Piping Her Tune

by Maggie Brown

  * * *

  Abby woke pressed between long firm thighs. She eased away, ignoring the acute sense of loss as she slid over to the edge of the bed. Heat simmered in every part of her body as she remembered the lovemaking and the many times they reached for each other in the night. Her toes curled into the soft shag carpet. She found it difficult to stand up, she was so sore. She ignored the tenderness while she searched the room for her clothes. The chiffon dress was a blue twisted mess on the floor. One shoe was in the corner and she had to crawl under the bed for the other. Gently she eased her black lace panties off Victoria’s toe and looked round for her bra. It wantonly hung by a strap on the bedside lamp, the cups fronted her like all-knowing black eyes.

  She dressed quickly, deciding to forego the bra which she stuffed into her purse. While she folded Vic’s clothes onto the chair, she paused for a minute to look at the hotpants. Her libido skyrocketed again. Get a grip, girl! You have to get home. Abby reluctantly placed the pants over the tuxedo, before she padded over to the desk to find pen and paper. If she had to wake Vic it would be on again and she’d miss her meeting. After she scribbled out a note, she placed it on the side table and gazed at Victoria one last time. The woman was raw sensuality personified, with her hair tousled, her thick lashes dark shadows on her face. Her soft curves caressed the sheets.

  A maid was clearing up the aftermath of the party when she came downstairs. Abby graced her with a nonchalant wave as she hurried down the foyer to the lift. Soon she was speeding along the street in a taxi, wishing she was back with her lover.

  Chapter Thirty-One

  Victoria splayed her hand over the sheets to feel for the warm body beside her. Only lingering warmth and an indentation revealed that Abby had been there. She frowned and turned over to look. She listened for the sound of water spraying in the shower, but heard nothing. Abby must have left, her clothes were gone and Vic’s were arranged neatly on the chair. She felt a twinge of petulance. Typically, Abby had disappeared like a will-o’-the-wisp. But any annoyance vanished as she remembered the night. Victoria smelt the sheets to drink in her lover’s perfume and the languishing smell of sex. Abby was such an incredible lover, so receptive and passionate. She gave as generously as much as she received. Victoria’s mouth set in a firm line. Now she’d had a taste of real love, she wasn’t going back to her old life. She would just have to persuade Abby to live with her. It wasn’t going to be easy. She had a thing about money.

  With reluctance, Victoria heaved herself out of bed, wishing she could stay there in the warmth. After she showered, she noticed the note on the side table.

  Good morning, honey.

  I have to dash. I’ve got an appointment at nine with the accountant. Would you like to come to Mum’s for dinner tonight at six? She’s having a few friends over and I’d love you to meet everyone. Text me if you’re coming.

  Love,

  Abby xxxxx

  PS I miss you already.

  Victoria felt a zing of pure joy—she was going to see Abby again tonight. Panic then bubbled. The mother hated her. She suppressed her disquiet and sent a text to confirm the dinner date before she went downstairs. Fiona was chatting with the maid over coffee and the place was clean. Her assistant had that smug face on again.

  “Hi, Vic. You’re up late.”

  Victoria flashed a bright smile and ignored the look. “Late night. What’s for breakfast, Sandy?”

  The maid pointed to the stove. “Scrambled eggs are in the saucepan. I’ll put on a piece of toast. I was going to offer some to your guest but she seemed to be in a hurry.”

  Victoria felt her face heat as she heard Fiona’s titter. “That’ll be great. I’ll make my coffee.”

  “Abby stayed, did she?”

  Vic uttered a resigned groan. She may as well tell her, because the Scot wouldn’t let it go. “We made up. I’m going over to meet her mother tonight.”

  Fiona’s mouth formed into an O. “My, my. Things are progressing.”

  “I’m a bit nervous actually. She doesn’t like me.”

  “You’d better be charming. Take her some flowers and chocolates. That’ll help.”

  * * *

  After she smoothed down her slacks, Victoria squeezed the box of chocolates under her arm, clutched the bunch of roses in one hand and pressed the bell with the other. Abby opened the door and gave Victoria an enthusiastic kiss. “You look terrific,” she whispered.

  Victoria gazed at her starry-eyed. “So do you. That’s a pretty dress.”

  Abby laughed. “Hong Kong. Come in and meet the folks.”

  “One more kiss before we go in.”

  “No, I don’t want to look rumpled.”

  “Just as well I’ve got my hands full or you wouldn’t get away that quickly,” Victoria muttered.

  Abby patted her ass. “Huh! Get thee inside, stud.”

