Brenda's Temp Job

Brenda’s Temp Job

by

David Monroe

© 2020

Preface

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Brenda had been out of work for about 6 months. She had had a series of very high-profile professional positions in various marketing fields beginning with her first job right out of university. It was nothing she had ever really planned on based on her interests when a student, but the opportunity came along and she just sort of fell into it. A lot of her jobs just out of school were in start-up type of organizations and more often than not they did not last. The newly formed companies were either shakily funded or the management in place was just not the best fit for what it took for running an organization on a day to day basis.

Early in her career, Brenda saw several of the layoffs coming and got out before they hit, or just did not get caught in the net of dismissals. However, one caught her completely off guard and she found herself, for the first time ever, with no job and not having much luck at procuring anything new in her adopted field. At the beginning of her hiatus, it was actually a feeling of freedom once she got over the initial shock. She had invested well in some local stocks and the money in those stocks was now keeping her afloat.

However, as time went on, and the money began to dwindle, Brenda began to wonder what she was to do. She had a small home with a modest mortgage, but fortunately no real other debts. As the months went by, she finally had to bite the bullet and apply for unemployment insurance which really killed her self-esteem. She had never imagined that she would be in this position, but she had to slow the bleeding of her savings. In addition to getting some supplemental money from the county while she looked for work, Brenda stopped into a temporary work agency that was near the unemployment office. It was just on a whim, but as these things often are, it was a decision that turned her life upside down.

Chapter 1

Brenda filled out the various forms in the temp agency office wondering if she was just wasting her time. All the positions seemed to just be for telemarketers and various fill-in clerical office positions. She had done this telemarketing gig when she was in college and it was so degrading and demeaning she had promised herself she would never stoop that low again unless it was a matter of life and death….and then she would have to really wonder if that was really living. The clerical positions did not sound all that bad, though, and she shrugged as she checked off those options on the forms. Seemed like it might be palatable while she continued to look in her field, and she sure as hell did not want to have to give up her great little house.

After one of the most unsatisfactory days of her life, Brenda headed home. She checked her e-mail out of habit and saw the usual smattering of dead ends: “thanks for your interest, we have found someone that better meets our needs”…..”we have had many excellent applicants that fit our needs, however”…..“the position has been closed”…. and on and on. She sighed with great disappointment and sat dejectedly in the large overstuffed chair she had lugged with her through all her tiny rental apartments. She sank into the deep folds of the comfortable cushions and just fell into a semi-conscious fog.

Before she realized it, she was waking from what she guessed she would describe as part daydream and part actual dream. It was a recurrent theme that had been coming to her ever since she had split from her most recent relationship. Sam had been the most serious of her boyfriends since college, but there had been too much drama and in the end his career had been more important to him than her. He had announced with an air of simple matter of fact that he had received an offer in Paris and was leaving in a month. He had not asked for her to join him and she had not asked as his demeanor did not indicate that it was even an option.

As she recalled her time with Sam, Brenda did not think she had consciously done this, but as she awoke fully she found herself gently fingering herself. Images of Sam flooded her memory and imagination as she pushed deeper and deeper inside. As he found herself getting wetter, Brenda spread her legs wide and massaged her clitoris between her thumb and index finger. Shock waves of a mild orgasm shot through her and she moaned quietly as her head lolled back in response. She drew a few fingers and found her rear.

Slowly she worked her long index finger in and out, her back arching high with each progressive movement. As she felt another wave of orgasm ripple through her lower body, she used her free hand to squeeze her rapidly hardening nipples. The two actions together increased the intensity of her orgasm beyond anything she could remember in her recent sexual history. When the orgasm reached its full intensity, Brenda felt her whole-body shudder and she screamed out loud. She had always had a visceral reaction to orgasms but this felt like a whole new level.

Once the waves passed, she lay back in the chair and panted. Her body was coated with a sheen of perspiration. Her long red hair was damp as well, plastered to her head in places as multiple rivulets of sweat cascaded down her back and chest. The images of Sam faded, but Brenda was still not quite satisfied. She stripped off her clothes, now wet with a combination of sweat and her own secretions. She moved to her bedroom where she kept some of the toys that she and Sam had used regularly. She coated her largest dildo with a generous layer of jelly and set the motor for medium. While repeating the fingering process with her still slick fingers, she eased the vibrating phallus inside her. The sensation was incredible and Brenda gasped and moaned with abandon as the long dildo drove her to new heights. She whipped her head back and forth, her now fully wet hair throwing spays of sweat about her bed linens.

She continued to explore herself in both areas even as the series of orgasms flooded her system and she cried out in sheer ecstasy. When she could finally take no more, she removed the dildo and dropped the implement on the soggy sheets and lay totally spent, gasping for breath. Her heart was still racing as her breath began to slow and there was no part of her that was not still rippling with the aftermath of the multiple orgasms. Once her heart returned to normal, Brenda just lay quietly listening to the gentle patter of rain that was lashing against her window.

She smiled and sighed, glad that her new house offered a bit more privacy than all those apartments she had migrated through. She was sure her voice would have been well heard in any of those complexes. She laughed to herself and played absent-mindedly with her still erect nipples as the rain increased into a full-blown storm, complete with thunder and lightning. Once the flesh of her nipples began to lose their rigidity, Brenda reluctantly rose and went to the shower.

The distraction had been nice. Number one, it had taken her mind off her problems with her employment situation and number two it reminded her of how much she had missed sex. It had been about 4 months since Sam had left town for Paris and in all that time she had fallen into this self-imposed celibacy. His departure had been such a shock and had caught her so off-guard that she had just not thought of it since. She was constantly being targeted by lots of men….even a few women….due to her stunning looks, but she was still just trying to recover. Sam had been a fantastic lover and she was still in….what….mourning?

Today, however, Brenda had broken the spell she guessed. She had occasionally masturbated just before sleep or while in the shower, but today had been remarkable. She had no idea that she was capable of bringing herself to such heights on her own. Until she was really ready to move ahead with another man, this was a good thing to have discovered. It reminded her of something that was missing from her life and that she never again wanted to have such a long hiatus from it again….even if it was just her doing all the work.

Chapter 2

Friday. September 14, 2012

Brenda slept better that night than she had in months. The empty space in her bed did not seem as nearly significant anymore. Since Sam had left, her sleep had been quite inconsistent. However, last night she had slept deep and long and had not awoken until the sun began to filter through the slats of the blinds in her bedroom. As the early morning light made a delicate pattern across her bed, Brenda just lay still and took in all the smells of the morning air.

She could hear birds chirping and flitting about just outside her window as well as the faraway droning of lawnmowers. The intoxicating aroma of honeysuckle drifted in through the screen. Despite her situation not having changed all that much in the last 24 hours, Brenda felt different. She stretched taking in a deep breath. She could still smell herself from the day before. The heavy musky smell of her sexuality still hung in the air of the bedroom and it made her a tad dizzy.

As she took in a deep breath and allowed the pungent aroma to fill her nostrils, her body responded as well. Her nipples, without any assistance, rose hard and erect. Just a few seconds later, perhaps in response to this, Brenda felt a sticky wetness between her thighs. She shivered a bit at the sensation and then reached down to feel herself. She was very wet and soon, without really thinking about it, she began to touch herself again.

Slowly and with an experienced touch she brought herself to yet another earth-shattering orgasm that left her trembling in pleasure. No sooner than the last tremor passed through her body, than Brenda reached for her dildo to continue. She used the entire length of the device as well as its built-in vibrations to continue what she had begun the day before. Each insertion caused her to gasp loudly and finally scream louder than before as her body shuddered with complete satisfaction. She had no idea what it was that she has unleashed the day before, but she sure was enjoying it.

After showering and popping on a T-shirt and gym shorts, Brenda wandered out into the small trellised garden that was in her backyard. The air was still cool, but the rising sun would soon change that. She set her coffee on the side table and proper her feet up to run through her e-mail as usual. Again, there was not much in the way of encouragement on the job front, but for some reason it no longer fed her anxiety. As soon as she set down her mug, her phone rang. Not a number she immediately recognized but seeing as how she had been spending so much time online in the job market, she did not let much of anything go by unanswered anymore.

“Hello?” Brenda replied.

“Is this Ms. Darrow?” the voice on the other end inquired.

“It is.”

“My name is Cynthia McNair and I am calling from The Williams Temp Agency. I believe you filled out some inquiries with us yesterday regarding openings for clerical work?”

“I did!”

Brenda nearly knocked the mug off the small table as she sprung to her feet in surprise, her heart pounding.

“Are you still available?”

“I am.”

“I have this position that came across my desk this morning that might be a good fit for you if you are still interested. Could you come by our office today so we can discuss the details with you?”

“Certainly. What time would you like to see me?”

“Umm….it’s nine right now and I have this meeting at eleven. How about 12:30?”

“That is perfect…..I will see you then…and thanks!”

Brenda hung up and did a little dance of joy on the brick patio behind her house. It was not her field, nor her ideal position, but finally an offer for something! If this worked out, it would sure help stem the bleeding of money from her savings while she continued to try and find something permanent. She opened the link on her phone that Cynthia had sent her that gave her an overview of what the position was about as well as some of the details from the agency for terms of employment and compensation and such.

It was not exactly up to par with her old jobs in terms of compensation, but the company that was looking for help was in the graphic arts. She had dabbled a bit in this in school but decided eventually that it was just not a perfect fit for her. She had dropped her interest in the field, but it had always been of curiosity to her. She took another shower, just for insurance and dressed in one of her basic interview outfits before heading out to her car to meet with Cynthia McNair.

The interview was just a formality. She arrived at the agency to find out it was just to get her to sign a series of legal documents to cement her agreement with the agency. Cynthia gave her an address across town where she had been scheduled to meet with the man who had contracted with the agency to hire her.

“Already? Today?” Brenda asked in amazement.

“Is that a problem?” Cynthia asked.

“No…no….not at all….I just did not expect things to move this quickly.”

“We just put the different parties together, Brenda. It’s up to you and Thomas Bergstrom now to decide if this is a go or not. Just saves time in the end. We used to do things differently, but we soon discovered that us asking all the same questions that the potential employer will repeat anyway was wasteful. So now we just make sure everyone is interested, put you together and let you make or break the process. We process the payments and take care of taxes, etc. as a service to our clients. Much simpler and streamlined at the end of the day.”

Brenda just nodded as she bid farewell to Cynthia and headed back to her car to head over to meet with Mr. Bergstrom at Farring Designs. The drive was a short one, and Brenda arrived just a few minutes before her scheduled meeting. She walked briskly up the walk that led to an impressive glass and steel structure demarcated by an art deco style facade displaying the company’s name. It never ceased to amaze her that no matter how many of these interviews she went on, that the butterflies in her stomach still showed up—even to one such as this that was just a temporary thing.

The gleaming glass door opened into a shining foyer of black and grey marble and tile with a few Scandinavian style pieces of furniture strategically arranged around. Brenda looked about in amazement impressed by the simultaneous simplicity and eye-catching quality of the room. There were lots of plants around as well, both potted and extravagant hanging arrangements that finished off the impression of total class and dignity—undoubtedly what the owners hoped to do she was sure.

Brenda pulled her attention from the surroundings after a bit to make her way over to a reception desk.

“Extraordinary…..” Brenda said quietly as she approached.

“Isn’t it though.” the young woman behind the highly-polished desk said.

Brenda blushed with embarrassment, not having meant for her comment to have been heard.

“It’s OK….” the woman replied, sensing Brenda’s self-consciousness and trying to ease her reaction. “Took me months to stop gawking….can I help you?”

“My name is Brenda Darrow….I have a 2 pm appointment with Mr. Bergstrom.”

“Oh, sure……Brenda….we’ve been expecting you. Sign in here and take a visitor’s badge and I let Tom know you are here.”

Brenda smiled as she signed in on the log and headed across the expansive room to take a seat. Tom…..she thought to herself…..pretty informal here I guess…..I like that. She had no more than sat down, than a man in a royal blue polo shirt and a pair of gray linen trousers made his way down the spiral staircase that was next to the reception area. Brenda was left breathless. She gazed at the man as he made his way in her direction wondering if this was Thomas Bergstrom. He was tall and fit, though not overdone in a manner as if he spent all his free time in a gym. His build seemed athletic, yet natural. As he moved closer, Brenda deduced that this was him.

He had an easy, warm smile and moved with the gait of someone who was confident, yet not arrogant. She tried hard to appear as if she was ogling him, but she was not sure she was pulling it off. This might be the most handsome man she had ever seen in her life. She felt her heart race as he offered his hand and introduced himself. Brenda smiled back as she felt his gentle and reassuring touch. She was thankful that she had donned one of her more conservative outfits for the day, as she felt serious droplets of nervous perspiration trickle down her sides from her armpits. Simultaneously, she felt her nipples stiffen hard as he touched her hand….it would have been hideously embarrassing if she had not been wearing her navy suit jacket to conceal this.

“Let’s talk upstairs,” he suggested as he offered her the lead, moving by her side toward the stairs.

They walked side by side up the slick black granite steps and Tom waited as she moved ahead of him into a small conference room just at the head of the stairs. She settled into a chair at the side of the table.

“Could I get you anything? Water? Coffee?”

“W-Water would be great,” Brenda stammered. She was completely overwhelmed by this man and his place.

Tom smiled and stepped across the room and retrieved a bottle of water from a small refrigerator. He handed the bottle to her and took a seat at the head of the table. Brenda sipped from the bottle as Tom settled into his seat. If he had taken notice of her nervousness, Brenda thought, he was being very gallant about ignoring it.

They chatted easily and freely after Brenda got over her initial nerves. She liked that he did not jump right into the business at hand, but instead asked about her—what she liked to do, where she might have traveled, movies, books…..just seemed to want to get a sense of her as a person. More importantly, she felt a real interest from him—not just blathering on and on as some interviewers often did….he seemed genuinely interested and was a focused listener.

After a bit, he went into a general overview of why he had contacted the agency. He gave her the big picture of what his organization did, who their clients were, and where they wanted to go as well as where they had come from. His style of presentation was intriguing and warm….Brenda felt herself letting down all her guards as he talked. Her job, basically, was to keep his schedule—both setting new appointments as well as making sure he did not miss anything on his calendar. As well, she was to help him with the record-keeping and billing and making sure none of the milestones set for each contract were met—by both the company and the clients.

Brenda could not believe her ears. She had assumed that this position was just going to be some generic secretary setup. Though not quite to the degree of what she had been doing before, but overall it had a lot of the same elements as her old marketing positions. The only drawback she saw was it being temporary…..

“What do you think, Brenda? Sound like something you might be interested in?”

“It’s….well…..it’s…..” Brenda began.

“Not what you were expecting? Thought we were just looking for another secretary for the general pool?”

“Well…..in a word sir…..yeah….”

“I suspected as much. I could see the mixture of confusion and relief in your face. Bet you are wondering why we would go to a temp agency for something like this, huh? Why we deliberately conceal the real responsibilities?”

“I…uh…it does seem unique, sir….”

“First of all, do me a favor and drop the sir? You will find us pretty informal around here, Brenda. It’s Tom….”

“Sure…..Tom, it is….”

“As to the way we recruit…..you may have noticed that my interview process and style may not be something you have experienced before.”

Brenda nodded.

“Brenda…..I like to work with people that like each other. Most places are not like this, as I am sure you know. To me, life is too short. All those questions I asked you initially about your lifestyle? Some people find it too prying, but I like to know about my colleagues beyond the details of their jobs. Was that off-putting to you?”

“Um…not at all, S….Tom….granted it is unusual, but your manner is so low key and casual that it just felt natural.”

“Good….glad to hear it. That is a big hurdle in my interview and selection process. If that approach rubs people the wrong way, then they are not going to be a real good fit here.”

Brenda considered this as she thought back to all the places she had worked and the vibe and aura she had felt since walking in here. It was worlds apart.

“As to the temp approach, this is something I have experimented with in the past few years. Except for our high-level professional sales guys and technical artists and engineers, I like the temp agency tactic.”

He hesitated in his explanation as he saw a look of confusion forming on Brenda’s brow.

“I’ve lost you, huh?”

“Just a bit.”

“OK. Sure. I do not by any means mean this to be interpreted that I value what you can bring to this organization any less or any more than the professionals I mentioned earlier. The skills of each are not better or more valuable….just different. In fact, I see the roles of support here….like your role will be….as more vital in a lot of ways. What I will be asking of you on a daily basis will require a unique blend of skills and resources. Quite frankly, an engineer or other high-level professional working here—and they are important, believe me—would be a disaster at trying their hand at anything other than that one specialized skill.”

Brenda felt her mouth open a bit in a gaping gesture of disbelief.

“For the support roles to mesh well here, I need people open to my personal interview style. People like yourself who are not offended by my approach. By bringing them in via the temp agency road, I can be pretty sure by the time they get to this room, that they are not so taken with ego or expectations that they will not even fit in.”

Brenda continued to gape a bit wondering where in the world this guy came from.

“Simply put….someone willing to look for work in a temp agency is showing me they really want to work. They are not just looking for the next rung in their own career ladder. Make sense?”

“It does,” Brenda honestly replied. “It is like nothing I have ever heard of before, but, yeah….it makes perfect sense to me.”

“Thanks…..to me, too. As for the temp status? Forget it….”

“Forget it?”

“Yep. I have a special relationship with Cynthia over at her agency. She knows all about this and looks for special people like yourself that have a good potential of fitting in here with us. She is great at finding the needles in the haystack and even better at keeping the smokescreen in place for me. You were thinking the job sounded great, but too bad it was just a temp gig?”

“Actually, Tom…..exactly. You some sort of mind reader?”

“Not at all. I just have a kind of sixth sense of people. Could see it in your eyes.”

Brenda blushed.

“I just use the temp agency to get me the right people. Everyone here—everyone—is on a 90 day…..I guess probationary period is the best way to say it, though I hate that phrase. It just allows both the organization and the employees to make sure the fit is good for both. If you decide this is a good opportunity, I can offer you a regular full-time slot. And the compensation that Cynthia showed you? Looked a bit low…..even insulting maybe?”

“Insulting is a tad harsh. Bit lower than I am used to, though.”

Brenda held up her hand showing just a minuiscule space between her thumb and index finger as she spoke. She joined Tom in laughter.

“Good sense of humor, too. Very important to our climate as well. I think you will find my offer well above what Cynthia indicated. Another small test of mine to make sure my colleagues are not driven primarily solely by a salary.”

He stopped and removed a small index card from the rear pocket of his pants and placed it with the writing on it face down. He looked up at Brenda and smiled. The genuineness of his gesture melted her and she once again felt her nipples stiffen.

“So. What are your thoughts?”

“The position seems to have a lot of the required skills that I have done in the past plus the opportunity to challenge myself and grow.”

Tom just smiled as sat silent.

“While your selection process is a bit….umm….unorthodox, it makes way more sense to me than anything I have ever been through before. If you feel like I would be a valuable and contributory member of the organization, then….yeah….it sounds perfect.”

Tom continued to smile as he slid the card her way. She just sat unmoving. With a grin and subtle flip of his fingers, Tom indicated that she should turn the car over. Brenda hesitantly reached out and picked up the card turning it so the writing was facing her.

“So?” Tom asked.

“I think we have a deal.”

She shook his hand and together they left the conference room and walked back to the reception area. She felt her head swimming still not believing the figure that had been written on the back of the card. It was an almost 30% increase over the last position she had held before being laid off. Between the reaction of her body to Tom’s presence and this shocking turn of events, Brenda had to focus hard to not fall down the steps as she walked.

“Connie?” Tom asked as they approached the desk. “Have HR make up an ID card for Brenda and get all the paperwork together that she needs to sign…..you know the routine better than I do….W-2’s, health insurance, blah, blah, blah….”

“You bet, Tom…..” the woman behind the desk replied. “Welcome aboard, Brenda!”

“Thanks.”

“Need some time off before you start, Brenda?”

“Not at all….been at loose ends for long enough.”

“Great! Come in around 9 on Monday and you can go through all the forms with HR. Then come see me—I’m in 247—and we can get you started.”

“Fantastic! Thanks again so much, Tom.”

He waved goodbye as Brenda departed feeling as if her feet might never touch the ground again.

Chapter 3

Brenda drove home that afternoon wondering if it all had been a dream. She not only had never experienced anything quite as surreal as that interview and job offer, but she also could not get the image of Tom Bergstrom out of her mind. Not only was he open and casual and seemingly totally genuine, but his appearance was still giving her imagination plenty of ammunition. Perhaps this was partly fueled by her recent foray back into reviving her sex life…..she had no idea. All she knew for sure was that her heart was still pounding as she thought of him and she was more than just damp below. It was not a bad feeling though….she pressed her thighs hard together as she sat at a red light relishing the sticky and slippery sensation.

She dropped by Cynthia’s office briefly to thank her in person—she kept it under her hat that Tom had revealed their true relationship. She was not sure he wanted this made known and figured it was better all-around to let the deception just stay intact. Cynthia was happy for her and wished her the best in her new position. With that taken care of, Brenda had the weekend. A huge weight of stress had been blessedly lifted from her and she sighed deeply as she pulled up in front of her home. It was time to celebrate, she figured as she practically ran to her front door in glee.

She tossed off her interview outfit and sat down to see what she felt like doing to mark this occasion. She cranked up her CD player and let some of the old tunes she had loved from her younger days pound through the house. The music quickly brought back some great memories of times with Sam and a few other memorable boyfriends. She and Sam had loved going dancing, so she started to consider this idea to reward herself. She had never tried going to a club on her own—not that she felt odd doing so or was afraid of hitting it alone—it just seemed that she had always been in a relationship with someone when she had frequented them.

As the music moved from a series of fast, hard-driving rhythms to a slower ballad, Brenda lay back on her bed and closed her eyes. This song had always cut straight to her heart and she let the sounds completely envelop her. It reminded her dearly of one of the most memorable weekends she had spent with Sam and her hand automatically drifted to her crotch. As a few tears leaked from her eyes and ran down her face and onto the bedspread, she spread her legs wide and began. She switched hands and used her wet fingers to massage her breasts and tease her nipples.

The combination of the two actions aroused her quickly and she writhed as she felt herself begin to come. However, as the feelings increased in intensity and spread out, the image that came to her mind was no longer Sam….it was Tom Bergstrom. She did not fight the vision but went with it and moaned loudly as she worked. She envisioned him taking her from behind and then saw herself atop him as she rode him hard and arched her back severely as her final orgasm snapped her back to reality. She gasped as her consciousness brought her out of her fantasy and she panted, almost unable to catch her breath.

What was going on? She could not believe how real and bizarre the experience had been. She had just met the man and already she was imagining being with him? And he was going to be her boss, for Christ’s sake!! Had this return to awakening her sexuality been a mistake? How was she to function in this new job if she fell into this desire for him? She lay quietly as the CD turned off after having finished and letting the aftermath of her orgasms fade away. Maybe some distractions would help, Brenda thought to herself. The more she considered this, the more she liked the idea. Night of dancing! That was feeling more and more like a good idea.

After a long run through the neighborhood and a park that was just north of her place, Brenda showered and dressed for a night out. There were a few clubs nearby that she could actually walk to—good idea she reasoned to avoid driving in case she might have a drink or two too many. She hummed happily to herself as she looked forward to the evening, walking with a spring in her step as she left the tree-lined streets of her neighborhood and made her way into the small downtown area just east.

She entered The Lincoln Avenue Blues just after the sun set and grabbed a seat at a small table near the stage. The place was about half full, but people were drifting in regularly. Most she guessed were looking for a night out after work, but a few also, she suspected, were there to hear live music. Dan Burrows, who she had known for years in town was playing that night with his new band in support of a new CD. The gig here was a nod of thanks to the locals who had supported him for many years until he had landed a national recording contract. Dan did this for every album and Brenda loved his music.

She ordered a martini and sat back as the place began to fill. The recorded music filled the air and a smattering of people began to dance. The atmosphere took Brenda back to much happier days and she relaxed and smiled as she sipped her drink. As the tables began to become spoken for, Brenda glanced up to see a pretty blond-haired woman approach her table.

“You waiting on anyone?” the woman asked as she bent toward Brenda to make herself heard over the music.

“Nope….just me…” Brenda replied.

“Mind if I join you?”

“Not at all……make yourself at home….”

Brenda scooted her chair around to make room for her and the woman thanked her and ordered a drink for herself.

“Really filling up tonight…..my name is Alicia Cordair, by the way….”

“Brenda Darrow…..yeah….Dan really draws them in now that he’s a big deal….”

“You know him?”

“Just by reputation….always good to see local musicians make it….”

Alicia offered up her glass in a toasting gesture to Brenda and they clinked their glasses together gently. As they sat and chatted as best they could over the volume, Brenda got a closer look at Alicia. Her initial assessment of the woman had been too modest. Alicia was pretty…no doubt about that…but she would have to say that pretty just did not cover it. Her long flowing blond hair almost glimmered in the lights and her figure was stunning. Her low-cut blouse left little to the imagination, but Brenda did not get the feeling that it was for show at all. Alicia just seemed to be one of those naturally beautiful women that sometimes had no idea how attractive they were. Her smile was easy and unforced and Brenda was amazed at how easy it was to talk to her. She normally took a bit to warm up to people, but this seemed effortless.

They both ordered another round as Dan and his band hit the stage. They launched into a few of their old numbers to the raucous approval of the locals. The dancefloor was jammed and the place was hopping. The driving blues from Dan was wild and sensual at the same time and Brenda felt swept away by the performance. Dan ran through a short revue of his oldies and launched into new material off his new album as Brenda and Alicia ordered another round.

“Want to dance?” Alicia asked.

“Us?” Brenda replied, caught by surprise.

“Why not? Not like anyone is exactly falling over either of us…..whatta ya think?”

Brenda felt weird, but the music was killer and she loved to dance. She had come that night expecting a bunch of come-ons from men, but it had been uneventful in that regard. She was well aware of her own sexual appeal and Alicia was certainly well beyond her in that regard. She shrugged and nodded to the dance floor as Alicia followed her. They carved out a small spot among the hordes and joined the party. Alicia was completely uninhibited, her lean and athletic body gyrating to the music. Brenda, more reserved at first, soon let loose as well and the two of them were soon sheened with sweat from movement.

The band took a quick break and they returned to their table and their drinks. The recorded music returned but at a much lower volume. Alicia downed her drink and as Brenda caught the waitress’s attention for another round, she noticed that Alicia had decreased her proximity to her considerably. She thought nothing of it as they toasted again and caught their breaths. Alicia, it seemed, was a sales rep for a pharmaceutical company, and her territory ran west to California. She traveled a lot but still called this home. Brenda filled her in on her recent professional history, including her recent hire just that day.

“Fantastic! So, this is a real night of celebration, I see!” Alicia said as she raised her glass in congratulations.

“Sure is! Quite a relief after being out of work for so long….” Brenda replied as she clinked her glass to Alicia’s.

Brenda felt the alcohol working its magic, though she was not drunk. She could sense her inhibitions fall and she was having a great time. As she set her martini back on the table, she felt the unmistakable touch of Alicia’s hand glide along her inner thigh. She supposed she normally might have been offended, but somehow tonight it was different. She looked at Alicia, who just smiled back as she ran her hand back and forth, finally pushing the hem of Brenda’s dress high on her thigh. She felt her pulse quicken and her breath pick up a bit. She had never before been approached by another woman, but right at that moment it felt OK.

She opened her legs a bit and let Alicia find her. After a brief sip of her drink, Brenda dropped her hand under the table and reciprocated. Both women just sat and smiled and looked around as they fingered each other lightly. The band returned just as Brenda was feeling as if she was losing control. Sensing her impending crest, Alicia removed her hand and leaned over close to Brenda’s ear, her warm breath sensual and alluring on Brenda’s throat.

“Let’s dance! Before we get in trouble…..”

“Brenda looked at her and laughed. Absolutely…..”

The women hit the dance floor again and picked up where they had left off. They were soon oblivious to everything around them and they gyrated and coalesced as one. After a couple of fast new tunes, Dan took the center stage with just his acoustic guitar to offer up a couple new slow numbers he had just written. Couples came together and the slow, aching blues of Dan’s guitar filled the room. Brenda, who had never considered this before, joined in a close embrace with Alicia as they swayed and moved slowly to the rhythm.

Alicia ran her hand along the nape of Brenda’s slim neck and it sent chills down her spine. She moaned very softly into Alicia’s ear and found that she was kissing her gently around her lobe. Alicia dropped her hand along the bare skin of Brenda’s back where her dress was open and ran her nails along, making the chills morph into a subtle tremble. She took a bit of Alicia’s ear lobe into her lips and sucked gently, allowing just the tip of her overheated tongue to venture into her ear.

They both pulled back after a few minutes and just danced to the music as Brenda felt the contact of Alicia’s rather impressive breasts crush into her own. Alicia moved her head back from Brenda’s shoulder and offered a gentle kiss. Brenda responded in kind and they were soon kissing deeply and long under the very dim lights of the bar. Hidden by their bodies and the dark of the club, Brenda worked her hand under Alicia’s loose blouse. The nipples quickly responded and soon they were stiff and erect as Brenda’s fingers played at will.

The last of Dan’s ballad came suddenly and they broke their embrace to join the rest of the crowd in applause as the lights came up for the end of the night. The band rejoined him on stage and they finished up with the first real hit that Dan had written early in his career. Brenda and Alicia joined in the wild dancing that accompanied the song and they finished out the night yelling their approval at the performance along with everyone else. As they returned to their table and the remnants of their drinks, Brenda could not help noticing that Alicia had interlocked her fingers in her own.

She thought that at any other time she might have felt self-conscious or uncomfortable, but it seemed anything but. They picked up their drinks and moved to a very secluded booth near the back of the club as the lights dimmed a bit and the band packed up to head out. Alicia smiled as she sipped the last of her whiskey sour. She leaned over and kissed Brenda deeply, the touch of her lips making Brenda’s head swim.

“So, Brenda……”

“Yes?”

“Ever been with another woman?”

“Umm….no…..” Brenda said quietly as the crowd thinned, the real die-hards hanging on for one last round. “Is it that obvious?”

“Not completely. My guess would be no, but you sure seem to be enjoying my company, yes?”

“Very much so. How about you?”

“Me, too….enjoying your company that is. My tendencies, sexually are varied, but these days I am finding myself drawn more toward women.”

“You were looking to pick me up since you joined me at the table?”

“Actually, at first I was not sure. You are stunning, Brenda. And that in and of itself certainly caught my eye. I was not so sure about you and how you might respond, but you sure seemed….um….willing?”

Brenda blushed and smiled as she looked down.

“You interested in anything more or is this it?”

Brenda looked up to meet Alicia’s deep brown eyes, feeling herself floating.

“I am interested, I guess…..just…..”

“Just what?”

“Just….I never went to bed with a woman before. I am curious, but do not want to disappoint you, I guess. My experience is just with men.”

Alicia leaned over and kissed her lightly on the lips, the smallest tip of her tongue slipping through Brenda’s warm lips.

“Brenda…..I am pretty sure that is a needless worry. Your touch? Your kiss? I am pretty sure you will be fine. And on top of that, just being this close to you is making me very horny…you are incredibly sexy and alluring.”

Brenda blushed deeper and smiled as she glanced up.

“When I first saw you tonight? When you asked to sit down?”

Alicia nodded.

“I thought you were the most captivating and beautiful woman I had ever seen. Thanks for the compliment….I guess I just don’t always see myself that way. I was feeling a little over classed when you sat down—figured you would get snatched up right away by some horn dog here. As we chatted, all that went away—my impressions I mean—I still find you incredibly sensual and desirable.”

“Thanks.”

“Do you ever run into problems here in town….you know….attracted to women?”

“Never have. I am sure people still stare and talk—it is a relatively small and conservative place, you know? At first I was a little self-conscious, but now I just ignore it. Feel like my happiness and pleasure is more important than what others think.”

Brenda nodded, finding herself agreeing with all of that. She thought back to her initial self-consciousness early in the evening, and eventually she just let it go and enjoyed herself. In fact, during the whole evening, since she had met Alicia, her thoughts and fantasies of Tom had not even occurred to her. She had been looking for a distraction, and sure enough one had come along. She was not considering Alicia a distraction as such, though—that had been part of what had happened, but in the end, Alicia had become much more.

It was not like she was ready to give up on men, but she had to admit that her history with men in her adult life had not been stellar. True, she had never had a sexual experience with a woman, but what the hell…..if Alicia was interested, then she sure was seriously considering it. She had a delicate touch that Brenda adored and boy was she a good kisser.

“I like the way you think…..among other things….” Brenda replied with a grin.

Chapter 4

They just sat for a few moments and gazed into each other’s eyes, waiting for someone to break the ice.

“So….what now?” Alicia asked.

“I live just a short walk away from town…..love to have you come over if you’d like.”

“Sure….I took a cab here anyway, so that would be great!”

They finished up their drinks and walked hand in hand out the door and began the stroll back over to Brenda’s place as the wind picked up, whipping their hair around wildly. They both struggled to keep their feet as the wind had begun to really howl, the after effects of drinking all night not helping.

“So, mind if I ask you something?” Brenda said as they walked.

“Sure,” Alicia replied.

“You still see men?”

“From time to time if it feels right.”

“Have you always….um….played both sides?”

Alicia laughed and put her arm around Brenda as they staggered a bit in the wind.

“When I was in college, I experimented a bit. There was this friend of my roommate that was a lesbian. She just seemed so relaxed and free about the whole thing. I did not have a clue, though. She came onto me one night and that was my first time. Amazingly, it was comfortable and felt really natural, you know? She and I saw each other on and off for a few years, but in the end, we just did not click anywhere but in the sack.”

Brenda flinched as a huge clap of thunder shattered the quiet of the evening and a violent streak of lightning ripped across the sky. Alicia pulled her close.

“After college, I found myself liking both and have sort of wavered back and forth over the years depending on my….well….my appetite, if that does not sound too harsh.”

“Not at all. I guess I just never really gave the idea of being with a woman in that way much thought. My former boyfriends were not abusive or neglectful or anything, but it seems like each relationship just went as far as it was going to and then just ran out of steam.”

“Same for me, Brenda. Never regretted any of my relationships with men. Or with the women I have been with either. Just have not found my ONE, I guess. In the meantime, I guess I just view them all the same—just went as far as they were going to go.”

They slowed their pace as they talked and Brenda slid her arm around Alicia.

“You said back in the club that these days you felt yourself being more drawn to women?”

“I did.”

But you do not see yourself as a lesbian? What is making this shift for you?”

They finally reached Brenda’s walk and she led Alicia around to the back where they could continue talking more in private in her garden. There was a padded bench just under the old-fashioned grape arbor that spanned the gage that led into the back yard. Brenda offered Alicia a seat.

“Care for one more drink?”

“Sure….what are my options?”

“Afraid I was not expecting company…..all I have is beer.”

“Sounds great.”

Brenda disappeared into her kitchen for just a minute and then handed Alicia a chilled bottle as she sat down beside her with one of her own.

“Bottle OK?”

Alicia nodded and clinked her bottle against Brenda’s as the brief storm that had been brewing seemed to have petered away to just a mild breeze and some soft lightning in the far distance.

“To answer your last question…no I do not see myself as a lesbian, but I am not wild about all these labels people are so fond of. Lesbian, bisexual, homosexual….just seem silly to me. Like I said, I still see men from time to time. I guess the real shift for me came about two or three years ago. I was coming out of a long-term relationship with this guy who I met as part of my travels for my job. We hit it off well, but he was more focused on his career than me.”

Brenda shuddered as the similarity between this story and her and Sam was sobering.

“We talked about it a bit, but he was just not willing to even consider alternatives—and, sadly to say, he never asked me to join him—his new job was in Thailand. At the time, it hit me hard as I thought that he might have been the one, as you say. I was in shock for a while, but when I came out of my funk, I was a different person.”

“Different?”

“Yeah. I thought back to that on again off again thing I had in college and began to wonder. As I went out I started to meet really interesting and engaging women—maybe I was throwing off a new vibe—I have no idea. Anyway, I began to run into more and more women who were looking for a female companion. Even then I was still seeing men, but it seemed like I was getting more of what I needed emotionally and socially from women.”

“Interesting…..”

“Brenda, quite frankly, sex is just sex—for me anyway. The act itself has always been supremely satisfying—maybe that has something to do with me. Anyway, I have begun to find the emotional interaction with women more supporting and as you are well aware, I am sure, there are numerous ways to circumvent a penis!”

Brenda laughed loudly as she and Alicia fell into a fit of semi-drunken hysterics.

“Seriously…..I am finding the sensitivity and compassion and depth of understanding I get from women to surpass anything I ever got from a man, except in isolated instances. Women seem to be able to do this all the time. Do not get me wrong. There can be lousy sex with women as well as men. I have had that happen as well. I am sure there has been more than one occasion where I have left a broken heart due to the sex being just plain bad.”

Brenda felt her heart beat faster as she listened. Was this why all her heterosexual relationships had fallen apart? Was this what she was really looking for after all? In addition to her strong physical attraction to Alicia, all the ideas and experiences she was sharing tonight seemed right on target. The clouds moved in and immediately blocked out any little bit of light that the sliver of moon in the sky was offering. She sat back and let Alicia lay her head on her shoulder as they sipped their beers.

“You been here long?” Alicia asked quietly as she stroked Brenda’s hair.

“About two years now….got the place just before the values shot up during that last huge migration of Californians. I had a great job with Aarons and Bechtel—the big marketing firm over in Larretsville—you know of them?”

“Uh-huh….we have hired them on occasion to do projects for us.”

“Anyway, I had gotten this huge bonus and I sunk it into this place. It needed a lot of work and last year I just finished up the last of the upgrades and renovations. Until this week, I thought I might lose it…..”

“Really? How come?”

“I got caught up in that big reduction in personnel at Aarons and Bechtel about 6 months ago.”

“I heard about that….sorry.”

“Thanks….I have been searching everywhere since. Even was considering moving out of state if I had to, which would have killed me. I put so much into this place and the town. I love it here….”

“Me, too….just seems like places such as this are becoming an endangered species these days….glad you found something.”

Brenda then filled her in on the bizarre and roundabout way she had acquired her new job. Alicia listened with care as Brenda went through all the twists and turns of Cynthia McNair and The Williams Temp Agency and Tom Bergstrom and Farring Designs. She omitted her embarrassing attraction to Tom, which now seemed like it had never even happened.

“You got this new gig through Cynthia at Williams?”

“Uh-huh…..you know her?”

“You could say that.”

Brenda turned to look at Alicia, her face a puzzle.

“You remember the story I told you about the girl I had the intermittent relationship with in college?

“No!”

“Afraid so….oddly enough, she gave up her attraction to women behind her after we left college it seems. Got married even.”

“Wow…..you ever run into her?”

“Not really….I think she knows I am here in town, but we just have not crossed paths since college.”

“She got married?”

“She did….brace yourself…..”

“Uh-oh…..”

“Heard she married….wait for it…..one Thomas Bergstrom!”

“Holy shit!”

“At least. You met Tom. Pretty breath-taking wouldn’t you say?”

“Um….yeah to say the least….”

Brenda was grateful for the dark of night as she was sure her face would have given her away instantly at this revelation.

“She and Tom got hitched about five years ago, but from what I heard Cynthia could just not do it. Tom came home to find her in bed with this young paralegal that worked in her building and that was that.”

“Just like that? Tom seems so kind and forgiving and…..”

“That he is. Remarkable man. I think you may have hit the jackpot with him as a boss as a matter of fact. He forgave her, but she just could not ignore her real passions, I guess. It became a pattern that was not going to change—according to what I heard—and they split up a year later.”

“But they still work together?”

“Like I said. He’s a remarkable man. Tom is one of the few people I know that can keep personal and business relationships completely separate. So, yeah…..he and Cynthia still work together….and work well together from what I hear….”

“Apparently…..Tom told me she and Cynthia had this unique working relationship. But I had no idea…..she still single?”

“I have no idea. I have kept my distance actually. When I said we split because all we were really compatible at was sex?”

Brenda nodded.

“That was me. It was all I was getting out of the relationship, and even at that young of an age I needed more. For Cynthia, it was apparently more. She did not take me leaving well.”

Just then an enormous gust of wind came from nowhere and this large clacking noise sounded from the end of Brenda’s yard. It was a long and narrow design with lots of trees and shrubs, so it was not immediately apparent what had happened. Right behind the wind was the return of thunder and lightning.

“Guess the storm just took a detour….” Brenda said as she rose from her seat. “Care to come with me to see what has come loose?”

“Sure….what can I do?”

Brenda opened the handle to a small storage shed that was just outside the fence and grabbed a large flashlight. She motioned for Alicia to follow her as she flipped on the beam and walked down the length of the yard.

“Bet it’s that damned cheap latch on the back gate. I’ve been meaning to replace it but just never got around to it. Every time we get a really big wind, it slips free.”

When they arrived at the gate which was attached to an old deteriorating garage, sure enough Brenda was right. The makeshift bar she had left in the latch had fallen out and the latch had opened up and the large wooden gate was banging against the side of the garage.

“Here….hold this….” Brenda said as she handed the light to Alicia. “Follow me into the garage.

Alicia did as she was asked and stood with her in the musty interior as Brenda got a more substantial solution to the latch.

“Hit the latch with that beam…..”

Brenda worked quickly as the wind came even harder. The piece she had grabbed was just a bit too large for the latch opening and she struggled to fit it into the slot as a light rain began. The wind was pushing on the gate making her efforts twice as hard, but finally the rod fell into place and the gate was secure.

