This Kiss

Chapter 125

Olivia and Natalia walked into the Beacon with their heads held high. Although Natalia was nervous, she was determined not to let it show. After checking in with the front desk to see if Isabel had checked into the suite they had requested for her, and finding she had, they made their way to Watershed. Walking in, Natalia stilled as she laid eyes on a woman sitting at a table towards the end of the bar. Her grip on Olivia's hand tightened and she released a ragged breath. Scanning the room, Olivia easily spotted the women who looked so much like her wife. She squeezed Natalia's hand, trying to give her the support she needed.

"You okay sweetheart?"

Natalia shook her head, bringing herself out of the trance she had been in since walking into the restaurant. "Yeah. I'm fine."

"You sure? We don't have to do this."

"Yes, I'm okay. I was just a little taken aback seeing her."

Olivia nodded. "Okay. You ready?"

"No, but I need to do this."

Olivia pulled her wife into a tight hug. "You're not alone baby. I'm right here." She whispered into her ear, placing a kiss just below it.

"I know." Natalia acknowledged. And she did. She knew Olivia would stay by her side no matter what. She trusted her wife to be the strength she needed. "Let's go." She said with conviction, pulling out of the embrace and taking Olivia's hand, leading her over to the table where Isabel sat.

Isabel startled as the two approached, having not noticed them walk in. She looked up into the eyes of her big sister and a sadness passed through her own. "Natalia." She whispered, almost as if she didn't believe she was seeing her, even though that was her purpose for being here.

Natalia swallowed the lump in her throat as she peered down as her sister. Several emotions warred inside her and she fought to keep her face neutral. "Isabel."

Olivia just observed as the two stayed locked in a stare off. Almost as if neither one of them knew what to say or do now that they stood face to face. She felt her wife tremble as she leaned against her and decided she would need to be the one to move this meeting forward. She held out her hand to the younger Rivera woman.

"I'm Olivia Spencer-Rivera. Welcome to our quant little town."

Isabel took the offered hand and shook it on auto piolet. Her eyes remained trained on Natalia. "Thank you for agreeing to meet with me." She finally turned to look at Olivia but was speaking to Natalia.

Olivia let go of Natalia's hand and pulled a chair out for her. "Honey, why don't we sit." Natalia finally removed her gaze from her sister and sat in the chair Olivia had slid out for her. Once Natalia was seated, Olivia took the chair next her. "Sorry we're late, we had a family matter to attend to at home."

Isabel shook her head, much in the same manner Natalia had moments ago. She was desperately trying to slow her mind down so she could at least engage in the small talk Olivia was trying to provide. "It's no problem. I actually only got here a few minutes ago. I hit a bit more traffic than I expected to."

"Good. I'm glad you weren't waiting long. I trust you got checked into your room alright?"

"Yes, well, kind of. I didn't want to keep you waiting, so after speaking with the young women at the front desk and receiving my key and room number, I came straight here. Figured I would take my bag to the room after."

Natalia finally seemed to come out of the trance she was in, and it was apparent she had missed the small conversation Isabel and Olivia had been having when she finally spoke. "I can't believe it's really you."