At exactly seven oclock Wednesday night, Mary was at the door of the Coop. Beth had washed her newest Levis and a yellow button-down shirt. Not fancy, but clean and comfortable. Mary had on Levis as well and a tight red short-sleeved shirt that hugged her curves.
I didnt bring the car because I thought wed stay in the Castro, she told Beth. But if you wish, I live about eight blocks from here, so we could go get it.
No, Beth said. Castros great. She liked the idea of a walking date. It seemed more casual, more innocent.
Possibly sensing Beths anxiety, Mary kept the conversation light. When prodded, she shared a few Coop anecdotes, namely embarrassing ones about Dans jaunty libido, Diane and Ginas constant roughhousing, and Alders calming ways. She also told Beth about a false alarm, where a very drunk, very nude man had sat on a couch not long after spilling very spicy habanero sauce on the upholstery. Hed frantically called 911, screaming that he was on fire.
As they strolled toward Castro proper, Beth began to loosen up, but her caution was only slightly diminished.
Feel hungry? Mary asked, pausing to read a menu displayed on a restaurant window.
Beth nodded. Famished.
They walked a little further until they came to a bistro where the clientele was not all twenty-somethings and the music allowed conversation. Over drinks and appetizers, they exchanged stories about college, dream homes, and likes and dislikes. Mary was just as attentive toward Beth at dinner as shed been at the party. But without the distraction of people pulling her in six directions, her concentration was more intense.
After the waiter delivered their entrées, she took Beths hand, which quivered at the gentle but deliberate gesture. Beth disguised her reaction by squeezing Marys hand firmly.
Thats the first law of thermodynamics, Mary said.
The firstthat all energy is constant?
Mmm-hmm. Mary grinned. It remains constant. It cannot be created nor destroyed. After you talked about the second law, I got on the Internet.
And what relevance does that have now? Beth was not only curious about Marys statement, she was delighted that Mary had remembered their talk and had even researched the topic.
I feel my energy when Im around you, Mary replied. It moves from feeling excited when I see you to silly when were joking. Its constant. And I feel the same with your energy. I felt it when I took your hand just now. And it makes sense that it may change form but it wont go away. She pulled Beths hand to her lips and placed two delicate kisses on her knuckles.
I have to admit youre right. Beth felt spellbound. I feel an incredible amount of energy when Im around you. Sometimes I dont know where to put it all.
Just know that it will continue buzzing around us until we either let ourselves go with it, or change the energy into something else.
That was why the urge to grab hold of Mary was so strong sometimes, while other times she gave in to the compulsion to run. Beth tried to relax, but her mind refused to relinquish its claim on the phrase let ourselves go. She knew exactly where that energy would propel her, straight into the arms of a woman dangerous to her peace of mind. She slid her hand from Marys grip and immediately lifted her iced water, using the drink as an excuse for her withdrawal.
|
|
|
They fell into an easy conversation about their childhoods and where they grew up. Beth cherished the feeling that Mary listened to every one of her words, absorbing what she said, asking relevant questions, and making her feel close to the center of the universe. Marys focused intensity disarmed her. It had been much easier to be with her back at the party, in the middle of a lot of people and noise. Marys attention had only been sporadic, but now it would span the whole evening as they finished their desserts then walked home. As much as she cherished being Marys focal point, Beth also wanted to bolt. She was flattered, intellectually, to have such a beautiful creature concentrate on nothing but her, but her body squirmed.
Marys beauty, her charm, and the obvious attraction people had for her all made Beths head swim in a blend of fear and desire. She wanted to blame her state on the red wine, which was this side of velvety heaven, but she knew it was Mary whod intoxicated her. And she was enjoying the heady feeling.
She wondered what the party would have been like had she not walked down from her room. Would Mary have chosen one of the women staring at her, that hot brunette perhaps? Even if she hadnt, that night, she could at any future time. Women werent going to stop hitting on her, regardless.
Beth concluded that, either way, it didnt matter. Whether Mary had many women or few bore no relevance to this current night. Beth wanted to go wherever the night took her, because all that mattered was the time they had right now. She couldnt predict anything and she refused to try; guessing at outcomes would only make her lose her nerve. She hoped she wouldnt live to regret this flirtation with recklessness.
