UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 14

 

          Over the next couple of weeks, Adam and Charlie were together for at least some time each day. Sometimes they met up for coffee in the morning or afternoon and shared stories about their lives before they’d met. Other days, they had dinner together, usually at Adam’s house or in a restaurant because Charlie didn’t cook. She did make her curried chicken and broccoli and Adam did like it, but unless they wanted sandwiches or snacks for dinner, it was take-out, eat-out or Adam cooked.

During all this time, their physical relationship wasn’t moving forward. There was hand-holding, kisses and hugs, but that was it. Charlie thought it was a bit like being in high school where a relationship had been identified by baseball terminology. So far Adam hadn’t even tried to get to second base and seemed content to hold at first. Charlie had never been so sexually frustrated in her life and wondered if Adam did what she did for relief. Her wonderful toy was seeing almost nightly use these days.

Charlie decided she really needed to talk to someone about this relationship, so she called her best friend Sandi and proposed they get together for lunch or dinner or just drinks. She didn’t care. She needed to talk and she needed advice.  Sandi was available for dinner the following day and Charlie hoped Adam was just a bit disappointed when she told him she was eating out with a friend. She couldn’t tell though since Adam dropped a peck on her forehead and told her he’d make something special for dinner the day after if she wanted to come by.

The women decided they’d have dinner at Sophia’s not because it was expensive and good, but because of the huge booths that allowed pretty much total privacy so they could talk, laugh and cry without being overheard. Settled into the comfy banquettes, they ordered drinks and a couple of starters and told their waitress they’d not be ordering for some time. That was the other thing about Sophia’s…the staff was always patient and as long as you tipped well when you left, you could come for dinner and practically stay for breakfast.

“So, Charlie,” Sandi said after taking a sip of her Cosmo, “What’s going on. You sounded a bit sad and plaintive when you called.”

“You’ve known me since we were in diapers, right?” Charlie responded and Sandi nodded, helping herself to the small brie baked in filo dough. “You’ve also always known I go after what I want and I’ve always achieved the goal set whether it had to do with my business or my personal life. I’ve dated a lot and had probably more than my share of sexual experiences with a wide variety of men.”

“Oh. My. God.” Sandi laughed after she’d swallowed. “You were a very naughty girl in school and I envied your ability to do what you wanted and get away with it. I was sure if I let one of those boys have their way, I’d end up pregnant and shamed for the rest of my life. But you, you just went your merry way and never got caught.”

“Are you kidding me. What about the time my folks came home early and I had to hide Brian Sutherland beneath my bed? I couldn’t think of a reason why I was in bed and all flushed except for feeling sick. I thought my mamma would never stop fussing over me and go away. Then Brian had to climb out my window and almost fell and broke his leg.”

Both women laughed and Sandi added, “Poor Brian, he limped around for a couple of weeks with a bad sprain. Good thing it wasn’t football or basketball season or he’d have had to sit on the sidelines.”

Charlie swallowed the last of her drink and signaled for another. “Ah such good times I had, right Sandi?” she asked wistfully. “But maybe I should have been more like you. Maybe I should have saved myself for a husband and kids. Look at you and Les, married since you graduated college with two lovely children.”

“What’s going on here Charlie? This isn’t like you. You’ve always been eager to go ahead and see what would happen. I never thought you had regrets about  any of the relationships or experiences you’ve had. What’s made you have doubts about yourself or at least that seems to be what I’m getting from you.”

Charlie waited until the waitress put her drink on the table. “Okay, you remember months ago I came into the shop looking for books by that Foster author?”

“Do I? Les would probably remember as well because I read each and every one of them too. He thought he'd died and gone to heaven and  I’m lucky I didn’t end up pregnant.”

“Okay, I think I told you then that whenever Adam was around or we touched, even if it was just our hands, that every hair on my body stood at attention. There was or is this electricity between the two of us. Adam has admitted as much.”

“So, what’s the problem if you both feel the sizzle? Are you seeing this Adam?”

“Yes. I did what I’ve always done and tried very hard to get Adam to go to bed with me. I pretty much put myself out there, expecting he would reciprocate….”

“You can’t be saying he turned your down?” Sandi interrupted.

“Well, yes and no. He sort of told me off about being so forward and then kinda told me his expectations with regard to us having a relationship. I want the sex now and he doesn’t.”

          “He doesn’t? He writes all those erotic passages in his books. I’d think he’d be more eager than you. I’d also think he’d be one hell of a lover and more than willing to share his prowess.”

“I guess that’s why they call it fiction, Sandi. When he told me what he wants, the first item mentioned was not sex. He wants to get to know me and for me to know him. He wants to hear all about my growing up, my interests, my past and future desires and he wants to share all of his own past and future with me as well.”

“Doesn’t sound too difficult. So, are you seeing him? Are you sharing with him and he with you?”

“Yes, we’ve been together almost every day for the last couple of weeks. He’s a fabulous cook, so he’s made most of the dinners unless we go out or bring food in. We talk and talk and talk and there’s usually some time toward the end of the evening when we cuddle and kiss and, to use an old high school word, pet a bit.”

“He hasn’t tried to rip your clothes off? You haven’t had sex yet?”

Charlie looked down at the table and shook her head.

“Holy Fuck, but I never thought I’d ever hear something like that from you Charlie. What’s holding him back? Is he gay and not sharing that information?”

“Oh no, he’s not gay, far from it. I’ve had the uncomfortable pleasure of feeling a gigantic penis pressed against my belly or thigh, but Adam hasn’t even gone so far as to touch a bare breast. Lots of kissing and nibbling and heavy breathing, but nothing skin to skin beyond lips on my face and neck.”

“What happens? I mean, does he just push you away and act as though nothing’s happening? If Les tried that with me, I’d find a way to tie him to the bed and have my way.”

