Language warning:
Not often but yes.
Love and sex warning: This story definitely portrays
a loving relationship between two women.
Violence Warning: A little, unless you also count a
projectile camera and battered door.
Thanks: I would like to thank first of all Garnet
for doing a wonderful job in beta reading this story. To Carolyne, for her
constant support throughout, and giving me the kick up the backside to continue
writing whether she realised or not.
And last but no means least Tammy, for all the invaluable information on
horses that she gave me and for naming the two horsey characters.
Let me know what you think: mj_poet@hotmail.com
7
The
morning sun shone through a slight gap in the hotel room curtains, its slither
of light beamed right into Tess’s face.
Groaning and covering her eyes, she tried to move but found herself
weighted down. Still not fully awake,
she opened her eyes shielding them from the blinding ray, and readied herself
to order Leto away. What she saw
instead forced her mind into gear and an indulgent smile upon her lips. She realised that in her usual sleeping
state she had wandered to the centre of the bed. And it seemed Nikki had done the same for she lay almost fully on
the woman with her head pillowed just under Tess’s breasts.
Thinking
back to the night before she remembered the conversation they’d had and the
confessions that were made. Not so much
about Nikki’s impending wealth, but the fact that they were beginning to
acknowledge what they had together as a relationship. Lifting her right hand, she sifted golden hair through her
fingers, but stilled as she felt Nikki stir upon her. After a few moments of silence, she continued her caresses of the
woman beneath.
“Morning.”
Surprised
to see that Nikki was awake she stopped all movement, “Oh hey there, you just
woke up?” She asked sleepily.
There
was a slight shake of the head, then Nikki turned her face towards the
brunette, “Well actually I woke up some time ago and found myself in this
position. I wondered whether I should
move, but really didn’t want to,” She smiled, “So I decided to stay and see how
you reacted to this.”
“I
like this very much.” The photographer replied.
Nikki
nodded looking almost thoughtfully, “Me too” she said quietly. Turning her head, she felt her lips brush
against the underside of Tess’s right breast, and heard the definite gasp her
action produced from the woman above.
She stilled her movement, uncertainty creeping into her mind. Kissing she could handle, but with the
revelations they had made the day before she realised she was wandering into
completely unknown territory.
Tess
cupped Nikki’s head, “You don’t have to stop.” She whispered breathlessly.
Nikki
brought her own right hand up to just under the brunettes left breast “This
isn’t exactly familiar ground for me Tess, I’m not sure I know how to
continue.” She flushed with embarrassment.
Tess
put her hands under Nikki’s arms and pulled her up until she was lying fully on
top of the taller woman. “This isn’t exactly old hat for me either.”
Finding
Tess’s lips with sensitive fingertips, Nikki leaned forward capturing them with
her own. The kiss was deep and heated
from the onset. Nikki plunging into
Tess’s welcoming mouth, their tongues neither fighting for, nor surrendering
control; more an acceptance of their sentiment towards one another.
Smoothing
her hands along the body upon her, the photographer reach Nikki’s behind and
cupped surprisingly firm cheeks. Nikki
gasped at the touch, her lips moving away from Tess’s as they started a journey
across the smooth jaw, to a strong, corded neck. She was going by instinct alone, and revelling in every moment of
it, leaving nips and bites along Tess’s neck, as she tasted the delectable
skin.
Tess
groaned, the feelings already overpowering her senses. She cupped Nikki’s head, trying to direct
her to breasts that ached to be touched.
A
knock echoed in the room.
Nikki
ceased all movement as Tess’s eyes flew open.
It
sounded again, and Tess growled, “Ignore it.” She stated, and rolled over
trapping Nikki beneath her much taller frame.
Their kisses started again, deep and wanting, drawing groans of pleasure
from both women.
Again
the door knocked, “Room service!” Said the very recognisable
voice.
The
photographer pulled away with a sigh, “Damn it Jeffery, you always seem to have
the most terrible of timing.” She
looked down at the blonde, “I better get that, I am supposed to have a meeting
with Jeff and Barb, this morning…I should go and see what he wants.”
Nikki
nodded, “Of course, go and see.”
Tess
gently lifted herself of the smaller frame and wandered towards the door. Nikki
sucked in a deep breath and shuddered, feeling more than a little aroused,
still she thought with a smile, it was a good feeling, if not a little
frustrating.
“Only
just getting up I see.” The man stated, as he took in Tess’s flushed and
rumpled, state.
“Jeff
it is still early, what can I do for you?”
“Not
interrupting are we?”
“We?”
Tess asked.
Just
then Barbara appeared in the doorway, smiling way too brightly for the time of
day, as far as Tess was concerned.
“We
thought we should come and see you.” She stated, and brushed past Tess, letting
herself into the room, “We’ve had a phone call and need to leave a lot earlier
than planned this morning, so we have to bring forward our meeting I’m afraid.”
Jeffery followed his wife into the room, and Tess just stood back with an amused smirk, “Oh please do come in?” She said to thin air.
The
husband and wife stopped in the room, both noticing the fact that only one bed
had been occupied last night. They
looked at each other and Jeffery winked.
“Well
it seems there is a bit of a crisis at home, and we have to leave. It appears Jeffery junior has gotten himself
into a spot of trouble.” Barbara said with a scowl, “Anyway, we have to leave
as soon as possible, so I just thought I would come and sign the papers for the
photos and such, so you can send them to me…express delivery right?”