When the waiter made his fifth pass by the table, coffeepot in hand, Beth realized it was a gesture of finality. Theyd been there for three hours. Sheepishly, they paid the check, left a sizable tip for the lengthy stay, and headed back out onto the street. It was ten thirty and the Castro was alive at full throttle, the sidewalks streaming with pedestrians and the bars bursting at the seams.
Loud music rolled out onto the street and the throbbing bass beats rattled Beths chest as they passed each drinking establishment. They were walking slowly, their hands clasped together.
Tell me a dream, Beth.
A dream? Like the ones you have at night or the ones you have in life?
Life. Those are better.
Beth nudged Mary teasingly. Tell me one of yours, first.
Fair enough. Lets see. I have a dream that one day I will be the first in the world to do something.
What kind of something?
Oh, there are a couple of things. One is to be the first person to communicate with a being from another worldand have proof. She rolled her eyes impishly. That probably sounds pretty corny.
Not at all. Its interesting, actually.
Mary embellished on what must have been a well-thought-out image. Can you imagine what you could talk about? Id want to know where they were from and what their life was like. A million questions, for sure.
|
|
|
Of course there would be the cover of Time magazine to deal with.
Mary turned her right cheek to Beth. This is my best side, wouldnt you say?!
Any side is your best side. Beth could definitely feel the wine. Whats another dream?
Hmm. Mary pondered, apparently trying to choose the right words. A flash of darkness crept across her face. The shadow that passed through her eyes was very nearly imperceptible in the artificial streetlights. I guess Id want to see people whove left, to have another moment with someone whos gone.
Beth immediately regretted asking Mary for her second dream. Shed invited her back to a painful place in her life, to those memories shed obviously struggled with for a long time. She was about to apologize when Marys eyes brightened.
Okay, its your turn.
Beth left her apology unspoken. What dreams had she had lately? She mulled the question over. There had been Stephanies and her dream of living together forever. That had died a painful death. Any other dreams seemed to be submerged in a bowl of thick pea soup.
After Marys revealing answers, her own seemed evasive. Clarity, maybe.
What kind of clarity?
Some clear, unclouded vision of what the heck my future will be. I dont know. Maybe to understand how to make a relationship work. Beth quickly added, That must sound pretty lofty. I suppose a few million dollars falling from the sky would be a more likely possibility.
Why? Mary seemed genuinely puzzled.
Achieving crystal clarity seems next to impossible. A dream like that is second in difficulty right behind discovering the meaning of life.
No, Mary asserted. That ones easy.
The meaning of life? Beth was more than intrigued. Okay, Im listening.
Mary stopped to face her. Grinning like a child with a secret, she wrapped her arms around Beth and lowered her face into Beths neck. They hugged tightly and Beth felt Marys breasts against hers. Instantly aroused, she drew in a mouthful of air and in the silence that followed, she could feel her heart pounding furiously. She was so dizzy, she was glad she could prop herself against Marys body. Although that was also the problem. She wouldnt be hyperventilating if they werent crushed firmly to each other, too close to talk.
Mary pulled back slightly. She smiled sleepily at Beth, then leaned in once more, and this time her lips lightly touched upon Beths. They kissed, very softly. It felt as natural as breathing. Her lips moved tenderly over Beths, caressing more gently than anyone had, in memory. And as naturally as it had started, the kiss ended.
For a moment, Beth stood there dazed. Mary took her hand, rubbing her palm gently, studying its lines and folds. When she smiled, Beth warmed inside. She liked the way Marys concentration was absolute.
I thought you were going to tell me the meaning of life. Her voice fractured slightly.
I did, Mary said.
Kissing?
Its living the simplest and truest of pleasures.
Mary hooked her arm into Beths and they walked down the street, languid in their pace. In the silence that followed, Beth wondered if she could ever transcend to such a free and liberated place. Mary seemed to occupy her own sphere of certainty. Even with her sorrows and vulnerabilities, she seemed completely secure in herself. She knew who she was and didnt try to be someone else.
After inspecting a few bookstores and flower shops, they approached an adult store. Beth wasnt surprised when Mary pulled her inside to browse the aisles.
Lets see whats new in fashionable sex. Mary grinned mischievously.
Doing what many fun-loving shoppers do, they giggled at the most outrageous sex toys and groaned at the biggest and longest. They made physical contact with each other quite a lot, grabbing an arm as they laughed, pushing a shoulder as they teased each other.
|
|
|
Mary picked up a dildo and waved it at Beth. I dont miss these at all. The real ones, at least. Isnt it interesting, though, that while anatomically attached, these things are nothing but trouble, but when severed like this they can be a hell of a lot of fun. Dont you think?
