Loving You

Chapter Ten

August 17, 1956 10 PM

The last guest just left Jessica's house. After everyone made sure she was okay, they pleaded with me until I played a couple songs for them. I didn't mind doing it, mostly because Jessica's eyes lit up when I started singing directly to her. My entourage left hours before everyone else, which seemed like a relief. I got the feeling that Judy's presence made Jessica jealous. The way she kissed me after she met Judy is really what tipped me off, and I kind of felt like her 'appreciation' gesture wasn't just that; that it also had something to do with her trying to prove that she's the only woman I need. I don't need her to prove that to me, she and Momma are the only women I really need. I love Jessica, a lot, and I wouldn't do anything that would harm her. Besides, Judy is like a sister to me; it'd be weird if I did anything with her after thinking that way about her.

I glance over at Jessica, she's falling asleep on the couch. "Mike, I think Jess needs another beer, she's havin' trouble stayin' awake."

Mike enters the living room, laughing, and holding three beers, "Good, I just grabbed some more."

Jessica's eyes open slowly, "I don't need another beer. I need to sleep."

I hold my arms out to her, "Well then com 'ere darlin'. I've got arms that can hold ya while ya sleep."

Mike smiles, "Perhaps you kids should stay here tonight. You've both been drinking, I wouldn't want to feel responsible if something were to happen." I nod as Jessica climbs into my chair and curls up in my arms. "I'll get the pull-out couch ready for you. Jessica's bed isn't big enough for the both of you, unless you want to sleep one on top of the other all night." He laughs, "Then again, you might not object to that."

I chuckle lightly, "The pull-out's fine. Thank you."

"Did you need to borrow pajama pants or anything? I know you didn't bring any, and I've got spares."

"Y-yeah, pants would be great." I look down as Jessica stirs slightly in my arms, "Honey, you need ta go upstairs and change into a night gown. We're gonna sleep down here."

She nods, her eyes still closed, "Carry me."

I glance at Mike to make sure it's okay. "Go on, I'll finish getting your bed ready, and I'll grab a pair of pajamas for you."

I rise from the chair slowly, and carry Jessica up to her room. I set her gently on the bed, and turn to leave so she can change. "Wait," she says softly, "help me get changed. I'm too tired to on my own."

I quietly shut her door, "Where do ya keep your night gowns?"

She sits up, "In the back of my closet."

I cross to the closet and pull the door open, there were at least twenty night gowns in there, "Which one do ya want?"

"There's a lacy pink one in there, grab that one."

I grab the one she's talking about and turn around. I'm faced with a fully nude Jessica. Instead of reacting the way my body was telling me to, I walk over and tug the gown over her head, "There darlin', need anything else?"

She smiles, "No, I'm all set. We can go back downstairs now."

I grab her hand and walk her downstairs. Mike meets us at the bottom of the steps, handing me a pair of pants, "Here ya go. Goodnight you two. If you need anything, Regina and I are the upstairs and down the hall."

I nod, "Thank ya again Mike." He claps a hand against my shoulder as he goes by us and up the stairs. Jessica grabs my hand and drags me into the living room. She lays down on the bed and smiles up at me. "I've gotta go change darlin', I'll be right back."