(Author's Note: For anyone who’s not a longtime viewer of GL, I feel
compelled to mention that any information in this chapter concerning Rafe’s
past, including details of any crimes, is based on actual show history and is
not a figment of my imagination.)
Natalia had spent the evening growing more and more distressed when there was
no sign of her son. Finally she’d grabbed the handset and called Daisy. She’d
already tried to call Rafe, but either his cell phone was off or he just wasn’t
answering. Daisy told her she’d seen him, and yes, he was upset. She also
readily admitted Rafe had told her why, but to Natalia’s surprise, Daisy
seemed sympathetic to her. In fact, she said she’d told Rafe that while she
didn’t know Olivia really well, she’d always liked her, and she thought it
was great his mom had found true love. Natalia was amazed at Daisy’s attitude,
but then maybe she was more typical of her generation than her son.
Unfortunately, Daisy also said Rafe had gotten mad at her and stomped off, and
she had no idea where he might be headed.
Natalia briefly considered calling Frank, because she felt fairly certain he’d
be next on Rafe’s list, but she just couldn’t bring herself to do it. She’d
just have to pray her son would come home soon and the two of them would be able
to work through all this.
******************************
"Have a seat," Olivia said, motioning toward the couch.
"I don’t want to sit down," Rafe said.
"Well, what do you want then?" Olivia could tell Rafe was angry.
She would have to be an idiot not to notice the menacing scowl on his face. She’d
seen him like this before. In fact, it occurred to her this was probably exactly
how he looked when he’d pointed a gun at Jeffrey.
"I want you to stay away from my mom," Rafe said, his voice
increasing in volume with each word.
Olivia gazed at him steadily. "Why?"
"Why? You ... you’re ... because it’s wrong, that’s
why."
"Rafe, I’m not going to try to have a discussion with you about
religion. You’ll have to talk to someone else about things like that."
"I didn’t come here to talk about religion."
"But I will talk with you about your mother," Olivia continued. Her
eyes flickered over Natalia’s beloved son. He was wearing baggy khaki shorts,
a white baseball jersey, and an aggressive expression. He was a good-looking
kid, but in her opinion he was otherwise nothing like his father, who’d never
had a completely out-of-control temper like his son. I sure hope you’re
going to your anger management sessions. From the looks of you, I’m thinking
maybe you should double up on those.
"I can’t believe what you’ve done to her."
"You mean you can’t believe I love her?"
"I can’t believe you’ve done something to her to make her think she
loves you. How did you do that, anyway?"
Olivia regarded her angry visitor cooly. "You should be ashamed of
yourself."
"Me?"
"Yes, you! Look at how you treat your mother. She sacrificed
everything for you, Rafe, and she’s spent her entire life working hard to make
sure you had everything you needed. And just look at how you repay her! She
tells you she’s in love, and you treat her like she’s a criminal."
"She shouldn’t be with you!"
"What the hell business is it of yours who your mother is with? Do you
ask her permission before you ask a girl out?"
"No, but ..."
"I thought you wanted your mother to be happy."
"I do."
"Well, guess what. She’s happy with me."
"That’s wrong."
"So loving someone is wrong?"
"No, but two women together is wrong."
"Your mother struggled with that, but I know she prayed about it till
she came to peace with it," Olivia said. Shit, Natalia should be the one
to tell him about that. "You know what? You’re incredibly lucky to
have such an amazing mother, but it makes me sick to see how you treat
her."
Rafe looked as though he was about to say something, but he didn’t. He just
stood there glowering.
"You talk about your religion. Well, I’m no expert, but I think
somewhere in the Bible it says something about honoring your mother and your
father."
"Yeah, but ..."
"But what? Only when it’s convenient for you? Yeah, I’m sure that
must be what God meant." Olivia could feel her temper attempting to break
free of its traces and briefly gave thought to trying to rein it back in. Nah,
screw it. I’m sick of this shit. "It also says ‘judge not lest ye
be judged,’ but for heaven’s sake, Rafe, you’re one of the most judgmental
people I’ve ever been around."
"That’s not fair."
"Oh, really? Well, personally I don’t think you have room to be
judging other people, Rafe."
"What’s that supposed to mean?"
"Well, let’s see ... you mugged Josh Lewis for money when you first
came to town, and you actually cut him with your knife. Then a few days later in
juvie you tore a phone off the wall and used it to assault Coop Bradshaw, who
was only there to teach some classes. Later you stole candy off a guard, and
when he found out, you fought with him and grabbed his gun. Your own father had
to stop you that time. And then, as if all that weren’t enough, you shot the
DA and ended up in prison, so who are you to be pointing a finger at anyone else
for their behavior? And you especially shouldn’t be judging your own mother,
who, as you should know, is a near saint."
"That’s not fair!" Rafe snapped.
"Oh, really? And not listening to your mother is fair? Not honoring her
is fair? Judging her is fair? Not even trying to understand is fair?"
"You just want to ruin her life."
"Why the hell would I want to do that? I love her! We fell in
love. And yes, we were both surprised and we were both scared at first, but you
know what? It is what is it, as your mother would say, and what it is is
love."
"It’s hard to believe my mom would fall in love with another
woman."
"Look, Rafe," Olivia said in a softer tone. "I can understand
how you’d be shocked. Hell, I was shocked. Your mother was shocked. But
you know what? The important thing is we love each other, and we’re happy
together. I’d do anything for your mother." Olivia watched him for
a moment, trying to gauge if anything was penetrating that thick skull of his.
"Haven’t you ever been in love?"
"Yeah."
"With Daisy, right?"
Rafe nodded.
"What if I’d come to you and told you I thought that was wrong."
Rafe frowned. "Why would you?"
"What difference does it make? You’re not giving me a choice about
hearing your opinions about who I love. The point is would you have stopped
loving her if your mom or I or Daisy’s family had told you to?"
"No, but I don’t see what that has to do with this."
Christ! Sometimes it’s hard to believe you came from Gus and Natalia.
"I think maybe the part you’re not getting is it’s not up to you who
your mom loves. Like it or hate it, she loves me, Rafe, and I love her. We’re
happy together. Doesn’t that mean anything to you? Don’t you want your
mother to be happy?"
"Of course, I do, just not with you."
"That’s the part that’s not up to you. She is happy with me.
Now are you going to grow up and show your mom some respect and try to accept
her choices, or are you going to make your mom’s life a living hell just
because you don’t approve?"
"But the church ..."
"I told you that you should talk to someone else about the religious
stuff, not me. I’m not trying to tell you what to believe. You should be able
to believe whatever you wish, but I can see you’re cherry-picking which
teachings to follow and which to ignore, which is pretty much the definition of
‘hypocrisy.’"
"What do you mean by that?"
"It means you think it’s wrong for your mother and me to love each
other, but you think it’s fine for you to judge us." Boy, he looks
livid. Well, fine. Somebody needs to tell him the facts of life, and it looks
like that someone is me.
"I’m not judging my mother."
Olivia laughed. "Come on, Rafe. I know you’re smarter than that. You are
judging her. And why? Because she loves someone you don’t approve of, someone
you don’t like, but didn’t she tell you how happy she is with me?"
Rafe shook his head, his belligerence palpable. "She should have married
Frank."
"Oh, really? Well, you know what? I thought you really loved your
mother, Rafe, but when you come up with complete crap like that, I have my
doubts."
"Of course I love my mother. How dare you say that?"
"You love your mother, but you’d want her to marry a man she doesn’t
love? A man who just hurt her enough to leave ugly black bruises? A man who’s
starting to scare her?"
"He didn’t mean to hurt her."
Jesus Christ! What in the hell will it take to get through to you? If I didn’t
know better, I’d think Frank was your real father and you’d come by this
whole "not listening" thing honestly. "Rafe, I’m so
disappointed in you. I know you and I don’t see eye to eye on a lot of things,
but I truly thought you cared about your mother. I really thought you loved her
and would protect her."
"That’s what I’m trying to do."
"You want to protect her by trying to bully the person she loves into
staying away from her? You want to protect her by hoping to see her with a man
she not only doesn’t love, but fears? That’s not love, Rafe. That’s
control. Control has nothing to do with love."
"What do you know about love?"
Olivia’s expression softened. "Before your mom, not a lot. She taught
me what real love is."
"I don’t believe you."
"Fine, don’t believe me. Hate me. Whatever. But you owe it to your
mother to look at your own behavior and see what you’re doing to her."
"I would never hurt my mother."
"Rafe, she came over here right after you walked out on her in the park.
Trust me. You hurt your mother. You really hurt her, Rafe. Now what are you
going to do about it?"
Rafe seemed on the verge of hurling another insult, but instead he spun
toward the door, flung it open, and left, leaving the door wide open in his
wake.
Olivia sighed and slowly walked over to close it. Gee, that went really
well.
******************************
Natalia was startled when the phone rang, but she sat up on the edge of her
bed and grabbed the handset off the night stand. "Hello?"
"Natalia?"
"Olivia, I’m so glad you called." Suddenly her world didn’t
feel so cold and dark.
"I wanted to let you know your son just paid me a little visit."
"Oh no. Was he angry?"
"Yes, I think it’s safe to say he was angry."
"What did he say?"
"Oh, I think you can probably guess."
"I’m afraid to."
"He told me to stay away from you."
"What did you say to him?" Natalia could feel her muscles
clenching. Olivia didn’t need to tell her the conversation had gone badly. She
knew in her heart it had.
"I told him I loved you."
"Is that all?"
"I might have mentioned he should show you some respect."
"I’m sure he loved hearing that."
"Not so much, actually. I also suggested he take a look at his own
behavior before he goes around judging other people."
"Do you think you got through to him?"
"No, not really."
"I’m sorry if my son disrespected you, Olivia. I’m just so
sorry."
"I don’t want you to worry about that. I can tell you one thing,
though. I’m going to delay letting Emma come home for at least a little while
longer. I don’t want her around the level of anger I saw in Rafe
tonight."
Natalia’s head dropped forward and her eyes welled with tears.
"No," she said slowly, "that wouldn’t be good for a little
girl."
"I just talked with Ava about it. The good news is Emma’s having so
much fun out there that she hasn’t been begging to come home yet. She’s
missing day camp, but it’ll still be here when she comes home."
"Olivia, I’m just so sorry."
"Listen to me. This is not your fault."
"He’s my son."
"I know, but he’s plenty old enough to know better. This is all on
him, not you."
After they finally hung up, Natalia felt even more depressed about her son.
Where had she gone wrong that her son behaved the way he did sometimes? She
thought about her last visit with Sister Anne, in which the nun had encouraged
her to take control of her life, saying it was not only the right thing for her,
but also the most loving thing she could do for her son. That advice was making
more and more sense as time went by.
Natalia was almost asleep when she heard the downstairs door open. She hoped
it was Rafe, but the sudden adrenaline rush that swept through her body was
clear evidence she wasn’t sure. She pushed away thoughts of Frank and Jacob
and other scary things that might come out of the darkness of night and pulled
on a robe. When she got to the top of the stairs, she hesitated, afraid of what
she might find down there.
"Rafael?" she called out hesitantly.
"Yeah."
Her relief was immense, not just that it wasn’t an intruder, but that her
son really had come home. That has to be a good sign, right? She started
down the stairs and met Rafe halfway. "I’m so glad you’re here,"
she said.
"I’m not staying," he said, avoiding looking at her.
"What? Why not?"
"I talked to Frank."
Natalia could feel her stomach lurch. "You did?"
"Yeah, it helps to talk to him."
She wasn’t sure what to say or what to ask him.
"He’s going out of town for at least a couple of days, and he said I
could stay at his place."
"You’re going to stay at Frank’s?"
"Yeah, I want to be alone."
"I was hoping we could talk."
"What else is there to talk about?"
"I just want you to understand about me and Olivia."
"Well, I don’t."
Rafe pushed past his mother and continued up the stairs to his room where he
began to stuff clothing and other items into his backpack. Natalia went in after
him.
"Then stay and talk with me. Maybe I can help you understand."
He stuffed his baseball mitt in on top of his clothes, zipped the backpack
closed, and hefted it onto his shoulder. "Why her? I just don’t
get it."
"Because the more I got to know her, the more I discovered how wonderful
she is."
"Olivia Spencer?"
"Yes. Rafe, I’ve told you about some of the things she’s done for
both of us."
"But what about when she took the house?"
Natalia looked at him for a moment, trying to think of a way to reach him.
"Have you ever done anything you regretted?"
The anger in Rafe’s face seemed to fade somewhat and his eyes dropped to
the floor before returning to his mother’s face. "Yeah."
"Do you want people judging the person you are today, the person you
want to be in the future, based on the things you’ve done in the past that you’ve
come to regret?"
He looked down again and this time he didn’t look back up. "No."
"Why do you hold a harsher standard for Olivia than you do for yourself
or for me or ... or for Frank?"
Rafe slowly shook his head.
"Is it because of your father’s heart?" Natalia watched her son’s
face harden again.
He shrugged.
"Rafael, there was nothing the doctors could do to save your father.
Before he died, he did everything in his power to try to get Olivia to the top
of the donor list and to keep her from giving up hope. He loved her. If he could
have had a say, I have no doubt he would’ve agreed with my decision to allow
the donation." She could see a hint of tears in Rafe’s eyes.
"It just seems wrong that he died and she lived."
"I know you feel bad your father died, especially just when you were
getting to know him, but it’s not Olivia’s fault he died. It was God’s
will. You’ve got to stop blaming Olivia, Rafael." Natalia thought she saw
a slight nod of his head. Maybe I got through to you this time.
"Rafael?"
"Yeah, I hear what you’re saying. I guess I’ve always blamed Olivia
for living when my dad died."
"But can you see it’s not her fault?"
"Yeah."
Natalia thought he looked a little lost, just like when he was a small boy
and something went wrong in his little universe. She drew him into a hug, and to
her relief she felt his arms encircle her waist. "I love you so much,"
she said.
"I love you, too, Ma."
"Everything’s going to be okay," she continued. "You’re
getting your life back on track. You’re working and you’ll be starting
classes in the fall. Everything will work out. You’ll see."
Rafe nodded.
"Look, it’s late. Why don’t you stay here tonight and then in the
morning you can decide what you want to do next, okay?"
Rafe dropped his backpack onto the floor and sat on the edge of his bed.
"I guess I could do that."
"All right, Rafael." She kissed the top of his head and started to
leave.
"Is she going to be moving in here?"
Natalia stopped in the doorway, startled by the sudden question, and slowly
turned back to face her son. "Nothing’s going to change right now."
"But you want her to live here, right?"
"Yes, I do."
Abruptly Rafe grabbed his backpack and headed out the door of his bedroom and
down the stairs. Natalia followed him to the landing.
"Rafael, wait!"
He turned back with an angry scowl. "I won’t live here if she’s
going to move in."
"She’s not moving in right now. We both know you need time to get used
to the idea of ... us."
"I’m just telling you. Either I live here or she does, but we can’t
both live under the same roof. You choose."
Rafe quickly passed through the living room, and then Natalia could hear her
car start up.
There it was, the thing she’d dreaded. Her son wanted to force her to
choose between him and the woman she loved.
******************************
Chapter 82
Olivia woke earlier than she wanted and pried one eye open just enough to see
the green LED display on the clock on the night stand, which confirmed her
suspicions it was too early to be awake, even though it was nearly eight. She
knew she didn’t have a meeting until late morning and had hoped to sleep in;
however, nightmares about an angry young man had pushed her to flee dreamland,
and now she debated whether to just give in and get up, or try to get her dreams
focused back on a more pleasant subject, such as the angry young man’s
beautiful mother.
An unexpected knock on the door made the decision for her, and reluctantly
she dragged herself out of bed and stumbled in the general direction of the
door, though her powers of navigation seemed to be alarmingly compromised. God,
you’d think I was drunk. I’m so not a morning person. When she finally
reached the door, she leaned her forehead against the cool wood for a moment
before cracking it open enough to see who was there. To her surprise, it was
Natalia. I guess Rafe didn’t go home, otherwise there’s no way you’d be
here so soon.
She opened the door wider, and Natalia stepped over the threshold and then
stood uncertainly in the middle of the room. Olivia noted she was already
dressed for work, but looked as though she hadn’t slept in recent months.
Unsure what to say, she just held her arms open and Natalia immediately stepped
into her embrace. As soon as Olivia hugged her, she could feel the tension in
her body. This isn’t good. I thought sure he’d go back home after he left
here last night.
Natalia was the first to pull back. "Have you eaten anything yet?"
Olivia shook her head.
"I’ll order you something. What are you in the mood for? Pancakes?
Omelet?"
"Omelet sounds good, and, of course, coffee." For the first
time Olivia saw a hint of a smile and a brief glimpse of dimples that
disappeared all too quickly.
"Of course."
"I hope you’re eating with me." Olivia smiled with relief when
Natalia nodded. She sat on the couch and leaned her head back with her eyes
closed while her unexpected, but totally gorgeous, visitor called room service.
Afterward, she was surprised when she heard Natalia sit at the desk instead of
joining her on the couch. Hard to give you a morning kiss with you way the
hell over there. Or ... maybe that’s why you’re way over there in the first
place.
She opened her eyes to see if she could tell something from Natalia’s
expression. Olivia thought she looked beautiful in her dark blue skirt and
blazer with a white blouse that provided a perfect contrast to her dark hair and
eyes, but her expression was alarmingly grim.
"Maybe you should tell me what’s wrong," Olivia said.
"I think we should wait till you’ve had some coffee ... and
food," Natalia said. "It’ll keep."
Wow, this is gonna be bad, isn’t it? "All right, how about if I
take a shower real quick then?"
Natalia nodded and Olivia pushed herself up and headed for the bathroom. By
the time she finished and returned to the main room wearing a fluffy white robe
over her matching pink bra and panties, the breakfast cart was there and Natalia
was setting food out on the coffee table.
Neither spoke. Natalia seemed distracted, and Olivia was becoming
increasingly worried about her solemn demeanor. I’m sure something’s
wrong. I wish you’d just spit it out. She knew Natalia well enough to
realize there was no way she’d tell her anything until she saw Olivia get some
food down, so Olivia simply resigned herself to her fate: She’d have to wait
till the breakfast police was satisfied before she could find out what was going
on.
Natalia set a cup of coffee in front of Olivia, much to her relief. She was
having trouble tracking and hoped a jolt of caffeine would sharpen her wits,
what few she could muster. When she was halfway through her omelet, she set her
fork down, noting Natalia had barely touched her own breakfast.
"Please tell me what’s wrong," Olivia said.
"Rafe came home last night."
"Really? That’s good." No, wait. You still look upset.
"It’s not good?"
"At first I was really happy he’d come home."
"Did you argue?"
"Not really. In fact, I think I made some headway with him."
Olivia picked up her coffee and drained the remainder. I’ve got to wake
up ‘cause I’m just not seeing the problem here. "I’m glad, but
... you look upset, so I know something else must have happened."
Natalia got up to get the coffeepot off the cart and refilled Olivia’s cup
before sitting back down on the couch. "When he first got home, he started
packing a bag to go stay at Frank’s. He said Frank was going to be out of town
for a couple of days, and Rafe said he wanted to be alone to think."
"Okay, I’m not surprised he went to see Frank. Did he tell you
anything Frank said?"
"No, but Rafe and I talked about ... well, about a lot of things."
"Like me?" Hey, I know I was a prime topic of conversation. How
could I not be with Rafe so pissy about me loving his mom? Olivia thought
for a moment. Or rather pissy about his mom loving me. I don’t think he
gives a damn what I feel or think.
"Yes, your name came up."
"I’m not surprised."
"I’ve thought for a long time the main reason he’s always so angry
with you is because of his father—because Nicky died and because you got his
heart."
"I’m aware of that."
"I told him it wasn’t your fault his father died. I also said if Nicky
could have had a say, he would’ve wanted you to have his heart."
Olivia looked down. It was still hard to think about Gus’s death,
especially knowing it was what led to her second chance at life.
"I told Rafe he needed to stop blaming you for his father’s death, and
I think I actually got through to him."
"That’s great." Not to mention a freakin’ miracle, ‘cause
I know how that kid just doesn’t listen. Frank would be so proud of his
surrogate son.
"I even talked him into staying the night at the farmhouse since it was
so late. He actually set his backpack on the floor and sat on his bed."
"Wow, I assumed from how upset you seemed that he hadn’t spent the
night out there."
"He didn’t."
"I thought ... okay, so what happened?"
"He asked if you were going to be moving into the farmhouse."
Olivia felt as though someone had just dumped a pitcher of ice water on her
head—a pitcher with plenty of big, hard ice cubes that made her current
headache ramp up from the unexpected little frigid blows. "What did you
tell him?"
"I said I wanted you to move back, but nothing was happening right away
because we both knew he needed time to get used to the idea of ‘us.’"
I already know something bad’s coming. "And?"
"He said he wouldn’t live under the same roof with you. He told me I’d
have to choose."
Olivia propped her elbows on her knees and dropped her face into her hands,
suddenly too tired to hold her head up any longer. "I understand," she
said wearily. Now I know why you’re so upset. You’ve come to break up
with me. You can’t choose me over your son. I get it, but it’s killing me. I
guess the one good thing is at least the other shoe has now dropped. Just
waiting for that damned thing to fall has been nerve-racking.
"Olivia, did you hear what I just said?"
Olivia shook her head. "Sorry, I didn’t hear you. I was thinking and
... well, I just want you to know I understand. I know you don’t want to break
up any more than I do, but ... this is your kid. I get that. I really do."
Olivia leaned back against the couch and closed her eyes again. She felt as
though every iota of energy had drained right out of her body. She wanted to
cry, but she just didn’t have the energy to manage it. Maybe later. Yeah,
later is good. She felt Natalia’s hand on the side of her face gently
turning her head in her direction, but she kept her eyes closed. It would just
take such a huge effort to try to get them open, she figured why bother?
"Olivia, I need you to listen to me."
"I did listen. You had to make a choice. I told you I understand. What
else is there?"
"Well, there’s what I said after that."
Shit, I guess we have to thrash through it then, even though I really don’t
feel up to it, but okay, fine. "All right, I’m listening."
"I said there is no choice."
"And I told you I get it."
"I mean I’m not going to make a choice between you and my son."
Olivia’s eyes snapped open and she found Natalia sitting very close, gazing
intently into her eyes. "I don’t ... understand."
"I’m not going to make a choice like that, Olivia."
God you look gorgeous when you’re all somber like this. Wait, that’s an
inappropriate thought in the middle of a conversation like this, isn’t it? I
really need to work on that. "So ... are you saying you don’t want to
break up?"
"That’s exactly what I’m saying."
Nah, that’s not going to work. Clearly you haven’t thought this through.
Or maybe I’m still missing something. "Look, if you don’t make a
choice, you know what that means. Rafe will move out permanently. Is that what
you want?"
"No, but I keep thinking about what Sister Anne told me about taking
control of my own life and how that was the most loving thing I could do for my
son. At first I understood what she meant about taking control of my life, but I
didn’t get how that could be better for my son if it meant that sometimes I
might do things that would upset him, but lately I’ve begun to figure out what
she meant."
"So you think it’s better, not just for you, but also for Rafe if you
... make decisions that are right for your life, even if your son
disapproves?"
Natalia finally smiled, and it was a real smile complete with dimples at full
mast. "I couldn’t have put it as well, but yes, I think that’s the
right thing for both of us—well, for all of us, including you and
Emma."
Olivia could feel her eyes getting watery. Damn it, I said I’d do that
later! I really don’t want to cry right now. "All of us?"
Natalia took Olivia’s hand and pulled it onto her lap, where she gently ran
her thumb to and fro over the back. "Olivia, I told you that you and Emma
are my family, and I meant it. In my heart, you’re just as much a part of my
family as Rafe."
"But ... but what are you going to do about him?"
"Nothing. I’m going to tell him I love him and I hope he’ll stay at
the farmhouse just like we planned. He knows staying in the dorms is too
expensive on top of tuition and books and everything, so I have no idea what he’ll
do."
"Look, if that’s what he wants to do, stay in the dorms, I’ll
help."
"No!"
Olivia was startled by Natalia’s sudden vehemence. "I thought we just
discussed couples helping each other out ... you know ... farmhouse and all
that. I thought you were finally okay with that."
"You are not going to help him anymore as long as he treats you
the way he did last night."
"Did he ... uhm ... did he tell you what happened?"
"No, he didn’t have to. He was angry with me, he went to Daisy and got
mad at her, and then he headed to your penthouse. Nobody has to tell me how
angry he must have been by the time he got to your place."
"He did seem a bit ... miffed."
"I’m sure."
"So I guess he told Daisy about us?"
"Yes. I called her looking for him. She said she told him she’s always
liked you and she thought it was great you and I had found love."
"Wow, I’m ... impressed." I knew I’d always liked that girl
for some reason. She’s an independent thinker. I totally approve.
"But listen, if Rafe living in the dorm would help ease the situation and
let him get some sense of the independence we both know he wants, why not just
let me help?"
"Because I don’t want my son disrespecting you one minute and taking
money from you the next as a reward for his bad behavior."
Damn! Who is this gorgeous woman and what did she do with Natalia? "It’s
hard to believe you, uh ..."
Natalia sighed. "I know. It’s been hard for me to get to this point. I
doubt I’d be here now if it weren’t for Sister Anne. I’ve spent my entire
life feeling guilty that because of my mistake—my sin—my son has been
deprived of a father, of grandparents, of a great-grandmother, and of a life
that could have been much easier and better than the one I’ve been able to
give him."
"Natalia, you’ve done an amazing job raising your child. I honestly
don’t know how you did it. Don’t forget I got pregnant around the same age
as you, and I would’ve had no idea how to take care of a baby all by
myself."
"I did my best, but look at all the trouble my son has gotten into. I
realize I must not have been a very good mother or he wouldn’t have done the
... the bad things he’s done."
"You’re talking about Jeffrey?"
"Well, yes, but that’s not the only thing. Remember how he hurt
Josh?"
"Yeah."
"He had a knife, Olivia!"
"I know."
"And he cut him!"
"Yeah, I know. I know what he did."
"Then he hurt Coop and that guard at juvie, and worst of all he took a
gun with him when he went after Jeffrey," Natalia said. "No, that’s
not the worst thing."
"There’s something worse?
"I mean the worst thing is every time he did something like that, I felt
like it was my fault, like if I’d been a better mother and given him a better
life, he wouldn’t be so angry and he wouldn’t be taking it out on other
people." Natalia’s eyes drifted away from Olivia’s. "The problem
is I’ve always made excuses for him instead of ... I’m trying to remember
what Sister Anne said. I think she said I never held him ‘accountable’ for
his actions. And you know what? He’s gotten worse. He’s a very angry boy and
he just lashes out at people."
"He’s an angry man."
Natalia looked back up at Olivia then. "Did he hurt you?"
"No ... he, uh ..."
"Were you afraid he’d hurt you?"
"I remember thinking I bet that’s exactly how he looked when he held a
gun on Jeffrey."
"Olivia, I’m so sorry. I’m also worried. I’m worried about what’s
going to happen to my son, but I don’t want him to hurt you, and I don’t
want any of this to affect Emma."
"Don’t worry about Emma. I’m not letting her come back here for a
little while, not until I think it’s okay."
"I’m glad. Well, I wish Emma could come back and you could both move
into the farmhouse right now, but I know we need to wait just a little while
longer."
Olivia sighed. "I know."
