by J G Jerome
Knowing he’s a Kenpo black belt, I followed their tradition - I stood at attention at the side of the mat, bowed just my head, dropped into a meditation horse stance, and then dropped my fists to my hips while waiting to be invited onto the mat. Dan lifted an eyebrow at that and nods at me. I snapped to attention, gave him a Kenpo Salute, and bowed back.
I’m not a Kenpo black belt. I learned Krav Maga from an IDF platoon sergeant in the sandbox. They trained every day. I had studied aikido for a little over two years starting the summer before my senior year in high school until I went off to basic. I saw the IDF platoon training shortly after I arrived in-country, and one of the squad leaders invited me to join them. I had been trying to get in her pants for about a month, so I accepted. Then she and her squad mates proceeded to beat the crap out of me. Apparently I did better than the average newbie, so her platoon sergeant invited me to join them. I accepted. So for eighteen months I got an extensive course in the original Krav Maga under the tutelage of the Platoon sergeant, a short, crusty guy that looked like a worn shoe. I learned hand-to-hand, hand-to-knife, knife-to-knife, and hand-to-gun tactics. It was an amazing experience.
I never did get in the squad leader’s pants, but I did get a kiss on the cheek when I beat the squad leader she was ‘dating.’ He wasn’t particularly happy with me after that, but he did manage to laugh about it towards the end as we were sharing a beer.
When I got back to the states and got out of the army, I had trouble finding a place to train that had the same level of intensity. I joined a Krav Maga school, but I found it wasn’t quite the same as the experience I had with my Israeli classmates. The instructor grew to resent me, so I eventually dropped that. I found a Kenpo school run out of a backyard dojo similar to Dan’s, and they let me sit in with their black belt classes. They had a Saturday afternoon ‘love fest,’ which was essentially an open invitation sparring class. I met black belts from all over the valley and garnered many invitations to drop in. That eventually led to me training regularly in Kenpo and something Mr. Hiromatsu calls ‘Samurai Bujutsu’ - essentially combat arts of the samurai with a heavy emphasis on aiki jiu jitsu. Needless to say, I was looking forward to challenging myself with Dan as he was a 5th-degree Kenpo black belt, and a retired policeman.
I handled myself pretty well. He was a little surprised at not only my skill level, but at the range of skills I brought to the mat. Afterwards as we stretched to cool down, we chatted about our individual paths in the arts. I asked him, “Why am I getting the new boyfriend treatment?”
Dan said, “I see the way you look at my little girl. I also see the way she looks at you. She’s going to be knocking on your bedpost before too long if she hasn’t already.” I tried to keep up my best poker face. He said, “I am guessing you and Rebecca are sleeping together, but that won’t stop Marissa. I don’t know if you picked up on it, but her last boyfriend was a girl.”
I chuckled at that and confessed that I cared for Marissa. I told him we met at the gym and became friends. I also told him that if she did come knocking, she would find a warm welcome from both Rebecca and myself.
We all stayed for dinner. Marissa walked us to the car and committed to taking the girls shopping tomorrow. She kissed us each quickly, and then I drove Rebecca and Josie home.
The rest of the evening, Rebecca and I played music for Josie. She professed to play the mandolin and banjo, so I committed to getting her instrument. She also plunked out a few popular bar tunes from the 1800s on the piano. She proved to be a fairly competent stride-style player, but she was not anywhere close to Rebecca’s level. She said she learned it in Flagstaff in her twenties.
Then we made the loveseat into a bed for Josie and tucked her into bed - again wearing my flannel shirt - with kisses to her cheek. Rebecca and I made love quietly before falling asleep.
I woke up with Rebecca cuddled up on top of me and Josie tucked into my right side.
I got up to do some yoga and bodyweight exercises, before I showered. I left a note for the ladies after that and went to the grocer to get food for breakfast. I got back and started breakfast for us. I heard noises in the bathroom and talking from the bedroom while I cooked. Marissa showed up in yoga togs with a lightweight dance top over her sports bra. She helped me plate the food, and fixed herself a cup of coffee. I set a pot of English Breakfast tea on the table for the rest of us and called the girls to eat. They both came out dressed in my flannel shirts, and we sat down and enjoyed breakfast.