Beth marveled at Marys gregariousness. She was bold in her feelings and thoughts and wasnt afraid to voice them. She wore her sexuality like a snug, sultry dress.
What makes you think Im not appalled by the thought of using a dildo? Beth responded, feigning mild disgust.
Mary leaned toward her, using the fleshy instrument as a pointer. You dont seem to be the kind of woman to shy away from a little fun.
Beth offered a noncommittal smile. This is one of the few examples I can think of where its mens turn to be reduced to an object. A piece of meat.
Mary raised the rubber member high in the air. And this piece of meat comes with a free tube of lube. Thats more than I can say for the real ones.
They laughed as Mary returned the dildo to its bin.
I can tell youre not a stranger to these accessories, Mary said. True?
When Beth turned toward a rack of oils and lubricants, she felt Marys hand on her shoulder. Her other arm slid around Beths waist and she stood pressed against her back as they faced the display.
You didnt answer my question, Mary whispered. Her breath was so warm on Beths neck, she was afraid to turn around.
Swarming butterflies in her stomach kept Beth from answering. She felt herself flush, her legs and arms growing hot. This woman was definitely doing something to her, something very, very incredible. As Mary hugged her a little tighter, the feeling of those firm breasts pressed against her was undeniably provocative. Beths breathing quickened, threatening to break into gasps. She wanted to reach out to steady herself but dared to lean back into Mary instead.
I must admit, she was finally able to utter, Ive indulged in rubber fetishes before.
Let me guess. Marys voice lowered to a baritone hum. Theyre not a sexual necessity, just an entertaining variation every once in a while.
Beth laughed. You sound like a late-night radio psychologist. But, yes, Id never replace a womans touch or her tongue with a fake substitute. Still, now and then toys are amusing.
I hear you. Never requirement, only recreation.
Beth stared straight ahead at the row of lubricants. Several bore such alliterated names as Midnight Moisture and Sultry Slick.
Thats a waste of money. Marys whisper was as certain and resolute as a red-hot bullet, speeding through Beths ear and slamming into her clit.
What was it about this woman? Did she know she was driving Beth out of the last remnants of her mind? They hardly knew each other and yet Beth felt she could pursue anything Mary suggested. Go anywhere Mary took her. Stop me before I regret this.
How is it a waste of money? she managed to say, feeling a dizzy sexual intoxication, wanting to hear more.
Mary turned her slowly around and looked into her eyes. That kiss.
Yes? Beth croaked because suddenly shed lost her voice.
She waited for more, but Marys eyes just bored into her. The silence seemed unbearably drawn out. Beth remained locked into Marys gaze, drinking in the goddess that stood before her.
Then Mary answered, this time sounding quietly vulnerable, That kiss, Beth. It made me wet.
All the air escaped Beths lungs, making her feel faint. Her head swirled. In that moment she understood this womans power. Mary had a hard, strong body, but that wasnt it. She had a beautiful face that captured everyones attention, but that wasnt it either.
|
|
|
Her power lay in the way she moved, the way she stood, the way she touched, the way she expressed her feelings, all rolled into one hot, fluid being. Either the sexual aura she possessed was a result of many intimate encounters, or those encounters were the result of a profoundly deep, natural-born current. Whichever scenario was accurate, all Beth could see in front of her was a fire she wanted to walk straight into. She hungered to be engulfed. It didnt matter that one could never walk into a fire and stay very long. Her throat was dry, which she found strange, when juxtaposed with the dampness she felt between her legs.
Oh, God. They were both wet.
Marys eyes sparkled. Suddenly, being in the company of all these sexual simulations isnt doing justice to you. Lets get out of here.
And though Beth was sure her legs wouldnt, couldnt move, she somehow managed to get back out onto the street. As naturally as before, Marys hand found hers and they walked further through the Castro.
Beth inhaled the night air, getting oxygen back into her brain. She should admit that what had just happened was lunacy. She should. And while she was at it, she should remember that she was not the kind of person to walk into an impromptu moment and just spontaneously combust. But she made no admissions of the sort.
Instead she looked directly at Mary and said, Im wet, too.
