Page 12 of State of Grace

“Hey, you’re family, kid.” Vera paused briefly before laughing. “Hey, how lucky are you? Come here looking for your mom and end up with two moms.”

The thought of being able to flip through family photos felt like a salve to Blake’s broken heart. She wanted so much to be able to recall all the memories from before her father took her but her memory was fuzzy. Hopefully the pictures would help her remember. Blake thought back to the pictures that lined Isla’s office wall at the bar and one in particular came to her mind. The one of the gorgeous woman she’d seen working at the bar that looked like she’d seen a ghost when Blake had walked in.

Before she could register what she was saying, Blake asked Vera, “who’s the blonde that works at the bar?” The question seemed to pique Vera’s interest if her raised eyebrow was any indication. “She was there the other night when I showed up.”

“It was probably Alexis or Emily. Was she taller or shorter?”

“Well, she was taller than the other woman there.”

“Alexis then.” She nodded firmly. Her eyes glimmered and something told Blake she shouldn’t have asked Vera about Alexis. “She’s pretty, yeah?”

“Um, yeah. Sure.” Blake could feel her cheeks blushing as she tried to hide the smile forming on her lips. Alexis had lived rent free in the back of her mind over the last two days. She’d been too focused on reuniting with Isla and getting to know Vera to overthink the gorgeous woman but thoughts of her beautiful face kept filling her mind.

It’d been years since anyone had piqued Blake’s interest quite like Alexis had. Even in the darkened bar, her beauty was undeniable. Piercing green eyes seemed to drill into Blake’s as they locked eyes from across the room. Looking back, Blake wished she’d asked her name but her mind was so singularly focused on Isla that nothing else mattered.

Until now.

Shaking her head to clear her thoughts, Blake was relieved to hear footsteps on the stairs as Isla entered the room. She silently prayed that Vera wouldn’t tell her she had asked about Alexis.

Isla stepped off the last step and into the kitchen wearing a Gore/Liberman t-shirt and sweatpants with the word ‘Nantucket’ down one leg. Her hair was a mess of curls, not dissimilar to the way Blake’s must look. She smiled at Blake. “Morning,” Isla nodded toward her as she walked toward Vera. “Good morning, baby.”

“Good morning, love.” Vera wrapped an arm around Isla’s waist and pulled her close as their lips met. It was a quick kiss, but the passion and love between them were still evident. “Coffee should be ready.”

“Great. Thank you.” Isla playfully patted Vera on the ass before taking a mug from the cabinet over the coffee pot. She looked over her shoulder at Blake, holding up the cup. “Blake, would you like some?”

“Yes, please. Thank you.” Blake walked over toward Isla and took the mug that she’d extended to her. Isla poured her a cup before pouring her own. Without words, she took the creamer out of the fridge and poured a decent amount into her mug before handing it to Blake, who did the same. They each stirred their coffee with a spoon Isla had taken from the drawer as Vera laughed behind them.

“What is that for?” Isla put a hand on her hip as she turned to face her wife.

“It’s like looking in a mirror.” Vera gestured toward them as Isla and Blake looked at each other. Not only were they essentially dressed the same, but they were also standing the same way with their left foot crossed over their right leg and their hand on their hip. Blake’s cheeks reddened as she quickly uncrossed her legs and shifted her weight nervously from one foot to the other. “Isla, you’re off today, right?”

“I am.”

“Good.” Vera transferred the eggs onto two plates and handed one to each of them. “Eat up while it’s hot. Bacon will be ready in a minute.”

“You’re the best, babe.” They sat at the counter side by side.

“So, I’ll take the kids out today so you two can have some time together.”

“Oh.” Isla nodded as she poked the eggs with her fork. There was hesitation in her voice that made Blake’s heart rate increase as she tried not to overthink it. “That will be good.”

“I think so.” Taking the bacon out of the pan, Vera put two pieces on each of their plates. Blake smiled her thanks. Everything smelled so wonderful that Blake’s stomach growled loudly. Vera made herself a dish and stood across the counter from them to eat. “So…don’t you think you two should discuss what you want to do today?”

“Um, we can.” Isla broke off a piece of her crispy bacon and popped it into her mouth. “We can go to Rock N Rolls for lunch; it’s a great little soup, salad, and sandwich shop.”

“Mmm,” Vera pointed a fork at them while she chewed, “took her there yesterday.”

“Ok, well, we can drive into Portland or go to one of the parks nearby. You know, we’re only a few hours away from Acadia if that’s something you’re interested in.”

“I’m not a big nature person outside of the occasional run.”

“Well, then.” Tapping her fingers on the counter, Isla looked to Vera as if begging for help. Blake hated that it felt like her mother was already out of ideas for what to do with her. If it were up to Blake, they’d grab a coffee somewhere and talk.

Wait. It is up to me.

“You know, I’d love to see more of the town if that’s ok with you.”

“Absolutely.” Nodding, Isla looked from Blake to Vera then back at Blake with a relieved smile on her face. “The kids will be up soon, and then we can get ready and wander the town. And maybe Mason would be free too, although I’m not sure what her schedule is this weekend. Maybe we can all meet up for dinner later? That will give Vera a night off from cooking.”

---