TITLE: Racing The Rain
AUTHOR: Finey_McFine
RATING: R (Language)
DISCLAIMER: Willow, Tara and any other BtVS characters, as well as some random dialog, belong to Mutant Enemy. ALL other original characters belong to me! This includes: Willow’s siblings and teammates, plus Tara’s friends and co-workers. Mention of any ‘real’ people in this fic is brief and pure fantasy.
SUMMARY: Totally AU! Set in LA with lots of W/T fluff and some angst, but no Hellmouthyness; just good old regular day-to-day drama. Willow is attending college on an athletic scholarship and Tara is Hollywood royalty. They meet and fall in love, of course, but will they be able to survive the pitfalls of a public romance? Well, you’ll just have to read and find out!
FEEDBACK: Yes! Any glaring issues…please send me a PM!
AUTHOR’S NOTE: Hi Everyone and Happy Valentine’s Day!! 
I seriously hope that ya’ll are NOT reading this update, but instead enjoying a lovely romantic day with your someone special. 
We celebrated yesterday…my wife is working overtime today, boo! So, I have a date with my daughter instead:)
On a serious note…I wanted to thank you all for your kind words and positive energy regarding my Mom. It’s been a tough time for all of us and unfortunately, it doesn’t look like it’s going to improve anytime soon. My Mom’s condition is slowly worsening and the doctors are not hopeful. Maybe she’ll pull out a miracle…we’ll see.
Anyway, the next chapter just kinda ties things up in Texas and sends our girls back to LA. It’s not beta’d or proofed, so I’m sure you’ll see a few mistakes…even though I proofed it about fifty times. 
**On a side note…remember when Tara fired Kelly before they left for Texas?? Well, I got some mixed feedback where in it was mentioned that Tara’s actions were a little harsh and she should have given Kelly another chance. Well, how many of you saw the 60 Minute interview with Adele before the Grammy’s? She actually admitted to planting fake stories to see who was leaking information and then firing them immediately. Anyway, I laughed when she said it and I kinda felt like Tara’s actions were vindicated, even if Tara is just a fictional character. Chapter 58: The Long GoodbyeWith everyone securely in the limo, the driver began to slowly pull away.
“So, where we headed?” Eli asked. “Red River?”
“Nah,” Grayson replied, “That place doesn’t pick up until later. We’ll hit it on the way back.”
“On the way back from where?” Rachael eyed her brother curiously.
Grayson held his head high, “Downtown. We can bar hop better when they’re closer together.”
“How many places are we going and how long do you plan to stay out? Willow and Tara have a plane to catch tomorrow, you know.”
“And you need your ‘beauty sleep,’ blah, blah. Rach, I told you to bring your OWN car for this very reason!” Grayson spat at his older sister.
“Hey! I’m not complaining, I’m just asking a question!”
“Here we go, that didn’t even take five minutes…it’s gonna be a long night.” Hunter smirked, sharing a knowing look with Elijah while leaning back into the leather seat and putting his arm lovingly around his girlfriend.
Tara sighed, mirroring Hunter’s moves as she felt Willow snuggle into her side. “Have I told you how much I love this outfit?” She whispered in Willow’s ear.
Willow grinned, “No, but feel free.”
Tara shook her head and laughed out loud, sparking Grayson’s attention. Rachael was in the middle of a sentence when he turned his head away from her completely, “Hey Tara…”
“Hmm?” Tara replied, looking up at Grayson.
“What kind of car do you drive?” He asked out of the blue.
“Umm, why?” Tara was a bit thrown.
“What kind of car do you drive? Just curious.”
“Oh um, a Lexus.” The blonde answered.
Grayson raised his eyebrows expectantly, “And…which model?”
Tara sighed, “An RX450 Hybrid.”
“I KNEW IT!” Grayson shouted, raising his fist triumphantly.
“Knew what?” Willow asked.
