Waiting and Watching (17 page)

Connie described some of the events she had planned. Andrew didn't seem to want to talk about his job. Eventually, they talked about their political persuasions as well as religious beliefs. Connie considered herself an Independent, but like her mother, she had some liberal ideas and was open to hearing Andrew's Democratic ideology.

They came to a big stump of a tree and Andrew suggested they sit for a while. They both settled down comfortably on the forest ground, softened by fall rains and the falling leaves. Connie rested her back against the giant stump and closed her eyes to the warm sunshine. After a few minutes of happy tranquility, Andrew put his hand to her face and gently kissed her on the mouth.

Connie smiled and said, “I didn't see that coming.”

Andrew laughed and said, “I've been thinking about it ever since I picked you up at the airport and I couldn't resist any longer.”

Connie put her hand on Andrew's thigh and leaned over to kiss him, long and hard. She longed for Andrew and wanted him to know it. He pulled her across his lap caressing her back and kissing her neck. Connie held on tightly, dizzy from the shock waves radiating throughout her body. Andrew ran his hands hungrily up and down her back, careful not to touch her breasts yet. Their tongues met as they savored the touch and feel of one another. Andrew pulled back gently and whispered, “Tell me if you want me to stop, but don't wait too long," he said, his breath hot and rapid.

“I don't want you to stop, Andrew. I love you,” Connie said breathlessly. She could feel Andrew's hardness beneath her. He kissed her longingly and whispered in a voice husky with passion that he had never stopped loving her. Connie lifted her arms and put them around his neck as he slipped his hand under her shirt and effortlessly unhooked her bra. He cupped his hand under her full breast stroking her gently. Connie held him tightly and felt herself rising to a peak she had never experienced in her life.

“Oh Andrew, don't stop,” Connie gasped, as she felt herself reaching a starry height that spewed spasms throughout her body.

After all her tension was released, Connie looked at Andrew with amazement. “Did that really happen or did I imagine it?”

“I don't know. You tell me; it was your orgasm.”

They laughed and then turned serious again. Andrew kissed Connie's eyelids and neck very gently, both still surprised and thrilled that she had so easily reached an orgasm, without so much as a touch between her legs.

“I think what just happened is what I've been reading about all these years could only have happened with you.”

“I think you're right,” Andrew said, obviously pleased with himself. “There's more of that to come, but I think we'd better get back to our cottage for the next inning before a hiker or a bear comes along. Are you okay to start back?”

Connie, still reeling, said, "I think my legs are a little wobbly. But I think I can manage."

They hiked back in silence just holding hands. Connie didn't want to lose the magic of the moment with words.

“What are you thinking about?” Andrew finally asked, still grinning.

“I think you know,” Connie said, smiling shyly.

As they approached the inn, the owner beckoned them to come into the lounge for wine and hors d'oeuvres. She was so friendly and insistent, they couldn't turn her down. Resigned, they followed her into the inn. Resignation turned to delight as they discovered a blazing fire in the old stone hearth and a tempting array of tidbits and cheese to accompany the local wine. They took a seat by the fire and enjoyed a wonderful Cabernet served with a sharp cheddar cheese log, grapes and dry roasted nuts.

Between the fire, the wine and the glow of the afternoon, both Connie and Andrew were in a world of their own. They politely acknowledged other couples who came in, but it was obvious to everyone around them that they preferred to be left to their own enjoyment.

After the second glass of wine, Connie and Andrew were laughing about some Julio stories when Andrew took her hand and with a wink said, “Let's get back to our room and get ready for dinner.” Connie was quick to oblige.

Once the door shut, he kissed Connie with such passion that she lost her balance and completely fell into his arms. He slowly unbuttoned her blouse then slipped it off. Connie moaned softly as he unzipped her shorts and gently pulled them down to her ankles. He parted her legs slightly and softly caressed her most tender of flesh through her panties. He let go and stepped back to admire her in her lacey underwear.

“You are so beautiful, Constance Harriman,” he said breathlessly. His eyes moved leisurely from her face to her toes and back to her face again.

