by Nance Sparks
“I think that’s called friends with benefits. What happens in Alaska, stays in Alaska?”
“No labels, no rules, no hiding. Just Riley and Andi on a three-day adventure. Is that okay?”
“Definitely okay. Come here. I’m sure we can work something out.” She held her arms open and Andrea leaned into the embrace. “I’ve missed you.”
“I’ve missed you too.”
“I have reservations north of here tonight. If you want to see what my life is like, you can join me? Or I can cancel and stay down here.”
“I’d rather cancel the two-hour tour that I had scheduled. I would love to join you, on one condition.”
“Name it.”
“If we’re in the same room and especially if we’re in the same bed, then I expect you to be there, in my arms, when I wake up in the morning.”
“I think that can be arranged.”
Riley sat there with Andrea wrapped up in her arms. The chance to spend some time together. She’d take it. Without a doubt she’d take it. Andrea had missed her too. She’d felt the loss. Riley knew they both needed time to heal, time to get to know each other again, but this was a wonderful start.
Chapter Sixteen
Where are we going again?” Andrea asked once Riley was sitting behind the wheel.
“North of here. It’s an adventure.” She started the car.
“You’re really not going to tell me?”
“Nope.” Riley turned out onto the main road.
“And you promise that we won’t sleep outside.”
“I promise to honor all your requests. We will not sleep outside. I will not let you freeze to death. I will make sure you get home to your girls in one piece. Andi, trust me, you’re going to enjoy this. If we get there and you don’t like it, I promise to bring you back to the resort and we’ll go on the day trips.”
Riley was being elusive, and Andrea wasn’t sure how she felt about it. The unknown surprise of the trip was exciting, but giving up control was just a little unsettling. Maybe Sara was right and she just needed to let go and have a little fun. She leaned back in her seat and adjusted the seat belt so it wasn’t quite so tight.
“Alaska must have some serious long and dark winters because that’s the third billboard sign for an adult toy store that I’ve seen since we got on this road.” Riley laughed. “I guess they need a little something to pass the time.”
“Do you remember when we found that vibrator in your mom’s drawer? It was still in the box and everything. That was a fun weekend!” Andrea laughed.
“Ha! I think we both lost our virginity to that thing. It was indeed a fun weekend. I had to cut so many pieces of packing tape before I got the seal back on the box just right.” Riley shook her head and chuckled.
Sara’s voice popped into Andrea’s head saying how she thought Andi was more fun. Another billboard went by. Hell, maybe it was time to be a little bold.
“Have you played with toys since?” Andrea asked. Her face grew hot the moment she asked the question.
Riley grinned but kept her eyes on the road. “I’ve been with women who’ve enjoyed them. I’m open. You?”
Andrea fanned her face and tried to suppress the nervous giggle. “I’ve thought about getting something, but the girls are into everything and I remember how we were. I know I’d always wonder if they had found it.”
“They make lock boxes.” Riley laughed.
She kept her focus on the trees zooming by at sixty miles per hour out the side window. Another billboard went by. Andrea felt silly for even bringing it up. What Riley must think of her. The blinker sounded in the quiet car and they were exiting the highway.
“What are you doing?” Andrea’s stomach was full of nervous butterflies.
“There’s a toy store just off this exit. Are you up for an adventure?” Riley asked.
“Shit.” She giggled. “I think I am.”
The store was right off the exit. Andrea looked around the parking lot and didn’t see another car anywhere. She turned back to the building and saw a small neon sign in the window blinking OPEN in alternating colors. She picked up her purse and followed Riley up to the entrance. A bell sounded when they walked into the store. It was the longest chime she’d ever heard.
“Is that ‘Lady Marmalade’?” Andrea cocked her head to listen.
“I think it is.” Riley smiled.
“I’ll be right with youuuu.” A male voice with a feminine flair called out from the back room.
“I can’t believe we really stopped! Sara’s always going on and on about all the different toys she and Kay use, but I’ve never been in a toy store. I had no idea what to expect.” Andrea kept spinning around taking in all of the displays. “It’s not as seedy as I expected.”
“What did you expect? Live demonstrations?” Riley held a studded leather harness in front of her hips. “Maybe this is what you have in mind?”
“That looks scary and a little dangerous.” Andrea laughed. “I don’t know. Maybe something we can play with or something you can wear or hold. I really have no idea.”
“That leaves lots of options available to you, honey. Strap-on toys are over here in this corner. Handhelds are right in front of you on your left, and if it’s beads or clips, they’re on that small island display back behind you. We have batteries too, should you want anything with a little buzz.”
Andrea turned toward the voice. A gorgeous queen easily six and a half feet tall stood behind the counter in full drag. The tall blond hair reminded her of a Dolly Parton wig, with ringlets in front of her ears. Her makeup was absolutely impeccable.
“Miss Charlotte at your service,” she said.
“Nice to meet you, Miss Charlotte,” Andrea said.
“May I say, you look picture perfect, like you’re ready for a photoshoot,” Riley said.
“Flattery will get you everywhere.” Miss Charlotte batted her hand in the air before covering her mouth and batting her long dark eyelashes. “You gals give me a shout if you have any questions.”
