by Lydia Rose
“Let’s go,” Laura said grabbing Christine’s hand.
As they cooled off in the pool, Laura asked. “So how many people are you expecting on Saturday?”
Christine swam for the pools steps and sat down. “Six give or take a few extra women.” She chuckled. “My friends always invite a few single women to the party. They think it’s a way to get me in front of single women without being blatant.”
“Well, you let me know if you don’t have any interest because maybe I will.” Laura volunteered.
“I can tell you right now that if you have an interest in any of the women, help yourself.”
CHAPTER FIVE
Christine had spent an hour on her bench at five o’clock that morning. Now at seven o’clock she heard a noise in the yard. She looked out the patio door and saw Laura standing by the smoker. Christine opened the patio door still in silk boxer shorts and a silk top. As the cool breeze pressed against the fabric, her nipples rose against the material stiffly.
“You’re here early,” she said standing in the doorway.
Laura turned and smiled as her eyes ran the length of Christine’s body. “Good morning.” She approached Christine. “I hope I didn’t wake you?”
“I’ve been up awhile.” Christine answered realizing that Laura hadn’t seen her sitting on the bench this morning. “Come inside and have a cup of coffee with me.”
Laura followed her inside and went to the pot and poured herself a cup. “Is there anything I can do for you right now?”
“The delivery men are supposed to be here at eight with the table and chairs. Would you mind hanging out while I take a shower and listen for the door?” Christine poured herself another cup of coffee. When she turned around, she saw Laura watching her closely. “Is everything okay, Laura?”
“Sure.” Laura cleared throat. “I’ll take care of it. Go take your shower,” she said licking her lips. “Where do you want the tables set up?”
Laura followed Christine to the back door. She pointed to the patio to the right of the pool. “Over there will be fine.”
Laura felt as though her heart was beating to fast as the women stood inches from each other. As Laura turned, her arm accidently brushed the front of Christine’s top. The hair rose on her arm as she mumbled. “Sorry.”
Christine didn’t comment about what happened. “I’ll be down as soon as I can.”
Laura poured herself a glass of water trying to cool her body temperature. She mumbled to herself that Christine had no idea what she was doing to her walking around in that outfit. As the spaghetti strap slipped off Christine’s shoulder she had to keep her hand from reaching up and lifting it up. Thankfully, the doorbell rang and she had something to distract her thoughts.
By the time Christine returned, the delivery men had left. Laura looked at the white shorts and pink tank top that Christine wore. She thought she looked just as sexy in this outfit as she did in the pajamas.
“Thanks, Laura,” Christine said as she peeked out the back door and saw the tables. She walked to the pantry and removed the tablecloths and clips.
Laura followed behind as they dressed the tables for the group that would be arriving soon.
“The turkey smells wonderful already,” Christine commented as they worked together.
“What time are the caterer arriving?” Laura asked feeling warmer then she should.
“Not for a couple of hours,” Christine said as she walked back into the house with the extra clips.
“People won’t start arriving until around noon time.”
“Then if you don’t need anything else, I’m going to go home to shower and change.”
Christine looked at Laura who had on a pair of cut-off jeans and tank top that barely covered her midriff. “You look fine, Laura,” She commented.
Laura smiled as she felt the pinch in her heart. “I’ll be back in about an hour,” she said walking toward the front door. “The turkey will be fine until I get back, but if there’s a problem, call me.”
Christine’s face automatically broke into a smile as she thought of Laura. She had to admit that she enjoyed spending time in her company. Especially, since she eliminated the dating possibility. She was now free to enjoy Laura as another good friend.
The caterer arrived with the food and she put away everything that needed to be refrigerated. Turning, she saw Laura in the backyard checking her turkey. Looking at her through the kitchen window, she saw Laura had on a pair of dark blue shorts, a pale blue t-shirt and tan sneakers. Laura looked up from the top of the smoker and their eyes met through the window. A smile returned to Christine’s face.
