by Kristen Echo
After they finished their meal, he tried to clean, but she stopped him. She had all day to do the dishes. He relented, but she could tell he itched to put things in their rightful places.
“Time for distractions.” She rubbed her hands together.
When he pulled out another deck of cards, her heart sank. She’d thought perhaps… it didn’t matter because they were better off as friends. Considering what she’d done the night before, there had been no awkwardness between them. It showed her the strength of their friendship.
“Place your bet,” he said, shuffling the cards.
“Loser wears a clown wig for the entire day. I saw one in your closet.”
He leaned forward, putting his elbows on the table. “Good thing I play to win, because there’s no way I can wear that on the ice.”
She laughed. “You will look mighty silly. But I don’t lose twice in a row.”
He raised his eyebrows and dealt the cards. Turned out she was a two-time loser. He pulled the rainbow colored frizzy haired wig from the closet and placed it on her head.
“Thanks. Are you sure we can’t do best two out of three?”
“Might make me a twisted guy, but I think you look sexy in that. Remember, you can’t take it off all day and I want to see pictures of you wearing it around the city.”
Her cheeks heated at the compliment even though she felt foolish. “There is no way that’s happening. I’m not leaving your condo in this thing,” she said, standing and planting her hands on her hips.
He gave her a hug and put on his jacket. “Yes, you will because I said so. Winner decides and the loser has to do it; it’s not optional.”
“Remember that retribution is a bitch.”
“I don’t know her and don’t plan to meet this retribution person any time soon.” He pulled out his phone and took a picture of her standing there frowning at him. “Later, ma belle.”
His beauty. He’d never called her that before. Another change. She’d be mad at him for making her go out if it wasn’t so damn funny. The man was too clever for his own good.
She cranked the tunes and cleaned up the breakfast dishes and washed the table. Figuring Martin wouldn’t be back for a while, she tidied the condo. Since the place was spotless, it took no time at all.
Her bag sat on the floor in his bedroom and she pulled out her toiletries bag. As she did, the bag containing her sex toys fell out. She sat down on the bed and debated what to do. It would be wrong to masturbate on his bed. She pushed the urge aside and went to the washroom to brush her teeth. The shower curtain was open and images of Martin naked flooded back to her. His cock was long and thick and she remembered how hot it felt between her legs. The desire to touch herself grew stronger by the second.
Once she'd finished in the bathroom, she jumped onto his bed and snapped a picture of herself. She sent it to him with the caption: Clowning around. In this picture she smiled at least. Her eyes landed on the little black bag. She put the phone down and debated whether it was a good idea. She caved, reaching for her toys.
The vibrator called her name. When she ran her hand over her panties, she found them soaked. She should have done this before she boarded the plane and maybe this would have helped avoid all the sexual confusion. As she pulled the egg from its case. His scent surrounded her. The room, the sheets and the jersey carried his rugged erotic fragrance.
This was a bad idea, but she couldn’t stop herself. She still wore the red lace panties, garter belt and stockings under the long jersey. She turned on the vibrator and rubbed small circles over her clit. It had been way too long since she’d done this. The music played in the background, masking her whimpers of pleasure. A quick release and she’d be over her crush. The soft buzzing made her smile as she pressed the tiny device harder against her mound.
“Oh… yes.” But it wasn’t enough. Pushing her panties aside, she ran her fingers through her wet folds and let vibrations bring her closer to climax.
Sylvie cupped her breast and pinched her nipple, but she needed more. Closing her eyes, she pictured Martin there with her. His hand squeezing her breast. His fingers slipping inside her as she moved her hips to greet him.
“I’m so close.” His scent got strong as her pace increased. She worked the vibrator over her clit until she was writhing from pleasure. “Right… There Mmm!” She came loudly, with his name on the tip of her tongue. It took a moment for her breathing to recover.
She switched off the vibrator and chuckled. When she’d been packing, she’d almost considered leaving her toys behind in storage. Boy, was she glad she’d brought them. She sat up and looked into the hall. She couldn’t remember if she’d closed the door or not. That was something she’d need to start doing. As she walked down the hall to wash up, she spotted Martin in the living room.
He was on his knees scrubbing the coffee table. His travel bag was by the door. She swallowed hard, thinking he might have seen her, but surely, he wouldn’t have gone into the bedroom. She hoped not and played it cool.
“Hi, when did you get home?” She twisted her fingers, willing him to have just walked through the doors. Please, please, please she begged the heavens, let him not have seen her masturbating in his bed, wearing a clown wig and his hockey jersey.
“A little while ago,” he said, keeping his eyes down and cleaning the same spot with rapid motions.
There’s no way he would avoid eye contact unless he'd seen her. “The music’s too loud, and I didn’t hear you. I sent you a picture as per your instructions,” she smiled to hide her embarrassment, not that he looked at her.
He groaned like he was in pain. “I got it. It’s my new screen saver.”
