Call Me Lydia

by MaryAnn Myers

Reed's eyes widened. "About Judy Wilson? Oh shit!"

  "Quick! Go under!"

  ` Jan made her break then, still giggling as Sharon hurried over to help her out.

  When Tony and Reed came up for air, Lydia was aghast.

  "Tony...?"

  "Oh come on, Lydia, forget it." He started laughing again. "We were fifteen at the time."

  "But, Tony! Both of you?"

  Tony gave Reed a shove. "See what you started!"

  Reed shoved him back. "So I'm sorry! Give me a break! I forgot she could read my mind!" He turned to Lydia, sputtering, "Besides, it wasn't actually together. Just sorta!"

  Lydia surprised herself by laughing. They were getting such a kick out of it, it was hard not to, especially with Sharon's ensuing questions. "How old was this Judy Wilson?"

  Twenty-something was the answer to that.

  "Who's idea?"

  "Hers."

  Lydia got out and glanced back at the two of them as she reached for a towel. "Well, I sure hope she enjoyed herself."

  "Oh, she did!" Reed said, as Tony hooked him from behind, about to drown him. "She loved it!"

  Lydia turned on her heels at the splash. Sharon and Jan did the same, following her inside. Then Sharon dragged them down the hall to the bedroom and closed the door.

  "We're dying to know, and we want details. What's he like in bed?"

  Lydia laughed. "We?" Jan was blushing.

  "Come on! Tell us."

  Lydia shook her head and sat down on the bed with a sigh, one that seemed to say it all. Sharon plopped down right next to her. "That good, huh?"

  "Better," Lydia said with a faraway look.

  It was Jan who urged her then. "Tell us."

  Lydia smiled. "Okay, but this may sound hokey." She drew a breath, hesitating. "When he makes love to me, it's like…it's like he's doing it with his whole body. Every part of him. Not just his…."

  Sharon's eyes widened. "How so? What do you mean?"

  Lydia leaned forward, whispering now. "He does it with his eyes and his hands. Oh God, his hands. He watches everything he does with them. And it drives me crazy."

  Sharon sat back with a smug smile on her face. "Didn't I tell you, you were going to fall hard one of these days?"

  Lydia smiled. "You did, and I have. Honest to God, Sharon. I can't get enough of him."

  Sharon raised an eyebrow. "And it looks like there's a lot there to be had too."

  Lydia nodded, Jan blushed, Sharon made an obscene gesture, and the three of them laughed.

  Then Sharon sighed wistfully. "Brian called this morning."

  Lydia glanced at Jan. She already knew this, so Sharon must have told her on the way. "And?"

  "And nothing. I haven't called him back yet."

  "Are you going to?"

  Sharon shrugged. "I don't know. Maybe. But come on, we don't want to get depressed. Not with you and all this after­glow. Besides, Jan and I were planning on taking a walk on the beach."

  It took some urging to get Tony and Reed up from their stretched-out positions on the chaises, but after some moaning and groaning, they finally gave in. As they all walked along the shore, Sharon and Lydia told various stories of wild parties, scavenger hunts, a near drowning, and a huge storm that ravaged the beach unmercifully. When they came to "Screwing Rock," sharing that tale as well, Tony stood back and crossed his arms, stroking his chin as he and Reed checked out the angle.

  "Come on, " Lydia said, laughing and tugging on his arm. "There's a tree around the bend legend says is a monster from the deep. And it looks just like one. You have to see it."

  Tony smiled. "No, that's okay. You go on. I want to check this rock out a little more." Truth was his knees were killing him from the climb down, and he just wanted to sit for a while.

  Reed declined also, and sat down next to him, watching the three of them walk away. When they were out of hearing distance, he murmured, "God, what a body."

  "Which one?" Tony said. "Jan or Sharon?"

  Reed laughed. "Lydia, you ass."

  Tony smiled, watching her himself. "She is something, isn't she?"

  Reed nodded. "She was supposed to be mine, you know."

  "Yeah," Tony said. "But she's mine now."

  Reed shook his head. "I knew that all along."

  Tony's smile widened, and then faded, disappearing to­tally. "I don't know what I'll do if something happens to her, Will."