Connie just stood there and watched as Andrew took off his shirt and shorts and stood there with only his briefs. My God, she thought, he's perfect. Andrew had the muscular physique of a young athlete. He looked like one of the Grecian Gods from her college art history books. Lust overrode modesty as her eyes focused on the bulge in his briefs.

In one strong movement, Andrew swept her off her feet and carried her to the bed. Connie held onto him with a passion she had never known. Their kisses were hot and demanding. They knew nothing would stop them from consummating this love between them, a love that had endured years of separation.

“I want to make love to you, if you're ready. I won't hurt you,” he said, as he slid his hand between her legs. His fingers slipped beneath the elastic of her panties and parted her to test her readiness. She groaned softly and pushed against his hand. “Oh, I think you're definitely ready, but we'll take it slowly.” Gently, he slid Connie's lacey underwear off as his fingertips caressed her body. He could feel her climbing to a fever pitch and with that he entered her slowly until he was completely inside her. Quickly and naturally, they found a beautiful rhythm that turned reality into paradise.

On his way back to his condo, Julio found himself pulling into the parking garage of Sylvia's apartment building. She had a crazy way of cheering him up. And that was just what he needed right now.

Sinking into her sofa, Julio regaled her with the story of his adventure at The Lower Level. “I can't help but feel really bad for Sammy. It's like he never had a chance from day one.”

“I'll try to keep an eye on him for you, that is, if I see him again. He may be done moving out.”

“I think Sammy might be hocking some of his mother's things for drug money, which is why I think he disguised himself as her. He wouldn't want to raise any questions with the doorman, since he comes back every once in a while for more stuff.”

“Poor kid.”

“Yeah, well, I'm still hoping I can help him.”

“How?”

“I don't know yet. I thought maybe you could come up with something.”

“Hmm…I'll have to think about that.” She looked thoughtful for a moment and then her eyes lit up. “Why don't we invite Otto and Patrick over for dinner to thank them for helping us? They sound like fun.” But then she frowned. “They're not uptight like you, are they?”

“Well, that depends.”

“On what?”

“On what they're wearing—buttoned up business suits or assless leather pants.”

“Well, now, that sounds interesting.” She waggled her eyebrows.

“They're gay, Sylvia.”

“I can still look, can't I?”

He laughed. “I suppose so. Actually, you, Otto, and Patrick would make a great team.”

“Bring ‘em to dinner some night and we'll have cocktails. That'll give me a chance to wear my S & M Dominatrix outfit.”

“Oh, yeah, the boys would love that. Does that mean you're going to cook for us?” Julio asked.

“I make a damn good brisket.”

“Okay. I'll buy the brisket and you cook it.”

“Any night but Tuesday,” she said.

“What's Tuesday?”

“I do Cosmic Bowling and then Karaoke.”

“Is this a weekly thing?” he asked.

“It's gonna be. I organized it. I've got to get some of these old farts out of the building and get their blood pumping. The senior center sends a van to drop us off and pick us up. That way no one has to drive,” Sylvia said.

“That's very wise on behalf of the senior center.”

“I've got an idea.” Sylvia smacked her knee. “Let's make this a real party and invite Sammy. I'll leave a note on his mother's door for him to come to dinner, too? Hopefully, he'll see it. We'll tell him it's a come as you are party and we can take bets on whether or not he'll wear the wig.”

Speechless, Julio didn't know what to say. Sylvia was so outrageous, he wasn't sure whether she was kidding or not. “Whatever you say, Sylvia. Just make me up the grocery list and I'll check with the boys to see when they can come. And then we'll wait to see if we hear from Sammy.”

Sunday—September 28, 1986

Sylvia busied herself in the kitchen, finishing last minute preparations for her dinner party. The fragrance of the beef brisket tenderizing gently in its own juices permeated the apartment. The potatoes were mashed, buttered and seasoned. The bean casserole was assembled, and the green salad was safely cooling in the refrigerator. A meal fit for three handsome young men who should be arriving at any moment.

