Maurine looked up at the approaching storm clouds. “She’s the only one I know who could go to heaven and still raise hell.”
Carla laughed and wrapped an arm around her neck. “You got that right.” She looked up at the sky with her. “Now it’s time to make everything else right.” Tiny icy drops of rain pricked her face. She grinned.
“We hear you, Grandma. We hear you.”
Chapter Nineteen
“Oh, no,” Janice said as large raindrops splattered onto the pavement around them. “It’s coming down again.” She looked to Carla to see if she was concerned. She wasn’t. She appeared to be just as happy as she had been when she’d walked in the front door an hour ago, greeted her with a loud, and boisterous hello and hurried off to shower and change.
“I know, and it’s fantastic.”
The rain fell a little harder. Janice instinctively cowered and searched for cover.
“We’re going to have to run home.” She pulled on Carla’s hand, but Carla didn’t budge. She merely smiled.
“Carla, come on.” Thunder rolled through the dark gray clouds. They were still a good ways from the house. She’d been worried about getting caught in the lingering storm, but Carla had been so eager to go for a long walk, she hadn’t been able to resist. Her cheerful mood was infectious, and as they’d trekked through the trail in the nearby woods, she’d filled her in on the catalyst for her newfound joy. She’d finally made amends with her family.
Carla resisted her and then tugged her in closer.
“Haven’t you ever walked in the rain?” she asked, glancing up into the sky. She held out her palm and closed her eyes. The rain pelted her face and she laughed. “It’s the best thing ever.”
“But you just showered.”
“I had sunscreen on me. It was greasy.” She held out her palms, catching the drops. “Getting rained on is marvelous, not something I’d ever consider to be a nuisance, having just showered or not.”
“It’s cold,” Janice said. She was only halfheartedly complaining. Carla was enjoying their predicament and seeing her so lighthearted and excited was wonderful and a long time coming.
“Cold?” Carla looked at her like she was crazy. “Come here.” She pulled her closer and wrapped her arm around her shoulders. “Better?”
Janice nodded, instantly lost in her eyes and the firm warmth of her body. She could’ve taken her anywhere through any kind of force of nature and Janice would’ve let her. They hadn’t spoken about what had happened at the sink and Janice thought about bringing it up now. Carla had acted like nothing at all had happened so she wasn’t sure how to broach the topic and she had no idea what bringing it up would lead to.
For whatever reason, Carla was resisting her obvious attraction. Janice’s guess was that it was due to the painful end of her most recent relationship. That was the likeliest of possibilities. The betrayal and hurt were probably still wreaking havoc on her heart, which was why she’d voiced her disdain for future relationships. Which, sadly, would include a relationship with Janice. But if perhaps those feelings of aversion were changing due to Carla’s attraction to her, which could be the case, or Janice at least wanted that to be the case. Then Carla would be just as anxious about that happening than she was about love and relationships to begin with. The thought of trusting someone again was probably terrifying.
And I’m not exactly an out and experienced lesbian. Or any sort of lover with a lot of experience for that matter. Nor do I live close to her home. And let’s not forget that I’m her aunt’s best friend. God, is there anything else that can be piled on to this heap of deterrence?
They walked on through the rain with Carla smiling up into the sky from time to time. Thunder continued to grumble, keeping them company. The rain was constant but cooperative, holding back a heavy assault. The evening air had cooled, making for a pleasant stroll.
“It’s going to take some more time for us to wrap up Grandma’s affairs,” Carla said, her eyes on the path ahead. “We have to decide how to divide everything and more paperwork will have to be drawn up.”
She grew quiet and Janice wasn’t sure if she was waiting for her to respond.
“I need to make sure you’re okay with that.”
“Why wouldn’t I be?”
“Because it means I need to remain here in North Carolina a little longer.”
She grew quiet again. Janice sensed her unease.
“If you’re asking if you can continue to stay with me, then the answer is yes. Of course. For as long as you want. I’d hoped you would know that by now.”
“It wouldn’t be right for me not to make sure.”
Janice enveloped her waist and pulled her closer, loving the feel of Carla’s arm still resting along her shoulders.
“That was mighty polite of you, Ms. Sims. But not necessary.”
They were approaching the edge of the woods. The house was in sight.
“And you don’t need to thank me again, either.”
Carla looked at her. “Oh, that I know, trust me. I wouldn’t dare do that at this point.”
“I’m glad to hear you’ve finally wised up. ’Bout time.”
Carla squeezed her and the rain began to fall harder. Janice didn’t panic or try to hurry them along. She stuck to her side, wanting their walk in the evening rain to last for all time.
They reached the house with wet heads and damp shoulders. Carla held open the screen while Janice stood hunched at the door, fumbling with the keys. Her fingers were slick, and she was too aware of Carla’s close proximity. She couldn’t seem to find the right key.
“Damn it.”
Then she felt Carla’s gentle hand on hers, and the keys nearly slid from her grip. She got caught up in her eyes, though, and Carla carefully took the keys and unlocked the door with ease. She motioned for Janice to enter first.
“Thanks.” Janice was headed to the bedroom to change, feeling an absolute fool when Carla stopped her.
“No, don’t,” she said softly. “Don’t go change.”
Janice turned, confused.
“But we’re wet,” Janice said.
“I like it,” she said. “Don’t you? It feels good. Like I’m brand new.” She tousled her hair. Her face fell when Janice didn’t agree.
“Oh, I forgot you’re cold. Never mind then.”
“You’re not?”
Carla shook her head. “Nah.”
“Because I can get you a towel at least.”
“I’m good.” She turned toward the kitchen and Janice hurried to her bedroom to quickly change and comb her hair. When she returned to the living room the wine and glasses were on the table and Carla was lighting the candles.
“Just in case,” she said with a wink. She handed Janice a full glass and smiled at her as she sank into her usual spot on the love seat.
They relaxed and began to talk as they drank. After the first glass the storm intensified with heavy rain and formidable thunder and lightning. As they finished a second glass the lights went out. Carla was busy pouring them a third when Janice noticed the effect the alcohol was having on her.