Escapades

by M. J. Williamz

  “Man, I do wish you’d get laid. You’re a royal bitch,” Mel said on the day they spent cleaning up the site around the day-care center. It was set for the grand opening the next night, and Brenda and Samantha were at the site making sure everything was perfect.

  “You think I don’t know that? I can’t help it. A deal’s a deal.”

  “How much longer do you think she’s gonna wear that chastity belt?”

  “I don’t know. And it doesn’t matter. She’ll be ready when she’s ready. And not a moment sooner.”

  “Well, are you at least adding some pressure? Pushing the envelope?”

  “Not at all. She’s the one who’ll decide when it’s time.”

  “You’re crazy. But good for you. Although I’ve missed my buddy lately. I’d feel better if I knew you were at least getting some.”

  “Me too, Mel.” Joey laughed. “Me too.”

  Brenda used her bullhorn to get the crew’s attention. She called them over to her truck where Samantha was standing with her. Joey and Mel moseyed over and said hi to Samantha.

  “You look so hot when you’re working,” Samantha said softly.

  Joey looked at her and smiled. “I want to kiss you so bad right now.”

  Before Samantha could respond, Brenda addressed the group.

  “It’s Friday night, and I know that means you’re probably all heading to Kindred Spirits this evening. But as thanks for all your hard work, Ms. Brewer is buying burgers and beer at The Shack at five o’clock. Everyone is invited.” She looked specifically at Joey. “And you’re welcome to bring a date.”

  When the crew had dispersed, Joey stayed behind to talk to Samantha. “Boy, that Brenda’s a smooth one, isn’t she?”

  “She’s just trying to protect me.”

  “What’s her interest? Is she more than just the head of this jobsite?”

  “I guess I never told you. Liz was Dee’s cousin. So I’ve known them for years.”

  “Ah, things make a lot more sense now.”

  “Will you be at The Shack?”

  “Sure. I think Mel and I are surfing after work, so it’ll be easy to stop by.”

  “I look forward to seeing you.”

  Joey studied Samantha’s eyes and saw a longing that matched her own. “I’d better get back to work.”

  “I’ll see you a little later then.”

  Joey walked away, her heart racing. She hated that she couldn’t kiss Samantha in front of the others. She was a mess of pent-up energy as she helped the crew finish cleaning.

  When the work was done, Joey went home to change and wait for Mel. She had just stepped out of her work clothes when her phone rang. She saw that it was Samantha, so she answered it quickly.

  “What are you doing?” Samantha asked.

  “Getting ready to hit the waves. What are you doing?”

  “Missing you.”

  Joey braced herself for the waves of nausea that generally accompanied that statement, but there were none. Instead, there was a surge of warmth throughout her body.

  “You just saw me.” She laughed.

  “I know. But I just wanted to make sure you’ll be there tonight.”

  “I told you I would. What’s going on? Why the double check?”

  “I’m sorry. I’m really nervous for tomorrow.”

  “You’ll be fine, babe. You’ll do great. Everyone’s gonna love the center.” Joey heard the front door slam. “Oh, shit. Mel’s here, and I’m not dressed. I gotta go.”

  “Okay. I’ll see you in a few.”

  “Give me a minute,” Joey called down the hall after she hung up. She heard Mel pop the top on a beer as she quickly donned her board shorts and tank top. She walked out to meet Mel.

  “Whose ride are we taking?” Mel asked.

  “We’d better take yours since I’ll probably be going over to Samantha’s after dinner.”

  “Damn, you’re whipped.”

  “Whatever. Let’s just go.”

  *

  They surfed for several hours, but eventually, Joey’s attention turned away from the waves and toward the parking lot of The Shack, looking for the Charger to pull up. Mel finally gave up and paddled over to join her.

  “Are you gonna surf anymore? Or just stare at The Shack?”

  At that moment, the Charger pulled into the lot, followed by Brenda’s truck.

