Music of the Soul 1, 2, & 3 Starter Bundle

by Erik Schubach

  She was just shaking her head. “Words, just words.” Then she got distracted when she glanced at me. “You sure those aren't contacts?” Apparently she has a short attention span. She shook herself out of it and back to the problem at hand. “You need to show her, not tell her. We need something that will show her this isn't just a game or a straight girl experiment or anything.”

  I looked between the two girls that were apparently having eye sex with each other. I couldn't help but smile at them. Bevi never acts like this, even when she was with Lori.

  Then I had an epiphany while tugging at my ponytail. “I'll lose.” I stated simply. This got two sets of confused eyes to swing to me.

  “Huh?” they said in unison.

  I smiled like it was the obvious solution. “I'll lose.” I repeated. “You two will need to get Riley to the Ballyhoo Saturday night at 8:00.”

  Then I started unveiling my plan. Causing shocked nods of understanding and giggles of conspiracy from the two girls that I just noticed were now holding hands. I wonder if they even know they're doing it. This got a smile on my lips as we laid things out. Everything would come down to timing.

  It was getting time for both Bev and Tak to go to work. We said our goodbyes to Takara at the door then Bev started stripping and wandering toward her room to put her uniform on. I heard her call out, “Sooooo... Kru, what do you think of Tak? Like, ummm... you think like maybe she'd, you know. Want to go out on a date possibly?”

  I laughed at her sudden shyness so decided much teasing was in order. “I don't know, she's really not my type, Bevi.”

  Her voice was almost shrill, “No! I mean for me you bitch!”

  I laughed again. “I'm thinking it is quite possible since I was expecting you two to start going at it in the kitchen at any moment.”

  I heard her chuckle. “Cool. Well after we get you and your girl back together, I might just have to ask little miss Asian 'I'm So Sexy I'll Melt Your Eyes' on a date then.”

  I snorted and she wandered out and I already had her coffee ready for her. We hugged and she called out as she was closing the door, “Don't worry, Kru, this is going to work.”

  I smiled to myself and started making some calls. This wasn't complex, it was probably my simplest plan ever, but I still wanted it to go perfectly. There was no room for errors this time. I felt my stomach fluttering in hope. I wistfully touched a finger to my lips... I could still feel her kiss.

  ***

  After a day of planning and daydreaming of Riley, I almost laughed when just after five the intercom buzzed and I answered it then let Takara in again. As soon as she walked in her eyes started scanning around then spoke rapid fire, “Hi, Crystal. How are you? You get everything set up? Umm... so is Bev around?”

  I started laughing and smiling at her. “No, but she'll be home from work any minute, make yourself at home.” Then I couldn't help myself, “You two really got it bad for each other.” You could probably have seen her blush from outer space as she quickly made her way over to the couch.

  I wandered to the kitchen and called out, “Coffee? Wine? Beer?” She almost immediately said, “Beer, please.” I swear to God that she almost sounded like a pleased chipmunk there.

  I brought out three bottles and handed her one and placed one on the coffee table as I took a seat, leaving a large gap between us on the couch. She looked at the third one in confusion and glanced at me... I tilted my head with a tiny smirk and silently held a finger up. A moment later the door opened and I twisted my finger and pointed at Bev wandering in starting to strip and wander to her room with her customary, “Work sucks! Must...”

  She stopped mid sentence when she glanced over and saw Tak. “Whoa!” my blushing redheaded friend uttered then quickly grabbed her discarded shirt from the floor and ran into her room. Tak and I looked at each other and cracked up.

  About thirty seconds later Bevi emerged with a grin, in a tank top and jeans as she crawled over the back of the couch and inserted herself between us. She reached over to grab her beer. “Hi, ladies,” she said as Tak and I busted up laughing again. Eeep! I think some beer shot out of my nose!

  Tak bit her lower lip and lowered her eyes shyly. “Hi, Bev.” This got Bevi to bite her lower lip in return. I couldn't help but smile at how frigging cute they were together.

