Love Will Keep Us - Book 5

Nightime Reception (Part Two)

"Ain't it a nice reception, Tessy!" Julius asks the dark skin woman as the two are relaxing and sharing a drink. They were having a wonderful time and both were so happy for their friends. They really were, as they had also danced the night away with the entire family. 

Both Julius and Tess were happy the little family had moved back to California and were hoping they could spend more time together. Julius had of course already been over their home a dozen times barbecuing and decorating  and even Tess had prior to Stef's arrivals, helping Lena get the kids set up and into school.

"It really is. I'm so happy for all of them." She takes another sip of her drink as Julius eyeballs her. He hadn't really bugged her about the diary but it was definitely peculating in his brain.

"You're in a better place! I can tell. But I know it was a bitch to get there and you were SUPERRRRR icy with me!"

"Because you have a big mouth." She laughs as Julius waves his hand around. "But I should know when I tell you something it won't stay put. It never does." She teases.

"Hey! I only say what needs to be said. Not to cause problems but I mean well, baby! I have alwaysssss meant well and the love triangle was just a big ol hot mess, one that should have been solved many moons ago! But no one ever listens to good old Julius. NOOOOOOOOOO, cuz he's dumb and doesn't know what the hell he's talking about!" He laughs as he waves his hands for emphasis even more.

Tess laughs at his usual banter as she sips her drink and he becomes serious with her. "But do tell, honey...are you gay? Bi? You have a girl on the side? Spill, senorita! Because I'm dying to know!"

"No, no and no. And if I did why on earth would I tell you? You'll only somehow manage to tell Lena or Stef. Heck, you might even tell that new boy toy who will tell Stef or Lena," She laughs as Julius rolls his eyes. "You can't keep anything to yourself. You know this and you know you tell Stef EVERYTHING!"

"I'm just being caring, honey. You still pinning for Steffy?"

"No!" Tess giggles as she sits back and smiles at her friends who are now slow dancing in each other's arms. "I was super depressed, Jules. I wasn't myself for YEARS. And it took a toll on me physically as well as emotionally. I don't fully think I was IN love with Stef, but that she made me feel good. Like feel really good. Do you know what I mean? She really did, and I clung to her like some kind of drug to make me feel better. I do love her though. No doubt. Both she and Lena are my dearest friends."

"I know! I'm joking, and I can tell you have come a long way, Tessy," he reaches for her hand and smiles.

"Jules, Jerry and I are really, really working on our marriage. Now stop bugging me, please. I'm not anything but committed to him and our beautiful daughter. The doctor thinks that depression runs in my family, and unfortunately, I've passed it on to Stefanie. She'll have to really watch it for the rest of her life."

"I know you are. I can tell. I'm just teasing ya. And I'm sorry about all that. I didn't know you were depressed. I mean I could see how you were. That was hard what you went through with Jerry on the base and after. And I get it! Stef was there and took care of you. Anyone would fall for her! So don't beat yourself up. She cares about you and loves you dearly. So does Lena."

"I know. I just made such a fool of myself all these years."

"Oh baby girl it's ok! We all have at some point! And I'm sorry bout Stefanie. But we all can watch her especially since they have moved back. You ain't alone babygirl! But you never were so don't go disappearing because I WILL come find you and bang on your door!"

"Ha. Don't I know it!"

"You better. Now go talk to Lena and Stef. Go wish them well."

"Julius, I promised Lena I'd..."

"Yes, yes, yes! Go tell them congratulations. Go! Lena doesn't expect you NEVER to talk to Stef again. It's their wedding day for Christ sake! Beside you all need to talk anyway. So go!" The man insists as Tess lets out a sigh walking over to both Lena and Stef.

She is really unsure as she sees them holding hands and talking alone quietly as they had just walked off the dance floor, and she didn't want to bother them. But as she got closer both women looked to her and Lena waved her over.

"Tess! Come sit with us for a bit. We haven't seen you all night." Lena smiles, her countenance beaming.

"Oh, I was just watching for afar. I wanted to tell you how happy I am for both of you." Tess joins them at an empty table as both woman smile back at her.

"Aww thanks, Tess." Stef says smiling. "Sit with us."

"Oh I don't want to disturb you guys. You look so happy and peaceful.

"It's fine Tess. I'm going to get us more to drink if you want?" Lena looks over at Stef who holds up her hand.

"I've had plenty, sweets." Tess shakes her head as well.

"No, I'm good. Thanks, Lena."

"Sure. Be right back, babe."

"Sure love." The blonde says as Lena walks off smiling leaving the two alone.

"So it was a really nice ceremony, Stef. Beautiful and you guys look so happy. I'm so happy for you."

"Thanks. That means a lot." She says smiling at the woman for they had not really spoken for months. The last time they really talked alone was when Stef called her about the diary. But as Tess looks around she feels awkward and still embarrassed about it all.

"Thank you for helping Stefanie. It was rough for a while I know. It couldn't have been easy, and I am so beyond grateful for the both of you. Lena and...and you...you just knew what to do. She's a completely different child, and I owe it to you, two."

"You are welcome." Stef smiles softly at her friend. She missed her more than life, but she knew that keeping a distance was wise right now.

"But, I just came over to wish you guys well and..."

"Tess," Stef captures the woman's hand in her own and squeezes it gently before pulling away. She was such an affectionate person but knew she had to put a lid on it in terms of Tess. "It's okay. I know what happened, and I need to say something, okay? MM? Can I talk?"

Tess nods slowly as she nervously plays with the jordan almonds that are in front of her on the table as Stef turns so she can look the woman in the eyes. "I want to apologize for not speaking to you sooner. It was my responsibility to do so, but I didn't want to hurt you. I've never wanted to hurt you Tess and I didn't know what to do.  I didn't know you loved me. I'm sorry that my actions gave you mixed signals all these years. I felt stuck, and I was hurting you more, Lena even more, and myself. Okay? So, I am sorry, Tess."

She shakes her head as she finally looks at the blonde. "You really had no idea, Stef.  How could you? I tried to hide it well, but I was floundering for years. Like I was telling Julius a few moments ago, I liked how you made me feel. It was almost like you had become this drug to me, and it was super unhealthy. Even when Jerry came back into my life, I don't know. I still didn't trust him and I still was super co dependent on you. You didn't give me mixed signals. We talked about what we were Stef. For years we did. And I talked to Stefanie about it."

"She told me."

"Maybe that's what needed to happen for me to wake up. I see that now, and because I finally admitted it, I began to heal. I know that I have a long way to go, but I promise you, I will never cross boundaries like that again in life. You were just so comforting and I needed that. But, I'm sorry Stef."

Stef moves to pull the woman in for a hug as Tess slowly hugs her back. Pulling away, the blonde caresses her cheek softly as Lena returns. "You will always, always be a friend and sister to us. Always. And I love you dearly. Ok?"

Lena smiles as she sits beside Stef once more and grabs the woman's hand in her own. She kisses the top before repeating what Stef had just said. "Always, Tess. Forever. Now come dance with us!"

"Oh no I can't!" The woman says shyly as both Stef and Lena grab her pulling her on the dance floor. It was a new beginning for all of them and that is exactly what they wanted and needed.