Arms Wide Open

by Donna Jay

  “I can’t look.” Yvonne slid the phone across the table. “Here, you do it.”

  “What are you afraid of? That she doesn’t want to meet again or that she does?”

  Yvonne took a slug of wine. “Both.”

  Smiling, despite the nerves churning in her belly, Julie read the message aloud.

  “I hope you had a good trip back to Feilding. It was great to meet. As mentioned, I’m dominant both in and out of the bedroom. I’ll test your limits while also respecting them. I want to reassure you, I believe in SSC all the way.”

  “What?” Yvonne’s ears perked up. “Is that code for Safe Sex something or other?”

  “Close. Safe, sane, and consensual.”

  “How do you…” Yvonne shook her head. “Never mind, Google porn.”

  Not bothering to react to the comment, Julie continued reading. “If kink isn’t your thing, let me know, and I’ll see if I can find any vanilla toys in my reserves. If you’re still reading this, I’d very much like to see you ladies again.”

  “Wow.” Julie handed Yvonne her phone before turning her attention back to their half prepared dinner.

  “That’s it? Wow?” Yvonne got up from the table. “Here.” She took the pot out of her hand. “I’ll do the veggies, you do the meat.”

  “Do you know how wrong that sounded?” Julie chuckled.

  Yvonne rolled her eyes. “Do you know how sick your mind is?”

  Once the meat was frying, the potatoes simmering, Julie took Yvonne’s hands in her own. “Are we going to do this? Meet Pam again?”

  “As much as it scares the shit out of me, I’d love to. But only if you want to.”

  Julie bit her lip, nerves swirling in her belly. “I doubt we’ll forgive ourselves if we don’t.” She tucked a lock of hair behind Yvonne’s ear. “What part scares you?”

  “Gosh, where to start.” Yvonne looked equally parts anxious and excited. “Sex with someone new. Sex with a dominant woman. Sex with my wife watching, joining in, and being bossed around.”

  “Got it.” That all sounded pretty good to Julie. She bit back a grin. “Now tell me the parts that scare you.”

  “I just…ha, ha, very funny. All of it. It all terrifies and excites me. Does that make sense?”

  “It does.” Julie felt exactly the same way. “Anything new’s scary and exciting.”

  “Mostly exciting.” The twinkle in Yvonne’s eyes made it even more titillating.

  Julie couldn’t wait to watch her fly apart at the hands of two women. The fact Pamela had said she wasn’t after a commitment made it easier to distance themselves. Not that they were after a commitment, but it took away the fear that Pamela would become clingy. Or worse, fall for one of them.

  “So, when are we going to do this?”

  “More importantly, where?” Yvonne made a good point.

  “I don’t think I could do it here,” Julie said. “And definitely not in our room.” As far as she was concerned their marital bed was sacred.

  “What about a hotel?”

  “Um, I hate to say it…” Julie had thought about this, and she knew it sounded judgmental but she couldn’t help it. “But if we have to pay for a room, it makes me feel like we’re paying for sex.”

  “We would be.” Yvonne chuckled, then sobered, eyes going wide. “Oh, like we’re desperate and paying for a prostitute?”

  “Yes and no.” Frustration prickled under Julie’s skin.

  She had nothing against prostitutes. People sought out their services for all manner of reasons, one being uncomplicated sex. Precisely what they were looking for. So what was the issue?

  “I guess a hotel room would be okay. Neutral territory.”

  “Pam might be happy to host.”

  “Check you out.” Julie nudged her playfully. “You’re even speaking the lingo.”

  A coy smile tilted Yvonne’s lips. “I noticed the word on some profiles I was browsing.”

  A lightbulb went on. She had a good point. “What does Pam’s profile say? Can she host?”

  “Let me check.” Yvonne flicked to the app on her phone. “Doesn’t say.” She smiled. “But we do have another message from her.” This time Yvonne didn’t hesitate to read the message.

  ‘If you decide you want to get together again, text me.’

  She read out the number Pamela had left and Julie added her as a contact. “Should I message her now?”

  “Yes!”

  “You don’t think we’ll sound too desperate, perhaps we—”

  “We are.” Yvonne cut her off. “Just do it. Rip it off like a band-aid.”

