Coffee sonata, p.22
Coffee Sonata, page 22
“Please do.”
Mike took Vivian’s hand as they walked toward the dance floor. Then she encircled Vivian’s waist protectively and clasped her hand in the other. “Just follow me.” As she took two gliding steps backward, Vivian, safely within the circle of her arms, moved effortlessly with her, making it easy to change direction and lose herself in the dance. As Mike pulled Vivian closer and leaned her cheek against her temple, she smelled flowers and musk.
People danced around them, and for a moment, Mike wondered if she was imagining things or if the dance floor was twice as crowded as when they began. “People are joining us.”
“Let them.” Vivian moved her head against Mike’s cheek in a little caress. “Just don’t let anyone cut in.” She sighed and sank deeper into Mike’s arms. “I don’t want to dance with anybody else.”
“Not even the mayor’s husband? He’s looking our way.”
“Heavens no. He’s nice, but a bit of a pompous ass.”
Mike laughed at Vivian’s uncharacteristic comment. “Oh, then we’d better move to the other end of the dance floor. Hang on.” Mike guided them away from the band and the bright stage lights. “Better?”
“Much. It’s darker here.”
Mike pressed her lips together for a moment before she spoke. “Too dark?”
“No. Just dark. I have you to hold on to. I’m fine.” Vivian sounded calm and content, and Mike prayed this feeling would last for a long time.
She dreaded the hour when Vivian ended their relationship, but all she could do about it right now was to keep her promise. She would be there for Vivian, to dance, to do anything, until Vivian said she didn’t want her any longer. To return to mere friendship after having kissed, caressed, and held Vivian was impossible. She needs me. I fill a purpose. The story of my life. Am I ever going to meet anyone who merely wants me?
It was nice to be needed. Brenda had needed her—for a while—but when the need became a rationalization for abuse, with accusations, blame, and finally, rejection… Mike cringed. How had Brenda materialized while she was holding Vivian so close?
Vivian was nothing like Brenda and never would be. Vivian was honest and warm, with a loving nature. Brenda couldn’t even spell the word “loving.” I was useful for a while and lost four years of my life because I was young and foolish. Haven’t I learned anything? Haven’t I grown beyond this? Mike turned her head and kissed Vivian’s forehead. I have. This is different. It has to be.
*
Manon danced past Vivian and Mike, and the sight of the two women together, oblivious—or indifferent—to what people might think made her anxious. She gripped Dustin’s shoulder tightly, and only when he groaned and tugged at his hand did she realize how hard she’d squeezed his fingers.
“Wow, Manon, you’re strong,” Dustin said, and teased her by wiggling his fingers and grimacing. “Lift weights?”
“Actually, I do.” Manon had to smile. “But my strong fingers…my piano exercises caused them. I’m sorry.”
“I bet.” Dustin looked up and saw Mike and Vivian. “Hey, cool. Your friends are dancing. That’s turning a few heads. Way to go.”
“Yes.” Manon’s stomach churned. Where’s Eryn? She hadn’t seen Eryn leave, but considering her state of mind, it was entirely possible that she had, without bothering to say good-bye. Can’t she understand that I needed to show up in style? I booked Dustin more than four months ago. Should I have just canceled him because she was coming?
Manon tried to muster more indignation, but she should have known how Eryn would react. The way Eryn looked at her, touched her, and the way they connected on every level when they were together… But she has no right to demand anything of me! I haven’t made her any promises. In fact the opposite. I’ve told her over and over why we can’t even try. She can only blame herself for building castles in the sand.
Manon tried to see Eryn’s side. I responded to her kisses. I never stopped her advances. She probably thinks I was playing hard to get, and now I’m giving her the cold shoulder just because it suits me.
Dustin swung by Vivian and Mike. “Ladies.” He grinned after winking at Manon, though she had no idea what he had in mind. “May I just dance around the floor with Ms. Harding?” he asked. “I promise to take good care of you, ma’am.”
Manon stiffened and was about to stop Dustin, and Mike began to move away while shaking her head when Vivian interrupted. “I’d be delighted, Dustin.”
