In Bloom

Part Nine: Morning Encounters and a New Teacher

Jennie adjusted the strap of her tank top as she strolled toward her cabin, still feeling the warmth of last night's conversation lingering in her mind. The way ___ had looked at her in the kitchen, the way their fingers had brushed—God, she wasn't going to stop thinking about that anytime soon.

Just as she turned the corner, she nearly walked straight into Wynter, who was carrying two heavy saddles—one on each shoulder like they weighed nothing.

"Whoa, easy there, cowboy," Jennie teased, stepping back and eyeing the saddles. "You planning on breaking a wild stallion or something?"

Wynter smirked. "More like leading a group of first-time riders through a trail ride later. You should join."

Jennie scoffed. "Horses? Yeah, I don't think so."

Wynter adjusted his grip on the saddles and raised a brow. "And yet, sneaking around the farmhouse in the middle of the night is your thing?"

Jennie's lips twitched, but she kept her expression neutral. "I don't know what you're talking about."

"Oh, don't play coy," Wynter chuckled. "I walked in on you two looking very cozy in the kitchen. Thought I was about to witness something I shouldn't."

Jennie smirked, tilting her head. "Didn't anyone ever tell you it's rude to interrupt a moment?"

Wynter laughed. "Didn't anyone ever tell you my sister isn't easy to get close to?"

Jennie shrugged. "Maybe I'm just special."

Wynter gave her a long, assessing look. "Maybe. Or maybe you're just the first person stubborn enough to try." He shifted the saddles again and added, "She doesn't talk about herself much, you know. If she lets you in, don't take that lightly."

Jennie's smirk softened just a fraction. "I won't."

Wynter nodded, clearly satisfied with her answer. "Good luck, city girl."

Jennie watched him walk off, smirking to herself. Who needs luck?

⸻

Lisa's sneakers crunched against the dirt path as she jogged around the lake, enjoying the cool morning air. The sky was a soft blend of pink and orange, and the water reflected the rising sun in shimmering ripples.

She wasn't expecting to see ___ out here, but there she was—running at a steady pace, her movements fluid, like she was made for this.

Lisa slowed her pace, watching as ___ stopped beneath a massive oak tree to stretch.

She grinned and jogged over. "Need a partner?"

___ looked over her shoulder, her lips curling into a smirk. "You offering?"

Lisa crossed her arms. "Only if you can keep up."

___ chuckled, rolling her shoulders. "I don't think that's gonna be a problem."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "Oh? You talk a big game."

"I don't talk a big game," ___ corrected, smirking. "I run a big game."

Lisa laughed, stepping closer. "Alright, show me your stretches, track star."

As ___ leaned forward, Lisa placed her hands gently on her waist, helping her ease into the stretch.

"Damn," Lisa muttered, feeling the tension in her muscles. "You're tight."

___ snorted. "That's what happens when you push yourself."

Lisa tilted her head. "So, what made you go from racing people to growing plants?"

___ straightened up, thinking. "My grandparents were farmers. I spent most of my childhood running through these fields, watching them work. Farming just... felt like coming home."

Lisa nodded, admiring the sincerity. "I get that. Running's my escape. Music is my career, but running? That's for me."

___ studied her for a second. "I like that."

Lisa smiled. "Good. I like you."

Before ___ could reply, her watch beeped, signaling 9 AM.

Lisa groaned. "Damn. Time's up?"

"Looks like it," ___ said, smirking. "Don't miss me too much. You'll see me soon."

Lisa blinked. "How soon?"

But ___ was already jogging off, leaving Lisa grinning after her.

⸻

Gardening Lessons...

Lisa arrived at the greenhouse just in time to see Jennie already seated. She slid into the spot beside her, whispering, "Where'd you run off to this morning?"

Jennie smirked. "Where'd you run off to?"

Lisa rolled her eyes but before she could answer, the doors creaked open.

A hush fell over the greenhouse.

