Revelations & Repercussions 6/10
Pairing(s): Don/Coop/Lia(OFC)
Rating: PG-13
Warning(s):Slash
Author's Notes: As always thank you my beta bubbleslayer who as always helps me with content and reigns me when needed. Also I think this is gonna go to eight chapters
Don hung up with the coroner. He turned to Megan and asked, “Can you follow up with finger prints to see if they got a match yet?”
“You got it,” she nodded before picking up her phone.
One of the clerical people came by with files for Don. “Thanks for pulling these for me Joanne.”
“Your welcome, Don,” she smiled before walking away.
Don started to flip through the files when David came over. “Don, I just got off the phone with one of my informants, he’s given us a location that I’d like to go check out.”
“All right, sounds good. You and Colby check that out and then stop at the mother’s house again to see if she recognizes any of those photos that turned up at the last scene.” He rubbed his forehead in weariness and hunger. He had an appointment with Dr. Bradford in twenty minutes and he was trying to decide if he had time to stop for a sandwich before going there or not when he looked up to see his dad standing at the elevators with a brown paper bag in hand. He sighed to himself figuring he should have known his dad wouldn’t let them go more then a week with not talking to each other. He met his dad's eyes across the room. Alan gave Don a tentative smile as he walked over to him.
“Donnie,” he said, “I brought some lunch.” He held up the bag.
“Dad, thank you, but this isn’t a really a good time.”
Don watched his father’s face fall slightly. “Oh. I’m sorry. I should have called first.”
“Yeah,” Don said, reading the double meaning in his father’s words.
Alan thrust the bag at Don. “You still have to eat, so you take this.”
Don sighed, “Dad, you don’t have….”
Alan cut him off, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Go on and take it.”
“Okay, thanks Dad.” Don looked at his father. “Um, I’ll try to come by later, or tomorrow if I can.”
“I’d like that.” Alan nodded before squeezing Don’s shoulder. “Take care son. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Sure Dad, and thanks again.” Don watched his dad leave. He wished he could call him back, talk things out a bit or even just eat in companionable silence. But, time was against him. He never had enough time to do the things he needed and wanted to do. Don glanced at his watch before looking inside the paper bag, a small smile slipped over his lips when he saw the contents, his favorite sandwich.
~_____________________________________________~
Don took a deep breath as he stepped into Dr. Bradford’s office. He always felt on edge when he came here even though he knew it was for the better that he attend bi-monthly appointments when his schedule permitted. He nodded a hello to the receptionist as she motioned for him to go on in.
Dr. Bradford looked up from pouring a cup of coffee. “Don, have a seat. Coffee?”
“Nah. I think I already had my quota.”
Bradford snorted. “I’m not sure I believe there is a quota.’” He added some cream to his coffee before taking a seat opposite Don. He picked up his tablet and took a cursory glance at it before saying, “So, you wanna start with what had you so wound up last time you were here?” He glanced intently at Don, “Anything you might feel you want to hash out?”
Don had tried to mentally prepare himself to answer this question. He knew that Bradford would bring up his attitude from two weeks ago, that he would ask what was going on. Don thought, yeah, sure, why not. I’m involved in what would be considered a threesome with a man and woman, who are also seeing each other, which, because of their indiscretion, my brother, his girlfriend and my father all knew about before I was ready to talk to them about it. Don rubbed his jaw and answered carefully, “No, not really.”
Bradford arched an eyebrow at him.
He knew he couldn’t put the psychologist off for too long. “It’s over and done with now. So nothing to really talk about.”
“You sure?” Don could almost hear the wheels in the doctor’s head changing gears. “You know, this goes easier for you if you’re willing to talk about everything and anything.”
“Yeah, but it’s not something I’m ready to disclose.”
Bradford made a note on his pad. “Okay, well then how are you and your brother doing?”
He said with a laugh, “You mean the curly headed black hole? Yeah, we’re good,” He decided to throw the doctor a small bone. “We had a talk a few days ago. It was good. We talked about him and me being able to trust each other more, and that I want to let him in more.”
“And how’d that go?”
“Good. It was part of what was going on a couple of weeks ago, so talking to him helped,” Don simply stated.
“It sounds like you and your brother are becoming closer as friends, not just brothers.”
