Ainslon threw back her head and laughed. “So, you’re saying you like all of me?”
“Better believe it.” Lauren stood and extended her hand to Ainslon. “After dessert, I’m afraid we’ll have to part company.”
“Oh, what sweet sorrow.”
Lauren rolled her eyes.
After a tasty dessert of deep-fried cheesecake, Ainslon bid bye to Lauren and headed back to her tent. Inside, Edna waved her over from where she sat beside the cash register. A quick glance around confirmed her parents were gone.
“They went to get something to eat.”
“Did you eat?” Ainslon accepted the kiss on her cheek.
“I did. Justin shared his tacos with me. How are you, dear?”
“I’m okay.”
“I told them not to bother you.”
Ainslon nodded. “I didn’t hate talking with her, but I don’t see the need to anymore.”
“You do look like a weight has been lifted.”
“I feel lighter. It’s nice. I’ve held on to so much anger centered around them for so long I wasn’t sure what it felt like to feel this way.”
“I’m glad. The last thing I want is for you to hold on to that anger. It could eventually eat you up.”
Justin walked up to them. “I’m going for a little treat for my sweet tooth. Can I get you ladies anything?”
“Well, how about one of those deep-fried Snickers, dear,” Edna said.
Ainslon glanced at Justin. “Nothing for me. My sugar craving was satisfied by cheesecake.”
“I’ll be back.” Justin turned and hurried away.
“Well, if it wasn’t for them not accepting me, I would have never moved here. I would have never met Easton or Lauren and what a dull life that would have been.” Ainslon wrapped her arms around Edna’s shoulders. “And I would have missed out on you and what a shame that would have been.”
By the time the festival ended on Sunday, exhaustion had fallen full force on Ainslon. With everything going on, she knew better than to wear herself out, but she’d failed. Edna had stopped by earlier for lunch and it’d helped perk her up a little bit. Though Edna’s walk was slower, her spirits were high. It was a hard pill to swallow, but it was inevitable. Ainslon would always cherish the time they spent together and would be there for her no matter what.
Tonight, she was spending the night with Lauren and tomorrow, she was taking the day off to spend with Edna. Edna wanted to talk with her and Easton about something and they’d agreed to have lunch together. She wasn’t looking forward to that conversation. At all.
Once the tent was brought down and put away, she made her way toward Lauren’s tent. On the way, she stopped at a picnic table to admire the multi-colored sky. Her favorite time of day would always be the sunset.
“There you are,” Lauren said. “Are you ready to go?”
Ainslon turned slowly and took in the sight of Lauren. Tall and imposing, wearing a pair of gray slacks and a white silk tank top with a skull pattern, Lauren was gorgeous. Today she wore her hair down. Her ever-present sunglasses were perched on top of her head.
“How did I get so lucky?”
Lauren motioned with her hands down her own body. “I know, right?”
Ainslon laughed and pulled Lauren into her arms, slipping her hands in Lauren’s back pockets. Normally, she wouldn’t show so much PDA, but they were in a more secluded part of the fairgrounds.
“I wonder how I got so lucky as well,” Lauren said. “Everything will be fine.”
“No.” Ainslon shook her head and nuzzled Lauren’s neck. “Everything is changing. Nana. My parents. It’s a lot, but I feel okay.”
“I’m here if you need a shoulder to cry on. Or, someone to let it all out with. Or,” Lauren pulled back. “If you need someone to cuddle on the couch. There doesn’t have to be any talking. There’s a new true crime documentary on Netflix we can watch.”
“I…” Ainslon slid her hands out of Lauren’s pockets and up under the back of her tank. “That sounds good. I don’t want to think tonight. I only want you. No matter the capacity.”
“I can handle that.”
“I’m sure you can. How about a light dinner and a bath?”
“Let’s get out of here.”
An hour and a half later, Ainslon slid into Lauren’s jacuzzi tub and reclined back as Lauren slid in-between her legs and leaned against her chest. Ainslon picked up a washcloth, dipped it in the water, then wrung out the excess water over Lauren’s shoulder.
