A/N: Thanks for continuing to read, review, and follow! I really appreciate it. There is a bit of a break in the current gymnasts' storyline. I needed to lighten it up. Sorry for the delay in posting. The last two weeks have been rough work-wise. I'm not even sure how many hours I've put in. There was a chance that I would have to work today, but that fortunately didn't happen. I really wasn't looking forward to a 7:30 call this morning. I would've been taking it from my bed. Enough about work and on to the story! There will be some Bianca and Marissa face to face interaction. Please read the Author's Notes at the end of the chapter. This chapter picks up where the last one left off. Hope you enjoy this update!
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"I was wondering since we have some time for just us if we could talk? It's been a little bit since we've talked, and I've missed our talks."
Jessica smiled. "Yes, it has, and I would love nothing more. I've missed them as well. I'll take Sparky while you go change and get comfortable. Have you had lunch yet?"
Marissa handed Danny over with another quick kiss. "Good. I haven't had anything since breakfast. Lisa and I both agreed that we didn't want to stop and grab anything on the way back since we were both anxious to get home. She missed Jimmy just as much as I missed Bianca and the kids."
"Well, it's a little on the late side for lunch, and I know you want to have dinner with Bianca and the kids. I'll fix you a quick snack to tide you over."
"You don't have to do that."
"I know I don't have to, but I want to. Go get changed." Jessica shooed the redhead away.
"Okay. Thank you. I'll meet you back here." Marissa shook her head knowing it was useless to argue with the older woman. She grabbed her overnight bag and briefcase and then padded down the hall to her bedroom.
/
Marissa smiled brightly when she returned to the kitchen and found Danny in his highchair happily munching on some cheerios. It was then that the smell of freshly baked chocolate chip cookies hit her and transported her back to her childhood. She lost count of the number of times that Jo and her shared that afterschool treat at one of the other's homes. "Oh my god! How did I not smell that when I got home?"
"It's probably because I had just put them in a minute or two before you got home. Have a seat and I'll get you something to go with the cookies."
"Thank you." Marissa sat next to Danny who grinned and held up a cheerio. "You know, I was only gone a day, but I missed them all so much."
Jessica smiled as she set a drink down in front of Marissa and then joined her having a seat. "Just like your Dad. Roy was always torn when he had to travel for work. He enjoyed being able to see new places, but he hated leaving you and your mother. Lydia understood that he had to go on those trips, but she missed him when he was gone. It's you and Bianca."
"Yeah, I guess it is." Marissa chuckled.
"So, what's up, Rissa?" Jessica could tell something was on the redhead's mind.
Marissa sighed. "It's this case. I get so angry when I think about him and what he did to those girls, and then, I think about the girls and the look in their eyes when they told me what happened to them and my heart aches for them. More and more are coming forward all the time. Nora told me that ten more had left messages for her overnight. In their messages, they asked if she could suggest a lawyer to help them. It's all a little overwhelming, and I just hope that I do right by them. They've been through so much already. I don't want to mess this up for them. I can't mess this up for them."
"I understand, and you're right about those girls. My heart aches for them too. Would you like to know what I think?"
"Yes, please. It's kinda why I wanted to talk." Marissa said sheepishly.
Jessica laughed. "I thought as much. Let's get to it then. I know this is probably one of the most difficult cases you've had and that you may possibly ever have in your career. I also know that you can handle this and that you won't mess this up for them. Don't ask me how I know this. I just do. Maybe, it's because I know your heart and how good you are at what you do. Whatever it is, I just know it. I also firmly believe that you were meant to help these girls, and you will. That being said, I think this is the type of case where you will need to talk with someone about it because it could take an emotional toll on you. For you to do your job and the job you want to do for those girls, you need to take care of yourself too. Bottling your feelings up isn't good for you or anyone else." Jessica reached across the table and took one of Marissa's hands. "You know that you can always talk with me, Marissa, and I will always be here for you. We lost track of each other once, but neither of us will let that ever happen again, will we?"
Marissa shook her head and smiled. "No, we definitely won't. We're stuck with each other."
"Yes, we are, and I'm so very thankful of that. While you can talk to me about some things, I know there are many more that you can't because I'm not privy to that information due to confidentially, but I'm more than happy to listen to whatever you can and want to tell me. That being said, there are two other people that are privy however and quite frankly, much more qualified than me, Jo and Bianca. Now, while Jo will there for whatever you need and whenever you need her, there is one individual who is the best person for you to talk to, and you know who that is. You should talk to Bianca. I know you're worried about her, and given what she's been through, that is perfectly understandable, but you really do need to talk to her. Have faith that she can handle this and will tell you if she can't. Think of it this way. If the roles were reversed, what would you want?"
