“Do you like roller coasters?” Dolly said.
“I love them. You sure like motion rides, don’t you?”
“I never thought about it, but I guess I do. And especially now. Everything just feels so much more magnified.”
“I get that. I’m with you there. Oh. You know what would be fun? The haunted house.”
“Oh yeah. Let’s go there now.”
The line for the ride was long, and Dolly found herself lost in her thoughts. She wondered what the story was behind the others waiting. There were regular looking people there as well as hippies, with their long, braided hair and leather vests. She pondered what they would do if they knew she and Tommy were lovers. She didn’t think she looked like a lesbian, but was pretty certain Tommy did. But then, what did a lesbian actually look like? She supposed people thought most of them looked like men, but she knew better. Still, Tommy was masculine enough to draw attention to herself. Dolly questioned whether being seen with her the past few days had been such a good idea.
“Hey there,” Tommy said. “Are you with me?”
“Sorry. What were you saying?”
“I was just asking how scared these rides make you. You’re not going to have nightmares or anything, are you?”
“Oh no. I find them amusing, really. They make me laugh.”
“Good. Just checking.”
Finally, it was their turn to get on the ride. They climbed into the car and were locked in for the ride. Dolly loved the different colors on the old tapestries and thought the antique furniture would be wonderful to have. She had just settled in when an apparition popped out at them from behind a mirror. Dolly screamed and grabbed hold of Tommy. She relaxed against her and felt the familiar comfort of Tommy’s arms around her.
Suddenly, she came to her senses and sat up, putting some distance between herself and Tommy.
“What gives?” Tommy said.
“Nothing.”
“Something. You jumped away from me as if I was the ghost.”
“I just felt foolish,” Dolly lied. “I shouldn’t jump so much. It’s just a silly ride.”
“Okay,” Tommy said. “If you say so.”
Dolly relaxed and actually began to dig the green specters floating around her. She allowed herself to be mellow and completely enjoy the sensation of being stoned. She thought about Tommy telling her marijuana could make her paranoid. Even so, she was worried today. Maybe it was the marijuana, maybe not. But nothing changed how she felt. She was terrified that she and Tommy stuck out like sore thumbs.
When the ride ended, Dolly mustered up all her courage.
“Do you mind if we call it a day?” she said.
“What? We haven’t even had lunch yet. Why do you want to leave? Aren’t you having fun?”
“I am…”
“But?”
“But, I feel like people look at us and know we’re lesbians.”
“How is that even possible? We’re just a couple of young kids playing hooky and hanging out at an amusement park. No one would ever think you were a lesbian anyway.”
“You did.”
“That’s because I’m one. I meant straight people.”
“I don’t know, Tommy.”
“Look, if you’re not comfortable, we can leave. But you’ve been fine the past couple of days, so I’m telling you it’s the pot that’s making you paranoid. You should be able to reason with yourself.”
“I’ve tried. But it’s not that simple. I can’t turn off this fear burning in my stomach just because you say it’s because I’m stoned.”
“Let’s get you some food. Maybe that’ll take the edge off.”
“Fine. I’m willing to try.”
They went back to the beer garden and ordered burgers and fries. Dolly also had another glass of wine and Tommy ordered a beer. They sat quietly while they waited for their food. Tommy finally spoke.
“So, what’s on your mind now?”
“Nothing. Just relaxing and soaking up this lovely sunshine.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I can feel the sun entering each of my pores. It’s an amazing feeling.”
“Right on. I love feeling nature.”
“I know what you mean. It’s really groovy.”
“Now you’re talkin’,” Tommy said.
Dolly laughed. She realized she was using Tommy’s vernacular. It felt good. Tommy was a good person. Dolly knew that. She just questioned how bright it was to be seen hanging out with her.
The waiter arrived with two Monster Burgers and Dolly took a huge bite.
“Oh, my God. This is the best burger I’ve ever had!”
“Yep. Guaranteed to cure a hangover or whatever else ails you.”