“That your girlfriend drives a hybrid. Everyone in Hollywood drives some sort of hybrid because they think it’s ‘PC,’ when they really want to drive a souped up BMW or a Ferrari.”
“What makes you think Tara even wants to drive a Ferrari? She’s not really the Ferrari type.” Willow said sarcastically to her meddling brother. She was now leaning forward, arms across her knees and fully engaged in the conversation.
Tara pulled her arm from behind Willow and rested her hands in her lap, listening as all the siblings were now involved in a raucous conversation involving various cars and events surrounding previously owned cars. She watched Willow, amused as the redhead laughed and periodically leaned over to give Hunter’s shoulder a friendly shove.
Tara took the moment to reflect on the week that had passed and how much she’d grown to love Willow’s family, despite everything that had gone on. They had accepted her into the fold and it meant everything to Tara. She planned on hanging on to Willow for a very long time and whether she wanted to admit it or not, their approval of her was very important. Tara smiled as she glanced between all of the siblings; they were so different, yet their strong bond kept them close despite the differences and tonight those differences were particularly evident by way of clothing alone. Tara giggled inwardly, she looked at the three boys sitting side by side; reminding her of The Village People.
Her eyes landed on Hunter first, the mild mannered music teacher dressed in khaki pants, a long sleeve button down shirt, and brown belt with matching brown loafers. He and Willow were the most alike, sharing the same red hair and thin build; not to mention they were both studious and organized.
Her gaze then shifted to Elijah; the down home boy that oozed Texas from his pours. He wore scuffed up cowboy boots, a pair of well-worn skintight wrangler jeans, a wide leather belt with a large buckle and western style long sleeve button down shirt firmly tucked into his pants. Eli’s ensemble was topped off with a black Stetson, much to Grayson’s chagrin. The eldest Rosenberg boy had made it quite clear early on that he did not approve of his brothers attire, to which Elijah just grinned; hooking his thumbs in his pockets and striking a pose.
Tara had to admit that she got a kick out of Grayson’s ridiculous behavior and his obsession with his appearance. He was definitely the most ‘metro’ of the bunch. His hair was perfectly quaffed, his eyebrows professionally waxed and his attire perfectly pressed. He wore a pair of expensive stone washed jeans, with black shoes, a white button down with a loose fitted tie, a gray suit vest and a black leather jacket. He looked like he just stepped out of a men’s fashion magazine. Reminding Tara of a cross between Justin Timberlake and David Beckham; the differences between the three boys was striking and this was the first time Tara had really noticed. She imagined that Rachael was a more middle of the road gal and practical dresser, but it was hard to tell since she’d only seen her in maternity clothing.
Tara’s eyes finally fell on Willow, who looked particularly beautiful. She was wearing black tights with knee high black boots, a semi-short olive green mini skirt and a fitted black sweater that hugged her body in all the right places. For the first couple weeks of their relationship, Tara had only seen the girl in sweats, with no make-up and mismatched t-shirts with various cartoon character or funny sayings on the front; which matched her playful and laid back personality perfectly. Except then they went out and Willow had transformed into a hot, sexy and gorgeous young woman.
She definitely cleans up well. Tara thought. She imagined that she would remain entranced with Willow’s numerous looks for the rest of her life and she couldn’t wait to see them all…
adorable Willow, sexy Willow, playful Willow, practical Willow, athletic Willow… Tara was lost in happy Willow-land with a sappy smile plastered across her face when she suddenly noticed the conversation stopped and everyone was staring at her.
“Um…sorry. What were we talking about?” She asked sheepishly, causing the entire group to burst out laughing.
******************************
About thirty minutes later they arrived at their destination, Crush, a large three story club in the downtown bar district. The street was lined with cars and the sidewalk in front of the club was lined with people. Tara asked the driver to drop them about a half a block down from the club, as not to bring them unnecessary attention. She knew if they made a
grand entrance she would be swamped with fans all night. The gang agreed and they made their way into the bar with little fanfare.
