Perfect Curves

by Lanee Lane

  "I know Reed, and I'm sorry," Tears were falling down her face. "I never wanted to hurt you or uncle Dwight. I just fell into the wrong crowd. I didn't know how to get out."

  I moved over to sit by her. I cradled my sister in my arms just like I use to when she cried herself to sleep for months after our parents died. I stroked her hair and rocked her side to side.

  "Reedy, I need you. I need you to help me."

  Reconnecting

  A week went by and I hadn't seen Reed. He canceled all of our training sessions for the week and a sub stood in for all of his classes. He did text me every night to tell me goodnight and that he was thinking of me. Besides that our communication was very limited.

  I knew that his sister had shown up out of nowhere, but I knew virtually nothing else. I assumed that his absence lately was due to his sister. I wished he would open up to me and let me know what was going on, but I was trying to give him time to figure everything out. I couldn't imagine the emotions he had to be feeling after seeing her after all these years.

  A part of me wondered why he hadn't arranged for us to meet. Maybe he was ashamed of me after all. Maybe I was reading more into our relationship than there was. That couldn't be it though, right? He was talking about taking me to meet his Uncle Dwight before all of this happened. I tried not to let my doubts take over.

  I was supposed to be meeting Noel at the gym after work, but I honestly was not in the mood to workout. If I was being honest, I wasn't in the mood to go to the gym and not see Reed again. I slid my phone out of my purse and typed out a quick text to Noel.

  Me: Not feeling the gym. Dinner instead?

  It was less than a minute before Noel replied.

  Noel: Aunt Flo is in town so I'm totally down for that.

  Me: Victor's at six?

  Noel: Yes, please!

  The rest of the day seemed to drag by. I had plenty to work on, but I was struggling to focus. All I could think about was Reed and what he may be doing and if he was ok. At four-thirty I couldn't take it anymore. I closed down my computer and left for the day.

  I headed home to change before I went out with Noel. I didn't want to wear the wrap dress and black pumps I’d worn all day at work. I changed into a comfortable pair of jeans and a graphic tee. Victor's wasn't a fancy place. It had street style tacos and huge margaritas.

  I pulled into Victor's at six o'clock on the dot. Noel was already sitting at a table sipping on her drink. There was another drink sitting in front of my vacant spot.

  "Bless you, you knew just what I needed."

  "I figured if we were skipping the gym and coming to Victor's then it was dire."

  "You'd be right," I said as I plopped down in the booth.

  I took a big sip of the frozen margarita and let the cold trickle down my throat. If it weren't for the brain freeze, I'd have chugged the dang thing.

  "So, spill it. What's got you down?"

  "Reed."

  "Not your sexy new boyfriend! What could have gone wrong in this short of time?"

  "Nothing has gone wrong per se. His sister, that he hasn't seen in years, showed up at his house."

  "And... have you met her?"

  "No, I haven't even seen him in a week. I'm trying not to stress about it. I know that he’s probably just spending time with her. I don't know where she’s been all these years, but I guess she was pretty messed up after their parents died."

  "I have to admit it is a little odd that you haven't seen him, but knowing Reed there has to be a good reason. He wouldn't miss work for a week if he didn't have a good reason."

  I knew Noel was right, but that didn't stop me from thinking a million negative thoughts. We talked about work and Noel's latest conquest as we ate tacos and chips and salsa. I only had one drink since I was driving, but it helped take some of the edge off. Just as we got ready to leave my text alert went off. I had been keeping the sound on my phone so I wouldn't miss Reed.

  I unlocked the phone and saw it was a text from him.

  "It's Reed, he just text me," I glanced up at Noel before going back to read the text.

  "What does it say?"

  Reed: Hey Pen, missed you at the gym tonight. I was hoping I'd see you in class.

  "It sounds like he went to work today because he said that he missed me at the gym."

  "Well, you've missed him at the gym for the last week so now he knows how it feels."

  Me: Noel and I had a girls night. I needed to relieve some stress. Is everything ok?