___ walked in, the sunlight filtering through the glass, casting a golden glow around her. She wore fitted overalls, the straps slightly loose over a simple tank top. Her sleeves were rolled up, exposing strong arms as she casually adjusted her gloves.

Jennie and Lisa sat up straighter, watching her every move.

"Good morning, everyone," ___ greeted, her voice smooth yet firm.

The group murmured greetings, still slightly caught off guard.

"I know you were expecting your usual instructors," she continued. "But they're still under the weather, so Wynter and I will be taking over."

Lisa and Jennie exchanged a silent hell yes.

"Today, we're learning about soil maintenance and planting techniques—starting with cherry tomatoes," ___ explained. She moved through the steps, demonstrating the proper way to plant the seeds.

As she walked around to observe, Jennie and Lisa worked in silence—until another woman caught their attention.

A young woman at the next table—a stunning Blasian woman with long, honey-toned curls—smirked as she twirled a cherry tomato between her fingers.

"So," she purred, looking up at ___. "How long have you been running this place?"

Jennie's grip on her trowel tightened. Lisa huffed under her breath.

___ smiled politely. "Since my grandparents passed it down to me."

"That's impressive," the woman said, tilting her head. "I love a woman who knows how to take charge."

Jennie muttered, "Oh, come on."

Lisa leaned closer. "Jealous already?"

"I'm not jealous," Jennie snapped, then paused. "...Okay, maybe a little."

Lisa smirked. "Me too."

Meanwhile, ___ chuckled at the woman's comment. "Thanks. And what's your name?"

"Amora," she said smoothly, flashing a flirtatious smile. "And you?"

"___," she replied. "Amora's a pretty name. I've always liked it."

Amora's smile widened. "That's funny. I was just thinking the same thing about yours."

Lisa and Jennie exchanged looks—this was not okay.

They both watched as Amora continued to flirt, flipping her curls and laughing at ___'s responses.

Lisa exhaled sharply. "We have to do something."

Jennie nodded. "Agreed. But what?"

Lisa smirked. "Simple. We become the teacher's favorites."

Jennie grinned. "Operation 'Steal the Farmer's Attention' begins now."

And with that, they turned back to their plants—determined to win __ over.

_____

The greenhouse buzzed with low conversation and the sound of soil being gently turned over in planting trays. Jennie pressed her thumb into the damp dirt, though her eyes were focused on one thing only—___.

Across the room, ___ was still at Amora's table. The woman was laughing again—too loud, too flirtatious—and Jennie could barely stand it. Lisa, working beside her, was clearly just as bothered.

"Do you think she always leans in that close when she talks to people?" Lisa muttered under her breath, poking at her tray.

Jennie scoffed. "She hasn't leaned that close to us."

Lisa smirked. "Maybe we're not flirting hard enough."

Jennie side-eyed her. "You sure you don't mean you aren't flirting hard enough?"

Before Lisa could respond, ___ finally stepped away from Amora's table, her steps casual but confident as she crossed the greenhouse floor toward them.

"Hey," ___ greeted, giving both women an easy smile as she stopped in front of their table. "How's it going over here?"

Jennie glanced up. "Would've been better if our instructor didn't have such an... engaging conversation happening across the room."

Lisa added, only half-joking, "Yeah. Some of us were trying to focus, but it's hard when our teacher is busy charming the competition."

___ blinked, then broke into a laugh. "Are you two jealous?"

Jennie leaned forward. "Jealous? No. Just... observant."

Lisa smirked. "Very observant."

___ crossed her arms, amused. "Alright, alright. I was just being friendly. She asked about my plants, and I can't say no to that."

Jennie raised a brow. "She asked about more than your plants, and you know it."

___ grinned. "Well, what can I say? I'm irresistible."

Lisa rolled her eyes but smiled. "If you say so."

The playful tension hung in the air like electricity, and it didn't go unnoticed by ___. But before anything more could be said, the bell at the front of the greenhouse rang, signaling the end of the lesson.

