Winter's Role, page 3
Climbing the steps, JD made his way over to Stephanie. When he got close enough, she stood up and hugged him in welcome. “I’m so glad to see you again, Stephanie.”
“I’m glad you’re here, JD. Have a seat,” Stephanie said, relieved more than she’d like to admit, that she wouldn’t have to endure Kate’s presence alone.
She turned to Kate and said, “Kate, I’d like you to meet JD Drake.”
“Of course, it’s nice to meet you,” Kate said, introducing herself to JD. “And how do you two know each other?” she asked curiously.
“I’m Jessie’s father,” JD answered, smiling to himself at the look of surprise in her eyes.
“Really?” She looked at Stephanie, and then back to JD. She knew that Steph had good taste. After all, she’d dated Linda. She’d just always thought that Stephanie preferred to date people outside the business. Finding out that Jessie was JD Drake’s daughter surprised her and she privately wondered how they’d met. She never got the chance to ask, however.
Their conversation was interrupted and all three of them turned their attention to the arena when Jessie’s name was announced over the PA. She’d entered the Escrima competition, and had just stepped up to the mat. Watching intently, Stephanie tensed again, when she saw Jessie’s opponent. Tall and built like a body builder, easily outweighing Jessie by forty pounds, she looked quite imposing to Stephanie. Jessie, however, showed nothing at all, as she waited at the side of the mat and did her own appraisal of her opponent.
Stepping onto the mat, the two bowed to each other and struck a fighting stance. When the official dropped his hand, they attacked each other with lightning speed. Unlike the fight Stephanie had seen with Jing, weeks ago, which was full of anger and pain, this fight was all technique and skill. Thrusts, strikes and parries happened so quickly…the sticks flowing in patterns too fast for Stephanie to follow. Within minutes, it was over.
Somehow, Jessie had managed to score the winning point, knocking the fighting sticks from her opponent’s hands to send them flying to the far side of the mat. The official declared her the winner, raising her hand over her head, and the crowd cheered loudly. Apparently, Stephanie realized, her opponent had been the expected winner of the match. Jessie’s win had surprised them all.
Two matches later, and Jessie had won each one, surprising everyone yet again. By the end of the tournament, she’d managed to take first place in the Escrima competition. She’d also taken part in the Staff Demonstration, and earned an honorable mention in that. Stephanie, waiting for her to come out of the locker room, couldn’t hide the huge grin on her face. Beside her, JD was grinning from ear to ear, too. Before last weekend, he hadn’t even known that Jessie was interested in martial arts.
After hugging both Stephanie and her father, Jessie noticed that Kate was there, too. She was looking slightly uncomfortable, but shook Jessie’s hand, anyway. Accepting the woman’s congratulations, she was just about to thank her, when a blond little boy with a mop of curly hair about eight years old came out of the locker room and ran over to her.
“Momma Kate! Did you see? Did you see? I won!” he yelled, so excited he couldn’t contain it as he flung himself into her arms.
Kate bent down and hugged the little boy to her. “I saw, Tommy, I saw it. You did so well! Your mom’s gonna be so proud of you!” With the little boy beaming from ear to ear, she stood back up, clearly trying to keep him from noticing them. “Well…I guess we’d better go. Jessie, JD, it was nice to meet both of you. Stephanie…it was good to see you again. Remember what I asked, and please…call anytime. Take care of yourself.”
She left then, with Tommy tucked under one arm talking excitedly to her. He had looked over at Stephanie curiously when Kate mentioned her name, but Kate hurried him away before he could say anything. Jessie noticed that Stephanie watched them walk away with an odd, unreadable expression on her face. She wondered what it was about, and made a mental note to ask her about it, later.
Chapter 3
Hours later, they were sitting in Stephanie’s living room, watching TV. JD had treated them to dinner after the tournament, and said his goodbye’s at the restaurant. Now that they were alone, Jessie figured this might be a good time to talk to Stephanie about Kate. She had been unusually quiet since the tournament, and Jessie wasn’t sure why. Reaching over, she grabbed the remote and hit the mute button.