  A few seconds later my phone was ringing.

  "It's him."

  "Answer it, he has some explaining to do.'

  I took a deep breath and swiped to answer.

  'Hello?"

  "Penny, it's so good to hear your voice. I've missed you. I know I've been part of your stress and I'm really sorry."

  "It's ok. I've just had a lot going on at work is all."

  "I know that I'm part of what's causing you stress and I hate myself for it."

  "You have a lot going on with your sister. I just hope that you will open up to me about it. Maybe I can even meet her."

  "I want to tell you about what's been going on. This whole time I've wanted nothing more than to talk to you about everything, but things have been complicated around here."

  "You know I'm here if you need me for anything."

  "Can I come over tonight? I can tell you what’s been going on. Plus I just need to see you."

  "Sure, that’d be nice."

  We made our arrangements and hung up. I bit my lower lip and turned to Noel.

  "Was I stupid to be so willing to see him after not seeing him for a week? Especially since we had sex?"

  "Normally I would say yes, but something tells me he really does have a good explanation. The man has had it bad for you since the moment he saw you. I see the way he looks at you in class or when you first walk into the gym. He's half in love with you already Pen."

  I knew it was way too soon for feelings of love, but hearing Noel say those things was reassuring. A giddiness replaced my reservations.

  When I got home, I took a quick shower to wash the day away. I changed into an oversized t-shirt and shorts and tried to relax on the couch while I waited for Reed. I turned on a T.V. show, but kept zoning out thinking about the last week.

  A knock on my door made me jump from the couch. I took a moment to let myself calm down before I went and opened the door. When I did Reed was standing on the other side looking as sexy as ever. His hair was a bit messy like he had just woken up from a nap. He had on a pair of gray sweatpants that hung low on his hips. His chest was covered in a tight v-neck white tee. It was a simple outfit, but on him, it looked delectable.

  Before I could greet him he had me in his arms and his lips were on mine. I reached on my tip toes and hugged him back, drinking in his kiss. After a week of no contact, my body relished his touch. We stayed like that for what seemed like an hour but was more likely a few minutes.

  Reed broke the kiss and just held me in a tight embrace. All my doubts faded while I was wrapped in his arms. Reed pulled back and looked down at me.

  "Damn, I've missed you."

  "I've missed you too," I replied in a whisper.

  He kissed the top of my forehead and squeezed my hand.

  "Are you hungry? Do you want anything to drink?"

  "No, I'm good. If you want the truth, all I want to do is hold you. Is that ok?"

  I looked into his eyes and saw how tired he was. I nodded my head and led him to my bedroom. In my room, I pulled back the covers on the bed and motioned for him to sit down and he complied. I kneeled down in front of him and unlaced his shoes. I slid them off followed by his socks.

  My fingers found the waistband of his sweats. He lifted his hips allowing me to pull them down leaving him in his boxer briefs. His shirt was next. Grasping the hem, I slid it up his body while running my hands up his abs.

  After undressing him, I removed my shorts leaving only the t-shir
t and panties. I climbed into the bed and Reed laid down facing me.

  "Thank you," Reed said his face only inches from mine.

  "I haven't done anything that deserves thanks."

  "You've been so understanding. This right here is exactly what I've needed. I appreciate you just being here."

  "I'm glad to be here for you, Reed. Do you want to tell me about what is going on?"

  Reed ran his hand through his hair and down his face.

  "You know that my sister showed up. I haven't seen her in years."

  Reed moved his arm around my waist and pulled me to him burying his face into my neck.

  "She looked so frail and unkempt. I took her in and made her something to eat. Then she told me about her living on people's couches and in abandoned buildings, or if she was lucky in an apartment with ten other people. She's hooked on some pretty heavy drugs. She told me she wants to get clean, and that she needs my help."

  "Oh Reed, I'm sure it was hard to hear that your sister had been living like that. Have you been able to help her?"