Tess
nodded and yawned, “Yeah, ok express delivery.
I shall have them sent to you by Wednesday morning.” She moved over to her case, looking for the
documents she needed.
Jeffery
turned towards the silent blonde noticing the her flustered state, “We didn’t
interrupt anything did we?”
“NO”
Both women said together, and Nikki continued, “We were just getting up.”
Jeffery
nodded as Tess handed the documents over for Barbara to sign. Once everything was completed the couple
walked towards the door.
“It
was just wonderful to see you Tess, let’s not leave it a whole year next time
though.” Barbara looked towards the blonde, “And Nikki dear, it was absolutely
wonderful to meet you, I am sure I will see you again yes?” She turned back to
the brunette, “Well see you soon I hope.
I spoke to your mother yesterday afternoon Tess, she tells me she is
coming up for Christmas, yes?”
“Uh
huh.”
“Well
that will be nice for her. Anyway we
have to go, take care both of you…bye.” And with that the couple left the room.
Nikki
arched her eyebrows, “Wow that was kind of hectic.”
“Yeah
they can be like that…blink and you miss them.”
“So
your mum is coming up for Christmas huh?”
Tess
nodded, “Sure is.” She moved to sit on the edge of the bed, “So how do you
fancy meeting my mother.”
The
blonde’s smile was dazzling, “I can’t wait.”
“Great,
I know she is going to adore you.”
“Hope
so, I feel like I will be meeting the in-law so to speak.”
“Oh
you make it sound scary.” Tess teased.
Nikki
smiled, “Well it is now that I think about it, I mean are you going to tell her
about us?”
“Of
course.”
“Well
what is she going to think of me, I mean as a prospective match for her
daughter.” Sudden feelings of
self-consciousness invaded Nikki’s mind. “It is not like…I mean…oh I don’t know
what I mean.”
Tess
scooted to the head of the bed and put her arm around the nervous woman,
“Believe me, she will be very happy to meet you, she has probably been dreaming
of the day forever.”
Nikki
bit her lip, “But…well you know, I am a woman.”
“What…you
are, damn do you think she will notice?” The brunette joked looking her up and
down, and causing the smaller woman to smile.
“No
I mean, wont she mind?”
“If
you had two purple heads and yellow spots she may be a little quizzical as to
where you were born, but as long as you made me happy she wouldn’t mind in the
slightest.”
“I
hope so.” Answered the worried blonde.
“I
know so, ok…trust me.”
“I
do.” Nikki replied.
*******
Why
did it seem that whenever one was waiting for something, the day seemed to take
forever to pass. All the inhabitants of
the Morris household were waiting upon the eldest daughters return all with
this particular thought in mind.
Richard,
was delaying going into work Monday morning with hopes that he may be there for
his daughters return home, even though Rosalind had repeatedly told him she
would not be home until the afternoon, and he may as well leave. He was having none of it, after seeing on
the TV that his favourite footballer was to be at the charity function, he was
desperate to hear how the evening went.
Rosalind
Morris was impatient for a different reason.
Since she had found out about Tess’s past she had made a few inquiries
and had finally been given the number of the parents of the photographers’ old
college roommate. Naturally, she rung
claiming to be concerned parent afraid for her innocent daughters well being
and reputation. Mr and Mrs Moon,
parents to the ex-roommate Jennifer, were only too happy to oblige, being a
strict religious family they thought it was their duty to be of any help they
could.
Lisa
on the other hand was anxious for Nikki to return home for more than one
reason. She was desperate to know just
how the evening went, and whether her sister was able to meet anybody famous.
But also, she knew her mother was up to something, and although didn’t know
what that something was, she knew it involved Tess.
Still
the morning had been relatively quiet.
Lisa stayed with Nikki’s horses until ten o’clock, hoping she would be
able to hear Tess’s Blazer and see the women first. But there had been nothing,
and not being too impressed with Thunder and Jenna as company, she left after
making sure they had enough blankets, food and water.
Returning
to the house she decided to go and see how James was feeling this morning. She tapped gently on his door, and after a
quiet command to enter; she went in.
James
sat up in his single bed, the morning broad sheets upon his lap. He held a cup
of tea in one hand and a packet of Lockets in the other. Lisa grimaced at the odd combination such
flavours would have produced, but decided he probably couldn’t even taste much
anyway.
The
ill butler looked up at his guest as she entered his room, and frowned as he
noticed the troubled smile. “Morning
Miss Morris, what could possibly be wrong this fine day?”
Lisa
sat on the edge of his bed and pursed her lips, “I don’t know, I want Nikki to
come back, but I don’t because I know mother has been up to something. She was making a load of phone calls last
night, and I definitely heard Tess Alexander’s name mentioned in there a couple
of times. I don’t know what’s going on
and I have this strong feeling of uneasiness.” Lisa sighed, happy to be able to
voice her concerns. James had been a
confidant to both her and her sister since forever it seemed, and she knew she
could trust him implicitly.
The
butler frowned, “I see. Do you have any
reason to think that your mother might have reason to be acting the way she
is?”
Lisa
shrugged.
“Come
on you know you can talk to me Miss Morris.” He sneezed and Lisa quickly pulled
his cup away to avoid spilling on the sheets. “Thank you.” He smiled, “So do
you have any idea what may be wrong?”
