Page 32 of Rival Hearts

Dr. Everett rolled her eyes and shot her a quick glare. “Right,” she said, unconvinced, “you just spend all of your off time together, flirt with each other in public and sleep together. But sure, you’re not together.”

Lucinda Everett wasn’t born yesterday.

Riley’s head was racing. She didn’t flirt with Jett in public, or at least she didn’t think she did. But maybe all of the looks and smiles were more noticeable than she had thought.

“I don’t think people who aren’t together stay for the seven-hour labor of someone’s niece,” Dr. Everett said, “which is exactly what Becky told me happened. She even said you stayed to wait for Jett after everyone else left. But whatever, if you want to say that you’re not together, fine, but you’re still coming to my house Sunday. You can pretend you aren’t together if you like!”

Riley looked at Dr. Everett, wide-eyed. She didn’t know what to do or say. She supposed the only thing really to do was to agree with her in order to avoid further argument, but she didn’t know how Jett felt about all of that.

“Okay,” Riley said, “but I’ll only go if Jett asks me, I don’t want to overstep.” She had no clue if that would or would not happen, but at least she wouldn’t show up at a family gathering where the woman she was most likely falling in love with didn’t want her there.

“Oh, she will,” Dr. Everett said with full confidence, and Riley just nodded, a little stunned at the invitation, before Dr. Everett started talking about her cats and getting photos up on her phone.

That’s lesbians for you, Riley thought to herself.

Riley let her talk about her beloved cats, Mr Sweetie Pants and Mr Toodle Rabbit, giving nods and hums where it was appropriate, but her mind was reeling. She was invited to a family gathering. She hadn’t participated in any family events since she was a kid, and even then no matter how much her foster families tried to make her feel welcome, they were always just temporary families, and she always felt out of place.

She didn’t know how she felt about going to Dr. Everett and her wife’s house, but she decided she would worry about that later. After all, it was only Tuesday, and she had until Sunday before the event, if Jett even invited her.

* * *

Because of their shifts, the next time Riley saw Jett was on Thursday. The two decided to meet at the bar after work for a couple of drinks, and when Jett texted Riley, she also said she had something she wanted to talk about.

Riley was nervous about that. She didn’t know what Jett wanted to talk about, but in her previous relationships and flings, wanting to talk usually meant something bad, or a breakup.

When Riley got to the bar, just like last time, Jett was already there, so Riley joined her at her table.

Jett looked beautiful, her short dark hair slicked back, she was wearing tight jeans and a casual shirt in a beautiful shade of blue with buttons undone that revealed a hint of her breasts that Riley couldn’t stop her gaze going to.

Jett had on some mascara and it made her eyes even more magnetic.

“Hey,” Riley said, sitting down.

Jett smiled at her; it was a happy smile, not a strained one, which settled Riley’s nerves slightly.

“You look beautiful,” Riley said and she watched as Jett blushed.

“Thanks,” Jett said, pushing over a glass. “I already bought you a drink. It’s a vodka cranberry like last time, but if you don’t like it, or want something else, let me know and I’ll get it for you.”

Riley smiled. Okay, Jett definitely seemed nervous, and Riley really didn’t want to beat around the bush and make either of them wait any longer for whatever was on Jett’s mind.

“So,” Riley started, “what did you want to talk to me about?”

Jett smiled, but this time it was slightly strained, and Riley’s belly fluttered with nerves.

“So, my family has a lunch and supper every Sunday, and my Aunt Becky was wondering if you would like to join us this week,” Jett said.

Oh, it was that. Riley felt silly for being so nervous, but when she thought about Jett’s words, she realized that Jett didn’t say anything about her wanting her there.

“Do you want me to come?” Riley asked. “Or is it just your aunt?”

Jett looked taken aback. “I mean, I would love it if you came,” she said, “but only if you want to.”

“Well,” Riley said, “Dr. Everett already asked me to come and I said I would if you invited me, so I kind of have to.”

Jett laughed. “Well, as persuasive as Lucinda can be, you really don’t have to if you don’t want.”

“No, it’s fine,” Riley said. “If you’ll have me, I’d love to come.”

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