Page 80 of No One Like You

Later that night, once Sophia was in bed, Tasha noticed a marked deterioration in Megan’s mood. She seemed withdrawn, and their usual playful banter and looks as they prepared themselves for bed was missing. Megan even kept her shirt on as she climbed into bed. Instead of getting in bed herself, Tasha sat down on the edge of the bed near Megan and said, “Is it something that you feel comfortable talking about?”

“What?”

“Whatever is bothering you.”

“There’s noth—it’s Brad. I haven’t seen him in what… three weeks? I’m really anxious about seeing him again tomorrow.”

“What about that is making you anxious?

“I don’t really know. Maybe because he was such an asshole the last time I saw him. Maybe I’m just worried that Sophia will see him and decide that she’d rather be with him.”

“She did choose you…”

And me.

“I know, it’s irrational and stupid.”

“It’s not. It’s human nature. Hey, I just want you to know that I’m here for you.”

“Thank you, Tasha. Can you hold me?”

“Of course, my love.” Tasha lay down and Megan cuddled in. They stayed like that for a long time, until they fell asleep.

Tasha woke up around midnight with a crick in her neck and a wet spot on her shirt. She tried to extricate herself from Megan’s grasp without waking her girlfriend but failed. “Sweetheart, I’m sorry. My neck hurts and I have to pee.”

“I’m sorry, too. Was I snoring?”

“Yes, like a small bear.”

Megan wiped at her mouth. “Oh no, was I drooling?”

“Um, yeah.” Tasha giggled, “I like it better when you drool over me and not on me.”

“You know, if your shirt is wet, you should probably take it off.” Megan waggled her eyebrows.

“You’re incorrigible,” Tasha said as she stripped off the damp garment. “Okay, I really gotta pee!”

Tasha noted that Megan’s shirt was on the floor when she exited the bathroom, but all that she could see was the purplish-red mop of Megan’s hair poking out from under the sheets. Tasha slid into bed and reached for her light.

“Ta-sha… If I told you that you have nice boobs, would you hold them against me?”

If I start that, then I know exactly how I’ll finish it, so I better not, at least tonight. Brad better have those papers signed, or I’m going to beat him.

“Goodnight, Megan.”

Megan’s anxiety seemed to have ebbed by the time they woke up. Early morning yoga and a good breakfast helped. Tasha got Sophia up a bit earlier than usual. “Sophia, today I’m going to teach you how I make chili. Do you know what makes chili so special?”

“No, Mama Tasha.”

“Because every chili is different. It’s one of the most personal dishes that someone can make.”

“Why is that?”

“Because every person is different. I like mine spicy with about an even mix of meat and beans. Some people make sweet chili. Some people make all-meat chili. Some people make vegan chili. As you grow up, you’ll try different chilis and find out what you like. Then you’ll start making your own. You will tinker and adjust until your chili suits you. As you grow older and change, your chili will change, too.”

“That’s awesome, Mama Tasha! Are all foods like that?”

“Many are, but some lend themselves to individual creativity better than others. Some foods should only be done a certain way.”

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