"Alright, everyone," ___ called out, lifting her voice for the rest of the group. "That's it for this morning. We'll continue with pruning and harvesting this afternoon. Take some time to rest."

People began to shuffle out of the greenhouse in pairs, chatting about their plants or the lake plans later. Lisa hesitated, glancing back at Jennie.

"You coming?" she asked.

Jennie shook her head. "I'll catch up. I wanna ask ___ something real quick."

Lisa gave her a knowing look but said nothing, nodding before heading out the doors.

The greenhouse grew quiet as the last of the retreat-goers left. Jennie slowly turned back to face ___, who was wiping her hands on a cloth, seemingly busy but fully aware of the weight of Jennie's gaze.

Jennie stepped closer, her voice low. "About last night..."

___ glanced up, meeting her eyes with a steady expression. "Yeah?"

Jennie searched her face. "Was it just the drinks? Or... was there something real?"

___ hesitated for a heartbeat, then responded honestly. "There was something."

Jennie closed the gap between them. "Good. Because I can't stop thinking about it."

___ swallowed. "Jennie..."

"You don't have to say anything." Jennie's voice dropped into a whisper. "Just answer one question for me."

She reached out and lightly brushed her fingers along ___'s forearm. "Are you attracted to me?"

___'s eyes flicked down to Jennie's lips, then back up again. "I think you already know the answer."

Jennie didn't wait another second.

She leaned in and kissed her—slow at first, testing the moment. ___ froze, caught in surprise, but she didn't pull away. Her lips parted as Jennie pressed more firmly into her, letting the kiss deepen.

Jennie's hands slid to ___'s hips as she pressed their bodies together, eliciting a soft gasp from the woman. Encouraged, Jennie stepped closer until there was no space between them, her fingers now tangled in the waistband of ___'s overalls.

She broke the kiss for a moment, her breath brushing against ___'s lips.

"You taste like sunlight and trouble," Jennie murmured, her eyes half-lidded.

"I'm both," ___ whispered.

Jennie grinned wickedly and pushed ___ gently against the potting table behind them. With a quick, smooth move, she hopped up onto the edge of the table, now eye-level with her. She hooked her fingers into ___'s collar and tugged her closer.

"You know," Jennie said, voice husky, "I've always had a thing for women who grow things. Must be the hands."

___ gave her a crooked smile. "You're a menace."

Jennie didn't deny it. Instead, she kissed her again—harder this time, deeper. ___ groaned softly as Jennie wrapped her legs loosely around her waist, their bodies locked in a heated embrace.

Hands tangled in hair, breaths shallow and quickening, the moment spiraled into something dizzying and reckless—until ___ finally pulled back, her forehead resting against Jennie's.

"Jennie... we should slow down."

Jennie exhaled, lips still close. "Why?"

"Because I want this to mean something. And I don't want the first time we lose control to be in the damn greenhouse," ___ said with a breathless laugh.

Jennie looked at her for a long beat, then smiled—softly this time. "Fair enough."

They stayed like that for a moment longer—arms wrapped around each other, pulses racing.

And in the stillness of the greenhouse, surrounded by growing things and the faint scent of tomato leaves and soil, they both knew: something was beginning to bloom.

Something neither of them could stop.

Part Ten: Tangled Roots

The afternoon sun hung low in the sky, casting a golden hue over the retreat as Jennie and Lisa strolled toward the lake. The earlier gardening session had left them both with a pleasant fatigue, their hands still carrying traces of soil despite multiple washes. The lake's surface shimmered under the waning sunlight, gentle ripples reflecting the serene ambiance.

They found a secluded spot beneath a sprawling oak tree, its branches providing a canopy of shade. Settling onto the soft grass, Jennie hugged her knees to her chest, gazing out over the water. Lisa stretched her legs out, leaning back on her palms, eyes following a pair of ducks gliding across the lake.

