Complications

by Mj Williamz

  Mel stepped out of the way and let Susan rinse off and get out of the shower. Mel finished her shower, dried off, and padded down the hall to the bedroom. She found Susan fast asleep. She smiled to herself. Susan was a beautiful woman. She carefully slid under the covers, pulled Susan close, and fell asleep.

  They awoke the next morning with nothing particular to do until six, when they were going to Joey and Samantha’s. Mel rolled over and cuddled with Susan.

  “No hurry getting out of bed is there?” She ran her hands up and down Susan’s body.

  “Not that I can think of.”

  “Excellent.” Mel kissed the back of Susan’s neck and brought a hand up to cup her breast. She teased her nipple. “I can think of at least one good reason to stay in bed.”

  Susan rolled over onto her back and looked at Mel with a sparkle in her eye.

  “Yeah? And what might that be?”

  “Someone was asleep when I got to bed last night.”

  “Yeah. I’m sorry about that.”

  “That’s quite all right. It had been a long day. But I have plans for us now that we’re both wide awake.”

  “I like the sound of that,” Susan said.

  Mel slid her hand between Susan’s legs. She gasped.

  “Dear God, I love how you’re always ready for me,” she said.

  “Always,” Susan said.

  Mel teased Susan’s clit and felt it grow at her touch. She finally brushed over it with her fingers, and Susan screamed as she came.

  “Now I get to make up for last night,” Susan said.

  She climbed between Mel’s legs. She licked at Mel’s clit as she slipped her fingers inside. She moved her tongue in rhythm with her fingers, and soon Mel was bouncing on the bed, meeting each of Susan’s thrusts. In no time, she was pressing Susan’s face to her and crying out as one orgasm after another rolled over her.

  They lay together in bed, basking in the afterglow when Mel sat up.

  “I’m starving. You want to go get some breakfast?”

  “What time is it?” Susan said.

  They looked at the clock. Eleven o’clock.

  “Wow. Time flies,” Mel said.

  “Yeah, it does.”

  “I tell you what. Why don’t you put on your suit and we can drive over to my place and get my trunks? Then we can have lunch at The Shack and then head over to the beach?”

  “That would be great. What a wonderful way to spend the day.”

  “I’d have to agree.”

  “Will you be bringing your surfboard?” Susan said.

  “I doubt it. Why?”

  “I thought it might be fun to have you teach me how to surf.”

  Mel laughed.

  “Are you serious?”

  “Yes.”

  “Great then. I’ll bring my board. Now, come on, sweetness, get your suit on.”

  Mel put her clothes on while Susan got dressed. When it was time to leave, they climbed back in the van.

  “Are you sure your house doesn’t look like this van?” Susan said.

  “I’m positive. Just wait and see.”

  *

  Susan was excited to see where Mel lived. She believed you could tell a lot about a person by the way they kept their home. She expected Mel to be slightly messy, but not overly so. She was shocked when she walked in to a tidy house.

  “Do you have a maid?” Susan said.

  “Funny. No, I don’t. It’s not that hard to keep the house up. I’m the only one living here, so as long as I pick up after myself, things don’t get too bad. And I clean it about once a week or so, you know, vacuum, dust, and stuff. Like I said. It’s not that hard.”

  “Well, color me impressed. I thought your house would be a little more thrashed than it is.”

  “Okay, well, now that you’ve seen it, you can relax on the couch without fear of a rodent joining you.” She laughed. “Can I get you something to drink?”

  “No, thanks. I’m fine. You just go change so we can hit the beach.”

  She made herself comfortable and waited for Mel. She fought the urge to walk down the hall and help Mel change into her suit. The thought of her naked and that close got Susan wet. But if they were going to have any time at the beach, they needed to get going.

  Mel finally emerged, and Susan took in the sight of her in board shorts and tank top with a sports bra underneath. All her finely toned muscles were on display, and Susan’s palms itched to touch her.

  She got off the couch and crossed the room to where Mel stood.

  “You ready?” Mel said.

