Baby bishops

Chapter 9

Friday arrived faster than Maya expected. She'd been thinking about it all week, assuming anticipation would slow time—but it hadn't. Carina would meet her at the station, and they'd walk to Maya's apartment together. The twins were already with a babysitter; Maya wanted this evening to be just for them.

"Andy, do you have everything?" Maya asked, fidgeting as she waited.

"Relax, you're acting like it's your first date ever," Andy smirked. Maya rolled her eyes but admitted, "I'm just... nervous."

Andy grinned. "Told you. You're falling."

Before Maya could snap back, Carina arrived, greeting her with a kiss on the cheek that instantly warmed Maya's face. "Hi, Bella."

"You ready?" Carina asked.

"I've been ready," Maya smiled. "Just... anxious."

"Good," Carina whispered as they stepped into the quiet night. She stopped, placed her hands gently on Maya's waist, and leaned in close. "I like that I make you nervous. You make me nervous, too."

Maya's breath caught. This woman...

⸻

Later, at Maya's apartment, the two sat facing each other on the couch, sipping wine and sharing their pasts.

"You won a gold medal?" Carina asked, stunned.

"Olympics, yeah," Maya chuckled. "Close your mouth, you'll catch flies."

"I'm impressed. I can't compare," Carina said, then hesitated. "My brother—Andrew, or Andrea—passed away a year ago. My parents divorced, I don't believe in marriage. I became a doctor in Italy, moved here for him... thought I found love, got my heart broken, and moved back. Then came back again."

Maya's heart softened. "I'm sorry about your brother. If you ever want to talk..."

Carina smiled sadly. "Not yet, Bella. One day."

In return, Maya shared what she felt comfortable revealing. "I have a brother too. Mason. We had a rough childhood. He turned to drugs, disappeared onto the streets. I've tried to help... but he won't let me."

Carina reached out, gently brushing her thumb across Maya's cheek. "That's what a good big sister does."

Maya closed her eyes briefly, holding on to the comfort of that touch.

⸻

They shifted topics, lighter now.

"The twins' birthday is Tuesday. Three already," Maya said with disbelief.

Carina smiled warmly. "I love kids. Always wanted a big family—two boys, two girls. Opposite of the one I had."

"That's a lot of kids," Maya laughed. "But a happy family... sounds perfect."

Their faces drifted closer.

"Thank you for a great night," Maya whispered, her lips brushing against Carina's as they kissed—soft and unhurried.

"My pleasure," Carina replied.