Chapter Twenty
Jess
As we did most Fridays, Gina and I went to visit Sierra at the record shop. It was a nice change from being cooped up in the house all week due to the fluctuating rain that ruined our plans over the past week. And bringing Gina to the local deli for an end of week lunch would be the kicker. Gina loved to eat out. I tried to prepare her food at home as much as I could though. I always let her take part in making her own meals since she seemed to enjoy it more. But since she and Noah were coming with me to Australia, I wanted to celebrate with Gina somehow.
“Sierra!” Gina said skipping into the record shop.
“Girl, you look damn cute today,” Sierra said.
Gina picked out a frilly lace skirt that bounced with each step. “You said a bad word!”
Sierra waved her hand dismissively. “Believe me, that isn’t the worst I’ve said.”
“What’s the worst?” Gina asked.
“Sierra!” I hissed.
Gina giggled and went to the back of the shop. With our weekly visits, Gina was over the record Sierra played each time for her. Now with each visit, she wanted to hear something new. The smaller children’s section at the back would keep her busy for a little while until she picked the perfect record for her mood.
Sierra went behind the counter and sipped on her coffee.
“What’s going on with you?” I asked.
“I’m feeling a little lonely,” she said.
“How come?” I asked. Anytime she felt alone, she always found someone to fill her bed.
Sierra sighed. “Well, my best friend hasn’t been available for over a week. Her nights are busy.”
I pressed my lips together. “Very funny.”
Sierra smiled and leaned over the counter, glancing at Gina. “So, how’s it going with Noah?”
“Really good,” I said. “I invited Noah and Gina to come along with me to Australia to visit with Mom.”
“Shut up!” Sierra said, her jaw dropping. “He said yes?”
“He did,” I said. “I didn’t expect that when I asked, but I’m so happy they’re coming.”
“That’s so awesome, girl,” Sierra said sincerely. “I’m a little jealous that you haven’t invited me yet.”
“You hate flying,” I said.
“There are drugs I can take,” Sierra said.
“Next time,” I said, turning around to watch Gina. I tucked my hands behind me, pressing them against the counter. If I had to go away without Noah or Gina, I would miss them terribly. Now I didn’t need to know that feeling.
Gina moved to another set of records. Her little face scrunched with concentration. I watched her while Sierra took a customer.
Gina peered over the top of one of the stacks.
What was she looking for?
As if she heard my thoughts, she marched over to us and went behind the counter. She tugged on Sierra’s arm and opened her arms. Sierra hefted Gina onto her hip.
“Where’s that song?” she asked.
“Girl, you’re going to have to be more specific,” Sierra said.
“The song,” Gina said, turning to me. “The down under one.”
Sierra’s eyes bulged.
“Men at Work is the group,” I said. After Noah had told Gina about the trip, she spent the entire day yesterday asking me how to be more Australian. I introduced her to the group. “We listened to it all day on YouTube.”
Sierra grimaced. “I’m glad I wasn’t there. Sorry, sweetie. That’s not my type of music.”
“I don’t think they have that here,” I said and glanced at Sierra. She slowly shook her head with an expression of disgust.
I lightly slapped her arm. “They aren’t that bad.”
“Did Jess tell you I’m going to Australia?” Gina asked Sierra.
“I heard. I’m super jealous.”
“I’m super excited!” Gina said, pumping her fists in the air. “Jess, can you find the song?”
I proceeded to bring the song up on my phone and play it for her. Gina wiggled out of Sierra’s arms and came around the counter to dance with me to the catchy music.
“I’m going to have to ask you to leave,” Sierra said, trying to hold back a smile.
“Come on!” I said, reaching out to her.
“You can’t even dance to this music,” Sierra said. Her facade was cracking.
“Please!” Gina said, and I knew we had her.
“All right,” she said and joined us.
When Noah arrived home that night, he surprised me with three tickets to Sydney.
“Noah,” I said completely taken off guard. “I could have purchased my own ticket. I invited you, remember?”
“It’s fine,” he said, kissing my cheek. Gina was in the living room watching a cartoon, so we didn’t have to worry about hiding anything. “I have the money, and I wanted us to sit together.”
“Thank you,” I said graciously.
“But you have to promise to take us to the real Australia. Of course, we should see some touristy things, but I want to know where you grew up. What places shaped the woman you are today.”
“It’s not that glamorous, I promise,” I said.
“It doesn’t have to be,” he said. “I want to get to know more about you.”
I took a steadying breath. “Okay.” Little did Noah know that I was going to keep much of my past a secret, at least until we were a bit more serious about each other. I liked him, but knowing the shit I’ve been through could be a deal breaker this early on in the relationship. Besides, he seemed genuinely excited about the trip, and I wanted him to have the best time. At least his first time down there.
“I want to warn you that my mom can be a bit much,” I said.
“I’m sure she’s fine,” he said.
I had to stifle an eye roll. “I hope it’s okay if I don’t stay the night. There are a lot of things I have to do this weekend to prepare for Monday.”
He sighed dramatically, and I laughed.
“Okay,” he said. “But I’m going to need one hell of a kiss to hold me over.”
I glanced toward the living room where Gina still faced the television, oblivious to her father’s and my growing relationship. I dragged him out of view and kissed him.
On the way home, I called Mom. She’d wanted me to come down for her birthday. It was the only way she could guilt me into the trip. She knew I was coming, but not with two extra people.
“Jess!” Mom said when she picked up the phone.
“Hey, Mom,” I said.
“Is everything all right? Are you still coming next week?” She sounded worried.
“Yes, I am.”
“Oh, thank heavens. I thought you were calling to cancel.” I pictured her pacing the kitchen with worry. It made me feel a little guilty that I made her feel that way.
“I’m not calling to cancel. I do have some change in plans though.”
“How so? Are you coming later in the week? I wanted you here for my actual birthday—”
“I’m bringing two people along with me,” I interrupted before she went on too long.
“That friend of yours?”
“No, not Sierra. Noah and Gina.”
There was a long pause on the other end, and I checked to make sure the call was still connected.
“You’re bringing a man here?”
“Is that a problem?”
“A problem?” Mom asked. “It’s not a problem, love. I’m a little surprised is all. You’ve never brought a man home with ya.”
There was a reason for that. Mom could be a little over the top even for an Aussie bloke.
“It must be serious between you two,” she continued.
“It is,” I said. “But his daughter, Gina, doesn’t know about us yet. So, I need you to be on your best behavior.”
She let out a snort. “I’m always on my best behavior.”
“Mom,” I warned.
“All right, all right.”
I detailed the trip to her and told her I’d see her next week. I was sure to hear from her on Sunday, and I’d be offering up another warning to remind her that Noah was also my boss. But I had a feeling he would take anything she said in stride. At least I hoped.