“Adam doesn’t exactly push me away, but he seems to reach a point and then it’s time for the evening to end. He walks me to my house or car or whatever, but he doesn’t suggest I stay over or he stay over. It’s just kinda see you tomorrow, followed by a soul-searing kiss and then he walks away.”

Sandi drained her glass and waved it at the waitress. “Good heavens, I can’t believe he has the self-control to do that. Sheesh, what is his problem?”

“I honestly don’t know. I’ve been trying to be patient, to let Adam lead the way, but he’s driving me crazy and my personal toy is getting one hell of a workout every single night. I don’t know what to do to make him try for a home-run.”
          “Okay, he said he wanted you guys to get to know each other. Is that happening? Is he sharing his past life and what he wants from the future with you? Are you sharing the same with him?”

“Yes, yes, yes. We talk and talk and talk and some times I feel as if I’ll scream if I have to come up with another endearing and funny story about my childhood. I’ve heard lots of stories about his life and what he wants going forward. He wants a wife and kids, quite possibly six which scares the absolute crap out of me. He wants to enlarge his cabin and live there with his family. He wants to keep writing but would like to try another venue that doesn’t include a whole lot of sex.”

“Okay, and what have you said about what you want from the future?”

“That’s just it. I haven’t said a lot beyond wanting the company to grow and expand and end up building only environmentally sound projects. I haven’t talked about wanting to be married or having kids because I honestly don’t know if I do.”

“What about the sizzle? Now that you’ve gotten to know each other better, is it still there? Is it stronger now or weaker?”

“That’s the biggest problem for me. As far as I go, the sizzle isn’t just a sizzle any longer; it’s become a raging fire. I can’t tell if it’s changed for Adam because he’s so reticent. I’m trying to be patient. I’m trying to let him be the aggressor, but there’s nothing I want more at this point than to have mad, wild, passionate sex with Adam. I don’t know what to do.”

“Have you tried talking to Adam about how you feel? Maybe if he knew just how much you wanted to jump his bones, he’d be more forthcoming with his affections?”

“That’s how we ended up where we are. I made it perfectly clear I was ready, more than willing, and able to consummate our relationship even though we barely knew each other. He wasn’t. He’s like some virgin who has to get to know his partner before getting laid. Fuck, but it’s really really annoying.”

“Well, maybe you need to revisit his idea about your relationship. It seems like he’s having it all his way and your wants and needs aren’t being considered one little teeny weeny bit. I actually can’t believe you’ve gone along with this. It’s so not you Charlie girl.”

“Yeah, well, it’s just that there’s this voltage between us and I really want to see what happens if we ever come together. If sex has been good before, sex with Adam ought to be mind-bending. If it weren’t for the feelings I get every time we’re together, I’d just walk away.”

          “I think you should talk to Adam and tell him how you feel. If he isn’t interested, then you can give it up and move on. Now, I’m beginning to really feel the booze, so how about ordering some dinner?”

          Charlie and Sandi consulted the menus and ordered. By unacknowledged agreement, they didn’t spend any more time talking about Adam. It was Sandi’s turn to talk about Les and her kids and her bookstore. Charlie listened and asked questions. Once their food arrived, they continued to talk between bites and since Sandi saw far more of the people they both knew because of her bookstore, she kept Charlie laughing when it came to a couple of teachers they’d both had and a few girlfriends and their husbands or significant others.

          As they were settling up their bills, Charlie said, “You know we really are quite catty when it comes to some of the people we know.”

          Sandi laughed and agreed, saying, “That may be so, but you have to admit every single thing we said about each one of them was factual, factual, but funnier than hell. Wonder what they have to say about us when they get together.”

          “I know. Don’t you wish you could be a little bug in the corner when Samantha, Gloria and Tiffany all get together? Compared to what we say about them, I’m sure the acid spoken would definitely cause us to become deaf.”

          Outside the restaurant, the women hugged farewell and Sandi started for her car. She turned back to give Charlie another hug and said, “Now, be sure and call or come see me once you talk to Adam. I’ll either celebrate with you or wipe away your tears.

          Charlie agreed and got into her truck. She wasn’t going to go by Adam’s on the way home. She’d wanted to think about what Sandi had said as well as how she was going to approach Adam about their relationship. She didn’t exactly want to say give me sex or go away, but she didn’t want continue the dance Adam had been leading for the last little while. If it were anyone but Adam, she thought, she’d probably tell him to fuck me or else. But, there was something sweet about Adam and his approach to their relationship, so she was going to have to find a way to ask nice and politely. Damnit, if I only didn’t think I was falling in love with him, but I just may be. As she pulled into her parking place beside her house, she shrugged her shoulders and told herself that tomorrow was a new day and at its end, she’d know if time with Adam would continue.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 13

 

         Now, it was Charlie’s turn to think about a relationship with Adam. She hesitated at her driveway, tempted to follow him to his cabin and jump his bones whether it wanted it or not, but instead, she turned into her own driveway. She sat in her truck for a while wondering whether or not she wanted to pursue any kind of a relationship with Adam.

Ever since high school, she’d stayed independent and any kind of a liaison she developed, whether it was with the high school football star or like the one she’d just ended with Bradley had been loose and free and fun. She’d known at the beginning and tried very hard to make sure the boy/man she’d been involved with knew she didn’t want any kind of a long-term commitment. Adam was the first man she’d encountered who wasn’t interested in just jumping into bed and having sex.

Charlie got out of the truck and went inside. She poured herself a shot of her favorite bourbon and went to the porch swing. Nestled in her pillows with a soft blanket on her legs, she sipped and enjoyed the quiet. Someone, maybe across the lake had a fire and it smelled like burning leaves. Autumn was definitely replacing summer.

Charlie made an admission to herself. Yes, she was lonely. She missed her parents and all her friends, especially the closest ones had husbands and children. She thought about how happy Sandi was with Les and how adorable their little ones were and wondered if she actually wanted that for herself. She’d always thought she didn’t and wouldn’t, but maybe if the right man came along, she’d change her mind.

