by Bri Stone
She stays wrapped around me. Then we wash off. Do it all over again.
Then I fall asleep with her in my arms.
Chapter Seventeen: Perrie
THOM: YOU’LL DO GREAT, don’t worry.
Perrie: I was never good at interviews.
Thom: Don’t think of it as an interview. Just think of it as a super organized lunch date.
Perrie: LOL with no food??
Thom: Yeah...
Perrie: Thanks for the help.
Thom: No problem, baby.
Perrie: You are just being smug because you don’t have to do any interviews.
Thom: True.
Perrie: Don’t be an ass!
Thom: Hey, it isn’t my fault their decision was so easy.
Perrie: I’m going to have a heated conversation with Mayo clinic when I get back.
Thom: After you nail your interview...what are you wearing?
Perrie: Is now really the time?
Thom: It’s always the time...
Perrie: The skirt suit I bought last weekend.
Thom: The gray one?
Perrie: No, the blue. I wore the gray yesterday with Brigham.
Thom: Oh, right. I like the blue one against your skin. I hope you’re wearing the silk shirt under though.
Perrie: I had no idea you were so serious about residency interview fashion. And yes, I am, the white one.
Thom: It has a regal look to it, trust me. I might even start a blog.
Perrie: Shut up, no you won’t. Shouldn’t you be in lab right now?
Thom: Yeah but my partner is in love with me, so she always covers for me.
Perrie: I’m sorry, in love with you???
Thom: Perrie, you’ve seen me. She can’t be blamed.
Perrie: Who is this woman?
Thom: OOH, are you jealous?
Perrie: No.
Thom: I sense a lie.
Perrie: Who is she?
Thom: I honestly don’t know her name, Sparks. You know you own my heart LMAO.
Perrie: Uh huh. And all your appendages too.
Thom: Including my dick?
Perrie: You know, you’re getting very close to not being allowed to touch me when I get back.
Thom: You wouldn’t torture me like that, baby! It’s been three days already!
Perrie: I’m smiling with evil pleasure.
Thom: Perrier, stop messing around. It messes with my lungs.
Perrie: Don’t you dare try to guilt trip me.
Thom: Say you’re joking.
Perrie: I’m joking.
Thom: Good.
Thom: Will you be okay traveling tomorrow? I can come and meet you.
Perrie: I’ll be fine, I have to be. I think it makes her proud somehow, that I’m away at a residency interview.
Thom: I know it does. Your mom is very proud of you. The day she died doesn’t have to be an awful memory anymore.
Perrie: You’re right. But what about yours?
Thom: Work in progress? How long do you have?
Perrie: Twenty minutes. I’m really nervous. It wasn’t like this at Brigham.
Thom: Because it wasn’t your top choice. Just be yourself and they’ll love you. Well, leave out the part about your commitment issues.
Perrie: Wow Thom, you’ve got balls.
Thom: And we both know how big they are...
Perrie: Just for that, no blowjobs for a month.
Thom: Fuck.
Perrie: Thanks for passing the time oh so well.
Thom: You’ve got the interview down. They’ll love you.
Perrie: My fingers are so sweaty.
Thom: Don’t shake their hand.
Perrie: I doubt that will work.
Thom: True. If there’s a guy, just give him the look.
Perrie: OMG. I don’t have a look!
Thom: Yeah you do. You used to give it to me all the time when we were studying during M1.
Perrie: I wasn’t...
Thom: You’ll lose this argument.
Perrie: Maybe.
Thom: I’m leaving lab now.
Perrie: Drink a chai latte for me.
Thom: If there is one thing I will never do for you, it’s drink a chai latte. Yuck.
Perrie: How sweet of you. I have to go in soon.
Thom: Okay. Don’t be nervous. I love you so much, Sparks.
Perrie: I’ll try. I love you too, Stud.