Laura walked over to the patio door and knocked. Christine waved her inside. “Hi, do you need anything else done?”
“Thanks, but I’m all set.” Plates and silverware was set up on the end of the peninsula in the kitchen. The fruit and vegetable platters were uncovered and waiting for her guests to help themselves.
“Okay,” Laura said. “I’ll be out here if you need anything.”
As Laura closed the door, the doorbell rang. Carol and her wife Sara were the first to arrive with a friend.
“Chris, this is Susan. We work together.” Carol pushed Susan toward Christine.
“It’s nice to meet you,” Christine said with a grin knowing it had begun. “Sara, how are you?” She asked diverting her attention.
“I’m good, Chris. What a great day for a party.”
“There’s drinks outside,” Christine said and motioned the group to the door. As she came outside, Laura stood up from chair near the smoker.
“Laura, these are my friends, Carol her wife Sara and their friend, Susan,” she said with a wink at Laura.
Laura understood the wink and reached over to shake everyone’s hands. “Nice to meet you all.” Laura watched as Susan moved closer to her.
“What smells so good?” Susan asked touching Laura’s arm.
“I’m smoking a turkey.
The doorbell rang again. “Help yourselves to something to drink,” Christine said as she went back into the house to greet the rest of her friends. Each couple had brought a single friends to the party. Laura will have her pick today, Christine thought with a silent laugh.
Everyone helped themselves to the platters of appetizers and went back into the yard. Carol watched from the kitchen window and turned to Christine. “I brought Susan for you to meet.” She huffed. “Not for your friend.”
Christine looked out the kitchen window watching Susan sitting next to Laura laughing at something she had said. The other single women had gravitated to Laura also. “I guess you all wasted your time asking single women here?” She laughed.
Carol lips pursed, but her mouth relaxed as she said. “She’s cute.”
Christine didn’t comment.
“We all asked people here and you have a cute friend on your block.”
Christine rolled her eyes. “We’re just friends, Carol. Her dad was a client and now she’s my client since her dad passed away.”
“Whatever you say,” Carol said as they walked back outside. “Laura, that turkey smells wonderful.” Carol looked at her wife. “Honey, we should try making one.”
“Yes, sweetie because we do so much cooking,” Sara said with a laugh. “What are you making for the Fourth of July?”
Laura smiled. “I’ll have to think of something wonderful.” Turning, she said. “If I’m invited.” Laura was surprised as her eyes searched for Christine’s and found they were already on her.
“Of course, you’re invited.” Christine smiled and winked. She watched as Susan dominated Laura from the other single women here. She saw two of the women had paired themselves off as the other two just watched Susan keep Laura from the other women.
Laura took over the barbecuing duties as Susan helped with the buns and plates.
“So you’re a chef?” Susan asked as she handed Laura a serving platter.
“Used to be. I came back home after m
y dad got sick.” Laura added with a shrug. “You can bring the hotdogs inside,” she said to Susan. “Make sure they’re covered while I finish the hamburgers.” Laura raised her eyes and saw Christine’s eyes were there again. It gave her a chill that Christine seemed to know when she would look for her. “Chris, if I get the turkey out of the smoker, can you carve it for me?”
“I would be happy to do that since you took over my job at the barbecue,” Christine said with a smile.
Christine carried the turkey into the house once Laura placed it on the serving plate. “We should be ready to eat in about twenty minutes.” She said to the group before she and Carol slipped into the house.
“I like her,” Carol said as they came into the house.
“Who?” Christine asked placing the turkey on the counter so she could carve it.
Carol rolled her eyes and smirked. “You know exactly who I’m talking about.”
“You mean Laura? I thought you were talking about one of the other women.” Christine reached for her carving knife. “I’m glad you like Laura. She’s very nice.” She giggled. “I think Susan likes her too.”
“They’re not a good match.” Carol crossed her arms across her chest.
