by Laurie Ames
Allison’s eyes lit up. She knew that it could only be one person.
“No problem. Thanks, Sherry. Go ahead and put her on,” Allison said vibrantly.
“Hello, Allison?” It was Juanita’s voice and she sounded concerned.
“Hey, Juanita! What’s up? Is everything okay?” Allison asked inquisitively.
“Yes, everything’s fine. Listen, I really hate to ask this because you’ve already done so much, but…uh…My mom got called in to mandatory work overtime today and she can’t pick me up. I was just wondering if it wouldn’t be too much trouble…if you could…”
“No, no, it’s no problem at all,” Allison replied enthusiastically, cutting her off in mid-sentence. “I’ll be right there.”
“Oh, thank you, Allison. Thank you so much!” Juanita replied thankfully.
***
Juanita was patiently waiting at the hospital exit in a wheelchair when Allison arrived. She still had casts on her right leg and lower left arm, but her face was now bandage-free. She looked radiant as she smiled at Allison, and Allison happily smiled back at her. One of the nurse’s aides was standing behind her and she waved when she saw Allison.
Allison pulled her car up to the exit and went over to help Juanita inside.
“Thank you so much for coming, Allison. I really hope it wasn’t too much trouble,” Juanita said, as Allison helped her into the passenger side of her sedan.
“Oh, it’s no trouble at all. It just gave me another chance to be able to see you again,” Allison replied, flashing a flirtatious wink at Juanita as she climbed into the driver’s seat. Juanita raised her eyebrows at Allison’s newfound boldness and a sly grin played at the corner of her mouth. Allison waved back at the nurse’s aide as they pulled away and drove toward Juanita’s house.
“I’m really glad you came, Alli. Is it okay if I call you Alli?” Juanita asked suddenly.
“Yes, a lot of people call me Alli,” Allison said gaily.
“Well, I’m very glad you came. I really didn’t want to have to call Elaine,” Juanita said, frowning slightly as she mentioned her name.
Allison glanced over at her.
“Really? Why’s that? She seemed really happy to see you, yesterday.”
“Well, I wasn’t all that happy to see her,” Juanita replied and then sighed. “She’s my ex-girlfriend. She and I dated for about two years, but I broke off with her because she was becoming much too controlling. But, truthfully, I don’t think she’s really getting the point. She suggested that we try ‘being friends.’ But, her idea of being ‘friends’ involves her still trying to hijack her way into my life and my affairs.”
Allison was quiet for a moment, not really sure what to say.
“A part of me feels sort of guilty, though, like I owe her something, you know? Because she helped me with my store. I mean, I probably wouldn’t even have it if it wasn’t for her. And, it’s been doing very well. She was the one who found the location downtown, she took out the business loan and she was even the one who connected me with my main merchandise suppliers.”
Allison was listening intently, feeling somewhat flabbergasted. She wished that she could comfort Juanita, and somehow take away all her stress and worries. She could tell by the strained look on Juanita’s lovely brown face that she was stressed over the Elaine situation. She decided to change the subject for a moment. Besides, she had been wanting to ask Juanita something for a while, now.
“Hey, I was wondering,” she began, looking over at Juanita, “do you think there’s any chance that whomever hit you that night did so purposely?”
Juanita looked back over at Allison with a perturbed expression on her face.
“Purposely?” she repeated.
“I mean, I just—I’ve never seen someone hit a pedestrian and then speed off like that, like nothing even happened, you know?” Allison asserted.
“Hmm, I guess I never really thought about it. I figured that maybe they were just too scared to stop or something,” Juanita replied, but Allison could sense uncertainty in her mellow voice.
Allison turned onto a busy main road and ran into some unexpected traffic. Juanita lived in a suburban area on the east side of Hartsville. It was about a 20-minute drive from the hospital, and nearly half an hour from where Allison’s apartment was located.
“Well, this is just great,” Juanita commented apologetically. “I feel bad now, having you come all the way out here just to get stuck in traffic.”
“It’s no problem, really. I wasn’t doing anything exciting, anyway. Unless you refer to doing laundry as an ‘exciting’ activity.” she replied with a grin.
Juanita grinned back at her.
“You’re really sweet, Alli, you know that?” she stated pleasantly. Allison felt herself blushing. “You’re really cute when you blush, too,” Juanita noted. Allison glanced over at her as she felt Juanita eyeing her flirtatiously from the passenger seat.
“So, did Officer Holt ever come by to talk to you?” Allison asked, curiously.
“Yes, she did, actually. She says they’re investigating it as a criminal offense. She told me that the traffic camera got a photo of the vehicle’s license plate, but it came out dark and blurry. They had to send the photo to a specialist. Hopefully they’ll be able to decipher the plate number and find out who the car is registered to.”
“Do you know anyone who would have a vendetta against you or who would be out to get you?” Allison asked.
