Her little secret, p.21
Her Little Secret, page 21
For the longest moment, they were silent. They gazed into one another’s eyes. Suddenly, Lily made a move to stand. “We should go back to the fishermen.”
“We should,” Parker agreed and stood with her body facing Lily’s. “I’m so pleased we had this chat. Please keep talking to me about Megan. I’m not here to replace her, but I’d love to help you have happiness and love in your life, and I’m sure, from what I know about Megan, she would want that for you.”
Lily nodded, smiling, with even more tears in her eyes. “She would. She absolutely would. Thank you.”
“And stop thanking me,” Parker said and winked. That killer smile gave Lily butterflies and in that moment, she felt like the luckiest woman alive.
*****
“Mum, we caught a fish,” Bodhi said when they returned. “Look, Parker, we caught a fish!”
“Wow,” Parker said. “It’s a big one too.”
“I won’t be able to eat it,” Lily said, screwing her face up. Everyone laughed. “I just don’t think I could.”
“Trust me, once I’m finished, it will be a gourmet dinner,” Nathan said, grinning.
“He’s right,” Parker agreed.
“And not just one fish. I just caught another!” Scott exclaimed.
“I have a nibble too…” Tyson added.
Suddenly they had a few fish and, soon enough, were ready to return to the campground.
Chapter Thirty-Four
Parker
Dinner was great—Nathan made parcels of fish and noodles cooked in sauces and baked in aluminium foil on the barbeque. They also cooked a batch of sausages and bought some salads at the little shop across the road. Nathan and Parker even baked a steamed cake in the camp kitchen, and Lily and Scott supplied bottles of wine, and soft drinks for the children. It was a joyous night of family togetherness.
“I don’t want to go home tomorrow,” Lily said at the end of the night. They all agreed they felt the same way. Bodhi and Tyson were keen to go camping again in the school holidays some time.
Nathan nodded. “I’ll have to talk to your mum and dad about that, but I reckon we could make it happen. In the meantime, I think we ask Scott and Lily to host a barbeque for all the families to meet. I know we’ve met Jacqui, but…”
Everyone nodded.
“And friends? Maree is desperate to meet you both,” Lily said, clearly agreeing to the idea. “And I haven’t even thought about the school mums yet.” She grimaced.
“Hmm, maybe we hold off on the school mums,” Parker said but then felt bad for a moment. After all, they were Lily’s friends. “Unless you really want them there.”
“No, it’s okay. It could be strange for you.”
“Less so now that Anthea knows, but…” She took a deep breath, then added, “Maybe it’s better to wait until Bodhi isn’t my student.”
“I’m not changing class, am I?” Bodhi looked confused, and Parker reassured him that she meant the next year. “Oh, good,” he said, clearly relieved. Parker was flattered, until he added, “I’d hate to be away from Chris!” Everyone laughed in response.
*****
Back to reality on Monday, Parker was tired but content. She was photocopying some papers in the staff room at lunch time when Kelly bounded up to her. “What’s the go with Bodhi Delaney-Joneses?” she asked.
“What do you mean?” Parker frowned. She was genuinely confused about what Kelly meant.
“Anthea has asked me to moderate his report card and work with you on it. That only happens if the parents are a little difficult or could be…or…maybe if it was a family member or something. So what’s up? Are the parents awful? Do I need to go in to bat for you?”
Nathan strolled over to them, seeing the two of them talking. “Hey grade three, what’s up?”
Kelly smiled in response. “Hey Nath. Apparently, the Delaney-Jones family are giving Parker grief. I’m trying to find out more.”
“Giving her grief?” Nathan looked baffled, and Parker was amused.
“The parents.” Kelly rolled her eyes, then stage-whispered, “Apparently, they’re difficult.”
“See, this is how rumours start,” Parker said, bemused. “They’re not difficult. Anthea didn’t say that, did she?”
“No. Anthea was super discreet as she is about these things. So I had to fill in the gaps because she wasn’t giving anything away.”
“Well, your imagination is shit, Kelly,” Nathan said. “Parker is dating one of Bodhi’s parents.”
