Kindling

by Agnes H Hagadus

  Lucy’s thoughts weren’t much different. Money wasn’t flowing with her business having to compete with the big corporations. Still, she could hopefully set aside some money to fly out to see Dallas.

  More importantly, Lucy could meet the parents. It was a terrifying thought. Not because she didn’t think they would adore her.

  It was because it was the big step in their relationship. Saying yes to a proposal was only step one. There was discovering all there was to know about the other.

  There was also meeting family and friends. The ones your partner looked up to. Ones that protected your partner with everything they had.

  The car ride was quiet. Lucy was taking in her surroundings. One day she hoped to return to Georgia, if only so she could thank Thelma and Jessie in person.

  Dallas was wondering how long it would take to help her moms rebuild everything they had lost in the fire. In some ways, she wished Geraldine was joining her.

  But Geraldine was heading for her own transitions if Dallas was reading her properly. It wasn’t merely the greatest transition of all. It was deciding on whether remaining on the place she grew up would be for her.

  In a way, they were all headed for transitions. It was called life. Things never remain the same. We go through the motions, but there’s something just beneath the surface. Or there’s someone unexpected entering one’s life.

  Dallas had seen so many transitions in her life. It was ironic to her at this late stage in her life to be entering the final major one. But life was a funny thing.

  ()()()()()()()()()()()()()

  It was a quiet day. Thelma wondered if it was because their first set of boarders were to leave in the morning. Or was something brewing?

  Thelma hadn’t spoken with Sam, Abby or any of the security team. It was unsettling, especially when they needed closure when it came to Jessie’s mother’s death.

  Normally at this time, Thelma was bustling to help make lunch or seeing what anyone needed. Today, she was taking the time to sit on the porch. There was a sandwich and coffee sitting next to her, practically untouched.

  It wasn’t so shocking the sandwich. But the coffee? Thelma nearly bled the dark substance. It was nearly all she consumed. It was what she missed about not having a business next to Candy’s bookstore/café.

  “May I join you?” Jessie had been working with the horses. She really should shower, but when she had been heading toward the bed and breakfast, she had sensed her wife needed her.

  “Always.” Thelma took a sip of her coffee. It was a good thing she loved her ice coffees. She waited a beat before speaking. “I know we have so much happening, most of all not knowing who killed your mother…”

  “The only reason I care who killed my mother is so that we can find out who is a threat to the safety of our friends.” Jessie had already let go of her grief.

  Jessie wasn’t naïve. She knew there would be a part of her that would eternally feel some guilt. But it was her mother’s choices and actions that had led directly to her death.

  When emerald eyes darkened, Jessie knew she had to continue. “I gave up thinking of her as my mother a long time ago. So in a way, I grieved already. But the danger you and the others remain in because of her is something I will never forgive her for. Ever.”

  Emerald eyes softened. “I understand. That’s how it was for me and my parents.” Thelma took another sip of her coffee. Suddenly, the dark substance was disappearing.

  It was because Thelma wanted to broach a subject planted by Melissa. But was it too soon? “They were not in my life, truly, since I came out.”

  There was a wistful tone in Thelma’s voice. Jessie knew there had been something else her wife had wanted to speak to her about. “Is there something else you wanted to discuss?”

  Thelma took a deep breath. “I never really thought of this, until I saw how Sam and Abby interact with their daughter. Heard the tales of their two sons. Even watching Taylor with his son never affected me like this.”

  Jessie stiffened. She wondered if her wife was hinting at what she thought she was hinting at. Why now? What brought this on, except for what she’d already expressed?

  “I’m not saying to do it right away. In fact, I’m not saying to do it at all.” Thelma noticed the change in Jessie’s posture and how her wife wouldn’t even look her in the eyes. “But have you ever considered adopting? I don’t mean a baby or toddler. But maybe around preteens.”

  “I’d never even considered marrying someone.” Jessie hastily stood. She made her way to the railing. She could use the excuse she needed to shower, but that would be running away. “I’ve never been around children. It was one of the trepidations I had about opening a bed and breakfast.”

  “I’ve never been one to be around children, either.” Thelma slowly positioned herself so that she was standing beside her wife. “I honestly don’t know what triggered this in me. We could blame Melissa, but I think she was reading me, as she is so adept at.”

  “Seeing what we don’t or are unable to see ourselves.” Jessie understood. Candy seemed to be that way. Like she had a sixth sense when it came to others. “We do have the room, that’s for certain. And we both have enough love.”

  “Jessie, we don’t have to decide this moment.” Thelma turned so she was looking at her wife. Jessie turned so she was gazing into emerald eyes. “Honestly, I don’t know if either of us is ready. But it’s something to talk about. See how things go with the bed and breakfast.”

  “And especially see how the investigation pans out.” Jessie was nervous. Unlike she had ever been before. And she had thought committing to one woman was nerve wracking. This was an entirely different sensation.

  After all, no matter their age, a child would be completely dependent on you. Emotionally, health, food and physically, the child would need you to watch out for them. Without hesitation.

  While there was the firefighter part of Jessie that would forever lurk just beneath the surface, she wasn’t certain it prepared her to be a parent.