Marissa sighed. "You know I hate when go all 'Mom' on me. Not only are you telling me what you think is right, you're also telling me what Mom would think is right."
Jessica laughed. "I will take that as the highest compliment you can give me."
"Good, because that is what it's meant to be. I know Bianca is the best person for me to talk to regarding this case, but I don't want to trigger her in any way."
"I understand that."
"I also know you're right about her being honest with me about what she can and can't handle. I … I just …"
"Get in your own head sometimes and start overthinking and then worry about others?"
Marissa rolled her eyes. "I hate when you do that."
Jessica laughed again. "You are most definitely your mother's daughter. Lydia said the same thing too many times to count. It didn't stop me from doing it when it needed to be done. So, get out of your head."
Marissa chuckled. "Okay. I will. Thank you. I can see why you were Mom's best friend."
"You're welcome, and Lydia was mine. I still miss her. Now, I know that I've said this before, but it doesn't make it less true. Your Mom would be so proud of you and so would your Dad. You have become such an amazing person, the life you've built and the family you've created. It's exactly what they would want for you. And what you're doing now for those girls? Proud is not a strong enough word to describe how they would feel. The advice they would give you right now is to simply do your best. They always had faith in you, and you never disappointed them." Jessica squeezed Marissa's hand.
"Thank you." Marissa took a shaky breath.
"Better?"
"Definitely. Okay. Enough about me. I have a favor to ask."
"Whatever you need, just ask."
"Would you make Danny's birthday cake as well as one for everyone else that will be at his party?"
Jessica lit up at the request. "Really? You want me to make the cakes?"
"Bianca and I can't think of anyone else we would want to do it."
"I would be honored. I'm so happy you asked me to do this for him. Thank you!" Jessica leaned forward and hugged Marissa.
"You are very welcome. I'm sure everyone else will be glad you're baking them too."
"Hush. Both you and Bianca can bake. You just need to focus a little more."
Marissa raised an eyebrow. "You're just being nice. Bianca and I know better. We're no you."
"Well, you can't be good at everything. I'm glad you're letting me have this. So, do you have any thoughts on what you want for the birthday boy?"
"Danny is our son, so we'll need chocolate cake."
Jessica laughed. "I'm not surprised. What about a theme or design?"
"We do have an idea on that, and you probably have a good guess based on his favorite things."
"Ah, I know where you're going. I'll sketch out something for you and see what you think."
"Thanks. Now, how are things going with you and Caleb?"
Jessica blushed at the mention of the man's name. "They are going quite well. He really is a special man."
"Yes, he is. Caleb has this gruff exterior to most people, but once he lets you in, you see this other side that is warm, caring, and funny. He will do anything for those he cares about, and you are definitely one of those people. Whenever Caleb looks at you, he gets this twinkle in his eyes. It reminds of the look you get whenever you're around him."
"I do care about him, a great deal."
"Have you thought about making it permanent?"
Jessica sighed. "To be honest, I don't know. You know about my ex-husband. In some ways, I'm still dealing with that. I also just don't know if I want to be married again. I like my independence, and Caleb and I have a good understanding. We're happy with where we are."
"Okay. If it's not broke, then don't fix it. I just want you to be happy. You've spent most of your life worrying about the happiness of others. It's way past time to worry about your own happiness."
"Thank you, baby. Between Jo and you encouraging me, I'm finally doing just that."
Before the conversation could continue, the women's ears perked up when they heard the front door open and close. Mere moments later the kitchen door opened.
/
"Ma!"
Marissa was practically gang tackled by AJ, Miranda, and Gabby.
"You're home early!" AJ noted.
Miranda nodded. "Yeah, Mom said you wouldn't be home until later tonight."
"I missed you, Ma." Gabby said as she hugged her mother tighter.
"Oh, I've missed you guys too." Marissa sighed happily before she glanced up and smiled at Susan. "Hi, Susan. How are things going?"
"Pretty good, Marissa. It's good to have you home."
"It's good to be home. I finished up a little early and decided to surprise all of you."
"Mom doesn't know you're home?"
Marissa shook her head. "No, she doesn't, Mimo."
"And you don't have to work anymore today?"
"Nope. I'm not doing any more work until Monday. I was thinking we could order pizza and watch some movies tonight. How does that sound?"
The kids cheered their mother's plan, even Danny who waved his arms excitedly.
"I think they like the idea. It sounds pretty good. I'm going to call some friends and see if they're interested in doing just that. Have fun." Susan waved to the family as she headed out.
