“Maybe we can get dishes another time,” Helen said.
“Why wait? We’re already here. Let’s just buy them now.”
Maria dragged Helen to the dishes and Helen participated in picking out a pattern they both loved. They bought pots and pans and then arranged to have everything delivered to their house. The bed would be delivered that night, and everything else over the next few days.
Helen was happy to be back at their house, empty though it was. It made her feel safe to be off the streets.
“Baby, are you okay?” Maria asked.
“I get nervous around all those people. What if someone saw us?”
“Who do we know in New Orleans? I know I don’t know anybody. Do you?”
“No. But still. We can’t be too sure.”
“You’re going to have to get used to being here. And being safe. We’re safe. I truly believe that.”
“I hope you’re right,” Helen said.
“What can I do to help you relax?” Maria rubbed her shoulders.
“I suppose I’ll just have to learn to live without constant danger. It seems it won’t be as easy as it sounds.”
“Baby, I’m sorry. I wish it wasn’t so hard for you. What do we need to do? Spend more time in public?”
“Or less.”
Maria laughed. “We can’t hide out in our courtyard forever.”
“Let’s go out there now. I like the courtyard.”
Maria took Helen’s hand, and together they walked to the slightly overgrown courtyard.
“I can’t wait to work out here,” Maria said. “This place is amazing.”
Helen breathed deeply, inhaling the scents of the dock mingled with the fragrance of magnolias and wisteria. The dock was but a few blocks away and the scent of rotting bananas hung on the still of the air. The flowers bloomed on overgrown trees. The combination was heady and Helen marveled at the difference between New Orleans fresh air and that of Chicago.
The sounds were different, as well. Instead of the cacophony of sounds that assaulted her from the streets of Chicago, they heard jazz wafting their way.
It was a pleasant afternoon, and Helen relaxed in the comfort and safety of her new home. The knock at their door interrupted her reverie and she reached for her gun.
“Relax, baby,” Maria said. “It’s just the delivery guy, I’m sure.”
Maria was right. They let the men in and directed them to the master bedroom. When the bed was assembled, Maria made it with their new linens while Helen tipped the workers. Helen came in just as Maria was finishing. She lay down on it, inhaling the fresh scent of their new home.
“This feels amazing,” Helen said.
“Mind if I join you?” Helen extended her arm and Maria curled up next to her.
“Have I told you lately how much I love you?” Helen asked.
“I’m not sure. Maybe you should tell me again.” Maria grinned.
Helen rolled onto her side and looked into Maria’s eyes.
“I love you more than anything.” She kissed her softly.
“And I love you, too,” Maria said.
Helen kissed her again, this time prying her lips open with her tongue. Maria welcomed her tongue and Helen kissed her fervently, conveying her feelings through the kiss. She moved her hand to the front of Maria’s blouse and deftly unbuttoned it. She ran her hand over the lacey lingerie underneath. She peeled the cup down and caressed the bare skin that sprung free.
Maria moaned into her mouth and Helen continued to gently squeeze her breast and tease her nipple. Helen got chills from Maria’s reaction. She moved her hand down her soft belly and was frustrated when she reached the waistband of Maria’s skirt. She reached around and fumbled with the button and zipper and finally pushed her skirt down and out of her way.
Helen dragged her fingers along the soft, moist crotch of Maria’s panties, pressing them into her as she did. She moved the crotch to the side and ran her fingers through the thick wetness.
“You feel so good,” Helen said.
“So do you.”
Helen peeled the panties off and delved deep inside. She had forgotten her problems, her fears. All her focus was on pleasing Maria and the sensations that created in her. She felt alive, full of love for Maria. Maria surrounded her, engulfed her in their passion. She was completely caught up in the moment, feeling Maria closed tight around her.
Maria cried out as the first orgasm washed over her. Helen continued to please her until she screamed her name again.
Helen held Maria close as she floated back to the present.
“That was amazing, baby,” Maria said.
“You’re amazing, doll. I love you so much.”
“I love you, too, but you’re overdressed right now.”
She unbuttoned Helen’s shirt and untucked it. She trailed kisses everywhere her fingers touched, making Helen shiver with anticipation. Maria unfastened Helen’s slacks and took them off, then straddled her and kissed her hard on her mouth. She kissed down her chest and sucked on an exposed nipple.
Helen’s breasts were small but responsive. She felt them tighten as her clit swelled. She closed her eyes as Maria kissed down her stomach and pulled her underwear off with her teeth. She kissed the wet area she found underneath and Helen sucked in her breath.
She was getting lightheaded, losing her ability to think of anything except the impending burst of energy that was forming in her center. Maria made her feel things she didn’t know she could, the pleasure far surpassing any she’d ever known.
When she could hold out no longer, Helen closed her eyes and rode the climax.
Maria climbed up next to her and snuggled into Helen’s arms.
“I could get used to this living in New Orleans,” Maria said.
“Good, because we’re going to be here for a long time.”
They dozed for a bit and woke up still tangled together.
“What should we do now?” Maria asked.
“I don’t know about you, but I’m starving.” Helen stretched.
“Mm. Food sounds good.”
