Eve bobbed her head with enthusiasm. “I mean, if you are comfortable with that, I would love to join you. But are you…

  out to them?

  Clair let out a small laugh and sighed. “Not explicitly. We don't really talk about why I got divorced from Gary. I think they may know, although I have never introduced them to women I have since dated.” Clair looked up at Eve. “Not yet, anyway. To be honest, I think they were so freaked out about

  my depression that they didn't know what to do or what to ask me. So, I just never bothered to explain because it just seemed easier not to talk about it.”

  Eve replied, “ I would never put you in a position where you would need to out yourself if you weren't ready. I really appreciate the invite, but please don't feel obligated or anything. I am happy to go with the flow—however you are comfortable.”

  Clair looked tenderly at Eve. “But I am ready. I thought about it yesterday. I am so grateful to have you in my life. I am excited about you; about us. I want to spend Christmas dinner with you and with my family, and I don’t feel like I need to choose.” Clair put her dessert plate on the ground and leaned back on her hands. “I have wasted too much time being unhappy, and now that I have embraced who I am and have found someone who makes me happy, I don’t want to hide that.”

  Eve felt touched. She understood that this was a significant step for Clair, and she felt utterly thrilled to be considered so special in Clair’s life. “Clair, it means so much for me to hear that. You make me feel so happy too. I can’t believe how much has changed, just within the past few weeks.” Eve then joked, “I know lesbians are known to move at the speed of light when it comes to relationships, but…I don’t know, this connection just feels so natural between us.”Clair nodded. “Yes, I completely agree.” The women gazed into each other’s eyes and shared a soft kiss as the lights from the tree provided a warm, colorful backdrop.

  Breaking from the moment, Eve then exclaimed, “I want to give your present now! I am just too excited to wait.”

  Clair grinned. “Okay, me too.” Clair reached under the tree and presented Eve with a small, wrapped box while Eve

  retired into the bedroom to grab a little gift from her purse.

  She had kept it hidden until it was time to present it to Clair.

  Eve joined Clair in the living room and handed Clair a red-colored envelope. “Here you go. Merry Christmas, Clair.”

  Clair smiled and carefully opened the envelope. Eve noticed her face light up as she unfolded the piece of paper.

  “Oh, wow! It’s a gift certificate to House of Hair!” Clair reached over to give Eve a big hug. “This is great, thank you so much!”

  Eve remarked, “I know how much you were looking forward to getting your hair cut, so I wanted to take care of that for you. Maybe we can go together in the next week or two?”

  Clair squealed with delight. “Yes, absolutely. This is a great gift! I love it so much!” Clair then passed Eve the festive, gift-wrapped box. “I hope you like it. It’s kind of silly but still romantic, I think.”

  First, Eve discovered a mug that read World’s Greatest Nurse. Then Eve noticed an envelope that fell from the package. She opened it to find a gift certificate to Mallory’s.

  Eve exclaimed, “Oh, that is so cute, Clair. Thank you!” Clair remarked, “I wanted to give you something to celebrate our first date together as a fun memory. But wait, there is more.

  Look inside the mug!”

  Eve tilted the object to see something taped at the bottom.

  She pulled away the masking tape to reveal a small key.

  Puzzled, she looked at Clair and smiled, “What’s this?”

  Clair grinned. “It’s a key to my place. I know you need to look for another place to live, but I wanted you to have a spare key here anyway because I want you to know that you are always welcome here, for as long as you want, whenever you need.”

  Eve’s heart melted as she took the key and brought it to her heart. “Oh, this is beautiful! Thank you. I love spending time here with you, and you always make me feel so welcome and comfortable.” Eve then added coyly, “If you keep being so sweet, I might not ever leave! You never know what the future will hold for us.”

  Clair beamed. “I can only imagine that the future will have the most amazing plans for us. I can feel it in my soul.”

  At that moment, Eve wanted so badly to express the ocean of adoration and emotion for Clair. I wonder if it’s too soon?

  But I really think that I may love this woman!

  Clair checked the time. “Would you like to start getting ready to go to the theater?” Clair then peered through the curtains. “Wow, the snow is really coming down hard. We should bundle up.”

