Houseboat

by Paul Shadinger

  We have never made love since. However, because of that incident we became even better friends. I even had one lady break up with me because of our friendship. My lady friend couldn’t believe that Sharon and I could be so tight and not be continuously doing the big nasty. And in the end, she didn’t want to share.

  I’ve wondered what it would be like to make love with her again, but I have a feeling it might be a price I didn’t want to pay. As I said, we have never done it again. We joke about it at times, but we now are much more protective of each other.

  Chapter 9

  One of my favorite restaurants is right down in the midst of the docks on Lake Union where pleasure craft are moored. The restaurant is called Tony’s Hidden Harbor and to reach Tony’s it’s necessary to walk down a long flight of stairs from street level until you reach a small waiting area at the dock. Tony’s bar is located directly behind the waiting area and it looks like a cave that has been carved out from under the street above. The bar is dark with a nautical motif and is an excellent place to hang out. The drinks are large and not that expensive. The dinner tables are dotted around the docks and because there are yachts tied around you, it’s always a fun experience. Eating there has never fails to lift my spirits. Tonight’s visit was no exception.

  As a youth, I spent the majority of my summers on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound. As you can imagine, I’ve spent a good part of my life on, or around, boats. I’ve always found it relaxing sitting on the docks, eating among the boats, and watching them shift as they creak and moan in their slips from the wakes of other passing boats.

  Dinner, as always, was good, and as we sat and ate, it seemed that we were laughing a lot. I could tell Sharon was trying very hard to bring me out of the dumps. At one point, Sharon actually slipped her shoe off and with her foot, started to massage the front of my pants under the table. I quickly reached under the table and removed her foot. It would be very embarrassing to try to walk out of a restaurant with a tent sticking out of the front of my trousers. She giggled.

  Sharon asked me if I had any theories as to who would want Slim dead. I thought for a while and then responded that if he had made a habit of giving people problems like the one he gave me, then I could see why many people might want him dead. I really didn’t mean it, but I was still a little upset how he had dumped his houseboat on me.

  “What are you going to do about the houseboat?” Sharon asked.

  “That’s an excellent question, babe. First off, I don’t know exactly what proof I have that it’s mine. Several days after I won the thing, Scott started the transferring of the title and all the rest of the paperwork. But I have no idea where it stands legally. I know Scott sent Slim papers to sign and then Scott was to file them. At this point, I don’t know what Slim did with his paperwork. I have no idea if he turned his papers in to his attorney for review, or what he’s done so far.

  “The reason I went to the houseboat was because he was going to give me any final paperwork he had received from his lawyers. I guess at that point it was what I’d need to show the houseboat was mine.” I hung my head, shook it, and continued, “I hope I don’t have to get statements from the others at the game, and end up having to file a claim against his estate. That would seem rather tacky, because it makes me out as some sort of a gold digger or whatever...you know.” I shrugged my shoulders, shook my head, and continued, “I’m beginning to feel just about ready to bag the entire thing, and let his estate deal with it. About the only good thing that came out of all this, if you can call it good, was while the police are still investigating the murder they said that we couldn’t move the houseboat. Period!”

  Sharon smiled at me, and asked, “What does the houseboat look like?”

  “It’s really cute. I think you would find it adorable.” A thought occurred to me, “Now that I think about it, it seems odd that Slim lived there.” Sharon frowned and shook her head, confused. “No. Really, it’s true. Let me try and explain. I just realized the strange part of this thing with the houseboat is I really can’t see Slim living there.” Since the thought had never occurred to me before that moment I was treading water. I went on, “It’s like he just didn’t seem the type who’d live on a houseboat, especially one that looked like that. Ralph told me at one time Slim was worth a lot of money, but he didn’t know how much. Also, the thing was...well, the houseboat wasn’t his taste…I mean the houseboat isn’t a dump by any means, but he could’ve afforded better, a lot better from what I understand. Plus, I could see him living in a log cabin before I could see him in the houseboat. Does that make sense?” Sharon nodded. “Anyway, after we finished the game he mentioned that he was heading back to the southwest somewhere. I believe he said New Mexico. He really looked like someone from that neck of the woods. That houseboat isn’t Tex-Mex in any way, shape or form.”