  Her enthusiasm buoyed Julie. “What should I say?”

  “How about you start by telling her who’s texting. She won’t know until she saves our number.”

  “Good point.”

  Yvonne tilted her head, long auburn hair tickling Julie’s upper arm as she tapped out her reply. “Hi, it’s Juliet and Veronica from Find Someone.”

  “Don’t you think you should use our real names?” She looked up at Julie. “She knows them anyway, and you might not need to say from Find Someone, she knows that too.”

  “Here.” Julie thrust her phone at Yvonne. “You do it.”

  “Sorry.” She held up her hands in surrender. “Just trying to help.”

  “I’m sorry, too. I just don’t want to screw this up.”

  “Take a breath.”

  “Don’t.” Julie clenched her jaw. No matter how it was said, the statement always sounded condescending to her.

  With a cheeky smile, Yvonne retrieved a beer from the fridge. “Here, this might help.”

  “Thanks.” Julie screwed off the cap and took a long pull. It was like liquid gold sliding down her throat, settling in her stomach like a warm summer’s day.

  After placing the bottle on the table, she tried again. ‘Hi, it’s Julie here. We got your message and would love to meet again. When and where suits you?’

  “Perfect.” Yvonne rubbed her hands together. “Now the ball’s in her court.”

  Julie didn’t burst her bubble by pointing out she could lob the ball into their bedroom. Shutting down all thoughts of what if, she put her phone on the table. “There, now we wait.”

  They both jumped, clutching their chests when Julie’s phone vibrated. They stared at it like a bomb about to detonate.

  Chewing her lip, Yvonne wrung her hands together. “Your phone.”

  “Thanks for that, miss obvious.” Julie snatched up the phone. “It’s work. Someone called in sick. The routes have been moved around, so I’m off to Dannevirke tomorrow.”

  “Oh.” Yvonne’s face fell.

  “What is it?” Julie pulled her close. It wasn’t like it was the first time she’d had to go out of town for work.

  “I worry about you on the Saddle Road.”

  “It’s not as bad as it used to be.” After a landslide permanently closed the Manawatu Gorge, a treacherous road in and of itself, she’d been forced to take the alternative route.

  Thanks to heavy traffic and cattle trucks ripping up the asphalt, major work had been put into resealing the surface and widening narrow stretches of the road.

  Her phone chirped making them both jump, again. Yvonne stepped aside. She leaned against the kitchen table, legs crossed at the ankles.

  “I’ll get it, my phone.”

  Yvonne poked her tongue out.

  “What? Not even a ha-ha?”

  She folded her arms across her chest, looking pointedly at Julie’s phone.

  Certain it was work, Julie was in no hurry to read the message. “Where’s Ginger?”

  “Asleep. Stop stalling.”

  “I’m not,” she finally looked at the screen. The name that greeted was a welcome surprise.

  “It’s work,” she lied.

  “Oh.” Yvonne pushed off the table. “I guess Pamela’s busy.”

  “She is. Busy messaging us.”

  “What?” Yvonne slapped her arm. “Don’t d
o that.” She ripped the phone out of Julie’s hand and took off running.

  “Hey, give me that.” Julie ran after her, through the living room, up the hallway, and into the bedroom where she tackled her to the bed.

  The phone went flying along with Ginger. Julie scrambled over top of Yvonne and snatched it from between the mattress and the headboard.

  Breathless, she fluffed up the pillows and leaned back. Yvonne did the same, calling to Ginger. Once everyone was comfortable, Julie read the message to Yvonne.

  “‘Hi, Y & J.’”

  “That’s presumptuous, isn’t it?” Yvonne asked.

  “Maybe, maybe not.” Julie shrugged. “It’s a text, let’s not get hung up on it.”

  “Fine, go on.”

  “‘I’m excited about getting together with you both again. Where would you like to meet? I’m happy to travel, seems only fair considering you came here last time. From P.’”

  “Looks like she wouldn’t mind if we called her P.”

  “She’s already told us to call her Pam, so it’s not a stretch.”

  Yvonne leaned her head on Julie’s shoulder. Her honey shampoo tickled Julie’s nostrils and settled her nerves. “How are we going to reply?”

