by C. P. Watson
“Love, can you spray some of that on me?” She asked and I walked over to her in compliance. Pressing my lips together, I sprayed it multiple times over her chest before placing a kiss on her forehead. I wanted to kiss her lips but they were painted and I did not want to risk smudging it.
“No makeup?” I shook my head and she chuckled. “I don’t even know why I asked.” I frowned and stretched my hand out for her to take, but she gave me an exasperated sigh.
“Kylie, I don’t want you to meet my parents.” I swallowed and arched my brow.
“I’ve already met them babe.” She looked up into my eyes and shook her head.
“I meant to say that I don’t want them to know… about us… not just yet. I think we should give it some time, get ourselves settled. Be more prepared.” I took a deep breath and exhaled in contemplation. Feeling a heaviness in my chest, I could not help but think that she was ashamed of me.
“Are you ashamed of me?” She immediately shook her head and I rested the perfume bottle onto the bed. Placing her hands in mine, she intertwined our fingers and pressed her lips against the top of my hands one after the other.
“You mean everything to me Kylie. I’m not ashamed of you my love, but I don’t think it is a good idea to make such a drastic decision, especially when it comes to people finding out about us so soon. I don’t trust my family to keep their mouths shut, maybe I just don’t trust myself being able to finally tell someone, because I may spiral out of control and tell everyone about you since I am so proud to be yours. I want you Kylie, I need you, I crave for you. I wish I could tell everyone about my love for you, but for now dear, let’s keep our relationship status out of that town.”
I sighed and nodded, making a smile form on her lips. She let out a breath that she had been holding, placed one final kiss on my right hand’s wrist before letting go and getting up.
I knew she was right. I just wanted to be a part of her in a more in depth way, but that was not the way to do it. It was stupid of me to think that us confronting her parents together would help much. She was a mature adult, one who was independent and strong. I just wished there was more I could do to help her with the pain.
“What about Natalie?” She smiled but I knew she was hiding how she truly felt about it.
“Let’s not discuss that right now love. Let’s just get through tonight and tomorrow.” I nodded knowing not to push the subject.
◆◆◆
“YOU SLOW POKES ARE going to make me late for my own rehearsal dinner.” My mother frantically said as she shoved her purse into Brian’s hand and ran her fingers through her hair.
I pressed my lips together and walked over to her, noticing that she was having an anxiety attack. “Mom, everything is going to be ok.” I placed my hand on her shoulder in comfort.
She looked up at me and sighed. Inhaling deeply, and slowly exhaling, she wrapped her arms around my neck and pulled me into her.
“I’m sorry baby, you know me. Let’s hit the road before we are actually late for this thing.” She inched away from me and looked at Brian with an apologetic smile.
“Sweetheart, is there anything I can do for you to ease the frustration?” Brian questioned worriedly and gave her a soothing rub to the shoulder.
I stepped back allowing the two to conversate and gave my grandfather a nod, which he returned. Ava came up behind me, wrapped her arms around my waist and rested her chin on my shoulder. I smiled at the gesture and felt a jittery feeling inside of my chest, but it soon faded away as she grazed her lips against my neck.
“You are going to smudge your lipstick if you continue.” I informed making her exhale a warm breath against the back of my neck. My entire body shuddered at the feeling and I swallowed hard.
“Your reaction is worth it.” She whispered huskily into my ear before pulling me closer into her.
I heard someone clear their throat and looked up to see my grandfather with widened eyes, my mother with a quirked brow and Brian looking elsewhere pretending to mind his own business.
“Can you two give it a rest for a few hours? Damn, you make me feel like I have to give you the safe sex lecture.” My eyes widened and Ava stepped away from me.
“That’s not needed Miss Reese, I can assure you that we practice safe sex.” Ava said confidently making both my mom and I burst out into a fit of laughter.
I looked at Ava and there was a frown on her beautiful face. “I’m sorry, but it’s too funny.” I gave her a sheepish grin and puppy dog eyes.