  “Okay, I am curious now. Can we drive by the place after dinner?”

  “I guess so, but I don’t know if we can walk onboard. I think the police still have the area roped off. Finish up and we’ll see.”

  She asked me what I thought my chances were on finding a new slip to tie up the houseboat. I told her what Scott had told me that morning, and added, “It doesn’t look good. Most people find a slip and then go have a contractor build their home. You don’t go buy a home and then try to find a place to tie it up. Or, when you sell a houseboat the slip goes with the thing, like a package deal.”

  “Well, if there’s anyone creative enough to do it, I know it will be you. I’m not worried.” Sharon smiled at me.

  “I wish I had your confidence. The way Scott makes it sound, I might just have to tow it out to Puget Sound and let it float away. Thanks anyway for the vote.”

  After I paid our check, instead of heading back to our apartments, I drove over to the parking lot in front of the marina where the houseboat was moored. When I pulled up, I saw a uniformed police officer standing at the front of the dock, and another officer sitting in a squad car in the far end of the parking lot. I just pulled through the lot while the officer in the car stared at me. Since I didn’t want to deal with them this evening I decided to head for home.

  I stopped the elevator on Sharon’s floor to let her off. Before she left, she reached up and kissed my cheek. She didn’t let go right away but instead kept her arms around my neck and looked into my eyes, “You still look like you need a friend. You’re welcome to spend the night. Nothing expected, just someone to curl up with to ward off the night dragons.” I kissed her forehead, thanked her, told her I would be just fine and then I pushed her off the elevator. The elevator took me on up to my place.

  As soon as the door opened, BJ came barreling at me, and started pawing at my shoes. I knew what that meant. See, she has me very well trained, right? I changed my jacket and shoes, and then took her out for a walk. The damp night was turning cold, and after a while, I wanted to return to the warmth of the apartment. I tried to encourage BJ not to turn this into a major career move but she had other ideas. Finally, in desperation I picked her up and carried her back to the apartment.

  After I had locked up the back door and tried sitting in the front room, I found I was still restless. I decided I didn’t want anything more to drink, so I put on a couple of different CDs to see if music would help. Eventually I just ended up just sitting in the dark staring out over the lake.

  When I tried to go to bed, the images of Slim tied to the chair with his chin on his chest were still waiting for me. I got up, and slipped on some sweats. Twice I walked to the elevator before I eventually got on and rode down to Sharon’s floor.

  When I got off the elevator I saw there was a light on in her hallway. I went to her bedroom door and gently knocked. I heard her sexy chuckle, and she told me to come in.

  BJ headed straight for the big stuffed chair next to her bed, jumped up on it, turned around twice, and then settled in for the night. Sharon flipped back the covers
and I saw her flawless naked body between the sheets. She smiled up at me, and asked, “What took you so long to ride down here? Did ya get lost?”

  I guess there’s a reason why everyone considers her such a damn good nurse. Sharon knows exactly what is needed. As I lay there with my head against her breasts, cradled in her arms and engulfed by her sweet perfume, I didn’t know if the tears forming in my eyes were from gratitude that I wasn’t alone, or for poor Ol’ Slim. I finally decided it didn’t matter. At that moment lying in her arms I just felt safe, comfortable, and totally secure.

  Those dragons were going to have to find someone else to prey on tonight.

  Chapter 10

  At first, I thought it was the sun shining through the gaps between the blinds that had woken me. That is, until I opened one eye and found myself face-to-muzzle with BJ. As soon as she realized I was awake, her pink tongue shot out, and she zapped me a few times on the nose to greet me.