“I love doing this with you.” Lauren exhaled.
“I do too. Your body was made to fit with mine.” Ainslon dropped the cloth and ran her fingers along Lauren’s sides and up her arms, repeating the process several times. “Do you want me to wash your hair?”
“I would love that.” Lauren raised to allow Ainslon access. Ainslon ran her fingers through Lauren’s hair and scratched her scalp as Lauren moaned. “That feels wonderful.”
Ainslon lathered Lauren’s hair, then took her time massaging her scalp and rinsing the water out. After the shampoo was rinsed out, she kissed Lauren’s shoulder, then up her neck and nibbled her earlobe. “You always taste so good.” She ran her hands down Lauren’s smooth back, then kissed the other shoulder before reclining back and bringing Lauren with her. She lifted her hand and Lauren entangled their fingers. “I love everything about you, sweetheart.”
“The feeling is mutual. Do you want me to wash your hair?”
“In a minute. I want to enjoy the feel of you in my arms right now. It’s been a long week.”
“Then that’s what we will do.”
When the water cooled, they climbed out, dried each other off, and dressed. Lauren directed Ainslon to the bedroom while she made them both a cup of tea.
Ainslon slipped under the covers and leaned against the headboard. She smiled when Shady jumped on the bed and settled down at her feet. The longer they dated, Lauren insisted Ainslon bring Shady over since it wasn’t fair for her to always be alone. Shady had quickly taken to Lauren’s condo and Ainslon had a feeling she might not be able to get her home. It didn’t help that Lauren had bought her a cat tree and several toys to play with. One window in the living room even had a small hammock hanging by it so Shady could see outside.
“Now, that’s what I like to see,” Lauren said. “Two of my favorite girls.” After giving Ainslon her tea, Lauren kissed Shady on the head, then climbed in beside Ainslon.
Ainslon loved these quiet moments. Even face freshly scrubbed and wearing a pair of silk pajamas, Lauren was still breathtaking.
“You’re staring.”
“Sorry.”
“Don’t ever be sorry for looking at me. You can look and touch all you want.”
She finished her tea, then deposited her empty cup on the nightstand. Lauren did the same and they settled in for the night, Ainslon’s arms firmly wrapped around Lauren’s middle.
“Do you want to talk about it yet?” Lauren held tight to Ainslon’s arms.
“I’m not looking forward to lunch tomorrow. I’m not ready.” Why did everything have to be thrown at her at once?
“Edna loves you. You and Easton very much. She’s still here. It’s okay to be sad.” She dislodged Ainslon’s arms and turned, then cupped her cheeks. “It’s okay to cry. You’re going through a lot right now. I don’t want to smother you, but if I could, I’d be with you twenty-four seven just so I could comfort you. I know you’re all right with seeing your parents, but darling, it’s all right to cry. Sometimes a cry is what the doctor ordered.”
Ainslon buried her head in Lauren’s chest. For the first time, she let it all out, knowing Lauren would keep her safe. She clung to Lauren as she smoothed her hands down Ainslon’s back.
“I’ve got you and I’m not going anywhere.”
As Ainslon calmed down and accepted the Kleenex from Lauren, she knew she was never letting this woman go.
After a simple breakfast and a kiss from Lauren, Ainslon le
ft for work. It wasn’t easy to stay focused, but she succeeded by the time Easton came by to pick her up for lunch. Ainslon stared at the passing scenery on their way to Edna’s. Even though Edna said it was just going to be the three of them, Ainslon breathed a sigh of relief when Easton pulled into the empty driveway.
Easton cut the engine and pulled the key out of the ignition, staring straight ahead.
She looked like Ainslon felt. “I’m not ready either.” Ainslon had a feeling this talk wasn’t going to go the way she wanted it to. Recently, Edna had been clingier with them. It was nice but wasn’t normal for the older woman.
“Fuck. I knew we wouldn’t have her forever, but…” Easton scrubbed her hands on her face. “I…fuck.” She slammed her hands on the steering wheel. Ainslon pried her hands away and pulled her into her arms.
