My Fair Ladies

Keep You Safe

One week ago

The text from Reece had come as a surprise to both Autumn and Marjorie. Come to his for dinner on Saturday night. He and Autumn had had a bumpy relationship since prom night, but she wasn't one to turn down a home cooked meal from her big brother. Marjorie on the other hand was much more reserved.

She wanted to see him, but she knew it was gonna be emotional, and she worried about seeing him with Autumn. They had grown close the last three weeks and barely left each other's arms when not at work. How would that play out in front of him. If she was more reserved with Autumn, would that hurt her? If she acted normally with Autumn, would it hurt him?

Saturday morning while Autumn made breakfast, she noticed the look on Marjorie's face. "Sunshine you alright?" She hated to see her upset or down in anyway. "I am worried about this evening. I don't want to hurt him. I don't want to hurt you. I know we ended things mutually, but I still feel guilty."

"Guilty? Marjorie none of this was planned. Surely, he knows that. You have nothing to feel guilt about. You both fell out of love with each other. All the stars in the world wouldn't have changed that for him. You did the kindest thing for him that you could. Hell look at all the years he stayed with Mia knowing he wasn't in love with her. He would've done the same for you. You saved him from that fate. From himself and all his best intentions.

She thought about it, but she still felt the pangs of guilt in her chest. Logically she could see Autumn's side, but until she heard the same from him it was gonna be difficult to swallow. Maybe this meeting was exactly what she needed. She made her way around the island and placed a gentle kiss on the brunette's lips. She laced her fingers through her hair. "Beautiful, thank you. You might be right. This get together might be the best thing for both of us."

As they pulled into the driveway in the little red Jaguar, Autumn gave the brunette's hand a squeeze. "I love you, Marjorie. Everything is going to be okay. If it isn't, my bat's in the boot." They both chuckled before exiting the car.

They held hands as they stood on the stoop waiting for him to answer. "Don't worry I got it," she said as she swung the door open. Charlotte stood there in his hoodie. "Come on in. He is just in the kitchen finishing." Marjorie was shocked to see her, but also by her lack of emotion over their clear familiarity. Maybe they were together now. If they were it didn't seem to bother her in the least.

She ushered them into the dining room and then disappeared back into the kitchen. Autumn was the first to speak. "Did you know she was going to be here?" "Nope." They smiled to each other. Autumn broke the silence again. "Do you think Mia knows?" The brunette shrugged. "I don't know. I guess we will find out."

When they came from the kitchen, Charlotte was carrying their meal while he had the wine in one hand and his other was placed on the small of her back. Marjorie remembered his need for constant contact. Autumn raised one eyebrow. "Big brother it looks like you have been busy."

"It is just a simple casserole, Aut." It hadn't been what she meant, but they both knew that. As everyone settled in and had their plates to focus on, everyone fell silent.

Charlotte couldn't take the silence anymore. "Marjorie?"

"Yes, my love" her face softened looking up at the woman who was one of her oldest friends. "I am happy for you, Char. Don't look so sad. How did things go with Mia?" Reece and Char shared a glance. "She completely destroyed his car, but we haven't heard from her since."

Autumn chuckled. "Big brother you always did know how to piss her off. I am surprised it was just your car." He looked at Char and Autumn could see the love there. She looked at Marjorie with the same dreamy-eyed expression. "You really love her, don't you?" He looked at Aut then Marjorie and finally Charlotte. "I really do." Charlotte smiled and cupped his face. "And I love you."

As he started to clear, Marjorie stood. "Let me help." He saw the familiar I need to talk look on her face and nodded. Once in the kitchen, she let it all out. "Look, Reece, I wanted to apologise. I am incredibly sorry for how things went. I should have talked to you as soon as I knew I had feelings for ... your sister. I should have ..."

"Marjorie, I did the same. You have nothing to be sorry for and nothing to feel guilty about. We loved each other but weren't in love anymore. That sort of thing happens all the time. Marjorie I am happy for you and Aut, and I am happy"

She could see it in his eyes. He was telling the truth. "I am happy for you Reece. And for Char. How are you going to deal with Mia when she returns? You can't keep replacing your car." He shrugged. "She'll be angry for awhile. Then in true Mia fashion she will move on. At least that is what we are hoping."

They rejoined the others and Autumn looked to Marjorie for reassurance. "I am okay, beautiful. Better than okay." Autumn pulled her in an embrace and placed a soft kiss on her lips. Reece and Charlotte just looked at each other. Both a little mystified by how Autumn was changed.

They chatted a little longer and then Autumn reminded Marjorie that she had promised her a stop over at the bar. As they said their goodbyes, Reece pulled Marjorie into a hug. "Thank you. Thank you for giving me the freedom to find this." His gaze turned to Charlotte. And for letting me see my sister be loved and love the way she deserves.

Marjorie's gaze turned to Autumn. Her beautiful Autumn.