Tommy looked pointedly at Dolly, her comment not lost on her. The burger should make all of her concerns dissipate? That’s what Tommy said. Dolly simply decided to enjoy her lunch and deal with any other issues as they came up.
She devoured the burger and felt more in control of her emotions. Suddenly, the idea of being seen with Tommy wasn’t the end of the world. The idea of the Tunnel of Love was still too much, but just spending a day with Tommy felt the same as any other day. It must have been the marijuana, she reasoned.
“So, you ready for that roller coaster?” Tommy said.
“You bet.”
They had to wait in yet another long line, but this time Dolly didn’t worry what people were thinking about her and Tommy. And if they did think things, who cared? She didn’t know anybody there, anyway. Unless she saw someone from the ship. But if she could handle having drinks with Tommy and Captain Finley, surely she could handle bumping in to anyone else.
The line seemed to be taking forever.
“We should have done another ride. This one is taking too long,” Dolly said.
“But this is the one you want to go on. The wait can’t be forever.”
Dolly was struck yet again at how sincerely caring Tommy was. She would do whatever was in her power to see that all Dolly’s wants were met. How had Dolly lucked out? How could she have known that one drink in a bar would have led to this? She couldn’t have known, obviously, but she was so grateful things had worked out so far. And after tomorrow? She wouldn’t let herself think about that. Not yet.
It was finally their turn. Dolly braced herself as she was buckled in. Sometimes roller coasters could be scarier than they appeared. She wanted to be ready for whatever it brought. The slow climb to the top only added to the apprehension. Her stomach was in knots by the time they reached the top of the first hill. And then they sped downward, around one corner and back the other way around another. It was exhilarating. The speed, the fresh air, it all made her feel alive.
And then there were the colors; the beautiful blending of colors as they sped past. It was as though God himself had left his palette out for them to see. She was mesmerized by the scenery. It was the most amazing sight she’d ever seen. She said a silent prayer, thanking whatever God there may be for introducing her to marijuana. She giggled out loud and threw her hands in the air, thoroughly enjoying herself.
Tommy looked over at her, a questioning look in her eyes. Dolly answered with a smile and a squeal. Tommy’s face burst into a huge smile, and they laughed together as the roller coaster wove its way around the track.
Dolly got off the ride with unsteady legs but a steady heart. She was as happy as she had been the past few days. She loved Tommy. She loved being with her and doing things with her. She was struck yet again at how Tommy had indulged Dolly’s every whim that day. Dolly felt it only fair to reciprocate.
“Why don’t we go on the Tunnel of Love?” she said.
“Are you serious?”
“I am. Why not?”
“Fine. Let’s do it.”
The line for that ride wasn’t as long and they simply had to wait for the previous riders to exit the ride before they got on.
“Oh, shit,” Dolly said.
“What?”
“Maybe he’ll think I’m a dude with long hair,” Tommy said.
“Oh, God. I hope so. He’s gone now. Oh wow, Tommy. That was too close.”
“It really was. I’m sorry. I should have listened to you and not gone on this ride.”
“I made the decision,” Dolly said. “It was up to me and I chose to go on it.”
Dolly realized they were holding up the line and turned to climb into one of the little boats. Tommy had to help her, as her legs were shaking, but she got in and sat down. Tommy sat next to her. Dolly could feel her warmth radiating from her, even without her touch. But she wanted her touch. She craved it. She made up her mind this would be the last ride of the day. She wanted to go back to the motel. She needed some private time with Tommy. She relaxed and enjoyed the ride, having convinced herself that Martinez hadn’t seen her.
The ride ended and Tommy stretched. Dolly took in that lean, lithe body and had to fight from wrapping her arms around her right there. She knew better, of course, but the temptation was still strong.
“So, where to now?” Tommy said.
“Back to the motel.”
“Already? It’s still early. There’s still lots to do here.”
“But there’s lots to do at the motel, too.” She hoped her look would convey her meaning.