Manon felt trapped, since she’d never make a scene in public, something that had probably not escaped Dustin, because he smiled at her and winked again and whispered, “Hey, Manon, live a little. Let East Quay see that Manon Belmont is a modern, tolerant woman.” Then he took Vivian in his arms, moving in smooth, short steps along the outskirts of the dance floor.
Uneasily, Mike said, “Manon?”
“Let’s dance, then, Mike.” Manon shivered but took a deep breath. To her surprise it was even easier to follow Mike than Dustin, and she knew that her new friend was the better dancer, which was no small thing, since Dustin was quite the expert. “Where did you learn to dance so well?”
“A woman I knew at the Providence Youth Center, Josie Quinn, loved to dance. She taught me all the classic dances.” Mike sounded wistful. “I haven’t seen her in a long time.”
“I remember that name. Wasn’t she one of the driving forces behind the youth center?”
“Yes. She encouraged me to apply for a scholarship from the Belmont Foundation.”
Manon forgot about feeling self-conscious for a moment. Something in Mike’s eyes, and in her voice, demanded all of her attention. “And that changed your life.”
“It changed everything. I was pretty broken when Josie reeled me in. She was the reason I stayed at the center.”
“Like a surrogate mom. Or sister? She must be in her sixties now, right?”
“Yes, I think so. Last I heard, she was sick and on medical leave. I went to see her, but she’d moved and left no forwarding address. The center won’t give out their employees’ home addresses.” Mike sighed, pulled Manon closer, and turned. Still the couple behind them accidentally nudged Manon’s back, and Mike tugged her a little closer.
“I could have my staff look into it. The youth division is in constant touch with all the youth centers in this area. Someone may know what happened and where she is.”
“Would you? I’d really like to know…unless…” Mike swallowed and fumbled for words. “Unless she’s dead.”
“Let’s don’t believe the worst. I’ll get my people on it first thing Monday morning. Both for you and because this Josie sounds like a good candidate for one of our awards. Was she ever recognized for what she did for you?”
“I don’t think she wanted any attention. Josie was a bit of a mystery,” Mike murmured. “She never shared much, she was more hands-on. Teaching us to dance, to cook, and to laugh again.”
“Important things, all of them.”
“Then why do you look so sad?” Mike asked gently. “And where’s Eryn?”
Manon became rigid and pulled back a fraction of an inch. “I don’t know. Perhaps she went home.”
“She was pretty upset. You know that, don’t you?”
So it was more obvious than she realized, what had happened between her and Eryn. “Yes.”
“She has it bad for you,” Mike said in a low voice, close to Manon’s ear. She held on a little tighter, as if she feared Manon would break free and run to avoid her words. “If you’d seen how she glowed when we tried on our outfits at Genevieve’s. She bought that dress hoping you’d find her beautiful.”
Manon went hot and cold. “She bought that dress today?”
“Yes. When she found it, she was radiant. Surely you saw that?”
Manon couldn’t speak. I saw nothing of the sort. All I saw was a disgruntled, rude woman who made a scene in public and embarrassed me. Manon had to confess to herself that Eryn hadn’t raised her voice once. Nobody, not even Dustin, had overheard a word. And all I could think of was my right to bring whom I wanted to the party, and how I have to keep up appearances, at any cost. But now Eryn was hurt, no matter the reason, and this was not just Manon any longer.
“May I have my date back?” Vivian interrupted Manon’s self-accusing thoughts. “Mike?”
“Here, Vivi.” Mike stepped close to Vivian and wrapped her arm around her waist. “I think it’s time to go home. I’m tired.”
“You’re tired.” Vivian sighed. “I’m completely wiped out. Thank you for the lovely dance, Dustin. I wish you well and the best of luck in show business.”
Dustin sounded utterly starstruck and was about to start dancing with Manon again when she held up a hand. “I’m tired too. It’s time to leave.”
Dustin nodded as if he wasn’t very surprised. “I had a great time, Manon. I’m always available for you.”
“I know. Let’s go.” Manon never used the same face twice in a row and probably wouldn’t ask for Dustin for another two years. And right now she was leery of professional escorts.