Afterward, Marissa and I cleaned up while Josie and Rebecca got dressed for a day outside. Marissa and I had just sat down to enjoy another cup when they walked out wearing dresses and low-heeled slides. Rebecca was in a pale blue knit dress cut like a long t-shirt with short sleeves and boat collar, while Josie was in a pale yellow cotton dress with short sleeves folded inside cute little epaulets. Whereas Rebecca’s dress was more closely fit and clung to her skinny body, Josie’s had a generous A-line flounce. They both looked gorgeous, and I told them so, which resulted in shy blushing. Marissa joined in my praise.
I looked at Marissa for a moment. She shrugged, “So, I bought her a dress yesterday, too. I thought having a spare outfit might be nice since we were going to be sweating during the move.”
The ladies all loaded into Marissa’s Audi, and I had them follow me to the CVS drugstore. The Walgreens was closer, but I didn’t want to go back there so soon after Thursday’s fun. We took passport photos of Josie and Rebecca - two sets each. I tucked those away for future larceny, and then Marissa and the girls left to shop while I went to the mobile phone store. I added two lines to my account, and purchased the simplest smartphones with the biggest screens they had - an iPhone 8 XL model. I took the phones back to the apartment and programmed everyone’s numbers into each of the phones, and added their numbers to mine. Then I created Gmail accounts for each of them and set it up on their phones. Then I sent each of them a ‘welcome email.’ I figured I better plan on getting them some kind of computer at some point, but email, texting, and web browsers on the phone should work for a start.
I texted Marissa that I had phones for them, and that they would likely need some kind of clutch. She texted back ‘duh! :P’ to indicate what she thought of my efforts to help accessorize the girls.
I went for a walk after that. There was some kind of market in the square again, so I took the tour. I found a vendor that was selling leather bound journals, so I bought one for Rebecca and Josie. I found another that was offering carved walking sticks. I bought four, which raised an eyebrow despite how he welcomed my money. I found a vendor selling wood-turned pens - I picked out four of those, too.
I also met a knife maker I had seen there before. He had some nice art knives, but none were what I had in mind. I described what I was looking for. He said he would have a prototype for me in a week, and I could commission more after that. He volunteered to custom fit each grip to the user. He laid a piece of paper on the counter and traced my hand - fingers together, thumb extended. I gave him my phone number, and I told him I looked forward to hearing from him.
After that, I grabbed a pastrami sandwich and a bottle of water from a food vendor, and ate my lunch on a bench in the courthouse plaza. Once I was done, I took a couple of laps around the square with my bundle of walking sticks on my shoulder before I walked back to the apartment, and started laying out clothes for the week.
Rebecca had worn my white dress shirt, so it looked a little rumpled. I packed it regardless, figuring I would have the hotel clean and press it. I grabbed a light blue striped oxford, a similar pale yellow one, and a light blue solid pinpoint oxford. I grabbed a pair of heathered grey slacks, a pair of khakis, and my navy blazer to finish my work attire. I threw a spare pair of jeans on the pile, some workout clothes, underwear and socks. Then I pulled out a rolling valise and carefully packed it all in there. I left a small pocket for my shaving kit and closed it. I set it up against the wall.
I called Prescott Station for a b
runch reservation tomorrow for four people. Since it had just turned three o’clock, I took a chance and called John’s Chophouse for dinner reservations. I lucked out, and got a table for four at 6:00. I texted Marissa the reservation. Then I made the call I had been putting off.
“Hello, Bernadette! Will James here.”... “Why thank you, Bernadette. It’s always a pleasure talking to you, too. I’m calling because I have a problem I think you might be able to help me with.” … “How about we discuss it in person. It’s kind of private, and I would prefer to discuss it face-to-face. I’m coming to town tomorrow for business on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. I thought I might drop by.”... “Great, Bernadette. I’ll probably arrive tomorrow around three o’clock. Will that work?”... “You’re too kind, Bernadette. I’ll see you tomorrow.”... “Bye.”