“There is? Oh. There is,” A slow smile spread across Tommy’s face. “Still, we don’t have to leave right now, do we?”
“We don’t have to, but I’d sure like to.”
“Right on. I get your drift. Let’s boogie.”
Dolly laughed out loud.
“What’s so funny?” Tommy said.
“You’re just such a hippie.”
“How so?”
“Your choice of language is so different from mine. Not that that’s a bad thing. It’s just different.”
“Different is good. It’s what makes the world go round.”
“I like that,” Dolly said.
They arrived back at the motel and Dolly immediately stripped out of her clothes.
“Whoa, sister. Easy does it,” Tommy said.
“I want you, Tommy. I want you with every ounce of my being. I can’t wait another moment. I need you now.”
Tommy smiled at her with a twinkle in her eye.
“I love your body,” she said.
“And it loves you.”
Dolly crossed over to the bed and lay on it while Tommy hurriedly undressed. She liked to watch Tommy undress, uncovering an inch or two of flesh with each movement. And Dolly couldn’t wait to feel that flesh against hers.
Tommy was finally in bed with her and Dolly wrapped her arms and legs around her, pulling her close, needing that contact.
“Oh, God, Tommy. I can’t stand to be away from your body.”
“I wish we didn’t have to hide our love in public,” Tommy said. “I’d love to have my arm around you or hold your hand wherever we went.”
“Not in this lifetime, I’m afraid.”
“I don’t know. I think free love is the first step.”
“Maybe, but that’s only practiced by a few, and they’re on the fringes of society.”
“You’d be surprised. I bet more mainstream women are lesbians than you’d imagine.”
“Again, maybe, but they’ll keep that part of themselves private. They won’t show their love for all to see.”
“I don’t know,” Tommy said.
“At any rate,” Dolly said, “I’m tired of talking. Make love to me.”
“Gladly.”
Tommy kissed Dolly passionately, hard enough to convey her frustration with the limitations on their love. Dolly kissed her back with the same fervor, feeling Tommy’s frustrations and sharing her own. As their tongues danced, Dolly felt the familiar pulsing at her center. She was already ready for Tommy. Of course, when was she not? And knowing that Tommy could take her to places she’d never been only caused more moisture to flow.
As they kissed, Tommy moved her hand down to cup one full breast. She kneaded it slowly yet meaningfully, coaxing Dolly’s nipple to attention. She bent her head and sucked on her nipple while she worked her hand between Dolly’s legs.
Dolly spread her legs and reveled in the feelings Tommy was creating. She could feel her clit swelling by the second, begging to be touched, but Tommy instead plunged her fingers inside. Dolly arched her hips to meet each thrust, moving them in circles to make Tommy touch all over inside her. She loved it when Tommy fucked her like this. It felt so carnal, so animalistic. She tried to hold out, but couldn’t. She felt herself clamping over Tommy’s fingers as her first few orgasms cascaded over her. She lay back to catch her breath, but Tommy clearly had other ideas.
Tommy slid her fingers out from inside Dolly and moved them to her clit, which she rubbed hard and fast. Dolly dug her fingernails into Tommy’s back. Tommy slowed down and eased up on the pressure.
“Huh?” Dolly said. “Why did you stop?”
“I want to drag it out a little, let you enjoy it longer.”
“I don’t need to enjoy it longer. I just need to come. Please, Tommy.”
Tommy went back to rubbing fast and hard again, and Dolly felt the familiar dizziness as her head seemed to spin with myriad feelings. Finally, Dolly focused all her energy on Tommy’s fingers and her clit and she felt the wall break as one climax after another poured over her.
Chapter Twelve
It took Dolly no time to regain her strength, and with it, her desire to please Tommy. She loved everything about Tommy, from her sinewy body to her thick, full hair, to her unique flavor. There was nothing not to like. She was the full package, the real deal. And she was Dolly’s.