  “I don’t know,” Yvonne said softly.

  “Neither.”

  Lost in thought, silence settled between them.

  Julie really didn’t want to get a hotel room, but there was absolutely no way she was allowing Pamela into their bedroom.

  “Hey.” Yvonne sat up straighter, looking excited. “Why don’t we make up the spare room?”

  The solution was so clear, Julie didn’t know why she hadn’t thought of it first. Neither of them ever slept in there, even if they’d had a fight.

  Brilliant. Or was it?

  The thought of giving out their home address to someone they’d only met once was terrifying. What if Pam turned out to be a stalker? Someone who wouldn’t take no for an answer if they decided against taking things further.

  “What if we tell her we’d love to meet again to get to know each other better, talk about what we want, and then if we feel comfy we can ask her back here?”

  “Don’t you trust her?” Yvonne studied her face like she’d find the answer there.

  “I don’t know, do you?”

  “For some reason, I do. She was respectful, didn’t try to play one of us off against the other. She’s pretty straight up.”

  A breath puffed out of Julie. “You can say that again.”

  Chapter 23

  The following day, Yvonne’s mind whirled. She could barely wrap her head around the fact that not only had they talked about having a threesome, but they were actually going to go through with it.

  After exchanging a few more messages with Pam, they arranged to meet at the park. If everyone was still on the same page, Pamela would follow them back to their place.

  Her libido kicked into overdrive whenever she thought about it. And that in and of itself made Yvonne feel conflicted; as if it wasn’t her libido to blame for her low sex drive, but needing something new.

  She guessed every couple went through that from time to time, but opening up their marriage was a hell of a way to kick start her hormones.

  The ping of her phone pulled her out of her head. Julie’s name brought a smile to her lips.

  ‘Don’t overthink it. Love you long time. J’

  A chuckle escaped her before she could stop it.

  Jason glanced up, a smile spreading across his handsome face. “Care to share?”

  God, no! Her cheeks heated. “Nah, I’m all good.”

  Rather than ask how Julie knew she’d been doing just that, overthinking things, Yvonne tapped out a reply, ‘You better not be texting and driving.’

  ‘Nope. Just stood in a cow patty and thought of you.’

  Ugh, she rolled her eyes, smiling despite herself. ‘Lame.’

  ‘Nope, still able to walk.’

  ‘Wow, you’re on fire today.’

  Feeling guilty for texting while on Gary’s dime, something he frowned upon, Yvonne glanced around. Seeing the coast was clear, she read Julie’s reply.

  ‘Nah, I’m just being a goof, it’s you who ignites the flames of desire in me. The rest is just kindling. Burns hot and fast and dies out.’

  Moved by the heartfelt words, Yvonne swallowed the lump of emotion clogging her throat. Julie hadn’t said something so profound in years. Somehow, this venture had brought them closer.

  “Finish with the sub-contractor’s book?”

  Startled by Nick’s voice, Yvonne dropped her phone into the top drawer. She felt like she’d been caught with an illegal drug, when her drug of choice was totally legal. Her wife.

  No matter what they went through, Julie buoyed her like a lifeboat, keeping Yvonne afloat when her troubled thoughts threatened to drown her.

  “Chill.” Nick squeezed her shoulder. “I won’t tell the boss.”

  “Thanks, and it was work related.”

  “Sure, and I’m an All Black.”

  Jason stood, clutching his side. “Oh, oh, my ribs hurt.” He straightened, adding, “You give rugby players a bad name.”

  “Says the softie who plays a no-contact sport.” Nick danced around as if he was kicking a soccer ball.

  A shadow appeared in the corridor, and Yvonne had never seen two people move so fast. Jason slid into his seat, and Nick grabbed the folder off Yvonne’s desk.

  “Hey.” Fiona stopped in her tracks, eyeing everyone curiously. “What’s going on?”

  A collective sigh escaped all three.

  Jason spoke first. “Stupid idea having carpet in an office.”

  Yvonne’s head snapped up. She loved the extra warmth the plush carpet and underlay provided in the winter. “What’s wrong with carpet?”

