by Lydia Rose
That was the second time someone told her to figure it out. What the hell was everyone talking about?
“I’ve never seen Meredith like that before,” Kelly said, staring at the water. “I guess Carrie really pushed her over the edge.” Kelly turned toward Kate. “Do you think I’m an idiot?”
Kate shrugged not wanting to hurt her feelings.
“You can be honest with me,” Kelly said softly.
“It’s your decision, Kelly. I have no right to judge you.”
“Maybe I should call her and say something came up,” Kelly said half-heartedly.
“Don’t do that, Kelly. You’ll always wonder if everyone was wrong and you missed an opportunity for love.”
Kelly didn’t think there was any possibility for love between her and Carrie, but she didn’t voice her thoughts. She would take her to dinner and see what happens. No expectations, just dinner. That’s what her mind said, but her libido kept reminding her of other possibilities.
****
As she drove to pick up Carrie, she was thankful that Meredith had apologized and wished her a good time. Getting closer to her destination, she knew this was going to be a mistake.
Kelly opened the car door for Carrie and then walked over to her side of the car. “What do you feel like eating tonight?” Kelly asked.
Carrie grinned and wiggled her eyebrows. “Ask me that question later, but for dinner, wherever you want to go. But don’t pick some place where we’ll have to wait too long to get seated.”
Meredith was right, Kelly thought. Carrie’s still a flirt and she will be all over me before dessert. Kelly drove to a nearby Italian restaurant she had passed on her walks with Kate. Now she thought, what Kate must think of me.
They ordered a glass of wine, and Carrie watched Kelly like a hawk.
“Is something wrong, Professor?” Carrie asked.
“No, Carrie. Everything is fine,” Kelly lied. All she wanted to do was have dinner and drop her off.
“I saw you sitting with Professor Angelo today. Did she say something to you?”
“What do you mean?” Kelly asked.
“She never liked me and I thought she changed your mind about us.”
Kelly smiled. “Carrie, I asked you to dinner. Well, you demanded I take you to dinner,” she said with a laugh.
Carrie looked down. “I understand, Professor.”
They both ate in relative silence. Kelly tried to make polite conversation trying to get to know Carrie, but they both knew this was going nowhere.
Kelly dropped her off at nine o’clock and had no desire to go home yet. She felt like an idiot and didn’t want to face the prying eyes that would be saying I told you so.
She walked into a thankfully quiet house just before eleven o’clock. Kelly grabbed a bottle of water, shut the light and went upstairs. The moment she stepped into the bedroom, the lamp on the nightstand came on.
“I’m sorry. Did I wake you, Kate?” Kelly asked as she sat on her bed.
“No, I’ve been waiting for you. How did your date go?” Kate asked.
Kelly opened the water and took a drink before answering. “I wouldn’t really call it a date,” she hesitated. “The moment I picked her up, I knew it was a mistake and Carrie knew it too. We ate dinner and I took her home at nine.”
Kate looked at the clock on the nightstand. “It’s after eleven, where have you been for two hours?”
“Sitting up on the beach thinking,” Kelly said, before taking a drink of water.
“Thinking about what?” Kate asked delicately.
Kelly shrugged. “I never expected my life to be like this. I’m 35 years old and I’m still running around chasing twenty something girls.” Her eyes lowered in shame. “At least you’ve been in love,” she said, finally looking at Kate.
“Yes, it’s been so wonderful for me.” Her sarcasm was evident in her words. “We’re no different Kelly. We both want happiness, but we don’t know how to go about getting it.”
Kelly smiled. “Why can’t I find someone like you Kate?”
Kate laughed nervously.
“I have such a good time with you. It isn’t fair.”
“This conversation is getting too depressing. Go get changed and get a good night’s sleep. Tomorrow will look better.”
****
“How are your parents?” Reese asked as Jennifer got into bed.
“Honey, would you like to move to a deserted island somewhere?” Jennifer asked, turning to face Reese.
“What are you talking about?” Reese asked, laughing.