As they entered through the inner doors of the club, they each pulled out their id’s to be carded by the burly bouncer, who was also collecting the cover and stamping hands with fluorescent ink. Willow provided her drivers license and was passed through as she paid the cover for herself and for Tara as well. As she stood patiently waiting, Tara handed her license to bouncer. He scanned over the card and froze momentarily; slowly shifting his eyes from the card to Tara’s face. The young man eyed Tara suspiciously and looked back and forth between the license and Tara for what seemed like forever. He finally made the connection and his eyes grew wide; his hand shaking slightly as he handed the card back to the actress. Tara smiled sweetly as she retrieved her card from his thick fingers. She then leaned forward placing a soothing hand on his arm and whispering in his ear, causing the man laugh out loud and immediately putting him at ease.
“No problem,” The bouncer said as he nodded and pointed towards the back of the bar. He gave Tara some brief instructions before picking up his walkie-talkie and mumbling into the device. Tara gave his arm a gentle squeeze and mouthed ‘thank you’ before she took Willow’s hand and proceeded into the dimly lit club.
“Everything ok?” Willow asked.
“Umm hmm, I just wanted to make sure we avoid a mob scene.” Willow nodded in agreement as she leaned forward and gently kissed Tara on the cheek.
The club was loud, dark and tightly packed with people as the large group plodded towards the bar with Grayson leading the way. Before they reached their destination, a tall man in a suit approached Grayson; shaking his hand and whispering into his ear. Grayson smiled and motioned for the group to follow was they were lead by the man through the crowd, up two flights of stairs and towards the back to a semi private section of the club where several tall empty tables and couches awaited.
“Damn, I could get used to this!” Grayson exclaimed as he took a seat at one of the tables.
The young man in the suit approached Tara, “Miss Maclay, it’s a pleasure to meet you,” He said as he offered his hand to Tara. “My name is Mike, I’m the manager and if there’s anything you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.”
“Hi Mike, Thank you and his is my girlfriend, Willow Rosenberg.” Tara smiled as she shook Mike’s hand and introduced Willow; wanting to make sure he knew Willow was on equal footing, “Um there is one thing, my friends and I just want to relax and have a good time. So if we could just keep this quiet…” She said smiling up at the man.
Mike nodded, “No problem, I’m assigning my best hostess to you tonight and I also have Jimmy staying close to make sure that you aren’t bothered.” Mike looked towards a large man in jeans and a t-shirt hanging out at the end of the upstairs bar. “Again, if there’s anything I can do for you or Miss Rosenberg…”
“Thanks Mike, this is perfect, really.” Tara reassured.
“Ok then, enjoy your evening.” Mike smiled and retreated towards the bar; checking in with Jimmy and giving the hostess brief instructions before making his way back downstairs.
Tara slid the strap of her purse and her jacket over the back of a chair and then excused herself to the restroom while Willow stayed behind to help move the tables together so they wouldn’t be spread all over the room. By the time Tara returned, Willow had a strawberry margarita waiting for her with a glass of ice water and a shot of tequila that Grayson had ordered for everyone.
Tara slid into her seat next to her girlfriend eying the glasses in front of her, “Well, this is going to be an interesting night.” She mumbled.
Willow laughed out loud and Grayson picked up his shot glass and hoisted it into the air, “Ok everyone, bottoms up!” He exclaimed as he downed the shot and then chased it with a long swig of Jack Daniels. Willow picked up Tara’s hand; licking the back seductively and shaking an ample amount of salt on the moistened spot. Tara did the same to Willow as they grinned at each other, tapped their shot glasses together and guzzled their shots with salt and lime. They both made scrunched up faces and reached for their respective glasses of ice water at the same time.
“Light weights!” Grayson exclaimed laughing hardily.
Tara coughed several times and Willow patted her on the back. “You ok?” The redhead asked.
Tara nodded in return as she took another sip of water, “Yeah, it was just strong and how come you’re not having the same reaction?”
