by Amy Bright
She shook her head and said, "No, I’m only gonna rinse them and put them in the dishwasher. Do you wanna eat dessert now, or later?"
On the one hand, I was so full. On the other hand, I really was curious about what other culinary delights she had in store for me. Finally, I said, "I think we should wait, but I would like to hear more of what you have in store for me."
I noticed a glint of mischievousness in her eyes. She licked her lips and said, "Are you referrin’ to dessert, or somethin’ else?"
I got up, walked over to where she was, pushed her against the counter, and kissed her passionately. When the kiss finally broke, I looked at her and said, "Both."
That was all the encouragement she needed. She pulled my camisole off, lowered my shorts, and then picked me up and placed me on the kitchen counter. She completed the removal of my shorts, and her mouth found my folds. I could feel her licking and sucking on my inner lips. The feeling was amazing. I was crying out, "Oh god, yes, Andi, don't stop, please don't stop." She continued for a few minutes. I was in heaven, then she moved to my clit, and entered me with two fingers. Suddenly, I was tipping over the edge. I felt myself stiffen and then explode all over her hand.
She left her fingers in me but brought her face up to mine and kissed me with passion and intensity. I could taste myself on her lips and tongue. She slowly pulled out of me. Her fingers were wet and sticky, and she licked and sucked each of them. I felt as if I might come again just from watching this erotic display. She finally spoke, "You are fuckin’ amazin’, Dawn. I could live with my face between your legs." I was still struggling to catch my breath and all I could do was nod my head. She picked up my shorts and helped me off the counter. "To answer your other question, I made a dark chocolate pot de crème for dessert. Why don't you put these back on, and we can have some wine in the den?” I wrapped my arms around her neck and brought her in for a long kiss. I took my shorts from her and stepped back into them. She handed me a glass of wine and I followed her to the den.
We talked for a long time. I learned more about her job as a corporate attorney in finance. She told me her coming out story and how she still didn't have a great relationship with her parents. I told her how great my parents had been when I came out. We ended up making love on the couch and didn't get around to eating dessert until after midnight.
As I was eating the delectable custard, I looked at Andi and couldn't help myself, "Are you really this perfect?"
She chuckled at me, "I'm a far cry from perfect, Dawn. We all have our flaws."
"I know," I said, "but you really are totally amazing. You are gorgeous, you cook like a Michelin chef, you are clearly successful in your career, you are thoughtful and kind, and you are the most incredible lover I have ever had. I’m pretty sure that's as close to perfect as you could possibly get." I was absolutely falling for this woman and falling fast.
"You’re completely amazin’ too, Dawn. I honestly do enjoy our time together. I am already dreadin’ Sunday, and you only just arrived," she paused for a minute and looked hesitant, "I'm sorry, I’m bein’ too forward."
"No," I said, "I feel the same. I really wish we lived closer." We were eating the remainder of our dessert, and she took my hand and kissed across my knuckles.
"Let's go to bed, Dawn," she said, "now."
***
The weekend went by far too fast. When Andi returned from court late Friday morning, we drove into the city. We grabbed take-out from Empire State South for a picnic at Piedmont Park and then explored the botanical gardens. We had dinner at Grind House Burgers. Andi insisted they had the best burgers in Atlanta. Afterwards, we went to the SkyView Ferris Wheel. The view was amazing.
Saturday was mostly spent making love. Andi even brought me breakfast in bed. It was the best French toast I had ever eaten. That night she took me to her favorite restaurant, Petite Violette. That was when I determined Andi had a slight obsession with French cuisine.
I had been ignoring calls and texts from Tess since before I left for Atlanta, I knew I was going to have to deal with her eventually, but I just wanted to enjoy my time with Andi – and I truly had been. Being with her, and away from Tess, was giving me a new perspective on my relationship with Tess. I knew things were changing for me, and that Tess was not going to be happy.
Saying goodbye on Sunday was difficult. Andi took my things to my car. When she came back in the house, she led me to the couch in the den. We cuddled together with Vader, or Little Bit as I had taken to calling him, until I had no choice but to leave. We agreed Andi would come visit me in Charleston in two weeks. As I drove away, I could feel tears burning my eyes, and I knew I was in trouble.
***
As I pulled into my driveway just before nine o'clock that night, I sighed when I saw the car sitting on the street and the lights on in my house. Tess was waiting for me. I had known I was eventually going to have to see her, but this was not how I expected it to happen.
I pulled into the garage and grabbed my bag from the back seat. I made my way into the house and found Tess sitting at the kitchen table with a beer. "Hey, what are you doing here so late?" I asked.
Tess rolled her eyes at me and took a swig of her beer before finally speaking, "Where have you been all weekend?"
My anger was building and threatening to explode. I had really had enough of this. I was done with her interfering in my relationships. I didn’t want to have to give up what was happening with Andi.
