Outing of the Heart (97 page)
Read Outing of the Heart Online
Authors: Lisa Ann Harper
After Sid's chores, she would make the dressing. Ten had thought it prudent to begin with artichokes, fearful of people leaving the table still hungry.
âWe're probably going to have too much now,' Sid observed, as she began to assemble what she needed. She would put in heaps of garlic and use her new vinegar. âStill, as you say, better that than to run short. The baguettes should fill any hollow legs that remain, otherwise there's always Malibu Jacks down the road, when they leave,' she added for devilment.
âOh Sid, no.' wailed Ten. âThey wouldn't have to come to that, would they?'
âJust kidding,' Sid assured her light heartedly, happy in her work. This was the first time she was part of a duo, inviting friends for a proper dinner-party that wasn't just ordering in. If not exactly doing it in style, at least they were giving of their own hospitality. It felt good.
By six o'clock everything was well in hand. It was time to get ready, being sure the ladies wouldn't be late. Sid stripped down then jumped into the shower. Soon she heard Ten's voice asking if she could join her. Opening the shower curtain she said simply: âCome on in.'
She put her wet hands round Ten's waist and helped her step into the bathtub, then closed the curtain behind her. Laughter erupted spontaneously from Ten as she fell against Sid and soon was as soapy as she. âTurn round, I'll do your back,' she instructed. It felt wonderful to get a stimulating scrub all over her back. She was standing there enjoying it when Sid put down the loofah and used her hands.
âMm..m, I like it,' she sighed contentedly.
Sid felt intoxicated by the feel of the beautiful curves now under her soapy hands. Soft flesh, firm and rounded, sliding hot and wet.
“What a body this woman has.”
She luxuriated in her sensuality. Ten felt Sid's body against hers. Her hands began to slide under and over her breasts. Then to her belly and round to her thighs; back up and round again. She felt herself leaning more heavily against her, not wanting the caresses to stop, but knowing they didn't have any time. âSid â¦' Her voice came in a husky whisper. âWe don't â¦'
âSh.. it's OK. This won't take long, I can tell.' Sid's voice was barely audible above the splashing of the shower, but she spoke to Ten's ear, then nibbled it as she slid her arm around her waist and under her breasts, lifting them slightly so they rested on her forearm. She could see the nipples erect and eager. She let her right hand glide down between Ten's legs, to the soft, full lips, hot with longing, as her gentle fingers probed and parted the silky folds. Supporting her weight, she began slowly to slide back and forth along her slit. Ten felt the intensity of her passion burn into her, like a molten heat. She went weak at the knees, but Sid kept her up. She raised her arm to the wall to keep herself still and then let herself be driven by Sid, as her clit demanded more and more. She brought her legs together and squeezed Sid's hand so tight that at last only the vibration of her touch remained. Raised to the height by so much sexual pleasure, its intensity suddenly split apart and quickly she plummeted, over the edge into a vortex of sensual feeling. Groaning softly as her body was flooded by exquisiteness, she shuddered helplessly.
Losing all track of time, Ten leaned into her lover, still being sluiced by the warm water. At last she turned herself to face Sid and put her arms around her neck, once more able to use her legs.
âWhat a lover you are â¦' she murmured into her shoulder, â â¦and very naughty. How could you take this defenceless woman so wantonly when she has no time for this?' She moved back to look at Sid whose flushed face radiated an incandescent air of self-satisfaction. She began to kiss her streaming face and neck, returning eventually to her lips. The kiss was deep and lingering, affirming for them both, the sincerity of their love.
âI'm outta here.' Sid pulled away and smacking Ten on the bottom screwed up her face into mock concern: âUnhand me woman, I've guests to see to.' She leaped out.
Ten was dragging her chain; the limbs just didn't want to move. Eventually she appeared, having washed her hair too. Not the original intention, but since it had gotten soaked ⦠Sid was already dressed looking very sharp in the new cords and her cream silk shirt. She smelled divine too. A waft of âAramis' melted her all over again. She heard Sid in the kitchen getting things organized for drinks, and the strains of Geri Halliwell singing, LIFT ME UP. She could have happily lain on the bed and just luxuriated there, listening to the music.