Dolly kissed her hard on her mouth, moving her tongue inside with an authority usually foreign to her. She needed to convey to Tommy how much she meant to her, how much her very existence enlightened Dolly’s world. Dolly rolled on top of Tommy and ground into her, using every method possible to let Tommy know she was desired.
“My baby’s ready to love me up, huh?” Tommy said.
“Oh God, yes. I want to have you every which way I can.”
“Far be it from me to argue with that.”
“Good. What do you want, Tommy? Tell me what your deepest, darkest desire is so I can fulfill it for you.”
Tommy lay quiet for a moment before she replied.
“Just to have you, baby. That’s it. That’s all I need is to have you with me.”
Dolly wasn’t sure she believed her. A woman as worldly as Tommy? Surely she had fantasies beyond what Dolly could think of.
“Are you sure? Don’t be shy. You’re not going to shock me. Be honest. Tell me your fantasies.”
“Baby, believe me, twisted sex and fancy fantasies are nothing compared to true, honest loving with the one you love. And you’re the one I love and all I want is for you to make love to me.”
“Okay, because that is exactly what I’m going to do.”
She kissed her again and brought her knee up to her center. It never ceased to amaze her how aroused Tommy got for her. She loved her so much and it blew her mind that Tommy felt the same way.
Dolly made her way down Tommy’s body, stopping to suck on a nipple as she did. She moved her hand between Tommy’s legs and stroked her swollen clit. She loved how slick it was, how warm and wet Tommy was. She had to taste her.
She moved her hand up to Tommy’s nipple. She coated it in her juices and sucked it harder. She finally released her grip on it and replaced her mouth with her fingers. She tugged and twisted the nipple as she kissed lower and left a trail down Tommy’s stomach. She knew she was teasing Tommy by going so slowly, but she was teasing herself, as well. She needed to taste her, to devour her essence, but she was making herself wait. She licked Tommy’s belly button, enjoying the feel of it against her tongue. When she could stand it no more, she sli
d between Tommy’s legs.
She sucked on Tommy’s clit while her fingers continued to play with her nipple. She felt Tommy’s hand on the back of her head and flicked her tongue over her clit.
“Oh yeah, baby. That’s what I need,” Tommy said.
Dolly sucked harder on her clit as she licked all the juices off it.
“Oh God, yes. That feels so good.”
Dolly loved pleasing Tommy. It aroused her, to be sure, but there was more to it. So much more. It gave her a sense of purpose, a reason for being. Loving Tommy was what she was made to do. Regardless of anything else in her life, she knew this to be true.
She continued her focus on Tommy’s clit until Tommy finally arched into her, then collapsed onto the bed, spent.
“Baby, you’re amazing,” Tommy said. “You sure know what you’re doing.”
“It’s easy. I just follow your lead. Your body lets me know what you want and when you want it. Isn’t that what making love is all about?”
“I suppose it is. Now get up here and let me cuddle with you.”
Dolly was happy to move into Tommy’s arms. She felt them encircle her and felt safe and warm.
“I don’t know about you,” Tommy said. “But I’m famished again.”
“I just ate,” Dolly said, then blushed.
Tommy laughed.
“That was very clever. And just a touch crude.”
“I’m sorry.”
“Don’t be. Nothing wrong with a touch of crudeness on occasion. It’s not like you walk around hocking loogies or scratching your pussy in public.”
Dolly laughed out loud.
“Of course not.”
“Then don’t worry about making off-color jokes in the bedroom with me, okay?”
“Okay.”
She snuggled closer, absorbing Tommy’s warmth. She ran her hand over Tommy’s body just to assure herself that she was really there and that this was really real. Sometimes it seemed like the past few days had been a dream. But it wasn’t. Tommy was real.
“So about that dinner situation?” Tommy said.
“We’ll need to shower. Then, what are you in the mood for?”
“I don’t know. It’s hard now to think about food because I’m thinking about showering with you.”
Love on Liberty Page 11