Turning to look curiously at her when the TV suddenly fell silent, Stephanie said, “Jess?”
“Sorry, but I wanted to ask you something. If you don’t mind, that is?” she said, plainly trying to tread lightly.
Stephanie sighed. How many times had she told Jessie she could ask her anything? “What would you like to know?” She had a feeling she already knew what it was, but she waited patiently for Jessie’s question. She didn’t want to rush this conversation. In fact, she didn’t want to have it at all.
“Well, I’ve met quite a few of your friends this past two weeks, but you’ve never even mentioned Kate and Linda before.” She stopped and looked at Stephanie, trying to gauge how she was going to react. Stephanie wasn’t giving anything away, however, so she plunged ahead. “So, I guess I was wondering…why? I mean, it’s obvious that she knew you pretty well…and I noticed how you looked at Tommy…”
Stephanie sat up straighter. She’d been leaning against Jessie’s shoulder, watching TV, but she turned now so that she could look her in the eye. Licking her lips, she bit the inside of her cheek, before she finally said, “Kate’s married to my ex…Linda.”
“Linda…that name sounds familiar, but I can’t…”
“You remember, I told you…she was my longest relationship?” Stephanie said quietly, hoping Jessie would remember that conversation. She smiled slightly herself, remembering the rest of that night and the love they’d made.
Jessie thought for a minute, before nodding slowly. “I remember, now. You did mention her but, what about Tommy?”
Stephanie closed her eyes and willed herself not to cry. She should have known that Jessie would find out about this sooner or later. She hadn’t meant to keep it from her, she just hadn’t wanted to deal with it. But Kate and Tommy’s appearance earlier in the day had dredged it all up, and she had to tell her now, for better or worse. The idea that she had lied to Jessie, or omitted something this important… She didn’t want this to drive a wedge between them.
Pulling her legs up to sit cross legged on the couch, she took a deep breath and began her story. “I knew Linda and her husband Tom, in college. Tom had a job waiting for him in LA after graduation, and they headed out here. I moved a few months later, and got an apartment a couple of miles away. For the first few months, everything was great. Then, when Linda was six months pregnant, Tom was in a car accident and died. I gave up my apartment and moved in with her, to help. For the next few months, I went to Lamaze classes, helped her get the nursery ready…everything. When Tommy was born, I was there. I even got to cut the cord.”
She reached over and grabbed her water, taking a drink before continuing. “After Tommy was born, Linda and I became…involved. We’d set up house and were raising Tommy together. One night, after putting Tommy to bed, Linda and I sat down to watch a movie. One thing led to another, and…” She snorted and shook her head. “We hadn’t intended to get involved. It just sort of happened. One minute we were watching the movie and the next, we were kissing. From then on, we just sort of fell into becoming a couple.”
Jessie, sorry she’d brought it up, waited quietly for Steph to finish. When she fell silent, she reached over and laid a hand on Steph’s leg. “So, what happened?”
“Tommy got sick one day while Linda was at work. I called and told her, and she asked me to take him to the emergency room,” she took another drink of her water. “Anyway, I took him like she asked, and the pediatrician came in and checked him out. She said he just had a bad cold, and it was nothing to worry about. In the meantime, Linda had shown up. I saw the way they looked at each other. I should have known then, that something wasn’t right, but I was just so young and naïve…I didn’t want to believe anything could happen.” She ducked her head to look at the couch.
“I’m guessing that Kate was the pediatrician?” Jessie asked softly.
Stephanie sniffed. “Yeah. Three months later, I walked into the house one day to find them both sitting there, waiting for me. Linda told me they’d been talking a lot to each other over the last few months, and they’d decided to try a relationship. They hadn’t done anything but talk at that point, because Linda didn’t want to cheat on me. We’d been friends for years, lovers for the last few, and she really didn’t want to ruin our friendship. It was all very civilized and they were both really nice about it.” She sniffed and wiped at her eyes before continuing. “They wanted me to know that I was…That I was always welcome anytime. They both wanted me to stay…in…involved with…T…Tommy…” No longer able to keep her feelings under control, she broke down and started crying, covering her face with her hands.
