Page 61 of Rival Hearts

“It’s good to see you two,” Aunt Becky said to Riley and Jett. Jett and Riley weren’t at the last Sunday gathering because Jett wanted to rest before she was scheduled to go back to work and Riley had taken Lucinda’s shift. “But I trust I’ll see you two tomorrow at your mom’s house,” Aunt Becky said.

“Of course,” Jett said. “Last weekend was just an anomaly.”

“Good,” Aunt Becky said. “We were all worried about you.”

Jett laughed in disbelief. “You’ve all visited me multiple times a week while I was recovering.”

“Yes,” Aunt Becky said. “And we were still worried.”

Jett shook her head but smiled. She knew that she was lucky to have such a loving family, even if sometimes they were too loving. She wouldn’t trade it for the world.

“Well, we’ll definitely be there tomorrow,” Jett said.

“Though I’ll have to leave early,” Riley said. “Lucinda and I made an agreement for me to be there the first half of the day, go to the hospital, and let her go for the next half of the day.”

Becky nodded. “I know,” she said and gave Riley a teasing smile. “Or did you forget that Lucinda and I are married?” she asked before gesturing to her wife right next to her.

Riley blushed and uttered a quiet, “I’m sorry.”

Lucinda rolled her eyes and shook her head at Aunt Becky. “Be nice,” she said.

“I was only teasing,” she explained to Riley.

“Yes,” Lucinda said, “but not everyone is used to your teasing.”

“It’s okay,” Riley said. “I might as well get used to it if we are going to be spending more time together.”

Aunt Becky smiled and patted Riley on her shoulder. “There you go,” she said.

“Anyway,” Becky said, “how are you two doing? Still friends or what? Because I’m pretty sure I saw some hand-holding in between you two earlier.”

Riley blushed again, and Jett did a little bit, but she was also expecting this type of questioning and was happy to answer, even to Becky. “You’ll be pleased to know, we are officially together and Riley is moving in properly and in true lesbian form, we are getting a cat together tomorrow!”

Lucinda squealed with excitement and Becky laughed.

“A cat?” Lucinda cried out. “Photos, please, I need photos.”

Riley happily brought up her phone and Jett watched happily as she pulled up photos of Romeo to show Becky and Lucinda who were the definition of mad cat ladies.

“So, as you can see, poor Romeo has been through a few surgeries to save his back legs and tail, but he is doing well now and should recover well.” Riley looked like the handsome doctor Jett had fallen in love with as she explained all about Romeo’s medical needs.

“Oh, Romeo! What a handsome sweetheart! Little love! I can’t wait to meet him!” Lucinda gushed.

“I also can’t wait to meet the handsome little guy,” Aunt Becky said. “And also I’m super happy to see you two U-Hauling and getting a cat. You are perfect for each other. Welcome to the Thompson family, Riley!”

Jett definitely blushed a lot more at that, and Riley was beginning to resemble a tomato while Lucinda clicked her tongue and gently pushed Aunt Becky’s shoulder.

“Be nice,” Lucinda said. “Some people just need to take their time in figuring things out.”

“Well they were taking too much of theirs,” Becky said.

Jett didn’t know how to react or respond so she let out a short laugh. Besides, Aunt Becky was kind of right. They had definitely taken too long to admit that they wanted to be together.

“Well regardless, I’m happy for you two,” Aunt Becky said, and she gave Jett a quick hug.

“I have a favor to ask you,” Josephine said. “I’m sorry that it’s last minute, but would you two mind taking Natalie tonight after this and bring her to your mom’s house tomorrow?”

Jett was surprised at the sudden request, but she wasn’t upset by it. In fact, she was happy. It had been a while since she had gotten to take on her role as the cool aunt and she loved hanging out with Natalie. But she did have to ask Riley.

---