  “Maybe just one more,” Joey said, paddling farther out. She caught a nice eight-foot wave and rode it to the shallow water before jumping off her board. She picked it up and carried it to shore where she sat on a towel and opened a beer.

  “You’re like a fuckin’ school kid with a crush,” Mel said when she finally joined her. “Do you ever think of anything but her?”

  “Of course I do. But I’m looking forward to seeing her.”

  “You just saw her a couple of hours ago. And you see her every fucking night.”

  “What can I say? I like her.”

  “I guess.” Mel downed half a beer. “When are you two gonna make it official?”

  “What do you mean? If you’re asking when we’re going to sleep together, I’m telling you I’m getting tired of that question.”

  “No, I’m asking when y’all are gonna go public with your coupleness.”

  “Coupleness? Is that even a word?”

  “It is now.” Mel laughed.

  “I don’t know. We haven’t really talked about it. I think we both kind of like how things are now.”

  “You don’t mind being her dirty little secret?”

  “It’s not like I don’t have a few of my own.”

  “True that.”

  Joey stood and put a T-shirt on over her tank top. She glanced back at The Shack. “Looks like people are showing up. You ready to head over?”

  “Sure thing.” Mel slipped on her sandals, grabbed her board, and crossed the beach and street to her van.

  When their boards were stowed, they walked into The Shack and easily found the noisy group that was their coworkers. They moved over to them and were just saying hello when Joey felt breasts against her back as a pair of arms snaked around her.

  “Hi, stranger,” a soft voice said.

  Joey disentangled herself from the embrace and turned to see Tiffany in short shorts and a tube top, looking much as she had on her birthday. “Hey, Tiffany. How have you been?”

  “Not bad. I haven’t seen you around much.”

  “Yeah? I guess it’s strange that our paths haven’t crossed.”

  “How are you doing?”

  “Not bad. You still staying with your friends?”

  “Yep. I get to move into the dorms next month. I’m so excited.”

  “I bet. That’s huge.”

  “Tell me.” Tiffany looked around the restaurant. “So what’s going on here tonight?”

  “Samantha Brewer is buying us burgers and brews for the excellent job we did building the day-care center.”

  “Oh, Samantha’s here? I didn’t see her.” She glanced over the crowd again and this time saw Samantha. She waved, then turned back to Joey. “So you wanna get out of here and have our own party?”

  Joey stared at the tan, youthful body in front of her. She knew what was under the tube top, and the thought of taking it off with her teeth made her crotch spasm.

  “No, thanks. I need to be here. I mean, it’s really decent that Samantha’s doing this and all.”

  “Suit yourself. Maybe Mel wants to play.” She walked over to Mel, and Joey exhaled heavily. That had been tough. She hadn’t really considered leaving with Tiffany, but she sure liked the thought of it. She watched Tiffany and Mel talking and knew Mel would take her home. They’d fuck like rabbits, and she’d go make out with Samantha. She shook her head.

  “Penny for your thoughts?” Samantha was by her side.

  “They’re not worth a penny.” Joey smiled. “Has anyone thanked you for doing this for us? Because it’s really not necessary.”

  “It may not be
necessary, but I wanted to show my appreciation. You guys really busted your humps to get that done.”

  *

  The evening progressed with everyone having a blast. Mel and Tiffany were some of the last to leave and then it was just Brenda and Liz and Samantha and Joey.

  “I think we should get going,” Brenda said. “You need your rest for your big day tomorrow. Joey, did you need a ride?”

  “I’ll give Joey a lift,” Samantha said.

  Brenda looked from one to the other, a battle clearly raging inside her. Joey held her breath, waiting for the lecture, but none was forthcoming. “Suit yourself. I’ll see you tomorrow night.”

  They left, and Joey and Samantha walked out to the car. The fog had rolled in and the night was chilly. Joey was tempted to put her arm around Samantha but didn’t, knowing she wouldn’t appreciate the public attention.

  “Where are we going?” Joey asked once they were in the car.

