"Hi Jo, come in." Abi greeted her mum's colleague and friend warmly, hugging her as best she could given the huge protuberance she carried in front of her. "Mum's just finishing getting ready, she'll be down in a sec. Fancy a drink? What movies did you get?" Abi took to two DVD's from Jo's hand, relieving her also of the bottles of white wine she had brought.
"A coffee would be really good thanks Abi – I think I need the caffeine boost if I'm going to make it through both films! I got Mrs Henderson Presents… and The Family Stone as per your text message." Jo removed her jacket and scarf, hanging them on the rack behind the front door.
"Oh fab, Jo you're a star! Go on through, I'll put the kettle on. Sure you don't want something stronger?" Abi made a move towards the lounge to deposit the DVDs.
"No, not yet anyway, I'd be asleep before the first scene. You sit down, I'll sort the drinks, what you on?" Jo steered the stubborn teen towards the armchair, settling her and propping her feet on the ottoman all the while ignoring Abi's protests that she was a guest.
Finally conceding defeat, Abi answered Jo's question, "I'd love a hot chocolate thanks."
"Coming right up." Crossing the room to the hallway, Jo was about to call up the stairs to see what Sam wanted to drink when she appeared at the top of the staircase. "Hey, you look lovely. Your hair really suits you like that." Jo sounded a little bashful as she complimented her friend on her newly-trimmed tresses.
"Thank you. You look tired! Still having problems adjusting?"
"Yeah a little, both to working nights and having the bed to myself." Realising that she was staring, Jo tore her gaze away as she remembered her reason for being at the foot of the steps Sam was leisurely descending. "I'm putting the kettle on, fancy a warm drink?"
"Sure, coffee sounds good if you lace it with a generous helping of whiskey!" Sam had noticed the flush of colour that had spread across Jo's cheeks as she turned her gaze away and couldn't help wondering what was going through the other woman's mind.
"Ok, show me where you keep your whiskey and I can sort that for you. Bit early for the hard stuff isn't it?" Jo grinned at Sam, feeling the tension draining from her with just one smile from the enigmatic blonde.
"I'm celebrating. It's official, Tanner's going at the end of the week. And I am going to be Acting DI until Neil gets back!" Sam could contain her joy no longer, it had taken all her willpower not to tell Jo as soon as Jack had mooted the idea with her but she knew she had to wait until it was announced. "Which means, as soon as you tie up this case with Mickey, you're back on the Somerton case."
"Sam, that's fantastic, congratulations! I can't think of anyone more deserving. Come here" Jo swept Sam into her arms, hoisting her off the floor and twirling her round the kitchen overjoyed that her friend was finally getting the recognition she deserved. Both women were giggling giddily as Jo set Sam back on her feet.
"Well I was hoping you'd be happy but I wasn't expecting that! Can I take it you won't be sorry to see that back of working nights for a while?"
"Sam, I don't care what shifts I work, it's part and parcel of the job. I'm just happy that you're getting what you deserve – you put so much into your work, it's about time that was recognised. Everyone respects you and trusts that you have their best interests at heart, that's what makes a good leader, not shouting the odds and getting up everyone's noses. Now where's that whiskey?" Jo waited for the kettle to boil, exchanging small talk with her elated friend. Once the drinks were made, both women wandered through to the lounge to begin their night's viewing. As they entered the lounge, Jo handed Abi her drink while Sam dimmed the lights and slid the first DVD into the player. Since Abi had taken up residence in the arm chair, Sam and Jo shared the luxurious two-seater sofa, the petite blonde immediately curling her legs up underneath her and making herself comfortable, leaning into the chestnut haired beauty beside her. The trio settled in to watch Mrs Henderson Presents, pausing the movie frequently to allow Abi to struggle to the bathroom without missing anything.
During one such comfort break, Jo sighed contentedly, relishing in the feel of Sam pressing against her.
"You ok? Ready for something a bit stronger yet?" Sam sat forward reaching for the empty mugs.
"I was just thinking I could get used to this. Spending nights in with you two, DVD's and a few drinks. Who needs to go out clubbing and sitting in noisy, crowded, smoky pubs? What say we open that wine I brought?" Jo leaned forward too, feeling more relaxed than she thought possible.
