# Chapter 15

Cory put her hand into the rucksack and grabbed the phone but she was a second too late and the ringing ceased. She checked the caller ID and let out a short giggle. “Fantastic timing as usual mother!” She shot a look at JJ and noticed the American was looking at her feet, she put her hand out and touched JJ’s arm. “Hey you okay?” She got a nod in return and a forced smile. “JJ I hate to do this at this specific moment but I need to check what she wants, she never calls the mobile it costs too much money so there must be a problem at home.”

“Hey make the call it’s important.” JJ stretched her arms above her head, her body was tight with tension and she needed to release some of it. She thought about going for a short walk but she wanted to be near Cory should the news be bad.

Cory tentatively redialed her mum’s number and waited for her mum to pick up. After a couple of rings her call was answered, “Mum it’s Cory you just called anything wrong?”

“Well your grandfather isn’t feeling too well and the doctor just finished his visit. He wasn’t too optimistic and he said we should prepare ourselves, I thought you might want to come and spend some time with him while he’s still got the energy. You’re on holiday this week aren’t you?”

Cory swallowed, a huge lump was in her throat, she took the phone away from her ear and cleared her throat, and taking a deep breath she summoned up all her strength to hold back the tears. “Yeah I’m on holiday, I’m actually at the castle at the moment I have a friend staying. I was going to pop in after this. What did the doctor actually say mum, word for word you do have a tendency to over exaggerate!” She hadn’t meant to be so harsh but when it came to her mum and tragedy she had a habit of bringing doom and gloom to those around her.

“Cory the change in your granddad over the past few days has been dramatic, his colour has changed, he’s very jaundice and his breathing is labored. The doctor says the cancer has spread to his lungs and liver. They want to take him into the hospice but he refuses to go. They’ve put him on heavier doses of morphine and he said that a week, maybe two at the most. I wanted you to come over but I need to prepare you for the change. He’s been asking for you.” Her mum sounded very tired and Cory felt a pang of guilt.

“I’m sorry mum, we’ll be there in half an hour. Do you want me to get any groceries?"

As Cory sat and listened to her mum, JJ looked at the younger girl’s face. The happy features that usually adorned the face were gone, in their place was a frown and a look of worry and hurt. She placed her arm around her friend and rubbed the shoulders. This gained her a small smile and she continued the light massage. She knew from her emails how much Cory loved her grandfather. She knew he had stomach cancer but she’d thought he was doing okay, but the look on Cory’s face was not happy and that could only mean bad news.

Cory said her goodbyes to her mum and turned to JJ. “I’m sorry I’ve got to go over to mum’s. Do you want to stay and look round or come with me?”

“Silly question Cory I’m coming with you; I take it the news wasn’t good?” She moved closer and put her arm fully round Cory and leaned her head on Cory’s. “It’s okay to cry honey, it really is. It’s better to let it out now than later.” She felt the body beside hers stiffen and Cory sat up straight, she moved slightly away from JJ and that hurt JJ but she tried not to show it.

“He’s not doing well, the doctor says it’s not going to be long now. He’s done so well, in September when they diagnosed it they said he only had a month or two and he has made it this far. He hasn’t suffered much and has only been really poorly since the beginning of the weekend. I need to go over, mum sounds distraught and I think she needs a break. He refuses to go to the hospice.”

They got up off the bench and silently gathered their belongs, each had retreated to their own thoughts. They walked slowly across the bridge and as they walked up the path towards the exit JJ grabbed hold of Cory’s hand. This seemed to break Cory out of her trance like state; she looked up into the tall woman’s eyes. “Cory I know this is hard for you I just wanted you to know I’m here for you, don’t worry about me this week, you need to spend as much time as you can with your grandfather and I came here to see you and be with you. What I’m trying to say Cory is I’m here for you if you need a shoulder to cry on, a friendly hug or an ear to listen. I understand the pain and if I can I’d like to help anyway I can.”

Cory had no words to reply, she stood on tiptoe and kissed JJ gently on the cheek and linked their fingers. The journey back to the car was made in silence, neither wanting to interrupt the others thoughts, as they got into the car JJ smiled at Cory and was pleased to see her friend’s green eyes had brightened up a little.