Adam could quite possibly be the right man. She’d never experiences the sensations she got when he took her hand, touched her or was even just nearby. And, he felt something too because he’d admitted that. He’d even admitted, more or less, that he wanted a relationship otherwise why would he want to talk about their histories or their futures.

Damnit, this was all so annoying. Charlie tipped her glass, only to find it was empty. She was so annoyed, she almost heaved it out into the yard, but didn’t. Another thought had popped into her head and she didn’t like it one little bit. Could it be she was afraid to commit to a relationship with Adam, or anyone for that matter, that was about more than just enjoying the pleasures of sex and not much else. She shook her head. She couldn’t possibly be afraid. She wasn’t afraid of anything. Look how she’d managed school and then taken on the company and made it even more successful.

Charlie began making a list of all her accomplishments and how fear would have made it impossible to achieve everything she’d done. Still, list finished, back patted, there was still a little wiggle of fear when she thought about Adam and making an effort to engage in the kind of relationship he’d told her he wanted. She tried to envision what it would be like to see him every single day, to share her innermost secrets, both old and new, with him. What if she fell in love with him and he didn’t fall in love with her? That would absolutely suck and the only way to make sure it didn’t happen was to avoid Adam altogether.

Charlie fell asleep on the porch swing and it was late and chilly when she woke and stumbled into her bed. She didn’t remember reaching a decision about Adam before she fell asleep, but when she woke up, apparently her inner self had decided because after she showered and dressed, she called Adam.

“Hi Adam. It’s Charlie. I’ve thought about what you had to say last night, about us getting to know each other better.”

“Hi Charlie. Yeah?”

“Maybe it’s not such a bad idea, but I want you to know I’ve never had a commitment that lasted longer than a few months. I don’t know if I’m capable of sustaining one.”

“You won’t know until you try Charlie,” was Adam’s response.

“I know, so why don’t you come to dinner tonight at my place. I’ll whip up the one thing I’m capable of making that’s edible….”

“Don’t you remember I told you how much I like to cook?” Adam interrupted. “If you don’t, it’s a fact I love cooking and it’s not much fun just for myself. So, instead of my going to your place, why don’t you walk on over here at dinnertime? You can save your masterpiece for another occasion.”

“Well, if you’re sure. What time do you consider dinnertime?”

“We’ll eat around 7:00, but you can arrive anytime after 5:00. How’s that?”

“Just fine. Can I bring anything, wine, beer, flowers?”

“Nope, I’ve got it all handled. Just bring your appetite.”

“Okay, see you then Adam. Bye.”

“Bye Charlie.”

As she disconnected, Charlie realized she had butterflies in her tummy. She’d never ever had butterflies about a date with anyone in her life…until now. Part of her wanted to call Adam back and cancel the dinner, but she forced herself to put the phone down and get busy. She needed to do some laundry, look at some plans she’d brought home with her and make a grocery list because her freezer was almost empty and she hadn’t had any cheese, crackers or yogurt to take for lunch the day before.

Charlie hadn’t walked the pathway between the cabins for years. She knew various animals used it and kept it from being overgrown by weeds. Adam had used it, but not all that much. She took her time, the bottles of wine she’d decided to bring in a shoulder bag. You just didn’t go someplace for dinner and not bring a hostess, or in this case, host gift. The bottles clinked softly when she’d stop to admire a particular shrub or tree or colorful leaf. The butterflies were back in her tummy because this was totally unexperienced territory, but she told herself she’d be just fine.

Charlie stepped out of the woods to find Adam on his cabin’s porch, smoke drifting lazily from a Weber grill. “Hey Adam,” Charlie called. “Something smells delicious.”

Adam pulled her in for a hug when she climbed the two steps to the porch. He heard the bottles clink and asked, “What’s this?” and took the bag from her shoulder.

“You know no self-respecting person goes to dinner at someone’s home without bringing something. Surely, you’ve noticed that during your time down here?”

“Yep,” he responded, pulling the bottles from the bag. “I think this red is going to go perfectly with the pork butt I’ve been cooking all day long. I’m so glad you called early enough for me to get it going. It’s not a large one, but it still takes some time for it to come out perfect. That’s unless you want beer with your pulled pork sandwiches.”

“I think I wouldn’t mind the beer. It’s still a little warm, so a cold one would be tasty.”

While Adam took the wine inside, Charlie sat down on the top step. When he returned and handed her a beer, he joined her. She wasn’t exactly sure how to begin the conversation or what to talk about. She figured she’d let Adam lead the way, throw out a topic or something. She’d never felt this uncomfortable with a man in her life.

“So, you don’t cook all that much I take it?” Adam more or less asked.

“Nope. My mamma’s a wonderful cook, but no matter how hard she tried to teach me how to make food that tasted absolutely yummy, whatever I made always fell far short of what she produced, even if I followed the recipe perfectly or she stood at my shoulder telling me exactly what to do.” Charlie laughed. “I think in some ways she was relieved when I declared I wasn’t going to have another lesson. What about you? I sort of had the idea you had a cook or chef growing up.”

“My family did have a cook and my, oh my, what a wonderful cook she was too. It wasn’t that my mother couldn’t find her way around the kitchen, because she could and did at times, especially when we went to the cape in the summer. The thing was she was far too busy with teaching and the various organizations for which she volunteered.”

“So, did you just take up cooking when you left home then?”

“No, I wasn’t into sports like my brother and sister. I didn’t care about a single professional team and the idea of playing football or soccer, getting knocked around and filthy dirty wasn’t my idea of fun. Basketball wasn’t much better because everyone got all hot and sweaty and I just found exchanging sweat to be quite disagreeable.”

Charlie laughed, “I bet that went over real well. What happened? Did everyone assume you were gay?”