“Wow…..sexy and Ms. Fix-It!” Alicia exclaimed as a near-deafening blast of thunder shook the neighborhood.

“I let this go too long….have to get to the hardware store tomorrow and get a better lock.”

“That garage? You don’t use it?”

“Never….you saw it. Looks to me like it could fall down any day now. Cannot believe it still is upright in this wind. I ran out of money doing the house restoration—the garage is next on the list.”

No sooner those words were out of her mouth, the skies opened up and the rain came in buckets. They both screamed as the icy sheets had them thoroughly drenched before they even got halfway back to the house. Brenda led them into the house through a back door that led into a mudroom attached to the kitchen. The rain continued in torrents as they slammed the door against the wind leaving them dripping with pools of water forming at their feet.

“Guess you are staying the night now….” Brenda said as she and Alicia laughed. “Give me your wet clothes and I can get them into the laundry.”

“This your plan all along to get me naked?”

“Worked well, huh?”

Chapter 5

Alicia stripped out of her sopping clothes trying to contain the water as best she could. It was a losing battle, however, as the water was running in uncontrollable rivulets everywhere.

“Never mind the daintiness…..that’s what the room is for,” Brenda replied as she pulled her drenched dress over her head and dropped it in a heap on the tile.

Alicia nodded and stepped out of her skirt, handing the sodding mess to Brenda. She dropped the soggy contents into her washer and began the cycle as she opened the kitchen door and motioned for Alicia to follow her. By the time they got into the house itself, they were both shivering and Brenda could feel her teeth chattering. The temperature seemed to have dropped significantly since the rain had arrived and it seemed as if late September was finally moving from summer to fall.

“Hang on…..” Brenda said as she shot around the corner. “Here’s a robe.”

Alicia took the thick terry cloth with thanks and wrapped her shivering, chilled body at once. She waited patiently while she heard water being drawn in a tub that was in a bath just off the kitchen.

“Let me get some heat moving….” Brenda said. “A hot bath should help as well.”

“Th-th-thanks….” Alicia quivered as her body shook.

Brenda quickly flipped on the ignitor switch for her gas-powered stove in the living room. It had been an old wood stove originally, but new laws had made these illegal and he had gotten the device refitted with a gas insert as part of her upgrades to the house. With her wet dripping hair flying behind her, she returned to the bathroom and called to Alicia. She moved carefully through the side door from the kitchen into the bath to find Brenda dosing the hot steaming water with a bath additive that was giving off a delightful almond scent. As she peered over the rim of the tub, she saw rich mounds of foam arising as the tub began to fill up/

“Go ahead and get in…..” Brenda urged. “I am sure you are freezing.”

“What about you?”

“Right behind you….”

Alicia dropped the robe to the floor and stepped into the soothing tub of hot water and suds. She eased her shaking body into the depths of the bubbles and stretched out fully in the oversized claw foot tub. As she sank into the water, Brenda shut off the tap and killed the overhead lights, re-illuminating the room with a series of candles that were placed around the room at intervals. Once this was set, she joined Alicia in the tub entering at the opposite end and letting her body sink beneath the foamy water as well. They both sighed with pleasure as the candles flickered off the highly polished teak walls of the room, huge clouds of steam rising to make the room feel like a sauna.

Alicia was amazed. It was an incredible setting. She gazed around as the rich almond aroma filled her nostrils and the steam from the tub cast a diffuse aura to the candlelight. Her muscles relaxed with the hot water and she and Brenda overlaid their legs as they sat and rested. After a few minutes, Alicia spun her body so that her back was up against Brenda’s chest and she sank into her with delight.

“This room part of your makeover?”

“It is….what do you think?”

“Extraordinary…..absolutely incredible….”

“Other than me taking showers, you are the first to try it out for what it was designed for.”

“Really?”

“Really. I had this in mind when I was still seeing Sam, but he split before it was finished.”

“Wow….his loss. I would have thought you would have used it anyway.”

Brenda laughed lightly and began to massage Alicia’s breasts with the heavy suds.

“Oh….I tried several times, but in the end it just seemed too lonely, you know?”

“Guess I can see that…..I am honored…..”

The movement of her hands and fingers over her breasts made Alicia ease even more back into Brenda’s welcoming body and she sighed again. She moved a bit and repositioned one of Brenda’s hands to her crotch. Fortunately, Brenda had long. Slender arms and her hand could reach with no problem. Alicia moaned and arched as Brenda bought her closer and closer to a climax. To add to her stimulation, Brenda suckled at her ear, kissing the nape of her neck and throat as she circled her nipples with her nails. Soon Alicia arched high against her and shuddered as she gasped in release.

“Oh, my God, Brenda…..that was amazing!”

She then flipped around and the two lay side by side as they kissed long and deep. She gently brushed the accumulated suds from Brenda’s breasts and began a slow and methodical exploration of each with her tongue. She bit at the stiffened nipples playfully with her teeth as she let her hand wander between Brenda’s thighs. The more she worked the more she could feel a reaction of pleasure and desire from Brenda. Brenda’s body was soon rippling with tremors and she pulled Alicia hard to her as she screamed out.

They both fell back into the water just reveling in each other’s presence. Brenda noticed the water beginning to cool and suggested they shower off. Alicia agreed and she pulled the plug to let the tepid water drain away. They stood as the last of the water swirled away and Brenda turned on the overhead spray letting hot steamy water cascade over their sleek foamy bodies. The remaining suds quickly washed away and down the drain as well as Brenda filled a washcloth with her favorite herbal soap gel as she washed every inch of Alicia’s body. Alicia returned the favor and they stepped out of the tub into a warm but now steam-free room, the candlelight now easily visible. They toweled off and got into new robes as Brenda doused the candles.

“Want a tour of the rest of the house?” Brenda asked as she kissed Alicia lightly on her neck.

“Tomorrow be OK for that?” Alicia asked. “Right now, I just want you in bed……”

“Always time for the tour later…..”

They moved through yet another door that led to a huge bedroom. It was simple, yet elegantly appointed. There was a king-size bed in the style of a Japanese tatami, with matching end tables of a dark, almost ebony wood. The lights on the end tables were muted through off white coverings. At one end of the long room was what appeared to Alicia to be an antique chest of drawers with oversized components. A simple rocking chair, also looking to be antique finished the area off well. She dropped her robe at her feet and Brenda followed suit.

They came together at the side of the bed and held each other close as they kissed tenderly. Brenda pulled back the comforter and sheets that lay on the bed and let Alicia enter first. She left briefly to turn down the gas fireplace and check the locks on her doors. When she returned, she was rendered almost breathless as she gazed at the beauty of Alicia’s naked body in her bed. She smiled and flipped off the light on her nightstand, leaving just the diffuse glow of the light nearer Alicia’s head on. Alicia slid over a bit but was taken by surprise when Brenda straddled her.

“Have a surprise for you…..” Brenda whispered as she reached into the drawer of her nightstand. “Just lay back…..close your eyes…..and relax……”

Alicia did all these things and sighed in utter delight as she felt Brenda’s strong hands and fingers begin to work a thin layer of massage oil into her skin. She dropped her arms to her sides and just melted into the treatment. The oil had a subtle rosemary infusion and soon she felt herself just drifting away. Brenda began with her shoulders and spread the oil along her shoulders, moving down along her arms and over her breasts and stomach. Each stroke was pure pleasure and Alicia was amazed that this woman had even considered for a moment that she might not be effectual in bed.

Her muscles went to jelly as Brenda used her leverage as she sat atop Alicia’s body to cover every part of her. When she had finished her upper body, she moved onto her legs and feet and continued. In a stupor of consciousness, Alicia sensed Brenda gently turning her over as she pressed the aromatic blend into her neck, back, and rear plus her hamstrings and calves. As she was fading away, she felt Brenda carefully roll her back over onto her back. She would have loved to have been of assistance but that was out of the question at the moment. As she lay completely spent, she felt Brenda once again climb atop her, but this time she could feel the layers of her auburn hair draped across her upper thighs.

Brenda moved Alicia’s thighs apart just a few inches so that they were well spread as she bent to her with her mouth. She was still well lubricated from the bath and the massage as Brenda began to kiss and probe her with her tongue. Alicia moaned in response and let out a brief gasp. Brenda smiled knowing she was on the right track. She spread Alicia’s lips and flicked the tip of her tongue wildly back and forth. The sensation caused Alicia to cry out softly and she ran her nails down Brenda’s back. Once her moaning fell off, Brenda returned to work and used the whole of her tongue on Alicia. She flicked with the tip, she ran her entire tongue around and around, often stiffening it and using it to penetrate her. As Alicia bucked and groaned and moaned in response, she kissed her gently and suckled at them to finish.

Alicia flailed and writhed as Brenda continued to explore her completely. She raked her nails along her lover’s back and cried out loudly begging her for more. Despite the near uncontrolled shaking of Alicia’s body, Brenda complied and repeated her routine again. And then once again. Each time Alicia wailed with pleasure before she simply collapsed, with nothing left to offer. She was panting and wet with perspiration as Brenda slid off and joined her under the covers. Alicia kissed her softly but deeply letting her tongue linger.

“And you were afraid you might not be enough?” Alicia whispered as Brenda kissed her lightly on the lips.

“Was OK, then?”

“OK? Brenda…..I may never walk again….in case I can though, I owe you…..”

They snuggled under the covers and laughed lightly. The only sounds besides the content rise and fall of their breaths was the rainstorm that continued its fury outside, as lightning flashed on and off and the thunder rolled nonstop. They were soon asleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, legs intertwined as if they had been together forever.

Chapter 6

Saturday, September 15, 2012

The storm continued into the morning, though the thunder and lightning had ceased. It was no longer a violent downpour as the previous night had experienced, but a steady shower that showed no signs of abating anytime soon. The day was not the kind of thing that would make anyone anxious to jump out of bed and this was especially true for Brenda and Alicia. Alicia was still trying to recover from her first night with Brenda. She was sore in places she had no idea could get sore, but at the same time she thoroughly content as she lay with her new lover listening to slow, regular breathing.

She had been with many women over the years, but last night had been something special. This woman she was with seemed to have no idea how wonderful she was. Not only was she drop-dead gorgeous, but she was smart and educated. She was a great conversationalist. She was a good listener, kind, compassionate, and caring. And on top of all that, she just might be the best sex partner that Alicia had ever had. How was it that with all this going for her she could be so humble and unassuming as well? She was sure that over time faults would reveal themselves…..it was just human nature. Did this mean she was already thinking of Brenda as a long-term lover?

She just lazed in the bed and snuggled in closer to Brenda, inhaling her scent. Her skin, her hair, her sex…..it was intoxicating. She was sure that Brenda must be as worn out from the night as she was….maybe even more so based on all the exertion she had expended trying to make Alicia satisfied. She had. And then some. She thought back to the previous night and how she had loved just sitting and talking with her—both at the club and outside in the garden. It was more evidence that she was moving further and further away from intimate relationships with men. Last night was something she would never have gotten from any man she knew. Lord knows she had tried.

The rain continued to fall steadily as Alicia slowly extricated herself from the tangle of limbs. She did not want to wake Brenda and she moved silently through the bedroom and into the bathroom to empty her bladder. She snugged the door tight and took care of business. As the toilet flushed she stretched and looked at herself in the mirror. She looked happy and rested….she reflected a moment….yeah…what happened to my chronic insomnia? When was the last time I slept through the night, and slept that deeply? Perhaps the alcohol had helped, but she was a regular social drinker…..it never helped before.

She eased open the door a crack and found Brenda just as she had left her. She actually could not wait to get back into bed with her. Alicia had always had a strong and healthy sexual appetite—in fact it was one of the things that had often ended some of her previous relationships, both men and women. She often found herself somewhat insatiable, and her partners could simply not accommodate her. That seemed unlikely with Brenda. Last night had wrung her out—in a good way. She stood in the gray light of the late morning and just watched Brenda breathe….it was actually turning her on.

Alicia slipped back into bed being as careful as she possibly could so as not to disturb Brenda. As she slid in under the covers and wrapped herself around the warm form, Brenda roused slightly.

“Everything OK?” she asked in a sleepy, croaky voice.

“Never better….just had to pee…..”

“Can I get you anything…..coffee….something to eat?”

“Nothing….just go back to sleep….I may have a bite later….if you get my drift?”

Brenda rolled over and kissed her softly with a lingering tongue as she chuckled.

She moaned gently as Alicia ran her hand over her breasts and then felt her cup her tenderly as they both sighed. No sooner than Brenda had closed her eyes, she found herself fast asleep. Much like her new lover, she had not slept so well with anyone in ages….if ever. They fell into a lovely late morning slumber and Brenda awoke as a gentle diffuse rolling thunder returned to the rain. Alicia was still asleep and she stayed still as she now reflected on their first night together. She was still in a bit of wonder that she had so easily fallen into a sexual relationship with another woman. In all her years, it had never occurred to her, yet here she was.

It had been such a natural thing, too. Back in the club, certainly the drinks had probably lowered her inhibitions a bit, but if she was honest with herself, she could not deny that she had known exactly what she was doing. That episode of pleasuring herself after meeting Tom Bergstrom…..what was that all about if she was so easily seduced by Alicia just hours later? Was she still stinging from the rejection of Sam? Was this just a reaction to that? Maybe she was just satisfying her curiosity as Alicia had in college? Too many questions and no answers at the moment….

However, the more she mulled all of this over the more she was sure it was not just to satisfy some hidden urge. She had genuinely enjoyed Alicia’s company last night, both in and out of the bedroom. As to the incident with her new boss…..she just wrote that off to leftover libido from her recent rash of self-gratification. She had gone into that interview, quite frankly still horny, and had been thrust together with a charming and sensitive man. A man who had lifted her from the depths of unemployment after months of fruitless searching….

She was sure she was no longer mourning Sam. Again, to be honest…..she and Sam had other issues besides his obsession with his career. At the time, it had stung all the same, but actually? She was missing sex…..not Sam. So now….what about Alicia? She had never been with anyone in her life that was as attractive as Alicia. This was unprecedented for her. She realized she was no slouch in the physical attractiveness arena, but this woman…..wow……and she had come on to her!She had had more fun with her at the club and afterward than she had had in years—even when she was in a loving committed relationship. She was smart and assertive—fingering her in a public venue for Christ’s sake!! Sam would never have even considered such a move, much less do it. That one move had turned her on so much she thought that might have been what convinced her to take Alicia home. She had experienced so much in her life that Brenda could not wait to have more of. She had moved to prefer women on her own and Brenda was actually considering this for herself now—maybe….

Certainly one night of mind-blowing sex with a woman who could easily be a model was just a start….though a pretty good one, Brenda reasoned. Alicia had not deterred her from anything she had tried—only seemed to want more and more. This was fine by Brenda as well. Most of the men she had been with were very specific as to what they liked/disliked and would never have lasted as long as Alicia did last night. She laughed at herself as she recalled going down on Alicia…..she had experienced only with men in this regard, but she knew what SHE liked. She had tried this out and Alicia sure seemed pleased. Funny….Sam did not like oral sex at all. Some lame excuse about the taste as she recalled now. He would never go down on her. The taste? Are you serious? She could still taste Alicia from last night and it was still as enticing and arousing now as then.

She was certainly looking for more than just sex—pretty sure Alicia was too. From their long conversations last night, she was positive that would be there as well. She had been worried about being able to satisfy and please Alicia in bed when they had left the club to come home. From her reactions, she guessed that had been needless anxiety. She leaned on one arm and watched Alicia sleep….she was getting hot just watching her sleep! This was all new for her, but right now it was exciting and thrilling. As she settled back down into the bed, Alicia came to slowly.

“Sleep OK?” Brenda asked as she moved a few strands of Alicia’s hair from her face.

“Never better, I think….you?”

“Like a log…..”

“Still raining, huh?”

“Yep….had some more thunder just before you woke up but seems like just rain now. Get you a coffee?”

“Maybe in a bit…..can we talk?”

“Sure…..” Brenda replied as she felt her heart sink, knowing what that phrase generally meant. “You need to get going, or…..”

“Whoa, whoa….slow down…relax…..it’s not what you might be thinking….” Alicia replied seeing the distress in her face.

Brenda nodded but was still prepared for the worst. They lay side by side, their faces just inches apart. Alicia touched her tenderly with her hand and leaned in to kiss her long and deep. Brenda felt her pulse quicken automatically.

“I was up earlier and had some time alone to think about you and me and last night. Before you freak out…..it was amazing! When I saw you at the club last night, I was immediately attracted to you. Saw this stunning beauty alone—figured you had to be with some guy. I had a drink at the bar and watched until I was sure you were not….”

“You were stalking me?” Brenda asked with shock in her voice.

“Technically? Yeah, guess I was…..” she replied as she laughed and shrugged.

Brenda laughed and blushed.

“Anyway, I’ve gotten my wires crossed enough that I at least wanted to rule that out before making a move. After about half an hour or so it seemed you were actually alone, so I came over. I had no real expectations. Thought maybe we would have some drinks, some laughs…..see how it went. Anyway, we seemed to hit it off and I took a chance.”

“Asking me to dance?”

’Yeah…..that. I was enjoying your company so much I just decided to take a chance. If you had been offended, I would have apologized and split. If you were not offended, figured at least we share a dance or two and that’s that….no harm no foul. From the looks of your body, it seemed like you might be a good dancer—I was right. The more we danced, the more I was drawn to you.”

“So during the break, you decided to go further?

“Pretty much. I was a bit high from the alcohol and a few dances with you had me wet.”

“Holy shit, Alicia!”

“Yeah…..holy shit. So, when you did not object to my hand…..I figured all was well.”

“You know, Alicia….I was so taken off guard at the boldness of your move I was not really sure what to do. I had no idea what was going on. All I knew was I was having a blast with you. I have just recently rediscovered my sexual drive and I was flattered actually. As it progressed, all I knew was that you were making me very, very horny. A little longer and you probably would have made me come….”

Alicia smiled and kissed her lightly.

“The whole thing just kind of snowballed on me, I guess and before I knew it….well, here we are.”

“How are you feeling about us this morning, Brenda?”

“Excited. Happy. Curious about what is next and cannot wait to see what that is. Flattered….and like that I guess,”

“Me too, Brenda. You are a very interesting and sexy and genuine and alluring woman. I loved talking with you, dancing with you, drinking with you, and best of all having sex with you. I have no idea why you thought you might not be up to with me…..last night was incredible.”

Brenda again blushed.

“I notice you blush a lot…..”

“Yeah…..can’t help it…..”

“It’s OK…..think it’s kind of cute…..”

“So….now what?”

“Brenda….I know this is all new for you. I would suggest we take this a day at a time and see how things go—just like any new relationship. We seem to be able to communicate easily and openly—think that may be new for you too—relative to being with guys—it is for me anyway.”

“Yeah….I find our conversations a new experience for an intimate relationship.”

“So, let’s just see how it goes. Right now, I am thrilled that nothing blew up in my face last night. That you were open-minded enough and adventurous enough to let me into your life.”

Brenda felt herself tearing up and Alicia kissed away her tears as they rolled free.

“One last thing, though, Alicia….”

“Sure….you name it.”

“You asked about how I was feeling about us this morning?”

“And…..”

“I left one out.”

“OK…..”

“Horny…..extremely horny…..”

“Well…..let’s see if we can’t do something to take care of that……”

Chapter 7

Brenda lay spent in the bed much in the same way Alicia had been the night before. She was ecstatic with happiness, but not sure she was going to be able to move for a while.

“How was that?” Alicia asked as she lay beside Brenda on the bed and flicked her tongue over one of her still very erect nipples.

“Please! No more right now……” Brenda pleaded as she was still short of breath.

“Oh….come one…..” Alicia teased. “Just one more round? Please?”

They both fell into laughter despite Brenda feeling a bit tender.

“What are your plans for today?”

“Just you….unless you are throwing me out?”

“Perish the thought…..”

Alicia set her coffee aside and returned the favor of a whole-body massage as Brenda moaned and groaned in pleasure. When she had finished, she cleaned up and joined Brenda as they napped away the afternoon. The rain had finally stopped, but the sun had yet to make an appearance for the day.

Brenda awoke moving slowly as she sat up.

“Thank, God! Ready for more?”

“Ha-ha…..”

“While we are on the subject, Brenda…..how are you fixed for implements?”

“Implements?”

“Yeah…..you know…..essential aids……dildos, vibrators, massage oil…..all the basic essentials…..”

“A bit low in inventory I am afraid…..just my two trusty dildos and some massage oil that you are familiar with.”

“What do you think of stocking up so we have lots of variety?”

“Um….sure….I guess….like what?”

“Well….the dildos are good. But I am guessing—since this girl on girl thing is new to you—that a set of strap-ons is not hidden away in a closet somewhere?”

“You would be correct…..never used them. Good to have?”

“You bet. Dildos are good up to a point. This way we can couple like a man and a woman. It is way more intense. Trust me….you will love it.”

“Sure….sounds like fun. Anything else?”

“I was thinking some body paint, maybe….few more varieties of massage oil—just for something different….maybe some beads…..you like some anal play right?”

“As a matter of fact, I do!”

“And…..oh….let’s just see what they’ve got….”

“Let’s go shopping!”

As they ran to the car after their shopping excursion, Alicia had Brenda drove to this out of the way café that she knew about. They had driven about an hour or so out of town to shop just to make sure they did not run into anyone they knew—it WAS a small town and at this early point in their relationship neither wanted to have to come up with some story if they were spotted. The rain had changed over into a mix of sleet and freezing rain and they were hoping for a letup in the weather before getting back on the roads to home again.

The restaurant, The Rincon Grill, was an understated place. Alicia had discovered the place years ago and still dropped by whenever she was in the area. To most, she supposed, it would be described as a dive, but it felt comfortable to her. The gloom of the day had kept most people at home, as they holed up to stay warm, so the place was practically empty when they entered….highly unusual for a Saturday afternoon Alicia had said.

“You come here a lot?” Brenda asked as the bartender just told them to sit anywhere. They took a booth back beyond the blaring TVs and a pair of pool tables.

“Oh…..when I was younger, I lived up near here. This guy I was dating at the time introduced me to it. We did not last, but the place really grew on me. It’s definitely not fancy….but has the best burgers anywhere….”

“It is definitely different….”

“Give it a chance. First time I was here it rubbed me the wrong way, too.”

“Hey, ’Licia…..” the lone waitress said as she dropped by the table. “Long time, no see….”

“Good to see you, Barb…..yeah…been traveling a lot lately. This is Brenda…”

“Pleasure, Brenda…..welcome to The Rincon. What can I get you?”

“Two drafts and two cheeseburger deluxes with onion rings, Barb….”

Brenda was speechless as she listened to Alicia. That streak of assertiveness again that she was not used to yet but just went with.

“Back in a flash with the brews….”

“Burgers and beer?” Brenda asked as she smiled slyly.

“Best thing on the menu….trust me….”

While they waited, Brenda took a good long look around. The place was clean, but it was just….well….kind of rough relative to the types of places she was used to frequenting. The front of the place was a sort of sports bar type of décor but without all the flash and glitz that so many joints shot for these days. Beyond the long bar and TVs and pool tables was a seating area that appeared as if it had been added on as it had a completely different feel and look. A few isolated tables and about half a dozen booths all in an inexpensive green vinyl upholstery.

“So? What do you think?”

“It has its charms, I guess….”

Barb reappeared with large steins of beer and trotted off to meet another couple who had just come in out of the rain. She showed them to a table near the front as Alicia and Brenda clacked the heavy mugs together and drank.

“You know Barb well?”

“Are we jealous? Alicia asked with an evil grin as she laughed.

“No….not that. Just seemed like you two were friends, that’s all.” Though as soon as the words were out of her mouth, Brenda realized she sort of was.

“Barb is married to Johnny Lantham, the guy tending bar who also happens to own the place. The guy I mentioned that I used to date who first brought me here? He and Johnny grew up together back in South Carolina. Went to high school together and served in the Marines together. Johnny got deployed to the Middle East. It was early on in one of the campaigns….I forget which exactly at the moment. Anyway, his outfit got ambushed during a routine patrol one day somewhere in Iraq.”

Brenda went silent as she sipped hoping this story was going to end better than she suspected.

“Only Johnny and one other guy survived.”

“And your old boyfriend?”

“Oh….no….no…..Gary never left the states. He got hurt in some training exercise and though he mostly recovered, he was never physically able to be available for active duty overseas. Johnny came home physically OK, but as you might imagine the experience stayed with him, you know?”

Brenda nodded and grimaced. She had not known anyone first hand who had gone over there, but she had heard the stories.

“After some therapy, Johnny used his VA benefits to buy this place. It was a wreck when he got it and he spent almost a year getting back up to snuff. His psychiatrist said it was good therapy for him. I met Barb just after Johnny opened the place up for business. Oddly enough, she was a former army nurse during the same conflict. She was doing some part-time work at one of the VA hospitals that was in my territory and she was my point of contact there.”

“Ah….I see the threads coming together…..”

Alicia smiled and chuckled, pausing to sip her own beer.

“Johnny had been coming to Barb’s clinic for a few months, so she was familiar with the demons he was fighting. She had not seen him personally, but she knew of his situation as well as many other vets with similar afflictions. My company was introducing a new line of drugs to help with anxiety and paranoia and other issues. They were not specifically designed for the guys coming home with PTSD, but as it turns out they have been great in that regard.”

Brenda took a long draw on her mug.

“She offered them to Johnny’s docs along with an introduction on them from me. He was struggling with insomnia and incredibly vivid nightmares at the time. His doc was stuck and gave the new drugs a shot. Well…..it was like night and day for Johnny after that. The change in him was incredible from what I was told. We actually used him—anonymously of course—in a series of scientific papers promoting the applications of the drugs.”

“How wonderful…..” Brenda said as she gazed at Alicia. “What a great feeling that must have been for you.”

“It was, but that is just part one….”

“I figured….

“After that, Barb and I got together occasionally just as friends. It was this common bond we had and we were never more than just acquaintances, really. She was so grateful for what had happened, I guess…..when I was in town we would have a drink, maybe have lunch…..that kind of thing. She was still recovering from the war, herself, in her own way and I had just started seeing Gary.”

“The intersecting lines here are amazing….”

“Tell me about it. Anyway….one-night Gary comes in and tells me about this business opportunity he has with an old high school buddy. He’s going to be partners with his old friend at this old bar in town. He starts to fill me in on Johnny having no idea what I know.”

Oh, my God…..”

“I just nod and smile and say that’s great. So, he and Johnny open the joint and I come by for the grand opening. As I walk over and kiss Gary for good luck, I see Johnny looking at me with this quizzical look on his face. Apparently, Gary had told him he had a girlfriend, but he had never mentioned my name and the three of us had never been together before that night.”

“I feel shivers…..”

“Johnny gets one of the waitresses to hold down the bar for a few minutes while he comes over to us. ‘Do we know each other’ he says to me as Gary introduces us. I say, ‘I am not sure, do we?’ He just shakes it off and goes back to work. I hung around the rest of the night…..shot some pool, drank some beers, danced to Bob Seger and some John Fogerty blues….just having a great time. As he is shutting down the bar for the night, Johnny comes over calls out to me as Gary and I are leaving.”

“He says, ‘Simmons Pharmaceuticals…..that’s where I know you from.’ I had tried to keep myself as unknown as possible among the guys at the VA, but I guess not as invisible as I had thought.”

“Trust me, Alicia….someone with your looks and personality is going to be near impossible to be invisible…..trust me.”

She smiled at Brenda and squeezed her hand in thanks.

“He just stared and stared, a single tear falling into his dark beard. ‘You saved my life’ was all he said before he wrapped me in his muscular arms and hugged me tight to his chest and sobbed. So, I tell him, well….I think your doctors and nurses did that….I was just the drug rep who was responsible for introducing this treatment plan. Gary was as caught off guard as I was. He finally let me go, wiped his face off and went back to work….and that was that.”

“And Gary?”

“He knew of Johnny’s military experience, but he had no idea of the connection between me and the VA and his old friend. You know guys….they just don’t share much. He never said much about that night to me either…..not sure if he was embarrassed that Johnny had cried in public—makes most guys uncomfortable—think maybe it shows them a sign of vulnerability that they are not comfortable with in general. Maybe it was nothing and he just shrugged it off. Anyway, about a week or so later, Barb and I dropped by there for lunch.”

“Uh…oh…..”

“Yeah. Johnny was shorthanded that day and was doing double duty as a server. He brought us our food and just stopped short as he saw us. ‘Nurse Ford?’ he says. He had not seen her since she had left the VA after getting his treatment regimen under way. The heat between them was obvious. I got up and leaned over to whisper in his ear: ‘Take a seat and talk to her. I can handle the bar’ before I touched him on the shoulder and wandered away. I had helped him and Gary from time to time. The place was quiet and I held down the fort while they talked and Johnny ate my burger.”

“You are kidding?”

“Nope. They were both smitten from that moment on. Johnny and Barb got married the next year and I have been getting free burgers and beer ever since!”

“That’s why we came here, huh? You have an open free tab…..”

They both laughed loudly.

“Everything OK?” Barb asked as she wandered over to see what all the commotion was about.

“Yeah…..fine….” Alicia replied as she could not stop laughing.

“Let me guess….you still telling that story about how Johnny and I met?”

“She was….” Brenda said as Alicia wiped tears from her eyes.

“Figures….you deadbeat!” she said as she howled and spun away from the pair.

This just sent Alicia into a new wave of laughter. They ate and drank and laughed some more. The more she experienced Alicia and the more she got a better sense of her, the more Brenda was stunned at just how much of a turn her life had taken for the better in the last 24 hours.

Chapter 8

As they left the grill and said their goodbyes to both Johnny and Barb, Brenda noticed that the weather had changed again. The freezing rain and sleet had slowed to just a drizzle, but it felt like the temperature had dropped by 20 degrees or more. She clung to Alicia, hooking her arm through hers as they slipped and slid along the icy walk. The drive back was going to be tricky. The windows had frozen up as well while they had been inside and they sat in the car waiting for the defroster to loosen up the glaze.

“So….in all that, whatever happened to Gary? If you don’t mind me asking…”

“No…no problem. Gary and I were good at first, I guess. In the beginning we communicated well, had a great time going out, and the sex was good, too.”

“Sounds like a dream….”

“Remember, I said at first. After a few months, he was more interested in hanging out with the crowd at The Rincon than with me once he and Johnny hooked up as partners. More often than not he began to come home drunk…too drunk to perform if you follow. The longer that went on the further apart we began to drift. It just got to be more work than it was worth. He waltzed in one day he came in and announced that he had sold his interest in the grill and was taking this new job in Thailand,”

“Just like that? No discussions? Nothing?”

“More or less. He was young and immature, Brenda. And if I had been more careful when we first met, I would have seen the red flags early on. I unfortunately let a pretty good sex life overshadow a lot of what was wrong under the surface, I guess. The way things were going at the time, though, it was a blessing. Our relationship was headed for the dumper.”

“Sorry.”

“Eh….water under the bridge. I learned from it and moved on. You know, looking back now it was actually a relief. No harm, no foul…..sure you’ve been there.”

In fact, Brenda had been there. Sam was not young nor immature—just the opposite in most regards. Their sex life had been mostly wonderful, but Sam, despite everything else was just not ready for anyone to be the primary focus of his life but him. She had not seen it as immature at the time, but after listening to Alicia, she wondered. The similarities were spooky.

“Yeah, I have.” Brenda said as she laid out her whole history with Sam for her.

“Spooky similar, Brenda…..”

“Yeah….I know. Was Gary the last guy you were with?”

“No. I pretty much flipped back and forth there for a while. I think I was just not ready to jump back into anything of real substance right after Gary split. Not one of the proudest periods of my life, but I really played the field for a long time. I was traveling so much and there simply not the situation for a quality person for me—in and out of the bed I mean. The company had me on the move constantly due to a new campaign following the success with Johnny. I missed the intimacy of another person….you know?”

Brenda did indeed know. She had forced herself into celibacy following Sam’s exodus. It had not been good for her physically or emotionally. That, she thought, was most likely what had been the driving force behind her recent stint of almost nonstop self-gratification. She did not think any less of Alicia for her reaction, though. She got it.

“I do. Just before I met you? I was coming out of a long period of a self-imposed exile.”

“Exile?”

“Yeah. The breakup with Sam hit me really hard. It took me a long time to realize that it was not me that had made him leave. It was just the way he was. This past week, I finally woke up and knew it was the sex with Sam I was missing, not actually Sam himself. Pretty pathetic, huh?”

“Not at all,” Alicia said as she reached across the car and put her hand on Brenda’s. “Seems we both dealt with nearly the same situation, but in different ways. Had I been in your shoes and in your space, I most likely would have done the same.”

Brenda nodded as a tear fell and dripped off her cheek.

“I was on the road constantly. Tons of presentations and meetings and conferences. In my field, those come with dinners and the cocktail parties and….well you know. I was lonely and away from home, so….I was open to whatever happened. I guess I knew it was just a fling here and there, so I just kind of did it blindly. Like, I said….not my proudest moment.”

“Can I ask you something?” Brenda asked as she lifted Alicia’s hand and kissed it.

Alicia nodded.

“When was it that you began to favor women? During that period of your life?”

“Not sure. Maybe most of the men I had been seeing as well as those in my past were all fun to some degree. But when I really started comparing how I felt, I was most always more fulfilled and happy and relaxed with the women. I was finally getting a lot of the emotional and maybe even spiritual component I had been missing with the men.”

“Don’t you ever miss the touch of a man? You know….that feeling of strength….the way it feels to be held by muscular arms?”

“Sometimes. Yeah. I still remember that well. However…..it finally just was not enough for me anymore. Over the last 2 or 3 months I saw a couple guys. Perfectly fine and wonderful men….really. But on each case, it just left me feeling a bit empty.”

Brenda just thought this over as the car finally began to heat up and the ice on the windows had fallen away. She pondered Alicia’s words as she reviewed her life with men. She had never been in an abusive relationship—neither physically nor emotionally. It was not that. She had helped girlfriends out of messes like that and she had just never understood it. The old thing about low self-esteem and self-worth was always bandied about, but her friends had not suffered from either. It had been a mystery to her. Her statement about coming away feeling a bit empty had struck a chord. She had not realized it until just this moment, but now it seemed so clear.

“Brenda…..I realize we are early in this thing, but right now I am sensing depth in you that I have not seen often. I know we jumped into bed right away—maybe too soon—I’m not sure. But the other aspects of what we are starting to share make you as sexy and enticing as your body.”

Brenda leaned over and kissed her.

“I could not agree more. I love it that you feel comfortable enough with me already to open up about all these things. When I left home last night, I had no idea what a simple trip to a blues club could bring. I do not believe in coincidence or chance. There was a force that brought us together—that drew you to me—I am sure of it.”

“I am not a spiritual person, Brenda. But I also do not believe in coincidence. I am not sure about what you are saying about us being drawn together by some ‘force’, but I am certainly interested in hearing your slant on this. Always open to new points of view and ideas. We should talk more about this….makes sense, anyway.”

Alicia moved closer and gave Brenda a long, deep, wet kiss.

“Maybe we should get moving, Alicia. The weather is not getting any better and we’ve got a bit of a drive to get back to the house.”

As they had been sitting and waiting and talking, a thick bank of fog had descended from the foothills making visibility lousy. The freezing rain and sleet had let up, but it was still cold and the little bit of late afternoon light was receding fast as night was approaching. Brenda got out and cleared off the remnants of ice still clinging to the windows. She came back and slowly eased them down the road to head back to her house. As they approached the main highway, they came upon a long backup of cars trying to access the entrance ramp. It was not a steep incline by any means, but it was obvious that the ice on the roads was making it impossible.

There were cars sliding backward down the glistening blacktop and minor fender benders were resulting. Brenda stayed straight on the road and bypassed the mess before pulling off on the shoulder.

“What a mess….” Alicia said as they sat and stared out the windshield.

“Looks like the interstate is not an option,” Brenda replied. “Even if we can get to it. Any ideas?”

“If we keep on this road, it will intersect with Billings. Billings used to be the main route back north before the interstate when I was a kid. Maybe that will work.”

“You think? Even in this fog with no highway lighting?”

“It’s only a 2-lane country road, but if we go slow it should be OK.”

“Let’s give it a shot….I’ve always got AAA if we get stuck.”

“OK, but let’s not get stuck. Not sure even AAA will be that much help tonight.”

Brenda nodded and eased her reliable little car back onto the road. They crept down the street without incident and after about a half-hour a stop sign emerged from the fog. She took a careful right turn onto Billings and they began moving north. As she had thought, there was not much in the way of street lighting—just the occasional weak beam of an overhead halogen at street crossings. The fog was settling in and to Brenda it seemed as if it was getting thicker. They had driven for almost 2 hours—almost the entire length of the trip out—when Brenda spied a sign indicating that they were still more than an hour or more away.

The car was holding its own, but Brenda was getting fatigued from her death grip on the steering wheel and her concentration on the road. The rear of the car would fishtail—just slightly—from time to time, but at the speed they were doing it was no real concern.

“You OK? Want me to drive for a while?” Alicia asked as she reached over and massaged Brenda’s tense neck muscles.

“I’m good. Afraid to stop our forward progress quite frankly.”

She shrugged her shoulders to relieve some of the stress and peered intently into the blind wall ahead. Another hour went by and there were signs indicating road work ahead and a detour.

“You cannot be serious…..” Brenda lamented as she slowed the car to a stop. “How familiar are you with these roads?”

“Grew up here, but in the dark and this fog it’s tricky. You got a map?”

“Nope. Just the GPS on my phone. Let me try it.”

Brenda stretched out her cramped fingers as she activated her phone to bring the GPS application into view. The detour sign was not offering much in the way of help except an arrow pointing east as a huge road closed sign blocked any further progress on Billings. Alicia thought hard to remember the area, but with no road signs anywhere she was lost.

“No GPS,” Brenda replied with a sigh.

“What?” Alicia exclaimed.

“Yeah. In fact, not much in the way of anything on the phone. Maybe the fog.”

“So….”

“Guess we have 2 options. Turn around and go back to see if the interstate is accessible or have faith in the detour markings.”

“Not sure going back is much of an option. Took us almost 3 hours to get to this point, and my guess is the interstate is still fucked.”

“I agree. Also, we do not have enough gas to double back. Any idea what this road is for the detour?”

“Been racking my memory. Drawing a blank. What’s our gas situation?”

“Just under quarter of a tank. Never occurred to me that gas would be an issue.”

Brenda looked over at Alicia. She looked as worried as she felt. She had never supplied the car with any real emergency supplies and she was kicking herself for it now. She knew better. Just like that damned gate….one of those things she kept putting off. They had just light fall coats, a single flashlight she used for illuminating the lock on the car in the dark, and…..and that was it. No hats, no gloves, no boots of any kind. Double fuck.

“Guess we keep moving ahead.”

“Agreed. Think our options are limited.”

With that, Brenda eased the car around the turn and they headed east obeying the detour. The paved road of Billings had given way to a rutted and rough dirt road. The bad news was it was like driving in clouds with no indication of where the shoulders were or what they were heading into. The good news was the uneven nature of the road made traction a bit better as the ice did not have a nice flat, smooth surface to adhere to. However, the lack of visibility reduced this advantage quite a bit.

They continued to crawl along, rumbling and bouncing over ruts and washboard for what seemed like forever. As they rounded a sharp left curve, Alicia saw a sign off to the right just ahead. Brenda spied it as well following Alicia’s finger:

Merrittville 25miles

“Are you fucking kidding me?” Brenda asked with real desperation in her voice. “Twenty-five fucking miles?”

She could not see it, but Alicia smiled in the dark of the car. She sighed with relief.

“How much gas left?”

“Fumes. Needle is resting on the E.”

“We’re good.”

“What?”

Alicia flipped on the overhead light. She could see the high degree of anxiety in Brenda’s face. She just smiled and touched her tenderly, moving some flyaway strands of her hair behind her ear.

“Have you gone mental, Alicia?”

“Perhaps. But our situation has nothing to do with my mental status. I live in Emory.”

“Emory.”

“Yep. Unless you have an objection to being my guest for the night, we are good.”

“Well….I don’t know. We hardly know each other. What would people say?”

“Very funny smartass. I know exactly where we are now. Just keep going on this road. About 5 or 10 miles down the road you will come to a T. Turn left, go about another mile and you will see a development.”

Brenda laughed with her and pushed the car ahead praying the gas would be enough to get them to Alicia’s condo. Sure enough, in a few minutes there was the T intersection. She turned left and they were back on a paved road. The fog was still thick as ever and a light snow was falling, but Brenda sighed with relief as more frequent overhead lights gave off eerie diffuse halos through the fog. She turned into the parking lot and followed Alicia’s directions to a spot in front of her unit. Just as she was angling her car into position, it cut out….no more gas.

“How was that for timing?” Brenda asked as she let her forehead hit the steering wheel.

“Welcome to my home….said the spider to the fly…..”

“Sweetie…at this point you could be a serial killer….it wouldn’t matter.”

They laughed as they gathered their things and headed inside.

Chapter 9

Sunday, September 16, 2012

There was no grand tour that night as the exhausted women just dropped their bags inside the front door. All that could be seen the next morning was a trail of clothes that led from the front door to Alicia’s bedroom. The fog had lifted just slightly while the light snow continued to fly, Brenda and Alicia snuggled under her thick bedding, finally relaxing completely for the first time since having left The Rincon Grill. The early morning light was just a hazy glow behind the gauzy blanket of fog and flurries.

