Friends Without Benefits

by Dena Blake

  “Like what?”

  “There’s some fund-raising event they want her to attend. She has to schmooze with people and get them to donate. I don’t like them using her like that.”

  “Because she’ll be talking to other men? Young, attractive, rich men?”

  “In a nutshell, yes.”

  “You told her that and she’s going anyway?”

  He nodded. “She wants me to go with her.”

  Emma shrugged as she topped off her coffee. “So go with her.”

  “I don’t like to watch my wife flirt with other men.” He narrowed his eyes. “You said she didn’t care about the money. She should care more about how I feel than her parents.”

  “Well, maybe there’s more to it than money. Maybe she feels an obligation to her parents. They did raise her, you know.” Emma doubted that was the case, but she threw it out there to make Brent feel better. “I certainly didn’t mean you should dictate where she can and can’t go or what her relationship with her parents should be.” She rolled her eyes. “That’s just ridiculous. She’s not a child.”

  “I don’t like the way they manipulate her.”

  “Sounds like you’re trying to do the same thing.” She popped away from the counter and glanced over her shoulder when she reached the door. “Go with her to the freaking party. She needs to be escorted, so do it.” She shook her head and walked to her office.

  Jesus. Am I the only one around here who has normal parents? That probably wasn’t totally true. Emma’s mom could be ridiculously over the top. Emma had invited Dex for Thanksgiving, and her mom had made way too big a deal out of it. She’d even suggested that her brothers wear ties. Like that would ever fly.

  Chapter Nineteen

  Grace was frantic when Dex arrived at her house just before eleven. The kitchen was a disaster. Grace hadn’t even put the turkey in the oven yet. She’d made the dressing and stuffed it in the turkey somehow, but there seemed to be more stuffing in the pan than in the bird.

  “Dex, where have you been? I’m running so behind. I don’t know what to do first.” Grace’s frazzled expression was totally out of character.

  “I’ve been at the homeless shelter, like every Thanksgiving for as long as I can remember.”

  “Oh, shit. I forgot about that.” Grace took in a deep breath and let it out. “I should’ve come with you.”

  “No worries. I knew you were busy.” She’d planned on going straight to Emma’s until she received the 911 call from Grace. “We need to get the bird in the oven. Do you have an extra apron?” Dex rolled up her sleeves and washed her hands.

  Grace took one out of the pantry, slid it over Dex’s neck, and reached around to tie it behind her back. She kissed Dex on the cheek and backed up. “You’re a lifesaver, Dex.”

  Dex took in the scent of Grace’s perfume and tried to settle the feelings it stirred within her. She squatted and took out as many oven-safe bowls as she could find. This was going to take some work.

  “I need foil,” she said as she swiped a serving spoon from the utensil holder near the stove. She spooned the extra dressing into one of the bowls and slid it over to Grace, who covered it with the foil.

  “Sweet potatoes?” Dex scanned the counter.

  Grace spun around and took a bowl from the refrigerator. “I baked them last night, like you told me.”

  “Great. They need to be peeled and cut up.” She slipped the meat of the sweet potato out of the skin, cut it into chunks, and put them in another dish. “Just like this.” She spun around to the pantry and took out the brown sugar. “I’ll make the syrup.”

  “Okay.” Grace nodded and started working on the remaining sweet potatoes.

  The rest of the food prep went smoothly, and they had all the dishes in the oven within an hour, with the exception of the mashed potatoes.

  Grace was clearly frustrated with the whole situation. “This is ridiculous. I can’t believe my parents went out of town.” She dropped the last of the dirty bowls into the sink. “I don’t know how Brent thought I was going to prepare a complete Thanksgiving dinner for eight people, nine, including you, while he watches football.”

  “I can’t stay.”

  “What? Everyone’s going to be here soon. I can’t do this all by myself. I need you.”

  “All you have to do is take everything out of the oven and uncover the dishes.” She pointed to a list she’d made. “Everything you need to do is right here. I’m sure some of your guests will offer to help.” Dex had purposely put everything in oven-proof serving dishes to make it easier. She’d done this many times before when she’d brought food out for her work crew and spread it out in the back of her SUV. It was the best way to serve a group.