“Get on, Ten”
she scolded, frowning:
“They'll be here soon and you only dressed in two towels.”
She chose a practical outfit for the evening ⦠if she had to keep jumping up ⦠Just a black, sleeveless top, no bra would make Sid happy, and a tailored, undyed linen skirt featuring buttons down the front, the lower half of which remained undone. The hair? Tie it back in a scrunchie and let it dry in its own time. For a moment, as she looked in the mirror, she remembered how she used to dress her hair for dancing. A pain of regret shot through her. She must develop resilience; reconcile herself to the fact she would probably never dance flamenco again. She began on the eyes, then looked down at her left leg, now wasted. The bulk of the calf muscle had disappeared. She had been shocked when she first saw that thin, dry, scaly leg, like a stick. The skin was back to normal, but would the muscle ever get to the size of the other one? Right now the toes were puffy because she'd been on it too long. She couldn't put her foot up tonight either, not 'til bedtime. How she hated all this.
Voices. She checked her watch. Yes, Moira and Rani were right on time. She heard Sid saying that she, Ten, wouldn't be long. Quickly she finished her eyes and decided to be jewelryless. She'd taken to wearing her leather thongs at home since they left her toes free and encouraged her to get her heel down. Quickly she slipped them on and went out to greet the women.
âAh, here she is,' observed Sid as she emerged from the other room. Moira was struck by her radiance. There was a bloom about her and a definite air of satisfaction.
She and Sid were nursing beers. Rani had opted for a white wine spritzer. She looked beautiful in a midnight-blue sari, edged with silver and gold filigree. Elaborate, dangling silver earrings set off the perfect oval of her face. As she moved, silver bangles tinkled on her wrist and her evening slippers reflected shafts of silver and gold.
âWhat for you, Ten?' Sid enquired, giving her a special look of intimate appraisal that made her glow from the inside.
âA spritzer would be fine for me too, thanks.' She looked hastily down, too covered in confusion by the traitorous tug of her feelings. Sid smiled.
Bowls of nibblies: nuts, potato chips and olives had been set out and they sat, ill at ease now they had no business to discuss. The silence was unsettling. Ten and Moira began to speak at the same time just as the doorbell rang.
âThat'll be them,' Sid acknowledged in relief, jumping up from the cushions. The others continued to sit in silence, not looking at each other, letting their eyes wander about the room, aimlessly. Suddenly the air exploded as Reine came striding in, filling the doorway with her bulk, then the room itself with her overflowing energy, as she boomed out her hearty greetings. Ten, who had risen at her appearance, was now clasped in a warm embrace as she declared: âPretty as a picture. How are you?'
She stood back, holding her hands at arms' length. âThis good for nothing friend of mine taking care of you properly, eh?' she asked, her face taking on a lecherous cast. âIf she's not, you send her to me. I'll soon tell her which end is up,' she leered, guffawing at her own humor. No one else followed suit, leaving Ten blushing to her hairline. Thea felt she should step in and introduced herself, in an effort to for-stall any further lascivious outbursts.
âNow I was coming to that,' Sid looked aggrieved: âIt was just Reine here took over and didn't give me a chance.'
Introductions proceeded on a more formal basis and then drinks were dispensed. Both Reine and Moira wore light colored shirts and tailored pants. Whereas Reine had a contrasting vest over her shirt, Moira wore the suit jacket to complete the ensemble. Thea, as usual, was in a colorful outfit, a loose over blouse and flowing dark red skirt. Her eyes, behind her glasses, took in every detail of Rani and were impressed.
Quickly conversation began to flow and the process of âgetting-to-know-you', got under way. The first area of exploration: their work environments. Ten was glad to see they had been able to bypass the weather. Not contributing at this stage, she was very much enjoying listening, but when Sid suggested refills, took the opportunity to excuse herself.
âNeed a hand?' Thea enquired.
âNo thanks. Everything's assembled. I only have to cook it.' As she made her way towards the kitchen, Reine asked how her leg was coming along.
âOh, not too badly, thanks Reine. I still have to take time to put it up to keep control of the swelling ⦠which is a bit of a bore. But the pain seems to be on the decline, so I can't complain.'