The
teen chewed on her thumbnail, “Err, well I think she may suspect that Nikki and
Tess are in love.”
The
butlers’ eyebrows disappeared behind his grey hair, “In love?”
Lisa
nodded, “You can see it when they are together. Tess gets this sappy puppy dog look in her eyes, and Nikki just
doesn’t stop smiling.” She pulled a face.
“Well
that doesn’t mean that they are in love Miss Morris.”
“Hey
look, I watch a lot of TV I know how you look when you love somebody, I can
tell, besides Nikki told me that they kissed on Saturday.”
James
nodded slightly surprised, “Well I never.” He thought for a long moment. “Ok so
you think your mother can see this as well?”
Her
brows drew together in thought, “I don’t know; all I can say for sure is that
she is planning something and I don’t think anybody is going to like it.”
*******
Nikki
spent much of the drive back home, lost in a haze of her own thoughts. She smiled thinking back to the pleasant
alternative Tess had used to lessen the nerves she felt about their journey,
back down to the ground floor of the hotel in the lift. The photographer had held on to her like
before, leaving their belongings on the floor so she could wrap both arms around
the smaller frame. She remembered the
silken voice in her ear, telling her to block out all outside sounds, and
interferences and just feel…and she did.
Tess’s hands never strayed from their hold around her stomach, but her
lips had covered every inch of the blondes’ neck, cheeks and ears. To Nikki, it had been pure heaven that had
ended far too quickly when the lift reached the ground floor, and they had to
get out.
She
then remembered Tess’s eagerness to make a quick stop in a gadget shop, where the
woman had taken Nikki around the large establishment as she fiddled with each
useless piece of equipment. Tess had
ended up buying a handful of gadgets for her car, dashboard compass, mobile
phone holder, and small first aid kit for the glove box. Nikki had rolled her eyes at the first two
objects, but conceded that the first aid box may well come in handy one day.
Every
so often Tess would look over at Nikki sitting beside her and see the odd
smirks on her face; she wondered what the blonde was thinking about. Her own mind had not gotten much past the
waking up that morning and travelling down to the ground floor in the
lift. Tess shivered with delight as she
remembered each feeling her body reacted to.
They
arrived back at Nikki’s by half past twelve, and were greeted by all three
members of the Morris family, standing on the doorstep. Tess pulled the Blazer to a stop and
unfastened her seat belt.
“Well,
here we are.”
Nikki
sighed, “Hmm, guess so.” She unclipped her own seatbelt and got out of the
car.
Richard
Morris was the first to welcome the women back; “You made it in fine time I
see.” He walked up to his daughter putting one arm around her back, “So how was
it?” He asked them both.
“Great.”
Tess replied.
“Wonderful.”
Nikki responded.
The
Mayor followed Tess around to the back of the car and helped her take Nikki’s
things out of the boot. Tess picked up a large rectangle parcel and handed it
over to him with care.
“You
didn’t go present buying did you?” He asked
Tess
shook her head, “There was an auction for the charity, and lets just say Nikki
could not resist splurging.”
Richard
shook his head, “Women.”
The
brunette looked at him with an amused smirk, and what am I? She thought.
“Well
let’s not all stay out here, it is far too cold.” Rosalind stated, “Tess you
will be coming in wont you?”
Tess
shook her head, “No, I am sorry I am afraid I have to leave. I have to get these rolls of film back to
the studio and get them all developed by tomorrow, so I can get them sent off.”
Rosalind
looked a little disappointed by that, “Oh well if you are sure we cannot change
your mind.”
“No
I really have a lot of work to do Mrs Morris.” Tess wondered why the sudden
niceties, and Lisa’s uncharacteristic quietness.
There
was silence in the courtyard as looks passed between each person, and Nikki
wondered what was going on, there was a sudden tension in the air, and she
didn’t like it. “Well I guess we better
let Tess get going then.”
Richard
put Nikki’s daughters bag over his shoulder, package under his arm and held on
to the suit bag, “Yes I am sure you are very busy Miss Alexander, see you
soon.” He stopped, “Would you like to
come around for dinner maybe Wednesday?”
“I’m
sorry Mr Morris, My mother is arriving on Wednesday.”
“Oh
well, some other time then.” He turned around and headed towards the house.
“Come
on then Nicole dear, it is rather cold out here.” Rosalind stated.
“I
will be there in a moment mother, I just have to speak with Tess before she
leaves.” Nikki turned towards Tess.
The
older woman sighed, “Well do hurry, I don’t want you catching a cold out here
dear.” She turned and led a still quiet Lisa into the house.
Tess
and Nikki faced each other; the dark woman looked up and noticed Rosalind
watching them from one of the front windows.
“Your mother seems to have an eye on me.” She smiled at Nikki for show.
“Do
you get the feeling she is just being a little too nice all of a sudden?”
“Hey
lets not discuss that now.” She put her hand on Nikki’s shoulder, mindful of
the woman still watching them; “I had a wonderful time yesterday…this weekend
in fact.”
“Me
to.”
“My
mother will be arriving some time Wednesday afternoon, how are you for meeting
her either in the evening or Thursday some time?”
Nikki
rubbed her hands together beginning to feel the cold, “Whenever is more
convenient for her, if she is too tired after her journey up on Wednesday, then
Thursday will be ok.” She replied, and blew a gust of warm air onto her hands.