They arrived at the house about 30 minutes after the phone call, the trip would have usually taken 5 minutes but Cory had stopped off at the local supermarket to get her mum some perishable items such as bread, milk and cheese and some milkshake mix and soft fruit.

JJ followed Cory up the tiny drive and in through the back gate, there she was greeted by a woman of similar height to Cory but much stockier in size. The lady smiled and she saw so much of Cory’s facial features, besides the faint lines of age on her face and red hair the two of them could have passed for sisters.

“Hi mum, this is my friend JJ. She’s visiting from America. JJ this is my mum.” Cory pointed to each woman in turn and then moved aside.

“Hello Mrs. Williams, Cory’s told me so much about you.” She held out her hand and the shorter woman took it.

“Well if my daughter’s told you things I should be worried.” She smiled and patted her daughter on the back. “Cup of tea?” She moved towards the kettle on the side.

“Yes please but I think JJ might prefer some coffee or pop, I haven’t managed to convert her into a tea drinker yet, but there’s still time. What do you want pop or a hot drink?”

“Would pop be soda?” Cory nodded a grin on her face; “Oh I’d love a Pepsi if you have one. I’m kind of addicted to the stuff.”

“I think there’s a bottle in the shed in the passageway, Cory. Go outside and check for me.” Cory’s mum asked.

Cory’s lived in an old post world war II house where the enclosed passageway down the side of the house still had the old coal shed, which was now a kind of larder and next to it an outside toilet. Cory went to have a look around in there, behind the bottles of wine she found a litre bottle of Pepsi, they usually had some in stock as Sam only drank that brand of cola. She carried it back inside and poured JJ a glass.

“Is granddad awake?” she asked.

“He’s sitting in the lounge, he’s perked up since I told him you were coming.” Her mum said as she put some chocolate digestives on a plate in front of JJ.

“You go in Cory I’m going to get the scoop from your mother about what kind of teenager and child you were!” JJ grinned and wiggled her eyebrows at Cory; she wanted to give Cory a chance to be alone with her grandfather for a few minutes.

Cory nodded and then turned to her mum, “Behave and no baby photos under any circumstances!” She walked towards the lounge door and pushed it open, “Hey there, I see you’ve got your feet up! No rest for the wicked huh?” She liked winding her granddad up, it always got a twinkle in his eye. He looked pitifully thin and his skin had a yellow tint to it. His blue eyes twinkled at her and a huge smile lit up his face.

“I see they’ve let you out of that madhouse then? You never seem to work, not another holiday!” he winked at her.

She leant down and kissed him on the cheek. “I’ll have you know they reward us hard workers with time off. It’s half term I was doing the castle tour with a friend.”

“You practically live at that castle, once you’ve seen it what else is there to see?” her granddad smiled he loved these teasing conversations with his favourite granddaughter and she bit every time.

“You heathen it’s British ancestry at it’s greatest.” She looked at him and knew she’d fallen for one of his wind-ups.

“Where’s your mum?”

“She’s making a cup of tea and talking to my friend.” Cory examined her granddad closely, his chest seemed to rise and fall heavily, and a rasping could be heard, he’d always had a poor chest suffering badly from asthma but this seemed much more pronounced. He wore sweat bottoms and a vest, which showed the bones of his chest, his cheeks were sunken.

“Friend? Anyone I know?”

“No she’s American, she’s over for a week, and she’s come to see The Kingdom.” Cory smiled and waited for the third degree.

“A Yank. How’d you meet her, through that computer thing you’re always playing on?”

Cory grinned, “Yep through the Internet and she’s a bone fide Yank. You can tell her all about your trips to Las Vegas I’m sure she’s been there.” As if on cue JJ walked into the lounge with mugs of hot tea and biscuits on a tray.

“My you’re a big girl aren’t you?” JJ smiled at the old man’s comment and put the tray on the coffee table.

“Yes sir, parent’s feed me well. Hi I’m JJ.” She held out her hand and was surprised to feel the strength of the old man’s grip.