Willow laughed as she soothingly rubbed Tara’s back, “College student, remember? I practically major in alcoholic consumption. Not to mention, I had to learn how to keep up with these guys a
long time ago.”
“Well then, I guess I need to catch up,” Tara said.
“That’s the spirit!” Eli chimed in as he tapped Tara’s margarita with his beer bottle.
The group talked, laughed and drank for quite some time before Grayson suddenly jumped up from his seat. “I LOVE
this song! Come on, let’s dance!”
“It figures,” Willow mumbled as she looked at Tara expectantly.
After gulping down the last bit of her drink, Tara nodded her head and they locked hands as they headed for the dance floor with the others. Tara was definitely feeling the effects of the tequila as she entered the crowded dance floor and began to unconsciously move to the beat. Her hips began to sway as she encircled her hands around Willow’s neck and pulled her close.
Willow was also feeling tingly from the drinks and Tara’s actions just exacerbated her situation as she placed her hands gently on Tara’s hips. After a few awkward seconds, their bodies fell into sync as they danced the night away.
Several hours and three bars later, they found themselves at the Red River Saloon; a perennial country hot spot near Willow’s hometown. All of the women in the group had finished their last drinks about thirty minutes ago, but the men were still going strong. Including Jeff, who was currently nursing a beer after doing several shots.
“Oooh, he’s gonna be sorry in the morning,” Tara said observing Jeff as she took a sip of water.
“Umm hmm, especially if he throws up on Rachael’s carpet,” Willow added, “He’ll get no sympathy from her.” Willow said getting a round of laughs from the girls. They were all fairly buzzed, but by no means drunk. Jeff, however, had been left to his own devices for the last hour after Rachael retired to the limo for some much needed rest.
Grayson sauntered over between Willow and Tara; draping his arms sloppily across their shoulders and pressing himself close.
“Hello ladies! What’s the what?” He asked with a distinctive slur in his voice.
“God Grayson, get off!” Willow exclaimed as she threw his arm off her shoulder.
“You’re no fun, but I know what’s gonna make yoooou smiiiile!” He grinned as a new song began to play. “Come on sis, you can’t resist it! You know you waaaant toooooo!!!”
Willow rolled her eyes and shook her head laughing as she watched her brother start to dance goofily in front of her and try to lure her on to the dance floor. She glanced over at Hunter, who was grinning widely and nodding his head as he jumped up and motioned for Willow to join them. Finally succumbing to the beat, Willow also jumped up. “You comin’ Tare?”
“Umm no, I think I’ll sit this one out,” She said as she shifted in her seat for a better view of the dance floor.
“Ok suit yourself!” Willow kissed Tara on the cheek and quickly joined her brothers and about twenty other bar patrons for their favorite
line dance.
Tara sat with Molly and Stella as they watched the siblings shuffle and glide across the dance floor; executing the moves perfectly and having an all around great time. It was the happiest Tara had seen her girlfriend in the last several days and she was glad that they were ending their visit on a high note.
When the song finally finished, Willow came bounding back to their table as the DJ announced last call. “You were awesome sweetie! You’ll have to teach it to me someday.” Tara said as she took Willow’s hands and pulled her close; he alcohol residual fueling her bold public behavior.
Willow let her self be pulled forward between Tara’s knees, “Thanks baby!” She said as she wrapped her arms around Tara’s neck and kissed her gently on the lips; completely forgetting where they were. “Ummm,” She breathed as she pulled back and rested her forehead on Tara’s. The two of them were completely lost in their own little world.
“Hey,” Hunter said, “Where’s Jeff?” Everyone began glancing around the bar and shrugging their shoulders when they failed to locate their brother in law.
“I think I remember seeing him go to the bathroom about ten minutes ago,” Stella said.
“Ah shit, Rachael’s gonna kill us!” Eli exclaimed, his eyes darting between Hunter and Grayson.
Hunter sighed deeply, “I’ll go,” He said as he rose from the bar stool and headed towards the men’s room. Only to emerge several minutes later with a sour look on his face. “Yep, he’s still in there…praying to the porcelain God.”