“Great.”
Tess was still aware of the woman watching them from the window. “I really wish
I could kiss you right now.”
“Go
with it.”
“But
your mother seems to be taking a very keen interest in what is going on out
here, I don’t want to get you in any trouble Nik.”
The
blonde sighed, “She is going to have to find out sooner or later.” She moved
forward putting her arms around the taller woman, “Just block out all outside
sounds and interferences and just feel.”
Tess
smiled as Nikki used the words she had used in the elevator. Leaning down, she captured Nikki’s lips in a
tender kiss. Seconds later she pulled
back “I guess I should go then.”
“Uh
huh.”
“I
will see you soon, and if ever you need to ring me, please do ok?”
“Sure.”
Nikki leant up and found purchase of the brunettes’ lips once again.
With
effort Tess pulled away and looked up, noticing Rosalind gone from the window.
She sighed, “You will be ok right?
Remember if you need me, just call.”
They
released and moved apart, “I will, see you soon Tess.”
The
photographer looked longingly at her before sighing, “Bye.” She got into the Blazer with uncertainty and
one last look, drove away; as Nikki made her way into the house.
*******
Nikki
entered the silent house, not a voice could be heard and as such she was unsure
as to where the rest of the family were.
Taking a leap, she decided on the living room, and after taking off her
thick winter jacket, set towards the room in question.
Lisa
and her father sat quietly in the room, Rosalind having left moments
before. They both looked up as Nikki
entered, and the blonde could feel the tension in the air.
“Hi
guys.”
Lisa
was the first to jump up, grabbing her sister in a strong hug, “How was the
weekend?” She asked trying to keep the stress from her voice.
“It
was great, I got something for you.” She turned towards her father, “Dad were
is that package Tess handed you?”
Richard
Morris rose to his feel, “In the hall way, I wont be a minute.” He left the
room quietly.
Nikki
grabbed a hold of her sisters’ arm, “What’s going on?”
“We
all saw it Nik.”
“Saw
what?” Nikki asked nervously
“You
and Tess outside. Mum just went really
quiet and left the room, I don’t know where she is now.”
Nikki
nodded, “And dad?”
“Well
he is still here isn’t he…he didn’t storm out like mum did, so I guess that means
something.”
Richard
Morris came back into the room, carrying the package; he handed it to his
daughter.
Nikki
then passed it to her sister, “This is for you, it was one of the auctioned
pieces last night and as soon as I heard what it was I had to get it for you, I
knew you would love it.”
Lisa
accepted the object and began to tear off the paper with abandon. When she reached the item inside, her chin
hit the floor. She stood speechless for
what seemed like minutes, trying to take in what she was holding. Eventually Nikki had to speak, “Do you like
it?”
“I…don’t…oh
my god…NIKKI…” She pulled her sister into a fierce hug, before quickly moving
back, “I can’t believe you got me this, it, it is fantastic.”
The
blonde laughed, “Well I hoped you would like it.”
“LIKE
it, it’s the best present I have ever received.” She ran to the door, the
earlier events all but forgotten, “Oh my god, I have to go and ring Sally, she
will not believe this.” And she was gone.
Nikki
stood in the once again quiet room, aware of her fathers’ silent presence. She was hoping he would break the hush, but
he just sat still, a blank expression upon his face. Nikki moved towards the nearest chair and sat down. “Are you going to say something?” She asked
Richard
Morris looked at his daughter, “I am a little unsure of what to say
sweetheart…I had no idea. Your mother
is not a happy woman Nicole.”
Nikki
sighed, “I will cross that bridge when I come to it, right now I am more
interested in knowing how you feel dad.”
The
small man slid off his leather chair, and moved to situate him self beside his
daughter, “I am a little confused, this was something I just never expected…I
knew that you would eventually settle down with somebody no matter how hard I
tried not to accept the fact, I just never even considered that it would be
with a woman.”
Nikki
fidgeted in her chair, “Are you angry?”
“Are
you happy sweetheart?”
“Very”
the blonde answered with conviction.
“Then
how could I possibly be angry that my little girl has found happiness?”
“I
am not a little girl anymore dad.” She grinned.
The
Mayor smiled and put his arm around his daughter, “But to me you always will
be.” He tucked her head under his chin, “And Tess Alexander no less, hmm…I
guess I could get used to calling her daughter…but she is just so much taller
than me.”
Nikki
laughed.
*******
Tess’s
drive back to work was one of thoughtfulness.
So much had happened over the weekend that she felt a different person,
changed maybe but not in a negative way.
She was happy, a fact she realised when another white van cut her up on
the journey and she didn’t even bat an eyelid, a first for her.
She
pulled into back car park of Snap Shots by half past one, and parked next to
Robert’s jeep, the large man just getting out of the vehicle as she did
so. He stood back and admired the
Blazer as she switched off the engine and got out the drivers seat.
“Nice
set of wheels Tess, did you get that from the place I told you about?” He
questioned, circling the vehicle.
She
closed the door, “Sure did.”
“Nice.”
He waited as Tess took her equipment out of the back; then helped her carry it
into the building. “So don’t keep me waiting, how was last night?”
“Very
good turn out, lots of money raised, and many pictures taken…How’s that?” She
asked with a cocky smirk.