“Kylie, I’m trying to be serious here. Your mom should know that it is in my best interest that you are comfortable and well taken care of.” I pouted my lips as I felt warmth rush through my veins.
“You are so sweet.” I said wanting to tackle her to the floor and smother her with love bites.
“That’s good to know Ava, I’m glad that Kylie has found someone who cares for her that much.” She gave Ava a small smile and a nod.
“Do you have everything sweetheart? We should get going now.” Brian said and my mom nodded.
◆◆◆
THE DRIVE TO THE venue was about half an hour. My mom sat in the back-seat with Ava and I, while Grandpa sat in front with Brian.
I interlinked my fingers with Ava on the drive, somehow always needing to feel her close to me. My mom noticed our fingers but did not tease us about it, she probably found it as a sweet gesture from the two of us. I leaned the side of my head against Ava’s shoulder and closed my eyes, allowing her comforting presence to possess my heart, mind and body.
As the car stopped in front of the restaurant, my mom let out a breath she had been holding. I looked up to see that the place was filled with people dressed in formal clothing, lounging around chatting and sipping on champagne.
“Some people are early.” My mom said before she opened the car door and stepped out. Grandpa did the same and Brian, making Ava and I as well. Brian handed the valet his car keys as the rest of us made our way into the restaurant.
My mom was instantly welcomed by a few women rushing over to her, who I noticed to be some of her co-workers. I hid beside Ava as we headed towards the end of the room, trying to get the farthest away from human contact.
“Baby, your mom is probably going to want you to conversate with a few people.” I shook my head and pressed my lips together.
“If anyone comes over to me, you get me out ok babe? Please, I don’t like socializing.” I pouted making her chuckle and shake her head.
“Let me get you a glass of champagne to lighten you up love.” She caressed my cheek with the pad of her thumb and placed a kiss on my forehead.
I then spotted a waiter with a platter of champagne and notified Ava. She went over to the woman in uniform, picked up two glasses and came back over to me. I took one from her and we clink glasses together before taking a sip.
“It’s not too bad.” I said as I took a seat on a chair at an empty table.
“Not at all babe, just don’t allow me to have much, I still remember that dreadful hangover.” She muttered as she took a seat next to me.
I looked around the crowd and saw a few familiar faces, and a lot of strange ones. The strange ones were probably Brian’s guests. I sighed as I placed the glass down on the surface of the table and rested the palms of my hands on my thighs.
Uneasiness spread through my body, and I looked into Ava’s eyes, finding security and love within her grey orbs.
“Ava…” I mumbled as I placed my hands in hers. “I can’t shake the thought that I’m incapable of giving you what you deserve.” She quirked a brow as the smile on her face faltered.
“Wait, are you breaking up with me?” She asked so softly, her voice a bit shaken and weak.
“Babe no! Of course not! Fuck, I’m so lucky to have you in my life. I am afraid that you will break up with me.” I confessed as I let out a heavy breath.
“Babe never! I love you so much, I can’t see myself with you. You give me everything I want an
d need.” She pulled me into her and I smiled against her shoulder.
“I guess I needed a little reassurance.” I delved my nose against her skin and inhaled her intoxicating scent.
“Babe, I’m here for the long haul. You can’t get rid of me that easy.” She informed making me press me lips against her shoulder blade.
“Kylie?” I heard somehow say and looked up to see my mom’s best friend Hilary. Moving away from Ava, I got up to politely greet her.
“Hi Hilary.” I rubbed the back of my neck with my hand and faked a smile.
“Is that your girlfriend?” She questioned wiggling her eyebrows and I nodded immediately.
“Yes, this is Ava.” I introduced as Ava stood from her seat to shake Hilary’s hand.
“It’s nice to meet you.” Ava said with a smile illuminating her gorgeous face.
“Likewise. I did not know you finally got a girlfriend Kylie. She is so beautiful. Good for you.” She nudged me in the shoulder as Ava blushed.
“Yes, we’ve been together for a short while, so I haven’t gotten the news to anyone as yet, but you know me, I always keep to myself.” She nodded and shook her head with a knowing smile.