  "Yeah, I think so. The first night she stayed she didn’t sleep. I guess it was from not having any drugs. I took her to my Uncle Dwight's house. We found a facility that can help her detox. That's where she is now. She is going to do inpatient for a while, and then she will go to outpatient treatment and stay with me and Uncle Dwight."

  "I really hope that the treatment works out for her. I'm willing to help you in any way that I can along the way."

  "I'm a lucky guy. You're beautiful, smart, and kind." He placed kisses on my cheeks between each word.

  "As soon as Abby is done with inpatient treatment, I'll arrange a dinner with Uncle Dwight and you can meet my little family."

  "I'd love that, Reed."

  We stayed wrapped in each other's arms talking about everything and nothing until the exhaustion I saw on Reed's face from the week gave way to sleep. I watched him for a while. His face looked peaceful and content. The worries and doubts from the past week began to ease as my eyes grew heavy and I joined him.

  Change of Plans

  "Hey Abs, how ya feeling?"

  Uncle Dwight and I went to the treatment center to see her. Even though it had been years since I saw her, she was still my baby sister. I still loved her and wanted to see her doing well.

  "I'm doing ok. I want to get out of here though. I think I’ll be fine doing the outpatient program."

  I didn’t agree, but I also didn't want to upset her. One wrong word and I feared she’d run. The last thing I wanted was to lose her again.

  "Do you really think that’s a good idea? The facility is nice and you’re doing well. I don't want you to leave prematurely."

  "I'm fine Reed. I don't need a bunch of people watching my every move. I’m not a child. I've gone through the worst of the withdraws. I want out of this place."

  There was an edge to her voice. I thought it was probably due to the stress of detoxing and everything that was going on. Uncle Dwight had yet to say anything, and I had no idea what he was thinking. I wanted him to back me up. Surely he knew that she’d benefit from staying longer. Knowing Uncle Dwight he did know that, but he was always one to pick his words and battles wisely.

  Finally, he spoke.

  "Abigail, let's get through this week and maybe you can come stay with me for the weekend. We’ll see how that goes and go from there. No need to go rushing things."

  Abigail let out a huff. I didn't see what the rush to get out was. She was getting around the clock support, she had her own room, and she was able to have outside food brought in if she wanted. It wasn't like she was locked down. If she wanted to succeed, it seemed like the best option.

  "That sounds like a good plan. I want you two to meet my girlfriend. If Abby is going to be staying with you this weekend, then maybe we can have a family dinner and I'll bring Penelope."

  "I'd say that's a good idea, Reed," Uncle Dwight said.

  Abigail didn't say anything.

  "Let's plan on Saturday at six. I'll even stop and get some of those cookies you used to like from Tulip's bakery."

  That brought a faint smile to her face. I wished that I could go back in time and capture my sweet, innocent little sister before she experienced the pain and darkness of the world. Unfortunately, life wasn't fair, and we didn't always get what we wanted.

  ***

  It was a long week, but things seemed to be back to normal for the most part. I went back to work, and I saw Penelope almost every day. I visited Abigail several times so she wouldn't feel alone.

  Penelope agreed to have dinner with us, and I was on my way to pick her up. When I got to her house, I checked my reflection in the rearview mirror. Why was I so nervous? Penelope meeting my family for the first time was a big deal. I hadn't taken a girl home in my adult life. I wanted Penelope to like my family, and I wanted them to like her.

  She answered the door in a black dress. It hugged her breasts down to her hips and then flared out. The results of our training were showing. I could tell that her body was starting to tone up. I knew that she wanted to lose weight, but I really hoped that she would keep some curves. I loved a woman with curves. I liked running my hands along her beautiful body.

  "Reed? You're staring."

  I shook my head and willed my eyes to meet hers.

  "I'm sorry baby. I was admiring how beautiful you look. I'm not sure how I'm going to focus at dinner."

  "Maybe if you're nice, we can have dessert after," she said with a wink.

  I wanted to say forget dinner and carry her back to her bedroom right then. The woman had me hooked. Good thing I didn't want to be free.