  Bev and I shared a silent look. Food! I was thinking Indian takeout but she wanted pizza, I could see how the argument would play out to its logical conclusion. Bev smirked in triumph... I reached for the phone while Bev switched on the TV and grabbed a blanket to share with Tak. I was in the middle of ordering pizza when Tak chuckled out, “There's that freaky in sync thing again. I think I like it.” We all shared a chuckle and waited for our gourmet dinner to arrive as we watched a chick flick.

  After the pizza arrived and I used one of the discount coupons that Bev had scored us a couple months back, I spent much of the movie sitting back and flipping through pictures of Riley and I on my cell as I nibbled a slice. I was of course pretending not to notice all the movement below the blanket on the other end of the couch. Then it hit me. My God! Bevi had to have seen it when Riley and I were doing the same. I blushed in embarrassment.

  I faked a yawn and said my good nights and wandered into my room, stifling a giggle toward the girls. Then I laid down on my bed, staring at the ceiling and contemplating the busy day I had planned for myself tomorrow.

  For the first time in two months, I felt a ray of hope cutting through the storm cloud above me. I whispered into the air, “Good night Riley,” before the first pleasant night's sleep I'd had in weeks claimed me.

  ***

  Morning rolled around and my 5:00am alarm was chiming on my phone. I felt like a zombie being up this early, but I needed to be for the call back East that I had to make. I was dreading this, I don't know how I would be received.

  It went surprisingly well, my heart was beating out of my chest for the duration of it. But now with an agreement to meet me tonight, I had to get ready and pack my carry on bag. I dialed my parents after my shower as I packed. After apologizing for waking them up early I explained things and they thought it was a marvelous plan. That was the last link in the puzzle.

  I walked out of my room and stopped when I saw Takara standing at the counter shoveling some of my Fruit Loops into her mouth with another two bowls on the counter. She was wearing nothing but one of Bev's belly shirts and some of Bevi's little heart panties. I grinned and rolled my eyes at her. She was grinning innocently and blushing.

  I turned as I heard Bev speaking from her room as she was walking out, wearing just her bra and matching panties. “Taki hon, you got breakfast ready?” She grinned sheepishly when she saw me, “Ummm... hi, Kru. Takara ummm... spent the night. It was late and umm... she had a few beers.”

  I laughed out loud. “Oh my God, Tak! I think you tamed her! I've never seen her at a loss for words!” I was floored when, to her credit, Tak joined in on the ribbing, “Well I am a zookeeper... I'm good with animals.” I snorted as Bev blushed and lowered her head saying, “Yes ma’am.” Which got us all cracking up.

  “Why are you ladies up so early?” I prompted as Bevi and I went to retrieve the sugary offerings Tak had on the counter for us. It was way beyond cute when Bev gave Tak a quick peck on the lips before digging in. I voiced that with my mouth full of fruity nirvana before they could respond, “Awww... I don't know if this cereal or you guys will give me cavities first.” This got some loops flung at me, but it was soooo worth the blushes.

  Bev chirped, “We wanted to see you off.”

  I screwed up my face in confusion and played with my ponytail as I asked, “How did you know she was going to agree to it?”

  Takara chimed in at this point, “Crystal, I haven't known you very long but even I have figured out it is hard to say no to you.” Bev just nodded her agreement vigorously.

  I looked over at Bev. “Drive me to the airport?”

  She nodded and grabbed her purse off the
counter and fished out her keys. “Duh. You coming, Taki hon?” She stood and started toward the door.

  Takara and I were clearing our throats. Bev turned back, looking curiously at us. Tak spoke up, “Clothes, baby.” Baby? Bevi looked down at her almost naked form then fired a lopsided grin at us and shrugged. “Oh... that.”

  As my redheaded friend with no modesty got dressed, Tak borrowed some pants from me since we were about the same size, Bev's were way too long.. Then she threw on one of Bevi's shirts, she buried her nose in it and inhaled deeply and grinned at Bevi. “It smells like you, now I'm going to be thinking about you all the time.” This got Bev blushing. I thought it was damn cute.

  As Bev drove us to SeaTac, she asked, “So why again are you going back East? Why couldn't you just ask over the phone?” I shook my head with a small smile. “Because, like Tak said, it is only words then. Showing is better than saying.” Takara was nodding with pride.

