Flying Without A Net: Girls Kissing Girls, #14

By Lee Cushing

Cammie Romanov was a trapeze artist with her husband at a famed circus, a member of a renowed family of performers. She thought that she was happy until Vicki walked into her life and awakened long suppressed feelings.

 

Vicki Quinn was a new addition to the circus family, a clown with the skill and talent to make the most stoic personality burst into laughter. 

 

The attraction between Cammie and Vicki was immediate, their relationship evolving into something more and soon expanding into something deeper.

 

As the love between the two women grew, the other performers began to take notice at the blossoming relationship which threatened to tear the circus family apart and force them to take sides.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lee Cushing
• Release date: Nov 1, 2023
• ISBN: 9798223289760

Lee Cushing

Lee Cushing is a paranormal thriller author and a lifelong fan of the occult. Having become obsessed with supernatural folklore and the world of horror from an early age, Lee has spent years studying tales of the occult and immersing himself in stories of otherworldly phenomenon. He’s also the owner of a number of vampire and horror-related groups in Facebook, where fellow fans of the supernatural come together to celebrate and discuss all things paranormal.  His debut novel, Voodoo Mambo, blends high-stakes action and shadowy agencies with a dark underworld of demonic creatures and their insidious plots to attack humanity. Lee draws his inspiration from classic horror movies – including Hammer and Universal – as well as beloved TV shows including Doctor Who, Supernatural, The Avengers, and Buffy The Vampire Slayer. 

Book preview

Introduction

The Big Top of Life

Every heartbeat races, every eye widens, and every breath catches the moment you step into the expansive realm of the circus. It isn't just a place; it's an experience. Giant red and white stripes stand tall, shielding a world of wonders, mysteries, and heart-stopping performances that unfold under the dim glow of twinkling lights.

You'd think the universe itself conspired to create this temporary world—a space where time seems to freeze, and the mundane worries of everyday life fade away. We're transported into a realm where anything seems possible for a few spellbinding hours. Gravity-defying feats performed gracefully, clowns with rubbery faces pulling at your heartstrings, and the intoxicating scent of popcorn and cotton candy filling the air.

Juggling acts, where artists toss rings, balls, and pins with a precision that makes you question if magic might just be honest. And let’s not forget those audacious acrobats, twisting and spinning in mid-air, challenging the essence of physics. Their synchronized movements, echoing the harmonious dance of the stars in the night sky, leave spectators in awe. Every flip, twirl, and daring drop is a testament to their dedication and the countless hours they've spent honing their craft.

However, the circus isn't solely about the acts. It's about the stories. Each performer carries a tale, from the fiery ringmaster commanding the center stage to the invisible backstage hands, ensuring every performance goes smoothly. Stories of dreams, heartaches, victories, and sometimes, defeats. Their narratives intertwine, creating a vibrant web of stories that give life to the big top.

Stepping into the circus tent, spectators often find themselves dazzled by the flamboyant costumes, sparkling lights, and dramatic performances that seize their attention. But behind this glitz and glamour facade lies a world as complex and intricate as the one outside the tent.

The first thing you'd notice if you took a peek backstage is the sheer dedication of everyone involved. There's a common misconception that life under the big top is all about excitement and applause. But for every applause, there's a bead of sweat, a bruise, or a tear shed. It's not merely about the razzle-dazzle. It's a testament to the countless hours, days, and years dedicated to mastering a craft and creating a moment of wonder for the audience.

Consider the trapeze artist, a symbol of grace and fearlessness. Every swing and jump they take demands a level of trust that few can comprehend. Confidence in their partners, training, and, most importantly, themselves. Each leap isn't just a physical act but a dance of faith, a ballet of belief.

And then there's the clown, often overlooked or brushed aside as mere comic relief. Yet, if you ever got to talk to one, you'd be swept into a whirlwind of stories. Tales filled with laughter, yes, but also with poignant moments of introspection. Clowns aren’t just about slapstick humor; they’re the keepers of the circus’s soul, mirroring life's ups and downs through their acts.

But what truly binds these performers together isn't just the love for their craft or the thrill of the performance. It's a sense of family. The big top doesn't discriminate. It doesn't care about your background, past mistakes, or where you come from. Underneath those towering canvas peaks, everyone is equal. They rely on each other, support one another through thick and thin, and create a bond that's as strong, if not stronger, than blood.

This sense of unity doesn't emerge out of nowhere. It's born from shared experiences, nights spent practicing under the moonlight, the joys of a performance gone right, and the heartaches of one that didn't go as planned. They celebrate together, mourn together, dream together. Ultimately, every circus is more than a collection of acts; it's a family.

Despite the challenges and the transient nature of their world, circus performers share an unspoken agreement. An agreement to continue the legacy of the big top. To keep the magic alive, not just for the audience but for themselves. Within the confines of the circus ring, they find purpose, passion, and a place where they truly belong.

Each performer's journey, act, and circus reflects life. It's a dance of challenges and triumphs, dreams and despair, but most importantly, of undying hope and the human spirit's resilience.