"But the important thing is Sister Anne helped me see I need to change
how I deal with my son, and even though I didn’t believe her at first,
somewhere along the line I realized she’s right. So that’s what I’m doing
now. I’m trying to do right by my son, by all of us. The hard part is figuring
out what that is."
"So what have you figured out so far?’
"I figured out it’d be wrong to let him force me to give you up."
"So you’re not giving me up?"
Natalia smiled. "No, I’ll never give you up."
Thank god, Olivia thought as she leaned forward and kissed Natalia. She
suddenly pulled back as it struck her that if the other shoe hadn’t dropped
yet, she still had that to look forward to. Damn it! And now I’m
cursing again. Shit! God, it’s like I have internal Tourette's or something.
Olivia quickly forgot about shoes and cursing and possible neurological
disorders when Natalia pulled her back and Olivia began kissing her again, still
astonished at how arousing it was when their lips simply came in contact.
******************************
When they finally drew apart, Natalia lay her head on Olivia’s chest, which
was now rising and falling a little faster than usual. She could hear the
reassuring sound of Olivia’s steady, if somewhat rapid, heartbeat, and it felt
wonderful to have such a soft and sensuous pillow beneath her cheek. She loved
the lush curves of Olivia’s body and how she herself felt when she looked at
her or touched her. I’d be happy if we could just stay here like this all
day, she thought dreamily and then blushed as she realized she’d
definitely want that to include more of Olivia’s impassioned kisses.
"I think I should do something special for Sister Anne," Olivia
said as she slowly combed her fingers through Natalia’s long, dark tresses.
"Like maybe make a donation to her favorite charity or something like
that."
Natalia smiled. "I think you’re serious."
"I’m very serious, especially if you meant what you said awhile ago
about you doubt you’d have ever gotten to this point without her help."
"I did mean it ... although I should have said it was because of
both her and you."
"Me? I don’t know what I’ve done."
"It’s really been both of you though—Sister Anne, because of her
wise counsel, and you, because you’re the first person I’ve loved enough
that it’s forced me to really see the person my son has become."
"And that’s why you looked so upset when you got here this
morning."
"Yes." Natalia sat up so she could see Olivia’s face, but she
pulled her hand back onto her lap so she could still maintain contact. "It’s
not easy realizing how many mistakes I’ve made. I’ve even continued making
some of the same mistakes because I didn’t really get what Sister Anne was
trying to help me see."
"Like what?"
"Like ... well, if I let Rafe treat me as though my life and my choices
and my feelings don’t matter as much as his, what I’m really doing is
teaching him how to treat other people, especially the women in his life, like a
girlfriend or a wife. I couldn’t see that when Sister Anne first mentioned it,
but since then I’ve begun to understand what she means."
"I know he loves you, but he doesn’t always treat you very well."
"I know, and it makes me feel ashamed."
"I know it must be hard to feel ashamed of your own son."
"No, I meant it makes me ashamed of myself, because I’m the one who’s
always put myself second, no matter what. Rafe is part of the reason I agreed to
marry Frank. I wanted him to have that big family he would’ve gotten with the
entire Cooper clan, instead of being the son of a woman whose family ... threw
her out." Natalia could feel her throat constricting. She tried never to
think of her family. It was too painful.
"Hey, don’t you think you’re taking on too much blame?"
"No, I really don’t. And now all I can do is try to make better
choices, starting with not allowing my son to force me to do something I don’t
want to do, especially give up the person I’m in love with." Natalia
smiled at Olivia’s sudden mischievous grin, which, for some reason, made her
begin to get that now familiar achy feeling "down there."
"You’re in love with someone?" Olivia asked as her eyebrows
lifted in mock surprise.
Natalia grinned and nodded.
"Anyone I know?"
"Yes, someone you know really well."
Natalia was surprised when Olivia abruptly cupped her face and pulled her
close for a kiss that turned out to be passionate and deep and prolonged enough
that she forgot about everything except the wonder of how Olivia made her feel.
Olivia’s love and passion and intensity never failed to sweep her out of the
everyday world and into a magical universe of sensuality and pleasure and desire
that she now knew came only with true love.
By the time either of them noticed someone was knocking on the door, they
were both lying on the couch so absorbed in kissing and touching that they
almost missed the intrusive and annoying rapping entirely.
Finally Olivia sat up. "Damn it!"
"What is it?" Natalia asked, still not hearing anything but her own
heavy breathing.
"Somebody’s at the door."
"I didn’t hear—" Natalia stopped when she heard the loud
knocking. "Oh."
They both laughed.
"I guess I better get it. Could be important," Olivia said.
"And maybe you should pull yourself back together," she added, looking
pointedly at Natalia’s chest.
Natalia quickly began to button her blouse and then tucked it back into her
skirt. "Maybe you should pull yourself back together," she
said, overlapping the two halves of Olivia’s robe that had come apart and
tying her belt snugly around her waist. "Would you like for me to get it
since I’m the one who’s dressed?"
"Fine," Olivia said with a laugh.
Natalia grinned back at her over her shoulder before opening the door.
"Doris," she said when she saw the mayor standing there staring at
her.
Mayor Wolfe entered the penthouse and strode directly to where Olivia sat on
the couch.
"Please come in," Natalia said softly as she watched Doris traverse
the room and take a seat by Olivia on the couch.
"What brings you by so early?" Olivia asked.
"I needed to check with both of you," Doris said. Her eyes shifted
to Natalia and she suddenly grinned when Natalia perched on the arm of the couch
next to Olivia.
"Something amusing?" Olivia asked.
"Well, I think I interrupted something," Doris said with a lift of
one thin brow.
"What makes you say that?" Olivia asked.
Doris nodded in Natalia’s direction and Olivia looked at her and laughed.
Natalia was confused about what could possibly be so funny. "What?"
she asked Olivia.
"Buttons," Olivia said, glancing at her chest.
Natalia glanced down and then felt an immediate flush of heat in her cheeks
when she saw the buttons on her white blouse weren’t lined up properly. She
quickly stood and turned her back on the two women staring at her with
undisguised mirth so she could fix the problem. Afterward she sat back on the
couch arm.
"No need to be embarrassed," Olivia said, taking her hand.
"After all, Doris knows about us."
Natalia looked down at her lap aware the heat in her cheeks was intensifying.
She realized Doris knew, but for some reason she couldn’t help blushing. She
thought Olivia might be surprised to know she did that sometimes when she was
alone thinking about the sexy woman she loved without the overly observant mayor
watching her and reading her inner thoughts and feelings. It’s Olivia,
she thought. She just makes me feel so ... off-balance. She could see
from Olivia’s grin how much she loved her sudden shyness. Maybe she felt like
this because it was the first time she’d had a relationship in which her
emotions were so fully engaged—and in which her body was so unbelievably
responsive, she thought, turning even redder. Whatever the case, she was
relieved when Olivia turned back to Doris.
"So what’s up?" Olivia asked the mayor.
"Has either of you heard from Frank?" Doris asked.
"I haven’t," Olivia said. "Why?"
"As you know, he’s on a one-week suspension from the force."
"Yeah, we know," Olivia said. "So?"
"Nobody has seen him," Doris said.
"So what?" Olivia asked.
Natalia saw Doris’s eyes narrow, which made her feel uneasy. She was
already concerned about Frank. She hoped he was going to give up on a
relationship with her, and hopefully he already had, but he seemed so ... off.
She could feel something just wasn’t right about him.
"So what? For starters he didn’t show up for the counseling session
that Chief Wolfe recommended. He was supposed to be there yesterday afternoon,
but he didn’t show, and then this morning when the police chief tried to
contact him, he was nowhere to be found."
"Did they check with Buzz or Marina?"
"Yes, we’ve called everybody who might have any idea where he is, but
no one seems to know anything."
"Rafe saw him last night," Natalia said.
Doris looked at her in surprise.
"Where?"
"At Frank’s place. He told Rafe he could stay there for a while. He
also said he was going out of town for a couple of days."
Doris’s eyes narrowed. "Oh really?"
"Oh, come on, Doris," Olivia said. "He’s probably gone off
to be by himself. My guess is he’s on a bender somewhere."
"That’s no way to deal with his problems," Doris said.
"I don’t know that’s what he’s doing, but I do know when he gets
really upset, he drinks ... heavily," Olivia said. "And maybe he didn’t
want to do that here in Springfield around people he knows."
"You could be right. He was a little drunk the day he accosted me on the
street. I’m just lucky I’d hired bodyguards, because he was so amped up it
took both of them to subdue him."
"Maybe it’s good he went out of town," Natalia said. "Maybe
he needs some time alone to get his life back on track. He just hasn’t seemed
like himself lately."
"That’s right," Doris said. "It’s clear he’s changed
since the wedding didn’t take place. Personally I think he has some pretty big
mental problems, and it concerns me. He should have kept his appointment with
the psychiatrist. The fact he didn’t tells me he still hasn’t accepted that
he has a problem—or maybe he’s just unwilling to work on it."
Natalia glanced down at Olivia, who looked worried.
"What are you saying?" Olivia asked. " That he’s mentally
ill?"
"People dealing with crises do develop mental illnesses sometimes,
Olivia. That’s why we have mental health professionals. They don’t just deal
with people in institutions, you know."
"Yeah, I guess," Olivia said.
Doris stood up. "I’ve got to go," she said as she walked toward
the door. "But I just wanted to warn both of you to be careful."
"I don’t think Frank would do anything to hurt either of us,"
Natalia said. "Not after what happened the other night at the
farmhouse."
Doris paused with her hand on the doorknob and looked back at the two women
sitting on the couch. "Oh really? And you’ve just done such a great job
figuring out what Frank is capable of up to now, haven’t you, Natalia?"
Doris twisted the knob and opened the door. "I am telling both of you that
you better be careful." Doris stepped into the hallway and shut the door
behind her.
Natalia stared at the closed door, trying not to believe Doris’s ominous
warning.
******************************
Chapter 83
Olivia tugged on Natalia’s arm to get her attention off the door Mayor
Wolfe had just closed and back onto her. "Hey, where’d you go?"
Natalia turned back and looked down at Olivia from her perch on the sofa arm.
"I’m not sure what to think about what Doris said."
"Look, we already knew we needed to be careful around Frank, and we
will."
"I’m afraid of what he might say to Rafe."
"We have no control over that. Besides, Rafe is already upset about us
without any help from Frank. And as to your ex-fiancé, I really do think he’s
probably off somewhere drowning his sorrows. I’m sure he’s feeling disgraced
after the suspension, so maybe he doesn’t want to spend his week off around
here where he’s likely to run into people he knows."
"Maybe."
"Now where were we?" Olivia asked as she pulled Natalia off the arm
of the couch onto her lap, leaving her lover off-balance and dependent on Olivia’s
arm to keep her from falling flat on her back onto the cushions.
Natalia laughed and struggled to get loose. "I think maybe we should be
getting to work, don’t you?"
"Why? What’s going to happen?" Olivia asked as her hand caressed
Natalia’s cheek. "You afraid maybe we’ll get fired?" I’ve got
you right where I want you. Why would I let go now?
Olivia let her free hand slide down Natalia’s side to her hip and pulled
her closer while she sought out those delectably soft lips to prevent the
protest she knew Natalia was about to launch. As Olivia kissed her, she could
feel her going limp in her arms as she ceased her efforts to wrestle her way
loose from Olivia’s firm grip. That’s more like it, Olivia thought
when Natalia finally just gave in and let Olivia do what she wanted, which at
the moment was explore her lips and her mouth as if she’d never experienced
the wonder of such an intimate invasion.
The sound of the phone ringing startled them both.
"Oh, for Christ’s sake," Olivia muttered. "Let’s just let
the damn thing ring."
"It could be Ava," Natalia said.
"Yeah, I guess." Olivia helped Natalia up and then got up herself
and grabbed the handset off the desk. "Hello?" She shook her head at
Natalia and glanced at her watch. "Sure, that would be fine. We’ll see
you in my office shortly."
"Problem?" Natalia asked.
"Not really. That was Katarina. You and I both need to make sure we’re
proficient with the new software before she leaves, and since I want her gone
sooner rather than later, I guess I better get dressed."
"So we’re meeting with her now?"
"Yes. You didn’t have other plans did you?"
"No, I’m here to work. In fact, why don’t I check the Beacon email
account while you get ready?"
"Okay, I won’t be long." But I’d much rather stay here with
you on the couch necking. With one last wistful glance at her sexy and
delightfully curvy lover, Olivia headed to the bathroom to finish getting ready
for work. She was immensely relieved Natalia had been unwilling to submit to
Rafe’s emotional blackmail. Olivia knew there’d been a time when she might
well have succumbed. I really need to find out what Sister Anne’s favorite
charity is. She’s been nothing short of amazing.
It wasn’t long before the two of them got on the elevator headed to Olivia’s
office.
"By the way, in all the excitement lately I forgot to tell you Kat
dropped by my room yesterday after you left to meet with Rafe." Olivia had
to fight to keep from grinning at the sudden little frown on Natalia’s face. Oh
my gosh. I can’t believe you’re still jealous of her. At least I’m pretty
sure that’s what that look means.
"What did that woman want?" Natalia asked.
Yep, I think you’re actually a little jealous. How adorable is that?
"She wanted to tell me Frank had asked her to meet him for drinks."
Natalia’s frown deepened. "Why would she want you to know that? Do you
think she was trying to make you jealous?"
This time Olivia couldn’t stop her grin or the small chuckle that
accompanied it. "No, she wanted to warn me that Frank’s not my friend.
Apparently he didn’t have very nice things to say about me."
The elevator doors slid open, and they both stepped into the corridor.
"Olivia, I’m so sorry he blames you for the wedding not taking place.
That’s so wrong, especially after the way you helped him win me over."
"Well, he sure needed help."
"I know now he never could have come up with the sweet and thoughtful
things he did for me all on his own, not because he wouldn’t have tried, but
because he really didn’t know me that well."
"Oh, I know."
"That’s one way I know he doesn’t really love me. Well, not the real
me. He doesn’t know me. He just doesn’t know who I am, so how could he love
me?"
"Don’t ask me. I’m too in love with you to figure out how anyone
else could not be."
Natalia giggled and opened the door to Olivia’s office. Olivia went
immediately to sit in the executive chair behind the desk while Natalia lingered
by the door. Olivia was aware of dark eyes watching her as she sifted through a
stack of files on her desk. Shortly afterward there was a knock, and Natalia let
Katarina in.
"Good morning," Katarina said. "How are you two this
morning?"
"Fine, thanks," Olivia said. "How are you?"
"I’m well," Katarina said, sitting on one of the two chairs in
front of Olivia’s desk while Natalia settled herself on the other. Kat glanced
briefly at Natalia before locking eyes with Olivia. "I wondered if I might
bring up a personal matter before we begin."
"Of course," Olivia said. "I was just telling Natalia about
our conversation yesterday."
"Good, then you both know of my concern."
"Yes," Olivia said, but then her eyes narrowed as she realized
Katarina seemed edgy, which wasn’t at all like the cool and calm woman she’d
come to know. "Is there something else?"
Again Katarina glanced at Natalia briefly before focusing back on Olivia.
"Yes, Detective Cooper called me yesterday."
"Did he ask you out again?" Olivia asked. Maybe that’s how
Frank wanted to spend his week off. Who could blame him? Katarina’s a
knockout.
"No, he wanted to make sure I wasn’t planning to leave town yet,"
Katarina explained.
Natalia stirred restlessly on her chair. "Why would he care?"
Katarina turned crystal blue eyes on Natalia. "Because he told me if I
wanted a chance with Olivia, I should ‘stick around,’ as he put it."
Olivia watched with mixed emotions as the other two women conversed with each
other. On the one hand, Kat’s concern about Frank made her feel wary, but on
the other hand she couldn’t help but be fascinated by Natalia’s obvious
territorial demeanor where Olivia was concerned. Who would have guessed you
could be like this? I know it’s probably wrong, but it’s turning me on big
time. In fact, I’m not sure how much longer I can wait to get you naked.
"I don’t understand why Frank thinks you’d have a chance with Olivia
if you did stay around here," Natalia said. "No offense."
Oh my god that was priceless! Olivia looked quickly to see how Katarina
had taken Natalia’s remark. She looked remarkably unruffled. Nothing much
fazes her, Olivia thought, except maybe Frank.
Katarina smiled. "None taken. I just wanted to let you know because a
man like that ... well, I think he’s not to be trusted."
"So you think he’s up to something?" Olivia asked.
"Why else would he insist I’d get my chance with you if only I didn’t
leave town too soon?" Katarina asked.
Olivia shook her head, clearly perplexed. "I have no idea. He knows I
love Natalia," Olivia said, trying to figure out what Frank might be
thinking. "No, wait. I take that back."
Natalia’s head whipped around toward Olivia. "What?"
Olivia could feel dark eyes flashing even before she turned to look at
Natalia. "I mean ... I think Frank actually believes it when he says I’m
just, uh ... using you for ... oh, I don’t know ... my own evil reasons, I
guess. You know ... like another notch on the bedpost or something."
"Oh, I see what you’re saying," Natalia said.
"If he really believes that," Katarina said, "then that makes
him a very dangerous man."
"Why would you say that?" Natalia asked.
"Because if that’s what he truly believes, then he probably wants to
rescue you, the woman he loves, and he won’t stop till he does."
"But there’s nothing he can do," Natalia said. "I’ve told
him I’m in love with Olivia."
Olivia’s eyebrows shot up. Wow, I see you’re not holding anything
back. "Look, Kat, I really appreciate your concern and your warning. We’ll
both be careful, won’t we?" she asked, turning her gaze on Natalia.
Natalia nodded.
"Good, because I have to tell you there’s something about that man
that makes me feel very uneasy," Katarina said.
******************************
Natalia was glad when the training session was over and Katarina was gone.
She knew Olivia wanted her to know as much about the inner workings of the
Beacon as possible, which made her feel proud. She was aware her self-esteem had
improved remarkably ever since Olivia had found her worthy of being her
assistant. Olivia thought she was smart and capable, and moreover Olivia trusted
her. No one had ever had that kind of faith in her or her abilities.
It had been a long road moving away from her tarnished self-image as a high
school dropout, unwed mother, and outcast in her own family. The hardest to deal
with had been the latter. How could she feel as though she had worth when her
own family thought her sins too great to tolerate? And it wasn’t just that she’d
gotten pregnant; it was also that she’d refused to obey their dictate that she
give her baby up for adoption. It had primarily been her father who laid down
that law, but her mother had sat silently by and let him throw her out of the
house—or rather dump her off at one the Catholic Charities homes for unwed
mothers, after which he made it clear she was never to return home again.
But now after a lifetime of low-paying, low-level jobs, she was an executive
assistant. She’d learned to use a computer, she’d worked hard to get to know
the staff and all the inner workings of the hotel, and she’d made every effort
to make Olivia’s work life easier. Obviously she’d succeeded because even
recently when she’d offered to quit because of what people might be thinking,
Olivia wouldn’t hear of it. Natalia could tell it wasn’t just because Olivia
loved her either. After all, Olivia knew Natalia could in no way resist her, job
or not, nor did she want to. No, Olivia had seemed genuinely panicked at the
thought of losing her as her assistant. It was one of the highest compliments
anyone had ever paid her.
She was secretly relieved when Olivia refused to let her resign, not only
because of what it said about Olivia’s high regard for her ability to do a
good job, but also because she loved working with Olivia at the Beacon. In fact,
when Olivia was still living at the farmhouse, Natalia had thrived on being with
her at home, working on Beacon projects or problems together, riding into work
together, working at the hotel together. She’d never been happier—and now,
finally, they were so close to getting all of that back. She was living for the
day Olivia and Emma moved back in.
The only dark cloud on her happy horizon was her son. She knew he was nowhere
near accepting her relationship with Olivia, but she also knew if she gave into
his demand that she give her up, she would be teaching him one more wrong thing—that
it was okay for him to force someone else to do what he wanted. She prayed his
anger management group and individual counseling sessions would help him get
past the problem he had with lashing out at people, sometimes innocent people,
like Coop or Olivia. It made her sad to think that right now they had to protect
Emma from her son.
That’s just not right. I want to trust my son. I want to believe he’d
never hurt Emma. Well, I do believe he wouldn’t deliberately harm her,
physically or emotionally, but when he gets angry, he strikes out, and I don’t
want Emma to see him treating Olivia badly, or me either, for that matter.
The phone rang, and after a nod from Olivia, Natalia picked it up and spoke
briefly with the person on the other end. "That was Greg," Natalia
told Olivia. "He’s pretty upset about some kind of booking issue."
"Would you please see if you can iron that out?" Olivia asked.
"I need to make some phone calls."
"Of course," Natalia said with a smile. She knew she was one of the
few people who could calm Greg down when he panicked. He didn’t do that very
often, but when he did, you could feel his anxiety wafting through the hotel
like poison gas. "I’ll go see what the problem is exactly."
"Thanks. What would I do without you?"
Natalia went around Olivia’s desk and leaned down to kiss her briefly on
the mouth. "You’re not going to have to find out," she said softly.
She was well aware she much too in love with Olivia to ever willingly leave her.
Till death do us part, she thought. She couldn’t imagine any
circumstance that would change that, nor any person—certainly not Frank and
not even her own son.
******************************
Olivia’s fingers fumbled as she tried to get the shoestrings of her tennis
shoe tied. She had to smile at her own giddiness. She’d made an after-work
date with a certain beautiful latina, and she was just feeling downright
excited. They’d both agreed they needed a break from work and all the chaos
surrounding them, compliments of Frank and his protégé, Rafe. Olivia had
suggested they change into casual clothes and take a picnic to the park. She
loved the sudden sparkle in Natalia’s dark eyes at the prospect.
And then afterward, maybe I can talk you into coming back to my place. Well,
actually, since you’re picking me up, you’ll kinda have to come back here,
now won’t you? Pays to plan ahead, she thought, pleased with herself that
she’d nixed Natalia’s suggestion they meet at the gazebo.
Olivia glanced at her watch. I better get going. You’re probably down
there waiting for me.
By the time she got downstairs, Natalia was waiting in her Beacon car. Olivia
put a picnic basket prepared by the Beacon chef into the back seat, and then
they both grinned when Olivia got in the front and they saw they were dressed
almost identically in blue jeans and blue tops. The only difference was Natalia
was wearing a sleeveless V-neck top, while Olivia had on a short-sleeved blouse.
"We look like twins," Natalia said as she pulled away from the curb
and headed toward the park.
"I’m not sure anyone would actually accuse us of that," Olivia
said with a grin. She knew they presented quite a contrast, she with her light
skin and grayish-green eyes and Natalia with her exotic dark coloring. She loved
how Natalia’s neckline plunged just far enough to show off her admirable
cleavage. You wore that just for me, too, didn’t you? I wonder if it’s
too late to talk you into picnicking in my room. She fantasized about how
much fun they could be having there, but she knew it was too late because by the
time her fantasy date was lying nude on her bed, her real date was pulling into
the parking lot at the Olivia Spencer Memorial Park. That’s okay. Maybe you’ll
come up to my room later. Hm, I wonder if you could even stay the night since
Rafe is staying at Frank’s.
Natalia got the picnic basket out of the back, and they both strode off to
find as isolated a picnic table as they could find. Although there was a
designated area of the park where there were a number of tables together, there
were also a few individual tables scattered here and there that provided more
privacy. They found one near the butterfly magnolia that Olivia had had planted
for Emma when she thought she was going to die before a donor heart could be
found. She still loved the tree as it had come to symbolize life, not death.
Olivia watched as Natalia began to set food out on the table. "I kind of
hate to bring this up, but ..."
"I tried to call him," Natalia said. "He’s still not
answering his cell phone."
"So that means ...?"
"It means it’s either off or he’s not taking my calls."
"I’m sorry." Olivia didn’t really know what to say. She thought
Sister Anne had the right idea, though. Rafe needed some tough love, and
apparently Natalia was ready to give him some.
"It is what it is," Natalia said.
"What are you going to do?"
"I ..." Natalia paused and looked directly at Olivia. "I’m
going to live my life."
Natalia sat next to Olivia rather than opposite her, much to Olivia’s
delight. "Love the seating plan," she said.
Natalia giggled. "I thought you might."
Olivia moved closer so that their thighs were touching. "Yep, it’s an
excellent seating arrangement."
She’d had the Beacon chef make grilled chicken salads, and he’d also
thrown in Italian breadsticks, smoked cheese, and cubed seedless watermelon for
dessert.
"I love grilled chicken," Natalia said.
"I know."
"And watermelon," Natalia added.
"I know that, too." Hey, I pay attention. I know what you like.
Olivia’s eyes drifted down to Natalia’s enticing décolletage. I know
lots of things you like. Maybe if I’m lucky, there’ll be more for dessert
than fruit, Olivia thought as she popped a watermelon cube into her mouth.
"What are you thinking?" Natalia asked.
"If you come back to my place later, I’ll show you." Olivia felt
her body’s clearly lustful reaction to Natalia’s sudden blush and shy smile.
Is it possible to just keep falling more and more in love? I swear it seems
like I love you more every day. She was surprised when Natalia slowly
reached toward her and ran her thumb over her lips.
"Juice," Natalia explained, licking the red liquid she’d just
swiped off of Olivia’s mouth.
They both giggled and leaned against each other for a moment, before just
sitting and looking into each other’s eyes, both smiling and completely
absorbed in the other—so absorbed, in fact, that neither noticed two sets of
eyes watching them from a distance.
A short time later they were startled when someone approached their table and
spoke.
"Hi there."
"Daisy," Natalia said. "I, uh ... how are you?"
"I’m okay." Daisy smiled broadly at each of them in turn. "I
don’t mean to interrupt."
"You’re not interrupting," Olivia said, smiling back at her.
Daisy was firmly in her good graces after taking Natalia’s side against her
son the night before.
"Have you seen Rafe?" Natalia asked.
"Well, that’s why I came over," Daisy said. "He was just
here."
"Here in the park?" Natalia asked.
"Yeah, he called and wanted to talk, so I agreed to meet him here."
Interesting, Olivia thought. Especially after he got so mad at you
last night.
"Is he okay?" Natalia asked.
"I guess. Well, he, uh ..." Daisy glanced uncertainly at Olivia.
"It’s okay," Natalia reassured her. "I told Olivia what you
told me."
"It really is okay," Olivia said.
"All right. Well, he’s still pretty upset. I’ve tried to talk to
him. I mean it’s not like we’re living in the nineteenth century. Two women
together is no big deal. Well, I mean ..." Daisy glanced at Olivia
uncertainly.
"Really, it’s okay," Olivia said. "No need to feel awkward.
I don’t."
"Okay, good," Daisy said. "Anyway, I told him he was being
ridiculous."
"I bet he didn’t like that," Natalia said.
"Well, if he doesn’t like hearing the truth, he knows better than to
call me," Daisy said.
I knew I liked this girl, Olivia thought. "Do you think you got
through to him?"
"I don’t know. He’s just so stubborn. The funny thing is when we saw
the two of you sitting over here eating and laughing and ... well, you know ...
uhm ..."
"Enjoying each other’s company?" Olivia offered.
"Yeah, exactly. When we saw that ..." Daisy looked at Natalia.
"Like when you touched Olivia’s mouth or like how the two of you were
looking at each other, I told him ... I said, ‘Look, they’re really in love,
Rafe.’"
"What did he say?" Natalia asked.
"He didn’t say anything. He just got a funny look on his face, and
then he walked off."
