by Roz James
As she watched, Lou beckoned her onto the dance floor, Alice relieving her at the bar queue giving her no excuse. Alice had already shared that she wasn’t much of a dancer, but enjoyed the music and people watching, and was just happy Zara had someone to dance with. Vivien remembered her mouth was dry as she walked towards her friend. She thought back to the last time she had seen this much of her friend’s body.
Leaving her office later than planned, a couple of weeks into the job, she had followed the sounds of laughter. She’d been surprised to find Louise in the gym, leading twelve girls in a Pilates class. Tom had told her about the classes Lou ran, while she hadn’t managed to spend much time with her staff yet, to get to know them, she knew that this was Tom’s niece. He had emphasised that she had gained her position based on merit, and it seemed that her commitment to the girls was beyond the expectations of her class teaching.
Before she was noticed, she stood back in the shadows, taking the opportunity to observe for a period, while careful not to draw any attention to herself. Louise was dressed in knee length black leggings and a sleeveless loose grey tee-shirt, displaying muscular arms, and toned thighs and calves. It was obvious her body was strong and muscled, with little fat. As Lou paused the class she spotted her watching, her expression initially wary. She spoke before Vivien had a chance to address her.
“Don’t worry boss, it’s allowed, I’m a qualified instructor, we’ve done all the required risk assessments. Jumped through every possible hoop, and then some.”
Vivien walked towards her, speaking loudly to include the girls, her eyes twinkling. “That’s good. I’d hate to have to discipline you when I’m just in the job, right girls?”
They all laughed. Many of them had already met Mrs Daniels and liked her. Later Viv learned that Lou took a class every time she was on backshift, and occasionally just after the end of an early shift. Lou reassured her it wasn’t just good for the girls’ health and bodies, it was good for discipline as well. Two marks against a girl for bad behaviour that week prevented her from taking part, and there was a waiting list for joining.
“Feel free to join in.”
It was obvious the girls loved her; she couldn’t blame them. In fact, she’d be surprised if there wasn’t more than one schoolgirl crush. It didn’t concern her, crushing on teachers was a right of passage for girls, whether they turned out gay or straight; although she certainly couldn’t recall such a sexy teacher at the schools she’d attended. Much as she would have like to join in, Vivien realised she couldn’t put herself through that, not unless Lou started covering herself in baggy long clothes. Particularly now during her enforced celibacy. Even then Lou’s body shape was already firmly imprinted on her mind.
Vivien walked slowly towards her on the dancefloor, unable to resist but at the same time feeling like a lamb going happily to the slaughter.
Lou leant in, speaking into her ear. “It’s about time you got your butt on the dancefloor beautiful, if you hadn’t come willingly I was about to come over and forcibly drag you on here.”
Lou allowed herself to be pulled into the middle of the dancefloor. “I’m not the best dancer.”
Lou cocked her head to one side and looked at her. “Mm, let me be the judge of that.”
Vivien enjoyed dancing to a few songs, concentrating on keeping some distance between their bodies, but fully aware of every part of her. When the music changed to a song they were both less keen on, they started to leave the dance floor, Viv walking slightly ahead. The floor suddenly filled with an influx of dancers and she found herself pushed into Lou, who caught her around the waist to keep her from falling. Viv could feel Lou’s breasts against her back, her breath against her neck as strong arms caught her around the waist. “Hey you okay.”
Viv pulled herself away, her senses heightened as her sudden arousal began to slowly dissipate. “Yeah good save, thanks.”
“Anytime babe, lets get our drinks.”
“Yeah, I need a bathroom break first, I won’t be long.”
Louise watched her walk away, looking down at her hard nipples, now obvious through her tight top. God I need a break too, hope she didn’t feel that. She turned and headed for the bar. She had to admit she’d been attracted to her new boss from first sight, this was only added to as she got to know her. From Viv’s expression as she looked at her in her Pilates gear, not aware she had been spotted, she suspected it was mutual.
