Page 60 of A Little Light

“Plans?” Rachel asked, knowing she wouldn’t be fortunate enough to spend any of Christmas with Andi. “Do you visit family?”

“I don’t. Well, I haven’t done for a long time. My sister and her husband leave tomorrow for a cabin in Scotland. He’s Scottish, and it’s something they’ve always done. They don’t come back until after the new year. The boys join them when they can, but it depends on what’s what with university and stuff.”

“So, where are you going?” Rachel frowned.

“At the moment, not over the doorstep. Sally has invited me over to hers, but I always feel a little bit out of place. It wasn’t so bad when Jane was alive, but I chose not to go last year because I didn’t want to feel like a spare part, and I don’t really plan to go this year, either. It’s lovely that they offer to have me there, but Christmas is still a little bit of a funny time of year for me. I think it’s all the family gatherings and things. That’s when the last couple of years really hit the hardest for me.”

“Andi, can I ask you something? You can say no, of course, but I wanted to ask anyway.”

Andi reached out a hand and placed it on Rachel’s knee. “You know you can ask me anything.”

“Would you…like to spend Christmas together?”

The smallest smile threatened on Andi’s lips, but there was a hesitancy in her eyes.

“You don’t have to. I’m sure I’m the last person you want to see on a day like that, but if you’d consider it, I’d really appreciate that.”

“Rachel, I’d love to spend Christmas with you. I couldn’t think of anything better.”

“R-really?” Okay, Rachel hadn’t expected that. She thought Andi would promise to think about it, but for her to come right out with a yes and to be so enthusiastic? Wow.

“Absolutely. We can sort out the details nearer the time, but yes. Count me in.”

Rachel lowered her eyes, smiling as she stared down at her hot chocolate. “I can’t believe you said yes.”

“Did you…hope I wouldn’t?”

“God, no. I was praying you would say yes. I just didn’t expect you to want to actually spend Christmas with me.” Rachel usually spent it with Kelly and a few friends, eating a Chinese banquet. But this year? Oh, this year was about to become the best Christmas she’d had since she was a child.

“Don’t you spend it with family?”

“No. I have a very…difficult relationship with my parents. We talk on occasion, but I couldn’t tell you the last time I was invited over for Christmas.”

Andi cocked her head, sympathy in her eyes. “The escort thing?”

“You’d think so. But no. The lesbian thing.”

“I’m sorry. I was fortunate to have understanding parents. Neither of them are here anymore, but I think they would have really liked you.” Andi sipped from her cup, leaving Rachel mesmerised as she poked out her tongue and licked the chocolate residue from her lips. “And I’m very grateful that you’re a lesbian. Obviously.”

Rachel burst out laughing, shocking the people at the next table. She leaned in and held Andi’s chin in her hand. “I wonder why.”

“I’m not quite sure. I guess I’ll have to keep seeing you so I can figure it out.”

Mm. That was a great plan. Rachel would love to see Andi every day if she was able to. “I think we should finish up here, get our bits and pieces, and head back to either my place or yours.”

Andi closed her eyes when Rachel stroked a thumb against her cheek. “I think you have some of the best ideas.”

* * *

"So,” Sally said as she rounded the back of Andi’s couch and made herself comfortable. “You’ve been to the markets with Rachel?”

“Yes. We needed a few last-minute gifts, and she wasn’t working, so we decided to spend some time together.”

“And…how is spending time together going?” Sally crossed her legs and sipped her wine, her eyes narrowed. Andi knew she was waiting to be given all the information, but she wasn’t the type of woman who laid out the specifics. Not now and not when she was younger. “Have you spent the night together yet?”

“We have.” Andi offered a simple nod, nursing her own glass of wine. “Rachel has been wonderful, Sal. She really has. She’s so attentive and careful about how she approaches things, you know?”

“That’s sweet. I know you’re ready, but I do appreciate her respect for your marriage.”

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