𝐹𝑟𝑒𝑒 𝑋𝑜𝑛𝑒

𝑋𝑋𝑋𝑉𝐼

I felt hopeful about what Janet had shared with me. I knew she was hesitant, and I couldn't imagine how hard it must be for her. Her mother hadn't outright rejected her, but she still needed time. I understood that. No parent, especially not from her generation, could fully grasp what a same-sex relationship meant, at least not right away.

But the fact that Katherine was trying to understand, that showed growth. It gave me hope that, one day, she and even Joseph could love Janet for who she is and accept whoever she chooses to love, whether it's a woman or a man. I could see that possibility, even if it felt distant right now.

Janet drove us back to her place, where my car was parked. The car ride was quiet, both of us lost in our own thoughts. I didn't press her to talk; I could tell she needed the silence, the space to process everything. I reached over and gently held her hand, offering her whatever comfort I could, without needing words.

As we pulled into the driveway, Janet let out a soft sigh, breaking the silence. I watched her, sensing the mix of relief and exhaustion in her expression. I gave her hand a gentle squeeze. "Hey," I said, my voice soft. "You did something brave today."

She looked over at me, her eyes softening. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

I leaned over, pressing a gentle kiss to her cheek. "I'm proud of you, Janet. And no matter how long it takes, I'll be here."

"I don't want to make you wait forever," she said, looking at me, and I could see the guilt clouding her eyes.

I reached for her hand, holding it firmly as I replied, "I'm not going anywhere, so I'll wait tomorrow and the day after that." I added a little enthusiasm, hoping it would lift her spirits.

She gave me a small, grateful smile and glanced out the windshield, taking in the view of her beautiful property spread out before us.

"I have to meet with Gil later," she said, turning back to look at me. Her fingers tightened around mine. "Talk about my plans for the tour. Things I used to do with Rene and Tina, but... you know how that goes." She let out a soft, bittersweet laugh.

"It's okay, baby, do your thing," I said, smiling. I reached for the door handle, pretending to get ready to leave the car, though every part of me wanted to stay with her, to spend every second of the day together.

As I pulled my hand away from hers and stepped out, I moved slowly, hoping she'd feel the same reluctance to let me go. I took a few steps toward my car, and as soon as I heard her car door open and the sound of her footsteps quickening behind me, I knew my instincts were right.

"Mariah," she called, and I smiled to myself, keeping my back to her for just a moment. She wanted me to stay.

I turned around as she reached me, her eyes full of intensity, and before I could even speak, she wrapped her arms around me, her lips meeting mine in a deep, lingering kiss. Her hold on me was fierce, like she didn't want to let go.

"Don't leave so soon," she whispered, pulling my hands gently as she nodded toward the house, her smile playful and sensual.

I couldn't resist the mischievous sparkle in her eyes, the way just one look from her made my heart race and my knees weak. I knew exactly what she wanted, and the thought made warmth spread through me. I nodded, letting her lead me back into the house, ready to give her exactly what she needed.

Janet moved so quickly, her hand firmly holding mine, that I had to quicken my pace just to keep up. She was practically running, and as we climbed the stairs, I could feel her energy, her urgency, drawing me in. I tried to keep up, but she was a step ahead, her focus singular and intense.