by Diana Kane
“Probably,” he admits with a grin. “Who is that with her though?”
“I have no idea,” I answer as I take a step in their direction, Uncle Ryan following the unspoken cue.
“Uncle Ryan,” Olivia joyfully greets him when we near the table. I watch as the pair share a hug before Olivia turns to me. “Hey Jordan,” she greets me as we momentarily stare awkwardly at one another before exchanging a quick hug.
“It’s nice to see you,” I share as we part and I spy Olivia’s companion quickly rounding the table towards us.
“You didn’t tell me that you’re related to Jordan Cohen,” she says by way of greeting, her eyes wide and an excited smile on her face.
“We’re not related,” Olivia and I respond in unison, causing my uncles and Dee to snigger.
“Jordan, this is—.”
“Oh my god! Can we take a selfie? I’m a huge fan!” the strange redhead not so quietly requests. My eyes quickly dart around and notice the attention she’s drawn to us.
“Sure,” I answer as the strange woman squeezes against my side and orders me to smile. I obey and even manage to glance at the camera before she snaps the photo. The woman bounces on her toes a few times as four or five more people excitedly mill around. The bravest of the five, a middle-aged woman, approaches me first, starting what I hope will be a very short meet and greet session. We snap a quick selfie, and I glance at Olivia as I finish signing an autograph in time to catch her mouthing the words I’m sorry before she and the stranger leave.
“Sorry guys,” I apologize when I’ve finally satisfied the last fan.
“It’s all right. We know you didn’t enjoy a second of that,” Uncle Eddie replies.
“I don’t hate it. It just gets in the way sometimes.”
“Anyway, who was the fangirl with Olivia?” Uncle Ryan asks.
“Kelly…no…Cindy…no…Cathy? Oh, I don’t remember,” Uncle Eddie finally admits as he looks at Dee. Dee merely shrugs in response.
“She didn’t seem all that interested in us,” Dee adds.
“Well she doesn’t seem like Olivia’s type,” Uncle Ryan adds. “You’ve been spending a lot of time with Olivia,” he says to me. “She hasn’t mentioned dating anyone?”
“Okay, first of all, Olivia and I haven’t been spending that much time together. Second, she hasn’t mentioned that she’s dating anyone to me, so I have no idea.”
“Not that much time? You stayed at her house two straight nights riding out the blizzard,” Uncle Eddie starts. “Not to mention you seem to spend a lot of time at du Pays and hanging out when she isn’t working.”
“Eddie has a point. I don’t spend that kind of time with any of my ex-girlfriends,” Dee unhelpfully adds.
“We’re friends,” I protest.
“Mmmhm,” Uncle Eddie sarcastically hums.
“Nothing is going on between Olivia and me. We’re friends. Nothing more has happened. During the blizzard, she said that she wasn’t seeing anyone. As far as I’m aware, that’s still true.”
“Well, it’s a good thing if she isn’t dating that woman, because Olivia sure couldn’t take her eyes off of Jordan,” Uncle Ryan finally injects himself into the conversation. All three of us turn to focus on him, causing him to laugh. “Come on! I can’t be the only one who noticed.”
“You weren’t,” Dee agrees with a grin.
“I swear that nothing is happening between us. I’m still with Addison.”
“We know,” Uncle Ryan concedes. “Come on guys. We should hit the next wing,” he adds as he starts walking towards the shoe store. I obediently follow, my mind wondering what it was that Uncle Ryan saw. Had Uncle Eddie commented about Olivia watching me, I would have instantly written it off. But Uncle Ryan doesn’t make baseless observations, and Dee isn’t one to support them either.
Chapter 21
“It’s late,” Addison manages through a yawn, her voice raspier than usual. “Come back to bed.” I grunt after looking at the clock and discovering that it’s 4:27 am. “Are you writing?”
“Yes,” I inform her as I keep typing away.
“I’m happy to see that you’re writing, but leave it until morning and come back to bed. It’s not going anywhere before a reasonable waking hour.”
“It’s 7:30 according to my internal clock,” I answer as I continue working. I hear her exasperated sigh as she retreats, leaving me in the unbroken silence that only the predawn hours can offer. It’s a point of contention I’ve faced in all of my past relationships…well all of them except Olivia. But how do you explain to someone that once you have an idea, it's like an obsession or a possession? It nags at you; its pull is like that of the siren’s song. Even when you roll over in the middle of the night, it won't leave you alone, and you either end up scribbling something down on the notebook you keep next to the bed or giving in and getting up to work on it. To deny it would be folly. Once it beckons you, you have to answer, or the words may be lost. Olivia is the only woman who ever understood this. She’d wake up to find me somewhere in the apartment, writing away. She’d make me a cup of coffee before kissing me on the top of the head and going back to bed. I never knew how grateful to her I needed to be for that until much farther down the line. I finish typing the most recent thought then chuckle as the pictures Olivia messaged me of everyone at mom and Scott’s place tonight flash through my mind. Olivia mentioned she planned to stop by after she closed up du Pays. I wasn’t prepared for the crazy photos from the party, Olivia the only sober person in the bunch.