Benjamin soon pulled out into traffic and drove to Dustin’s hotel. After they dropped him off, Manon pressed the intercom button.
“Drive down to the beach, please.” She couldn’t breathe.
“Very well, ma’am. The one at the old marina?”
“Yes. That one.”
Benjamin turned the limousine around. As he parked not far from the boardwalk, he asked, “Are you sure this is safe?” motioning toward the waves crashing onto the sand and the cliffs.
“Yes. I’ll be fine. I just need some air.”
“All right. Just checking, ma’am.” Benjamin opened the door for her.
“I’ll be right back.” Manon walked on the path between the dunes, but eventually she took off her high heels and carried them. The air was crisp and stars crowded the sky. Her grandfather had taught her the names of the most common constellations, but her grandmother had given them a touch of mystery by telling her about astrology. She was a Capricorn, which was hardly surprising, she thought. A Capricorn’s most common characteristics included ambition, adherence to duty, and being utterly methodical, loyal, and objective.
Manon sighed. So much of that was true for her, but it wasn’t all that she was about. So many sides of her had almost withered away, and she was afraid she couldn’t resurrect them. Perhaps in her youth she could’ve been persuaded that being gay was totally all right. Instead, the Capricorn in her put a lid on these feelings. She’d buried her head in the sand and pretended her life was complete.
Sand. The cool sand chilled her feet, which ached from wearing the sandals, and Manon stopped to savor the sensation.
“Are you freakin’ psychic?” a tired voice asked, startling Manon to gasp aloud. “I came here to be alone.”
*
Vivian stepped out of the limousine and took Mike’s hand when she felt it against her shoulder. They strolled up the path to the house as the driver turned the limo and drove away. The night was clear, and the moon cast ink-black shadows among the dunes. Vivian was grateful for the motion detector that turned on the patio lights as they approached the house.
“Mike,” she began, and stumbled a little on her words. She fumbled in her purse and pulled out a key. “You don’t have to go home yet, do you? Stay awhile?”
Mike took the key out of Vivian’s hand and unlocked the door before she replied. “Sure. I don’t have to be back at the café until six to accept tomorrow’s deliveries.”
Vivian greeted the euphoric dogs. “Hi, boys. We’re back.” Then she turned to Mike. “Would you stay the night?”
“If you want me to.” Mike closed the door behind them and helped Vivian remove her stole, then hung it on a chair in the hallway.
Something heavy, dark, and sweet filled Vivian’s stomach and moved slowly downward, into her thighs. “Yes. Oh, yes, I want you.”
Mike stopped and took Vivian by the shoulders. “You sure?”
“Very sure.” Vivian couldn’t make out anything but Mike’s outline, and part of her mourned that she’d probably never be able to see Mike’s face again. Stay positive. Live in the moment, for this. “Would you let the dogs out really quick? They’re used to doing their thing on their own at this hour. They won’t stray.”
“Sure. Be right back.”
Mike left Vivian to her thoughts. She’s staying with me. She’s not leaving me just yet.
Mike returned momentarily and Vivian heard her order the dogs to go lie down. She returned to Vivian, who was still standing by the bay window in the hallway.
“Help me out of my dress, please,” Vivian requested.
“Come on.” Mike led her through the bedroom and into the adjoining bathroom.
The light in the bathroom made it possible for Vivian to actually see the two dark spots that were Mike’s eyes in the pale oval of her face. Vivian trembled and reached for the pins in her hair.
“Let me.” Mike’s hands were there before Vivian had time to reply. “You have such beautiful hair. Like silk.”
“Not now,” Vivian objected. “It’s full of hair spray.”
“I can brush it out. That’ll get rid of it.”
Vivian’s breathing stopped. She reached out and touched Mike’s hair, stroking her ponytail. “Yes.”
“I might want to shower right away, though. My hair’s sticky from the gel.” Mike tugged gently at Vivian’s dress. “Can you manage?”
“If you unzip me.” Vivian turned her back toward Mike and felt soft fingertips pull the zipper down all the way to her waist. The thin fabric immediately fell off her body, and she caught the dress just before it ended up on the floor. Stepping out of it, she held it out to Mike. “Is there a hanger somewhere?”
