“Good. For now, let’s go to sleep.”
Dolly backed in to Tommy and felt her arms encircle her. She knew it had been the marijuana that had made her so paranoid, because with Tommy’s arms around her, she knew she was in the right place.
Dolly woke in the morning and, as usual, Tommy was still sound asleep. Dolly put on slacks and a jacket and went for a walk along the water. She knew Tommy would lecture her when she got back, but what was she supposed to do? Sit around and wait for Tommy to wake up? That would be much too boring.
Dolly walked to the piers and saw the ship she would be leaving on the next day. Grief overcame her at the reality that she would actually be leaving Tommy. She would be back to her regimented life. There would be no more long, slow kisses, no more late night lovemaking. There would be no more Tommy.
The tears came unabated. She was at a loss to stop them. She didn’t even try. The cool air helped dry them as she made her way back to the motel and by the time she reached it, she was sure Tommy wouldn’t be able to tell she’d been crying.
Tommy was just waking up when she let herself in.
“Where have you been?” Tommy said.
“I went for a walk.”
“Yeah? Are you okay? You look like you’ve been crying.”
“Maybe a little.”
“What’s up? Talk to me.”
“Nothing. I just got a little emotional on my walk. That’s all.”
“What about?” Tommy said.
“Tomorrow.”
“Ah, yes. Tomorrow. I refuse to think about that right now. I want only to focus on making today the best damned day it can be. Tomorrow will be here soon enough. Let’s not let it get here any sooner.”
“I love the way you think.”
“And I love you. I hate to see you sad.”
“I can’t help it. I don’t want to say good-bye to you, Tommy.”
“Well, you’re not saying good-bye to me yet. What do you want to do today?”
“Be with you,” Dolly said.
“That’s a given. What else?”
“I don’t know. You’d mentioned an aquarium. That might be fun. I’d also just like to see the town a little. You know, downtown and all that.”
“We could do that. I’ll take you on a walking tour.”
“That sounds like fun,” Dolly said.
“Great. Let’s hit the shower.”
They took a shower together and Tommy washed Dolly tenderly and lovingly. She didn’t do anything sexual, which Dolly was okay with. She just wanted to feel Tommy’s hands on her. She simply needed Tommy’s touch.
After the shower, they caught a cab downtown and the day started with breakfast at a café across from city hall.
“Do you really have to take cabs everywhere you go?” Dolly couldn’t imagine not having her own means of transportation at home.
“I have a van at the commune. I thought about going to get it several times this week, but didn’t want to be away from you long enough to do that.”
“A van?” Dolly laughed. “I should have known.”
“What? I’m a hippie through and through.”
“I forget that sometimes. Sometimes, I think you’re just Tommy.”
“I am Tommy. And Tommy’s a hippie and you really shouldn’t ever forget that.”
“I suppose that’s true.”
Dolly was silent after that, lost in her thoughts about the differences between herself and Tommy. Again, she questioned what she was doing. How long would they be able to last with her halfway around the world fighting in a war that Tommy was so dead set against? And how long would Tommy be willing to put up with her fighting in that war?
“Baby?” Tommy said. “You ready to order?”
“I’m sorry. No. Give me another minute please?”
She focused on the menu in front of her and was ready when the waitress came back.
“So tell me what I’m seeing,” Dolly said as she looked out the window.
“You’re seeing city hall and all its administrative buildings. Off to the right, you’re seeing Seaview Square. It’s like a gathering place for the townsfolk. You know, they have the town Christmas tree there and you can always see people reading or whatnot. Down the road a ways you can make out one of the major shopping centers in town, the Seaview Mall.”
“You’d make a great tour guide,” Dolly said.
“Thanks. I know my way around the place, that’s for sure.”
“You do. I can’t imagine you spending that much time in this area.”
“Sure. We protest in front of city hall all the time. We’ve sat in at Seaview Square before. And, well, everyone should know where the local mall is.”
She laughed, but Dolly didn’t laugh with her. Protests. Sit-ins. All so foreign to her.
“What?” Tommy said. “Don’t you think everyone should know where the local mall is?”
“Yes,” Dolly said. “I was just thinking about the rest of what you said.”
“Ah. The protests and sit-ins? Again, baby. I’m a hippie. You know that. You’ve known that since I first walked up to you on that ship.”
“I know. I know. It’s just sometimes it’s so hard to see you that way. As I said, I only see Tommy when I look at you.”
“But that’s who Tommy is. Baby, are you having second thoughts?”
“I don’t know. I’m having all kinds of worries. I don’t know if I’d call them second thoughts, though.”
“You need to be perfectly honest with me,” Tommy said. “Don’t keep any feelings from me. Your feelings affect me in a huge way, so you need to share them with me.”
“I’m sorry. I’ll do better about that.”
“Thanks. So tell me about your worries.”
“Just the usual. Me in a war you don’t believe in, you here protesting a war I’m sacrificing my life for. It doesn’t make sense logically.”
“Love knows no logic,” Tommy said.
“I suppose that’s true.”
“You don’t sound convinced. Come on. Let’s walk.”
Tommy paid the bill and they walked over to the square. They found an empty park bench and sat.