"Hmm, nights like this are my idea of heaven. That wine sounds like a great idea, you stay put, I'll get it." Sam rose to her feet as Jo sunk back into the plush cushions, curling one leg beneath her and resting her elbow on the back of the sofa. The blonde woman returned just as her daughter seated herself again, the sergeant having brought the bottle with her knowing it would be rapidly consumed. Jo went to remove her arm as Sam handed her a full glass.
"You don't have to move on my account. You look comfy there." Sam sat back beside Jo, chinking her own glass with Jo's proffered one.
"Cheers. Yeah I am comfy actually, this sofa's amazing." The buxom brunette returned her head to its resting place on her hand, which with her elbow propped along the top of the cushions brought her even closer to Sam.
"Definitely one of the best investments I ever made!" Sam leant back, resting her weight evenly between the cushion and Jo's body. "You ok with me here? Can you still see ok?" Jo nodded, not trusting her voice not to betray the surge of desire coursing through her at Sam's close proximity. She kept repeating to herself mentally that it was just because she was lonely following Tessa's sudden departure.
"Right, well if you two have finished wriggling, let's get on with the film!" Abi's voice cut into Jo's increasingly erotic thoughts, forcing her to shift her focus to the screen before her. Soon all three women were gripped by the film once more. An on-screen explosion, echoing loudly through the surround system in the otherwise silent room, cause Sam to jump; Jo immediately wrapped an arm around her whilst stifling laughter. Sam shivered at the feel of being held so tenderly and protectively by the only woman she had met who could melt her with just one look.
As the first film ended, Abi claimed defeat, blaming fatigue for her early retirement from their movie marathon. She had surreptitiously been watching the two older women grow ever closer in their embrace throughout the film and thought some space might prompt further developments – developments Abi thought were craved by both women. Jo's arm had remained wrapped around Sam for the remainder of the film, both women settling happily into the intimate embrace, Sam resting her head in the crook of Jo's shoulder in response.
"Do you want me to leave 'The Family Stone' here for you to watch tomorrow? I can pick it up and drop it back at the shop before work. It's no problem." Between the wine and the effect of Sam's body moulded into her own, Jo felt too intoxicated to move.
"Thanks, that'd be great if you think it's worthwhile – I'll trust your judgement." Leaning down to kiss her mum, Abi wished her goodnight, surprising Jo when she too received a peck on the cheek along with her goodnight wishes. "Night Jo. Thanks for this evening."
As Abi waddled out of the room, Jo called after her, "it's me who should be thanking the two of you…again. Hope Bump doesn't keep you awake too much tonight." Sam smiled serenely at Jo as she listened to the exchange, thinking that this was how family life should be.
"What is it about you, Jo Masters, that makes it so easy for women to fall under your spell?" Sam's eyes sparkled mischievously in the soft lamp light as she gazed at her companion.
"If I told you that, I'd have no secrets or mysteries left. I'd have to ensure your silence and I don't think concrete boots would suit you!" Jo laughed off Sam's remark wondering if the other woman was aware of how flirtatious it had sounded and worried in case she was reading too much into an innocent question.
"That doesn't sound too appealing and since I get the impression you're not to be drawn any further on it just yet, how about another bottle of wine?" Sam raised her eyebrows in support of her question, grinning at Jo's expression.
"A third bottle? DS Nixon, anyone would think you're trying to get me drunk! Good job I left my car at home tonight, I'm already not safe to drive a shopping trolley!" Sam took that as acquiescence, wandering through to the kitchen to retrieve the second of Jo's bottles, depositing another empty in the recycling box.
"Will you stay tonight, Jo? For me?" Sam questioned on her return to the lounge.
"I think I might have to, your sofa is refusing to let me go!" The blonde woman giggled having seen Jo merry on occasion but never this close to drunk.
"Told you it was the best investment I ever made." Jo laughed, pulling Sam back down beside her, her amusement increased by Sam's squeals. Settling themselves back into their previous position, Jo hit play on the remote having managed to co-ordinate her actions long enough to switch DVDs. As the new film began, Jo allowed her cheek to rest against the top of Sam's head, breathing in the sweet scent of her shampoo.
"You smell like a baby." Jo didn't realise she had spoken the words out loud until she felt Sam shaking with laughter.
"Thanks, I think. I always use Johnson's baby shampoo." Sam nestled closer to Jo, draping one arm across her waist.
"I like it." The two women fell silent again, content to watch the comedy wrapped in one another's arms.