She closed her eyes and exhaled. There was an awkwardness that hadn’t been there before and she didn’t like it. “Did you… Um, I accidentally left the bedroom door—”
Martin shuffled to his feet. “I have to leave early, there’s snow coming and they want us at the airport earlier.” He walked to the kitchen and rinsed off the rag. He never once looked at her. After adding the rag to the laundry hamper, he gripped the handle on his bag until his knuckles turned white.
“That’s odd; the forecast wasn’t calling for snow when I checked. Are you lying? We never lie to each other.” She was mortified that he was so disgusted by her actions he’d rather flee than face her.
His eye moved to the door as if he couldn’t get away from her fast enough. “You’re right. But—”
“Merde. I should go.” She turned and took two steps down the hall before he gripped her arm, spinning her back around. Her eyes shot to his, and they were the greenest she’d ever seen them. The air around them felt supercharged with sexual energy. Her pulse accelerated as they stared at each other.
“Don’t go. I want you… to stay.” His eyes dropped to her lips. She wanted him to kiss her. They stood so close, his breath tickled her cheeks. “I’m sorry I lied, but… I have to go.” He let go of her arm and walked back to the door.
“Martin,” she whispered, rubbing the spot where his hand had been.
“Take more pictures and send them to me. Be careful out there. Stay in populated areas.”
“Why?”
“There’s been an increase in crime lately. People going missing. Nothing to worry about, but it’s good to keep your eyes open and be aware of your surroundings. I’ll see you tomorrow after the game.” He opened the door and glanced at her over his shoulder.
This was a mess but she wouldn’t leave. She wasn’t the type of person to walk away from what she wanted. Even if she shouldn’t want this. “I’ll be here.”
He winked, and the tension fled. “You’re giving me a reason to rush home.”
Chapter 6
After a long soak in the tub, Sylvie got ready for the day. No amount of soap or washing could clean her dirty mind. The more she thought about Martin watching her use her toy, the more turned on she became. A large part of her debated putting her vibrator back on to ease the tension,
but she wanted Martin to use it with her. The image of him, pressing the device between her legs nearly sent her over the edge. She wanted to stare into his sultry green eyes the next time she came. That scared her as much as it excited her.
The guy was hotter than a Habanero pepper and just as likely to burn her. Since he started getting ice time, the numbers of women coming on to him had only increased. He wasn’t at a loss for options. It only added to her insecurities, making her believe he was out of her league.
She wasn’t sure she could handle being with Martin. His experience in the bedroom blew hers out of the water. She knew that after Marianne his numbers had multiplied tenfold. As his friend, she heard about his sexual exploits when she’d inquired about his love life. His exact number she didn’t know, nor did she want to know. When the numbers climbed with no signs of romantic attachments, she’d stopped asking. It had hurt her love drunk heart to know he was selling himself short. She had to admit that he’d been right to steer clear of love.
Renny had been her first and only lover. They were both virgins when they got together. He was two years older than her and they grew up together. As the years passed, he seemed less satisfied and talked more about other women. Comparing her and making her feel like she didn’t measure up. Whenever she suggested something unconventional or on the frisky side, he’d refuse. His rejections left her wondering about her abilities to please him. He never said that was his reason for leaving, but he left all the same. He moved on, discovering what different bodies felt like under him. It was time she did the same.
Martin was the obvious choice to help her get back in the saddle, so to speak. There was a chance he didn’t want her sexually, but she owed it to herself to find out. She doubted that she’d mistaken the sizzle between them. His cut and run behavior still confused her, but she knew deep down they’d be okay. If he turned her down, she’d survive and their friendship would endure. She wasn’t in love with him, and she had no intention of falling in love ever again. It would be about sex and nothing else.
First, she had to get through the day. The clown wig looked ridiculous as she caught sight of herself in the hall mirror. For the first time in ages, she found herself smiling as she laced her boots. Her mind and her heart weren’t consumed with sadness and that had everything to do with Martin. She couldn’t wait for him to come home. But she’d lost their silly game and had a job to do.
A quick search online gave her some points of interest in the city and she opted for a place called the Forks. She figured at the very least she could check out the market and snap pictures around the area. Martin couldn’t fault her for not trying and she planned out their next game. The stakes would be high.
She took the transit bus downtown which turned out to be far easier than she expected. The wig, she’d been forced to wear, earned her a few snickers from the driver and other travelers. It was cold out and by the time she arrived at the popular tourist destination her hands were numb. She cursed herself for not dressing for the conditions.
Inside the market was much warmer. The stores were busy given the early afternoon hour. The people earned their moniker, and she understood why they called it Friendly Manitoba. Everyone she spoke with was helpful and polite, and not a soul mentioned the colorful curls on her head. Several French speaking customers mingled around the shops, reminding her of home.
The scent and allure of mini donuts called to her sweet tooth after a few hours of walking. She bought a bag and found a nearby bench. “Mind if I sit here? Most of the tables are taken,” she asked.
The girl sniffled. “Free country.”
Sylvie turned to face her and noticed the tear stained cheeks. “Are you okay?”
The girl covered her face and sobbed. After a minute, she recovered enough to respond. “No, and I’m never going to be. My life is over!”
Those were the same words she’d told her mother when Renny left. “I don’t mean to intrude. Does this have anything to do with a relationship ending?”