Alicia left the warmth of the bed and her partner to peer out the window. The visibility was improving a little as she could see across the field that lay behind her complex. There were a pair of deer eating at the far edge of the open field near a gathering of elm trees. They seemed to be totally immersed in their breakfast, oblivious to all else. The fluffy flakes were catching in their growing winter coats and Alicia smiled. The day, she was sure, would improve as it went on, but for now it still looked pretty cold and uninviting.

Despite the slight chill in the air of her bedroom, Alicia lingered at the window. They had dodged a bullet last night and she was very grateful that all had worked out for the best. She pictured them stuck in the middle of nowhere….no gas in the car, no heater, no clothes for the weather….it made her shudder. Maybe there was something to this “higher power” that Brenda had spoken of after all. Certainly, things could have easily gone much, much worse. It was curious indeed how things had actually turned out. This topic definitely needs more discussion, Alicia thought to herself as she felt a shiver beginning to ripple along her arms and legs.

She hugged her arms tight to her chest as she felt herself drift off into a hazy daydream. Just as she was totally floating away in her mind in another world, another sensation enveloped her from behind. It startled her from her reverie and she jerked back into the present as a thick quilted blanket began to touch her shoulders and was drawn around her now shivering body. As the blanket was pulled closer, she felt the radiant warmth of Brenda’s form pressing up against her back. She closed her eyes and sighed contentedly as she let herself surrender to the embrace.

Brenda’s heated skin immediately chased the chill from Alicia’s skin and the two stood just letting each other’s bodies meld together. Alicia leaned her head back as Brenda kissed her lightly on the neck and throat and trembled just slightly at the touch of her lips and tongue.

“What’s so intriguing out that window at this ungodly hour that you want to leave me all alone in the bed?” Brenda whispered into Alicia’s ear.

“Nothing much. Just seeing if the weather had broken yet. Saw these deer out back and was just watching.”

“Looks pretty even in the fog.”

“Yeah. I love this view out back. Also was thinking about what you said when we were driving back from The Rincon yesterday….”

“About what?”

“All that ‘higher power stuff’….how there are no coincidences and all…..”

“And?”

“Well, last night could have gone much worse, you know? Just got me to thinking is all.”

“I see. Maybe got you to thinking I may be onto something?”

“Yeah. Maybe. I don’t know. It just all seems to be curious to me. Very grateful we made it back in one piece and did not get stuck out there somewhere….maybe frozen to death. That plus how we met and all the similarities in our backgrounds with men and how our thought patterns and philosophies on life and all seem to be in alignment.”

“I would love to talk to you more about this. And we’ve got a lifetime in which to do that. Right now, though, I’d like you back in bed. I have some better ideas for our immediate future….”

Alicia followed Brenda back to the bed and slid in beside her as she lifted the blanket to let her in. The bed was still wonderfully comfy as she crept across the mattress and wrapped her arms and legs around Brenda’s welcoming body. As she pulled the thick cover tight behind her, Brenda engaged her in a deep and wet kiss that felt like it was going to render her immobile. The probing of her tongue sent chills down her spine and she clung on tighter and tighter. To intensify the sensation, Brenda ran her nails lightly up and down her back as she relished in Alicia’s trembling response.

They continued in this manner until Alicia felt herself growing highly aroused and very wet. She repositioned herself on top of Brenda, snugging her knees up toward her armpits, one leg on each side of her torso. She slid down just a bit as to allow her mouth access to Brenda’s nipples. She laid across her stomach chest and took her into her warm mouth, suckling and licking her breast tips, focusing on her nipples. Letting her teeth playfully nip at them at the end. As she progressed she could sense Brenda’s pulse rise as her chest rose and fell with each of her efforts.

Soon, Brenda’s nipples were stiff and erect as Alicia began to just flitter her tongue all around the upright flesh. As Brenda arched her back and moaned, she squirmed slightly under Alicia’s body. Her enlarged, gorged nipples felt hot to Alicia’s lips and tongue as she felt her own wetness come on suddenly.

“Hang on a sec….I’ll be right back….” Alicia whispered as she pulled away with one last pull on a nipple.

“Please…..” Brenda pleaded, “don’t stop now…..I’m….I’m….”

“Just be a second…..I promise it will be worth the wait…..”

With that, Alicia hopped from the warmth of their coupling and jogged off to the bathroom, leaving a writhing Brenda under the covers, gasping for breath. All that she could hear was some frantic scrounging in the adjoining room. In just a few seconds, Alicia returned and jumped back into the bed with something in her hand that Brenda did not quite get a glimpse of in her anxiety. Alicia arched her hips quickly and then dropped back flat as she seemed to be fiddling with something on her stomach.

“What in the heck…..”

That was all that Brenda got out as Alicia resumed her position on top again. She spread Brenda’s thighs just a few inches and angled toward her. With a giant gasp, Brenda felt a thick and smooth phallic object sliding slowly but deeply inside her as Alicia’s crotch was pressed tight against her. With great skill, Alicia worked her hips closer and further away from Brenda and back and forth in a rhythm that Brenda could not believe. Each expert movement made her cry out with desire and all that came to her mind were memories of sex with Sam.

The lubricated phallus moved all about as she shook and struggled for breath. She dug her nails into Alicia’s skin as they rocked and bucked in the now sweaty sheets. She had no idea what Alicia had retrieved, but she soon just forgot about it as she wrapped her legs around Alicia’s torso and moaned loudly in pleasure. The orgasms came one after another each time Alicia pushed deep into her. When she thought she could take no more, one final enormous wave of energy shot through her body from her genitals up through her torso and along her shoulders and neck. The final sensation caused her to scream at the top of her lungs as she held on to Alicia for dear life.

She had experienced plenty of great sex in her lifetime and was certainly no stranger to having men bring her to a satisfying climax. This however, had been an entirely different thing. Alicia collapsed on her, breathing hard from the exertion. Tiny bits of spittle were dribbling from her mouth and multiple rivulets of sweat were streaming from her head, back, and legs. Brenda herself was coated in perspiration and she was clasping Alicia tightly to her. The phallus remained inside her as Alicia made subtle little movements in and out to Brenda’s approval. The tiny motion was just comforting as opposed to sending her over the top again in orgasm. She reached up and kissed Alicia gently—first on the mouth and then all about her face and neck and throat.

They collapsed together as Alicia finally withdrew from her and they lay together side by side just recovering. In the quiet aftermath, they stroked each other in long, sweeping motions, their fingers sliding easily along the sheen on their skin. Alicia reached down and unsnapped the release allowing the strap on the device to fall away. She tossed it to the side of the bed and hugged Brenda closer to her. She could feel Brenda’s heart beating next to her chest. Though it was Brenda who had exploded with the series of orgasms, Alicia was satisfied as well. It had been exhilarating to see her reaction.

“So…..” Alicia said as they lay still, “what do you think of that?”

“Like, uh…well like….”

“Go ahead….I’d like to hear your honest opinion….you obviously enjoyed it.”

“It reminded me of Sam, actually.”

“Really”

“Except better. When you first entered me, that was the memory that flooded my mind. It was surreal. What is that thing?”

“Called a strap on. Best thing I have ever come across that gives us as women the same experience as sex with a man. I told you I had something that would blow you away!”

“That it did.”

“You said initially it reminded you of Sam, but except better?”

“Yeah. Sam was always a good lover, don’t get me wrong. However, your technique puts most men I have been with to shame. It was like I went to another plane.”

“I could tell….and thanks. I think that with women, we instinctively know what we want, so to offer that to your partner is just second nature, you know? Same for oral sex. A lot of guys think they know how to do it. Some, yeah….some not so much.”

“Think you are right. Sam tried his best, but he was just never into going down on me and I love it when it is done right. When did you discover the strap on?”

“Actually was this woman I met on one of my sales trips in Amsterdam. She was one of the principal investigators in our European branch that I collaborated with on a long roadshow across Europe about 5 years ago. We were working closely together on the trip and we went out for drinks one night in Italy. We were working well together and there was definitely an attraction for both of us. One thing led to another and we went back to her hotel room. She introduced me to the device and sex with a woman has never been the same for me since.”

“Did you see her for a long time?” Brenda drew the blanket back over them as the cool air began to feel chilly.

“Just during the trip abroad. We had some wonderful times, but we both knew that a long-distance thing was not going to work for either of us. After that first night in Italy we spent the rest of the nights together while keeping our professional working relationship the same. That was tough for both of us. It was the only way, though. We were two conservative sales professionals by day and two sexual maniacs by night. We purposely kept our accommodations separate from the rest of the team just for that reason. Granted it was Europe and all, but we just did not want to jeopardize our positions.”

“So, when the trip was over you just went your separate ways?”

“It’s not as cold and calculating as you make it sound. About a week after Italy, we sat down and talked about what would happen at the end of the tour. She was firmly entrenched in The Netherlands…..you know….friends, her job, etc.. She was not a big fan of the United States in terms of possibly living there.”

“How about you? Would you have moved there?”

“That’s a complicated thing. I had just begun with this new position at Simmons and it just was not an option at the time to ask for a relocation. I needed more experience. And before you bring it up, yeah….I guess there may be some parallels to Gary or Sam in me putting my career first. We talked a lot about trying something long distance but it just did not sit well with either of us. In the end, we decided to enjoy our fling while it lasted and…..that was that. It was hard for us both, but, well…..”

“I get it. You ever talk to her anymore?”

“Oh, just on a professional basis. I have not seen her since. I think it would just be too difficult.”

“Think you were in love with her?”

“Good question. Renee was special for sure. I think if I had been in Europe with her much longer I might have said the hell with it and stayed with her, though.”

“Wow….”

“Yeah. Of all the relationships I have had pass my way, both men and women, I think Renee affected me the deepest. I heard she just transferred to Brazil where she is heading a new division for the South American initiative—we have never tried expanding there before and new challenges like this are what Renee lives for professionally. She is heading up a group looking to expand our efforts both there and in Central America. She already knew the language, so it was a great fit.”

“Sounds good for her…..maybe not so much for you….”

“Oh, I don’t know. It was a great experience. The worst thing I could say is that the timing was just off. It actually probably showed me a clearer path in terms of my sexuality.”

“You mean preferring women?”

“Yeah. It was not the end of me and men completely, but for sure it was a strong sign for me. After Renee, I still enjoyed men from time to time, but I think it was a turning point for me. I just did not realize it at the time. It is rare anymore that a man will capture my interest and arouse my curiosity the way women do. Like we talked about before, I am just finally reaching the point where I want more overall than I will ever get from a man.”

“This of course is all new to me, but what you say is resonating with me. I had no idea what I was entering into or how I would really feel when you approached me, but I have to say it has been an incredible experience so far. I had never even really given serious thought to a sexual relationship with another woman. Sure, in a daydream or such I guess I may have had a fantasy or two. But in reality? Never.”

“Feeling different now I hope?”

“Absolutely. I think it has a lot to do with how well we connect on other levels, but yeah….I am thrilled.”

Alicia kissed her lightly on the lips and lay back letting Brenda’s head rest on her chest and shoulder. She inhaled deeply of Brenda’s odor from the sex and it made her giddy. She had never placed much belief in the talk she had heard other women speak of in terms of the smell that arouse them from their partners, male or female, but in his case Brenda’s scent made her feel almost drunk with desire. She remained still as she sensed Brenda dozing off, her breathing becoming slow and regular. She ran her fingers along the nape of Brenda’s neck and back, just barely touching her skin as she let her thoughts wander.

It had been a long, long time since she had let herself fall this hard this fast. The last time? That would be Renee. She had downplayed her days after Renee when telling the story just now. She had in fact fallen hard for Renee. It had been the hardest thing she had ever done in her personal life when she had said goodbye at the Frankfort airport that day she and Renee had parted. She knew it had been the right decision, but it still had been devastating. Both she and Renee had parted in tears. It had taken her nearly a year to really get over the brief affair. It was the reason she had deliberately limited her communication with Renee. It was just too painful. It was also the main driver behind the way she had flitted from person to person, whether they be man or woman, in the past couple years.

Alicia had thrown herself into a series of intensely sex-only relationships afterward as she tried to erase the memory of Renee from her brain. It was, she realized, not the most mature response, but at the time it had seemed necessary. Truth be told, until she had spied Brenda at the club on Friday night, she was preparing herself for a solitary life of superficial liaisons. She had come to The Lincoln Blues that night for just another potential such distraction. She knew how she looked and that she could, almost at will, entice and seduce anyone.

She had that in mind when she had first spotted Brenda sitting alone at her table. Brenda was incredibly sensual and intriguing as she had been sitting there alone nursing her martini. Alicia had felt herself aroused immediately and was sure this was to be just another one-night stand. However, as she sat and talked to her she began to sense something different. Maybe there was something to all of Brenda’s talk of a power drawing them together. As soon as she had been around Brenda just a few minutes she knew in her heart something was changed. It was the ache of her heart as it had felt around Renee.

She felt herself chagrined when it seemed as if Brenda would reject her invitation to dance, but when she finally gave in, Alicia felt her spirits zoom. As they danced and drank and talked she felt bolder and bolder, willing to take a real chance. She knew that she would want more than just a fling with this woman. The real anxiety had come when she decided to see what the reaction would be if she made a physical pass. Her attraction to her was just too strong to not try. If it failed, she figured she could with minimal embarrassment just write it off to the alcohol, though she certainly was not drunk. When Brenda did not protest, Alicia felt as if she had been born anew.

The rest of the evening at the club gave her hope that a long-term relationship might be possible, as crazy as that might sound. She pushed on and here they were….Brenda, who had never been intimate with a woman was a natural. Like she had been sexually active with other women for years. Alicia had been with other women who were dipping into the woman-on-woman pool for first time, and more often than not it ended in disaster—like trying to teach a young child to ride a bike at times. She gazed down at her new lover and gently stroked her hair as she slept. It was almost too good to believe. Brenda aroused suddenly as if she could sense what Alicia was thinking. She looked up and smiled.

“Care to show me how that thing works? How it attaches?” Brenda asked.

“Sure….it’s simple. Around the waist with couple clasps to keep it snug and in place.”

She collected the discarded strap on and had Brenda stand beside the bed as she attached it for her, snugging the draw straps to fit her body. Brenda went to the bed and laid on her back, pulling Alicia along by the hand. She greased the phallus with lubricant as she smiled slyly at her.

“Think it is time you had a turn.”

With nothing more needed, Alicia took the extended phallus in one hand and carefully repositioned it. She mounted Brenda and sat down slowly letting it move deep into her. She gasped lightly as the dildo slid into her and she sunk down onto Brenda. She worked herself up and down on the pole as Brenda raised her hips to give it just the right angle and leverage. Alicia let her head loll back as Brenda massaged her breasts as she continued to rise and fall in a regular rhythm. It was amazing, she thought to herself. Brenda had never tried this before, yet she seemed to have mastered using the device instantly.

With Brenda raising her hips just off the mattress on each plunge Alicia performed, the phallus was pushed deeper and deeper into her. She was able to move around on the stationary pole at will and between that and the stimulation of her breasts, Alicia was soon moaning and crying out. Though it reminded her immediately of her time with Renee, those thoughts were soon purged as all she could see was Brenda. Her body quivered and trembled with orgasm after orgasm and her back was so arched she felt it would break. As the orgasms began to roll in greater number and intensity, Alicia increased her speed and was soon moving up and down on the pole with great velocity, pushing the dildo into herself as far as she could. She was afraid she might be hurting Brenda as she saw herself slamming down onto her lover with a greater impact than she realized.

However, Brenda saw the concern in her face and immediately allayed her concern. Between gasps of her own and the fall of Alicia’s body, she spoke up:

“I’m OK…..take it as hard as you like. You’re not hurting me…..”

With that Alicia let loose and went at the extended phallus like a wild woman, screaming and crying out Brenda’s name as she crashed over and over onto her prone body. She flung her head back and forth as streams of sweat flew wildly about. Brenda’s body was again drenched as she strained to support Alicia in her movements. She grunted out loudly with each descent of Alicia’s body until her lover finally gave up in sheer exhaustion and orgasmic overload, falling to the side and turning Brenda with her.

Alicia shook and shuddered as she lay there. Brenda carefully slid from inside her and gathered her in her arms, wrapping them both in sheets and blankets.

“You sure you never did this before?” Alicia gasped in ragged breaths as Brenda smoothed her sopping hair aside and held her tight.

“Not with a strap on, no…..but…uh…maybe with the real thing, I might have some experience….”

“Huh?” Alicia spewed, her confusion enhanced by her exertion.

“Well….Gary was not so much for oral sex, but woman on top? He liked that….could go forever. Guess I picked up some pointers….”

In between trying to recover her breath, Alicia began to laugh until she could not stop. Brenda joined her as she thought back fondly to the nights of riding Gary’s prodigious penis for hours—at least it had seemed like hours.

“That….and taking me from behind….he loved that too.”

“And you?”

“Yeah….me, too….” Brenda blushed again as she smiled at Alicia.

“I’ll have to remember that.”

Chapter 10

They sat at the small table and sipped coffee in Alicia’s kitchen after showering and tossing on some sweats that Alicia had in her gym bag. Alicia had really pushed herself beyond her normal limits and she was feeling the aftereffects.

“How do you feel?” Alicia asked as she brought over the pot to refill their mugs.

“Little sore….maybe be a bit bruised tomorrow, but I’ll survive…..” Brenda replied with a smirk.

“Sorry….guess I got a little carried away….”

“Don’t worry….I have never had so much fun in bed. I regret nothing. How about you?”

“Little sore as well. Tomorrow may be interesting, but I have no regrets either as long as you are OK. Just don’t want you walking funny your first day on the new job.”

They both laughed out loud as Brenda blushed yet again.

“How about you? You working tomorrow?”

“I’m off until Wednesday. I have a bunch of e-mail inquiries to answer from last week from new customers and some expense reports to file from my trip to Chicago. Luckily I am working from home until then.”

“You traveling again soon?”

“For the next month or two I should be in town. We are having a sales training thing for new reps which I am leading and then tagging along with some of them as they hit their new accounts here locally. Just to be there in case they need some support until they get their feet wet, you know? You nervous about your new job?”

“A bit. Always am in a new gig, though. Figure it is just natural. Tom seems great so I am sure it is just first day jitters. Most of what he wants me to do is stuff I am already well versed in and other things I will grow into with time.”

“I am sure. I am the same way in a new place. And yeah….Tom is great. I am sure you will like working with him. Everyone I know at Farring raves about him. I guess we need to get your car gassed up, though, and let you get prepped for your week.”

“Sounds good. I’d love to have us stay together again tonight, but I am thinking it might be better for me to head home and get my head in the right place for this new opportunity. Is that OK?”

“You bet. I would have suggested the same thing actually. Just so we know where each of us stands so there are no misunderstandings. I actually need to pull together some files tonight anyway for my week, so that will work out great. There’s a great breakfast place just a few miles toward town. My treat. Then we can stop off and get some gas to get your car going.”

Brenda nodded as she collected both their mugs and put them in the dishwasher. She stripped off the sweats and dressed in her clothes from Saturday, then followed Alicia out to her car. The fog had finally broken and the sun was out to melt away the ice and snow from the previous night’s storm. They drove down the road toward Merrittville and Alicia turned into a small parking lot outside a place simply called “Lucinda’s”. It was an old Victorian-looking house that had been converted into a restaurant. It would have, Brenda thought, have just passed by her eye if she had not been careful. They slipped inside and joined the small crowd of people waiting.

“Crowded place,” Brenda commented as she eyed the congested small waiting area thick with humidity from the bundled customers and rich smells from the kitchen.

“They are quick. And trust me it’s worth the wait.” Alicia replied.

“Seems I’ve heard that phrase just recently….”

Alicia snorted with laughter recalling her comment from just the night before.

In just a few minutes a waitress came to get them and they were seated at a small table by the front window. It was quiet and charming, a real step aside from the typical atmosphere found in most places these days, Brenda thought.

“What’s good?” Brenda asked.

“It’s a cliché, but everything. Cuisine is Cajun in general. You know of beignets?”

“Never heard of them.”

“Like a donut from New Orleans. Flaky pastry and liberally dosed with powdered sugar.”

“Looking to replace calories from the last 2 nights are we?”

Alicia smiled.

“They are great. Trust me to order?”

“After The Rincon? Sure…..”

The waitress reappeared and Alicia ordered them identical orders: Cajun-style eggs with andouille sausage, mocha lattes, and an order of beignets to split. She took off to place the order as the crowds waiting just seemed to hold steady.

“So how do you want to move forward?” Alicia asked.

“What do you mean?” Brenda replied.

“This weekend has been pretty sudden and fairly intense….just thought we might talk a bit about how we move ahead….just so we are on the same page. OK?”

“Sure…..”. Brenda felt a touch of her old insecurity rise up again, though she was not sure why. Old habits die hard, she thought. She sat back as the waitress brought their lattes.

“Brenda….I guess I will not beat around the bush. I’m getting too old for that shit anymore. I will just lay it out on the line. I find you utterly intriguing, intelligent, fascinating, sexy, alluring, and arousing.”

Brenda’s jaw went agape as Alicia began. Again, she had been caught by surprise by her assertiveness and straightforwardness.

“I do not want to rush anything, but at the same time I want to make sure you understand how I feel. It has been a very long time since I have had such strong feelings about someone like this…..really long time, if you get my drift?”

“Since Renee?”

Alicia dropped her gaze and uncharacteristically for her, blushed.

“Yeah. Since Renee. That being said, I want to make sure we are in this together. That neither of us is pushing the other too fast or being dragged along without speaking up. I will at this point assume you would still like to work on developing our relationship. Yes?”

“Absolutely….”

“Good. I was pretty sure of that. In that case, I would suggest if at any time something is uncomfortable or is moving too fast or slow or whatever, that we bring it up and we talk. That sound reasonable?”

“Sure….”

“Good. I want to spend more time with you. I want to hear about what you believe, what drives you, what makes you happy. I want us to grow together as a couple and in time, maybe this will evolve into something long-lasting and permanent. What do you think?”

“Holy shit, Alicia…..”

“Yeah, I know. It’s pretty direct and we have just met….”

“Um….all those words you used to describe me just now? That is pretty much how I see you as well. It has been shocking to me how quickly I have come to consider us as a couple…..guess I was not really sure about actually coming out and saying it, but since you did…..”

Alicia sipped at her drink and let her talk.

“I think making sure we are moving at the same pace and on the same page is great. This is new to me as I have said. Lack of communication with my partners has often been the beginning of the end in my past, so it’s great to have that out in the open. My sense of you is that you are looking for a true love….a long-lasting love. Like you could have had with Renee. I will be honest with you. Alicia. I have never had that depth of intimacy with another person. Not really. Not if I look back and examine all the guys I dated over the years. Your intensity and what you are looking for scares me a bit. Not that I do not think we cannot achieve a long-term commitment, but I want you to realize this would be new for me as well.”

“Fair enough, Brenda. I think as long as we are talking and sharing our feelings and our desires and needs, we are OK. I did not mean to frighten you when I told you of Renee. I have felt completely comfortable around you from the beginning. It was a pivotal point in my life. I wanted you to know….that’s all.”

“Got it. No problem. Think we are good to go. I am very excited about our future.”

“Me, too.”

Brenda reached across the table and took one of Alicia’s hands in hers as she stared intently into her eyes. Her gaze was broken only when their food arrived.

“So….what about seeing each other?”

“What do you mean?”

“I am thinking it is a good idea not to move ahead with any assumptions of how often or where we get together….seem reasonable?”

“Yeah. I think so. We both have households to maintain and careers to take care of. In this regard, I think you will find our situation no different than in your past, agreed?

“Sure….”

“We need to respect each other’s privacy and need for space when needed, OK? If anything ever gets feeling out of whack….just speak up and we can deal with it as it happens and adjust, OK?”

“Sounds like a deal!”

They ate with gusto, the conversation moving to more mundane subjects as Brenda learned more about Alicia’s role at Simmons and what they were doing. She got some more background on Farring from Alicia’s dealings with them from former projects that she had done. For Brenda’s part, she began to pass along little bits and pieces of her spiritual beliefs so that Alicia could begin to think about those. She suggested some good books for her to read to get a better idea of the overall concepts—the books, she said, could explain it better than her for a novice. She would be happy to discuss it with her they went along and answer questions if she could.

They left Lucinda’s just after noon and drove out to fill a canister to get enough gas in Brenda’s car so she could get back to the station and fill up for her drive home. Brenda hugged Alicia tightly and kissed her deeply as they said so long. She closed her eyes as she savored the taste of Alicia on her mouth. Just as she was putting her car into gear to drive off, Alicia came flying from her house, bag in hand.

“You almost forgot your stuff?” Alicia called out.

“Stuff?” Brenda asked as she rolled down the window.

“From our shopping trip?”

Brenda blushed deeply as she remembered and took the bag, loading it into her car. She stuck her head in through the window and kissed Brenda one last time, letting her tongue intertwine with Brenda’s and slyly licking her lips upon exit.

“Now you will be fully prepared next time I come to visit…..”

Brenda smiled. This time she did not blush at all.

Brenda arrived home without incident. By the time she had passed through Merrittville, the roads were just wet. It was hard to even know there had been a winter storm now. She stopped by Hardware City to get a replacement latch for the gate as well as some overdue emergency supplies for her car. Never again was she going to be unprepared in case of an unexpected weather situation. She smiled broadly as she walked up to her door and let herself in. The house seemed the same yet different. It was the same rooms, the same paint on the walls, the same furniture….yet somehow it felt changed.

She dropped off the gate latch in the garage and came back to tidy up the place from the weekend. She tossed in a load of laundry and swept out the mudroom from the rain of Friday night that she had neglected to do when she and Alicia had taken off for their shopping trip. While the machine was running, she ran through her closet and made sure she had proper outfits available for the workweek. She then unpackaged her purchases and stored them away, making sure they would be within access for Alicia and her the next time she stayed over.

Once she had prepared for her first day at Farring, the wash was done and she transferred everything to the dryer. As the dryer ran, she poured herself a glass of wine and went to the living room to relax and read for a few minutes before heading to bed. She started and stopped several times, reading the same two pages over and over before she just gave up. She took a strong sniff. The scent was coming off her T-shirt. It was Alicia. Suddenly it dawned on her as to what felt so unfamiliar about her little house. She was alone. She missed Alicia. The smell of her on her shirt was comforting, but it made her sigh with longing. How odd that was…..she had been gone only a few hours and already she felt alone in a house that had been hers alone for almost the last 8 years of her life……

Chapter 11

Saturday, July 13, 2013

Brenda’s life could not be going better if she had designed it herself. But if she considered this from a purely spiritual perspective….she had! This last year had been like a dream. Her new job was wonderful. The majority of the responsibilities that she had been assigned to had dovetailed well into what her experience over the years comprised, and soon she had been asked to take on more and more. She was now a manager doing a lot of the things that Tom had been overseeing as he had seen her value early on. Tom was in charge of a new branch of the organization—he had been made a full partner—as they expanded into new offices in the Pacific Northwest. Initially they had plans for two satellite hubs in Oregon and Washington.

Everyone, including Alicia, had been spot on about Tom as well. He was an extraordinary man from her experience. He had given her a rough idea of what he needed and then had let her put her own stamp on the details. He was always available for advice or questions, but he never micromanaged her. The rest of the team melded well together and it had been the best professional experience of her life. Tom was now traveling a lot as they set up things in Portland and Bellingham. If things went well there, he had said there might be plans for more as well in the area. Her ability to manage his primary office here had been key in this venture and Tom had made sure she understood how vital she was in the move.

As for Tom himself…..in her heart, Brenda was very grateful that she had developed her relationship with Alicia. She thought back to her initial meeting with Tom and certainly she might have been tempted on some level with him. He was a devastatingly handsome man: athletic and muscular, but over the top. His smile and gentle manner could melt you in minutes. She was glad this had not become a distraction. Cynthia, she thought, must have been out of her mind to cheat on this guy. She supposed it was just her hard-wired attraction to women that had brought this about. As far as she could tell Tom was about as ideal as a man could be.

And speaking of Alicia. She smiled as she thought back to her first day at Farring. As Tom showed her around and got her oriented, he had mentioned how she looked like she was positively glowing. That she was sure was the effect that her new relationship with Alicia was causing. She had blushed slightly—someday she hoped to get over this—at his comments and had thanked him politely. She had been moving slowly that day as well. The weekend that had preceded her first day had indeed made her a bit sore. She wrote it off to her new colleagues to a hiking trip that she had taken and had just strained some muscles. Thank God her clothes hid the minor bruising that had appeared on Monday.

She had spoken to Alicia mid-week after beginning the job to let her know how things were going, and Alicia was moving slowly as well. Fortunately, she said, her schedule working from home for a couple days had been well-timed. Despite Alicia’s demanding travel schedule, their relationship, in Brenda’s opinion could not be better. They were able to talk daily via skype or e-mail or by phone, so it was not like huge blocks of time went by without any communication. Alicia had warned Brenda that this was part of her job, so they made the needed accommodations. They never took each other for granted or set any expectations in the early days, and Brenda was still floating on air over a year later.

When Alicia was away for long trips, they made a special effort to treat themselves to a big night out to reconnect. They continued to frequent The Lincoln Blues where they had first met as well as adding trips to the local symphony and regional theater companies for plays. Alicia had jumped in head first to the literature that Brenda had recommended to her regarding some new spiritual philosophies and she had taken to them immediately. It was like nothing she had ever been exposed to before and it just seemed to fit in her mind and heart like a glove. They went to lectures and workshops to enhance and cultivate these ideas and soon Alicia felt as if these ideas had always been a part of her being.

They made sure they carved out time when they were together to discuss how they were doing—something Brenda could never remember having done with anyone else she had been involved with. They spent hours listening to each other’s observations and impressions of their relationship and offering insights to each other. They also set aside time to meditate each day, whether alone or together. Brenda had taken Alicia to several retreats on meditative techniques as it was new to her and to refine her practices as well. They found themselves invigorated following their contemplations when they did this as a couple, and Alicia was amazed at how solo meditation cleared her mind when she was feeling overwhelmed with stuff from her new job responsibilities. Brenda smiled at this new aspect of her life with Alicia….it was beyond description.

Alicia had moved up in the Simmons organization as well, now being tasked with a lot of the training programs that the company set up for new hires in the sales force. She had been one of the top producers when she was a rep, but it was soon evident that the routine was becoming stale and monotonous for her. Her managers saw this as well. In a proactive move, they approached her with the idea of overseeing the training program. She was hesitant at first, not wanting to give up her lucrative commission as a sales rep, but the company made it more than worth her while to consider the offer. She had always loved the small clinics she had been involved with in this area previously, and when she saw the salary they were offering, she did not have to think hard about it.

She was still traveling a lot—just about as much as she was before as she was finally set up as the director for sales training for the entire U.S. operations. She did some recruiting as well based on her experience as to what she knew was required for the sales jobs. It was a nice mix for her and the new position fit her well. She missed not being with Brenda for extended periods of time, but they had discussed this as well and both knew it was just something they would deal with. Despite her former hesitation at long-distance relationships, Alicia saw this as slightly different and she was thoroughly committed to this new life with Brenda.

Brenda was as well. She had never experienced such closeness and intimacy with another human being. The fact that they talked constantly about everything was the key. She could not remember a day having gone by without some sort of communication with Alicia. Even short text or a tweet….Each successive week seemed to bring them closer together and she could not imagine her life anymore without Alicia. Their sex life was part of this as well. Alicia had patiently introduced Brenda to new experiences in the bedroom—well….not just the bedroom actually—and she had never been more fulfilled sexually. They tried new techniques, new locations, new items from their favorite store to enhance and keep their sexual relationship vibrant.

Brenda had always been curious about a lot of the things that Alicia introduced her to….she had just never had a partner willing to experiment. They never pursued anything without making sure it was alright with the other and soon Brenda was the one initiating a lot of their sexual interests. It was like looking at a different person now, she thought to herself. Despite all their varied activities, it was still the sight and scent of Alicia that could make Brenda ache with desire. She often just gazed with wonder and delight at the sight of her lover as they sat quietly at home. It did not take her having to see Alicia naked—though that sight still stirred her emotions and aroused her enormously—to have this effect.

Alicia, likewise, was enthralled with Brenda. She had certainly had more experience with women than Brenda had, but it would have been impossible to know that by what had gone between them for the last year or so. Brenda had just magically morphed into their relationship without even a moment’s hesitation or second thought about being with men again. These days, when Alicia was in town, they were spending every available moment with each other, either at Brenda’s cottage or at Alicia’s condo. They had a close circle of friends, a combination of each of their friends before they were a couple, that they got together with as well, all of whom were amazed and astounded at the new relationship. They all had known both women before they had become a couple, and most commented openly at how ideal they seemed together.

Alicia’s friends knew of Alicia’s history—her heartache following her return from Europe and the wrenching separation with Renee—as well as her desperate attempts to erase those memories with her seemingly endless string of flings since she had returned. They knew she was hurting and most had done what they could to offer solace, but it had just not helped. They knew the path she was on was not healthy—Alicia knew it as well—but at the time it seemed to be what she needed to go through to help herself heal.

Brenda’s circle knew her well, too. They knew of her never having been in a close intimate relationship with another woman. They also knew of her own personal depression when Sam had dumped her to leave for Paris. Like with Alicia’s supportive circle, they had reached out to her in the aftermath of that disaster, but she had been at the time, inconsolable. They knew she was thinking of Sam as her long-term committed partner, and no one was shocked when she withdrew from most everything. It was with the help, they knew, of a talented therapist in town that Brenda had been able to re-emerge and be herself again.

Both sets of friends intermingled well and there was not anyone among them that ever judged them. There was a strong backlash among a lot of surrounding communities in regards to same-sex couples these days, but they were not among them. The love and commitment and closeness that Alicia and Brenda exhibited constantly was a model for them. They had never seen anything like it—it seemed to just pour off of them like a shining beacon. It had, in fact, been a driving force to some of the other couples in their sphere to rededicate themselves to one another. Brenda’s friends in particular marveled at her transformation. Brenda had always been a stunning woman physically, but with this new relationship she seemed to be positively pulsing with energy and vitality. She was radiant. So was Alicia for that matter.

And….this was their life. The past year for both of them seemed to have flown by. Both of their careers were thriving, they had an enviable circle of supportive friends, and their personal relationship could not have been better, both sexually and otherwise. Maintaining two households was sometimes a chore for them, as they were beginning to spend more and more time together. They had discussed his issue often, but currently they were still unsure about taking this next step.

Alicia knew how much planning and money and sweat that Brenda had put into her delightful little cottage. It was lovely and she was as comfortable there as anywhere she had ever lived. She liked her condo, but it was just a space….nothing that held her emotions closely. For her, the bigger issue was the actual decision of them possibly living together in one place. More than once Brenda had brought up the suggestion of having Alicia move in with her. They had discussed this over and over. It kept coming back to what a lot of couples run into: the idea of living together would be new to both of them. How would this arrangement affect them as a couple? They were both independent self-sufficient women….what would being thrown together create for them? New problems?

There was another more practical issue as well. The cottage itself was not huge. It had been ideal for Brenda as a single woman, but for both of them full-time? They both acknowledged this and brainstormed for possible solutions. They were confident enough in the strength and solidity of their relationship that they were both sure the non-practical issues were in fact non-issues. Friends they sought out for opinions on this agreed: they had never seen such well-functioning and healthy couple….no need to worry. On one of Alicia’s long gaps between assignments away, they sat down to give this some very serious consideration.

“So, I think we are in agreement that we could handle living together?” Alicia asked.

“Yeah….I think so. We have discussed this enough. I know it is going to be a big step for us both, but yeah….” Brenda replied.

“Just to make sure….any reservations, second thoughts…..?”

“None.”

“Good….me neither.”

“I guess the big question that remains is on the more practical side….space.”

“I would agree. For short spurts, it is no problem at all, but on a permanent basis, I would agree that having us both here, all the time with all our combined stuff is an issue. So, what do we do? I sure don’t want to give this place up—I know we talked about just buying a new place for us, but I have put so much into the house…..really is a special space for me, you know? What do we do?”

“I know how much your place means to you, Brenda. It is really unique and I would never ask you to walk away from it unless it is your idea. It is your place, period. I know how hard you have worked to make it the special oasis it is now…I love it there. On the practical side, the real estate market is not a buyer’s market right now either, so I do not think it makes sense to try and buy a new place in town.”

“So where does that leave us?”

“I’ve got a suggestion. I gave this some thought over the last couple weeks and ran it by Stan and Sarah….you know, my friends in the business?”

“Yeah….your friends from Merrittville…..she is a realtor and he does renovation/construction for her right?”

“Yep. Sarah confirmed that buying now is definitely a seller’s market.”

“So……”

“Hold on. She and I bounced this around a bit and here is what we came up with. Your place is definitely going to be cramped for us, so how about an addition?”

Brenda nodded slightly as she listened.

“She got Stan to put together some ideas, and he came up with this great plan to expand beyond your mudroom as well as a small-second floor….sort of a loft design. If this sounds feasible to you, we can meet with him so he can show you a visual he has drafted—you can see a final vision. It would not impinge too much on your great backyard space either and would give us a ton more living space.”

“I’m intrigued….how much would this cost and where do we get the cash for that project if we decide to do it?”

“That’s the good news. As I talked to Stan about this—wanted to get some basic ideas from him first to see if it was even feasible—I asked Sarah about the condo market. She tells me there is a high demand from the influx of Californians and Texans here now which is driving the selling prices up. Condos especially. Look….I am away a lot and keeping my condo is making less and less sense financially. I do not have any deep emotional attachment to it either. Oddly enough, I feel more attached to your place.”

“And…..” Brenda was pretty sure where Alicia was going with this but she wanted to let Alicia finish her pitch.

“Sarah gave me an estimate on what she thought my place could be listed for. It’s outrageous actually. She says I may never see this again and if I really want to sell it now would be the time. Condos are flying off the shelves, so to speak, and she is sure due to the location and amenities of it, my place would go quickly for top dollar. That is where the money for an addition would come from. Stan assures me it would be way more than enough.”

“So….you’d sell your place so we could make additions here?”

“That’s my idea anyway….what do you think?”

“Are you sure? I mean….all the equity you’ve built up in your place….that’s a big decision.”

“Look, Brenda….I’m traveling a lot. When I am back here, what do we do? We stay there or at my place, right?”

“I guess….”

“Just seems to me to be a waste of money to keep paying the mortgage here for what ends up being a very part-time residence…..even more so since we have been together. Unless there is another reason for us not to be living together…..”

“No…no….it’s not that at all…..”

“You have any issues with adding on to your place? I mean the general idea….you can always make changes to Stan’s blueprints of the details are not to your liking.”

“The idea itself, Alicia….I think is great. It would not have occurred to me merely from the financial perspective. I am pretty much tapped out after doing this place over the past few years. I just want to make sure you have thought this through.”

“I have. It makes perfect sense to me at all levels. I have seen the plans and they look great to me, but as I said….this is your place….you get the final word. If Sarah can get me what she seems to think she can for the condo, consider the addition/renovation paid for.”

“That’s very generous, Alicia…..I’m not sure what to say.”

“How about….‘yahoo, Alicia, when do we start??’”

“Yeah….that sounds good.”

They both laughed as Brenda leaped into her arms and kissed her passionately.

“I love you very much, Alicia…..”

“Me, too, sweetie…..me, too….”

Chapter 12

Friday, July 19, 2013

Brenda and Alicia met with Stan to go over his proposal. Overall, Brenda loved what he had suggested and was amazed at his insight only having been to her place a few times for parties. He was looking at knocking off the mud room completely and adding on a guest room. The expansion would not only give them another room for more space for guests but would add a private bath to go with it. A more compact and more efficiently laid out mudroom with laundry facilities could then be added back that would lead out onto a deck that would overlook the expanse of her backyard…..something Brenda had always wanted anyway. The best news of this was that they would lose very little yard space.

The current bath that served the main bedroom was to be renovated into this larger bathroom/spa. It made Brenda tingle with excitement as he went through the new features and space that this upgraded room was to offer.

“That…..” Stan said as he pointed out the specifics to her, “was all Alicia.”

“Really?” Brenda asked as she turned to face her.

“Like it? “Alicia asked, “I remember that first night we spent together and how inviting and cool your bathroom was to me. Just wanted to suggest making it even better.”

“I love it.” Brenda thought back to that night as well as felt her eyes well up in response.

In addition to the lower level, Stan flipped to his second page of designs to show Brenda a proposal for turning in her currently unused attic space into a loft that could be used for a third bedroom if it was needed.

“The space could be another bedroom but based on input from Alicia from conversations she said the two of you had had, I drew up some plans to turn this into just a space for the two of you to retreat to. There would be a spiral staircase leading from the master bedroom…..or we can shift it to lead from just outside the bedroom if you prefer…up to the loft.”

Brenda stared with disbelief as Stan went through the designs very slowly showing her all the features. Alicia came to her side and sat close, her head on her shoulder as Stan continued.

“I’d put in lots of skylights to let natural light be a big part of the room. It will be very private from the rest of the house….sort of your own secret hideaway. The unfinished walls I can finish off with a style of your choice and I’ll have it well insulated….will be as comfortable in the heat of the summer as well as during a freezing cold winter storm. The skylights will be set up for plenty of stargazing at night as well. I did some research on how the moon moves across the sky over your house as well to take full advantage of that, too.”