  Eve and Clair donned their winter apparel and ventured outside into the snowy night. Eve’s vehicle was covered in white powder, and Clair helped in clearing the windows so that Eve could have some visibility while driving.

  Just before they got inside Eve’s car, Clair took a moment to look up into the sky. “You know, Eve, no matter how old I get, I will never get tired of trying to catch snowflakes on my tongue.”

  Eve took a step beside Clair, and together they both opened their mouths to the sky. Giggling, Eve wiped the icy flakes from her face. She turned to Clair and said, “I think I’d rather catch your kisses on my tongue instead.”

  Clair turned to look at Eve, and before Eve could lean in for a peck, Clair said, “Eve, I think-I think I love you.”

  Pausing, Clair then added quietly, “Is that okay?”

  Eve closed her eyes as a blissful happiness lit up her heart.

  “ I think I love you too.”

  EPILOGUE

  Clair fingered the textured pieces that framed her face as she ran her hand up the back of her neck. She loved how this new haircut made her feel; powerful and visible but also light, as though she had shed some unwanted weight.

  Clair felt like a new person, and she was so happy that Eve had been there to witness the transformation. It also felt good to rid herself of that cumbersome neck brace finally.

  CLAIR COULDN’T HELP CHECKING herself out in the side-view mirror as she rode beside Eve in the passenger seat. Turning to Eve, she said, “Isn’t it great? I feel a bit like Winona Ryder when she went through her short-hair phase! I mean, I know I’m older but…”

  EVE REPLIED while keeping her eyes on the road, “Nonsense!

  You look absolutely perfect, and in fact, you are prettier than Winona Ryder. I love the way that cut brings out your eyes and the lovely shape of your face.”

  CLAIR NODDED while she continued to examine herself. “Yup, Kevin was completely right about the pixie-cut style. And I think it’s a nice combination of both queer but also femme.”

  EVE AGREED. “Definitely. I think you possess such sexy and feminine qualities about you. I know that haircuts are often rites of passages for queer folks as they come out, but I don’t think that every lesbian needs to look the exact same way, you know?”

  “OH, I UNDERSTAND THAT!” Clair exclaimed. “When I was first coming to terms with my sexuality in therapy, I felt this internal pressure to present a certain way to the community.”

  I mean, I wanted to be seen, but it took me a while to decide on a style that also complimented me as an individual, as opposed to just getting whatever queer haircut seemed trendy at the time.”

  Clair rolled her eyes and laughed to herself. “Like, I am a forty-five-year-old medical receptionist. Do I really need to have purple hair and a face full of piercings in order to be seen as gay?”

  Eve turned on to Williams Avenue keeping an eye out for Clair’s home. “I think everyone has the right to their individual style and to present themselves in a way that expresses who they are. Personally, for me, I don’t need anything too lavish—especially because of my profession.

  But I wouldn’t knock someone’s look just because it doesn’t speak to me.” Eve slowly turned into Clair’s driveway.

  As she brought her vehicle to a halt, she turned to look at Clair. “I understand what you mean, though. I kind of wish that we could just be and that heterosexuality wasn’t seen as the norm so that we could all just be ourselves, regardless of how we cut our hair or what we wear.” Eve unbuckled her seat belt and leaned in to kiss Clair. “But regardless, you look smoking hot; it’s a fantastic look on you!”

  Clair melted, savoring Eve’s warm lips and soft tongue.

  She grabbed Eve’s face, holding her still so that Clair could enjoy a few more kisses. “Your lips are like candy, Eve. I can never have enough.” Clair turned her head gently, being mindful of her healing neck, and snapped her seat belt free.

  “Honestly, you were the one who gave me the confidence to go for it. Thank you for the lovely gift certificate and for being there for me.”

  The couple exited the vehicle and strolled hand in hand to Clair’s door. Once inside, they shed their winter layers.

  “Wow, I am starving! How about you, Eve?”

  Eve replied, “Yes, I could eat for sure.” Eve picked up her purse and rummaged through it to find her phone. Checking the time, she added, “I still have a few more hours until my night shift.” It was Saturday, and Eve had agreed to take an extra shift at the hospital as a thank you to the nurse who covered her on Christmas Day. Clair was glad that Eve could join her for her hair appointment, even if she had to leave that evening.

