New Quarters

by Tey Holden

  “I was hanging out with the wrong crowd and exposed myself to more kinds of crazy situations than you can possibly imagine. Those experiences made me street smart, but I could have gotten into a lot of trouble. School was never a problem, and that’s why dropping out never occurred to me. I also knew that my mother wanted me to go to college, so when the moment came, I went away to school. I wanted to go to college, but most of all, I wanted to get far away from everyone and everything.” She paused and squirmed on the swing. “I always knew I’d do well in college. I had done well in school. I was smart and things came easy to me. Truly and honestly, all I was thinking at the time was that I needed to get as far away as possible from my extended family.”

  As the story unfolded, Addy realized that when Karen’s mother died there was a great void in her life, which she filled with whatever she could find. She did it because she was too lonely and sad, and there was no one to comfort her. Although Karen’s dad provided and cared for her, he was never as nurturing as her mother had been. He was so devastated by the loss of his wife that he was barely able to keep his job, lost his house and everything they had. Many years passed before he was able to get back on his feet.

  Fortunately for Karen, her mother had set up a trust fund for her education with which she paid for Oxford, Harvard and Columbia. Karen was fortunate to graduate without any debt. None of those schools were cheap, and Addy wondered how much money had been in that trust fund, and where it had come from. Addy knew that Karen’s father was a contractor and wondered if he could have made that kind of money. After seeing Aunt Charlotte’s estate, she concluded that the money for Karen’s trust must have come from her mother’s side of the family. She didn’t dare ask Karen at that moment, there would be another time for that. Tonight Karen was vulnerable and it was better to just let her talk and not ask questions.

  After the long chat on the patio swing, Karen fell asleep on Addy’s lap. She was resting so peacefully, Addy was hesitant to wake her up, but it was getting late and cold. She rubbed her arm up and down. “Baby, we need to go inside, it’s getting cold out here.” Karen got up. They put their arms around each other’s waist and walked inside.

  “Go upstairs and get ready for bed. I’ll make some hot chocolate.”

  “Okay.”

  “And don’t worry. I’ll check all the doors.”

  “No, I’ll do it.” Karen locked up the cottage and went up the stairs. Addy wondered why Karen always wanted to be the one to lock up.

  When Addy got in bed, they cuddled. Karen was so tired she could hardly keep her eyes open. “Good night, baby.” She kissed her on the neck, as she laid her head on Addy’s shoulder. Addy loved it when Karen fell asleep on her shoulder with her face looking up at her. Karen once asked her why she liked it. “I get to see an angel on my shoulder and that gives me peace.” Karen loved it when Addy said silly things like that because she knew she meant every bit of it.

  ***

  Three months later, the cottage was finished. Everything had been freshly painted, caulked and winterized. New insulation had been placed in the attic and basement and anywhere else needed. All the appliances were new, as well as the furnace and hot water heater. The windows and doors were replaced. The yard and patio were cleared. All the electrical wires were replaced or fixed, the light fixtures were changed, most of the plumbing was redone, the bathrooms were rebuilt, the carpets were pulled from the upper floors and the hardwood was redone, stained and buffed. Area rugs were placed to cover the hardwood in the dining and living room areas.

  The cottage was wired for Internet and satellite TV, and a sunroom was built off the kitchen area to house the beautiful hot tub. The sunroom had a door to the kitchen and another to the patio. Everything was sparkling clean and new. They had spent quite a bit of money, but after it was all done, they were happy about how everything had turned out.

  Much time was spent decorating, placing pictures here and there, getting utensils for the kitchen, and working in the garden. They even got a gas grill for cookouts. Summers in Scotland were nice and cool. In the winter for entertainment they had the hot tub and they had also purchased a big screen TV. They had a very nice entertainment unit with a Bose sound system and had subscribed to Internet and movie services. The kitchen layout and its contents were good enough to satisfy a professional chef.