"And that was it?" Olivia asked.
"Yeah, but I wanted to let you know, Natalia, because I know you’ve
been worried about him."
"You know Rafe pretty well," Olivia said. "Do you think there’s
any chance he’ll ever accept this?"
"I just don’t know. I know he loves his mother," Daisy said.
"I also remember how angry he got at me a long time ago after the ... well,
after the abortion. He was furious at me, but eventually we became friends
again, even though it’s not exactly romantic, at least not right now
anyway."
"But at least that’s a positive sign," Olivia said.
"Yeah, it is," Daisy said. "Well, I should get going. Nice to
see you two, and uh ... I’m really happy for you. I think it’s great."
"Thanks," Olivia said. "If you ever get tired of working at
Company, come see me."
"I will," Daisy said with a grin.
"Thank you for coming over," Natalia said.
They both watched as Daisy strolled off, and then Olivia turned to Natalia.
"You okay?"
"Yes, at least I know he’s all right even if he’s still upset with
me."
"I would assume he’s still staying at Frank’s."
"I’m sure he is."
Olivia sat quietly for a moment, debating her options. What’s that old
saying? Nothing ventured, nothing gained. "Will you come back to my
place with me?" Maybe I should make myself really, really clear.
"I want you."
"Want me?"
Olivia sighed. Okay, I guess that wasn’t clear enough. "I want
to make love to you."
And now we’re going to see just how well you’re really handling all this.
Your son just saw us being lovey-dovey. I think that has to be hard for you,
knowing he saw us like that, especially when Daisy reminded him we’re in love—like
he could have forgotten—and then came over here and reported it all to you. So
can you deal with knowing that and still want to be with me, especially when I
just made it clear why I want you to come back to my place with me? I’m
anxious to see what you decide because I think it’s going to tell us both a
lot about whether or not you can deal with the reality of having a relationship
with me under the disapproving eyes of your son.
"Or ..." Olivia continued, "we could go for a jog around the
pond instead."
"Jog?"
"Yeah, you know ... like walking, only faster."
Natalia laughed.
"Or we can do something else, if you like ... maybe go for ice cream or
see a movie. Of course, my first choice would be to have you all to myself at my
place." Olivia reached for Natalia’s hand, which was lying on her lap.
"So ... what do you think?"
Olivia wished she felt certain what Natalia would decide, but the truth was
she didn’t. In fact, she had no idea. She sought the answer in Natalia’s
eyes, which at the moment looked very dark and deep and unfathomable. All she
could tell was that they were brimming with emotion, but was it love, desire,
fear, regret? She waited impatiently for Natalia to say something.
******************************
Chapter 84
Natalia watched as Daisy’s figure receded into the distance, unaware of the
myriad sounds and intricate scents of the park surrounding her as she sat on the
picnic table bench next to Olivia. The sun was low in the sky, and the young
woman was now a mere dark shadow in stark silhouette against the yellowing
horizon.
What a shock it had been to find out her son had witnessed her loving
interaction with Olivia. That he might be anywhere nearby had never entered her
mind, and now she had no idea what he might be thinking or feeling, but the way
he’d responded to the news she loved Olivia made her conclude he probably wasn’t
happy to see them like that.
She could feel the warmth in her cheeks when Daisy told her what they’d
seen. It wasn’t exactly that she was ashamed of her feelings for Olivia,
because she wasn’t—not anymore, anyway—but she did find it difficult when
other people found out, even Daisy, who couldn’t have been more supportive. It
was different with Doris and Katarina, because both of them loved women, but it
was sobering to think how many people in their community would disapprove.
She felt Olivia squeeze her hand to get her attention, and she dragged her
eyes away from the spot on the horizon where Daisy had disappeared from view and
focused them on the beautiful woman she could now see was watching her intently.
"Did you hear what I just said?" Olivia asked.
Natalia shook her head. "I’m sorry." Before her mind wandered
off, she remembered Olivia had jokingly suggested they take a jog around the
pond. "You didn’t really want to go jogging, did you?" She watched
in fascination as Olivia’s eyes darkened into that intense, smoldering gaze
that always seemed to turn her inside out and summon forth that achy feeling she
associated with Olivia, the only one who’d ever made her feel like that.
"No," Olivia said. "I don’t. What I really want is for you
to come back to my place with me."
Natalia could see the unspoken need in Olivia’s eyes, and she knew it wasn’t
just a need for physical closeness. It was a need for reassurance that Natalia
wasn’t going to dump her abruptly now that she knew her son had witnessed a
moment of intimacy between them, clearly signaling that the going was starting
to get seriously tough.
I know you so well, she thought. I can almost feel what you’re
thinking right now. You know I’m upset about my son’s reaction to us and you’re
wondering if I still want us to be together—or rather if I can handle the two
of us being together.
"Will you come back to my place?" Olivia prodded.
Natalia took a deep breath. "No ..." She could feel Olivia’s grip
on her hand loosen, and then Olivia let it go entirely and clasped her hands
together in her lap, where they now became the object of her acute scrutiny.
"Okay," Olivia said. "I understand."
"I want you to come home with me tonight."
"I get it. I, uh ... what?"
"I want you to spend the night with me at the farmhouse."
"You do? Are you sure? I mean ... well, I doubt Rafe would go back there
right now, all things considered, but he might."
"Olivia, I’m tired of waiting to start my life with you. I’d really
like for you to spend the night with me out there," Natalia said, covering
Olivia’s entwined hands with one of her own. "And I hope you’ll move
back in sometime soon."
"Really? I can’t believe it. I thought maybe ..."
"That maybe since Rafe saw us together, I’d change my mind about being
with you?"
"Well, yeah. After all, he is your son, and I know you care what
he thinks."
"Yes, I do care. I wish he’d reacted more like Daisy, that it was no
big deal, that he was happy for me, for us, but you know what? Either I’m
going to live my own life or I’m not."
"And you’re going to live it?
"Yes, hopefully with you. I’m in love with you, Olivia. I want to be
with you all the time. I want you and Emma to come back home. Of course, I wish
Rafe was willing to be a part of that, but I know he may never be. Either way,
he’s growing up and moving on with his life, and that’s what I need to do,
too."
"Move on with your life?"
"Yes, and grow up. Remember when you told me I needed to grow a
backbone?"
"Well, yeah, but I was having a pretty difficult time back then, what
with dying and all."
"I know, but you were right. That is what I’ve needed to do.
Maybe if I’d done it sooner, my son wouldn’t have done some of the things he’s
done."
"So you’re not getting rid of me yet?"
Natalia smiled. "I know you worry something’s going to happen that’ll
change my mind, but if my son’s disapproval and ultimatum didn’t do it, what
possibly could?"
"I don’t know. It seems like the other shoe always drops."
"Maybe there is no other shoe, Olivia."
"God, I hope you’re right."
"So, will you stay with me tonight at the farmhouse?"
Olivia grinned. "Do you really need to ask? I mean ... that’d kind of
be like a nine-month pregnant woman taking a pregnancy test, don’t you
think?"
"As in no real need to check?"
"Yeah."
Natalia laughed and hugged Olivia. She was just so funny and so sweet—and
now that Natalia had her in her arms, she was reminded that she was also
incredibly sexy. "Do you want to pick up anything at the hotel first?"
she asked, suddenly anxious to be with Olivia somewhere private.
"No, let’s go. I always carry a toothbrush with me, and I can borrow
anything else I might need from you, right?"
"Of course."
"Okay, let’s go then," Olivia said as she began scooping things
up and haphazardly tossing them into the picnic basket.
Natalia had to grin at her obvious enthusiasm. How could you possibly
think I’d ever willingly give you up?
******************************
It was dusk when they pulled up to the farmhouse. Olivia thought it looked
beautiful in the diffused lighting between sunset and full night. The setting
sun had tinted the landscape with a tinge of golden orange that encompassed both
the sturdy structure and the profusion of shrubs and flowers she knew Natalia
tended with loving care, while the diminishing light had encouraged dark shadows
to stretch out lazily over the vast expanse of plush lawn, reaching toward the
even darker tree line in the distance.
The truth was the farmhouse was the only place that had seemed like home to
her since her mother died on the heels of their argument, leaving Olivia alone
and pregnant from the childhood-robbing rape. Since then she’d lived in a
number of different places, but she’d never felt at home, not even at the
Beacon, which always seemed like a temporary dwelling. Even Emma recognized it
wasn’t a "real" home, not like the farmhouse where her little girl
had happily thrived.
And it wasn’t just the farmhouse. It was Natalia. Natalia had created a
home for all of them. It was her love and her caring and nurturing presence that
had transformed the old Jessup farmhouse into a real home that had become a safe
harbor for Olivia, much to her surprise. Of course, that hadn’t been nearly as
surprising as falling in love with the owner.
She stopped Natalia when she reached for the door handle of the car and
pulled her back. "I’m so happy to be here with you," Olivia said
softly. She kissed her, prolonging the intimacy until it occurred to her that
even more fun things awaited them once they were inside. When she finally let
Natalia go, she could see even in the dimming light that her dark eyes looked
soft and unfocused.
"I’m so happy you’re here," Natalia said. "And soon you’ll
be here all the time."
Olivia nodded. It was hard to believe that amount of happiness was within her
grasp. Finally, I’m going to get my happy ending.
Once they were inside, Natalia put away the remains of their picnic while
Olivia headed upstairs to the bathroom to brush her teeth and wash up. After a
few minutes, she could hear Natalia in the downstairs half bath, no doubt doing
the same.
As soon as she finished, Olivia went down to the living room and turned on
the radio, dialing through the local channel choices to find something befitting
the mood. We really need to get you a sound system and some CDs, she
thought. She could feel a swell of happiness at the thought of doing something
as simple as shop for music together and spend time afterward listening to their
selections.
Olivia smiled when Natalia entered the room looking radiant just as she
flipped to a channel that was just beginning to play Beyoncé’s version of
"At Last." She held out her hand to Natalia, who readily took it, and
then she pulled her close. After all, it was a perfect slow dance song and her
gorgeously curvy lover was the perfect slow dance partner.
"I love this song," Olivia whispered near Natalia’s ear.
Beyoncé: At last my love has come along ...
"Me, too. That’s not the version I’ve heard though." Natalia
tucked her face into the crook of Olivia’s neck.
Beyoncé: My lonely days are over and life is like a song.
"You might have heard Ella Fitzgerald or maybe Etta James, but I really
love Beyoncé’s version." Olivia also loved the feel of Natalia’s warm
breath on the sensitive skin of her neck.
Beyoncé: At last the skies above are blue ...
As Olivia swayed slowly to the music with Natalia in her arms matching her
movements, she listened to the lyrics describe her life and her feelings. At
last she’d found her true love, and finally her world was a happy place to
inhabit. It felt as though the cavernous hole left in her heart at the age of
sixteen with the loss of both her innocence and her mother was finally filled,
and she could feel whole again.
Beyoncé: My heart was wrapped up in clover the night I looked at you.
She loved the feel of their bodies pressed close together, moving in sync
with the slow, sultry melody brought to life by Beyoncé’s flawless voice and
sexy rendition.
Beyoncé: I found a dream that I could speak to, a dream that I can call my
own ...
She tipped Natalia’s head up to steal a little kiss, but the jolt of
electricity that sparked through her body when their lips came into contact
inspired her to deepen the kiss, suddenly needful of a closer connection than
even slow dancing so close could provide.
Beyoncé: I found a thrill to press my cheek to, a thrill that I have never
known ...
She hadn’t really intended for the "little kiss" to become so hot
and heavy, not yet anyway, but her hormones had suddenly burst forth and were
now raging through her body as the beloved lyrics floated around her, reminding
her of the miracle of their love.
Beyoncé: You smiled and then the spell was cast ...
When you smile at me, I am totally undone, Olivia thought as she pulled
back to look into Natalia’s eyes. As if on cue, Natalia smiled up at her, and
she felt as though she could drown in that smile and those dimples. She glanced
down. And that cleavage, she thought, suddenly anxious to move things
upstairs.
Beyoncé: And here we are in heaven, and you are mine at last.
As the ending strains of the song played, Olivia caressed Natalia’s cheek.
"Let’s go upstairs."
Natalia nodded, and Olivia took her hand and walked slowly toward the
staircase. She felt as though she’d never wanted her as much as she did at
this very moment, and she paused to kiss her one last time before ascending the
stairs.
The heat between them as they kissed was palpable, and Olivia knew Natalia
could feel it as well. "I want you so much," Olivia whispered.
Natalia was just about to respond when they both heard the door into the
kitchen open. "That has to be Rafe," she said, abruptly pulling away
from Olivia, who stayed by the stairs while Natalia moved through the living
room toward the kitchen. She got as far as the couch when a man appeared in the
doorway, but it wasn’t her son.
"Frank! What are you doing here?"
"I wanted to see you," Frank said with a good-natured grin.
"I told you not to just walk in here like this anymore."
"Oh, sorry. I knocked, but I guess you didn’t hear me. I got worried,
so I thought I better come in and check on you since I saw your car outside.
Well, the Beacon car. Rafe told me about that."
Natalia took a step back as Frank approached her. "I’m not
alone."
"Is Rafe here? I only saw the one car."
Olivia walked in view and stood next to Natalia. "No, I’m here,
Frank." She could see a disturbing shadow pass over Frank’s face, but it
was quickly replaced by a smile.
"I see," Frank said evenly. "Well, that’s okay."
Gee, I’m so glad I have your approval.
"Frank, what are you doing here?" Natalia asked.
Frank’s eyes lingered on Olivia’s face, even though he spoke to the
dark-haired woman he professed to love. "I have a surprise for you, Natalia."
"I don’t want any surprises, Frank," Natalia said.
"Oh, you’re going to want this one," he said.
Olivia found his confidence and his "cat that swallowed the canary"
smile unbearable—and a little worrisome. "Just let him show you so we can
get it over with," Olivia suggested, watching Frank warily.
Natalia’s shoulders sagged noticeably. "All right, fine. Show
me."
"It’s in the kitchen," Frank said, turning and heading back
through the doorway.
The two women looked at each other and then followed in his wake. Olivia
couldn’t imagine what in the world Frank could have brought to Natalia that
would leave him looking so smug.
When they entered the kitchen, to her surprise she saw a man and a woman
seated at the table. She didn’t recognize them, though the woman looked
familiar. Where have I seen you before? she wondered. The only thing
betraying her age was a streak of gray Olivia could see here and there in her
otherwise dark hair, which she wore pulled back into a tight bun at the nape of
her neck. Her smooth and youthful-looking olive skin presented a stark contrast
to the white at her temples, and Olivia idly thought if she colored her hair,
she’d look at least a decade younger.
Suddenly Olivia realized Natalia was standing next to her in stunned silence,
and with a shock she realized why the woman at the table looked familiar. She
was an older version of Natalia. She looked down at her lover, who was standing
stock-still with her mouth hanging slightly open as she stared unblinking at the
older couple.
Olivia tore her gaze away from Natalia and locked eyes with Frank, who glared
back at her with an unmistakable look of triumph. She knew without doubt this
was the other shoe—at last—and with a sickening feeling that began in the
pit of her stomach and was slowly bubbling up her digestive tract like bile and
beginning to leave a bitter taste in the back of her throat, she realized that
not only had the other shoe finally dropped, but it was a clodhopper of such
massive proportions, she knew it was fully capable of blowing her happy little
fantasy world to smithereens. And Natalia’s current near catatonic state wasn’t
at all reassuring, either.
Fucking hell! That bastard has finally found the one thing that could put an
end to us.
******************************
Chapter 85
Natalia felt trapped in a vacuum, a space devoid of sound and light and even
oxygen. The only thing she could see was her mother’s face—a visage that
evoked childhood memories of the love and tenderness and safety she’d
experienced in her mother’s arms. It was a face she had never expected to see
again in this life, and the shock of seeing her now, of being in the same room
with her, of seeing her beautiful and tentative smile as she gazed up at the
daughter she’d lost so many years ago, was too much to assimilate all at once,
especially when it was so totally unexpected.
And then even that one sight began to fade, and she felt herself slipping
toward the floor—until someone caught her around the waist and helped her to a
nearby chair at the kitchen table across from the older couple who sat on the
other side. Then she felt someone holding a cold, damp cloth to her forehead and
then the back of her neck, and soon the woman’s face swam into view again.
"Mami?" Natalia whispered.
"Mi’ja," the older woman responded. She started to reach
out toward Natalia, but stopped and glanced at the man sitting next to her.
Natalia followed her gaze and saw a handsome man of medium height whose black
hair was sprinkled liberally with white. Other than that he looked much the same
as he had throughout her childhood, including the perennial stern expression he
wore on his face as he stared at her across her kitchen table. As a little girl
she had both adored and feared him. He was a strict disciplinarian, meting out
corporal punishment with hand or belt or whatever object was close at hand when
a little girl’s transgression, no matter how minor, triggered his temper. He’d
always ruled over his household with the iron fist of a dedicated patriarch and
the suffocating sense of entitlement engendered by his adherence to the worst
manifestation of machismo tradition, which emphasized not only violence and
aggressiveness, but also total domination of the females within his domain.
Like her mother, Natalia waited nervously for her father to speak, barely
aware of Olivia’s hand on her shoulder as she stood behind her. She could feel
his eyes on her, scanning her, judging her, and she felt the same anxiety she
had as a girl, knowing she was likely to come up lacking in his quick and cool
appraisal.
"Perhaps some introductions are in order," the man said looking
pointedly at Olivia, obviously the only person in the room he didn’t know.
Natalia swallowed hard, realizing she was already guilty of inexcusably poor
manners. "This is my ... my, uh ..."
Frank stepped forward, looking at Olivia with an air of condescension.
"This is Natalia’s employer, Olivia Spencer, owner of the Beacon, the
hotel where she works. Olivia, these are Natalia’s parents, Ramón and Gloria
Rivera."
"It’s a pleasure to meet you," Mr. Rivera said to Olivia.
"Detective Cooper told us how well Natalia’s been doing since she turned
her life around."
Turned my life around? Uncertain what her father meant, Natalia started
to look up at Olivia, but her father’s gaze was so intense as he stared at her
across the table she couldn’t pull her eyes away. It had always been like this
around her father, whether he’d caught her daydreaming when she should be
doing chores or when she’d had to confess to her parents that she was
pregnant. There it was, the expression in his eyes that said once again she’d
failed to measure up to his expectations.
"It’s nice to meet you, too," Olivia said. "Both of
you," she added, smiling down at Natalia’s mother.
Mr. Rivera smiled briefly at Olivia, but his smile faded when he looked back
at his daughter. "Frank tells us you’ve done quite well in your current
job. He told us a little about what you’ve been doing since you moved
here."
Natalia wasn’t sure what to say. It had always been hard not to get
tongue-tied around her father, and apparently it was no different now that she
was an adult.
"She’s wonderful in her job," Olivia said. "I don’t know
what I’d do without her."
For the first time he smiled at Natalia. "That’s very good to
hear," Mr. Rivera said.
Natalia could hear the unspoken surprise in his voice that she’d managed to
acquire such a good job at all, let alone excel at it. She had more pressing
concerns though. She turned to her mother with the one question she feared most
to ask. "Abuelita?"
"Tu abuela está bien, mi’ja. Se quedó en Chicago porque un viaje
tan largo en coche le sería demasiado diícil."
Natalia was overjoyed that her grandmother was still alive. In fact, she
inferred from what her mother said that her beloved abuelita might have
made the journey to see her if the trip from Chicago to Springfield weren’t so
long.
"Maybe Olivia and I should leave the three of you alone to get caught
up," Frank said, moving toward the door while he kept an eye on Olivia.
"Yes, I think that’s a good idea," Mr. Rivera said. "Except
I think you should stay, Frank, since you’re practically family."
‘Of course I’ll stay, if you wish," Frank said, grinning at Olivia.
"Natalia?" Olivia squeezed Natalia’s shoulder.
Natalia looked up at her, not knowing what to do or say. She felt as though a
tsunami had blown into her life and was now carrying her swiftly in a direction
of its choosing, which at the moment was away from the harbor where Olivia
stood. Her emotions felt raw and her mind was darting frantically about trying
to make sense of a universe now turned upside down. She knew she needed to
respond to Olivia. "I ..." She looked back at her father.
"I don’t have a way to leave. I came with Natalia in her car,"
Olivia said.
"That’s no problem," Frank said. "Why not just take her car?
It’s a Beacon vehicle anyway, isn’t it? We can always arrange for
transportation for Natalia, and meanwhile you’d be able to get back to your
own place."
"Excellent solution," Mr. Rivera said.
"Are these the keys?" Frank asked, picking up a set of keys from
the key rack by the door. When Olivia nodded, he handed them to her.
Olivia took them, but she looked down at Natalia again and touched her
shoulder to get her attention. "Natalia, do you want me to stay?"
"My daughter will be fine, won’t you, Natalia?" Mr. Rivera said.
Natalia looked down and nodded. The shock of seeing her parents again coupled
with the sudden domineering presence of her father had left her teetering on the
edge of a dangerously high emotional precipice, and all she could see below was
the endless darkness of the abyss that awaited her if she made the smallest
misstep.
"All right, call me if you need me," Olivia said.
Natalia could feel Olivia’s eyes on her, but she was ashamed to look up.
With her parents in the room, she no longer felt like the independent woman she’d
fought so hard to become, the woman Olivia was proud of and loved. She was once
again the little girl who never managed to live up to expectations and therefore
was a constant disappointment to her god-fearing parents, especially when she
committed the unforgivable sin of getting pregnant as a young teen, and she knew
that person was certainly not worthy of Olivia’s unwavering love.
******************************
Olivia paced back and forth in her penthouse suite impatient for Mayor Wolfe
to show up. She’d called her on the way back to the Beacon, desperate for
someone to talk to. When she finally heard a knock on the door, she hurried over
and admitted Doris into her angst-ridden personal space.
"What’s up?" Doris asked.
"Somehow Frank talked Natalia’s parents into coming over here from
Chicago."
"Is that a problem?"
Olivia looked at Doris as if she’d taken leave of her senses, but reminded
herself the mayor probably had no way of knowing much if any about Natalia’s
backstory. Hell, she herself knew precious little. "Oh, I think it’s a
big freakin’ problem," Olivia said.
"Look, why don’t you just come sit down and tell me what’s going
on," Doris said, sitting on the couch.
Olivia reluctantly followed Doris and dropped onto the sofa next to her, not
certain if she could actually sit still while they talked. "Natalia got
pregnant when she was just a young girl, fifteen or sixteen, something like
that," Olivia said. "Her family’s Catholic, and I’ve always gotten
the impression they were very strict. They insisted she give the baby up for
adoption, but when she refused, they tossed her out. That was the last time she
saw them—till Frank drove them over from Chicago today."
"Wow, that must have been a shocker. How did she take it?"
"She nearly passed out. In fact, she would have fallen flat on her face
if I hadn’t caught her. I wet a towel with cold water and used it on her face
and neck till she seemed to come to again, but the rest of the brief time I was
there she seemed almost catatonic."
"Not good."
Olivia pressed her fingers against her forehead, careful to avoid the still
bruised area on the side, and began a slow massage. "No, it really wasn’t.
In just the few minutes I spent with them, I learned a whole lot about why
Natalia’s the way she is."
"Meaning?"
"Her father was very ... domineering. Both her mother and Natalia
herself seemed to allow him to completely control them. It was like she became
another person." Olivia’s hand dropped back into her lap and she looked
at Doris with a pained expression. "I couldn’t even find the woman I know
in there anywhere. She just ... kind of vanished or something."
"Well, you said she was in a state of shock. You probably need to give
her time to get her balance."
"Frankly, I just don’t see that happening."
"Oh, come on, Olivia. Don’t you think that’s a bit hasty, not to
mention harsh?"
"Look, when I first met Natalia, she was hardworking and she’d lived
independently from the time she’d gotten pregnant, but she didn’t really
have a lot of self-confidence and she certainly didn’t stand up for herself.
Now after meeting her father, I can see why she was like that. He’s an
overbearing tyrant. I hated leaving her there with them."
"Why did you then?"
Olivia exhaled and leaned her head against the back of the couch. "I
kind of didn’t have much of a choice."
"I don’t know what that means. There’s always a choice."
"Frank suggested he and I leave so the three of them could talk."
"That’s not unreasonable."
"Sure, but I think that son of a bitch already knew her father would
want him to stay—which he did. I’m not sure what Frank told them, but Mr.
Rivera said he was ‘practically family,’ whatever the hell that means."
"I don’t like the sound of that," Doris said. "What do you
think he told them?"
Olivia sat up again. "I’m afraid he may have told them they were
engaged at one time and possibly implied that getting back together was
inevitable."
Doris peered into Olivia’s eyes. "Listen to me, Olivia. Natalia loves
you. She’s not going to marry Frank. There’s just no way."
"Earlier today I would’ve agreed, but you didn’t see how she was
around her father. She wilted. She cowered. She could barely stay conscious. It
seemed like both she and her mother looked to him for permission to breathe. It
was ... horrifying," Olivia said. "You probably think I’m
exaggerating, but I’m really not."
Doris was quiet for a moment. "I know you’re not. Do you know much
about traditional Hispanic culture, specifically machismo? I only ask because it
sounds like that’s what you’re dealing with here."
"Well, sure, I know what machismo means."
"I mean do you understand the ramifications of it within a family
setting?" Doris asked.
"I’m not sure what you’re driving at." And you’re really
starting to give me a headache. The truth was Olivia’s entire body hurt,
as though she’d received a literal physical blow. One minute she’d been
headed up the stairs with the love of her life, and the next minute Natalia
seemed to surrender all control to the man who’d thrown her out of the house
when she was just a girl. That’s just not right! If I were Natalia, I’d
have told him to get the hell outta my house!
"There’s more than one interpretation of ‘machismo,’ even among
different Hispanic cultures," Doris said. "At its best it means the
man is strong and responsible, the protector of his family, and there are
certainly some Hispanic men who are like that; but the other less savory
manifestation of machismo, which is what I suspect you’re dealing with here,
means the man exemplifies some of the worst possible qualities."
"Like what?" Olivia asked.
"The ‘macho’ man is dominating. He’s physically aggressive and
uncompromising with other males, and because he views women as inferior, he’s
often sexually aggressive and domineering with them. He’s sometimes violent,
not only with his wife, but also with his children. Some of this attitude is
intertwined with the Catholic religion, in that the woman, like the Virgin Mary,
is expected to be pure when she marries and must then stay faithful to her
husband, while at the same time the man, in the spirit of ‘machismo,’ is
entitled to have sex with any woman he chooses."
"Jesus! How do you know all this?"
"Legal research back when I was DA," Doris said. "I learned a
lot about the worst type of machismo back then and the harm it can cause, the
type of stuff that gets these violent men prosecuted by people like me. Image is
everything to this type of man. He’ll fight, he’ll brutalize, he’ll even
kill to protect his manly image, and within that culture it’s not only
accepted, but expected for the man to act out in that way."
"That’s not good," Olivia said. God, and to think I left her
out there with him. I should have just gone upstairs and waited.
"No, it really isn’t."
"So ... if that’s the kind of man we’re dealing with here—and
based on the little I saw, I think it is—then Natalia grew up in a strict
Catholic home with all this machismo crap that meant her father was the
undisputed cock of the walk while she and her mother were inferior beings under
his control just because they were female."
"Yes, that’s what I’m saying," Doris said.
