“Open your eyes, sweetheart.”
Lauren did and was met with the mesmerizing green ones of the woman she loved. “I love you.” She could tell it took Ainslon aback since she usually wasn’t this open with her I love yous in public, but it pleased her.
Ainslon slipped her arms out and around Lauren’s neck. “I love you, too.”
After a few minutes of holding each other, Lauren reluctantly stepped back, then took Ainslon’s hands. “Quite the set up you have here.”
“I know. It’s great.” Ainslon slipped away from her, then held her arms out to her sides. “Since our tent was so popular last year, we were allowed a bigger one this year. Thank goodness my request for fans was approved. Otherwise it would be miserable.”
“Since I was a platinum donor, our booth got fans. I feel sorry for the poor bastards that don’t have them. Though, I suppose most of them are used to the heat.”
“If they’re not they should get out of the kitchen,” Justin said, walking around them with bags in his hands.
“You know, Justin. You keep eating tacos, you’re going to turn into one.”
“Don’t even get me started,” Brandy said as she walked up.
“It’s all he wants to eat at the store,” Ainslon chimed in.
“Hey now.” Justin planted his hands on his hips. “You don’t have to eat them.”
Ainslon held her hands up in surrender. “Let’s not be so hasty.”
“That’s what I thought. Lauren, can you stay?”
“I’m afraid not.”
“That’s too bad.” Ainslon took a taco out of the bag and put it in Lauren’s hand. “That way I’ll know you ate something.” She tucked a bit of stray hair behind Lauren’s ear.
Lauren leaned forward enough to rub their noses together, then pecked Ainslon on the lips. “Call me if you need me.”
“I will.”
Lauren stepped out of the tent, unwrapped her taco, and took a big bite. Justin was on the right path; they were fantastic. The quicker she got her work done, the quicker she could join Ainslon.
Tonight, they were having dinner with Edna. Tomorrow, Ainslon’s parents were flying in and Lauren knew she wasn’t looking forward to it. But she knew Ainslon wanted Edna to have this time with them. She could see how tired Edna looked and acted lately. No matter what, she would make sure Ainslon was always available for Edna and Easton.
After another round of the grounds, she headed back to her tent. Her stomach dropped when she spotted two people in a heated conversation in front of her tent. Carrie and her mother. After a quick call to security, she headed in their direction.
“Mom, please.”
“You listen to me, young lady, I raised you better than this.”
“Better than what? I’m happy. Larry and I have an apartment and we’ve both got jobs. I’ve got good healthcare. We’re okay.”
“You’re having a baby,” she spat. “You know what the bible says.”
Lauren took that moment to step up. “Carrie, you okay?”
“You.” Janice raised her finger. “Stay away from my daughter. You did this.”
“I can assure you I didn’t, and before you sprout off your bullshit, you should know I’ve already informed security and they’re on their way.”
“You people. I won’t stand for this, Carrie. You’re not even married.”
“Mom, I’m not coming home. I’m staying with Larry.”
Larry stepped out of the tent and walked up to Carrie. “I love your daughter and plan on taking care of her and the baby.”
Janice sneered. “You’re trash and you’ve dragged my daughter down with you.”
“That’s enough.” Lauren stepped in front of the teens. “Since you don’t want to have anything to do with her, leave. Now.” Lauren nodded at the security officer.
“Ma’am, I’m going to have to ask you to come with me,” the officer said.
“I’m going. But I will say this. Carrie, I’m so disappointed in you, and your father would be too.” After she stormed off, Lauren waved away the small crowd that had gathered. When she turned, Carrie had tears in her eyes.
“Come here.” She held Carrie until her tears dried, then raised her chin. “Listen to me.” Carrie nodded. “Your mother is wrong. You’re an amazing woman and this baby is so lucky to have you and Larry. You both are trying so hard and I know you’ll succeed.” She looked at Larry and opened her right arm to invite him into the hug. “Larry.”