  As if knowing an answer was needed, Sam made her presence known by clearing her throat. She had sensed intensity between the couple and hated to interrupt.

  “I just wanted to let you know two things.” Sam leaned against the doorframe, leaving the door open. “One, Dina will be charged. I don’t know if she’ll see any real punishment as her family does have money and is well respected.”

  Sam hated those with money using it to bail out their children. No child, no matter their age, could learn responsibility if one continued to do so.

  “The second, I think, is most important. We’ve discovered who sent Jessie the email.” Sam watched as the soulmates wrapped around one another. It was something she had experienced far too often with Abby. And witnessed in those they attempted to protect.

  “I wish I could say it was shocking, but to me, it’s becoming the norm.” Sam stood to her full height. “The one behind the email was your mother’s pastor. We just have to figure out if it was him personally who killed your mother and orchestrated the protest and other hatred toward you.”

  Jessie wanted to hop onto The Black Panther. She wanted to make certain the pastor understood the good book. But she knew people like him would never learn. The only thing was to hope the truth was revealed. And that his misguided flock would accept the truth, not deny everything.

  Chapter 17

  The cars were too close. Geraldine wasn’t used to city driving. In fact, she had never driven. It was on her to do list. One day, she would have a driver’s license. It would make attempting to start over that much easier.

  The movie had been shorter than Geraldine had anticipated. It meant the pair had time for a snack and perhaps some coffee. Yes, the cowgirl still loved her coffee even after having been burned by the substance. It had been hate, not the beverage, to be blamed.

  The movies had been an experience. Geraldine realized how many things she had never encountered. With the arrival of the internet on t
he ranch, it was opening more and more opportunities.

  Meaning, Geraldine had binge watched movies and television shows she had never had the opportunity before. Ones that her father would have probably beaten her for if he knew exactly what their contents were.

  So some things were not so surprising for Geraldine. Being surrounded by people was extremely new for the cowgirl. From the bus, to the bed and breakfast and anything in between were all new experiences for her.

  Watching on her phone as people enjoyed certain things was one thing. Geraldine had had trouble concentrating on the movie. It had been a comedy. She knew she had missed some of the plot when Allison would laugh and she remained silent.

  The honking of a horn caused Geraldine to become fully aware of their surroundings. Allison was circling the block in an attempt to discover a parking spot.

  One just happened to open in front of a café. One that was in the process of expanding. It seemed the small storefront next door had become available.

  The Reading Café? Geraldine had to admit it had a catchy name. It combined two of the things the cowgirl loved the most.

  Before access to the internet, Geraldine had become lost in books. There were nights when she would stay up to the wee hours of the morning. Coffee had become her best friend so that she could do her chores.

  The fact her father made her work twelve hours a day was another reason why coffee became, not only an addiction, but also a necessity.

  “Are you all right?” Allison had placed the car in park. She was grateful the movie hadn’t been a full two hours. It gave them a few moments to explore the bookstore/café. It was the one Thelma’s friends Candy and Kathy owned.

  “Just thinking.” Geraldine made certain she was looking Allison in the eyes. “I didn’t realize how much I’ve missed out on. That was the very first movie I’ve seen in a theater.”

  Geraldine was how old? Allison couldn’t believe it was the twenty-first century and some parents could be this evil to their child.

  Whether straight, gay, bi, trans or however one was born, every parent and family member should accept their relative for who they were, not try to make them something they could never be.

  It was something Allison might never know. Would her parents have accepted her? Who were her parents? Would any of her family members accept her?

  The closest Allison had to family said he accepted her. Yet, he continued to pursue a relationship with her. Would someone who truly accepted her continue to seek something that could never be?

  “I take for granted how shielded you’ve been.” Allison leaned a little closer to her friend. “I used to think I was naïve to the world. I’m sorry I take it for granted you’ve not experienced the things I have.”

  “It’s easy to do. Take for granted that others are like you or have your experiences.” Geraldine didn’t want to make her friend feel bad. “I mean how many people in this day and age can honestly say they only were allowed to town for school. I wasn’t allowed to go clothing shopping, especially after I came out to my father.”

  “I…” Allison took a deep breath. There were people in this world that didn’t deserve children. That continued to teach hate and ignorance. “I’m beginning to see more and more what you’ve been trying to say to me.”

  Geraldine tilted her head. What was it Allison was finally realizing? There could be so many things, sadly. Some things the cowgirl wished she could change.

  “You truly are new to this world. To what people are like.” Geraldine nodded her head in agreement. “You need time to adjust to what you’ve already learned, before attempting to uproot yourself.”

  Allison hastily continued. “But you also have to keep something in mind. With all the things you’ll be going through, you need to keep those that care about you close as you can. Perhaps not physically close but lean on them through everything.”

  “I’m trying. The only one I’ve ever had to count on is my mother. If anything were to happen to her…” Geraldine swallowed at the thought. She would be on her own. With only a handful of people that even cared somewhat for her.