"So when Natalia got pregnant, it wasn’t just that she sinned against
the church, but that she caused her ‘macho’ father to lose face because she
defiled her body by having sex with a boy and getting pregnant before she got
married."
"Yes, I’d also assume that’s why he was adamant she give the baby up
for adoption. They might have been able to hide the pregnancy that way, maybe by
sending her away for a few months and saying she was visiting relatives out of
town or whatever, and then he could have saved face. However, she refused to
give up her baby, so he threw her out as the only way for him to save face in
any way."
God, this is a lot to take in, but it sure would explain a lot. Olivia’s
mind rambled over various aspects of Natalia’s background in context with
Doris’s extemporaneous lecture on machismo. "I just had a horrible
thought."
"Okay, tell me."
"I’m going to take a wild guess that within this tradition, this
machismo tradition, same-sex relationships are very much frowned on."
"That’s right," Doris said. "By definition they would be
exactly contradictory to the precepts of machismo, for both males and females—males
because being gay would be the exact opposite of being macho, and females
because they were not properly subjugated to a male."
"So Natalia would not only have the church telling her it’s wrong, but
she’d also have her father—and her mother, by extension, since she seemed so
completely under his thumb—adamantly opposed to any kind of relationship like
that, right?"
"I’m afraid that’s exactly right."
Olivia leaned back against the couch again and closed her eyes. "I am so
fucked."
******************************
As soon as Olivia left, Frank sat on the chair next to Natalia. "Maybe
your parents would like something to drink, Natalia."
Natalia was horrified at her gaffe. "I’m so sorry," she said
rising from her chair and taking a step toward the refrigerator. "May I get
you something—coffee, tea? There’s even some lemonade."
Her father shook his head. "No, we stopped at Frank’s restaurant on
the way here to have dinner. I think we should talk about the future."
Natalia drifted back to her chair and sank back down onto it, still mortified
she hadn’t thought to offer refreshments to her own parents, one more
unforgivable social blunder. "What about the future?"
"Frank tells us Rafael is starting college this fall," Mr. Rivera
said.
"Yes."
"Even though the boy has been in so much trouble with the law," Mr.
Rivera continued.
Natalia could feel the blood drain from her face, aware of the condemnation
of her parenting implicit in that statement. She looked down at the table, too
ashamed to meet her father’s scathing gaze. "Yes," she whispered.
"Obviously the problem is the boy’s never had a strong male role model—until
Frank, of course, since his own father died before he could really take the boy
in hand and get his life turned around."
"He’s doing really well right now," Natalia said.
"He’s a felon who’s still seeing a parole officer, correct?"
"Yes." Natalia felt as though she were on trial and the verdict
headed her way wasn’t going to be good.
"Then I would say you had the right idea when you agreed to marry
Frank."
"We ... uh ... we didn’t get married."
"Yes, Frank told us there were problems that delayed the wedding, but
surely there’s nothing standing in the way now."
Natalia couldn’t believe her father actually expected her to marry Frank.
She cast a sidelong glance at Frank, who was simply listening calmly, his face
carefully devoid of expression. "We ... we can’t ..."
"Natalia!" Mr. Rivera leaned forward, arms resting on the kitchen
table.
Natalia recoiled from the angry tone in her father’s voice, just as she
used to as a little girl.
"You finally have a chance to turn your life around, to make up for your
past mistakes, to do the right thing by your son, who needs a strong man like
Frank to guide him," Mr. Rivera said, "and that’s exactly
what you’re going to do."
Natalia felt ill, emotionally and physically. Why had her happy world turned
into a nightmare?
******************************
After Doris left, Olivia headed down to the Beacon bar, too agitated to sit
alone in her penthouse suite. She briefly debated returning to the farmhouse,
but she was concerned that if she did, it might make matters even worse. She
decided it’d be far better to wait until she could talk to Natalia alone.
Meanwhile her nerves were so on edge she felt an overwhelming need to
self-medicate, hence the trip downstairs to her favorite watering hole.
She was surprised to see Angelica behind the bar. "Where’s
Brandon?" Olivia asked.
"He wanted to go to a wedding, so I said I’d cover for him
tonight," Angelica said. "May I get you something?"
"Vodka, and keep ‘em coming," Olivia said. "Make it the good
stuff."
"Of course," Angelica said with a sweet smile.
"And bring me a big glass. I don’t want one of those little
thimble-sized ones."
Olivia noted Angelica was quick to set a coaster and medium-sized tumbler of
vodka in front of her, much to her approval. She drained the glass without
taking a breath, set it back on the coaster, and tapped the side.
Angelica quickly refilled it.
Smart girl, Olivia thought as she tossed back her second drink. Didn’t
even try to get me to go for a screwdriver like Brandon did the time I sat here
and got plastered on his watch right after the argument at the spa.
"Just leave the bottle here," she told the pretty blonde bartender.
"Yes, of course, Miss Spencer. Just let me know if there’s anything
else I can get you."
Olivia nodded and poured herself a third drink, which she drank more slowly. Oh,
I think I have everything I need right here, she thought, examining the
Stoli label. Except, of course, my girl. Olivia could feel tears of
frustration threatening to form. Damn it, not gonna go there. She
finished drink #3 and poured a fourth. This is the good stuff. Shouldn’t I
be starting to feel it by now? She drank half the glass, coughed, and downed
the rest.
"Miss Spencer?"
"Huh?" Olivia was vaguely aware Angelica was hovering.
"Are you all right?"
"Yeah, why?"
"I just got worried when I saw you lay your head on the bar. I thought
maybe you were feeling sick."
"Nah, feelin’ much better. Where’s my bottle?"
"In your hand."
Olivia peered to her right, where she saw the empty tumbler on the same level
as her eyes. "Nope, that’s my empty glass."
"Your other hand," Angelica said.
Olivia rolled her head the other way. "There you are," she told the
bottle, which she held clenched in her left hand. She sat up enough to bring her
two hands close enough together to try to pour a fifth glass. The vodka ran down
the side till Angelica guided the neck of the bottle over the center of the
glass. "Thanks," Olivia slurred.
Angelica nodded as she helped Olivia set the bottle back down on the bar.
"Here’s to true love," she said, raising the tumbler in a mock
toast. After she finished her drink, she stood up to leave, swaying
precariously.
"Would you like some help?" Angelica said.
Olivia was impressed that somehow her bartender had materialized on her side
of the bar. How’d she do that? The girl has skills. "Nah, I’m
good," Olivia said taking a tentative step in the direction of the
elevator. Unfortunately she couldn’t remember what came next. Something to
do with the other foot, I think. When she tried to lift her other foot, her
body tilted precariously, but Angelica caught her before she fell and steadied
her as she tried to regain her balance.
"What’s going on here?"
"Miss Lindström, hello," Angelica said.
"What’s wrong?" Katarina asked.
"I think Miss Spencer ... isn’t feeling well. I was just going to help
her up to her room."
"Don’t you need to stay here and tend to the bar?"
"Yes, I suppose I should, but I was worried."
"Where’s Natalia?"
"I don’t know. She’s not here anywhere. I called the front desk to
see if anyone had seen her when Miss Spencer first seemed to get sick."
"All right, I’ll take her then."
Reluctantly Angelica released her hold on Olivia and watched as Katarina
slipped an arm around Olivia’s waist and began to walk her out of the bar and
toward the elevators.
As soon as they were on the elevator, Olivia seemed to notice for the first
time that it was no longer Angelica assisting her. "Somebody switched
blondes on me," she muttered. She was leaning against the back wall of the
elevator and missed Katarina’s amused smile.
"Surely one blonde is as good as the next," Katarina said.
Olivia laughed. For some reason that struck her as hilarious. Either this
woman is funny as hell or it’s the vodka. Speaking of vodka, I forgot to bring
mine with me. "Gotta go back down," she announced.
"Why’s that?" Katarina asked as the doors opened on the top
floor.
"Forgot my bottle."
"We can always get them to send it up."
"That’s a great idea."
"Come on," Katarina said, tugging on Olivia to get her off the
elevator.
"Where we goin’?"
"To your place."
"Really? I tried to get a girl to come back to my place with me
tonight."
"I take it that didn’t work out?" Katarina asked.
"Nope, not exactly."
"Where’s your key?"
"Pocket."
"Which one?"
"No idea."
Olivia giggled as Katarina began to search her pockets. She found it on the
third try in one of the back pockets of Olivia’s blue jeans and used it to
open the penthouse door.
"Home, sweet home," Olivia said as they entered the suite. She
swayed and nearly fell, but Katarina caught her and guided her toward the bed.
"What’re we doin’ now?" Olivia asked.
"I’m taking you to bed," Katarina said.
Olivia laughed. "Good idea ‘cause I don’t think I can stand up very
much longer."
"No, I don’t think so either," Katarina said as she helped Olivia
sit on the side of the bed. "Let’s get you a little more comfortable,
shall we?"
"Oh, I don’t know. I’m feelin’ pretty darned comfy after having a
couple of drinks."
"Interesting," Katarina said as she began removing Olivia’s shoes
and socks. "I could swear your lovely bartender held up five fingers when I
asked how many you’d had."
"Yep, there’s the problem," Olivia said. "Five’s just not
enough."
"That was a pretty big glass, Olivia," Katarina said.
Not nearly big enough, Olivia thought. After all, I’m still
conscious. She looked at Kat, who was kneeling in front of her after
removing her footwear. "We done here?"
"That depends," Katarina said.
"On?"
"On whether you need help getting out of those clothes. I can’t
imagine you’d be very comfortable sleeping like that."
"Uhm ..." Olivia glanced down at her skin-tight blue jeans.
"Yep, I should probably get these jeans off and ... yeah, bra too."
She stared down at the front of her jeans. "Damn complicated
contraptions."
"Are you talking about the zipper?"
"Yeah, and that other ... thingie."
"Snap?"
"Yeah. Why do they have to make things so complicated?" Olivia
fumbled with her jeans but couldn’t seem to get them unfastened.
Katarina watched her fruitless attempts. "Would you like some
help?" she finally asked.
"Aw, hell," Olivia said, letting her hands fall to her sides on the
mattress. "Okay," she added.
Katarina easily undid her jeans and pulled them off with some drunken
assistance from Olivia, who managed to raise her hips enough to make the removal
of her pants possible.
Olivia reached behind and under her short-sleeved blue blouse for the hooks
on her bra. "I know there’s a way to do this without taking off my shirt,
but ... uh ... not sure how I used to do that."
"Here, let me help," Katarina said. She leaned closer so she could
get to the back of Olivia’s bra and quickly undid it, and then reached under
the sleeves and pulled the bra straps down. "There you go. Now all you need
to do is pull your arms out of the straps and then just pull your bra down and
off."
Olivia sat there mute, now just wearing her panties and blouse, with her bra
straps hanging down from under her sleeves. "So complicated," she
said.
"Don’t worry," Katarina said. "I’ll help." She helped
guide Olivia’s arms through the straps and after a brief hesitation reached
under her blouse and gently eased her bra down and off.
"‘Kay, thanks," Olivia said. "Gotta lie down now," she
added. You should always lie down when the room is spinning. Learned that the
hard way.
"I think that’s a very good idea," Katarina said softly as she
ran her thumbs over the silky material of Olivia’s blue bra.
******************************
Chapter 86
"Excuse me," Natalia said as she stood up from the table. "I’m
not feeling well." She moved quickly toward the doorway into the living
room, acutely aware of three sets of eyes watching her retreating back.
Once in the upstairs bathroom she splashed cold water in her face and then
leaned over the basin with her hands braced on the cabinet, fighting a wave of
nausea. When she finally looked up, she was shocked to see a stranger’s face
staring back at her from the mirror, a face that looked haggard and drawn. Her
eyes were red with puffy dark circles underneath, even though she didn’t
remember actually crying, and there was such an overall expression of
desperation and defeat that she couldn’t recognize this face as the same one
she’d seen in this very mirror earlier that day.
This is what my life is going to be, she thought. She knew the only
reason her father had allowed Frank to bring them to Springfield was to reclaim
control over his daughter, to force her to live the life he chose for her. She
could remember the whippings she’d suffered at his hands, beginning when she
was just a toddler. Sometimes she didn’t even know what she’d done to set
him off. Other times her guilt and remorse for a real infraction, such as
forgetting to put away her toys, were overwhelming, and the shame of being
struck stayed with her, even into her adulthood. It’s why she never lifted a
finger against her son, not even to spank him when he was little.
She patted her face dry with a towel and stepped out of the bathroom onto the
landing. Although she started to go back downstairs, she turned instead and went
into her bedroom where she sat on the edge of her bed and picked up a picture
frame from the night stand, the one of her and Olivia and Emma on the couch last
winter. She smiled when she saw how happy they all looked. I was so happy
back then. We were so happy. The thought of losing that, of losing
the dream of reclaiming that happy life made her feel physically ill.
She lightly caressed the image of Olivia’s face in the picture, a face she
loved. And little Emma. She’d been looking so forward to seeing their little
girl come home and experiencing her joy when she found out she’d be moving
back into her very own room at the farmhouse.
How can I give you up? How can I give all this up?
She thought about her father. He’d always been the ultimate voice of
authority in her life, someone to be obeyed without question. Even her mother
catered to his every whim and simply endured his occasional rages, which more
and more centered on his imperfect child. The one thing Natalia had learned from
early on was that she did not dare disobey him. Any hint of disobedience was
dealt with swiftly and harshly. It was how she’d been brought up. It was how
she’d lived for many years. It was the one thing that had affected her to such
a degree it had informed the person she’d become after leaving her father’s
house. Even now she could feel the overwhelming pressure to conform, to obey, to
accept her father’s control, just as she’d always done.
Her eyes scanned lovingly over the photograph, taking in even the minutest
detail, and then with a sigh she pressed a kiss to Olivia’s image and
resolutely set the frame back on the night stand. She knew what she had to do.
Her decision was made. Now she just had to follow through on it, even though she
knew it was going to be difficult. In her heart she knew there was really no
other choice.
******************************
Olivia stirred restlessly on her mattress. She was lying on her back with her
head cushioned on a pillow and the sheet down around her waist, as though it’d
slipped there from a night of tossing and turning. It was early morning, and she
was caught somewhere between asleep and awake. As she began to drift more and
more toward wakefulness, she became aware of a warm body lying next to her,
could feel an arm lying over her chest, a hand on her shoulder, a leg thrown
over her thighs. Soft curves pressing into her arm told her the body next to
hers was female.
It felt good to have someone holding her, making her feel safe, but then
abruptly she remembered the last face she’d seen last night before falling
asleep, the beautiful face of Katarina Lindström, who had helped her—
Oh shit! I got drunk at the bar and Katarina helped me get back up here to my
room, and then ... shit, shit, shit! Olivia remembered Kat helping her
undress. Oh god. What did I do?
She felt the woman next to her begin to move. She must have noticed I was
waking up. Now what? She kept her eyes tightly closed as her mind raced
frantically.
Before Olivia could say or do anything, she felt the woman move closer, and
then she felt the softest lips pressing against her mouth, kissing her all the
way awake. Olivia parted her lips to receive the woman’s eager tongue and just
let herself enjoy the languid, deep kiss.
When the other woman finally drew back, Olivia sighed. "Thank god it’s
you," she said softly, finally opening her eyes to gaze into the dark orbs
she knew she’d find looking back at her.
"Of course, it’s me. Who else would it be?" Natalia asked.
"N-, nobody," Olivia stammered sitting partway up and scanning the
room.
"Kat was sleeping on the couch when I got here."
"Oh, okay. What did she say?"
"She said you’d had ‘a little’ too much to drink, and she’d
helped you navigate your way to your room. I already knew that, though, because
as soon as I turned on my cell phone I had voice mail from Angelica saying you
needed me."
"I, uh ... I was worried and I just wanted to try to relax. I’m
sorry."
"You don’t have to apologize or explain anything to me, Olivia."
Natalia sat up cross-legged on the bed facing Olivia. "I owe you an
apology." She caressed Olivia’s face. "And I really hope you’ll
forgive me because I’m so sorry about last night."
Olivia sat up, too, trying to make her eyes focus. She was so not a morning
person. "What do you have to be sorry about?"
"For how I acted last night. I was just so shocked to see my parents
after so many years, I literally could not think straight."
"I can understand that."
"Well, I’m not sure I do. I mean I don’t understand how I could have
just completely lost myself like that. It was frightening, kind of like
everything I’d worked to achieve, everything I’d done to better myself as a
person, had just suddenly gotten lost, like I’d never made any progress at
all, kind of like I was still that little girl who was so terrified of her
father’s disapproval and anger."
"I could see how shocked you were to see them after all this time."
"I know. It really was a shock."
"I don’t think that’s so unusual. I think anyone in your situation
would have been shocked."
"And almost fainted?"
"Sure, that’s not surprising, although I have to say that after I
left, I felt like maybe I’d made a mistake, like maybe I should’ve stayed
even though it seemed at the time like the only thing I could do was leave and
let you have your reunion with your family, but everything happened so fast, and
it seemed like you wanted to talk to them alone."
"Olivia, I could have asked you to stay, but I didn’t, especially when
you specifically asked me if that’s what I wanted you to do—but when my
father said I’d be fine, I nodded in agreement with him. What were you
supposed to do? I’m the one who let you leave. And you know what? I think
things worked out the way they were meant to."
"Why would you say that?"
"Because if you’d stayed, I know you would have fought my fight for
me, but it’s something I had to do myself."
Olivia knew Natalia was right. She would’ve been happy to take them all on,
and by god she would’ve kicked ass, but then Natalia wouldn’t have had to
deal with the parents who’d abandoned her when she got pregnant. "So what
happened after I left?"
"Fortunately I got sick."
"What? Why was that fortunate?"
"Because when I saw myself in the bathroom mirror, I didn’t even know
who I was. I looked pale and worn-out and scared and ... hopeless. My father had
come back into my life to control my every thought and action, and he wanted to
give me to a man who would act on his behalf when he wasn’t around to do it
himself."
"Frank," Olivia said. I really want to smack that man.
"Yes, my father told me I was going to marry Frank so I could make up
for my past mistakes and do right by son, the felon."
"The felon?"
"Yes, he pointed out my son was a felon because of my poor parenting
skills. At least he was right about that."
Oh god. That was low. "Don’t say that!"
"Why not? It’s true. But I swear to God I’m going to do right by my
son, starting with making sure he never meets his grandfather. That is the last
role model on earth Rafael needs."
"What about Frank?"
"I realize in a way Frank is just a nicer, more civilized version of my
father. He tries to control me, not by fear or violence, but by manipulation—that’s
what Sister Anne called it."
"You talked to her about this?" And what the hell did you mean
by "fear or violence"? Olivia started to ask her because it
sounded like a pretty ominous choice of words, especially coming from someone
who wasn’t prone to exaggeration, but she could see Natalia was slowly wading
her way through what she needed to tell her, so she decided to exercise some
self-restraint and let Natalia tell her what she needed to in her own time. Always
good to exercise self-restraint. God knows I need the practice.
"Well, I didn’t talk with Sister Anne about this situation
specifically, but as you know, I’ve been seeing her at least once a week, and
we’ve talked a lot about Frank because I’ve needed to discuss the problems
with Rafe, and those two are very connected."
"I see." Olivia studied Natalia’s face. She looked so calm,
serene even, and so different from how she looked last night. "So tell me
what happened after you saw yourself in the mirror."
"Instead of going right back downstairs, I went into my bedroom and
looked at that photograph of you and me and Emma on the couch."
"I remember that picture." Olivia loved that picture as well
because it represented what she wanted back.
"I saw how happy we looked, all three of us, and it was like I could
suddenly breathe again. When I saw my father last night, it felt like I was that
frightened little girl I used to be. I was so happy to see my mother, but when I
saw how awful I looked in that mirror, how pale and haggard and tense, I
realized I was seeing my mother’s face. I love my mother so much, but I know
how timid she always was around him."
Natalia paused, and Olivia noted her eyes seemed to be focused on some
faraway point somewhere over her shoulder, as though she had traveled back in
time.
"When he wasn’t in the house, my mother was like a different
person," Natalia continued in a soft voice. "She smiled and sang and
played with me or talked with me or read me stories or taught me things, like
how to cook and how to sew, but the minute he walked through the door, the light
went out of her eyes and this terrible, suffocating tension came over the whole
house."
"That’s an awful way to live."
"Yes, it is. I didn’t even realize how awful till I got pregnant and
they left me at the home for unwed mothers. Even though I was scared about
having a baby and leaving home, I wasn’t fearful every waking moment, afraid I’d
anger my father and get another ... beating." Natalia focused back on
Olivia again.
SHIT! "He beat you?" Olivia could feel a raw anger
roiling in the pit of her stomach. "You never told me your father
beat you."
"I never told anybody."
"I wish you’d told me. There’s no way I would have left last night.
Oh my god! I left you there with a man who used to beat you. I didn’t ... I
just had no idea. I’m so sorry I left." Olivia was horrified. If only
I’d known, she thought over and over. If only I’d known what kind of
man he is.
"Olivia, you had no way of knowing, and he would certainly never show
that side of himself to a stranger. With other people he was always polite and
gentlemanly. No one would ever guess what he was like in private."
"Why didn’t you ever tell me?"
"I was ashamed. Getting hit ... it can make you feel so ... ashamed. The
older I got, the more ashamed I felt."
Olivia’s eyes narrowed as a terrible thought intruded on her mind. "So
these beatings ... what did he do exactly?"
Natalia’s eyes dropped down, but then with effort she forced herself to
look back up at Olivia. "Sometimes he spanked me with his bare hand. When I
was little he always made me pull down my panties so he could spank my bare
bottom. I, uh ... it was ... I hated that."
"I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked." Maybe it’s not good to
dredge all this stuff up.
"No, it’s okay. You asked and I need to tell you. I want you to know
everything."
"Everything?" Oh god.
"Sometimes he’d whip me with his belt."
"That’s horrible."
"Sometimes he’d be so angry he’d just pick up whatever was handy and
whip me with that."
"That’s child abuse. Someone should have turned that bastard into
social services." Finally finding out what Natalia’s childhood had been
like was difficult to bear, especially knowing there was nothing she could do
about it now.
"It was all I knew at the time," Natalia said, "but when I had
my baby, I swore I’d never hit him—and I never did, not once."
"When did he stop?"
"Stop what?"
"Stop whipping you?"
"He didn’t," Natalia said, briefly glancing down, but once more
she forced herself to look back up and directly into Olivia’s eyes.
"He didn’t?’‘
"No, he never stopped, not till he threw me out of the house."
"But you were, what, fifteen or sixteen by then?"
"Yes."
Olivia could see a flush of shame in Natalia’s cheeks, and it made her want
to beat the crap out of the tyrant who’d treated his daughter so abominably.
"That’s ... it’s just hard to believe."
"The last time was when I told my parents I was pregnant."
"Oh my god." Olivia got off the bed and began to pace. "I
could kill him. I could fucking kill that bastard for treating you like
that."
Natalia got up, too, and caught Olivia’s hands, pulling them to her bosom.
"Maybe I shouldn’t have told you."
"Of course you should tell me. I don’t want you to keep things from
me."
"I won’t. I just ... mostly I try not to think about that part of my
childhood. It’s really only been since I began to meet with Sister Anne that I’ve
begun to understand how much all of that has affected my life and the choices I’ve
made."
Olivia was still worried about the extent of her father’s abuse. "Did
he ever ... come into your room at night?"
"I ... well, sometimes. What do you mean?"
"Did he ..." Olivia was having trouble getting the words to come
out, but she had to know. "Did he ever sexually abuse you?"
"No," Natalia said. "No, he never did that. He was physically
and verbally abusive, but he never did that to me."
"Thank god!" I was so worried. That whole spanking a little girl
on her bare bottom sounds perverted to me. "So what happened with your
parents last night?" Olivia asked as she drew Natalia down to sit beside
her on the foot of the bed.
"When I went downstairs, Frank said we were going to take them into town
to Towers, where he’d booked them a room for the night. Of course, that would
have also left me alone with Frank in his car, which I wanted to avoid. Clearly
there’s something seriously wrong with him right now."
"So what did you do?"
"I told my mother how happy I was to see her and how much I’d missed
her, and I asked her to send my love to my grandmother, which she promised she’d
do."
"And then?"
"And then I told Frank and my father that I was not going to
marry Frank, ever, not under any circumstances."
"Wow, how’d that go over?"
Natalia grimaced. "Not well."
"I guess they tried to talk you out of it?"
"My father tried to bully me like he always used to, but I kept an image
of that photograph in my head, and it helped me stay strong and focused. I felt
like I was fighting for my life, for our life together, and there was no
way I was going to let myself lose that fight."
"I’m impressed," Olivia said. And I’m so sorry I doubted
you. "So did they just up and leave?"
"No, Frank had to tell them about my ‘little problem.’"
"Uh-oh."
"He told them I was confused right now and needed time to get my head on
straight after coming under a bad influence."
"Ah, I see my name came up."
They both laughed.
"I’m afraid so. Frank told them my employer was ‘after me,’ and he
was trying to save me from your evil clutches, because as soon as you lured me
into your bed, I’d lose the relationship I thought I had with you as well as
my job."
"Son of a bitch!" Olivia tried to shake off her white-hot anger
because she knew she needed to stay calm and focused for Natalia’s sake.
"Okay, so I’m guessing your father was none too happy about that."
"No, he called me some very bad names and pretty much said I was going
to hell unless I changed my wicked ways."
"But you stood your ground?"
"Yes, even though I hadn’t planned to tell them. It’s none of their
business as far as I’m concerned, and besides, I knew there was no way they’d
ever accept it. Well, I could tell my mother still loved me, but there’s no
way she’ll ever stand up to him."
Olivia hugged Natalia again. "I’m so glad you stood up to
him."
"Me too." Natalia snuggled into Olivia’s embrace.
"I’m so proud of you!"
"I’m not sure I’d have had the strength if it weren’t for you,
because of how much I love you and because I know how much you love me."
"Is that why you weren’t upset to find Katarina here?"
"Well, I can’t say I wasn’t upset," Natalia said.
Olivia was relieved to see a dimply smile accompanying her declaration.
"I always seem to feel uneasy when I’m around Katarina," Natalia
continued. "She’s just so beautiful and I know how much she wants ... to
be with you, but clearly she really was a friend to you last night when you
needed a friend, and not someone who’d take advantage of you, which I know
would have been easy to do."
"Well, I’m spoken for."
"Yes, you are, and don’t you forget it."
"I won’t," Olivia said with a grin. "So what now?"
"First, judging by how you look right now, I’m going to go order up
your favorite hangover cures, along with a pot of coffee and some
breakfast."
"Food? I don’t know."
"Yes, food. You need to eat. You’ll be fine once you get down
one of those cures and drink some coffee. You’ll need some food on your
stomach by then. And Olivia?"
"What?" Now Olivia was the one who felt uneasy when she saw the
sudden serious expression on Natalia’s face.
"I think we should talk sometime about this excessive drinking when you
get upset."
"Uhm ... yeah, okay." It sure wasn’t a good choice last night.
What if you’d needed me?
Natalia picked up the phone from Olivia’s night stand and ordered the
requisite items from food service. She knew the breakfast chef would know what
hangover cure or cures to send up. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time
that type of request had emanated from the CEO’s penthouse suite. "There,
that should be up here soon. Meanwhile, I have a lot of things I have to get
taken care of today, starting with talking to my son.
