An Imperfect Love Story - Book 8

Returning Home

LENA POV

It had been so hard to leave LA behind, for I had the time of my life with Denni, enjoyed all the workshops I took, and saw some pretty amazing art. I was thrown back into a world that I knew so much about but had forgotten, and it was enthralling not to mention made me rather eager to finish my Coronado paintings.

Denni, that was another story I feel as just the thought of her: her smile, her class, how we made intense love all week long gives me butterflies in my stomach. Even if at the same time it makes me rather nervous that I had gotten so close to her in such a short amount of time, I was trying not to panic. I was seriously trying not to panic about how much she knew about my life already because there was nothing I could do about it. Not one thing since Tess decided to act like a fool, and Stef decided to be an utter asshole on the phone.

My mind was spinning wondering how I had actually met someone so perfect, so full of compassion and understanding and so full of mystery and surprise. I was not usually the one being chased by anyone. Will had not chased me at all. We just knew we liked each other, and it had happened organically. Stef had not chased me either. In fact, I had been the bold one showing her who she was, and the next thing we knew, we were waking up in bed together declaring our love.

John had kind of chased me, sure. But he was younger than me, and I never truly liked him the way he liked me. He was there. He was supportive, but I had kept him from meeting my kids, and I had always held him at arm's length. Charlotte had all the charm in the world, and I was so drawn to her as well, but it was very fast where I saw other women on her arm, and she had made it known that she was not one to be tied down or be exclusive with anyone....ever.

But I wasn't looking for someone right now at all, and Denni had been patient and kind and swept me off of my feet. I feel as if this is one big dream, and I'll wake up from it any minute. No one was this perfect, and I was waiting for the hammer to drop any moment now.

Despite that I was looking forward to seeing my children today as I had gotten back from LA this morning and was headed to pick them up from Stef's, for I missed them dearly. I really did, and I couldn't wait to hear about their week and I wanted to lay eyes on Stefanie myself. But seeing Stef after that phone call, I was NOT looking forward to, and part of me was hoping to God she wasn't home even if I needed to talk to her about what in the hell happened with Tess.

Seeing I'm not so lucky, I see her car in the driveway as I let out a heavy sigh and roll my eyes. Parking in front of the house, I have no clue how she is going to be today to me and that alone was making me crazy. Even if she was never one to be rude to me in front of our children, one thing was certain I really wasn't going to take any of her crap or have her make me feel guilty about my art or trip. It was done, and I was over it as I head up the walkway of her home and ring the bell.

Ringing it again I don't hear anyone coming to the door as I walk around the back of the house seeing Stef gardening. I didn't realize it was something she did still since the last time I saw her do it was on base as it seems the kids aren't here, and I walk over to her and she turns around now seeing me and her black eye is glaringly evident.

"Hey, Lena. My mother took the kids for ice cream. She was supposed to be back by now. You're welcome to wait inside." She says not getting up and continuing to dig in the ground and no longer looking at me.

"Not a problem." I say standing here as she continues to dig  in the dirt at I don't know what, almost in some respect avoiding me, but man did she have a whole bunch to say over the phone.

"So, I wanted to ask you what happened that night with Tess. I wasn't able to get you on the phone after that." I say as I see her shake her head and let out a laugh as she looks at me.