Ainslon clung to her as she cried. “I know.”
When Easton pulled back and wiped her eyes, Ainslon handed her a Kleenex. “She’s not gone yet.”
“No,” Easton said with resolve. “She’s not and we best not keep her waiting.” Easton turned to face her. “Remember that time we were late for our curfew?”
“Do I ever. She didn’t even say a word when we walked through the kitchen door.”
“No,” Easton said. “Her face said it all. She didn’t talk to us for a week.”
“It was the worst.” They both sobered. “Let’s not keep her waiting then.”
“Nope.”
Ainslon clung to Easton’s arm even when they walked through the back door. Tears pricked her eyes when the smell hit her.
Easton sniffed loudly. “Is that cinnamon rolls?”
Edna turned from the stove. “Would I make you two anything else when you’re sad?”
“No,” Ainslon choked out, then got herself together with the look Edna directed at her. “With icing,” she finally said.
“I may be old, but I would never forget both of your favorites. Sit down.”
Ainslon and Easton sat on one side of the table. Edna sat across from them.
“Now,” Edna said, when they’d both taken a bite of their roll. “There are a few things I want to say, then I don’t want to talk about this again, since we’ve already talked about this once. Okay?” They both nodded. “I love you both. More than words can say. Just because I’m not here with you doesn’t diminish it one bit. Some people never get the chance to express themselves before their death.” She took a deep breath. “I don’t know when, but I can feel it. I’m tired. More than I have ever been. I know you are both sad, but please don’t be. I’ve made my peace with dying.” They held hands across the table. “I’ve had a wonderful life. More so because of you two.” She patted their hands, then pulled away. “Now. As I said, all my papers are in the living room. Everything’s arranged. No matter what you might think or want, please abide by my wishes.”
Ainslon shared a look with Easton, then they looked back at Edna. “What do you have planned?” It would be like Edna to go out with a bang.
“Now, never you two mind. I’ve lived the life I want and I’m going out the way I want to. You’ve both made me so proud.” Edna stood and motioned for them both to do the same. “We are only going to do this once.” She held her arms open and both rushed into them. “It’s all right.” When their tears dried up, Edna pulled back and cupped their cheeks. “No more tears. I forbid it.”
Ainslon sniffled but nodded.
“Okay,” Easton said.
“You two go get yourselves cleaned up because I want to play Chinese checkers. Can you both stay?”
Nothing would have stopped Ainslon from saying yes. Thankfully, she had already made plans with Justin for this. “Yes.”
Easton nodded. “I’ve been practicing, so you two won’t stand a chance.”
“You wish.” Ainslon bumped her as they both walked out of the kitchen and down the hall. Ainslon stopped when Easton touched her arm. “What?”
“I’m okay now.”
“Me too.” She hadn’t felt this much at peace all week. Yes, losing Edna would be hard, but she felt so much better after hearing Edna’s feelings about it.
A few hours and dozens of games later, Edna had broken out the wine. Ainslon dropped to the floor and leaned back against the couch. Edna was seated on the couch and Easton was sprawled out in the recliner opposite them.
Ainslon sipped her wine. “Thank you for this, Nana. I feel so much better.”
“I do as well,” Edna said. “I invited someone over for dinner. I hope you two don’t mind.”
“Would it matter, Nana?” Easton said. “You already invited them.”
“Watch your smart mouth.”
“Sorry.”
Ainslon chuckled at Easton. She had a feeling she knew the recipient of the call. “I don’t mind you inviting Lauren, Nana.” She knew it wasn’t her parents, so that only left Lauren.
“I don’t either,” Easton said.
“Good, because she is supposed to be here at six-thirty. I was going to order take-out, if that’s okay with you two.”
Easton rose up and swung her legs off the coffee table. “Do you know us at all? Of course take-out is fine.”
“Truer words have never been spoken.” Ainslon raised her glass and they all clinked them together. Ainslon downed the rest of hers when she heard a car pull up outside. She jumped up. “I’ll get it.”
“All right, dear. She’s early.”