“Having a conversation with good ol’ Uncle Hurl?” Eli joked.
“And Cousin Ralph?” Grayson added; both comments getting a round of giggles.
“Damn, Rachael’s gonna be pissed. Someone needs to go back in there and get him.” Willow said as she eyed her brothers. The boys all looked at each other as if Willow was speaking a foreign language. “Well?”
“Fine!” They grumbled in unison as the three of them turned and set off to retrieve their drunken brother in law from the men’s room floor.
“Well, I guess the party’s over,” Molly said as she began to gather her things.
Tara looked up at Willow, giving her one last peck on the lips, “I’ll see if the bartender can give us a garbage bag or something for the ride home.”
“Good thinking,” Willow nodded and stepped back as Tara began to move towards the bar.
Several minutes later, Willow noticed that Tara still had not returned and saw that she’d become trapped at the bar; signing autographs and taking photos with various patrons.
Good grief, we really need to get out of here. Willow thought, just as her brothers emerged from the restroom with a very drunk Jeff.
Jeff’s head bobbed loosely from side to side, his face was a pale green and the front of his shirt was soaking wet as he staggered between Eli and Hunter; his arms loosely tossed over their shoulders for support. Grayson followed behind the threesome with a roll of paper towels.
Willow made her way quickly over to Tara, “Sorry guys, we have to go.” She said sweetly to the group of young men that were drooling over her girlfriend. A resounding grumble came from the crowd as Willow began to pull Tara away.
“Bye and thanks for the bag, it was nice meetin’ ya’ll!” Tara shouted over her shoulder as Willow pulled her away.
“Tare,” Willow whined, “What are you doing?”
“Getting a bag,” Tara replied waving the bag in Willow’s face with her free hand. She had a giddy inflection in her voice and Willow could tell that she was obviously still a bit tipsy.
Willow stopped suddenly and Tara slammed into her, “Woah, are you ok?”
Tara grinned sappily, “I am now,” She said, pressing her body tightly against Willow’s and running a hand under the back of Willow’s sweater.
“Oh God,” Willow breathed. She herself was still slightly buzzed, although apparently not as much as Tara, and feeling Tara’s hand on her bare skin made her shiver with anticipation. She hadn’t noticed any difference in Tara while they were sitting down; figuring it must have hit Tara when she stood up. Willow shivered again when she felt Tara’s breath tickle her neck, “Come on drunkard, let’s get you home.”
“Hey, I’m not drunk! Maybe a little buzzed-” Tara started to protest but was stopped by Willow’s lips on hers with a gentle kiss. “Mmhh.” She moaned rewarding Willow with a lopsided smile as they resumed walking towards the exit. Their arms were tightly wrapped around the other as they walked; whispering and giggling the entire way. They were both downright giddy by the time they reached the limo, forgetting the entire reason they were forced to leave the bar early…until they heard Rachael’s shrill voice piercing the cool night air.
Rachael was standing next to Jeff with her hands on her hips yelling incoherently at the man, while he leaned forward and vomited into some nearby bushes.
“Ewww,” Tara groaned closing her eyes and burying her head in the crook of Willow’s neck, “Here’s the bag,” She said as she thrust her arm forward towards Grayson; keeping her face firmly implanted in her girlfriends neck.
“I second that and raise you a yuck!” Willow said as she embraced Tara, shielding her face and turning their backs to the scene unfolding in front of them.
“Reminds me of your birthday last year in New Orleans,” Grayson said to Willow’s back.
“Yeah and don’t forget New Years Eve 2009,” Hunter added.
“Or his bachelor party,” Eli chimed in as they boys all looked at each other and began to laugh.
“I heard that and stop laughing!” Rachael shouted from some twenty feet away. “I told you guys to keep an eye on him, but you NEVER listen to me!”
“Hey, we’re not his personal babysitters…that’s YOUR job!” Grayson shot back sarcastically.