A comfortable silence settled between them, each lost in their own thoughts. Jennie's mind replayed the events of the morning—the stolen moments in the greenhouse, the lingering touches, the unspoken promises. She glanced sideways at Lisa, noting the contemplative expression on her friend's face.

Breaking the silence, Jennie ventured, "So... what do you think of ___?"

Lisa's lips quirked into a small smile. "She's... intriguing. Different from anyone I've met." 

Jennie nodded slowly. "Yeah. There's something about her."

Lisa turned to face Jennie, her eyes searching. "Do you like her?"

Jennie hesitated, choosing her words carefully. "I think she's interesting. And attractive."

Lisa chuckled softly. "Well, that's obvious." 

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Oh? And what about you? Do you like her?"

Lisa sighed, running a hand through her hair. "I do. But I don't want to step on your toes."

Jennie reached out, placing a reassuring hand on Lisa's arm. "Lisa, I don't want you to hold back because of me. We both have feelings for her. Let's just... see where things go. No hard feelings."

Lisa met Jennie's gaze, a smile tugging at the corners of her mouth. "Deal."

Their conversation was interrupted by the sound of voices and laughter. Looking toward the lake, they saw ___ and Wynter assisting the retreat staff in dragging small canoes to the water's edge. The siblings moved with practiced ease, their camaraderie evident.

Jennie's eyes were drawn to ___. She had changed into black ripped jeans, a plain black t-shirt, and dark boots. The ensemble gave her an effortlessly edgy look, a stark contrast to her earlier attire.

Lisa let out a low whistle. "Look at her. From farmer to sexy grunge in a matter of hours."

Jennie laughed, nodding in agreement. "She pulls it off well."

As they watched, a figure approached ___, carrying a few bottles of water. It was Amora, her confident stride and radiant smile impossible to miss.

Amora handed a bottle to ___, her fingers lingering just a moment longer than necessary. "Thought you might need this," she said, her voice smooth.

___ accepted the water with a grateful nod. "Thanks, Amora. Appreciate it."

Amora tilted her head, her eyes sparkling. "Is there anything else I can do to help out?"

___ took a sip of water before replying, "Bringing us water is more than enough. We're just about done here."

Amora stepped closer, her gaze unwavering. "You know, I grew up on a ranch. We focused more on animals than crops, though."

___'s interest was piqued. "Really? I didn't peg any of the retreat-goers as ranch folks."

Amora laughed softly. "There's more to me than meets the eye."

Wynter, who had been observing the exchange, smirked and decided to stick around, curious about how the interaction would unfold.

Amora placed a hand on ___'s arm, her touch light. "I'd love a tour of the farmland. See what other crops you're nurturing."

___ considered for a moment before nodding. "Sure. I can show you around."

Jennie and Lisa watched as Amora linked her arm with ___'s, the two walking toward the fields, their conversation animated.

Lisa exhaled slowly. "Well, she's certainly making her move."

Jennie nodded, her jaw set. "Yeah. She is."

Wynter approached them, a knowing grin on his face. "Enjoying the show?"

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Your sister has quite the fan club." 

Wynter chuckled. "She always has. But don't count yourselves out just yet."

Jennie raised an eyebrow. "Oh?"

Wynter winked. "Let's just say, the game is far from over."

Jennie narrowed her eyes at him with a teasing glare. "You enjoy stirring the pot, don't you?"

He shrugged innocently, adjusting his grip on a coiled rope slung over his shoulder. "Hey, I'm just here for the entertainment. Watching you two try to play it cool while my sister gets flirted into a coma? Premium content."

Lisa scoffed and leaned back on her elbows, the sun catching the golden strands in her hair. "We're not playing anything. We're just... observing."

"Uh-huh," Wynter smirked, following Jennie and Lisa's line of sight. In the distance, Amora twirled a piece of tall grass between her fingers, still locked into conversation with ___. She laughed at something ___ said, lightly bumping her hip against hers as they walked side by side toward the far rows of kale and cabbage. Jennie's jaw clenched.