“My parents are talking about retiring here.” Jennifer held up her hands making quotes in the air. “They don’t want to miss their grandchild growing up.”
“That’s lovely, Jen.”
“If they move here you’ll be talking a different tune. Don’t get me wrong, I love my parents, but I like having distance between us.” She kissed Reese softly. “I forgot to tell you that I had lunch with Kate and Kelly yesterday.”
“That’s nice.”
“Kelly met one of her former students. Oh, would you believe Casanova is a college professor. She teaches ancient history. Anyway, I think she went out with her tonight. I saw her leave earlier by herself.”
“Oh,” Reese said softly.
“Oh shit, is more like it.” Jennifer pursed her lips. “I should sit Casanova down and explain some things to her.”
Reese touched Jennifer gently. “You can’t do that, Jen. It’s not your place.”
“I know, but she’s so frustrating.”
“Talk about frustrating,” Reese said, poking her finger into Jennifer’s chest. “Ever since we found out I was pregnant, you haven’t touched me.”
Jennifer shrugged in embarrassment.
“Honey, you can’t hurt the baby by making love to me.”
“I know that,” Jennifer defended herself.
“Then come over here and show me you still love me.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Jennifer said, taking Reese into her arms.
Jennifer kissed Reese with all the passion she had been holding for the last few days. The long t-shirt her lover had on came off with one sweep. Jennifer went for her breasts, touching and nibbling. Reese’s moans soaked her own underwear as Reese struggled to remove Jennifer’s clothes.
“Please Jen, I want to feel your skin on me,” Reese begged.
Jennifer smiled as her lips came off the nipple she had been craving. Her t-shirt and boxers were thrown off the bed as she lowered her body onto her.
“I’m not hurting you, Reese?”
“No honey, you’re not hurting me,” she said as her mouth captured Jennifer waiting lips.
Reese couldn’t wait any longer and she flipped Jennifer on her back. Sucking the nipple to life, her hand delved into the soft folds.
“Oh, Reese,” Jennifer moaned.
Reese teased her clit and then two fingers entered her with desire. Faster and faster her fingers moved against the spot that would make Jennifer squirm. Closer and closer she brought her until Jennifer’s body rose off the bed and called her name.
“See,” Reese said kissing Jennifer, as she came back to the waiting mouth. “You waited three days for that.”
“I won’t do it again,” Jennifer said, panting as she kissed Reese deeply.
Jennifer flipped Reese over on her back as her tongue began to explore her skin. Lower and lower she went with Reese wiggling in anticipation. Jennifer settled on the heat that was emanating from Reese’s body. Using her tongue she brought Reese to a climax quickly and then her fingers began to explore the folds.
Once they were lying contently in each other’s arms, Jennifer commented, “I’m so happy that after three years we still have the passion we had when we first made love in New York.”
Reese touched Jennifer’s chest. “I think it’s better now. We’ve learned how to bring each other to ecstasy over and over again.”
“I just hope when we’
re seventy, we can still do that,” Jennifer moaned.
“We might kill each other by that age,” Reese said with a laugh.
CHAPTER 9
While Kate was in the bathroom showering, Kelly took her suitcase from under the bed and began to pack. The bathroom door opened and Kate walked into the room wearing a silk robe.
“What’s wrong?” She asked, walking over to Kelly.
“Nothing, I’m going home,” Kelly said without looking at her.
“Why?” Kate asked, not understanding.
“I’ve had enough fun for one week.” Kelly kept packing.
“Is this about Carrie?” Kate asked, touching Kelly’s arm.
Kelly met the green eyes and she could see tears forming. “What’s the matter Kate?” Kelly asked, placing her hand on the one that rested on her arm.
“You’re leaving.” Kate wiped a tear that escaped her eye. “I don’t want you to leave.”
Kelly was dumbstruck. She had no idea Kate would be upset by her leaving. Kelly thought that Meredith might be pissed, but she didn’t expect Kate to cry. Kelly sat on the edge of the bed.