  We said our goodbyes on the curb and I reminded her to pick me up tomorrow at 5:00pm so she'd have to get off of work early, then I shooed them both off to work. I turned toward the terminal and took a deep breath and straightened my back and raised my head in resolve then marched into the building and toward my gate.

  Chapter 13 – Ballyhoo Confessions

  I was surprised at how well the discussion went with Riley's mother back in DC. She was just as charming, witty, and easygoing, and had just as much charisma as her daughter. Riley definitely got her swirling brown eyes from her mom. For a lady in her forties she was still quite the looker. Good genes for Riley! I smiled to myself.

  After hearing me calling her Riley she had brightened and asked if she had dropped “that dreadful Jane name” only to be disappointed when I relayed that I seemed to be the only person that got away with calling her Riley in Seattle.

  She shared with me how stubborn and bullheaded her daughter could be. Though she did mention how stupid both Riley and I were for not seeing the obvious standing right in front of us. And I did feel stupid.

  She thought my idea was “grand” and agreed with everything. Besides, “If my Ri-ri-girl won't come to her mom, then I'll just come to her!” I genuinely liked this lady.

  She insisted I stay Thursday night in her guest room instead of a “stuffy old hotel”. Then in the morning she packed her luggage for the four day excursion. One call to a taxi service later, and we were on our way to Reagan International for our flight back.

  On the plane, we discussed Riley's childhood, skipping over the difficult spots. “Those are for her to share with you,” she said. The conversation and chit chat flowed easily. Must run in the family.

  She mentioned how she could understand her daughter falling for, “Such a wonderfully charming conversationalist with your mesmerizing eyes!” I was blushing at that of course.

  Bev and Tak met us at the baggage claim. Well, sort of. They were making out on one of the benches there with people staring at them everywhere. We walked up to them grinning. I cleared my throat and they pulled apart quickly and stood looking sheepish.

  “Ariel, I'd like for you to meet my very immodest friends, Beverly and Takara. Ladies, I'd like you to meet Riley's mother Ariel McKay.”

  Bev put her hand out to shake and was engulfed by one of Ariel's warm hugs, then she repeated it with Tak. Both girls were beaming as she said, “It is a pleasure to meet you girls.”

  I caught Bev holding back from Ariel a bit and mouthing, “MILF” with wiggling eyebrows to Tak as we walked out to the parking structure. This got her a tandem slap on her arms by Takara and myself.

  The slight smirk I saw on Ariel's lips as I caught back up to her, indicated to me that she knew what was going on behind her. I was embarrassed for Bev since she doesn't have the common sense to be embarrassed for herself. But at the same time I caught myself smiling at Ariel again. She's so bad! She really was like Riley, I thought as I shook my head.

  “You're terrible you know that?” I whispered with a grin, and she actually laughed out loud and bumped my hips as the girls caught up with us.

  Beverly tried to get me to drive, I snorted, “No way, Bevi, we have to split you two up on the ride back or you'd be doing it in the back seat.”

  Ariel got in the front passenger seat giggling, and I slid into the back seat and turned to Takara and told her, “I don't know what you did with the old Bev, but only one other time in her life has she ever been with a girl for more than a night. And that last time, I didn't approve. But with you, I definitely do. She's smiling all the time now. Thanks Tak.”

  Tak was blushing. We all took turns asking Ariel things about herself, Riley, and DC as we made our way back to the condo. When we arrived, my parents were already there. Lots of hugs and kisses and crying and introductions later, I couldn't believe how well they got along with Ariel. I was smiling smugly a little when Bev introduced Tak as her 'girlfriend' to my parents. My mom just gushed over them.

  Takeout was delivered and after a fun night of discussing Riley and my relationship in detail, and giving the specifics of my plans, I handed the keys to condo 201 to the “adults” for them to stay there. The owner was on an extended vacation and he owed me a favor so he said I could borrow it for the weekend.

  I sat in bed awake until past 2:00am, I couldn't get to sleep. Bev must have known, she always knows... she wandered in and asked, “Snuggle time?” I nodded, holding the covers open. She silently walked over and put my hair up in a ponytail instead of sliding under the sheets. I looked at her in confusion, she cleared her throat softly and Tak came shuffling in. I giggled and Bev slid in front of me with Takara in front of her.