  The bed didn’t feel familiar and for a moment, I was disoriented. Other than BJ, nothing seemed right. Slowly, the memory of my nocturnal visit started to come back. I reached behind me, and to my dismay, I felt an empty bed.

  Laying there, my mind continued to clear and I became aware of my surroundings. I heard a shower running, and Sharon was humming a strange tune. I thought about getting out of the bed and sneaking up to my place, but instead, I decided to wait until she finished her shower. I wanted to thank her for putting up with me last night.

  Finally, I heard the shower finish, the shower door open, and then bang shut. In a few minutes she came striding into the bedroom with just a towel wrapped around her damp hair. As I gazed at her naked body, her amazing form once again impressed me. Her breasts sat high and firm with light coral nipples. You wouldn’t consider her shape to be hourglass but I don’t believe you would consider her Rubenesque either. Her normally pale pubic patch was still dark from being damp from her shower and I enjoyed looking at her.

  I coughed softly so as not to startle her, and she turned to me. I sheepishly looked up at her, and murmured, “Good morning.”

  “Sorry, Matt, if I woke you up. I needed to get ready to leave,” she informed me, and she sounded genuinely sorry she had to go.

  “No, it wasn’t you. It was my other alarm clock. BJ was my alarm.” I paused a moment, looking for the right words. “Ha...look...I don’t know where to start...but...well, about last night...”

  She put her fists on her hips, and smiled down at me, “Stop!” She leaned over, reached forward and briefly caressed my cheek. “Look, let’s just say I owed you one from the time I barged in and forced myself on you. You’ve been in the dumps the past few days...and...actually, I was very pleased you came back, and allowed me to help.” As she spoke, she pulled the towel from her head, and started drying the ends of her hair.

  “Sharon, it was more than that. I’m not in the habit of showing my emotions, like I did last night. I guess I’m a bit embarrassed, and I feel a need to explain or apologize or...”

  She stopped drying her hair, turned to face me, and her fists returned to her waist. She wasn’t exactly angry with me, but I could tell she wasn’t pleased with me either. “Damn it Matt, just like a man, don’t ever let them see you cry! Right?”

  Her voice softened and she took a step towards me, “First, you don’t owe me any apology. Second, you’re a real dummy! Do you have a clue how good it made me feel you’d trust me enough to come down here last night? That you would allow me to comfort you?” She paused, I didn’t know what to say. Finally, she continued, “After what you did for me that one night, I’ve always felt I owed you something...ha...something I didn’t know if...or even how, I could repay. Now I feel we’re...well...like kinda even, or something.” She sat down beside me, and put her hand back on my cheek. I turned my head and kissed her palm. I could smell the fragrance of her shampoo on her hand. Her voice became a whisper, “You know I’d have made love with you last night if you’d wanted?”

  I smiled and nodded, “I know! And thank you, but the last time we did that, it put a bit of a scare in me. All the times before we were together it was like...well...just fucking...the last time we really connected and it was great...actually beyond that.” I stopped and waited a second before I continued. “Well, I’ve wondered if it would be...could be...like that again and...what if it wasn’t and…” She put her hand over my mouth.

  Her voice had a smile in it and her words warmed me. “Yes, it was very good. I understand what you mean. Maybe it was too good, if there is such a thing.” I got a really cute grin with that remark. With her hand still on my cheek she continued, “You’re a very special man. I, too, treasure our friendship, and it’s even more special because you’re so careful not to confuse sex with anything else. You’re a true friend. I needed help that night I barged in on you.”

  When I tried to speak, she again put her hand on my lips, and said, “I was hurt. I was angry and I feel you gave me everything I needed. Without question, I knew I could trust you completely. I knew you would hold me and I would be safe with you. And then the next morning I needed something else...and...well, you helped me there, too. That was even more special.