  Fiona, who was more astute than Yvonne gave her credit for, tapped her toe on the thick, grey carpet. “Can’t hear who’s coming.”

  “Oh, I’ve never had that problem.” Jason shot her a smug grin.

  “What problem?” Gary walked up behind Fiona.

  Damn! Could this morning get any more bizarre?

  “Yeah, what problem?” Fiona folded her arms across her chest, tapping her toe silently.

  “Being injured in rugby,” Jason deflected.

  “You don’t play rugby.” Gary tilted his head, dark eyes swimming with suspicion.

  “Exactly.”

  “Okay, save the small talk for your breaks.” He clapped his hands like a drill sargent. “Time’s money.”

  With no idea what Fiona had come looking for, Yvonne watched her follow Gary back down the corridor. The silence that ensued was deafening.

  The buzz of her phone vibrating in her drawer sounded like a swarm of angry bees. Yvonne stuffed some papers on top, muffling the noise.

  Whoever was calling was going to have to wait.

  ***

  After a day of rural reads and managing to avoid being cornered by a farm dog, Yvonne jumped in her car ready to head home.

  Just as she was about to leave Dannevirke, a fruit and produce sign caught her eye. She hadn’t given much thought to what they’d have for dinner that night, but seeing lettuce and tomatoes on special gave her an instant craving for salad.

  She could slice up the leftover chicken from Sunday night and dinner would be done. No fuss, no muss.

  After finding a park, she shut off the engine and got out. She tipped her head back, enjoying the feel of the sun on her face. A milk tanker whizzed by, leaving the tang of diesel in its wake.

  She rounded her car and stepped onto the cracked pavement. Crates of apples were to her left, crates of pumpkins to her right. She weaved between them and entered the store. It took a minute for her eyes to adjust to the dim lighting.

  When they did, she rubbed them, hard. Was she seeing things? She blinked again. The image didn’t change. It was definitely Brenda. She wore a wide-brimmed straw hat, green and yellow check shirt, and dirty
blue jeans.

  She looked every bit as stunning as she had the night they’d happened upon her on Yvonne’s birthday.

  Hoping the other half a dozen shoppers would obscure her from view; Julie hung back, watching her.

  Another shop assistant ushered an elderly woman over to his till.

  Damn him. Julie craned her neck, trying to see around them. She knew she was acting like a stalker but couldn’t help herself.

  What the hell? She stared, speechless.

  Brenda reached up on tippy-toes and kissed a young man on the cheek. She said something Julie couldn’t hear, and she smiled at the guy with what could only be described as love in her eyes.

  He looked at her with equal adoration. “See you tonight.”

  That, she did hear. Just as she considered backing out of the store, Brenda’s eyes locked on hers.

  “Julie!” She rounded the counter. “Oh, wow, it’s so good to see you.” She pumped Julie’s hand.

  Her handshake was firm yet gentle. And felt way too good.

  Unsure what the hell was going on, Julie pried her hand free and shook it out.

  “Sorry.” Brenda scrubbed her hands on a cloth she pulled from her back pocket. “I just bagged some potatoes for Josh to take home.” Her amber eyes sparkled, flecks of gold spreading out, lighting up her face like a summer’s day. “It’s his night to cook.”

  Everything Brenda had told them the night she supposedly got stood up came back to Julie in a rush.

  “I thought you worked in retail?”

  “I do.” She swept her arms in a circle. “I sell fruit and vegetables. We also sell fresh eggs. Come see.” She hooked her arm through Julie’s like they were old friends.

  Reeling, Julie pulled free. She backed up. “I wouldn’t want to keep you from your boyfriend.”

  Confusion contorted Brenda’s features. “My what?” The warmth in her eyes dimmed. Her mouth turned down and she looked…was that hurt? Oh, she was good.

  “Look, it’s none of my business. I’ll just be on my way.”

  “No.” Brenda wrapped her hand around Julie’s bicep, holding her in a vice-tight grip. “Sorry, I don’t normally touch without permission.”

  “Yeah, yeah, so you said that night. You also lead us to believe you were into women.” Julie clenched her jaw. “You offered to come home with us and fuck us. Was that all just a big game to you? To fuck with people’s minds. Or is it something you and Josh—”