Page 46 of Staging Love
"I bet it did," Camilla said, smiling warmly at Jade.
As Sheriff Dan and Jade made small talk, Doris returned with coffee. "On the house," she said. "Consider it a welcome home treat."
For the next hour, their conversation was punctuated by a steady stream of visitors to their table. It seemed everyone in town wanted to say hello to Jade and meet the woman who had captured her heart. There was Mr. Chen from the hardware store, Ms. Perez, Jade's high school Spanish teacher, and Mr. Abernathy, her high school principal.
Once they were finally alone again, Camilla leaned back in her seat, shaking her head in amazement. "Wow,Jade. It's incredible how everyone remembers you. They all seem so genuinely happy to see you."
Jade shrugged. "I’m happy to see them too. That's just how it is in small towns like this. Everyone knows everyone. It's not really about me specifically."
"Still," Camilla insisted, "it's special. I can't relate to this at all. I've lived in LA my whole life, and I never casually bump into people I know, let alone have them remember details about my life from years ago."
"I get that,” Jade said, stirring her second coffee. “It's definitely different here. But you know, it has its downsides too."
“Like what? Don’t you miss living here?"
Glancing around to make sure no one was within earshot, Jade leaned in and lowered her voice. "Honestly? I prefer LA. Don't get me wrong, Oakville will always be home in some ways, but..." She paused, choosing her words carefully. "It's nice when not everyone is up in your business all the time. It can be suffocating."
Camilla nodded. "I can see how that might be challenging."
"Don't get me wrong," Jade added quickly, "it's nice to visit. In small doses. But I love the anonymity of the city. The freedom to be whoever I want to be without the weight of everyone's expectations. Being gay in a small town… it wasn’t easy growing up."
“Were you bullied?” Camilla asked.
“For a while.” Jade paused, her eyes distant as she recalled those difficult times. “And then there were the stares, the way some kids suddenly stopped talking when I entered a room… It all took its toll. Mr. Abernathy, the principal who stopped by earlier? He wasn't exactly supportive when I first came out. He's changed his views since then, but back then, his silence spoke volumes.”
"I'm so sorry you had to go through that," Camilla said softly. "It must have taken incredible strength to stay true to yourself in that environment."
"It wasn't always easy, but I had some amazing supporters too. My parents, Sheriff Dan, even Doris here at the diner. They helped me believe in myself." She paused, her eyes meeting Camilla's. "And now I have you. Sometimes I still can't believe how lucky I am."
“I’m the lucky one.” Camilla rubbed her foot against Jade’s underneath the table. “And I’m not going anywhere.”
Jade smiled, then checked her watch. "We should probably get going if you want a tour of the town before heading to the airport," she said. As they stood to leave, Doris rushed over with a paper bag.
"I packed you some of my famous apple pie for the road," she said, pressing the bag into Jade's hands. "And Camilla, it was wonderful to meet you. You take good care of our girl, you hear?"
Camilla thanked her, touched by the warmth of this community that had shaped Jade. This trip had given her more than just a glimpse into Jade's past; it had shown her a possible future - one filled with love, acceptance, and the kind of connections that transcended time and distance. Hand in hand, they set off down Main Street, ready to explore the rest of Oakville and whatever lay beyond.
Chapter Thirty-Four
"Please, sit down and make yourselves comfortable," Uncle Robert said, gesturing to the plush leather couch in the living room.
Camilla and Jade settled onto the sofa, their hands instinctively finding each other. Camilla glanced around the familiar space, a wave of nostalgia washing over her. It felt strange to be back here, in the place where she had spent those raw, grief-filled weeks following her father's death. The memories were bittersweet - of long talks with Uncle Robert on the patio, of Aunt Lara's gentle insistence that she eat, of nights spent staring at the ceiling, trying to make sense of a world without her father in it.
But now, with Jade beside her, the house felt different. Warmer somehow, as if the happiness she had found was casting everything in a new light.
The mid-century modern home was a masterpiece of clean lines and open spaces. Floor-to-ceiling windows offered unobstructed views of the meticulously landscaped garden and the shimmering pool beyond. Vintage designerfurniture in muted tones complemented the warm wood accents, creating an atmosphere of understated elegance.
"Your home is absolutely beautiful," Jade said, her eyes wide as she took in the surroundings.
Uncle Robert beamed with pride. "Thank you, Jade. We love it here. I'm looking forward to my retirement when Lara and I can enjoy it even more together. I've already cut down to three days a week at the office. Unlike some, I'm not one of those people who dreads retirement. On the contrary, I can't wait to spend more time with my wonderful wife and improve my golf game."
Aunt Lara appeared from the kitchen, carrying a tray with glasses and a bottle of wine. "It's so nice that you wanted to come over," she said, setting the tray on the coffee table. "Our housekeeper made a delicious casserole this afternoon. I hope you're hungry." As she poured the wine, she asked, "So, how have you two been?"
Camilla accepted a glass, took a small sip to steady her nerves, and replied, "We've been well. We just got back from Ohio, actually. We spent a few days with Jade's parents."
"Oh, how lovely!" Aunt Lara exclaimed.
"And we spent New Year’s Eve together," Camilla said, smiling at the memory. "We celebrated in LA, at this charming little bar Jade knows." She paused, her smile fading slightly. "Actually, there's something I wanted to talk to you both about. That's... that's why we came."