Jessie pulled her close. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t know.”
“It’s okay,” Steph said, sniffing again. “I know you didn’t. I guess seeing them today just…brought it all b…back.”
“Can I ask, how long you were together?”
“Tommy was four, when I moved out,” Stephanie said, her voice a strangled whisper. “I…I practically raised him, Jess. He was like my own son. His first words, his first steps…I was there for all of it. He called me…he called me…Momma Stephie.” She started crying again, burying her face in Jessie’s shoulder.
Jessie hugged her tighter and let her cry. When she’d decided to ask about Kate, she had no idea how badly Steph had been hurt. Now, she felt horrible, having brought up something so painful. It was obvious that Stephanie still loved Tommy, and missed him terribly.
They’d never talked about kids, other than in reference to John and Lacy’s boys or their own nieces and nephews. She’d never bothered to ask Stephanie if she wanted kids of her own, someday. It was just something that hadn’t come up before. Now, it was painfully clear that Stephanie would probably love being a mother. Right now, though, was not the time to ask her about having kids of their own in the future.
Deciding that silence would be best for the moment, Jessie leaned back into the couch, pulling Stephanie with her and running her hands through her hair. “You okay, Sweetheart?” Jessie asked quietly, trying not to disturb her when she had calmed down and seemed to relax.
“I’m all right. I think…I think I just need some time,” she answered, sniffing and wiping at her tear streaked cheeks.
Jessie nodded, her arms still wrapped around her. “How about if I go on to bed and give you some time to yourself? Would that be okay?”
“You don’t have to go. I wasn’t suggesting that,” Stephanie protested.
“I didn’t think you were,” Jessie said, kissing her on the temple. “I just want to give you whatever you need.” She slipped out from under the other woman and stood up. “Take your time. You know where to find me when you’re ready. And Steph…This doesn’t change anything between us. I love you,” she whispered, leaning down and kissing her gently on the mouth.
“I love you, too. Thank you,” Stephanie said in answer. As she watched Jessie head upstairs to their bedroom, she smiled sadly. Jessie was leaving tomorrow, and she could already feel the gap in her heart that was the loss of her presence. Sighing, she flopped back into the couch and closed her eyes, allowing her thoughts to meander back over Linda, Kate and Tommy.
It was late, when Stephanie finally made her way upstairs and crawled into bed. Half asleep, Jessie rolled over and wrapped an arm around her, pulling her close. Snuggling into the other woman’s shoulder, Stephanie sniffed, and said quietly, “Jessie? You still awake?”
“Yeah,” she answered, her voice scratchy. In truth, she was always a light sleeper, and when Steph wasn’t next to her, she woke up with every single little noise. The feel of the mattress dipping lower under Steph’s weight had awakened her the minute she climbed into bed.
“I was wondering…Well, Linda and Kate…they’ve always been really good about things with Tommy.” She sniffed, but never lifted her head, preferring to keep her face hidden. “What I mean is…they never shut me out of his life. They’ve invited me to every birthday party and family get together since everything happened. They even send me pictures and copies of his report cards, so I can keep up with him.”
“Is there something coming up, Sweetheart?” Jessie asked, rubbing her arm. She suspected there was, but waited patiently for Steph to say what she needed to.
Stephanie nodded against her shoulder. “His birthday is next weekend. During your match, Kate asked me if I would like to come over and see him.”
“Do you want to go?” Jessie asked, shifting slightly so that she could see Steph’s face a little better.
Stephanie looked up at her then, her cheeks streaked with her tears. “Yeah, I think I do. But…” she stopped and bit her lower lip, contemplating something.
“Would you like me to go with you?” Jessie asked, sensing that Stephanie wanted to ask, but didn’t want to involve her in her problems.
“If you wouldn’t mind…” Stephanie answered, immensely relieved when Jessie offered. She just didn’t think she could face Linda and Kate alone.