“Ms…Lauren.”
It had taken him weeks to call her by her first name. “You’re not trash. You’ve got a good job and you’re taking night classes. I’m proud of you both. So proud.”
Larry nodded, then joined their hug. He wiped his eyes when they moved apart. “Thank you for everything.”
“You’re welcome. Now, I’ll give you two a few minutes, then Larry, you need to get back to your booth to finish setting up. Carrie, after we’re finished here, you can have the rest of the day off. Mark is already covering the rest of your shift.”
“You’re the best.”
Lauren chuckled. “I know.” She stepped inside their tent, only a tad smaller than Ainslon’s and, satisfied with what she saw, joined Noe at the back. “Show me what you’ve been working on.”
Ainslon hummed as she looked over the inside of the tent. At the far end of the tent was a cushioned chair for the reader. To the left was a stack of pads that the kids could sit on. The table on the right would be stocked with snacks and eight-ounce water bottles. At the front of the tent was a table ready to hold the books that would be read each day and available for sale. Each child that attended would receive a voucher for a free cookie at Easton’s tent and a coupon for five dollars off at Turn the Page. They had a deal that Easton could market in her tent and she could market in Easton’s. It worked out well every year.
Bright colors littered all the available space. First and foremost, this was a welcome spot for kids. This year, unlike previous years, they couldn’t grab a spot on the concrete, so Justin had borrowed several tarps, at least to cover the dirt up. The last thing they wanted was the kids getting dirty.
She pulled her hair out of the ponytail, then put it back up in a messy bun. It was days like this, when the humidity was a beast, that she thought about cutting her hair, but always chickened out in the end.
With one final look and a wave to Justin, she headed to Lauren’s tent to pick her up for dinner.
She wasn’t looking forward to tomorrow but tonight Edna had promised to make her Irish stew for Lauren. She knew it was important to Edna to see her son and daughter-in-law again and Ainslon would never make her feel bad because she wanted to see them. However, a small part of Ainslon couldn’t help but be upset with her. After everything her parents had put her through, she never thought Edna would welcome them back. Though she understood her reasoning, it still stung.
“Dollar for your thoughts?”
Ainslon turned to face Lauren. “Wow, big spender.”
“Your thoughts are worth more than a penny.” Lauren slipped her arm around Ainslon’s shoulders and they started walking. “Is it about tomorrow?”
Ainslon raised her hand and entangled her fingers with Lauren’s, where they rested on her shoulder. “I know why she wants to see them, but I don’t understand why. Well, I do, but—”
“You’re conflicted.”
“Yes.”
“Edna loves you.”
“I know.”
“Let me finish. She loves you, and let’s face it, she’s more than your grandma. She raised you. For all intent and purposes, she’s your mother.” She pulled them to a stop at the parking lot. “I can see both points. I’m furious for what they put you through, but I also understand her wanting to see them.”
Ainslon rested her head on Lauren’s shoulder and relaxed into her arms. “You’re right. She is my mother. Easton feels the same way. She’s all we have, and it sucks. Easton’s parents died, but mine threw m
e away. But…”
“But?”
“But a small part of me wonders what their life has been like. I haven’t had contact with them in almost twenty years. I have never, before now, felt tempted to look them up. I hate them. Or at least a part of me does. I don’t know.” She placed a kiss on Lauren’s neck, then pulled back.
“Are you having second thoughts about seeing them?” Lauren pushed a few stray hairs out of Ainslon’s eyes.
“I.” She nervously licked her lips. “I want to see them, but I don’t want to talk to them.”
“I wonder if they know how successful you’ve become.”
“I’ll ask Nana tonight.”
An hour later, Lauren pulled in front of the curb to Edna’s house. Easton’s car was already in the drive.
“Come on. Irish stew awaits.”
“I can’t wait.”
As soon as Ainslon opened the back door, the overwhelming aroma of lamb and spices engulfed her.
