Blind Date

Chapter 28 • No Sad Tears

"I can't believe it. She's my girlfriend now. JJ's my girlfriend. Can you believe it, Maggie?" She answers me with a bark and I grin while pushing my sunnies further up my nose. "Yeah, I'm shocked, too."

With my costume bundled in my arm, I open the door to the downstairs loo and I immediately smile at the sound of JJ's laugh. I grab onto Maggie's harness and she starts leading me down the hallway.

"Ah, there they are," Gemma says and I pull back on the harness to stop us from walking. "Feel better now that you've changed out of your costume?"

"Mhm yes. Much more comfortable. I'll take my skinny jeans and a t-shirt over polyester any day. Those sequins are pretty itchy through the material, not that I'm complaining," I reply and she takes my wadded up costume from my arm. "Thanks."

"No problem. Everyone's in the living room now. I was just about to check on the cider."

"Oh okay. Do you need help?"

"I've got it, love bug. Go spend time with your girlfriend," she says in a teasing tone and I can't stop myself from grinning.

As Maggie and I continue down the hallway, the distinct voices of my mum, Michal and JJ become clearer and I gently stop Maggie from walking.

"JJ, where are you, love?"

"I'm over here, Harry. By the couch. Here, lemme help y-"

"That's quite alright. She knows where it is," I kindly say. "Maggie, take me to the couch, please." As we make our way over, Mum and Michal continue their conversation from before and Maggie stops me from walking. "Where are you sitting, love?"

"I'm on the middle cushion so you can have either end."

"Thank you," I smile in her direction, taking a seat next to her and I blow out a breath. "Sit, Maggie," I command, gently petting her to help her sit next to my leg. "Good girl," I praise before turning my attention to JJ. "Are you changed out of your costume?"

"Mhm yes, and I can breathe again." Her quiet laugh lets me know it's okay to smile, even though I don't believe it was a joke.

"Good," I simply say, holding out my hand for hers and I feel her soft hand fit in mine.

The gentle crackling and warm heat from the fireplace on my right makes for a cozy feeling and knowing that I'm sitting next to my girlfriend and holding her hand makes it even better than I could imagine.

"Hot apple cider and crumpets for us and a bone for Maggie are served," Gemma announces, earning our attention. "Who wants some?"

"Oh I'd love some cider a-and a crumpet, if you don't mind," JJ says, keeping her hand in mine so I can assume she's using her left hand. "Mm, thank you, Gemma. It smells amazing."

"You're very welcome. I made the cider with fresh cinnamon sticks. Be careful now. It's piping hot," Gemma warns and JJ hums in acknowledgment. "How about you, baby bro?"

"Mm, yes, cider and a crumpet please," I answer, gently squeezing JJ's hand. "Would you mind if I borrowed my hand for a bit? I'd hate to spill on Gem's couch or on you."

"Oh yes, of course, by all means," she wiggles her fingers loose from mine.

"What does everyone have planned for the upcoming holidays?" Mum asks, sparking new conversation. "JJ, can we expect to see you for Thanksgiving dinner and Christmas?"

"Mum, please," I interrupt with a slight groan. "She probably wants to spend time with her family."

"Not really," she grumbles only so loud for me to hear.