I sigh a few minutes later when I realize that I’ve lost the writing flow. Or is it the journaling flow? Is it a flow if you’re simply updating what basically amounts to a diary? I’m unsure of the answers to those questions, but do know that I still haven’t come up with anything better to write, so why not continue working on the story that keeps pushing to the forefront of my mind? Or maybe it’s still doing that because of Uncle Ryan’s comment about Olivia watching me. I haven’t asked Olivia about it. I’m unsure how I can broach the subject without sounding like I’m making an accusation. Well, at least one of Uncle Eddie and Uncle Ryan’s questions have been answered. It seems that whoever the woman at the mall with Olivia was, that they likely aren’t seeing each other if Olivia didn’t have a New Year’s Eve date.
I close my laptop and look at the other end of the sofa, half expecting to see Artemis and Apollo curled up at my feet. This week has been nice for the most part, but I’m ready to be at home. I miss my furbabies something fierce. I also miss the peace and quiet living in Jupiter Falls provides. But I don’t miss the cold weather, I think as I stand up and make my way towards the back patio. I stretch as I feel the still warm early morning air against my skin. The deep breath I take causes my nose to crinkle slightly as my senses detect the hints of smog that are always in the air here, undetectable to permanent residents, yet easy to pick out now that I live in the country. I tip my head back and look for the stars, but the mix of never-ending lights and slight cloud cover drown them out. I continue my futile search, despite the sound of the door opening behind me.
“What are you doing out here?” Addison sleepily questions as she slides her arms around my waist.
“Getting some air. I’m sorry if I woke you,” I apologize as I place my hands over hers.
“You forgot to disable the security system,” she mumbles as she rests her chin on my shoulder.
“Shit. I don’t know why I always forget about the alarm.”
“It’s all right,” she whispers against my neck as she slides her hands under my shirt. “Does the fact that you’re out here mean you’re taking a writing break?” she asks as her hands glide up my sides to caress my breasts.
“It’s a distinct possibility,” I tease as I press my ass against her hips and she runs the tip of her tongue up my neck before nipping my earlobe. “Did you have something in mind?” I question as I take her right hand and guide it inside my shorts. I gasp as her fingers skim over
my folds, gently teasing my clit.
“Seems a waste not to take advantage when we’re both awake,” she softly croons as her fingers delve between my folds.
“You’re presenting a very persuasive argument,” I murmur as she teases the pad of her finger over my clit. “You must be picking up a few extra skills on set,” I continue as I turn my face towards hers, seeking her lips. She swallows the moan her teasing fingers elicit, as our tongues dance and I press against her, needing a firmer touch.
“Who knew playing a lawyer would have such a positive effect on my personal life?” she purrs as she circles my clit before gently tugging on it. “We should take this inside.”
“Why?”
“You want me to fuck you out here?” she asks, disbelief lacing her tone as her fingers cease their movement.
“Why not?” I ask as I rock my hips against her frozen fingers, trying to maintain my arousal.
“What if someone snaps some pictures, or worse, records us?”
“It wouldn’t be the first time you were caught in a compromising position,” I remind her.
“It would be for you though,” she answers as she pulls her hand out of my shorts. “What’s this really about? Does it have anything to do with Chloe at the party last night?”
“It has everything to do with you coming out here and winding me up.” Addison removes her chin from my shoulder and shoots me a look of disbelief. “Seriously? I might not have known exactly who your flavor of the set was this time around, but I knew there was someone. I have to admit that I thought Chloe would be a little young, but what does it matter?”
“You’re upset,” she states as she releases me.
“You know I don’t care,” I remind her as I turn to face her. “Although I’d caution you to be careful with that kitten. She needs to learn some manners. I don’t believe she was pleased to see me with you. There’s potential for her to make it ugly when filming wraps.”
“I’m not sure what her issue was. She knew you were going to be at the party with me. I’m always upfront about the situation. You’re my girlfriend, and they’re just flings, bed buddies, whatever. She knows once filming wraps I won’t be planning on hopping on a plane to visit her. As for her age, she’s 23. I’m not sure if that qualifies as young, but she’s up and coming in the business.”
“I’m not really interested in what she has been up to, or how often she’s coming. Just be careful. Her behavior tonight wasn’t indicative of someone who knows or accepts that they are just a fling.” I watch as Addison’s brow furrows slightly before her features morph into a somewhat smug smirk.
“Are you jealous?”
“I’m not jealous. But I have a feeling Chloe might be. Jealous women can be unpredictable. Do you really want to be dealing with that level of drama on set or publicly once filming wraps?”
“You have a point,” she admits with a sigh. “I’ll talk to her and make sure she understands how things are. I really should stop thinking with my clit so much,” she mumbles, causing me to laugh.