He brought up a graphics program on his laptop to give her an idea of how the finishes could be done to make the room unique. Brenda just stared and stared. She had not quite let it sink in that this could actually be her new house. All she had to do was give Stan the go-ahead. As Alicia hung onto her side, Brenda wiped away tears.

“I….I…..Stan….it’s…..wow…..”

“Thanks” he replied. “Why don’t I leave all this with you. Take some time and look it over. If you and Alicia want to move ahead with it, just let me know and we can get started right away. I am in between projects right now, so the timing is good. If you want to make modifications, that is fine, too. We can change anything you want at any time. Unlike a lot of other contractors, I do not charge for changes along the way. The only added expense would be if we should run into unforeseen issues in the current structure or if new finishes or whatever had a higher cost. The changes themselves though….no.”

He saved his proposal including a milestone payment schedule to a flash drive and handed it to Brenda.

“Stan?” Brenda asked as she was seeing him out.

“Yeah?”

“The prices you showed us….that for real?”

“Actually, Brenda….when I bid a project I pad the estimate about 15% just to cover surprises. I’ve looked over the old blueprints of this place and took a peek when you were not looking just to educate myself…I see no major surprises….I don’t like them either when I take on a job. So to answer your question? My best guestimate is that it will be a bit lower than the bid. Free of any higher priced options or changes you might want in materials. I’ve been doing this for 30 years. I have never gone over a final bid using this approach. And I’ve got a portfolio you can find anytime at my website to see finished work, as well as a list of people you can contact you would be happy to let you know what they thought of my work.”

“It seems so low, for what you are offering…..at least to me anyway.”

“Brenda….you and Alicia are dear friends. I am in this to make money, for sure. It is after all my business. However…..I may have given you the little-known Peterson Building discount….”

He gave her a sly wink and hugged her lightly as he took his leave. Brenda closed the front door quietly and walked back to the couch in the living room to join Alicia.

“What do you think?” Alicia asked as Brenda sat down.

“It is amazing. How did he….I mean….when…..”

Alicia put a finger to Brenda’s lips.

“Stan and Sarah have been here enough to know the place at least roughly. I took it upon myself to ask Stan, just as a favor, to give us a rough vision/estimate of this a couple weeks ago. You and I have talked enough for me to get a sense of your style and taste….not too hard as they are practically a clone of my own. At the time, I had no idea he would come up with such an innovative solution to this. And even if he could, being completely ignorant myself on construction, etc., I figured it would cost a fortune.”

“Yeah….I cannot believe we can get all that for what he is bidding….”

“Me either. Once I saw his initial proposal, I knew it was time to bring the idea to you.”

“How about we sit down and go through the graphics program he left us and give it a good look?”

“You bet!”

Brenda and Alicia went to the desk she was using in the bedroom as an auxiliary office and plugged in the flash drive so they could get a better visual of all the details on her large desktop monitor. Brenda perused all the schematics again with Alicia at her side, but she had already made her decision. Each successive slide made her heart leap with excitement and anticipation, still feeling like this was just a dream. As the slides concluded, she brought up the financials and they went through them again discussing the scope of what they were taking on.

Stan had given a rough estimate of 3-6 months to do everything, saying it would be best if they could get moving soon if they wanted to hire him. The colder weather was coming and this was also typically the time of year when he got a rash of calls as people tried to get last-minute projects scheduled before winter. That was a long time to have the house in disarray, Brenda thought.

“How sure are you that Sarah can sell your condo?”

“Pretty sure. There have been a few sales in my complex since spring. She handled a few of them and she has continued to get inquiries from potential clients about units in the area. She just tossed out my place as a hypothetical and she has had several bites in case it should become available.”

“Where do we live during this project? From what I have seen it looks like it will be a major disruption, especially if we put in that loft. And quite frankly, the loft is what has made me so excited about Stan’s proposal.”

“Me, too….that loft is like nothing I have ever seen. I see that loft as our private intimate retreat already---for meditation and quiet, but even more if you follow me….”

“Way ahead of you, Alicia….

She looked over at her lover and winked.

“If we decide to move ahead with this, here is my offer. I am scheduled to do a series of training clinics beginning next week, remember?

Brenda nodded.

“California/New Mexico/Arizona, the Great Lakes region, and then a swing down through the Gulf Coast.”

“Not looking forward to you being gone all that time…..but yeah I remember.”

“It is a big push for the fall. I agreed to this for a significant bonus that was promised if I did it. They know I am getting tired of being on the road all the time. Once this is over, that will change. As part of my agreement to do this marathon, they are setting up a training center here in town. Beginning in January, my dear, I am afraid you will be stuck with me a lot….”

“Are you kidding?? That’s incredible!! When did this come about?”

“I just got my request/proposal approved yesterday….surprise!”

“Oh, Alicia……it’s….it’s…..perfect…..”

They kissed as Brenda congratulated her.

“For the foreseeable future, newly hire reps will be coming here instead of me going to them. The executives saw that it would be a win for the company as well once I pointed out the cost savings to them. There may still be an occasional trip here and there but nothing like it has been for the last few months.”

“This is the best news of the week!”

“So here is my suggestion. If we get Stan to start right away, the bulk of the work can most likely be completed by the time this road trip is wrapping up. I figure there will just be odds and ends for them to do by then. While I am gone, you can stay at my condo. That will give you peace and quiet while the destruction and rebuilding are going on and they will not have to sidestep around you to work. Just before I leave, we can have Sarah put the condo on the market with the contingency that ownership cannot be assumed until your house project is finished. You will be available to talk to Sarah if need be for showings, etc. blah, blah, blah….Also, with Stan and Sarah working together on this I think there is a much greater chance of all going as planned.”

“That is an incredible idea! Never would have occurred to me. Just one thing…”

“Uh-huh….”

“This project on the house?”

“Yeah?”

“Do me a favor and from now on please refer to it as ‘our house’….OK?”

“Sure…..” Alicia was now the one to feel her eyes fill with tears.

“If the sale of the condo is contingent on the completion of the construction project, how do we pay Stan the milestones?”

“I was sure you would ask. Based on how confident Sarah is in being able to sell it, I am willing to take out a line of personal credit using an account I set up years ago. Every time I got a bonus check or an unexpected influx of income, I stashed the money away there. I can take out the line of credit off that account to pay Stan as we go along and then replace the funds once the sale of the condo is finalized.”

“Isn’t that a bit risky? Seems like you are making a pretty big assumption…..big leap of faith, you know?”

“Pretty low-risk potential from my perspective. Besides, this is one of the things I have learned from you.”

“Me?”

“Yeah. In all of those spiritual retreats and workshops and clinics we have gone to, the one big lesson I got from it all was to expect the best. If you visualize what you want….I mean really see it happening with no doubt, no hesitation in intention? Well…..for me it’s already a done deal.”

“You are an amazing woman, my love….”

“Right back at ya…..”

Chapter 13

Saturday, July 20, 2013

Brenda called Stan and set up a meeting with him and Alicia and Sarah for Saturday. They did not want to waste another day getting this project moving. They explained the timing of Alicia’s idea and Stan thought it was perfect as well. Sarah again reinforced her assurance that the condo would sell easily and said that putting such a contingency in the contract was easy.

“Last time I will ask, I promise,” Brenda said as she looked at Alicia, pen in hand. “You are sure about this?”

“As sure I have ever been about anything in my life….”

Brenda and Alicia signed contracts with both of them and Stan said he would have a team there first thing in the morning to begin. Brenda and Alicia returned to the house so Brenda could pack for an extended stay at the condo. Alicia wandered around aimlessly while Brenda drug out a couple suitcases and filled them with what she thought would be adequate for her time away from the house. As Brenda closed up the last case, she walked through the house, but could not find Alicia anywhere.

“Alicia!” Brenda yelled.

“Out back….” came the reply.

“Ready?”

“Yeah….” Alicia replied half-heartedly.

“Something wrong?”

“No….it’s nothing…..”

“OK….let me have it…..”

“Just reminiscing I guess…. remembering that first night you brought me back here after we met at the Lincoln Blues. How we sat out here and talked for hours…..helping you with that gate...it….well…it’s bitter-sweet…sort of….”

“You’ve lost me, Alicia…..”

“I know this place will still be pretty much the same after the project, but in a way it will never be the same….or am I just goofy?”

Brenda came and joined her on the padded love seat where they had sat and talked that first night. The sun was just dropping away behind the tall trees beyond the backyard, the last of the day’s light fading away leaving them in the growing gloom.

“Guess we have been so busy with everything I had just not thought of it like that. Yeah….I guess you are right. It will be a wonderful new space, but I guess it will never be the same again. You sad over that?”

“A little I guess. Maybe it’s just silly. It is still you and me, and our relationship if anything is stronger than ever….how about you….make you sad at all?”

“Now that I think about it, actually I guess it does. You never saw the mess this place was when I bought it. It was no wonder I got it for a song. I had no idea what I had gotten into until it was mine….bit naïve in that regard. The more I looked the more problems I discovered. At its bones, though, I knew this place was special. I was right. And now it will soon be our place. This new phase is our imprint. I like looking ahead.”

“Me, too….I think the new look will be amazing. Can I ask you something?”

“Sure. As long as you’re not too picky about the answer.”

Alicia laughed lightly. The playful side of Brenda always tickled her.

“Wondering if you might be interested in one last….how to put it….christening?.....to say farewell to the old and welcome the new?”

“I think I might be open to that….”

They stood and faced each other as the dusky gloom began to change over into dark. They gazed into each other’s eyes intently as they each slipped off one another’s T-shirts and tossed them to the love seat. Already, Alicia found herself aroused at the sight of a topless Brenda, her nipples fully erect. Brenda enveloped her in a caress and they kissed deeply under a sliver of the moon, their shadows just visible on the patio bricks. The wind stirred as a lone owl called across the neighborhood.

Brenda took Alicia’s stiff nipples in her lips and ran her tongue in rapid circles around each. She then slipped Alicia’s shorts from her hips and they fell without further interference to the ground. Alicia stepped out of the spot she had been standing in and with one foot flung her shorts into the yard. In a similar manner, she unbuckled Brenda’s jeans and bent down to wriggle them over her shapely hips and then eased them off her feet and tossed them aside as well.

Brenda found herself stirred as well, her breathing coming faster, her pulse quickening. As Alicia arose again, they embraced once more their naked bodies illuminated weakly by the waning moon. She felt the protruding flesh of Brenda’s nipples as well into her skin and she brought Brenda to a sitting position on one side of the love seat as she removed the other and used it to kneel in front of her. She eased herself forward, letting Brenda’s long legs drape over her shoulders as she moved closer.

Brenda gasped at the first touch of Alicia’s warm tongue exploring her. She arched as Alicia penetrated her and spread her lips to gain greater access. As Alicia kissed and licked and sucked at her, Brenda unconsciously gripped with her thighs. Alicia seemed oblivious and continued until Brenda shuddered to a quiet climax. She gave her lover a final kiss and lowered her legs from her shoulders.

“Pretty quiet, sweetie….”

“Did want to wake the neighbors…..”

Alicia laughed again. The taste of Brenda was still alive and pungent on her mouth. She savored the taste as she always did before rising to kiss her on her mouth. Brenda liked the sensation of the remnants in her mouth as well and she pulled Alicia onto her lap, her legs going on either side of Brenda’s waist as they passed through the gap in the back of the love seat, the cushion pressed against her hips and thighs. She could feel their wetness mingling and it gave her a shiver.

“Feels like you need something as well…..”

“I might be open to that…..” Alicia whispered, aping Brenda’s previous comment as she playfully ran her tongue around the inner rim of Brenda’s ear. This she knew made her crazy and she was not disappointed as Brenda moaned in response.

“Hang on and let’s move inside….”

Alicia encircled Brenda’s waist with her legs as Brenda scooted forward and stood, Alicia attached to her as if they were one entity. She clung tight as Brenda walked strongly into the mudroom and then into the kitchen. She lowered herself slowly onto the thick area rug that led from the kitchen and into the dining room and knelt, laying her lover on her back. Alicia released her legs and Brenda turned so she was facing Alicia’s feet. She let her body rest comfortably on top of her as she buried her face into Alicia as Alicia spread her legs wide.

Brenda returned the favor in kind as she explored every inch of Alicia, inhaling her aroma as she worked. Alicia reeled and moaned and gasped as she absorbed the minor ripples flowing through her body in anticipation of the tidal wave she knew was coming….that she knew Brenda was capable of creating in her. A final plunge broke the dam and Alicia cried out Brenda’s name in welcome pleasure and release. Brenda rolled off and rushed to find Alicia’s face as they kissed wildly and intensely. As Alicia had done for Brenda, Brenda came to her to share the taste of Alicia. They had recently found that they both loved this following oral sex with one another. They could not explain it, but the shared taste of each other had become a routine with them. It continued the heightened pleasure for both of them for some reason. They continued to kiss and hold one another close as the final bits of excitement faded away and they lay in a slick pile on the small rug between the two rooms.

“You sneaky devil…..” Brenda said as she played with one of Alicia’s now flaccid nipples.

“Any objections?”

“Well….”

“Didn’t think so….”

They shared a quiet chuckle and just let their hands play along each other’s skin.

“How about a quick shower and then head over to the condo?”

“OK….”

“And, Alicia….”

“Yeah?”

“Thanks for helping me say goodbye to what was to welcome in the new…..”

“My pleasure…..literally…..”

They laughed again as Alicia rose to heads for the shower.

“You coming?” Alicia asked back over her shoulder as she went into the bathroom.

“Right behind you…..”

Alicia jumped into the old clawfoot tub and drew the brightly colored curtain around the perimeter before blasting on the steamy hot water. She let the hot streams of water shoot down her body feeling each jet wash away the sweat and fluids. She turned her back to the showerhead and tipped her head back allowing the strong rush of water to cascade through her long blond hair as Brenda entered the tub away from the pulsing water. As she turned again to retrieve some shampoo, the bottle slipped from her hand and fell to the tub floor. She bent to grab the bottle and could see nothing or the rising wall of steam that had begun to fill the bathroom.

As she grabbed the oblong container she felt pressure from behind and before she knew it Brenda had come up against her, the entire length of a phallus being forced into her from behind. She cried out, initially in surprise and then later as Brenda began to take her from behind, the dildo well secured in a strap on that had become well known by each of them. Alicia stayed in position as Brenda plunged into her deeper and deeper. From the sensation she knew it had to be the largest of their collection….Alicia’s personal favorite.

She was sure their previous session outside and then on the floor inside had drained her, but soon she could feel herself rising on the waves of yet another series of body-shattering orgasms. Brenda’s technique was amazing. She had always been much better than average in Alicia’s experience, but since they had become this committed couple, it was like she had reached another level of expertise. She cried out in mock pleading but Brenda knew from their time together that Alicia wanted more. She rocked her hips firmly into Alicia as she reached around and squeezed her nipples until they formed rock hard protrusions.

When Brenda thought she could go no longer and was reaching her fatigue limit, Alicia arched back and bellowed in a voice that Brenda was sure she had never heard uttered before. She slipped the device from Alicia and embraced her under the pounding of the water as they laughed and panted, hanging on to each other.

“Wow…..you been taking secret seminars or something? That was surreal!”

“Just what I have learned from being with you….”

They rinsed off and dried themselves and then collected Brenda’s stuff and began the drive to Alicia’s condo. As Brenda drove, she noticed that Alicia had reached over and was working her way with her fingers into her crotch. It reminded her of that night they had met and she smiled. Unlike that night, however, Brenda was now just wearing a loose one-piece summer dress. She was enjoying the sensation but at the same time it was making it hard to focus on her driving.

“You not get enough back at the house?”

“Maybe….” Alicia teased. That orgasm in the shower nearly dropped me to my knees. Just want to touch you some more….”

“What was that anyway? That scream of yours was unlike anything I ever heard out of you….”

“Not sure quite frankly. Maybe it was the follow up so close to the oral sex. Maybe it was you catching me by surprise. Maybe it the huge dildo….my favorite by the way….”

“I knew that….it’s why I picked that one.”

Alicia continued to run her fingers all along Brenda’s inner thigh. The hem of her sundress was now high on her legs, the bulk of it piled in her lap as she felt Alicia’s fingers worming into her. She squirmed as the first penetration was made and she gasped.

“Liking this?”

“Sure….until we crash I guess….”

Alicia took the hint and stopped teasing her. She smoothed out the dress with her clean hand and just massaged her neck instead. That felt wonderful as well and it allowed Brenda to drive. They talked about Alicia’s upcoming trip as well as just a series of other topics…..current events and such and before they knew it they had arrived. Alicia helped Brenda inside with her things and they hauled them along the narrow hallway to the bedroom where Brenda put away her clothes. Alicia had to catch an early morning flight to Los Angeles and she had prepared her travel gear the day before so she would not have to rush later.

“What’s on tap for you for tomorrow? Alicia asked as she hung up her jacket.

“Far as I know, just the usual….nothing major…”

“So we have some time to say goodbye?”

“Boy….you are insatiable tonight, huh?”

“It would seem so…..”

Brenda had been reading some flyers that had gotten shoved under the door while they were out and when she looked up, Alicia was naked.

“Appears that I am slightly over-dressed….”

“That you are….we can fix that though….”

Alicia lifted the dress over Brenda’s head in one motion and saw she was naked underneath. Brenda kicked off her sandals and followed her to the bedroom. Alicia went into the bath and came back with one of their favorite oils, a floral mix that they had discovered on a weekend trip about a month ago. Alicia laid her lover out and applied a liberal line of the oil to her back, working the aromatic mixture deep into her skin. Brenda extended her arms out to the sides as she felt herself soothed with each stroke of Alicia’s strong hands over her body.

The same continued as she changed positions and lay face up and Alicia massaged the mixture deep into her arms and shoulders and legs and breasts. When she was done, Alicia came and lay beside her inhaling deep of the aroma that filled the room as she once again let her hand stray between Brenda’s thighs. Brenda moved her legs wider and Alicia used one hand to guide a smaller dildo they used in and out very slowly while she ran the fingers of her other hand in repetitive patterns around her nipples, causing them to come to attention.

The long and slow, measured movement of the phallus in and out did not bring Brenda to a normal roaring climax as was her nature, but rather floated her along in a sustained fog of stimulation. Alicia then used her tongue to explore inside Brenda’s ear. The three simultaneous points of attention caused her to gently moan and groan but she held back delaying her climax. It was in fact what Alicia was shooting for. She knew they would be apart for a while due to this last road trip and she wanted to touch her and smell her and taste her and listen to her expressions of passion as long as possible.

Eventually Brenda could no longer hold back and when she did come it was a rolling, thunderous shock wave that she thought would go on forever. Alicia was pleased. It had been as erotic for her as well she thought. When Brenda recovered, they lay quietly together just basking in the glow of one another’s presence.

“I do have some free time between the different groups on this run,” Alicia said as she kissed Brenda lightly along her neck.

“Really? To get back here?”

“Not enough for that, but how does this sound….after each region, I get a day or two to decompress before the next round. Want to come out and see me during the breaks? This trip is going to be a long one….not sure I want to go that long without being with you….”

“Really? I’d love it! Like on the weekends?”

“Yep. I have an expense account so I can cover all your incidentals while you are here and you can stay in my room, so that is covered as well…..just need to be able to get you on flights in and out of all the cities….”

“I’ve got frequent flyer miles galore…..this is great!”

“Me too…. obviously. I’d love to be able to use the account to fly you out and back but I am pretty sure the accountants would flag that. What I can do though is this. If you need miles to come out, let me know and I can transfer them to your account ahead of time. This will be over a couple of months and in a huge variety of cities, a lot of which you may never have gotten to….it’ll be like little getaways!”

“Sounds wonderful…..this will make this time apart so much easier to take….”

“You bet….each break may not work out due to one of our schedules, of course, but I’ll bet we can do it for most of the trip….”

“I feel better about this already. I was already feeling a little blue.”

With that, they fell fast asleep in each other’s arms, legs intertwined as they looked forward to a lot of weekends together.

Chapter 14

Monday, July 22, 2013

Brenda arose sleepily when Alicia had to get up to get on the road to meet her 7 AM flight to LAX. It was dark out, and well before she actually had to be up for work, but she wanted to see Alicia off. She padded out to the kitchen and got some coffee going while Alicia showered and dressed. She was still groggy when Alicia bounced into the room, dressed in her full professional business attire, pulling her luggage behind her, her leather valise in hand.

“Thanks for getting up to see me off. I know you are not exactly a morning person and I appreciate the gesture.”

“Sure…..” Brenda replied with a yawn as she handed Alicia a travel mug with her favorite coffee ready to go.

“Um….I do appreciate this, but you are not exactly making it easy for me to leave….”

“Huh?”

Brenda just covered her mouth as she chuckled and pointed. In her haste to get up and moving, Brenda had just wandered in from the bedroom. All she had on was a very skimpy pair of thong underwear on as her silk robe flapped loosely as she walked. Brenda blushed and laughed at herself.

“I was wondering why it was so cold in here…..”

“I like the outfit myself, but I hope you had something a little more traditional planned for your office today…..”

“I don’t know…..maybe a scarf…..that should do it…..”

Alicia set her coffee down and hugged her tight. She inhaled deeply of Brenda’s scent to tide her over and they kissed long and hard. Alicia collected her things and waved goodbye.

“I’ll call you tonight. I think everything here should be fine, but if there is a problem, I left phone numbers for you on the counter….plumber, electrician, locksmith, etc.…..you can always call Mrs. Renton downstairs as well.”

Brenda nodded as her eyes welled up.

“I love you, Brenda…..more than anything. Never forget that.”

“Me, too…..” Brenda choked out as she wiped her eyes.

“First break will be this weekend in San Diego. Get your ass on a plane. We’ll go to Tijuana….”

Brenda closed the door and staggered back to bed. She fell asleep right away and her dreams were filled with images of Alicia. In the dreams, they were traveling all over the place, seeing new things and meeting new people. The sex in the dreams was equally vivid and when her alarm went off at seven, Brenda snapped to consciousness and hit the snooze button. She was still a bit sleepy but knew once she got up and moving and got some caffeine in her that she would be good to go. As she stretched and finally came fully awake she found that she had been masturbating.

She removed her hand and saw that she had made a mess of the linens. She just smiled and brought herself to climax one final time with the dildo that they kept in the bedside table as she fantasized about Alicia. As her orgasm passed, she gathered the soiled sheets, tossed them in the laundry and got ready for work.

The weeks went by slowly for Brenda as she went through her normal daily routine. The construction on the house was moving at a good clip and Stan said they were actually ahead of schedule. The other good news was that Sarah had been flooded with interest in the condo, and at the moment there had been multiple showings and apparently a price war was ongoing as potential buyers vied for the purchase. On the downside, Brenda missed Alicia horribly. The weekend get-togethers were a saving grace, but the downtime in between was a drag. She had never felt so connected to another person in her life, and the distance apart was killing her.

Late at night they talked by phone or skype. Alicia’s trip was going well but she was looking forward to it being over and for them to get back together in the newly renovated house. The phone sex they tried was adequate at times, but Brenda was feeling more and more frustrated with it. It was just not what she needed and they both agreed at one point to just drop that….it was just filling them both with more longing. Brenda was not able to get away for all the weekends due to some new demands at Farring, but the times she could meet up with Alicia were memorable.

Finally, Sarah called one day and she had the winner for the condo. The couple from Austin had outbid 8 other parties. She had a solid bid from them which she was sure would stick. The financing looked solid and the couple had no problem with the contingency clause. They were in no rush to take ownership….just loved the place and wanted it. As well, she had acquired 4 back up offers for insurance. She was sure they would not be necessary, but it never hurt.

She left copies of all the paperwork with Brenda and e-mailed copies to Alicia who was currently in Milwaukee. Brenda talked to Alicia the night they had received the offer and they could not believe it.

“You see the offer?” Brenda asked excitedly.

“I did….is this a typo?” Alicia replied.

“I asked Sarah the same thing….I know how good and meticulous she is, but I was sure it was a mistake as well.”

“She give you any feedback?”

“There was this bidding war, Alicia. Apparently Sarah was correct about the influx here from California and Texas. The showings have been like a parade. The couple making this bid are really solid she says….both personally and financially. I met them. Seem delightful. They are retiring and are in no rush, so the contingency is of no concern to them.”

“I am speechless looking at this….”

“What do you think? It is your decision as the unit is in your name….”

“What’s to think about? If you agree—and despite the legal technicalities of ownership—I need your opinion—I think this is a no brainer. We are a couple, Brenda. Like the way you view our decisions on the house project, the condo sale is our decision as well.”

“I appreciate that. Yeah….seems like there is nothing to think about.”

“I’ll e-sign the documents I got from Sarah and tell her I think we have a deal. Apparently is just pending the inspection, but I am sure that is just a formality. I have kept up with stuff, and quite frankly even if there is something that pops up in the report, I would have no problem fixing it based on this offer.”

“Wonderful….I guess we are set.”

With that, the condo sale went through with no bumps at all and all that was left was for the construction project to wrap up so they could close. Stan called later that day to let Brenda know that they had run into a slight snag with his electrical subcontractor, but that it meant only a delay of 2 or 3 days. Otherwise, they would be done in 3 weeks. That was almost a month ahead of schedule! Brenda was ecstatic and e-mailed Alicia immediately with the good news. Alicia had just a month left on her trip so it was beginning to look like everything was falling into place. She called Brenda that night, almost bouncing off the walls.

“Just got your e-mail! This is unbelievable!”

“I know! I know! Stan will call me when they finish up completely. I have been doing walkthroughs with him as it has gone along once the basic shell was done. I can send you photos….or would you rather just see the finished product?”

“Think I will hold off to see the final version. Everything looks good so far, though?”

“It is still pretty rough to my eye, but Stan is really good at explaining stuff as we walk through the various rooms. Looking great to me….”

“How are you holding up otherwise?”

“Good as it can get, I guess. I miss you. Sorry I have been stuck here for the last couple weekends. Just stuff at the office….you know how it goes….”

“I do….I miss you, too.”

“I am getting really tired of all this self-gratification….”

“Ditto….can you get away this weekend? I am flying down to Nashville in the morning and the next workshop does not kick in until Tuesday. We could take a long weekend to celebrate….”

“I see no problem with that. I’ll book a flight tonight and see you late Friday after I get off work. I can take a personal day for Monday….have lots of days bankrolled.”

“Fantastic…..cannot wait to see you.”

“Me either….”

“Have something new that I think you might be interested in….”

“Yes?”

“It’s a surprise….I’ll let your imagination taunt you, sweetie….”

“That’s not fair!”

“You’ll survive….we need to discuss it and I think in person is better….”

“Meanie!”

“I’ve been called worse….I love you.”

“I love you too, Alicia….until Friday, then….”

Chapter 15

Friday, July 26, 2013

Alicia was waiting in the airline lounge when Brenda appeared through the deplaning gate. She ran and leapt into Alicia’s arms, wrapping her legs around her, as they kissed deeply. They were oblivious to anyone else but finally realizes they must be putting on quite an exhibition. Fortunately, the waiting area had been sparsely populated.

“Sorry….guess that was too much her in public,” Brenda said as she reddened.

“It’s OK…..let’s get your bag and get out of here….” Alicia replied as she blushed as well.

They headed to the lower level to the baggage claim and Brenda snagged her lone case and they piled into Alicia’s rental and headed back downtown.

“Good flight?”

“So-so…just tired after a long week at work.”

“Hotel is just couple minutes away…..let’s just stay in tonight and relax, OK?”

“Sounds perfect….”

After parking the car, they emerged on the top floor of a small art deco decorated boutique inn and Alicia led the way as Brenda followed, her case wheeled along behind her. Despite her announcement that she was tired, they had no sooner gotten into Alicia’s room than Brenda began to tear ravenously at Alicia’s clothes. Alicia followed her lead and soon their clothes were strewn about, buttons having been sheared from blouses that now had unrepairable rips and holes in them.

Brenda tackled Alicia as they collapsed in a passionate heap on the king-size bed. The flurry of hands and fingers and lips and tongues was a blur as they went at each other with an almost animalistic fury. By the time they were finished, they were both exhausted and drained, but could not have been happier.

“Sorry about your shirt….” Brenda said as she snuggled in closer to Alicia’s sweaty form.

“My what….oh, that….I did not notice. Seems like I may have returned the gesture anyway….guess we can pick some new duds if need be.”

“Sure….that was pretty intense….”

“To say the least…..boy did I miss you….”

“Likewise…..how much longer is this god-forsaken trip of yours anyway?”

“Three weeks. Have some stuff here in the southeast….Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina….then onto the Gulf Coast, New Orleans and Florida panhandle….then a quick stop in Chicago and I’m done….”

“Three more weeks? Fuck me…..”

“I certainly plan to, my dear…..”

And with a second wind that came from somewhere—Alicia had no idea where—she was good on her word. Brenda awoke with the sun as it filtered through the blinds in the room and she kissed Alicia on her neck which aroused her from her slumber as well. Brenda peered over the mound of tangled bed covers that looked like a storm had hit to see a similar scene in the room. The remains of their tops were strewn about….pants and underwear were hanging from furniture and lampshades.

“We did all that?” she asked as she lay back down.

Alicia leaned up on one elbow to take a look for herself.

“Guess so….”

“What’s on tap for the weekend?”

“Lots of options. Nashville is a great town. Food is killer—lots of barbecue and such—and the music scene is equally great.”

“Could we just walk around and look it all over? I’ve never been here before….”

“Sure….I don’t know it well but have been here once before so I think I remember a bit. Maybe clean up this disaster from the tornado that apparently swept through here sometime last night first?”

“OK….but before that…..”

Alicia felt herself drawn back into another passionate embrace and she put up no fight as she and Brenda took up where they had left off the night before. After showering and straightening up the room, Alicia and Brenda headed out to explore downtown Nashville. True to her word, Nashville was bustling with activity and a myriad of cafes, bookstores, and boutiques. They spent the day taking it all in and stopped off at Jack’s Barbecue in the late afternoon, a local favorite for years. The food was definitely not fancy, but it was filling and absolutely delicious.

After eating, they continued their stroll around town finding a great spot just around the corner from the hotel that was offering live blues that night. They caught a quick nap—an actual nap this time—and dressed up to head back to the blues club. The band was vibrant and talented, doing lots of familiar cover hits as well as some of their own originals. Brenda and Alicia danced the night away and by 2 AM they had hit the wall. The combination of dancing and martinis had done their damage and they staggered back to their room, hanging on to one another and laughing.

The rest of the weekend was spent in a similar manner as they celebrated and reveled in their good fortune, both looking forward to a more stable home life once this trip of Alicia’s was done. They did get some disapproving, sideways glances from people as they made no effort to hide their relationship out in public. It was the first time that Brenda had experienced such a thing, but after many years with other female partners, Alicia had gotten used to it.

“Just ignore it….the south is not quite as enlightened as where we live.” Alicia said as they walked arm in arm through this wonderful park in the middle of the city.

“Just feels odd….”

“That was my impression the first time I encountered it. Have never had it go beyond the disapproving looks, though. Guess I have been fortunate.”

Alicia just shrugged and they continued on. Within a few more blocks, Brenda had taken her lover’s advice and just tuned it out. Before she knew it, the 3-day weekend was over and she was saying goodbye again to Alicia at the airport. The trip had been wildly therapeutic, but she boarded the plane with a heavy heart, nonetheless. Brenda nodded off during the cab ride home, the smell of Alicia’s new perfume filling her where it had rubbed onto her top.

Brenda returned to work and did all she could to throw herself into all the projects to distract herself. She did smile, though, as more than one of her colleagues mentioned that she looked relaxed and vibrant after her long weekend. The days of work dragged on for her, but she was able to get sway several more times to join Alicia before the trip was over. The brief interludes were lifesaving to her and in just 4 more days Alicia would be coming home…for good this time.

She had sent the finalized photo spread of the renovations at the house which had been completed ahead of schedule. The job Stan and his team had done was beyond belief. Brenda was struck speechless on the final walkthrough and Alicia was thrilled as well.

“Wait until you see it in person. The photos are good, but they do not really do it justice.”

“Cannot wait. My last group is this week. I’ll be back next Friday night.”

“Hallelujah!”

“Sarah tells me the closing for the condo is set for that Friday as well. I signed the documents via e-mail, so she is just meeting with the new owners that morning to get their signatures and the check. I have 30 days following the closing to get my stuff out and we are done.”

“Yeah….she called me as well. I am moving back home tomorrow, but I will keep clear of the new areas until I see you Friday. I want us to go through it together on your first actual viewing.”

“Great!”

“You going to take care of all your furniture and stuff on your own?”

“Most of my stuff is cheap and just functional. Sarah hooked me up with a contact at Habitat for Humanity and I am donating the bulk of it. Just keeping a few personal items from my family is all. So just my clothes, some kitchen accessories that we can go through and see if they are needed, and a few furnishings that we might be able to use in the new rooms. The furniture and everything are in good shape….it’s just not quite right for me anymore….would definitely not work in the new space I don’t think.”

“You sure? That’s giving up a lot….”

“It’s just stuff, Brenda. Your….I mean our….new home is fully furnished. Your stuff is just the style I adore anyway and most of my things would be duplicates and overload. Would end up just being clutter I am afraid. It’s a done deal.”

“OK. How about the two of us look everything over together before you ship it all away? Just to see….”

“Good idea. As soon as I get back next Friday, we can go through the place and pick out what we want to keep. I can get this friend of mine to help us move anything big if we want to keep it and then Sarah can have the Habitat people meet her to take the rest.”

“How about Saturday? I’d like to have you all to myself Friday with no distractions…”

“Even better. See you Friday.”

“I’ll be here with bells on…..and nothing else….”

“I’m sure I will recognize you…..”

Chapter 16

Friday, August 2, 2013

Alicia’s flight arrived late after a weather delay in Chicago. When, she thought to herself, had she ever come through O’Hare without one. She had called from Chicago to let Brenda know she would be late and that she would come straight to the house as quickly as possible. She pushed her car as hard as she dared knowing there were speed traps along the way between the airport and Brenda’s. The traffic was light due to the late hour and she slid up to the curb in record time. Alicia slammed her door, and ran to the house, just leaving her luggage for the time being.

She knocked at the door and it opened slowly revealing Brenda standing completely naked except for a single jingle bell, the type you would find on a cat collar, hanging prominently from each of her breasts. She let Alicia in and they embraced with a deep kiss as Brenda closed the door. The bells rang wildly as they broke their embrace.

“Glad you warned me….not sure I would have recognized you without the bells,” Alicia said as she batted one of them with her index finger making it jingle.

“Like my new outfit?”

“Except for those damn bells!”

Alicia plucked the ornaments from Brenda’s erect nipples and they kissed again as Brenda pulled her to the floor on top of her own body.

“You could have at least come here with a matching outfit….”

“Not sure TSA would have been so keen on that, not to mention the other passengers in the airport….”

“Prudes!”

She kissed her again and rolled over laughing as Brenda helped her undress. The kissing resumed immediately, becoming more passionate and erotic. Alicia spun around so she could get her mouth down on Brenda and together they probed and licked and kissed until they both came at once and collapsed. Brenda crawled back to face Alicia and they kissed tenderly.

“Now….” Brenda uttered with a sigh of satisfaction, “how about a tour of the new digs?”

“Got a robe?”

“I think we are dressed just fine for the grand tour….”

She stood and offered her hand to Alicia as she walked along and led her behind. She began by entering the large master bedroom which had remained untouched during the project.

“Ready?”

Alicia nodded as Brenda motioned for her to go ahead of her into the renovated bath. The entire feel of the room had been maintained in the teak wood motif that Brenda had done, but the new look was stunning. The old clawfoot tub had been replaced with a more modern version, square in shape and well oversized, even in comparison to the huge clawfoot model. It was sunken into the floor so there was no more climbing over a rim. The room had been expanded to accommodate a full-size jacuzzi tub as well plus a separate steam room. Brenda smiled as she watched Alicia’s eyes take in the room, her mouth open in amazement.

“Is this great or what?”

“You were right….the photos do not do it justice….”

“This, however, is just the appetizer….”

They continued their progress as Brenda led her out of the bath that led into the kitchen and then into what used to be the old mudroom. There was a small bedroom now there, much in the style of the master but just on a reduced scale. It had an attached private bath to top it off. Behind the new bedroom was, as Stan had promised, a smaller but more functional and efficient mudroom with full laundry facilities. Brenda flipped on a light switch by the door and the area of the yard next to the back door was illuminated with a floodlight.

Alicia followed her outside and onto the new redwood deck that had been added. It was gleaming from the protective sealant and it shone in the light. There was a complete complement of new patio furniture as well, a 6-burner propane grill, and off to the far side a wet bar made of black granite. This was Alicia’s first sighting of this….it had been the last addition and Brenda had kept it a secret.

“It’s….well….it’s….”

“I know. I held the final unveiling of this until tonight for you. I know we had asked Stan to include a deck, but for an additional $500 he upgraded us to this. Money well spent if you ask me.”

“Are you kidding me? Did he make any money on this?”

“As soon as we settle the condo and get both of us settled in here, I think a party to celebrate with everyone is in order out here.”

“Yeah….that will be wonderful….”

“Now. Are you ready for the main course?”

“Thought that was you?”

“Har-de-har….brace yourself.”

“I’ve seen the pictures already.”

“OK. But I am pretty sure they will pale in comparison,”

Brenda opened the back door and followed Alicia back through the mudroom and second bedroom and back to their master bedroom. She extended her arm and her open hand to offer Alicia the lead to the spiral staircase that was tucked into the corner. Alicia began the climb with Brenda following.

“I like this view….” Brenda said as she ogled Alicia’s backside as she walked up the stairs.”

Alicia snapped around in surprise, having forgotten for the moment that they were both stark naked. She laughed as Brenda winked at her from below. As Alicia stepped off the staircase and entered the old attic, now a new loft. Brenda flipped on the special light switch Stan had installed and the room was magically bathed in a kaleidoscope of pinpoint lights. They spread over the ceiling and walls giving the very realistic impression of a field of stars. The room was pitch black other than the ambient light from outside….it was beyond mere words. Alicia’s hands flew to her mouth as she gasped at the effect.

“Pretty cool, huh?” Brenda asked as she moved up behind Alicia and hugged her.

“Oh….my….God…..”

“Stan set this up so we can cover the skylights and use it or just darken the whole room and view the real stars.”

With that, she shut off the display and let the room go to black. Alicia looked upward and was entertained by the vivid array of stars that were readily visible in the moonless sky. The skylights were angled perfectly so that the sky could be seen from a sitting or reclining position. Brenda just stood silently letting Alicia take it all in as she had had the orientation with Stan so she would understand how to operate the various lighting panels. It was entertaining to observe Alicia’s reactions, knowing her own must have been the same when Stan had shown it to her.

After a few minutes, Brenda went to the control panel and brought up the muted overhead lights that bathed the entire room in a light giving it a pleasant and romantic atmosphere. The entire loft, as it covered the entire footprint of the house was quite expansive. In this lighting, Alicia could see the walls and ceiling coloring that had allowed the star display to be so vivid. The floors were polished hardwood, with numerous Persian area rugs placed about strategically.

On the far side of the loft, near the front of the house, Stan had built a small alcove that he had set up as a small office for both of them. It was large enough for them to take care of any work that they might bring home yet removed enough not to even feel as if it was part of the rest of the room. As you moved back away from the office area, the room morphed into what had been the primary purpose to begin with: a private retreat for them. There were several oversized sofas lining two of the other walls, all with wonderfully muted colors in keeping with a space to create a relaxing and calm space. All about the floor were huge pillows in matching décor for meditation. Candles of varying sizes and shapes adorned ledges and the few small tables that were present. A brand-new BOSE portable CD player sat in another wall insert as well. On the one remaining wall, Stan had had a Murphy bed installed that could be deployed as needed in case they had guests and needed the space for a 3rd bedroom. They could as well use the bed for their own if they wanted to stay here the night as well.

“One more item of my own to show you now….” Brenda said as she led Alicia to the wall beside the insert for the pulldown bed.

It was a set of double doors that looked as if they belonged to a closet. The cutouts for handles were well concealed by the design and the whole thing ran floor to ceiling. Brenda slipped her fingers into both handle slots and opened the doors. Inside was a multi-shelved storage unit. On each shelf was a display of all of the toys and other devices that had become mainstays of their sex life. Alicia gazed in wonder and then smiled.

“Seems like between you and Stan you thought of everything.”

“He did a great job. The storage closet, though? I just asked him to set up the space and shelving for it. Was not real comfortable with the details of its contents, so I did that later on my own…….in case we stay up here for the night or maybe if we just want to play while we are here.”

“It certainly looks……. comprehensive?”

“Even more so when we add the stuff from your condo….”

They laughed and walked to sit on one of the sofas. Brenda clicked back on the star display and they lay together and just relaxed. Alicia curled into Brenda’s body as she closed her eyes as Brenda gently stroked her hair and back.

“Stan readily acknowledged that he had no real skills for the interior decorating stuff, so he recruited Sarah and one of her professional stagers to finish it all off,” Brenda said as she kissed Alicia on the neck.

“It is simply overwhelming….”

“Yeah. Going into this I had a basic idea of Stan’s plans, but, yeah….the final product is mind-boggling. You were right….this place will never be the same again.”

“But definitely better….”

“WAY better…..”

As they lay together and relaxed, the wind wafted gently outside. The day finally caught up with both of them and they fell asleep right where they had reclined. All was well.