“Not helping Gray,” Willow said, with her back still turned. She looked up and noticed that some of the group from the bar, that Tara had been chatting with earlier, had apparently followed them outside and was now headed in their direction. “Come on baby, let’s get in the car.” She said as she pulled Tara towards the door.
As they stepped past Hunter, several bright flashes lit up the night sky. Luckily they were just trying to get pictures of Tara and Willow and not paying any attention to Jeff.
“Here we go again,” Molly said as she caught Stella’s eye, “We need to get out of here before things get crazy like yesterday.”
“Plus, Tara doesn’t need the bad press either,” Stella said as she nodded towards Jeff; still bent forward into the poor unsuspecting bushes.
Eli, having heard the conversation, snatched the paper towels and garbage bag out of Grayson’s hands and walked towards his sister. “Rach, we gotta get, before he ends up on the cover of People magazine.”
Rachael saw the gathering group of bar patrons and nodded, “Come on honey,” she said quietly as she rubbed her husband’s back. “Feeling better?” She asked as he stood and wiped his face with a paper towel that Eli had handed him.
“Umm hmm,” He groaned, somehow managing to get himself together and make it into the limo without incident. Once inside with the car door closed, however, Jeff lost control once again; burying his face in the garbage bag to a chorus of disgusted groans from his family.
*********************************
“Well,
that was the longest ride ever,” Willow turning towards Tara after they both showered and settled into bed for the night.
“Ummm,” Tara agreed, “Maybe even worse than Thanksgiving night with Aunt Gert.”
Willow chuckled as she snuggled closer to Tara, “Yeah and I didn’t think
anything could get much worse than that. Poor limo driver, it’s gonna take him awhile to get that smell outta there and the carpet’s gonna have to be professionally cleaned.”
“That’s why I gave him an extra large tip and told him to just bill me for the cleaning.”
Willow frowned, “I’m sorry Tare, I’m sure Rachael won’t mind paying for it. If you just give me the bill, I can send it to her and-”
“Ssshhh, it’s ok love. Besides, it was worth it…I had so much fun tonight.”
“You did? Really?”
“Really,” Tara said as she wove her fingers through Willow’s semi wet hair and kissed her forehead gently. “So, back in LA tomorrow and back to the grind on Monday.”
Willow shifted and propped herself up on her elbow, “Tare, I um…I kind of screwed up.” She said as she twisted her face in a grimace.
“What’s wrong sweetie?” Tara was puzzled at Willow’s new revelation.
“See, with everything going on I completely forgot to ask you, but um, I have a formal softball banquet next Saturday night and I know it’s the shortest of short notices, but I was um…I was hoping that you would be my date?” Willow asked in a high, squeaky voice.
“You are just the cutest thing ever,” Tara whispered as she ran her hand down Willow’s arm. “But the question should be, why wouldn’t I be your date?”
Willow smiled sheepishly, “Well, it’s just that it’s really short notice and I wasn’t sure if you were free or not.”
Tara thought for a minute and smiled, “I don’t remember having anything specific, but if I do, I guess I’ll just have to cancel it then, won’t I?”
“Tara you don’t have to-” Willow was interrupted by soft plump lips on her own.
Tara broke the kiss and looked at Willow with sleepy blue eyes, “It’s not even a question, I’m always free for you, ok? Besides, doing formal events is…kind of my thing,” She said as she let out a deep yawn.
Willow smiled down at the woman she loved so dearly, “Sleepy baby?”
“Umm hmm…snuggles?” Tara asked is the sleepiest of sleepy voices.
“Absolutely,” Willow smiled, cupping Tara’s cheek and kissing her gently. “I love you Tara.”
Once again Tara’s sleepy blue eyes were trained on Willow, “I love you too Will.”
************************************
Tara awoke the next morning to the sound of her cell phone alarm. The morning seemed to come quickly and Tara was none too pleased. She’d slept hard and sound, realizing that she was still in a mini post-drunken stupor when she felt a dull thudding in her head. She reached for her girlfriend, but was met with an empty space instead.