“Will do, thank you, Miss Charlotte.” Riley turned back to Andrea.
“You used to be so shy and now you seem so comfortable around people, even in a toy store. Another thing to adore about you.” Andrea looked up into Riley’s eyes, that now had the slightest lines showing at the edges.
“I’m sure there are things about both of us that have changed a bit in fifteen years. I had to learn to be more social when I opened the studio. There was no buffer between me and the clients.”
“I like this socially confident side of you.” Andrea turned her attention back to the toys. She made her way over to the wall of strap-on toys. “What do you think of trying something like this with me?”
“How on earth do you pick a size?” Riley asked.
Andrea looked up at the wall of unlimited options. Indeed, how on earth did you pick a size? Dildos displayed in clear plastic windows offered a range of shapes and sizes. Some were long and slender while others were short and quite stout. There were also some with multiple offshoots of different sizes from a single base. Andrea wasn’t quite ready for that.
“I certainly don’t mean to get all up in your business, but too small will be a lackluster disappointment and too big could add more pain than pleasure. Let me ask you something, sugar, how many of your stud’s fingers do you enjoy?” Miss Charlotte asked as she walked up the aisle.
Andrea ignored the uncomfortable question and instead admired her tall stiletto heels. Her gate was as graceful as any model.
“Don’t be embarrassed, darlin’,” she said, looking at Andrea. “Get what’s going to make you scream out in pleasure, not pain. Well, unless you’re into that.”
Andrea felt the color flush her cheeks, still she avoided answering. “I was admiring your shoes. They are stunning.”
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��Aww, you definitely know the way to a queen’s heart.” Miss Charlotte smiled.
Andrea looked between Riley and Miss Charlotte. Time to woman up and answer the questions. “I’m definitely not into pain.” Andrea turned to Riley. “How many—” She squeezed her eyes shut knowing she was turning scarlet red. “Did you use last night?”
“Three.” Riley laughed.
“How about depth? Did the three fingers go deep enough?” Miss Charlotte asked with a serious expression, not much different than a doctor might ask the same question.
Andrea inhaled a sharp breath. She’d never in her life had anyone ask questions like this. Her heart pounded in her chest and she could feel the heat rise in her cheeks again. Sara’s ability to simply speak her mind inspired Andrea to answer.
“If I’m honest, I’d love to feel that deeper, much deeper.” Andrea looked over to Riley for a reaction. She was difficult to read with that half-ass grin on her face.
“Show me your fingers, stud.” Miss Charlotte held out her hand.
Riley’s face finally flushed when she held her hand out for Miss Charlotte. Andera couldn’t help but giggle. This was probably the best person who could have worked today. Miss Charlotte wrapped her hand around Riley’s first three fingers.
“Oh, nice, very, very nice.”
Andrea couldn’t hold the giggle in any longer, so she bit her bottom lip in an effort to maintain composure. She was a nervous giggler, and she couldn’t think of a more awkward moment. Riley looked at her with raised eyebrows.
“Okay, for you two, I’d go with the purple prince.” Miss Charlotte pulled a box off the shelf. “It’s got the girth you crave and hopefully gives you the depth you’re looking for without being too intense. Nice firmness, but also a bit of flex for the fun positions. The harness is easy on, easy off, yet it tightens up nicely to offer good support. Plus, there’s an added bonus for which ever one of you wears it. When you try it, you’ll know what I mean.”
Andrea accepted the box. She looked at the purple prince through the small plastic window. She knew her expression had to be a good one because she could hear Riley snickering.
“Does anything else interest you?” Riley asked. Andrea swatted at her arm.
Miss Charlotte handed Andrea another box.
“Lube. You may not need it, but you don’t want to be without if you do. Trust me on this one, darlin’.” She winked.
“I think this is a perfect starting point.” Andrea held the purple prince in one hand and the lube in the other. She knew she was all kinds of red. She could feel the heat in her cheeks.
“Thank you for taking the time to help us today. Given that it’s an adult toy store, it’s got to be the classiest one I’ve ever seen. The way items are displayed, the colors are quite artistic, and it’s super clean. Is it yours?” Riley asked looking around the store.
“It is! My website is taking off too. I’m hoping this palace makes me enough money to pursue my real dream. You see, I belong on a stage. It’s my callin’.” Miss Charlotte twirled and then bowed.
“What is it that you want to do on stage?” Andrea asked.
“Sing, dance, strut, perform. I shine when I’m on stage! I want people to know Miss Charlotte like they know RuPaul!”
“Are you online? You could create your own Miss Charlotte channel. Share videos of you doing your thing, sort of like a virtual audition. I have a photography channel with tutorials, and it picks up quite a bit of traffic. The site brings me a fair amount of business too. Maybe you could do that in the meantime, show off your stuff to the world through the web. You can use anything from a high-tech camera or a simple high-definition webcam.”
“That sounds intriguing! Though our internet out here isn’t quite what they have in the lower forty-eight. It gets better all the time though.” Miss Charlotte walked toward the cash register. She stopped halfway up the aisle and then spun back around looking at Riley. “Did you say you’re a photographer?”