Don nodded, “Yeah, I’d like to think that. I never thought that him and me would be like that, but we are, and I know it makes my dad happy.”
“Speaking of your dad, how are things going with him? Still feeling like he’s pressuring you in your relationship with Lia?”
Don felt his back stiffen involuntarily. “No more than usual. He just wants me to be happy.”
“And you are?”
Don’s lips turned into a small smile as he thought of Lia and Coop. “Yeah, I am happy with my relationship, and it’s going pretty much the way I want it too. We’re moving towards the future and I can’t think of anything better.” Don mentally added, nothing better than Coop and Lia both being there. “I know he can be heavy handed sometimes, but I need to let him know that I am happy and things are going well so he doesn’t need to worry. It’s a choice that’s right for me.”
“A choice? Interesting word. Want to elaborate more on that?”
Don mentally sighed as he settled back into the chair, trying to continue the dance with Dr. Bradford. He looked at his watch knowing that the next thirty-five minute were not going to be easy.
~_____________________________________________~
Lia looked at her watch as she waited for her order. She smiled back at the counter woman as she took her order. “Anything else Ms. Grecco?”
“No thank you that will be all, and thank you for the marinade idea, Sonja,” she answered as she went over to the register to pay. She thanked the woman one more time as she put her wallet back into her purse. When she turned to walk towards the door she spied Alan stepping into the butcher shop. Lia bit her lip for a second before putting on her best smile. She was hoping that Alan wouldn’t be too displease to see her, blaming her for the fall out with Don. “Hello, Mr. Eppes. It’s nice to see you.”
He gave her a small hesitant smile before replying. “Hello Lia. Picking up some of the finest meat in town I see.”
She let out a small laugh, “Yes, indeed I am.” She directed her comment to the counter woman who gave a pleased smile to both Alan and Lia. “I only come here for my meat after that recommendation you gave me way back.”
“Ah, good. Hi Sonja.” He looked over behind the counter and called out to the butcher. “Hi Nate.”
“What can I get for you Mr. Eppes,” Sonja asked.
“Um, let’s see.” He looked at the counter for a moment. “I just want a rib roast if you please, and I guess some rib eyes to put in the freezer. Um, give me three of them.” He looked back at Lia. “You’ve been well I take it?”
“Yes, yourself,” she inquired cautiously.
“”Sure.” His smile faltered slightly. “Some of that for dinner tonight,” he asked, indicating her bag.
Lia said, “Yes, uh, Sonja gave me a great idea for a quick marinade, so I’m gonna do chicken shish kabob’s.“
“Sounds like a good idea.” They stood in silence for a moment while Alan’s order was being put together.
Alan cleared his throat. “So, how’s my son? I tried to stop into the office for lunch but he was too busy.”
“Uh, he’s good. I haven’t really seen him for more than a moment or so in a couple of days, but he called to say he would be home for dinner,” Lia replied carefully. She looked at her watch again. “Actually, I should probably get going. I want to stop at the produce place and get some peppers and squash, maybe some mushrooms for the kabobs too. “ She watched Alan’s demeanor during their conversation, trying to decide if she should say something. She hated seeing Don miserable and out of connection with his dad.
“Oh, okay, well, enjoy your meal. Oh, you should add some red bliss potatoes to your mix. They’ll be really tasty in the kabobs.”
“That’s a good idea, thanks.” She started to turn away but instead she stepped closer to Alan, deciding that she would try to say something small to help push things along. She dropped her voice. “Alan, I know this is hard for you. It hasn’t been easy for anyone, but I just wanted to let you know that I love Don a lot, and I would never do anything to hurt him, ever.”
Alan looked at her for a moment. “And William does too?”
She nodded, “Yes, he does a great deal too. Billy and I only wanted to do what we thought was best for Don. I guess love makes you do some crazy things.” Her lips twisted in a small wiry smile.
Alan sighed. “He’s happy right?” He shook his head and muttered, almost to himself, “Of course he is. I’ve seen it for myself.”
Reassuringly she answered him. “Yes, he is. I promise.”
Alan tilted his head. “And you?”
A little surprised that he would ask her that she quickly answered, “Yeah. Crazy as it sounds, I am.”
“Mr. Eppes, anything else before I ring you up,” Sonja asked.