The front desk called and announced Julio was on his way up. The concierge no longer asked permission as it was common knowledge that Julio was welcome no matter what time of day. The looks Julio had received from the building staff lately made him uncomfortable. He figured Sylvia had been careful not to dispel any of the rumors that she might have a young paramour circulating throughout the building. By the time he reached the sixth floor she was waiting for him with the door open.

“Sylvia you never cease to amaze me. What do you have on your head? I can hardly see your face.”

“I just wanted to see if blondes have more fun. I always envied Vreeland's perfect platinum pageboy.”

“I see, and what are you wearing? A tennis outfit?”

“That's right and who do I look like?”

“By the looks of the bouffant hair, Grandma Barbie, maybe?”

“I'm Farrah Fawcett-Majors. I had the pageboy wig layered and fluffed.”

“Well, fluffed is the understatement. Your hair is bigger than you,” Julio said.

“It may not suit me, but I knew if I put on my Rocky Horror Picture Show dominatrix costume, you'd have a shit fit seeing as you're so conservative.”

“I don't even know what a Rocky Horror Picture Show costume would look like,” Julio said.

“It's the transsexual from Transylvania. Frank-N-Furter. I thought that would be fitting considering what's going on across the hall. Besides, I just had a feeling the boys would get a kick out of it. Never mind. I'm happy with this outfit.”

“I'm sure the guys will like it,” he said. “I brought a special California Cabernet that I think will be good with the brisket.”

The telephone rang again and this time it was the front desk calling to announce Otto and Patrick. “Send them up.” Sylvia hung up the phone, and shortly the doorbell rang. Sylvia rushed to the door.

Time for the fun to begin, she thought, opening the door.

The two men standing there neatly attired in khaki slacks and polo shirts watched her face fall in disappointment as she looked them up and down and then looked past them down the hallway. They looked at each other and shrugged.

“Hello, Miss Sylvia, is there something wrong?” Patrick asked.

“Where the hell are the two bad-ass bikers I invited to dinner? You two look like some kind of preppy lawyers. Well, come on in. I've got another one in here just like you, waiting to be fed.”

Otto and Patrick walked in with sheepish grins on their faces. “Sorry we disappointed you, Miss Sylvia,” Otto said.

“Aw, no problem.” She gave them a flip of her hand, brushing it off. “Come on in and let me get you boys one of my special drinks.”

“And what might that special drink be?” Julio asked. “I may want to pass.”

“It's yummy. You'll love it. The ingredients are a surprise.”

“Well, in that case I'll definitely pass. I don't drink anything unless I know what's in it.”

“Julio, you can be such a downer. Relax and try to go with the flow. You might end up enjoying yourself.”

“Alright, I'll try one,” he said, resigning himself to her whims.

Sylvia wobbled to her little bar in the dining room. It looked like the wings on her hair might carry her off or tip her over. She did some mixing and brought out the drinks.

Julio took a small gulp and immediately spit it back into his glass. “Sylvia, what the hell is in this?” he yelled.

“It's called a Butt Banger,” she yelled back. With that, Julio's eyes got big and he couldn't set the drink down on her bar fast enough. Otto and Patrick laughed hysterically until Sylvia handed them each one.

“Seriously, Sylvia. What's in this?” asked Julio.

“It's a family secret. I'd love to tell you, but then I'd have to kill you.”

“Well, I think this drink of yours might just do that for you.” Julio laughed.

Patrick and Otto looked on helplessly as they held onto their drinks without touching them.

“Now, I have a little surprise for you gentlemen. I think I'll call them party favors.” With that, she reached behind the sofa and brought out a plastic bag filled with what looked like white cotton candy. From the bag she pulled out three platinum wigs that strongly resembled some kind of road kill.

“In honor of the man who brought us all together, here we have, Bangs, Bubble and Beehive. Guys take your pick. As you can see I'm wearing the slightly altered Bob.”

Patrick and Otto broke out in uncontrollable laughter. Each took a wig and promptly placed it on his head. Julio said nothing, but the look of panic on his face said it all.