Robert
looked at the brunette with a frown, “Well sounds just great, only you look
different.” They walked into the front
area where Jason and Kat were busy in an animated discussion, both stopped when
Tess and the boss entered the room. “Well?”
“Well
what.” The photographer asked.
“Why
the ‘way too cheerful for Tess Alexander’ look, did you meet
somebody? It is just that I am not used
to seeing you with such a satisfied expression on your face…makes me wonder
whether you got lucky last night.” Robert stated with and enquiring gaze.
The
brunette sighed placing her burden down next to Jason’s desk. “Cant I just be
happy for a change?”
All
three co-workers looked at the tall woman with disbelief.
“You
start giving me those kind of looks and you will see my temper quicker than you
can say split personality.”
Jason
held up his hand, “Hey no need to get so testy. So Tess how was the evening, I
saw it on the news last night, all the famous people arriving for the big
event. I can’t believe how much money
was raised either, wow…most ever I heard.”
Tess
hid a yawn behind her hand, “Second highest actually.”
Kat
arched an eyebrow, “Still tired, are you sure you didn’t get lucky.”
“NO…it
was a long night ok.”
“Fine,
fine you had a long night. So do you
want a coffee or something?” The blonde photographer looked down at her own
empty coffee cup encased within both hands.
Tess
picked up the black carrier with the large amount of films inside, “No, lot of
work to do, I better get on with it.”
She headed to the stairs, “See you guys later.”
Robert
disappeared back towards his office and Jason looked at Kat. “So how much do you want to bet that a
certain blonde is behind Tess’s present state of mind huh?”
“You
mean the Mayors daughter? No way.”
“Oh
please trust me girl, I know these things, and I know Tess for that matter,
better than she would like to admit I am sure.”
“Yeah
but…”
“Ah,
ah no buts.” Jason interrupted, “It is the little blondie, trust me.”
*******
The
Morris household had been quiet for the rest of the day. Rosalind had spent the afternoon and evening
in her bedroom, not surfacing even for something to eat. Lisa was on the phone, calling one friend
after another to tell them about the disk Nikki had won the bid on, and Richard
had stayed with his daughter. They
spoke for most of the afternoon, and evening talking about a variety of
subjects. Richard had asked about the
function and was shocked to hear that his daughter had not only met his
favourite footballer, but had her picture taken with him. In jest he demanded a copy of the photo, and
Nikki had agreed, telling him Tess was giving her a selection of shots she
thought both him and Lisa would be most interested to see. No mention had been made about Rosalind, as
she had shown no interest in the actual event its self.
As
the evening progressed into nighttime, it was pretty obvious that the lady of
the house was not going to make an appearance.
Richard sighed as he rose from the chair he had been talking with his
daughter for the best part of the day.
“Well
I think I should turn in, having an unscheduled day off work means I have to
get up and be in early tomorrow.”
Nikki
rose beside her father, “I guess I should be going to bed too, I want to get up
early and spend some time with Thunder and Jenna tomorrow.”
Richard
put his arm around his daughters’ shoulders, “I will talk with your mother, and
now she’s had a chance to calm down, I am sure she will be seeing things a
little clearer.”
“Hope
so.” Nikki listened as her father left
the room, and started up the stairs, she hoped he was right.
*******
Tuesday
morning was a clear and beautiful day.
The skies were blue, but although the sun was shining it didn’t take the
unmistakable chill out of the air.
Prime snowfall weather Nikki and Tess had thought as they had awoken
alone, both regarding the new day, and feeling as though something was
missing. The morning before they had
welcomed the new day in each other’s arms, and for some reason, it suddenly
seemed impossible to go back to sleeping alone.
Tess
had arrived at work by nine, knowing that she had no shoots for the day; she
was able to seclude herself to the upstairs of the studio. Half the batch of films she had taken Sunday
night had been developed, so she just had the other half to do. She estimated how much time it would take
her, and realised she would have the afternoon left to spend some time doing
house cleaning. With her mother coming she wanted to make sure everything
looked presentable, and doggie hair free, not that Leto shed much, especially
in the winter.
Tess
had been working for just over three when she got a call from reception asking
her to come down. She was in the middle
of cataloguing a batch of pictures when the intercom call came through and was
slightly annoyed to be interrupted during her sorting. Half an hour before, she had been looking
through the charity function photos, and sorting out a selection for Nikki. Pictures of the blonde with certain people
whom she was sure Lisa would be extremely excited about.
With
an exaggerated sigh, she left the confines of the second floor and headed down
to reception. On her way she passed
Kat, who was taking a family of five into a viewing room. She gave a quick nod
and a smile then carried on to see what Jason wanted her for.
When
she arrived she was more than a little surprised to see Rosalind Morris
standing by the young mans desk. She
wore a smart grey woollen suit, and her hair was pulled back into a very severe
French roll. Their eyes met and Tess
knew instantly what the woman presence was about. With a quick look towards a sombre looking Jason, she walked
towards the older woman.
“Mrs
Morris, this is a surprise, how can I help you?”
The
woman looked around the reception swiftly before turning back to Tess, “Miss
Alexander, I would like to speak to you in private if you don’t mind.”