“Yes. Here.” Mike hung up the dress, then moved behind Vivian and began to remove the hairpins holding the elaborate hairdo in place. One by one, heavy strands fell on Vivian’s naked shoulders.
Mike reached for something, and then Vivian felt a brush run through her hair, removing the hair spray. Soon it felt like a silken mist around her shoulders, and Mike leaned forward and buried her face in it.
“You smell so good,” Mike murmured. “I’ll take a quick shower now. Why don’t you go lie down?”
Vivian turned around and hugged Mike, not bothered that she wore only her bra and lace panties. “All right,” she whispered. “I’ll be waiting for you.” She paused, uncertain. “You’re okay about spending the night with me, aren’t you?”
“Of course. Don’t worry. As long as you want me here—”
“Oh, God, yes, I want you to.” Vivian groaned and nuzzled Mike’s neck. “Hurry.” Reluctantly, Vivian let go and completed her nightly ritual. After she removed her bra, she discarded her panties and silk stockings and slipped into bed naked, her heart pounding. She heard the shower run and then stop, and a moment later, the hairdryer buzzed.
Eventually she saw the shadow of Mike approach the bed. “I borrowed a toothbrush from the package in the drawer.”
“Good.”
As Mike sat down on the bed Vivian reached out. She could smell the fragrance of her own soap, which made Mike seem even more familiar. Safer. More mine? God. She ran her fingers over the top of the towel Mike had wrapped around herself and tugged gently at it. “Come,” she whispered. “Be with me.”
A muted whimper later, Mike slid down into the bed next to Vivian. “No regrets?”
“None. Never.” Vivian placed her hand on Mike’s shoulder and let it run down along her side. Mike felt wonderful to touch, her softness and feminine curves enticing her so much more than an angular male body ever had. Vivian mustered more courage and reached up and cupped a small, pert breast. She flicked her thumb over the taut nipple and was rewarded by a gasp from Mike. With more courage, she rolled the nipple between her fingers, grazing her blunt nails over it.
“Vivi…” Mike inhaled deeply. “Taste me, please.”
Eager and nervous, Vivian leaned on her elbow as she bent over Mike’s chest. She cupped Mike’s breast, raised it to her lips, and took the nipple into her mouth without hesitation. She’d never expected the sensation of it all. She sucked at the nipple and gently bit it several times, rewarded by Mike’s quiet whimpers.
Mike arched her back, as if she wanted to prolong and intensify the feelings, telling Vivian she was doing it right. She kissed a moist trail over to the other breast and repeated her actions there. Mike shivered and held on to Vivian’s head, burying her fingers in the thick hair.
“That’s it. You feel so wonderful,” Mike whispered, her voice choked. “Yes, bite me like that. God, you make me…”
Vivian alternated between the breasts, cupping them both and licking in long, sensual movements. Mike held her the entire time, and eventually she turned Vivian over on her back and hovered above her.
*
Mike had never seen Vivian look this beautiful. The blond masses covered most of the pillow, and her full-figured body glowed beneath Mike’s. Vivian was all deep valleys and high hills, and her skin was smooth and flawless. Mike examined Vivian, taking in the details and mentally storing them for the future.
Vivian was a true blonde, Mike noticed, and the sight of the thin patch of blond hair at the apex of Vivian’s thighs made Mike’s mouth go dry. Instead she turned her attention to the large, full breasts and lowered her head. She blew teasingly at the closest nipple and watched it pebble even further. She licked it slowly and Vivian groaned, raising her hips off the bed. “Cara…oh, yes.” Her voice was deep and husky, urging Mike on. She sucked the nipple deep in the wet cavity of her mouth and licked it rapidly while she gently used her teeth to elicit more groans from Vivian.
Mike moved her hand down Vivian’s slightly rounded stomach and let it rest, motionless, on top of her pubic hair. When Vivian opened her eyes and looked into Mike’s, Mike knew she couldn’t see her, at least she didn’t think so, and yet she returned the look as she pressed harder against Vivian. “Spread your legs for me, Vivi,” she murmured, gazing at her. “That’s right. And look at me. I want to see what you’re feeling.”