“Good grief, Ainslon, shut the door,” Edna said, motioning them both in.
“Sorry, Nana.”
Ainslon kissed Edna on the cheek, then accepted the one arm hug from Easton.
“Did you get everything set up?” Easton asked, then popped a piece of carrot in her mouth.
“We did. It looks great.”
“And you, Lauren?”
“We did as well. It’s bound to be a good week. Most of the hotels are already filled up.”
“Ainslon, Easton, set the table while Lauren and I relax.”
“Sure thing, Nana.” Ainslon and Easton worked in tandem setting the table, then placing the food atop it. Irish stew, homemade bread, and for dessert, Easton had brought an assortment of cookies, brownies, and mini pies left over from the day. With vanilla ice cream.
“Everything looks wonderful, Edna.” Lauren lifted her wine glass. “To family.”
“To family.”
Ainslon ladled a healthy amount of stew into her bowl, and took two pieces of bread. The first spoon full was a throwback to her childhood.
“Damn, Nana,” Easton said. “This is the best stew you’ve made.”
“It’s amazing, Nana.” It always amazed her that a mix of different herbs and spices could transform a dish into a masterpiece and Edna was a master at it.
Lauren nudged Ainslon. “Is this the stew you were going to make me?”
“It is, but no one has the touch like Nana does. I’ll try, but I’m not making any promises.”
“Practice makes perfect.” Lauren kissed Ainslon’s cheek.
“None of that at the table.” Easton covered her eyes. “Is it over?”
“Now who’s being dramatic?” Ainslon threw her napkin at Easton when she lowered her hands.
The atmosphere combined with the food and the company was exactly what Ainslon needed. After her second bowl of stew, she patted her stomach. “I’m stuffed.”
“No room for dessert?” Easton questioned.
“I can’t believe I’m going to say this, but not at the moment.”
“I’m going to pass right now too,” Lauren added.
“Lauren, why don’t we head into the living room while my girls clean up the kitchen?”
“That sounds lovely.”
Once they were out of the room, Easton turned to Ainslon. “Things still going good between you two?”
“She’s the best.” Ainslon leaned back against the counter. “I love her, and everything feels right. Everything clicks.”
“I’m so happy for you. I’ve waited a long time to see you this happy.”
“Me too.”
“You look a lot lighter now than when you walked in.”
“Just the thought of them being here tomorrow, in this house, doesn’t feel right. I’m so angry with them and yet, I couldn’t care less about them. I’m trying to reconcile one with the other. Yes, I would like to see them, but on the other hand, I hope I don’t. The one thing I don’t want to do is talk with them. It’s all…” She waved her hands in the air.
“I understand. Completely. Maybe they could join Edna at her reading tomorrow. That way you don’t have to talk with them, but you can see them, and it will be your choice whether or not you change your mind to talk.”
“Maybe.”
After the food was put away, they joined the other two in the living room. Ainslon settled on the loveseat with Lauren. “What have you two been talking about?”
“Nothing you two need to worry about.” Edna chuckled.
“I see how it is.” Easton raised her feet to the coffee table.
“Nana,” Ainslon said. “Tomorrow you can invite them to your reading if you want to, but I want to make it clear. I do not want them to talk to me.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes.”
“Okay. I’ll let them know.”
Even with her parents’ visit looming, Ainslon felt at peace, at least for the moment, so she wasn’t going to dwell on the what ifs. She was going to enjoy this night for what it was. Time with family.
Ainslon stood back as Edna captivated the kids with all the different voices of the forest animals in the book she’d chosen to read. Justin lent her a camera and tripod to record the reading.
The night before, she’d cried herself to sleep in Lauren’s arms. Edna wouldn’t be around much longer. She had known it for a while, she just didn’t want to acknowledge it. Now she had to.
Excited kids filled the tent and Ainslon had already sold a ton of books. On the opposite side of the tent sat her parents. She felt their eyes on her from time to time. One time their eyes locked, but she had quickly looked away. Seeing them had been enough.
