A Chance Encounter Read online

  “I missed you and I missed being in your arms.”

  “I missed you too.”

  We cuddle for a few minutes before we get up and I go into the shower. When I go into the kitchen, Stacey is looking a little better and munching on her cupcake. Em turns around smiling as she sees me and hands me my cup of coffee. I lean in and kiss her. “Thanks, babe.”

  I take a sip and it is so good that I sigh contented. Em grins pleased with the reaction and she shares her cupcake with me. Stacey laughs watching us, and I grin. “Why are you laughing?”

  “You two are just very cute together and I’m just wondering when you are going to ask Em to move in here with you.”

  Em chokes on the sip of coffee and I quirk an eyebrow. “You haven’t thought about us living together?”

  Em blushes. “I have thought about it, I just hadn’t brought it up with you in case you didn’t want to.”

  Stacey laughs again. “Ok, you have both thought about it and obviously want to so what’s stopping you? It will be good having Em here and there is plenty of space, the only downside is that you have to live with Charlie.”

  I am laughing, then I realise what she said and frown. “Hey, that’s not nice and here I was being so sweet to you and let you into my bed.”

  Stacey gives me a hug. “You know I love you, but it is always good to tease you and you would think I was sick if I didn’t take the opportunity to tease you.”

  “That’s true, I would and it’s nice to see you smile. Go get your things and we will get on the road to mom’s house.”

  “I will only be a couple of minutes and thanks for looking after me.”

  Stacey walks towards her bedroom and I call after her. “Oh, Stace?”

  “Yeah?”

  “Try not to take up all my mom’s time when we are there. I want to talk to her too.”

  Stacey laughs and shrugs. “Hey, it’s not my fault she loves me and likes giving me cuddles. You just have to get used to the fact that she is my second mom and that’s that.”

  I start to laugh as she sticks out her tongue and closes her bedroom door. I turn back and see Em smiling at me. “What are you smiling at?”

  She leans across and kisses me. “Just how well you and Stace get on, she may as well be your sister, you two are so close.”

  “I have known her so long, we went to school together and she was always in my house or I was in her house. She was the first person I told that I liked girls and she just gave me a hug and said she would go with me to gay bars and be my wing woman. She was also with me when I told my mom and it was nice to have her with me. Mom already knew, she didn’t care, but my dad took a bit more time to come around to the fact that his daughter is a lesbian.”

  “I’m glad you have her in your life babe, she is one of the best. I’m happy your dad came around too. I am a little nervous about meeting your mom, what if she doesn’t like me?”

  I move around, stand in front of her and take her in my arms. “It’s ok to be nervous and trust me, my mom is going to love you. I talk about you all the time, she knows a lot about you. She is easy going and she will see how happy you make me. I was the same way with your parents and having nerves is always good. I will be with you and I’ll be holding your hand.”

  She sighs contented as she cuddles into me. “Thanks, baby, I love you.”

  I kiss the top of her head. “I love you too. So, when do you want to move in?”

  Her head snaps away from my chest with shock on her face and she tries to decipher if I am serious or not. “You want me to move in, seriously?”

  I grin at her and kiss her lips. “Yes, I do, it would be great to go to bed with you every night and wake up with you in the morning. I was also thinking that when I am away, you would be here with Stace and it would be a little more comforting for you.”

  “I would like that too, it doesn’t make up for you being gone but having Stace to hang with would be nice.”

  “Good and anyway, you are here more during the week now, so it is just the natural next step.”

  I hear Stacey coming back into the kitchen and look at the size of the bag she has packed I start to laugh. “You know we are only going for the weekend, why do you need such a big bag?”

  “I have my makeup, clothes and I didn’t know if we were going out for dinner or out for a night, so I had to pack for those too just in case.”

  “Wow, you never change.”

  “You wouldn’t want me to.”

  “That is very true, I wouldn’t change you for the world.”

  “Are you ready to go? I am excited to see momma Ellie.”