  “What about the turkey?”

  “It’ll take about three hours. It should come out of the oven about three o’clock. Brent can take out the turkey and carve it. He could’ve probably helped you with all this if you’d asked him.” She took off the apron Grace had loaned her. “You’ve got this, Grace. Now, I gotta go. I’m already late.”

  “Just stay until everything comes out of the oven. Have a glass of wine with me. Juni won’t care.”

  “I’m not going to Juni’s. I’m going to Emma’s parents’.”

  “You’re meeting her parents?”

  “Yeah, and I’m late.” She took her coat from the back of the chair and put it on. “I really gotta go.”

  “Keep your phone close.”

  Dex gave her a thumbs-up as she took off out the door. She was already an hour late. Thankfully, Emma’s family ate dinner later than most. She was super nervous, and now she was going to probably slide in just in time for dinner. She’d wanted to make a good impression, but that had gone right out the window. She should’ve never agreed to help Grace today, but the desperate plea she’d given her when she’d called had sucked her in.

  * * *

  Emma rushed to the door as soon as she heard the bell ring. Dex had sent her a text letting her know she’d had to stop by Grace’s on the way and would be there in twenty minutes. She’d thought Grace had backed off, but it seemed she’d only become invisible to Emma, tugging at Dex when they weren’t together. She stopped for a minute and tamped down her frustration before she pulled open the door.

  “Wow. Absolutely wow,” Dex said as her eyes roamed Emma from head to toe before she stepped in and kissed her.

  “Hey, you.” She melted into her arms and instantly forgave Dex. It was hard to stay angry at the woman who made her heartbeat double at just the sight of her. She’d never had a woman gaze at her with such desire as Dex did.

  “I didn’t realize your folks lived so close to my house.” She handed Emma the bottle of wine she’d brought and took off her coat. Emma opened the closet and took out a hanger for her. She slid her coat on it and hung it on the rod. “How long have they lived here?”

  “Since I was a child.”

  “Nice. I love these old craftsman-style homes. This is so much bigger than mine.”

  “Come on. Let’s get you a drink.” Emma looped her arm in Dex’s and pulled her from the foyer.

  “I may need more than one tonight.”

  “Don’t be nervous. They’re just like your parents.”

  “No parents are like mine.”

  Emma raised an eyebrow. “That sounds intriguing.”

  “Let’s just say they’re unique and leave it at that.”

  “I’ll take that for now.” She tugged her close and led her into the living room. “Hey, everyone, this is my…Dex.” She wasn’t sure how to introduce her. They hadn’t really discussed their status, and she didn’t want to overstep.

  “This is my family. My mom, Gloria. Most everyone calls her Glo.” She pointed to the two guys on the couch. “My brothers Jeff and Zack. Jeff’s better half, Judy, should be around here somewhere too.”

  She stepped out of the kitchen and waved. “Present and accounted for.” Then Emma glanced toward her dad in the recliner. �
��And my dad, Bill.”

  He popped the recliner forward, got up, and held out his hand. “Bill, Emma’s dad.”

  Dex smiled and shook his hand. “Dex.” She gave Emma a sideways glance. “Emma’s girlfriend. I think.”

  Emma couldn’t hold back the huge smile that took over her face. “Yes, my girlfriend,” she said softly. The feeling of joy was overwhelming. Emma couldn’t wait to get Dex alone and kiss her senseless, and as soon as the introductions were finished she pulled her into the den and did just that.

  “Uck, Aunt Emma.” The tiny voices echoed through Emma’s head. She broke the kiss and smiled. “These are my nephews, Tyler and Jake.”

  They peered over the sofa at them. Shoes were off and flipped sideways by the TV in front of them, and their hair and clothes were totally tousled, as though they’d been wresting for the past hour.

  “They look comfortable. Can we hang out in here?”

  The boys paused the video game they’d been playing and stared up at them.

  “Mario Kart?” Dex asked.

  “Yeah. You wanna play?”

