Chapter 24
Thursday evening unfolded like a beautiful melody, each note resonating with warmth and laughter as Lisa made her way to Carla’s for another cherished dinner. The week had unwound, revealing a sliver of light amidst her chaotic responsibilities, and she craved the joyful embrace of her girlfriend’s company once more.
As Lisa arrived, she was greeted not just by the familiar scent of spices wafting through the air but also by the soft tunes of an upbeat playlist dancing around the kitchen.
“Hey love! You’re right on time!” Carla beamed, her eyes sparkling with excitement. With a surge of tenderness, she enveloped Lisa in a warm embrace, holding her close for a heartbeat. Then, gently pulling back, she cupped Lisa’s face and pressed her lips softly against hers, a sweet connection filled with love and longing.
Carla made her way back to the kitchen, her movements fluid and energised as she chopped vegetables, the rhythmic sound of the knife echoing in time with the music—a perfect symphony of culinary creativity. “I’m making a stir-fry tonight! Come and help me if you want it to be edible!”
Lisa couldn’t suppress her smile as she stepped into the kitchen, the golden light cascading from the overhead fixture giving the space a warm glow. She rolled up her sleeves, ready to dive into helping her girlfriend cook. As they chopped, diced, and sautéed together, their laughter bubbled effortlessly, spilling out like the aroma of garlic sizzling in the pan.
“I’ll never forget the time I attempted to bake a cake, and it turned into a flippin’ disaster!” Carla chuckled, her eyes sparkling with amusement.
“Oh my god, Carla! I knew you weren’t the best cook, but can’t you even manage a cake?!” Lisa exclaimed, laughter bubbling out of her as she struggled to contain her giggles.
With the vegetables now sizzling happily in the pan, Lisa couldn’t resist the urge to twirl in the small kitchen, the careless joy overflowing within her as she spun around. Her hair flew out around her, catching the light just so, while her eyes gleamed with unrestrained life. For a moment, it felt like a scene straight out of a fairy tale, the worries of the outside world fading into oblivion.
As the vibrant chorus of ‘Zoom’ by Fat Larry’s Band filled the air, Lisa’s voice soared alongside her dance, each note infused with her happiness.
“Oh zoom, you chased the day away
High noon, the moon and stars came out to play
Then my whole wide world went zoom….”
“Look at you! You’re a natural!” Carla cheered, joining in on the spontaneous dance, twirling along beside her. Lisa had even convinced her to sing a few lines
“Faster and faster we were higher than high
For once in my lifetime I was finally free
And you gave that to me…..”
The kitchen had transformed into their own little stage, where they lost themselves in the moment, hands stirring the pot while two hearts beat in unison to the melody surrounding them.
As the song shifted to a slower rhythm, Carla effortlessly pulled Lisa into a close embrace, and together, they swayed gently, their laughter echoing against the walls. Lisa could feel the weight of the week melting away, washed away by the simple joy of the present. It didn’t matter that they were in the kitchen; everything felt right.
“Can’t believe we thought I couldn’t cook,” Carla mused, looking into Lisa’s eyes, playful mischief dancing behind her gaze. “Now look at me—professional chef in the making!”
“More like professional chaos creator,” Lisa replied with a wink, enjoying the warmth of the moment, the comfort of Carla's presence enveloping her like a hug she never wanted to end.
As they returned to their culinary endeavors, the room filled with the sizzling sounds of their creation. With every stir, slice, and sprinkle of seasoning, the bond between them deepened, weaving a tapestry of laughter and memories that would last a lifetime. They shared stories of dreams yet to be fulfilled, fears that haunted them, and joys that illuminated their hearts. Lisa felt her spirit lift, fueled by the camaraderie that only true love could ignite.
With the dinner ready, they plated the stir-fry, vibrant colors of peppers, broccoli, and marinated chicken creating a feast for the eyes. Carla stepped back, admiring their handiwork.
“Looks amazing! Compliments to the chefs.” she declared with a wink, her pride evident in every word.
As they sat down at the table, the gentle glow of candlelight flickering between them, Lisa couldn’t help but think about how wonderful it was to escape the weight of reality, if only for a little while. The uninhibited joy they shared rekindled a sense of hope, reminding her that happiness was found in moments like these—simple yet profound.
With the first bite that evening, Lisa experienced pure bliss. The flavors danced upon her palate, echoing the vibrant energy pulsing through the room. Between mouthfuls of food, they engaged in playful banter—each remark teasingly sharp yet filled with love, their laughter resonating like music.
As the dishes were cleared and their bellies full, Carla glanced at Lisa, her expression softening. “Thank you for being here. I know the last few weeks have been tough.”
“More than you know,” Lisa admitted, her voice laced with gratitude. “You make everything better—even on the worst days.”
———————
As the reality of their impending parting loomed over her, knowing it would be their last moment together before she set out to apprehend the duo that had haunted her for weeks, Lisa felt her heart race. The burden of secrecy pressed heavily on her, and she took a deep breath, mustering the courage to reveal her thoughts to Carla.
“I need to go somewhere at 2 a.m. tomorrow,” she started, her voice steady despite the anxiety swirling within her. The words spilled out in a rush, leaving no room for hesitation. “It’s work-related, so I can’t share specific details about what I’m doing or where I'm headed. But I wanted to tell you now, so you won’t worry and won’t be left in the dark.”
