"Unless you're ready."
"I don't have a clue."
"Well then. I wish I'd been able to share my joy of marketing with my daughter. I would have loved to see her take over my business."
"You have a daughter," I said quietly.
"I do. Her name is Lydia. She's somewhat younger than you are."
"How much younger?"
"She's 22."
"If she didn't go into marketing, what does she do?"
"She has a fresh college degree and is on the first rung of the corporate ladder. To be honest, I don't really understand what she does. Something with computers."
I laughed. "Everyone's job is something with computers," I told her.
"I suppose that's true. So, that was my wish. Have you thought of yours yet?"
"No. Give me a moment." Actually, I knew what I wished, but I wanted something better.
But when I was quiet too long, Josie asked, "Have you fallen asleep, Sable?"
"I have a wish, but it's not as good as yours."
Her voice was gentle. "Tell me, Dear."
"All right. I wish my boss wasn't a homophobe. I'm not out at work, and because I don't look the part, no one even wonders if I'm gay. But it will come out eventually."
"It always does," Josie replied. "Eventually. I'm sorry."
"It's not your fault. I'm good at what I do, and if she figures it out, I'll either get a transfer or find a job somewhere else. I just wish..." I trailed off.
"I know," Josie said. She paused. "Do we need to talk while you decide on your topic?"
"No. You picked careers, so I'll take the other direction. Vacations."
"Oh, perfect," Josie said, and I heard her clap her hands a few times. "An excellent topic indeed."
"Indeed," I agreed. "All right. I wish I were better at picking vacation destinations."
"What was wrong with your trip to Mexico."
"Nothing, but a beach in Mexico is sort of obvious, don't you think? I want to go places that everyone else doesn't visit, but I am careful when I vacation and don't want to make a mistake."
"Oh, I see," Josie replied. "I understand completely. You know that's something we could talk about together."
I smiled. "I'd like that. Your turn."
"Mine is an obvious wish. I wish I had someone who wanted to do the same sort of traveling I do. It wouldn't have to be a girlfriend. My daughter and I used to vacation together, but she doesn't like to go with me anymore. I quote cramp her style."
"I never minded traveling alone, but I imagine having a companion would be better," I replied. "I need to pick another topic."
"You do," she agreed. "But this time I'll wish first for yours, and you'll wish first for mine."
"All right. Family."
"Ah," Josie said slowly. "I wish my parents had been more accepting of who I am."
"I'm sorry," I said.
"They weren't horrible, but we were never close again after I told them. They're gone now." She grew quiet.
"I'm sorry," I said again. "It was a bad topic."
"No," she replied. "It was a good topic. We're getting to know each other. I shared something intimate with you. I haven't told that to very many people."
I nodded, even though she couldn't see. "My grandmother died when I was twelve. I wished she had lived a lot longer. I really loved her."
After that, we were both quiet for a while. Finally Josie said, "Dear. Are you really in bed?"
"Of course."
"In pajamas?"
"A camisole and undies."
"Don't tell me that!" she said. "How am I supposed to sleep with that image? You're wearing ugly flannel pajamas."
I laughed. "A sexy camisole, and my nipples are perky!"
"You are a bad, bad girl," she said, laughing.
"I know. It's too bad your new toy doesn't arrive until Monday."
"I should put you over my knee."
"I might like it."
She laughed then grew still. "All right. You're feeling playful. Our topic is: us."
"And I go first."
"That is correct."
"Fine. I wish I'd accepted your dinner invitation."
She grew still. I could hear her breathing, barely. Then she said in a quiet voice, "That was my wish."
"Well, we can't share a wish," I said. "You can't share wishes."
"Of course you can."
"No. I want a new wish."
She laughed. "Well, I suppose just this once."
"I wish you'll ask me out."
I heard an intake of breath, then silence. I waited. Finally she said, "You know, that wish could come true."
"Could it?" I asked. "Silky black camisole and undies."
"You... you... You are a bad, bad girl." In response I giggled. "Sable?"