  Reed looked at him for a moment. "She's really in danger, isn't she?"

  Tony nodded, staring out at the ocean, and Reed lowered his eyes to the sand.

  Lydia teased them about looking much too serious upon their return. "You look like you both lost your best friend."

  Tony smiled faintly, reaching for her hand as they started back. When they got up to the patio, he told her he was going home to change. "I'll be back in plenty of time for Will to do the same."

  Lydia searched his eyes, but came up blank on why the sudden mood change, and was reluctant to let him go. "Tony...?"

  He cradled her face in his hands and kissed her gently, whispering, "I love you." Then he left. About five minutes later, Sharon started looking through the cupboards, insisting she was starved.

  Lydia jumped at the chance for something to do, suggest­ing, "Why don't I stir-fry the leftover steaks?" Before long they were sitting down to hot bread and a platter of stir-fried mushrooms, steak, and onions.

  When they were done eating and had cleaned up, Sharon and Jan decided to lie in the sun. "Like beached whales," Sharon said, and Lydia went in to shower and get dressed.

  Reed was sunned out and sat down in front of the televi­sion with a beer and soon dozed off. Tony startled him, bringing him to his feet when he came in the front door.

  "Jesus!"

  Tony smiled, but with a dead serious look in his eyes. "Where is everybody?"

  Reed drew a breath and looked around, still somewhat dazed, and in came Jan and Sharon.

  "We're all right here and leaving," Sharon teased. "But the everybody you're referring to is getting dressed."

  Tony smiled as they filed past him. "It should be against the law for a man to look that good in a suit," Sharon said. Jan was agreeing as they left.

  Reed walked over to leave also, yawning. "Riverfront at eight?"

  Tony nodded.

  "What's the plan?"

  Tony glanced down the hall and shook his head. "I don't know. But I'm sure she has something cooked up."

  "Then we just follow her lead?"

  Tony ran his fingers through his hair and sighed. He wasn't looking forward to this. "Yeah.. .1 guess."

  "I'll see you there."

  Tony locked the door after him, going over to lock the patio doors as well, and started down the hall, calling to Lydia.

  "I'm in here," she said and opened the bathroom door, smiling as he walked toward her. "Don't you look nice."

  Tony shook his head, lowering his eyes over her slowly. "And you look too nice."

  Lydia laughed, wrapping her arms around his neck, and he pulled her close, leaning down to kiss her.

  "I want you," he whispered, his mouth on hers. "I want you now, right here."

  Lydia's face flushed as he edged her back toward the vanity, a feeling of warmth pouring over her. "Now...?"

  "Yes, now. Everyone's gone."

  "But...."

  Tony shook his head, smiling as he started working her dress up. He slipped her panties off and lifted her up onto the counter, drawing her in with his eyes - eyes so dark, and so intense, she lost herself in them, drifting between fantasy and reality. She found herself remembering the time they'd gone to the plant next door and how much she'd wanted him, how she could think of nothing else. Now it was real. He was touching her, kissing her, unzipping his pants, the very sound…and then he was inside her, whispering her name.

  "Look at me, Lydia."

  She'd rested her head on his shoulder, but he wanted to see her eyes. He wanted all of her. Everything. "Look at
me."

  Lydia pulled back, doing as he asked, so close. Jesus, so close. Closer and closer. "Come with me, Lydia..." he said. "Now. Come with me now."

  Lydia swallowed and then gasped, as he took her further and further, and they came together as one, holding on to each other as if they would never let go, ever. And then there was just sweet exhaustion.

  "Oh God, Tony…what you do to me."

  Tony smiled, still trying to catch his breath as he stepped back and leaned against the wall, oblivious to the pain in his knees. He sighed. "Any time."

  It took Lydia a little while to get herself back together, longer than it did Tony, and when she came out, he was standing in the kitchen, staring out the window. He turned, and for a moment they just gazed at one another. Then Lydia walked over to the bar and poured a Scotch, sipping it as she looked at him again.

  He was smiling.

  She asked him why. "Aside from the obvious, I mean."

  Tony shrugged and shook his head. "Later."

  "No, tell me now. Please...."

