Taking a Shot at Love Read online

  “Please, Celeste. Let me come. I want to come in your mouth.”

  Celeste felt herself grow hard again and she sucked Lisa’s engorged clit back into her mouth, stroked it with her tongue, and reached down with her hand to stroke her own clit. She wanted them to come together. She felt Lisa swell even more into her mouth, against her lips, and Celeste whimpered when her own hips started to buck back and forth quickly.

  “Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I’m coming so hard.”

  Lisa’s abdomen tightened, she stilled, then cried out when Celeste moaned her own climax while Lisa’s clit was still in her mouth. Lisa grabbed the back of Celeste’s head and held her there. Celeste kept Lisa’s clit in her mouth until it stopped throbbing and softened.

  Celeste rested her cheek on Lisa’s bare thigh until their breathing slowed down.

  “Wow, Professor.”

  “Indeed, Coach.”

  “For a couple of academic types, we sure are having a tough time coming up with words, aren’t we?”

  Lisa ran her fingers through Celeste’s hair, the intimate act made Celeste want to snuggle closer.

  “Celeste, please go out with me.”

  Celeste got off the floor and sat in Lisa’s lap. She kissed her softly. “Okay, Coach. I’ll go out with you.”

  Chapter Twenty-one

  Lisa and Celeste had been busy the remainder of the week with classes, practices, and games so they hadn’t had time to have a proper date yet, but they’d texted each other numerous times, and they’d managed to meet for coffee on campus once too. Lisa had warned Celeste that for the next couple of months, she wouldn’t have much free time because of games and practices. That was one of the main reasons for not wanting to get involved with anyone during basketball season, but she couldn’t not ask Celeste to be her…what? Girlfriend? Was she too mature (old) to call Celeste her girlfriend? Maybe lady friend? Lisa smiled trying to think of a term that was appropriate for two women in their mid to late forties just starting out in a relationship. Maybe she’d talk to Celeste about it and figure out what they would call each other.

  Glassell University won their game that night against a team that was in the top three teams in their conference. Lisa had changed her clothes in her office, told Athena not to wait up, and met Celeste at her office so they could go on their first real date as a couple. They had reservations for a late dinner at a small Italian restaurant near the campus but not too close. They actually had to drive, which would work out better since the rare rain shower in Southern California happened to be occurring that night. They were seated in a quiet corner, their table lit by candle, and they laughed together when they pulled out their cell phones to use their flashlight app to read the menu. The ambience was certainly romantic but not conducive to reading the menu. Once they’d ordered, they put away their phones and concentrated on each other.

  “You look gorgeous tonight, Celeste. That dress looks really good on you.”

  “Thank you. You clean up well yourself. I love that shirt on you. You wore it to the faculty reception at the start of the school year.”

  “I did. I’m surprised you knew that.”

  “What? Did you think I didn’t notice you that night? I saw you looking my way during Gerald’s speech.”

  “I couldn’t help it. You were the most interesting thing about that night. And I was just working up my nerve to go talk to you when someone else intervened and took your attention.”

  “That would be Jackie. After I told her to buzz off, Olivia and I left the party. I hate being anywhere she is.”

  “If I knew then what I know now, I would’ve gone over there and interrupted.”

  “Well, we’re here now, hopefully with no interruptions.”

  Lisa took Celeste’s hand and rubbed her thumb across her knuckles, looking at the flicker of the candle flame reflected in her deep brown eyes.

  Their food was brought out, and after a couple of bites, then praise for the food, Celeste mentioned her parents would be arriving in two weeks, staying two weeks, and then traveling around the western United States for a month before returning to France.

  “Would you like to meet them? I know it’s not what couples just starting out usually do, and if you’re not comfortable with that, it’s okay.”

  “No, that would be great. Maybe they would want to come to a game. We have to have at least one home game while they’re here. I know you don’t get to see them often, so as long as you’re all right with it.”

  The rest of dinner was spent eating, gazing at each other, reaching across the table to caress the other’s hand. For this being their first honest-to-goodness date, it was going very well. They’d always been able to hold a conversation, and now that they were no longer walking on the proverbial eggshells of not owning up to their feelings, things were a lot more relaxed. Lisa couldn’t remember being this relaxed at this point in the season. They had about four weeks of league play left, and as of now, they were in first place. Being with Celeste made Lisa almost forget about basketball, and if it wasn’t so ingrained into her life, she might have. Celeste appeared to be understanding of the time basketball took up in Lisa’s life, but her willingness to learn more about the game incorporated Lisa’s basketball and personal time.

  Lisa tried to remember that it wasn’t all about her and basketball. She wanted to know more about Celeste’s interest too. Celeste had already told her about the struggle with self-esteem and pole dancing. Lisa thought Celeste was beautiful just the way she was. In fact, even more so considering her determination to be healthy and live her best life. That’s all Lisa wanted for Celeste. That and to be happy and content in her life. She was really looking forward to meeting Celeste’s parents. Lisa felt that it would give her more insight into who Celeste was.

  “I’m really glad we met, Lisa. I’ve really enjoyed watching your team play and getting to know Athena. You’ve taught me so many new things in the short time we’ve known each other, but I especially like how kind you are and how supportive you are to me.”

