Free One Toe Out (A Complicated Love Story) by Desiree Day Page A

gays.”
    “ I know. And I’m so sorry. Confusion and pain, makes you do crazy things. I think about that now and it makes me sick. I really hated myself back then. I know that I can’t make it up to those kids but I make sure my foundation gives sizeable donations to organizations that try to eliminate bullying and those that try to create an atmosphere of acceptance for gay teenagers.”
    “ That’s nice, I’m sure a lot of children benefit from your generosity.”
    “ Yeah,” J.T. mumbled. “I’m sure.”

Chapter 11
     
    The top was down on Simone’s Maserati as she headed down Interstate 75. It was one o’clock in the afternoon the beginning of May and it was already a very sultry eighty degrees. J.T. was out of town, on one of his business trips, so she decided to hang out with her mom.
    She pulled into her mother’s driveway. She was outside planting flowers, something that she had taken a liking to. Her knitting needles had been packed away in a closet. She hadn’t knitted anything since she moved into the new house. While she kept the yard at the old house mowed she never felt the inclination to do any gardening…until now. With all her diligence and creativity, her yard was shaping up to be one of the best in the cul-de-sac. An explosion of colors and fragrances were a treat to the senses.
    After Simone made a deposit of three hundred thousand dollars into Lillian’s account she decided to finish out the school year and to return in the fall to teach part time. She loved kids and no amount of money could take that away. She had a trip scheduled for Europe next month that the preparations kept her busy.
    Before Simone could step out of the car, her mother was at the door, waiting for her, she had pulled off her gloves, clasped her hands together and beamed at her. As soon as Simone stepped out of the car, Lillian threw her arms around her, as though she hadn’t seen her in months, when she just saw her just three days ago.
    “ I still can’t believe how homey you made this house in such a short time,” Simone gushed.
    Not only had the house been transformed into a showcase but so had her mother. Her hair had been cut into a sleek bob, just long enough to skim her ears when she moved and long enough to pull back into a ponytail, like it was today. She had lost fifteen pounds, transforming her chubby body to curvaceous sexiness.
    Lillian led her around the side of the house to the garage where they went in and she placed her gardening gloves, hat and dirty shoes on the utility shelve. Lillian happily patted the Volvo that Simone had purchased for her and they walked into the house.
    Simone grabbed her mother’s hand and squeezed it. “Your place just keeps getting prettier and prettier every time I see it. Who knew that you were a decorator?” she gushed.
    As soon as they closed on the house, Simone and her mom had spent weeks shopping for items to furnish it with. Simone nodded towards the chandelier hanging from the kitchen ceiling. “I like that. It’s such a unique touch, who would ever think of putting a chandelier in the kitchen.”
    Lillian beamed at her daughter. “It is nice. I saw where an interior designer did it on TV and I decided why not. I ran over to Home Depot and a couple days later it was installed.”
    Simone hugged her mom. “Great job! It looks wonderful.”
    “ And I’m almost ready for my trip to the Big Apple. I can’t wait to see everything and especially do some shopping for my trip to Europe. Thank you so much for treating me to the trips,” she said excitedly.
    “ Aw Mom, no problem. I’m so glad that I can do it for you, considering everything you did for me while I was growing up. Have you decided who you’re bringing with you?”
    “ I think I’m taking Isabelle to New York. She said that she would love to join me. And you know I’m going to Europe by myself.”
    Simone smiled. Her Aunt Isabelle was the perfect choice. She’s really Lillian’s