In the bathroom Viv ran her hands under the cold water, splashing it on her face and wetting a hand towel and rubbing the back of her neck. Her thoughts turned to a couple of days previously when, looking out of her office window, she could see Lou being collected, presumably by her wife given she got out of the car, opened her boot and helped Lou put her bag away, kissing her cheek. They both laughed at something as they got in the car. She’s married Vivien..... and in case you’ve forgotten, so are you.
Firmly back in the present, Vivien replenished her now cold coffee and grabbed her laptop, there was still no sound from upstairs. Might as well catch up on some marking.
CHAPTER FIVE
Natalie finished styling her hair and took a last look at herself in the dressing-table mirror. Tonight was the night she could no longer avoid; it had been fifteen years and she was about to come face to face with her first love.
Lou hugged her from behind, bending and kissing her neck. “Fuck you look hot professor, maybe we should just stay home, and I’ll show my wife how much I adore her.” Lou’s hand moved to cup her breast as she spoke.
Natalie smiled, her brown hair was now shoulder length, but still as wavy, thick and glossy as it had always been. Her figure was as good as the day they’d met, helped by daily swimming sessions and weekly classes at the University gym, one of the few perks of her job. It was now encased in a dark blue velvet sleeveless dress which hugged every curve and revealed more than a touch of her impressive cleavage. She turned and wrapped her arms around Lou’s waist. “East tiger, maybe later if you play your cards right, and don’t party too hard.” She leant back, smiling up at her wife. “Why don’t you go downstairs and pour us a glass of wine, help me relax. You know how these work events freak me out.”
Lou couldn’t resist commenting. “Never mind meeting an ex.”
“Lou, it was 15 years ago, even if it is her I’m sure she barely remembers me.”
Lou looked wary, clearly unconvinced. But you remember her. “Okay, don’t be long babe. I love you.”
Natalie pushed her chair back and reached for her shoes, the final element of her outfit, watching as Lou left the bedroom. She had been completely honest with Lou when they got together and she spoke of her previous relationship, too honest in retrospect. It had taken time for her to let Lou into her life, and even longer to allow her into her heart. Had she not been so tenacious she wasn’t sure they would be where they were now, who was she kidding, she knew they wouldn’t. She remembered saying Kara had been her soulmate, and that whilst ultimately she was responsible for ending their relationship, she had broken her own heart in the process. That even after almost nine years she wasn’t sure she was completely over it. It turned out that Lou had still wanted her in spite of what she said.
What was surprising was that Lou hadn’t reminded her, or even spoken about this recently, asking her how she felt now. This was despite knowing they would meet. Nat certainly hadn’t offered any information. Is that because Lou is so secure in our relationship now? Or because she doesn’t want to hear the answer? I hope it is the former because I don’t know what to think or feel. I haven’t since I heard Kara’s name a few weeks ago. That comment tonight is the first sense I’ve had that Lou is worried.
Natalie slipped on her heels, stood and walked towards the mirrored wardrobes, examining her reflection critically. Her figure was still firm, her breasts far from sagging, assisted by a good bra. Her three-inch heels matched her blue dress and emphasised her long, toned calves. Not bad, if I do say so myself. I want to look go
od, for myself, for Lou, or more scarily for Kara? The worst of it all, I’m not sure.
She couldn’t help thinking about Kara, what she would look like now. Something she’d wondered regularly since Lou first mentioned her. God that was a blast from the past, she really thought she would never see her again.
Her thoughts drifted to the first time she had seen Kara, her first day at Edinburgh Uni, away from Dundee. She had wanted to move away to study, aware that she needed to explore her sexuality away from her family, to be sure before she came out, as well as learn to be independent. She’d looked around the stalls at Fresher’s Fayre, wondering what clubs she would join, and was happy to find that there was a club where she could meet likeminded women. Before she knew it two butch dykes were coming on strong. She was surprised, she had experienced that from guys, somehow she though women would be less pushy, gentler and more sophisticated, apparently not.