Ten's idea to begin with the artichokes was a great success. It was a tasty novelty for some and they enjoyed sharing the melted lemon butter pot between two. Sid had split up the couples in the seating arrangements and everyone got on famously. They were there to have a good time and this they did.
No dessert was served, instead the women could select from a cheese and fruit platter which Sid had put together. They need not have worried over the meal being vegetarian, the guests all declared themselves well satisfied. By this time in the proceedings, conversation was flowing freely. Topics had been many and varied, but the one under current discussion was the insistence by the French to pursue nuclear testing in the Asia-Pacific Region. Rani was of the opinion that the whole exercise was pointless.
âThey have a right to be able to defend themselves,' Reine pointed out reasonably. âNot that I condone testing anywhere but in their own back yard, mind you.'
âBut that's the point, Reine,' Rani contended. âIf the French need to defend themselves it will most likely be from an attack by their neighbors. This being the case, will they use a nuclear bomb and run the risk of killing or inflicting suffering on their own people?'
âJust like Bosnia Herzegovina,' Sid interjected. âToo close to home.'
âExactly,' Rani nodded as she turned to acknowledge Sid's observation. âNow if they won't use nuclear warheads for attack purposes and they can't use them for defence, what is the point of all this?'
Thea began to speak slowly. âI wonder if, since all this started after Jacques Chirac was elected and there was no demand from the French people that this testing take place, if Chirac is fulfilling a promise. Perhaps paying his dues to the Military?' She looked around at the faces of the women gathered at the table. All were pursuing her argument with interest. âSee here. If they helped elect him, then â¦'
âIt's too bad someone couldn't come up with a face saving solution for him,' Ten pondered. âSome way to get him off the hook. It's obvious the French are not wholeheartedly behind him.'
âIt's interesting too, how silent the English are being on this contentious issue,' Moira noted. âI wonder what power is holding their tongue?' Since no one had an answer to this, they lapsed into silence.
âMore coffee?' Sid offered. There were a few hands.
Thea had obviously continued worrying at the problem of nation in conflict with nation, since she made the following statement. âYou know they say the single most significant factor in modern warfare was the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima by the Enola Gay.' The others nodded in agreement.
âI'll be so relieved when this test ban treaty finally gets signed,' Sid called out from the kitchen. She may not be at the table, but she certainly was interested and didn't want to be left out.
âWell, I beg to differ on this point,' Thea stated, her face creased in concern. A collective âOh?', of enquiry went the rounds. âYes. I look at it this way â¦'
“
Here she goes again
,” thought Reine. “
Always something different, dear heart
.”
âWell, we know from history that armies customarily fought each other on the battlefield, or whichever theatre of war was under contention. Right?'
âRight.'
âWith the advent of the airplane this all changed. Governments were able to designate targets for destruction that could involve innocent women and children, but with no, or few losses to their side. Get in ⦠get out ⦠and their own people still safe and sound.' Thea paused for breath. âI believe this single innovation drastically redirected military strategy, as it had never been in the past. The airplane now had the power to subjugate a whole nation through its ability to destroy; all the while keeping the home fires burning. The nuclear bomb on the other hand, except for Hiroshima and Nagasaki, can only act as a deterrent and that, only at a distance. The airplane is far more deadly, especially if you have smart missiles in your armory.
The introspective silence was broken by the arrival of Sid with a tray of coffees. Whilst everyone busied themselves with the cream and sugar Reine opted for a beer. She turned to Ten to enquire how she was enjoying her work at the counselling centre.
âIt's going very well, thanks, Reine. I believe I'm finally getting the hang of things. There's this great guy who's been in reception for yonks. I work with him. He knows everybody from way back.' Ten turned to Thea. âYou remember Lyndall?'
âSure.'
Sid raised her head. She remembered Lyndall too; her face darkened.
âThe counsellors are really nice. After the clients' interviews have been completed, we all meet for about half an hour. It's sort of like a debriefing session. Of course personal details are not discussed. Just rescheduling, new clients coming on stream, old ones moving on or being transferred. Anyway, the counsellors always speak of their clients with such genuine concern and interest. It's obvious their involvement is sincere.'