“I’m Fred. JJ what bloody name’s that for a girl, your parents weren’t much for words then?”

“Granddad don’t be so rude!” Cory nudged him gently, “be nice or no whiskey!”

“Cory he’s on medication he can’t have any!” Cory’s mum shot a warning glance over to her daughter.

“I’m 80 years old, I can drink what I want and what’s it going to do kill me!” The old man laughed at his own joke.

“You’re a sick old codger!” Cory laughed but inside her stomach was churning. She’d always thought her granddad was strong enough to survive anything but looking at him now she knew he’d met his match.

“Where’s Sam? Out working or playing golf?” Fred asked as he repositioned himself on the chair.

“Doing both I think. He tends to mix business with pleasure, takes some clients around the golf course. He’s got a busy schedule this week; he’s away tomorrow night and possibly Wednesday too. I’d have come over to stay with Holly otherwise rather than stay in the house on my own but JJ’ll keep me safe. No one would want to fight her.”

They spent about an hour sitting in the lounge. JJ had managed to charm Fred with stories of America and playing ice hockey and they’d traded stories of places they’d visited. He’d soon tired and they’d sneaked out of the lounge as his snores had filled the room.

“What do you think?” Cory’s mum asked as they stood in the kitchen.

“I think the doctor was right mum. I just hope when it happens he doesn’t suffer and he knows how much he’s loved. Is he going to the hospice?”

Her mum shook her head, “He’s made me promise not to send him. He wants to be with family, I want him here and he’d give up if we sent him there. The nurses visit everyday and he has his medicine.”

Cory nodded and put her arm round her mum, “I’ll be over every day okay. If you need anything you phone. I’ll come and spend about an hour a day with him and then JJ and I will go out and tour around, then we’ll come back and relieve you.”

“Are you sure? I appreciate the offer but JJ’s on holiday she doesn’t need this. I’d ask your sister and brother but both are needed at work.” A tear began to make its way down the older lady’s face.

“Mrs. Williams I wouldn’t feel comfortable taking Cory away from her grandfather now and I did come over mainly to meet and get to know Cory. I can do that here. I think Fred’s worked his charm on me too as I’d love to spend time getting to know him better and he means the world to Cory.” JJ put her arm on Cory’s mum’s arm and squeezed it reassuringly.

“Bless you. I bet there’s some wonderful man missing his girlfriend in America. I can see why Cory likes you a lot you have a good heart.” Cory’s mum leaned up and kissed JJ on the cheek and walked the two women to the door.

At the door she enveloped her daughter into a hug and whispered something in her ear, Cory gave her mum a kiss on the cheek and the two women headed for the car, the light outside was dimming a chilly night was settling in.

The drive back home was a somber affair. Cory had a million thoughts on her mind and she retreated inside herself, JJ didn’t know what to say, it was the first awkward moment between them.

When they arrived back at the house Cory’s mood had darkened, her emotions were swirling round her body and she didn’t know how to handle the news or what she could do to help her mum or granddad. She unlocked the front door and deposited her bag on the small sofa near the window, as she turned she noticed the flashing light on the answer machine. She pressed the play button, it was a message from Sam to say he was on his way home and would they like to go out for a meal. She looked behind her to JJ who was hovering awkwardly by the doorway.

“I should phone him and tell him the news but he’s nearly home, it’s better I tell him to his face he loves that old man as if he were his own granddad. Do you want to go out tonight? You heard Sam he wants to take us to the local Chinese.”

JJ shrugged her shoulders, she desperately wanted to take Cory into her arms but she wasn’t entirely sure her move would be welcome. Cory took her fleece off and placed it on the stair banister. JJ did the same and they walked into the kitchen where Holly greeted them with her usual enthusiasm. Cory fussed over the dog and hugged her to her.