“No, not really. I mean, well, there is Walt Fanning,” Juanita replied as a thoughtful expression appeared on her face. “He owns Fanning’s Fashion Boutique on the next block. He wasn’t too happy when I opened my store a block away from his, but he’s never been threatening or anything like that. He’s really is the only person I can think of that would have a vendetta against me, but I can’t see him putting a hit out on me.”
They finally passed the accident that had caused the traffic jam. A large 18-wheeler had rear-ended a black minivan. They turned off the main road and onto Juanita’s street. She lived in a cozy little neighborhood about a mile from the main highway. Allison pulled into her driveway and parked. She helped Juanita out of the car and helped her walk on crutches up to the front door.
“Thank you so much, Alli. Seriously. I cannot thank you enough,” Juanita said with appreciation in her voice. As they stood at her front door, Juanita looked deep into Allison’s eyes and placed her free hand on Allison’s face.
Allison gazed amorously into Juanita’s sparkling hazel eyes and found herself lost in her touch. Even in the cool autumn atmosphere, Juanita’s soft hands felt warm and soothing against the smooth skin of her face. Her lips looked shimmery, supple and inviting. Allison couldn’t help herself any longer. She leaned in slowly and placed her lips against Juanita’s, closing her eyes and relishing the rush of ardor that flowed through her entire body. She kissed her firmly and passionately, moaning softly as their lips connected. Juanita stifled a surprise gasp as their lips captured one another, causing her body to flush with heat. That’s when the magic ignited, and the kiss deepened.
Allison pulled away slowly and opened her eyes. It was the moment she had dreamed of for so long. She desperately wanted to take things further, to slide her tongue between Juanita’s full luscious lips and taste her sweet mouth, but stopped herself from doing so, not wanting to push things too quickly. Allison was now feeling a little wet and horny, but she would have to wait, at least until Juanita had recovered from her injuries. Besides, at this moment, Juanita was in no condition for a heavy make-out session.
The two women looked at one another in silence as they revelled in the emotions of the moment. Allison placed her hand on top of Juanita’s and squeezed gently.
“Will you be okay here alone?” she asked, concernedly.
“Yes, my mom will be here soon,” Juanita assured her.
Reluctantly, Allison let go of Juanita’s hand and she went inside. Allison waved at her and smiled one last ti
me before turning around to head back to her car.
Chapter 5: First Kiss
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On her way home, Allison was in a giddy mood. Her mind was racing ever since having that kiss with Juanita. Allison had never dated a black woman before but had always found women of color to be so attractive. She loved the plump fullness of their lips and the sexy curvature of their hips. She hadn’t felt this much chemistry with anyone since Sara and was beginning to feel very aroused. She drove home with a big grin on her face.
When she got back to her apartment and hung up her jacket, a $50 bill floated from her pocket to the floor. She realized that Juanita must have somehow snuck it there during the car ride. She shook her head and smirked at Juanita’s cleverness. She grabbed her phone and sent a quick text message.
‘You sneaky little devil you!’ She typed.
‘It’s just a little gas money for going out of your way.’ Juanita typed back.
‘You really didn’t have to. It was my pleasure.’ Allison typed.
‘I wanted to. And I’m still taking you out for an intimate thank-you dinner as soon as I get these casts off, so don’t you forget!’ Juanita typed back.
Allison smiled to herself after reading Juanita’s texts, especially the part that said ‘intimate.’ She was looking forward to their dinner date. That day couldn’t come fast enough.
All day long since the kiss, she could not get Juanita out of her mind. She couldn’t stop thinking about the kiss and Juanita’s intimate text message. She was smitten and there were butterflies in her chest that wouldn’t go away. Her hormones were raging out of control. Her pussy had been throbbing and soaking through her thong, and that night she was feeling unbearably horny. Just before bedtime, she dashed to the bathroom and ran the tub until the bubbles almost flowed over the top. She dropped her clothes in a pile on the tiled floor and slowly slid down into the hot steamy water, letting it block out all distractions around her. She began rubbing her nipples in quick motions, back and forth, and soon wanted more. She stood up and placed the adjustable shower head right above her throbbing clit. The warm water pounding on her vagina felt so delicious. She closed her eyes and threw her head back. ‘God this feels so good.’
She sat down onto the perimeter on the bathtub, spread her legs and let the water vibrate over her clit. ‘I need her… I need her so very much.’ She thought.
***
Over the next few weeks, Allison and Juanita kept in touch via text and phone calls. Juanita’s mother lived in another state but had taken a leave from her job to care for Juanita until she was fully recovered. Allison found out that Juanita’s mother didn’t know she was a lesbian, so Allison reluctantly stayed away until her mother went home.
Juanita had a store manager and an assistant who helped with her store. She was keeping in contact with them via Skype and making sure business was running smoothly. She also hired a security guard to walk the employees to their cars at the end of every night, as an added safety precaution.
Allison offered to go to the store and check on things for Juanita after her nursing shifts, but Juanita refused. She said that Allison had already done so much for her and she was already greatly in her debt. But Allison was adamant, and she would faithfully ride by the store after all her hospital shifts.