“I’ve had such a good time with you here. I’ve enjoyed the time we’ve spent with Reese and Jennifer. Please stay.”
Kate sat down next to Kelly.
Not knowing what to say, Kelly wrapped her arm around Kate. She could feel the full breasts against her own. “Okay, Kate, I’ll stay.”
Kate pulled away from Kelly looking into her face. “Thank you,” she said, squeezing Kelly once more. “Let’s get these things put away and I’ll finish getting dressed.” She went to the dresser and turned. “Do you want to go to the beach?”
“How about we take a long walk on the boardwalk? I need to get some exercise.”
“I’d like that,” Kate said, pulling a t-shirt and shorts out of the drawer.
Kelly went down to the kitchen while Kate finished dressing. Mary and Meredith were sitting at the breakfast table still in their robes drinking coffee.
“Good morning, Kelly.” Meredith got up and poured Kelly a cup of coffee. “You came home early last night,” Meredith said, eyeing Kelly carefully.
Kelly shrugged as she took a sip of coffee.
“I didn’t think we would see you until later today,” Mary added.
“I guess you were wrong,” Kelly said, watching the sisters’ glance at one another. “Are Matt and Dave playing golf?” She asked, trying to deflect the attention away from herself.
“They are only playing nine holes this morning. They’ll be back by eleven and we’re all going to go to the antique stores.” Mary looked at Kelly. “You and Kate should come with us.”
“I’m not interested in going, but maybe Kate is,” Kelly said.
“I might be interested in what?” Kate asked as she appeared in the doorway.
Mary answered, “Antiquing.”
Kate looked at the two sisters and took a seat at the table. “Thank you for asking, but I’ll pass.” She rested her hand on Kelly’s arm without thought.
The two sisters’ looked at one another and Meredith nodded. Kelly watched them as if they were communicating telepathically.
Kate continued. “We’re going for a walk on the boardwalk, then the beach later.” Her eyes found Kelly’s. “I thought it would be nice if we invited Jennifer and Reese to go out to dinner. They have been so nice to us.”
Again the sisters’ nodded to each other again.
“Sure,” Kelly said, standing. “I think it’s nice that you two are spending time with your husbands.”
Mary laughed. “I’m sure they are going to love going from antique store to antique store.”
“It’s not what you’re doing together, but rather who you are with,” Kelly said.
“Hear, hear,” Kate added, and looked at Kelly. “I’m just going to go to the bathroom. I’ll be right back,” she said with a smile.
Meredith was the first to speak when Kate left the room. “I’m happy to see you and Kate bonding. I haven’t seen Kate this happy in a long time.”
Mary added, “I may be losing my best friend.”
“You two have been friends forever. There’s no way I can compete with that.” Kelly watched as the two sisters’ shared a knowing glance. “What is it with you two? I keep seeing you two look at each other like there’s some big secret that only you two know.”
“We don’t have a secret,” Meredith said looking at her sister.
Mary nodded in agreement.
Kelly was about to say something else, but Kate came bouncing down the stairs.
“I sent a text to Reese about dinner and she said she will check with Jen and get back to us.”
“It’s nice that you’ve gotten close to them,” Meredith said smiling.
“They both are so nice,” Kate said, and then added, “Reese is pregnant.”
“Really?” Both sisters commented.
“They’re so happy about the news,” Kate said. “Reese is glowing.” She turned to Kelly. “Are you ready for our walk?”
“Let’s go.” Kelly looked at the sisters. “Have a good time today.”
“You two have fun today, too.”
As they came out the back door, they saw Jennifer in the yard.
“Taking a break?” Kelly called out to her.
“I wanted to tell you that Reese and I would love to have dinner with you,” Jennifer said, walking toward the fence line. “I can make reservations at a great seafood restaurant overlooking the ocean if you’d like?”
Kelly and Kate looked at each other and nodded.
“Sounds good to us. What time do you want to leave?” Kelly asked.