  The cottage was small, but very cozy. The downstairs floor plan was the kitchen and a small dining area, a living-family room where the TV and entertainment center were located. This room also had a huge fireplace. Off to the side of the kitchen was the patio and yard and behind it the sun room with the hot tub. In the center of the lower floor there was a bathroom with a shower stall to accommodate any bathers from the hot tub. The bathroom had two doors one opened to the sunroom, the other to the living room area to accommodate the needs of any guests.

  There were windows in the dining and living room areas and they had a carpenter build outdoor shutters, which they could close, for added protection in stormy or cold weather, or for privacy and safety, if needed. They also acquired an alarm system for the whole house. The perimeter of the house was nicely surrounded by hedges, flowery shrubs, and trees, which added privacy to the small cottage.

  “Ker, why do we need an alarm system? It seems like the crime rate around here has to be very low.”

  “Yeah, Addy, but we are two women living alone and someone might think that we are easy prey. You can’t ever be too safe.”

  “Okay.”

  It was the type of alarm system that would dial the security company number, if there was any kind of intrusion. Although, Addy didn’t see a reason for so much security, she didn’t object because she knew that safety was important to Karen, and if something was important to Karen, it was a must for Addy. Karen loved the way Addy would let her take over certain things without any further questioning. She had once asked her about that in one of their night talks.

  “Ker, if something makes you happy, that’s exactly want I want.” Karen smiled totally content.

  ***

  The upstairs of the cottage consisted of the two bedrooms. The master bedroom had its own bathroom with a shower and Jacuzzi tub and a huge walk in closet. It also had a small sitting area where they placed a small love seat and a small flat screen TV. The second room had its own bathroom also, but with a shower stall. Upstairs also was a small alcove, which at the time was used for storage.

  The cottage turned out to be beautiful. From the outside it was picture perfect. The day that everything was finished neither one of them could believe it. It had been a lot of work, but it now looked great.

  Karen had done most of the nailing and picture hanging. As it turned out, she proved to be very good with tools. Addy knew she was a disaster when it came to handiwork and tools and refrained from the actual drilling and nailing and just gave directions as to whether something was crooked or not, or where something should go. “Are you sure you want it here?”

  “Move it a little bit to the side. No, wait, up, no, wait, a little bit down.”

  “Addy! Would you, please, make up your mind?”

  “Okay, just leave it there.”

  Karen rolled her eyes. “There! I think it looks perfect.” Karen was using a level to make sure everything was perfect. She knew it wasn’t crooked, and that Addy was just messing with her.

  Addy sat on the sofa and grinned staring at Karen. Karen looked adorable. She was wearing a black sleeveless fitted T-shit over a pair of faded tight jean shorts and hiking boots.

  “What? Don’t tell me you don’t like it now.”

  “Oh, I like it. I very much like what I see.”

  Karen looked back wondering what prompted that response. She grinned when she saw Addy cruising her with her mischievous smile and when she winked. Addy knew the effect of her winks on Karen.

  “I kind of like this ‘butch’ look.” She signaled to Karen with her finger moving it up and down. Karen came towards her with the drill in
hand. She bit the inside of her cheek and smiled when she knelt in front of Addy. “Need any work done? Wanna play with my tools?” She turned on the drill for sound effect.

  Addy grinned. “Umm! Tempting, but we have more pictures to hang. Can I take a rain check? Karen’s face lit up like a Christmas tree.

  “Yes, ma’am, for you there are always rain checks available.” She kissed her and helped her get up. They finished hanging all the pictures and Addy then went out to the garden. She had several pots of flowers to plant. The evergreens and other bigger shrubbery had been professionally planted. However, even though it was late in the summer, she wanted to plant some annuals herself. Even if they wouldn’t last that long, she wanted to see some color among the greenery. The annuals were easy to plant because they didn’t require much digging. However, she had to kneel and bend over to get the plants in the flowerbeds.