One night, about two weeks after the incident, Allison was riding by after work and noticed a bright red car sitting across the street from Juanita’s store. She slowed down in order to get a closer look at the person who was sitting in the car—half-expecting to see Walt Fanning’s face peering out of the window. But, to her surprise, the person she saw staking out Juanita’s clothing store just happened to be Elaine.
Allison was so surprised that she nearly swerved into another car. The driver of the car honked angrily and passed her quickly, while flashing an irate look. Allison lip synced an apology to the driver and swiftly pulled over to park.
What was Elaine doing parked in front of Juanita’s store? She didn’t know the specifics of Juanita’s relationship with Elaine, but it seemed strange that Elaine would be sitting across the street, peering into the store—especially so late at night. The store had been closed for hours.
Allison quickly dialed Juanita’s cell phone number. “Hello?” Juanita answered in a sleepy-sounding voice.
“Hey, I’m sorry if I woke you, hon, but I was just driving past your store and I saw a suspicious-looking vehicle sitting across the street. It looked like someone was watching your store. I thought it was Walt, but when I drove past, I saw that it was actually Elaine.”
“What?” Juanita sounded both surprised and confused. “Are you sure?”
“Yeah, I’m sure it’s her. I’m sitting here looking at her right now,” Allison explained.
Juanita grew silent for a moment.
“Is there any reason she would be sitting outside of the store this late?” Alison asked, concernedly.
“Not that I can think of,” Juanita replied quietly.
“Well, do you want me to say something to her…or maybe…call someone…,” Allison began.
“No, no,” Juanita replied quickly. “I’ll deal with it. I’ll get to the bottom of it. But, thank you, just as well.” Allison sensed her tone had a hint of concern in it, and that it bothered her. But she didn’t say anything at that time. She let Juanita get back to sleep.
As soon as Allison got off the phone, she noticed Elaine suddenly staring over toward her car. Allison figured that Elaine couldn’t tell who she was, because it was dark and too far away, but for whatever reason, Elaine quickly started her car and pulled away.
***
Over the next few weeks, Allison drove past the store after every one of her shifts. She never mentioned it to Juanita, but she never again saw Elaine’s car—nor any other car—sitting in front of the store. She wondered if Juanita had “taken care of it,” whatever that had meant.
It was the first week of December when Allison finally got the call she had been eagerly anticipating. She was watching one of her favorite shows on television, and enjoying a day off from work, when her cellphone rang. She looked down and saw that it was Juanita.
“Hey, you,” she said into the phone, grinning from ear to ear.
“Hello, beautiful,” Juanita replied, cheerfully.
“You sound like you’re in a good mood,” Allison commented. “How did your doctor’s appointment go?” she asked.
“I got my casts off,” Juanita exclaimed, happily. “And I did a bit of physical therapy, today. I’m good to go! I’m so excited!”
“That’s wonderful, Juanita! I’m so happy for you!” Allison said warmly.
“And…the best news is, my mom is leaving tonight. She’s going home and back to work. So…it’s time for me to fulfill my promise to you,” Juanita mused. “I’m taking you out to a very fine dinner tomorrow night, so wear something hot and ravishing. Can you make it?”
“Oh, Juanita, you don’t have to…” Allison began.
“Don’t even start, Alli. I’m doing it, we’re going and that’s that!” Juanita stated firmly.
Allison had been looking forward to their dinner date for weeks and was elated inside but hadn’t wanted Juanita to feel obligated. “Okay, that sounds really great, actually. I’m looking forward to it,” Allison replied, gladly.
***
The next day, Allison woke up feeling excited, even though there was two inches of fresh snow on the ground outside. She had the day off and wanted to go out and shop for a new dress to wear to her dinner date with Juanita. She had no idea where they were going, but Juanita had told her it’s a very upscale restaurant, and that she’d made reservations for 7:00.
Allison decided to check out Juanita’s store—secretly, of course. She was curious to check it out, but she also wanted to be a little nosy and see if Walt or Elaine had been snooping around the place at all.
Juanita’s store employees didn’t know who she was, so when she entered the Cr
awford’s Clothing Emporium, they treated her as if she was a regular customer. The two women were very friendly and helpful. She told them about her fancy dinner date—without mentioning who it was, of course—and they showed her some lovely choices for her evening attire.
Allison picked out a long, form-fitting, shimmery, emerald-green dress that she felt accented her green eyes. It had a sexy slit up the right side that went all the way up to the lower thigh. She tried it on in one of the dressing rooms and observed herself in the mirror. The pretty young clerk gave a thumbs-up and assured her that her dinner date would be very impressed. Little did the clerk know that Allison’s date was her boss.
Chapter 6: The Dinner Date
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Allison’s door speaker buzzed at 6:35. She had just added a final coat of lip gloss to her lips, trying to make them look as sensual and alluring as possible. She pressed the button next to the buzzer.