Alan glanced at Lia before her answered. “Yes, can you change my rib eye order to five? No wait, William is a big eater,” he mumbled. “Make it six rib eyes.” Alan took a deep breath. “I guess the only thing that should be important to me is that Don is happy.”
“Exactly, that’s all that should matter.” She started for the door but called out over her shoulder, “I hope to see you soon Alan. Take care.”
Lia heard Nate the butcher say to Alan, “You’re son’s girlfriend is quite lovely. I only wish Sonja and my son were so lucky.”
Alan replied, “He is. She’s been really good for him.”
~___________________________________________________~
Don stepped into the kitchen and as usual he smelled something good. He grinned widely at Lia and asked, “What’cha got cook’in, good looking?” He leaned over and kissed her on the side of her head.
She laughed in response and returned his kiss. “Not much. I felt like my mother’s poppy seed cake tonight. Thought that would be a good addition to the chicken kabobs I’m making,” she indicated the meat and vegetables in front of her.
“Sounds good. Need any help?”
“Nah, I’m just gonna finish cutting these up and pop them into the oven.” She sighed, “I can’t wait till we get into the house and we can set up the BBQ. I really wish the lease on my place hadn’t come up before yours did. It’s so cramped here.” The timer for the oven went off and Lia grabbed the oven mitts to pull the cake out. She held it up to Don to sniff before putting it on the counter.
Don grinned back as he smelled the cake, “Yes, yes, well, you’re the one who decided that the fee they wanted us to pay to extend the lease, at your place was to high.”
She scrunched up her face, “It was too high! Anyway, it doesn’t change the fact that this place is too small.”
Don grabbed a bottle of beer out of the fridge and asked, “Want one?”
“Umm, yeah, sure.”
He grabbed her one too, popping the lids off of both of them and handed her a bottle. He took a sip, leaning back on the fridge. “So, where’s ‘our roommate’ Agent Cooper?”
She giggled at Don calling him ‘our roommate.’ She took the beer from him and took a sip before putting the bottle down on the counter, “He went to the storage unit to look through some more of the boxes for stuff to either trash or donate. He should be home soon.” She started skewering the meat and vegetables onto the presoaked skewers, “Uh, I was at the butcher today and I saw your dad.”
Don replied, “Yeah? He’s popping all over the place isn’t he?”
“What? Never mind, he umm, asked me how you were and told me he saw you briefly at the office today.”
“Yeah, he brought me lunch.” He shrugged and took a sip of his beer. “A peace offering I guess. What did he say?”
“Not too much. As I said, he asked me how you were and all.” She stopped prepping dinner and washed her hands. She wiped her hands on a paper towel and stepped towards Don, placing her hands on his waist. “I hope I wasn’t over stepping my bounds, but I talked to him a bit. Told him you were happy.”
Don looked into Lia’s eyes as he brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. He kept his hand on the side of her neck and ran it back and forth over her jaw line. “Nah, it’s fine. What did he say?”
“Well, he asked if I loved you, and then he asked about Billy too. So I told him yes. He then asked if you were happy, but answered himself before I could.” She tilted her head a little so she could kiss his thumb. “I think he realized that the only thing that is important is that you’re happy.”
He kissed her on the lips gently. He felt her lean in and return his kiss, ‘”I am.”
“I know,” he heard her reply in between his lips. She pulled back for a second to take the beer out his hands before leaning back in to kiss him more fully on the mouth. Don wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly to him. He allowed her to press him against the front of the fridge as she began to nibble on his earlobe.
He enjoyed the feel of her against him, her soft lips leaving little kisses up and down his neck. He started to think about his dad but he tried to push that out of his mind since he should be concentrating on the beautiful woman kissing and caressing him. He said with an aroused gasp as she nipped with her teeth on the sensitive part near his neck. “I think I should go, “ he stopped and took a breath, “talk to my dad.”
Lia stopped, “Now? You want to talk to your dad now?” She arched an eyebrow.
“Yeah, sorry.” He gave her a sheepish grin.
“Okay, you should. I agree.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling back from his embrace. “But do me a favor, in the future try not think of your dad when I’m trying to get you into bed.”
Don let out a loud laugh, “You got it!” He sighed, “All right, let me go. Listen, I guess I won’t have dinner with you all tonight.”