  While Addy was outside, Karen remained inside putting away her tools. When she was done and looked outside, she saw Addy bent over with her butt raised in the air as she picked up the empty flowerpots. Addy was wearing an orange sleeveless polo shirt and black spandex shorts that accentuated all the curves of her body.

  “Hey sexy!”

  Addy looked back grinning. “Yeeees?”

  Karen grinned, she loved those long yeses. “Anybody ever told you that you have the cutest ass in the world?”

  Addy looked back. “Karen, ssssh! Someone might hear you!”

  Karen looked around and smiled, there was no one. Addy was always very proper, and was embarrassed by just about anything.

  Karen was on the step of the doorway to the kitchen looking out to the patio. She had her right eyebrow raised. As feminine as she was, she looked butch and sexy in her jean shorts and T-shirt. When she raised her arms to reach the threshold of the door, she exposed her fully stretched abdominal muscles. Addy got up and removed her work gloves. As she came forward, she stared into Karen’s eyes. Coming closer, she placed her hands on Karen’s abdomen and massaged it. Karen tensed, feeling the pang in her gut as all her senses were stimulated.

  “And in answer to your question, yes, I’ve been told I have a cute behind. Actually, more than once and very recently, by someone who seems to be very appreciative of it.” She then reached up and kissed the taller woman under her chin. Karen tensed. She tensed so much she could have sworn her stomach reached her back. Karen got goose bumps and cleared her throat. Addy knew that the hunter had just become the prey as she looked at the speechless woman.

  “What do you say to that, sexy?” She still had one hand on Karen’s abdomen while her other hand reached behind and inside Karen’s shorts.

  Karen choked when she tried to speak, while Addy smiled expectantly. “It’s going to be dark soon.” All of a sudden she recovered and in a sexy tone said, “maybe it’s time for you to come inside and play with my tools while I find some appreciative way to glorify your as—.” Addy stopped her with a fierce kiss.

  Karen put her arms around her and pulled her into the kitchen, closing the door behind her and pressing her against the door as she continued to fiercely kiss her. Addy desperately grabbed onto her. They pulled away, for nothing more than to gasp some much needed air. Karen was panting and in her sexual frenzy pinned Addy to the wall saying “you drive me mad, woman. I want you now.”

  “I love it when you turn crazy on me.” Addy said as she turned things around, to Karen’s surprise.

  When the love frenzy was over, and after nearly falling on the kitchen table, Karen held onto the kitchen countertop in a laughter attack as she recovered from her orgasm. Addy came from behind and held her to help her straighten up. “Do you require further demonstration of Latin hospitality?”

  Karen grinned so much it hurt, while still holding on to the countertop. “No, no more, for now.”

  Addy, knew Karen was spent. “Come on baby, hang on to me. I think this kitchen has seen enough action for tonight. Let’s go take a shower. I’m going to soap you really well.” Karen continued to grin, as they climbed the stairs.

  “I can’t believe that you are beating me at my own game. Do I get to soap you too?”

  “Oh, you will, baby, you will. I’m not a selfish woman. But not before I play with your tools, Ms. Butch.”

  “I thought you already had. Looks like you are getting to be an expert handling my tools.”

  Addy smiled and blushed. “Oh, I know I can handle them, I just want to see how much power I can get out of them!”

  Karen grinned, thinking how much luckier she could be in life. A shower together always led straight to bed, however playing with their mutual tools had exhausted them, and when they came to bed they just cuddled. When Karen fell asleep two minutes later, Addy contemplated her lover. It felt good to be there with her, totally relaxed, and most of all to see Karen so happy.

  ***

  The next day, both women were working in the yard. Karen was mowing the grass and Addy was using the trimmer on the edges. Karen took a break to prepare some lemonade when a green pickup truck pulled up.

  “Hello, Ma’am. I’m looking for Ms. Larsen to deliver some mulch.” The minute she saw her, Addy knew from Karen’s description that this was Mary ‘the lover girl’ from the hardware store.