Adam chuckled and responded, “Some folks took exception to my likes and dislikes, but I was a quick and dirty fighter. Call me a faggot at your own peril. It only took a few fights during middle and high school to convince my schoolmates I was just as virile and manly as they were.

“Our cook’s name was Gladys, or Ms. Gladys to me. I think my mom hired her when I began kindergarten because she was able to return to teaching with all her kids in school. When I’d come home, Ms. Gladys would always have milk and fresh cookies waiting. It didn’t take long before I hung around the kitchen and asked questions and offered to help. Usually, once she realized I was truly interested, she would allow me to help and eventually to take over the making of an entire recipe. By the time I left home, I was capable of making a five-course meal for the entire family. Of course, living alone since then, I haven’t made many meals that require that kind of attention and detail.”

“I’m impressed. My mamma would probably love you to bits if she knew all that.”

“Anyway, what’s the only edible dish you’re capable of making?”

“Curried chicken and broccoli. Fresh broccoli in the bottom of a casserole topped by cooked shredded chicken…and I cheat on the chicken because I buy it at the deli…covered by a cheesy curry sauce, topped with croutons and baked in the oven. I can also throw together a salad to go with that, but I think anyone can make a salad unless they are totally hopeless.”

“We didn’t have much in the way of curry dishes back home, but I look forward to trying yours. I’ve eaten Indian and Thai food with curry and liked it a lot. Now, excuse me for a few minutes while I work on our dinner.”

While Adam was busy on the porch and probably in the kitchen, Charlie got up and wandered around his cabin, noting what needed repair and making a mental list. She didn’t think he could really make it through another winter without replacing his roof. It looked pretty sad. Eventually, she wandered down to the dock and sat on the edge, letting her feet dip into the water. She loved this time of day when everything seemed to be winding down. It always seemed like the breeze became warmer and gentler, the call of the birds and other animals softer and longer.

“Charlie, c’mon up. It’s ready and I really hope you’re hungry.”

She put her sandals back on, picked up her empty bottle and moved quickly toward the cabin. She was definitely hungry and the smoke that had been lingering ever since her arrival had only whetted her appetite.

“I thought we’d eat inside and that way those pesky bugs will stay out of our food.” Adam told her, holding the door open.

Charlie was surprised to see how beautifully Adam had set the table. It was covered by a red cloth and large white plates rested on black place mats. There were two lit candles in glass candle holders, red napkins and a small spray of flowers in a black vase. There was also a small tray that held what had to be pickled onions, butter and a variety of barbeque sauces.

“Wow, pretty fancy for a bachelor boy. I think I should wash my hands before I sit though.”

Adam directed her to the sink and held her chair when she came back to the table. “Now, this isn’t a fancy meal, but it’s something I absolutely love and figured you would too because you like Ebenezer’s so much.”

Adam brought her another beer only this time he poured it carefully into a beer glass. Then, he returned from the counter with smaller black plates on which he’d placed huge buns, one half covered by the best looking and smelling pork Charlie had ever seen. It was accompanied by baked beans and cornbread.

“Oh, my goodness,” Charlie breathed, “this all looks delicious and if it’s as good as it smells, well, I may think I’ve died and gone to heaven.”

Over the next little while, they ate and drank and murmured to each other about what they were eating. More than once, Charlie closed her eyes and a small moan escaped as she swallowed another bite of the pulled pork. When she’d finished the first plate, Adam made her a second sandwich and brought another beer.

“Oh my God,” Charlie exclaimed, “and please excuse my burp, but I think I may explode. I really should not have had seconds, but Adam, it was so damn good I just couldn’t say no. Well, actually, I didn’t say yes either since you just put it in front of me.”

“Well, Charlie, I do love a woman who loves to eat. I liked watching you eat what I made. One of these times, once we know each other better, I’ll have to suck the sauce from your fingers and lick it from your chin.”

“Does that mean I’ll be dessert?” Charlie asked flirtatiously.

“I hope so, eventually. Meanwhile, lets move to the couch. It’s too buggy and cold to sit on the porch. I laid a fire earlier and I’m sure it will feel good.”

Adam joined Charlie on the couch once the fire was lit. It felt comfortable to sit there side by side until Adam said, “Why don’t you turn and lean against that pillow and put your legs over mine. I’ll give you a nice foot rub while we talk.”

Charlie loved the way his hands, neither soft nor hard with callouses rubbed her feet and moved up her calves. She really wanted his hands to move higher, but he always stopped just below her knee. She hoped she’d have the patience Adam seemed to want or need.

“I gather you’re the baby of the family from what you said earlier? How much younger are you and what are your sibling’s names?”

Adam had been rubbing her feet and legs while staring into the fire and started a bit at her question. “My parents were careful to have their three children each three years apart. My brother, Ben, is six years older than me and Susan is three years older. They were horrible influences on me and did everything they possibly could to get me in trouble.”

“Like what?”

“It was never anything major. For instance, Ben put a snake in Susan’s bed and blamed me. Susan let all the air out of Ben’s bike tires and blamed me. They got into Christmas presents, and lots of other stuff for which I was always blamed. They could both lie with completely straight faces while even when I was telling the truth, I somehow looked guilty. I don’t think I ever got the opportunity to actually get even with either of them for the crappy stuff like that.

“You never got away with anything?”

“Of course, I did. I had my own band of miscreants and we did lots of stupid stuff for which we should have been beaten or that could have resulted in one or all of us dying. But you know when you’re young, there is no death concept.”

“What did you do that was so bad?”

“Every single one of us had a BB gun. We discovered we could drop stick matches into the barrel and fire them. If you held a war in a pitch-dark basement, when the matches hit the concrete wall or floor, it would light and you could see your enemies and quick, shoot off another one. Looking back, it’s amazing no one lost an eye. And, oh yeah, you had to go to war bare-chested. Some of those matches did hurt.