"Yes, Josie?"
"Are you available for dinner Friday evening?"
"Let me check my schedule. Click. Click. Click click click. Hmm. I have a conflict."
"Sable!"
"It seems I am having dinner with one Josie Baker. Oh wait, that's you!"
"Do you mind driving? The rest of the evening is my treat, but I'd like you to drive."
"You don't like to drive at night?"
"I don't mind at all," she said. "I have ulterior motives."
"Oh. Do tell."
"I want you to drive me home afterwards. I owe you a spanking, and I'd rather deliver it here than at your place."
I laughed. "Yeah, that's not happening, but I don't mind driving."
"Good. I'll mail you directions. Is 6:00 too early?"
"6:00 is great," I said. "How should I dress?"
"Dress to impress, of course," she said. I could hear her grinning. "Dinner and conversation."
"It's a date." I paused. "Josie, I need to tell you something."
"I knew it. You really are wearing horrible pajamas."
"Oh, no. Black, silky camisole and undies. No, this is serious."
"All right." I heard her grew still. "Go ahead."
"Something occurred to me after I wrote my advertisement. Actually, it occurred while I was editing it, but I didn't know how to fix it."
"Did you forget to mention you're a serial killer?"
"Josie, please."
"I'm sorry. I'll behave."
"For now," I suggested. "I want to be clear about something. I have a good job."
"I know you do, Dear."
"I'm not looking for a sugar mama."
"The thought never crossed my mind."
"We'll go Dutch on Friday."
"We will do no such thing. I asked you, and it is my treat."
"Josie, this is important to me. I practically begged you to ask me out."
"Sable, I know you don't want to lead. I also know what you meant when you said you wanted a strong, mature woman." I wasn't sure she did. "I know it's not about the money, is it?"
"No. But-"
"Sable, I am taking you to the sort of restaurant where they don't expect to be paid in cash, and they don't split the bill."
"So you pay the bill, and I give you cash for my share."
"No."
"But-"
"Sable, it's my turn."
I grew sullen. "Fine."
"I don't want us to keep score. I don't want us to worry about who paid how much for this, who offered the most recent massage, who took care of this, who handled that."
"But-"
"One more word, and I am retracting my offer."
"You wouldn't. You want to go out with me at least as much as I want to go out with you."
"I do, but I don't want to fight."
"You don't play fair."
"That was four words, Sable."
"No!" I said. "Just." I sighed. "We'll do it your way."
"Good," she said. I could hear the smile. "I am turning off my light and snuggling in, but I'd like to talk a little longer."
So we did.
* * * *
Vic called the next day.
We chatted for an hour. No mention of a second date came up.
Friday arrived. I could fret about many things, but I'd long grown out of fretting about my clothes. I wanted to tease Josie, so I started with the same camisole I'd worn to bed during our phone call. I even did laundry so I could wear the same undies. I was going to have fun teasing her.
Then I inspected my closet. I wanted to show a hint of the teddy. I added a black convertible wrap dress, adjusting it carefully for just the perfect look. In deference to the weather, I threw a black scarf over my shoulders and arms. It was black on black on black, but I knew I looked good. I added color with my makeup and earrings then smiled and added a cameo pendant to hang just at the top of my cleavage. The end result was a little eclectic, but I wanted something to draw her eye.
I smiled at the thought.
It was an easy drive to Josie's suburban neighborhood. I turned right off a quiet parkway, passing a brick and wood housing development sign. Josie lived in a neighborhood called Westwood Dale. Looking left and right as I drove through the gently curving streets, I saw houses in a variety of designs and styles, all lovely, and while all unique, each seeming to fit the neighborhood.
"Wow."
Another right turn brought me onto Josie's cul-de-sac, and there her house was, directly ahead. I verified the house number before coming to a stop in front of a lovely rambler with a partial brick fascia, three-car garage, and a portico framing the main entrance. I stared at the house for a minute before climbing from my car.