  Five older people and three women Abby’s age were sitting in the room. Her mother was nowhere in sight. The other guests looked at her with interest. “This is Victoria Myers everyone.” As Abby introduced her, Victoria began to wonder what she had told them about her. By the way they greeted her, she doubted anyone knew they were a couple. Judy Benton appeared from the kitchen with a plate of nibbles. She transferred the eats to her daughter to pass around, wiped her hands on her apron and nodded brusquely. “It was good of you to come, Ms Myers.”

  Victoria handed her the flowers and chocolates with a nervous cough. “A gift to show my appreciation for asking me tonight, Mrs Benton. And call me Vic, please.”

  Judy looked at her without warmth. “Thank you, Vic. There was no need to bring gifts. Now, have you met everyone?”

  Vic nodded, suddenly tongue-tied. Damn, it was obvious Abby hadn’t told her mother either.

  “Vic was Abby’s boss on her overseas trip.” Judy called out to no one in particular.

  At that snippet of information, everyone seemed to relax, which confirmed Victoria’s suspicions. The night passed more pleasantly than she anticipated. The three younger women, Abby’s friends, were great fun to be around. Once dinner was over, they rose to go and Abby pulled her onto the couch. “Vic will stay for another cup of coffee, Mum.”

  “You make it, dear. I’ll show our guests out.”

  Victoria followed Abby into the kitchen. “You haven’t told her yet, have you?”

  “Not yet.”

  “Why not?”

  Abby busied herself with the cups, not meeting her eye. “I’m trying to get the courage. I thought it better if we told her together.”

  Victoria stared at her incredulously. “You’re going to make me damn well do it, aren’t you?”

  “Umm…we’ll see.”

  “Sweetie, look at me. Aren’t you?”

  Abby pulled her sleeve with a nervous gesture. “Would you?”

  “What do you want me to say? That we love each other.”

  Abby eyes widened. “Did you just say you loved me?”

  Before Victoria could reply, Judy bustled into the room. “Coffee made yet?”

  “Go into the lounge, Mum. I’ll bring it in.”

  “Good, I’m ready to sit down.” An awkward silence fell as Judy eyed Victoria, who had followed her from the kitchen and taken the seat opposite. “Abby said she enjoyed her time overseas. Thank you for looking after her.”

  “She was an excellent employee. It was a pleasure having her on the trip. It’s a pity she doesn’t want to join our company.”

  Judy brightened and warmth seeped into her voice. “That’s nice to hear. She’s always been a good girl.”

  At that moment Abby entered with the cups, handed one to Victoria and one to her mother.

  “Put it beside me on the table, dear. My arthritis is playing up.”

  Victoria said with compassion, “How do you manage your pain, Mrs Benton?”

  “Medication mostly.”

  “I’ve done some research and there are other ways to help.”

  Judy stared at
her in surprise. “Some of the aids are expensive and it’s difficult on my own. Abby does the best she can, but she can’t stop working to look after me when I get a severe attack. The disability is something I’ve learnt to live with.”

  “It’s good you won’t have to worry in the future, isn’t it? I’ve plenty of money to get you the best treatments and employ home help.”

  Judy blinked. “Excuse me? Why on earth would you do that?”

  Victoria turned to peer at Abby and frowned. “Do you mean to tell me you haven’t you told your mother yet?”

  “Told me what?” said her mother sharply.

  Victoria rolled her coffee cup in her hands. “I’m sorry, I thought you knew. I wouldn’t have presumed to say what I did if I had realized you didn’t. Would you like to tell her our good news or shall I, sweetie?”

  “You do it, you’re doing just fine,” Abby whispered.

  “Abby and I are in love and intend to live together.”

  For a second Judy Benton was silent, then she puffed up like a pigeon. “What did you say?”

  Victoria swallowed, alarmed. “Um…Abby and I formed an attachment while overseas. We…we want to live together.”

  Judy plucked a piece of fluff off her sleeve, flicked it in the air and turned to her daughter. “Is that right, Abby? After what this woman did, you want to live with her?”

  Victoria quailed. The mother made live sound worse than murder. They both looked at Abby who began to squirm under the scrutiny. For a moment she seemed poised to flee the room, but then she straightened and crossed her arms over her chest. It was a solid gesture, assertive rather than defiant. She looked her mother squarely in the eye. “That’s right, Mum. She is the best thing that’s ever happened to me and I love her dearly. I expect you to welcome her into your home and our family.”