  “Last night I was able to repay part of what I feel I owe you. Friends are like that. I’ve seen you at your worst and at your best, and still we’re friends. Last night, if you had told me you wanted, or needed to make love, I would have, because I’d have wanted to as well. Because you needed, or wanted it, is the same as if I wanted or needed it. You know, in several ways I can say I love you. I know I feel more for you than I ever felt for my lousy ex. Anyway, this is way too heavy talk for this time of day. I have to run.” She glanced at the clock sitting next to the bed, “Oh shit! I’m really late now.”

  Sharon leaned forward and kissed me. I reached out and pulled her down to me, wrapping my arms around her in a big hug. She squirmed and I heard her murmur against my chest she needed to get going, but I held her anyway, for a long time. She stopped trying to pull away and I could feel her damp hair resting against my cheek. The feeling of her naked body tight against mine brought me to a full erection. After a while it was all I could do to push her away. I told her she had to leave, now! She reached down between my legs and gently grabbed my firmness. With a very sexy chuckle she uttered, “Boy, am I glad to see this, I was starting to worry that I’d lost my touch.”

  I laughed and told her if she didn’t move out now, all bets were off. As she dressed, I pulled on my sweats and headed for my place to find my shoes and a coat. By now, BJ had expressed her need to go outside and tend to business and she was very unhappy I was taking so long.

  Stepping onto the elevator I heard Sharon call out, “Please call me tonight. Check in. I’m still worried about you.” I assured her I would.

  CHAPTER 11

  When I returned with BJ from her usual morning outing in the back lot, I heard my answering machine demanding my attention. When I looked at it, I saw the light on top was flashing...I checked the machine and it told me I had three new messages. “Gee,” I mused, “I must be getting more popular in my old age!”

  The first message was from Scott. He requested I call him to arrange a time to meet today. In the message, he said he wanted to talk over some things with me. The first thing that came to mind was that he’d discovered a way out of my houseboat dilemma: like a new spot for me to tie it up. But I also knew better than to get my hopes up.

  The second call was from Jeff L., asking me to call his office at my earliest convenience. Perhaps the word I should use is “demanded” that I call his office as soon as possible. Due to the tone of his voice, I wasn’t very excited to return his call promptly. I call the tone of his voice “the cop voice,” and I knew I wasn’t ready to deal with him so early in the day. A cup of coffee first and then see how I felt.

  The third message sounded the most interesting of the three. A woman’s voice spoke to me
from the machine, and from the sound of her voice, she wasn’t very old. The voice was low-pitched and sultry and I also thought I detected a slight accent, but since it was so subtle, I couldn’t quite place it.

  “Um, Good morning.” I could hear she was nervous and I could tell she didn’t know exactly what to say. “My name is Jennifer Rockingham,” she paused and then went on to inform me, “I got your number from my father’s attorney. I was wondering if you could please call me back. There’s a…ah…a matter I need to discuss with you.” She left a number where to reach her, and my machine clicked off. Short, but not really informative.

  As I stood there staring at the machine, I halfway expected it to explain to me who it was that called. So I replayed the message twice more but still found that I was in the dark. “Who the hell is Jennifer Rockingham?” I wondered.

  I glanced at the clock on the microwave and saw it was just past eight AM and I wanted to clean up before I returned any calls. I decided to take my shower first, and everything else could just wait.

  Standing in the shower with hot water cascading over me, I tried to recall any person named Jennifer, or any Rockingham that I might have run into during my checkered past. I remembered a Jennifer from college, but the chances that she’d ever call me in this lifetime were remote, very remote. As I recalled, the last time I saw her was when she slapped my face for some reason that now escapes me. As sad as I am to admit this fact, she was also not the first girl to slap me.

  By the time I stepped out of the shower, I still was still clueless who this person was. My curiosity was really getting to me. After I dried off, I wrapped the towel around my tummy, wandered into my front room, picked up the phone and punched in the number the woman had left. Two rings later, there was an answer on the other end. “Hello!” I immediately recognized the sexy voice from my machine.