  “I suppose.” Susan ran her hands up and down Mel’s muscular arms.

  “Either we get going or we get busy,” Mel said. “It’s your choice.”

  “Okay, okay. Let’s get going.”

  Mel grabbed her board and they were off. It was only a few blocks to the beach. Susan enjoyed how easy things were with Mel. They chatted amicably as they drove. There was sexual tension there, to be sure, but outside of that, it was just nice to be with her.

  They parked at The Shack and crossed over to the water. It was a beautiful day with highs in the mid eighties. Susan felt it was the perfect day to learn to surf.

  “Have you ever body surfed before?” Mel asked.

  “I’ve tried.”

  “Okay. Um, boogie boarded?”

  “No.”

  “Okay. So we’ve got our work cut out for us. We’re going to start with you surfing on your stomach.”

  “Fair enough.”

  “First thing is let’s get out to where the waves break. It’s going to be a little deep. When it starts getting deep, you can get on the board and I’ll hold on to you.”

  “Sounds good. Should I be nervous? Because I’m not.”

  “No, you shouldn’t be. This should be fun.”

  “Great. Let’s do it.”

  They walked out until the water was waist deep. Then Mel helped Susan up onto the board. She lay flat on her stomach and Mel held the back of her board and swam with her. Mel finally declared they were where they needed to be. She bounced in the waves while she turned Susan toward the shore and instructed her.

  “You wait. I’ll tell you when to start paddling.”

  “Okay.”

  “And when I tell you to, it’s just like swimming, okay? You move your arms the same way.”

  “Got it. Is it time yet?”

  “Yes,” Mel said. “Paddle, paddle, paddle.”

  Susan paddled. She paddled fast and furiously. She paddled like her life depended on it. She rose up on top of the wave and then it was gone.

  Mel grabbed the board and pulled it back out.

  “That’s okay,” she said. “You can’t expect to catch your first wave.”

  “That seems like an awful lot of work,” Susan said.

  “Oh, but it’s so worth it when you catch one.”

  “Okay, then. Let’s try this again.”

  Mel kept her gaze on the sea, and Susan took the opportunity to allow herself to really take her in. She was a sight for sore eyes, to be sure. She had high cheekbones, a square jaw, and those eyes. Susan melted every time they looked at her.

  “Okay, get ready.”

  “Ready.” Susan was shaken from her reverie.

  “And paddle!”

  Susan paddled as fast and hard as she could, and suddenly, she felt like she was flying. She stopped paddling and just held on. It was such a freeing feeling. It was simply amazing.

  The board slowed as it got to the shallow water by the shore. Susan picked it up and walked out as far as she could. She tried to climb on it, but found herself lacking the coordination. Mel swam over to her and helped her. They made their way back out.

  “So, what did you think?” Mel asked while they awaited the next wave.

  “It was awesome! I want to do it again and again.”

  They spent the next couple of hours surfing. Susan was a natural, or so Mel said. Either way, Susan had a wonderful time.r />
  “I’m starving,” Mel said. “You want to grab a bite?”

  “What time are we supposed to be at Joey’s?”

  “We have a few hours. We’re not supposed to be there until six. What do you say we split an order of fries at The Shack? Just something to tide us over.”

  “Sounds good to me,” Susan said.

  They crossed to the parking lot, and Mel stowed her surfboard. Then she took Susan’s hand and led her inside The Shack. Susan ignored the curious glances. Clearly, it had been a while since Mel had brought a date there. Whatever. It didn’t bother Susan. She was proud to be Mel’s. Mel was a good woman. And a better lover.

  They ate their fries, then Mel dropped Susan off at her place to get ready while she headed home with the promise to be back in half an hour.

  Susan stared at her closet and tried to decide what outfit to wear. She was determined to make a good impression on this Samantha woman. She didn’t know why, but she felt the need for her approval. This was uncommon for Susan, but it was how she felt, so there you go.

  She chose a denim skirt with a blue blouse. She checked herself out in the mirror. Perfect. Not overly dressed, but she looked nice. She paced in the front room while she waited for Mel. She couldn’t believe how nervous she was.