I gather my things and make my way up to the interview room. Just before I shut my phone off, I get another message from Thom. It’s a picture of him drinking a chai latte, the label clearly visible. I smile wide and the last of my nerves fade through my fingers.
I wipe my hands on my skirt and hope they aren’t too clammy. Then I walk into the interview that determines the next four years of my life.
IT DOESN’T MATTER HOW many years have passed, it still hurts. I still remember every second of that morning. I was getting ready for school as always, and dad was home only for a few weeks. The rest I blocked out, I couldn’t face it for a long time.
Then Thom happened and each year with him has gotten better. Last year I was able to tell him more of the story. This year, I’m in a hotel room at the Hampton Inn, which Thom insisted on paying for. I was glad to not have scratchy sheets though. My flight was very early the next morning so there wasn’t much time to enjoy it anyway.
I showered and used the fluffy white robe just to see what it was like. I got comfortable on the bed and Melinda called.
“So, how did it go?” She piped. How does she always have energy to have such a high-pitched voice?
“Pretty good. I think.”
“Well it is your first choice, so I hope it went better than ‘pretty good.’”
“Right. And how was Johns Hopkins?” She had her interview yesterday.
“Awesome, I already know I got in.” She sang.
I rolled my eyes but couldn’t even be annoyed, it’s just how Melinda is.
“Good then. We are all going off to do great and amazing things.” I sighed.
“We’ll keep in touch, you know that right? I don’t mind visiting or bothering you on the phone every day.”
“Oh my gosh,” I laugh, “yes I know.”
“Thom will probably end up in Mayo, right?” Her voice softens.
“Yeah. In Minnesota. If I’m lucky I’ll be here in Massachusetts.” I murmured.
“Yeah...don’t be too down about it. You guys will be fine.” She said, hope in her voice.
I didn’t disagree with her. I don’t know why I couldn’t convince myself of it. I knew I would miss him too much and want to be with him.
“I know.”
“And how was today?” Her tone was serious, so I knew what she meant.
“Not as...crippling.” Clem had called me earlier in the day, but dad was too far out at sea to reach me, I assumed.
“Good, I’m glad.”
“You know, you never talk about your family.” I notice.
I settle into the white comforter and fiddle with the tie of my robe.
“My family is nothing of note. Do you really want to talk about this or would you rather talk about how to make your reunion sex with Thom better than last time?”
“First one, then the other.” I giggle.
She groans, and I hear her roll her eyes. “I grew up in foster care.”
“I know that.”
“Then you’ve got the whole story. Now, new positions?”
I laugh. “Melinda, I’ve told you everything!”
“I never said I was returning that favor.” She deadpans.
“Fair enough. But you know if you ever do need to talk, I can be that person.” I say seriously.
“I know. Enough with the heavy anyway. Order some sexy movies to watch.” She giggles.
“I’m good. What are you doing anyway?”
“Readings from last week.”
“Ugh. I’m enjoying my day off.”
“I’m surprised
you even took a day off, all you do is study.”
“I’m rectifying that characteristic.” I say back.
“What time do you get in tomorrow?”
“Pretty early. Thom is getting me.” I answer with a smile.
I couldn’t wait to see him. I could barely last three days, how would I fare with an unknown amount of time? Residency isn’t the normal nine to five.
“Aww. You guys aren’t going to even make it to class. I’m putting money on it.” I hear the smile in her voice.
“Who might you be betting with?” I laugh.
“Donald.”
“I thought you hated him?”
“Eh. He’s grown on me. Chris paired us for his ceremony. I think he’s trying to play matchmaker, but it isn’t going to work.”
“I thought you were down for the swirl.”
“I am. But my heart is forever taken. Long story. I’ll tell you later.”
“Okay then. I should get to bed, I have to get up early.”
“Gotcha. See you...when you get out of bed with Thom.”
She laughs and hang up before I can say anything back. Or agree with her, whichever would have come first.
Chapter Eighteen: Perrie
THE PAST FEW WEEKS have me tired of flying but it’s finally over.
