by Tom Benson
“Talking of bed, would you like to have an early night—you must be tired after travelling all day and then traipsing the streets of the city?”
“I was hoping you’d suggest going to bed early because I don’t know how long I’ll last otherwise.”
“As long as you last long enough for us both to have an orgasm, my body will be happy.”
“So will mine.”
Both women got into bed naked, not seeing the point of undressing each other as part of their foreplay. Passionate kissing and teasing were as intense as ever, although not lasting for as long, and the pair opted to provide mutual pleasure and release in a sixty-nine position. For these two, it made the sex straightforward, but the physical release at the hands of a person who knew what to do was important.
* * *
.
Sunday 26th June, 2005
A visit to the Natural History Museum appealed to both Heather and Lauren, and after a decent breakfast, they were gone all day once again. Neither felt the need to admit it aloud, but they both enjoyed the proximity of the other as they strolled through the main galleries and exhibition areas.
Lunch in the restaurant saw them sitting opposite each other and giving an occasional smile. As was their habit, they had fresh coffee after the light meal.
Heather was gazing at Lauren over the rim of her cup. “Are you happy with our relationship, Lauren?”
The younger woman smiled. “Yes, I am, and I don’t know if it’s because of the strength of our friendship, but I enjoy the feeling that we don’t feel obligated.” She stared at her drink. “Don’t get me wrong, Heather, I’m not a heartless bitch—I do miss your company.”
“I had to ask. Perhaps it’s the psychiatrist in me, but on the way down here on that long train journey I wondered if we were fooling ourselves.”
“Do you mean about whether we have a friendship or something deeper?” Lauren smiled.
“Yes, and I should know better, but I’m not as free-thinking as you.” She laughed. “It’s in my nature to put things into compartments.”
“So, which compartment is our relationship?”
“I think the best I’ve managed is, close and special friendship.”
“Are you sure there was nobody else you wanted to visit while you were down here?”
“I had three types of friends when I lived and worked in London. There were those I got along with at work—the acquaintances. Next, there were those few to whom I opened my heart, and was let down. Finally, there were those whom I realised saw me as fitting a temporary purpose.”
“That all sounds very clinical, but I’m not one to talk about being detached regarding friendships.” Lauren nodded. “From that breakdown, I don’t see where our relationship fits in.”
“It doesn’t fit any of those. I know simply from our time so far this weekend that we’re there to support each other, but we’re not dependent. I believe our mutual understanding of how badly a person can be hurt is what keeps us strong.” Heather smiled. “What we have might not be love, but it’s away beyond a friendship.”
“Not to mention that being honest about any other interaction means we can be sure of abusing each other’s body in the nicest possible way.”
Heather laughed. “I’ve been tempted to indulge with somebody else, but only once or twice in all the months I’ve been living up in Scotland.”
“I’ve had a couple of offers, but I declined. I reminded myself that I didn’t want to become attached to somebody, and the image of my big throbbing vibrator kept my head clear regarding sexual release.”
“I should be beyond this sort of thing, but earlier as we were walking through the exhibit rooms in here, I had to resist the urge to take your hand. I didn’t want to spoil the weekend.”
“It’s okay, I wouldn’t have caused a scene.”
The pair finished lunch, checked the brochure and set off in the direction of their next area to visit in the massive gallery.
Heather felt something brush her hand and glanced down.
Lauren gently took Heather’s hand and squeezed.
They walked on, both wearing a satisfied grin. The bond was close enough that they didn’t see the other visitors—only the exhibits; and each other.
After the all-day visit, they went to a restaurant neither of them had ever used before. An evening meal with wine was the perfect way to finish their day out before returning to Lauren’s spacious apartment upstairs.
* * *
When they finally went to bed, the sexual antics were played out more slowly than the previous night, and there was an occasional mutual glance which said much more than words. The two women recognised that they were one step away from professing something warmer than friendship, but each time the emotional barriers were under threat, one or the other instigated a kiss.
They lay in each other’s arms breathing deeply after their first energetic session and orgasms.
Heather was still panting as she spoke. “When we lie down … after that sort of release … I wonder how we can … find the desire to … do more.”
Lauren slipped a hand under her pillow and produced a thick ten-inch vibrator shaped like a cock, complete with veins and a rounded head with a slight, natural rim. “If you’d like an incentive … I have this … which is lovely … when covered in slippery gel.”
Heather reached out and held the middle of the unnaturally thick shaft in a loose grip. “Do you have fresh batteries?”
“I put fresh ones in earlier this evening … and I’ve got spares.” Lauren giggled. “The base is slightly rounded too. The whole thing vibrates. If somebody was to hold it upright on their pussy, the other person could squat down on it.”
“And we could change over, of course.”
“Are you sure you could take such a big thing into that delicate place?”
“It might be a tight squeeze … but anything you can do.”
The pair laughed together and kissed.