  Susan opened the door the minute she heard Mel’s knock.

  “Wow,” Mel said. Were you standing right by the door?”

  “Pretty much. Oh, Mel. I’m so nervous. I never should have agreed to this.”

  The shock on Mel’s face made Susan feel awful.

  “What? Why? You’ve met Joey. It’s hard to find anyone more laid-back than she is. And, trust me, Samantha is a sweetheart.”

  “What if she doesn’t like me?”

  “Who? Samantha? Please. What’s not to like?”

  She pulled Susan to her and stroked her hair.

  “Baby, you just relax, okay? It’s going to be fine.”

  “I hope so.”

  “It will be. Now, we’ll need to stop by the liquor store to get some vino and brewskis. We should get going.”

  They made their stop and bought both red and white wine, as well as a twelve-pack of beer, and were standing on Joey’s doorstep at precisely six o’clock.

  Samantha opened the door in a mid-calf length yellow sundress. Susan immediately knew she’d made the right choice in attire.

  “Hey, Samantha.” Mel hugged her and kissed her cheek. She stood back and offered her hand to Susan. “This is Susan.”

  Samantha gathered Susan to her in a warm hug.

  “Susan. What a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard so much about you.”

  “It’s so nice to meet you, too,” Susan said. She felt mesmerized by the sheer sweetness of Samantha. She was a warm, kind person.

  “Joey’s in the playroom with DJ,” Samantha said. “Why don’t you two go in there while I check on dinner?”

  “Would you like some help?” Susan said.

  “Oh, no thanks, hon. You go in with them. I’ll only be a minute, I promise.”

  Susan took Mel’s hand, and they walked into the next room, which was a child’s paradise. They found Joey sitting on the floor rolling a ball back and forth with DJ. DJ was clearly enjoying himself. And then he saw Mel.

  “Meow!” he cried. He hurried over to give Mel a hug. Mel bent and picked him up.

  “How you doing, tiger?” Mel said.

  “Good.”

  “Right on. You remember Susan, don’t you?”

  DJ buried his face in Mel’s shoulder.

  “Oh, my. Someone’s shy tonight,” Joey said. She stood up and offered her hand to Susan. “Susan. It’s great to see you.”

  Just then Samantha walked into the room.

  “What’s goin’ on?” She reached out and ran a hand along DJ’s arm. “What’s with you?”

  DJ grabbed tighter to Mel.

  “I think someone’s got a crush,” Joey said.

  “Can you blame him?” Mel said. She managed to disentangle herself from his little arms and took his hand. “Do you want to play?”

  He dropped her hand and went to Joey, who picked him up.

  “I think he just needs to relax for a few. Are you hungry, champ?”

  He shook his head.

  “Okay, well, the grown-ups are going to chat now, so you keep yourself busy. I’m going to put you down now.”

  She set him on the ground, and he went behind a giant castle in one corner of the room.

  “That’s a great castle,” Susan said. “Where did you get that?”

  “Mama,” DJ said.

  Susan looked from Joey to Samantha.

  “I’m Mommy and she’s Mama,” Samantha said. “And Joey built the castle for him. He loves it.”

  “I guess. What kid wouldn’t?”

  She looked over and caught a slight blush on Joey’s cheeks. Oh my, she thought. Mel and Joey together in their single days must have broken a lot of hearts.

  “Can I get everyone a drink?” Joey said.

  “I’d love a glass of the Chardonnay,” Susan said.

  “I’ll take a brewski,” Mel said.

  “I already have a glass of Pinot,” said Samantha. “Would you mind bringing it in?”

  “No problem.” Joey kissed Samantha’s cheek as she walked past her.

  The atmosphere was very relaxed, and Susan wondered what she’d ever worried about. Dinner was delicious. The company was wonderful, and Susan saw a side of Mel she’d never really seen. Mel treated Joey and Samantha like family. It was very much like a family gathering, and Susan thoroughly enjoyed herself. She was sad when the evening came to an end.