  “We will be leaving shortly, I just have a couple of things to pack and then we will be off.”

  “When are you moving in Em?”

  I see Em grin and shrug, “I don’t know, whenever Charlie and you are happy for me too.”

  “Ok, we will start after we come back, and you will be well moved in by next weekend. This is going to be fun, we can gang up on Charlie.”

  My eyes widen and I am about to say something back to Stacey when Em looks at me and I simply smile. “Sounds good to me.”

  Em smiles so bright that I feel that I have given her the most expensive gift in the world and it fills my heart with joy. She leans in, kisses me tenderly and I automatically pull her as close to me as I can.

  “Alright, you two give it a rest.”

  Em blushes as she tries to move out of my hold, but I hold her to me and look at the smiling Stacey. “You don’t tell me when I can and can’t kiss my girlfriend, but because I am a good friend and you are having a tough time right now, I will be more mindful.”

  Stacey laughs, comes over, reaches for the last piece of cupcake, and pops it into her mouth. “I’m sad today, I need it more than you.”

  “That’s true, I’m going to grab our stuff.”

  I turn to get our bag when Em calls me back. “Charlie can we stop on the way I want to pick up some flowers for your mom.”

  “You don’t have to get mom flowers, she will be happy that we are visiting.”

  “I know I don’t, but I want to.”

  Stacey puts her arm around Em. “Don’t be fretting, she will love you, you are sweet, and Ellie is going to enjoy getting to know you. Her favourite flowers are roses and lilies.”

  I pop my head out of the bedroom door. “How do you know what my mom’s favourite flowers are?”

  “I asked her, and she told me, and you never get her the right ones so from now on, Em will save your bacon.”

  “Mom always likes the flowers I bring.”

  “She does but they aren’t her favourites and that’s why I am her favourite out of the two of us.”

  I come out of the bedroom and my mouth hangs open at the statement she has made. “Oi, my mom loves me the best and I am her daughter, there is no competition.”

  Em starts laughing as she watches the two of us in a standoff with hands on hips.

  “Will you two give it a rest, she loves you both the same, you would swear you are sisters the way you are acting.”

  I pout as Em comes over, kisses it away and I smile instantly. Stacey rolls her eyes. “Come on, let’s get going. I can’t wait to see Ellie.”

  I grab my keys and take Em’s hand as Stacey is at the front door waiting with a grin on her face.

  “You are like a little kid; will you be like this the whole way there?”

  “Yes, this is just what I need to distract me, thank you and you know I love you.”

  “Love you too you big idiot, now get in the car.”

  The drive is only an hour and Stacey is texting in the back seat while Em is quiet but holding the flowers she got for my mom.

  “Are you ok baby?”

  She looks over at me and puts her hand on my thigh. “I’m fine, I am looking forward to meeting your mom and finding out all your bad habits growing up.”

  “She better not tell you anything like that…”

  I he
ar Stacey laughing in the back seat. “What are you laughing at back there?”

  “Nothing, I’m just texting Ellie and she told me what she has planned for this evening, I think you are going to love it.”

  I get an uneasy feeling that it is anything but something I would love as I watch Stacey hand her phone to Em who also laughs.

  “Baby, what did she show you?”

  “Oh, it’s a surprise and that is not from me, it’s your mother’s words.”

  I pout knowing there is something going on and I try to think what it could be, which makes me start to pale. “She has got my baby photos out hasn’t she?”

  Em and Stacey start to laugh, and I know I’m right. “Oh Jesus, baby show me mercy, tell her you don’t want to see them.”

  “But I do want to see them, honey, it will be fine.”

  “Oh, bloody hell, this is going to be a horrible weekend for me.”

  Em leans across and kisses my cheek. “It will be fun, I will be there, and Stacey will be there and no matter what photo comes out you are and have always been a cutie.”

  I grin and shrug. “This is very true.”

  Stacey laughs, and I throw her a look in the rear-view mirror. “I would like to remind you that you will no doubt be in some of these photos too.”

  “Damn, I didn’t think about that.”