Lisa glanced sideways at Jennie, her voice lower. "You okay?"

Jennie didn't respond right away. She watched ___ toss her head back and laugh—something about that sound made Jennie's stomach flip in ways she didn't know laughter could. "I'm fine," she said eventually, eyes still on them. "Just... watching the game unfold."

Lisa tilted her head, reading Jennie's expression. "You sure you're not feeling a little... territorial?"

Jennie cracked a wry smile, finally turning to her. "I'm not territorial. I'm just... invested."

Lisa's lips twitched upward. "Me too."

Wynter raised his eyebrows at that, but wisely kept his mouth shut, giving them a small salute with the rope in hand before turning and sauntering back toward the main house. "Y'all have fun pining over the same girl," he called over his shoulder. "Just remember—I've got front row seats."

"Smartass," Jennie muttered.

They sat in silence for a moment longer, watching Amora and ___ disappear into a path between rows of corn and flowering peas. The sun was dipping lower now, streaking the sky in oranges and purples. The shadows were long and golden, casting everything in a warm, dreamlike glow.

Lisa exhaled. "She looks happy. Talking to her, I mean."

Jennie nodded slowly, tension still swimming in her chest. "I know. But I wonder if Amora really sees her."

Lisa raised an eyebrow. "What do you mean?"

Jennie picked a blade of grass, rolling it between her fingers. "___ isn't just some pretty farmer girl with a mysterious past and an amazing ass in ripped jeans—though, I mean... she is that too. But she's thoughtful. Creative. Passionate. You can tell she really loves what she does. It's in everything she touches."

Lisa's expression softened, hearing the depth in Jennie's voice. "You've thought about this a lot."

Jennie gave a half-shrug, her voice quieter. "More than I should, probably."

Lisa leaned back, looking up at the canopy of rustling leaves above them. "So... what happens if Amora keeps pushing her way in?"

Jennie looked over, her eyes meeting Lisa's. "Then we push back. Fair and square."

A beat passed.

Lisa grinned. "Well... as long as I don't have to throw hands."

Jennie laughed, the tension in her chest releasing slightly. "Only if she tries to put her name on ___'s watering can."

They shared a laugh, but the moment was cut short when they saw ___ and Amora walking back up the path from the fields. Their heads were close together, and Amora was saying something that made ___ blush and shake her head. Amora grinned triumphantly, clearly pleased with herself.

Jennie and Lisa both stood, brushing off their jeans.

Lisa whispered, "You ready?"

Jennie smirked. "Let's remind her we're not just watching anymore."

As ___ and Amora approached, Jennie stepped forward, wearing her brightest, most charming smile. "Hey, we were just talking about you."

___ blinked, a little surprised, then gave a warm smile. "Yeah? Hope it was good things."

Lisa nodded, stepping beside Jennie. "We were thinking, after dinner, maybe we could help with some of the prep for the next class. You know—earn some bonus points."

Amora's smile faltered just a little as her eyes flicked between the two of them.

___ glanced between Jennie and Lisa, then to Amora, who still had her arm loosely linked through hers. She gently untangled herself and let her arm fall to her side. "That actually sounds great," she said. "We'll need a few extra hands to get the seedlings started."

Jennie flashed a victorious smile, just subtle enough not to be smug. "Perfect."

Lisa added, "Just tell us what to bring. We're in."

Amora cleared her throat. "Well, I should go check in on my cabin mates." She glanced at ___. "Thanks for the walk. You've got an amazing setup out there."

"Thanks, Amora," ___ said sincerely. "Let me know if you want to help harvest some of the squash tomorrow."

Amora winked. "Only if you're supervising."

Jennie clenched her jaw just slightly, but Lisa reached over and casually nudged her with her elbow, grounding her.

After Amora finally walked off, Jennie turned to ___, who was adjusting her gloves and brushing dirt off her pants.

Lisa grinned. "So... grunge farmer now, huh?"