  “I do hope you’ll come over again,” Samantha said as they were leaving.

  “I’d love that.”

  “Great. Don’t be a stranger.” She kissed Susan on the cheek, and Susan and Mel walked out to the car.

  “That was so much fun,” Susan said.

  “Yeah? You really had a good time?”

  “I had a blast. They’re great people, Mel. They’re amazing people. You’re lucky to have them in your life.”

  “Tell me about it,” Mel said. She drove them back to Susan’s house. They got out of the car and went inside.

  “I’m really full and kind of tired,” Susan said.

  “No worries,” Mel said. “So am I.”

  “Hold me tonight?”

  “Gladly.”

  CHAPTER TWELVE

  Sunday was slow at the bar. Susan was bullshitting with Joanne. She studied the bible, too, but had a pretty decent grip on drinks by then. Her phone rang. She ignored it, as was the rule when working. It rang again. And again.

  “Someone’s really trying to get ahold of you,” Joanne said. “You think it’s Mel?”

  Susan shook her head.

  “Believe it or not, we’ve yet to exchange phone numbers.”

  “Well, next time it rings, why don’t you answer it? No harm, no foul. I won’t tell anyone.”

  The phone rang again. Worried it might be important, Susan slid the phone out of her pocket. She checked the face of it. Dorinda. She slipped it back in her pocket.

  “No one important,” she said.

  Dorinda didn’t give up, but Susan didn’t want to talk to her. She thought maybe she’d answer the phone if Mel was with her. Maybe.

  Mel showed up at five o’clock and the place was still dead. She sat at the bar where she and Susan could talk.

  “How was your day?” Susan said.

  “It was nice. Joey and I took DJ to the park. Then Samantha came and got him so Joey and I could surf for a while. All in all, it was a win day. How was yours?”

  “Dead. But interesting.”

  “Interesting? How so?”

  “Dorinda’s been calling me all day.”

  “The Dorinda?” She saw Mel’s eyes turn cold.

  Susan nodded.

  “What the fuck did she want?”

  “I don’t know. I haven’t answered.
I thought I’d wait until I was with you. You know, for moral support.”

  “That’s fine. Or I’ll answer it and tell her never to call you again.”

  “I wonder if I should let you do that. I mean, what could she possibly want from me?”

  “You’re going to have to answer it to find out.”

  Just then, Susan’s phone went off again.

  “I’m not going to answer it until I’m off work,” she said.

  “Fair enough. Can I get another half pitcher? I’ve got a feeling I’m going to need it.”

  Seven o’clock rolled around, and Susan made herself a lemon drop and joined Mel on the other side of the bar. As soon as she was seated, her phone rang again.

  “Are you going to answer it?” Mel said.

  “Yes.” She squeezed Mel’s hand for good luck and answered the phone. “Hello?”

  “Susan? Is this you? It’s Dorinda. I’ve been trying to call you all day.”

  “I was at work. Can’t take calls at work. You know how that goes. What’s do you want?” She kept her voice cool, disconnected.

  “You moved to Maybon Tir, didn’t you?”

  “Yes.”

  “Okay, do you remember my aunt Lucinda? She’s the one you helped so much when she had breast cancer a few years ago.”

  “Of course I remember her.”

  “Well, she’s moved to Maybon Tir, too.”

  “That’s great. You’ll have to give me her number. I’d love to see her.”

  “That’s just it. I was hoping you’d want to do more than just see her.”

  “How so?” Susan said.

  “Susan, you’re the closest thing to family she has,” Dorinda said.

  “What is this all about?”

  “Susan, she has cancer of the bladder. She’s on hospice. She’s not expected to live six months.”

  “Oh, shit,” Susan said. She leaned into Mel for support. She and Lucinda had gotten so very close while she helped care for her. She couldn’t imagine the poor woman suffering again.

  “Will you help us out?” Dorinda said. “Will you help take care of her?”

  “Of course I will,” Susan said.

  “Great. I’ll be in town tomorrow. So will her brothers and sister. We’ll organize a schedule then.”