“You are happy, correct?” I nodded with a smile of my own. “Then that’s all that matters. The world isn’t entitled to the details of your life.” She placed her hand on my shoulder as she looked at my girlfriend.
“That’s very true, thank you.” Ava said making me look at her with amusement in my eyes. She was so sexy when polite.
“I’ll leave you two to it then, it is nice seeing you Kylie. I can’t believe your mom’s wedding day is tomorrow already. I hope it works out for the best.” I nodded in agreement and she walked away to chat with someone else.
“She seems nice.” Ava said as she sat back down. I did the same, my eyes wandering around the room. Spotting my mom, I saw happiness radiating on her face as she spoke to an older woman with an exuberant smile. My mom spotted my gaze and gave me a wink before taking the woman’s hand in hers and guiding her over to me.
I sighed not feeling like chatting more but had no choice. “Kylie, this is Brian’s mother, Fiona.” I stretched out my hand to greet her but she pulled me into a hug instead.
“It’s so nice to finally put a face to the name.” She squeezed me into her, making my breath hitch in my throat. “You are gorgeous dear, just like your mother.” The woman complimented and locked eyes with mom.
“Harry will be thrilled to meet you, he thinks you were the most precious little girl when you were younger.” I groan realizing that my mom showed them my photo album. Giving her a look, she returned a bashful smile and pouted. “He is probably chatting up with someone. I will go find him and bring him to you.” She hurried away in search of her husband, leaving me glaring at my mother.
“I’m sorry, but you were a very cute kid.” She grinned and moved her hair over her shoulder.
“You seem happy mom.” I voiced what I noticed, feeling contentment in my heart that she finally seemed fulfilled.
“Yes baby, I am. It’s been a good few years, and I am happy that we are finally going to tie the knot tomorrow.” She smiled widely and pulled me into a hug. “I know that you will never consider him your father, and I have no problem with that, so never feel guilty about it.” She whispered in my ear and kissed the side of my face.
I cleared my throat as she stepped back and wiped a tear that was threatening to fall from her eye. “Mom, you ok?” She nodded with a smile on her face.
“A tear of joy baby, things are finally fitting in nicely.” She cleared her throat and rested her hand over her chest. “I’m gonna get back to the guests. Fiona is probably gonna be back in a bit, be nice ok? Ava keep her safe.” She looked at my girlfriend and nodded. Ava gave a smile of reassurance to my mom before looking over to me.
My mom then walked away and Ava reached her hand out for me to take. “Have I told you that you are gorgeous?” I blushed as she placed a kiss on top of my hand.
“You are stunningly beautiful. I got lucky with finding someone as beautiful as you.”
“Oh love, I am the lucky one. Have you seen yourself? You are a sight for sore eyes.” I felt my cheeks heat up even more.
“You are such a charmer. I can’t wait to graduate so that we can be together without barriers.” She smiled and ran her fingers down my arm, stopping at the soft spot above my elbow.
“I am head over heels in love with you. I can’t wait to wake up every morning to your beautiful face and fall asleep every night wrapped up in your arms.”
“Babe, we already basically live together.” I chuckled and she rolled her eyes.
“In our own apartment then.” She nudged me in the arm and snickered.
“Ray, here is our granddaughter Kylie.” I scrunched up my nose at the sound of those words but immediately wiped my reaction away not wanting to be rude.
“Oh you were such a cute kid and you are now a beautiful young woman. It’s nice to finally meet you Kylie.” He stretched his out for me to shake and I reciprocated the gesture.
“It’s a pleasure sir.” I gave him a small smile as he looked into my eyes.
“You are definitely the younger version of your mother.” He smiled before noticing Ava. “Is this your sister?” I shook my head immediately and frowned.
Fiona slapped her husband’s arm. “Jaclyn has only one child Ray.” She chuckled as her eyes scanned over Ava.
“She is actually my girlfriend.” I gestured my hand towards her and their eyes widened.