With its rapid pace and relentless demands, life outside the big top often leaves little room for the circus's wonders. Yet, the chaos has endured, evolving and adapting, much like the human spirit. One might wonder why the allure of the circus persists in an age of digital entertainment and endless distractions. The answer lies in its ability to resonate with the deepest fibers of our being.

We see in the daring leaps of trapeze artists our leaps of faith, from changing careers to starting a family. With their perfect balance, the tightrope walkers remind us of our daily juggling, teetering between work, family, and personal aspirations. And who hasn't felt like a clown at some point, laughing on the outside while nursing a silent pain within? In its timeless appeal, the circus mirrors our struggles, dreams, and moments of joy.

Even the very structure of the circus tent has lessons to offer. Anchored firmly to the ground yet reaching skyward, it's a testament to the power of dreams grounded in reality. The circular stage at its center signifies the cyclical nature of life – beginnings and endings, highs and lows, moments of clarity, and times of confusion. All these moments are interconnected, creating a continuous flow, much like the non-stop performances that captivate circus-goers.

But beyond these parallels, the circus also serves as a beacon of hope. The big top has always been a space of light, laughter, and magic, no matter how dark the times. It's a gentle reminder that the show must go on even in the face of adversity. And not just go on but thrive, adapt, and dazzle.

Within the tent's confines, the boundaries of the possible and impossible blur. We're reminded that limits, more often than not, are self-imposed. When a juggler adds one more pin to his act, or an acrobat executes a particularly challenging move, we're shown the power of pushing boundaries, challenging the status quo, and never settling for the ordinary.

As the final act concludes and the performers take their bow, there's always a bittersweet moment. A realization that this fleeting world will soon be packed away, moving to another town, another audience. Yet, the memories linger, and the lessons endure. They serve as a reminder that life, with all its challenges and unpredictabilities, is a wondrous journey. And just like a night at the circus, it's up to us to make it memorable, find the magic in the mundane, and be the ringleaders of our destinies.

And so, as we step out of the tent and into the world, the circus remains with us, not just as a memory of a spectacular show but a testament to life's infinite possibilities, the strength of the human spirit, and the magic that awaits if only we dare to dream.

CHAPTER 1

Cammie's Dilemma:

Torn Between Love and Duty

The Golden Pair

Introduction to Cammie and her husband's flawless trapeze performances.

The circus lights dimmed, the chatter hushed, and all eyes turned to the center of the tent, where a lone spotlight shone on two silhouettes, poised and ready for flight. Both dressed in glittering costumes, Cammie and her husband stood at opposite ends of the trapeze, their faces set with determination and focus. A collective gasp filled the air, the audience sensing they were about to witness something extraordinary.

From the first swing, it was evident that this wasn’t just any trapeze act. It was poetry in motion. Their bodies moved in perfect synchronization, each flip, twist, and turn executed with a precision that left the audience in awe. The air between them seemed to crackle with electricity, a testament to their deep connection and understanding of each other's movements.

Years of rigorous training, bruises, and near misses culminated in a performance defying the laws of gravity. But it wasn’t just their physical prowess that captivated the audience. It was the raw emotion they brought to each move. Their trapeze act told a story of love, trust, and the thrill of the unknown.

Every time Cammie soared through the air, only to be caught flawlessly by her husband, the audience could feel the trust between the pair. It was a dance of faith, a testament to their bond. Their eyes locked when they met mid-air, speaking volumes that words could never convey. It was clear to anyone watching that this was more than just a performance; it was an intimate portrayal of their relationship.

Behind the scenes, their dedication to their craft was legendary. Hours spent practicing, perfecting each move, ensuring every performance was better than the last. They were each other's harshest critics and most prominent supporters. Their partnership, both on and off the stage, was mutual respect and admiration.

Yet, despite their flawless performances, their imperfections made them remarkable. With her fiery spirit and relentless drive, Cammie often pushed the boundaries, adding new moves and tricks that left even seasoned circus-goers speechless. With his calm demeanor and unwavering focus, her husband acted as her anchor, ensuring they always remained grounded, no matter how high they soared.

Their performances were more than just entertainment. They were a lesson in dedication, passion, and the beauty of collaboration. Young acrobats looked up to them, aspiring to one day reach the heights Cammie and her husband had achieved. Their act was the highlight of any circus they performed, drawing crowds from miles away.

And as the final act of their performance approached, the tent would fall silent once more. The audience would lean forward, anticipating the grand finale. And when it seemed like the pair had given it their all, they would pull off a move so breathtaking and audacious that it would leave the crowd roaring.

As they took their final bow, hand in hand, the love and pride in their eyes were evident. They weren't just performers; they were storytellers, artists who used their bodies to weave tales of adventure, love, and the sheer joy of flight.

In a world where trapeze acts were a dime a dozen, Cammie and her husband stood out. Their performances blended artistry, athleticism, and raw emotion, leaving an indelible mark on anyone lucky to witness them. Much like their act, their story was one of passion, dedication, and the pursuit of perfection. And while they soared high above the