“Then there was the time, about five of us managed to sneak quite a few bullets from our fathers’ stash. We managed to open them up and pour all the gun powder into something…maybe a prescription bottle. I don’t really remember now. Anyway, we then wrapped the bottle with duck-tape until it was the size of a softball. Oh, I forgot, we included a fuse and I don’t remember what we used for that either.”

Adam was so caught up in his story, he’d stopped rubbing her feet and was gesturing with his arms and hands. “Anyway, we took it quite a few blocks away from our houses and put it under a shrub on someone’s parking strip. Then we lit the fuse and ran and hid where we could watch what happened.”

“Did it blow up?”

Adam snorted and shook his head, “Did it blow up. You bet it did and we were so lucky there weren’t any cars nearby or that we’d stayed in the vicinity. It blew that shrub to pieces and left a hole in the parking strip that was about a foot deep. We thought it was the best thing we’d ever done but heard later the police came out and maybe even the FBI.”

Charlie laughed. “I’ll bet if your parents knew about that you wouldn’t have been able to sit for a month.”

“You know it. Now, scootch over and let me lean on the pillow too.”

Charlie scootched and Adam laid down on his side facing her. His hands, those wonderful hands began to rub her head beneath her hair. His lips kissed her forehead, down her cheek to her ear and back up the other side. Charlie wanted to grab him and pull him in for a kiss that would surely leave them both breathless, but forced herself to stay still, to let Adam lead the way.

Eventually, but not soon enough for Charlie, Adam asked her to raise her head and he put his arm beneath her neck. Charlie turned toward him so they were pressed against each other on the couch. While Adam continued to tease her with little kisses and licks, none of them below her shoulders, Charlie put her one free arm around Adam’s chest and rubbed his back.

Finally, Adam’s mouth found Charlie’s, but he didn’t give her the soul-searing kiss for which she’d been waiting. He nibbled and kissed and licked at her mouth until she thought she would go crazy with wanting him to kiss her. Then, his mouth covered hers and his tongue entered to twine around hers. She tried to suck on his tongue, but he was too quick, but did suck hers when she pushed it into his mouth.

This lip interplay seemed to go on forever and Charlie found herself thinking she could manage to participate in this way for a very long time. It felt wonderful. She felt treasured and wanted and special in a way she’d never felt before. Maybe taking their time wouldn’t be such a bad thing after all.

Just as she reached that conclusion, Adam gave her one last kiss, turned and sat up. “It’s getting kinda late. Let me get you the container of pork I set aside and my flash. I’ll walk you home.”

Charlie couldn’t believe what she’d just heard. Sheesh, how in the hell did he just turn it on and off? One minute she was being kissed senseless and the next it seemed like she’d been doused with cold water. She huffed and sat up when Adam went to the kitchen. Fine, just fine. She’d never ever wanted sex as much as she wanted it right now, but she’d be fine, just fine.

They didn’t talk much as Adam walked Charlie home through the woods. At her door, he handed her the container of pork, only to lean in and give her another soul-searing kiss. It was only her mamma’s training that kept Charlie from pouring the pork over Adam’s head.

He stepped back, saying, “Thanks for coming to dinner Charlie. I really enjoyed the evening. Good night.”

“Thank you for dinner Adam. I enjoyed hearing about your childhood exploits. See you later.”

Charlie watched as Adam and his flash disappeared into the woods. She wondered how long this sexually charged dance they were doing would last. She sincerely hoped it would be worth it when it came to an end or she was afraid she might have to murder Adam. Her defense would be long-term frustration.

 

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 12

 

           While Charlie was cursing and damning Adam for his failure to reciprocate her wants and feelings and for being an up-tight yankee, he was doing the very same thing. He didn’t mutter to himself, but his thoughts jumped around and he kept asking himself what kind of a fool he had to be. Here you had the most gorgeous female that’s ever been interested in you and you act like a stupid shy virgin. How ridiculous could you possibly be. You write shit like that for a living.

As Adam passed the driveway that would take him to Charlie’s house, his foot left the gas pedal and then pressed down hard. Damnit, you made a fool of yourself and you’re not going to make yourself even more embarrassed by sitting outside her house waiting for her to get home.

Parked outside his own cabin, car turned off, Adam sat in his car and shook his head. He couldn’t believe what a self-righteous prick he’d been. And thinking of pricks, his was still slightly hard and the very thought of Charlie's hard nipples pressed against his chest made it begin to grow again. What kind of man turns down a woman like Charlie? The scaredy-cat kind, he told himself.

It was one thing to write about how touches made the men and women in his book react with want and lust and tumble into bed to have great and wonderful sex, but it was another to actually experience those feelings. Sure, he’d had sex ever since he’d managed to get into Shelley’s pants at the age of 15, but not a single one of those women had ever made him feel like his skin was electrified or send his cock from flaccid to raging hard in a manner of seconds. It rather scared the crap out of him.

Sitting there, he asked himself what would happen if they did tumble into bed together and had the very best sex of his life? It would be fantastic, but what if Charlie wasn’t interested in a long-term relationship and from everything he’d come to know about her, she wasn’t. What would happen if he fell deeply in love and she didn’t and she moved on to another man? Being the one in love and left behind would surely leave him wounded, sad, offended and maybe even deeply damaged. It would surely suck far more than feeling like an idiot for turning Charlie’s advances down.

Adam opened his car door and climbed out. Yep, he told himself, it was far better to write about such experiences with fictional characters than it was to have them. At least his made-up people always had a happy ending after going through some difficulties. He wasn’t the least bit sure a relationship with Charlie would have an ending that would please both of them.