“That’s okay, knowing your dad he’ll feed you. But I’ll put some aside for you just in case you’re still hungry when you get back. You know what, wait.” She grabbed a plate and the tin foil and put the cake on it before covering it with foil. “Take the cake. Cake helps everything.”
Don grinned at her and kissed her on the side of the head. ‘I’ll remember that the next time I do something stupid.”
Lia grinned back and handed him the plate. “Go on and talk to your dad, but Don listen, try to be patient with him. He sounds like he’s trying but he still may have reservations. What’s going on, it’s not some run of the mill thing. ” She blew out a breath, “ I can only imagine what this must be like. If my parents were still alive I’m not sure what I would have told them. Let alone how they’d react.”
He replied curiously, “What do you think their reaction would have been?”
Lia sighed, crossing her arms in front of her. She shrugged a little. “I don’t know. I’d like to think they would be okay, but to be honest, probably not. Come to think of it, my mother would be horrified at the idea of two men, she was very traditional. And my dad, he usually went along with her. I remember she was freaked out when she realized I wasn’t a virgin at 22. She was a big believer in saving oneself for marriage.” Lia’s lips twisted into a grin.
Don snorted, “Doesn’t sound like she would be on board with that either.”
“Nope, she was very 1950ish, and was not happy with me when I was choose my career. She’d thought that Garrett and I would tie the knot right after graduation. She was sorely put out when I told her I was going to grad school and we wouldn’t be getting married till I was done. She and my father died believing that I would marry Garrett, but that didn’t go as planned, thank God,” she said emphatically.
Don nodded as he thought of what she’d told him of Garrett. How he was a great guy but they didn’t really love each other the way she thought they should. About how the two of them, a few months after her parent’s deaths, broke off the engagement. She had told Don they had both realized that they had only gotten engaged to please their parents. She had told Don that they were still friends to some extent, and that they kept in touch with yearly Christmas cards, and of course the announcements of his engagement and then the births of his three kids a few years later. He kissed her on the side of her head one more time and started towards the door. He called back over his shoulder, “I promise I won’t be too late.”
He heard her answer back as he grabbed his keys, “Good, cause I have plans for you later, and they consist of you naked and moaning my name.”
Rating: PG-13
Warning(s):Slash
Author's Notes: As always thank you my beta bubbleslayer who as always helps me with content and reigns me when needed. Also I think this is gonna go to eight chapters
Don hung up with the coroner. He turned to Megan and asked, “Can you follow up with finger prints to see if they got a match yet?”
“You got it,” she nodded before picking up her phone.
One of the clerical people came by with files for Don. “Thanks for pulling these for me Joanne.”
“Your welcome, Don,” she smiled before walking away.
Don started to flip through the files when David came over. “Don, I just got off the phone with one of my informants, he’s given us a location that I’d like to go check out.”
“All right, sounds good. You and Colby check that out and then stop at the mother’s house again to see if she recognizes any of those photos that turned up at the last scene.” He rubbed his forehead in weariness and hunger. He had an appointment with Dr. Bradford in twenty minutes and he was trying to decide if he had time to stop for a sandwich before going there or not when he looked up to see his dad standing at the elevators with a brown paper bag in hand. He sighed to himself figuring he should have known his dad wouldn’t let them go more then a week with not talking to each other. He met his dad's eyes across the room. Alan gave Don a tentative smile as he walked over to him.
“Donnie,” he said, “I brought some lunch.” He held up the bag.
“Dad, thank you, but this isn’t a really a good time.”
Don watched his father’s face fall slightly. “Oh. I’m sorry. I should have called first.”
“Yeah,” Don said, reading the double meaning in his father’s words.
Alan thrust the bag at Don. “You still have to eat, so you take this.”
Don sighed, “Dad, you don’t have….”
Alan cut him off, “It’s fine. Don’t worry about it. Go on and take it.”
“Okay, thanks Dad.” Don looked at his father. “Um, I’ll try to come by later, or tomorrow if I can.”
“I’d like that.” Alan nodded before squeezing Don’s shoulder. “Take care son. I’ll talk to you later.”
“Sure Dad, and thanks again.” Don watched his dad leave. He wished he could call him back, talk things out a bit or even just eat in companionable silence. But, time was against him. He never had enough time to do the things he needed and wanted to do. Don glanced at his watch before looking inside the paper bag, a small smile slipped over his lips when he saw the contents, his favorite sandwich.