I disconnected and put aside my phone. I picked it back up after a moment to text Audrey, ‘Hello Kitten. Five o’clock tomorrow for dinner?’ I laid aside the phone again and got out my guitar. I practiced for about thirty minutes, and then I did another thirty on the piano. I noticed it was just four o’clock as a stray thought struck me. Marissa seemed to have appropriated Rebecca’s key. Rebecca and Josie will each need one while I’m gone. I pulled out my lease paperwork and saw the terms include only two keys, so I grabbed a water bottle and my weapons. I locked up the apartment, and I drove to Lowe’s. I found the self-service key station and a pair of blanks that matched my apartment key. I followed the instructions, and soon I had a key each for Rebecca and Josie. I picked out a couple of key rings and scrunchies before I checked out.
I returned to the apartment and threaded the keys onto the rings, and the rings onto the scrunchies. I tested the keys in the door before I wrapped the scrunchies around the phones. I pulled four hundred dollars from the fire safe and put two hundred inside each of the scrunchie-phone packages. It was about a quarter ‘til five. I did an inventory on what I’d done to prepare the ladies. Phone, key, stick, defense knives are in the works...Marissa has that nifty little taser flashlight.
I sent a text to Marissa, ‘Where did you get the taser light?’ I noodled on the piano while I waited for a response. About two minutes later an answer arrived, ‘She says her dad gets a discount. Former police and security contractor. Be home in ten minutes. Miss you! - R.’
I chuckled to think of my 19th Century lover texting me. Then my phone pinged again. I read, ‘I miss you too. - J.’ I text back, ‘I miss all three of you. Love you all.’ Shortly afterward I got another text back, ‘Even me? - J.’ I chuckle, ‘Yes, even you.’ PING. ‘But I am not your lover. I’m not pretty like they are. - J.’ I laughed at that despite the serious curiosity behind her question. Josie’s been alive for two days, and she’s already addicted to texting.
I wrote back, ‘You may choose whether to join me in bed or not. Completely your choice. I’m pretty sure M & R would welcome you. I would. Regardless, I think you are beautiful. You are family, and you have my love whether we have sex or not.’
The ladies returned in a tidal wave of energy, love, and shopping bags. Josie attacked when the door opened. She hung from my neck and devoured my mouth. When she took a break and got her feet under her again she told me, “I’m not ready yet, William. I think I will wait until we have a bigger bed. Promise you won’t fuck Charlene until after you fuck me.” I pecked her lips gently and promised. I collected kisses from Rebecca and Marissa. I showed them the packages I had prepared for them and demonstrated how to pull up contacts, dial the phone, and the email. Then the ladies treated me to a fashion show. Dresses, skirts, blouses, workout togs, and all three demonstrated a lovely short cut ‘little black dress’ with two-inch heels. All three ladies finished wearing identical lovely pale yellow, sleeveless, shirt dresses with a wrap belt and sneakers. We each downed a glass of water, took a last trip to the loo, and prepared to leave.
We were just about to leave when I got a call from Audrey. “Hello, Kitten.” … “Don’t worry about it, honey. I’m happy you had some time with your parents.” … “Uh, no. I am stopping by Bernadette’s about three o’clock.” … “(laughing) No, honey! I’m not going there to play. I need to discuss some business with Bernadette. I will tell you a bit about it when we meet.” … “About thirty minutes.” … “Well you can wait for me in the lobby until I arrive.”... “Great. I’ll see you then. I love you, Audrey.” … “No, I mean it. I’ve been avoiding telling you, but recent events in my life convinced me I need to stop messing around and tell you how I feel.” … “Audrey? Are you okay?” … “Oh, silly Kitten. How could I not love you after all we have done together? You know me well enough to know I couldn’t keep it casual.” … “Don’t cry while you drive, Kitten. You probably should have waited until you were home.” … “Okay. Honey, I’m standing at the door with Marissa, Rebecca, and Josie on our way out to dinner.” … “Yes, I told Marissa about you. She is looking forward to meeting you. So is Rebecca.” … “Yes, Rebecca and Josie are family. I’ll tell you about them tomorrow.” … “I promise. You won’t be able to move.” … “I love you too, Audrey. Bye, honey.” I disconnected.
I pulled on a light cotton casual blazer and ushered the ladies out the door. We walked down Cortez to Gurley, turned left and walked to Montezuma, crossed the street and continued half a block. Along the way I answered the ladies' questions about Audrey. Josie didn’t know anything about her. Both she and Rebecca were both appalled and titillated when I told them Audrey liked to be tied up and fucked harshly. Even Marissa cocked an eyebrow at some of the details. That led to much speculation by the ladies until we got to the door of John’s Chophouse.