Olivia was no longer hearing individual words. She was only aware she’d
gotten back the woman she loved, a woman who genuinely loved her and cared about
her and would do anything she could to take care of her, just as Olivia would do
for her.
"Did you hear me?" Natalia asked.
"Huh?"
"I said I need to talk to Rafe. I have to tell him what happened and
why, and then I need your help with something."
"Of course, anything."
"I want to take out a restraining order on Frank, but I don’t really
know how to do that. All I know is I refuse to let him keep doing things like
this."
"What else could he possibly do?" Olivia asked.
"Didn’t we just ask that same question recently?"
"Good point. Okay, I’ll call Mel and ask her to come over and help.
That should make it go quicker, especially since Frank’s still a member of the
force, even if he is on suspension. In fact ..." Olivia thought for a
moment. "Maybe I should call Doris first and ask her advice. It’s
possible she could set this in motion even faster than Mel. She’d certainly be
highly motivated to do it, and she already knows a little bit about what
happened. She also knows the local judges pretty well, and that’s really who
we need to issue the order."
"So you talked to Doris?" Natalia asked.
"Yeah, after I left the farmhouse last night."
"Good, I’m glad. Speaking of the farmhouse ..."
"What about it?"
"Olivia, I love you so much."
"I love you, too. Last night I thought sure I’d lost you. I really
felt like Frank had come up with the one thing that could break us up."
"We’re not breaking up! In fact, I want you to move back into
the farmhouse with me."
"I know, and I haven’t changed my mind about doing that whenever we
think it’s okay."
"I want you to move back in today."
"Today? Are you serious?"
"Olivia, I’m completely serious. You are my life. I don’t want to be
apart from you for even one more night. There’s just one thing."
"What?"
"You need to think about whether you’re really ready to do that."
"Oh, I’m ready. I’ve been ready for a long time."
"Are you sure? Because it seems like you’re still afraid something’s
going to happen that’ll make me want to dump you."
"But now the other shoe has finally dropped."
"What does that mean exactly?"
"Let’s just say that now that you’ve stood up to your son and Frank and
your parents, I know there’s nothing that could come between us."
"Do you mean that?"
"Absolutely."
Natalia smiled. "Okay, then will you move in?"
"I just can’t believe you want me to move in today."
"I know it might take longer than that to get everything moved in that
you’ll want, but couldn’t we at least get most of your personal things moved—clothes,
laptop, basic necessities?"
"Sure, I guess, but what about Rafe?"
"I’ll tell him when I see him this morning. I’m more motivated than
ever to stand firm against his temper and his attempts to control the people
around him, including me. Being around my father was a terrible reminder of how
toxic that can be."
"What if he—"
"It won’t make a difference. I want you with me and I don’t want to
wait. Well, unless you think we should wait to move you in until after you tell
Emma about us."
Olivia thought for a moment about her little girl. "No, I think it’ll
be fine. She’ll be thrilled to find out we’re going to live at the farmhouse
again. She was always so happy there. Once we’re moved and she gets settled
in, we’ll find the right time to tell her."
"So you’ll do it? You’ll move in with me today?"
"Yes." God yes! Olivia could hardly believe they were
finally going to be together. No more forced separations. No more waiting to see
if Rafe was going to accept them. No more worrying about what other people might
think. They were finally going to be together, and she’d never in her life
been happier.
Natalia smiled and hugged Olivia close. "I’m so happy," she said
softly.
******************************
Natalia watched Olivia slowly perk up as she worked her way through the
various goodies on the breakfast cart, starting with a very unappetizing shaker
full of some kind of liquid hangover cure. Olivia had trouble swallowing it, but
she did manage to gulp most of it down, followed by a cup of coffee. By then
Natalia was able to talk her into eating an apple muffin, but only because she
fed it to her by hand, a little exercise in fine dining that left them both more
than a little turned on.
"I’m thinking maybe I should make you feed me all the time,"
Olivia said after eating the last morsel of muffin.
"That could probably be arranged," Natalia said, swiping a tiny
piece of muffin from the corner of Olivia’s mouth, "especially now that
you’re moving back in."
"I just can’t believe we’re actually doing it."
"Well, we are." Natalia was touched by how radiantly happy Olivia
looked. Thank God I found my backbone last night. "By the way, I
forgot to tell you I called Rafe while you were in the shower and asked him to
meet me downstairs."
"You’re going to tell him about your parents?"
"Yes, and about Frank and the restraining order, and also about asking
you to move in today."
"Wow, that’s a lot."
"Yes, I know, but it is what it is. I don’t want my son to be like my
father or like Frank, and I’m going to tell him that. I’m also going to tell
him I’d love for him to come and live with us at the farmhouse, but of course
it’s his decision."
"He won’t do it. Are you sure you’re okay with that?"
"I don’t think he’ll do it either. It makes me sad, but I’m not
going to keep my life on hold any longer, not even for my son. He’s moving on
with his life, and I’m going to move on with mine. He’s starting college
very soon, and I know he has to make an independent life for himself sooner or
later. I’d just really like to see him move out of Frank’s."
"Wasn’t that supposed to be temporary?"
"I suppose, but I don’t really know. He was just so angry at the time—speaking
of which, I’m also going to tell him how concerned I’ve been about how he
might act around Emma, and I’m going to make it clear that any kind of anger
or lashing out is not acceptable, not with anybody, but especially not around
Emma."
Natalia became aware that Olivia was watching her open-mouthed.
"What?" Natalia asked.
"I’m just so ... impressed with how ... confident you are."
"Yes, that’s exactly what I am. I’m confident. I know what I need to
do, and I’m going to do it."
"I love you like this, all, like, sure of yourself. It’s a huge
turn-on."
Natalia laughed until Olivia abruptly pulled her close and kissed her. She
loved Olivia’s sudden passion and slow, deep kiss, but after a while she
reluctantly pulled away. "You know what I think?"
"That we should go to bed and make love?" Olivia asked with a quirk
of one eyebrow.
"Yes, but I think we should wait till tonight."
"That’s a long time off."
"Yes, but ..." Natalia glanced at her watch. "Rafe is probably
waiting for me in the restaurant downstairs, and I also want to get going on the
restraining order."
"Right, I need to call Doris about that. Okay, you go do what you need
to do, and I’ll do the same. Then I’ll do some packing. I should probably
call Emma with the good news, too."
"I’d love to be with you when you tell her."
"Okay, I’ll wait for you. In fact, we can call her on the speakerphone
at the farmhouse later."
"That sounds perfect," Natalia said, stealing one last kiss.
"Just like you."
"Don’t forget about our date tonight."
"Date?"
"Remember? I said we should go to bed ..."
"Oh." Natalia blushed. "I won’t forget."
"It feels like it’ll be our wedding night," Olivia said.
"Exactly. That’s exactly what it is."
They lingered over a good-bye kiss, and then Natalia finally headed off to
meet her son. She had some difficult things to do today, including getting the
restraining order on Frank, but she knew it was all going to be worthwhile—and
the prospect of a wedding night with Olivia at the farmhouse made her smile and
blush and want to count every single second until they were finally together.
******************************
Chapter 87
"Oh my god I’m so in love!" Olivia announced to the currently
empty penthouse suite. All she could think about was getting to the farmhouse
and the love of her life. I’m coming home, she thought. I’m
finally coming home to you.
She was standing in the middle of several open suitcases lying open on the
floor around her, like a pioneer amidst the protective circle of wagons. She’d
already gotten through the difficult part of her day, including a discussion
with Doris about restraining orders.
Doris recommended getting a lawyer to advise them and even go with them to
the courthouse though it wasn’t strictly necessary. She said there might be
problems, but a good lawyer could help Natalia maximize her case. She also
suggested she herself might try to talk to Judge Hernández about Frank’s
fitness as a mentor for Rafe, though she couldn’t promise it would do any good
whatsoever since Rafe himself was so vested in that relationship. "The boy
needs a sane male role model," Doris had quipped, "and right now that
‘ain’t’ Frank."
Olivia set up a meeting for the two of them with Mel, during which the lawyer
explained there was some doubt as to whether a judge would actually grant even
an emergency ex parte order of protection, which was the shortest-lasting
of the three types of restraining orders available in the state, but that could
be issued without Frank being present. It usually only lasted up to fourteen
days or until there was a hearing, whichever came first, which was less time
than the protection afforded by either an interim or plenary order of
protection, Mel had said. Even so, it was not certain a judge would sign such an
order in this case.
Olivia remembered how both she and Natalia had protested vehemently to the
notion that a judge could possibly deny signing an order at all, but Mel pointed
out that the single instance of physical injury against Natalia could easily be
explained away as a one-time accident, and there was virtually no physical proof
of it now since her bruises had faded so much it made it difficult to discern
any traces of them on her olive skin, and what little one could see were not the
clear handprint bruises previously viewable. Essentially it would be Natalia’s
word against Frank’s since Olivia was still fuzzy on the details of that
night.
Also, Mel pointed out Olivia was the one with the verifiable injury that
required hospitalization, but she’d ended up not filing criminal charges after
the meeting with Doris and Mallet (and Chief Wolfe in absentia) that resulted in
Frank’s temporary suspension, an edification that had inspired a colorful
string of invectives from Olivia, who still regretted not following her initial
instinct to try to get Frank jailed, rather than suspended. Olivia had only been
mildly mollified when Mel agreed with the advice the esteemed mayor had given
them.
When questioned, Natalia admitted she’d never told Frank—or anyone else—her
father was abusive, so she couldn’t claim Frank deliberately intended her harm
by bringing him into her home without her knowledge or consent.
According to Mel, the best chance Natalia had to be granted an order of
protection was to make a case that her ex-fiancé had been stalking and
intimidating her by walking into her home day or night without permission and
also by repeatedly insisting they get married. Here it was significant that
Natalia had told Frank again and again not to enter her home and explained to
him time after time she would never marry him.
In that context, Mel said the fact that Frank had unexpectedly brought a
parent to help him bully Natalia into marriage and the fact both women had
sustained physical injuries that night at the farmhouse—though only one could
be verified by hospital records—would provide some credence that Frank might
pose a real physical threat and was certainly causing her great emotional
distress, and hence maybe they could at least get a temporary emergency
restraining order, though it was not certain even that would do it. Mel’s
parting shot to Olivia was a suggestion that she try to remember what happened
that night.
Yeah, I’ll get right on that, Olivia thought as she pushed the knotty
restraining order problem out of her head and happily surveyed the chaos in her
room. After all, they were meeting with Mel in the morning to fill out the
necessary forms and file them with the court clerk, who would then take them to
a judge. Till then there really wasn’t anything they could do.
Meanwhile she could do something about getting moved out to the farmhouse.
She realized her packing was haphazard at best, but she was too excited about
moving and too giddy about their "wedding" night to approach it with
any type of planning, organization, or care, and even though she knew she could
easily get someone from housekeeping to come up and help her, it was just so
satisfying to do it herself she didn’t bother.
Suddenly tired, she plopped down on the foot of the bed and lay back, letting
her legs dangle off the end while she stared at the ceiling and thought once
more about how Natalia had looked and sounded that morning. Olivia was
completely enthralled by Natalia’s impressive show of strength and
determination and unwavering commitment to their relationship. Huge freakin’
turn-on, that’s what it is, she thought as a smile tugged at the corners
of her mouth.
At first she’d been shocked at what seemed like such an abrupt change, but
after Natalia left and she’d had time to think, she realized Natalia had been
making steady progress in this direction for quite some time now, starting way
back when she’d agreed to become Olivia’s assistant, a position with far
more responsibility than anything she’d ever tackled before. She’d also
taken on the challenge of buying and creating a home for all of them; she’d
overcome the harrowing sexual assault and its emotionally draining aftermath;
she’d stood up to Father Ray, and by proxy her church, and found her own peace
with God; she’d laid down the law with Frank by insisting he stop barging into
the farmhouse at all hours and making it clear there was no future for them; she’d
held steadfast to their love even when her son found out and not only made his
disapproval known, but moved out of the house and in with her "stalkerish"
ex-fiancé; and finally, just last night she’d stood up to the tyrant from her
childhood, even after Frank exposed her relationship with Olivia.
To her shame, Olivia had initially believed the arrival of her parents would
be too much for Natalia to overcome. Before she realized the father was abusive,
Olivia had thought it represented a chance for Natalia to get her family back—for
herself and her son—and how could that be anything but an incredibly wonderful
gift? Well, that’s what I thought till I found out today what an abusive
bastard her father was. He seemed nice, but boy, can appearances be deceiving!
Thinking about what happened last night and what might have happened had Natalia
not already overcome so much was still scary, but Olivia decided to follow
Natalia’s advice and let it go, at least for now.
She rolled over onto her side and drew her knees up to her chest as her
thoughts turned to another issue her lover had brought up, namely Olivia’s
readiness for a real commitment that moving to the farmhouse would represent.
She had to admit that up until that morning she’d always had that one little
niggling doubt in the back of her mind that at some point when the going got too
rough, Natalia would abruptly withdraw, leaving Olivia shattered. It was the one
thing she feared most. She knew she could handle anything else—telling Emma,
dealing with reactions from the community, putting up with Rafe’s hostility,
whatever. But in the end to be dumped by her one true love? She didn’t think
she’d survive that.
But now she was giddy with the knowledge that every single time Natalia had
been faced with a tough choice, she’d repeatedly chosen to stay in the
relationship with Olivia, even when her son protested, even when her parents
showed up, even when her despotic father tried to stop her.
I have never, EVER, had someone who chose me first, Olivia thought. Not
ever. Not once.
She saw an image in her mind of Natalia in the farmhouse kitchen stirring
something on the stove, in the living room sitting on the couch on movie night,
on the bench outside the door eating ice cream, on the stairway carrying a
basket of laundry, in the yard pulling weeds from the flowerbed, on the landing
coming out of the bathroom after a shower with her hair still pinned up and wet
around the edges.
She closed her eyes as the images continued to kaleidoscope through her mind—Natalia
looking pretty in a sundress, Natalia looking slender and cute in her jeans,
Natalia looking adorable in her flannel jammies and scuffs, Natalia looking
breathtaking in nothing at all.
"My god I am so in love," Olivia whispered to the still empty
penthouse suite.
******************************
Natalia watched her son sitting across from her at a table in the Beacon
restaurant. Currently he was frowning and visibly upset.
"I can’t believe my own grandparents were in town and didn’t even
want to meet me."
"I’m sorry you’re hurt, Rafael."
"Why didn’t you ever tell me anything about them?"
Natalia took a deep breath. She had already decided she wasn’t going to
hide things anymore. "Because they threw me out of the house."
"Why? What did you do?"
"I got pregnant."
Rafe started to say something and stopped abruptly, as though what she’d
just said had sunk in. "So ... so they tossed you out because of me?"
"It wasn’t your fault. None of this is your fault. I’m the one who
got pregnant so young."
"So just because you got pregnant they threw you out? That’s not
cool."
"No, actually it was because I refused to give you up for adoption. If I’d
agreed to do that, my father would’ve let me stay." Natalia could see
Rafe trying to absorb this new piece of information. She’d always tried to
protect him from life’s harsher realities, but she knew now was not the time
to conceal family history, so she sat stoically waiting for his next question.
"And you refused to do that."
"Yes. My father took me to a home for unwed mothers and told me never to
come back home."
"That’s ... that was a terrible thing to do."
"Yes, it was, but it wasn’t the only terrible thing he did."
Rafe looked worried. "What else did he do?"
"He was a very angry, short-tempered, violent man. He treated my mother
badly and he used to ... well, he used to beat me ... for even the smallest
things ... sometimes for nothing at all except I was handy when he got mad about
something. He was physically and verbally abusive." She could see Rafe
clenching and unclenching his fists now. And that’s exactly why I’m
telling you this. I’ve got to make you see how damaging all this anger can be,
not only to others, but also to yourself.
"That’s ... wrong," Rafe said.
"He would lose his temper and lash out. It was a terrible thing to live
with."
"Yeah, it sounds awful."
"Listen, this isn’t a man you want in your life. He’s not a nice
person. He was horrible to me and my mother, and I’d hate for you to be around
him."
"Because you think he’d be horrible to me?"
"No, because I think he’d want to teach you to be like him." She
watched her son’s face carefully, wondering if anything was sinking in.
"I ... I’d never do anything like that."
"Rafael, I’m glad to hear you say that, but honestly, I’ve gotten
more and more worried about your temper."
Rafe looked down at the table and his half-eaten breakfast, but didn’t say
anything.
"Seeing my father last night was a terrible reminder of how really bad
that kind of uncontrolled anger can be," Natalia said, leaning forward as
she watched her son carefully. "I want you to look at the things you’ve
done, at the way you lose your temper and strike out at people, sometimes
physically, sometimes verbally. I don’t want you to be like my father,
Rafael."
"I’d never, ever be like that!" Rafe said angrily, clenching his
fists again.
"But look at yourself right now. It seems as though your first reaction
is always anger. Before you think, you react and it comes out as anger. That’s
not healthy for you, and I can tell you it’s not healthy for the people around
you."
Rafe relaxed his hands and sat back in his chair. "Yeah, I know. We talk
about that in group."
"In the anger management group?"
"Yeah, and I also talk with the counselor alone sometimes. I ... yeah, I
know I have a problem."
"Two things have happened lately that have made me see this in another
light. I think I’ve been in denial about what a big problem you have, Rafael,
just like you’ve been.
"So what two things?"
"The first one I’ve already told you. I just got a terrible reminder
about what it was like to live with my father, but also, Emma is going to be
coming home soon."
"So?"
"She’s just a little girl, and I realized I was worried about what you
might do around her."
"I would never hurt Emma!" Rafe shouted.
Natalia regarded him quietly for a moment. "No, I don’t think you’d
ever do anything deliberately to hurt her, but what if you lost your temper
around her? Do you realize how frightening that could be for a little girl like
that? I used to be that little girl who lived in fear of an angry man. I cannot
begin to tell you how ..." Natalia could feel tears beginning to well up,
and from the sudden expression of contrition on her son’s face, she knew he’d
noticed. "I can’t tell you how frightening that can be, and suddenly I
realized I was afraid my son might be someone who could scare a little
girl."
"But I would never do that!" Rafe insisted.
"And what if you were angry at Olivia, as you’ve been before? What if
you were yelling at her, as you’ve done before? What if Emma heard that or saw
it? Can you understand how scary and how damaging that could be for a little
person to hear her mother treated like that?"
Rafe’s head dropped down. "Yeah, okay. I ... you’re right."
When he looked back up at his mother, he had a pained look on his face.
"You’re right. I need to stop that."
"Good, that’s all I ask. I love you so much, but this is something I
just cannot tolerate and I’m not going to tolerate it, not anymore."
Rafe nodded.
"Now I have two more things to tell you."
Rafe’s shoulders sagged. "Okay."
"First, I’m going to try to take out a restraining order on
Frank."
"What? Why would you do that?"
"I was hoping that’d be obvious," Natalia said. "Frank has
changed. He shouldn’t have gone behind my back and talked my parents into
coming here. That was none of his business. He told them that marrying me was
inevitable, just a matter of time. He hurt me, Rafe. You saw the bruises on my
arms. He hurt Olivia bad enough to put her in the hospital. He keeps walking
into the farmhouse day or night as if he owns the place even though I’ve asked
him repeatedly not to. Can you understand how scary that can be, especially for
a woman who’s been living alone way out there in the country? I’m starting
to feel afraid of him, Rafe."
"Maybe I could talk to him."
"I don’t think it’s good for you to hang out with him. I wish you’d
move back into the farmhouse, but if not, I wish you could live somewhere other
than with Frank. He might have been a good mentor at one time, but I don’t
think he is right now. It’s like he’s not in his right mind."
"I don’t know. When I’m around him, he seems okay."
"You’re in charge of your own life, Rafael. I’m just telling you
what I think."
"Okay, you told me. What else?"
"Olivia and Emma are moving back into the farmhouse." She could see
he looked surprised, even though she’d told him more than once this was what
she wanted.
"When?"
"Olivia is moving in today, and Emma will be home from San Francisco
sometime soon."
"So that’s partly why you were worried about Emma? Because she and
Olivia would be moving into the farmhouse?"
"That’s right."
"Okay, I understand."
She waited for an outburst, but none came. Maybe I’m getting through to
him about the anger issues, or maybe he’s starting to at least accept my
relationship with Olivia, even if he doesn’t like it. Maybe it’s what I said
about my concerns about Emma. Either way she felt as though she’d made a
little progress.
******************************
Olivia knocked on the farmhouse door, which was quickly opened by a stunning latina
wearing black jeans and a burnt orange tank top.
"God, you’re gorgeous," Olivia said as she pulled Natalia into
her arms for a hug. "And you’re all mine," she added before kissing
her hello.
Soon the "hello" kiss deepened into an "I want you now"
kiss, but before it went any further, there was a second knock on the door.
"Oh shoot," Olivia said with a laugh. "I forgot I asked Boyd
to help me with my luggage. He brought it over in one of the Beacon SUVs."
"That was a good idea."
"Well, I wanted to save my strength," Olivia said with a suggestive
grin as Natalia opened the door.
"Come in, Boyd," Natalia said.
Olivia was amused by Boyd’s obvious nervousness around his longtime crush.
He grinned and stammered the minute he saw Natalia, but at least he was a
strapping lad, she thought, and quickly got her luggage carted upstairs to her
room.
"Thanks, Boyd," Olivia said as she saw him to the door. "I may
have more tomorrow. I’ll let you know."
As soon as he was gone, Olivia turned to Natalia. "I can’t believe I’m
here ... here to stay."
"Me either, but I’m so happy."
"Happy enough to let me have a key?"
"Oh right. I have one for you. It’s next to your plate."
Olivia noticed for the first time that the table was set with Natalia’s
fine chinaware, and there were even a couple of tall, white tapered candles
waiting to be lit. She picked up the key. "You should have let me bring
dinner from the Beacon so you didn’t have to cook."
"I love cooking for you," Natalia said.
Olivia turned the key over in her hand. "This looks new."
"It is. I called Josh for his advice on what locksmith to call, but he
came over this afternoon to change the locks himself because he said that’d be
faster than trying to get a locksmith out on such short notice. He put in a dead
bolt and a chain lock, and he also brought me some door wedges."
"Uhm ... wow, that’s a great idea. Why did you decide to change the
locks?"
"Because I’m pretty sure I locked the door last night, but somehow
Frank still got in, so either he got ahold of a key or he picked the lock—or
maybe I’m wrong about locking the door. In any event I’m just tired of him
being able to walk in here. I told Josh about it and he recommended changing the
locks, but also installing a chain lock and using door wedges to block the door
from the inside. He said I might also want to consider putting in a security
alarm."
Olivia nodded, momentarily sobered by the problem Frank represented. "I
think it’s good. What about Rafe, though?"
"Rafe isn’t living here right now. If he changes his mind and decides
to move back in, I’ll give him one of the new keys and we’ll have to figure
out what to do about the door wedges, which means he’d have to keep me
informed about whether or not he was coming home, and if so, how late he was
going to be out."
"Wow, I bet he’d love that."
"Honestly, I don’t expect him to want to live here anyway. I’m
hoping that once classes start, he’ll get his mind on other things, meet some
new people his own age, start to think about his life goals ..."
"Here’s hoping." Olivia was still incredibly impressed with
Natalia’s newfound strength and confidence. In fact, to her surprise just
listening to Natalia calmly lay down the law on the locks and keys was making
her feel a bit weak in the knees. Maybe we could just skip dinner and go
right to the part where we go to bed, speaking of which ... "We should
talk about sleeping arrangements," she said. No point beating around the
bush.
"I’m sleeping with you," Natalia said with a huge smile.
"Don’t even try to argue about it."
Olivia laughed. "Hey, no way am I arguing about that, I was just
wondering ..."
"Well, I know we each need a bedroom, or more accurately our own rooms
and closets to store things in, but ..."
"Yeah, I figured, but ..."
"I put fresh sheets on both our beds, but the one in your room is
bigger, so I thought tonight maybe we could go there?"
"Sounds perfect."
"We can always get a bigger bed for the master bedroom, if you want. I
haven’t thought this all the way through. I just wanted to get you here."
"Getting me here was a great idea. I totally approve."
"So tonight when we go to bed, we can sleep in your bed."
"Well, I don’t know about sleeping."
Natalia blushed and leaned into Olivia, holding her close.
"I don’t know about waiting either," Olivia said. "Do you
realize we’ve never made love in the farmhouse?"
Natalia nodded.
"I mean ... we’ve kissed and stuff, but ..."
"I know. I’ve wanted to, though. I’ve really wanted us to be
together here," Natalia said. "I feel kind of nervous, though, like it’s
our wedding night, like it’s the first time in a way."
"Yeah, I know. Me, too."
"And I want you to know that I don’t need a ceremony to feel like we’re
married, like we’re a real couple. I know in my heart we are, Olivia. I’ve
known that for a long time, and I want you to know I’m completely committed to
you and to this relationship."
Olivia kissed Natalia briefly. "I’m completely committed to you, too.
I love you so much." Olivia tightened her grip. "I just don’t think
I can wait to be with you. Please don’t make me wait."
Natalia looked into Olivia’s eyes, took her hand, and led her through the
doorway into the living room and toward the stairs.
******************************
Natalia was so happy and so excited and so turned on already she could barely
breathe, let alone navigate the stairs. Somehow they both managed to stumble
their way to the top, pausing here and there to kiss. Natalia thought Olivia
looked gorgeous in her emerald green blouse, which she’d tucked into her dark
blue jeans. Her eyes looked darker than usual, almost the same shade of green as
her top, and her smile was radiant. By the time they made it to Olivia’s
bedroom, Natalia was anxious to make love to her. She couldn’t remember ever
wanting her this much, which, considering how much she longed to be with her all
the time, was really saying something.
Natalia tugged Olivia by the hand toward the low armchair that sat next to
the night stand. "We really need to get these clothes off you,"
Natalia said.
"Okay." Olivia reached for the top button on her blouse, but
Natalia stopped her.
"By ‘we’ I guess what I really meant was ‘me.’"
Natalia pulled Olivia down for a slow kiss, and afterward she began to slowly
unbutton her blouse, carefully slipping each dark green button through its slit
one by one, aware that Olivia’s eyes were focused on her fingers as they
steadily worked on their task. As soon as she undid the last one, she parted the
blouse and Olivia reached up to pull it off. Natalia stopped her again by taking
her hands and placing them at her sides. Then she slid the blouse off Olivia’s
shoulders, pulled it off, and lay it on the arm of the chair.
Natalia smiled when she saw the matching emerald bra. "You’re so
beautiful," she whispered as she ran her hands over Olivia’s shoulders
and down her arms. "I love looking at you." Her hands glided up Olivia’s
back, over her shoulders again, and then down her chest till they came to rest
on her breasts. "And I love touching you."
She could see Olivia’s eyes were beginning to look glassy and her breathing
had noticeably quickened. She massaged her breasts through her bra, knowing how
sensitive they were and how much Olivia loved being touched there. She loved
touching her like this, feeling her voluptuous soft curves beneath her fingers,
feeling the tips quickly engorge and press against her palms, feeling her heart
pounding beneath her hands.
"This needs to come off," Natalia said.
Olivia reached behind for the fasteners.
"Stop," Natalia said, grabbing her hands and pulling them away.