  “I’m going to drop you at your place if you don’t mind. I’m pretty tired.”

  “No worries.” Joey hoped her disappointment wasn’t obvious.

  Samantha pulled up in front of Joey’s house and turned off the car.

  “I’d invite you in, but you don’t want to see how messy it is,” Joey said.

  “That’s okay.” She turned to look at Joey. “Are you going tomorrow?”

  “To the grand opening thing? I hadn’t planned on it.”

  Samantha’s face fell.

  “Think about it, hon. How would I explain my presence there?”

  “But it’s huge for me. I’d love to share it with you.”

  “Well, maybe we can celebrate afterward.”

  “Or you can be my date.”

  “What?” Joey was sure she’d misheard.

  “I guess I’m asking you out. Kind of role reversal but whatever. Will you be my date to the gala tomorrow?”

  “People will start talking,” Joey said.

  “People are already talking.” Samantha laughed.

  “Really?”

  “Have you not heard? Ever since you walked into Delta’s store that day, texts have been flying and tongues have been wagging. There was immediate curiosity as to who Joey Scarpetti’s lady was.”

  “How did they figure it was you?”

  “Your truck is at my house every night.”

  “Oh, yeah. I’m sorry. I know you didn’t want people to know.”

  “I’m ready, though. Why not just confirm what they already know?”

  “Fine by me.” Joey thought her heart would explode from relief. “So I’ll be your date tomorrow.” She leaned across the console and kissed Samantha briefly. “I guess I’ll see you tomorrow then.”

  “I’ll pick you up at five thirty.”

  “I’ll be ready.”

  *

  Joey stood in front of her closet trying to decide what to wear to a grand opening for a day care. She picked up her phone to call Samantha to see how formal it would be but decided against it. She was probably already a nervous wreck.

  She finally decided on a pair of black silk slacks, a long-sleeved button-down white shirt, and a skinny black tie. She combed her hair, parting it on the side and combing her bangs back, but they continued to fall back into her face. She finally gave up and had just grabbed a beer when her phone rang. “Hey, babe,” Joey said.

  “Hi there. I’m in front of your house if you want to come on out.”

  Joey put the beer back in the fridge and took a deep breath. She was about to make her big debut. She felt like she was coming out all over again.

  She slid into the car and had to laugh at Samantha’s dress. It was a long black sleeveless number with a white stripe that started at her left breast and cut down to the right side of her waist, then back across and down to just below her left hip, then back toward her right knee. It was slit up to her mid thigh. “We couldn’t have dressed more alike if we’d tried.”

  “Very true. I guess black and white is our theme tonight.”

  “You look stunning.”

  “Thank you, sweetheart. And you look quite dapper.”

  They drove in silence to the day-care center, and it seemed surreal to Joey to see all the cars in the parking lot and the place lit up. “It looks pretty darned good,” she said.

  “It really does.”

  They got out of the car, and Samantha took Joey’s hand.

  “You sure about that?” Joey asked.

  “Positive.” Samantha gave Joey’s hand a squeeze.

  Joey had never been much into hand holding, but Samantha’s hand in hers felt perfect. She squeezed back, as much to reassure herself the night was going to go well as Samantha.

  “Are you sure about this?” Samantha asked.

  “Totally.”

  They walked in, and Joey felt like Moses parting the Red Sea. The crowd seemed to separate in half, with everyone turning to stare at them. She heard no sound as they cut through the crowd. Joey had never known that many people could be silent at one time. Soon, though, the crowd closed around them, and laughter and chatter refilled the air.

  “That was uncomfortable,” Joey said.

  “The hard part’s over now. Let’s find Brenda and Liz.”

  “Seriously? Brenda’s gonna want to take me out back when she sees us.”

  “She’ll just have to get over it.”

  They found Brenda and Liz in a corner, and Joey had correctly anticipated Brenda’s response.

  “Are you fucking kidding me?” Brenda said.