Ah well, it was time he started a new book anyway. Once he started writing, he wouldn’t have any time for visits of any kind. It would be easy to avoid Charlie. He could just stay inside his cabin, so even if she decided to paddle-board on the lake, he wouldn’t meet up with her. Besides, with fall in the offing, it would soon be too cold to play in the water. Forgetting about Charlie wouldn’t be all that difficult. It wasn’t like they’d had a mad wild affair, but deep inside Adam could feel what he knew had to be regret.

Several weeks passed and Adam and Charlie didn’t run into or seek each other out. Charlie had finally finished the job description for a second in command. She’d given it to the two foremen she thought might be interested. Only one of them was which was fine.

Justin had been with the company for over ten years, so he was one of her dad’s original hires. Not only was he knowledgeable about the company, its projects, and product usage, but he was able to use the computer system with ease. He was married with two children, one of each sex and both kids were interested in what their dad did and during summers often accompanied him to work. When Charlie had realized the children were cleaning up around the job site or doing anything else their father requested, she had told Justin she was putting them on the payroll as laborers. The money they earned could be used for college or learning a trade later on if that’s what the parents wanted.  

Dennis, Mr. Eb’s grandson had provided Charlie with his resume and she interviewed him as well. He resembled his grandpa, tall, thin and very handsome with a pencil thin mustache beneath his nose. He was engaged to a young woman he’d met at school. They were hoping to get married the following spring and a job better than the one he currently had would make that possibility far more likely. He smiled often and seemed very easy going. Charlie liked him immediately and was impressed by the course work he’d taken at Georgia Tech. He was actually more knowledgeable about environmentally friendly products than she was.

Charlie reviewed the company’s finances and decided the way things were developing, she could afford to hire both Justin and Dennis. So, she wrote two new job descriptions and called Justin in first. She explained what she had in mind and gave him the description. She asked if he had any suggestions that would make it better or include work she hadn’t considered. If Justin took the job, he would work with the various job foremen, deal with any problems on the job, and pretty much oversee the various projects. The only thing Charlie hadn’t thought to include was liaison work with the various unions. It was a good suggestion and Charlie noted it on the job description.

Justin would report directly to Charlie but also work with Dennis, if Dennis took the job, when it came to reviewing plans and the need for products that were considered environmentally sound. Justin knew Dennis because he had helped coach the high school football team of which Dennis had been a member. Justin said he was a fine young man, friendly, smart and always willing to take direction just as easily as he was willing to stand up for what he thought might work better. He told Charlie it was Dennis’ suggestion for the final play of the game that had resulted in the school winning the city trophy his last year of play.

They then talked about pay and benefits. Justin’s benefits would remain the same, except the company would provide a car or truck for his use. His pay would be substantially more than that of what he was receiving as a foreman. If everything went well, Justin would receive a raise at three and six months and yearly after that when his annual evaluation was completed.

Charlie asked Stephanie to make an appointment for her to meet with Dennis. When he arrived the next day, Charlie gave him the revised job description for the position she was now offering. Dennis read it over and looked at Charlie with raised eyebrows. “You think I’m capable of handling this,” he asked.

“I wouldn’t be offering you the job if I didn’t think so. I realize you’re new to the business, but your course-work and grades were excellent. I have no doubt that once you settle in and become accustomed to being in charge of your area, you’ll be just fine.”

“You seriously think some of the men, and maybe even women, are going to be willing to take my instructions and/or suggestions seriously?”

“Why wouldn’t they? Because you are a black man? That has nothing to do with the job. Everyone who works for this company knows that comments having to do with race, sex, or sexual preferences, even in jest, are cause for dismissal. It’s written right into the hiring contract. My daddy began that when he began the company. He wanted people who wanted jobs and were willing to work hard no matter what. There were a few way back then who didn’t think his message was meant for them, but they found themselves applying for unemployment.

“As a matter of fact, when I was just a girl, one of his employees wasn’t too happy about being fired, so he and some buddies decided to get back at daddy. I won’t bore you with details. Let’s just say that man didn’t have to worry about unemployment because the result of his actions and that of a couple of his buddies  provided them with housing and food, courtesy of the county for a time. After that, no one bucked daddy’s desire for an integrated and happy crew.”

“No wonder my grandpa speaks so highly of your family. I’d never heard that story. As far as the job, I accept. It’s exactly the kind of work I was hoping to find at some point in my life. To have it offered so soon after finishing school is just, well just wonderful.”

Charlie explained the benefits the company provided which would include a car or truck. She explained his starting pay wasn’t going to be as high as that of Justin, but that he too would be evaluated at three and six months and given raises commensurate with his work and knowledge. Thereafter, there would be an annual review and a raise at that time.

Charlie sent Dennis off to the Human Rights Department to get signed up. He wanted to give two-weeks’ notice to Nelson, but Charlie thought that was only fair and businesslike on Dennis’ part. Those positions settled, Charlie turned to her computer and pounded out a memo that would go to all the company’s staff explaining the two new positions and her expectations of the men holding the jobs as well as her expectations of all employees with regard to their interactions with Justin and Dennis. She didn’t expect any problems because she knew each and every one of her employees and a little something about their lives. She never forgot a face or a name and seriously believed her employees thought highly of her and how she was running her daddy’s company.

The day finally came to and end and as usual Charlie was the last to leave and lock up. She was very tired and very lonely. When she was interviewing Dennis, the little imp in the back of her head told her he’d most likely be a fascinating and fun person to date or have sex with. But Charlie put the imp back in its box and slammed the door. She didn’t do stuff like that with employees plus Dennis was younger than her and engaged. As she climbed in her truck, she thought longingly of dinner at her mamma’s table and the inclusion of some young available man. But her folks were still gone, so she’d just have to go on home to her lonely little house.

Charlie’s route took her right by Ebenezer’s and at the last minute, she yanked the steering wheel and pulled into the parking lot. It was Friday after all and she decided she wanted to tell Mr. Eb she’d hired his grandson.