“Tell me, Dolly. Are we going to make this work or not?”
“It’s not up to just me. It’s a two-way street.”
“You know I’m dedicated to making it work.”
“Are you? Are you really?” Dolly said. “Are you one hundred percent okay that I’m going off to fight in a war you’re so dead set against?”
“Dolly, I wouldn’t be fine with you fighting in any war. I’ll be worried sick about you every moment until you come home to me. The fact that you’re fighting in a war I hate so vehemently isn’t good, but you signed up for it before you knew me. There’s nothing we can do about it at this point.”
“I know. And then there’s you at the commune. Do you realize that if I did come back here, I’d have no way to get hold of you? What should I do? Stand in the middle of this square and yell your name?”
Tommy laughed.
“I’m serious,” Dolly said. “I don’t know where you live. I don’t know where to send mail. I don’t know how to get hold of you in case of an emergency.”
“That’s part of the joy of living on a commune. We live in our own society, outside of society’s norms. I have a PO box if you want to send me letters. I have no phone, though. And I really want to take you to the commune this afternoon so you can see it.”
“I suppose that makes sense. Me seeing the commune, I mean. I just know I’m going to wonder about every woman I see.”
“What do you mean?”
“I’m going to wonder if you’ve slept with them.”
“Baby, not every woman on the commune likes women. A lot of the free love is between the men and women. Granted, I’ve been with a few women, but there’s no guarantee you’re going to see them.”
“There’s no guarantee I’m not,” Dolly said.
“I suppose that’s
true.”
“So I’ll wonder.”
“I think you’re just going to make it harder on yourself if you do.”
“Why don’t you tell me then?”
“What? You want me to introduce you and say, ‘I slept with her’?”
“Not like that. You know what I mean,” Dolly said.
“No, I’m not sure I do, but I’ll try.”
“You don’t have to do it when you introduce them.”
“Well, I know that. I was being facetious, but I’m not really sure how to do it.”
“I don’t know. We’ll think of something.”
“I suppose we will. Besides, like I said, you may not even see anyone I’ve been with.”
They sat quietly for a few minutes while Dolly steeled herself to the idea that she was really going to the commune. It was exciting and terrifying. She wanted to see where Tommy lived and how Tommy lived. But to be surrounded by hippies? These were people she’d been told her whole life were bad people who were dirty freeloaders and violent protesters. The concept that she would interact with them scared her. But Tommy was one. And she was one of the leaders of the group. Maybe these were different kinds of hippies. Dolly hoped.
“Did you want to check out the mall?” Tommy interrupted her thoughts.
“I love to shop,” Dolly said.
“Great. Let’s go.”
Dolly tried to put aside her maudlin thoughts and get herself in a good mood to hit the stores, but it wasn’t easy. She was having a hard time enjoying herself. What had Tommy said? Tomorrow would come soon enough? She needed to hold onto that and just have a good time with Tommy now.
They walked into one of the nation’s top department stores. It was prom season and all the dresses were on display.
“You’d look great in one of those.” Tommy whispered in Dolly’s ear.
“Thank you for that vote of confidence, but I don’t think so.”
“Please try one on. Please? For me?”
Dolly thought Tommy was crazy. Why on earth would she want to see her in one of those dresses? She looked at the dresses and then back at Tommy, where she could see pleading in her eyes.
“Okay. Fine. Which one?”
“This one.” Tommy handed her a green shimmering strapless number.
“This one? Are you sure?”
“Baby, I’m positive. Let’s find a dressing room.”
“You’re not coming in with me,” Dolly said.
“Why not? I’m just a friend helping you look at a dress.”
“Oh my God, Tommy. You’re incorrigible.”
“Thank you.”
Dolly took the dress and they found the dressing rooms. She walked into the spacious area with Tommy right behind her. She kept her focus on Tommy’s eyes in the mirror. She stripped out of her clothes while Tommy looked on appreciatively.
“Don’t forget your bra,” Tommy said.
“I won’t.”
Dolly took it off, and Tommy was immediately pressed into her back, her hands around her grabbing her breasts.
“Tommy!” Dolly whispered.
“What?” Tommy laughed. She continued to tease Dolly until her nipples were sticking straight up.
“Oh my God. I can barely stand now,” Dolly said. “I knew this was a bad idea.”
“I could suggest the dress would fit better without underwear.”
“No way,” Dolly said. “I know better than to fall for that now.”
She slipped the dress over her head and Tommy zipped it for her. She had to admire herself in the mirror. She looked damned good.
“Baby, you look amazing.” Tommy nuzzled her neck. “I want to buy you this dress and have you wear it to dinner tonight.”
Dolly looked down at her cleavage, which threatened to burst out of the dress.
“You don’t think it’s too much?”
“Too much? I think it’s perfect. You’re so fucking beautiful, Dolly. I love your body and can’t wait to have it again.”
“Where on earth would we go to dinner that I could wear this?”
“There’s a very formal restaurant here called Top of the Tower. This dress will be perfect.”
“What will you wear?”
“I’ll find a suit in menswear.”
“You sure?”
“Sure I’m sure. On second thought, I won’t make it a suit. Just slacks and a jacket. Don’t worry. We’ll be fine.”