“Will?” Tara said as she sat up and peered around the room. It was empty; no Willow. Glancing to her right, Tara noticed a glass of water, two small pills and a note.
Morning Sweetie! I’m out at the barn with Artemis. I left you a couple ibuprofens; I needed them when I woke up and figured you’d need them as well. Don’t forget everyone’s coming for breakfast and we need to leave for the airport by ten-thirty. Love you! ~Will xoxoTara smiled at the cuteness that was Willow. She had never known anyone that was as sweet and caring as the redhead. Tara folded up the note, leaned over the side of the bed and tucked it safely in her purse. She cherished everything that Willow gave her and wanted to make sure she didn’t lose it.
Tara slung her long slender legs over the side of the bed, popping the pills in her mouth and taking a large swig of water to wash them down. She pulled on some jeans, a white t-shirt and one of Willow’s numerous hooded jackets. Some thick socks and a pair of boots to round out the ensemble. Tara walked the short distance to the window and pulled open the curtains to reveal a beautiful and crisp fall morning. Off in the distance, she spotted Willow and Artemis galloping across the open pasture. It was a magical sight and Tara watched for several moments while she put her hair up in a ponytail before heading downstairs.
The house was still and it appeared that she was the only one up. After making a pot of coffee, she took her steaming hot mug out to the back porch and sat on the swing; enjoying the solitude before the family was to arrive. Several minutes later she heard the backdoor creek as Sheila emerged on to the porch.
“Morning Tara, do you mind if I join you?” Sheila asked as she motioned towards the chair next to Tara.
“Of course not,” The blonde replied and smiled warmly.
“You know, Willow has always hated being alone, except when she rides.” Sheila lamented as she sipped her coffee; gazing across the pasture watching her youngest daughter off in the distance. “She shared a room with Hunter until she was about five, that’s when we finished the attic for Rachael so Grayson could have his own room and we moved Hunter in with Eli. The move also left Willow with her own room as well and she hated it. Every night she would get up, drag her blanket and pillow in the boys’ room and either crawl in bed with Hunter or sleep on the floor between them.”
Tara smiled, “How long did that last?”
“Let’s see…when was the last time she was here?” Sheila said with a giggle causing Tara to laugh as well. They fell into a comfortable silence until Sheila cleared her throat, “Tara, I um, I wanted to thank you for last night. It was very nice of you and I’m sorry that I didn’t say something before now.”
Tara nodded, “Your w-welcome,” Answering nervously.
Sheila sighed deeply, “I also wanted to apologize for my behavior this week. I’m not really sure what came over me and I just, I didn’t give you a chance.”
Tara was surprised, but unwilling to give Sheila a free pass. A part of her wanted to say, ‘
It’s ok, I understand,’ and another part of her wanted to say, “
Yes, you did act horribly and I’m glad you finally came to your senses.’ In the end, Tara decided to remain silent and allow Sheila to continue.
“Tara you have to understand, I only want what’s best for Willow. Sometimes she doesn’t always see the big picture.”
“I do understand, but that’s not up to either one of us. It’s up to Willow to decide what’s best for her.” From the look on Sheila’s face Tara could tell that she hit a nerve, she just hoped that it didn’t spark another outburst.
If Sheila had hoped for Tara to acquiesce to her point of view, she was sadly mistaken. There was simply no way that was going to happen. Sheila nodded and smiled in Tara’s direction, although the smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Well, I’d better get started on breakfast, everyone will be arriving soon…” Her voice trailed off as she rose from her chair and headed back inside; the two women silently agreeing to disagree.
With Tara’s coffee now cold, she sat the half full cup on a small end table and decided to go in search of her girlfriend. She’d seen Willow trotting towards the barn, but the redhead had disappeared and Tara was curious as to what she was up to.