Sure enough, Mr. Eb was in his place at the end of the bar. Charlie walked up and said, “Excuse me Mr. Eb, but is this stool taken? If not, I’d be mighty pleased to sit a spell, have something to eat and talk a bit.”

“Hello there Ms. Charlotte. I’d be mighty happy to have you join me. You gonna have the usual?”

Charlie nodded and Mr. Eb called out, “Sammy, we need us a platter of ribs, spicy sauce, collards, cornbread and an ice-cold beer for this here lady.”

Sammy smiled as he placed an overflowing glass down. “Hi Ms. Charlotte. I’ll have your platter right up.”

“Thank you, Sammy, and no rush. I want to talk to your grandpa here for a bit.”

“What’s goin’ on Ms. Charlotte. You havin’ some man troubles. Haven’t seen you or that young man you brought in here the last time.”

Charlie laughed. “No, that’s not a problem, and I don’t actually have a problem to talk about. I just wanted to tell you how impressed I was with Dennis and that I’ve hired him to be the company’s Environmental Project Manager. When I saw Dennis’ resume, I realized I needed to take the job description I’d written for one person and turn it into two different jobs. They’ll interact and work together and both report directly to me. In fact, Justin, the other man who was a foreman before this knows Justin from coaching football. He spoke very highly of him as well.”

Mr. Eb took a sip of his whiskey and Charlie realized she’d never seen that glass empty or the level go much below what it was at now. Must be some kind of magic she thought. “I gots to tell you I was hoping you’d find Dennis’ qualifications good enough to hire em. He’s a fine young man if I do say so myself.” He said and chuckled. “I know he’ll work hard for you and be a good employee. You know he worked here off and on from the time he was ten. Never worked out front, but in the back cooking and cleaning. Kept him in a bit of spending money, it did.”

Charlie’s platter arrived and she did her usual preparations with the bib and napkins. “It seems like a long time since we had a chat Mr. Eb. While I’m eating, why don’t you tell me how the family’s doing.”

Mr. Eb talked about his wife, fairly sick with the diabetes, so sick in fact, she couldn’t have his special sauce but now and then. His sons and daughters were all well-employed, either in the family business or elsewhere. He thought those that worked outside the family were well appreciated. At last count, he told Charlie he had 21 grandchildren and only six greats so far. Charlie listened with a keen ear, asking a question now and then about who was who and how old now. In between, she ate and sucked and closed her eyes to moan just a tiny bit.

“You sure do like those ribs don’t you Charlie?” Adam’s voice cut into one of her closed eye moans over the last rib.

“Howdy Mr. Eb. You said I should be sure to say hi the next time I came in and you were here. I never expected to see Charlie sitting right next to you though. How you both doing?”

Charlie didn’t say a thing beyond a hello and doing just fine. Charlie pushed her platter away and cleaned her mouth and fingers while Adam and Mr. Eb conversed. Mr. Eb told Adam about Ms. Charlotte hiring his grandson and how pleased he was. Not only that, he’d been able to tell Ms. Charlotte about the rest of the family, all of whom she knew, while she ate up her ribs.

Sauce wiped away, Charlie put some money on the counter and refused to take it back when Mr. Eb tried to make her. “Mr. Eb, I’ve got to run along now. It’s been a really long week and now that my tummy’s full to bursting, I think my eyelids are going to slam shut pretty soon. I need to get myself on home. I loved eating my dinner with you. The food and company were superb.”

Charlie stood and gave Mr. Eb a big hug, turned, looked at Adam and said, “Nice to see you too.” And walked toward the door.

Adam stared after her and Mr. Eb said, “That’s a mighty fine young woman there. You two have a falling out? Seemed like there was some ‘lectricity ‘tween you two when you came in together.”

“Yeah, well, we’re just neighbors out at the lake.”

“Well, all I gots to say is if you wanna be more than neighbors, you need to get yourself busy. That was some ice field Ms. Charlotte threw up when you arrived.”

At that point, Sammy came up with a bag, “You Adam?” Adam said he was, paid, thanked Mr. Eb for the advice and hurried out. Maybe he could catch Charlie before she got in her truck and left. Truth was, he’d seen her truck and called in his order from the parking lot. He’d been thinking about her a lot and trying to come up with a reason to approach her.

Charlie’s truck was ready to pull out of the parking lot just as soon as the roadway was clear. Without thinking, Adam ran up, opened the passenger door and hopped in. She turned her head and looked at him as if he were some stranger.

“Charlie, do you suppose we could talk? Talk about us?”

“There is no us.”

“Okay, but there could be, don’t you think?”

“I thought so, but that was before you made me feel cheap and dirty.”

“How’d I do that?”

The car behind Charlie honked and she pulled out onto the roadway and immediately parked at the side.

“How’d you do that? Really, you have no idea? You, the big well-known write of pornographic fiction? I can’t believe you don’t have a clue.”

“Look Charlie, it wasn’t my intention to make you feel bad. It’s just I’ve never had feelings like this for any woman and they scare the hell out of me. I’ve touched plenty of women, but my body has never sat up and taken notice with every single miniscule cell. It’s one thing to write crap like that and a complete other when it’s happening to me.”

“So, what do you want from me?”

“Charlie, I’d like to date you. I’d like to take you places. I’d like to spend time with you and have you tell me about your childhood. I’d like you to share everything in your life with me. I want to know you, really know you and not just your body or for sex. I’d also like you to know me. Don’t you want to hear about my youth, my family, what it’s like to live up north. Don’t you want to hear about my desires and dreams, what I’d like from the future, the same way I’d like that from you?

“That’s what I want Charlie. I want the whole hog, so to speak. So, the ball’s in your court. Let me know if you want to have dinner again. If I don’t hear from you, I’ll figure there’s nothing in the future for us at all.”