~_____________________________________________~
Don took a deep breath as he stepped into Dr. Bradford’s office. He always felt on edge when he came here even though he knew it was for the better that he attend bi-monthly appointments when his schedule permitted. He nodded a hello to the receptionist as she motioned for him to go on in.
Dr. Bradford looked up from pouring a cup of coffee. “Don, have a seat. Coffee?”
“Nah. I think I already had my quota.”
Bradford snorted. “I’m not sure I believe there is a quota.’” He added some cream to his coffee before taking a seat opposite Don. He picked up his tablet and took a cursory glance at it before saying, “So, you wanna start with what had you so wound up last time you were here?” He glanced intently at Don, “Anything you might feel you want to hash out?”
Don had tried to mentally prepare himself to answer this question. He knew that Bradford would bring up his attitude from two weeks ago, that he would ask what was going on. Don thought, yeah, sure, why not. I’m involved in what would be considered a threesome with a man and woman, who are also seeing each other, which, because of their indiscretion, my brother, his girlfriend and my father all knew about before I was ready to talk to them about it. Don rubbed his jaw and answered carefully, “No, not really.”
Bradford arched an eyebrow at him.
He knew he couldn’t put the psychologist off for too long. “It’s over and done with now. So nothing to really talk about.”
“You sure?” Don could almost hear the wheels in the doctor’s head changing gears. “You know, this goes easier for you if you’re willing to talk about everything and anything.”
“Yeah, but it’s not something I’m ready to disclose.”
Bradford made a note on his pad. “Okay, well then how are you and your brother doing?”
He said with a laugh, “You mean the curly headed black hole? Yeah, we’re good,” He decided to throw the doctor a small bone. “We had a talk a few days ago. It was good. We talked about him and me being able to trust each other more, and that I want to let him in more.”
“And how’d that go?”
“Good. It was part of what was going on a couple of weeks ago, so talking to him helped,” Don simply stated.
“It sounds like you and your brother are becoming closer as friends, not just brothers.”
Don nodded, “Yeah, I’d like to think that. I never thought that him and me would be like that, but we are, and I know it makes my dad happy.”
“Speaking of your dad, how are things going with him? Still feeling like he’s pressuring you in your relationship with Lia?”
Don felt his back stiffen involuntarily. “No more than usual. He just wants me to be happy.”
“And you are?”
Don’s lips turned into a small smile as he thought of Lia and Coop. “Yeah, I am happy with my relationship, and it’s going pretty much the way I want it too. We’re moving towards the future and I can’t think of anything better.” Don mentally added, nothing better than Coop and Lia both being there. “I know he can be heavy handed sometimes, but I need to let him know that I am happy and things are going well so he doesn’t need to worry. It’s a choice that’s right for me.”
“A choice? Interesting word. Want to elaborate more on that?”
Don mentally sighed as he settled back into the chair, trying to continue the dance with Dr. Bradford. He looked at his watch knowing that the next thirty-five minute were not going to be easy.
~_____________________________________________~
Lia looked at her watch as she waited for her order. She smiled back at the counter woman as she took her order. “Anything else Ms. Grecco?”
“No thank you that will be all, and thank you for the marinade idea, Sonja,” she answered as she went over to the register to pay. She thanked the woman one more time as she put her wallet back into her purse. When she turned to walk towards the door she spied Alan stepping into the butcher shop. Lia bit her lip for a second before putting on her best smile. She was hoping that Alan wouldn’t be too displease to see her, blaming her for the fall out with Don. “Hello, Mr. Eppes. It’s nice to see you.”
He gave her a small hesitant smile before replying. “Hello Lia. Picking up some of the finest meat in town I see.”
She let out a small laugh, “Yes, indeed I am.” She directed her comment to the counter woman who gave a pleased smile to both Alan and Lia. “I only come here for my meat after that recommendation you gave me way back.”
“Ah, good. Hi Sonja.” He looked over behind the counter and called out to the butcher. “Hi Nate.”
“What can I get for you Mr. Eppes,” Sonja asked.
“Um, let’s see.” He looked at the counter for a moment. “I just want a rib roast if you please, and I guess some rib eyes to put in the freezer. Um, give me three of them.” He looked back at Lia. “You’ve been well I take it?”