I took a couple of deep breaths, trying my best to calm myself before I spoke, "I don't owe you any explanations. It's really none of your business where I go, what I do, or who I spend time with." She started to speak, and I cut her off, "I'm not through." I continued, "You told me less than a week ago you were going to be a better friend. This is not being a better friend, Tess. This is actually the opposite of that. For you to be aware I have been gone all weekend suggests you are stalking me. This is not acceptable. This is not what friends do. I care for you, Tess, and I think you need to consider going to therapy. You are bordering on being obsessed, and you really need find a way to control this. I would like my house key back, and I think we need to not be around each other for a while." The hurt on her face was obvious, but I just couldn't do this with her anymore.
She got up from the table, took her keys out of her pocket, and removed my key from the key ring. She slammed it down on the table and headed for the door. As she was leaving I said, "Please consider getting help Tess. Please." She slammed the door. A moment later I heard her tires squeal as she drove off.
I sent a text to Andi to let her know I had gotten home safely, and then I went to shower, hoping I could put things behind me and start to prepare for the week ahead.
CHAPTER THREE
Andi
The weekend was far too short. I couldn't get enough of Dawn. I loved every second we spent together. It was hard to watch her drive away. It was a long two weeks. We texted often throughout the day and used FaceTime each night. My feelings for Dawn were growing, much faster than I would’ve liked. I had always been a cautious person, weighing the pros and cons, never jumping into decisions. I considered all these things as I sat in the airport Thursday evening waiting on my flight to Charleston. It had been 11 days since I said goodbye to Dawn in my driveway, and I couldn't wait to see her again.
After arriving in Charleston, I headed to the rental car area. Once I had secured my rental, I put the address Dawn had sent me in the GPS. I pulled into her driveway shortly after ten o’clock that night. I made my way to the front door and rang the doorbell. She pulled the door wide open and pulled me into her arms. I dropped my bag to the ground and put my arms around her. Our lips found each other, and we kissed until we both had to catch our breath. I had my face buried in her hair, when she spoke, "God, Andi, I’ve missed you so much. I’m so glad you're here."
I pulled away from her enough to look into her eyes, "Me too," I said. "I’ve been countin’ the minutes until I could hold you again
."
We kissed again. When we pulled apart, I picked up my bag, and Dawn pulled me into the house. Her house was adorable. It was small, but elegant. Everything I saw seemed like a reflection of Dawn. From the eclectic artwork, to the mix of antique and modern furnishings, you could tell everything had her handprint on it. And I loved all of it. In that moment, I realized I was falling in love with Dawn. We took a shower together before making love and falling asleep in each other’s arms.
***
I awoke to the smell of fresh coffee. I threw a tee shirt on and made my way to the kitchen. I stood in the doorway staring. Dawn was sitting at the table on her laptop. She was dressed in a black, pencil skirt and white, button-down blouse. She had glasses on, and her hair pulled into a bun. She could’ve been a sexy librarian, and I could barely breathe. When I could finally speak, I said, "You are the sexiest woman I’ve ever seen."
She looked up from the screen and smiled at me. My heart skipped a beat. I would do anything to have her smile directed at me. "Good morning," she said, "did you sleep well?"
"I slept amazin’," I said, "I love sleepin’ with you in my arms." I walked over to the table and leaned in to kiss her. Her lips were incredibly soft. She parted them to allow my tongue to tease hers.
She put her hand against my chest and pushed me back softly, "We have to stop," she said. "I have to go to work, and if you keep doing that, I’m not going to make it. Coffee is on the counter."
I sighed and walked to the counter to prepare my cup. I heard her close her laptop and get up. She walked up behind me and put her arms around my middle and kissed me below my ear before speaking again, "I have a closing this morning, then I would like to meet you for lunch before the showing I have this afternoon. Then, I’m completely yours the rest of the weekend."
I turned around and put my arms around her and said, "Lunch sounds great. You say when and where, and I’ll be there." She gave me a rather chaste kiss on the lips, pulled away, and walked over to the door. She pulled a key from her purse before walking back to me.
"Here's a key for the house. Lock up when you leave, and I’ll text you when I have an idea of what time I’ll be available for lunch," she said as she handed me the key, "Did you have any other plans for today?"
"I considered doin’ some shoppin’," I replied, "What’s on the agenda for this weekend?"
"Well," she said, "I’m taking you to my favorite restaurant tonight. I think you would enjoy going to the City Market tomorrow. I am also planning on cooking dinner for you tomorrow night, but don't count on it being anything like you cook. I’m a good cook, but not your level at all."
I chuckled at her and said, "I’m sure you are a fantastic cook, and I’m lookin’ forward to it." I took her in my arms and kissed her.
She broke the kiss, and patted my cheek, "I really do have to go. I’ll meet you for lunch." She kissed my cheek and pulled away. She walked over to the door, took her purse, and said, "Have fun today." She looked as if she wanted to say something else, but she walked out the door.
I finished my coffee then took a shower before heading out. I wanted to get something nice for Dawn. Croghan's Jewel Box was a specialty jeweler I had heard about. I decided to head there before lunch. I found a beautiful diamond pavé bar bracelet in gold and platinum. The clerk had finished boxing it for me when I received a text from Dawn.
Looks like I am going to be through here in a half an hour or so. Are you ready for lunch? - Dawn
Simply getting a text from her brought a huge smile to my face. I sent a reply.