"Please just trust me." She was aware of Olivia’s surprising
discomfort with Natalia’s past attempts to remove her clothes. At best she’d
let Natalia help, but mostly she whipped her clothing off herself. At some point
Natalia realized it was probably an issue of control. She knew Olivia feared
losing control almost more than anything else, probably because of what had
happened to her at the embassy party. Up until now, Natalia had simply accepted
it, but tonight she needed Olivia to trust her enough to allow her this simple
privilege.
Olivia took a deep breath. "Okay."
Natalia kissed her again while her fingers quickly and easily undid the hooks
of her bra. When she drew back from the kiss, she removed the bra and tossed it
on top of Olivia’s blouse, pausing to look at her. "You have the most
beautiful breasts," she said.
Covering Olivia’s bare breasts with her hands set off an even more urgent
throbbing at the apex of her thighs, and she could feel a copious amount of
liquid "down there," clear proof of her own arousal. She kissed the
tip of each breast before undoing her jeans. She slid both jeans and panties
down to her knees and then gently guided her to sit on the armchair so she could
remove her shoes and pull her pants the rest of the way off, leaving her
completely naked.
"You’re just unbelievably gorgeous," Natalia said as she pushed
Olivia’s legs apart so she could kneel between them. "Sometimes I can
hardly believe you’re mine."
"Aren’t you feeling a little overdressed?" Olivia asked, leaning
forward in the chair and reaching for Natalia’s burnt orange tank top.
Natalia gently pushed her hands away. "Not yet."
"Not yet?" Olivia asked, both eyebrows rising to a nearly comical
level.
Natalia thought Olivia’s astonishment was adorable, but she also wanted
Olivia to know she wasn’t always in charge. "That’s right. Not
yet."
"But I want to see you ... without all that on," Olivia insisted.
"You can see me all you want ... in a minute." Natalia said.
"But—"
Olivia stopped abruptly when Natalia leaned forward and took the tip of her
breast in her mouth. Natalia loved tasting her, loved feeling her nipple become
even stiffer as her tongue swirled around it, loved hearing Olivia’s gasps of
pleasure, loved feeling her body begin to writhe from the pure pleasure Natalia
was able to give her.
"God that feels amazing," Olivia said.
"I thought so, too," Natalia murmured as she switched sides. At one
time she’d simply admired Olivia’s figure. Later she came to love her body,
and somewhere along the line she’d become obsessed with it. Right now her need
to make love to her, to make Olivia feel her love, was a driving force
that made everything else fade away till there was only the two of them in their
own little oasis of love and arousal and her burning need to establish as close
a connection as possible.
"I don’t think I’ve ever been this turned on," Olivia
whispered.
Natalia smiled. She was pretty sure that had something to do with Olivia
finally relinquishing control in a way she’d never done before when they made
love. "Me either," she said softly. She kissed her way down Olivia’s
stomach, getting more and more turned on as Olivia continued to move restlessly
beneath the ardent kisses she pressed to her smooth and silky flesh.
By the time she pressed a kiss to the hot flesh between her thighs, Olivia
was gasping and her fingers were twining through Natalia’s hair. Natalia had
done this once before, after Olivia had stopped her the first few times she
tried. She was pretty sure that was related to Olivia’s attempt to control the
removal of her clothing. She guessed it was harder for Olivia to feel in control
when she made love to her like this, as it was too intimate and too sensuously
pleasurable for her to maintain that little margin of restraint she could
otherwise manage.
"I love tasting you like this," Natalia whispered. She remembered
from before what Olivia liked. She knew she liked to feel her fingers inside
her, knew just the spot her tongue could lavish attention on to make her little
gasps turn to guttural groans, knew just how much pressure and how fast. Natalia
could feel her own arousal growing as Olivia’s body began to rock with the
movement of her tongue.
"I love feeling you come," Natalia added before returning to the
task at hand. She was also aware how turned on Olivia got when she shared things
like that, so she wasn’t at all surprised when Olivia’s magnificent body
spasmed and her hands clutched Natalia’s head to signal she needed to stop.
Still, Natalia couldn’t resist keeping her fingers inside to feel the rippling
announcement of her climax nor pressing one last light kiss to flesh she knew
could no longer stand to be touched.
The need to hold her became too great, though, so Natalia moved back up until
she was able to rest her head on Olivia’s chest. To her vast amusement Olivia
seemed unable to lift her arms to return her lover’s embrace. Natalia was
happy to rest her head on Olivia’s chest, riding the rapid rise and fall,
hearing the reassuring beat of her heart beneath her ear.
"I love you so much, Olivia," Natalia said softly.
Finally she felt Olivia’s arms wrap around her and tighten, and then Olivia
tilted Natalia’s head up so she could lean down and kiss her.
"That was amazing," Olivia said. "I can’t even begin to tell
you what a huge turn-on it is to taste myself on your mouth."
Natalia smiled. She was feeling very happy and incredibly turned on. Olivia
had finally come home and she was there to stay.
"Is it my turn now?" Olivia asked. "Because I have to tell
you," she said, gazing intently into her eyes, "I really want a
turn."
Natalia looked into smoldering emerald eyes and shivered with anticipation.
******************************
Chapter 88
I’m going to take that look as a yes, Olivia thought, anxious to claim
her "turn" with the beautiful woman kneeling between her legs watching
her wordlessly. She felt as though she’d waited forever to be able to make
love to Natalia again, even though she realized it hadn’t been too very long
since they’d made love at the penthouse. Even so, this felt different, because
today they were officially together in a committed relationship that she knew no
one could tear asunder, and also they were finally together in the home they’d
once shared at a time when all they could do was long for each other from afar.
Now, at last, she could make love to Natalia here, as she’d imagined doing so
many times in her fantasies.
Reality is way better than fantasy though, Olivia thought as she stood
up, drawing Natalia up with her. She’d hungered for her for so long, she felt
impatient now, too impatient to take anything slow, especially getting rid of
all those clothes she’d wanted off so badly earlier when Natalia had refused
to cooperate. Well, they’re coming off now, she thought with lustful
determination as she tugged Natalia’s tank top out of her jeans, pulled it
over her head, and tossed it on the armchair.
She could see dark brown eyes darken further when, without ceremony, she
immediately reached for the hooks on the back of her bra, freeing them quickly
and removing the satiny garment, which she threw over her shoulder toward the
chair. Soon she had her black jeans unsnapped and unzipped, but she backed
Natalia up to the edge of the bed before yanking them down to mid-calf. She
straightened back up to push her down on the bed, but changed her mind at the
last minute when her eyes raked down her seminude body. Damn! You’re just
so sexy. She had to steal a kiss—a kiss meant to be quick, but which, in
reality, became prolonged as she explored the sweetness of her mouth while her
hands wandered over luxurious curves.
"I want you so much," Olivia panted when she finally wrenched her
mouth away from Natalia’s. "I’ve never, ever, wanted anyone the way I
want you." The enormity of her love and her overwhelming desire had been an
astonishing revelation for someone who’d been involved in numerous
relationships and had even married several times.
Olivia made her sit on the edge of the bed so she could kneel and remove her
sandals and jeans, after which she reached up and pulled down her one remaining
article of clothing, which she tossed onto the growing stack on the armchair.
"Much better," Olivia said. "Now come and lie down with
me."
Olivia smiled when Natalia obediently scooted back on the bed and stretched
out on her back, moving toward the middle to allow Olivia room to lie down next
to her. However, Olivia straddled her hips instead and began to lightly run her
hands over olive skin—cupping her face, running her hands up and down her
arms, sweeping them over her belly, gently kneading her breasts. "Just look
at how beautiful you are," Olivia said as her fingers teased the tips of
her breasts till they were fully erect. "You have the most amazing skin, so
soft, such a gorgeous color."
Natalia smiled up at her, and Olivia quickly swooped down to kiss a dimple,
dipping just the tip of her tongue into the tiny hollow before it disappeared.
"You have no idea how much I love your dimples," Olivia said,
grinning when they suddenly reappeared. "And your beautiful smile."
Slowly Olivia’s grin faded as her hormones surged, and she was no longer
content to stare down at her shapely lover. She needed to feel her and taste her
and make her cry out from the exquisite pleasure she was determined to bring.
Olivia leaned down and took her mouth captive, kissing her until she could feel
her body begin to writhe from the pure ecstacy of the primal kiss.
Finally she sank down onto her, relishing the feel of their naked bodies
meshing together. As she continued to kiss her, her hands roved wantonly over
her body, touching her everywhere. She suddenly felt possessive, as though she
needed to claim this woman as truly hers, something she’d never felt before;
but now that she did, she discovered it was a heady as well as a lustful
feeling, one that drove her to make her lover feel what she was feeling—that
they truly belonged with and to each other now.
The need to get closer was overwhelming, and she finally slipped her hand
down to cup Natalia’s most intimate flesh, which felt hot and wet and needy.
She explored the complex terrain, noting the quickening of her lover’s breath
and the restless movements of her body as her fingers glided over the velvety
surface.
It still wasn’t enough. She wanted to be inside her. There was something so
intimate about touching her like that, and Olivia needed that right now. She
needed that feeling of intimacy and connection, and when she finally did
penetrate her secret recess, she could feel her own body responding with a fresh
surge of arousal.
She could tell it felt good to Natalia as well, so she continued to move
inside of her in a steady, persistent rhythm while her thumb located and
caressed the sweet spot that immediately elicited a tiny moan from her lover’s
lips. Hearing the sounds her lover was making aroused Olivia even more, and she
began to rock her body back and forth over Natalia’s in sync with the movement
of her hand, which she now had braced against her own leg as she rode Natalia’s
thigh.
"I’m so in love with you," Olivia whispered. She could see
Natalia’s eyes were tightly closed while her lips were parted to utter small
gasps with each thrust of Olivia’s hand. To see the look of ecstacy on her
lover’s face and know they were now truly one was a transcendent experience.
"I’m so in love with you," Olivia repeated as she quickened her
movements. To her surprise she herself suddenly climaxed, and as though they
were toppling dominoes, Natalia quickly followed with a groan of pleasure Olivia
could feel rippling through her nether muscles, prolonging her own delectable
sensations.
She could feel Natalia’s arms tighten around her back now, and though she
tried to shift her weight off, her lover wouldn’t let her move. So she just
lay there, feeling Natalia breathing heavily beneath her, feeling the tremors
coursing through her body, feeling Natalia’s love enveloping her in its
protective embrace.
******************************
Natalia never ceased to be amazed by Olivia. She was like a force of nature—strong,
intense, loving, and sometimes so overwhelmingly sexy Natalia felt transported
to a wondrous state of bliss, a sanctuary where she felt loved and protected and
cherished, not to mention so sexually satisfied she wasn’t sure if she was
ever going to be able to move again.
The effect Olivia had on her still made her blush, even now, even after all
the times they’d lain together like this in each other’s arms. I wonder
if I’ll ever get past that, she thought as her hands idly skimmed up and
down Olivia’s bare back. Somehow she knew in her heart she never would because
she was too in love and too enthralled and much too vulnerable to Olivia’s
considerable charms, sexual and otherwise, to ever lose that sense of wonder
that this magnificent woman had fallen in love with her, Natalia Rivera.
She was pretty sure she’d finally be able to sleep tonight, which would be
a blessing after spending most of the previous night awake, too keyed up over
the riotous emotions sweeping through her as she closed the door on the terrors
of her childhood and fully embraced the future, a future she knew she’d spend
with Olivia, the love of her life.
She wasn’t sure how long they’d lain together like that. She only knew
she never wanted either of them to move, but eventually she felt Olivia begin to
stir. Her head was resting on Natalia’s chest, and she turned it just enough
that she could press a wet, open-mouth kiss to the upper swell of her breast.
Natalia brought one hand up to caress Olivia’s head as she moved lower and
kissed the sensitive area beneath her breast and then traced along the crease
with her tongue. Natalia was always surprised by Olivia’s unerring instinct to
touch or kiss her in just the right way to make her blood begin to heat, as it
was doing now.
She smiled as she felt Olivia’s mouth continue its lazy journey over her
skin, surprising Natalia with the lustful response of her body to Olivia’s
slow and measured exploration. To her amazement Natalia could feel her body
becoming seriously turned on, even though she’d just experienced a powerful
climax. She tried to fight her growing arousal because she knew Olivia must just
be wanting to enjoy the intimacy of kissing her like this one last time before
they got up to shower and eat and hopefully call little Emma, but the more
Olivia’s mouth traveled over her naked flesh, the more her naked flesh wanted
to feel the incredible reactions that sexy mouth could provoke.
Natalia was astonished when Olivia didn’t stop, but kept moving down until
finally she was kissing her most intimate flesh, flesh way too sensitive to be
touched yet, Natalia thought. "Olivia, I don’t think I can—"
Abruptly she stopped talking when Olivia’s tongue found that magic spot,
which, to her utter shock, felt such a searing jolt of pleasure it seemed as
though her entire body began to rocket unbelievably fast toward an even more
intense state of arousal. All Natalia could do was gyrate agitatedly beneath
Olivia’s touch and repeat over and over, "oh my god, oh my god, oh my
god," until finally her body whipped taut and she felt an unbelievably deep
and prolonged orgasm that left her so limp she could actually feel herself
losing consciousness.
******************************
Olivia moved back up Natalia’s body to kiss her, aware she wasn’t fully
conscious. She heard her mumble something she couldn’t quite make out, and
then realized she’d fallen asleep. That’s me, Olivia Spencer, cure for
insomnia, she thought, immensely pleased with herself and with Natalia’s
reaction to her impromptu foray that had resulted in the additional benefit of
fixing that little lack of sleep problem Olivia knew she’d had the night
before.
She pulled the sheet up over the two of them, propped her head on her hand,
and watched Natalia sleep for a while, loving the relaxed and peaceful
expression on her face. After a while she made herself get up and shower,
putting on one of the white terrycloth Beacon robes she’d stocked the
farmhouse with last winter when she moved in. She doubted Natalia would stay
asleep for long, so she decided to see if there was something in the kitchen she
could be heating up so they could both eat as soon as Natalia woke up.
Before she made it all the way out of the bedroom, though, Natalia stirred
and then sat bolt upright as though startled to find herself alone in the bed.
Olivia quickly went back into her room and sat next to Natalia on the bed.
"I’m right here," Olivia said, surveying the lovely vision of her
lover naked from the waist up with the sheet pooled around her waist. "God,
you’re just so sexy," she said, reaching out to cup her breast. "I
just can’t get enough of you."
Natalia leaned forward into Olivia’s arms, and Olivia just held her
quietly.
"I need to get you fed," Natalia finally said.
"I tell you what. I was just about to head downstairs and see if there
was anything I could heat up. Why don’t I do that and you can take a shower
and come downstairs when you’re ready."
"Okay. I have makings for tacos, so the only thing that needs heating is
the taco meat. It’s already seasoned and everything else is in the fridge
ready to set out."
"Okay, I think I can handle that," Olivia said.
"Or, if there’s something else you’d rather have ..."
"Are you kidding? I love tacos! You know that."
Natalia giggled. "Yes, I do know, actually."
"You’re going to get me spoiled, you know."
"Yes, I am."
They both laughed.
******************************
By the time Natalia made it downstairs after her shower, wearing another one
of the Beacon robes, Olivia had the taco meat heated and the fixings sitting on
the table, which Natalia had set earlier. She thought Olivia looked adorably
sexy in the fluffy terrycloth robe, and she found herself wondering if she was
wearing anything underneath it.
When Olivia saw her, she picked up the matches she’d retrieved from the
drawer by the stove and lit both white tapered candles, after which she turned
off the overhead light.
Natalia watched as each wick burst into flame, casting flickering shadows
around the kitchen and over Olivia’s beautiful face.
"I know tacos may not exactly match candles and fine china,"
Natalia said, "but I wanted to make something I knew you’d love, so
..."
"It’s perfect," Olivia said. "I love what you planned for
dinner." She caught Natalia around the waist when she drew near and kissed
her lightly. "It’s romantic and thoughtful and sweet, just like
you."
The minute they sat down in their customary chairs at opposite ends of the
table, they knew that wasn’t going to work for them, not that night anyway.
"Okay, are you moving or am I moving?" Olivia asked.
"Stay there. I’ll come to you." Natalia took her plate and
silverware and moved to the chair on Olivia’s left.
"That’s much better," Olivia said, leaning over for another quick
kiss as her hand slipped under Natalia’s robe to caress her inner thigh.
"I think if I get much happier I may just burst."
"I’m so happy you’re here, Olivia. I just can’t tell you how happy
I am."
"Good, I’m glad. I feel like I’ve finally come home."
"When can we call Emma?" Natalia asked.
"How about right after we eat? They’re two hours behind us, so she
should still be wide awake."
"That’s right, and I guess she’d have to be adjusted to Pacific time
by now."
"I’m sure she is."
When they finally finished eating and clearing away the remains of dinner,
they gave Emma a quick call using the speakerphone in the living room as they
sat on the couch side by side. When Olivia told her they were moving back into
the farmhouse, Emma squealed with joy while Natalia flashed a broad dimply
smile.
Now that she knew she was coming back to her very own room, Emma was suddenly
anxious to come home as soon as possible. Olivia promised she’d try to book a
flight for her and Jane the day after tomorrow, even though Emma pleaded to come
back the next day. She was slightly mollified when Olivia explained it was
unlikely they could book a flight on such short notice, and besides she and
Natalia had an important meeting the next day.
After they hung up, Natalia hugged Olivia. "Our little girl sounded so
happy."
"I know. You’d think she liked the idea of living here with you
again," Olivia said. "Like mother like daughter," she added,
stealing a quick kiss.
"We still need to tell her about us."
"Yes, and we will," Olivia said. "We’ll know when the time
is right. I really think it’ll be okay."
"I hope so."
"It will be."
"We still have the restraining order to deal with tomorrow,"
Natalia said.
"Look, that’s going to be okay, too. Mel will help, and we know we can
always count on Doris, too."
"Yes, I know, but I’m dreading it."
"I understand. I’m not looking forward to it either,"Olivia said.
"By the way, I forgot to tell you Kat told me she’s leaving tomorrow
morning."
Natalia nodded.
"I thought you’d be happy."
"I have mixed feelings. She helped you last night when you needed
someone safe to watch over you, and I ... well, I know I have no reason to be
jealous, but ..."
"Well, gee, I don’t know if I want you to give that up entirely. I
mean ... you’re just so cute when that green-eyed monster gets ahold of
you."
"Oh, I doubt that."
"You’d be surprised," Olivia said with a lift of one brow.
"Okay, now what?"
"Now ... I say we brush our teeth and head off to bed. It’s been a
long day."
"And we have a long day ahead of us tomorrow," Natalia said.
"Yes, but once we get through whatever tomorrow brings, we can just look
forward to Emma getting home—and then we have our entire lives to look forward
to."
"This still feels like a dream," Natalia said.
"I know. It does for me, too." Olivia took Natalia’s hand and
pulled her to her feet. "Come on, let’s go to bed."
Natalia grinned happily as they headed back upstairs. Once they were standing
by the bed, Natalia watched with growing interest when Olivia began to pull off
her robe. She wasn’t surprised to see she wore absolutely nothing underneath
the white terrycloth.
Olivia tossed her robe on the nearby armchair and crawled into bed. She
leaned back against the pillows, half sitting up, and pulled the sheet up to her
waist, leaving her magnificent breasts bare and Natalia’s mouth hanging open
as she drank in the sexy view.
"Coming?" Olivia asked.
Natalia nodded and slipped off her robe. She was wearing white knit shorts
and a white knit tank top, but when she started to crawl into bed, Olivia
stopped her.
"No you don’t," Olivia said.
"What?"
"It’s our wedding night. You can’t wear clothes to bed on our
wedding night. It’s like ... a rule or something, I’m pretty sure."
Natalia laughed and turned her back as she reached for the bottom of her tank
top."
"No, no ... stop."
"I thought you wanted this off," Natalia said, somewhat perplexed.
"I do, but I want to watch, so you need to turn around so I can see you
properly."
Natalia slowly turned around toward Olivia. The minute she saw those
beautiful green eyes glittering with anticipation her cheeks heated up from her
sudden blush and her stomach entered that fluttery state Olivia often provoked.
Nevertheless, she pulled her top off and lay it on the night table, aware Olivia’s
gaze had dropped from her eyes to her chest, where her blush promptly spread.
"Keep going," Olivia encouraged.
Natalia slid down her shorts and panties at the same time and lay them on her
top, turning back to see Olivia’s eyes had now drifted even lower.
"Okay, that was really good for me," Olivia said. "Now get
over here."
Natalia trembled like a teenager on a first date as she crawled under the
sheet and scooted toward Olivia’s outstretched arms. Olivia gave her such a
heated kiss it made her body feel as though it hadn’t had any sexual relief in
recent memory and was now insistent that it better get some fast.
As though reading her mind—or perhaps her body—Olivia cupped her hand
"down there," and Natalia gasped from the surprising swell of pleasure
she experienced. She didn’t think it was possible to get so turned on,
especially not this soon, but clearly Olivia wasn’t at all surprised at her
body’s enthusiastic response to this much attention. Before now, they’d had
to fight to find a time to be together, but Natalia suddenly began to imagine
what life was going to be like now that they were living in the same house.
As her sensitive flesh began to throb in earnest under Olivia’s knowing
touch, Natalia clung to her, face tucked into the crook of her neck. "Oh my
god, Olivia. Do you think it’s always going to be like this?"
"Yeah," Olivia whispered. "Yeah, I think it is."
******************************
Chapter 89
Olivia slowly drifted along in a shadowy in-between world, not quite asleep,
not quite awake, while her mind clutched at the remnants of a sexy dream that
was quickly fading, leaving only a single vivid image of a naked Natalia decked
in a garland of flowers and rising like a nymph from the cool waters of a clear
mountain spring.
Olivia squeezed her eyes tighter shut in a last attempt to prolong the sexy
scene, but soon she found herself wide awake and anxious to find the real-world
woman. With effort she rolled onto her side facing Natalia’s half of the bed
and reached out to touch her—but her hand only encountered the cool fabric of
the sheets. She blearily pried one eye open to verify that, yes, she was indeed
waking up alone in bed. Damn, she thought with a wry grin. Little Miss
Early Riser has fled the coop.
Thinking about her missing partner made her aware of how deeply rested and
just plain fantastic her body felt, which called to mind memories from the night
before. A "wedding" night to remember, she thought with a
smile, her mind suddenly filled with erotic and enticing images of her beautiful
and sweet and sexy "bride."
She remembered how the night had started with Natalia insisting on undressing
her. Olivia realized she hadn’t even been aware of how difficult it was for
her to surrender what might seem to others to be a minor bit of control, but for
some reason she could feel her panic rising the minute Natalia stopped her from
unbuttoning her own blouse and insisted on removing every single article of
Olivia’s clothing herself. Ironically, Olivia had no problem with her own
nudity per se, but to let someone else strip her bare like that was surprisingly
hard. In fact, she’d almost felt like she wasn’t going to be able to let
herself be undressed until she finally looked deep into those warm and loving
dark eyes and saw the safety there. That act of surrender, of submission, of
trust had resulted in one of the most profound sexual experiences of her life.
Resigned now to being awake, Olivia pushed herself up and swung her legs off
the side of the bed. It felt a little odd to realize she was still wearing no
clothes as it was the first time in a long time that she’d slept in the nude,
but that made it all the more special—not to mention sexy—that this
"first time in a long time" had been with the woman she loved.
She knew she should take a shower, but right now she just wanted to find the
love of her life—if she could manage to get her eyes open just a little bit
wider and navigate her way all the way downstairs, which is where she was sure
she’d find Natalia, just like before, in her beloved kitchen making breakfast.
Olivia groaned from the effort it took to stand up, but she picked up her
robe from the armchair and pulled it on before heading off in search of her
love. She stumbled just as she reached the door and had to grab the edge of the
dresser to keep from falling. Jeez, I really need to wake up more.
******************************
Natalia hummed as she stirred pancake batter in a large blue bowl. Waking up
next to Olivia that morning had to be one of the highlights of her life. She
happily watched her sleeping for quite some time before she finally slipped out
of bed, careful not to wake her. Olivia just always looked so beautiful and so
sweet when she was asleep, Natalia hated to leave her.
Later in the shower she thought about their unbelievable "wedding"
night—a night of love and passion and surprises, not the least of which was
how many times Olivia had made love to her. It was as though her lover and her
body had some kind of secret pact to which she’d not been privy, because her
body certainly responded ardently to Olivia’s insistent and repeated
lovemaking.
The large wooden spoon she was swirling around in the batter slowed to a stop
as Natalia remembered their last, languid good-night kiss before they’d both
fallen into a deep sleep. She could hardly believe that they were finally
together, that Olivia was going to be living with her at the farmhouse, that
they could be together, in all senses of the word, anytime they wanted. She
shivered in anticipation because she knew for Olivia "anytime" would
mean a lot of the time, and she could hardly wait.
She turned toward the doorway to the living room when she heard a familiar
whump. There she was, Olivia, and she’d obviously misjudged the opening and
banged into the doorframe as she’d done so many times before. Natalia watched
as she staggered a few steps into the kitchen and leaned against the counter to
catch her balance, which was precarious at best.
Natalia moved quickly across the room to her, noting her eyes were not
entirely open, and cupped her face in her hands. "Good morning," she
said softly, and then she did what she’d wanted to do so many times before—in
fact, every time Olivia had stumbled sleepily into the kitchen when she’d
lived there last winter. She kissed her—and it wasn’t just a morning peck.
It was a full-on kiss that she deepened as her hands moved from Olivia’s face
to her shoulders and down her back so Natalia could pull her closer.
Olivia’s little moan deep in her throat at Natalia’s aggressive kiss
inspired her to prolong the morning hello, and then she couldn’t resist the
temptation to slip one hand inside the front of Olivia’s robe to cup and
massage her bare breast, teasing the tip to tautness before she finally let her
go and stepped back.
"Hungry?" Natalia asked cheerily, backing toward the stove as she
noted Olivia’s adorable look of disorientation.
"Uhm ..." Olivia started toward the table, but swayed alarmingly.
Natalia hurried back to her side and guided her toward her chair, not leaving
till Olivia was safely seated at the kitchen table. Only then did she pour her a
big mug of coffee and set it front of her, smiling as she picked it up with both
hands and guided it carefully toward her mouth. She knew to some people Olivia
might look as though she were hung over, but Natalia was well aware of how
difficult it was for her to wake up in the mornings.
Soon Natalia set a plate of pancakes and bacon down for each of them. She
decided to sit in the chair near Olivia, as she’d done the night before,
because her usual place was just too far away. Once Emma was there, she knew
they’d sit in their usual seats—she and Olivia at opposite ends and Emma in
the middle—but for now she delighted in sitting near enough to touch her.
It was fun to watch Olivia slowly wake up as she got more of her coffee down
and began to eat her breakfast, because at some point she finally seemed to
become aware of Natalia’s close proximity, which prompted her to hook her hand
over a slender thigh.
"This is a great breakfast," Olivia said.
"So you don’t miss room service food from a real chef?"
"Love your cooking," Olivia said as she leaned over to kiss Natalia.
"Love you more."
Natalia grinned. "I’m so happy, Olivia."
"Me, too. Thank god we finally got here."
Natalia’s grin began to fade. "We still need to go to the courthouse
though."
"I know, but that’s not for a few hours yet."
"Are you going into work?"
