Page 99 of Catch and Cradle

We just stare for a few moments, not saying anything as the tears dry and we slowly start to remember that not only are we girlfriends, but we’re also girlfriends who are currently almost naked in bed together.

“So...” I say as I twist a strand of that gorgeous red hair around my finger. “Do I get any special girlfriend privileges now?”

Becca grins. It’s that one grin of hers that always tells me I’m about to get it in the best way possible.

“Several,” she answers. “Let me show you a few.”

She tackles me and pushes me onto my back again before pinning my wrists above my head. My chest heaves, and hers does the same above me as her fingers close even tighter around my wrists.

“You ready?” she asks.

I nod.

I am so ready for all of this.

23

Becca

“See you later, Tina!”

I wave to my boss as I head past her desk on my way out of work. I’ve been at my new job for about a month now. Working as an admin assistant in the city’s recreation department hasn’t exactly been thrilling, but it’s been easy to fit around my school schedule, and they’ve promised me a full time job as an assistant coach for a youth intramurals league in the summer.

Coach Jamal came through with his connections.

“Any plans for the afternoon?” Tina asks, looking up from her ancient desktop computer screen and tucking her silver bob behind her ears.

I can’t help smiling like an idiot. “I’m heading over to pick up my girlfriend from the airport right now actually. She’s coming back from winter break.”

I already came out to Tina when Hope stopped by to see the office one day. She smiles and nods. “Oh fun! Well, I hope she’s had a good flight.”

I thank her and head for the door. I knew I’d be cutting things close with my shift today, so I decide to splurge on an Uber instead of taking the bus. My ride takes me through the hilly streets of downtown Halifax and then out to the small airport. It’s a typical coastal, overcast day in late December, but even the dull grey gloom looks like warm, glowing sunshine to me.

I haven’t seen Hope since she left for Christmas. I went back to Alberta but flew into Halifax a couple days ago so I wouldn’t miss too much work. This is the longest we’ve gone without seeing each other since we started dating.

Which isn’t saying much, considering we’ve only been dating since November, but it doesn’t stop me from bouncing my knees in the Uber like an overexcited child.

I get dropped off at the arrivals area and head inside to wait. The Uber bought me more time than I thought, so after checking Hope’s flight status on the board, I find a bench to sit down and wait. After a few more minutes of knee bouncing and people watching, I pull out my phone to distract me. I have a few texts from Kala about a dinner at her place we have planned for later this week.

Somehow, me dating Hope has made my friendship with Kala even stronger. Whatever lingering tension and guilt I had left is gone now that it’s clear I really can have a girlfriend without messing things up for us.

Kala’s been making a lot of changes in her life too. She came out to her parents a few weeks ago, and while their reaction wasn’t exactly a dream come true, they’re all finding their way through things. I’ve made sure to be there every step of the way and to let her know she’ll always have me.

We’re family too.

I answer her texts and then get lost in the void of Instagram until a message from Hope pops up on my screen.

Just landed! See you soon.

It’s followed by a string of alternating peach and heart-eye emojis. I grin down at my phone. She’s such a dork.

By the time she finally walks through the doors, I’ve been pacing up and down in front of them for so long people have started giving me weird looks. I freeze as soon as I see her. I don’t know when she’s going to stop having that effect on me.

Hopefully never.

Her teal-tipped hair is loose over her shoulders, and her winter coat is hanging open over a UNS t-shirt. She’s carting a carry-on size suitcase behind her, and her free hand is clutching a small bouquet of pink tulips.

“MY GIRLFRIEND!” she shouts when she spots me, her voice echoing through the room.