___ laughed, tugging on the hem of her shirt. "What can I say? Gotta keep things interesting."

Jennie stepped a little closer, teasing, "Yeah, well, it's working. You've got everyone's full attention."

___ tilted her head at Jennie, her smile playful but her eyes curious. "Everyone?"

Lisa smirked. "You know what you're doing."

The air between them thickened for a moment, a triangle of unspoken tension building again.

___ held up her hands. "I plead the fifth."

Jennie leaned in just slightly, her voice a low purr. "That's not going to work forever, you know."

___ just smiled. "I don't expect it to."

They lingered for a moment longer before ___ glanced toward the farmhouse. "I should go wash up before dinner. Y'all gonna join me later to prep?"

Lisa nodded. "Wouldn't miss it."

Jennie held her gaze. "We'll be there."

___ walked off, leaving a trail of pine, leather, and temptation in her wake. Jennie and Lisa both stood in silence for a beat.

Lisa finally muttered, "This is going to get messy, isn't it?"

Jennie exhaled slowly. "Absolutely."

And neither of them  were planning to back down.

Part 11: Party Prep and Late Night Drama

The kitchen of the main farmhouse was warm and fragrant with the comforting scent of vanilla, brown sugar, and a hint of citrus from freshly zested limes. A soft playlist hummed through the Bluetooth speakers, some mellow indie track that blended into the background like a breeze through tall wheatgrass. The golden hour sun spilled through the large windows, washing the wooden countertops and polished copper pots in amber light.

Jennie adjusted the sleeves on her oversized linen shirt, her damp hair pulled back in a low bun. She leaned against the farmhouse sink, watching as ___ carefully measured flour into a wide ceramic bowl.

Lisa, standing at the kitchen island, had flour smudged on her cheek as she rolled out cookie dough with a small smile tugging at her lips. She was focused on cutting out heart and star shapes for the chocolate chip cookies using copper cutters.

"I didn't know you had such a soft side," Jennie teased, watching Lisa press another heart into the dough.

Lisa flicked flour in her direction. "Says the woman practically purring every time she touches a whisk."

Jennie gave her a dramatic gasp. "Excuse me, this is cake-making seduction. Totally different."

"Totally," ___ agreed with a smirk as she passed Jennie the cracked eggs to whisk into the wet batter. "You've got the whole domestic goddess thing down, Jennie."

Jennie bumped her shoulder playfully against ___. "I only do this when I'm trying to impress someone."

___ raised a brow, challenging. "And who exactly are you trying to impress?"

Jennie grinned and said nothing, stirring the batter with a bit more flair than necessary. "I think you know."

Lisa rolled her eyes. "Should I leave you two alone with the frosting?"

___ chuckled, swiping a finger through the batter to taste it. "Not yet. We still need your cookie-shaping talents."

As the cake was slid into the preheated oven and the cookies lined up neatly on parchment paper, ___ finally glanced toward the hallway. "Okay, I need to grab a few of the pink pineapples from my private greenhouse. They're for tonight's cocktails. And yes," she added quickly before Lisa or Jennie could speak, "we're having a party tonight."

"A party?" Lisa looked up from her tray of cookies.

"Two of our staffers are celebrating birthdays tonight. They're spending it working, so we're throwing them something special after dinner."

"Aw, that's sweet," Jennie said, brushing her hands on a towel.

Lisa perked up. "Do you need help grabbing the pineapples?"

___ hesitated only a beat before nodding. "Sure. C'mon. I could use an extra set of hands."

Lisa tossed her apron over a hook by the pantry and followed ___ out the back door, leaving Jennie to guard the ovens. Jennie watched them go, her face unreadable, but her fingers tightened slightly around the towel in her hands.

____

The walk to ___'s private greenhouse was quiet at first, the sound of their boots crunching over the gravel path the only interruption to the rustling trees and chirping birds. The air was cooler now, kissed by evening, but the heat still clung to the sky.