She looked up at JJ, “She’s named after my Nan.” JJ looked at her blankly. “Holly, she’s named after my Nan, granddad and Nan were married for 50 years, we got Holly the weekend that Nan died, my mum wanted her named after her. Granddad has never been able to bring himself to call her Holly so he calls her Tiger instead.” She continued to stroke Holly. An errant tear rolled slowly down Cory’s cheek and JJ leant down and wiped it away with her thumb, tenderly stroking Cory’s cheek and her eyes relayed a message her voice couldn’t. Cory nodded and leaned into the fingers stroking her cheek. The sound of the front door opening alerted the women that they were no longer alone. JJ straightened and went over to sit on the stool behind the breakfast bar and Cory walked over to where the kettle was situated.

Sam walked into the kitchen, he nodded briefly at JJ and stroked Holly as he went by, sensing an atmosphere in the house; he turned to Cory and jokingly said, “You two look grim who died?”

On hearing those words the mug Cory was holding dropped to the floor and she ran out of the room. Sam shocked at her actions stared at JJ for answers. “What’d I say?” Realization dawned on his face as he muttered the words, “Shit, not Fred? No she would have called me.” He looked devastated and for the first time JJ felt herself feeling sympathy for Sam. She locked eyes with him.

“No but the news isn’t good. She wanted to tell you face to face. The doctors haven’t given him long, a few days maybe a week. She’s not taking it well, we went round to visit earlier, and we only just got back.” She got up, crouched by Sam and began to pick up the broken mug.

“How’s Fred doing? How’s Cory? I’d better go up and see her, apologise for my stupid comment, I didn’t think. I should have been more sensitive.” Lost for words and feeling awkward in front of this intimidating woman he found himself floundering for conversation, he felt embarrassed that he’d caused Cory to run away and the woman’s icy blue stare burnt into his face.

JJ rose up, her features softening when she realised Sam was struggling to keep his demeanour, she deposited the bits of china on the side, “I know I don’t know her as well as you do,” as she spoke the words she knew it was a lie, she knew Cory inside and out but now wasn’t the time to make waves, “ but I think she needs a few moments, she hasn’t said much since we saw him she’s closed herself up. As for Fred, he seemed perky, he seemed to tire easily, but even to me, and I don’t know him at all, he looked ill, he looks nothing like the man in your wedding pictures.”

Sam went to the mug tree and took off two more mugs, “I’ll make her a drink and take it up. I know how she shuts herself off from the world when she’s hurting, she did it when her Nan died and she’s been building walls around herself for ages now. I’ve tried to get her to talk; she doesn’t seem to want to. At least she has you here with her this week; I have to go away for the next two days. I can’t cancel it unless in a dire emergency, the business deal needs closing. You’ll keep your eye on her for me won’t you?”

“Of course I will that’s what I’m here for. I’ll keep a very close eye on her.” If the situation were anything other than this JJ would have laughed out loud at the irony of the situation.

“Thanks JJ, I’ll just take this up to her.”

Cory was lying on their bed, her face buried in the wet pillow where many tears had fallen and many more were following. Her heart ached and she couldn’t stem the tears. She knew Sam hadn’t meant anything by the comment, just bad timing on his part but the comment had hit home hard and she’d run. Run away from life and from her anchor in it all, JJ. Her mind went over the day’s events, earlier at the castle she’d had the most serene moment where everything had fallen into place, when JJ had practically declared her feelings and where she’d nearly betrayed her vows. She shuddered, would she have cheated on Sam? Would she have tasted forbidden fruit? She’d wanted to so much and then the phone call had lead to the pain she felt now.

She held the pillow tightly to her face, in her mind she could see her granddad’s face, his sallow cheeks and yellow complexion, he’d looked so frail, so old. When had that happened, he’d always been so strong, he’d always seemed so young to her, so fit. A sob caught in her throat and she felt hands rub her back. Her mind thought to JJ and she looked up into the sad puppy brown eyes of Sam.

“Hey sweetie, I brought you up a cup of tea, I’m so sorry.” Sam said softly as he stroked her back and ran his fingers up through her hair. Strands of wet hair lay plastered to her face and he stroked them behind her ear.