“Oh!” She was shocked. “The woman, right?” she clarified, and Parker nodded, surprised she even needed to ask. “And Nathan is dating the dad,” she said, her eyebrows raised.
“Wow,” Kelly said, looking even more shocked. “Now I feel left out. And single. Is there a third parent?”
“There is a third parent, but she’s deceased, I’m afraid,” Nathan said, and Parker shot him a warning look. She didn’t really think it was up for them to be sharing that information when Lily and Scott didn’t really publicize it. “But keep that to yourself,” he added, quickly.
Kelly nodded. “Will do. Wow, you guys are dark horses. I can’t believe you told Anthea before you told me.” She pouted.
Parker raised an eyebrow again. “C’mon, if Anthea found out we’d been sharing before we told her… Well, I’m only new around here, but I’d imagine she wouldn’t like it.”
“You’re right. This is exciting though. I thought I had to come in to fight with you against some precious family, but it’s just your romance. Sure, I can moderate Bodhi’s work. It’d be a pleasure to.” She smiled.
“We’re not really announcing around here. At least not until Bodhi is in grade four.”
“Understood. I won’t tell anyone. Let’s keep it a grade three secret,” she said, and smiled. “Now I’m trying to remember which ones are Bodhi’s parents.”
“Oh, here,” Nathan pulled out his phone, and started showing her photos of their camping weekend.
*****
Later in the week, Parker was walking through the front office, when Anthea caught her eye. “Oh, Parker. Are you in a rush?” She shook her head. “Pop in to my office?”
Parker nervously walked into the office, and Anthea gave her a friendly smile. “I just wanted to check in and see how you’re going. New school, new relationship, that kind of thing.”
“Really good,” she said but wasn’t sure exactly what the right answer should be. Did Anthea have an agenda?
“Great. All okay with the Delaney-Jones lady?”
“Yes, Lily. It’s all going really well. I really appreciate your support, and I promise, I’m being professional at work. Bodhi seems to understand there’s a difference too. He has been respectful at school.”
“Great.” The principal smiled. “I just wanted to let you know I spoke to Kelly, and she’s happy to moderate.”
Parker nodded. “Yes, she told me. Thank you.”
“Ah, good. I would have told you earlier, but I have had a crazy week. Also, I spoke to my colleague—no dramas with my plan.” She paused. “And Nathan and his beau are going well?”
Parker secretly cringed at the term beau for Scott but hoped she hadn’t shown her reaction. She smiled and nodded instead. “Yes, they seem really happy.”
“I’ve never known much about Nathan’s personal life, but I never really thought he had a boyfriend. It’s nice for him.” She smiled. “Well I’m pleased you’re going well.” She glanced down. “You know I met my husband through work. He was another teacher, admittedly not a parent.” She giggled lightly. “But it was a lovely time…the courting. I never loved going to work more than I did back then. I would dress up and flirt to get his attention. He had the pick of the women. There weren’t many male teachers back then.” She smiled as she clearly thought back, and Parker tried to picture a young Anthea flirting with her colleague. “And nowadays, well, Nathan certainly wouldn’t want the pick of women,” she said. “Robert and I finally got together. We worked at the same school for a few years after that. Six, I think. And then we ended up going to different schools after I had our first baby. Years later, he became a principal and then I did.” She smiled. “Anyway, have fun with Lily. Courting really is a lovely time, and I want you to know you have my full support.”
Parker was so grateful. She grinned and told Anthea her story of meeting Robert sounded lovely. A small part of her was desperate to leave the principal’s office—her anxiety still remaining just a little—and another part of her was surprised about how comfortable Anthea had made her feel. “I hope to meet Robert someday,” she said and actually meant it.
“Oh, yes, that sounds lovely. I’m sure I’ll get him to some school event. And you’ll have to bring your new lady sometime too. Of course, I’ve met her.” She smiled. “She seemed nice.”
“She’s great,” Parker said, grinning.
