Page 88 of See You Next Month

Kelsey sighed. “She isn’t the only one.”

“Let’s call her,” Emma said.

Kelsey connected the call and chatted with Isabella for a moment before the girls took over the conversation. They switched to a video call so they could both talk to her. Then the boys decided to join in the fun. Kelsey got up and went to the kitchen and watched as Dana and Emma animatedly told Wyatt and Gus about all the things they were going to do when they were together on the summer vacation trip.

Kelsey opened a beer and knew she’d call Isabella back later after everyone was in bed. She could hear the boys’ excitement on the other end of the call from their gasps and laughter. They sounded like one big happy family.

Kelsey sighed. “Now who’s getting ahead of herself,” she mumbled, taking a sip of her beer.

“You seem especially excited for this upcoming trip,” Marti said as she watched Isabella pack.

“I am,” Isabella replied. “I took your advice, Mom.”

“Oh?”

“I’m doing something for me, something that makes me happy,” Isabella said with a smile.

“Would it have anything to do with Kelsey?” Marti asked.

Isabella smiled. “She does go with me on every one of these trips.”

Marti chuckled. “Yes, but there’s something different about you.”

“I know,” Isabella said. “I have feelings for her and she feels the same way.”

“I see,” Marti said with an amused smile. “I’m guessing these feelings are more than friendship.” She chuckled. “Because I wouldn’t want to assume anything since you dance with her every month just as you would your other friends.”

Isabella looked over at her mother and smirked. “Very funny.” She sat down on the bed next to her mom and sighed. “I have no idea what I’m doing. Kelsey is the most incredible person and at first I didn’t realize how attracted I was to her.”

“Because she’s a woman?”

“Maybe, but there’s something about her, Mom. When we’re together I feel so settled and safe and at the same time very…”

“Excited?” Marti asked with raised eyebrows.

Isabella chuckled. “Yeah, you could call it that.”

Marti laughed. “I may be old to you, but I know what it feels like to be hot for someone, Isabella Burns.”

Isabella laughed with her. “Yes ma’am.” She giggled. “I’m so hot for Kelsey.”

Marti giggled with her.

Isabella put her arm around Marti and hugged her. “I’m so glad I can talk to you like this. If I told any of my other friends I was falling for a woman they’d look at me like I’ve lost it.”

“If they’d look down at you because of that then they aren’t your friends,” Marti stated.

Isabella looked over at her and tilted her head. “You’re right. I think that’s why Kelsey and I became friends so quickly. We needed each other, in a way.”

Marti patted Isabella’s knee. “Okay. Here’s one more bit of advice. Don’t let anyone or anything scare you away from this because it’s different.”

“What do you mean scare me away?”

“Unfortunately some people will not be as happy about this as I am. They will try to make it hard for you,” Marti said.

Isabella nodded. “You’re happy for me?”

“I haven’t met Kelsey yet, but she has to be worth something to put this kind of smile on your face. My confident, vibrant daughter is re-emerging before my eyes and that makes me very happy. Don’t think the boys haven’t noticed because they have.”

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