“Sure,
ok would you follow me please?” Tess turned her back to the woman, and headed
towards her own studio. The look in the
woman’s eyes sent a shiver of uncertainty and dread through her spine. They walked passed Roberts office and Tess
took a quick look inside as she passed, her eyes meeting with the dark mans
only briefly as she continued onto her own room. Robert was about to call Tess in to speak with him, when he
spotted the Lady Mayoress, behind her.
Something about the air of tension both women radiated forced him to
stay quiet, though he was now a little curious as to what was going on himself.
Reaching
the studio door, Tess pushed it open and allowed the smaller woman inside; she
shut it firmly behind them. There was
silence for several seconds, as both women seemed to look intently at each
other in an unspoken duel. Then
Rosalind looked away, taking in the interior of the studio for the first time
as she pulled slender white gloves off her hands and folded them, into a secure
grip. “I have no time to waste here
Miss Alexander, so I shall come straight to the point.”
Tess
nodded, “That would be a good start, and give me some idea as to why you are
here today Mrs Morris.”
The
woman’s expression darkened, “I should very well hope you do have some idea why
I am her Miss Alexander. I shall
make this very clear, I want you to stay away from my daughter.”
Silence.
Tess pursed her lips and looked down,
somehow she was expecting as much from this woman. “With all due respect Mrs
Morris, I do believe it is Nikki’s decision as to whether she wishes to spend
time in my company.”
“No
Miss Alexander, Nicole is naïve, she isn’t as worldly as I know you are and she
doesn’t know the kind of person that you are. I am here to ask you to stay away from her, and I am doing so
with as much civility as I can muster under the circumstances…stay away
from my daughter.”
“Listen
to me Mrs Morris…”
“No
you listen to me. I know all about you,
about your history with a certain Jennifer Moon, and how you tried to corrupt
her…”
“Corrupt
her…!”
“Let
me finish.” Rosalind demanded, “I will not have you ruining my daughters
reputation just like you did to that poor girls back in your college days. No, I want to make myself clear on this Miss
Alexander, you are to stay away from Nicole and that is final.”
Tess
fists gripped forcefully at her sides as she tried to keep her calm, “You have
your facts very wrong Mrs Morris, I have no idea how you seem to have come
across this information but you are way of the mark. And Nikki is not a naive young girl, she is a grown woman, a
loving and intelligent woman, whom enjoys spending time with me as much as I do
with her.” Tess took a step closer, her green eyes drilling into fuming grey,
“How can you come here and demand…”
Rosalind raised her hand to halt Tess, “I come here because I am her mother Miss Alexander, and it is my duty to protect her from people like you. Now I am warning you, stay away. I don’t think you seem to understand how dire a situation I could make for you. I am a very reputable woman in this city Miss Alexander, I have a lot of contacts, know an awful lot of people, and I could ruin you. By the time I am through with your reputation there would be nothing left of the infamous Tess Alexander that anybody would care to know or even remember.” The Mayoress took her own step closer to a stunned Tess, “It is quite clear, if you wish to keep working in this city and have a standing within the art world you will stay away. Am I making myself clear?”
The
photographer felt her whole body tremble with fury, “Oh you have made yourself
very clear Rosalind.” She said through grated teeth.
The
older woman nodded, “Very well I am glad we could clear up this whole
unfortunate matter.” She appeared to calm somewhat; “I knew you were a wise
woman Miss Alexander, now I must be going.”
She pushed her hands back into the pristine white gloves. “I am sure
after a time, this will all be forgotten.
My daughter is aware that her family is much more important than some
unnatural gold digging…” she paused in her speech, looking hard into Tess’s
disbelieving eyes. “Good bye Miss Alexander.” She turned swiftly and left the
room.
*******
With
only four days until Christmas, sitting reservations had almost come to a halt,
with only three left, all booked for Wednesday. So with little else to do, Jason sat on the corner of his desk
flicking through a cooking magazine. He
had decided to prepare Jake a meal after work, so was avidly looking for
something extravagant but simple to make. He looked up from his scrutiny of a
list of vegetable dishes to see the Mayoress walk quickly through the
reception.
“Good
afternoon Mrs Morris.” He said, but the woman walked straight past him. Whether she was ignoring him or not, she
seemed to be deep in thought.
He
watched surprised as the woman walked straight out of the building and got into
her waiting car, it drove swiftly away. “Well I guess some people just have no
manners!” He muttered with a wry expression.
Just
then he heard a loud crashing sound erupting from the back of the studio. Jumping to his feet, he ran around to the
back as another crash echoed, louder this time.
He
stopped when he noticed Robert standing at the end of the corridor, by Tess’s
door, desperately working the handle. “It’s locked.” The burly man shouted
Running
up to the boss, Jason flinched as a loud bang hit the door from the other side.
It sounded again and again and again. “Fucking, god damn, stupid, son of a…”
He looked surprised and a little alarmed at Robert.
Robert
tried the handle again; “She’s locked it from the inside.”
There
was another crash and Jason cringed, “Well knock it down then, god knows what
is going on in there. There is enough
bulk in you to barge Fort Knox for gods sake.”
The
man nodded and took a step back as Kat appeared at the other end of the
corridor. She looked on surprised as
Robert rammed his shoulder against the door and it flew open, breaking away
from one if its hinges in the process.
Tess
whirled around to see three of her co-workers standing in the doorway with
worried expressions.
“Leave
me alone.” She stated in a seething growl.