“Yes, yourself,” she inquired cautiously.
“”Sure.” His smile faltered slightly. “Some of that for dinner tonight,” he asked, indicating her bag.
Lia said, “Yes, uh, Sonja gave me a great idea for a quick marinade, so I’m gonna do chicken shish kabob’s.“
“Sounds like a good idea.” They stood in silence for a moment while Alan’s order was being put together.
Alan cleared his throat. “So, how’s my son? I tried to stop into the office for lunch but he was too busy.”
“Uh, he’s good. I haven’t really seen him for more than a moment or so in a couple of days, but he called to say he would be home for dinner,” Lia replied carefully. She looked at her watch again. “Actually, I should probably get going. I want to stop at the produce place and get some peppers and squash, maybe some mushrooms for the kabobs too. “ She watched Alan’s demeanor during their conversation, trying to decide if she should say something. She hated seeing Don miserable and out of connection with his dad.
“Oh, okay, well, enjoy your meal. Oh, you should add some red bliss potatoes to your mix. They’ll be really tasty in the kabobs.”
“That’s a good idea, thanks.” She started to turn away but instead she stepped closer to Alan, deciding that she would try to say something small to help push things along. She dropped her voice. “Alan, I know this is hard for you. It hasn’t been easy for anyone, but I just wanted to let you know that I love Don a lot, and I would never do anything to hurt him, ever.”
Alan looked at her for a moment. “And William does too?”
She nodded, “Yes, he does a great deal too. Billy and I only wanted to do what we thought was best for Don. I guess love makes you do some crazy things.” Her lips twisted in a small wiry smile.
Alan sighed. “He’s happy right?” He shook his head and muttered, almost to himself, “Of course he is. I’ve seen it for myself.”
Reassuringly she answered him. “Yes, he is. I promise.”
Alan tilted his head. “And you?”
A little surprised that he would ask her that she quickly answered, “Yeah. Crazy as it sounds, I am.”
“Mr. Eppes, anything else before I ring you up,” Sonja asked.
Alan glanced at Lia before her answered. “Yes, can you change my rib eye order to five? No wait, William is a big eater,” he mumbled. “Make it six rib eyes.” Alan took a deep breath. “I guess the only thing that should be important to me is that Don is happy.”
“Exactly, that’s all that should matter.” She started for the door but called out over her shoulder, “I hope to see you soon Alan. Take care.”
Lia heard Nate the butcher say to Alan, “You’re son’s girlfriend is quite lovely. I only wish Sonja and my son were so lucky.”
Alan replied, “He is. She’s been really good for him.”
~___________________________________________________~
Don stepped into the kitchen and as usual he smelled something good. He grinned widely at Lia and asked, “What’cha got cook’in, good looking?” He leaned over and kissed her on the side of her head.
She laughed in response and returned his kiss. “Not much. I felt like my mother’s poppy seed cake tonight. Thought that would be a good addition to the chicken kabobs I’m making,” she indicated the meat and vegetables in front of her.
“Sounds good. Need any help?”
“Nah, I’m just gonna finish cutting these up and pop them into the oven.” She sighed, “I can’t wait till we get into the house and we can set up the BBQ. I really wish the lease on my place hadn’t come up before yours did. It’s so cramped here.” The timer for the oven went off and Lia grabbed the oven mitts to pull the cake out. She held it up to Don to sniff before putting it on the counter.
Don grinned back as he smelled the cake, “Yes, yes, well, you’re the one who decided that the fee they wanted us to pay to extend the lease, at your place was to high.”
She scrunched up her face, “It was too high! Anyway, it doesn’t change the fact that this place is too small.”
Don grabbed a bottle of beer out of the fridge and asked, “Want one?”
“Umm, yeah, sure.”
He grabbed her one too, popping the lids off of both of them and handed her a bottle. He took a sip, leaning back on the fridge. “So, where’s ‘our roommate’ Agent Cooper?”
She giggled at Don calling him ‘our roommate.’ She took the beer from him and took a sip before putting the bottle down on the counter, “He went to the storage unit to look through some more of the boxes for stuff to either trash or donate. He should be home soon.” She started skewering the meat and vegetables onto the presoaked skewers, “Uh, I was at the butcher today and I saw your dad.”
Don replied, “Yeah? He’s popping all over the place isn’t he?”
