Page 76 of In Her Own Way
“Okay.”
“Look, now we’re holding hands.”
Victoria waited for JB to say something else, and when the silence grew longer, she finally understood and burst out laughing. “You got me. ‘And now we’re holding hands.’ Good one. Sounds like a Daddy Cheese maneuver.”
“I learned from the best,” JB said with a chuckle.
“Hey, how are you and the volleyball team taking the semi-final loss in the big state tournament?”
“Listen, we’re all grieving,” JB said. “We wear black bands on our sleeves and cover the mirrors.”
Victoria laughed.
“Actually, we’re bouncing back,” JB said more seriously. Victoria loved how easy it was to talk to her. She was upbeat and funny but could also be serious. “They’d never made it to states before, so now they’re excited for next year. Speaking of excited, can I fill you in on the lit magazine?”
“Absolutely, and I have news, too. But you first.”
JB’s voice was upbeat as she talked about the school project. She now had a full student staff, and the entries were pouring in. Once she got back to school after this weeklong Thanksgiving break, she and her new staff would only have a week and a day to get the magazine online and then published in print.
“I’m so proud of you,” Victoria said. “And I don’t mean that in a Mommy Domme kind of way. Just in a wow, you faced that challenge head on, didn’t shy away from it, and just freaking did it kind of way.”
“Thanks, Victoria,” JB said. “That means a lot. And, uh, I have more news before we get to yours, if that’s okay?”
“Of course, tell me.” Victoria loved this exchange of news between them. She’d tried sharing like this with Alyssa to some small success, but this was totally different. This was infinitely better.
“I’ve made some new friends here since I’ve moved,” JB said. “Friends in the community, if you know what I mean.”
“I do and good for you.”
“Well, I don’t know,” JB said, sounding unsure. “There are these aunties, someone called them that, who want to set me up with someone.”
“What’s the problem?”
“Well, I’m kind of talking with someone every night who has my interest right now, and I’d like to explore that more.”
Victoria sighed a gentle sigh. She hadn’t known how much tension she’d been holding in her body trying not to let her feelings for JB show. “With me? Just so we’re clear, you’re talking about me?”
“Yes, Captain Cheese,” JB said with a laugh. “Yes, with you. I know we’re just getting to know each other, and neither of us wants to jump in too quickly, but I don’t usually stalk people like this.”
It was Victoria’s turn to laugh. “No one’s stalking anyone. I think we’re acting like reasonable and respectful adults.”
“Despicable, isn’t it?”
Victoria laughed and said, “I want to keep talking to you, too. I want to know everything about you, but I’m not sure how to do that. Let’s just agree that we’re both interested to see where this will go, but we’re taking it slow and getting to know each other.”
“Agreed,” JB said, blowing out a clear, relieved sigh.
“So, what are you wearing?” Victoria asked, laughed big, and quickly added, “Just kidding. Just kidding.”
They laughed for a moment, and then JB said, “Tell me your news.”
“Where to start?” Victoria muttered. “Okay, I’m now seeing a therapist online and working through my mommy issues, which are basically trust issues.”
“That’s fantastic, Vic,” JB cheered. “Brava!”
“Thank you. I called the day after our first phone call. You suggested it, gently, and I realized asking for help didn’t have to be something negative. I mean, as a teacher, you’re part counselor, and you got me thinking. There’s been so much thinking.”
“Wow. Look how we’re helping each other.”