“Would you mind if we left at six?” Jennifer asked with a grin. “Reese is always hungry,” her voice lowered, “but don’t tell her I said that.”
“Your secret is safe with us,” Kate said, holding up her right hand.
The two women arrived back at the house tired and sweaty from their walk. Kelly grabbed a towel from the back porch and went to the outside shower. Kate went into the house and the shower upstairs.
Kelly walked into the bedroom and could hear the shower still running. She was still drying herself when the bathroom door opened.
Kate’s head was covered in a towel. “It’s so hot in there,” she said as the towel dropped to her shoulders. Seeing Kelly standing there naked her mouth dropped open. She stood there for what seemed like an eternity before she turned around. “I’m so sorry, Kelly.”
“Don’t sweat it, Kate,” Kelly said, walking over to the dresser to get her things.
“I’ll leave the room while you get dressed.” Kate was already inching toward the door with her eyes closed.
“Don’t be silly, Kate.” Kelly walked over to Kate and turned her around. “Open your eyes,” she said with a laugh. “It’s fine.”
Kate opened her eyes and came face to face with Kelly’s bare chest. She sat down on the bed as Kelly began discussing the rest of their day.
“Are we going to the beach after lunch because if we are I’m putting on the wrong clothes?”
“After the heat we just went through taking our walk, I don’t think I’m up to sitting on a hot beach.”
“That’s fine with me,” Kelly said as she decided to switch her t-shirt for a tank top without a bra.
“We can watch a movie or read a book,” Kate paused, “unless you think it’s too boring?”
“Not at all, Kate.”
Later that day, Kelly was dressed and ready to go to dinner with Jennifer and Reese. She sat in the living room staring out the front window. She wore a tan pair of slacks and a dark blue silk shirt. Her boat shoes finished off her outfit. Kelly turned when she heard Kate on the stairs. Her eyes automatically went from Kate’s feet to her face.
“Wow,” Kelly said with a whistle. “You look fantastic.”
Kate’s spaghetti strap cotton blue dress came just above her knees and showed just enough cleavage that drew Kelly’s ey
es again and again.
“Why, thank you, kind lady,” Kate said with a blush. “You don’t look too shabby yourself.” Her laugh sounded nervous.
“Are you ready to go?” Kelly asked.
Kate picked up her small purse and said, “Ready.”
Kelly’s hand went immediately to the small of Kate’s back as she led her out the door.
They walked up the driveway of the house next door and met Jennifer in the driveway.
“Look at you two,” Jennifer said with a sigh. “You certainly make a good looking couple.”
Kate’s neck burned bright red.
“It’s a good thing you have no game, Casanova, or Kate might have something to worry about,” Jennifer said with a laugh.
Reese also wore a dress, but not as revealing as Kate’s dress. Jennifer wore slacks like Kelly did.
“Here’s my beautiful girl now,” Jennifer said, showing the love she had for this woman on her face.
“Oh, everyone looks so nice. I’m starving, let’s go.”
Reese reached for the door handle as Jennifer’s grin met the two women’s knowing smile. Kelly opened Kate’s door and went to the other side of the car and got inside.
Dinner was enjoyable and the four friends shared a lively conversation. As they were having coffee, Reese and Kate excused themselves to the ladies room.
Jennifer looked at Kelly. “So did you go out with your student?” she asked, leaning across the table.
Kelly nodded and said, “What a mistake that was. The moment I picked her up, I knew it was a mistake. We had dinner and I took her home.”
Jennifer grinned. “You and Kate make a nice couple.”
Kelly shook her head laughing. “Yes, me and the straight girl. Talk about a mistake.”
“Are you blind? Can’t you see the way she looks at you? She touched your arm more than she touched her food.”
Luckily, the ladies returned to the table and Kelly didn’t have to acknowledge Jennifer’s comments.
“I’m stuffed,” Reese said as she sat down at the table. “Are we ready to go?”
They all got up from the table and walked out of the restaurant.
“Thanks for asking us out to dinner,” Reese said, patting Kate’s hand. “We should do this more often.”