Cory cleared her throat, the crying had made her throat sore and it felt like she had a huge lump lodged there. “Sam it’s okay I know you didn’t mean it. Just a stupid joke, I’d have probably said something similar. It’s really going to happen Sam, he’s really going to die.” As she said the words her heart swelled and the tears flowed freely. Sam scooped her up into his arms and rocked her, words of emotion were not his forte he struggled to find something, anything to say so he just held her tightly and let her cry.

Downstairs JJ was rocking lightly on the stool and tapping her fingers on the wooden sideboard. Her mind was on the small blonde upstairs and jealousy was coursing through her body. She wanted to be the one comforting Cory, she wanted to be the one holding the woman and she wanted to kiss the pain away. It hurt knowing that her friend was hurting and she couldn’t be there to help her. She shook her head, what was she thinking, the poor girl’s heart was breaking and here she was feeling jealous. She stood up and stretched, her back ached a little and she felt restless. She needed to do some sort of exercise, she was getting antsy and the frustration she felt needed to be worked out of her body. She walked up the stairs towards her room, as she reached the landing she nearly collided with Sam.

“How is she?” JJ asked anxiously.

“Sleeping. She cried herself to sleep.” Sam whispered. “I think it’s best she’s left alone. Do you want me to get you anything? Would you like to go anywhere? She’d kill me if I didn’t play host to you.” He grinned at her as he said the words and both of them had pictures of a little blonde whirlwind knocking the hell out of him.

“I was just about to put my stuff on for running. I haven’t had a run in two days and I need to get rid of some of these cobwebs.” As she said these words she walked towards her room, she stopped as she heard Sam clear his throat.

“I don’t think that’s too wise, not that you can’t stand up for yourself but it’s dark outside, you don’t know the area well and as I just said Cory would kill me if anything happened to you. I could take you down to the gym if you want. I could do with a small workout myself. Want to do that?”

JJ nodded, it wouldn’t look too gracious to refuse and at least Sam was trying to get along with her.

“Okay I’ll meet you downstairs in 10 minutes.” Sam opened the airing cupboard and took out two hand towels; he tossed one in JJ’s direction.

She caught it cleanly, “meet you downstairs in ten.”

Cory woke up feeling stiff and uncomfortable, she stretched out and wriggled around. She felt disorientated and her eyes hurt. The room was dark but she could make out the time on the digital alarm clock, it read 20:00. She rubbed her eyes and then ran her fingers through her dishevelled hair. Her mind began to clear and she realised she’d abandoned JJ; she sat up and rearranged her clothing deciding to take her bra off and change into some comfier clothes. Her body was covered in red clothes marks where they’d dug into her as she’d slept. She felt better, her mind was still on her granddad but the shock of the situation was wearing off. She was more worried about JJ, the house seemed eerily quiet; she couldn’t hear the hum of the TV or talking. Her tummy began to rumble reminding her that it was way past her teatime; she wondered if Sam had cooked anything, she couldn’t smell any food. Maybe Sam had taken JJ out for a meal. She shook her head that seemed a very unlikely event.

As she opened the bedroom door she was greeted by Holly who’d appointed herself as guard at the door, the landing was dark and there was no sign of light coming up the stairs, she walked down the stairs and noticed that the lounge had the dim wall lights on. She poked her head through the door but there was no sign of life. She continued down the hall to the kitchen door and went inside again there was no one around but as she turned the light on she noticed a note lying on the worktop. It read ‘Cory, Hope you slept well – we’ve gone to the gym, we’ll collect a take away on the way back. Love Sam & JJ’

As Cory reread the note a small pang of jealousy went through her body. JJ and Sam were together without her, she found herself realizing that she didn’t want Sam to befriend JJ, she wanted the woman all for herself. She poured herself a glass of wine and took the bottle and some spare glasses into the lounge, she flicked on the television and watched the Monday edition of Eastenders, as the closing credits rolled onto the screen she heard the familiar sound of Sam’s diesel engine. A key turned in the door; chatter and giggles filled the hallway. Sam popped his head in, “Hey there sleepyhead, how you feeling?” He entered the room and stood in front of her, JJ followed him and Cory found herself feeling like a little child being checked on by her parents.