For another hour the lovers enjoyed each other’s body, using tongue, lips, fingertips, and the big pulsating synthetic cock, of course.
When they finally slept, they were both exhausted.
* * *
.
Monday 27th June, 2005
The day felt empty for a while as Lauren started a new painting down in her demo area of the gallery. She had painted a background while her mind wandered, and then without a set plan, she mixed a flesh tone and created a nude figure reclining on a chaise longue. A smile curled her lips as she created a hair colour and style.
For three days, Lauren worked and reworked the new portrait of what she considered to be merely a naked woman reclining. It was Thursday morning before she was made to face reality.
“Hi,” Kathryn said as she strolled across the gallery floor. “I’m free all day today if you need to be going anywhere.”
“Hi, Kathryn—thanks, I might go out for a while later, just for a walk.”
“Isn’t that the woman who came to visit you … is it, Heather?”
“No, this is just a random portrait. I had the urge to paint a reclining nude, and this is what has developed.”
“Lauren, I may not be the brightest pebble on the beach, but that painting bears more than a passing resemblance to your … friend.” She looked around the easel and working area. “Where is the picture or the preliminary sketches?”
“There aren’t any—it’s just a—”
“It’s just a remarkable portrait if being painted from memory.” Kathryn smiled at her friend and colleague. “Would you like me to make you a coffee, or are you in denial about that too?”
Lauren stared at the painting and half-turned to face a smiling Kathryn. “I’d love a coffee, thanks.” She paused and murmured, “It’s just a naked woman.”
Kathryn was already a few steps away, but she looked over her shoulder. “Whatever.” She was laughing as she headed off to make the drinks.
* * *
.
/> Friday 9th September, 2005
Lauren was like a child at Christmas when the letter arrived from Scotland. She opened it and was delighted to see the long, flowing handwriting.
‘Hi, Lauren,
I hope I find you as healthy and radiant as always.
Thank you for the letter I received last week. It sounds like Kathryn is building quite a reputation for herself with her animal portraits.
I’m sure you’ll be producing plenty of your usual high standard pieces for your passing customers and special clients. I treasure my paintings, and when I finally have my clinic up and running, all my paintings will be on display. Perhaps you’ll create more for me.
I digress, my dearest friend.
It’s been a long haul so far, but my clinic has now had a complete rewiring, and all plumbing has been replaced. In a regular house, these things might have taken a couple of weeks, but we’re talking about something much bigger; and older.
By the end of this year, the team leader believes they will have the plastering, flooring, and painting completed. If all goes well, in January I will be choosing doors to be fitted throughout, and of course the colour schemes for each of the rooms. I’ve spent hours working out what I’d like to include, and the architect likes the sound of my plan.
It seems like a long time off, but I’m hoping you’ll be able to join me for a couple of days in the Spring of 2006. Why then? By that time I think the overall effect will be in place, and I aim to be moving in by July.
As I said before, I have a busy schedule with the clinic in Edinburgh, but I also now make occasional trips to other major cities in Scotland—we have a few sexual issues up here too.
Until my Christmas Card … I think of you often.
Heather xx’
Foundations
Monday 16th January, 2006
A light flurry of snow drifted past the windows of the coffee shop, and some built up on the window frames of Gordon’s Gallery opposite. It gave a festive feel, although Christmas had passed and another year was underway.
Lauren lifted her coffee and stared absently across the road at the small gallery where she’d now spent so much of her life. As she focused on Kathryn a short distance away, the girl was totally at ease discussing a painting with somebody.
Cliff placed a fresh coffee on the table. “Are you feeling a bit melancholy, Lauren—you looked miles away just now?”
“Thanks, Cliff—yes, I was thinking how time passes, and how some things don’t seem to change.”
“Before you make any plans, whatever else changes around here, you’d be sorely missed if you packed up and left.”
“I’m sure Gordon would be able to manage—he’s got Kathryn over there now, and she’s well established.”
Cliff stood there looking down at one of his favourite customers. “I’m not talking about Gordon.” He waited until she looked up at him. “If you ever leave, apart from me, there are a couple of people who work here who’d like a picture to remember you.”
“That’s sweet, Cliff—I’ll make sure I paint one for you.”
“We know we don’t stand a chance with you, but a nice self-portrait would help us get by.” He walked back to the counter.
Lauren turned and watched Cliff and two of his staff working at the counter; a man of mid-twenties, and a girl of around twenty. There were staff who always gave their local customer a broad smile and a longing gaze.
When Lauren was caught staring, Cliff pointed to himself and the other two behind their backs and gave his customer a thumbs-up and a wink.
Twenty minutes later, as she was leaving, Lauren paused at the counter. “I’ll keep that idea of yours in mind, Cliff.” The coffee shop had always been a place to escape, although it was only across the road from the gallery. Now, Lauren knew for sure that the extra-friendly attitude she felt there wasn’t merely because she was the artist from across the road.
* * *
.