I’m coming home to Thom and it’s what I always want to do. Even if—when, we leave for residency. We’ll come home to each other.
As soon as I land I take my carry on and rush to ground transport. A text from Thom tells me he is already here. I look for his faded black Jeep, and finally find it. He’s leaning against the passenger door; a vision wearing dark jeans, a navy-blue Henley, and a leather jacket. The weather is cooler now, and I love him in leather, so I stay on the upside of things.
“Hey, Sparkle.” I crash into his open arms with a wide grin. I squeeze him tight, inhale his scent and relax into his arms.
Then his lips are on mine and it’s like all my broken pieces come back together. Hugging him, kissing him—it’s where I belong.
“I missed you.” I murmur against his lips. He smiles and kisses me three times before releasing me.
“I missed you too. You look exhausted.” His thumb presses against a bag I’m sure is beneath my eye.
“I am. And hungry.” It’s barely eight in the morning, but I feel like I’ve been up for days.
“I can help with one of those. But once we get home, you’ll only be more tired.” His eyes darken, and he licks his lips as his jaw ticks.
That sexy look he gets whenever he’s aroused, it weakens my knees. I willingly climb into the car and consider skipping food all together.
AFTER OUR BREAKFAST we head back to campus for our respective days. I have lecture and then two different labs. I usually head to work but my boss gave me the day off. It being Friday is much appreciated too. But I still had about an hour to kill before Thom got out of class.
Melinda was busy too. She got a job last year shadowing an orthopedic research attending.
I was up so early travelling I needed a long hot shower and Thom inside of me, not that it would help any, but it’s a valid point. I text Thom and tell him I’m heading home to rest, but really, I’m just getting ready for hot sex and I need to wash the plane ride off me first.
I take an Uber, so I get there faster. As soon as I shower, I don’t feel like wearing anything other than one of Thom’s shirts. I see why he wears these Henleys all the time, they’re soft and comfortable. Plus, it’s so easy to get him Christmas and birthday gifts. Levis and Henleys, he can’t get enough of them.
Lounging on the couch, Melinda texts me.
Melinda: Did you leave?
Perrie: Yeah. Wait, did we have plans??
Melinda: No, airhead. Thom asked if I was with you. He’s giving me a ride home.
Perrie: Oh, gotcha.
Melinda: I told him you were getting a wax.
Perrie: Nice try, he knows I don’t wax.
Melinda: True, he shut me down. But he manscapes?? WOW!
Perrie: Aren’t you in the car with him rn?
Melinda: So??
Melinda: You’re such a bitch.
Perrie: We both know you alone hold that title
Melinda: Very true. Thom says you like to eat ass
Perrie: He’s a rotten liar OMG.
Melinda: Good thing I live outside of the city, this interrogation will take a while.
Perrie: Leave him alone!
Melinda: I’m asking him about having sex with asthma. I heard it was bad.
Perrie: It isn’t. he’ll tell you the same thing.
Melinda: Okay, you win this round.
Perrie: Are you done?
Melinda: No. Why won’t you marry him?
Perrie: Seriously??
Melinda: As it gets.
Perrie: It’s not that I won’t marry him.
Melinda: If he asked you today you’d say yes?
Perrie: Yes. I would.
Melinda: Never mind then. Even if you did, you would probably stay engaged until you were done with fellowship.
Perrie: I’m not that insane. But I’d probably get a shot gun wedding.
Melinda: I’m not surprised at all.
Melinda: Yeah, I agree. He does know I’m asking this: how will the next four years be apart?
Perrie: Hell.
Melinda: He said worse than an asthma attack, even the kind that land you in the hospital.
Perrie: I don’t know whether to be flattered or worried.
Melinda: A nice aqueous mixture of both. I’m almost home.
Perrie: Good. I’m sure Thom is tired of you.
Melinda: Oh please. He loves me. I’m his chocolate sister.