  “Here, let me fix you a plate. We still have leftovers from the dinner with my parents.” Clair opened the fridge and spooned out helpings of mashed potatoes and stu ng. She

  speared some meaty morsels of cold turkey, topping it o with cranberry sauce.

  CLAIR HANDED Eve the plate of food. “Just heat it all up in the microwave, and voila, dinner is served!” Clair grabbed herself a dish and loaded her own plate with food.

  Eve took the plate gratefully from Clair. She tore o a small silver of turkey before warming up her meal. Chewing thoughtfully, Eve said, “You know, I really liked your parents. I was a little nervous about meeting them, but honestly, they made me feel so welcome.”

  EVE AND CLAIR moved to the living room with their plates of food. Clair exclaimed, “Oh, really? I am so glad to hear that! I could tell that they liked you as well.”

  Picking up her fork, Eve replied, “Seriously? Wow, that’s cool. How could you tell? I mean, wasn’t that the first time you had brought a woman home?” Before Eve took another bite, she added, “Like, did you warn them ahead of time?

  Because the whole dinner just felt natural and easy-going.”

  Clair bobbed her head, swallowing a mouthful. “So, on Christmas Day, in the early afternoon, while you were in the shower, I called my mom to let her know that I was bringing you for Christmas dinner. I have always been closer to my mother, so I thought that might be a good place to start.”

  Eve looked surprised. “Oh? I had no idea that you did that.

  What did she say?”

  CLAIR PUT down her fork and said, “Well, I told her that I wanted to bring a special guest over for Christmas dinner, and I emphasized that it was someone that I had been dating. My mom was excited to know more, and so I told her that I was seeing a woman. ” Clair paused dramatically and smiled at Eve.

  Eve asked excitedly. “So…? What happened then?”

  Clair laughed, loving Eve’s playful impatience. “Honestly, she didn’t say much except that she was glad that I had found someone special. It was as if she didn’t want to dig too deep into the details but that she was happy for me regardless.”

  Wiping her mouth with a napkin, Clair mentioned, “We also talked a bit about my mental health, and I told her that I was starting therapy again. And then she said she had only wished that I had found myself earlier in life because she was heartbroken to hear how hiding my sexuality caused me so much pain.”

  “Oh, Clair! Wow, that sounds really positive and supportive.” Eve moved closer, wrapping an arm around Clair’s waist. “I’m so proud of you! How do you feel?”

  Clair beamed. “I feel great! I didn’t talk to my dad about it, but I am assuming that my mom must have prepared him, which is most likely why he was so cool and nice to you.”

  Clair put her hand on Eve’s knee. “Listen, I’m sorry I didn’t mention that sooner but revealing details about my personal life was something I just needed to do on my own. Our family

  has always been pretty private, so I knew my mom and dad just needed to process this information in their own way.”

  Clair then threw her hands up in the air and whooped,

  “But they seemed to love you, so I guess they are warming up to the fact that I am gay and that I have a partner in my life.”

  Eve looked impressed as she pulled Clair into her arms in a warm embrace.

  “CONGRATULATIONS! It was such a pleasure to meet your family, and I’m flattered that you took the extra step and talked to your mom. That means a lot to me, and it seems like it’s made you so much happier as well.”

  Clair hugged Eve tightly, resting her head in the crook of Eve’s neck. “Oh, baby, I am! It feels like such a weight has been lifted.”

  EVE EMBRACED CLAIR, running her hands up Clair’s sweater, sending shivers down her spine. Clair sighed and whispered,

  “If you keep touching me like that, I may end up making you late for work!”

  EVE MURMURED into Clair’s ear, “Well, I still have a bit of time before I need to leave. Do you have anywhere special to be in the next hour?”

  CLAIR GIGGLED and rolled her head back as Eve decorated her neck with soft kisses, making her way down towards Clair’s clavicle. Teasingly, Clair replied, “Hmmm, let me think.

  I might have an appointment with a certain Nurse Foster, who promised to give me a pelvic exam!”

  “WELL, Ms. Clair, if you are free right now, I can probably squeeze you in,” Eve continued to caress Clair’s torso. “But it might be easier if you undress first. Here, let me help you.

  Raise your arms.” Clair obeyed, and Eve deftly lifted Clair’s sweater over her head.