  I start to laugh. The rest of the journey is in good spirits and I am happy that Stacey can enjoy herself even though she is broken-hearted. I want to hurt Gary for making her cry and feel this pain but Em and I will get her through it. I pull into the driveway and see my mom looking out the window. She waves out at us before opening the front door. Em tenses and I squeeze her hand. “I’m right here, it’s all going to be fine, don’t stress ok”

  “I will try, I love you.”

  “I love you too baby, now come meet my mom.”

  Chapter 15

  “Hi mom, it’s great to see you.”

  She pulls Charlie into her arms and gives her a kiss on the cheek. “My baby is home again, I have missed you. You look great, love looks good on you kiddo.”

  I can see Charlie blush and she moves away from her mom’s embrace to hold out her hand to me. I take it and I can see Ellie look from Charlie to me. She watches how Charlie takes my hand and guides me into her side before introducing me to her mom.

  “Mom, this is Em. Em, this is my mom Ellie.”

  I hold out my hand to shake her hand and I am instead enveloped in a hug that makes me smile.

  “It’s so good to finally meet you. Charlie has been talking about you on every call, I feel like I already know you. Welcome to my home which is now your home.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, Mrs Cooper, I hope you like these.”

  “They are beautiful and please call me Ellie.”

  She takes the bouquet and then Stacey steps forward. I see Charlie’s mom smile broadly. “Hello Stacey, how are you doing?”

  Stacey gives Ellie a huge hug. “Oh, I’ve missed you momma Ellie, I need some of your wonderful cooking and I will be a lot better.”

  “Stace, kindly let go of my mother so we can all go into the house and get settled.”

  “Charlie, your best friend is in pain and she loves getting her cuddles from me.”

  Charlie rolls her eyes and makes a face at the grinning Stacey. As we go into the hallway, I am hit with the beautiful smell of cinnamon and apples.

  “Wow, that smell is divine.”

  Ellie grins at me. “That is dessert, it is almost finished in the oven. I hope you like apple crumble.”

  “I love it and I can’t wait.”

  “Charlie show Em your room and I will pop the kettle on for tea or coffee. Stacey, you know where your room is.

  “Thanks, mom, I’ll be right out to help with that.”

  She waves her off. I am whisked up the stairs and into Charlie’s bedroom. We drop the bags on the floor and I look around the room. I smile as I look at the teddy bears sitting on the rocking chair. Charlie follows my eyes and blushes as she spots what I am looking at.

  She moves over and hugs me from behind. “That is my tiger teddy bear and that is my dog teddy and that one is a huggy bear. He gives you hugs.”

  She is so cute how she talks about her teddy bears and even though she has this macho hard look to her, she is soft. I move my head and she kisses me. My hand moves behind her head to hold close, so I can have more of her luscious lips. I am melting into the kiss but we are rudely interrupted when Stacey bangs on the door.

  “Come on, can’t you two just leave each other alone for a couple of minutes, I want coffee and biscuits with momma Ellie.”

  “Stace, you are going to make me regret bringing you along. We have only literally come into the room.”

  “Yes, but I am reminding you that we are here in case you two get any ideas.”

  I blush and move out of Charlie’s embrace. I see her sigh and pout. I lean in and kiss her lips. “We have lots of time for just us babe.”

  She smiles and kisses me again. We make our way out of the room and down to the living room where Ellie had set out tea, coffee, and a selection of sweet biscuits to choose from.

  Ellie is sitting on the two-seater with Stacey in conversation and she smiles up brightly as we walk in. “Em, I wasn’t sure which you prefer so I made both a pot of coffee and a pot of tea. Don’t be shy here, whatever you want or need just go for it. I have to say it is a big deal that I finally get to meet one of Charlie’s girlfriends. I have never had that honour before.”

  Charlie blushes as she sits back on the sofa with me and places her hand on my thigh. “Mom, why do you have to embarrass me?”

  “How am I? I am just pleased that you have found one special enough to bring home.”