“If you insist.”
“I do. Now come on, let’s get some clothes for me so we can check out.”
They found clothes for Tommy and she paid for them and Dolly’s dress. She didn’t even let Dolly see the price tag. Dolly had gotten used to this over the past few days. She had no idea how much Tommy had spent on her. She was grateful, though and hoped Tommy knew that.
“You do know how much I appreciate everything you’ve done for me this week,” she said.
“Don’t even think about it. As you know, I have the means to take care of you and I love doing it.”
“I know. But I still want you to know. I don’t want you to think I’m taking you for granted.”
“I know you’re not. You don’t need to worry.”
“Okay. Thanks.”
They wandered in and out of the other shops. Dolly found trinkets in some that she bought and Tommy had her try on clothes in others. They didn’t buy any more clothes. Tommy just seemed to like making out in the dressing rooms. Dolly didn’t mind herself, if she was honest.
After several hours, Dolly had seen every store in the mall and pleaded fatigue.
“I’ve done all I can do. I’ve bought all I need to buy. Let’s go relax for a bit.”
Chapter Fifteen
The day was still young when they got back to their motel. Tommy held the door open for Dolly, whose arms were laden with bags.
“Did you have fun?” Tommy asked.
“I had a great time. I told you. I love to shop.”
“And shop you did. I don’t think I’ve ever seen someone shop with such voraciousness.”
“Now you’re embarrassing me.”
“Don’t be embarrassed. It’s charming. Just like everything you do.”
“Aw. Thank you.”
Dolly loved the little things Tommy said to her that made her feel so special, so loved.
“I think you should try on that strapless dress again,” Tommy said.
“If I try that on, it’s going to end up a pile on the floor and then I won’t be able to wear it tonight. You just be patient.”
“But I want you now.”
“And you can’t have me unless I’m wearing that dress?”
Dolly relaxed on the bed. She leaned back on an elbow and looked at Tommy.
“No,” Tommy said. “I want you no matter what you’re wearing. I just thought how much fun it would be to peel that dress off you.”
“And that’s exactly what you will do tonight.”
“Mm.” Tommy lay down next to Dolly. “And for now?”
“For now, you may take me as I am.”
“Sounds good to me. Let’s get out of these clothes.”
Dolly stood and stripped. She loved taking her clothes off in front of Tommy. She always seemed so appreciative.
“You’re so fuckin’ foxy,” Tommy said.
“Thank you.” Dolly blushed.
Tommy stood before her, her lithe body looking inviting. Dolly stepped into her arms. At first they simply held each other, Dolly reveling in the strength of Tommy’s arms. Eventually, Tommy tilted Dolly’s face up to hers and kissed her. She moved her tongue slowly around Dolly’s mouth. The kiss made Dolly’s toes curl.
“Let’s lie down,” Dolly said.
They lay down together and limbs entwined with limbs, tongues with tongues as they sought to hold on to the passion that raged between them. Dolly was dizzy with need as they moved together on the bed. She cried out loud when Tommy finally granted her release.
“That was amazing,
Tommy.”
“That really was special, wasn’t it?”
Dolly ran her hand between Tommy’s legs.
“I’m fine, baby,” Tommy said.
“How is that possible?”
“I came when you did.”
“You did?” Dolly asked.
“It was so intense. And when you came, I did, too. That’s never happened to me before.”
“Wow. That’s really cool.”
“I thought so.”
They lay together on the bed. Dolly felt like a pile of noodles. She didn’t think her bones would ever come back.
“We should shower,” Tommy said.
“Why?”
“I don’t want to get to the commune too late.”
Dolly’s stomach cramped at the thought. She was terrified of seeing the commune. And even though Tommy said it wasn’t a giant orgy, she knew she’d look at every woman and wonder if they’d been together. There was a cold fist clamping her insides. She didn’t want to go.
On the other hand, it was only fair to see where Tommy lived, how Tommy lived. She had no idea what a commune was like. None whatsoever. She’d never been to one and had never paid much attention if she ever heard anyone talk about them, which was infrequently. She might have heard some of her shipmates bad-mouthing communes, but she’d never listened too closely.
And it was important to Tommy. That was the bottom line. It was important to Tommy so it was important to her.
“Okay,” she finally said. “Let’s go get in the shower.”
In the shower, their lovemaking continued, with Tommy slowly caressing Dolly until she floated through another orgasm.
“You’re so amazing at that,” Dolly said.
“You’re easy to love.”
“Lucky me.”
“Lucky us.”
Dolly laughed and quickly finished her shower. They got dressed and Tommy held her arms straight out and rested her hands on Dolly’s shoulders.
“Baby, I know this isn’t easy for you,” she said. “But I want you to know how much I appreciate this. I think it’s important.”
“I know it’s important, Tommy. I really do. But you’re right. It’s hard for me.”
“But it’s where I live. Aren’t you even mildly curious about that? I know I’d love to see where you call home. Especially in Atlanta. It would be wonderful to see where little Dolly grew up. But even now. I’d like to see your place. How is it decorated? You know, things like that.”
Love on Liberty Page 14
