Charlotte and Jessica

Charlotte and Jessica Ch. 3

Love grows with surprises and celebrations.

By Aoife

A/N - Welcome to the third chapter of this series. I do hope you enjoyed the first two chapters which for those who haven't, I recommend you do read. It will allow you to understand our characters and their arc. Charlotte and Jess are both career focused and passionate about life, good whiskey and bourbon, and love.

Any mistakes you find belong to this old woman. My eyes aren't what they used to be. Your comments or constructive criticism, or any offers of help with the editing process are always welcomed.

I hope you all enjoy it.

~~~

We stepped inside to avoid the winter weather. I kissed Frannie, James, and Carrie then stepped back. I watched as a mother, father, and sister bid a loving "see you soon" to their daughter and sister. There were promises of visits, video calls and of daily texts.

Jess and I walked through security, headed straight forward to the adventure ahead of us. I was on my way, accompanied by the love of my life, a woman who in the last seven months has not only come to love me, but care for me, understand me, and a woman who has truly shown me what love is and can be.

We arrived at our gate and took a seat. She sat on my left and took my hand. I looked at her and smiled. I moved my thumb and gently wiped the tear from her cheek.

"We can stay if you want. Lou told me he wouldn't hire anyone for three months. Not until the first pitch of Opening Day." I whispered.

"No, me darlin and love, let's go make your dreams come true." She bent forward and kissed my cheek.

"Happy New Year's Day,

me Love

." I kissed Jess knowing our world was ahead and we hit a home run.

~~~ End of Chapter 2 ~~~

January

It was still morning in Las Vegas when our flight had touched down. My father drove ninety minutes down from St. George. He was going to meet us at baggage claim. As our flight touched down, Jess was quick to text the group chat they started, Frannie, James and Carrie. I sent my father a text letting him know we were wheels down in Nevada and would wait for him at the bottom of the baggage claim escalator. We had arrived at the C Terminal.

I put my phone down and looked at Jess. "Are you sure?" I kissed her cheek. "We can turn around in a week and take you back home." I held her hand as others in front of us started to stand and began the deplaning process.

"Me darlin, I can get an IT job anywhere. In fact I have a few hits on my resume and three interviews coming up. I wanted us to get settled in the apartment and get the lay of the land first." She kissed my cheek then whispered in my ear, "I love you me darlin."

I exhaled in relief, I didn't want to ruin the relationship we had built. Though we hadn't really gotten into a deep discussion of the long term relationship, I had told her how I loved her and was committed to her and her alone but really nothing further.

Did we need to chat about anything further? Was our love for each other enough? Hell she moved with me across the US, isn't that love?.

We had been living together since September and we were now kicking off a new life together in this new city, while enjoying each other in the New Year and this new adventure.

We took our turn to deplane. As we walked off the plane and up the jet way into the terminal, there were a few slot machines that were in the center of the terminal area. I was amazed. No, this isn't the first time I was in Las Vegas, I had been flown out twice for interviews but the noise and colors still amazed me. The sounds, the masses of people, the crowds, this will all take a significant amount of getting accustomed to.

Jess must have felt how tense I was. She gently took my hand and walked a bit slower with me down the corridor. As we walked our way towards the people mover and tram for baggage claim, Jess saw a ladies room, turned and looked at me. I nodded and smiled.

I finished and looked in the mirror as I washed my hands. Here I was with the woman I love, which we had only been dating for seven months, living in a new city. I was thirty years young and she was twenty-two and we were ready to start our lives anew. I saw her walk out. I quickly finished then made my exit. The crowds had lessened some. I took her hand and walked with her down the hall.

As we agreed to, my father met me at the escalator. He had a baggage cart in hand already. I just smiled. He knew us girls too well already. I stepped up to him and gave him a gentle hug and kissed his cheek.

"Thank you for driving down Dad. It means so much to us."

"Yes Mr. Brennan, please allow us to push the cart, me darling has been a bit lazy these last days." Jess winked at me. "I packed most of her apartment when the moving truck came." She giggled and took the cart from dad and made her way.

"Turnstile nine Jessica." He said.