Ainslon opened the front door and stepped out onto the porch, softly closing the door behind her. Lauren was still in the car. When she noticed Ainslon, she got out and headed toward her.
Ainslon rested her arms on the railing as Lauren stepped up next to her.
“How was it growing up in this neighborhood?”
“It was wonderful.”
“Did it always look like this? I don’t think I ever explored this part of Garriety.”
“No. There were only a few houses here, up until ten years ago. This part of Garriety had a growth spurt. Easton and I used to ride our bikes up and down this road.” Ainslon rolled her eyes. “That is until Easton decided to try skateboarding.” Ainslon pointed to a stump some ways down the road. “See that stump? She hit that and flew over the skateboard and landed hard. Nana and I both ran to her, but she jumped up, picked up the skateboard, and declared she would be sticking to the bike from now on. Do you know what Nana said?”
“Tell me.”
“She said, ‘Life wouldn’t be worth living if we didn’t take chances from time to time.’ It changed my perspective on life. I took a chance with Justin and our business. I took a chance with you and I’m so glad I did.” Ainslon felt so safe wrapped in Lauren’s arms. “I love you and I can’t wait to see what the future has in store for us.”
“Ditto.”
Once inside, Ainslon took a deep breath. Life was unpredictable but right here, right now, everything was as it should be.
Ainslon picked up her phone. “Let’s take some pictures.”
“Not more pictures,” Easton grumbled but stood and joined the others on the couch.
“Oh, hush, you.” Edna pulled Easton close.
“Say cheese.”
Lauren ended her call, lay her head against the chair back, and stared up at the ceiling. The morning was long, and the afternoon was shaping up to be longer. Ainslon had spent a lot of time with Edna this past week. While Lauren missed their time together, they made time to talk or text and had lunch together three times this week.
She didn’t think she could ever love someone as much as she loved Ainslon. She fell hard and fast.
“I don’t need three guesses to know who put that smile on your face.”
Lauren jumped up and engulfed her mother. “What brings you by?” She ushered her toward the couch in the corner of the room. She hadn’t even heard the door open.
Patricia patted Lauren on the leg. “I was in the area and wanted to see you.” She placed her purse on the floor.
Knowing
her mother, she had another reason for dropping by. “What else besides wanting to see me?” Lauren crossed her arms.
“What’s on your mind? And don’t tell me nothing.”
“Edna’s health is declining and Ainslon, as well as she is coping, she’s sad.”
“Oh, little duck. I’m sorry to hear about Edna. I like her.”
“So do I. It’s been a hard week, but Edna is still in high spirits. She’s still getting around on her own, but I’m sure it’s only a matter of time until she isn’t. Tonight, I had planned a night in with Ainslon, and she agreed, but…”
“But?”
“I feel selfish. Should I be taking time away she could spend with Edna?”
“Don’t be silly. You’re not being selfish and if Ainslon agreed, then she has no issue with it.”
“What if she’s just being polite?”
“Now you listen to me. Ainslon loves you. Just talk with her. Communication is key.”
“I know.”
“What you’re feeling is natural. You feel a little neglected.”
“Yes, but I know this is important to her, and I’m not even sure I should be feeling this way.”
She patted the spot beside her, and Lauren sat. “You’ve been dating for what, five months?”
“Almost.”
“For anyone else, I would say it’s too soon, but not for you. I see the way you look at her and you’ve never been one to give your heart away on a whim. How serious is this?”
A smile made its way to Lauren’s lips. “I love her, Momma. Really love her. Just the thought of her brings a smile to my face. She’s everything. Everything I could ever want. She’s warm and funny. Serious and silly. I can see myself making a life with her. Having a family. I…” She swallowed. “I’ve never felt this way before. Never thought I could fall this fast. It’s like—”
“Like everything is aligned.”
“Yes. I’m a grown woman. I shouldn’t be feeling this needy.”
Patricia laughed. “Little duck, you’re in love. Now, you’re going to go get me some chocolate and later you’re going to spend the evening with Ainslon. Talk to her. I know she will listen.”
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