Chapter 17

Saturday, August 3, 2013

Alicia rose first to the sound of a gentle shower that was pattering on the oversized skylights. They had never made it off the sofa from the night before. She looked around in the daylight to take in the entirety of the loft. She had fallen asleep wondering if it was all just a dream, but sure enough there it was. The closing on the condo had gone off without a hitch the day before and Sarah had wired the proceeds into Alicia’s account. All she had to do was write Stan a check for the balance on his invoice and then replace the money she had withdrawn from her business account to pay for all the milestones.

She had done the math on her flight home and she was still stunned at the huge balance she was to be left with after paying off the debts. Maybe a nice trip for them? It was something to talk about….the steady rhythm of the rain was making her drowsy again and she sank back down into the folds of the heavy comforter and wrapped herself around Brenda. Despite it being August, the rain had dropped the temperature and it was feeling more like fall that morning.

“Wh….time to get up?” Brenda mumbled as Alicia kissed her cheek.

“No…just woke up and was looking at this wonderful loft in the daylight. It’s early…go back to sleep.”

In seconds, they were both deep asleep once again. The rain picked up and it was Brenda who awoke this time as thunder rumbled in the distance. Her startled move shook Alicia and they figured it was time to get moving.

“Want to take a run through the condo and start tagging stuff for Habitat?” Alicia asked.

“Sure….want to get the stuff you are bringing here packed up today as well?”

“Might as well. I can call my friend Mike with the truck. He said any time after I got home was good. I am anxious to be out of there so you and I are in just one place. Want to get dressed and get going?”

“I was thinking we might give the new whirlpool bath an initiation first? Kind of cold this morning….”

“So that’s why your nipples are standing at attention….the chill?”

“Not so much. More just being next to you.”

Alicia kissed her softly and they headed back downstairs and Brenda fired up the jacuzzi. They slid into the steaming bubbles and soaped each other thoroughly and just let the warmth seep into their cold muscles.

“This might be the best addition….” Brenda said as she sighed and lay back.

“It’s certainly a nice one….I am still reeling a bit from it all, you know?”

Brenda nodded. As their skin began to prune, they drained the tub and showered off. By the time they were dressed and heading out, the rain had fallen off to just a drizzle. Alicia had called Mike to have him meet them at the condo in about three hours. She figured this would do it as she was taking very little away. She then called Sarah to let her know that after this afternoon, all the contents were up for grab for the charity.

They headed out, coffee in hand, and drove down south to the condo. Brenda let Alicia do the picking and just packed stuff she selected into boxes for the truck. She was there for her opinion on things, but in the end she really just let Alicia do her thing. They both had similar tastes and knew what was picked out would work well in the house. Despite her earlier remonstrations about not being so attached to the condo, Brenda could see Alicia struggling with the procedure.

“You OK?”

“Yeah. I’ve been here so long, leaving is actually more emotional than I had thought it was going to be.”

“Need some space?”

“Hell no. I need you here. I’m OK…..really.”

“You can always save things you are not sure about. Got plenty of storage in the garage. Can always donate things later.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that. But it’s better for me to just make a clean break.”

True to her word, Alicia had gathered only a smattering of boxes to take with her, mostly clothes and some kitchen gadgets. There were a few small antique pieces that she had acquired from her grandmother as well. Whether or not they would fit in, she would have to see once they got back. They did hold some sentimental value, so she could always pass them along to her sister in North Carolina if they did not. She did not want them to just vanish away. She was sure Carol would be thrilled if it came to that.

Just as Brenda was taping up the last box, a truck pulled up out front. A young bearded guy with a burrito in one hand hopped from the cab and walked up to the development as he stuffed the last of the burrito into his mouth. He knocked and called out to Alicia.

“George!” she cried with excitement. “Thanks so much for helping us out.”

“No biggie. Least I can do for your help.”

“Brenda….this is George.”

The burly bear of a man shook her hand vigorously as he entered the condo. He was , Brenda thought, charming despite his size.

“This it?”

“Yep. Just some odds and ends really. The house is pretty well set for furnishings. More just clothes, kitchen stuff and some sentimental items.”

“OK….let’s hit it!”

With that, he sprung forward and began hauling the larger pieces to the ramp of the truck. Using a dolly, he collected the boxes in a few trips and soon everything was loaded and ready to go.”

“Last chance, Alicia….” Brenda said as she locked the door.

“That’s it. Wanna follow us, Mike?”

“Lead the way….”

Alicia piled into the car with Brenda and they sped off as the rain quit back to the house.

“Who is Mike?”

“Pretty interesting dude, huh?”

“He’s different alright. He said helping us was the least he could do for you?”

“Yeah. I bumped into him a couple months ago downtown. He had been having a hard time finding work since he got back from his last deployment in Afghanistan. Just the typical stuff….saw a lot of shit there and was struggling to fit back in here, you know the story I am sure. Anyway, we just sort of struck up a conversation outside this coffee shop and he seemed like a decent guy who just needed a break. I got him a gig at Simmons doing courier work for us.”

“Wow….what a great story…”

“Well….we found out he picked some great IT skills while in the Army. He was being wasted driving our trucks around. I took a chance and talked to our guys at Simmons and Mike is now on our cybersecurity team.”

“Incredible…..you never cease to amaze me, Alicia…”

Mike dropped off Alicia’s things at the house and waved goodbye as he drove off. They stored the few pieces of furniture that Alicia had hung onto in the garage and returned to the house to integrate her personal items into the mix. By the time they had finished, it was dark. Brenda fired up their new grill and started some chicken that had been marinating in a Caribbean mix since they had left earlier. Alicia manned the bar and mixed up a pitcher of Margaritas as some jazz from Grover Washington, Jr. floated out through the window.

They sat at the table near the grill and relaxed under the gentle deck lighting. Dinner was long gone, but the drinks were not and Alicia continued to pour.

“Finally done…..” Alicia said as she sighed and raised her glass to toast Brenda.

“I can’t believe you will actually be in town for a while. We will be like a real couple for once.”

“Me either. I am pushing to make this position I have just a local thing, I loved the traveling when I was single, but now….just an added burden I no longer need.”

“Think they will go for it?”

“With companies it is hard to tell in the long run. For now, though, they have sunk a lot of money and effort into this new centralized training center. I figure they will want to at least get their investment on that back.”

“So tell me….before I came out to Nashville, you mentioned that you had a surprise?”

“I did.”

“In all our….uh…..excitement there, it slipped my mind. Want to fill me in?”

“Sure. Actually, now that the renovations and the condo sale are done the timing is actually better. The original surprise was directed at our sex life, but with everything else over with now I thought I would make it a package proposal.”

“Mmm…..our sex life…..I like the sound of that.”

“Since that appeals to you…..apparently….I will address that first. Would you say our sexual relationship is pretty solid?”

“Absolutely.”

“We both have seemed pretty adventurous and open-minded when it comes to that I think, yes?”

“Yeah.”

“OK. I have tried this one thing in my past that we have not ventured into yet and I wanted to see what you thought. We can talk about it. It’s nothing huge for me, but I know you like a lot of variety as do I.”

“I do. Is this going to weird me out?”

“I have no idea. That is why I thought I would just lay it all out and then we can talk. If it is too much or seems over the top to you, it is no big deal. End of discussion, OK?”

“Sure. Let’s hear it. I am already curious.”

Brenda topped off their drinks and then began.

“When I was with Rene, I let her talk me into getting involved with some of her friends on a couple of occasions into this group thing. I was young at the time and was very easily swayed. Especially when it came to Rene. Later, I realized that this type of thing was not for me but looking back a couple of the experiences were enjoyable.”

“Are you suggesting that we bring in…..”

“Oh, hell no! Like I said, I went along because of Rene and wanting to please her. I never like the dynamic. It made me feel uneasy and too self-conscious. However, I did want to see what you thought of a couple of the activities…..with just you and me.”

“OK. Glad to hear you are not wanting to get into group get-togethers. I just do not think I could do that, you know. It has only been in the last year that I have come to understand and accept my new sexual identity. It’s a good fit for me now with you.

“I get it. So here is what I wanted to see if you had an interest in trying. Have you ever been tied up during sex? I don’t mean some over the top S&M situation. Just gentle restraints like silk scarves at the four corners of a bed….like that.”

“I know of it of course. But, no….I never tried it.”

“The reason I have enjoyed it in the past is the personal dynamic I guess. To enter into this safely, I think you have to have total trust and be in total synch with your partner. I think we have that after just a year together. It introduces an element of vulnerability, but I have found that all of this together can heighten the intensity of the sex enormously.”

“You and Rene did this?”

“We did. I loved it when it was just us, but in her group interest? It made me very uneasy. I just did not know these friends of her all that well.”

“So….what’s it like?”

“Hard to put into words. The combination of trust and vulnerability made my orgasm go off the chart with Rene. As long as we institute a safe phrase—you know, something to use in case one of the other of us feels uncomfortable or wants to stop—I think you would enjoy it.”

“I am curious. I do agree that our relationship contains all those elements. It sounds delightfully wicked. Sure…..that is no problem. Let’s try it sometime and see.”

“OK. Wow…..was not sure I was expecting that reaction, but I’m glad to hear it. We can put it into the rotation and see how it goes. Now….one last thing that is unrelated. I was looking over the numbers following paying off the renovations and closing on the condo.”

“We in trouble with money?”

“The opposite actually. I had no idea that Sarah was going to encounter a bidding war when it went on the market. Even so, I was shocked at what it sold for. Stan is paid up in full, Sarah took her cut from the sale proceeds, and I gave Mike a nice tip despite his protests and it seems there is a nice bit left over.”

“Really?”

“Yep. For our future, I would suggest putting about 60-70% into some investments. Do you have anything going for yourself in that regard?”

“Just my 401K from all my jobs. It has done well but nothing in terms of independent investing. You talking mutual funds, bonds? Like that?”

“I am.”

“Not really my forte.”

“Me either. However, through some places I have done sales for in the past few years, I made some contacts work as professional financial planners. One in particular. His name is Adam Harrington—he’s actually here in town—but was recommended highly. He said to come see him if I ever wanted to do some independent investing.”

“Cool. He has had good success?”

“He has. His fees are reasonable and the returns, while not through the roof like they were in the 80’s, are still good….somewhere in the 6-8% range at a minimum. I think we need to start thinking about stuff like this soon. I have my 401K as well, but additional income streams never hurt.”

“But this is your money….”

“No, Brenda. You have opened up your home to me as we move ahead, so as far as I am concerned, all the proceeds we got belong to us. The funds to get us started can be added to over time…..we can set up drip accounts with Adam to help the initial investment grow faster.”

“Drip account?”

“Yeah. I’m no expert, but basically it is a link from a personal checking or savings account that regularly feeds small amounts on a regular basis—say weekly or monthly—to the investments. It can be set up based on your pay period at work. Make sense?”

“Sure. Seems logical. And I appreciate your generosity very much.”

“Just the way it should be. Adam could meet with us anytime to get it set up. Just needs authorization signatures, what funds we want to get into…..stuff like that. He can even recommend vehicles that he has had a good run with. It’s all based on how aggressive we want to be…..how much risk we want to take on. Adam says at our age we can afford to push the envelope a bit in terms of risk. He keeps close track of what his clients are in and never lets things get out of hand if there is a turndown in the market. He even has a few things that guarantee a certain return despite market trends…..no cap but always a minimum return.”

“I’m in!”

“Great. I’ll call him on Monday and see when we can meet with him. Unless you have any objections, I would suggest we make this a joint venture with each other as sole beneficiaries. On the outside chance things go south with us—perish the thought! —we can have a contingency added to split the balance evenly. Just in case…..”

“I agree. This is exciting!”

“Now. The remaining 30-40%. Is there anything here that needs some TLC? Any repairs that you’ve been putting off? Anything like that?”

Brenda thought for a minute.

“Not that I can think of.”

“How about your car? Isn’t it kind of getting up there in miles?”

“I guess, but….”

“Just answer the question.”

“Sure. It’s a little long in the tooth.”

“I get a company car. Part of my benefits package, so I am good. How about we replace your old Toyota?”

“Alicia….this is too much.”

“Nonsense. Your safety is important to me. I am not sure I want you out there running around in a car that might not make it from A to B. Consider it an insurance policy if you like. I know you, Brenda. It’s not like you are gonna go crazy here. Just like you to have a safe, reliable, comfortable vehicle for work and for our personal use.”

“Seems like I am fighting a losing battle here.”

“On this topic, yes. We can look around tomorrow when the dealerships are closed to see what is out there. You think about what you want and we’ll poke around.”

“I don’t know what to say….”

“It’s OK. My pleasure. With the last bit, I suggest we splurge on ourselves.”

“What did you have in mind?”

“The last couple months have been stressful on us both. Not being together. The renovation disruption. Having to worry about the condo getting sold. Neither of us has been on a real vacation for a while. Think you could swing some time off from Farring?”

“Probably. Just have to ask. What were you thinking about?”

“Ever been to Africa?”

“Africa? Are you serious?”

“Yep. We both love adventure and wildlife. I found this great tour that goes across Kenya and Uganda. Wildlife safari. Even includes a trek into the mountains in Uganda to see the mountain gorillas and a stop by one of Jane Goodall’s projects to see her work with the rehabbing orphaned chimpanzees.”

“Wildlife safari? Uh….we don’t camp….”

“It’s not like that. Very high-end outing. I’d have to show you the details, but trust me, this is not sleeping on the ground in pup tents. Professional chefs. Everything taken care of with class. We’d just have to get some immunizations, make sure our passports are up to date, etc.. I was thinking early next summer as we are approaching fall—was told this was the best time for weather, animal migrations, etc.”

“Sounds interesting. How dangerous is this?”

“How dangerous is life in general?”

“Good point. Can we sit down soon and look over the trip you found?”

“Sure. How about sometime tomorrow after we find you a new car? I think you will be amazed at the quality of the outfitter.”

“I feel like I am in a dream!”

“Me too, Brenda…..me, too…..”

Chapter 18

Sunday, August 4, 2013

Brenda and Alicia arose early knowing they had a full day planned. In addition, Brenda had suggested that they do a long meditation aimed at gratitude for their recent good fortune.

“Normally I practice gratitude before the good fortune appears, but all of what has come our way recently has kind of come in a tidal wave. Plus, we are just now back together.”

“Could not agree more.”

They left the bedroom and climbed the staircase for the loft once again. Brenda drew the shades over the skylights and dropped the bamboo blinds over the windows as Alicia set some background music for relaxation and lit the myriad candles that were set about the room. They settled into comfortable sitting positions on some of the large pillows on the floor as the music filled the room.

After the meditation, Brenda and Alicia left the sanctuary of the loft and got ready for the day. True to her word, the online presentation for the African safari was incredible. Brenda sat mesmerized as she went through the various videos and slide shows on what was offered. The scenery was beyond belief and the level of what was offered as participants went about the daily activities made her know she wanted to do this immediately.

“What do you think?”

“What’s there to think about. That looks fabulous.”

“Want me to go ahead and put down a deposit?”

“You’re sure we have the money for this…..plus the car?”

“Absolutely. It is a splurge for sure, but we deserve it.”

“OK. Let’s do it!”

“Given any thought to your car?”

“I have. I love my little Toyota. Maybe just replace it.”

“It’s up to you. If you would like to upgrade a bit we can swing that as well. If we decide to start taking some local trips as well, we can move up to something that is a little more on the luxury side. But it’s going to basically be your car. It’s your decision.”

“OK. I have a few ideas. Let’s drive around to some dealerships and see what is out there.”

Later that afternoon, they returned downtown with a lot of photos from the browsing expedition as they sipped beers on the patio at one of their favorite hangouts. Alicia looked along with Brenda but remained mute on the selection process. After a lot of back and forth, Brenda finally decided on an Audi. The price points were not all that different anymore between some of the middle of the road imports and the Audi line. It was a little bigger, had a lot more amenities than her old Toyota had, and…..well…..it was sexy.

“Make your decision?”

“Yep. The Audi A5 Coupe. That little shiny black one by the entrance. Remember it?”

“I do. Good choice. Why don’t you call them tomorrow, put in an order.”

“Just like that?”

“That’s the one you want?”

“It is. You like it?”

“Love it. Awesome choice. Tell them to call me and I will write a check. Get whatever add-ons you want.”

“OK! Thanks so much. We will look so cool motoring around in it!”

“Damn right we will!”

They clinked their bottles together as Brenda leaned over and gave Alicia a huge kiss.

“Finish up your beer,” Brenda said as she leaned over. “I think I owe you a big thank you back at the house.”

“If you insist….”

They laughed, tipped up their bottles and hurried home.

Alicia lay sheened in sweat and utterly limp after Brenda’s “big thank you”. The massage had left her aroused yet relaxed as Brenda had secured her wrists and ankles to the four corners of their bed and had proceeded to tease and excite her as she tried out Alicia’s desire to experiment with light bondage. As she began, Brenda was shocked at how she was turned on as well as Alicia writhed against the silk ties and arched in pleasure. The combination of seeing her partner cry out and submit to her vulnerability was arousing to her as well. Alicia had been right, Brenda thought as she slid away following Alicia’s final cataclysmic orgasm….this did seem to take the experience to a whole new level. She was looking forward to her first experience being subjected to this.

She released the restraints and they lay together for the afternoon alternatively dozing and playing idly with one another. Before they knew it, the day was done and night had crept in without their having noticed.

“You were right, Alicia….that was wild, even for me.”

“Been a long time since I have done that….you are a natural.”

“It was like the binding just raised the intensity to the next level.”

“That has always been my experience….as I am sure you saw.”

“I did. For me, too, even as the one in control.”

They showered and dressed in loose sweats as Brenda threw some fresh salmon on the grill to go with a salad that Alicia put together. They ate in the quiet of the summer evening, serenaded by crickets and the resident owl that had apparently decided to take up permanent residence in the rafters of the decrepit garage. It was the perfect ending to a perfect day.

The new work week came on and their normal routine took over. Brenda picked up the new car and put her old Toyota up for sale in a local classified site. It sold quickly being acquired by a local college student who just needed some basic transportation to and from his apartment and campus. The Audi was a delight. Brenda had never had the pleasure of such a luxury for transportation in her life and she was having a ball driving it. It certainly turned heads the first time she pulled into the lot at Farring…..she was the envy of all her male colleagues.

She and Alicia continued to grow closer now that they were spending more and more time together with Alicia working out of the centralized training center. They had well-coordinated schedules and had begun to regularly attend the theater, concerts, and various lectures and workshops that were of intellectual interest. In mid-September, they threw a monster party at the house to unveil their new living space. All their friends were amazed and some left speechless at what Brenda’s former simple cottage had been transformed into. Stan and Sarah were applauded warmly when Brenda and Alicia made a special recognition of them at dinner.

Stan, who was by nature reserved and introverted, withstood the acknowledgment reluctantly as he stood with Sarah. Sarah, by nature, was the complete opposite and he felt buffered by her at being suddenly thrust into being the center of attention of the large group of guests. In the end, though, it was an unexpected boost to his business. Following the dinner, Stan and his group were flooded with inquiries and requests for future work. His formerly small organization was no longer able to field the influx of interest, and he and Sarah revamped themselves professionally. They merged their efforts officially and the new company, Peterson Enterprises, was born melding the talents of the former Peterson Building and Bingham Realty as a one-stop offering.

Both Brenda and Alicia continued to flourish professionally. Brenda was promoted to run the entire marketing sphere of Farring Designs as Tom’s pioneering efforts to increase their presence around the country had been wildly successful. He had even begun putting out feelers for some international offices as well, and Brenda went along on some of these trips to do formal presentations as to what the organization could offer to potential investors. Ironically, it was now Brenda who was temporarily on the road, leaving Alicia at home to keep everything humming along.

It was again not ideal for them personally, but the perks that were likely to come to them on a financial basis, they decided, were well worth the sacrifice. Alicia, as well, was making a larger name for herself at Simmons, which had now been acquired by Astra Zeneca with headquarters in Cambridge, England as well as Sweden and Maryland. They had technologies and training niches available that were cutting into the larger firm’s territories and it was simpler for them to offer an acquisition than to continue to have them as a formidable and growing competitor.

They had offered many of the employees at Simmons an extremely generous buyout package where redundant positions occurred. Alicia, however, was not one of them. They were quite impressed with how she had handled and nurtured the growth of the sales force at Simmons. They had never even considered such a centralized training program and they gave her the same opportunity within the new organization. The core of the program was to remain in the US for the time being with hub offices for training in England and Sweden. Alicia was given responsibility to oversee all three locales. She promoted two of her most senior sales reps to the offices in Cambridge and Stockholm who she knew had grown as weary of the constant road routine as she had.

Both were given significant salary increases with these new positions which allowed them to begin making greater contributions to their portfolio with Adam. This huge influx of money, Adam had mentioned to them, was funding them at a rapid pace for retirement.

“It’s possible,” Adam told them during their regularly scheduled update that week, “that you could consider retiring early if you are so inclined.”

“Really?” Brenda asked incredulously.

“Interested?” Adam asked.

“Sure!” they both replied together, then laughed at how they had responded together.

“It not likely this year or even next, but at the rate you are building your portfolio and based on your average living expenses since I have been working with you, it certainly is an option soon. Just depends on your goals for how you want to live.”

“Want to work up some scenarios are get back to us?” Alicia asked.

“You bet. How about we meet again in two weeks.”

“Sounds good.”

Chapter 19

October 15, 2015

Their personal relationship had blossomed almost in synch with their professional lives. In just a couple years, Brenda had seen herself completely transform in her intimate relationship with Alicia. Since they had first met, she had followed a route that previously she would have never thought possible. She thought back to the early days of their relationship and Brenda was hardly recognizable anymore when it came to their sexual lives. Brenda, now, more often than not, took the lead initiating their lovemaking. She became bolder as well as more skilled, and Alicia was often taken off-guard by her partner. Not that it bothered her—just the opposite. Though neither of them was particularly what you might regard as outdoor types, Alicia and Brenda often took time away from work for a few hours or on a weekend to wander far off the beaten track into the forest or up into the foothills near their home for sex. They had found several favorite spots: one a thick mossy patch by this stream deep in the woods that allowed them total privacy and another that was high up on a rocky ridge.

The hike up this one ridge often left them sweaty and panting and they would hang their clothes on nearby tree limbs to dry while they spent hours with each other. Likewise, the mossy bed that ran up next to the Heron River was a natural bed for them, the dense fronds of growth caressing their naked bodies as they explored each other thoroughly. Both locations were wonderfully isolated, but as time went on, both became so oblivious to their surroundings that neither ever worried about being discovered.

Brenda’s evolution sexually expanded elsewhere as well. Alicia would often find a slender finger or two making their way into her as they sat in a darkened movie theater. As well, they had put in some trees in the backyard to provide more shade and as the trees grew in they found an added bonus of more privacy outside at home. They had a special lounge bed made for the deck which they often availed themselves of in the summers. Or….just used the spacious expanse of the yard itself, their bodies glimmering in the moonlight as they brought each other to orgasm over and over.

As he had suggested, they met with Adam again in two weeks to see what he had to offer them in terms of a possible early retirement. The extra funds that they had been moving into their accounts were indeed paying off. Adam brought up all their joint accounts on the computer and explained how things had moved forward for them over the last year or so. Brenda’s eyes flew wide when she saw how rapidly the accounts had accumulated. Alicia was more accustomed to the investment game and was not as stunned, but she could not hide her obvious glee at the numbers.

“We have been fairly aggressive with your main accounts,” Adam said, “and it has paid off. We took a gamble and were fortunate. I have left a portion of the investment in more conservative areas just for insurance in case there was a sudden or unexpected drop in the market, but as you can see…..”

“Yeah….I can…..” Brenda replied, nearly leaping out of her skin.

“So what are our options for packing it in early, Adam?” Alicia asked.

“Quite frankly, unless you are looking to change your lifestyle dramatically or alter your current spending habits significantly, I would say you could seriously consider this within two to three years if you want to.”

“Two to three years? Seriously?” Brenda asked incredulously.

“From a purely financial-based perspective…..yeah. You can see the numbers.”

Brenda and Alicia stared at each other and just smiled.

“Ladies…..the money is there barring some bizarre fluctuation. It just depends, I think, more on how tied you are emotionally and personally to your jobs. A lot of my clients do define themselves on what they do for a living. Once that ends, they often are lost. I know you both love what you do, so I guess that is something to consider. I would recommend that we let all your accounts just ride where they are for now, we look at the numbers every six months, and talk it all over. That will give you an idea of where things have moved since this meeting and also give you both time to really think about what you will do if you walk away from your careers.”

Brenda and Alicia thanked Adam and left his office in a bit of a haze. They had been monitoring the accounts from monthly statements, but neither had really seen the bigger picture. They walked hand in hand from Adam’s office to a nearby pub to grab a beer and talk.

“What do you think about what Adam said…..you know…..about being defined by a job?” Brenda asked as the wind gently blew Alicia’s long blonde hair across her face.

“I have heard that concern voiced a lot. I love my job at Simmons….oops….Astra Zeneca now….I keep having trouble remembering the new set up. It is an ideal gig, but quite frankly I am beginning to feel the tug of having had enough some days. I always figured I would have to work for so many more years before considering this, but since we began investing together, it seems like we are facing a new scenario.”

“I know what you mean. I knew we were doing well, but until today I had no idea what we really had. Would you miss the place and your position…..you know……if we called it quits in say…two years or so?”

“You know, Brenda…..the company treated me very well during the acquisition. I could not have asked for a better situation, colleagues, or compensation, but the huge nature of the organization now is just not me. I have always loved a smaller company. Some days the huge behemoth of Astra Zeneca is just like a weight around my neck.”

“Sure. It is one of the things I still love about Farring. It has stayed relatively small. Sure, Tom is expanding us here in the US and abroad, but each location seems to be more or less self-contained and none of the places I have gone with him to work at feel overwhelming in that regard.”

“So would you be ready to pack it in two years from now?”

“I’m not sure. Tom took a real chance with me and I have loved everything I have had the opportunity to be involved in as he gave me more and more responsibility. Maybe talk about this again in six-month check-ups with Adam and see how we feel as time goes by. A lot can change in that time. We both might be looking at completely different circumstances over time. Would it bother you if we both did not retire at exactly the same time? I am not sure how that might work….just a thought.”

“I understand. Sure. I think discussing this again with Adam as he suggested is a great idea. As to retiring in a staggered fashion? I don’t know….I never really thought about it. Think that would present any hiccups for us on a personal basis?”

“I guess it might. I know we both want to travel when this happens….just for fun, not business travel…..it is a whole other thing. If I am still working and helping out Tom like I have, it might cause some friction between us if you just want to play….you know?”

“That had occurred to me, but this is probably more than a year off. Let’s just shelve it for now. Let’s see where each of our jobs takes us between now and then and we can talk as time goes by. Like you said…..a lot can happen in a year.”

“Agreed. In the meantime, I feel another celebration coming on. This is great news we got today! Care to join me?”

“Seems you are already starting, Brenda…..or is that someone else’s hand creeping up my thigh and poking around?”

“Problem?”

“Not at all….why don’t we finish up here and head home. I’d prefer much more from you than just some wandering fingers.”

Brenda laughed as she clinked beer bottles with Alicia. She leaned over, kissed her partner deep and long, and they went back to the car to drive home for a proper celebration.

Chapter 20

March 4, 2016

Sure enough, Brenda’s observation that a lot could change in a year materialized. However, it had not taken a year, but just five months. It was fortuitous as their next update meeting with Adam was to occur in April. The expansion of Farring had attracted the eye of some suitors, and Tom called Brenda into his office as she was about to leave for home.

“Got a minute?”

“Sure. Just heading out for the day. What’s up?”

“Close the door. Have a seat.”

Brenda had always felt a shockwave of anxiety run through her gut when other bosses had uttered this phrase, and this time was no different. She eased the office door shut and sat in front of Tom waiting to see if maybe she was being downsized. In other times, it might have given her more of a fright, but based on the last meeting with Adam, Brenda knew that her financial position now was not so precarious as it has been earlier in her career. Who was she kidding? She was sure she could just walk away from Farring right now if she so desired since their investments had done so well, but she loved what she was doing. Besides, as far as she could tell, Farring was thriving way beyond anything she might have envisioned when Tom had hired her.

The look on his face was not giving away any clues, either, but he certainly was not exhibiting the demeanor of a man who was about to tell her she was being laid off. Still, she was nervous and feeling unsettled as she sat down with him.

“Brenda…..Icannot tell you how grateful I am for having found you to join us here. You have by far exceeded everything I was expecting of you when you came on board. And the expansions we have rolled out in both Europe and South America have been smoother than they otherwise might have been without your input and dedication.”

Brenda appreciated the accolades, but it sure seemed like there was a ’but” qualifier that was about to be dropped on her. Just her own personal experience…..

“But……” Brenda asked.

“Oh, crap! Did you think you were getting laid off?”

“It crossed my mind…..”

“I’m sorry. I can see where you got that idea. No….no….no……”

Brenda relaxed, but was now more baffled by his words than if she was on the chopping block.

“I am guessing you have been aware of all the meetings going on in the last month or so with all the suits parading in and out of here that looked foreign?”

“Sure….just figured it was new clients or something. No?”

“Brenda, we have done well as of late. No big surprise to you, I know. When you do this well, it attracts interest around the industry. There is a place called Yorh Ekin, based in Berlin. You heard of them?”

“Cannot say that I have.”

“They have a big international presence everywhere except here in the US. They do a wide range of things, such as graphic design, web design, product design, photography, art and music composition to name a few. They are much more technologically advanced in the field than we are, but they like what we have amassed in the last year or two in terms of intellectual capital and innovation. They are wanting to have an American presence.”

“Another collaboration?”

“More than that, actually. They are big. I mean WAY big. They dwarf us considerably even with our recent expansions. They would like to buy us out.”

“Wow! This is big!”

Tom nodded, but Brenda noticed that he was not looking so enthusiastic as she might have imagined he should be.

“It is, but I am a bit wary of the opportunity based on how it would impact our team here.”

“Oh…..positions eliminated due to redundancy of function, that kind of thing?”

Tom nodded and sighed.

“They have offered quite a nice initial offer. It would give current employees the choice of becoming fully absorbed into the new organization, but most likely this office would just go away. So, they would be relocated elsewhere. Or….they can take the buyout package that Yorh Ekin is offering if they choose not to. I know most of our team is pretty settled here locally with families, etc., so the relocation option might not be so attractive.”

“No longer in the US, I am guessing?”

“Exactly. The buyout payment is not trivial, but for some here I think the work is more of a perk than the money.”

Brenda nodded, knowing this was the case for many. Tom was definitely not cheap on the compensation side of Farring, but a lot of her colleagues found the work to be just as important if not more so than their salaries. The pause in the conversation made her wonder why he was talking to her one-on-one, even though, she supposed, they had become almost like partners without the actual arrangement.

“You leaning one way or the other strongly?”

“You know my Dad has been pretty ill lately, right?”

Brenda nodded, knowing that Tom had been stressed to the brink in the last few months ever since his father had been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. His mother was doing what she could, but Tom was intervening more and more as his care was wearing her down.

“I want this offer to be fair to everyone. But I do not know how much longer I can run the place and try and take care of my parents. It may sound selfish, but, yeah…..I am seriously considering taking a buyout payment.”

Brenda had not considered the possibility that Tom would be selling out so he could retire and be better able to attend to his family. That one, she had not seen coming at all.

“Want my opinion? For what it’s worth?”

Tom nodded eagerly. Brenda had become a great source for him as of late in bouncing around ideas and possibilities, both professionally and personally.

“You built this place from the ground up, right? To me, then, that is more of a deciding factor than anything. The people here love you, Tom. Lay it all out for them. If you feel comfortable, give them your personal situation and why you would accept the deal. I think you might be surprised at their support and response.”

“Really? That how you feel too?”

“Absolutely. You took a huge chance on me. It is your baby, Tom. And you need to do what is best for you, period. There are a lot of similar businesses here that would jump at the chance to have some of our staff. In fact, I know there have been offers here and there since I have been here in this regard. They all declined, Tom. They love what we do at Farring and more importantly, they have enormous respect and dedication to you, boss.”

Tom went silent. He put his hand to the bridge of his nose and wiped away a tear.

“Thanks, Brenda. I had no idea.”

“I figured as much. No one makes a big show of it, Tom. They just are the way they are. I think it speaks to you being able to pick out true character and integrity in your staff in addition to what professional skills they bring to the table.”

Tom looked across the desk at her and mouthed his thanks again.

“Which brings me to the other part of this potential deal, Brenda.”

“There’s more?”

“Yep. And it will affect you significantly. Based on the conversations so far, they have indicated how impressed they are with you. How integral you were in setting up and organizing our satellite offices. And how at ease and comfortable you make our new clients feel. Part of the pitch was that you serve as the American liaison for them.”

“Huh?”

“They want you to be the go-between for their established international offices and in coordinating and running the US presence here. You would be based in Berlin.”

Brenda was stunned and sat with her mouth agape. How in the hell had she gone from where she had been brought in at Farring to this? It was a quick turn of 180 degrees going from thinking she might be getting laid off to this……

“Are you serious?”

“I am. It would be a senior VP position with Yorh Ekin. You would report directly to the CEO there, Yorh Ekin himself. It is entirely up to you, though. It would not be a deal- breaker if you choose not to do it, but they have made it clear that they would be very happy if you did accept.”

Brenda was speechless. She and Alicia had just been talking about calling it quits in maybe a year or so, and now this had fallen in her lap. She did not know what to say. Either to Tom or Alicia. The opportunity itself sounded like a marvelous thing but living in Europe was definitely going to be a snag in her personal life.

“I know this is sudden and a lot to absorb all at once. Think it over for a while. Here is a folder with all the details of the offer as they stand now. This may get tweaked over time, if I accept it, but the skeleton of the offer will not. Talk to Alicia. I know something like this is more than just a decision on your professional life.”

Brenda took the information from Tom and slid it into her briefcase.

“One thing, Tom?”

“Sure?”

“They asked for me on their own?”

“They did. They researched us thoroughly and put your accomplishments here under a microscope……German’s you know…..”

She laughed with him.

“And they got some other recommendations based on what they saw?”

“They did.”

“Mind if I ask who?”

“It was me. I told them they could not get anyone better for this position. Period.”

“Thanks, Tom. When do they want an answer from you?”

“They want to get a feel of your level of interest first. Seems Mr. Ekin wants to know upfront if you are on board or if he will need to look elsewhere for the liaison slot. There is no rush, but I am guessing we do not want to drag this out any longer than is absolutely necessary. Once you make a decision, and assuming I decide to take the offer, then more serious talks will commence. You will obviously be a vital part of them.”

She nodded uncomfortably and Tom walked her out. She sat in her Audi and just stared out the window after Tom drove off. If she had been single, she would have jumped at this offer. There would have been nothing to even think about, assuming all the numbers looked good in terms of compensation. But now…..what about Alicia. Their last conversation had indicated that she was still feeling a bit worn down by the Astra Zeneca merger at Simmons. That she was leaning more toward just calling it quits soon.

Brenda thought back on their talk about a staggered retirement option. On paper, she guessed that sounded possible, but in her heart, it did not. She was sure this would be an exciting and unique opportunity, but she was not sure if, one, she really needed the money, and two, was it worth maybe screwing up her relationship with Alicia. The answer to number one was probably no, but she could have Adam answer that one. The answer to number two, she felt, was pretty high.

Chapter 21

Brenda coasted into the driveway, still wondering if her meeting with Tom had been for real. A light breeze tossed some leaves from the street into her lap and she could smell enticing aromas wafting her way from the back of the house where Alicia was apparently already busy at the grill. No dream. This was happening. Brenda locked the car and lugged her briefcase along as she walked in measured steps to the front door. As she reached for the handle, the clouds that had been building all day became thicker and thunder rumbled overhead. She popped inside just as large drops of rain began to mark the pavement and she heard Alicia rush inside with dinner before she and the food got doused.

Alicia bounced into the living room after having set the platter of barbecued chicken aside in the kitchen to greet Brenda. She found Brenda sitting on the sofa, still in her coat with her briefcase on her lap, just staring at nothing in particular. She toned down her enthusiasm a degree or two, as it was obvious that something was up. She sat with Brenda and waited, knowing she would reveal what was going on in her own time. Brenda snapped out of her trance and smiled at Alicia, accepting her long, deep kiss as always.

“Rough day?” Alicia asked as she could not stand it any longer.

“More interesting, I guess……”

“Want to talk about it?”

“Yeah. Definitely. Could we have a drink first?”

“Yikes! One of those interesting days. I’ve been there.”

Brenda smiled weakly at Alicia’s joke and stood to shrug out of her coat as bolts of lightning now sprung up to join the fury outside as the isolated fat drops of rain had grown to a full-blown downpour. The lights inside flickered once…..then again….and then just went out. Brenda lit the emergency candles they kept close by as the gloomy storm was making the inside of the house feel like it was much later than it was.

“Good thing I cooked on the grill tonight. Sounds like a long one outside tonight.Beer OK?”

“Sure.”

Brenda was at a loss as to how to even begin. Just lay it all out she guessed. She took the chilled bottle from Alicia and they clinked them before sitting together again and relaxing.

“You OK? You are awfully quiet tonight.”

Brenda sat her bottle on the table and slowly went through the whole scenario that Tom had laid out for her just hours earlier. She could see the surprise and disbelief in Alicia’s face, and was sure it was probably what she had looked like to Tom. Alicia did not interrupt her and Brenda took a long drink once she was done.

“So that is what I just found out on my way out the door tonight. Needless to say, I am a bit unsettled over it all.”

“This is amazing, I must say, Brenda. What are you going to do?”

“Well…..first of all I wanted to talk to you. This is almost diametrically opposed to what we talked about recently in terms of an early retirement. You know…..my concerns over us retiring sooner than later and how weird it might be to call it quits at different times.”

“Does it sound like something you would want to do?”

“Under other circumstances, sure….but with us and what we planned, I am not so sure.”

“Think Tom will take the offer?”

“My knee jerk reaction says yes. It has been really hard for him trying to run the agency and take care of his parents lately. I am not sure he has much of a choice quite frankly. He is worried about how it will impact the staff, but I think I put his mind at ease tonight about that.”

“Senior VP, huh? Holy shit!”

“Yeah….at least.”

“You look at the specifics yet?”

“Not yet.” Brenda tapped the folder as she spoke. “It’s all here.”

“Think maybe you need to look that over first, Brenda. There might be some part of the new arrangement that you might not care for, and then it would be a moot point. Trust me….when the Astra Zeneca merger happened, there were a number of small details that I was not too keen on. But that situation was not my call. Sounds like you might have some say in this one. In a lot of ways my new position is good, but in more ways than I would like to admit, I really miss the old Simmons.”

“Good idea. Since you have been through something similar, could I get you to look at all the stuff Tom gave me and get your thoughts?”

“Sure. Let’s eat first and then we can go through the offer sheet.”

Brenda smiled and kissed her again and followed her to the kitchen carrying two candles to light their way. Thankfully, to Brenda, they did not discuss the matter over dinner. Their conversation was light and just focused on other things. After dinner, Brenda left Alicia alone in the kitchen as she fetched the folder. It was slim….just a half a dozen documents or so, and Brenda passed each one on to Alicia as she finished reading them. The more information that she read, the more intrigued she became with the offer. It was a very generous offer, and Brenda thought it would be hard to pass on it.

It was not just the financial compensation that was appealing. The responsibility and the challenge of the position itself were just as interesting. It would expand well beyond what Tom had given her the freedom to be involved with and was something she never thought might even be a possibility for her. She sat back and took a long draw on her beer, setting the empty bottle aside as she waited for Alicia to finish up the last page.

“Did you see all that they are offering here?”

“I did. If it was not in writing, I am not sure I would believe it.”

“Brenda…..I think you have stepped into a gold mine here. I am not sure you would want to turn this down, both from a financial perspective, as well as from a professional/intellectual one.”

“But…..”

“Let me finish. This is not my field, but looking at equivalent positions in where I have worked, this offer is virtually unheard of. The salary they are proposing is obscene, no offense intended. And on top of that, they are paying for your living expenses since you would have to relocate to Berlin. I have spent some time in Berlin, Brenda. The stipend they are giving you would allow you to live very well.”

“Yeah. I saw that. Tom had not mentioned any of the details to me. Guessing he did not want to color my perceptions first. But what about us? And our plans?”

“Let me ask you this. If you took all the outside issues away, and it was just a job offer, what would you do? No you and me, none of that…..”

“I guess I would take it. It is incredible….at least on paper.”

“Good. Couple things. First, I would never want you to turn down the professional opportunity of a lifetime because of me. If this is something you really want, then we can work around that. And second, I think it might be a good idea to get Adam’s input on the financial piece, due to international stuff, taxes, all that. Maybe have a lawyer take a peek as well just to make sure we are not missing anything….or are misinterpreting some of the language.”

“Sure. I already thought of Adam and a lawyer. But I am not sure I want to put us in jeopardy, just for a job, Alicia. Do we really need more money?”

“We can let Adam tell us that. As to us….I have a suggestion…..it came to me while I was reading the offer.”

“OK…..”

“The house here is almost paid off, right? What do we have, another 6 months or so on the mortgage?”

“Something like that.”

“I have not been thrilled with the direction that my career with Astra Zeneca is going these days. You know that as well as me. And thank you for putting up with all my bitching and whining about it, by the way. I am not sure how much longer I want to keep going into a situation that is making me more miserable than it is giving me back any professional satisfaction. You have any idea of the time frame for this buyout?”