“I could use a cocktail first.” Helen padded over to a suitcase that she had snuck in some bourbon.
“When did you pack that?”
“While we were trying to wake you up. I knew it might take a while until we’re connected around here, so I brought some of my own. Would you like some?”
“You know I don’t drink bourbon.” Maria scrunched her nose. “Did you pack anything else?”
Helen withdrew a bottle of red wine.
“Does this look better?”
“Much. But, how are we going to drink this? We don’t have any glasses.”
Helen pulled out two glasses.
“You thought of everything.”
“I tried.”
“So where shall we go to dinner?”
“I heard of a couple restaurants down here that serve booze. I thought we could try one.”
“Baby?” Maria looked worried.
“What’s wrong?”
“Are you going to run booze down here, too?”
“No, doll. That was Helen Byrne. Grace Dunleavy isn’t going to do that at all. We don’t need the money. That’s for sure.”
“But won’t you miss it?”
“Will I miss the power and the excitement? Sure. Will I miss being shot at every other day? No.”
“Okay. I just worry that you’ll get pulled into it again.”
“Like you said, we’re safe here. Let’s keep it that way.”
Chapter Twenty-five
Helen and Maria settled into their new lives with ease. They furnished their new home and christened every room. Things were going well, but Helen was getting restless.
“I need something to do, doll. I can’t sit around the house all day.”
“What do you want to do, baby?”
“Maybe I need to get a job.”
“Helen, you’ve never held a job in your life. How do you think you�
��d get one now?”
“Maybe it wouldn’t be a legit job.”
“I thought you were through with a life of crime.”
“I’m through running booze.” She was silent for a moment. “You’re right. I don’t want a life of crime. But what other kind of job could I get?”
“Maybe we should travel,” Maria suggested. “We’ve got the money. That way you wouldn’t feel stuck in a rut.”
“That’s only temporary. I need to do something.”
“Why don’t you start a legit business?”
“Doing what?”
“I don’t know. What interests you?”
“I wish I could open a bar. I wish Prohibition would end. I never thought I’d say that, but now that I’m a solid citizen, it would be nice to have a bar or restaurant and bar.”
“Let’s go for a walk,” Maria said. “Maybe something will jump out at you.”
They walked over to Bourbon Street and looked at the businesses there.
“I could open a place that sells cigars,” Helen mused.
“That would never work,” Maria said.
They walked on, crossing Canal Street and taking in the activity of the bustling city. They turned on to Common Street and saw a vacant lot with a for sale sign.
“I wonder what will be built here,” Maria said.
“A hotel,” Helen said. “A fine, luxurious hotel. With themes of New Orleans all through it.”
Maria stopped and stared at her, the dreamy tone of her voice making her pause.
“How do you know that?”
“Don’t you see? This is what I can do. I can build a hotel!”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m positive! I’ll build a fancy hotel that will be the talk of the country. People will come from all over to stay at my hotel!”
“I haven’t seen you this excited since we got here,” Maria said. “Maybe this is something you really should do.”
Helen committed the phone number to memory and they hurried back to their house. As soon as they got there, Helen dialed the number.
As businesswoman Grace Dunleavy, she ironed out the details with the realtor and hung up the phone.
“Now all I need to do is build the hotel,” she told Maria.
*
Construction took the better part of a year, and finally, a classy hotel stood in the once vacant lot. The white marble façade welcomed visitors, and the two hundred plus rooms offered them a luxurious place to stay. Each floor celebrated a jazz player, and the work of local photographers lined the walls.
The grand opening was attended by many of New Orleans’ dignitaries. Grace Dunleavy was looked at as an up and coming businesswoman in the city. She knew all eyes were on her as she and Maria greeted their guests in the Creole-styled dining room of the hotel’s restaurant.
They served raw oysters, duck and andouille sausage gumbo, and seared steak. The people ate and enjoyed themselves even though there was no alcohol served.
The night was a success and half the rooms in the hotel were filled.
“Not a bad way to start a new business,” Maria said.
Helen escorted her upstairs to their suite at the top of the hotel. She had a bootlegged bottle of champagne on ice in the sitting room. She took her coat off and filled the glasses, handing one to Maria.
“Here’s to a successful hotel,” Maria said.
“Here’s to us,” Helen said.
They clinked their glasses together and drank. Helen was still excited from the night. She lit a cigar and sat in a chair, looking at Maria.
“Tonight went beautifully,” Maria said. “I’m so proud of you.”
“Thanks, doll. I’m pretty proud of myself.”
“You should be. This hotel is amazing. And you worked so hard for it. I’m so glad you found a real business you could get excited about.”
“I worry about people from Chicago coming to stay here,” Helen said.
“So what if they do? You’ll be working behind the scenes mostly, doing the books and making sure things run well. No one will need to see you.”
“Still, what if they do?”
“You’re worrying for no reason.” Maria stood behind Helen and rubbed her shoulders.
“That feels great.” Helen leaned back into Maria. She set her cigar down and sipped her champagne.
“You need to relax,” Maria said. “You’ve worked like a dog for the past year getting this place open. Just relax and enjoy your success.”