I am always ready to see you. Where should I meet you? - AGM
A moment later she sent another text.
Meet me at The Park Cafe in half an hour. - Dawn
I sent a quick reply, finished the transaction with the clerk, and headed to the restaurant.
***
When I arrived at the cafe, she was already at a table. I bent down to kiss her. It was a lingering kiss that made clear I had missed her. When the kiss broke, she said, "That is the best kind of hello." I sat down across from her, and she continued, "How has your day been, so far?"
I grinned at her, thinking of the bracelet I got for her, "It has been great, but I’ve missed you. How was your closin’?"
"It was long, honestly. I simultaneously love and loathe closings," she said, "I like knowing it signifies I’m getting paid, but it’s the most stressful part of my job." We enjoyed a long lunch since her showing wasn't until three o’clock. We chatted further about her job and the parts of it she enjoyed the most.
She was quiet for a moment and looked as if she was considering saying something. I finally said, "What is it? I can tell you have somethin’ you wanna say."
She looked at me and spoke, "I wanted to talk about Tess, but I’m not sure how comfortable you are talking about her after what happened in Mexico."
I didn't even hesitate, "Dawn, you can always talk to me about anythin’. Please don't ever feel as if you have to censor parts of your life."
She paused for a moment, then she said, "Are you sure you aren't too good to be true?"
"Sweetheart, I am who I am. I can't promise I’ll always appreciate what you have to say but can promise to always listen with an open mind. I believe we are good together and could have somethin’ incredibly special together," I paused for a minute before continuing, "but if we are gonna have somethin’ special, it means we are gonna have to have honest, clear, and open communication, even when we’re worried how the other person will respond."
She smiled at me, and my heart melted, "I think I’m very lucky I ran you down on that beach." She took a breath and spoke again, "I found Tess at my house the night I got home from Atlanta." I could feel my face fall, and she shook her head as if reading my thoughts, "No, it's not like that. She asked me where I had been all weekend. I realized she had basically been staking my house out." I reached across the table and took her hand. She continued, "I told her she needed professional help, and I made her return my house key. I also told her we shouldn't be around each other for a while."
I wanted to throttle Tess, but I also knew being angry right now wasn’t going to accomplish anything productive. I tamped down my anger as best I could. "Darlin’, why did you not tell me?" I asked. "I can't even imagine how hard all that was for you."
"It wasn't as difficult as you might imagine. Realizing she has an obsession with me made it pretty easy. I wanted to tell you, but I felt like it might be too much since we just started seeing each other," she said, "and I definitely felt like it needed to be discussed in person, not when we were 300 miles apart."
"I can understand that," I said, "but we are 300 miles apart and we can't avoid things simply because of the distance. I need to be able to be there for you, even if it has to be remotely. And it’s important for you to always feel comfortable talkin’ with me about anythin’." I wanted to tell her I was falling in love with her, but I knew it was too soon for such declarations. The last thing I wanted was to send her running because I was acting as if I were a U-Haul lesbian.
She looked contemplative as she spoke, "Thank you for being so amazing. I-," she paused, "I really think what we have is already pretty special, and I would like to find out exactly how special we can be together."
I could tell my smile was huge, "I want that as well."
We exited the restaurant, walking hand in hand. We stopped at her car, and I took her into my arms. We simply stood there holding each other for a few moments. She finally pulled back to look at me, "I should be home by five-thiry, at the latest." She placed a gentle kiss on my lips and pulled away before it could go further. "Until tonight," she said.
I sighed and said, "I’ll see you then." I pulled away slowly, taking her hand and holding it until I was far enough away we had no choice but to break the contact. She got in her car, and I headed to my rental.
***
I went back to the house after leaving Dawn. I wanted to rest before we went out later th
at night. I used the key she had given me and let myself in. I was lost in my thoughts when I arrived back at the house, and I never noticed the car parked out front on the street. I walked into the kitchen to get some water, and Tess was leaning against the counter with her arms crossed. "What are you doin’ here and how’d you get in?" I asked.
"I’ve always had a key to Dawn's house. You know, in case of an emergency," she replied.
I decided not to mention I knew Dawn had taken her key back. I figured it was best to attempt to get rid of her as quickly as possible. "Well, there doesn't appear to be an emergency, and Dawn isn't here. You should probably come back another time when she’s home."
"What do you think gives you the right to tell me to leave?" she asked.
"I was invited here; you weren't," I said matter-of-factly.
She glared at me before speaking again, "You don't belong here. You need to stay away from Dawn. She and I have been together for a long time. I won’t allow you to ruin our relationship."
It was at this point I realized she was delusional and probably highly unstable. I decided maybe I could reason with her, "Tess, Dawn cares for you, but you understand she only wants to be friends-"
"No!" she screamed, cutting me off. She took a breath and lowered her voice, "She is just confused. We fought. Couples go through things sometimes."
I decided there was only one way to get rid of Tess, "I didn't realize that was the kind of relationship y’all have. I’m gonna pack my things, and when Dawn gets home, I’ll explain to her that y’all should be workin’ on your relationship together. After that, I’m gonna head home."
