This Kiss

Chapter 89

Doris and Jamanda arrived at the farmhouse at ten to six. Natalia was just setting the garlic bread in the oven to toast for a few minutes while the lasagna cooled. Rafe was skyping with Ashley in his apartment while Ava and Emma were working on Emma's latest school project in the living room. Olivia sat at the table sipping wine and watching her wife scurry around the kitchen.

When a knock sounded at the door, Olivia answered, allowing Doris and Jamanda into the kitchen and pouring them each a glass of wine as they sat at the table. "Good evening Doris, Jamanda."

"Hello Olivia and Natalia, thank you inviting me." Jamanda said.

"You are always welcome." Natalia stated.

"Spencer, Mrs. Spencer." Doris said with a smirk as she took a drink from her glass. "

Olivia scoffed at her friend but otherwise ignored the comment as she sat back at the table and waited for Natalia to join them while they waited for dinner to finish. The four talked about this and that until the timer went off signaling that dinner was done. As Olivia placed the bread onto a plate and then the table along with the salad and lasagna, Natalia called the girls and flicked Rafe's light letting him know dinner was ready.

The seven joined hands and said grace before tucking into their meal. "So, how was your first day as Ava's assistant Rafe?" Olivia asked.

"Good. Not much different than when I was working with Ma. A couple of minor guest complaints, and I helped Ava prepare for the meeting with the kitchen staff tomorrow."

"That's good."

"Yeah mom, Rafe is a natural." Ava said.

"I'm glad to hear it. It was a busy day back after our little break, but all in all I think it was rather productive."

"How are things going in Chicago?" Rafe asked.

"Good. Andrew said we are on track to be finished by the end of next week and ready for the grand opening the following week. Josh agrees and says that everything is up to Beacon standards." Natalia answered.

"That's good. Ma." Ava said. "I am so excited for the opening. I can't wait to meet our staff up there."

"Yes, next week is going to be busy. We will be in St. Louis Monday and Tuesday, and then Thursday and Friday we will be in Chicago interviewing. Then the following week we will all be in Chicago for the week so we can get everyone trained before the opening that Friday." Olivia said.

"Do I get to go to Chicago with everyone?" Emma asked.

"I'm sorry Jellybean, you'll be with your daddy and Beth because you have school." Olivia said.

"But mom, I want to go, I don't want to be away from you. You and Ma will be gone for two whole weeks."

"I know baby. I wish you could come but you can't take all that time away from school. We'll be home on Wednesday next week and you get to come for the grand opening in Chicago the week after that. And once all this is done we'll be home like always."

"Fine." Emma pouted.

"Jellybean, please don't be like this, I know it's hard, but it will be better soon. I promise."

Emma just grumbled and went back to her food. Olivia and Natalia shared a look before focusing their attention back to their guest. "So, anything new in mayor town?" Olivia asked Doris.

"You know, the usual, scaring the crap outta people and dealing with as... politicians." She corrected at the look Natalia sent her. "Same old same old."