  “Maybe in a little while, boys.” Emma answered for Dex, and they went back to playing the game. She tugged Dex closer and rested her forehead against Dex’s. “I’m not done kissing you.”

  “What about the boys?”

  “I don’t care. Did you mean what you said out there about you being my girlfriend?” Emma trembled. She never thought she’d feel this way about anyone again.

  “That’s okay, right? I mean, I didn’t just out you, did I?”

  Emma chuckled. “No, you didn’t out me. My parents have known since I was thirteen.”

  “Then I absolutely meant it.” Dex kissed her again, and Emma reacted in ways she was only beginning to understand.

  Emma let out a growl. “I can’t wait for this dinner to be over.” She took Dex’s hand and led her to the kitchen, where her mother and Judy were setting out appetizers.

  Dex fielded all Emma’s mom’s questions with humor and finesse, which had seemed to win her over quickly. As soon as the inquisition was done, Glo sent Dex into the living room to watch football with the guys, while she, Emma, and Judy, finished getting the food ready. Dex had been reluctant to go. She’d wanted to stay and help, but Emma had kissed her softly and told her it was okay. Both her mother and Judy gave Dex their stamp of approval, which made Emma happy.

  After helping in the kitchen with the dinner prep, Emma found that the boys had swept Dex into the den to play Mario Kart and were totally kicking her ass.

  “I have no idea when I lost my gaming skills, but I’m clearly not up to the competition in this household.”

  “It’s the tiny fingers. They move faster.” Emma laughed. “Come on, boys. It’s turkey time.”

  They’d just sat down to dinner at the extended dining-room table when Dex’s phone rang. Dex took it out of her pocket, and Emma could see on the screen that it was Grace.

  “I’ll be right back,” Dex said as she got up and went into the kitchen. Emma was tempted to follow but restrained herself. It was only a few minutes before Dex came back through the door.

  “Sorry about that. A friend needed marshmallow advice. It’s her first Thanksgiving dinner.” She pointed to the dish of sweet potatoes on the table.

  “Marshmallows can be difficult,” Emma’s mother said as she picked them up and passed them to her left. “One minute they’re perfect, and the next they’re up in flames.”

  “I don’t doubt that is happening at this very moment.” Everyone at the table laughed. Then Dex’s phone rang again. “Right on cue.” She hopped up and went back into the kitchen.

  “Sounds like she’s a good friend to whoever that is on the phone.”

  “Yes, the best.” Emma held her tongue. This wasn’t the time or place to talk about Grace.

  Dex slid into her chair. “My friend, Grace, again. Sorry about that.” She set her phone on the table. “You have a wonderful home here, and your yard is impeccable.”

  “Thanks. I don’t have the energy to keep it up like I used to,” Bill said.

  “I’d be happy to trim up the holly bushes and shape the crepe myrtles for you.”

  “You like to work in the yard?”

  “Dex has her own landscaping business.” Emma rubbed her hand across Dex’s back. “I bet she’d do wonders with it.”

  “I don’t know. I’ve never thought about paying someone to do yard work.”

  “I’d be happy to do it for free.” Her phone buzzed on the table, and she glanced at it.

  “Seriously? Again?” Emma rolled her eyes. “This is too much, Dex.” Would there ever be a day when Grace wouldn’t be front and center in Dex’s life?

  “Is that your friend again?” Emma’s mother asked.

  “I’m so sorry.” Dex started to get up.

  Emma’s mother motioned toward her with her fingers. “Hand it to me.”

  Dex glanced at Emma and then reluctantly handed it over.

  “Hello, Grace, sweetheart. I hear this is your first Thanksgiving dinner and you’re having a hard time.” She bobbed her head up and down. “Oh, that’s just miserable. Tell you what. Just scrape those marshmallows off and put on a whole new batch. This time when you put them in the oven, leave the door open just a tad and watch them. As soon as they start to brown, yank them out.” She listened for a minute. “Don’t worry, honey. It happens to all of us.” She pushed her glasses up on her nose. “Now if you have any more trouble, just call back, and I’ll be happy to help.” She nodded. “You too, honey.” She hit the end button on the phone and held it in her hand. “She’ll be fine.” Instead of handing Dex the phone, she slid it onto the buffet behind her. “You relax, and let the expert field her questions.”