“Tom said my decision was no rush, but I got the feeling that they would like to move on this quickly. Apparently, there are multiple other organizations interested in Farring, but Tom seems pretty keen on what Yorh Ekin has proposed relative to other options. I think he needs to be at home with his parents ASAP.”

“Even better. For the sake of argument, let’s say you tell them yes. Here is my idea…..I can stay at Astra Zeneca until the mortgage is paid in full…..like we said, maybe another six months or so. We will then have this place free and clear while you go to Berlin. I can join you when I wrap up things with my job. I know that part of Germany well, and would be happy to give you whatever support you might need in the new gig.”

“I might find something there to pursue with my background, or maybe not. From what Adam had told us, I do not think it is a big deal if I do not. We can ride out your new opportunity for as long as you want and then pick a date and just pull the plug together.”

“What if we end up wanting different things, or want to pursue a different time table once you are there? My concern is that you might want to just be retired and be done with the workplace and maybe I will not…..depends on this new job.”

“Just like any other couple, Brenda. Nothing is guaranteed. We will cross that bridge, if we have to, when we come to it.”

“And the house? I hate to walk away from it…..”

“Me, too, but we can rent it out through Stan and Sarah. It will always be here for us.”

“Sounds possible…….think we could get in to see Adam tomorrow or the next day?”

“Have to ask, but he has always made time for us. And I am sure he could recommend a good lawyer to look over the paperwork, too.”

Brenda sighed and smiled, feeling much more at ease and happy about this unexpected turn of events than she had just a few minutes ago. Like Alicia had said, nothing was guaranteed, but at least it seemed like they were on the same page and moving forward together.

“OK…..let’s do that first. If all looks good from them, then I guess I will tell Tom that I accept the offer and we can begin what he is calling ‘more serious negotiations’.”

“And if for some reason it falls apart, we are good now and we can still consider an early retirement right here. Either way, I think we are cool.”

“Indeed we are. Could I talk you into a continuation of the celebration we began a few weeks ago when we found out we could retire early?”

“I suppose…..what did you have in mind?”

Brenda stood and slipped Alicia’s over-sized T-shirt over her head, leaving her standing in just her jeans. Alicia undid the snap of her pants and let them fall to the floor so that she was now just wearing the peach-colored thong underwear that she knew was Brenda’s favorite. Brenda’s heart pounded as Alicia came closer, her nipples hard and erect as she crushed Brenda to her.

“As is often the case, you once again seem to be way overdressed for this party,” Alicia whispered into Brenda’s ear as she let her tongue play around Brenda’s lobe.

“Guess you will have to do something about that, then…….”

Chapter 22

Brenda awoke the next morning feeling content but utterly exhausted from their “celebration”. She looked over to see Alicia still fast asleep, the sheet lying diagonally across her stomach, exposing one breast. She just looked on her partner and smiled as she watched the steady rise and fall of her breathing. Ever since the first time they had slept together, Brenda had been comforted and reassured by observing Alicia’s respirations while she slept. This morning was no different.

She lay her head on her arm, as it was bent underneath it, and felt a love and a closeness to Alicia that she had never had with another person. Brenda had come home full of anxiety and fear and apprehension about this new opportunity, and just like that, Alicia had “talked her off the ledge”. She had been with a number of men in her life before she and Alicia had found each other, and she could not imagine any of them having had the insight or sensitivity or creativity to a solution to what she had seen as a problem.

It brought a tear to her eye and she wiped it away as she was grateful for her good fortune in having met such a unique and wonderful woman. As she continued to stare, Alicia woke groggily and met her gaze.

“Good morning….”

“You, too….”

“Can I ask you something, Brenda?”

“Of course.”

“These celebrations we have? Why is it you insist on activities that make it a challenge for me to function the next day?”

They both laughed quietly as Brenda came close and kissed her softly, yet deeply. Despite her comment, Alicia found herself instantly aroused at her lover’s touch, and she climbed atop Brenda as she felt Brenda squeeze her firmly with her legs. One thing led to another, and the two were quickly intertwined, making the previous night’s performance just a prelude to the present.

************

With great reluctance, Brenda and Alicia forced themselves out of bed and showered—without extracurriculars this time—and headed off in Brenda’s new Audi to meet with Adam to get his thoughts on this new development in their lives. They sat patiently with fresh coffee in hand as Adam plugged all the numbers into his system to show them the various scenarios they could consider. He finally looked up at them and smiled.

“Good news?” Brenda asked.

“Actually that is all this will entail,” he replied as he sat back and tented his fingers. “You guys are in a very enviable position with this development. Though from a purely financial perspective you were already there even without this situation.”

“OK…OK,” Alicia shot back with a chuckle, “just give us the skinny for both options.”

“Sure. The big picture is that it really depends on two things. One, unless Brenda really wants to take on this new challenge, from a financial perspective it is not absolutely necessary. You guys have done well with your investments since we began and what you have now is as I said before enviable by most.”

“Number two?” Brenda asked as she leaned forward.

“In all retirement schemes you need to really be clear about what your annual expenditures will be moving forward since you will not have your old income streams coming in anymore. But I am sure this is obvious.”

“Of course,” Alicia added. “I cannot speak for Brenda, but I would say it is unlikely our lifestyle would change dramatically from how we live now. Maybe a bit more travel is all I could envision. Brenda?”

“I would agree. But one other question, Adam?”

“Shoot.”

“How about a market downturn? How vulnerable might we be if that happened?”

“Yeah…good question,” Alicia said.

“Thinking of that mess back in 2008-2009?” Adam asked.

They both nodded vigorously.

“A valid concern. But as I told you when we began, I set up a base portion of your holdings that would guard against this. If we did have a repeat of that nightmare, sure you would take a hit. It would be impossible to avoid completely. But with how I have you structured right now you would never have to be concerned about being wiped out like what happened to a lot of people back then.”

Brenda and Alicia smiled and nodded.

“And at some point you will have social security to fall back on. However if you retire…let’s say within the next year just as an example…it would be quite a while before you would want to take advantage of that option. Just speaking as your financial advisor to help you get the most out of your savings.”

“Assuming social security is still solvent by then?” Brenda posed.

Adam waved his hand in a dismissive gesture.

“I would not worry about that if I were you. All that stuff you read in the papers and see on the internet about social security going belly up? Just more fear tactics from politicians in my humble opinion.”

“Impossible to happen?” Alicia asked.

“No…of course not. Nothing is impossible. But that happening is so unlikely I do not even discuss it with my clients. And even in a worst-case scenario. Let’s say it did for some bizarre reason—though I cannot imagine Congress allowing that to happen—you guys are well-heeled enough with your own investments that you may in fact never need to touch it. You have any idea how few Americans can say that?”

“OK…OK….we give,” Brenda said with a laugh holding up her hands in a mock gesture of surrender.

“So basically this comes down to Brenda’s wanting to do this for the professional challenge/fulfillment and not for financial reasons?” Alicia asked.

“That would be my take. It is never a mistake to amass as much capital as you can of course but Brenda it is not like you need to take this gig for the money. That is all I am saying. A lot of people do a lot of things professionally these days for reasons other than the salary as I am sure you well know.”

“Sure…sure…” Brenda replied. “And this opportunity would require me to relocate to Berlin due to this merger.”

“That in and of itself is a major factor to consider guys,” Adam added. “I know you are settled and happy here. Just think long and hard about how much of an emotional and personal upheaval this might be to you if you decide to agree to the new position. Is it really worth the strain on your relationship to be thousands of miles apart for…what was it you said, Alicia…six months?”

“At least six months,” Alicia replied as she looked over at Brenda.

“That is something that will most likely be key in us deciding on this, Adam. You know as well as any of our friends about us and how we have come to be together as a couple. Things here are not quite as warm and fuzzy toward same-sex couples as we would like, but overall we have a pretty good life. We are a bit unsure about what that kind of distance for that long might do to us. Neither of us do well with the long-distance thing, you know?”

Adam smiled and nodded.

“Understood, guys. One last bit of advice from your financial advisor?”

They looked over at him.

“And if you ever repeat this I will vehemently deny it. But sometimes there are more important things in life than money. I ask you to keep that between us due to what I do for a living. But the good news is from my perspective you two have both…rock-solid finances plus one of the closest, most committed relationships I have ever seen.”

Brenda and Alicia stood and hugged Adam warmly at the door as they said goodbye thanking him for making time in his day for them that had been urgent. They returned to the Audi and set off for home to discuss their final decision. Despite all the advice Adam had given them to let them know they needed to take this Berlin thing on only out of a professional desire, Brenda was still on the fence. It was true that there were more important things in her life than money. Alicia had proven that to her from the first time they had met. But this was something that she felt was calling to her intrinsically to round out the last lap of her professional development.

As long as she could remember she had always tried to live her life never wanting to look back one day and ask, “what if”. Brenda knew she would rather shoot for the stars and fall flat on her face than to never try in the first place. And if she was still single this would be a no-brainer. But she wasn’t and this was not. She and Alicia would have to discuss this long and hard because she knew better than her partner that all the professional challenge part of this aside, a six-month or more separation would likely kill her. She was sure Alicia felt the same way when she felt Alicia’s hand slide along her inner thigh and caress her gently.

Chapter 23

Brenda and Alicia drove home with little to say along the way. The meeting with Adam could not have gone any better but Brenda was highly conflicted as to her decision even after hearing what their financial advisor had laid out for them and recommended both from a professional and personal perspective. It was something that had been badgering her for a long time in her life actually. When a child growing up Brenda had never been neglected by her parents. Not emotionally and certainly not physically. But somewhere along the line this inner voice in her head had begun to tell her she was not enough. And despite all her success as an adolescent growing up and what followed in her university days and even in her early professional adult life this persistent feeling of low self-esteem clung to her like glue.

As they drove she began to ponder this more seriously for the first time in a very long time. Was it, she wondered, how her personal relationships with men when younger had inevitably crashed and burned? Was that what was not allowing her to let this monologue in her head just go away? Perhaps, she supposed…but why was it she could not let that go in light of how incredibly successful she had become with Farring Designs? And then there was Alicia. If nothing else had come along in her life to vanquish those feelings of low self-esteem and not being enough it certainly had been Alicia Cordair. She thought back to that night at the club in town where she had first met Alicia and been seduced so deeply and thoroughly.

The images that flooded her mind at the mere thought of that night still made her weak in the knees to some degree. But it was not just the incredible sex they had shared that night…it was that Alicia had seen something in her that Brenda just could not. She recalled when Alicia had asked to share her table and how intimidated and small she had initially felt when this incredibly sexy and alluring woman sat with her. That concern was soon swept away as they began to talk and then dance and then…well…everything else. But at the beginning she felt completely out shadowed by her presence, sure that she would pale in comparison to the other people in the club that night. Despite her being there to celebrate her new gig at Farring that evening Brenda had fallen right back into her old mindset when Alicia had made an appearance.

Sure, over time that had all changed and Brenda knew deep in her heart that Alicia more than anyone else had been primarily responsible for helping begin to dispel those old tapes in her head once and for all. So why was she falling back there now? Why was she actually considering a major disruption in their idyllic lives here by uprooting herself for a job halfway across the globe? Did she really need yet another validation from another promotion and another professional challenge to quell that voice in her head that would not let her believe she was fine as she was? She sighed deeply as she pulled into their driveway and shut off the engine.

She reached over and clasped Alicia’s hand in hers where it still rested on her upper thigh. She looked into Alicia’s eyes as small tears formed like little tiny sparkling diamonds at the corners. Alicia put her other hand to Brenda’s cheek and kissed her softly.

“Want to talk about it?”

“Oh…what Adam told us…sure.”

“No, Brenda…you know what I mean.”

“You can read me that well?”

“Not all the time, my love, but in this case it is pretty hard to miss considering all the things we have talked about in the past and the expression on your face.”

“OK…yeah…I think we should. Those old tapes of mine are beginning to start up again. I think I may need a more objective perspective here.”

Alicia nodded and they got out of the car and went inside. No sooner had they closed the front door than Brenda burst into tears and Alicia hugged her tightly to her body just letting her cry. Once she had calmed a bit, Alicia took Brenda by the hand and led her to the spiral staircase and motioned for her to head up to their secret hideaway in the loft. She closed all the shades around the room to dim the room and then flipped on the light switch that brought up the pinpoint star lighting. She shed her clothes and then assisted Brenda likewise.

Alicia lowered the Murphy bed and they lay naked together intertwined as normal across the mattress as Alicia smoothed Brenda’s hair as their respirations both slowed and finally seemed to synchronize into one living creature. Brenda kissed Alicia tenderly along her neck and throat as Alicia ran her hand up and down Brenda’s smooth skin from the nape of her neck to her rear.

“You want to start?” Alicia asked.

“Sure…I…uh…despite our good fortune here I just cannot seem to push those old voices out of my head, Alicia. What the hell is wrong with me?”

Alicia just continued running her hand along Brenda’s spine.

“Nothing is wrong with you, sweetie. This is just what is. For whatever reasons.”

“For as long as I can remember I have struggled with my self-worth. Personally and professionally. It makes no sense. I had great parents. I had all the opportunities in my life growing up that anyone could dream of.”

Alicia just continued and said nothing letting her partner get this all out.

“And then you came into my life, Alicia. We have had the most incredible relationship I have ever known. Something I did not think was even possible before. My professional life once I got beyond that detour between jobs until I landed the gig at Farring has been absolutely fulfilling and satisfying. Financially and emotionally and spiritually I have more than any one person should be blessed with. Why can’t I just be satisfied with that?”

Brenda began to sob again as she sank into Alicia’s shoulder, her tears running hotly down her partner’s warm skin. Alicia cupper hand to the back of Brenda’s head and hugged her closer until her tears and trembling subsided.

“We have talked this all out before, right?”

Brenda just nodded into Alicia’s chest.

“We all have these voices in our heads, I think Brenda. Some good for us and in this case some not so good for us. I have no idea what the origin of this faulty narrative is that you keep replaying for yourself, but just know it is just that…a lie. And it is not like I do not have some issues of my own to deal with either in this regard.”

Brenda lifted her head and looked at Alicia with most and reddened eyes.

“Your life post-Renee?”

Alicia nodded sadly and sighed at the memory.

“I was on a really bad downward spiral when I got back to the US after my affair with Renee as you well know from all our late-night talks. The pain was nearly debilitating but instead of dealing with it straightforward and head-on I went into denial.”

“Sexual dalliances and all?”

“That plus some alcohol and drug issues as you recall from my confessions to you. At the time I was trying to tell myself I was just making myself happy by exploring all these things, but as I look back now I can see how destructive it was.”

Brenda separated herself from Alicia just a few inches as she had never really considered just how far down a hole her lover might have been falling at the time. Despite all the stories she had shared with her about her life back then.

“Brenda…you have no idea what an impact meeting you and building a relationship with you has had on me. It is something I am sure I have not been forthcoming enough about with you. It is way more than making sure I know I love you and telling you that often as well.”

“Oh?” Brenda replied as she wiped at her eyes.

“Back in that club…that night we met? Time for a full confession I guess.”

Alicia sighed heavily and Brenda could see she was having trouble keeping her emotions in check.

“That night I was there to just drink and dance and continue on as I had for the last…oh what was it back then…maybe year or more. I was just looking for one more one-night hook-up to try and bury my pain. Though at the time I did not realize that this was why I was behaving like that. Then I spotted you and I decided on the spot to make you my conquest for the night.”

“Alicia…I…”

Alicia put her index finger to Brenda’s lips stopping her.

“Let me finish and then we can talk about it, OK?”

Brenda nodded and they lay side-by-side gazing into each other’s eyes.

“I suppose I should have come clean about this long ago, but I think with what you are struggling with here again now this is the perfect time. Anyway, I came into the club that night and just looked over the crowd to see what my options were. I know this sounds pretty cold, calculating, and harsh but at that point in my life that is where my head was. I had decided that the evening was going to be spent with a woman before I arrived. I had just disengaged myself from this clingy guy the week before and…well…and I know this will sound horrible now…but I needed a palate cleanser.”

Brenda just looked at her and let her go on.

“The place was just beginning to fill up a bit when I got there and as I weaved my way through the throngs I was beginning to think I might have to settle for another guy after all…or maybe just my vibrator at home. Then I spotted you sitting alone at that table off to the side. That was all it took.”

“Really?”

“Really. So I worked my way between a few more people and…well…you know the rest.”

“So what happened to make me…and us…more than just a fling?”

“That actually is the whole point of me spilling this to you now. When I first sat down I was still not seeing you as anything more…just another notch in my belt, so to speak. But the longer we talked and the more I got a better sense of you I began to feel this…I don’t know…like a shift in my brain I guess. It was obvious that you had never considered a thing with another woman, but I just could not resist trying.”

“How could you tell?”

“Brenda, honey…with everything that is in my past…all of which you are intimately aware of by the way…I just knew. Call it a sixth sense if you like.”

“What if I had said no thanks?”

Alicia shrugged.

“You could have I guess. But I was…well…even in the early stages at that point I was…well…to put it bluntly I guess smitten.”

Brenda gaped at her in incredulity.

“Me? You were smitten by me?”

“Why so hard to fathom, my love? You really do not see yourself as you really are do you?”

Brenda just averted her eyes and blushed. Alicia lifted her head with two fingers.

“I still love thatyou get embarrassed so easily when you get complimented about your sexuality and just how desirable you are.”

Brenda leaned over and kissed her softly.

“Anyway, by the time we had danced all night and downed God only knows how many martinis I knew you were the one for me.”

“Even before we went any further? How did you know I would be what you needed sexually?”

“Those kisses in the club? Despite your lack of experience with another woman, it was a safe bet. I figured if you were not especially interested that that would not have happened. Maybe a friendly peck on the cheek or something to say thanks for the evening but nothing more. But that passion and the depth of your reciprocation? Makes me shiver even now just thinking about it.”

“I appreciate you sharing this, Alicia, but what exactly does this have to do with saying yes or no to the Berlin gig?”

“A lot. I wanted you to know this for two reasons actually. Number one, it is something I should have made open between us a long time ago. Remember that promise we made to each other in the beginning to always talk about everything…no secrets?”

“Sure. Thanks. And number two?”

“Number two concerns Berlin. I know you will say this is a decision that is to be ours, not just yours. But if you are on the fence over this thing because you made need this opportunity to validate your professional worth or if you might not be making the decision because of me and us…then I suggest we make this decision all yours.”

“Alicia, I…”

“Hold on. I know your main argument here. And believe me it is something that is of serious concern to me as well. The separation of six months or more?”

Brenda nodded as tears again leaked from her eyes and rolled down her cheeks.

“When we began this relationship did we not also promise to fully support one another in each of our individual lives no matter what?”

“We did,” Brenda croaked through her tears.

“OK. Then here is my position on all of this. If taking this job will fill some gap in your psyche and is something you really feel you need to pursue, then I would never allow you to turn it down on my account. Yes, six months away from each other would be hard, but it is not like we are breaking up or something. I want you to do what you really want to do…deep in your heart and your bones, Brenda. As I am sure you would do for me were the tables reversed here.”

“Absolutely!”

“I know. So as you think this over make sure you decide based on what is best for you as well as us. It would kill me if you turned this down for me.”

Brenda nodded as she exhaled loudly.

“The job itself would be challenging and exciting I am sure. And I totally get your point here. But I also know what this relationship means to me. No amount of money in the world would be adequate if I did not have you in my life. And that six-month separation?”

Alicia nodded.

“It scares the hell out of me if you want the truth. I remember that last trip of yours with Simmons before they moved the training facility locally. That was shorter and we did manage to see each other a few times during that hiatus. I would have gone mad if we had not been able to do that.”

“Me, too, Brenda.”

“But it’s not like Berlin is just a short airline hop a few hours away. Not like one of us can just jump on a plane and pop in to reconnect. That is what scares me.”

Alicia nodded and paused as she thought this over. Brenda had a point. She thought back to those days and even considering that it was still early in their relationship where their sexual connection was a red-hot poker she felt a dread in her gut at the thought of not touching Brenda for that long. And though time had gone by and they had a much more well-rounded relationship now, she could not deny that the sexual component was still of vital importance to her. Could she really go that long with Brenda’s kiss…her touch…the feeling of her comforting naked skin next to her at the end of each day.

“Can I ask you something?”

“Always…”

“You think what we have is pretty rock solid?”

“Without a doubt.”

“Enough to endure a time apart like this?”

Brenda welled up again.

“Alicia…I…” she sighed heavily.

“In my head, yes…but in my heart? It hurts just thinking about it.”

“Same here.”

“So what do we do?”

“You now know how I feel about this. You do what you need to make Brenda Darrow whole. I could not go on with part of you stripped away. In the end you would regret it and I would hate myself for being the reason you sold yourself short. If you take this job we will survive. It might be painful and uncomfortable for the short term, but I think in the big picture it will be the correct decision. If that is what you decide. I am fine either way. Just make sure this is for you not me, OK?”

“OK. I guess I just need some time to mull this all over though. Tom says they would ideally like an answer by Monday if possible. That is when he is likely taking his early buyout. That should be plenty of time. I do not think throwing all this around for days and days will make the decision any easier.”

Alicia nodded and kissed her deeply as they stretched out and lay tightly together, their hearts beating in synch. Brenda closed her eyes trying to imagine what it would be like to not feel Alicia for six months or more. Could she really do this?She ran her fingers through Alicia’s silky pubic hair in a manner of emotional intimacy as opposed to anything overtly sexual while Alicia caressed one of Brenda’s breasts similarly. They soon fell asleep as the outpouring of their inner feelings and concerns had drained them both. Even when a sudden rainstorm arose with no warning outside, complete with thunder and lightning they slept on…

Chapter 24

In the middle of the night Alicia awoke when a massive clap of thunder rocked the house shaking the walls of the house as a vicious shard of lightning followed closely behind illuminating the entire interior of the loft as brightly as if it was broad daylight. Her movement stirred Brenda as well and she lifted her head and looked over.

“Hey ’Licia….what’s going on?”

“Big storm is all. Thunder woke me is all. You feel it shake the house?”

“Guess not. I am pretty wiped out after all we talked about.”

Alicia nodded and looked up as the pinpoint lights they had left on suddenly flickered and then went dark.

“Crap!” she exclaimed. I think we just lost power.”

“Oh, well,” Brenda replied as she let her head fall back to the bed. “Not much we can do for now I guess.”

“Didn’t Stan rewire everything as part of his work here?”

“Yep. So I am guessing either a breaker got thrown by a surge of some sort or maybe a local transformed got zapped.”

“Want me to go take a look at the breaker box?”

“You know where it is?”

“I do. Remember I had you show me everything in case I was ever here alone.”

At the mere mention from Alicia of being here alone, Brenda felt her tears come on again and began to sob all over again. Alicia turned to her and cursed herself for her poor choice of words.

“Fuck! Sorry about that Brenda. Bad choice of words I guess.”

“It’s OK,” Brenda choked out through her sniffles and sobbing as Alicia gathered her to her. “Guess I am just still a bit raw over this whole Berlin decision thing.”

“Sure…sit tight and I will go check the breakers.”

She kissed Brenda on the forehead and covered her with the quilt as she scooted across the bed and onto the area rug beside the bed. She stood and stretched feeling the same emotional and physical fatigue from their discussion that had put Brenda down for the count. As another booming clap of thunder shattered the night air, making Alicia flinch in response, she moved to the spiral staircase and began the descent as multiple rounds of lightning flashed on and off in quick succession making Alicia’s lean and lithe naked form highly visible.

She eased down the stairs being careful of her steps in the relative dark until she was in the new mudroom and could make her way over to the cabinet they had set up there with towels and other miscellaneous supplies in case they came in wet from outside. Navigating by feel alone Alicia found the flashlight they had stashed and clicked it on to guide her to the breaker box that was in the new electrical panel Stan had installed just outside the back door. The rain was still coming in sheets, so Alicia donned an emergency poncho and flipped up the hood as she went to take a look.

She opened the door to the box but sighed in disappointment when she found that all the breakers were still engaged. Apparently the power issues lay elsewhere in town and they would just have to wait until the power company could get out to fix whatever it was that had gotten zapped. Probably everyone in the neighborhood was in the same position. Alicia returned inside and hung the dripping poncho by the door and clicked off the flashlight before putting it back in the drawer. She was about to return to Brenda and the warmth of their bed upstairs when she paused and went to the window that looked out of the mudroom giving a nice view of the backyard.

Alicia closed her eyes and went back in time to that first night that Brenda had brought her back here. The weather was eerily similar and she could pull it out of her memory as if it was happening right in that moment. As she recalled that night standing dripping and shivering in the old house as she and Brenda held each other and had begun on the torrid and sizzling adventure that had become their lives now. As the thunder continued to rumble away, now just a milder version of what it had been just moments ago, Alicia moved her hand unconsciously to her crotch. As she masturbated in the mudroom she soon found herself very wet and her breath was coming in short and jagged gasps as she pushed herself harder and harder toward a climax.

In her head she knew it was her own hand, but in her mind and in her imagination it was Brenda as her partner had explored her fully and expertly with her tongue that night. As her orgasm was just on the verge of exploding in her, Alicia felt her heart pounding maniacally as she moaned softly and let her fingers do their work. But just before she crested that wave this new image came to her. And it was not Brenda. In Alicia’s mind her orgasm was now being brought to completion by her former lover, Renee. Alicia was strapped across the old bed in Renee’s suite where they had stayed while in Lucerne one weekend. Her wrists and ankles were well-secured to the four corners of the bed while Renee and this other woman who Alicia knew only as Madrid worked as a team on her.

They both took turns at her orally stopping only briefly to attend to one another while they waited for Alicia’s tremors to run their course before starting all over again. All sorts of implements and sexual aids then appeared and Alicia recalled how lost and swept up she had been with all that had gone on that night. It was her first encounter at a threesome based on Renee’s pleading and the next morning as Alicia awoke to find the three of them all tangled together in this erotic pile. Alicia was simultaneously exhausted and utterly satisfied as she looked over at her lovers from the night before. She had put off Renee for some time as to agreeing on such an arrangement, but in the aftermath she had to admit that it had been one of the most exciting and stimulating sexual experiences of her life.

It was, however, unsettling to Alicia as she had this deep growing love for Renee at that point. Despite having enjoyed the experience with her and Madrid, Alicia could feel a rise of jealousy in her heart for having to share Renee with another person. It was at that point that she had refused another such invitation from her lover and though she had not realized it at the time it was the beginning of the end of her affair with Renee. Alicia loved Renee but she could see they were not on exactly the same wavelength when she begged off another multiple-person coupling. It was something she could sense that Renee needed in her life, but Alicia could not go there again.

They still saw each other until Alicia had to return to the US, but if she was honest with herself now, Alicia had to admit the intensity and the intimacy she had once felt with Renee had diminished after that on eight. Alicia had returned home heart-broken and shattered and until Brenda had come into her life she wondered if she would ever find real love again. So why was this memory coming back to her just now? It had been the beginning of a dark downward spiral in her life once she got past the sheer animal lust satisfaction of the threesome. Perhaps Alicia considered, as she let the aftershock of her orgasm from her masturbation drain away, this was to make sure she really understood the impact of what she and Brenda might be gambling with in regard to this Berlin thing.

Her days of only sexual satisfaction and experimentation without love behind it to anchor her were behind her now. She looked back on the string of anonymous and brief encounters between Renee and Brenda with shame and regret. Sure…she knew the old adage of you do what you do at the time regardless, but it made her feel bad that she had possibly toyed with other people’s emotions just to satisfy her own primal needs. Alicia put her head in her hands and sobbed as her wetness trickled down her thighs. When her emotions were back in check, Alicia cleaned up and returned upstairs to Brenda. She supposed she should talk to Brenda about this episode tonight as well. Maybe one day, she thought, but not now. One wrenching confession a day was more than enough.

Besides Alicia told herself…what possible positive effect could this have? Other than letting Brenda know once again just how important she was to her. And Alicia knew her partner knew this already…it hardly needed further reinforcement. Maybe down the road once this Berlin situation was over and done with and they were finally settled and secure. Alicia crawled into bed and wrapped her arms around Brenda’s sleeping form. Brenda roused slightly at her return and Alicia kissed her along the neck letting her tongue just tease at Brenda’s ear lobe.

“Ummm….” Benda whimpered, “was wondering what had become of you.”

“Had trouble finding a flashlight that worked,” Alicia lied.

“The one in the hutch not good?”

“Guess the contacts were fouled. Had to clean them and reset the batteries.”

“Bummer…breakers have to be reset?

“Nope. All is good. Guessing the issue is outside somewhere.”

“Good…good. Brenda rolled over to face Alicia and kissed her sweetly letting the tip of her tongue play across Alicia’s lips. “Boy do you smell good…”

Alicia reddened, glad it was hidden by the dark of the room.

“You have enough energy for some fun?” Alicia asked with a sly grin.

“With you? Always…”

And with that Alicia lay back as she and Brenda positioned themselves for what she hoped would be a long and drawn-out session…and as was the norm. she was not disappointed…

Chapter 25

Sunday morning dawned cold and foggy but the electricity had been restored to the house. Despite Stan’s excellent efforts at insulating the loft area, it was still chilly and a bit damp when Brenda and Alicia woke up and they huddled together still groggy and bleary-eyed from their evening’s activities. Brenda got up briefly to raise the blinds on all the windows but groaned when she looked out and saw that the visibility was no more than a few feet beyond the house itself. She turned off the pinpoint star lights that had come back on in the early morning hours apparently when they once again had power.

Alicia opened up the layers of linens and the heavy quilt as Brenda rushed back and pressed into her warm partner’s body shivering.

“Gloomy day, huh?” Alicia asked.

“Seems to be. Sort of matches my mood at the moment.”

“Last night not up to your standards?” she shot back in a teasing lilt.

“Hardly. I think my body is still quivering from you…as usual.”

They both laughed and kissed.

“So what’s the matter?”

Brenda just looked at Alicia and sighed.

“I…uh…it’s the Berlin thing, sweetie.”

“So you’ve decided?”

“I’m about 80 percent there.”

“To taking it?”

“Yeah….I think so.”

“What’s holding you up from being all in?”

“You really have to ask that?”

They both laughed again as Brenda pulled Alicia tighter.

“Like I said, Bren…” Alicia replied, “I will fully support you no matter what you decide. It is just six months not forever.”

“I know and I love you for that. I just hope that in the middle of the six months—assuming I take the offer—it does not feel that way.”

“You know we keep talking about this six-month thing like it is set in stone. There is always the possibility that that will be cut short if things at my work keep sliding downhill for me.”

“Any chance it might be longer?”

“Like Adam said, nothing is impossible, but based on the atmosphere and climate there now and what their plans for the future look like now, I cannot see hanging on much longer than that.”

“Just for the sake of argument,” Brenda said, “let’s say you pull the plug in six months. Then what?”

“Well…I guess that depends on what is going on with you in Berlin. In six months you may decide you have had enough. Trust me I have been through enough of these mergers and takeovers—whatever you want to call them—that things are typically very different from what was promised. I do not say this wanting to wish any bad fortune on this venture for you…just what I have experienced. Take Astra Zeneca for example. It sounded good when they absorbed Simmons, but as time has gone by? Not so much.”

“Yeah, I know. I have friends who have experienced similar trends.”

“Please take this in the spirit intended, Bren…but no matter what, this new situation is not going to resemble Farring in any regard. That may be good or it may not be so good. But I am just saying do not expect it to be the same small cozy place that Tom Bergstrom brought you into. OK?”

Brenda nodded.

“And what if I love it and want to hang around a while?”

“Then we get Sarah to see if she can rent out our house here. Luckily I am sure we could also hire her on as a property manager…or maybe Stan could do that…to make sure we do not end up with some ugly renters. Then I can join you in Berlin…if you will have me.”

Alicia laughed.

“Very funny, ’Licia. So you thinking we just play this thing by ear and take it maybe one month at a time?”

“Ideally that would be great. But if you sign on with Yorh Ekin they may have a clause or two that will lock you into some sort of contract to stay onboard for some pre-defined period of time. Pretty common in these deals, especially when they are offering to move you over there and pay for your housing.”

“Insurance policy?”

“Sort of I guess. It’s not like you would be an indentured servant, nothing like that. But if you decide to cut ties with them early on—for whatever reasons—there might be some payback you would have to honor.”

“You’ve seen this?”

Alicia nodded.

“My industry is famous for these. Kind of an ‘industrial pre-nup’ if you will.”

“Even if they fired me if they are not so keen with my performance?”

“Probably not that. In that regard that is still most like the ‘right-to-work’ laws here in the US.”

“You mean where you are still required to give an employer notice of your resignation but they can dismiss you with no notice…on a whim?”

“Yep. That is corporate America.”

Benda nodded.

“So if I understand what you are saying, Licia…this thing could be fraught with trap doors?”

“Not really. Whatever you agree to it would all be in writing. My suggestion would be to have a good lawyer look over the verbiage just for your own protection to make sure you really understand what you might be agreeing to.”

“Wouldn’t that throw up a red flag to my new bosses?”

“I doubt it. For something this big I am sure they would be more than willing to see their way clear on having a lawyer of your choosing look over the offer. I know this is new to you, but it’s pretty standard stuff.”

“OK…yeah this definitely new territory for me.”

“As an aside?”

Brenda looked up at her.

“If they would for some reason balk at having your lawyer look over the offer before you put your name to it? Then to me that is a red flag for you. Just an opinion, but if that happened to me, that is not anyone I would want to be in business with, you know? Better to know those attitudes early on to avoid serious pain later if you catch my drift.”

“Absolutely.”

“So does any of that move the needle on your gauge from 80 percent closer to 100?”

“Not really. I still have another day before I have to meet with Tom and the reps from Yorh Ekin. I would hope I have a decision when I leave the house tomorrow morning, but as odd as this sounds I may not say yea or nay until the meeting. I think talking to them in person could also sway me one way or the other.”

“Agreed.”

“And I know that is very unfair to you. I would really like you to know what I have decided when I head out tomorrow.”

“No problem. I get where you are coming from. Like I said…it is your call and I will back you all the way either way.”

Brenda felt herself tear up again as the emotional impact of just how much Alicia meant to her sunk in fully. She knew she had a significant impact on her as well but this situation, no matter which way it went, made her giddy with gratitude at having found Alicia Cordair from among the millions of people out there to share her life with.

“One last question Licia?”

“Sure.”

“You mentioned coming to Berlin to be with me if you pulled the plug before I was ready to call it quits?”

“Yes?”

“And would do so only if I would have you?”

Alicia grinned and snickered.

“Well…I am not so sure about Berlin.”

Alicia’s face fell in response to Brenda’s deadpan delivery.

“Just to make sure, I’d like to have you now just to make sure.”

She smiled widely as Alicia saw she had taken the lure hook line and sinker.

“You shit!” Alicia said as they laughed together and fell in among the bedding.

“A girl cannot be too careful these days, Alicia…”

Alicia straddled the prone Brenda as she pinned her partner’s wrists firmly to the mattress and smile at her.

“You will pay for that one, Bren!”

“I sincerely hope so,” Brenda replied as Alicia kissed her hard and long.

Chapter 26

Brenda and Alicia moved slowly down the spiral staircase following a full morning of sex in the loft. There had been little that they did not engage in and neither ever indicated they had had enough. But now as they walked naked out into the mudroom Brenda was thinking maybe the last hour or so had been a bit too much. She glanced back and saw that Alicia was moving just as cautiously as she was.

“Come on old lady,” Brenda teased.

“Real funny, ’Bren…I didn’t see you running down the stairs either.”

“Hot tub?”

“Absolutely. I really need to be able to walk normally tomorrow. And I am guessing the agents from Yorh Ekin might not be too impressed with you limping around either.”

Brenda laughed with her as they both eased into the therapeutic warmth of the jacuzzi in the new bathroom and just sank to their heads. The day had still not cleared much when they had finally arisen for good from the loft so they had decided that this Sunday would be a clothing-optional day. They were not expecting any visitors and it was unlikely anyone would see them inside through the heavy, thick fog and dim light outside. In fact by the time they had submerged themselves in the jacuzzi, the light outside had darkened prematurely and it was looking much later than the 3 PM that was reading on all the clocks.

When their skin began to prune Brenda and Alicia stepped from the bubbling, hot water and dried themselves before moving through the door to the master bedroom. Brenda lay across the king bed diagonally on her stomach stretching her muscles from having been loosened from the hot tub session. She was just drifting off when she groaned in pleasure as she felt Alicia straddle her back and begin to work the aromatic rosemary-scented massage oil into the sore muscles of her buttocks, back, and legs. She felt as if on a cloud floating over the mattress when Alicia moved forward and continued with her neck muscles and shoulders.

At some point she figured Alicia had flipped her over, but for the life of her she had no recollection of how and when that had happened. When she looked up Alicia had snugged her knees alongside Brenda’s torso, sitting atop her and was continuing the treatment with the other side of her arms and face. Brenda closed her eyes again and moaned in contentment as Alicia moved her weight from her prone body and worked the warm, fragrant oil deep into her thighs and along her sides. Brenda was utterly spent as Alicia finished up by massaging and caressing her beasts giving one more appreciative groan as Alicia drew her moist and supple lips over each of Brenda’s erect and stiffened nipples tenderly and lay down with her as she gently ran her thumb over each one as Brenda sighed in complete relaxation.

“I’m done….” Brenda whispered as she reached over and touched Alicia’s face.

“Just wanted to help you try and fully recover to prepare you for your meeting tomorrow.”

“I’d love to reciprocate, but I am not sure I can even sit up at the moment.”

Alicia laughed as she flicked the tip of her tongue playfully over one of Brenda’s nipples.

“No problem…I’ll put it on your tab.”

Brenda scooted in closer to Alicia and sighed in contentment as Alicia lay her head on Brenda’s chest and listened to the slow, regular thumping of her heart.

“You are not making this decision any easier with things like this, you know?” Brenda whispered with a short laugh.

“I do what I can…” Alicia replied as she kissed lips softly.

Brenda closed her eyes and soon she was sound asleep as the last light of the afternoon finally began to give way to the night. The fog had held on all day and as Alicia glanced out the window just to the right of the bed she saw that it was showing no signs of relenting. She smoothed back Brenda’s hair to lock it behind her ear and just pondered their new situation now that she had some real alone time. Everything that she had told Brenda regarding this opportunity had been the truth. She was so in love with this woman that there was nothing she would not have done for her if it was in her power to do so. But at the same time that did not mean this possible separation was not making her sad and anxious.

Alicia knew how poorly she dealt with trying to maintain any kind of relationship from afar and with the intensity and intimacy that she and Brenda had developed over the last couple years she knew this was going to be even more difficult than she was likely imagining. Granted her separation from Renee had been partly attributed to her reluctance to join her lover in her need for bringing additional sex partners into their bed. But when she had left Europe to return to the US, she still was heart-broken and longed for Renee’s touch and her kiss. Despite her misgivings over her partner’s sexual proclivities, Alicia had hung onto the hope that she and Renee could still maintain their relationship with that great distance between them.

But in the end, it was just too much. Alicia felt isolated and alone away from her and fell into a mild depression when she visualized Renee in bed with groups of the women she knew ran in the same circles as her. The day she had finally called it quits for good with Renee, Alicia just sat in her condo, the lights off and the blinds closed staring at the mostly blank walls. For several days she could not eat nor sleep very well. She was drinking more than she normally did and more often than not cried herself to sleep at night as she fought off the urge to call Renee up and see if they could figure something out.

But then one day she arose and the realization that perhaps she had seen more of a solid, committed relationship with Renee than her partner had seen with her. Renee had shown and taught her things—mostly during sex—that had thrilled her and Alicia still found herself thinking of Renee when she masturbated. But over time she came to the stark reality that it had been a mostly one-way desire on her part. And that was what had sent Alicia on that path of one-night stands and sexual experimentation of any kind with men and women as she struggled to completely erase Renee from her mind. But it had not worked. Even when she had met Brenda that night at the club she had been there to add just another conquest to her inventory.

But the connection with Brenda had changed all of that. She had no idea what it was that had thrown the switch in her head that night when she had gone home with Brenda, but the morning after their first night together had transformed Alicia. It had finally pushed Renee to the back of her subconscious and for the first time in she did not know how many years Alicia saw the possibility for everything she had been yearning for. On the walk home that night, despite what she had told Brenda, she was a bit concerned about Brenda’s never having been with a woman before. Renee had been a patient and dedicated tutor in the bed as she introduced Alicia to things she now loved sexually for the first time.

But Alicia knew she had no interest in being a teacher. But once they had sex for the first time Alicia knew this concern had been unfounded. Brenda might not have ever been with a woman before, but from Alicia’s perspective and experience she never would have known it if Brenda had not told her so. Her technique and touch made Alicia’s heart leap as it was like being with someone who had slept with women all her life. Perhaps it was, as Brenda had suggested, when they talked that night as they lay in bed relishing their post-coital bliss, that even though she was a virgin to such things that she thought maybe women just instinctively knew what other women wanted and desired.

Without realizing it, Alicia shifted her eyes down to see that as she had been reminiscing about their early days, that she was fingering herself. From that point on with Brenda, Alicia knew this was it for her. She just hoped with Brenda’s new foray into having a woman as a sexual partner that it was not just an experimental curiosity. And it had been anything but. Days went by and became weeks which became months and Brenda seemed just as committed to her and just as deeply in love with her as she was with Brenda. Alicia felt a tear roll from the eye and trace down her cheek as she was suddenly overwhelmed with her emotions and how she knew this was the love of her life…at last.