I hope she heard him as she almost ran towards the throngs of people who had gathered waiting for their baggage.

"So?" Dad asked, "Media and Communication Specialist for their college sports teams?" He looked at me. "That is impressive Charlotte, I am very proud of you. I knew the world would become yours. And Jessica seems happy to have come with you."

I looked at him, that comment didn't sit well with me. It wasn't typical of my father. I will not stop at the collegiate level but it would take forever with the ball club if I didn't leave and progress." I paused and looked at him.

"Father, what does that mean? She seems happy to have come. I will have you know she is already looking for a job and will have one soon, knowing her." I poked at him with a bit of a tone.

"Charlotte, I am sorry I meant nothing by it. I just want you to be happy. I have time to spend with you while you are here in this job but I guess if I am honest, someone stole your heart, and your old man is a bit jealous." He hugged me and whispered another apology in my ear.

We followed the maps app on dad's phone winding our way from the airport towards the Las Vegas strip; we made our way north on Paradise Road. I saw the Thomas Mack Center on my right side. "Jess, there it is! That will be my new office building." I was so excited.

"Hmm me darlin, wait until I find my job then we can both be in awe of each other. I promise me darlin I will do good here as well. I promise, me love."

She reached forward from the backseat and put her hand on my shoulder. I turned fully around as best as I could look at her. The look in her eyes was sincere and loving. I knew we would be just fine.

Dad pulled into the Tonopah Residence Complex. There, we found directions and keys for the temporary apartment that was set up for me, well, for us. Dr. Johns had arranged sixty days of temp housing as part of my offer until I had gotten settled and found my own place. Jess was taking that upon herself to do the most of the leg work in making that happen for us, to find a new place to live.

Five weeks later

Jess and I signed a one-year rental lease for a house down from Spring Valley Medical Center. It was just three blocks down the street from where Jess would either walk, bike, or on super-hot days drive to the Medical Center.

I was so proud of her. She had been scoping out jobs well before we moved. I came to realize just how serious she was about her career. The woman I love is just as serious as I am. She had landed a job at the Medical Center in the IT Informatics and Engineering Department. She had a tentative start date of mid-March and was just waiting on her final background check to clear. She assured me there would not be an issue. I trusted her wholly.

As the moving truck pulled away, and the place was a scattering of boxes and furniture that needed a final arrangement, I pulled her close to me and wrapped my arms around her. I kissed her deeply.

"You are my sky, you are my moon, and you are the sun and my stars Jessica. I love you now and will love you forever." I kissed her lips softly.

Her hands moved with grace and comfort as she pulled me in a bit firmer. I knew this was where we both needed to be at this point in our lives. I knew without any doubt of uncertainty this is the woman for me, for the rest of my life.