"I didn't know pineapples could be pink," Lisa said, breaking the silence.

"They're special," ___ replied with a small smile. "Rare variety. Sweet, floral, lower acidity. They're kind of my secret weapon."

Lisa grinned. "I'm starting to think you're a secret weapon."

___ laughed softly. "What, cause I grow seductive fruit?"

"No," Lisa said, her tone a little softer now, "because you manage to surprise me every time I think I've got you figured out."

___ turned her head toward Lisa at that, eyes studying her for a beat before she pushed open the greenhouse door.

The interior was a dream—warm, humid, and filled with vibrant life. Vines crept up the glass walls, butterflies floated lazily in the air, and clusters of rare fruits glowed like hidden jewels. The air smelled like citrus, fresh soil, and jasmine.

"This place is magical," Lisa whispered, awed.

___ led her to the back corner, where the pink pineapples grew in medium pots under glowing grow lights. Their outer rinds were pale rose, and the leaves at the top had hints of soft purple.

"Want to pick one?" ___ asked, crouching near a ripe one and patting the pot.

Lisa joined her, reaching toward the fruit. She tugged it gently from its stem, her fingers brushing against ___. They both paused.

Lisa didn't look away. "What else can you make in here? I bet you've got a hundred different concoctions just waiting."

___ rose to her feet, brushing dirt from her knees. "Drinks, teas, syrups, even perfume oil. I like experimenting."

"You're full of surprises," Lisa murmured.

"I try."

Lisa held the pineapple close, her expression thoughtful before she finally said, "Can I ask something?"

"Of course."

Lisa hesitated, her voice dropping. "Earlier this week... when I almost kissed you. I was wondering if maybe... we could pick up where we left off?"

A few seconds passed—long enough for Lisa's cheeks to warm and for her to glance away in embarrassment. "You can ignore that. It was dumb—"

___ reached out gently and tilted Lisa's chin back toward her. She leaned in slowly, her lips brushing the corner of Lisa's mouth. A teasing, feather-light kiss.

Lisa's breath hitched, stunned still.

___ pulled back with a playful smirk. "There. Now we're even."

Lisa blinked, speechless for a moment before finally laughing. "You're infuriating."

___ picked up the pineapple Lisa had harvested and gestured toward the exit. "And you're bold. I like that."

Lisa followed her, their arms brushing as they stepped back out into the dusky golden evening, both of them smiling like they were holding onto a secret no one else in the world could understand.

⸻

The music pulsed through the back field behind the main farmhouse, now transformed into a dreamy nighttime garden party. Strings of golden lights crisscrossed overhead, hanging from the branches of towering oak and pecan trees. Long tables were dressed in simple white linen, decorated with clusters of lavender and eucalyptus in glass jars. In the corner, a table was stacked with baked goods—Lisa's perfectly shaped chocolate chip cookies, and Jennie's carefully frosted cake layered with cream and thin slices of pink pineapple. A large galvanized tub held bottles of soda, cider, and fruit-infused cocktails, and the speakers played a lively mix of R&B and pop, slowly shifting into more upbeat dance tracks as the evening went on.

Jennie leaned against the drink table, a pineapple cocktail in hand, scanning the crowd for __. Her eyes flicked past groups of retreat-goers chatting and laughing, until she spotted Lisa near the fire pit, laughing with a few staff members. Jennie's gaze narrowed when she noticed Amora strutting across the party like she owned the place, wearing a silky green wrap dress that shimmered under the lights. Her curls bounced as she waved flirtatiously at __, who had just walked out of the farmhouse with a tray of mini lemon tarts.

"Of course she's already trying something," Jennie muttered under her breath, taking a slow sip of her drink.

"Looking for someone?" a voice came from behind.

It was Wynter, holding a half-eaten cupcake. "Or are you just mad you're not the only one crushing on my sister?"

Jennie gave him a sideways glare, lips twitching with amusement. "She's not your average farm girl, that's for sure."