John’s is a high-end restaurant that reminds me of the fine dining restaurants I know in the bigger cities. I don’t go frequently because it is the kind of place you want to share with someone. There is no place like it in Prescott. The prices are steeper than average in our little town, but it is still way less than half of what you would pay in a fine steak house in Chicago, Dallas, or New York, and the quality is the same as those types of places. The staff always seem to remember me regardless of how long it's been since my last visit.
We had a lovely meal, two bottles of wine, and shared a desert. Then we walked home arm-in-arm, dispersing to allow others to pass and then reforming our walking ‘cuddle knot’ all the way home.
We drank another bottle of wine while I talked about my plans for the next four days. We eventually started yawning, so we made Josie’s bed and tucked her in with wet, sloppy kisses from the rest of us. I think she fell asleep before we made it to the bedroom. Marissa, Rebecca and I all stripped and crawled into bed. They each cuddled up on one side of me or the other, and we all fell asleep quickly.
The next morning we woke up early, and I toasted some bread for a light petit dejeuner of toast and tea. Then we all dressed in jeans, grabbed shopping bags, and walked down to the Sprouts on Sheldon. We picked up enough to carry the ladies for a day or two, and Rebecca and Josie assured me they could shop for themselves during my absence. We dropped off the groceries, and then walked back north for brunch at Prescott Station. I go here at least once each week, so most of the staff greeted me by name when we walked in. It is my favorite brunch place in town. We brunched family style on the patio, enjoying a couple plates of chilaquiles, breakfast enchiladas, and their turkey crepe. Then we slowly walked back to the apartment in a ‘cuddle knot.’
I packed my shaving kit into my bag, and then loaded my bag and my briefcase into the CRV. I left the four bolts from Gwen in my safe in the closet. I gave each lady a kiss and a hug, assuring each that I loved her and would miss her. Marissa poked me in the ribs and teased me not to have too much fun abusing Audrey. I told her I couldn’t make any promises, and she laughed with me at that comment. Then I mounted up and headed off. I stopped to fill the SUV with gas at Costco, and then started my journey to Phoenix.
* * *
I pull into the circle drive of Bernadette’s townhouse. A relatively tall, chi
seled Latino man in a period costume stands just outside the door as I pull on my blazer and confirm my checkbook is in the pocket. I pull a thin folio from my briefcase and close the hatch before I meet the guy with an offered hand. “Hello, Luis.”
He shakes my hand and smiles. “Hello, Mr. James. It’s a pleasure to have you back. The Mistress is eagerly awaiting your arrival.”
“Glad to hear it, Luis. I look forward to seeing her, too.”
“Please follow me, sir.” Luis turns and leads me through the entryway into the parlor. I see the mistress of the house standing in the window looking at my car. Bernadette Pasquale turns to greet me, and as always, the site of her takes my breath away. I have no idea how old she is, but from her looks I would guess early-to-mid-40s. She looks like a recently retired lingerie model. Her whole body is lean and her skin is firm. Her limbs have a lean appearance that makes her look strong and sexy at the same time. She is 5’8” with dark brown wavy hair that she usually wears in some kind of up-do. I remember the one time I saw her with her hair down, it hung just long enough to tickle her nipples. She also has soulful brown eyes, full D-cup breasts that defy gravity and are currently encased in a red velvet robe or dressing gown. I think it’s a French design, but it may be Victorian. It’s definitely designed to look like a period piece. The robe is unbound below the waist, and her long shapely leg is on display nearly to the hip as she steps forward to embrace me. Her skin is lightly burnished as always. I think it’s her natural skin tone because there is no evidence of tan lines when I’ve seen her naked, which has fortunately been a relatively frequent occurrence.
I wrap my arms around her, and she presses her ample bosom into my chest. I kiss her cheeks in the French way. Her rich contralto voice greets me, “Hello, William Darling! It’s been too long.” Then Bernadette places a finger under my chin and draws me into what passes for a chaste kiss in her world - if we had kissed like that on a crowded street only a handful of people would have told us to get a room.