“Oh, I did not expect that.” Ray mumbled and cleared his throat. “It was nice to meet you both, but we should get back.” He said as they both walked off, brushing off the conversation.
I furrowed my brows looking at Ava, feeling a tinge of anger in my chest. “Love, not everyone is going to accept our relationship.” I pouted and nodded.
“Stupid homophobes. I can’t believe they will be apart of our family.”
“They’ll come around love, just give it time, and if they don’t, who the fuck cares.” She soothed me making me smile.
“I love you Ava Reese.” She smiled, her grey eyes shining.
“I love you Kylie Blanckaert.”
I gave Ava a wink and ran my tongue along the surface of my bottom lip, which made her tightly close her legs. “Kylie… don’t do that.” She whispered as she placed the palm of her hand on her thigh and exhaled loudly. Ignoring her, I opened my mouth and stretched my tongue out, wiggling it up and down erotically, making her press her lips together.
“Please stop…” She pouted, unable to look away though.
I placed my tongue back inside of my mouth. “Can you follow me to the restroom? I don’t want to go alone.” She nodded and we both got up.
“I’ll follow you sweetheart.” My eyes narrowed at the sound of a male voice. I turned my face to the side to see a middle aged man, in a perfectly cut suit, looking at me. The grin on his face was displeasing and made my chest clench with anxiety. I hated being confronted by men. Giving him a glare, I shifted my gaze towards Ava deciding to ignore him. “Oh don’t ignore me love. A beautiful woman, as yourself, has brightened this boring party. I just arrived, spotted you two and just couldn’t help myself.”
I cleared my throat as I realized he was trying to hit on Ava as well. “I’m a lesbian, now go away.” He nodded in contemplation as he focused his eyes on my girlfriend.
“And you love?” I gritted my teeth as I tried to hold back my anger.
“You are not my type.” Ava grumbled as she traced the rim of her champagne glass with her fingertip.
“I can be whatever type you need sweetheart.” I pressed my lips together as I felt heat rise inside of my chest.
“Dave, of all the women here, you had to hit on Kylie and her girlfriend.” Dave shifted his gaze beside him to Brian.
“So they are off bounds?” I rolled my eyes as I held back the urge to yell at him.
“Definitely.
Unless you want Jaclyn to chop your balls off.” He nodded and hissed.
“So you are Jaclyn’s kid.” He looked at me before looking towards Ava again. “And you two are together.” He slowly shook his head. “Well that’s a shame.” I puffed my cheeks out and gave him a dumbfounded look.
“Now apologize to the ladies. You wouldn’t want to face my fiancée's wrath, would you?” He stepped back and rubbed the back of his neck with the palm of his hand.
“She can be a bitch.” Dave muttered as I spotted my mother standing behind him, her arms crossed over her chest.
“Yes I can, and I wonder for what instance I will be now.” She nudged him with her shoulder as she walked past him and over to me.
“Everything ok honey? Need me to kick his ass?” I smiled and shook my head, even though I wanted her to.
“I think you’ve threatened his ego enough as a punishment.” She grinned and looked over her shoulder to him.
“Ah, yes, Brian tell your best man to stay away from my daughter like his life depends on it, which it does.”
“Hey, the girl said she is gay, so I backed off already, geez.” He muttered incoherent words under his breath before walking off.
“I’m sorry about that, I’ll go straighten him out and talk to him.” My mom nodded to him before he walked off behind his friend.
“I can’t believe that dumbass is the best man.” My mom said making me cringe and nod in disapproval.
“Why is Brian friends with him anyway?” She shrugged and placed her hand on the surface of the table. Noticing my champagne glass, she quirked her brow and gave me a wink. Likely unfazed by my recreational drinking, she picked up the glass and took a sip from it.
“That’s his brother.” She pointed out making me wonder if Brian was anything like his brother. “Different fathers though.” I slipped my right foot out of my heel and stretched it out towards Ava’s leg. Looking at her, I saw surprise in her eyes as I ran the tip of my toes up and down her thigh.