Chapter Thirty-Five
Lily
Scott stayed at Nathan’s house on Friday night, while Parker stayed over with Lily. Bodhi fell asleep on the couch during a movie, so Parker carried him in to bed—he had gotten far too heavy for Lily to lift these days, but Parker managed it with ease. Seeing how good she was with Bodhi made Lily happy, and Bodhi seemed to really adore her too.
“He’s sound asleep,” Parker said, returning from the bedroom, and Lily was relieved.
“Great. Let’s snuggle in bed,” she said, leading Parker to the bedroom. Parker went to the bathroom and came out, then climbed into bed straight away. Under the covers, they found each other, and Lily began kissing Parker. “I love you,” she said for about the millionth time that week. She’d never thought she’d feel such emotions again and was so happy she did.
“I love you too,” Parker said, kissing her. Lily moaned, and Parker’s hands starting tugging on the elastic of her pyjama pants. Lily helped her to manoeuvre them, and then moved toward the elastic of Parker’s pyjama pants. She gently tugged on them and then noticed them pulling on something.
“Is that…?” Lily looked questioning at Parker and then realised Parker wore a strap-on.
“Is that okay?” she asked. “I should have checked, but I wanted to surprise you.”
“Yes! Let’s do it. It will be fun again.” Lily enjoyed it so much the last time, and though she didn’t want to only ever do it with toys, she was excited to try again.
After kissing and touching some more, Parker was inside her, and Lily, who had chosen to sit astride Parker, cried out in pleasure, arching her back. Parker started to gently thrust her hips, but soon Lily took over, grinding down on Parker. She was feeling sexy—Parker made her feel that way—and a little silly. She lowered herself gently so that her breasts dangled in Parker’s face. Parker’s eyebrows raised in excitement, surprise and pleasure—Lily would always remember that face!—and Parker reaching up to touch her, and kiss her. After a bit of playfulness, they got a rhythm going, and soon they were moaning in unison, feeling connected and in love, before falling asleep happily in each other’s arms.
*****
The next morning, Lily and Parker began discussing the family celebration. “Reckon your family would come to Canberra for it, or is it a little premature? I’d love to meet them.”
“Really? I hadn’t thought about it, but Mum and Dad are always up for a road trip, and I guess it depends on Briony and Nick, what they’re up to. I can always ask. Should we wait and discuss plans with the boys?”
Lily paused for a moment, then said, “Let’s make it a big thing. Your family, mine, Nathan’s, and Scott’s.”
“What about Megan’s family?” Parker asked gently. Lily thought it over.
“Maybe I should talk to them. It could be quite confronting for them. But I definitely should tell them about you. I’d hate for them to see us out and about and be caught by surprise. I can’t believe I hadn’t thought of that before now.”
“Yes, probably a smart idea,” Parker agreed.
*****
Thankfully, the guys agreed with the plan, and text messages and phone calls were made, planning an afternoon barbeque the following weekend. Parker’s family could stay at Parker’s house, and all the other families were local. That left one last phone call. To Megan’s parents.
“Hello, Betty,” Lily said nervously. Ringing Betty and Tom was not unusual—after all, they played a very active role in Bodhi’s life and still visited her and Scott regularly—but somehow this felt different.
“Hi, Lily. How are you? How are things?”
After general chatter, Lily finally told her. “Betty, Scott and I are having a little celebration next Saturday evening, and we’d love you to come if you’re keen, but before you say anything…” She rushed to continue, hoping Betty wouldn’t answer before she had a chance to tell her—that could be awkward if she then changed her answer. “Before you say anything, I want you to know, well you already know how much I love Megan. How devoted to her I am. But recently I met someone…”
She heard Betty suck her breath in, and for that moment, she felt like the worst person in the world. Then Betty spoke, sounding so caring and warm, “Oh, darling. That’s lovely news. I’ve been waiting for this moment. I’m surprised because it has been so long now, but I’m happy. I know it doesn’t take away from what you and Megan had.”
Lily grinned, but tears were forming in her eyes. Not for the first time since Megan’s passing, she thanked her lucky stars for Betty and Tom. “Thank you,” she said in response. It was all she could say.
“Anna told me Scott’s met someone recently too. Unless she got it mixed up, and she meant you?”