“But she was a good match for me?” Christine asked over her reading glasses.
“I thought you two might have something in common to become friends, but you and Laura are better suited as friends.” Carol leaned on the counter and looked at Christine sideways. “What about any of the other women out there?”
“I really haven’t talked to any of them for more than a few minutes.” Christine lowered the knife and fork. “I am not interested in dating anyone now, Carol.”
“What about Laura?”
“What about Laura? I told you we’re friends. That’s all.” Christine went back to her carving duties.
Laura came in the back door with the burgers and toasted rolls. “How’s the turkey coming along?”
“I think we’re ready.” Christine turned to Carol. “Would you go outside and tell everyone to come inside?” Once Carol was gone, Christine said. “I hope you’re okay with these extra women at the party?”
“I haven’t talked to all of them because Susan has barely left my side,” she said chuckling.
“Do you like her?” Christine asked placing the platter on the counter.
Laura shrugged. She’s not you, Laura thought. I would rather you at my side. Not Susan or any of these other women. Luckily, the patio door opened and Laura didn’t have to answer Christine’s question.
The women sat at the tables outside enjoying the meal prepared for them. Again, Susan was everywhere that Laura went. She finally went into the house to the bathroom and Sara came and sat next to her.
“I hear you were a chef?” Sara asked. Laura nodded. “My wedding anniversary is coming up. Can you recommend a nice place that we can go?”
“A friend of mine owns a restaurant about a half hour from here. You can have a nice romantic dinner and great tasting food.” Laura took her phone from her pocket. “What’s your cell number? I’ll text you the name of the restaurant.”
“Can I ask you something else?”
“Sure,” Laura said with a shrug.
“Carol and I have been together for twenty years,” she said with a grin. “I could use some help when we come home from dinner.”
Laura raised her eyebrows in question. “What are you asking me?”
Sara realized what Laura was thinking and laughed. “What I’m saying is that you’re young. Anything new going on that would help bring some passion to the bedroom?”
“I don’t know what you’re asking me to tell you?” Laura lifted her hands.
Sara glanced toward the door and Susan was on her way back to the table. She grabbed Laura’s hand and led her to the stairs to the dock. “Laura, I’ll take whatever advice I can get. When you’re in a relationship for twenty years, I’ll find someone for you to ask.”
Laura laughed. “All I can say is make sure she feels that you only want her. When you get home from dinner, take control. Get her into the bedroom have her lie down. Make her grab the sheets or the headboard. Don’t let her touch you.” Laura emphasized. “Delay her pleasure by not letting her come too quickly. Stop for a moment if you have to. Trust me, once she comes, it will be intense.” Laura leaned closer. “Do you own a garter belt?” Sara nodded and smiled. “Strip down to that before you go to her. If she likes toys, go for it.” Laura smiled. “All I can say is be present when you’re making love. Make her feel that she is the only one in the world.”
“Thank you, Laura. I’ll let you know how it goes,” she said with a laugh.
“What is your girlfriend doing with my wife?” Carol asked as she pointed to the two women on the dock.
“I’m sure I don’t know and she’s not my girlfriend,” Christine said perturbed.
They watched as the two women climbed the stairs laughing. Sara hugged Laura when they reached the patio. Susan immediately went to Laura’s side.
It was nearly midnight when the last of the guests left the house. Christine was exhausted, but she had to at least put away the food so it wouldn’t spoil. She reached for the plastic wrap as Laura walked into the house.
“I took the tablecloths off and put the empty bottles in the recycling bin,” she said as she carried the tablecloths to the laundry room off the kitchen.
“Laura, you don’t have to help clean up. Go home. You were up early this morning,” Christine said wiping her hands on a dish towel.
“Chris, I’m fine. Let me help you put this food away.”
“Youth,” Christine said softly.
“That’s the second time you’ve called me young. You’re not exactly an old lady.” Laura insisted.