“What? Never mind, he umm, asked me how you were and told me he saw you briefly at the office today.”
“Yeah, he brought me lunch.” He shrugged and took a sip of his beer. “A peace offering I guess. What did he say?”
“Not too much. As I said, he asked me how you were and all.” She stopped prepping dinner and washed her hands. She wiped her hands on a paper towel and stepped towards Don, placing her hands on his waist. “I hope I wasn’t over stepping my bounds, but I talked to him a bit. Told him you were happy.”
Don looked into Lia’s eyes as he brushed a lock of her hair behind her ear. He kept his hand on the side of her neck and ran it back and forth over her jaw line. “Nah, it’s fine. What did he say?”
“Well, he asked if I loved you, and then he asked about Billy too. So I told him yes. He then asked if you were happy, but answered himself before I could.” She tilted her head a little so she could kiss his thumb. “I think he realized that the only thing that is important is that you’re happy.”
He kissed her on the lips gently. He felt her lean in and return his kiss, ‘”I am.”
“I know,” he heard her reply in between his lips. She pulled back for a second to take the beer out his hands before leaning back in to kiss him more fully on the mouth. Don wrapped his arms around her and pulled her tightly to him. He allowed her to press him against the front of the fridge as she began to nibble on his earlobe.
He enjoyed the feel of her against him, her soft lips leaving little kisses up and down his neck. He started to think about his dad but he tried to push that out of his mind since he should be concentrating on the beautiful woman kissing and caressing him. He said with an aroused gasp as she nipped with her teeth on the sensitive part near his neck. “I think I should go, “ he stopped and took a breath, “talk to my dad.”
Lia stopped, “Now? You want to talk to your dad now?” She arched an eyebrow.
“Yeah, sorry.” He gave her a sheepish grin.
“Okay, you should. I agree.” She gave him a quick peck on the cheek before pulling back from his embrace. “But do me a favor, in the future try not think of your dad when I’m trying to get you into bed.”
Don let out a loud laugh, “You got it!” He sighed, “All right, let me go. Listen, I guess I won’t have dinner with you all tonight.”
“That’s okay, knowing your dad he’ll feed you. But I’ll put some aside for you just in case you’re still hungry when you get back. You know what, wait.” She grabbed a plate and the tin foil and put the cake on it before covering it with foil. “Take the cake. Cake helps everything.”
Don grinned at her and kissed her on the side of the head. ‘I’ll remember that the next time I do something stupid.”
Lia grinned back and handed him the plate. “Go on and talk to your dad, but Don listen, try to be patient with him. He sounds like he’s trying but he still may have reservations. What’s going on, it’s not some run of the mill thing. ” She blew out a breath, “ I can only imagine what this must be like. If my parents were still alive I’m not sure what I would have told them. Let alone how they’d react.”
He replied curiously, “What do you think their reaction would have been?”
Lia sighed, crossing her arms in front of her. She shrugged a little. “I don’t know. I’d like to think they would be okay, but to be honest, probably not. Come to think of it, my mother would be horrified at the idea of two men, she was very traditional. And my dad, he usually went along with her. I remember she was freaked out when she realized I wasn’t a virgin at 22. She was a big believer in saving oneself for marriage.” Lia’s lips twisted into a grin.
Don snorted, “Doesn’t sound like she would be on board with that either.”
“Nope, she was very 1950ish, and was not happy with me when I was choose my career. She’d thought that Garrett and I would tie the knot right after graduation. She was sorely put out when I told her I was going to grad school and we wouldn’t be getting married till I was done. She and my father died believing that I would marry Garrett, but that didn’t go as planned, thank God,” she said emphatically.
Don nodded as he thought of what she’d told him of Garrett. How he was a great guy but they didn’t really love each other the way she thought they should. About how the two of them, a few months after her parent’s deaths, broke off the engagement. She had told Don they had both realized that they had only gotten engaged to please their parents. She had told Don that they were still friends to some extent, and that they kept in touch with yearly Christmas cards, and of course the announcements of his engagement and then the births of his three kids a few years later. He kissed her on the side of her head one more time and started towards the door. He called back over his shoulder, “I promise I won’t be too late.”
He heard her answer back as he grabbed his keys, “Good, cause I have plans for you later, and they consist of you naked and moaning my name.”