"You too, Susan."
Marissa turned to her older children. "Okay. How about you get your homework done? Then, we have the rest of the weekend to have fun. Sound good?"
AJ, Miranda, and Gabby nodded and pulled out their assigned school work before settling in at the table.
/
Bianca pulled into the garage and sighed. It had been a long day at the end of a very long week, and she was glad it was over. Now that she was home, she was looking forward to Marissa being home and the two of them spending time together as well as with the kids. It wasn't until she exited her car that she realized that Marissa's car was parked in her spot in the garage. That could only mean one thing, her wife was home early. Eager to see Marissa, Bianca quickly headed inside. The kitchen was empty, but she heard music coming from the family room. With a bright smile, Bianca headed towards the music, and stopped at the scene that greeted her. Marissa and the kids were singing and dancing along with Aretha Franklin to 'Respect'. Marissa made a point of introducing the kids to various types of music early on in order for them to gain an appreciation for it. The Queen of Soul had become a family favorite.
Ooo, your kisses (oo)
Sweeter than honey (oo)
And guess what? (oo)
So is my money (oo)
All I was you to do (oo) for me
Is give it to me when you get home (re, re, re, re)
Yeah baby (re, re, re, re)
Whip it to me (respect, just a little bit)
When you get home, now (just a little bit)
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Find out what it means to me
R-E-S-P-E-C-T
Take care, TCB
Oh (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
A little respect (sock it to me, sock it to me,
sock it to me, sock it to me)
Whoa, babe (just a little bit)
I get tired (just a little bit)
Keep on tryin' (just a little bit)
You're runnin' out of foolin' (just a little bit)
And I ain't lyin' (just a little bit)
(re, re, re, re) 'spect
When you come home (re, re, re, re)
Or you might walk in (respect, just a little bit)
And find out I'm gone (just a little bit)
I got to have (just a little bit)
A little respect (just a little bit)
Bianca thoroughly enjoyed the impromptu concert and clapped and cheered wildly when her family finished. They in turn all took a bow. Marissa and Bianca met in the middle and shared a loving kiss.
"Surprise. I got home early."
"You home early and a concert? This is definitely my kind of surprise."
"Play your cards right, and I'll give you a private concert later. How does 'A Natural Woman' sound?" Marissa whispered.
Bianca cleared her throat. "It sounds like I'm one lucky woman."
"Ma ordered pizza, and we're going to watch movies!" Gabby announced.
"Nana J made cookies for us too." AJ added with a grin.
"Oh, she makes the best cookies. Did you ask her about the cake?"
"I did, and she was thrilled. We discussed the theme, and she's going to work on some ideas and get back with us. I asked if she wanted to join us tonight since Jo was visiting Greg, but she couldn't because she had a date with Caleb." Marissa smiled.
"Good for them!"
Miranda was more than happy to share the next piece information with her mother. "Since our homework is done, Ma said we could have chocolate chip cookie sundaes for dessert."
"She did, huh?"
"Yes, I did. I figured we could all use a reward for making it through a really difficult week."
"I've said it before, and I'll say it again. I love the way you think, Counselor." Bianca leaned in closer and whispered to her wife. "Did you have a good afternoon?"
Marissa nodded. "I did. I had a nice, long talk with Jessica when I got home. We haven't had one of those in a long time, too long actually. As always, she gave me some really good advice."
"Dare I ask what it was?"
"Yes, you dare. She told me to get out of my head and stop overthinking. It's something I picked up from my Mom. Jessica gave her the same advice many times."
"Ah, like mother, like daughter."
"So it would seem. Would you want to talk later, after the kids are in bed?"
Bianca smiled and kissed her wife. She had sensed Marissa had been holding back a little since she had taken on Tessa's case, and she was relieved to hear that her wife was now ready to open up and share what she was going through. "I'll be ready whenever you are. Okay. I'm going to go change, and I'll be right back to join in on the fun." As Bianca padded down the hallway to the couple's bedroom, the music resumed. This time, she heard the strains of Aretha's version of 'I Say a Little Prayer for You'. The weekend was definitely getting off to a good start.
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A/N: The world lost a legend this week with the passing of Aretha Franklin. I felt the need to add a small tribute to the Queen of Soul. 'Respect' is owned by Otis Redding. 'I Say a Little Prayer for You' is owned by Burt Bacharach and Hal David. '(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman' is owned by Carole King, Gerry Goffin, and Jerry Wexler. In addition to the songwriters listed above, all of the songs, in my opinion, are owned by Aretha Franklin. See you soon!