  “Yes, just a minute, let me call her.” Addy walked to the door. “Ker, you have a delivery from the hardware store.” Addy was pretending to holler even though Karen was right there in the kitchen. Karen made a gesture of disgust and whispered, “what are you doing? Are you crazy? Get rid of her!”

  Addy grinned and, again, she hollered. “Ker, do you hear me, there is a delivery.”

  “You owe me for this one!” She said as she passed by the grinning brunette, and walked out of the cottage. “Hi, Mary.” Addy chuckled when she saw Mary beaming, then she noticed another woman in the truck, who looked very serious.

  “Hello, Ms. Larsen, I brought you the mulch you ordered.”

  “Mary, you didn’t have to bring it, we would have gone to get it.”

  “Oh, no worries it’s my pleasure to be of service.”

  Karen said nothing and proceeded to unload the mulch. Yeah, right, only in your dreams you’d be of service to me!

  Addy thought to have some fun and to set things straight once, and for all for everyone’s sake. She had an air of authority when she walked out of the cottage. They had already talked about not hiding their relationship from anyone, so Addy was ready to launch the rocket into space.

  When Addy approached them, and smiled at Karen, Karen immediately knew what Addy was about to do. Lord have mercy! It was one of those situations, where she wondered if the solution would be worse than the problem.

  “Addy, this is Mary. She is the manager of the hardware store in town, and that there is Carol, her girlfriend. I would like you to meet—.”

  Addy waved to Carol who had stepped out of the truck when she saw Addy approaching the two other women. “Hi, Carol, Mary, I’m Addy, Karen’s partner.”

  Mary nearly choked with the gum she was chewing as she shook Addy’s hand. Carol, all of a sudden, smiled and came forward to shake Addy’s hand as well. It was very evident that, not only was Karen very taken, but that she was taken by a fabulous woman who surely kept Karen’s hands very full. Carol was delighted. “Very pleased to meet you, Addy.”

  “Same here, Carol.”

  Addy and Carol established a conversation while Mary and Karen unloaded the mulch. Mary, on the other hand, hardly spoke any more, to Karen’s relief.

  “You guys have to stop by the café some time.” Carol said.

  When Karen and Mary were done unloading the mulch, they joined the two other women. “Ker, Carol owns the café in town. She makes all those wonderful pastries we had the other night. Isn’t that great?”

  “Yeah, they are awesome.” Carol was delighted with the compliments.

  Mary was impatient and ready to go. “Well, we better get going. We have businesses to tend in town. A very smiley Carol
got in the truck. “Good bye. Don’t forget to stop over for pastries.”

  “We will, they were delicious. Thanks for stopping by and for the delivery.”

  As the pair drove away, Karen came over and put her arm around Addy’s shoulders. “You are the devil’s advocate! I’m lucky to have you in my corner, woman.”

  “Just protecting my turf, baby, staking my claim for all to know.” She pouted and planted a kiss on very smiley lips that didn’t move to say a single thing. The satisfaction was complete and very evident. Does she really think that anyone has a chance on this turf? Nevertheless, Karen liked the idea that Addy was ready to tell the world about them.

  ***

  After Mary and Carol left, they began to spread the mulch. “Do you think they’ll tell on us?”

  “Don’t know. They are pretty out, but I don’t know if they are tattle tales.”

  “I’ll have to stop by the coffee shop and pay a visit to Carol.”

  “Addy—.”

  “I know what you are going to say, baby. We don’t know the pair and we should be careful.”

  Karen nodded. “Not everyone has good intentions. There are a lot mean spirited people out there. We are not sure how people around here feel about lesbian relationships. Remember that we are not in Washington.” As they talked, they had been spreading the mulch, and they were pretty much done. “Let’s finish later, I need a beer.” Karen walked into the cottage, followed by Addy.