Robert looked around at his employee’s and inclined his head in the opposite direction, asking them to leave him alone with her. Kat looked at Jason and grabbed him by the arm pulling him away; she wasn’t sure she wanted to be present if Robert was going in there. Tess looked dreadfully angry.
As
the other two left, Robert walked cautiously into the room and pushed the
broken door to, having to brace it up against the splintered frame. He turned and looked towards Tess.
“I
said leave me alone.” The tall woman said in an even voice.
Robert
walked further into the room, noticing the blood covered knuckles. He looked back at the door and noticed the
bloodied dents in the hard wood. “No.” He replied calmly, and hoped he wouldn’t
have to pull rank on the woman. He had
known Tess for a long time; long enough to know that although her anger was
severe, it was usually quick to dissipate.
Tess
whirled around looking at the burly man with blazing green eyes. Then suddenly her anger was gone, “Please.”
She asked.
The man walked towards her looking around at the sight. Tripods and chairs had been strewn all over the room. A brand new camera lay in pieces on the tiled floor. Putting his hand on the deflated woman’s back, they walked towards her office mindful of the sink in the far corner.
“What is happening Tess, what did Mrs Morris say to you?” He asked as he turned on the tap and gently placed her hand under the slight drizzle of cold water.
Tess flinched, “You don’t want to know Rob.”
Holding Tess’s hand under the water, the large mans fingers lightly washed away the blood, his dark fingers a darker contrast to Tess’s paler hand. “Try me.”
Tess pursed her lips and nodded, “Ok. Basically she told me to stay away from her daughter…that I was an unnatural gold digger out to corrupt Nikki. Oh and if I didn’t stay away…she would ruin me.”
With all the blood washed away, Robert turned off the tap and pulled a handful of paper towels from a nearby wall dispenser. Carefully he started dabbing the still bleeding knuckles dry, he brows drawn together, “Why would she warn you to stay away from her, does she have a reason to?”
Looking up at the larger man openly Tess sighed, “Don’t tell me you haven’t been privy to Kat and Jason’s speculations about Nikki and I Rob? Even I have heard them.”
“I didn’t know what to think.”
The photographer shrugged, “Well they are true. I have been spending time with Nikki Morris, she came with me to the function on Sunday.” The man looked at her surprised, as Tess continued, “We get on, enjoy each others company…we…were attracted to each other.”
“And she is not happy with this then?” He asked, dabbing away blood that was still seeping from multiple wounds.
“She threatened to ruin me. My reputation, my career; if I didn’t stay away from her.”
Although he was a little surprised by the sudden events, the man couldn’t help but smile, “She threatened to ruin your reputation and career?” He shook his head, “She obviously doesn’t know you at all does she.”
Tess stared at him blankly, “What do you mean?”
“Well first of all since when have you ever given two hoots about having a reputation? Your work speaks for its self Tess and for a couple of years now people have though of you as taciturn and supercilious, purely because you don’t flaunt yourself…has it hampered your rep? No. Personally it is one of the qualities I like about you, and reasons why I employ you. Secondly I will admit that I did notice that doe eyed look that you were giving Nikki Morris the other day. It is clearly obvious that you two share feelings for each other. Thirdly, since when have you ever cared about what people think of you anyway? Fourthly, who has the right to decide what is unnatural anyway? Fifthly…”
“I think I get the message.” Tess interrupted with a smile. “Thank you Robert.”
The man smiled warmly.
“Now if you will excuse me I really would like to be alone, I have some thinking to do.”
He nodded, “Sure thing Tess.” He walked towards the door “Say do you want me to get those shots from Sunday evening sent off to Mr and Mrs Soul?”
“That would be great thank you.”
The boss smiled and left the room.
*******
Lisa
sat on a large wooden bench; her legs crossed Indian style and her arms
securely folded to keep herself warm.
She had woken early with Nikki, and had talked her into putting up their
Christmas tree before them both going to the stables to talk, as the blonde
groomed and took care of her horses.
Their
mother had left the house an hour before yet neither sister was aware of this
fact, having spent the rest of the morning in the stables. Their discussions started with Lisa trying
to grill her older sister about Sunday evening, and the sleeping arrangements,
but soon the conversation turned to the events of the day before.
“I
can’t believe dad was ok with it, I mean not that I though he would blow off on
one, but you know…that he was just,” She shrugged, “Ok.”
Nikki
put down her grooming brush and walked into the centre of the stable, “Yeah I
know, I was a little surprised, but maybe after seeing how mum reacted to it
all, he thought he better show some support.”
“Have
you seen her yet?” The teen asked.
“Mum?”
Nikki shook her head, “Not since when we arrived home yesterday.” She pushed a
hand through her golden locks, “Ugh, god maybe it wasn’t such a good idea
to…well you know…to…”
“Kiss?”
Lisa asked.
“Yeah
maybe.”
“For
gods sake sis you are old enough to do what the hell you want to do
anyway. People your aged don’t even
live at home anymore…I mean I know you have to at the moment, but still. So what if you want to be with a woman, I
mean shit…it’s Tess Alexander for gods sake…even I would consider switching
teams.”
Nikki’s
mouth dropped, “Lisa!”
The
teen grinned, “Ok maybe not quite that far, but anyway I am sure you understand
what I am trying to say.”
“I
am sure she does.”
