by Lyssa Layne
“I’m in five-oh-three. The condo has been in my family for years. Usually everyone comes down during the summer for a week or two but I’ve been so busy with work in Raleigh, I couldn’t get away then. Luckily things slowed down, so I elected to come down and enjoy some of the lingering warm days.”
“We’re neighbors then. I’m across the hall from you in five-oh-two.”
Watching her butt as she walked, I wished I could test the firmness. Obviously, she worked out as well. When we reached her condo, I waited for her to unlock the door before bringing in her luggage.
Swallowing back a sigh, I called out, “Where do you want this?” She pointed to the main bedroom.
I took her suitcases and put them on her bed, then bent down to catch one last smell of her scent.
“All done. Meeting you was a pleasure. I’m sure I’ll see you around. Let me know if you need anything.”
“Thanks. I’d love to take you for a drive in my car to repay you for your help,” she said as she walked me to the door.
“I’d love a ride. See you around.”
Back in my condo, I couldn’t get my new neighbor out of my mind while eating dinner. Mandy was a beautiful woman, someone I’d like to spend more time with. Sitting in the living room, I watched the lights of the boats on the inlet and thought about Mandy as I nursed my third beer. Definitely hot looking, but was she interested in women?
CHAPTER TWO
Thinking back to the day my sister’s wedding invitation arrived in the mail, I couldn’t help but remember the frustration I felt over my imminent return to Amherst in addition to facing my past.
The invitation’s ivory paper with the fancy black trim was tasteful but had filled me with dread. Looking at my sister’s name in flowery script crushed my dream about this whole event being just a joke.
No matter she’d shared her news with me on the phone a month ago, I still hoped something would happen to change her mind about having the wedding in our hometown.
I remember our conversation.
“Congrats Syn. I’m so happy for you. Of course I remember TJ. I thought you guys were perfect, but why Amherst? Why do you want me to be a part of special day? You know how I feel about that place.” Thinking of going back left a bitter taste in my mouth.
“I understand Stacey. I felt the same way about coming back to Amherst. But the town’s different now. The high school bullies don’t have a say in our lives anymore. We love you, no matter who you love. And we want you to be here to celebrate with us. Really Stacey, I wouldn’t ask this of you, but Dad can’t handle the travel. Please. This might be the last time we can all be together,” Syndie pleaded.
She tugged at my heartstrings. I wanted my sister to be happy, but the horrifying thought of facing my past sent shivers down my spine. Like Syndie who escaped immediately following graduation, I also fled the small town with my diploma in hand for a larger city, but for a different reason.
Amherst was a ‘white-bread’ town. A small town with small town morals. The town wasn’t welcoming to people who were different than the norm. High school made things even harder. There were all the regular cliques growing up—the popular crowd, the athletes, the geeks, and the druggies. I may have looked normal but I spent a lot of time hiding parts of myself from everyone in order to not have my secret exposed to the gossipy masses.
Growing up, I noticed there was something different about me. The difference wasn’t in my looks but my feelings. So to keep others from guessing the truth, I dated the town football star and pretended to ogle the guys at Lakeview Beach with my friends. But my cravings were for my best friend, the girl I shared my high school years with. Though even then, she didn’t really know me. I’d always been attracted to other women—their softness, their scent and their passion.
However, homosexuality was way outside the standard of my hometown. I managed to come out to my family, which was hard enough. Could you imagine explaining to your church-going parents about your different desires? It might be okay for celebrities to experiment, but not small town Catholic girls.
My parents struggled to understand and accept me. Relationships strained. I never blamed them. Society labeled my feelings unholy, even immoral. I hadn’t even been sure I’d be welcomed back for my mother’s funeral. Nonetheless, my family stood by my side, embraced my choice as well as protected me from the old biddies who saw me as a blight on the face of society, or someone who just needed the right guy to fix her. Syn really does have a fierce but frightening attitude when she defends those she loves. The shouting match at the funeral made the local paper, and became the main reason for my fear of being at Syn’s wedding.
With the invitation’s arrival, I knew I’d have to put on a silly dress Syn picked out for the four of us—her bridesmaids, her sisters—then stand in the church before God and some of the same people who wouldn’t understand my choices. Syndie was marrying the guy of her dreams, Thom Johnson. As her younger sister, I needed to be there for her.
* * * *
Pulling on my running gear, I decided to hit the beach once again to get the frustration out of my thoughts. Running allowed my thoughts to travel and burn off my nervous energy. Grabbing my MP3 player, I headed off to the beach and let my mind wander back to growing up in Amherst.
Growing up in a small town was a lot of fun. Our house was outside of town on a dead-end road with a quarry excavation site across the street. I was the fourth of five girls and often Syndie’s, the oldest, partner in crime. We once got caught for throwing acorns at the cars driving down our road. I guess we didn’t think things through because with our road being a dead-end, the only people going down it would know us. Those were some good times, playing in the dirt, creating forts and chasing the imaginary bad guys. My sisters were important to me. If they had asked me to walk naked through town, I would have done it for them.