"No, and neither are you. I’m going to make some calls. I need to book
a flight for Emma and Jane, hopefully for tomorrow, and I’m also going to call
housekeeping to pack up Emma’s things and the contents of my closets. I’ll
get Boyd to bring it all out here later today."
"Okay, I’ll clean Emma’s room and get all the linens on her bed
laundered so everything will be ready for her tomorrow. I’m so excited she’s
coming back."
"Sounds good. How about I help you clean up after breakfast, and then we
can take care of our chores before heading into town."
******************************
Doris showed up at the courthouse meeting room where Olivia and Mel were
watching Natalia fill out the requisite forms to petition the court. Mel had
made several suggestions on what to include and what wording to use, including
the fact that Frank’s constant intrusions into her home and his repeated
insistence they get married made her feel intimidated and harassed.
Mel also recommended being straightforward about how fearful of Frank Natalia
had become, not only for her own safety, but also for Olivia’s since Frank
blamed her for their breakup. Mel thought the fact Frank had put Olivia in the
hospital might help Natalia’s case, and that would be one way to make that
incident relevant in the judge’s eyes, even though Olivia was not the
petitioner.
Mel had also told her to include the fact that she’d gotten all the locks
at the farmhouse changed for fear Frank might have gotten ahold of an extra key
or made a copy, and that she was also resorting to using door wedges as an
additional deterrent and planned to install a security system as soon as
possible.
Doris eyed the trio with a grim expression. "I’m going to see if I can
get the clerk to take this to Judge Hernández."
Natalia glanced up at Doris. "Do you think she’s more likely to grant
an order?"
"I think a woman judge, in general, may be more sensitive to your
situation, but I also think it’s a good idea that Judge Hernández find out
about this because of Frank’s unofficial role as Rafe’s mentor. I think she
needs to be made aware of the problems there, especially since Rafe hasn’t
figured it out."
"What do you mean ‘unofficial role’?" Natalia asked.
"The judge didn’t make it a court order," Doris said. "That
mentor role was never mandated in any way. As I recall she said Rafe would
benefit from any and all positive role models, and because Frank was a member of
the Springfield police department, she said she’d view a friendship with Frank
in a positive light. That’s all she said."
"Oh, I thought it was official," Natalia said.
"No," Doris said. "It’s entirely up to Rafe whether or not
he spends time with Frank, assuming Frank is willing."
"I wish my son could see the man Frank is right now," Natalia said,
"instead of the man he knew last winter."
Olivia had been listening quietly to the exchange between the mayor and
Natalia. "That reminds me," she said. "Isn’t it significant
that Frank didn’t show up for his counseling session? I mean at this point we
know he went to Chicago to talk Natalia’s parents into coming here, ostensibly
to get some allies so he could talk her into marriage, but he still missed that
meeting."
"The problem with that," Doris said, "is it wasn’t made
mandatory."
"I thought you said Chief Wolfe could make it mandatory," Olivia
said, disappointed they might have lost one more thing that could help make a
case for the restraining order.
Doris sighed and sat down at the table with them. "After the meeting we
had with Frank and Mallet, I told you I was going to talk with the chief about
getting Frank some counseling. At the time I told you Chief Wolfe ‘could’
make it mandatory."
"Yes, I remember that," Olivia said.
"However, the chief decided to simply recommend counseling, as I
mentioned to you the day I told you Frank didn’t show up for his counseling
session. Unfortunately I think Chief Wolfe thought the counseling would be more
effective if Frank were a willing participant, and I also think the chief
thought the suspension would shock Frank into seeing how unacceptable his
behavior had become and make him want to get some help without being
forced."
Olivia frowned. "Well ... damn it!"
"Yes, exactly," Doris said.
"I think I’m done with this form," Natalia said.
All three women accompanied Natalia to the see the court clerk. Mel had
already explained she’d need to sign the papers in front of the clerk, who
would then take them to a judge, who might or might not want to ask Natalia
additional questions before making a ruling.
Afterward, Doris nodded at them to leave while she stayed behind, presumably
to wield her influence to get the petition taken to Judge Hernández. Soon she
joined them in the hallway, giving a thumb’s up, much to Olivia’s relief.
She’d been impressed with Judge Hernández at Rafe’s hearing and had hopes
the judge would be willing to grant an emergency order.
It wasn’t long before the clerk found them in the hallway and told them the
judge wanted to talk with Natalia in person. All four of them trooped into the
judge’s chambers, where, to Olivia’s surprise, the judge’s only reaction
to such a comparatively large entourage was a mild lift of her eyebrows as she
motioned for them to take a seat in the chairs in front of her desk.
Judge Hernández asked Natalia several pointed questions about the incidents
Natalia had listed on her form, and then she turned her attention to Olivia. Mel
had suggested they include a copy of Olivia’s hospital record from the night
she was admitted into the emergency room unconscious, and Olivia could see the
judge was perusing the document.
"Have you regained your memory of what happened that night?" Judge
Hernández asked Olivia.
"No, your honor, I haven’t." Damn it, Olivia thought. She’d
tried and tried to dredge them up, but they seemed to be buried, or perhaps even
lost forever. She was sure the judge wouldn’t take any of that into
consideration, which might mean she wouldn’t sign the order, a possibility
that made her want to tear her hair out in frustration. She glanced at Doris,
who smiled reassuringly.
"Your honor," Doris said. "Maybe I say something?"
The judge nodded.
"I’m aware of some questionable acts in Detective Cooper’s
past."
The judge’s eyes narrowed. "Such as?"
"Most notably, during a previous suspension from the force he attacked
Alan Spaulding and pulled a gun on him—a gun he wasn’t supposed to have in
his possession because of the suspension."
"Oh really? Is this in the records somewhere?"
"Yes, your honor. I brought a copy of the report I filed at the time.
Frank managed to avoid prosecution by apologizing to Alan, who then agreed not
to press charges."
Doris handed the judge an official looking document, which the judge took and
immediately read. Afterward, she took off her glasses and leaned back in her
chair.
"I’m going to sign an emergency ex parte order of protection,
which will go into effect immediately. You’ll be given two certified copies of
the order, Ms. Rivera, one of which you must keep with you at all times. An
additional copy will be sent to the SPD so the department is made aware of the
restraining order."
Natalia nodded.
"We’ll schedule a hearing in fourteen days, at which time we’ll
decide whether or not to extend the order," the judge continued.
"Meanwhile we need to arrange for a state marshal to serve papers to notify
Detective Cooper of the order. If he appears on your property or comes anywhere
near you after being served, you should notify the police that he’s disobeying
the order and you wanted him arrest. You’ll need to present a copy of this
order to them. Do you have any questions?"
"No, your honor," Natalia said. "Thank you."
Olivia could see the relief on Natalia’s face. She wasn’t surprised
because she knew that recently Natalia’s frustration and irritation with Frank
had changed into fear of a man she felt she no longer knew. Olivia was relieved
the judge had granted the order, but she was still uneasy at what Frank’s
reaction might be when he found out about it. After all, it was clear to her he
wasn’t exactly the picture of good mental health these days.
Once they were in the hallway, Natalia thanked both Doris and Mel for their
help.
"Doris," Olivia said, "is there any way you could talk to
Chief Wolfe and convince him to mandate counseling? I mean ... I hope I’m not
the only one who’s noticed Frank has a screw loose."
"No, you’re not the only one," Doris said. "In fact, that’s
my next stop." With a jaunty wave she barreled off toward the exit,
followed shortly by Mel.
Once they were alone, Olivia and Natalia hugged, holding each other in the
courthouse corridor for a while before leaving. It’s a good first step,
Olivia thought, but her uneasiness persisted.
******************************
"Are you sure you don’t want to come jogging with me?" Olivia
asked, as they both stood on the porch outside the farmhouse.
Natalia laughed. "Very sure," she said. "I’m not used
to running. I’d only slow you down."
"Well, I’m not as fast as I used to be and I can’t go as far, but I
do like running," Olivia said as she bounced on the balls of her feet.
"I know you do. Maybe I can start doing that with you sometime soon, but
right now I want to make certain everything’s ready for Emma’s
homecoming."
"Maybe I should stay and help."
"No, I want you to go. It’s good for you."
"Well, I decided I’d better work on some healthier habits, like
running and ... well, not going on a bender when I get upset."
"Maybe you won’t be getting so upset now." Natalia was aware
Olivia’s recent drinking bouts had been about problems the two of them had,
such as that unfortunate fight at the spa or Olivia’s fear that the arrival of
Natalia’s parents spelled the end of their relationship.
Olivia cupped Natalia’s face and kissed her thoroughly. "I bet I won’t,"
she said, and then turned and took off at a slow trot across the lawn toward the
pond. "See you in a little while," she said, turning her head and
waving backwards over her shoulder.
Natalia grinned and waved. She’d put the disturbing events at the
courthouse out of her mind and was now intent on getting the house shipshape,
including watering the flowers in the front beds, which were in dire need of
liquid refreshment. She stepped inside to retrieve the watering can, but before
she could go back out the phone rang. It was Boyd from the Beacon checking to
make sure someone would be home before he hauled out more of Olivia’s and Emma’s
belongings. She assured him he could come anytime, the sooner the better, and he
said he’d be out in an hour or so. She was sad that this was the day Rafe
planned to pick up the rest of his things, but the thought of Emma’s stuff
arriving filled her heart with joy.
She turned to go back outside, but was stunned to see Frank standing silently
in her kitchen watching her. Her heart immediately slammed into overdrive, and
she could feel the icy fingers of fear trailing over her body at the unexpected
sight of her ex-fiancé inside her home. "Frank, what are you doing
here?" she asked.
"I need to talk to you," Frank said in an even tone.
"If this is about my parents ..."
"No, it’s not about them. You were such a huge disappointment to your
father night before last he insisted they leave that next morning."
"So they’re gone?"
"Yes."
Without thinking Natalia took a step backward. "Look, Frank, this really
isn’t a good time. I have a lot to do."
"I told you we need to talk," Frank said in a slightly louder tone.
"I don’t know what else there is to say, Frank."
"Oh, I think there’s a lot to say," Frank said, taking a
step toward her.
"I’m not alone," Natalia said.
"I saw Olivia leave a minute ago."
"You were watching?"
Frank suddenly frowned. "Yes, I stopped a ways back on the road when I
saw the two of you."
Natalia felt her stomach pitch as she remembered Olivia kissing her good-bye
before leaving on her jog. I hope he didn’t see that.
"I saw her kiss you," Frank said in a voice completely devoid of
emotion, confirming her fear he’d seen their intimate moment.
"I think you should leave."
"I told you we need to talk."
"Frank, I went to the courthouse today ..."
"Oh, I know all about that," Frank said. "I got served a
little while ago. That’s one of the reasons we need to talk."
"If you got served, then you know you shouldn’t be here."
"I’m here to talk some sense into you."
Natalia realized talking with Frank was doing no good, so she turned and
picked up the handset from the base on the wall. She hated to have to call the
police, but Frank was frightening her. She dialed nine, but before she could
press any more numbers, Frank grabbed her wrist and applied pressure till she
let the handset go. He took it from her and dropped it in his jacket pocket.
"You’re hurting me, Frank."
"I’m sorry," he said, releasing her wrist. "I don’t want
to hurt you. I just want to get you to listen to me."
"Olivia’s going to be back here any minute, Frank, and Boyd is due out
here soon with a delivery from the Beacon."
"That wouldn’t happen to be Olivia’s things, by chance, would
it?"
Natalia felt panicked. She wasn’t sure what to say to him. So far nothing
she’d said had had any discernible effect on him whatsoever. His eyes looked a
little wild, and she could see no trace of the man she’d genuinely cared about
at one time. She began to get seriously worried about what he might do next. She
had a feeling from the way he’d asked the question that he’d already heard
Olivia had moved in with her, and she was afraid if she lied, it might anger him
further. She was all too familiar with the consequences of angering a man who
thought he should be in control of her life.
"Yes," she finally said. "He’s bringing out more of Olivia’s
belongings."
"Then it’s a good thing I came out here so I can stop you from making
the biggest mistake of your life."
"Frank, it’s none of your business. Now I want you to get out."
She tried to speak as forcefully as she could, but she could tell her tone hadn’t
made an impression. "I told you Olivia will be back any second."
"That’s why we’re not going to talk here," Frank said.
"What?" Natalia moved further away. "I’m not going
anywhere with you."
Frank moved quickly and grabbed her upper arm. "Yes, you are! And if you
won’t come willingly, I’m going to have to ... insist."
Natalia struggled to get loose, but Frank easily dragged her out the door by
her arm and down the walk toward his car. The closer she got to his vehicle the
more panicked she became. She knew she didn’t dare let him take her with him.
She suddenly twisted around violently and wrenched her arm out of his grasp. As
soon as she was free, she broke into a run across the lawn in the direction
Olivia had taken.
Within seconds Frank overtook her and tackled her to the ground. "Sorry
about that," Frank panted as he put a hand in the middle of her back and
held her facedown on the ground.
Natalia was shocked and scared witless when she felt metal snap around first
one wrist and then the other. Hearing the cuffs snap into place removed any
remaining doubt in her mind about Frank’s sanity. Clearly he’d lost his
mind, which meant there was no telling what he might do once he got her alone
someplace where no one could find them.
Frank pulled her to her feet and started dragging her toward his car again,
but Natalia let her body fall toward the ground, refusing to help by continuing
to stay upright. He easily hefted her onto his shoulder and didn’t set her
down until they reached the passenger side of his car.
"Frank, think about what you’re doing," Natalia said, desperate
now to try to find some way to slow him down. "Why are you doing
this?"
Frank turned her around so she was facing him and leaned her back against the
car with her wrists cuffed behind her while she stared up at him in fear.
"I want to save you," Frank said, suddenly earnest.
He looked almost like the Frank she used to know. If only she could reach
some remaining part of him that was still sane. "I don’t need
saving."
"The fact that you don’t even know you need saving tells me I’m
doing the right thing."
"I don’t even know what you think you’re saving me from."
"I’m saving you from her," he spat out angrily.
Natalia recoiled from his sudden rage.
"She’ll ruin your life," Frank said. "You were a good woman
once, a godly woman, a woman on the verge of marrying and leading a normal
life, but because of that ... that woman, you’ve turned your back on your
church and on your son and on your parents—and even on me, the man you loved.
If it weren’t for her, we’d be married. We’d be happy. You might even be
carrying my child by now."
His anger at Olivia suddenly made her as frightened for Olivia’s safety as
she was for her own, and seeing he’d become distracted during his diatribe,
she bolted once more across the yard toward the pond. Having her wrists bound
behind her hindered her speed, and he effortlessly caught up with her again.
"Stop fighting me," he said, grabbing her upper arms and shaking
her. "Now you’re coming with me ... right now!"
Once more he dragged her across the lawn toward his car.
******************************
Olivia was loping along at a slow speed, much slower than when she’d
started out earlier. I really need to get into better shape, she thought,
but she was overjoyed at the idea of being able to do that on their very own
property. I guess I’ll be exercising more and drinking less. Also gonna be
gettin’ more loving, so it’s all good, she thought, suddenly anxious to
get back to the farmhouse and the love of her life.
She was beginning to fantasize about the upcoming evening with a certain
gorgeous latina when she approached the farmhouse and saw Natalia at a
distance running in her direction, though she didn’t seem to have seen Olivia
yet. She was also running rather awkwardly. Olivia was aghast when she saw a man
run up behind her, grab her, and spin her around. Only then did she see that
Natalia’s hands were bound behind her back.
Oh my god! It’s Frank. Olivia broke into a flat-out run toward the duo,
panicked that she was far enough away it would take her precious minutes to get
there, probably not soon enough for her to stop him. She yanked her cell phone
out of her pocket and dialed 911, panting out her cry for help. Afterward she
speed-dialed Doris, all the while pumping her legs as fast as she could.
When she saw Frank grab Natalia’s upper arms and shake her, she had a vivid
flash of him doing the same thing that night at the farmhouse. She remembered
trying to stop him, remembered him violently shoving her back, remembered
falling. Son of a bitch! she screamed silently in her head as the entire
confrontation played out in her mind.
She could see Frank had now dragged Natalia to his car and was opening the
passenger door. She ran as fast as she could, tears beginning to flow unnoticed
as it looked more and more like there was no way she’d make it to them on
time. Clearly Frank had gone off the deep end, meaning there was no telling what
he might do if he took Natalia away. If only she hadn’t left Natalia there
alone. If only Boyd had already arrived from the Beacon. If only she’d hired a
bodyguard to keep an eye on her 24/7.
Olivia could see Natalia struggling as Frank tried to push her into the
passenger side of his car.
She was now near the house, but still at least a minute from the car, sixty
precious seconds that provided plenty of time for Frank to leave. Oh god oh
god, I’m not gonna make it. She saw him shove her legs inside and then
fasten the seatbelt around her, effectively putting an end to any chance for her
to escape on her own.
Suddenly she saw Natalia’s car roll up next to Frank’s vehicle on the
driver’s side. She knew it had to be Rafe, but would he realize what was going
on in time to help? As soon as Rafe got out of the car, she began screaming at
him. as she pounded across the yard toward them.
"Rafe! He’s got your mother," she shouted, racing to cover
the last twenty yards that separated her from her love. "Stop him! He’s
got her!"
Rafe looked at her and then peered through the driver’s side window as
Frank approached the door. Olivia could see the two men talking, but she no
longer had a clear view of Natalia, who she knew was strapped into the passenger
seat.
As she got closer, she could see Rafe looked confused. She knew Natalia had
to be crying for help ... unless Frank had gagged her after shoving her inside.
At least Rafe’s arrival seemed to have interrupted Frank’s grim
determination to take away the woman with whom he’d become obsessed. Olivia
wasn’t sure whether or not Frank would attack Rafe. Hopefully the shock of
seeing Rafe would stop him long enough for her to free Natalia. After all, she
knew Frank had never shown this out-of-control side to Rafe, and she prayed that
would continue to hold true.
When Olivia finally reached the car, she threw open the passenger door and
fumbled with the seatbelt catch till she could get it free and pull Natalia out
of the car. They both stumbled but kept going as Olivia scrambled backward
toward the house, dragging Natalia along with her until she bumped into the side
of the building, where she leaned back, completely winded after the nightmarish
sprint that had left her leg muscles burning in agony and her heart pounding so
hard she could feel it thrashing against the walls of her chest.
"I don’t understand what’s going on," Rafe said, looking back
and forth from Frank to the two women huddled together against the wall of the
farmhouse.
Natalia collapsed in tears against Olivia who grabbed her in a fierce
embrace, glaring at Frank as though daring him to get anywhere near either one
of them. She was furious that Natalia’s hands were handcuffed behind her like
that, leaving her achingly vulnerable. To her surprise Frank simply stood there
calmly watching them, but made no attempt to come after Natalia or flee. If
he were sane, he’d at least try to get out of here, she thought. Maybe
Rafe’s arrival had short-circuited whatever plan had been sloshing around in
his scrambled brain. She wasn’t sure, though, so she kept a wary eye on him,
still fearful he might try to take them all on.
"He handcuffed your mother," Olivia finally said.
"I can’t believe that," Rafe said.
"Wake the hell up!" Olivia shouted. "Look at her!"
She watched Rafe’s eyes drop down to where his mother’s wrists were
handcuffed together.
Rafe immediately whirled around toward Frank, hands balling into fists.
"What were you doing with my mom, Frank?"
"I just wanted to talk to her, Rafe, and I knew we couldn’t do that
here, not with her around," Frank said, jerking his head toward
Olivia.
"Dude, you can’t just grab my mom and drag her off somewhere,"
Rafe said in a flash of anger.
"Rafe, get the key," Olivia said.
"What?" Rafe asked, glancing over at Olivia.
"Get the key to the handcuffs," Olivia said.
Rafe turned back to Frank. "You’ve got to give me the key,
Frank."
Frank shook his head, but then they all heard the distant sound of sirens and
within seconds a police cruiser roared up and two officers jumped out, guns
drawn. Olivia immediately recognized Officer Jennings, the female officer who’d
helped Natalia after the sexual assault, and another policeman she’d seen
around the station, but didn’t know.
"She has a restraining order against that man," Olivia said,
pointing at Frank. "There’s a copy in the house on the kitchen
counter."
"I’ve already seen it down at the station," Officer Jennings
said. "Ms. Rivera, I assume you’d like this man arrested?"
"Yes," Natalia said, still leaning against Olivia. "He
trespassed on my property and entered my home even after he’d been served, and
then he dragged me out of the house and handcuffed me, and he said he was going
to take me somewhere we could talk alone."
"So he not only violated the emergency order of protection, but he’s
also guilty of attempted kidnapping," Officer Jennings said, glancing at
Frank with contempt. "Cuff him and read him his rights, Mike."
Olivia wasn’t surprised at the scathing look the woman officer shot at
Frank. She remembered Natalia telling her how Officer Jennings was going to
drive her back out to the farmhouse to pick up her car the day after the sexual
assault when she’d gone into the station to answer questions for Mallet.
Natalia told her Frank had grabbed her arm to stop her from getting into Officer
Jennings’s squad car, insisting to both women that he would drive her
because they needed to talk, but Natalia had jerked her arm away, telling him
no. From the look on Officer Jennings’s face, it was clear she remembered that
incident as well—and apparently had zero tolerance for Frank’s manhandling
of Natalia today, detective or not.
"Could someone get these damned cuffs off her?" Olivia asked.
Officer Jennings holstered her weapon and quickly unlocked the cuffs while
her partner kept a gun trained on Frank. "Are you all right, Ms.
Rivera?" she asked.
Natalia nodded, but Olivia knew it was clear to all of them, including
Natalia’s son, that she was anything but all right. They both watched as the
policeman put Frank in the back of the squad car and slammed the door shut.
"What about Frank’s car?" Olivia asked.
Natalia showed signs of life for the first time. "I don’t want that
here," she said vehemently. "I don’t want to have to look at his
car!"
"We’re in an uncaged car," Officer Jennings said, "so we’ll
need two officers to transport the prisoner back to the station. Sorry we can’t
help."
"I’ll call Boyd and have him bring someone else with him to drive it
back," Olivia said.
"I’ll do it," Rafe said.
"What?" Olivia asked, surprised Rafe might actually be volunteering
to help. She was far too accustomed to being at loggerheads with Natalia’s
headstrong son to have even thought to ask him for assistance.
"I’ll drive it back to town and leave it at his place," Rafe
said, finally coming to his mother’s side.
"Thank you, Rafael," Natalia said.
Olivia quickly dialed a number and talked briefly on her cell phone as she
watched Rafe hug his mother. It was the first time she’d seen that boy look
rattled. "Boyd hasn’t left the Beacon yet, so, Rafe, I can have him pick
you up at Frank’s and drive you back here to pick up your car."
"Thanks," Rafe said.
"Don’t mention it," Olivia said, surprised at his civil tone. Don’t
tell me you finally got a clue.
******************************
Late that night after they finally went to bed, Natalia silently rolled
toward Olivia, just wanting to be held. She knew Olivia instinctively knew what
she needed and simply wrapped her arms around her. As she felt Olivia begin to
stroke her hair, she started to weep silently. Olivia continued to hold her till
her sobs finally tapered off and stopped, and then she kissed her forehead,
squeezing her reassuringly.
"I was so scared," Natalia whispered. She knew the man who’d
grabbed her and forced her out of her home wasn’t the man she’d agreed to
marry.
"I know you had to be scared to death," Olivia said quietly.
"I was terrified when I saw what was happening. It brought back those
memories I thought I’d lost, which scared me even more. And then when I
realized I’d never get there in time, I thought I’d go mad."
Natalia reached up to touch Olivia’s cheek and felt her tears. "We’re
okay now, though," she said, suddenly aware of how difficult all of it had
been on Olivia. "We’ll be okay."
"Yes, we will," Olivia said. "By the way, Doris called while
you were in the shower. She said Frank’s law enforcement career was
over."
"Did she say what she thought would happen?"
"She said she thought it was likely Frank would get a good defense
attorney, who’d probably recommend he plead temporary insanity, but that would
mean he’d get locked up in a mental institution rather than jail. Either way,
she said, Frank wasn’t going to be able to harass you anymore."
"I’m so relieved he’s locked up now, even though I feel bad for him.
Obviously something went terribly wrong in his head for him to act like
this."
"I know, but at least now he’s going to get the help he needs,"
Olivia said. "By the way, did you notice how Rafe helped Boyd carry in my
things when he got back here?"
"Yes, I did notice that. He told me he’d gotten the work-study job at
the university, which means he can get a huge discount on a dorm room. That’s
where he was headed when he left here with the rest of his things. He starts
work tomorrow, but he said he could move into the dorm tonight."
"Are you okay with that?"
Natalia nodded. "Yes, I really think it’s the best thing for him right
now. He wants to be on his own, and I think living in a college dorm will be
good for him. I can afford to help him with that now that I won’t have to make
mortgage payments on the farmhouse anymore. After today I even have some hope he’s
beginning to accept the idea of you and me."
"I got that impression, too."
"It’s so sad about Frank, though" Natalia said.
"Yeah, but you know what? I think we should concentrate on happy things
now, like, for example, Emma’s going to be coming home tomorrow."
Natalia smiled. "That’s right. Our little girl is coming home."
"Mm-hm, and I’m already here," Olivia said, suddenly
grinning as Natalia looked up and their eyes locked.
"That’s right," Natalia said, suddenly aware of how close they
were lying.
"Better to think about things like that," Olivia said, bestowing a
small kiss on Natalia’s mouth.
That one little kiss reminded Natalia of how many happy things there were to
concentrate on, and she leaned up to encourage another. Olivia kissed her gently
and pulled back, but Natalia rolled onto her back, pulling Olivia over with her
so she was lying partly on top of her.
"You do realize this is a dangerous thing for you to do, don’t
you?" Olivia said.
Natalia could see the sudden fire in Olivia’s green eyes, and she nodded.
She knew exactly how "dangerous" it was, and she could hardly wait for
Olivia to show her. But even though she could tell how passionate Olivia was
feeling, she was surprised by how tender and sweet she was as she kissed her and
touched her and loved her with her mouth and her hands until finally she coaxed
her body all the way to a shuddering climax that left Natalia feeling wonderful
and fulfilled and just a little more in love than she’d been before.
Now the only thing we have to worry about is how Emma’s going to react to
our relationship, she thought as she began to kiss Olivia.
******************************
Chapter 90
Olivia was having the most amazing, most erotic, most realistic dream ever!
Even as she felt herself beginning to wake up, she prayed her dream would never
fade because the beautiful dark-haired woman she loved was making love to her
naked breasts while her hand slid over Olivia’s now aching nether muscles in a
sensuous, determined rhythm that was rapidly propelling her body toward what she
knew would have to be an explosive climax.
The more she woke up, the more astounded she was at how lifelike the dream
seemed, so much so that she thought for the first time she was actually going to
experience a real orgasm from a dream.
Her body’s profoundly lustful reaction to her dream lover became so intense
that despite her best efforts to stay asleep, she suddenly woke up, opened her
eyes, and discovered her real-life lover was making love to her.
As soon as Natalia felt Olivia wake up completely, she moved up to kiss her,
teasing her lips open so she could enter the sweet recesses of her mouth. She
continued to kiss her and caress her until Olivia shuddered and groaned as she
finally climaxed.
"Oh my god," Olivia panted as Natalia kissed her lightly on the
lips.
"Time to get up," Natalia said sweetly.
"Oh my god. I thought I was dreaming."
"And I thought this would be better than your alarm clock."
