Just a Kiss

Chapter 2

"Tom, stop telling the girls nonsense stories. We did not meet at a strip club." Idina snapped, from where she stood in the kitchen, making dinner. "We met in a bar before either of us became famous. Not to mention we met when you were wasted."

"But, Idina Dear, there's no fun in that story," Tom winked at her and continued to play Cards Against Humanity with their two daughters, Dawn and Shelby.

She groaned and her two daughters started to giggle but quickly shut up when their mother turned and looked at them with a raised eyebrow. Nobody fought with that eyebrow. Except Tom, of course. But what's new there?

He was the more laid back, comical parent, whereas Idina was the stricter, more serious parent. She was always the one to hand out punishments when the girls did something wrong or talked back. Tom always tried to stop it but Idina was too stubborn to let him win.

Idina continued to cook dinner and Tom continued to play Cards Against Humanity with Dawn and Hayley. After a few moments of silence, Shelby asked, "You guys met in a bar?"

"Yes, Shelby, we did. And you're father was completely wasted. It's a wonder why I didn't call security to haul him outside when he decided to drag me to the stage to sing karaoke with him," Idina wiped her hands off and walked over to the living room where they all sat around the coffee table.

"But you're such a good singer, mom!" Shelby complimented her mother, looking up at her. "Why wouldn't you have gone up there?"

"Because she didn't want to compete with me." Tom said, smiling at the playful glare Idina gave him. "We all know that I'm a much better singer than your mother."

"Says the one who isn't on Broadway," Idina replied.

"Says the one who isn't on Broadway,"Tom mocked her in a higher pitched voice, dodging the hand that came flying towards him.

"Girls, how about we put the game away and eat dinner? It's almost ready." Idina said, turning around and walking into the kitchen.

"Okay mom!" They both said at the same time.

Everyone gathered around the dinner table as Idina brought the food out. Penne Mariscos was the meal tonight. It is a type of pasta with shrimp, scallops, and covered in Tomato cream sauce.

"After your father and I got married, we went on a cruise and this was one of our favorites. I asked for the recipe and the head chef gave it to me. I present... Penne Mariscos. A Carnival Cruise Line favorite!" Idina said, setting it down in the center of the table, "Enjoy!"

"Mom, this is delicious!" Dawn said, having already ate half of the serving on her plate.

"This tastes just like the one we had 13 years ago on the honeymoon! I love it, darling." He said, taking another bite.

"Thanks, hun." Idina replied.

"So, you guys really met at a bar?" Dawn asked.

"For the third time, yes, Dawn. We met in a bar. I was the bartender who allowed your father a few too many beers," She replied, taking a bite of the food and looking at Tom.

"See? No fun in that story, girls," Tom said, receiving a glare from Idina.

"It's a wonder I married you. Honestly." Idina continued eating in silence.

Shelby was the first to finish her food and took her plate to the sink and started doing the dishes, soon followed by Dawn. When Idina finished, she leaned back and shook her head when Shelby came over to take her plate. Her eyes locked on Tom. The girls cleaned up the kitchen and went off to get ready for bed.

"Really? No fun in that story?" Idina asked, looking at him sternly.

"What? There is no fun in it!" Tom exclaimed, throwing his hands in the air.

"Oh really? Singing karaoke wasn't fun?" She replied, standing up and walking into the Kitchen.

"That was fun...but it would've been cool to have met somewhere unique. Not cliché like a bar." He said, sitting back in his chair.

Idina's eyebrow raised. "Meeting in a bar is not cliché, Tom. Being high school sweethearts or being friends since we were six is cliché," She snapped, her patience wearing thin. "I don't understand why you're telling them we met in a strip club either. They're ten and eleven for God's sake! They don't need to know what a strip club is, Tom!"

"I'm just joking with them, Idina! C'mon, lighten up! Stop being so uptight!" He exclaimed, loudly. "You need to lighten up and have a little fun once in a while."

"I'm going to check on the girls." Leaving him with that, she stood up and went upstairs to check on the girls. They were sitting on Shelby's bed, talking quietly. They looked up as Idina walked in and instantly became silent. Idina sat on the edge of the bed and looked at them, smiling softly.

"You okay, girls?" She asked gently, knowing her daughter's had her and Tom arguing.

"Are you and dad going to get a divorce?" Shelby asked quietly.

"Oh, honey..." She pulled both of the girls close. "Of course not. I just got a little upset with your dad and his stories. We aren't going to get a divorce. In fact, we're going to stay married for a long, long time."

Shelby and Dawn nodded, smiling up at their mother who smiled back. It was amazing how different they were. Shelby had dark brown eyes and dark brown hair like her mother and Dawn had green eyes and blonde hair like her father. They were both so different yet so alike at the same time.

"Let's get you girls in bed," Shelby said and both girls nodded.

After tucking both the girls in bed and cleaning up the kitchen, Idina went upstairs to the room she shared with Tom. He was sitting on the bed, leaning against the headboard and reading. He looked up at Idina when she entered the room and shut the door, putting his book down. She walked over to her dresser and grabbed a pair a pajamas then changed before going over to her side of the bed and getting under the covers, laying on her side, back facing Tom. He could tell she was still upset after their disagreement at dinner so he rubbed her hip soothingly.

"Darling, I'm sorry about earlier," He murmured.

"It's okay..." She answered softly. "I'm sorry I snapped at you..."

"It's alright, love," He said as she turned towards him. "What's on your mind?"

"I'm just stressed about the Broadway show I auditioned for and I'm taking all my anger out on you. Shelby asked me if we were going to get divorced." She said, looking up at him.

"I know you'll get the part. You're an outstanding singer and actress. As for Shelby's question, we'll never get divorced, darling. I love you too much." He whispered, kissing her softly on the lips.

"I love you too." She murmured sleepily as Tom turned off the light and pulled her close, both of them falling into a fitful sleep.