The waves soothed my soul as I cranked my MP3 player on high and ran to escape the past. Sweat trickled in rivers down my back as 80’s punk rock music blared in my ears. I pushed my body but settled my mind.
Back at the condo, my mind calmer, I climbed into the steamy shower. The scalding hot water hammering my body felt like heaven after the grueling workout. I loved the feeling of the water on my body. Swimming was a summer passion of mine that never really went away. Mom used to take us for swimming lessons at the YWCA as children, making a day of it with lunch at the park.
As a sales manager for an international fitness organization, I often traveled throughout the world to reach my customer base, which allows me to facilitate sales with other companies and small retailers for our products. Like the magnificent treadmill I work out on. My toned, fit body has created the perfect advertisement for our products plus it helped promote me to Top United States Sales Person, an award I worked hard to earn.
My job also provides me many opportunities to meet delightful people as well. Recently, I’d ended a three year committed relationship with Jasmine, who works out of the European sales branch. It was time for us to move our own separate ways. The distance and competitiveness of our jobs had gotten in the way of our romance. We ended things before our feelings were hurt and remain friends to this day. Now Mandy has piqued my interest. She’s cute, sexy and full of energy. Spending time with her and getting to know her seemed like a perfect diversion from my negative thoughts of Syndie’s wedding.
As I put on my silk nightgown then climbed into bed, I put the thoughts of Amherst from my mind. I fantasized about Mandy, kissing her soft lips and running my hands on her exquisite body. Touching myself, I gave into my dreams of seducing her, and climaxed, calling out her name. Satiated, I fell asleep dreaming of Mandy.
CHAPTER THREE
The next morning, I got up at dawn for a run on the beach. The seagulls and the sounds of the waves were the music I needed to soothe my desires for Mandy. I itched to see her again. However, I tried to be patient but found it challenging. There was something about her outgoing personality th
at drew me to her like a moth to a flame. I longed to spend more time with her, but was afraid to rush her. The exhaustion from long workout felt good and helped me deal with my pent up desires to feel her skin on mine.
After my run I decided to use the pool to help my body and mind cool off. Quickly I changed into my bikini, grabbed a towel, then headed down to the condo’s pool. The beautifully clear pool overlooked the inlet and marina. I jumped into the water and did laps to calm my mind, then decided to rest for a bit on the side of the pool, soaking in the sun’s rays.
“Hello, neighbor.” Mandy’s voice penetrated my lust-filled mind. “How’s the water?”
“Hi, Mandy. The pool’s wonderfully cool today. I needed the cool off after my run. How are you doing?”
“I’m good. I’m impressed with your determination. I can’t seem to get motivated to work out on vacation. My lacking incentive’s why I decided to try the pool today.”
“I work for a fitness supply company and working out is a passion of mine. The beach beats my treadmill any day. Are you a runner?”
“No. Unfortunately, I’m not. Although I enjoyed watching you run this morning. I sat on the balcony with my coffee taking in the view.”
Now it was my turn to be embarrassed. I wasn’t sure how I felt knowing she had been watching me. “So you liked what you saw?” I teased.
“You’re beautiful, but you probably already knew that. I can only imagine all the guys you must have asking you out,” she said with a smile.
“Actually, I play for the other team. I recently ended a relationship with a woman who worked for my company’s European sales division. Our relationship couldn’t survive the distance,” I said sadly.
“Your admission makes things easier for me. I’m also into women. There’s something about their softness and sexuality which makes me melt. I’ve been having fantasies about you, but I didn’t want to offend you so I didn’t say anything, in case. Would you like to go to dinner with me tonight? I’d love a chance to get to know you more,” Mandy asked breathlessly.
“Sure. What time?” My stomach clenched at the thought of this beautiful woman possibly being into me. After dreaming about her, my fantasy might actually come true.
“How about you stop by my condo at six-thirty? I’ll drive. We can head over to DJ’s for dinner. The restaurant is one of my favorite places. Their seafood casserole is delicious.”
“That sounds great. I’ve always enjoyed their food and the view from the dining room is beautiful at sunset. The inlet seems to shine with a million colors.” My heart pounded so loud I swear she could hear. “I can’t wait to get a ride in that marvelous car of yours. I’ll see you at six- thirty.”
* * * *
Dinner with Mandy was perfect. We had a lot in common, finding that we both shared a passion for muscle cars. Most of our discussion was innocent, yet the desire for each other simmered under the surface.
“When did you realize you were a lesbian?” she inquired as she reached over to put her hand on top of mine.
The touch of her skin on mine caused my pussy to clench. Her full lips drew my gaze. I thought about kissing them, running my tongue along them before nibbling on her bottom lip. Focusing on her question, I knew she would understand my thoughts and fears.
“I’ve known since I was a teenager. I left my hometown after graduation, never looking back. Now my sister is getting married. She asked me to be a part of her wedding party. I really don’t want to go back to Amherst to face my past, but since my dad has Alzheimer’s, I’m afraid if I don’t go back for the wedding, I won’t see him again in this lifetime.”
“I understand. Living in the South, being different was frowned upon. I hid my desires as well. Luckily times have changed. I’m able to express my needs now, rather than hide them. Why are you so afraid to go back to your hometown?”