"Nope," he agreed, popping the rest of the cupcake in his mouth. "She's a storm in boots."

Across the yard, __ smiled at Amora, who was practically purring as she handed her a cup of something suspiciously pink. Jennie's jaw ticked when __ laughed at something Amora said and gently touched her arm.

Lisa, who had been quietly observing from the fire pit, noticed too. She stood, handed her drink off to a nearby retreat-goer, and made a beeline through the crowd.

Just then, the opening beat of Beyoncé's "Before I Let Go" blasted from the speakers, causing a cheer from the group. Several guests ran to form the classic line dance setup.

"You coming?" Jennie asked Lisa when she reached her, nodding toward the dance floor.

Lisa grinned but kept her eyes on __. "Nah. I've got other plans."

Jennie raised a brow, following her gaze just in time to see Lisa catch __'s wrist mid-step. She leaned in close, whispered something with a sly smile, and led her away from the crowd.

Jennie stared, heart thudding against her ribcage as she watched them slip past the last table, heading toward the massive oak tree that stood like a sentinel near the lake's edge.

____

By the Oak Tree…

"I had to steal you," Lisa said breathlessly, glancing back at __ as they reached the tree. The music faded behind them, replaced by the sound of crickets and the gentle lapping of water.

"Oh yeah?" __ teased, folding her arms. "What for?"

Lisa hesitated for a second before stepping in closer. "I don't like playing games, but I know I'm not the only one who wants your attention."

__ blinked, her lips twitching with amusement. "Is that your way of saying you like me?"

Lisa stepped into her space, a soft breeze catching her sundress and making the hem flutter around her thighs. "I think you already knew."

Before __ could respond, Lisa leaned in and kissed her, gentle at first, but full of pent-up energy.

The kiss deepened quickly. __'s hands found Lisa's hips, tugging her closer as Lisa's fingers curled into the back of __'s shirt. The heat between them built fast—too fast. __'s hand slipped under Lisa's dress, skimming warm skin—

She broke the kiss suddenly, breath ragged. "Lisa... wait."

Lisa blinked, lips swollen, chest rising and falling fast. "Did I do something wrong?"

"No," __ said softly, forehead resting against Lisa's. "But if we keep going, I won't stop. And I don't want to... not like this. Not when we're both tipsy. You deserve more than just heat in the dark."

Lisa looked up at her, eyes wide and sincere. "If you hadn't stopped us, I would've let you do anything."

Before __ could respond, a voice cut through the moment.

"There you are!" Amora stepped out of the shadows, arms crossed but with a saccharine smile. "One of the staff said we're out of rum. Thought I'd find you with it... or at least with something stronger."

__ blinked, stepping back from Lisa. "I'll go grab some more from the cellar."

Amora gave Lisa a knowing smirk as she looped her arm through __'s and started walking back toward the party. "Come on, birthday shots won't pour themselves."

Lisa stood alone under the tree, heart still pounding, her lips still tingling. She exhaled slowly, brushing her hair behind her ears, then turned back toward the crowd.

___

Back at the Party…

Jennie looked up from her drink as Lisa returned, face flushed and eyes unreadable.

"Everything okay?" Jennie asked.

Lisa grabbed a drink from the table and downed half of it in one go before sitting down hard on the bench next to her. "Define 'okay.'"

Jennie raised a brow. "She kiss you?"

Lisa didn't answer, just stared into her drink. Jennie chuckled under her breath. "Guess that's a yes."

"You're not jealous?" Lisa asked, suddenly turning to look at her.

Jennie shrugged. "Not jealous. Just... motivated."

They sat in silence until the crowd let out a whoop. __ had returned with a small wooden crate of rum bottles—and visible hickeys blooming just beneath the collar of her shirt. Jennie's jaw clenched. Lisa went still.

Wynter passed by with a fresh drink and gave them both a look. "Oh boy," he muttered. "Shit's getting spicy."