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“It’s true,” Gael said, turning to Bella and saying in an exaggerated stage whisper, “I like her like her.”
“You two are to confine all activity to the guest room,” Michelle scolded. “I put out clean sheets and towels in the guest bath.”
“You will never know,” Gael teased. “Laundry room? Carport? Butcher’s block?”
“Shut up,” Michelle countered.
“Momma, you’re not a’sposed to say shut up,” Bella corrected.
“Sorry, sweetie. Momma’s just joking with Tia.”
The three women unnecessarily ran through the details one last time. Bella belonged to her Tia as much as to her parents. And Gael had contingency plans for any events, up to and including a zombie apocalypse.
“Enjoy your B & B,” Gael said, smirking. “Lots to do in the Berkshires, if you manage to get out of your room.”
Bella hugged her mothers more than dutifully, but without tears. She was excited for her weekend with her Tia.
When the sound of her parents’ car had receded, Gael said, “OK dinner’s in an hour. I can either make Worm & Frog Casserole or we can order a pizza.”
Bella deliberated solemnly while arranging the ducks into battle formation, then said, “Pizza, please.”
With much splashing and laughing, Bella retained her title of Empress of Duckland. The victory meant she got to position all 24 ducks as she liked in her bedroom. Everyone knows that duckies in large quantities are a solid defense against bad dreams. Alex joined them after dinner, which meant that Bella got twice the bedtime stories and twice the goodnight kisses.
By 9:00, Gael was on the couch, curled into Alex’s shoulder.
“Thanks for taking the night off,” Gael said. “I know Friday’s a good tip night.”
“Bella’s great,” said Alex. “I mean, I’m glad it’s a temporary gig. I couldn’t do this 24-7.”
“I know,” laughed Gael. “When she’s a teenager, I’m hoping I can be a refuge for her rather than one more adult messing up her life.”
“Are Mari & ‘Chelle planning to tell her about, you know, about you before?”
“We’ve talked about it. It depends on what Bella needs as she gets older. I’m cool with things as they are. Right now, I’d rather not complicate her relationship with the coolest aunt ever. But we’ll see. We agreed that I’d pick up a quarter of her college costs, if she decides to go.”
“What?” gasped Alex in mock alarm. “She’s already five years old! You haven’t already filled out the applications?”
“I’m not that bad,” Gael said. “Wait, I’m not that bad, am I?”
“You’re perfect,” said Alex, leaning down for a quick kiss.
“Speaking of money,” said Gael, “I wanted to talk to you about something. Promise you’ll think about it before you answer?”
Alex nodded.
“I’ve been thinking that you could move faster on your five-year plan if you moved in with me. My house is big enough for us both, and renting is just throwing money away.”
“You’re not afraid of being a lesbian cliche? Moving in together after five weeks?”
“I’m trans; I spit in the face of stereotypes,” said Gael. “We could split everything but the mortgage. That way, you’re saving money every month. I’m saving on utilities and groceries. Plus, I get to wake up next to you every morning. Everybody wins.”
Alex sat thinking. “That’s a big step,” she said, “but I can’t argue about the finances. Thanks for offering. Let me think about it?”
“Of course. Want some tea?” Gael stood and headed into the kitchen. She stopped in the doorway and, looking back over her shoulder, asked, “Should I make a chores chart now or wait ’til you make up your mind?”
After Mateo, Christy began to describe her week. The twins had picked up a stomach bug at school. “Two exits, no waiting,” was how she described the violent intestinal distress.
“Of course, I caught it next. The boys thought the sight of me rushing into the bathroom was hysterical. At one point they were standing outside the bathroom door, giggling.