And that was why this potential separation was making it hard for Alicia to concentrate and focus on much of anything else lately. Ever since Brenda had come home and announced the news, Alicia had been anxious and edgy. The old Sting lyric of “if you love something, let it go” had come to her but despite her love for his music Alicia was unmoved by this one. As painful and nearly debilitating as it had been for her when she left Renee behind in Europe she knew this separation would be a whole new ballgame. She knew in her mind that this was not a breakup, but she and Brenda had become so close, both on an intimate sexual basis as well as best friends, that at times it felt like it.

She knew she was letting her mind take her on trips that had no basis in reality, but Alicia could not help wondering what might happen if Brenda got really lonely one night. When the vibrators and the phone calls and the skype conversations and emails were not enough. And for her as well. What then? Could they really go an entire six months without being together? By nature, following her breakup with Renee, Alicia had seen how easy it had been for her to just take random strangers into her bed to satisfy her needs. Would this happen to Brenda somehow when the loneliness and longing on a cold night in Berlin got the better of her? Not that she would map it out like that, but Alicia knew in her own heart how easy this could materialize. She knew this was projecting an infidelity onto Brenda that had no basis. Maybe it was more a concern about herself.

What if Alicia herself faced such a situation?How long had they ever gone without sex? Putting aside her one trip across the States before Simmons centralized the training center, Alicia thought about this. When they were together here in town, what had it been…maybe a few days at the most? That seemed reasonable and Alicia sighed with concern. What if her will got too weak to resist the need for sexual gratification based on what she knew was her very strong sex drive…one certainly not falling into the category of nymphomania, but more demanding than most, she knew.

As Alicia lay there and stared at the ceiling and fretted, Brenda moved to her side and covered them with the layers of bedding as the temperature inside the house was dipping with the advent of nightfall. Alicia likewise turned sideways as she spooned into Brenda’s back and held her tight.

“You OK?” Brenda asked quietly as a sudden wind sprung up outside raking the sides of the house with the bare thin branches of trees that needed to be trimmed back before the summer greenery sprouted.

Alicia paused just a beat before deciding to keep all her irrational worries about them to herself. She knew Brenda was probably stressed enough as it was over this decision and she did not want to add to them or be responsible for causing her to make a poor decision for herself based on all her own neuroses.

“I’m good…you?”

“Never better. Licia?”

“Yeah?”

“You know how much I love you don’t you?”

“That I do, Bren…”

“Well…just in case…”

Brenda turned to face her and placed one palm on Alicia’s face.

“Never hurts to make sure….I love you, sweetie…”

“Me, too, Bren…like nothing I’ve ever loved before…”

Brenda kissed her and then fell back to sleep in Alicia’s arms as Alicia closed her eyes and felt her cheeks suddenly damp with tears.

Chapter 27

They both arose in just another hour or so and night had completely fallen. The clouds had thinned a bit the wind was still hanging in there. Alicia padded out to the front door and surveyed the front yard as a sliver of waning moon shone across her naked body as she stood in the doorway. The chill from the afternoon had continued to dip and much to her chagrin a light rain began to fall as a mist. Her nipples hardened in response to the cold air and before she walked away the rain had changed over to a combination of sleet and freezing rain.

Brenda came up behind her and pressed into her back. She pressed herself firmly into Alicia’s back, nuzzling her nose into her neck and inhaling deeply of Alicia’s herbal shampoo that was so invigorating. Alicia laid her head back as she felt Brenda’s stiff nipples press into her back and sighed as Brenda’s lips kissed her along the neck.

“Wonderful weather, I see…” Brenda whispered.

“That time of year, I guess. Hope it does not hang around too long.”

“Me, too. I hate driving in this stuff.”

Alicia chuckled.

“What’s so funny, Licia?”

“Remember that time we went out of town when we first met to get some sex toys and stopped off at The Rincon Grill?”

“How can I forget. What brought that memory back up all of a sudden?”

“Remember that drive home?”

“Oh my God…I forgot about that. My first time at Casa Cordair, too…”

Alicia chuckled again.

“At least if this continues on tomorrow it will be in the daylight…”

Alicia nodded and smiled recalling that night at her old condo with Brenda. But despite the chilly air permeating the glass of the storm door they remained where they were. Brenda reached out and gently massaged one of Alicia’s prominent nipples between her fingers while she let her other hand go south and slip into her crotch. Alicia was already wet and Brenda just massaged her there without penetrating.

“Would you be offended if we just held each other tonight?” Alicia asked.

“Nope fine by me. I am pretty spent from today as it is.”

“Me, too. Plus I want you to be in top condition for tomorrow.”

“Thanks. You sure? Pretty humid down there at the moment.”

Alicia laughed she savored Brenda’s touch.

“Want to know a secret?” Alicia whispered as she turned her head a few degrees toward Brenda’s ear.

“You holding back something after all this time?”

“Ha…Ha…”

“Sorry…go ahead.”

“That feeling there…the humidity issue as you so cleverly refer to it?”

“Yes?”

“That happens to me as soon as I see you each day.”

“Stop teasing, Licia…”

But Alicia turned to face Brenda and there was not a hint of levity in her eyes or on her face.

“No BS, Bren…it’s true.”

“God I love you…” she replied as they kissed for a long time.

When they finally came apart Alicia wiped away the tears from Brenda’s face and she hugged her partner tightly.

“Want some dinner?”

“Not unless you are especially hungry. I’d rather just take you to bed and feel you next to me, Licia…”

“You must have been reading my mind…”

Alicia closed the inner door and they retired to the bedroom dousing the living room and dining room lights as they went. They crawled into bed and lay side by side, their legs intertwined as Brenda fitted herself comfortably into the slightly taller body of her lover. They chatted for a few minutes about nothing in particular while absent-mindedly stroking each other’s breasts and running their fingers along each other’s smooth and toned legs and buttocks. It was not a sexual overture from either of them. It was just the mutual appreciation of being close with each other and letting them each make sure the other knew it.

Alicia was not sure how long they talked and touched each other, but the next time she came awake, the sun was up and they were still in the same positions they had been in when they had gone to bed. She kissed Brenda lightly on the neck and Brenda woke as well and smiled.

“D-day, Bren…” Alicia said as Brenda disentangled herself from Alicia’s limbs and stretched.

“Don’t I know it.”

They lay still for a minute and just ran their fingers through each other’s public hair.

“Your mind made up yet?”

“Nope. Still just about where I was last time we talked.”

“Holding pattern at 80 percent?”

“Oh…75 to 85 I guess…”

“Basing it on your impressions at the meeting?”

“Yeah…I think so. My intuition has been pretty good all my life. I’d hate to go in there all set one way without talking to them first.”

“Wise woman…”

They went silent but their fingers continued to roam.

“Don’t be hurt, Licia…but I think maybe we had better stop right now with this before we start something we do not have time to finish.”

Alicia chuckled and removed her hand reluctantly.

“Like I said…wise woman…”

Brenda sat up and straddled Alicia, putting her weight on her knees as she bent them so she could lean over and kiss Alicia. She let her tongue explore Alicia’s lips and mouth and Alicia reciprocated I kind.

“This is not helping, Bren…”

They both laughed as Brenda flatted her upper body to press down across and into Alicia’s prodigious breasts. She just held her tight and put her head to her chest to listen to her heart.

“I suppose not. That heartbeat tells me another story though.”

Alicia laughed again.

“After work? Pick up where we left off last night?”

“It’s a date. All will be decided by then as well…hopefully.”

Alicia gave her one last hard kiss and then Brenda jumped from the bed and headed to eh shower. Alicia watched the enticing backside of her partner disappear into the bathroom and just laid there and wondered. Yes…pick up where we left off, she mused…and then what?

************

Alicia saw Benda off at the door and whistled mockingly at her as she treaded carefully across the thin coating of ice that had been left behind on everything from the previous night’s sleet storm. Brenda sashayed provocatively as she walked and they both laughed heartily. Alicia waved to her after she let the ice melt away from the windshield and eased her car out onto the street and drove off. She closed the door and then went to shower and dress for her day. Alicia had a full plate today as well, but she knew she would be only half-attentive at best as she awaited Brenda’s decision that would possibly present then the biggest and most formidable challenge of their relationship.

Just as she had expected, Alicia wandered through her day hearing about half of what was said to her as her anxiety level grew steadily as the day went on. She had been hoping to hear from Brenda during the day but was not overly surprised that a call had not come. With no word from her Alicia was now sure that Brenda had accepted the offer, pending her lawyer’s review of the contract. She tried to remember her promise to Brenda about total support. She had meant it—every word—but if this was actually happening she knew it would be a long and challenging six or more months to endure.

Late in the afternoon Alicia finally went to her boss and told him that she was leaving early.

“I don’t know, Jim…got up this morning not feeling quite right. Figured it was just some bug I could shake. But it’s not getting any better. Think I will head out and get to bed early to see if I can knock this thing out before it gets its hooks in me.”

He said that was fine and not to worry. Alicia went to her car and just sat there. It was fortunate that she had such a stellar rep with her boss and the new group at Astra Zeneca. It was rare that she ever took sick leave. In fact Alicia could not recall the last sick day she had taken advantage of. She was certain this situation helped allow her to use this cover convincingly. But now she just sat in her car with her forehead resting on the steering wheel. She knew Brenda taking this gig would be great for both of them in the long run, but Alicia had always been challenged in her life with this “big picture” mentality. Thus explaining her long string of sexual partners between Renee and Brenda.

The ice storm from the night before had melted away and the sun was out making the moisture left behind sparkle and gleam. But right now it all looked gray and bleak to Alicia. Maybe she was just projecting the worst here though? This was a major negotiation for both Brenda and Yorh Ekin. Certainly neither side would want to rush through the discussions. And it was also possible that Brenda’s lawyer might advise her to turn this thing down based on the verbiage…or at least have it edited to make it more favorable for her to accept. Alicia knew this was selfish on her part, but well…there it was. She wanted Brenda all to herself and if she was honest with herself she resented having her taken away for her for any long period of time.

Alicia looked at herself in the small mirror that was attached to the back of the visor. After admitting this to herself just now, she was not so proud of this woman looking back at her in the mirror. Is that really who I am and how possessive and selfish I have become about Brenda? She sighed and looked away. It was a confusing mélange of ideas and thoughts and Alicia finally shook her head to clear her mind and head home. She arrived home in just a few minutes as there was no real traffic to speak of due to her early departure from work and once again she just sat in the car and stared ahead at nothing as the car’s engine pinged and cooled from the short jaunt.

She eventually forced herself out of the car and walked inside and dropped her briefcase on the chair by the table just inside the door where she normally left her work stuff. The house felt cold and lonely as Alicia listened to the click of her heels as she walked through the dining room and into the kitchen. This did not bode well for her she thought if this was to be a preview of things to come. She dropped her shoes off in the closet in the bedroom and slipped out of her work attire and put on an old T-shirt and some ratty workout sweatpants as she padded back into the kitchen to make herself what she was sure was just the first of a multiple-martini night.

Alicia took her drink with her and went out onto the deck out back and sat under the grape arbor on the padded garden bench where she had first sat when Brenda brought her home from that club that first night. She sipped deeply from the glass and let the vodka move through her. She closed her eyes and thought back to that night as she did often these days, but this time all it did was make her cry. It was silly and infantile and very immature she realized…like some ridiculous schoolgirl crush. What was wrong with her?

Alicia sighed and went back to refill her glass. She made the second and third drinks even stronger and as the alcohol gave her that pleasant buzz she loved she let go of all her worries and concerns over what they might be facing and just smiled. It was time she knew to knock it off and grow up about this. Lots of people survived much more serious challenges to their relationships than a simple few months apart. Military families for example. Suddenly Alicia felt very ashamed and embarrassed. And to her surprise quite drunk. Two strong martinis on an empty stomach she knew was why. Little to know breakfast and she had skipped lunch as well. And she had to face it…she had slammed the two vodka martinis in anger and resentment and selfish jealousy.

Well…she had that out of her system now which was good, but she needed some food in her stomach to try and avoid Brenda coming home to a sloppy drunk. Alicia got up to find some snacks to tide her over until dinner when she heard the front door open and Brenda call her name.

“Licia? Where are you? I see your car in the drive?”

“Out back, Bren…”

Alicia sat back down to avoid any possible staggering in her gait as Brenda came to the door smiling. She was still dressed in her professional “make a stunning impression” suit as Alicia had teased her about once upon a time. Alicia looked up, a crooked and goofy smile on her lips. Even in her alcoholic haze the mere sight of Brenda took her breath away and true to her confession she felt that old familiar wetness down below.

“All done with your meeting?” Alicia asked as she spoke slowly and carefully, concentrating on not slurring her words to give away what she had been up to.

“Yep,” Brenda replied as she kicked off her own shoes and came out on the deck.

“Cause to celebrate?”

“Indeed…but it seems you got a head start on me. Let me grab a drink and I will be right back.”

Chapter 28

Brenda came back onto the deck once she had traded her professional attire for a loose T-shirt and sweatpants. She sat with Alicia on the padded bench and kissed her. She could taste the strong alcohol oh Alicia’s mouth and as she set her beer aside and sighed.

“Want to tell me what this is all about?” Brenda asked.

“What?”

“You know what I mean. You are slurring your words and your eyes are a bit glazed. I know you well enough to know when you are drunk.”

Alicia giggled nervously as she tossed back the last of her most recent martini and then began to sob. Brenda moved over next to her and Alicia put her head on her shoulder.

“I’m sorry, Bren…it’s just I guess I have been so on edge about what we might be facing at the end of today. Guess I overdid it a bit.”

“I would say so…but it’s OK. Not like I have not been in your shoes before.”

“Really?”

“Sure. I can remember a time in my life before I met you…well…maybe a couple times actually…where my anxiety and fear over some change in my life felt overwhelming. Not the best solution at the time, but yeah…I can remember times like these.”

Alicia wiped her face and kissed Brenda’s neck sending shivers down her spine as it always did when Alicia’s soft, warm tongue and lips touched her.

“Thanks…that helps…and I am sorry. I did not mean to get in this condition tonight. This is too important for us.”

“I agree. Let’s get some food in you and then let’s talk. It was a long, long day at Farring.”

Brenda began to get up but Alicia pulled her back and kissed her deeply. Brenda knew it was partly alcohol-fueled as well as emotional but she relaxed and sat back down as Alicia slipped her hand under Brenda’s shirt and found one of her nipples. She knew it was not quite right, but all the same Brenda could never resist her touch. She sighed in approval and lay back on the long bench after Alicia had removed her shirt and got atop her, pulling at her hardening nipples with her lips and teeth.

Before she realized it, their desire for one another had ballooned wildly and they were both engaged in some of the most wonderful cunnilingus that Brenda had ever had with Alicia…and that was saying something. Despite her lover’s slightly impaired condition, Brenda was soon moaning loudly amazed at how skilled she was at this even when tipsy. It was not long before they both shuddered and cried out in a climax and then fell back together as Brenda moved to Alicia’s face and kissed her over and over. The acrid taste of Alicia was still sharp on her tongue as they kissed and it made her tremble again with desire.

“That was something, huh?” Brenda asked as they both sighed and lay still, just lightly running their fingers along each other’s bare skin.

“I’ll say…let’s hold off on dinner. I’m really OK enough to talk.”

“You sure?”

“I was sober enough to go down on you just now wasn’t I? No complaints about that?”

“Hardly…was amazing…again…OK…let’s talk.”

They stood and moved inside to the living room and sat, still naked and a bit sweaty on the sofa as the sky outside went dark and stars began to come out. Brenda brought her half-finished beer with her but when she offered Alicia something she laughed as she declined.

“No…I think I had better stop where I am.”

They both laughed as they settled back into the soft leather and Alicia lay across Brenda’s body as she began.

“When I got there this morning there was a group of six representatives from Yorh Ekin as well as Tom. He introduced me all around, though they all seemed very familiar with me and my work already. I guess they had done a bit of background before leaving Berlin.”

“Mr. Ekin himself come along?”

“No…guess he was just relying on his committee to take care of this. Anyway, they filled me in on a bit more on the organization and where they want to go in the future and how they would like me to fit into the structure.”

“What you had expected in terms of your role and the company?”

“Yes and no. They have much bigger ambitions and goals that Tom had led me to believe, but as far as what they would like me to do and manage, that was no surprise.”

Alicia swallowed hard as she braced herself for what was coming next.

“At that point it all sounded pretty good. They gave me a copy of the agreement that they had worked up detailing compensation, benefits, and NDA in case I ever went to work for a competitor I guess…and some other miscellaneous perks.”

“And?”

“Well, from what I could understand it all looked pretty straightforward but the last few pages had a lot of legalese that just went over my head, so I asked for a few hours to consult my lawyer.”

“How did that go over?”

“They seemed a bit taken aback…like they could not understand what the problem might be, but they finally gave me the OK and I drove over to Barry’s and had him go over the document carefully.”

“Any surprises?”

“Not until the next to last page. The compensation is...well…quite bluntly, obscene, but I guess these guys have some really deep pockets. The benefits are fantastic, but not much different than what I think most organizations of their size and stature in Europe are offering…at least that was Barry’s opinion.”

“The NDA?”

“Barry said it was to be expected based on what they are offering me. I would have to agree. I would do the same thing if I were in their shoes.”

“You mentioned other perks?”

“Yeah…bonuses for milestones met, a very generous housing allowance, nice vacation package and a healthcare plan that bows anything out of the water that is available here in the US.”

“All sounds pretty good, Brenda. You said there was a surprise on the last page?”

“Yep. Up that point it was sounding pretty hard to turn down, but Barry showed me the last page and then translated all the legalese for me.”

“So…don’t keep me hanging.”

All of a sudden Alicia was feeling that there might be a chance she would decline the offer.

“It seems they want a full 3-year commitment. I could not resign within that time without being responsible for a significant fee back to them.”

“Are you kidding?”

“Nope. Plus just like here they could dismiss me at anytime they might choose without having to explain.”

“Like the US right-to-work policy.”

“Exactly. Barry said barring that paragraph it was a good offer. One that was virtually unheard of these days. But that I needed to make sure about whether or not I was willing to sign on for 3 years. If not, the penalty is pretty severe.”

“So what are you going to do?”

“It’s a done deal, Licia…”

Alicia felt her heart sink again and wondered how she would make it through this.

“When do you leave?” she asked with sadness in the voice.

“Leave? Oh, Licia…it’s a done deal but I turned them down.”

“You what?”

“Yeah…I said thank you very much for considering me but that I did not feel this opportunity was just the right fit for me at this time in my career.”

“You little shit,” Alicia said with a laugh as she hugged her tight and kissed her hard.

“Sorry…did not men to be so secretive.”

“Sure you did…

“Well….maybe I did. Pretty funny, huh?”

“Yeah…you’re a regular laugh riot, Alice…”

They both laughed and hugged tighter.

“I just could not see signing up for what might be a very long and uncomfortable three years if the job was not what it seemed like. Plus I remembered what you said about how everything hanged so much for you when Astra Zeneca bought out Simmons. I decided despite all they were offering that it was not enough when I’dbe walking into such a big unknown.”

“Good for you!”

“And in the end it is just money, Licia. Adam says we are good and it just did not seem that the opportunity had enough pros to outweigh the cons, the biggest one being away from you for six months or more.”

Alicia felt her eyes well up and tears fell as she cried with relief and joy as Brenda kissed her.

“I am sorry you had to go through this with me, ’Licia, but in the end, our relationship was probably the deciding factor. Had I been single I probably would have rolled the dice and taken it.”

“You have any idea how much I love you for this, ’Bren?”

“I can ballpark it I guess…”

They laughed and cried and held each other as early evening turned over into the deep dark of the night.

“Does this screw up anything for Tom?”

“Not at all. In fact I talked to him about that before I made my decision and he told me his offer was a completely separate issue. The buyout is still happening and he took the early retirement package. He’s heading back to South Carolina to be with his folks as soon as he can wrap up the sale of his house here.”

’What about the rest of the staff at Farring?”

Brenda shrugged.

“I am guessing a few may stay on if Yorh Ekin wants them and their positions are not redundant. Maybe the ones who are still single and would have qualms about going to Berlin…you know, no families or kids to consider?”

“How about the others?”

She sighed.

“My guess is there may be a significant purging. I am sure Yorh Ekin will have a generous severance but a lot of those guys I worked with? They were there for the work itself and not so much the money. It is likely to be painful for some…cannot imagine everyone will be happy.”

“I guess so…I never knew of a merger or takeover where 100% of those involved came out unscathed and pleased.”

Brenda nodded sadly.

“Plus, in this field there are not a lot of other opportunities at the moment. It would mean a relocation for sure for those let go.”

Alicia let her head drop to Brenda’s shoulder and kissed her neck as Brenda sighed again in contentment.

“So all we have to do now is wait out my last days with Astra Zeneca?”

“It would seem so. Since I turned down Yorh Ekin’s offer, I will be officially unemployed along with all the rest beginning in…oh…maybe a couple weeks I would guess.”

“Has an official announcement been made?”

“Not yet. Tom was waiting on my decision before making a public announcement to the staff.”

“Then it’s just you and me and this incredible little hideaway of ours?”

“Apparently…”

“In that case, I think a major celebration is in order.”

“What did you have in mind, ’Licia?” Brenda asked with an evil grin.

“Come with me,” she replied as she stood and grabbed Brenda by the hand and led her toward the bedroom.

“Said the spider to the fly…” Brenda said with a chuckle.

“Very well put, sweetie…please come in and make yourself comfortable in my web.”

Chapter 29

Brenda awoke the next morning and the sun was already up and filtering through the angled slats over the bedroom window to the east. Alicia’s arm was draped over her waist and her head was resting on Brenda’s upper chest just below her shoulder joint. Their “celebration” had taken them into the wee hours the night before and Brenda was glad this was Saturday and she had no real commitments to honor. She smiled slyly as she recalled how she had pulled Alicia into her little practical joke over the job offer from Yorh Ekin. She was not normally a prankster, but this time she just had not been able to resist. She was sorry that Alicia had put herself through so much angst and anxiety and worry over it but based on what had happened last night all seemed forgiven.

Their linens were a tangled mess and her body was grimy and sticky from it all, though right now it hardly seemed to matter. Brenda was sure they would have survived the separation if all the details of the offer had been to her liking, but right now, here in their bed with Alicia’s warm and alluring body next to her she was sure she had made the right decision. Last night they had both seemed insatiable as they had gone from one position to another and from one location in the house to another without ever coming up for air. The night tables and carpet just adjacent to the bed were littered with various sex toys and Brenda smiled as she recalled it all.

She let her hand cup one of Alicia’s toned buttocks and rubbed her hand over the smooth skin as Alicia moved slightly and came half-awake.

“Morning, Licia….” Brenda whispered.

“Morning…please tell me you do not want more this morning,” she replied with a giggle.

“No…last night filled my tank for a while…well…at least until lunchtime anyway.”

They both chuckled.

“I just want to lie here and be with you, Licia…”

“Sounds good,” she said as she closed her eyes and ran her fingertips playfully over Brenda’s exposed breast.

They both closed their eyes again and were soon fast asleep as the sun rose higher into the sky and the light from the window disappeared and the bedroom went dim again. After a nice nap that ate up most of the morning, they arose and slipped into the hot tub out on the deck as coffee cups sat on the edges of the teal framing around the bath. Brenda sighed with pleasure as the hot water and jets soothed her sore muscles. She looked over and Alicia seemed to appear similarly relaxed.

“Any plans for today, Bren?”

“Not really. Thought maybe I should begin to organize my work stuff here at home that the new company may want since I will not be part of their plans now, but that can wait until Tom’s announcement I am sure.”

“Sure…with this sudden change in direction I was wondering if maybe our finances will take a slight hit, though?”

“How so?”

“Well…Adam was talking about us waiting at least a year or so before calling it quits, right?”

Brenda nodded as she sipped her coffee.

“Now that you have passed on the offer doesn’t that mean you only have maybe 2 weeks of income coming in now?”

“From my salary yes, but part of the deal was that if I declined the offer that I would be lumped in with all the other employees there who will not be joining the new organization. That means a severance package. And since Tom had long ago elevated me to this unofficial ‘partner’ status that package will be significant.”

“Relative to what the others may be given?”

“So he said. He only gave me a ballpark figure but from what I recall it should only be a bit off what I might have earned had Farring stayed independent until you pulled the plug…say 6 months or so.”

“Pretty sweet deal, Bren. What do you plan on doing with all this free time you will have?”

“No idea. Maybe take care of all those little things here that we keep putting off because we both have been working full-time and just had no time.”

“Like that sticky window in the dining room and the chip in the front steps from the winter freezes and thaws?”

“Yeah…those, but also maybe begin to look at some of the things we always wanted to bring up to snuff that Stan pointed out but we put off in the original renovation.”

“The garage?”

“For one, for sure…before it finally falls over in the next big wind storm.”

Alicia laughed.

“Few others as well. But mostly I just want to unwind and regain my regular personality after all this merger stuff.”

“Good idea, Bren. I am sure it has been a wild ride for you.”

“Yep. As much stress and anxiety as you went through, Licia, it was just as worrisome for me, believe it or not.”

Alicia nodded and put her empty mug aside and swam over to Brenda’s side. They sat face-to-face as the water bubbled around their necks. Brenda kissed Alicia deeply as they wrapped their legs around one another’s waists and held each other tight. Soon they both found themselves quietly sobbing, but it was out of happiness and relief rather than sorrow.

************

The remainder of the weekend was quiet and peaceful. Brenda and Alicia stayed in all day Saturday and just hung out with one another. They did a lot of mundane tasks that needed attention like laundry and some straightening up around the house…especially in the bedroom following Friday’s celebration…but it was just more of a time for them to be together with all the anxiety and worry they both had been weighed down with lately completely gone. As they settled in that night to watch a movie that evening, they both felt that all was right in their little part of the world at long last.

They casually touched each other as they enjoyed the film, but it was more in a manner of just close intimacy as opposed to another sexual expression. Nothing was ever said openly as they sat and touched as they both seemed to be on the same page at the moment of sheer bliss of just being together. They met Stan and Sarah Peterson for brunch on Sunday to catch up and also to see what Stan’s schedule might be for the small projects they wanted to tackle once Brenda’s “dismissal” from Farring happened.

Brenda laid out all that had been behind the merger for their friends and Sarah smiled sweetly when Brenda finished the story and explained her final decision and what was to come for the couple. Alicia was smiling widely as she told it all and squeezed Brenda’s hand tightly under the table as she once again was struck by just how much Brenda had put their relationship above her career and how deeply in love she was with her.

“So you are really going to retire when Alicia finishes up at Astra Zeneca?” Sarah asked.

“That’s the plan,” Alicia replied. “Our financial guy, Adam Harrington, has assured us we have more than enough based on how he has invested our money. You guys know Adam?”

“We do,” Stan added, “I got hooked up with Adam years ago from a recommendation from one of my early clients. He’s been taking care of things for Sarah and me for about…oh…I’d say coming up on a decade now. Great guy both professionally and personally. Glad to hear he has done so well for you, too.”

They both smiled and nodded and the conversation just naturally morphed into stuff about what was going on around town. They lingered over their coffee a bit longer and then said their goodbyes as Brenda and Alicia strolled hand-in-hand along the cobbled walks of the old town section just window shopping and stopping occasionally to acknowledge acquaintances along the way and chat. Despite some new interest and influx of people from out-of-state as their little town was becoming a magnet for overpriced real estate elsewhere, it still seemed to retain the same small-town feel that both Brenda and Alicia adored. It was not one of those “everybody knows your business” little spots, but just the right size for them. They could still run into a lot of familiar faces each day but not feel like their personal lives were the subject of public scrutiny.

The other huge bonus for them here was the general acceptance they seemed to have with most with their relationship. Hardly a day went by anymore without reading about how many same-sex couples had to endure bigotry as well as outright threats and violence in their communities. But for the most part, Brenda and Alicia had been blessedly free of that kind of thing. There was still the occasional shout of “dykes” or other similar slurs directed toward them from time to time, but more often than not it turned out to be drunken high school kids out blowing off steam. Not once had Brenda and Alicia been the targets of anything serious.

They continue don down the block and then headed across the street to double back to peruse the shops, cafes, and pubs on the other side Alicia gave Brenda’s arm a gentle squeeze.

“I this what we have to look forward to in retirement here? I mean, just hanging out with friends and walking around enjoying the town and being together?”

“I guess…you need anything more?”

“Not at all…well…maybe not quite just that,” Alicia replied as she kissed Brenda on the neck sending shivers down her body.

“Oh? Like what?” Brenda teased.

“Why don’t we head home and I can show you.” Alicia shot back with a mischievous leer.

Just then the sky began to cloud over and the sun was blotted out as thunder rumbled and rain began to fall. They jogged along heading to the car and sped home as the rain began to fall in heavy sheets and the streets struggled to keep up with the downpour. They ran wildly, laughing and slipping in their loose flats as Brenda fumbled with her keys at the door. Alicia reached under Brenda’s top and felt her nipples growing stiff.

“You’re not helping, Licia….”

They both laughed and then fled into the living room as Brenda finally got her key in the lock and the door closed quickly as a gust of wind began to push the rain at a severe angle. They looked at each other, as they both had water dripping from their hair and clothes.

“Seems like old times, ’Bren…” Alicia said laughing as she kissed her again.

Brenda recalled their first time here together in her old house and smiled. It did. Like they had come full circle.

“Should we go with that then? It seemed to work out well for us in the long run.”

“If you insist,” Alicia replied with a loud laugh.

They stripped away their sodden clothes with no concern for the floor or carpet or anything else as Alicia chased a fleeing Brenda down the hallway and then up the spiral stairs as they fell together completely intertwined and in a passionate embrace under the twinkling effect of the pinpoint star lighting overhead.

Chapter 30

A month later, Brenda found herself as an on-site coordinator for Stan’s crew as they arrived to tear out their old garage and put up a brand new one. It had been, in his opinion, just too old and damaged to try and fix. Brenda and Alicia were also tired of running from the front drive in rain and snow and welcomed a new, modern enclosure for their cars. However, Stan had promised to do his best to try and maintain the same look and style of the old garage so as to blend in well with her classic bungalow. It had been a major mess during the demolition, but now that the new structure was going up Brenda sighed in relief as she could easily envision the design that Stan had sent to her.

Alicia was still plugging away at Astra Zeneca, but Brenda could see it was getting harder and harder for her to go in each day. Alicia one morning on her way out the door turned and came back inside. She pulled Brenda to her and looked her in the eye.

“If it was not for you and being able to go to bed with you each night and feel you against me, I am not sure I could keep doing this each day.”

Brenda smiled and kissed her. It was one of the nicest compliments she had ever gotten from anyone in any relationship. Though their sex life was still as vibrant and exciting as ever to them, many nights they were finding a richer, deeper intimacy and connection when they just lay intertwined and fell asleep like that.

“If it ever gets too much, Licia…just stop. Do not make yourself miserable.”

“I know. It’s not intolerable which is when I say adios. It’s just the corporate structure that gets to me some days. The work itself is still what I like.”

Brenda gave her a final kiss and watched as Alicia backed out of the drive and headed down the street. That had been good to hear. As much as Alicia had given to her over their time together she would never ask her to do anything so unpleasant that it made her unhappy. Besides, she had picked up some freelance work from Tom that was filling in nicely as Brenda was finding way more free time on her hands than she had anticipated while Alicia went off to work each morning.

After settling in South Carolina, Tom had sent her an email about this start-up design house in Columbia, just a few miles from his folks’ place. He had wandered one day out of curiosity and had found a perfect niche for himself. This time around Tom had no interest in being the boss…he had been through that and knew he needed to make his Dad’s situation his number one priority. However, after chatting casually with the owners there they both saw he had the experience and background they could tap into since Tom had created Farring Designs from the ground up.

He signed on with them as a consultant and told them he knew of a woman back from his old firm that would be perfect for them as they got their feet wet. And perfect it had been. Brenda was able to work with the new launch virtually and over skype offering the same expertise and value she had gained with Tom as her mentor and greatest advocate when she had begun at Farring. Initially the money was not great, but it gave her something to fill some of her empty hours with while Alicia was at Astra Zeneca and it was nice just to have a new professional challenge come her way…without having to move to Berlin.

“I know it’s not a lucrative proposition, Brenda,” Tom said one day, “but thee guys have some great ideas and if they can make a go of it I am sure they will be more than generous with a bonus of some sort.”

“Sure, Tom…frankly, the money is not an issue with me now. My severance from Yorh Ekin is still pretty much untouched and it would be good to get back into the field again. Until Alicia pulls the plug for good, I just need the distraction I guess. It looks like an interesting possibility for them.”

“I would agree and I appreciate you having the time and initiative to help out. So how is semi-retirement treating you?”

“Can’t complain. We’re doing some upgrades at the house for which I have been made the on-site coordinator for. Also…more time just for us to relax and enjoy being together.”

“Sounds wonderful. How is Alicia?”

“Very good. Her job is sometimes a drag for her, but that is more Astra Zeneca than the job itself I think. But otherwise she’s great.”

“Fantastic! I am glad this is all working out for you two. I know that was a major sticking point for you when that Yorh Ekin offer got floated by you.”

“It was. I am sure we would have survived had I accepted, but fortunately we did not have to find out. If it’s not too personal, how is your Dad doing?”

She could hear Tom sigh on the other end of the phone and imagined him recede a bit in his seat with sadness.

“It’s not too personal, Brenda. He’s…well…I guess about as good as can be expected. As you might imagine there are good days and bad days. Sometimes it’s like you would never know he has this damned thing. Then there are the days when he does not even seem to recognize me or my Mom or anyone else for that matter.”

“I’m so sorry, Tom.”

“Thanks. But this is the special hell of Alzheimer’s. It is never going to get any better. The downward slide is inevitable, but at least I am here and it sure is giving my Mom the support and relief as the sole caretaker. Even with all the times he thinks I am some stranger and has no idea what is happening to him, the days where he is perfectly lucid and we sit and reminisce over our time together when I was a kid almost even it out…at least for me.”

“I admire you, Tom. I always have ever since you hired me, but this just reinforces the man I knew you were.”

“Thanks, Brenda. He’s my Dad…what other choice is there?”

Brenda let tears well in her eyes and fall silently down her face. Part of that was how touched she was at Tom’s dedication and love for his father. But part was she wished she had could have had just a day or two of that kind of relationship with her own father. Her father had been a drunk and a gambler and had never had any interest in her that she could ever recall. Both she and her Mom were relieved when he finally just left and never came home one day, despite the financial and emotional strain it had put on her mother to raise her alone.

“If w can do anything, Tom, please let us know, OK?”

“I will.”

“I mean it, Tom. I know people always say this in situations like this, but I mean it,”

“I know you do, Brenda. Take care and we will talk more once this thing here in Columbia gets rolling.”

“You too. Talk to you soon, Tom.”

Brenda hung up the phone and wiped her tears. If ever she had not been grateful for everything that had come her way as an adult and all that she had now, that phone call had certainly reinforced it.

************

And so life went on for Brenda and Alicia. Their bungalow got all the additions and upgrades they wanted and needed. As well, she began her association with the new company over in Columbia that Tom had connected her with. It was true they had some very innovative ideas and approaches and they seemed eager and very open to all of Brenda’s suggestions and assistance.

Alicia seemed more content at Astra Zeneca lately once the one supervisor that had been making her life there uncomfortable had been fired for sexual harassment. Apparently this was a pattern for the executive. Alicia asked around when he began to make suggestive comments to her in private and low and behold he had made the rounds. It had all gone unreported before as the man held the women he had propositioned in his control. They were all afraid they would be fired if they made a report.

But Alicia had an advantage. Number one, she could not have cared less if the pervert tried to have her fired or not. She was close enough to her targeted retirement date that it did not matter. And number two, he had no idea she was a lesbian, even though it was, as far as she knew, common knowledge among her other colleagues. When Alicia discovered what he had been up to over time she saw red and was determined to put an end to it once and for all. She spoke with one woman she knew well in her department to find out she had been one of his targets. That led to a long string of victims, some of which had merely given in rather than lose their jobs…some just resigned and walked away.

Alicia tracked them all down, including as many of the women as she could who had resigned and had them all give depositions to a lawyer she knew who worked on cases like this with the DA. She then continued on in her job, not giving the man any hint of her own sexuality but began to wear a small recording device that an investigator for the lawyer she had contacted had given her. Over the course of a few more meetings, she kept stringing him along with innuendos and comments that kept his libido up indicating she was indeed interested. As well, with permission from the executive committee Alicia had alerted to this situation, she began to dress very differently when she knew she would be around him figuring any additional encouragement could only be to her advantage when setting her trap. Alicia knew the ultra-short skirts and plunging necklines to showcase her cleavage were causing some eyebrows to be raised around the office, but it was only short-term.

The recordings went straight to a server at the lawyer’s office and Alicia was very proud the day when the VP of their division arrived to tell him he was being dismissed based on his inappropriate sexual behavior toward the female members of the organization. As was expected, he vehemently denied the accusations, threatening a lawsuit against the VP and Astra Zeneca.

“You are certainly free to pursue any legal action you would like to, Ted,” the VP said, “but right now I want you out of the building and off the grounds. Am I being fairly clear?”

“You will regret this, Daniel!”

“I doubt it. Do I need to have you escorted out?”

“No…that will not be necessary. But this is not over.”

I could not agree more, Daniel Redding thought as he joined Alicia at the railing that overlooked the walkway that led away from the front entrance. They both smiled as they watched the ousted executive stopped at the security gate and cuffed by the local police.

“Think this will stick, Daniel?” Alicia asked quietly.

“I do. Hard to defend against multiple depositions plus a live recording of him with you. The DA say anything about you having to testify if there is a trial?”

“He did, but he is guessing with all the evidence that a deal will be made beforehand. Like you said, the mountain of proof against him seems overwhelming. He sees a trial highly unlikely as he is sure Ted will not want any of this to make more public than it is likely to be as it is.”

“Good. I am sorry you had to go through this, Alicia, but thank you for taking charge and bringing this to my attention. Despite what you may read in the media over how corporations often sweep these things under the rug, that is not how we do things here.”

“My pleasure, Daniel.”

“Let me know if the legal beagles here in-house can help down the road if you need them.”

“I will. Thanks. My guess is the DA’s office will be fine.”

He touched her on the shoulder lightly and smiled as he walked away and Alicia raised her fists over her head in triumph. Not only has she ridded Astra Zeneca of a grade-A slimeball, but she had relieved herself of the one major pebble in her shoe in her own work. Besides being a sexual predator, Ted had been simply an unpleasant, nasty, demanding, and obnoxious human being.

*************

Brenda high-fived Alicia when she arrived home with the news. She knew this man had been toxic to Alicia in more ways than one and she could see the instant relief on her face and in her eyes as she told the tale.

“Took him away in cuffs right on-site?” she asked as they sat on the deck and had a beer.

“Yep. As soon as he reached the security gate.”

“DA says he’s got a solid case?”

“He does. Bye-bye, Teddy…”

They both laughed and clinked their bottles together.

“Man,” Brenda said after she swallowed, “you are one bad-ass, ’Licia! Remind me never to get on your bad side!”

“Damn right, bitch!” she replied as they both howled with laughter. “However, I have yet to see a bad side of you, ’Bren…and I am pretty sure I have had ample opportunity to see all of you.”

Brenda sputtered with amusement and kissed her.

“If you are so inclined, I’d like to acknowledge your victory over the latest corporate sexual scumbag.”

Alicia raised her eyebrows.

“Oh?”

Brenda slipped off her shirt and stepped out of her shorts as she stood as Alicia admired her.

“Even better than the thanks I got from the higher-ups at Astra Zeneca I think.”

“I would sure hope so, Licia…”

She walked away swaying her rear provocatively as she heard Alicia stand and disrobe as well. Alicia walked over and around the long trail of pieces of clothing until she got to the bedroom and found Brenda on her back, her legs spread wide. She joined her smiling widely as she received a much better sense of appreciation for her little scheme than anyone at Astra Seneca could have ever come up with.

Chapter 31

As winter set in, Brenda and Alicia found themselves going out less and spending more time comforted by the cozy confines of the bungalow and the generous heat generated from the small woodstove that had been fitted with a natural gas insert in the living room. A lot had happened in the last few months as well. Indeed, the DA had secured a quick plea deal from Ted’s attorney in order to avoid a lot of press and general public attention over his behavior. Alicia was glad not to have had to testify, though she would have no problems doing so if it had been necessary. Part of the plea deal had been to have the final sentencing unavailable to the public. Alicia would have loved to have known what it was, but in the end she was just glad he had been nabbed and fired from Astra Zeneca.

She had heard rumblings as well concerning a litany of civil suits that were in the works and it made her smile knowing that even with the sealed pleas deal Ted’s legal problems had just begun. With that behind her work had become a much more palatable environment, and it went without saying that her female colleagues held in very high esteem now…as did senior management. She did believe Daniel when he had expressed his appreciation for her rooting Ted out but she was also not naïve enough to believe it was for reasons as simple as he had communicated. She knew the last thing Astra Zeneca wanted, with pockets as seep as they possessed, was some massive class-action suit from all the women Ted had molested if they had kept him on.