  “I don’t have anyone.” Allison hated to admit that fact. “I don’t have parents. The closest I came were foster parents I had when I was six. But they were only temporary ones. They weren’t able to afford adoption or fit enough. So they were emergency fosters. They attempted to keep in contact, but…”

  “I guess, in that regard, I am lucky.” Geraldine managed a smile. Things were becoming too serious, especially for their last day together. “Why don’t we get something sugary?”

  Allison understood. Partly it was probably becoming too serious for Geraldine. Mostly, it was because both wanted to have fun the last few hours they had together.

  “I’m in the mood for something cool and sweet.” Allison winked as she said the last part. Geraldine was instantly blushing as they both departed the car.

  The bell ringing surprised Allison as they entered. The store was a combination of old fashioned and new. The bookstore portion reminded her of a library. The café was like pictures she’d seen of small cafés in Europe.

  There was a crowd, even though it was a weekday and they were between the noon and dinner rush. There was a sandy blonde behind the counter of the café.

  Before they could even make their way to the café, a familiar blonde was standing before them. “So, Thelma and/or Jessie finally convinced one of their boarders to see where we met.”

  “Actually, neither know we are here. We’re supposed to have a special dinner this evening.” Allison took the lead. Geraldine was basically hiding behind her. “We spent the past hour and a half watching a movie. Thought a sweet treat before returning to the bed and breakfast was in order.”

  “Special dinner? That sounds so much like Thelma.” Candy was beaming. “Though I should give her a hard time. I would have thought she would have invited Kathy and myself. As for the sweet treat, come with me. You’re in luck. My top chef is in today. Sammy is an amazing cook. I’m lucky to have her. As a friend and as part of my staff.”

  Candy escorted the two. They could have easily cut in line, but it wasn’t in any of their nature to do so. “So, let me guess. Allison, you prefer something chocolate. Maybe one of the famous chocolate caramel coffees, along with a chocolate caramel brownie.”

  Allison merely nodded her head. She wanted to ask if either Thelma or Jessie had clued Candy in on her favorite dessert. Or if it was merely one of Candy’s many skills.

  “And Miss Geraldine is more of a traditionalist. Meaning she takes her coffee strong and black. As for a treat...” Candy studied the young woman. Terrified of the scrutiny was the best way to describe it.

  Emerald eyes turned toward the line that was moving at the usual speed. “I’d say Miss Geraldine would like one of our chocolate chip sandwiches. It comes with chocolate, vanilla or cookies and cream flavored ice cream.”

  “My mom used to make something like that. The cookies were fresh out of the oven.” Geraldine couldn’t help but swallow at the thought of her mother’s cooking. “I think she usually used chocolate for the ice cream.”

  “A woman after my own heart.” Candy took charge of ordering. Sammy was more than happy to make the goodies personally. “This is my treat. No arguments.”

  Candy carried the tray to an open table. It wasn’t far from the books. “And before you go, take a look at the books. Will give you a discount.” She eyed Geraldine. She remembered how the cowgirl had been reading on a couple occasions and had shyly asked for her autograph. “In fact, if you want an autographed copy of my latest romance, that can be arranged. Enjoy the goodies.”

  Before either could say anything, Candy disappeared into the small crowd. Allison shook her head. “I’ve never met anyone like Candy. Or Thelma or Jessie.” She reached across the table. “Or anyone like you.”

  Geraldine refused to take Allison’s hand. “I know we’re safe here, if only because Candy is around. But I just can’t.
Not yet. I’m sorry.”

  Not that long ago, Allison would have been hurt. She might have even become angry. But the fact of the matter was simple.

  They both had experienced less than ideal treatment since being in The South. But they had also been accepted. The problem with human nature is that we hold onto the negative. It’s difficult to see the positive and to accept that over the negative.

  “We have our lives to be ready.” Allison took a sip of her coffee. It was heaven on earth. She would miss some of the cuisine of The South. “They should franchise. This coffee is the best I’ve ever had.”

  Geraldine didn’t know how to react. Was Allison truly accepting her feelings? That she wasn’t ready? The cowgirl took a sip of her coffee. “If the dessert is anything like the coffee, I agree.”

  The pair laughed before they consumed their sweet treats. The combination of sweetness and caffeine was just right. It would tide them over until they made it for the farewell dinner.

  As if knowing they were finished with their treats, Candy arrived at the table. “Again, I wish we knew it was your last night in Georgia. Wanted to give you these parting gifts. If you’d be so kind, give Lucy and Dallas a copy as well. Again, peruse the books. You get the employee discount.” Candy winked before taking off.

  Allison wished she had the petite blonde’s energy. It seemed Candy was everywhere. Probably with a small business and few employees, one did that. Not like where she temporarily worked. Rarely, if ever, did she see anyone above an hourly pay wage helping out.

  The pair browsed the books. Geraldine noticed a cookbook. While her mother was the most amazing cook, she was always looking for new recipes. Though her father didn’t appreciate change.

  “I think I’ll get this for my mother.” Geraldine wanted to look for more books but didn’t have much space in her bag. She couldn’t afford to spend much, either.

  Not if Geraldine was to be true to herself. It wasn’t merely about the upcoming transitioning. It was about finally being able to live without fear of being abused by her own father and brothers.