  Tony hesitated, then walked over to the couch, motioning for her to come sit next to him. "I was just thinking about you and me going away for a while when this is all over. Just the two of us."

  Lydia smiled. "I’d like that. Do you have a particular place in mind?"

  Tony touched the side of her face, so soft, and so beau­tiful. "I don't know. Where's a good place for a honeymoon?"

  Tears welled up in Lydia's eyes. "Anywhere you are."

  "Will you come with me, then?"

  "Ask me," she said, her voice cracking. "I want you to ask me."

  Tony smiled faintly. "Do I have to get down on my knees?"

  Lydia shook her head, biting at her bottom lip.

  "Will you marry me, Lydia?"

  "Yes," she said, tears trickling down her cheeks. "Yes."

  Tony kissed her gently and promised to love her for as long as he lived. "Till the day I die," he whispered, holding her tight. Then he stood up slowly and reached for her hand. "Come on," he said. "It's time to go."

  Chapter Twenty-Four

  The first decision the two of them faced as an engaged couple was which car to take and who would drive. "I hate giving in," Lydia said, stomping her foot with her hand on her hip.

  "Well, that's a shame, because so do I."

  "Let's flip for it. Heads, my car. Tails, yours."

  Fair enough, Tony thought, reaching into his pocket. And didn't she win. She tossed him the keys.

  "Okay, my car, but you drive."

  Tony tossed them back and started around to the passenger side. "Nope. It's your car, you drive."

  "Why? You're the one that wanted it."

  "I was kidding."

  "Yeah, well, I took you seriously. Besides, my arm hurts when I have to shift."

  "Fine, then let's go in my car."

  "Tony, please," she pleaded, pouty lip and all. "You know why I hate your car. Don't make me go in it. Not tonight."

  He smiled, it was her pouty lip that made him give in. He took the keys and opened the door for her, then walked around to the driver's side, adjusted the seat back as far as it would go, and got in, glancing at her as he started the engine. It purred.

  Reed was waiting for them just inside the entrance of the Riverfront. With an exchange of smiles, the three of them passed under the nautical clock right on time.

  Bob Miller was seated at his usual table, a cozy one off in the corner overlooking the water. He rose from his chair when he spotted Lydia, working his lips back and forth in anticipation as she walked toward him. Then came Tony and Reed in tow.

  "Son of a bitch!" he muttered under his breath, and to Lydia, first a kiss on her cheek, then, "Aren't you allowed out alone?"

  Lydia glanced at Tony and Reed and rolled her eyes as they pulled up chairs and sat down. "I accidentally let it slip that I was meeting with you, and they insisted on being here. I think they think I'll fuck up without them."

  Reed looked away; he had to, to hide his smile, though Tony hardly seemed amused. He was already regretting being there, especially with Bob looking so intrigued by such an obscenity coming from her. Thus, the evening began.

  "Can I get you something from the bar?" a waitress asked.

  "Scotch," Lydia said. "No ice."

  "Wine, white wine."

  "Beer. Make it a draft."

  The waitress turned to Bob. "How about you, Mr. Miller? Ready for a refill?"

  He nodded from within a trance, as he stared at the plunging neckline of Lydia's dress.

  Tony shifted his weight to get his attention. "So what's this all about, Bob?"

  Bob glanced at him. "In a hurry, Tony?"

  Tony just looked at him.

  "Relax," Bob said and turned back to Lydia. "What happened to your arm?"

  Lydia sighed dramatically. "I'm not sure exactly. It hap­pened at the plant today. I guess I was in the wrong place at the right time. Luckily it's not serious."

  Tony drew a deep breath as Bob nodded sympathetically. "And how's your father?"

  "Not well. He really has me worried."

  "I'm sorry. That has to be an extra burden for you, trying to run the company."

  Reed cleared his throat. "Excuse me, but she's not exactly doing it on her own, if you don't mind my saying so. In fact, if the truth be known, she does very little."

  "Up yours," Lydia said, as if she' d heard that comment one time too many.

  "On your best day," Reed responded, all of which seemed quite entertaining to Bob.

  Tony sighed, annoyed at having to be a part of this. "What's this news you have for Lydia, Bob?" he asked.

