“You do? Don’t you have a problem with that?”

“I’m not your father dear.”

“What if I said…” But Spencer couldn’t say it out loud.

“Spence if you want to be with Ashley I will help you as much as I can. I would never tell your father. I just want you to be happy. I don’t care if you’re gay, straight, or bi-sexual because you’re my daughter not some label. I love you no matter who you fall for.”

“Mom are you serious?” Spencer said doubtfully.

“Absolutely and to prove it to you I want to tell you a secret.”

“Ok but I doubt it’s as big as mine which you somehow figured out.”

“What Spence, your confusion over your feelings for Ashley?”

“Duh mom.”

“Ok I raise you. You remember me mentioning Lacy, my best friend from college.”

“Yeah a little but you don’t mention her much, especially around dad.”

“Well because she’s gay and he knows that and of course he does not approve. Well she’s a doctor at the hospital.”

“That’s not a big raise mom, you having a lesbian friend at the hospital.”

“I’m having an affair with her Spence. I’m bi-sexual and have known for a long time.”

It took Spencer a few minutes to respond. Finally she gave her mom a big hug and said, “Thank you for telling me mom.”

“Well now we both know something that your father would flip over.”

“Do you love Lacy? Are you gonna leave dad?”

“I don’t know Spence it’s only been a couple of weeks.”

And now in the present time Paula was moving in with Lacy but Spencer was pushing Ashley away. Spencer had told Paula she wasn’t sure if someone’s first love was meant to last.

Paula had wanted to discuss this further with her daughter but she had to work. So now she was enjoying her few minutes of quiet during the graveyard shift at the hospital. Being the top ER nurse can make for a very busy shift. She had tried to call Spencer but got no answer so she decided to try Ashley. On the second ring she picked up.

“Mama Paula how’s the moving going? The girls annoying you and Lacy yet?” Ashley said laughing.

“Well Lacy loves that she doesn’t have to work very hard that’s for sure.”

“That’s good. So when is that wonderful woman of yours gonna cook me dinner again?”

“I don’t know dear, you’ll have to ask her. But one of the reasons I called was to see how the big show went.”

“I’ll allow the subject change because it was fucking amazing. I’ve never felt so comfortable on stage. I can’t wait for our next show.”

“Glad to hear it sweetie. When’s the next show? Lacy and I were bummed we couldn’t come tonight.”

“Next Friday I think. I’ll double check with Taylor.”

“Well Friday would be perfect cause Lacy and I are off. And if you’re really good there could be a meal arranged for you and your band mates before the show or after.”

“Paula that would be awesome, definitely count me in.”

“So my other reason for calling, is Spencer with you now?”

“Sorry Paula she left with her friends. She said we’d maybe get together tomorrow. Why?”

“No reason really. She just isn’t answering her phone.”

“She’s probably already asleep, it was like two hours ago that they left.”

“Oh Ash I gotta let you go my pager is going off.”

“Alright we’ll get together soon. Lots of love to you and Lacy. Now go save some lives.”

“Absolutely. Bye Ash.”

Paula had to smile because Ashley sounded happier than she had since Spencer left. Ash the first patient came in the door she knew that would be the last happy thought of the night.