“Ainslon.”
She turned and smiled. “Olivia.” She quickly corrected herself when Olivia grimaced. “Sorry, Ollie.”
Ollie winked. “Better.” She slipped her arm through Ainslon’s. “I wanted to purchase two copies of the book Edna’s reading.”
“Sure.”
“And I wanted to invite you and Lauren to dinner next Saturday. I figured I’d get it in early, so you two don’t make plans.”
Ainslon rang up her sale. “We’re free.”
“Great. Look.” Ollie pulled her to the side, situating them behind her parents. “I just wanted to say how happy I am you came into Lauren’s life. She’s so happy now and that’s all because of you. You’ve brought a peace to her that wasn’t there before. So, thank you.”
“You don’t have to thank me for loving her. It’s as easy as breathing.”
“Love looks good on you both.” Ollie kissed her cheek and walked off.
“How did you know you loved her?”
The words were spoken so softly, Ainslon almost didn’t catch them. She turned slowly to come face to face with her mom, Eileen. She had one of two options and considering she was in her tent, running wasn’t an option she could take.
“It felt like the ocean crashing over me, but I was never afraid of drowning.”
“That’s what your dad says.”
“I know.” Shortly before she came out to him, she asked what falling in love felt like and he’d told her.
“From what Edna has told me about her, she seems like she has a good head on her shoulders,” Eileen said.
“She does.”
Eileen nodded. “Is she the marrying kind? Does she want children?”
“Yes, and yes,” Lauren said from behind them. “But all in due time.”
Eileen nodded. “I want to know she’s taken care of.”
“Very much so. When Edna is gone, she’ll still have Easton, Justin, me, and my family. I fear she’ll never know another day of peace for the rest of her life.”
“It sounds amazing.” Ainslon cleared her throat. “Mom, this is my girlfriend, Lauren. Lauren, this is my mom, Eileen.”
Lauren held out her hand. “It’s nice to meet you, ma’am.”
“You as well.” Eileen fiddled with her necklace, looking from Ainslon to Lauren. “Well
.”
Out of the corner of her eye, Ainslon watched as her dad, Greg, walked up to Eileen.
“Let’s wait for Mom to finish up over there,” Greg said, taking Eileen’s hand.
Ainslon waited with bated breath, but he never addressed her, only took Eileen’s hand and walked off. Good. She didn’t want to talk to him either. Ainslon turned from watching them and slipped her arms around Lauren. “What brings you by?”
“Noe kicked me out of the tent. He said everything was handled and I would only muck up his pace.”
“And the store?”
“Taken care of. Trying to get rid of me?”
“Never.”
“Good. I was hoping we could grab some lunch. I’m sure there’s something we’ll like around here.”
“Sure. Once Nana finishes, we can go.”
“I’m all yours.” After Edna finished reading and greeted everyone, Ainslon and Lauren went in search of lunch.
“What are you in the mood for?” Ainslon asked, slipping her sunglasses on.
“How about egg rolls?”
“Sounds good to me.”
With food in hand they continued their walk until they found a picnic table to settle down at.
Lauren leaned forward. “How are you feeling?”
“I…” she shrugged. “I was angry at first when she spoke, but it quickly vanished. I’ve had my fill of them. I don’t want nor need to see them again.” She slipped her hand under Lauren’s and entangled their fingers. “I’m okay.”
“That’s what I like to hear.” Lauren lifted her hands and kissed Ainslon’s knuckles. “All good?”
“All good.”
“So, after the festival is over, I believe I have something I need to make up for.”
“Oh, what’s that?” Ainslon searched her mind but couldn’t come up with anything.
“I never did finish giving you the tour of C and C.”
“No, I suppose you didn’t. Does that mean I’ll get a demonstration?”
“If you’re good, you will.”
“And if I’m bad?”
“If you’re bad, you’re still good.”
First Edition Romance Page 21