Jessie hugged her closer and kissed her temple. “Of course, I don’t mind. I’d love to meet your son, Sweetheart.”
Stephanie breathed easier, hearing Jessie’s answer. She’d been afraid to ask Jessie to go with her. It was probably silly, but it really wasn’t Jessie’s problem, and she wasn’t sure how she would feel getting involved. Closing her eyes, she whispered, “Thank you, Jess.”
Jessie caressed her cheek, pushing her hair back, and kissed her again. “You’re very welcome.”
“You’re not mad that I didn’t tell you about this before now?” she asked quietly.
Jessie, looking at her, could see the fear in her eyes. Understanding how hard it must have been for Steph to lose her family like that, she answered her honestly. “How could I be mad at you for that? You had your family torn away from you. I can’t imagine how much that must have hurt. I certainly don’t blame you for not wanting to talk about it.”
“You’re so incredible, Jess. I can’t believe I got so lucky.” She sniffed again.
“I’m the lucky one, Baby.” Jessie pulled her close and held her until she finally drifted off, listening to her breathing softly in the dark.
* * * *
“So, how was your trip?” Theresa asked, greeting Jessie at the airport Sunday evening.
“It was all right,” Jessie answered cryptically.
A light brown brow rose in question. “Just all right? You were in California for two weeks, and that’s all you have to say?”
Jessie laughed. “I knew I’d freak you out with that answer. Jesus, T! It was great, of course. I was with Stephanie. No matter what we did, it was gonna be a great time.”
“So, you’re saying you had a good time, then?” Theresa translated.
“Humph. Of course I did. She introduced me to some of her friends, we had dinner with my dad, and I competed in a tournament while I was there. It was great. I can’t wait to go again,” Jessie said, grinning from ear to ear. “As a matter of fact, I’m flying out next Friday after work.”
“What? Next weekend?” Theresa gaped, stunned.
“Yeah, Steph has something personal to take care of. She asked me if I’d help her with it,” Jessie explained mysteriously.
“Personal like what?” Theresa asked.
“Personal like…if you want to know, you’ll have to ask her.” Jessie glanced over and noticed the hurt look on her friend’s face the flippant remark had caused. Taking a deep breath, she said, “Look, Theresa, I’m sorry. It’s something personal with Steph. I don’t know if she wants anyone else to know, otherwise I’d tell you.” Realizing that Theresa might be worried, she rushed to add, “It’s not her health or anything, T. You don’t need to worry about that. As a matter of fact, it’s nothing to worry about at all…really.”
Theresa shrugged. “It’s all right. I can respect that.”
“Good, I don’t want to hurt your feelings, or anything.” They had arrived at Theresa’s car, and they climbed in after stowing Jessie’s luggage in the trunk. “I’ll tell you what…She’s coming into town the following weekend for the Fourth of July. Why don’t you ask her about it, then?”
Nodding her head in agreement, Theresa decided to change the subject. Jessie had never kept anything from her before, but that didn’t mean that Stephanie’s business was something that Jessie was willing to share. “So, tell me about the rest of your trip?”
Breathing easier, grateful that Theresa was going to let the subject go for the moment, Jessie launched into the details. By the time Theresa dropped her off at home, she’d told her everything. She did of course, leave out any mention of Kate and Tommy. That was a subject for Steph to deal with when she chose to. Jessie knew she wanted to wait until after Tommy’s birthday to see how things went.
Chapter 4
On Friday evening, Jessie landed at LAX and Stephanie met her at the gate. Stopping on the way to Stephanie’s, they ate a quick dinner and got in around nine. Jessie, after leaving Ohio at seven and sitting through a three hour flight, was exhausted. She’d been in court every day this past week and the band had played two gigs. To say she’d had very little sleep in the past 72 hours was an understatement. Since she hadn’t seen Stephanie all week, she really wanted to spend time with her now. Unfortunately, she just couldn’t seem to keep her eyes open any longer. Falling into bed around ten, Stephanie joined her and they spooned together, falling asleep within minutes.