âWe're probably going to have too much now,' Sid observed, as she began to assemble what she needed. She would put in heaps of garlic and use her new vinegar. âStill, as you say, better that than to run short. The baguettes should fill any hollow legs that remain, otherwise there's always Malibu Jacks down the road, when they leave,' she added for devilment.
âOh Sid, no.' wailed Ten. âThey wouldn't have to come to that, would they?'
âJust kidding,' Sid assured her light heartedly, happy in her work. This was the first time she was part of a duo, inviting friends for a proper dinner-party that wasn't just ordering in. If not exactly doing it in style, at least they were giving of their own hospitality. It felt good.
By six o'clock everything was well in hand. It was time to get ready, being sure the ladies wouldn't be late. Sid stripped down then jumped into the shower. Soon she heard Ten's voice asking if she could join her. Opening the shower curtain she said simply: âCome on in.'
She put her wet hands round Ten's waist and helped her step into the bathtub, then closed the curtain behind her. Laughter erupted spontaneously from Ten as she fell against Sid and soon was as soapy as she. âTurn round, I'll do your back,' she instructed. It felt wonderful to get a stimulating scrub all over her back. She was standing there enjoying it when Sid put down the loofah and used her hands.
âMm..m, I like it,' she sighed contentedly.
Sid felt intoxicated by the feel of the beautiful curves now under her soapy hands. Soft flesh, firm and rounded, sliding hot and wet.
“What a body this woman has.”
She luxuriated in her sensuality. Ten felt Sid's body against hers. Her hands began to slide under and over her breasts. Then to her belly and round to her thighs; back up and round again. She felt herself leaning more heavily against her, not wanting the caresses to stop, but knowing they didn't have any time. âSid â¦' Her voice came in a husky whisper. âWe don't â¦'
âSh.. it's OK. This won't take long, I can tell.' Sid's voice was barely audible above the splashing of the shower, but she spoke to Ten's ear, then nibbled it as she slid her arm around her waist and under her breasts, lifting them slightly so they rested on her forearm. She could see the nipples erect and eager. She let her right hand glide down between Ten's legs, to the soft, full lips, hot with longing, as her gentle fingers probed and parted the silky folds. Supporting her weight, she began slowly to slide back and forth along her slit. Ten felt the intensity of her passion burn into her, like a molten heat. She went weak at the knees, but Sid kept her up. She raised her arm to the wall to keep herself still and then let herself be driven by Sid, as her clit demanded more and more. She brought her legs together and squeezed Sid's hand so tight that at last only the vibration of her touch remained. Raised to the height by so much sexual pleasure, its intensity suddenly split apart and quickly she plummeted, over the edge into a vortex of sensual feeling. Groaning softly as her body was flooded by exquisiteness, she shuddered helplessly.
Losing all track of time, Ten leaned into her lover, still being sluiced by the warm water. At last she turned herself to face Sid and put her arms around her neck, once more able to use her legs.
âWhat a lover you are â¦' she murmured into her shoulder, â â¦and very naughty. How could you take this defenceless woman so wantonly when she has no time for this?' She moved back to look at Sid whose flushed face radiated an incandescent air of self-satisfaction. She began to kiss her streaming face and neck, returning eventually to her lips. The kiss was deep and lingering, affirming for them both, the sincerity of their love.
âI'm outta here.' Sid pulled away and smacking Ten on the bottom screwed up her face into mock concern: âUnhand me woman, I've guests to see to.' She leaped out.
Ten was dragging her chain; the limbs just didn't want to move. Eventually she appeared, having washed her hair too. Not the original intention, but since it had gotten soaked ⦠Sid was already dressed looking very sharp in the new cords and her cream silk shirt. She smelled divine too. A waft of âAramis' melted her all over again. She heard Sid in the kitchen getting things organized for drinks, and the strains of Geri Halliwell singing, LIFT ME UP. She could have happily lain on the bed and just luxuriated there, listening to the music.
“Get on, Ten”
she scolded, frowning:
“They'll be here soon and you only dressed in two towels.”