  “Okay,” Dex said and gave Emma a sly smile.

  Glo fielded at least three more phone calls during dinner and shooed Emma and Dex to the living room after most of the dishes had been done.

  As soon as they settled in, the microwave began to beep. “Should I get that for her?”

  Emma shook her head, knowing her mother had put her coffee in for a warm-up. “She’ll find it.”

  When Dex’s phone rang again, she heard Glo shout from the kitchen. “Still? Dinner should be over by now.”

  Dex seemed to recognize the number on the screen. “False alarm. It’s my mom.” She hit the button and pressed the phone to her ear. “Hey, Mom.” Dex smiled, hit the speaker button, and put the phone between her and Emma.

  “Happy Thanksgiving, honey.” They listened as both her parents’ voices came through loud and clear.

  “Happy Thanksgiving. Wow, this connection is great. Are you back in the States?”

  “No. We’re still in Thailand rebuilding houses. Your dad finagled some internet time from his boss.” Dex smiled at Emma as she spoke. “Are you with your sister?”

  “No. I’m at my girlfriend’s parents’.”

  “What? When did that happen? Is she nice? What’s her name?”

  “It’s new, but yes, she is. Emma.”

  Emma gave her a sideways glance, and she winked.

  “I’m glad to hear that, honey. You’ll have to tell us all about her.” There was silence, and she knew her parents were waiting for more information.

  “I will. Soon. I promise. Hey, Mr. Anderson at the homeless shelter says hello. He misses your help and wants to know when you’ll be back. Says you’re a born organizer and he needs you.”

  “Tell him hello back, but it’s going to be a few more months before we come that way again. There’s still plenty to be done here. I’m teaching English now as well.”

  “Oh, wow. That’s awesome, Mom. He thought as much but wanted me to tell you anyway. We all miss you guys.”

  Dex’s voice deflated and Emma felt sad. She’d never thought about what it would be like not having her parents close.

  “We miss you too. We’ll call again tomorrow. Now you go enjoy yourself.”

  “
Thanks, Mom. I love you.”

  “We love you too, honey.”

  She hit the End button, smiled at Emma, and said, “Mary and Craig, my mom and dad.”

  “I gathered.” She smiled. “Are you okay?”

  “I’m awesome. You?” Dex asked.

  She nodded “I guess it’s official now, huh?”

  Dex smiled. “Totally.” She gave her a soft kiss on the lips.

  Bill interrupted their moment when he flopped into the recliner next to the love seat, stretched out his legs, and pointed at Emma’s brothers, who were half dozing. After dinner, they’d each immediately loosened their belts a notch and taken half of the couch. “So who’s going to help with the lights this weekend?”

  They stared at each other and shifted in their seats, waiting each other out to see who would speak first. They always did this when they weren’t delivering the news Bill wanted to hear.

  “I’ve got my own to do,” Jeff said.

  “I have to work. It’s Black Friday weekend,” Zack chimed in.

  “You can’t spare a few hours to help your old dad out. You know I can’t do it myself, and we can’t be the only house on the block without lights.”

  “No, we can’t have that,” Glo shouted from the kitchen.

  “I can probably break away on Sunday for a little while.” Jeff eyed Zack. “Will that work for you?”

  Zack nodded but didn’t offer any information about what his Sunday was like.

  “I can help. It’ll get done a lot faster with more hands,” Dex said. “I hang lights in the winter to supplement,” she added when they all gawked at her.

  Bill’s eyebrows rose. “Look at that, boys. She hangs lights.” He glanced over at Emma. “I think you’ve got yourself a prize this time, Em. Don’t scare her away.”

  “Dad. You’ve had too much wine.”

  “Nope. Just enough.” He winked. “Right, Dex?”

  “Right.”

  The microwave must have beeped a hundred times before Emma heard her mother shout, “Where the hell is my coffee?”

  “In the microwave, Mom. You put it in there about a half hour ago.” Emma glanced at Dex, who was grinning widely.