Nikki
jumped, and Lisa whirled around to see Rosalind Morris standing in the stables
wide door way. The woman walked further
inside, her eyes trained on her youngest daughter, “Lisa I wish to speak with
Nicole, leave us alone please.”
The
tone in her mothers voice left do room for argument, “Yes mama.” She replied
and with a worried look to a silent Nikki, she left.
“Morning
mother.” Nikki said with confidence.
“Morning
Nicole dear.”
“How
are you today?”
“I
am fine actually, just got back from visiting your friend Miss Alexander.”
Nikki
started, a jump of nervousness fluttering in her stomach.
“Yes
we had a short chat and came to the conclusion that you two will never see each
other again. As you will imagine it is
for the best, what would people think…my daughter with that…woman.”
Nikki
bit her lip, “Tess wouldn’t agree to that.” She asked in disbelief.
The
Mayoress clasped her hands together, “She would and she did, it is amazing what
a threat to ones reputation can do to a person dear, and it just goes to show
how much you actually meant to her I guess.”
Nikki
frowned, “But Tess isn’t bothered by things like that.”
Rosalind
stood in the middle of the stable, wrapping her suit jacket around herself, “Well
then it does go to show how much you really didn’t know each other. Nicole you have a reputation to uphold, not
only as my daughter, but as daughter of this cities Lord Mayor, all your
actions have consequences.”
Trying
to hold back sudden tears Nikki shook her head, angry at her mothers words,
“That isn’t true, none of it. I do know
Tess, and I don’t have any reputation to uphold, I am my own person and if I
wish to be with Tess then…”
“But…”
Rosalind interrupted, “What if she does not want to be with you. Do you really think an independent woman
like her will be interested in having you around? Always having to look out for you, make sure things are not left
in the way? You were just a fad to her,
something new, what could you possible give a woman like that hmm?”
Love. Nikki thought.
“She
would have tired with you eventually, you are better off with your family at
home, where you belong.”
“I
don’t accept it.” Nikki stated, though inside she was feeling more than a
little useless.
Rosalind
sighed, “Then I shall have to tell you what I hoped I would not. You are not the first one she has tried this
on. There was a young woman whom she
shared a room with at college. She was
of impending wealth, and Miss Alexander seemed to latch on to that, and tried
to corrupt her too. Luckily her parents
found out about it before things got out of hand. And lucky for you, I found out about this in time too. I think that any feelings she may have had
for you, were nothing more than just pity.
She is best forgotten dear, trust me, I am your mother.”
Nikki
hurt, her mothers words hurt. They were
spiteful, untrue and she knew this, yet why was she saying them and making her
feel the way she did. Not for one
moment would she believe Tess was only interested in her for the money, she
didn’t even know about it until the Sunday night. Blue tear filled eyes lowered towards the ground.
Rosalind
put her arm around her daughter, leading her out of the stables. “Now lets not
get upset about this dear, a woman like her just isn’t worth it. Lets go back into the house and fix you a
nice hot drink.”
They
walked back out into the winter air, the sky grey and looming, a strong wind
gathering speed.
“I am going to take the private line out of your room, just so you don’t feel the need to ring her and embarrass her and yourself.”
“But…”
“No
buts, I am your mother, you will do as I say…if you know what is good for
you…do you understand?”
Nikki nodded, her mind a whirl of emotions. She didn’t believe her mother of that she was sure, but her spiteful words had hurt her more than she ever considered possible. She thought for a moment, and decided to give it some time. So what if her mother disconnects her line, she would still be able to use Lisa’s, but sill she would wait. Maybe tomorrow, she thought with a smile, just so there was enough time to placate Rosalind’s current temper.
*******
It
was past midnight. Darkness filled the
house, even though its sole occupant was very much awake. The distant Tick Tock of the kitchen
clock, echoed through the house, sounding three times as loud as it did at any
other time of the day.
In
the bedroom Tess lay on her bed.
Stretched out upon her stomach, arms folded in front and her chin
resting within her good hand. Beside
her lay Leto, looking constantly at her master with a distressed expression as
she tried to figure out what was wrong with her. No amount of tricks or licks to the face seemed to win her over.
Tess
looked down at the phone in front of her; she’d tried many times to ring Nikki,
but had gotten a dead tone whenever she dialled the number. She contemplated ringing the main phone, but
didn’t want to risk speaking to Rosalind until she was sure of what Nikki
wanted.
If
the blonde asked, she would drive over there and take her away at the drop of a
hat. If she wanted to live with her,
she would do the same. If she wanted to
leave the country, the photographer would hijack a damn plane if she had to, in
order to make sure she got whatever she desired. Yet she was unable to get a hold of her. Tess did consider ringing Lisa’s number
until she realised she didn’t even have it.
So all she did was lie in her bedroom and think…hour after hour,
wondering what to do for the best. She
needed Nikki, to talk to her and make sure she was all right.
Rolling
onto her back, she folded arms over her stomach, being careful of the damaged
hand. It was sore and swollen, and she
had wrapped a bandage around it earlier to cover the open wounds her premature
spurt of anger had caused. Closing her
eyes she tried for sleep, but it wasn’t very forth coming. Images of Nikki invaded her mind, and
worries of how the blonde was doing lay heavy in her thoughts. She realised
sleep was not going to come easy to her this night.
continued in Part 8