  CLAIR LAUGHED and perched herself on top of the kitchen counter. Eve looked hungrily at her as she quickly removed her top as well. Standing in her sports bra, Eve approached Clair and slid her leggings over her hips, pulling them, one leg at a time. Clair couldn’t keep her eyes o Eve, her body aching with desire.

  “OH, Nurse Foster, what are you going to check for, first?”

  Clair said playfully, enjoying their naughty role-play.

  EVE PARTED Clair's legs and teased her crotch, rubbing her fingers against Clair's cotton panties. She leaned against Eve and kissed her neck. “Well, first, I want to make sure you have a good sensation between your legs. Can you feel the friction I am creating?”

  CLAIR CLOSED her eyes and pushed her body against Eve's hand. “Mmmm, yeah. I'm definitely feeling something down there.” She grabbed Eve's waist, pulling her closer. “But maybe, you should take a closer look? Just to make sure that everything is okay?”

  EVE LICKED her lips and nodded, “Oh, that's an excellent idea.

  I think you are right.” Eve fingered the edges of the panties, driving Clair wild with arousal. Clair moaned, “Please, Eve.

  Touch me; I want your fingers inside of me!”

  EVE PUSHED Clair's panties to the side, exposing her luscious, pink vulva. Clair knew that she was already wet. Suddenly, she felt two thick fingers enter her. “Oh, fuck! Oh, fuck me with your fingers, please.” Clair held on to the edge of the counter for support while she ground against Eve's hand, taking her deeper inside. Eve moved her fingers in and out of Clair's vagina, pausing to moisten a third finger before plunging all three digits deep into Clair.

  Clair moaned loudly as Eve quickened her pace. Clair's face and body were becoming hot as a climax started to build within her. Eve mashed her mouth hard against Clair's lips, kissing her passionately as her fingers continued to create waves of pleasure throughout Clair's core.

  SUDDENLY, Clair grabbed Eve tightly as an intense orgasm burst inside of Clair's body. “Ohhhh, fuuuuck! Eve, oh my god!” Clair collapsed against Eve's chest as Eve removed her hand. Seductively, Eve sucked a few of her fingers. “Clair, you taste so good! I love to see you cum so hard for me.”

  CLAIR KISSED EVE, tasting her own juices on Eve's lips.

  CLAIR HOPPED o the counter so that she was standing in front of Eve. Clair ran her hands down to Eve's pants and pulled them o , sliding Eve's underwear o at the same time. Eve gingerly stepped out of the material so that she could part her legs, making room for Clair's hand.

  EVE GROANED WITH DESIRE. Breathlessly she said, “Seeing you cum turned me on so much. God, I want you inside of me so bad.”

  WHILE BOTH WOMEN were standing upright, Clair ran her hand down Eve's taut torso until she reached the warm, moist spot between Eve's legs. Her fingers felt the soft velvety skin of Eve's vaginal lips, inserting them deep into Eve's pussy.

  Almost immediately, Eve moaned loudly, gripping Clair's waist as Clair expertly fingered Eve.

  “IT'S OKAY, baby. Just hold on tight to me,” Clair breathed against Eve's neck. She could feel Eve's skin become warm as she kissed Eve's flushed face. Clair continued to penetrate Eve's pussy; her hand becoming slick with wetness.

  EVE CONTINUED to cry out in ecstasy as she reached for the counter to steady herself. Clair pushed deep inside of Eve,

  relishing in the weight of Eve's body against her. Clair felt the muscles in Eve's body tense up as Eve bellowed loudly.

  “Oh god, I am cumming!”

  “MMMM, YES, CUM FOR ME, EVE!” Clair's hand become sore as Eve's vaginal cavity tightened hard around Clair's fingers until she almost collapsed from the sheer power of her fierce orgasm. Juices spurted out of Eve, and Clair's jaw dropped as Eve's body twitched and shook.

  “OH MY GOD! Did I just make you squirt, Eve?” Eve was doubled over, panting. She looked up to face Clair and laughed, “Holy shit! YES!”

  “WOW! THAT'S SO COOL!” Clair face lit up with amazement while Eve caught her breath. Eve then cupped Clair's face and kissed her deeply. “I love you, Clair. You are so amazing!”