Perrie: I’m shook
Melinda: Same. I suggest you meet him at the door, naked. He’ll be home in twenty.
Perrie:??
She reads the message but doesn’t respond. Read receipts are good and bad sometimes, but I honestly didn’t know if she was joking. I’m too comfortable on the couch to move. I watch Flip or Flop on HGTV to pass the time. One episode later the lock scratches with Thom’s arrival.
I hop up and greet him with a hug. The door slams behind us and I jump in his arms. His hands are hot on my thighs, his body hard against mine.
“Hello to you too.” He smiles. I love his smile, it warms me all over. I return it and kiss him.
Slow and hungry, our tongues swirling around each other. He tastes like mint. He starts moving and I tighten my arms around his neck, combing my fingers through his soft hair. He stops and sets me on the arm of the couch. I pout as we part.
“I didn’t think three days without you would be so bad.” I breathe. My chest heaves as I pant.
His eyes darken and pass over me with an intensity that makes me shiver. I lick my lips as I take in his tight jaw and pink lips. He sheds his jacket, and then walks between my legs while I wrap my arms around his waist.
“Because you didn’t have anything to keep you busy.” He smirks. But there is something in his voice.
“Are you saying it will be easy during residency?” I speak slowly.
“Maybe.” He shrugs.
I clutch his shoulders and pull him closer. I don’t want to talk about the future. Maybe I’m running just like I always do. But I want to be here, in this moment, with my Thom.
I close the space and kiss him, pouring everything I have into it. I don’t have anything in me for teasing or prolonging the moment. I rush to get him undressed, I kick his shoes to the floor and let him undress me.
Thom moves me down to the sofa cushion, but I stop him before he straddles me. I smile up at him as he grins. I curl my fingers around the waistband of his briefs, impressed at his size even before he is fully hard. He steps out of them and I lip my lips hungrily.
“Perrie,” he groans, and I feel it in my hand when I take his cock in it.
It swells, darkening as I take him in my mouth. I never considered myself very good at
this, but the way he moans tells me I’m pretty alright. I swirl my tongue around his tip, suck as hard as I can.
He groans and fists his fingers in my hair. I need one hand as an extension of my mouth, the other grips his ass and it clenches as he fucks my mouth. I feel myself gushing on the leather couch, turned on by his pleasure.
“Oh fuck, Perrie. Shit.”
I feel him pulsing. I feel his balls heavy in my hands and I feel his cock twitch faster. I take him as far as I can, until my lips scratch his trimmed pubic hair, then I contract my throat and I feel him come inside my throat. I pull back slowly as I swallow all of it. I try not to think of everything I know about sperm as I do. Hence why I don’t do it often.
“That was amazing. It’s always amazing.”
He kneels and claims my mouth. He doesn’t care that there are still traces of him inside my mouth as his tongue swirls around mine. Then his body climbs over mine. Our knees, our hips, our chests; everything is aligned.
Thom turns his attention to my neck. His lips tracing slow lines, his tongue dancing across as he places wet kisses everywhere. My fingers are in his soft hair as he moves farther down to my breasts. His right hand pinches my nipple, swirls it into a hard nub while his mouth is on the other. His hot breath and wet tongue falls over me as he sucks me in his mouth.
I feel every nerve in my body. The world’s greatest hyperbole but it’s true, everything is alive. When he touches me, when he’s just there.
He moves his other hand to my sex as his mouth continues. I feel his fingers against my folds and feel them sink inside of me. I moan and arch my hips to feel his fingers closer. It’s just the two, but it feels like they’re taking up every part of me.
“Thom, I need you.”
I pull his head back and kiss him. He moves his lips slowly over mine, sucking my bottom lip and then the top. His tongue flicks over my lips and my tongue slowly meets his. He settles between my legs. His hands grip my hips and I feel my wetness on his left hand. I wrap my arms around his neck, my fingers graze across his shoulder blades and feel the muscles ripple as he lets more of his weight down.
