“I’m sorry about that. She’s basically the moms of this house so she’s got some say in the goings on.” Casey said as she wrapped her arms around Carmen.

“Yeah I see.” the smaller girl chuckled. She felt safe in Casey’s strong arms and was comforted by the fact that she at least didn’t have to hide what they had from this family. But what did they have? Was it just a fling or did Carmen really have deep rooted feelings for Casey? Maybe it was just the novilty of being in a new relationship especially this being her first female one.

The thoughts coursed through her head at whirlwind speed and try as she might, she just couldn’t stop them. She looked up at Casey to find her staring down at her intently with warm eyes that always seem to make butterflies form in her stomach. “Case, did you mean what you said?”

Casey gave her a confused look in return, “What did I say?”

“When you were talking to Vanessa you said… um… you said you like, loved me.” her voice had become so soft that Casey had to strain to hear her but she apparently caught every word.

A smile formed on Casey’s lips as she nodded, “I’ve meant it for a year now.”

Carmen felt something inside of her shift. She didn’t know that Casey’s crush had lasted for so long, maybe if she would’ve known sooner things would be different. But now, it was as if something had been released and it made her so happy and so dizzy. She wrapped a hand around Casey’s neck and pulled her down for a kiss, not caring if any other relatives decided to waltz in.

“Come on, let’s have a seat.” Daren said as he brought Carmen back from her memories and lead her to the dining room table. “You want a beer? You look like you could use a drink.”

“Yeah, that would be great.” She responded with a smile.

He walked into the kitchen and returned with two bottles of Corona. Carmen took the drink and gulped half of it down like a parched wanderer in a desert.

“Whoa, slow down there girl, there’s plenty more where that came from. Now, tell me what’s been goin on with you. It’s been a while since we last saw each other.”