  “I’m glad we met too, Celeste. I look forward to getting to know you better.”

  When they got in the car, Celeste asked Lisa to go home with her, and Lisa happily obliged.

  * * *

  Celeste and Lisa had been officially dating for two weeks, and it was going well. Celeste would watch Lisa’s home games, Lisa would meet Celeste for coffee or a little break during their day, and thankfully, Celeste hadn’t had any more run-ins with Jackie. Celeste’s parents were arriving that day, and Lisa had agreed to meet them for dinner the following night. Since her parents were jetlagged, Celeste decided to cook dinner herself rather than going out to a restaurant. Celeste’s insides were churning and her palms were sweaty. She couldn’t remember ever being this nervous. Of course, she’d never had to introduce her parents to anyone she was dating. It wasn’t like Celeste and Lisa were getting engaged or anything, and she never would have introduced Jackie to her parents. But it just felt like the right thing to do with Lisa. Sure, she could have continued to see Lisa only at school while her parents were in town, but that didn’t seem like enough time to spend with her.

  Lisa didn’t seem uncomfortable when Celeste asked her if she wanted to meet them. She wondered if Lisa had met any girlfriends’ parents before. Come to think of it, Lisa had never mentioned any of her previous dating life. Maybe during a quiet evening, she could ask Lisa about that. She didn’t see her as a promiscuous type, but she also didn’t see her as a nun, either. Especially if Celeste was judging by how great Lisa was in bed. Okay, enough of that. Celeste didn’t want to be dealing with a heightened libido while her parents were there.

  Celeste waited at the baggage claim, anticipating the arrival of her parents. She spotted them descending the escalator. Her father was still a handsome, healthy looking man in his late seventies, with a head full of thick, silver hair, as well as a matching silver full mustache. He was dressed casually in khaki trousers and a blue button-down shirt t
hat Celeste knew would match his eyes. Her mother also wore trousers and a flowing tunic blouse. Unlike her father, her mother continued to dye her long hair jet-black, claiming she didn’t have to look like she was seventy. Celeste knew if she could have the stunning silver hair her father had, she wouldn’t spend so much money on highlights, but she wasn’t that lucky. She thought that once she reached a certain age, she’d stop coloring her hair. She had compromised and had highlights instead.

  They spotted her halfway down the escalator and waved to Celeste who returned the gesture. She reached the bottom of the escalator as they did, and they hugged each other once they’d moved out of the way of the other passengers.

  “Mama, Papa, you look fantastic. Retirement is treating you well.” Her father had retired a year ago, and her mother three years ago from a museum in Paris. Her father worked as an archivist and her mother as a curator, which helped Celeste develop a love for art. She’d considered following in her parents’ footsteps, but English and teaching became her love.

  “Oui, chéri. Your mother and I have been keeping busy touring all of the museums in France. We have seen some amazing displays.”

  Celeste loved the accent that was so thick in her father’s speech. Her mother, who was American, spoke fluent French, as did Celeste, but they never developed the accent.

  “Well, I’m so happy you’re here. I’m just sorry that I’ll have to teach while you’re in town.”

  “Ah, no worries, chéri. You know how much we love your quaint little town with antique shops and eccentric stores. We’ll have plenty to do while you’re positively influencing today’s generation.”

  They grabbed their luggage and walked with Celeste to her car. Once they got on the freeway, Celeste told them her news.

  “Mama, Papa, I have something to tell you. Actually, someone for you to meet.”

  Celeste’s father turned to face her. “Oh?”

  “I have started seeing someone recently. Her name is Lisa Tobias, and she’s the women’s basketball coach at the university I work for.”

  “Well, I hope she’s nothing like that terrible woman you dated last year.”

  Celeste looked in the rearview mirror to see her mother looking out the side window and her arms crossed over her chest.

  “No, Mama. Lisa is nothing like Jackie. She’s kind and funny, and she’s considerate. But you can form your own opinion because she’s coming for dinner tomorrow.”

  “Well, she better be worthy of you, chéri, or your father will have to have a talk with her.” The twinkle in his eye let Celeste know he was kidding. Kind of.

  “Oh, Papa, I’m almost fifty years old. You can’t treat me like a little girl anymore.”

  “Chéri, as long as your mother and I are alive, you will always be our little girl.”

  “I promise, you will like her. She asked if maybe you would be interested in seeing one of her games. Her team is really good and a lot of fun to watch.”

  “How did you meet, honey?” Her mother was now leaning forward to get involved in the conversation. Celeste guessed that once she said Lisa was nothing like Jackie, her mother became more interested.

  “One of her players was in my class and she wasn’t doing very well. Lisa came to talk to me about getting her some help. I initially thought she was asking me to boost her grade.”

  “Yes,” her father said. “I remember that happened to you a few times before. Did you set her straight?”

  “Turns out, I jumped to conclusions. She was looking for a tutor or someone to help her learn what I was trying to say in lecture. Lisa was very offended that I questioned her integrity.”

  Her father laughed. “I think I might like this lady.”