  "Tony, Tony..." Bob said, his upper lip curling into a vicious sneer. "Always cutting to the chase, aren't you? Whether it's smart or not."

  Lydia darted her eyes from one to the other, wondering again about what they had against each other. Frankly, from what she could see in Tony's eyes, the fact that he was being civil at all surprised her immensely.

  "One more time, Bob," he said. "Why are we here?"

  Bob answered in a flippant tone, "For dinner mainly. And a little companionship. Not that I expected this much of it."

  Lydia chuckled, hoping to ease the tension, and thank God the waitress came over with their drinks.

  "I'll be back to take your order in a few minutes. The chef recommends the red snapper this evening."

  Lydia raised her glass to propose a toast - a toast to Bob, "And the strong shoulder you're allowing me to lean on tonight."

  Bob smiled and immediately his eyes went to her breasts, perhaps imagining her leaning on him literally. Reed just marveled. She'd led Bob that time, sure as can be.

  Tony wasn't marveling, though. They could leave right now as far as he was concerned.

  Lydia didn't have to be a mind reader to see that. Yet.... "Tell me, Bob," she said. "Do you know anything about the company next door?"

  Bob shook his head, still leering at her breasts, and appeared to reply only out of politeness. "No. Why?"

  Lydia purposely prolonged her reply, taking a sip of her drink and then faking a yawn. Make him wait. Make him wonder. "I sent them a letter the other day."

  "Oh?"

  Lydia nodded. "I was hung over when I dictated it, so I'm not real sure what I said exactly, but the damned place fascinates me."

  Bob raised his eyes. "Why?"

  "I don't know. But I asked them if they would be interested in selling the place. Of course that was before I found out that I'm practically broke."

  Bob leaned back in his chair, rubbing his fingers together, waiting for her to continue. When she didn't, opting for a sip of her drink instead, one of his eyes twitched several times.

  The signs were all too obvious to Lydia, obvious and revealing. "Only now I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should send them another one, begging them to buy me out."

  Bob's eye twitched again, contrary to the casual tone of his voice. "And what would be your price?"
r />   "My price...?" Lydia draped her arm across her chest to lend flavor. "I have no idea. Personally, I've been told I'm expensive. But the business, who knows. Ask one of them."

  Bob very reluctantly pulled his eyes away to look at Reed, who wasted no time in saying, "Rather than sell, I think she should open it up. I think she should sell shares."

  That got a reaction, nothing subtle either. "Accomplishing what?"

  "Time. It would give us time. And it would give us funds, so we could try to make a go of it."

  "Ever hear of beating a dead horse?"

  Lydia looked from one to the other and downed the rest of her drink. "I don't want to sell shares," she said, purposely making it sound as if she were siding with Bob. "I just want to sell period."

  Bob smiled rather victoriously, but turned away before Lydia could pick up on anything else. "Now let's order dinner. The red snapper sounds delicious, don't you think?"

  Lydia sighed. "Oh, I don't know. I'm really not one for fish, though I do love lobster and shrimp."

  Bob leaned over close and looked at her menu, as if it were different from his. "Then why don't you have both."

  Lydia smiled, doing her damnedest to ignore the glare they were getting from Tony. "Maybe I will. And maybe I'll sample some of your red snapper. I like trying new things every once in a while. Who knows, I might be missing out on something good."

  Bob worked his lips to one side of his mouth, looking like a cat about to pounce on an unsuspecting mouse, and in this state of euphoria, coupled with the mellowness of the bour­bon, he soon dropped his guard. "I came prepared to make you an offer this evening."

  Lydia felt like going for his throat, and it was the word "prepared" that triggered the urge. It had a signed-sealed-and-delivered sound to it. "Just to help me out?"

  "Yes. I feel it's the least I can do. As your father's friend, I should've...."

  The waitress came over to the table then, and Lydia ordered with a stiff smile. "The seafood is tempting, but I'm really in the mood for a steak. Rare, please, preferably with the heart still beating in it."

  The waitress turned to Tony. "And you, sir?"

  He glared at Lydia in answering. "I'll have the steak also. Only kill mine first, and make it medium."

  Reed ordered the same, minus the innuendo, and the waitress turned to Bob. "The steak also?"