I made my way along a brick sidewalk to the front door, stood there a moment, then pressed the bell. It was a short wait before the door opened, and Josie and I had our first opportunity to see each other face-to-face.
"Wow," she said, looking me up and down.
I smiled. "That's what I said as I drove through your neighborhood." I gave her an appraising look. "I wasn't expecting us to match quite so completely." Like me, she was dressed in black.
Yes, she was sixty, and that readily showed. But she was well put together, and I could see the stunning woman she was in her younger years. Now, I could call her striking and still, in my eyes at least, beautiful. And in her stance and expression, I saw a confidence I didn't often see in a younger woman.
Or maybe I was imagining that, but to me, it didn't matter. I could see it.
I liked what I saw, and so I smiled again.
"Well, come in, Sable," she said. She held out a hand, and I gave her mine as I stepped over the threshold. With her other hand, she closed the door behind me, and then, my hand still in hers, we gazed at each other.
Finally I broke the silence. "Unless you're disappointed, I wouldn't mind a warmer welcome than this." I squeezed her hand.
"How could I be disappointed?" she asked with a smile, pulling me to her. We wrapped arms around each other.
Josie was taller than me, although not by a lot. I lifted my chin just slightly to look over her shoulder, and we held tightly for a moment. Then I turned and kissed her cheek before whispering in her ear, "I'm happy to be here with you."
She released me but slid her fingers down my arms as we separated, capturing my hands and then holding my arms away from me. "Let me get a look at you." Her look was deeply appraising, and we both smiled. Finally her eyes settled exactly where I had intended, on the cameo nestled just above the black camisole peeking out from behind the dress. "Tell me that's not the same one."
My smile broadened. "Of course it is." Then the smile broadened into a grin, and I whispered conspiratorially, "So are the undies."
"Sable, you are a very naughty girl!"
I said nothing, but I pulled away and slowly turned around, looking about while allowing Josie to look at me. I came to a stop facing her again, and I could tell from the way her eyes darted back up just where she'd been looking.
"Oh, I'm not sure I'm the only naughty one. Care to tell me what you were just looking at?"
She began to blush, and I barely stifled my laughter. "Like you weren't inviting such an appraisal."
I stepped marginally closer. "You told me to dress to impress. I was only obeying your instruction."
She barked a laugh. "I suppose you were."
I looked around briefly. "Do I get a tour?"
"Of course." She took my arm, and I let her pull me through the house. She gave me a lingering tour of an absolutely lovely house. It, like it's occupant, was quite striking, with tasteful decorations and lovely artwork. There were three bedrooms, one of which was set up as a home office, two and a half baths, and all the other spaces one would expect in a house in this neighborhood. Not a pin was out of place, and I wondered if it always looked like this, or if she'd had to hire a team of cleaners knowing I'd be here this evening.
I put on a playful look. "Tell the truth. Does it always look like this?"
"What do you mean?"
I waved. "Everything is perfect."
"Oh. Yes. Clutter makes me uncomfortable. I'm not a pack rat, so it only takes a few minutes a day to keep everything where it belongs."
Standing in her great room, I gave one more turn around before turning to face Josie. "Well, I like it. It's lovely and suits you."
"Thank you. I've been happy here. Well, we have reservations. Let me collect my purse."
I waited for her. She was gone a moment then returned, collecting my arm and leading me to the front door. Just as we arrived, I stopped her and turned her towards me. "Josie, this is going to be a little awkward, but there's something I want to say."
"Oh, dear," she said, her hand creeping to her throat. "Should I brace myself?"
I smiled. "No. I just want to be clear." I offered a frank, appraising look, maintaining the smile. "You're very striking and lovely. This is a date. I hope you'll treat it like one."
"Oh, dear," she said again. "Haven't I been treating it like one?"
"You know how you feel about clutter?" She nodded. "Well, for me, it's ambiguity."
"Well then," she said. "We can't have that. Let us erase any possible ambiguity." And with that she stepped into me, wrapped one hand behind my head, and pulled me into a kiss.
