer your questions. But if you don’t lower your voice, you’ll wake Dylan.”
“You want me to be quiet? I’ll be as loud as I want to be. You come into my house and tell me you’re dating a woman my age and you want me to just take it all in stride?”
“I hoped we could talk about it so you can see how happy she makes me.”
“Are you joking? I won’t be a part of this. I can’t. I refuse to sit here and listen to you say everything is great. Jo makes you so happy.”
Rhonda shook her head. “Do you have a problem with Jo specifically or would you have a problem with me dating any woman?”
“You’ve ruined everything. If you want to ruin your life then leave me out of it. Leave my kids out of it. You need to go.”
Rhonda made it to her car before she allowed the first tear to spill out, then she couldn’t stop them. She laid her head against the seat in defeat. Brilliant, Rhonda! That went well, don’t you think? She sat and sobbed, tears streaming down her face. Finally, she wiped away the tears, pulled herself together, and headed home.
CHAPTER TWENTY
Christie was reviewing applications when the phone rang. She glanced at the readout. She pushed her chair back and took her glasses off. If Julie was calling in the middle of the afternoon, it could take a while.
“Hey,” Christie managed to say before Julie rushed into why she called.
“Mom was just here and you will never believe what she told me.” Before Christie could even guess, Julie continued, “She and Jo are dating.”
Hearing Julie’s anger, Christie rose and crossed the room to shut her office door. Returning to her chair, she listened to Julie vent.
“She says she’s sorry I’m upset, but she can’t let that stop her. Can you believe it?”
“Yeah, I can.”
“What? You know about this?”
Christie sighed and rubbed the bridge of her nose where a headache was forming. “I do. I stopped in to check on the house the other day because I thought they were both out of town. I saw them together. We all talked. This is about them, and it was strange at first, but then it was good to see them together.”
“You’re okay with it? You don’t think it’s wrong?”
Christie didn’t hesitate. “I’m fine with it. In fact, I think it’s sweet. Mom and Jo have my support and know it.”
Julie’s next words were incomprehensible.
Christie’s efforts to soothe her fell on deaf ears. “Julie, if you’ll just listen to me for a minute—”
“This is wrong and I won’t stand for it.”
Christie raised her voice, only so it would penetrate Julie’s rant.
“Fine then, you stay mad. I have to get back to work. Call me back when you can talk like a civilized person.” And without another word, Christie hung up the phone. She refused to listen to Julie when she was like this. Maybe once she cooled off, they could talk.
*
Jo was worried as she headed to Rhonda’s after work. Rhonda had gone to talk with Julie today, and she hadn’t heard from her. She’d tried to call but got Rhonda’s voice mail each time. When she walked in the door, the smell of disinfectant was strong. A distant memory surfaced. Uh oh! Rhonda went into deep cleaning mode when she was really upset. Jo found her in the kitchen on her hands and knees scrubbing the floor. This is bad, very bad.
Jo spoke from the doorway. “Rhonda?”
No response.
Jo crouched down in front of her. “Rhonda.”
When Rhonda looked up, Jo saw her eyes were red and bloodshot from crying. Her eyes were dry now but swollen from a long, hard cry. “Talk to me.”
Rhonda looked at Jo and shook her head. Jo reached for the brush in Rhonda’s hand. She took it and dropped it in the bucket of soapy water on the floor. She grasped Rhonda’s hands and pulled her to her feet. Rhonda buried her head in Jo’s shoulder and the tears flowed freely again.
Jo gathered Rhonda up and carried her into the living room. She sat on the sofa with Rhonda in her lap. Jo hurt for Rhonda. She felt helpless. She sat holding her, stroking her back until the tears subsided.
Through sniffles, Rhonda finally found her voice. “I’m sorry, Jo. I’m a mess.”
“You have nothing to be sorry for.” Jo handed Rhonda a tissue from the table next to the couch. “Are you ready to tell me what happened?”
Rhonda mopped up the worst of the tears. “It was horrible. Julie hates me.”
After Rhonda got it all out, Jo looked at her. “Rhonda, darling, it doesn’t sound like it’s you she hates. It’s me. I’m the big bad dyke who corrupted her mother.”
Rhonda started to protest, but Jo stopped her. “It’s okay. I’ve been called worse. The important thing here is you’re hurting. I know we can get through this, but you have to believe it. You already have Christie and Barbara in your corner. Julie will come around eventually.”