Carla's gaze shifted, her voice tinged with concern. “Okay, darling, thank you for telling me,” she replied, but the worry in her tone shifted to a teasing lilt. “Not knowing what you’re doing or where you’re going? Are you undercover or something?”
At those words, time seemed to freeze for Lisa. The levity of the moment felt like a fragile glass teetering on the edge of a table, and suddenly, it shattered. Throughout their relationship, Lisa had always aimed for honesty, even if it meant telling small white lies, like claiming she was fine when she wasn’t, or not revealing details of her job to Carla due to circumstances beyond her control. But in that instant, she froze, the weight of Carla’s question thrumming through her like a storm. How could she possibly lie when Carla had asked so directly?
Sighing, she met Carla’s eyes, desperately searching for reassurance. “Look, Carla… If I tell you something, you have to promise me you won’t get involved. And you have to promise me you won’t tell anyone I confided in you, because I’m not supposed to say anything…… i could lose my job.”
Carla’s expression transformed, worry etching deeper lines on her forehead. “I promise. What is it, Lisa?” Her voice was steady, and she reached out, wrapping her fingers around Lisa’s hands, grounding them both in that intimate connection.
With a trembling sigh, Lisa ran her thumb over the back of Carla’s hand, seeking solace in that warm touch. “I am undercover.” The confession felt like an earthquake that shattered all their shared moments, and she paused to register Carla’s shock. “I’m not supposed to share anything because it’s classified, but I can’t keep this from you anymore. I’ve fought so hard for weeks to conceal this, but now that you’ve asked—whether you meant to or not—I can’t bring myself to lie to you.”
The air hung heavy with shock, the world narrowing around them as Carla processed the revelation. After what felt like an eternity, she finally broke the silence, voice barely above a whisper. “So, does this explain all the late nights and suspicious calls from work?”
Lisa nodded, the truth burning in her chest, both freeing and terrifying at the same time. The bond of trust they built felt fragile, but somehow, sitting together in the quiet chaos of their truth, she hoped they could navigate whatever storm loomed ahead.
“Yes, I’m so sorry I couldn’t explain.” Lisa’s voice trembled, each word heavy with regret. “But I promise it’s nearly over.” She paused, trying to gather her thoughts while the weight of her revelation hung in the air. Just as she began to collect her words, they spilled out in a rush. “There’s something else you need to know… This case—it’s... well, ugh, how can I say this?”
As Lisa fumbled for the right words, Carla instinctively shifted closer, her presence a silent offer of comfort. “Okay, I’m just going to come out and say it. This case is linked to Jordan and Chelsea. I swear I didn’t know that when you told me about your past. But the more you shared, the more I saw connections between your story and the case. It was only recently that I realised they were involved. I’m so sorry. But I promise, I’m going to get them for this. I will keep you safe.”
A heavy silence enveloped them after Lisa's confession, leaving Carla in shock as she absorbed the barrage of information. It now became clear why Lisa had asked all those questions after she had shared details from her past. Anger didn’t simmer within her; she understood that Lisa couldn’t reveal her undercover operation at the time. Deep down, knowing those people who had exploited her were implicated in something larger offered a sliver of solace. Yet, the gnawing worry settled in her gut, a visceral fear that made her skin prickle. The mere thought of Lisa entangled with dangerous individuals sent a chilling shiver down her spine. It was only when Lisa’s voice broke through that Carla realised tears were streaming down her cheeks.
“Carla, I’m so sorry. Please say something,” Lisa pleaded, her grip on Carla tightening as if she might drift away. She was desperate for a reaction, any sign that the ground beneath them hadn’t completely crumbled away.
“Lisa, I—” Carla hesitated, words bubbling to the surface but catching in her throat. She nearly let slip those three little words she had yearned to express for what felt like an eternity, but something held her back. “I’m scared. These are really dangerous people, and the thought of you being involved in this—it's just... I don’t know if I can handle it.”
In that moment, Lisa enveloped Carla in a tight embrace, drawing them both into a cocoon of warmth and reassurance. “I understand, I really do. You don't have to worry about me,” she murmured softly, her voice steady as she held Carla close. “I’m trained for this. I’ll be careful, I promise.”
Carla nestled her face against Lisa’s shoulder, the weight of the truth settling heavily in her chest. She wanted to believe Lisa, needed to trust that she was capable of navigating this perilous world. But the reality still loomed large, and the thought of losing Lisa, the one person who anchored her amid the chaos, flooded her with dread.
“I just wish you didn’t have to do this,” Carla whispered, clinging to the comfort of Lisa's warmth. “But I know that you’re strong. I just... I want you to come back to me, safe and sound.”
“I will,” Lisa vowed, pulling back just enough to look into Carla's eyes, determination burning bright in her own. “This is about more than just me. It’s about exposing them and making sure no one else suffers at their hands. I can’t let them win.”
The tension between them shifted, transforming the fear into something more powerful: a fierce resolve to face the storm together. With a deep breath, they locked eyes, and in that unspoken moment, a silent pact formed, binding them together as they braced for whatever lay ahead.