Wednesday 15th March, 2006
A picture postcard arrived, depicting a scene of the Scottish Highlands.
‘Hi, Lauren,
I’m in and have a bed ready for a visitor. If you can make it for 1st/2nd/3rd April, it would be great. A simple text will do to confirm.
Heather xx’
The text to confirm was sent within a day. Gordon said he’d change his plans for that weekend if necessary, but whatever else was going on, Lauren was good to go.
* * *
.
Saturday 1st April, 2006
Lauren arrived into Edinburgh Waverley station on the first express train of the day from London. She walked along the platform with her small bag, and before she reached the main concourse, a single figure stood out from the hundreds of others.
Heather was grinning. She was beautiful as always, standing there in a long lightweight coat over a blouse and short skirt. Her long, dark hair lifted lazily in the breeze which seemed to be omnipresent in the big station.
The two women embraced.
“You’re looking amazing,” Lauren said.
“You’re not looking too bad.” Heather winked. “We’ll go out onto Princes Street, and have lunch in a lovely restaurant I know. If you like, we can ditch your bag in my car and do an introductory tour of this beautiful city before we head north.”
“Sounds great.”
Twenty minutes later the two friends were sitting opposite each other in a smart eatery off the main shopping street. Neither spoke for a while as they ate, both preferring to gaze at the other woman.
Lauren wiped her lips with a napkin. “There’s something about you, Heather—you look so … excited.”
“I suppose I am. I was excited before you arrived, but I think more now because things are coming together. Of all the people I know, I wanted to let you see it.”
“I’m looking forward to it because your happiness is contagious.” She grinned. “You said in your card that you were in now, so how much is habitable?”
“The rooms I wanted prioritising are downstairs. There is my private accommodation, which is a lounge, and a large bedroom with en suite. The kitchen is operational, although there are spaces left for a couple more appliances, and though the dining room can be used, it has a simple look right now—just one table and a couple of chairs.”
“Well, you wouldn’t need much more in the dining room if you’re living there alone right now. Does this mean there is a lot of work to do upstairs?”
“Yes, but the plan is for it to be completed by about October.”
“When will you be operational?”
“I’ll have the sign up and the front door open by July, but only so I can establish the place and build a brand. I’d like to be fully functional by January 2007, so I’ve got a few months.”
“I’m so happy for you, and I can’t wait to see the clinic now.”
After lunch, the two friends wandered around Edinburgh for a couple of hours.
Heather said, “At first, Edinburgh might appear to be small, but you have to remember there are two halves to the city—the new town, and the old town.”
“I take it this part over here is the new town?”
“Yes, it’s easy to remember. The new town has Princes Street, and the main shopping and the old town has the castle, the older buildings, and the souvenir shops.”
The pair left Edinburgh in the late afternoon and headed to the Highlands, or more accurately; Pitlochry, to the southeast boundary.
Once across the Forth Road Bridge, there was no escaping the early signs of the Scottish Highlands, and it wasn’t long before Lauren became aware of her surroundings.
“It seems with every ten minutes of the journey this place just becomes more beautiful.”
“Just wait until you set eyes on the scenery around our destination.”
“You said the nearest town was Pitlochry, so I take it your place is in the wilderness?”
“Well, we go north, through Perth, and then through Pitlochr
y which is much smaller, and a lovely town, and then it’s a few miles on narrow roads. We’re situated on the boundary of the Cairngorms National Park.”
* * *
When Heather took the first turn after Pitlochry, she smiled at the sound of her passenger’s continual gasps of amazement. “It’s nice up here, isn’t it?”
“It’s stunning, Heather … mountains and forests and rivers everywhere you look—what a place to live and work.”
Heather turned off onto a narrow road which had a ‘Private’ sign erected at the junction. Underneath the main traffic sign was a small rectangular sign which read, ‘SECS Clinic’.
“I love it,” Lauren laughed. “SECS Clinic … what are the initials for?”
“Sexual Exploration and Consultation Services.” She turned and smiled. “Neat, eh?”
“Brilliant.”
The building wasn’t seen until the final few hundred metres of the track, and then it stood, stately among the forestry and mountains. A sizeable semi-circular gravel area allowed for parking and turning vehicles out front, but the two-storey high building was impressive whatever its surroundings.
On a black signpost outside was the full description in gold lettering for those who might not be sure.
‘Sexual Exploration and Consultation Services’
Lauren stood beside Heather’s car and gazed up at the old, but solid building and its bay windows. There were two large windows on either side of the impressive front door and then on the second floor a similar configuration but with a window above the main entrance.
They went indoors into a sizeable square hallway and entrance area. A door immediately to the right was followed by two more doors evenly spaced on the right. At the back of the hall was another door, and slightly to the left was an ornate staircase and bannister which led to the upper floor.
“We’ll put your bag and coat in my lounge, and then I’ll give you the guided tour, at least the guided tour of two floors of empty rooms.” She laughed.