  Judy appeared gobsmacked at first then sagged. It was a long anxious moment for Victoria before she turned to her with a nod. “I guess I haven’t noticed my daughter is a mature woman. You and I will have to sit down and have a long talk, Vic. I have no intention of alienating my only child, so if she wants you then that’s fine with me.”

  “Of course. I’ll come over one day this week if that suits. Now I guess I’d better be off home.”

  Abby rose and collected the coffee cups. “Wait a minute and I’ll come with you. I’ll just clean the kitchen first.”

  “Leave them, dear. I can manage. I’ll see you in the morning,” said Judy with a wave of her hand.

  Abby pulled her mother into a hug. “You’re going to like her, Mum, but she can be a bit bossy sometimes.” She reached for Victoria’s hand. “Let’s go.”

  Victoria eased the car into the traffic and glanced at Abby. She was leaning to the side, gazing out the window. “Penny for your thoughts,” whispered Vic.

  Abby’s eyes brightened. “Oh, I was just thinking how much I love you, Victoria Myers.”

  “Me too. I’m head over heels and can’t wait to get you in my life forever.” Vic squeezed her knee. “That was a brave thing you did in there, Abby.”

  Abby chuckled. “Oh, yes. I’ve never stood up for myself before. Quite liberating really.”

  “It’s a pity I have to work tomorrow or we could stay in all day. What’re your plans?”

  “I’m going to start painting again and I’m ready to start the first canvas.” Abby reached over to massage her thigh. “Can you take a few weeks off next month?”

  “I intend to wind down a lot now that I’ve got you. Where are we going?”

  “Japan. It’s to the opening of the Nippon Steel building—I want you to see the panels I painted for Akio. Then we’re off for a holiday in the snow fields.”

  “Sounds good,” said Victoria as she turned the car into the expressway to the city.

  Abby chuckled. “Ever made love in a hot spring?”

  Epilogue

  Abby was nervous. After a year and a half, her first exhibition was ready for the grand opening. Thirty-one paintings in total, mostly of people she’d photographed on the Orianis trip. Portraits of subjects in their own environs; buskers, dancers, fishermen, stockmen, miners, steel mill workers; they were all there, immortalized on canvas. Jan kindly lent her commission of Malcolm as an exhibition piece for the foyer. But the last was yet to be unveiled. Her huge centrepiece for the night.

  Victoria was a tower of strength as she organized the food and drinks. Abby paused to sweep her eyes over her, and arousal tingled her skin like a blanket of goose bumps. Even after eighteen months, she couldn’t get enough of her. Victoria was dressed in the tuxedo and looked fantastic. She caught Abby’s eye and gave a wide smile. Abby grinned, blew a kiss and mouthed, “Love you.”

  Guests began to trickle in. The canvases were arranged to be viewed individually, so they filled the walls of two rooms. The third, the smallest room, held the special painting. Abby supervised the hanging of it herself.

  Fiona arrived on the arm of a tall bearded man and Abby nearly dropped her glass. “Meet Angus Campbell, Abby. He’s a friend of that cousin of mine from Melbourne I found on the ancestry site.” And to Abby’s astonishment, she actually simpered. “Abby is a very dear friend of mine, Angus.”

  Victoria appeared at her side and whispered, “There goes my toaster, Fiona.”

  When Angus asked her with a broad Scottish brogue what she meant, Fiona huffed and dragged him away to look at the art. As the night wore on, Abby’s face flushed with excitement as more red dots signifying sales were added to the title cards next to each painting.

  And then it was time. The grand finale.

  Abby led everybody into the third room and waited until they formed a semicircle to view her masterpiece. She slowly pulled away the drape. Her Archibald entry came into view, though the picture had been altered. No longer was it Victoria Myers, Ms Devil Incarnate,—no—the woman in the painting was Victoria Myers, Ms Sex Goddess. Abby had captured her in a moment of total intimacy, a portrait created out of passion and love. Vic sat there enriched in vibrant colours; her full lips pouted with desire, her eyes hooded in ecstasy and her face flushed with a delicate shade of erotic pink as she gazed out from the canvas.

  Her mother took her arm while Fiona ushered the guests from the room and quietly closed the door. Abby looked at her in confusion. “Don’t you like it, Mum?”

  Judy patted her hand. “It’s wonderful, dear, but I think you can keep that one for your bedroom.”

  Abby turned to look at Victoria. She was gazing at Abby with adoration, her face filled with love. She winked.

  Bella Books, Inc.

  Women. Books. Even Better Together.

  P.O. Box 10543

  Tallahassee, FL 32302

  Phone: 800-729-4992

  www.bellabooks.com