Bitter Fruit by Hart Lois Cloarec

Author:Hart, Lois Cloarec [Hart, Lois Cloarec]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: Gay & Lesbian, Contemporary, Fiction, Romance, Genre Fiction, Lesbian, Lesbian Romance, Literature & Fiction
Publisher: Ylva Publishing
Published: 2014-10-14T22:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 11

Lauren rose to help her mother and sisters clear the table. Jac started to stand too, but Lauren put a hand on her shoulder. “No, that’s okay. First time here, you have guest privileges. You stay and defend Calgary’s honour.”

Jason snorted. “What honour? Calgary’s the city of losers. Edmonton is the city of champions.”

Jac leaned forward with a grin. “Champions? When was the last time the Eskimos even got to the Grey Cup?”

Cries of outrage went up from Jason, Brian, and Adam.

“We pretty much owned it in the eighties and nineties,” Jason said. “It’s only been nine years since we last won.”

“Well, we took it six years ago, so it’s clear who has the better team.”

Adam pointed at Jac. “Hah! You lost the big game in 2012 and choked so bad last year you never even made it past the semifinals.”

“At least we got into the semifinals,” Jac shot back.

Lauren entered the kitchen with an armload of dishes. In the eternal battle of Calgary versus Edmonton, Jac was in enemy territory, but she’d held her own all through dinner. This despite the concerted efforts of Lauren’s brothers to get her to admit Edmonton’s superiority in everything from culture to universities, business to politics, and their favourite arena, sports.

“Your friend isn’t easily intimidated, is she?” Anjali asked.

“Not so you’d notice.” Lauren set her stack of dishes on the counter.

“I think Adam’s got a bit of a crush on her,” Courtney said. “Have you noticed the way he can’t keep his eyes off her?”

What? Lauren’s brow furrowed. “She’s out of his league. Besides, she’s gay. She’s not going to give old Don Juan there a second look.”

“She is?” Courtney chortled. “Excellent. I’m so going to torture Adam all the way back to Edmonton.”

Good. He deserves it, though I can’t really blame him for looking. “Are you guys heading back tonight or staying over?”

Courtney elbowed Anjali. “Are you kidding? Do you think this one could be away from Jeffy for more than a few hours?”

“It’s Jeffrey, as he’s told you a thousand times.” Anjali beamed as she glanced at her engagement ring. “But I have to plead guilty. I miss him so much when he’s not around. I wish he hadn’t had to work today, but interns are slaves to the hospital. At least he gets Thanksgiving off, so we’ll see his family then.”

Lauren’s smile faded, and she busied herself loading dishes in the washer.

“Will you girls finish up here?” Cynthia asked. “I want to have a word with your sister.”

Lauren looked up and intercepted an unspoken communication between her mom, Courtney, and Anjali. “Mom?”

“Come sit on the back porch with me for a bit, hon.”

Lauren glanced toward the dining room.

“Don’t worry about Jac. She’s fine.”

They sat on the back step and fended off the dogs as they ran up in anticipation of treats. “Get down, Maxie. Good girl.” Cynthia pushed the chocolate lab’s nose aside as a three-legged springer spaniel tried to shove his way past and a Chihuahua squirmed under the taller dogs.

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