“I’m fine!” she snapped and then wished she hadn’t as she saw the glance go from one to another. She stood up, “Honestly I’m fine. Now the shock has gone I’m feeling better. I’ll go and get some plates and take that food off your hands.” She put her hand out to take the food bag out of JJ’s hand but the tall woman pulled her arm away. Cory looked at her hurt and confused.

JJ noticed the wounded look and her heart broke at how sad those emerald eyes looked, “I was going to help you serve the food, if you want me to that is?” Cory smiled sheepishly and nodded her head.

Sam sat down on the sofa where Cory had just been, “Well if you two are doing that you don’t need me as well. I’m knackered, she can sure run.” He grinned at JJ. “I think I ran more today trying to keep up my image than I have all year. I nearly fell asleep in the shower. I’m going to ache in the morning. Cor you wouldn’t bring an old man a beer would you, my legs won’t function.”

“Well that’ll teach you to show off!” she headed towards the kitchen, followed closely by JJ.

For a few seconds, an awkward silence filled the kitchen, as neither woman quite knew what to say to open the conversation. Then they both began to speak at the same time. “I’m sorry you go first.” Cory said as she reached up to get the plates out of the cupboard, JJ came up behind her and helped her lift them down. As their hands met, tingling sensations traveled down Cory’s body making her shiver. This didn’t go unnoticed by JJ.

“You feeling better?” JJ asked as she kept her hand on Cory’s, tenderly stroking the blonde’s thumb as she asked the question. “You had me worried there for a while.”

Cory looked at the older woman, her eyes were clear but questioning, she felt lost in them. “I’m sorry JJ, I’ve never been good about talking about my feelings people tend to have to drag them out of me. I just needed some space and time to deal with the news.” She reluctantly let go of JJ’s hand and moved over to the breakfast bar where she placed the plates on separate trays.

JJ followed her and stood by her side, she took a deep, calming breath, “Hey I understand, I really do. I usually have a hard time talking about me feelings as well but for some reason when I’m around you I find myself opening up.” She turned Cory round to look into the hurting emerald eyes, “I’ve told you more in my emails than I’ve ever told anyone else. I guess in an email you can write what you want and then just press the send button and you don’t have to see the look on the other person’s face but now that I’m face to face with you I find myself wanting to know more about you and wanting to tell you all about me.”

Cory smiled at her and it gave her the courage to carry on; to talk about something she kept closed inside her heart. “I understand Cory, I know the hurt of losing someone you love. It has been almost 3 years since my mother died. Cory I still hurt and I still miss her so much. I have yet to come to terms with it, don’t know if I ever will.” As she said these words a single tear tracked down her normally stoic features, she hadn’t cried for her mother, hadn’t grieved in the normal way and this tear shocked her. Why now?

Cory reached up to wipe the tear away but JJ grabbed her hand and turned her back afraid she’d lose total control if the blonde tried to comfort her but she never let go of the small hand. She took another slow, steadying breath, wiped the tear and turned back to continue, “I understand what it’s like to lose someone you love.” JJ tightened her hold on the soft hand beneath her fingers, “I’m here for you and I’ll always be here for you.”

“I’m feeling stronger now and JJ the feelings go both way; I’m here for you too.” Feeling a need to lighten the atmosphere she added, “So how was the gym? Sam certainly looks like he had a good workout.”

“It’s a good, well stocked gym, I liked the running machines I was all ready to go round the streets but Sam said you’d kill him if I went out on my own.”

“Now there is something he does know about me! I would have been mad it’s way too dark and cold for you to be running round the streets. I don’t care how tough you are Matthews I’m glad you listened to him.” Cory said as she spooned the various Chinese dishes onto the plates.

“I didn’t do it for Sam, I did it for you.” JJ replied as she opened the fridge and took out a beer for Sam and proceeded to carry it and the food into the living room.

They ate in relative silence. Occasionally Sam and JJ participated in general conversation on the state of affairs between the UK and US, and Sam asked JJ about her sporting interests. Neither had any in common so the conversation turned dry. They watched the film Deep Impact, they’d all seen it before but there was nothing else they all liked and having wrestled the remote control off Sam and changed it from the golf nobody wanted to admit this and have the golf put back on.