She chose a practical outfit for the evening ⦠if she had to keep jumping up ⦠Just a black, sleeveless top, no bra would make Sid happy, and a tailored, undyed linen skirt featuring buttons down the front, the lower half of which remained undone. The hair? Tie it back in a scrunchie and let it dry in its own time. For a moment, as she looked in the mirror, she remembered how she used to dress her hair for dancing. A pain of regret shot through her. She must develop resilience; reconcile herself to the fact she would probably never dance flamenco again. She began on the eyes, then looked down at her left leg, now wasted. The bulk of the calf muscle had disappeared. She had been shocked when she first saw that thin, dry, scaly leg, like a stick. The skin was back to normal, but would the muscle ever get to the size of the other one? Right now the toes were puffy because she'd been on it too long. She couldn't put her foot up tonight either, not 'til bedtime. How she hated all this.
Voices. She checked her watch. Yes, Moira and Rani were right on time. She heard Sid saying that she, Ten, wouldn't be long. Quickly she finished her eyes and decided to be jewelryless. She'd taken to wearing her leather thongs at home since they left her toes free and encouraged her to get her heel down. Quickly she slipped them on and went out to greet the women.
âAh, here she is,' observed Sid as she emerged from the other room. Moira was struck by her radiance. There was a bloom about her and a definite air of satisfaction.
She and Sid were nursing beers. Rani had opted for a white wine spritzer. She looked beautiful in a midnight-blue sari, edged with silver and gold filigree. Elaborate, dangling silver earrings set off the perfect oval of her face. As she moved, silver bangles tinkled on her wrist and her evening slippers reflected shafts of silver and gold.
âWhat for you, Ten?' Sid enquired, giving her a special look of intimate appraisal that made her glow from the inside.
âA spritzer would be fine for me too, thanks.' She looked hastily down, too covered in confusion by the traitorous tug of her feelings. Sid smiled.
Bowls of nibblies: nuts, potato chips and olives had been set out and they sat, ill at ease now they had no business to discuss. The silence was unsettling. Ten and Moira began to speak at the same time just as the doorbell rang.
âThat'll be them,' Sid acknowledged in relief, jumping up from the cushions. The others continued to sit in silence, not looking at each other, letting their eyes wander about the room, aimlessly. Suddenly the air exploded as Reine came striding in, filling the doorway with her bulk, then the room itself with her overflowing energy, as she boomed out her hearty greetings. Ten, who had risen at her appearance, was now clasped in a warm embrace as she declared: âPretty as a picture. How are you?'
She stood back, holding her hands at arms' length. âThis good for nothing friend of mine taking care of you properly, eh?' she asked, her face taking on a lecherous cast. âIf she's not, you send her to me. I'll soon tell her which end is up,' she leered, guffawing at her own humor. No one else followed suit, leaving Ten blushing to her hairline. Thea felt she should step in and introduced herself, in an effort to for-stall any further lascivious outbursts.
âNow I was coming to that,' Sid looked aggrieved: âIt was just Reine here took over and didn't give me a chance.'
Introductions proceeded on a more formal basis and then drinks were dispensed. Both Reine and Moira wore light colored shirts and tailored pants. Whereas Reine had a contrasting vest over her shirt, Moira wore the suit jacket to complete the ensemble. Thea, as usual, was in a colorful outfit, a loose over blouse and flowing dark red skirt. Her eyes, behind her glasses, took in every detail of Rani and were impressed.
Quickly conversation began to flow and the process of âgetting-to-know-you', got under way. The first area of exploration: their work environments. Ten was glad to see they had been able to bypass the weather. Not contributing at this stage, she was very much enjoying listening, but when Sid suggested refills, took the opportunity to excuse herself.
âNeed a hand?' Thea enquired.
âNo thanks. Everything's assembled. I only have to cook it.' As she made her way towards the kitchen, Reine asked how her leg was coming along.
âOh, not too badly, thanks Reine. I still have to take time to put it up to keep control of the swelling ⦠which is a bit of a bore. But the pain seems to be on the decline, so I can't complain.'