“I’m thinking more about relaxing and enjoying you right now.”
“I like the sound of that.”
She continued to massage her and Helen felt the tension of her worries melting away.
“Your touch is like heaven.”
Maria leaned forward to kiss Helen’s cheek, her firm breasts pressing against Helen’s shoulders. Helen felt the familiar stir in her crotch. She turned her head and took Maria’s lips with hers.
Maria kissed her back, and Helen soon forgot her worries as she arched in to kiss her harder.
Helen stood and took Maria in her arms. She held her tight and ran her hand along her back, down to cup her shapely ass.
“I love you, doll.”
“I love you, baby.”
She kissed her again, softly at first. The kiss grew more intense as their tongues met and danced together over each other. She pulled Maria closer, feeling her body pressing against her and grew dizzy with need.
“You’re more beautiful now than when I met you,” Helen murmured.
Maria responded by kissing her more passionately. Helen felt Maria’s nipples poking through her dress. She dropped a hand and teased one. Maria moaned into her mouth. Helen kissed her fervently and squeezed her breast.
“Let’s get you out of this dress,” Helen whispered. She spun Maria around and unzipped her. When the dress hit the floor, she unhooked her bra and tossed it onto the dress. She cupped her breasts and bent to kiss the top of one, then the other.
“You have the most perfect breasts,” she breathed.
Maria held Helen’s shoulders to steady herself. Helen took a nipple in her mouth and ran her tongue lovingly over it. She felt Maria’s intake of breath and grew more aroused. She loved knowing Maria wanted her.
Helen felt Maria’s grip tighten and moved to the other nipple. She sucked it deep and flicked the tip with her tongue.
Maria pulled Helen upright and unbuttoned her shirt. She pushed it off her shoulders and dropped it onto the pile of clothes. She pulled her undershirt off and wrapped her arms around her.
Helen grew wetter at the feel of skin on skin. Maria was so soft. Her skin was like silk to Helen’s touch. She rubbed her hands all over her, memorizing anew every inch of her. She kissed her again as she slipped her hand under Maria’s panties.
Maria grabbed her wrist and pulled her hand out, stepping out of her underwear as she did. She stood naked, save for her garters and stockings. Helen was crazy with desire. She wanted all of her and she wanted her at that moment.
Maria stepped back and unbuttoned Helen’s slacks, letting them fall to the floor. She peeled off her boxers and led her to the bed. She sat Helen down and took her socks off, leaving her bare for her. She pushed her back and lay on top of her. Helen took her in her arms and rolled over, pinning Maria under her.
Helen kissed her again while she brought her knee up to press it into Maria’s center. She moved her hand to Maria’s breast and fondled it.
“I can’t get enough of you,” Helen said.
“I can’t get enough of you,” Maria agreed.
Helen suckled at Maria’s breast for a long while before kissing down her belly and finding where she needed to be between her legs. She lapped at the juices flowing there, relishing the taste of Maria. The more she licked, the more juices came and Helen was again amazed at Maria’s response to her.
She sucked her lips and ran her tongue over her. She moved her mouth to Maria’s swollen clit and drew it bet
ween her lips. She could feel it pulsing with need. She sucked on it until she felt Maria tense up, pressing her face into her as she reached orgasm.
Helen stayed put until Maria was completely relaxed, then she kissed her way back up her body and pulled her close.
“You make me feel so good,” Maria said as she caught her breath. “My turn now.”
She kissed Helen and moved her hand between Helen’s legs. Helen was wet with desire. She spread her legs wider to allow Maria easier access. She felt Maria’s fingers stroking her and closed her eyes, lost in the feelings. Maria teased Helen’s clit, dragging her fingers over it and making it grow even more. She buried her fingers inside Helen and Helen got wetter yet, enjoying feeling full.
Maria moved her fingers in and out as Helen bucked against her. She writhed on the sheet, arching to take more of Maria. She took her deeper and deeper until she could take no more. She cried out as she vaulted into the climax, her body shaking in its power.
Helen opened her arms and Maria climbed next to her, holding her close. They fell into a deep sleep with Helen dreaming of their wonderful new life.
Epilogue
Seven years had passed since the opening of the hotel. It was a huge success, always filled close to capacity. Helen wondered frequently how things were in Chicago. She followed the news and was glad she hadn’t been there when the St. Valentine’s Day Massacre happened, but cheered with Maria when Capone had finally been arrested. Helen still worried that someone from Chicago would book a room at the hotel, but so far, it hadn’t happened.
Winter nipped at Helen and Maria as they walked along Bourbon Street one afternoon in early December. Helen laughed at herself, thinking that she was ridiculous to feel cold. December in New Orleans was nothing like December in Chicago. She smiled to herself, realizing that she had acclimated and settled in to her new life.
It was December fourth and Prohibition had finally been repealed. They stopped by places they’d avoided the past eight years, since they’d become law-abiding citizens. But now it was legal to drink again, and they enjoyed it with all the other revelers. After a couple of hours of drinking, they walked to the hotel for the shipment that Helen had arranged to arrive just before the dinner hour.
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