"Let's go and christen our bed." I winked and kissed her as erotically as I could. Breaking the kiss I walked as fast as I could, pulling her with me to the bedroom.

~~~

April

We have gotten through this year's March basketball frenzy. I was a second assistant with most of the March Madness media, the majority was planned for prior to me arriving in January. It was a month of long days and absolutely long weekend work. Of course being in Las Vegas the casinos were a mess but we, the school, hosted the first two rounds of the tournament.

After the tourney, I was assigned the women's golf and the men's baseball seasons. The women's golf was truly exciting as in May; the school would be host to one of the NCAA tournaments.

I have this routine which works perfectly for me. I come in and fire up my laptop, unpacked my backpack and pulled my notes for the projects I am currently working on and then jump full into my day. This routine has really assisted me in keeping things straight.

I will never forget this morning as long as I live. I came to work on Monday April 18th; I fired up my laptop and did my thing. I launched my email and media apps. It was then I saw a meeting invitation pop up for a "Team Huddle & Ideation" session for 9:15. The organizer was Martha, on behalf of Dr. Samuel Johns. I accepted and thought nothing of it.

I filled my water bottle and focused. I had thirty-five minutes until the meeting.

I opened the men's and women's golf schedule. The women's regionals were coming here in May, we, UNLV are hosting the NCAA tournament. I double checked the ad placements. I was reviewing my notes for the school television station spots. I was the lead on this. This was serious stuff in my opinion. It was the first event I am the lead on.

Men's golf was in full swing and I was to meet with the television broadcast staff later today. We were putting together the spots and targeting commercials locally with our most profitable business supporters. Next on the project list was the women's softball. There were high hopes for the Mountain West Conference this year. I would look over that after this meeting.

Shortly after nine o'clock, I made my way to our main conference room. I walked in and saw my five coworkers in chairs around the table. As the newest member I sat back against the far wall, away from the table. Erik, my manager, was seated at the table. He mostly handled everything media related. Erik assigned me to projects and pushed me hard, extending my skills and thoughts, opening my mind for ideas. I really loved doing the student athlete interviews, but was also someone who didn't like being on camera. I could see that Erik believed in me.

Debra and her team of three others handled the majority of the communications and broadcasting work.

The conference room was a buzz of what this meeting was about, there was a hint of excitement as the whispers grew in volume. The main conference room door opened. We all heard Dr. Johns very distinctive voice as he crossed the threshold and entered the room, he was speaking with someone.

"After you." I heard then looked up and was astounded.

I stood immediately. Why? Out of habit, respect, and frankly muscle memory. Several coworkers turned to me looking at me strangely. God I was so embarrassed but to me my action was natural. I sat as quietly as I could.

Dr. Johns spoke as the second guest walked in the conference room followed by Martha, Dr. Johns Executive Assistant.

"Good morning, thank you for adjusting your schedules this morning but we have two very important guests joining us. First let me introduce to you, Retired Generals ...." He introduced them.

Everyone clapped and nodded welcoming them. I knew exactly who these two very distinguished soldiers were. They were the Commanding Generals of the war in Iraq. I had sat in on many of their briefings as a journalist for Stars and Stripes and AFN-TV.

The first General spoke. "This year is the tenth anniversary of the war in Iraq and we want to celebrate this Memorial Day in collaboration with the PGA and the NCAA in recognition of that anniversary."

The second General spoke, "We have asked UNLV and Dr. Johns, as the hosts of the event, to assist us because of the PGA's association with veterans as well as their initiatives to assist the veteran community. Additionally, we want to celebrate and recognize Memorial Day, here during their event over this weekend and over Veterans Day celebrations in November."

The other General spoke, "We realized that college football will be going on but the capability to have a PGA and veteran's event over Veterans Day just works well for everyone."

Dr. Johns went on to list out the many events surrounding the two separate events and how our teams would be relied on for so much in collaboration with the NCAA and the PGA's veterans organization. I was taking copious notes, writing down as much as I could. On the left side of the margin I was scribbling ideas of other things we could do.

After ten minutes Dr. Johns paused and asked for ideas on how we could get the students involved. How we could obtain recognition for the family members of veterans and veterans themselves. Erik immediately turned and looked at me.

It seems the room came to a sudden pause as well, you could hear a pin drop. Dr. Johns leaned over and whispered to the Generals.

I stood, "Sirs, Dr. Johns, we can connect through standard local organizations but there will be a veterans network on campus and frankly an informal network as well. Spreading the word and gathering interest."

I named a few local organizations we could tap into. "We spotlight the students who are children of veterans attending UNLV and have them attend as a family, identifying and bringing unity." I kept going, I had three more ideas. I looked over at Erik; he was smiling wide, nodding his head.

I finished speaking then again suddenly felt embarrassed. "I am sorry I have a passion for our veterans, Sirs." I sat down.

Dr. Johns then asked for more ideas about which there were some other very innovative and bright ways to shine the spotlight on these events. As we were getting ready to end the meeting, the one General, who I had interviewed previously while on an assignment, asked as if it was out of the blue, about a local chapter of the Military Order of the Purple Heart.

Time stood still and everyone paused but he looked at me and nodded. I spoke up. "I can handle that as well, Sir, Dr. Johns." Heads turned, the twenty three people in the room all looked at me.

Then from the front of the room he spoke, that very deep, baritone and authoritarian voice. "I thought I recognized you, Brennan, correct?"

I flushed in embarrassment. "Yes Sir, you have quite the memory. That was many years ago Sir.""

With that the meeting adjourned, but it wasn't over. I looked at Dr. Johns and then Erik. They both nodded asking me to stay back. As the conference room emptied and the last of my coworkers left, Dr. Johns reintroduced me again as the newest team member. "We recently plucked her away from a job where her talents weren't as challenged."

I blushed. I turned to the General who recognized me. "You truly remember me Sir? You awarded me my Purple Heart at Landstuhl."

He smiled and extended his hand, "I remember so many of them, Brennan, and I do remember that you interviewed me twice for AFN-TV." He turned to Dr. Johns but it was Dr. Johns who spoke.

"Charlotte, you are taking the lead behind Erik on these events. It seems you have the passion for this and for what is needed."