Tara crossed the yard and entered the barn, expecting to see Willow putting things away, but the barn was quite and empty. She continued through the barn and out the back doors when she spotted Willow and was struck with a sudden wave of emotion. Willow was lying across the horses’ back with her eyes closed, her feet pulled up behind her and her cheek resting against the thick mane. She was idly stroking Artemis’ long neck as the mare grazed in a small patch of grass. It was a beautiful sight and Tara couldn’t resist pulling a small digital camera out of her jacket pocket and snapping a quick picture.
Tara replaced the camera in her pocket and began making her way towards the redhead when she noticed the sun glistening on Willow’s cheeks. The girl was crying silently and the tears were dripping down her face and onto the horses’ dark mane. Tara’s heart constricted in her chest; she hated to see Willow cry.
“Will,” Tara said as she approached as not to startle her girlfriend.
Willow opened her teary eyes, but did not shift her position, “Hey.”
Tara reached up and lightly caressed Willow’s side and lower back, “Hey, are you ok?”
“Umm hmm, it’s just…it’s hard for me to leave her. I miss her so much,” The redhead sniffled.
Tara attempted to swallow the lump in her throat and push her emotions aside, “Oh sweetie,” Tara said as she gently wiped the tears from Willow’s face. “Can you um, can you take me for one last ride?” She asked hopefully.
Willow nodded; smiling genuinely as she pulled herself up right on Artemis’ back, “Come over to the fence.” She motioned as she walked Artemis over and helped Tara mount the horse behind her.
Tara slid easily onto the horse and snug up against Willow’s back. It was the first time she’d been on the horse without a saddle and she locked her arms around Willow’s waist.
“Don’t worry baby, I’ll keep you safe,” Willow smiled, turning her head and kissing Tara on the lips.
“Ummmm, good morning,” Tara mumbled.
“Yes, very,” Willow replied and she left another quick kiss on Tara’s lips, then turned and began walking the horse slowly around the pasture.
They rode and talked for sometime before finally dismounting and releasing Artemis to graze. They showered and finished some last minute packing before joining Willow’s family for breakfast. Everyone was there and chatting happily when the girls arrived; except for Jeff, who had a very valid excuse for his absence. Even Molly had come, since Hunter had spent the night at her apartment. They all sat around the large dining room table chatting, laughing and telling stories from the night before as they filled themselves with a multitude of delicious breakfast foods. Sheila and Adele had gone all out and made eggs, bacon, sausage, and pancakes for the large brood. The atmosphere was more relaxed and happy than it had been the entire trip and the girls were extremely grateful.
Before long it was time to begin the process of saying their goodbyes as they made their rounds with hugs, kisses and a few tears, before the boys loaded their luggage into Hunter's car and they set off for the airport. Willow was uncharacteristically quiet as she laid her head against the backseat; watching the landscape as it passed by. Tara held her hand supportively and rubbed soothing circles with her thumb while conversing quietly with Hunter and Molly. Before long they arrived at the airport and Hunter pulled to the curb; jumping out to help with their bags before sending them on their way.
“Tara, it was really great to meet you and don’t be a stranger, ok?” He said as he engulfed her in a warm embrace.
Tara embraced Hunter in return, “Thanks Hunter, it was great meeting you too.”
They broke apart and Tara turned her attention to Molly so Willow and Hunter could have a moment to themselves. The two new friends hugged and exchanged information so they could keep in touch.
“Well, back to the real world,” Willow babbled as she hugged her brother.
“I’m gonna miss you Will,” Hunter said; a little choked up as he squeezed his sister tightly.
“I’m gonna miss you too Hunt, but you’re coming for opening weekend, so I’ll see you in a couple months, right?”
“Yeah,” Hunter replied and he closed his eyes fighting off the tears and kissing the top of Willow’s head, “Love you sis, be good ok? And if you need anything, you know you can call me anytime, right?”
“Thanks, I know and I love you too.”
They all finished saying their goodbyes and waved as Willow and Tara entered the airport, finally on their way back to LA.
hilarious, nice one liner there from Tara.
