Texas Blues by Quinn Ashley

Author:Quinn, Ashley [Quinn, Ashley]
Language: eng
Format: azw3, mobi, epub
Publisher: CreateSpace
Published: 2016-04-01T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 17

“Tia!” Natalie called as she held London’s hand loosely and guided them through the backyard. A cloud of smoke from the barbecue momentarily shrouded Celia, who stood tall behind the shining grill.

“My sweet Natalia,” Celia greeted her with a smile and hug. “You got here just in time. I put the first set of pork chops on the grill just a minute ago.”

Natalie gestured to London. “And you remember my friend, London.”

“Ah yes, our hard-working food truck helper,” Celia replied with a smile. She gave her a quick nod. “It’s nice to see you again.”

Natalie knew that her aunt had realized their relationship had progressed beyond the lines of friendship. Not that I’ve tried to hide it she thought with a small smile. There’s just something about her. She didn’t have much time to dwell on Celia’s polite but distant greeting to London. She felt Jane’s arms snake around her waist and give her a quick embrace from behind.

“Hi, honey,” Jane said with a smile. “I was just getting the patio table set up. Why don’t you two come sit with me in the shade and let Celia do the cooking for us tonight?”

“That’s not much different from any other night,” Celia cut in dryly. Natalie was happy to see the usual gleam that lit her aunt’s eyes when Jane was nearby.

“Are you sure we can’t help with anything?” London asked.

“No, no,” Celia replied with a wave of her hand. “You girls sit and enjoy yourselves. Food will be up soon.”

Jane fell into step with London as they made their way to the long, rectangular picnic table. A large umbrella shaded most of it from the brutal sun.

“It’s lovely to meet you, London,” Jane said. She paused as they reached the table and hugged her. “I’m so glad you could join us.”

Natalie met London’s eyes. “See?” She told her. “Huggers.”

There was something in London’s eyes when she looked at her that Natalie hadn’t seen before. There’s this trusting openness in them now she realized. And it’s making me want to kiss her right there on the patio.

Natalie glanced at her other aunt, who was focused on the meat sizzling before her. “Is Celia all right?” She asked as they sat down.

Jane smiled kindly. “Oh Natalie, you know she thinks the world of you,” she replied. “And you also know that she has a tendency to be, well...”

“Over-protective?” Natalie supplied.

Jane sighed. “I was going to say caring. She loves you very much.” She turned to London and patted her knee reassuringly. “Celia just tends to be a little protective when it comes to her niece.”

London smiled and sat up straighter. “She doesn’t have anything to worry about,” she replied. She glanced quickly at Natalie and then back at Jane. “I wouldn’t do anything to hurt her.”

Natalie felt those familiar butterflies flutter deep in her stomach as she reached over and held London’s hand.

Jane smiled broadly. “I’m very glad to hear that, London,” she said as she took a sip of sweet tea.

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