Damn, that was unbelievable, Olivia thought as she watched her
full-of-surprises lover spring out of bed and pull a robe over her delectably
curvy body before heading toward the door.
"Come back here," Olivia called after her.
"No time," Natalia said. "We need to eat and dress and get to
the airport to pick up Emma."
"But ..." Olivia stopped as she realized she was now talking to
herself since Natalia had made good her escape. Well, we’ll see about that,
she thought, dragging herself out of bed and yanking on her robe.
By the time she made it to the kitchen doorway, she could see Natalia
standing at the counter in front of the coffeemaker. She carefully aimed at the
middle of the entryway and managed to make it through without getting hung up as
she so often did. She walked up behind Natalia and leaned against her, trapping
her against the cabinet.
"You have the most amazing effect on me," Olivia said softly as her
arms snaked around Natalia’s waist over her terrycloth robe. She reached for
the belt and loosened it, pulling it apart so she could feel what Natalia had on
underneath. Nothing. Perfect.
"Olivia?"
"What?" Olivia asked as she cupped Natalia’s breasts and began to
knead them. She grinned when Natalia slumped back against her.
"You should sit down and eat something. I made you some ..."
Natalia groaned when Olivia caught both nipples with her fingers and began to
pluck at them till they stiffened.
"Did you say something?" Olivia asked, massaging her breasts again.
She loved feeling the now taut tips of her breasts rubbing against the palms of
her hands.
"We need to ... need to ..."
"Sorry, didn’t quite catch that," Olivia said before she suddenly
turned Natalia around and began to tease the tip of one breast with her mouth
while her hand continued massaging the other. After a while she switched sides,
amused and turned on by Natalia’s sudden inability to talk or insist they stay
on schedule.
"Come over here," Olivia said, taking Natalia by the hand and
leading her to the kitchen table. She pulled out the chair at the head of the
table where Natalia usually sat and made her sit on the end of the table in
front of her.
"What are you doing?" Natalia asked, suddenly groaning when Olivia’s
hand pressed against the hot flesh between her thighs.
"I’d think that’d be obvious by now," Olivia said softly near
her ear, "but maybe I can draw you some pictures later. Besides, you did
just tell me to sit down and eat something, as I recall."
She pushed Natalia down on her back on the table well away from the two place
settings at the other end and sat on the chair, slipping her arms under Natalia’s
legs to provide support while, without preamble, she buried her face in her sex,
quickly locating just the right place to make her lover moan and rock her hips
and finally let loose one long cry as she came quickly and hard from the
enthusiasm of Olivia’s unexpected morning sortie.
Olivia kissed both of her inner thighs before glancing up her body. She could
see her stomach and breasts still heaving in the aftermath of her climax. Damn,
this is a sexy view, Olivia thought with undisguised lust. I bet you’ll
never quite look at this table the same again.
******************************
Natalia held onto Olivia’s hand as they stood in the airport waiting for a
glimpse of Emma. She wasn’t even aware she’d taken hold of her hand. It was
just a natural instinct, especially considering how excited she was to see their
little girl. She glanced up at Olivia, who, no doubt feeling her gaze, looked
down at her and squeezed her hand. That mischievous grin told her Olivia was
thinking about the same thing she was thinking about, which was that
unbelievable lovemaking session right on the kitchen table! Clearly life with
Olivia was going to be one big surprise after another.
Finally Natalia saw Emma and Jane walking toward them. When Emma spotted
them, she broke loose from Jane’s hand and barreled toward them as fast as her
little legs could carry her, and soon both women were kneeling down holding Emma
in a three-way hug.
"Hey, Jellybean," Olivia said. "How was your flight?"
"Long," Emma said.
When Jane caught up, Olivia looked up at her. "Thank you so much for
taking such good care of Emma."
"You’re welcome," Jane said. "We had a lot of fun out
there."
"Are we going to the hotel or can we go to the farmhouse yet?" Emma
asked.
Natalia stood up and took a small hand in hers. "We’re going
home," she said. "Your room’s all ready for you and all your things
are already there."
"Okay, let’s go then," Emma said, grabbing both their hands and
tugging them toward the baggage claim area.
"All right," Olivia said with a laugh. "We’ll get your
luggage and drop Jane off, and then we’ll head out to the farmhouse."
Emma grinned up at her. "I can hardly wait!"
Natalia smiled at Olivia. I’m so happy. I’m just so very happy.
******************************
Olivia stood in the doorway of Emma’s room watching as Natalia helped her
unpack and put away her things. It seemed like forever since she’d seen the
two of them in this room together, and seeing them now filled her heart with so
much love she thought it might burst.
"Is Rafe back too?" Emma suddenly asked.
"No, sweetie," Natalia said. "He’s starting college, so he’s
going to be living in the dorm."
Emma paused. Olivia could see her face suddenly turn serious. "I thought
he’d be here."
"You know what?" Olivia said, coming into the room and sitting on
the end of Emma’s bed. "He’s a big boy now, and big boys like to have
their very own places to live, but I bet we still get to see him."
"He was supposed to help me build a birdhouse. He promised," Emma
said, her little voice bordering on a whine.
Natalia lifted Emma’s chin with the tip of her forefinger so she could look
into her eyes. "Just because he’s in college now doesn’t mean we’ll
never see him. We’ll just ask him to come help you with that sometime,
okay?"
Emma’s grin immediately reappeared and she nodded vigorously. "Okay.
Can I go outside?"
"Why don’t you change clothes first, baby," Olivia said.
"Okay," Emma said, heading for her closet.
Both women went downstairs to the kitchen where Olivia pulled Natalia into a
hug and then began to kiss her, certain they had a few minutes of privacy before
Emma could get changed and downstairs. After what couldn’t have been more than
a minute, Olivia was astonished to feel a small hand tugging at her pant leg.
She abruptly drew back from Natalia and looked down into the eyes of her small
daughter.
"Mommy?"
God, that kid’s a fast dresser. "What is it, Jellybean?"
Olivia braced herself for the inevitable question about why Emma’s two mommies
were kissing. She knew Natalia was nervous, too, because when she heard Emma’s
voice, she immediately stiffened and drew back.
"Can I go see the ducks?"
"Of course, baby," Olivia said.
"Can we all go?"
Olivia exchanged a glance with Natalia whose eyes were wide with surprise.
"Sure, I think we can do that, can’t we, Natalia?"
"Absolutely," Natalia said.
Emma giggled and raced toward the door into the yard. "Hurry up,
slowpokes," she called back to them.
Olivia looked at Natalia and shrugged. "No idea why that didn’t
warrant a question. Maybe she didn’t actually see us?"
"Oh, she saw us," Natalia said. "She definitely saw us."
"Well, then, I guess we just dodged that particular bullet for
now," Olivia said.
Natalia smiled in obvious relief, and the two of them took off to catch up
with their little girl, who Olivia guessed was probably halfway to the duck pond
by now.
******************************
Natalia watched her two favorite girls grinning at each other over their
empty spaghetti plates. Emma was so much like her mother in so many ways. She
was smart and independent and sometimes obstinate, but she was also sweet and
loving and always up for an adventure. A little too up for adventure
sometimes, Natalia thought, making a mental note to keep a watchful eye on
their little globetrotter. It wouldn’t do to let her "escape" and
take the bus to wherever her little heart desired as she’d managed to do last
winter.
It had done Natalia’s heart good to hear Emma’s squeal of delight when
she saw what she’d fixed for dinner.
"I love spaghetti!" Emma had exclaimed.
"I know," Natalia had said, laughing at Emma’s obvious
enthusiasm.
After they’d eaten and cleared away the dishes, Emma lingered with them in
the kitchen.
"I have another question," Emma announced.
Oh dear, Natalia thought, certain Emma was finally going to bring up the
kiss. A quick glance at Olivia, who suddenly began massaging the bridge of her
nose, confirmed that Olivia most likely agreed with her assessment. "What
is it, sweetie?"
"Can we go to Company and get ice cream?"
"I ... uh ... " Natalia was surprised, but relieved not to have to
field a question about that kiss. "Olivia?"
Olivia’s hand dropped to her side and she glanced quizzically at Natalia
before smiling down at Emma. "I don’t see why not. I say let’s go. We’ll
celebrate that our little Jellybean is finally home."
"Oh boy," Emma said. "Can we go now?"
"Sure," Natalia said watching Emma bolt for the door.
"Right now?" she called back to them.
"We’re coming already," Olivia said, laughing as she grabbed her
purse and keys and Natalia’s hand.
******************************
Olivia quickly glanced around the small diner, spotting several people she
knew. She didn’t see Buzz, though, and, of course, there was no sign of Frank,
but she knew there wouldn’t be after his arrest the previous day. Company was
relatively busy by the time they got there, but they found a table along the
back wall and all three ordered chocolate sundaes. While they were eating their
ice cream, Phillip approached them, and Emma quickly hopped up to hug her
father.
"How’s my little girl?" he asked.
"Good," she giggled, holding onto his hand after they hugged.
"When I saw you three ladies sitting here, I wanted to come over and
invite you personally to the Spaulding Labor Day barbeque," he said.
"All three of you," he added, smiling down at Natalia. "And that
includes Rafe, of course."
"Thanks, Phillip," Olivia said. She thought the rekindling of his
romance with Beth had done wonderful things for Phillip’s mood, and for that
she was grateful. After all, Phillip had accepted her relationship with Natalia
with neither surprise nor criticism, and after her initial fears when he’d
first returned to town, they’d managed to establish a mutually respectful and
supportive friendship, much to her surprise.
"Then you’ll come?" he asked.
"Of course we’ll come!" Emma exclaimed.
"Sure, we’ll be there, right, Natalia?"
"I’d love to," Natalia said, "and I’ll let Rafe know, too.
Thank you, Phillip."
"Okay, I’ve got to go, but I’ll talk with you soon." He hugged
Emma and headed to where Beth was waiting for him at a nearby table.
"There’s Jody," Emma squealed. "Can I go say hi?"
Olivia nodded and then laughed when she saw Emma sprint toward a table on the
other side of the diner.
"Is it my imagination or has she gotten a lot faster since she’s been
gone?" Olivia asked.
Natalia grinned, but then her grin faded when she caught sight of someone
approaching their table.
Olivia turned to see who it was. "Doris," she said as the mayor sat
down beside Natalia in Emma’s vacated seat. "Please sit down,"
Olivia added with a laugh. There was a time in the not too distant past when she
never would have guessed how fond she would become of Springfield’s chief
executive.
"I thought you both might like an update on Frank," Doris said.
Olivia saw Natalia tense up immediately. "Yeah, tell us."
"Right now he’s in Ravenwood having court-mandated psychiatric tests
to determine his fitness to stand trial. Dr. Silver is the court-appointed
psychiatrist. I believe she’s the one who worked with Phillip recently. Anyway,
I talked with Dr. Boudreau this morning and filled her in on some of the details
of the case to get her opinion on what might be going on with Frank," Doris
said. "You know Felicia, right? Mel and Remy’s mother?"
"Yes, of course," Olivia said. "What did she think?"
"Well, Dr. Boudreau did mention the possibility that Frank had suffered
what she called a ‘brief psychotic disorder.’"
"What would that mean in terms of a trial or sentencing?" Olivia
asked.
"It means it’s more likely he’ll be committed to a psychiatric
hospital like Ravenwood rather than prison, so he can get the help he
needs."
"I just want him to be okay," Natalia said. "I feel like this
is all my fault."
Olivia was shocked to see Doris take Natalia’s hand and peer into her eyes.
"This is not your fault," Doris said with an air of authority.
"But I’m the one who said I’d marry him and then left him at the
altar."
"Lots of people get left at the altar and worse, but they don’t stalk,
harass, and try to kidnap the person who left them. He physically dragged you
out of the house. He tackled you to the ground. He handcuffed you, for
god’s sake! Obviously there’s something seriously wrong with him, but it’s
not your fault, okay?"
Natalia nodded, and Doris let go of her hand and stood up to leave.
"Doris?" Natalia said.
"What?"
"Would you and Flo like to come out to the farmhouse some evening for
dinner? You’ve done so much to help us, both of us, and Rafe, too, and I’d
really love to have you out sometime."
Doris glanced at Olivia.
"I think that’s a great idea," Olivia said. I’m freakin’
amazed she extended the invitation, but I think the idea totally rocks.
Doris smiled. "We’d love to."
"Good," Natalia said. "We can talk sometime soon and figure
out a time that’s good for all of us. I’ll make arroz con pollo."
"That sounds scrumptious," Doris said. "I’ll talk with Flo
and see when I can pry her out of the hospital. I’m sure she’d love to
come."
After Doris left, Natalia smiled sheepishly at Olivia. "I hope you don’t
mind. It just suddenly seemed like a good idea, and I ..."
"I think it’s a wonderful idea," Olivia said, taking her hand.
"And guess what? The minute you said ‘arroz con pollo’ I
remembered that amazing meal you made for me and the conversation we had about
your grandmother, Rosa."
"I know you told me you remembered what Frank did, but I’m so glad you
remembered our special meal together," Natalia said.
Olivia leaned toward Natalia and lowered her voice. "I also recall
kissing on the couch later."
Olivia chuckled when she saw Natalia’s blush, but then a shadow fell across
the table and she looked up to see Buzz staring down at Natalia. Oh crap! I
didn’t think he was here tonight. He better not give her a hard time like he
did when I was in the hospital after getting shot. "Buzz," Olivia
said, struggling to head off any kind of confrontation.
"Natalia," Buzz said. "I’m so sorry about what my son did to
you."
Whoa, wasn’t expecting that. A quick glance at Natalia told her that
her pretty companion wasn’t expecting an apology from Buzz either. After all,
Natalia had experienced Buzz’s righteous anger on behalf of his son not that
long ago, so it wouldn’t be a stretch for her to think she was about to get
yelled at again.
"I’m just sorry he’s having so many problems right now,"
Natalia said.
"Doris told me about him bringing your parents here, and, of course, I
also found out what he did out at your place. I don’t know what’s wrong with
him."
"That’s just it," Olivia said. "Something is wrong
right now. Hopefully he’ll get the help he needs now that he’s at Ravenwood."
"I sure hope so," Buzz said. "Meanwhile, sundaes are on the
house, and the next time you come in for dinner, I want you to be my
guests."
Olivia nodded. Once again Buzz had come through. He was still the man she’d
cared about at one time and the true friend she’d come to rely on.
"Thanks, Buzz. We’ll come in sometime soon when we’re all
starving."
Buzz laughed. "Good, I’ll look forward to it."
Olivia was glad to see the look of relief on Natalia’s face.
******************************
They had now come to Natalia’s new favorite time of day—bedtime. Olivia
had listened while she’d read to Emma till the little girl finally fell
asleep. She looked so sweet in her little mermaid shorty pajamas, and Natalia’s
heart was full just looking at her, finally at home in her own wee bed. The fact
that Emma was so excited and happy to be back at the farmhouse made it even more
heartwarming, as did Olivia’s expression of joy when she looked at either of
them. Natalia wondered if Olivia had any idea how much she loved her. I doubt
you do. It’s even amazing to me how much I love you. I just never knew what it
was like to be in love before I fell in love with you.
It had been a long day, but now they were finally showered and alone in
Olivia’s queen-size bed. She’d been able to feel Olivia’s growing passion
as the evening had progressed, had felt it as they watched each other slowly
licking ice cream off their spoons at Company, as they drove home in the waning
light, as she read the bedtime story to Emma while Olivia listened.
So now when Olivia turned to her wordlessly and began to kiss her, she wasn’t
surprised. She was also getting used to the fact that her body apparently had a
mind of its own, completely independent of her own cognitive processes, and
Olivia seemed able to communicate with it directly with her hands and her mouth
and the full embrace of her body.
After what seemed like hours of slow, sultry, deep kisses, Olivia finally
pulled her up and began to undress her, and then patiently allowed Natalia to
remove her clothes for her. Afterward she lay on top of Natalia, positioning
herself between her slender thighs, and rocked them both to an exquisitely
intimate climax, after which they both fell asleep in each other’s arms.
******************************
The following morning Olivia was awakened by someone sitting down on the edge
of the bed and shaking her arm. She struggled to pry an eye open and saw Emma
perched beside her. She was acutely aware that her sexy lover was asleep—right
in her bed where little eyes could clearly see her. Uh-oh. Here it comes.
"Mommy?"
"What is it, baby?"
"I need to get ready to go to day camp."
Olivia tried to get the other eye open as she turned her head to look at her
clock. "Okay, baby. Why don’t you go get dressed, and I’ll be down in a
minute."
Olivia followed Emma’s gaze and saw Natalia still asleep next to her, dark
hair spilling out over the pale blue pillowcase.
"Is Natalia gonna make pancakes?" Emma asked.
"I’ll ask her," Olivia said, pulling the sheet up tighter around
her neck as soon as she was awake enough to remember she was naked. She waited
for Emma to ask her why Natalia was in her bed, but she didn’t seem to find it
worth mentioning. Instead her little legs carried her swiftly back out of the
room, presumably on her way to get dressed.
Natalia stirred and rolled toward Olivia, snuggling into her arms. Olivia
quickly kissed her, keeping one eye on the door, which Emma had inconveniently
left open.
"Our little Jellybean was just in here requesting pancakes," Olivia
said.
Natalia became wide awake instantly and sat straight up in the bed, causing
the sheet to slip down around her waist. When she heard Olivia’s soft whistle,
she yanked the sheet up over her bare chest. "Did she say anything about me
being here?"
"Nope."
"Did she even see me?"
"Yep." Olivia shrugged at Natalia’s puzzled look. "I have no
idea why that didn’t seem odd to her. She knows you have your own room."
"Well, I think I better get downstairs and make some pancakes,"
Natalia said with a grin.
"And coffee?"
"And coffee. I could never forget the coffee," Natalia said as she
got up and quickly pulled on a robe to hide her nakedness.
"I’ll come help." Damn, you’re gorgeous!
******************************
Natalia was in a very good mood. Emma was back from camp. Dinner was over.
Rafe had even come out to the farmhouse after Emma called him with a plaintive
reminder about his promise to help her with her birdhouse project. The tiny
avian dwelling had turned out well, and Rafe even helped her suspend it from a
low limb, holding Emma up so she could hang it herself, much to Emma’s
delight. Natalia knew Rafe was genuinely fond of the "little one," as
he called her.
Rafe had also helped Olivia carry in the new sound system she’d purchased
for the farmhouse and then set it up for them himself. When Olivia thanked him,
he nodded and went back outside to say good-bye to Emma before heading back to
campus. Natalia thought he seemed excited about this new phase of his life, and
she prayed it worked out as well as it seemed like it would.
After dinner, they watched Finding Nemo in honor of Emma’s newfound
love of sea creatures and ate popcorn just like they used to do on movie nights.
She could tell Olivia was pensive, and when Emma darted off to the kitchen to
get more lemonade, Olivia scooted closer to Natalia on the couch while keeping
one eye on the kitchen door.
"I’m wondering if maybe we should just go ahead and say something to
her," Olivia said.
"If you think the time is right, then let’s do it." Although the
thought of telling Emma made Natalia nervous, she couldn’t help but feel it
would be okay, if not immediately, then certainly eventually. After all, Emma
was the one who’d penned the infamous "My Two Mommies" report that
had ended up on the local news and inspired Olivia to plant an enlightening kiss
on her that had prompted a heated, though unacknowledged, response on her part. I
think our little girl just kind of "knew" even back then, Natalia
thought.
Before they could discuss it further, Emma bounced back into the room, set
her lemonade on a coaster on the coffee table, and squeezed back in between
them, where she’d been before.
"Hey, Jellybean," Olivia said, giving her a hug. "Natalia and
I want to talk with you about something."
"Okay," Emma said, more interested in watching the end credits of
the movie roll.
"It’s about me and Natalia."
"Okay," Emma said absently.
Olivia glanced up at Natalia, took a deep breath, and concentrated her
attention back on the little person sitting between them. "You know, we’ve
moved back into the farmhouse."
"I know," Emma said, laughing.
"And it’s not just because Natalia and I are best friends."
"It’s because we’re family," Emma said as she slipped off the
couch to pop the DVD out of the player and return it to its box. "I love
this movie."
"I know you do, sweetie," Natalia said.
"Yes, we’re family, but it’s also because Natalia and I love each
other," Olivia said.
"I know. Can we watch another movie? I’m not sleepy yet," Emma
said looking from one to the other.
"Baby, I don’t think you could stay awake long enough to make it
through another whole movie," Olivia said. "How about we come up and
read you a bedtime story instead?"
"Okay, that was fun last night, just like we used to do," Emma
said. She started toward the stairs, but Olivia caught her around the waist
before she could make good her escape.
"Come here, you," Olivia said with a laugh. "I want to make
sure you understand about me and Natalia."
"I do understand," Emma insisted.
Olivia rolled her eyes at Natalia over the top of Emma’s head. "Here’s
the thing, baby. You know how sometimes people fall in love and then they get
married?"
"Yes," Emma said, "and sometimes they just live
together."
"Well, that’s how Natalia and I feel about each other. We fell in love
and that’s why we want to live together."
"I know."
"And, uh ... that’s why Natalia was sleeping in my bed with me when
you came in this morning."
"I know."
"You do?" Olivia asked.
"Yes." Emma just looked at her calmly.
"How do you know that?" Olivia asked.
Emma shrugged. "Everybody knows you love each other. I told you Natalia
was sad when she was supposed to marry Frank, remember?"
"Yeah, I do remember that. It was right after we went to that big dinner
at the Spauldings with your father."
"And I told you Natalia would rather live with us at the farmhouse. I
told you we shouldn’t move back to the hotel. And after we moved, I kept
telling you we should move back, remember?"
"Uh, yes, I remember."
"Can we go read a story now?"
Natalia had listened to the entire exchange with rapt attention. I think
our little girl is just very, very smart, just like her mommy. She was
infinitely relieved that Emma wasn’t the slightest bit troubled by anything to
do with her relationship with Olivia. "I think that’s a wonderful
idea," Natalia said. "Why don’t you go on up and pick one out, and
your mommy and I will be right up, okay?"
"Okay!" Emma bolted for the stairs and scampered up them, creating
a small racket before the sound of her footsteps disappeared down the upstairs
hallway.
"Wow, that went well," Olivia said.
"Yes, it did."
They fell into each other’s arms and kissed passionately until Natalia
remembered they had a little person waiting for them upstairs, probably
impatiently, which made her reluctantly pull back. She stood up and pulled
Olivia to her feet. "Come on, story time."
******************************
Alone at last, Olivia thought, watching as Natalia approached the bed.
Olivia was sitting up leaning against a stack of pillows. She patted the spot
next to her, motioning for Natalia to come sit by her.
"What’s up?" Natalia asked.
"I thought we could read," Olivia said.
"You want to read?"
"Sure, reading in bed can be fun." Olivia almost laughed out loud
at the shock on Natalia’s face. "I also wanted to talk with you about the
Spaulding barbeque."
"You want to go, right?"
"Yes, and I was thinking maybe it’d be a good time for us to go there
and ‘be’ together, just like any other couple."
"You mean ... not make any big announcement, but just be ourselves ...
together?"
"Exactly. What do you think?"
"I think it sounds perfect," Natalia sighed.
"Okay, that’s settled. Now for our reading materials." Olivia
reached into the drawer of her night stand and pulled out a handful of
brochures, which she placed on Natalia’s lap.
"What’s all this?" Natalia asked.
"Well, take a look."
Natalia began to flip through the pamphlets. "These are travel
brochures. Are you going somewhere?"
"No, we’re going somewhere."
"Are there more conferences?"
"Nope. I figured we had a ‘wedding’ night, so now we should get to
go on a honeymoon."
Natalia dropped her brochure-filled hands back down on her lap. "We’re
going on a honeymoon?"
"Sure. What do you think?"
"I think that would be ... absolutely wonderful," Natalia said
softly.
"Well, good. Now all we have to do is decide where." Olivia pointed
at the brochures. "Tell me what you think. And if none of these appeal,
just tell me, because we can literally go anywhere in the world you want to
go."
"I can’t believe we get to take a honeymoon. I never had a honeymoon.
Well ... I never really wanted a honeymoon till now."
Olivia loved Natalia’s sweet smile and the sparkle in her eye once she
realized what all those brochures were really about.
"Okay, let’s see," Natalia said, starting with the first
brochure.
"Those first ones are if you want to stay in this hemisphere,"
Olivia said.
"The Bahamas, Cancún ..."
"Beach, sun, swimming, diving. There are some further-off places
too," Olivia said, smiling at Natalia’s concentration. She could see her
eyes gleam as she looked at the photos of exotic vacation spots.
"Switzerland, Ireland, England, Greece." Natalia laughed.
"Olivia, there are just so many. How would we ever decide?"
"There should be one more."
Natalia looked beneath the Greece brochure and found one more. "Costa
del Sol!" She looked up at Olivia in wide-eyed surprise. "Spain?"
"I think we just found a winner," Olivia said with a huge grin.
"We can really go to Spain? I’ve always wanted to go to
Spain."
"Yes, we can really go to Spain. Of course, we’ll need a translator.
Oh wait ..." She laughed, knowing full well Natalia was fluent in Spanish.
As far as Olivia was concerned, Spain was an ideal choice because she’d always
found listening to Natalia speak Spanish was a gigantic turn-on. She’d been
pretty sure the Costa del Sol honeymoon would be the winner, and she was
delighted she was right.
"When can we go?"
"You can pretty much go there year-round, but we should wait until after
the Labor Day barbeque, and, of course, we’ll want to make sure Emma is doing
okay in school. I was thinking she might enjoy spending a week with her father
and Beth now. We can make sure they have Jane’s number just in case they need
help with transportation to school or whatever."
"We get to stay a whole week?"
Olivia laughed. "Yes, a whole week of seeing you in a bikini. We’ll
have to get you a different one for every day of the week. I’ll leave Sheila
in charge of the Beacon, like we did when we went to Hawaii," Olivia said.
"We can even go back to Hawaii sometime if you like."
"I’d love to do that," Natalia said. "I’ll always love
Hawaii."
"Me too," Olivia said. She took the stack of brochures and tossed
them on the night stand. "Meanwhile, I really think we should
practice."
"Practice what? Spanish?"
"No, practice for our honeymoon on the Costa del Sol," Olivia said.
She turned toward Natalia, intending to pull off her pajama top, but before
she could, Natalia grabbed her in a huge hug and then kissed her so
enthusiastically Olivia thought she might just come form the sheer excitement of
the unexpectedly passionate kiss from her oftentimes shy lover.
"Wow," Olivia said when Natalia finally pulled back. "I should
take you to other countries more often."
They laughed, but then their smiles began to fade and they moved into each
other’s arms again, this time kissing each other with great tenderness before
slowly undressing and lying entwined on the bed naked. After staring into each
other’s eyes for a while they began to kiss and touch again with a passion
only possible for two people who are truly in love.
They carefully moved so that they could touch each other’s intimate flesh
at the same time and they continued their slow, deep kiss until finally they
both reached a peak of ecstasy as much from their love as from the mutual
physical caresses. Afterward they continued to hold one another as they slowly
fell asleep.
Olivia’s last waking thought was that she knew she’d never been happier
in her life than she was at that very moment, for she’d finally found the one
person who had put her first, someone she loved in a way she’d never loved
anyone else before; and she knew in her heart that their love would never fade
nor fail, but would protect and sustain them for all the rest of their days.
THE END