  “G'night girls.” I whispered and slowly drifted off to sleep.

  ***

  My eyes snapped open when the heat of the sun streaming in from the window hit my cheek. I started to sit up but Bev yanked me back down. “Not yet, sis.” she said sleepily.

  I laughed lightly at the familiar phrase and I kissed the top of her head, repeating “Just let me know when you are ready.”

  A few minutes later she turned back with a sly smile and played the replay game some more. She stretched again like a jungle cat, making a satisfied sound. “Ahhhh... thanks, Kru, I needed a Crystal recharge.” Bev started to sit up. Just to be pulled back down by Tak mumbling, “Not yet baby.”

  This got all three of us giggling like schoolgirls as we got up. Bevi was lazily stripping and heading toward my bathroom when a smiling Asian grabbed her hand when Bev was down to just her panties and steered her back out of my room toward her own bathroom. Takara winked at me shaking her head at her girlfriend. “Don't worry, Crystal, I'll get her all trained up for you.” This got a playful, “Hey!” from my best friend and a snort from me.

  After showering and dressing, we picked up the three parents and headed down to The Pike for breakfast. I was making some calls as we ate to make sure that everything was ready for tonight.

  On the way back, we stopped by the printers and I ran in to pick up the belly shirt I had specially printed for tonight.

  Once we made it back to the condo, there was an almost tearful parting of Takara and Bevi. I had to remind Bev that Tak HAD to go since she was the last and most important puzzle piece. Without her convincing Riley to go clubbing tonight, this was all for nothing. This got me a, “Pudding?” I nodded my okay and crossed my arms like a scornful mother as she bounded off like a kid to the fridge to get her pudding cup, much to the amusement of the 'adults'.

  After a fun time talking and laughing for hours, then making lunch for everyone, I left them all in Bev's capable hands so I could be alone in my room for the rest of the day to freak out. I was so scared. I hope to God this works! I dozed off with dreams of Riley on my mind.

  At 6:00, my bed moved as someone sat on it, I didn't even open my eyes, I knew who it was. “Krustallos, time to start getting ready.”

  I whispered back, “I'm scared, Bev.” She just stroked my hair, and pulled my ponytail out.

  She
responded softly, “I know, but we KNOW that she loves you too, sis. Everything is going to be great. You'll see.”

  I let her drag me up to my feet and she pushed me into the bathroom and shut the door. I heard her call out, “I'll take care of the old'uns, we'll see you there, Crystal.”

  I smiled, she usually reserved my real name for either serious topics like this or her humorous remarks. “Thanks, Beverly. Love you.” I caught the, “You better!” as I heard my bedroom door shut.

  I took a long shower, trying to relax myself for tonight. I let the water stream across me, washing the tension from me. Letting the fear drain away. I finally took a deep breath and turned the water off and stepped out, steeling myself with resolve as I dried off.

  I wiped the steam from the mirror and took a good look at myself as I used the blow dryer on my hair. I put on my lacy white bra and matching panties then slid into my best, tightest, white low cut capri jeans. White ankle socks and my pink converse.

  Then I pulled on the pink belly shirt I had picked up today, topping it with a white blouse with just the middle button done and tying the shirttails in front to both hold it closed and to show off my tone belly. I checked the mirror, then rolled up the sleeves.

  Satisfied with what I saw, I then did something I virtually have never done in my life. I pulled out my dusty old curling iron and plugged it in. I spent the next twenty minutes putting my long chestnut tresses into loose ringlets. Then I gathered it all up into a sloppy ponytail and fastened it with a simple barrette. Pulling a couple locks free to drape down my face.

  I moved on to my makeup. I went with heavy eyeliner and mascara with a smoky eye shadow, heavier than I normally do. Then finished off with a satin pink lipstick covered with a clear gloss, giving a creamy depth to my lips.

  I checked the time. 7:00... then I spoke to myself in the mirror, “Okay, Crystal. No time to panic, this is it. Let's go!” I nodded and grabbed my purse and walked out of my room and toward the door. I covered my mouth and let out a little laugh at the note taped to the door in Bevi's loopy handwriting, “You got this, Kru! Don't choke! Luv U, Bev.”