  "Let's get out of here before we don't make it to meet my family."

  I held my hand out to her, and she placed hers in mine. My lips brushed her knuckles before I lead her to the car.

  It didn't take us long to get to my uncle's house. Abigail greeted us at the door. I hugged her before pulling back to introduce her to Penny.

  "Abby, I'd like you to meet my girlfriend, Penelope."

  Abby waved at Penny and muttered a hi. Not the greeting I was hoping for, but I reminded myself that she was going through a lot. Penelope took it in stride, smiling and offering her own greeting.

  "Uncle Dwight's in the kitchen. He's taking the roast out of the oven."

  We made our way to the kitchen.

  "Hey Unc,"

  "Hey, Reed. This beauty must be Penelope."

  I’d never heard Uncle Dwight sound so personable. Maybe it was because we never really had company over. Usually, he was quiet and gruff. Leave it to my Pen to have the old man softening.

  "Hello, it's nice to finally meet you."

  "Same, young lady. Reed seems smitten with you so I knew I had to meet you. You all go sit down and I'll bring the food over to the table."

  We never used the kitchen table to eat. Uncle Dwight was doing his best to play the part of a good host. I appreciated the effort. A few minutes later we were all seated at the table with full plates.

  "Penelope, what do you do for a living?" Uncle Dwight asked.

  "I'm a web developer. I work at a firm here in town, but I hope to start freelancing on the side soon."

  "Smart woman, you may find yourself working for yourself one day."

  "I'd love to be my own boss one day."

  "You could do it, Pen. You're smart," I said giving her thigh a squeeze under the table.

  "Reedy," Abby interrupted "I really think I'm ready to leave the inpatient program. I know you think I should stay, but I'm doing really well and I'll still be going to classes and therapy during the day."

  Why was she bringing this up right now? I wasn't in the mood to hash this out again. Especially when I wanted them to be getting to know Penelope.

  "Abby, it's only been a week."

  I felt Penelope's hand begin to rub circles on my back. It helped calm me.

  "I know, but I just want to be able to spend more time with my family," s
he whined.

  I glanced over at Penny, but her eyes were glued to her plate.

  "I don't know, Abs."

  "Let's give it a test run. If I need to go back in I can. Just give me a chance."

  I looked over at Uncle Dwight to see what he thought. He gave a small shake of his head.

  A subject change was needed, A.S.AP. I didn't want to keep hashing it out with Abby.

  "Dwight, tell me what Reed was like as a kid. I'd love to know about little Reed."

  Thank goodness for the beautiful woman next to me for breaking awkward moment.

  Uncle Dwight leaned back in his chair and chuckled.

  " Reed has always been a good boy. Never gave me any trouble. All the little girls followed him around like lost little puppies, but he was never worried about them. He stuck to himself, and Abby of course. He was always a serious young man. You’d have thought Abby was his responsibility. Always looking out for her."

  "Sounds like he’s always been a sweetheart."

  "Yeah, Reedy has always been my protector."

  I felt my face blush with embarrassment. "Ok, that's enough talk about me. Do you guys want to go to the living room to get more comfortable? We can talk more in there."

  We all gathered our plates and loaded them into the dishwasher. Uncle Dwight insisted that he would clean up the rest later.

  In the living room, one of Uncle Dwight's old shows was playing a rerun. I got ready to change to something more appealing to everyone when Penny surprised me.

  "Oh my, I haven't watched Little House on the Prairie in years. My grandma and I used to watch it every day after school. It brings back so many memories."

  She'd be a woman after Uncle Dwight's own heart watching old shows like that.

  Not wanting to interfere with nostalgia I left the T.V. where it was.

  Uncle Dwight was in his chair and I was sitting on the couch with Penny and Abby on either side of me.

  "Reed, you two don't live together do you?"

  The question caught me off guard.

  "No, why?"

  I hoped the day would come, but I knew taking things slow was more practical.