I wasn't expecting it, and she caught me by surprise -- pleasant surprise. I wrapped my arms around her and enjoyed the kiss. When she released me, we hugged for a moment, and I sighed into her ear.
"Is the ambiguity erased?"
"Yes," I whispered. "Thank you."
* * * *
As I drove, Josie directed our route to the restaurant. Once we climbed from my car, she directed me with light touches on my back, and we were soon seated across an intimate, candle-lit table.
"What's good?" I asked her, picking up the menu.
"Everything," she said. "I'll be having the lobster bisque and the crab cake dinner."
"You don't even have to look or listen to the specials?"
"I've been looking forward to taking you here since your first reply. I've had ample opportunity to consider what I was having."
I smiled. The water boy stopped by to fill our glasses, and on his heels, our waitress appeared. She introduced herself, assured us we would have a lovely meal, and took our drink orders.
I set the menu down and looked across the table at Josie. She was watching me with a gentle smile. "Have you decided?"
"I haven't heard the specials," I said.
We spent a few minutes making small talk. The waitress returned with our iced teas and recited the specials. "Do you need a minute?"
I shook my head. Josie placed her order, and then I ordered a dinner salad and the lamb. "Excellent choices," and then the waitress was gone with a promise to be back shortly with a breadbasket.
I turned to Josie. "Tell me about your cruises."
* * * *
Dinner was lovely. The food was fantastic, and Josie was articulate. She kept me fascinated by her stories, causing me to laugh often. I shared my own stories and enjoyed her reaction.
As Josie paid the bill, the waitress said, "It's so nice t
o see a mother and daughter with such a comfortable relationship." I stiffened but stared down at my hands, not saying anything. Josie finished with the bill, and neither of us spoke for a minute.
But then I looked up, smiled, and asked, "Where are you taking me on our next date?"
Josie smiled in return, and we sat in the restaurant, talking for another twenty minutes. But all fine dinners eventually come to and end, and as we walked together to the car, I sighed.
"Why?"
"The sigh?" I asked, and she nodded. "I'm not ready for the evening to end."
"And this is why you will drive us to my home and accept my invitation to come inside."
"I will, hmm?"
"Yes."
"Well then..."
During the drive, I let her do the talking, but when I reached over, she took my hand.
"You're a lovely woman, Sable," she said quietly. "I am enjoying myself immensely."
"I am too," I agreed.
We pulled into her driveway, and as we did, the garage door began to open. I looked over at her to see she had her hand in her purse. I lifted an eyebrow, and she smiled but didn't say anything.
I drove in, parking beside her car. In the light, I didn't see what it was, only that it was some sort of dark colored sedan. She met me at the front of the car and took my hand, leading me into her house.
Josie led me to her great room, gesturing me onto the sofa. Once I was seated, she knelt down before me, took one of my feet, and began to unstrap one of my shoes.
I'd done that before, knelt before another woman to help her with her shoes. I'd been helped with my own shoes before, but never quite this way. I said nothing as I stared at the top of her head. Josie caressed my calf before switching to the other foot. She treated me tenderly as she set the shoes aside and slowly stood to look down at me.
"I'd like a small after dinner drink."
"That sounds lovely," I said. I started to rise, but she gestured me to stay where I was. She moved behind me, and then I heard the clinking of glassware. I waited patiently, and soon she returned, handing me a small snifter half filled with an amber liquid. I sniffed at it and smiled.
"Grand Marnais," I declared.
"You recognize it." She took a place on the sofa, the center seat, near enough to touch, but not so near as to crowd me. She lifted her glass in a salute, and together we sipped.
We chatted for a while, our voices low, our eyes locked on each other most of the time. I held my glass against my chest, allowing the scent to waft towards me. Then, while Josie was in the middle of a story involving two of her employees and, of all things, a llama, I dipped one fingertip into the glass and slipped the finger into my mouth.
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