Page 82 of In Her Own Way
“What’s this for?” Madison asked, her brows tightly knit in confusion.
“You’ll see,” Jessica said. “Now, here’s what I need you to do.” She leaned down close and whispered her plan. All three sets oflittles’eyes grew wide as they began to understand the implications of Jessica’s covert operation.
“I wholeheartedly approve,” Madison said and then leaned in to offer an additional idea.
“I approve,” Jessica said. “But we have to see how this first part goes before you three implement the second part. She may not be interested.”
“She will be,” Madison said matter-of-factly.
“Put on your carnation, Miss Jessica,” Pammy said. “And turn around, so she doesn’t see it.”
“Good idea.”
Once the carnation was affixed to Jessica’s dress, the threelittlesnonchalantly made their way over to Victoria. The remaining paper carnations were hidden in Shanice’s lap.
Shanice held up one of the green carnations to Victoria. Victoria’s expression changed from a smile to confusion to shock. Jessica couldn’t hear what she asked them, but it looked like they were keeping their word and not spilling the beans. Victoria looked around, clearly looking for the matching carnation. Jessica slid behind the St. Andrew’s cross just in time. Sneaking a peek, Jessica watched as Madison affixed the carnation to Victoria’s dress shirt with tape.
All threelittlesclamped their lips shut and folded their arms across their chests as if refusing to give out top secret classified information. Victoria looked over at the three Mommy Dommes, Miss Shasti, Miss Marta, and Miss Lydia. Each one shook her head as if to indicate she had no idea what thelittleswere up to.
Jessica stepped out from behind the cross and into the light. She took a few steps toward Victoria. Victoria spotted the green carnation attached to her dress. Jessica took off her mask. Both of Victoria’s hands went to the top of her head in disbelief. She took a few steps toward Jessica. Jessica placed one hand over her heart. Victoria stopped walking and did the same. Together, they each patted their heart three times, paused, and patted them three times again.
Victoria took off running, threelittlestrailing not far behind.
“Is it you?” Victoria said, stopping just short of Jessica without touching her. “JB?”
Jessica nodded. “Yes, it’s me, Daddy Cheese.”
Victoria burst out crying. Her hands covered her face as the tears flowed. Jessica wrapped her arms around the crying woman, and soon, strong arms were holding her as well. Three more sets of arms embraced them as thelittlesjoined in the hug.
“I can’t believe it’s you,” Victoria said, leaning back so she could look at Jessica. “You’re fucking beautiful.”
Thelittlesmade shocked noises at the curse word, but neither Jessica nor Victoria paid them any mind.
“You’re gorgeous, too, Victoria.”
“Denton Heights?” Victoria asked. “You live here?”
“Yes, I teach at the private school here.”
“Miss Tilda,” Madison said.
“What, honey?” Jessica asked.
“Miss Tilda is pulling strings from heaven,” Madison said.
“Could be,” Shanice said, getting Pammy’s approval as well.
“She was a mother figure to me,” Victoria said, fresh tears starting. “I’ll fill you in later.” She turned to Madison and said, “Did you know JB here was the one I ‘had feels’ for?”
“Miss Jessica?” Madison said. “No, but I knew she had feels for you when she asked us to help in her secret covert operation making the carnations.”
“Oh, wait,” Shanice said and handed Madison and Pammy a carnation of their own. “Part two of the covert operation. It went well, so now we can wear carnations, too.”
As they busied themselves attaching the carnations to their clothing, Victoria took that moment to ask, “Jessica? That’s your name?”
“Yes. I assume Victoria truly is yours?”
“Yes.” Victoria’s smile lit up her entire body. “Hey, let me hold your hand while I say this next thing.”