  “You’ll just have to trust me on this,” Samantha said.

  “You, I trust. Her? Not so much.” She motioned to Joey.

  Joey had no comeback. She knew Brenda deserved to be skeptical. And she wasn’t sure what she could say to reassure her.

  “I’ve got to admit, I’m more than a little surprised the rumors are true,” Liz said.

  “You hurt her and I hurt you. You got that?” Brenda said to Joey.

  “Please lay off her,” Samantha said. “I’m a big girl.”

  “Who’s endured enough pain. I don’t plan to sit idly by and watch you suffer more.”

  “Look at her for a minute, Brenda,” Liz said. “She looks happy again. We haven’t seen that since—”

  “Sure, she looks happy now. But imagine how she’ll look once Scarpetti is through with her.”

  “You know something?” Liz said. “I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen Joey holding a woman’s hand.”

  “That should count for something,” Samantha said.

  “I’m still disgusted.”

  “Maybe you should listen to Liz and be happy Samantha’s happy.” Joey finally found her voice.

  “Maybe you shoulda listened to me and backed the fuck off.”

  “Maybe you should chill and not ruin Samantha’s evening,” Joey shot back.

  “She’s right,” Liz said. “Now shouldn’t you be mingling?”

  “We should.” Samantha turned to Joey. “Are you ready?”

  “Lead the way.”

  “I’m really sorry about that,” Joey said when they were out of earshot.

  “You have nothing to apologize for.”

  “I do. If you were with someone besides me, they’d all be thrilled to see you beaming.”

  “If they care about me, it won’t matter that it’s you who makes me happy.”

  “It’s because they care about you that it does.”

  They made their way through the crowd of lesbians, all dressed in their finest to celebrate the new day-care center. Joey knew most of the people there and graciously met the few she didn’t. There were several couples from Somerset who had signed up to have Samantha and her staff watch their kids.

  When the event was drawing to a close, Samantha moved to the front of the room and took a microphone. “Excuse me,” she said and waited for the room to grow quiet.

  Joey stood back and watched, enthralled as Samantha thanked everyone for coming and for t
heir support. She promised them their children would have the best care possible. She went on to introduce her staff, and Joey felt a sense of amazement that this totally together, successful woman wanted to be hers. Her heart skipped a beat just thinking about it.

  “She looks damned fine.”

  Joey turned to see Mel smiling at her, Tiffany at her side. “Yeah, she does.”

  “I hear you two are an item now,” Tiffany said.

  “Where’d you hear that?” Joey asked sarcastically.

  “More people are talking about that than the day-care center,” Mel said.

  “I don’t see you two together,” Tiffany said.

  “We’re an odd couple,” Joey agreed. She turned her attention back to Samantha, who was wishing everyone a good night. She hung up the microphone and hurried to Joey’s side.

  “You were amazing,” Joey said.

  “I was a nervous wreck.”

  “No one could have guessed. You’re so smooth.”

  Samantha turned her attention away from Joey to say hi to Mel and Tiffany. “Thank you for coming. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to make it.”

  “We were a little busy earlier.” Tiffany winked.

  Joey arched an eyebrow at Mel, who simply shrugged.

  “I need to go thank Brenda and Liz for everything. They got the place set up and promised to supervise the closing down. I need to get home. I’ll be right back.”

  “Damn, she lights up like a frickin’ Christmas tree when she looks at you,” Mel said.

  “Isn’t it cool?” Joey grinned.

  “I sure hope you two make a go of it,” Tiffany said. “I really do.”

  “Thanks, Tiff. I appreciate that.”

  Samantha was back and took Joey’s hand. “Are you ready to head out?”

  “Sure.”

  She turned to Mel and Tiffany. “I’ll see you two later.”

  Tiffany hugged Samantha. “I wish you the very best,” she said.

  “Thank you. I think the center will be a huge success.”

  “I wasn’t just talking about the center.”

  “Well, thank you again then. I think a lot of people are going to be surprised.”