~~~

I walked into the house that night still in shock. I hung my backpack, stowed my Glock 42. We lived in a nice neighborhood but I still had my habits. I hadn't heard nor did I have a chance to text Jess too much during the day as I was swamped not only with normal tasks but with chatter from coworkers after the Generals departed.

I sent Jess a text, telling her I loved her and couldn't wait to see her. I walked to the bedroom and stripped and jumped in the shower. I washed the day away and dried off walking back to the bedroom. I slipped on some panties and a thinner shirt.

In the kitchen I started some light dinner, veggies and rice with shaved coconut. Since moving here we have tried to really eat healthier and do more for our physical health. I had the rice boiling and had some veggies ready to broil in the oven when I heard the front door open.

I stepped away and walked into the living room to see my lover. I smiled seeing Jess and opened my arms in a welcoming hug. I wrapped my arms around her and kissed her lips softly. I shared how much I loved her and that I would have dinner ready when she came out from the shower.

We kissed again and she walked back to the bedroom. When she was showered and dressed, she walked back into the kitchen and finished helping with dinner. She seemed slightly 'off'. I chalked it up to her just being tired.

We had a nice dinner where I shared with her my meeting and the excitement I had for these events. I watched for her response and it was minimal even for my dearest Jess. I smiled when she asked if she could go relax a bit and if I would handle the dishes. I kissed her cheek and smiled. Something was burning in her mind. If I knew anything, she would come to me when she needed it.

Later as we kissed goodnight, she rolled over on her side facing away and scooting back against me. I rolled and wrapped her in my arms. I just love being her big spoon. She drew my hand and laid it on her stomach, just above her waist. She pressed her bum against me whispering her love and affection for me.

Part way through the night I thought I heard a noise outside. I opened my eyes and realized I was in bed alone. I carefully moved from bed and flipped on a bedside table light. I walked from the bedroom out towards the living room. As I passed the bathroom I knew she wasn't in there.

"Jess?" I called her name as I walked to the living room. I saw her sitting on the couch. She turned; I could see she was crying. I moved to her and sat next to her. I pulled her into my arms as she cried harder. I hugged her and held her gently, caressing her back trying to smooth her.

When she calmed a bit, I asked her what had been on her mind. Was she homesick? Did she miss her Mum, Pap, and sister? She was adamant she wasn't homesick. I asked if she was in pain or hurt, again she denied that as well. I just rocked her in my arms as Jess curled against me.

She whispered in my ear. "Last weekend when you were at the event, I found your book on Greek Goddesses." She paused and wrapped her arms around me. "I know it is silly stuff but I read about Hera." Her sobs became tears again.

I turned to her and kissed her cheek. "I am sorry but I am here for you, whatever you feel you need Jess." She just curled against me.

"I am sorry Char, me love. I am sorry, let's go back to bed. We have work in the morning."

And that is what we did. We made our way back to the bedroom and curled up in bed. This time I was on my back and she was curled on her side with her head on my chest. I still held her in my arms, rocking her to sleep.

Why was she reading about Hera, the Goddess of women, fertility, marriage, and childbirth? I sighed and had a gut feeling but I wouldn't say anything. I would let her come to me in her own time. I knew only minimal details of that night. Only what she shared of the only man she dated, the one who hit and hurt her. The one who caused her to need an emergency surgery. The one who I am certain James and Frannie had taken care of in their own special way.