Suddenly her knight in shining armour appeared. Kara, a five foot eight, athletically built girl with a blonde pixie crop that framed a beautiful face, perfect pale skin with a few cute freckles, and large blue eyes.
She had cottoned on immediately to Kara’s rescue attempt, going along with being her girlfriend. After they’d left the hall she stopped, leaning back against the wall and breathed deeply. “Thanks for the rescue, god they were full on, I think I was lunch.”
Kara laughed. “Mm certainly desert anyway. As for the save, that’s no problem, we’ve all been there.”
“Talking about lunch, let me treat you, I owe you. Kara isn’t it?”
“Yes, but you don’t really, it was the least I could do. Anyway, it certainly won’t harm my street cred if the local resident lesbians think I can land someone as beautiful as you.”
Natalie blushed. “God Kara you are just perfect aren’t you. I’m Natalie by the way, and I insist on lunch, unless you don’t eat, in which case at least let me buy you a drink.”
Kara linked her arm in Natalie’s. “Pleased to meet you Natalie. I don’t mind if I do. Oh and believe me I can eat, it’s one of life’s pleasures, you may regret offering to pay.”
“I’ll take the risk, I’ve just got my first term grant after all, for all of a few days I’ll feel rich. Come on I know just the place.”
From that moment on they were inseparable. They’d shared their first kiss by the end of the day, the first hesitant, the next evidence of their strong mutual attraction. They’d tentatively explored each other’s mouths, having to pull themselves away at the end of the evening. Both stayed in halls of residence, with tiny ensuite rooms, only big enough for a thin bed, desk and small wardrobe.
Natalie remembered how, on their three-month anniversary, Kara had surprised her by renting a room in a B and B for two nights. Paid for by her Saturday job in a bookshop. They’d made love properly for the first time in the slightly lumpy double bed. They only left the bed for food, Kara having snuck in sparkling wine, strawberries, prepacked sandwiches and crisps and dips from the local supermarket. Their joint enthusiasm, lust and exuberance making up for their shared lack of experience.
By the Summer they had taken over their friend’s rented flat and they’d lived together from that point on. Natalie’s heart sank as she moved from happy to sad memories, opting out of their travel plans, of her last conversation with her. What on earth will I say to her tonight? Be reasonable it was 15 years ago, you said it yourself she’s probably forgotten you years ago, particularly after the way you treated her. Just because you can’t let go.
The party was at Tom, the headteacher’s house, Lou’s boss and uncle. Tom was Lou’s only family, that she chose to have contact with anyway, and they both loved him. The party was an annual tradition, occurring at the end of the first term after they broke up for the Christmas holidays. Running a boarding school, Tom recognised it was only on holidays that all his staff could attend somewhere at the same time, and it always got a good turnout before staff headed across the country to friends and family. Natalie wasn’t good at small talk, but generally enjoyed it when she got there. It would be the first time that she would meet Lou’s new boss too, Kara’s wife. Lou seemed very happy with her, they had quickly become friends and saw a lot of each other. Arriving at Tom’s house, she had scarcely had a chance to take off her coat off and greet Tom before Lou was dragging her into the living room. “Come and meet Vivien.”
The moment she saw her Natalie could see what Lou had meant. They were very similar, eerily so. Both had long dark wavy hair and brown eyes, hers more hazel, Vivien’s slightly darker, and like her Vivien’s figure was feminine and curvy. She smiled at her, holding out her hand. “Hi Vivien, pleased to meet you, Lou talks about you so much I feel that I know you already. I’m sorry we haven’t managed to meet already. How are you settling in at Holmford House?”
Vivien smiled, shaking her hand, her grip firm, hoping that her surprise at Natalie’s appearance was not evident on her face. While Lou had told her how much she resembled her wife, she had assumed she was exaggerating, clearly she wasn’t. Their resemblance was uncanny. “Great thanks, everyone is so friendly and so accepting. I can’t say I’ve been to the headteacher’s home in any previous job.”
“Yes, Tom’s great.”