“I did. I am. What’s up?”
“Well, speaking of virtual auditions, there’s this drag show of drag shows happening in January in New York City. Honey, I belong in this show! Entries are due by midnight tonight, but I’m having a hell of a time getting a picture to turn out. I’ve been trying all day. No matter what I do, I look like a washed-out ghost. Any ideas?”
Andrea looked over at Riley who was looking up at the lighting in the room. She could see the gears turning. She stepped up next to her and leaned in close to her ear.
“She’s been so helpful. What do you think of spending a bit of time here to help her?” Andrea asked.
Riley looked at her and nodded slightly. “It wouldn’t take long. The entry photo is the big first impression and you’re right, she’s been great.”
“I’d be your helper.” Andrea leaned into her.
“Let’s do it.” Riley smiled
“Miss Charlotte, we’d like to help. You’re in great hands.”
“Are you two on vacation?” Miss Charlotte asked. “I don’t want to take you away from your trip.”
“It’s an hour, two at most, and it would be an honor to shoot you. Let me grab some gear out of the car.”
Andrea followed Riley to the door. She looked down and realized she was still carrying the purple prince and the lube. She looked around for a place to set the items down.
“Looks like you already have your hands full.” Riley smiled. “I’ve got it. My gear is just behind my seat in the car.”
Riley returned with the equipment tote and her camera bag. She released the clasps holding the lid in place.
“Girl, are you just haulin’ all of that equipment around with you?” Miss Charlotte fanned her face.
“This was a working trip. I shot a wedding over the last couple of days, so yeah, I just happen to have everything we need for a professional shoot. Now, if you’d be so kind as to show me what you want to wear, that way I know what lighting and setups to use.” Riley looked up, smiling.
Miss Charlotte squealed so loudly that it hurt Andrea’s ears. She took off for the back room almost at a full run, stiletto heels and all, shrieking in delight the entire way. She returned with an armload of clothes, feathery boas in several colors along with various boots and shoes.
Riley lifted a tray out and pulled out what looked like a bag of folded up sheets and then grabbed some type of tripod.
“These are the flash stands that I used at the reception hall last night.” Riley handed one to Andrea. She watched Riley lock in the feet and then extend the pole and repeated the steps.
“Now this one is much like the poles used for tents. It has elastic inside the tubing and snaps together to form a long pole. We’ll slip the pole into the loops for the black backdrop, hang it up on the flash stand, and viola, we have a studio to shoot in.”
“Well, isn’t that crafty. Look, the wall of dildos has disappeared!” Andrea stepped back, admiring the setup.
“Miss Charlotte, if we could shut off these first three banks of overhead lights, I think we’ll be all set.”
Andrea stood behind Riley and watched her work. She kept looking at the tiny images on the back of the camera and shaking her head.
“What’s wrong?”
“They don’t pop. Something’s missing. Miss Charlotte, do you happen to have a step stool and a fan?” Riley looked up.
Without a question or comment, Miss Charlotte leapt into action. She disappeared into the backroom and returned a few minutes later with a long extension cord, two types of fans, and a sturdy six-foot ladder.
“Perfect! Now, I’d like you to pick out the outfit that makes you the envy of every queen. Let’s get you a spot on that show.”
Miss Charlotte squealed once again and ran for the back room. She returned wearing a full-length black evening gown, fitted on the lower half with a slit up the fro
nt showing off long muscular legs in fishnet stockings. The top of the dress showed a lot of flair along with a decent amount of cleavage. She was carrying several new feather boas in various bright and bold colors. Her blue eyes were complemented with a dark smoky gray shadow. Riley and Andrea both reached for the deep purple boa at the same time. They looked at each other and smiled.
“I was going to suggest that one too. It’s unanimous!” Miss Charlotte clapped.
Riley looked through the viewfinder and shook her head.
“Andi, can you drop that side of the backdrop? She’s disappearing into the background. I have an idea.”
She rummaged through the bag of backdrops. “Ah-ha! This is exactly what we’re missing. How about we put you on Times Square?”
Andrea helped hang the new background. The new scene made all the difference. Brilliantly colored city lights complemented her gown perfectly. Miss Charlotte clapped and brushed away fake tears. Riley had such a talent for this. Andrea watched in awe as Riley had Miss Charlotte say specific words to get the expressions she was looking for. In some of the shots, she used the fan for effect which added a fun element.
“That should do it. Let me play with these on the laptop for a moment. I want to make sure you’re happy with the outcome before we break everything down.” Riley pulled a disk out of the camera.
Less than a half hour later and the entire photo shoot was ready for Miss Charlotte to review. She screamed, squealed, and cheered enthusiastically while reviewing the shots.
“I can’t thank you two enough! These photos are amazing! Who knew I looked that fucking hot! So much better than anything I could have dreamt of! How much do I owe you?” Miss Charlotte asked.
“Our pleasure. You don’t owe us a thing. Perhaps you’d like to pick out a few favorites and let me publish them to my website, if you’re open to it? That, and maybe invite us to one of your shows someday. I’d love to see you on stage!” Riley handed her a card. “Thank you for letting us take over your store for a couple of hours. It was a lot of fun.”