The girl’s head snapped towards her and their eyes locked. Red rimmed, blue eyes searched hers. “How did you know?”
“I’ve been there. All too recently, in fact. Boy or girl?”
She wiped her eyes. “Stupid boy. Only he’s actually not dumb; he’s the smartest and best-looking guy in my class. I’ve loved him for so long. Oh my God. There is no point in living anymore.”
Sylvie wanted to laugh at the drama, but it wasn’t a laughing matter. Broken hearts sucked at any age. “Your life is only beginning. How old are you, fifteen or sixteen?”
“I’m fifteen and don’t say I don’t know what love is. My mom already tried that, and it only makes things worse. I had to get out of the house and away from her. She doesn’t get it. No one does.”
“I completely understand the need to get away. That’s why I’m here too. I don’t know your story, but I think you’re old enough to understand love. At fourteen, I fell in love, and I thought I’d love that same boy forever. Only, it turned out the love was one sided. You’re better off learning early on than waiting around for close to a decade to have your heart broken.” She tried to mask the bitterness but failed.
“Is that what happened to you? Some idiot dumped you only weeks before Valentine’s Day?”
She offered the girl a donut. “Worse. I had an elaborate Valentine’s Day wedding planned in my mind. Even bought the invitations. Except, instead of getting engaged at the start of summer like I thought; he broke up with me. He got a chance to finish his Master’s Degree abroad. Never asked me to come, but he told me he wanted to be free; take a break and explore other relationships. My stupid boy told me once he returned, we’d get back together, if it was meant to be. He needed time to decide if I was the one.”
“As if you’d wait for him, right?”
“Easier said than done, I’m afraid. He moved out of our apartment and I couldn’t move on. It’s been months and today was the first day I didn’t want to cry.”
“What’s different about today? I’m Kimber, by the way.” She held out her hand, and they shook. Then Kimber stuffed another donut in her mouth.
Sylvie smiled, knowing the answer. “I like your name. I’m Sylvie. Today I finally realized I can do better. It’s his loss, and it’s time to move on. We were together for a long time and I didn’t know how to be without him. But being alone isn’t so bad. You will get over your boy one day. I don’t expect you to take a stranger’s word for it, but there are other boys who will catch your eye when you’re ready.” The right boy may be closer than expected.
“So, that’s the trick. Finding a new guy isn’t that easy for me. I’m not voluptuous like you. Boys aren’t exactly lining up to be with me and we have the Valentine’s dance coming up. I’ll be the only one without a boyfriend.”
“I’m not saying you need a new man to forget the old one. In fact, you’re better off without them at your age. You don’t need a date to have fun at dances. By going alone, you can dance with anyone and it may surprise you how full your night ends up being. My ex didn’t dance, not even at our proms. I sometimes wished he hadn’t come to all the dances, so I could have danced, instead of sitting on the sidelines watching. Kimber, you should dance and have fun. Don’t let that stupid boy stop you.”
“But you met someone. I can see it in your smile. That’s why you’re better now. Right?”
Sylvie sighed. Martin wasn’t the only reason she felt better. “I’m alone; there’s no new love interest in my life. My heart still hurts and that may never go away, but I am exploring new things and meeting new people. Like you, for instance.” She winked and Kimber smiled. The teenager had the cutest round face with dimples. “I am healing because instead of wallowing in the things I’ve lost, I’m focusing on the things I’m gaining. Life is full of new experiences, you can’t allow fear to stop you from trying.”
“New experiences,” she repeated. “Is that the reason you’re wearing a clown wig?”
She pulled
her phone from her pocket. “As a matter of fact, it is. Speaking of this wig, I’m supposed to take pictures of myself, wearing it around the city. Mind if I take a picture of us together?”
The girl leaned in for the selfie and wiped her eyes though they were dry. “Sure.”
They smiled and Sylvie snapped a few shots of them making silly faces. Kimber laughed as they reviewed the images. Talking to someone about life after a breakup helped her realize there was life afterwards. Somehow this young kid had impacted her in a way she’d never know. “My friend will get a kick out of these pictures. Thanks.”
“Is this friend a guy? Someone you’re interested in?”
Sylvie laughed at the astuteness of the teen. “Martin is a guy. What makes you think I’m interested in him?
“The way you said friend and how your face lit up when you mentioned sending the pictures.”
“Oh. You’re a smart cookie, Kimber, but we’re just friends.” She tucked her phone in her pocket.
“You could be more. Take your own advice and try.”
“Well, it’s good to know you were listening. I have been thinking about it, but I’m not sure that would be a good idea. We’ve known each other since we were kids. He’s been the one male constant in my life and I’m afraid to lose that.”
“But if he’s always been there, maybe there’s a reason. My mom says boys and girls can’t be friends. There’s always more to it. You two could be destined to be together. That would be cool. You should totally tell him you like him and ask for a kiss.” Her face brightened as she doled out the advice.
“Sounds like you are feeling better. I’ll consider telling him, if you promise to go to that dance. Okay?” Sylvie offered the last donut to Kimber.