Ten's idea to begin with the artichokes was a great success. It was a tasty novelty for some and they enjoyed sharing the melted lemon butter pot between two. Sid had split up the couples in the seating arrangements and everyone got on famously. They were there to have a good time and this they did.
No dessert was served, instead the women could select from a cheese and fruit platter which Sid had put together. They need not have worried over the meal being vegetarian, the guests all declared themselves well satisfied. By this time in the proceedings, conversation was flowing freely. Topics had been many and varied, but the one under current discussion was the insistence by the French to pursue nuclear testing in the Asia-Pacific Region. Rani was of the opinion that the whole exercise was pointless.
âThey have a right to be able to defend themselves,' Reine pointed out reasonably. âNot that I condone testing anywhere but in their own back yard, mind you.'
âBut that's the point, Reine,' Rani contended. âIf the French need to defend themselves it will most likely be from an attack by their neighbors. This being the case, will they use a nuclear bomb and run the risk of killing or inflicting suffering on their own people?'
âJust like Bosnia Herzegovina,' Sid interjected. âToo close to home.'
âExactly,' Rani nodded as she turned to acknowledge Sid's observation. âNow if they won't use nuclear warheads for attack purposes and they can't use them for defence, what is the point of all this?'
Thea began to speak slowly. âI wonder if, since all this started after Jacques Chirac was elected and there was no demand from the French people that this testing take place, if Chirac is fulfilling a promise. Perhaps paying his dues to the Military?' She looked around at the faces of the women gathered at the table. All were pursuing her argument with interest. âSee here. If they helped elect him, then â¦'
âIt's too bad someone couldn't come up with a face saving solution for him,' Ten pondered. âSome way to get him off the hook. It's obvious the French are not wholeheartedly behind him.'
âIt's interesting too, how silent the English are being on this contentious issue,' Moira noted. âI wonder what power is holding their tongue?' Since no one had an answer to this, they lapsed into silence.
âMore coffee?' Sid offered. There were a few hands.
Thea had obviously continued worrying at the problem of nation in conflict with nation, since she made the following statement. âYou know they say the single most significant factor in modern warfare was the dropping of the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima by the Enola Gay.' The others nodded in agreement.
âI'll be so relieved when this test ban treaty finally gets signed,' Sid called out from the kitchen. She may not be at the table, but she certainly was interested and didn't want to be left out.
âWell, I beg to differ on this point,' Thea stated, her face creased in concern. A collective âOh?', of enquiry went the rounds. âYes. I look at it this way â¦'
“
Here she goes again
,” thought Reine. “
Always something different, dear heart
.”
âWell, we know from history that armies customarily fought each other on the battlefield, or whichever theatre of war was under contention. Right?'
âRight.'
âWith the advent of the airplane this all changed. Governments were able to designate targets for destruction that could involve innocent women and children, but with no, or few losses to their side. Get in ⦠get out ⦠and their own people still safe and sound.' Thea paused for breath. âI believe this single innovation drastically redirected military strategy, as it had never been in the past. The airplane now had the power to subjugate a whole nation through its ability to destroy; all the while keeping the home fires burning. The nuclear bomb on the other hand, except for Hiroshima and Nagasaki, can only act as a deterrent and that, only at a distance. The airplane is far more deadly, especially if you have smart missiles in your armory.
The introspective silence was broken by the arrival of Sid with a tray of coffees. Whilst everyone busied themselves with the cream and sugar Reine opted for a beer. She turned to Ten to enquire how she was enjoying her work at the counselling centre.
âIt's going very well, thanks, Reine. I believe I'm finally getting the hang of things. There's this great guy who's been in reception for yonks. I work with him. He knows everybody from way back.' Ten turned to Thea. âYou remember Lyndall?'
âSure.'
Sid raised her head. She remembered Lyndall too; her face darkened.
âThe counsellors are really nice. After the clients' interviews have been completed, we all meet for about half an hour. It's sort of like a debriefing session. Of course personal details are not discussed. Just rescheduling, new clients coming on stream, old ones moving on or being transferred. Anyway, the counsellors always speak of their clients with such genuine concern and interest. It's obvious their involvement is sincere.'
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