“We all have our kryptonite,” I answer, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “You’re a good person Addison. You have a big heart, you’re honest to a fault, driven, passionate, and are a great role model to the LBGTQ youth. There’s nothing wrong with having a high sex drive or finding someone to fulfill that need with,” I assure her as I brush a few stray blonde locks back behind her ear.
“Thank you,” she whispers as she pulls me in for a clingy embrace.
“For what?” I query as she presses a kiss to my neck.
“For not judging me or making me feel guilty about my extracurricular flings. I honestly don’t know how you manage a life of celibacy when we’re apart.”
“I take care of myself,” I answer, earning a faint sound of disgust from Addison. “Yes, I know you find masturbation tedious and boring,” I respond through my laughter. “I’ve never been one to participate in a fling or have a fuck buddy though.”
“We’re so different,” she says as she releases me.
“We are,” I agree with a nod. “I think we do a decent job balancing each other out when we’re together though.”
“We do,” she manages before giving me a quick kiss. “If I took a break, would you want to disappear with me for a while?” I stare at Addison dumbfounded, searching her face for any sign that she’s joking. “What?”
“You’re serious?”
“Yeah, I mean, if you’d want to.”
“It’s something I’d do, yes. When are you thinking though? You’re already booked for the eight or nine months following the completion of your current project.”
“I know I am,” she answers, her eyes losing some of the joyful light present seconds ago. “I know it’ll likely be a year from now, but would you consider it?”
“If it’s something you think you’d want to do, of course,” I answer, causing her to smile broadly. “Any thoughts on where you’d want to go?”
“Not yet. We have time to think about it though,” she answers before pulling my hips roughly against hers and hungrily kissing me. “Right now I’d like to take you inside,” she breathes against my lips after ending the kiss.
“So we’re not going to put on a show for that drone I heard a few seconds ago?” Her body instantly stiffens, and her head tips skyward, her chin barely missing my nose as she searches overhead. Her panicked features cause my body to start shaking with suppressed laughter, causing Addison to look back at me in disbelief.
“There wasn’t a drone, was there?” Addison’s narrowed eyes prompt me to release my laughter, causing Addison to shake her head at my deception. “You know you’re going to pay for that, right?”
“I mean, there could have been a drone. Hell, there might even be one now,” I reply, laughing again.
“Not going to repent, are you?” she rhetorically asks as her hands drop to my hips. “Oh Jordan, when will you learn?” she whispers, her evil grin distracting me from her quick movement, rendering me helpless to defend myself as she swoops down and tosses me over her shoulder. I scream in mock protest as she quickly hauls me over to the pool, tossing me in when she reaches the edge.
“Thank god this thing is heated,” I inform her when I surface.
“Thank god I don’t have any neighbors that could hear your screaming,” she laughs as she looks down at me.
“That just means they won’t hear me screaming if you join me,” I retort as I strip off my shirt and toss it at her. She catches it, before throwing it aside as I strip off my shorts.
“I guess if it’s a show that someone wants, it’s a show we’ll give them,” she informs me as she dives into the pool.
Chapter 22
“Sorry I’m late,” I whisper to my mom as I quickly unroll my mat, slip off my shoes and discard my sweatshirt. Fortunately class hasn’t begun yet, but I’m still grateful that mom snagged spots in the back just in case it had by the time I arrived.
“It’s all right. I appreciate you trying this with me,” she whispers back as the instructor begins to speak at the front of the studio. I give mom a quick smile before shifting my focus to the front of the class. I’m not surprised to find it packed, with it likely being one of the first sessions after the New Year. When mom asked if I’d be interested in joining her, I didn’t have the heart to decline or tell her that I’ve been doing yoga for years, especially given that she’s grown increasingly worried about maintaining her weight and staying physically active.
Twenty minutes later I find myself rotating from a twisting triangle pose to the left to the same pose to the right. I rotate away from mom and get into position, allowing my eyes to roam over the students on the other side of the room. I’m just about to close my eyes and focus on feeling the pose when a set ebony locks attached to a figure I’d recognize anywhere alert me to Olivia’s presence. I mean to look away but for some reason continue to stare at her, oblivious to the fact that everyone around me is switching poses. Olivia looks to
her left and smiles at someone, finally drawing my attention away from her. I follow her gaze and spot the red mane contained within a messy bun that can only belong to the woman who fangirled me at the mall before Christmas.
“Jordan,” mom whisper-shouts at me, forcing me to quickly switch into downward dog. I glance at her under my extended arm and mouth the word oops, causing her to smirk at me. I know the look I’m receiving, one that conveys that I’ll be questioned later.
“What happened earlier?” mom asks before draining the last half of the extra bottle of water I brought for her. “I thought you pulled a muscle in your back or something.”
“Nothing like that. I spotted Olivia. I didn’t know she’d be here.” Mom arches her eyebrow as she appraises me but mercifully remains quiet. “Feel like going for breakfast?”