Finding Ashlynn (11 page)

Authors: Zoe Lynne

Ash started up the narrow, rusty steps, tightly gripping the handrail. Each footfall made the stairs sound like they were falling apart. She glanced over her shoulder to check on Jenna, who still looked at her surroundings with indifference, as if this wasn’t the worst she’d ever seen in her life.

Mad props for the girlfriend.
Jenna was totally being a champ about all of this.

They finally made it to Ash’s apartment and before she opened the door, she stole one last glimpse of Jenna—just for reassurance.

Inside, the air was cool—finally—and had a slightly mildewed smell to it. The stench had gotten better since Ash had cleaned the place so well on Friday. Her dad was in his trusty recliner—complete with duct-taped armrests—kicked back, reading the Sunday paper. When the door squeaked and the sunlight spilled in, he raised his head and gave her one of his warm smiles.

“Hey, stranger,” he teased. “Glad you’re home.”

Chapter Nineteen

A
DMITTEDLY
,
Ash’s dad’s good looks surprised Jenna. Though why, she wasn’t sure. Ash was absolutely gorgeous, and she most certainly came from her father’s DNA. They had the same icy-blue eyes, the same golden-blond hair, and the same narrow chin. Only, he had a tan and Ash had… well, the complexion of a ghost. But God, Jenna loved the creamy, milky tone of her girlfriend’s flesh.

“Daddy, this is Jenna,” Ash said.

Jenna didn’t know if she needed to step forward and shake his hand or what. He just stayed in his chair and nodded his head. He smiled, but it was an empty smile, sort of like he didn’t want to be bothered with Ash’s “friend.” And the whole situation went from promising to dreadful.

“Can we talk?” Ash asked as she headed toward the couch.

Jenna followed her only because she didn’t know what else to do, and she assumed Ash wanted her sitting down as well. She took a spot on the couch, close to Ash, but not too close. Just enough for Ash to feel her presence and within reach in case things got a little hairy.

“Sure, kiddo. What’s up?” her dad asked as he sat up in his recliner. He set the newspaper down on the floor beside him. Ash clearly had his undivided attention now.

“I, um… well….” Ash swallowed hard.

She looked over at Jenna, and there was genuine fear in Ash’s eyes. Nothing Jenna could do or say right now would make any of this easier, and it hurt her so badly that she couldn’t deliver Ash far away from this moment.

Jenna turned her eyes down, guiding Ash to look down with her. She rested her hand on her thigh—palm up, fingers slightly curled, an offering just in case Ash needed it. Ash seemed to consider the possibility of showing her father the truth instead of telling him about it. She looked back up at him, then down at Jenna’s hand. Ash took a deep breath, then laid her palm over Jenna’s. When their fingers curled together, it felt like the cosmos finally aligned again. Jenna and Ash were stronger, a collective unit. They could conquer the world now.

“Daddy,” Ash said. “There’s something I need to tell you.”

“Ashlynn, you should know by now that you can tell me anything,” he said very pointedly, shifting his gaze down to their locked fingers. “I do mean
anything
.”

“I, um… I think I’m in love with Jenna,” she cautiously said. “What I mean is, I’m pretty sure I’m a lesbian.” Ash nodded a few times. “Yeah. Yeah, I’m… a lesbian.”

“As long as you’re not pregnant,” her father responded. A playful grin curled the edges of his lips. He gave Jenna a wink, while Ash blinked a few times, as if she couldn’t believe the way he responded to the news. “Honey, it’s okay.” He leaned up farther in his seat and clamped his hand down on her knee. He looked her straight in the eyes and said, “You can love whoever you want, Ash. Just….” He sighed and shook his head. “Just don’t let anyone hurt you, okay? Don’t give your heart to someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

The girls exchanged a glance. Jenna could tell by the way Ash looked at her that she’d already given away her heart, and Jenna couldn’t be more proud that it had been gifted to her.

“Daddy,” Ash said as she brought their joined hands up to her lips. “Someone already has my heart, and she totally deserves it. I love her.”

“I love you too,” Jenna whispered, eyes stinging with the happiest tears she’d ever cried.

“As long as you’re happy, baby girl.” Her dad stood up and held out his arms. Ash joined him, pulling away from Jenna, but Jenna didn’t want to let go of her hand.

“I am happy. Jenna’s a good one, Daddy. She really is.”

Heat filled Jenna’s cheeks. Ash waved for her to join them. Ash had a new sparkle in her eyes. Even her smile widened. She looked so full of life now, so relieved and renewed. Who could blame her, though? She’d just gotten through one of the hardest things any LGBT teen would have to go through with no yelling or cursing, and the only tears had been tears of happiness.

It was the perfect beginning for their budding romance: no more hiding
anything
—not their love for each other, not their families, not their friends. Ash no longer had to be ashamed of where she lived and the life she had because she’d bared it all, and Jenna had accepted her without fail. They were finally free to be who and what they wanted to be.

About the Author

Z
OE
L
YNNE
strives to give LGBT youth stories they love, with heroes they can relate to. Zoe Lynne began in October of 2012, with the sole focus being to create books with LGBT youth in mind. It is Zoe Lynne's hope to deliver characters who are both real and fantastic, characters you love and love to hate, but more so, characters you can relate to. The author behind Zoe Lynne has received accolades in adult romance.

Find more from Zoe Lynne at http://zoelynnebooks.blogspot.com or follow on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ZoeLynneBooks.

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OE
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YNNE