“No, she got it right. Scott and I are dating two friends actually. His boyfriend’s name is Nathan. He’ll be there on Saturday. Anna and Frank are coming too,” she said, referring to Scott’s parents. Suddenly it became very important to her to have Megan’s parents there.
“And what’s your friend’s name, darling?”
“Parker. She’s great, Betty. Very different from Megan, on the outside anyway, but I’m sure you’ll love her when you get to know her.”
“Let me talk to Tom, but I think we’re free. I’d love to meet Parker and Nathan. I’ll get back to you.”
Within the hour, Betty and Tom had confirmed they would be attending the party.
Chapter Thirty-Six
Parker
Lily and Scott had been fussing all week. Nathan hadn’t been. The little get together that Nathan had proposed was suddenly a catch-up for thirty people. And yet Nathan seemed more relaxed than ever—and that was saying something. While Lily and Scott had planned everything with near-military precision, Nathan was acting like nothing was happening.
“So who do we have coming?” Scott asked on Friday night. “Let’s do a final run through.”
Lily nodded and grabbed her notepad. “Nathan’s mum, Margaret, stepfather Christian, sister Julie, her husband Matthew, and ten-year-old Tyson, who we all know. Scott’s parents, the lovely Anna and Frank. Megan’s parents, Betty and Tom. I didn’t invite her siblings; it was all a bit much. Another time. Parker’s parents, Judy and Alan, her sister Briony, and her brother Nick, his wife Jenny, and their kids, Carly, Steph, and Jacob, sixteen, thirteen, and nine. Then my parents, Robin and Peter, my sister Jacqui, John, her husband, and their three kids. Rebecca, Penny, and Isabelle, sixteen, fourteen, and eleven.” She sighed loudly. “Plus the five of us and my friend Maree who probably won’t stay the whole time. If she even turns up at all.”
“Wow, that’s a lot of people,” Nathan said, as if it had only just occurred to him.
“It sure is,” Lily said, worry creeping across her face. “Thirty exactly.”
“We’ll be okay,” Scott said, “but we do have a lot of cooking to do tomorrow. The plan is that we’ll have most of the food cooked on the barbeque. Salads are already done. And some bits and pieces to be picked up at the store. Already ordered.”
Lily nodded. “I know, but it does feel overwhelming.”
“It’ll be okay,” Parker said, in an attempt to reassure her. “The goal here is that everyone meets us all. Gets along.”
“And we cement our relationship statuses with them all. I don’t think we’re a traditional family. We’re a bit of a package deal, aren’t we?” Lily said.
“I suppose we are, by virtue of the friendships, the co-parenting, everything,” Parker agreed.
“One big happy family,” Scott said, grinning.
*****
Jacqui, John, and the girls were the first to arrive, and Jacqui went straight to the kitchen to help her sister and Parker, who were busily finalising some salads and dip platters. Lily looked overwhelmed, and Jacqui sent her to go out and get drinks.
Once she’d gone, Jacqui turned to Parker with a look of concern. “Lil okay?” she asked.
Parker nodded. “I think a little nervous. I’m not sure if it’s just about the numbers, or if it’s Megan’s parents or mine that are panicking her.”
“Probably a combination of all three. I hope it wasn’t a crazy idea to have all the family on the same night.”
“Gets it over and done with,” Parker said. The doorbell rang, so she answered it to Nathan’s family, who she knew really well—Christian and Margaret, Julie and Matthew, with Tyson. Tyson ran to the lounge room immediately to find Bodhi, and they started playing the games console, along with Jacqui’s kids. Jacqui went out to the driveway to greet her parents and bring them in to the house. Gathering Lily, they walked over to Parker. “These are our parents, Robin and Peter. Mum and Dad, this is Parker.”
Parker went to shake their hands, nervously, but Robin gave her a kiss and, watching on, Peter followed.
“Hello, love,” Robin said, “I’ve heard a lot about you, more so from Jacqui than Lily, I must say, but it’s lovely to finally meet you.”
Parker smiled and made small talk about the weather and the chaos of the house as the chatter began to get increasingly louder.