“I’ve got ten years on you. So you are young to me.” Christine stood firm on this.
Laura shook her head. “Thanks for inviting me today. I had a good time.”
Christine stood next to Laura and wrapped her hand around her waist. “Thank you for helping me today and everyone loved your turkey.” She kissed her cheek softly. “Thank you for that and thank you for keeping those women away from me.” Christine added with a laugh.
“It was the least I could do for you. I’ll pick up my smoker tomorrow, if that’s alright?”
“No hurry.” Christine walked Laura to the front door. “Good night, Laura and thanks again.”
“Anytime. Good night.”
As Laura closed the curtains to the bedroom window, she saw Christine sitting in a chair on the patio. Closing the light, she wondered if Christine ever slept.
CHAPTER SIX
Christine rolled over on the bed and glanced at the clock on the night stand. Her eyes opened wide as she saw it said eight o’clock. I can’t believe I slept this late. She whispered to herself. She showered and dressed before she came down the stairs. Walking into the kitchen, she pressed the button on the coffee maker and then walked to the sliding glass door. She slid the door open and saw immediately that Laura’s smoker was gone.
An hour later the doorbell rang. Smiling she went to the door and was disappointed to find the men there to pick up the tables and chairs.
By the time she went back to work on Tuesday, she still hadn’t seen or heard from Laura. The only conclusion she had was Susan. All week she expected to see Laura in the pool as she returned from work, but if she had used the pool; she was gone before she came home.
Saturday afternoon her cellphone rang and she smiled as she answered. “Hi Carol. Happy Anniversary.”
“Thank you, Chris,” Carol said with a chuckle. “So far it’s been great. Sara took me out to a restaurant that Laura suggested last night.” She lowered her voice. “But what happened after we got home was better than the meal. I know what Sara and your girlfriend were talking about the night we saw them down by the dock.”
Christine rolled her eyes at the girlfriend comment. “What were they talking about?”
“This stays between us because Sara didn’t want me to say anything.” Carol giggled. “You and I share everything. Sara asked Laura what thirty year olds are doing in bed these days. Not in those words, but that’s what she was after.”
“Laura gave her sex lessons?”
“Not really, but did give Sara some pointers. When we got home from dinner, Sara took charge. She wouldn’t even let me touch her and tied my hands with scarves.”
“Laura suggested that?” Christine asked shocked.
“No, that was Sara’s idea. Laura had said to make me hold the headboard or sheets. Sara knew I couldn’t do that. Anyway, the first orgasm was so intense I screamed Oh My God.” Carol laughed again. “Then I got pissed and yelled, you’re having an affair.”
Christine laughed along with Carol.
“She had to confess talking to Laura. I won’t go into details.”
“Like you haven’t already?” Christine said sarcastically.
“We made love all night. Chris, we haven’t made love all night in years.”
“And why are you telling me this?”
“I had to tell someone. Okay, I’ll be good now. The real reason I am calling is that Mary wants Laura’s phone number.”
“Isn’t she a little late. Hasn’t Laura been seeing Susan?”
“Susan said she hasn’t spoken to Laura since the party.”
“I haven’t seen her either. I thought she was seeing someone.” Carol raised her eyebrows. “Maybe she met someone on her own?”
“Well, let Mary call her and find out?”
“I can’t give out Laura’s number without her permission. Why don’t you give me Mary’s number and I’ll give it to Laura. If she wants to call Mary, she can.”
“Fair enough and tell Laura thank you. No, you can’t say that.” Carol paused. “Tell her thank you about the restaurant. Her friend has a wonderful place.”
When Christine hung up the phone she folded the paper with Mary’s number. She decided if she didn’t see Laura today she would call her tomorrow.
CHAPTER SEVEN
Early the next morning, Christine took her place on the bench. She wasn’t out there as early as usual, but the skies were bright and sunny. Her jean shorts and short sleeved sweat shirt kept out the chill of the morning.