Speaking to Mandy about my past and my life was easy. I felt an instant connection to her in addition to the desire I had for her body.
“My town was very small. The people were small minded. If you didn’t have a boyfriend, you were teased. So I pretended to like guys, even “dated” some to keep my secret. Even with my family’s support, I’m nervous about going back and facing the people I knew. I’m worried about what they will think of me.”
“I understand your fears. However, you shouldn’t worry about them. You are a successful, caring person. Who you love doesn’t have anything to do with what kind of person you are. Let’s get out of here. Would you like to take a walk on the beach? I love the beach at night.”
“I’d love to. There is something about the waves crashing and the feeling of being alone in the world that I love,” I answered with a smile. “This has been a wonderful dinner. I’m enjoying getting to know you.”
The drive back to the condominium was quiet as we were each lost in our own thoughts. Anxious to get Mandy alone on the beach, I wanted to steal a kiss. I’d been fantasizing of her lips all night and couldn’t wait to see if they felt as soft as they looked.
After parking in the lot, we walked across Waccamaw Drive. The tide was low and the moon was full, illuminating the sand and waves. Each of us was still lost in our own thoughts and hadn’t spoken since we left the restaurant. As we walked on the beach, Mandy took my hand in hers. A tingle climbed my spine at the contact.
Walking for about fifteen minutes in silence, I stopped to pull Mandy into my arms. I couldn’t wait to kiss her any longer. Gently I kissed her mouth and ran my tongue on her bottom lip. She moaned before pulling me closer to her body. With our arms wrapped around each other, we explored our mouths, teasing with our tongues. My breath came quicker as my body responded to her touch.
Mandy ran her hands along my back down to my butt, giving it a little squeeze and pulling me closer to her. I gripped her face in my hands, biting gently on her lips, eliciting another groan of passion from her.
I pulled away from her with difficulty going back to holding her hand. As we walked on the beach, we spoke about our childhoods and families. Mandy’s family wasn’t as big as mine but they were just as close. I felt very close to her emotionally, yet was nervous about whether our time together would be only a vacation fling or the beginning of something more.
* * * *
Back in the condo, I decided to call Syndie. I needed to share my feelings with someone and that’s what a big sister is for.
“Hi stranger. How are things with the wedding plans?”
“Hi Stacey. The wedding plans are coming along. Dad has been having good days. He’s excited about the plans. I think the medicine has been helping. T.J and him are enjoying some guy bonding over fishing. Dad has also been seeing more of T.J.’s mom. I think they’re serious. Are you enjoying your vacation? How’s the weather been?”
“The weather has been beautiful. I wanted to call because I met someone. I needed to share. I couldn’t think of someone I’d rather tell than you. I know you’d understand those giddy feelings of meeting someone, then falling for them.”
“I’m happy for you. You deserve someone to love. I became worried about you when Jasmine and you broke up. She wasn’t the right person for you. So tell me about your new crush.”
I shared with Syn about Mandy and our times together. Putting my thoughts out there to someone, sharing my feelings really helped me. Syn accepted my choices and always supported me. I knew I could count on her because she understood and cared about me.
“So are you serious about Mandy?” Syn asked with trepidation.
“I really think so. She makes me happy. I feel like I can be myself around her.”
“I’m happy for you. You’ll have to bring her home to meet everyone. I look forward to getting to know her better. After all, if you care about her, then she must be someone special.”
Saying our goodbyes, we knew we would talk again soon.
CHAPTER FOUR
The next few days passed in idyllic wonder as Mandy and I spent as much time together as possi
ble. We hit the outlet mall for some shopping, cooked at home and enjoyed our time poolside. While we were out shopping, we held hands, and later kissing over the dinner table. I was falling hard for this amazing woman. But I wasn’t sure if she had the same feelings for me as I had for her. It’s probably time for us to have that conversation, I thought. We need to see where things are between us. Is this only a vacation fling? Because my heart is involved and my vacation is almost over.
I called Mandy on the phone to arrange for a dinner date. “I can’t believe I’ve got to go back to the real world in two more days. Let’s go out to dinner tonight to celebrate a wonderful vacation.”
“That sounds terrific,” she said enthusiastically. “Where do you want to go?”
“Let’s go to the Inlet View for a romantic dinner. The restaurant’s got a wonderful view of the inlet and since it’s within walking distance, we can enjoy some drinks without worrying about driving.”
“I’ll meet you at your place at seven. See you then!” Mandy’s phone clicked off.
Nervous about how to broach the subject of my feelings, I hopped into the bathtub for a long soak to relax. I thought about Mandy and our time together. I don’t know how we could make things work with us living in two different states. After all, things didn’t work for Jasmine and me. I’d love to be able to make this work, Mandy stirred something in me that made me want to commit. Letting the worries float away, I stayed in the tub until the water turned frigid. Getting out and drying off, I took extra care with my outfit tonight. It wasn’t every day I spoke to someone about my feelings for them. I never felt this way toward anyone, including Jasmine. I only hope Mandy feels the same way.