At 11pm Sam stood up and yawned. “I’ve got an early start in the morning I’m off to bed, you coming Cor?”

She shook her head, “I’m a little wired at the moment I think that unexpected sleep this afternoon recharged my batteries too much. I’d only toss and turn and disturb you if I did.” She looked at JJ, “You up for another movie?”

JJ nodded, she’d have glued her eyes open if it meant spending time alone with this woman. Sam bent down and kissed Cory on the cheek and bid them both a good night, he closed the door on his way out.

The two women surfed the TV channels and discovered that Beaches was being shown on the terrestrial channel 4. Both women had simultaneously muttered an ooh as they’d seen the opening credits. JJ was sprawled on the large 3-seater sofa and Cory had curled herself up on the corner of the 2-seater, but she wasn’t comfortable something didn’t feel right; she sat for the first ten minutes of the film fidgeting.

“You okay?” JJ enquired, noticing the frequent rocking and tapping motions of her friend.

“Not comfy.” Whined Cory as she continued fidgeting.

“Want to stretch out or would you like me to rub your shoulders for you? You look wound up tighter than a coil.” JJ said, scooting herself up the sofa and patting the space she’d cleared.

Cory didn’t need a second invitation to get closer to the dark woman; she jumped from her sofa to the larger one and sat in between JJ’s outspread legs. She tentatively leaned back against JJ and felt strong hands rest on her shoulder. She could feel JJ’s breath near her neck and she felt her mouth go dry. JJ began a slow but firm massage along the top of Cory’s shoulders, the blonde couldn’t resist murmuring a groan of pleasure as JJ hit a particularly tight spot. The tall woman smiled as she felt Cory snuggle closer and as the film progressed and the friendship on screen developed the two women had snuggled up closer together. JJ had slowly massaged Cory’s shoulders until the blonde had got that close to her that she couldn’t rub the shoulders so she’d moved her arms in front of Cory and folded them across her body pulling Cory tightly to her. Cory had rested her head on JJ’s chest and was slowly drifting between consciousness and unconsciousness. She became more alert when her favourite part of the movie came on.

Cory felt so comfortable she hadn’t noticed that she had begun to rub the top of JJ’s knees, this action made JJ’s pulse race and JJ’s heart speed up. As the emotions on screen deepened and the death of the CeeCee’s friend happened Cory found herself hugging JJ to her and JJ found herself responding to the needs of Cory. She bent her head and breathed in Cory’s skin behind her ears. Her blood felt like it was on fire, she closed her eyes, she wanted to kiss the girl desperately.

The increasing beat of JJ’s heart rate hadn’t gone unnoticed by Cory, as the film finished she turned round and looked into misty blue eyes, the room was dim and she couldn’t see what was going on in the blue orbs but she wanted to know. She moved her arm away from JJ’s legs and tapped JJ’s head, “hey what’s going on in there?”

JJ swallowed hard, she had no idea what to say. What she wanted to say and what she knew she should say were warring in her head. She dropped her eyes and looked at he pattern on the sofa.

Cory moved her hand to under JJ’s chin and tilted her head so she could look into her soul, but JJ closed her eyes shut. She shook her head, earlier on in the day she hadn’t had a second thought but to kiss Cory but this evening she’d seen a different side to Sam, a human side and she couldn’t do this to him, couldn’t do this to them. She couldn’t do it to Sarah. She squeezed her eyes shut, for the second time that evening she felt tears build in her eyes, she took a deep breath, opened her eyes and stared into the most beautiful, honest eyes she’d ever seen. Her resolve was teetering on the brink, all it would take was for her to move forward an inch at the most and those luscious lips would be hers to savour, hers to devour. She broke away abruptly and stood up. “I’m off to bed Cory I’m tired, it’s been a long day. See you in the morning.” She touched Cory lightly on her shoulder and left the room

For the second time that day Cory’s heart crumbled and she curled into a ball and cried.

Part 16

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