  I can see Charlie squirming a little and rest my hand softly on top of hers.

  “I am happy that Charlie sees me as being special enough to introduce us. I love Charlie and I’m here for the long haul, no matter what we have to face in the future, we will do it together.”

  Charlie grins and turns her hand over so that our fingers can interlink. It feels like home to me. Ellie watches us closely and I should feel uncomfortable under the scrutiny, but I don’t.

  “I like her Charlie, I can see why she has captured your heart. You make sure you treat her right too.”

  “Oh my god mom, I will, and I do…right Em?”

  She looks at me nervously and I start to laugh. She is soundly hit with a cushion from Stacey. “You shouldn’t have to ask that question, you already know you do dumbass. Can you not see the sparkle in her eyes or the smile she has just for you?”

  Charlie looks at me, to Stacey and then shrugs. “No harm in checking and if something isn’t right, I need to know so I can fix it.”

  “Everything is great between us babe, I love you, you love me and that’s all that matters.”

  “Good, just let me know if I mess something up, I’m not losing you over something stupid I do or don’t do.”

  I lean in and kiss her. “Don’t fret, you will know when something is wrong.”

  “Charlie, could you come help me wash up in the kitchen?”

  “Wash up, we haven’t even finished our drinks yet.”

  “Charlie, get up and come to the kitchen with me.”

  Charlie tuts but dutifully follows behind her mother while Stacey picks up another biscuit from the plate. “These are so good, Ellie makes them herself.”

  I pick one up to take a bite and it just melts in my mouth, which makes me moan. “Oh damn, this is so good.”

  “Told you, you should get used to this. Ellie loves to bake and she loves having Charlie coming home. She gets lonely at times but maybe you could give Charlie a kick to come here a little more frequently.”

  “I can do that; do you think Ellie likes me?”

  Stacey grins and moves over beside me. “She adores you, she likes the way you stood up for your relationship and she can see how happy you make
Charlie. You should know Charlie has never even thought of bringing a girl to meet her mother. You are very special to her and important. Sometimes she can be a bit of a goofball but never forget that you are her only one.”

  “I’m her only one.”

  “Yes, god when did you become a parrot? You are the one for her.”

  I can’t stop grinning and Stacey rolls her eyes. “Just keep that lovey-dovey stuff to a minimum for a couple of days. I’m a little jealous of the happiness you have but that is my issue, I’m a little raw.”

  I give her a hug. “It will be okay Stace, we will get you through this and if you want, Charlie will kick his ass for you.”

  “Oh, I know she would, but he isn’t worth it. I just need to lick my wounds and then rebuild and start over again and I even get another roommate that I can whine to.”

  “Yes, you do, you really don’t mind me moving in?”

  “Of course not, it was me that gave you both the nudge. I think it is going to be great.”

  ****

  “What do you need help with mom?”

  “I don’t need help, I just wanted to speak to you privately.”

  “What’s wrong, are you okay?”

  “I’m fine baby, nothing to worry about there. I like Em and I see the way you look at each other. I can see what you want in your future and that girl is front and centre.”

  “How do you know that?”

  “I’m your mother and I know every little nuance you have. I have seen you with other girlfriends, not meeting them mind you, but you were never this flighty or free. I can see the love in your eyes and you would never have called me about your decision to enlist if that girl wasn’t in your plans. So now my question to you is are you going to marry this girl?”

  “Mom! We haven’t been going out that long.”

  “Your point is?”

  “My point is it’s too early to think of that.”

  I see my mother laugh. “Oh, baby girl, who are you trying to kid? It doesn’t matter how long you are together, it’s what you feel inside. When I met your father, we were together three months and I asked him to marry me.”

  “You asked dad to marry you?”

  I see her blush and she smiles softly. “Yes, I did, I knew I loved him and I didn’t want to live another day without him being mine for always. I bought him a ring and when we went to the lake for a picnic I asked him, and he said yes. The following day he bought me my engagement ring and within six months we were married.”