In Brenda’s world much had transpired as well. Her work with the start-up in Columbia had wrapped up. She had done all she could for what they needed from her and the last she had heard from Tom they were doing well and he was sure they would be a national player in time…if not more. It was a bit sad to say farewell to the project, as Brenda had become quite fond of Tracey and Albert, the owners she had partnered with. They reminded her fondly of her early days with Tom at Farring. They were bright, ambitious, and just as self-effacing in their demeanor as was Tom Bergstrom. And the bonus check they sent her after more than made up for any feelings of separation she was having. It rocked her to her core when she saw the check. Tom had said it would come if they were successful, but she had really not been prepared for the amount.

Then there was Tom. It was the one sad event in all of the great things that were still pouring in for Brenda and Alicia. Tom called her late one afternoon with the news that his father had died. Brenda felt herself tear up even though she had never met the man. It was Tom she now cried for. Even though she had been through the loss of her own father she remembered how painful it had been and how lost she had been for a time when her mother had passed on. Her Mom was all she had known as a real parent, but that was not the point.

From her regular conversations with Tom she knew how close he and his Dad had been when his mind was still sound. It had been heart-breaking for her to hear Tom describe the agony and suffering as each day seemed to chop away at the man he had once known. And even when the end came, and it was all over, Tom was still devastated. Brenda looked back and remembered. Even when you know it is coming, she thought, when the final hour passes you are never prepared. Tom was now trying to hold his Mom together as well as allow himself the time to react and mourn the loss of his Dad. Alicia could not get away due to her job but Brenda dropped everything and flew to Columbia for the funeral and to see how she could support the one man who had been instrumental in all she had now.

They sat up late into the night as Tom told her one story after another about his Dad. As he went on she saw right away why Tom Bergstrom was the man he was. How blessed he had been to experience the gift of having had this man as a father! The service was simple and dignified and Brenda sat with Tom and his Mom as if a member of the family. The eulogy was touching and tender making Brenda sorry she had never had the chance to meet him…though she had a pretty good idea having worked with Tom for so long was Tom was a mirror image of the man.

Though it was hard to be away from home, Brenda stayed until Tom practically threw her out and told her they were fine.

“I know you miss Alicia…you’ve done enough for us here.”

“How could I not, Tom? I mean…all I have…all that Alicia and I have together now…it all comes back to you giving me a chance way back when and believing in me when no one else would.”

“I appreciate that Brenda, but you made your own way. Do not ever forget that, OK?”

She hugged him tightly as she said her goodbyes to him and his mother and by the time she let him go they both were crying. The flight home was bittersweet. She was missing Alicia desperately that was for sure, but even with all his assurances, she had a feeling Tom was just beginning the real mourning process for his Dad. She made a mental note to make sure she checked in with him regularly. The plane touched down and Brenda collected her single suitcase and wandered from the baggage claim to the taxi stand still feeling sad and upset.

As she began to scan the drive she looked up and saw this leggy blonde holding a handmade sign with her name on it. It was Alicia! They had made no plans for her to pick her up as she knew Alicia would likely be consumed at work, but here she was. Brenda dropped her bag and ran to Alicia and hugged her tight to her as she cried.

“It’s OK, Bren…” Alicia whispered into her ear, “just let it out.”

And she did. All the anguish and emotion she had been holding back at the funeral and afterward came flooding out like a dam that could no longer contain its water. Alicia held her lover firmly against her as her tears flowed at will. Brenda shook and gaped against her crying as Alicia held on and made her feel protected and safe.

“I….you….”.

It was all Brenda could babble out as she sank her face into Alicia’s neck.

“Come on…let’s get you home. It’s been quite an ordeal I am sure.”

Brenda nodded weakly and let Alicia lead her to the car and help her into the passenger seat before going back to grab the bag Brenda had dropped. She popped it in the trunk and then eased out of the airport lot. They did not talk on the way home but Brenda grasped on to Alicia’s hand when she placed it on her thigh. They got back home sooner than Brenda had expected and she chalked that up to her overwrought condition and having little idea of where she was. Alicia helped her out and then inside as she led her to the bedroom.

“Stay put I’ll be right back.”

Alicia left and headed into the bathroom where she drew a hot and soapy bath. She came back with a glass of water and a pill.

“What’s that?” Brenda choked out as she sat up her hair a tangled mess.

“Half a valium. Take it. It will help you relax.”

Brenda nodded and swallowed the pill. Alicia took the glass from her, set it aside and began to methodically undress Brenda. She put up no resistance whatsoever appearing almost like a rag doll as Alicia removed her panties and led her to the bath. She could see the medication kicking in as Brenda’s eyes glazed a tad and she helped her step into the tub and slid her down leaving just her head exposed. Alicia then stripped down as well and joined her sliding in behind Brenda and surrounding her with her arms and legs.

Brenda uttered a big sigh and just melded into Alicia’s body as they sat and soaked. When the water began to cool, Alicia drained the tub, dried her off and put her to bed before cleaning up. When she got back to the bed she could see Brenda was completely relaxed, courtesy of the valium and the hot bath, but was still awake. She folded back the sheet covering Brenda’s upper body and rolled her onto her stomach before warming the scented herbal massage oil between her hands and worked it into Brenda’s back.

She straddled her at the waist and used the leverage to cover every inch of Brenda’s back, buttocks, and hamstring muscles. She then moved on to her shoulders and neck and smiled as Brenda uttered soft moans in response with each stroke of her hands and fingers. Alicia then kissed her lightly on the nape of her neck and rolled her over to get at her front shoulders, neck and chest. Brenda kept her eyes closed but groaned and moaned gently with each touch. Her touch was highly intimate and tender but never sexual.

When she was done she lay beside Brenda and covered them both with the sheet and blankets as the warm and oily residue on Brenda’s skin rubbed against her making her smile again. She knew the drug had made her groggy and she put her finger to Brenda’s lips when she tried to speak.

“Shh…not now. We can talk in the morning. You need to rest. Close your eyes and just sleep ’Bren…it’s all OK, now…”

Brenda nodded slightly and pulled Alicia tighter and before she knew it she was fast asleep. Alicia soon followed her example and sighed with relief at having her home at last.

************

A light snow was falling when Alicia awoke and glanced outside. Brenda was still asleep and had not appeared to have moved at all since they had gone to bed. Her breathing was slow and regular and Alicia kissed her gently on the cheek. Brenda’s eyes opened slowly and she blinked in surprise as if she was not sure where she was.

“How do you feel, Bren?”

“I…uh….OK, I guess. Maybe a bit out of it still, though.”

“Probably the valium. I knew you were not used to them so that is why I just gave you half a tablet.”

“A lot of yesterday is hazy for me, Licia, but I do remember you drawing me a bath. And I can still feel that extraordinary massage afterward. Thank you.”

“No problem. You feel up to getting up yet? Maybe something to eat?”

“Can we just lay here a little longer?”

“You bet.”

Brenda reached up and pulled Alicia’s mouth to her and kissed her passionately.

“How did I ever come to deserve you, Licia?”

“Guess I could ask the same question, Bren.”

She sighed and lay her head on Alicia’s breast as she absent-mindedly stroked her fingers through Alicia’s fine pubic hair. She nodded as she recalled other incidents in their past when their current roles had been reversed.

“You want to talk about it? The trip over to Tom’s I mean?”

“Sure…but not right now, OK?”

Alicia nodded.

“Right now I want you to make me come, Licia….”

Brenda guided Alicia’s hand to her wet vagina and opened her thighs a few inches. She sighed and then gasped quickly as she felt the familiar touch of Alicia’s long, slender fingers go inside her. She moaned again and quivered slightly as Alicia moved her fingers in a way she knew Brenda loved.

“Oh my God, Licia…yes….that’s it….yes….yes…nice and slow just like that…”

Alicia continued but began to slip in deeper based on knowing her lover’s preferences. Brenda responded instantly and moaned louder as her body trembled harder.

“Yesss….right there, Licia…..oh God I missed you…”

Alicia suckled at Brenda’s ear lobe as her breathing got faster and shorter. Brenda arched her back slightly and threw her head back as she cried out in an obvious orgasm before clinging tight to Alicia. Alicia stroked her hair and kissed her shoulder and then neck as Brenda continued to tremble in her arms. When she finally lay still Brenda ran her hot, wet lips over Alicia’s erect nipples and sucked at them with pure animal passion.

“No way would I have survived six months away from you, ’Licia…” she rasped as Alicia closed her eyes as the feel of Brenda’s mouth on her made her flush.

Chapter 32

After showering and joining Alicia in the kitchen for coffee Brenda was beginning to feel normal again. She sat at the kitchen table and nibbled at some leftover pastries Alicia had bought the day before.

“Shouldn’t you be at work, ’Licia?”

“Took a couple personal days. Our last phone conversation when you were at Tom’s had me worried about you.”

“So you took time off from work, drove out to get me at the airport and then nursed me back to reality?”

“Something like that.”

“Wow…”

“What wow? You would have done the same for me. It’s part of the package, Bren.”

She nodded and wiped a tear away.

“Still….it’s pretty overwhelming sometimes, Licia….you and me…this thing we have.”

“Don’t I know it. And there is not a day that goes by that I do not offer my gratitude for having you in my life.”

“Me either.”

“Anytime you are ready or need to talk about it. Let me know. I’m home for the day and then we have the weekend. And from the looks of the weather it does not look as if we are going anywhere anytime soon.”

Brenda looked over toward the deck out back and saw that the light flurries had indeed picked up and the snow was coming down hard. Based on the deck it looked like about 5 or 6 inches had accumulated thus far with no signs of a slow up.

“You catch a forecast yet?”

“Supposed to be a big one. Couple cells from Canada collided they say. Maybe as much as 2 feet before it stops on Sunday.”

“We OK for food and all?”

“Yep. Before I came to the airport I ran to the store and stocked up just in case.”

“Liquor store too?”

“Of course, Bren…always.”

They laughed and sipped their coffee.

“Then being snowbound with you is a fantasy come true, ’Licia…let’s go back to bed and I can fill you in.”

Alicia nodded and put their empty mugs in the sink before undressing and joining her back in bed. For a long time they just held each other and kissed and touched, not as a prelude to sex but just reveling in being back together again. Slowly Brenda began and told Alicia about the whole experience back at Tom’s. She listened intently and did not interrupt her.

“So Tom’s father was a stranger to you?”

“Sort of…I mean I never met him while he was still alive, but Tom told me so much about him it was like he wasn’t, you know?”

Alicia nodded and smiled.

“Plus all my time with Tom. If ever there was any truth to the expressions ‘a chip of the old block’ or ‘the apple not falling far from the tree’ that was Tom and his father. At least from my impressions anyway.”

“But I am guessing his loss hit you harder than just because Tom is your friend and what he did for you back when we met. This related to your own father?”

Brenda nodded and wiped at another tear.

“Yeah, I think so…my father was pretty much a nonentity my whole life, but that does not mean I still do not long for that relationship. If you could just see Tom’s face and hear his voice when he talks about his Dad…”

Alicia nodded and hugged her.

“I get it, ’Bren. I know you and your Mom were really close. But it’s different, huh?”

Brenda nodded and sobbed.

“She…uh…she was an amazing woman, Licia. I like to think I am a faint version of her. She had to take care of everything for the two of us.”

“And maybe this brought a lot of your feelings back when you lost her?”

“Yep. The combination of that and still wanting the relationship with my father that Tom had even though I know he was an asshole.”

“Understandable. And Bren?”

She looked at Alicia.

“Do not ever think you might be a faint version of your Mom. That is just bullshit. You are an amazing, strong, intelligent, resourceful, talented woman. All of which I would bet our savings on that came straight from the example your Mom made. Do not listen to that little voice in your head that might tell you such a lie. And I say that as someone who suffers from that bit of low self-esteem from time to time as well. Your Mom would be very proud of who you have become, Bren.”

Tears fell from her eyes but she did not make a sound. She so loved this woman in her arms right now it almost made her heart ache with desire.

“Thanks, ’Licia….I feel the same.”

“Plus as an added bonus, you are the one person that still makes me weak in the knees, and horny as all get out when I first see you at the end of the day. My heart speeds up, my pulse goes wild and all I want is to be with you.”

Brenda blushed and this time she did cry a bit.

“Same here, Licia. Some days here when I am doing stuff around the house I must look at the clock a hundred times in the afternoon in anticipation of you getting home from work.”

Alicia wiped her tears away again and kissed her. She knew all their pillow talk might sound corny and nauseatingly-sweet to some, but for her it was the truth. For Brenda too she was sure. Never in her life had Alicia ever imagined she would find someone like Brenda to spend her life with. And their meeting had been such a freak thing, too. She had been in that club that evening to set up just one more one-night stand to satisfy her carnal needs. And Brenda was just taking a casual night out to celebrate a new job.

Alicia had never before bought into anything in the universe looking over her or guiding her hand or helping her make her way, but in this case she saw no other explanation. She did not believe in coincidences. And ever since she and Brenda had been a couple, their lives, both individually and collectively had flourished. How was that for a cosmic wake-up call?

“If you are feeling up to it and recovered from your trip enough, Bren…could I talk you into proving all of that?”

Brenda smiled and kissed her again.

“Well….normally I would say no, but what with the weather and all…what the hell.”

“Smartass to the end, huh?”

“So it would seem…”

************

Without any more hesitation or talk, Brenda and Alicia did indeed make good on their feelings. The snow was still flying hard when they engaged for the third time that afternoon. They had taken breathers only to make up a large pitcher of Alicia’s famous margaritas which had a bit more tequila in it than she normally used but seeing as how the weather was likely to keep them sequestered for a while, neither seemed to mind. The buzz of alcohol in their heads only seemed to enhance their arousal and hunger for one another and a new round of drinks after each new position seemed appropriate. In fact it soon became this game they decided would be a good one to incorporate for good in the future.

Between couplings Brenda was finding the combination of alcohol and how Alicia began using the ice cubes to “torture” her, making her even hornier than she thought possible. Alicia would bind her loosely to the bed and run a frozen cube over her nipples until they went rigid and stiff. Then, still bound and at Alicia’s mercy she cried out with pleasure like she had never had as Alicia came to her and suckled at her with her hot, wet mouth until she begged her to stop. But often Alicia knew well that Brenda really wanted something else while she was bound.

So as Brenda would lay, tied out spread eagle and trembling from her ice cube treatment, Alicia would alternatively either go down on her or mount her with a strap-on dildo to take then to the next level and thus the next round of margaritas. When the pitcher had gone empty for the second time and they had traded positions in this approach following the first pitcher, they both finally gave up, their bodies wet with sweat and massage oil and not being able to endure any more. In their minds Brenda and Alicia always wanted more of each other, but in reality they both knew their physical bodies had a daily limit. And in this marathon session they had pushed themselves further than they ever had before.

They lay naked and panting on the bed, 2 huge empty margarita pitchers on the end tables and the bedroom itself looking as if a tornado had swept through. Sheets and clothes were all over as were a lot of their sex toys and partially used bottles of massage oils. They were both happily inebriated as well. Not falling-down drunk, but just with a very pleasant high that complemented the satisfaction they felt all over sexually. They lay and touched each other as they laughed and kissed.

“Still snowing, ’Licia?”

“Who cares? We out of margs?”

Brenda looked over at the empty pitchers laying on their sides, little bits of melted ice dribbling out of the tops and across the tabletop, flowing slowly around pieces of lime and through scattered grains of salt.

“Looks that way…”

“Damn! Good thing we don’t have to drive anywhere…”

Even though this was not an issue, it seemed to tickle them to death and they both giggled and howled with delight at the comment.

“We could make up more.” Brenda offered as she slurred her words now.

“Okey, dokie…” Alicia replied, “I’m on it!”

But as she stood, her head began to spin and she fell back on the bed next to Brenda in a heap laughing.

“I thought you were getting up to make drinks?”

“Yeah…me too? What happened?”

“I think maybe we’ve had enough?”

“Maybe…well…no more drinks means no more sex in this little game we invented tonight.”

“Think maybe we had enough of that as well?” Brenda asked as she giggled wildly.

“Nonsense!” Alicia bellowed as she stood as if a captain on the deck of a ship. “You’re hot as hell and I am still horny I tell you!”

Brenda was laughing uncontrollably now at Alicia’s antics.

“This is your captain speaking,” Alicia continued, “the runway is clear and I am coming in for a landing. Please spread your legs and prepare to be expertly fucked!”

Brenda had no idea where it had come from but Alicia even had this little pilot’s hat atop her head sitting cockeyed on her hair. But just then her legs gave out and she fell on top of a laughing Brenda and they both could not stop.

“That was a sad and embarrassing landing, Captain,” Brenda said as their laughter faded off to giggles.

“Yeah…it sure was. How about I go around and make another run at it?”

“Maybe tomorrow, Captain?”

“Even better…”

And with that they both passed out.

Chapter 33

Brenda and Alicia awoke late and just lay still. Brenda tried to sit up but her head was pounding and she fell back next to Alicia.

“’Licia? You awake?” Brenda croaked out through a dry and stale mouth.

“Technically…why?”

“What did we do last night?”

Alicia scanned the bedroom and was puzzled.

“Well….as far as I can see we apparently had a few margaritas and maybe sex?”

“I think maybe it was a bit more than that. Licia…”

“Perhaps but I refuse to talk to you until you stop shouting.”

Brenda giggled knowing Alicia was having just as bad of a hangover as she was.”

“Sorry.”

She forced herself to a sitting position and took it all in. In among all the debris was this little pilot’s cap, made for what looked like a child. Brenda stood and plucked it from the floor and held it out to Alicia.

“This ring a bell…Captain?”

Alicia furrowed her brow until her memory cleared.

“Oh shit!” she exclaimed. “It’s all coming back now…unfortunately.”

“Boy, we really tied one on huh?”

“And then some. You have a headache too?”

“Big time. You still interested in coming around to make another landing attempt, after coffee, Captain?”

“You know, Bren…I may have mentioned this once or twice but nobody likes a smart ass.”

Brenda snickered and tossed her the cap.

“Where did you even get that thing?”

“No idea. You said something about coffee?”

Brenda nodded and padded away on shaky legs.

“First day on the new feet, Bren?”

“Very funny…just wait ’til you give it a try.”

Alicia waited until she had gone into the kitchen and then stood. She took a step and wavered just a badly but finally got her balance and came in following the aroma of brewing coffee.

“Just a minute or two, Licia…but in the meantime you might want to take a peek outside.”

Alicia rubbed her eyes and went to the window. It was hard to tell for sure but if the deck was a guestimate then they had gotten way more than the predicted two feet of snow. And it was still coming down.

“Holy fuck!” Alicia cried as she looked out back. “When exactly did we move to Alaska?”

“Yeah…pretty impressive, huh? At least we still have power,” she replied as she handed a mug to Alicia.

Just then the lights went out.

“At least we got out coffee early enough,” Brenda said as they at the table and stared at the blizzard outside.

They sipped as they listened to the wind howl around the corners of the house.

“Think it is just us or the whole town?” Alicia asked.

“Good question. My guess is the whole town based on the storm.”

Alicia nodded recalling that time they had lost power during the thunderstorm long ago when she had checked out the breaker box.

“Maybe take a look down the street and see if anyone else has lights or call up Stan and Sarah on your cell and see if they have power before we go plowing outside to check our breakers.”

Brenda nodded and wandered into the living room and took a long look in both directions down the street. As far as she could see the whole block was dark, but then again it was morning. She turned on her cell and called Sarah.

“Sarah? It’s Brenda…sorry to bother you this morning but just wondering if you’ve lost your electricity this morning from this storm?”

“Uh, huh…yeah…OK…no, we’re OK otherwise. Sure…sure…you too…so long.”

“Well?” Alicia asked as he came in.

“Not just us apparently. Theirs is out too as well as everyone around as far as she knows.”

“So what do we do?”

Brenda shrugged.

“Sarah says to sit tight and just wait it out, With the storm still blowing it may be a while until the crews can even get down any of the roads to fix anything.”

“What about heat?”

“We’ve got the gas fireplace.”

“Oh, yeah…”

“Sarah also said to keep the refrigerator closed as much as possible to conserve the cold that has built up inside. If it gets prolonged we can use coolers and put the stuff in the snow on the deck I guess.”

“Good idea, Bren.”

“For lighting we’ve got plenty of candles and flashlights when it gets dark. We should be OK. And there is that little 2-burner camp stove we have when we went car camping last summer. Runs on that white gas stuff from Coleman I think.”

“Want to fire up the gas fireplace? Don’t know about you but I am getting chilly.”

“Or we could go another way, Licia?”

“Huh?”

Brenda held up the pilot’s cap again that she had snuck out of the bedroom and held back a laugh.

“You can always fire up the engines and take another run at my landing strip, Captain. That should warm us both up.”

Brenda bent over double laughing finally.

“This going to be an ongoing gaga for you from now on, Bren?”

“Oh come on Licia….I’m just having some fun with you. It was funny then and it’s funny now!”

Alicia soon broke a smile and then laughed as well.

“As long as this stays between you and me. And remind me to take it easy with the tequila in the future.”

“Very good, Captain! Shall I alert the crew as to your wishes?”

Alicia set her mug aside and ran after Brenda as she raced away and into the bedroom finally catching up to her and tackling her on the bed and pinning her on her back as she looked down and smiled.

“This is bordering on insubordination, even for a passenger on the plane, Ma’am! I think some discipline is in order!”

“Oh no, Captain! Not that! Anything but that!”

“Sorry, but it seems it is the only way to regain order on my plane!”

Alicia bent down and flicked her tongue back and forth rapidly on Brenda’s nipples until they rose tall. Brenda moaned as they stiffened and before she realized it, Alicia had deftly put the strap on around her waist and slid it into her. She let Brenda loose and they came together as Alicia thruster in and out deeply and quickly.

“Oh, Captain, My Captain!” Brenda cried out as she laughed expertly mimicking the character from the Robin Williams’ movie, “Dead Poets Society”.

But her joking was soon replaced with genuine groans and cries of an approaching orgasm and Brenda collapsed in the aftermath. They lay together gasping together.

“Do we understand each other now, ma’am? The Captain’s authority is not to be ridiculed, OK?”

“Certainly, Captain….”

They both laughed loudly and dozed off again as the snow continued to pile up. Late in the afternoon the rumble of a plow was heard and Brenda went to the front door and peeked through the closed blinds. The snow seemed to have tapered off to slow flurries, but the wind was still whipping the fresh powder into massive drifts as far as she could see. The dim light of the hour required the plow operator to have his lights on and she watched as he made his way down their street burying any cars that had been parked at the curb in huge piles of snow.

Fortunately they had left their cars in the drive, but with this occurrence their vehicles were just as buried as the cars at the curb. Brenda smiled as she felt Alicia come up from behind and press her warm body into her back and cup one of her breasts in her hand, still soft and slick from the massages they had been giving each other.

“We getting plowed out?” she whispered into her ear as she kissed her ear lobe.

“Street is but the guy just buried our drive I am afraid.”

“I see snow had tailed off…guess that is good news, huh?”

“Yeah…but the wind is still pushing what fell into drifts, the size of which I have never seen before. You grew up back in New England…you ever see something like this?”

“When I was a kid, but never here.”

“It’s something…my childhood days in New Mexico sure did not prepare me for this.”

“I am sure. Seems we are still stuck for a while. Want me to finish up your massage?”

“You bet…”

They wandered back to the thick mat of padding they had arranged in front of the gas fireplace with piles of blankets and quilts. With the lights out for what seemed like possibly a long time, the flames from the fireplace seemed the best option in which to hang out. Not only was it their only source of heat for now but the flickering sent a nice reflection across the room which had been darkened most of the day from the weather. Brenda lay down on her back and Alicia picked up where she had left off.

They had thought briefly about opening a nice bottle of wine, but they both agreed that after their previous night’s drunken bacchanal, that maybe it would be wise to forgo alcohol for a while. Brenda sighed and moaned lightly as Alicia’s strong hands and fingers worked into her thighs and up her sides to her breasts. When Alicia moved down and licked her delicately and kissed her softly along her vagina she gave a quick gasp but that was it as it was not done as a sexual maneuver but more just as a touch of intimacy. Regardless, Brenda’s nipples rose and went hard.

Afterward they just lay together and casually felt each other’s warm, oily skin as they kissed and gazed at each other. After last night they were both content to just relax and be next to each other without sex. Brenda closed her eyes and listened to the wind as it came in irregular gusts around the house as the light from the fireplace shone off the thin layer of massage oil that covered her body. The heat of the flames felt good too but the warmth she got from Alicia’s naked skin against her was just as comforting. Being snowbound was not an ideal situation due to problems with utilities and what might block an emergency vehicle if anyone in town might need assistance, but there was not much she could do at the moment.

Alicia as well was relaxed and utterly content despite the storm outside. She recalled this one blizzard back in New Hampshire when she had been maybe 9 or 10 and how long it had taken them to dig out from that. Hopefully this was not going to be as severe. She thought not as that had been a long time ago and access to people was much better these days. As well, she had lived with her folks and her sister in a very rural little village just west of Woodstock at the base of the White Mountain National Forest. Their home here was hardly as isolated and removed from services. And with that she kissed Brenda and they fell asleep in each other’s arms.

************

Brenda jerked awake when this enormous crash broke the silence. She looked up and the house was dark as was the view outside. She grabbed her nearby watch and saw it was 3 AM. She eased herself from under Alicia’s embrace and walked into the kitchen and went out into the mudroom and shined a flashlight beam across the backyard. After scanning the pitch dark she finally saw what had happened. The weight of the snow and probably some ice as well had brought down a large limb of a tree that ran about halfway down the right side of the yard. She sighed in relief. It was just some debris to be cleaned up later. At least the branch had not contacted any power lines…not that at the moment that would be so crucial…or fallen on the house or garage.

She clicked off the light and followed the warm glow of the fireplace back to their makeshift bed and slid back under the covers with Alicia as she woke briefly.

“What’s up, ’Bren?”

“Big limb broke off out back. Big mess once all this stuff melts but nothing got smashed under its weight.”

“Oh…what time is it?”

“Little after three. No more snow but this wind just seems relentless.”

“Bummer…come here…”

Brenda smiled and spooned into her back, putting one hand on one of her breasts and the other at her crotch as she lazily rubbed at each. Alicia sighed and exhaled with delight and they dozed off again. In a bit, Brenda woke again but it had not been a noise that had disturbed her sleep. She reached over and found that Alicia was gone. She sat up and looked around but all she saw was the still dark interior of the house.

“’Licia?” she called.

Initially there was nothing but in just a second or two she heard this violent retching and gagging coming from the bathroom and she jumped up and jogged toward the sounds. There she found Alicia on her knees hugging the toilet as she vomited violently into the bowl as her body heaved and shook with the exertions.

“’Licia? You OK?”

Alicia looked back at her briefly but soon returned to the toilet as her body continued to try and expel whatever it was that it no longer wanted inside. At this point however, all Alicia was experiencing was dry heaves but the pain and assault her body were undergoing was still just as bad as if she was still vomiting. Brenda put her hand on her neck and felt her forehead.

“Jesus, ’Licia, you are burning up.”

“I know…” she finally spit out along with some remnant bile that was clinging to her mouth. “I have never felt so bad in my life.”

“How long have you been here?”

“Maybe half an hour or so…no idea….feels like an eternity, though.”

Brenda helped her to her feet and walked her slowly to the bed in the bedroom and laid her down gently. She lit some candles and in the reflection of the light she was horrified. Alicia’s skin was an ashen pallor, almost green in tint and her eyes were red and runny. The red in her eyes was not so surprising to Brenda based on what had happened, but the sick-looking discharge at the edges of her eyes was. She got Alicia to hold a thermometer in her mouth long enough to get a temperature before violent tremors shook it from her lips and onto the bedding. Alicia was still very hot to the touch but was shaking like she had chills. She picked up the thermometer and read it…105! Brenda was suddenly panicked as she saw this when combined with all the other symptoms.

They needed a hospital immediately but with the weather outside she had no idea how to get her there. Their cars were obviously out of the question and the last time she had looked the wind had pretty much filled in the street from the plow that had come by earlier. Regardless, she dialed 911 and prayed.

Chapter 34

In a few minutes a large 4-wheel drive vehicle appeared outside with flashing red and blue lights on top. Brenda ran to the door as two EMTs in white came running.

“Where is your friend, Miss?”

“Back in the bedroom. No ambulance?”

“Weather has thrown a real wrench into that for now, but I assure you what we have is more than adequate.”

Brenda nodded and showed them to the bedroom. Alicia was still awake but shaking worse than before, her teeth chattering loudly as she moaned in obvious pain.

“Fever?” one of the EMTs asked.

“Yeah…” Brenda replied as she felt completely helpless and scared to her core. “I took it just before I called. Was 104.”

The man nodded and took her pulse and got a BP. He looked to his partner and nodded. He disappeared immediately and ran back to the vehicle. The attending technician pulled Brenda aside to gather some info.

“Any drugs we should know of?”

“No…we don’t do drugs.”

“Sure…how about prescriptions?”

“No.”

“Alcohol? Anything else she ingested that might have brought this on?”

“I don’t think so. We had a light dinner…just soup and some Italian bread. Last alcohol we had was Friday night.”

“What’s her name?”

“Alicia..”

The man moved back to Alicia’s side as his partner appeared back in the bedroom with a stretcher. Brenda glanced over and felt her heart drop.

“Alicia….” The man said as he knelt by her side, “my name is Kenny. I’m going to get you over to the hospital so we can see what is going on with you, OK?”

“Am I going to die?” Alicia asked through her trembling jaws.

“Not a chance, Alicia. Just hang on and w will be there ASAP.”

Brenda stood nearby as she watched the two attendants work quickly and efficiently to get Alicia up and secured on the stretcher.

“All good to go, Terry?”

His partner nodded and the two of them began to cart Alicia through the dark and load her into the waiting vehicle. Brenda locked up the house quickly and dashed to the passenger’s side as they squeezed her in with them and then headed away moving as quickly as they could in the conditions. Brenda felt herself crying silently as she looked back at Alicia, her body still shaking as Terry sat with her and monitored the portable equipment they were using. The heart monitor was indicating an elevated heartbeat and her pulse was up around 120. It was terrifying Brenda but as stressful and anxiety-provoking as this was she supposed those numbers were not unusual.

A team of emergency room professionals was waiting for them at the entrance as Kenny and Terry transferred their stretcher to a hospital gurney and Alicia was whisked away into an exam room. Brenda heard Kenny shout out her vitals to the ER doc as well as all other info he had collected. The attending physician quickly rambled through his series of standard questions as well regarding allergies, blood type etc. as Brenda did her best to answer them all. The doors whipped shut and Kenny came back to Brenda.

“ I know it is hard, Brenda, but try and relax as much as possible. She’s in good hands now. Dr. Harding is the best. Can we call anyone for you?”

“Huh…” Brenda replied as she looked at the closed doors blankly.

“Let’s have a seat, Brenda…” Kenny replied as he led her to a sitting area nearby and repeated what he had said.

“Oh….sure…OK. No…I am OK for now I guess. Well, not really but…you know. Thank you so much for everything Kenny.”

“No problem, Brenda. It’s what we do.”

She smiled weakly as she felt a fresh round of tears coming on as she watched the two of them disappear back through the entrance. A nurse came to her and had her fill out some forms and then she just sat alone again and waited. When enough time had elapsed that made this begin to feel to Brenda like something more than just some GI bug or a reaction to something Alicia might have eaten, her mind began to race and she phoned Sarah and Stan.

“Sorry to bug you, Sarah, but it’s Brenda. I’m over at St. Peters at the ER. They just admitted Alicia.”

She gasped and sobbed as Sarah replied quickly asking questions in rapid succession. Brenda told her what she could.

“Could you come, please? I am all alone and she’s been in there forever. No one is telling me anything.”

“Of course, Brenda. Give me ten minutes. Stan and I are on our way!”

Brenda was still sitting alone and with no more information when Sarah and Stan found her. She jumped up and hugged Sarah tightly as she cried again. Stan got them all coffee and they sat together as Brenda ran back over the sequence of the nightmare she had endured.

“So no warning? Jus this sudden illness and high fever?” Sarah asked as she held Brenda’s hand tight.

Brenda nodded and then added the horrible pale color of Alicia’s skin and how terrifying her eyes had looked. Stan stood and went to the reception area to see what he could find out, but he was back almost immediately as Brenda and Sarah looked up.

“Sorry…when the doc is done he will be out to fill you in, That is all they will tell me.”

He sat again and Brenda rested her head on Sarah’s shoulder. She was just nodding off when the doors to the hallway that led to the exams rooms opened on an automatic detector and Dr. Harding came out and walked over, his mask hanging in from his neck, a day’s growth of stubble on his cheeks and a look of utter fatigue in his eyes.

“I’m sorry I was not able to get out here sooner, Brenda. But the storm has overwhelmed us here and we are a bit short-staffed.”

Brenda nodded as her mind raced.

“How is Alicia? Is she going to be OK?”

Harding took her hands in his and looked her in the eyes.

“There is no easy way to say this. Brenda. I am very sorry, but we could not save her.”

Brenda felt like the floor had just fallen away and she had been slammed in the face with an iron skillet as his words floated in the air like some cheap cartoon drawing.

“What do you mean?” she choked out as she felt very weak all of a sudden.

“I can give you a lot of medical jargon to explain, Brenda, but it will not make it any easier.”

Brenda trembled as she felt Sarah put her arm around her to hold her up. She could feel herself wanting to just lie down, close her eyes, and then wake up knowing this was just some very bad dream.

“There was some exotic bacteria or virus or something in her system. None of our tests made it clear what exactly, and it was very fast-acting. Whatever it was seemed to mimic a lot of things we suspected, but none of our efforts to help her fight it off worked. It was like nothing I have ever seen in all my years as a physician.”

“I need to see her,” Brenda demanded as Sarah held her.

Harding nodded his approval and with Sarah’s help the three of them moved to the exam room where Alicia’s body lay under a thin sheet. A nurse peeled back the sheet from Alicia’s face and Brenda walked over and looked at her. Despite the lack of color in her face and how drawn and gaunt she looked, it was still the same woman she had fallen head over heels in love with. Brenda wanted badly to hold her one last time or kiss her face, but the hospital staff advised against this as they had no idea what it was that taken her life so quickly.

Brenda began to cry as she sunk into Sarah’s body.

“Has she been out of the country lately?” Harding asked.

Brenda shook her head no.

“You been around anyone from abroad that she might have picked up something from?”

Brenda indicated no again.

“Well…I know this is no consolation, but we will keep looking into this to see if we can figure it out.”

Thanks, Dr. Harding,” Sarah said as she held the distraught and nearly hysterical Brenda. “We know you did all you could.”

He nodded and walked dejectedly out of the room and was gone.

“This cannot be happening, Sarah,” Brenda sobbed as she gaped for breath. “She was perfectly fine just last night. She was young and healthy. How? Why?”

“I don’t know, sweetheart.”

She nodded to Stan who took her hint and left to bring the car around as Sarah supported Brenda on her ambling, stumbling way of the hospital. She leaned her head against the window as tears continued to fall. Stan drove slowly and carefully through the snow-packed roads as he headed for their house. Brenda looked up.

“Where are we going, Stan? Our…I mean my house is back there.”

“You’re coming with us, Brenda,” Sarah said as she touched Brenda gently on the face. “The last place you need to be right now is home alone.”

Brenda nodded appreciating her compassion.

************

Brenda stayed with Sarah and Stan until the day of Alicia’s service and interment at Park Lawn. For several days she was absolutely immobile, not able to walk or talk, getting up only to go to the bathroom or nibble on the food that Sarah tried to get in her. Sympathy came pouring in to her from all over…former colleagues at Farring Designs, mutual friends that she and Alicia had in town, the hospital staff, some business owners in town that they had known well, and more. Brenda was touched by the efforts and was thoroughly amazed at how many lives they seemed to have touched. But on the day of Alicia’s service it was the sight that awaited her as she arrived at the church for the memorial that touched Brenda more deeply than any of it. Only Sarah and Stan’s unselfish offer of opening their home to her following Alicia’s death meant more.

Brenda was walking with Sarah up the walk to the entrance of St. Mark’s when she looked up and just froze. Standing there, right at the entrance, dressed in a simple black suit was Tom Bergstrom. He smiled weakly at her and Brenda went to him and hugged him tight as she cried yet again.

“What are you doing here, Tom?”

“Where else would I be, Brenda?”

“Sarah call you?”

He nodded.

“Would you sit with me, Tom? You’re the closest thing I have to family besides Sarah and Stan.”

“Of course.”

He took her arm and walked her down the aisle and they sat in the front row passing by a full sanctuary. Brenda alternatively smiled and cried as Helen Story, their closest friend in town delivered the eulogy. She recalled how Brenda and Alicia had developed and evolved as a couple and how they had been more devoted to each other than anyone she had ever known. Brenda broke down at this but Helen also tempered her delivery with stories of mirth and humor to remind Brenda of Alicia’s wicked sense of humor and how she abhorred the gnashing of teeth and agony that often-accompanied memorial services.

It was a nice combination of offerings and when she finished and came to greet Brenda, she hugged her and whispered.

“I know this hurts now, my friend, but know you are loved by us all.”

Brenda nodded and reached out for Tom’s hand. She went to Park Lawn and sat surrounded by almost the entire gathering that had been in St. Mark’s as Alicia’s casket was lowered into the ground. She thought she was fine until the casket hit the bottom of the grave and she had to go and toss in a handful of dirt. It left her clenched fist and echoed up loudly to her. Had Tom not been at her side, Brenda was sure she would have collapsed. He caught her by the arm and supported her as they made their way back to the limousine and drove to her house.

A few of their closest friends had stopped by just to further express their sympathies and make sure she knew they were available if she needed them. Tom stayed behind as Sarah and Stan stood to leave as well.

“You sure you’re ready for this, Brenda?” Sarah asked.

“Truthfully? No idea. But I cannot stay in your house forever. Thank you so much for being there to catch me when I fell. You too, Stan.”

“OK. If it ever gets to be too much you call me. I mean it. Do not torture yourself all alone here, Brenda.”

“I will. Tom will be here for a while too. That will help.”

She leaned in and kissed Brenda on the cheek and Brenda closed the door and went to join Tom in the living room.

“You’re welcome to stay as long as you like, Tom, but don’t feel like you have to stay to keep me afloat.”

“OK. But like you told me, I want you to lean on me whenever you need to. I may be back in Columbia but I’m just a phone call away.”

Brenda nodded and looked around as if she did not recognize the house she had lived in what seemed like forever.

“Feels strange I guess without Alicia?”

“It does. Same house and all, but totally foreign in some regards.”

Tom nodded.

“I think I will lay down for a while, Tom. Make yourself at home.”

Brenda padded off to the bedroom and Tom began to straighten up the living room and dining room from all the well-wishers and put away all of the leftover dishes that had been dropped off. Tom stayed on for two more days until Brenda knew it was time for her to begin to deal with this on her own. He had been wonderful to her, making her eat when she did not want to and listening when she needed to talk and hold her when she needed to cry.

They took long walks in the crisp winter air and talked about all they had both been through lately in terms of loss. It was very cathartic for her and Brenda sensed it was the same for Tom. As well, they also just waked some days in silence. Two days after the service, Brenda finally convinced Tom she was fine and that he needed to go. In her heart she was not completely sure about that but she felt she had imposed on him enough.

“I cannot thank you enough, Tom., but I need to get back on my feet on my own.”

“Are you sure?”

“Not really,” she laughed, “but your Mom needs you too.”

Tom nodded and hugged her at the door as he said his goodbyes and headed for his car and the airport. But before he left he leaned close to Brenda and whispered in her ear:

“You are stronger than you think you are, Brenda Darrow, Never forget that. I know you will miss Alicia forever, but one day the sun will shine again. And when it does you will begin a new phase of your life that will be just as magical and blessed as the one you had with Alicia. Not that it will ever replace that, but just different and wonderful.”

Brenda cried softly as Tom spoke and held her.

“Call me anytime, Bren…”

Brenda suddenly felt overcome with emotion as he thought on Tom’s parting words as she waved him farewell. It was a lot of what Alicia had once said to her. His intimate use of her shortened name, Bren, touched her too. Only Tom and Alicia ever used that. She closed the door and went back inside. The house did feel huge and empty and lonely now, but deep down she could feel herself regrouping. She knew there would be good days and bad ones as she tried to adjust, but that one day, just as Tom had said, the sun would shine on her again.

As a final farewell to her best friend and lover, Brenda put on her heavy winter coat and opened a bottle of their favorite beer and walked through the little bit of snow remaining on the deck and looked at the bench where she and Alicia had first sat that night she had brought her home. She brushed the clumps of snow away and sat and raised her bottle as a tear fell from her eye.

“Here’s to you Alicia. For all you taught me and all we had together. Having you even for the briefest of times in my life changed me forever. You were the love of my life. I will miss your laugh, the funny way you furrowed your row at me when I did not make sense, and how we stayed up late into the night talking about us and all we would do one day. But mostly I will miss your touch…your kiss and the feeling of supreme safety and serenity I had when we held each other.”

She sipped from the beer and wiped away the tear.

“Bless you, Alicia Cordair wherever you are. I am sure we will talk soon in my dreams and I look forward to seeing you again when my time comes.”

Brenda stood and sipped again and when she looked up she saw a little bluebird sitting on the table to her left just staring at her, unblinking. It was Alicia’s favorite color and Brenda knew this was no coincidence. She downed the last of her beer as the bird gave a single chirp and flew off. Brenda smiled and went back inside.