  “I have no doubt, Papa. There were many times I accused her of things and she called me out on it every single time.”

  “Looks like my baby has finally met her match,” her mother said from the back seat.

  “Indeed. She’s opened my eyes to new things. I love going to watch her team play. Those young ladies are so athletic and talented. What I love most is that away from basketball, Lisa is very relaxed, laid-back, and quiet. But when she’s coaching, she’s intense, loud, and aggressive.” Celeste saw out of the corner of her eye her mama and papa look at each other. She briefly looked at her father before returning her eyes to the road. “What’s that look for?”

  “Nothing. It sounds like you’re smitten with her.”

  Celeste laughed. She was nearing fifty years old, and she never thought the word smitten would be used to describe her. “I suppose I am. It’s hard not to be. She’s an incredible lady.”

  Celeste pulled into her driveway and helped her parents with their luggage. They spent another hour catching up, then her parents went to their room to take a little nap before dinner. Celeste decided to send Lisa a quick text.

  Hey there. My parents arrived safely and are taking a nap. They’re looking forward to meeting you tomorrow night.

  A few minutes later, Lisa texted back.

  I wish you and I could take a nap. I’m looking forward to meeting them, as well. On my way to practice. Talk soon.

  Celeste wished her a good practice then she set her phone down to start preparing dinner. She felt good. Really good. Her parents were there, things with Lisa were going well, and she was in a place in her life that made her feel good. She finally felt at peace.

  Chapter Twenty-two

  Immediately after practice, Lisa hustled home and got ready to meet Celeste’s parents. Now that she had short hair, getting ready took a lot less time, which she was grateful for tonight. As she was getting dressed, Athena came into Lisa’s room and sat on her bed.

  “Ready to meet the parents?”

  Lisa huffed. “I’m actually a little nervous. It’s been a long time since I’ve met the parents of a woman I’m dating. But since they live in Paris and are here for only a couple of weeks, it’s now or much, much later.”

  “You’ll be fine, Ice. Just be your normal charming self and they’ll love you.”

  Lisa was waiting for a smartass comment to come from Athena, but she actually looked sincere. “Thanks, Athena.” Lisa finished dressing then put on her lucky one-carat diamond stud earrings. She had bought them when she got her first bonus check as a professional basketball player.

  “Ooh, your lucky earrings. Lisa, all kidding aside, how serious are you about Celeste?”

  “I don’t know what you’re talking about. I just want to look nice when I meet Celeste’s parents.”

  Athena remained silent but didn’t break her glare from Lisa.

  “Okay, fine. Yes, I like her. A lot. But we don’t know what the future holds for us. We’re both aware that I might leave for another coaching job, but we agreed to deal with it when the time comes.”

  Athena stayed quiet.

  “Yes! Okay? Yes, I really like her and in case it goes further, I want her parents to like me. Damn, Chang. Give me a break.”

  Athena held her hands up in surrender. “I didn’t say a thing. This is all on you, buddy.”

  “Do I look okay?” Lisa’s voice was a little shaky, and Athena took pity on her.

  “You look great. They’re going to love you, buddy. Don’t worry. Now, get going, and don’t forget to bring flowers. Show Celeste’s parents you’re not a Neanderthal and that you care about her.”

  “Right, flowers. I’ll see you later. Oh, what do you have going on tonight?”

  Lisa had been so deep in her head about meeting Celeste’s parents, she’d almost forgotten about her best friend.

  “Stephanie and I are having dinner tonight. If things go well, we’ll end up either back here or at her place. But if we end up back here, don’t knock on my bedroom door when you come home. We’ve been taking it slow, but she has me so wound up I’m about to explode like a pressure cooker. I’m hoping tonight will be the night.”

  “That’s great, buddy. So, you really like this gal?”

  “Yes, I like her
a lot.”

  “Well, I can’t wait to meet her.” Lisa looked at her watch. “I gotta get going. Good luck tonight.”

  “You too, Ice. Go get ’em, tiger.”

  Lisa stopped for some flowers, then she arrived at Celeste’s. Once she was on the front porch, she took a deep breath to calm her nerves before she knocked on the door. Although Celeste and Lisa were new in this relationship, she felt this was a really big step in getting to know Celeste. Meeting the parents was normally a really big deal, so the significance of tonight didn’t escape Lisa. If she was being honest with herself and had the free time to examine this further, Lisa could see Celeste and herself living a long life together. They got along really well, the sex was unbelievable, and Lisa loved that Celeste was intelligent and classy, and she had a great sense of humor. Her musings were interrupted when Celeste opened the front door. She looked beautiful, maybe a little nervous. Maybe they were in the same boat tonight.

  “Hello, Coach.”

  “Professor, these are for you.” Lisa handed over the flowers and kissed her briefly on the lips.

  “Thank you. Are you okay?”

  “I’m a little nervous,” Lisa whispered.

  Celeste cupped her cheek. “No need. They’ll love you. Now come in and meet my parents.”

  Lisa wiped her sweaty palms on her slacks as Celeste led her into the living room to meet the firing squad.

  “Papa, Mama, this is Lisa Tobias. Lisa, these are my parents, Claude and Marie Bouchard.”