“It’s like a family. I’m glad to meet you too, and likewise Lou’s told me so much about you.”
“All good I hope?”
“Very much so, glowing references.” Vivien looked over Natalie’s shoulder. “Ah, here she is, I believe you know my wife, from Uni days wasn’t it?”
Natalie suddenly had the strangest feeling, like time stopped. The hairs on the back of her neck stood up as she slowly turned around. Walking towards her, looking as hot as the day that she’d last seen her was Kara, the women she suddenly realised, she had never stopped loving.
Kara reached her, smiling. Natalie had wondered how they would greet each other, would they touch, shake hands? It seemed so impersonal given all they had been to each other. She didn’t have to wonder any longer, before she knew what was happening Kara pulled her into a hug. “Hey Natalie, how are you?”
Natalie’s body immediately reacted in ways that she didn’t expect and certainly couldn’t control. Her skin tingled and all her moisture rushed to her centre. Kara’s smell, everything, was so familiar, intoxicating. She pulled away, wondering if Kara had felt it too. Surely she must have. “Good....good, thanks.”
Kara looked her up and down intently, making no attempt to hide her scrutiny. “You look great by the way, hardly a day older than the last time I saw you. How long ago was that?”
Natalie met her gaze, blushing slightly under her admiring gaze. “About fifteen years I think.” At our graduation. “You look great too.”
Vivien got Kara’s attention. “Kara, this is Louise.”
Kara smiled, taking in the woman who was married to Natalie. She was surprised, as while she was a very similar height, body type and colouring to herself, she appeared a good ten years younger. “Pleased to meet you Louise, I’m sorry it has taken so long. Viv talks about you all the time. It’s great she’s already made good friends here; it always helps with settling in.”
“Call me Lou please. What about you?”
Kara smiled at Natalie. “Ah well, I’m the elusive author, locked away in my garret, being unsociable is expected of me.” They all smiled.
Vivien turned to Lou, linking her arm in hers. “Come on, why don’t you show me where we can get some drinks while they catch up?”
Kara and Natalie watched them walk away, both lost in their own thoughts. Natalie knew she had to break the silence, it seemed overwhelming. “So, Lou had said you were a writer, you didn’t end up teaching then?”
“I did at first, but it wasn’t really me. I love writing, I write lesbian fiction, romance mostly. It’s a niche market and a full-time job to keep a steady income, but I love it. It does mean I’m flexible about where I can live though, so when Vivien applied for this job I supported her wholehearte
dly. She didn’t think she’d get it, but then she underestimates herself. She’s a great teacher, much better than I was, she’d devoted to her students.”
“She seems lovely.”
“Oh she is, and a saint putting up with me.” Kara was keen to change the subject. Her wife was the last person she wanted to discuss right now; all her senses were tuned to Natalie. “Anyway, I hear you’re a professor at the Uni, very impressive.”
“Yes, well an assistant professor, English literature. I haven’t written any books, but I’ve had a couple of articles published.” Natalie blushed slightly. Lou had told her the pseudonym that Kara wrote under. She knew she had written romance novels, including a few erotic short stories. She was embarrassed, she was well aware of Kara’s writings, she was probably her favourite author from that genre.
Kara watched her, wondering what the blush was about. The tension between them was significant and she was relieved to see Viv and Lou returning with their drinks.
Lou pulled Natalie towards her, her arm around her waist, a clear statement of ownership. “All caught up ladies?” She looked at Kara pointedly.
Kara met her eyes. “Yes, thanks for the drink. Viv didn’t you say something about introducing me to Tom. It’s just that he looks like he may be free.” I suddenly need to get as far from Natalie as I possibly can.
Kara was enthralled, she knew it would be difficult seeing Natalie, but she hadn’t even imagined just how painful. She was so beautiful, even more than when she had first seen her, if that was possible. She had matured into a stunning woman and her reaction to her was as the first day they met. It was physical, emotional, spiritual, all at the same time. It was stronger than their first meeting given all that they had since shared.