With that, Adam opened the truck door, climbed out, looked both ways and loped across the road to his car in Ebenezer’s parking lot. Charlie just sat there in her truck, stunned by the information that had poured out of Adam. Before this, she hadn’t been the least bit scared about promoting a relationship with Adam, but now, his expectations were maybe far too high for her to meet. She watched his car head down the road toward his cabin. She put her truck in drive and followed.

UNDER CONSTRUCTION, CHAPTER 11

 

          When Adam arrived at Charlie’s company offices, he was impressed by how clean and modern they were. He hadn’t ever had many occasions to visit a construction company, but he’d always thought they’d be like the job site trailers…dirty, dusty and not very pleasant.

There wasn’t anyone at the reception desk, so he wandered around until he found Charlie’s office. He stood in the doorway and watched her as she looked first at the papers on the desk and then at whatever was on her computer. She made some notes in both places and would have probably continued, but Adam knocked softly on the door.

Charlie turned to look at him and he was struck by how business-like she appeared. She’d pulled her hair back from her face into a tight bun at the nape of her neck. Not a single hair escaped and until she smiled, she looked rather forbidding. “Hi Adam. You’re right on time. I’m glad you found your way in. I told Stephanie that when she left to leave the door unlocked because I knew you were coming.”

“So, staff work a regular eight hours while the boss puts in extra time, I take it?”

“Yep, that’s the way it works; the way it has to work if you’re going to be successful. And, we’re far more successful than I would actually like.”

“Ah, you want to lead the lazy life I guess. Most people would be overjoyed at the success your company has. The web site alone has to bring you a lot of business. You also seem to update it regularly because when I looked at it today, there were some new photos I hadn’t seen before. I didn’t see any of your magic little house though.”

“We have a web master who keeps the site updated and organized. There won’t be any photos of my home until after the magazine article appears. That was part of the agreement, that they’d publish the first photos and then I can have some placed on the web if I want. I’m afraid that article is only going to increase our business and I’ve been thinking about what I need to do to meet the demand.”

“What would that be?”

“You know what, I’m starving. How about I close up shop and we head out for dinner. If you really want to know more, we can talk about it once we’ve placed our order. I was too busy for lunch and I’m famished. Where are we going by the way?”

Charlie had stood up, turned off her computer and straightened up the piles of paper as she was talking. The sleeves on the white shirt she was wearing were rolled up and it was tucked into a very tailored pair of black shorts which hit just above the knee. And, perhaps the trailing scarf that went around the collar had been tied at her neck at some point. She looked very business-like. A matching jacket hung from the back of her chair. She pulled it off and draped it over her arm, pulled a bag from her desk drawer and walked around the desk.

“So, shall we?” Charlie questioned.

“Yep, I’m hungry too. I thought we’d go to Ebenezer’s for ribs although judging by your attire, we should probably go someplace a little fancier.” Adam replied.

“Forget that idea.” Charlie responded, locking the office door. “First, you’re not dressed for someplace fancier and I can adjust. Besides Eb’s is my most favorite place in the entire city.”

“Well, if you’re sure.” Adam opened his car door for her. By the time he’d walked around the car and got in, Charlie’s appearance had changed. She’d taken off the scarf, opened a couple more shirt buttons and let her hair down to fall over her shoulders and down her back. Now, she looked more fun and way less forbidding.

At Ebenezer’s they were lucky enough to snag a booth because the people who’d been in it got up to leave as they walked in the door. It was a two-person booth, so the other people waiting couldn’t utilize because their groups were too large.

“Wow,” Charlie exclaimed, “this is so unusual. I’ve always had to wait at least 10 or 15 minutes, even when I order to-go. I may have to put you on speed dial so the next time I want to come here, I can call and make you go with me. I hate waiting for anything.”

They ordered beers and a full rack of ribs each with collard greens, and cornbread. While they waited, Adam returned to his question asked in the office. “So, what are you planning that’s going to help you meet the demands for your company’s services.”

The waitress put down their beers and Charlie lifted hers to take a sip. “Well, I seriously need a second in command. Before my folks took up traveling, and I’m so glad they did and are enjoying it, I could always go to dad and ask him for help or advice. With them gone, it’s just me, myself and I. There’s a definite need for someone with experience and knowledge who could step up and lend a hand, take over some of the work I have to do in the office. I think I’ve mentioned my first love is actually working at the job site. Having to dress up, look professional and meet with clients is not my favorite thing to do. I know it’s necessary, but I still don’t enjoy that part of the job.”

“You have any people in mind for the job? Is there anyone on any of your crews who could step up and take on a more managerial position or are you going to have to advertise and interview?”

“There are a couple of foremen who might work out, but I haven’t brought up the subject with either of them. It would depend on whether or not they prefer using a hammer as opposed to a pencil and computer. One, or even both of them, would be my first choice, but I’ve got to finish writing the job description first.”

“I don’t know a thing about business, but from listening to my dad and brother, it usually makes sense to hire from within. Looking outside the company is always more difficult and even when they thought they’d found the right person, it didn’t always work out.”

“I know and thanks for the advice, even though it’s kinda second-hand.”

At that point, their platters arrived. Charlie grabbed her bib and put it over her head. Then, she yanked a number of napkins out of the holder and placed them within easy reach. She looked at Adam, winked and said, “Now, you’ll get to see the real me, chomping on bones and getting barbeque sauce all over myself. But I’ve never been able to resist from the first time my daddy brought me here. I was barely walking and having a single rib with mild sauce kept me busy the entire meal. Mamma took photos of her messy girl and I don’t think there was a square inch of my face, head and arms that didn’t have sauce. I still remember that and how really good it was.”

Adam followed Charlie’s example and put on his own bib and gathered napkins. They began to work on the platters before them and between biting and chewing and swallowing, there wasn’t really any way they could talk. Charlie hadn’t lied about how messy she got eating her ribs. Adam found himself wondering how it would be to lick or suck the sauce from the various locations before him. Even though she was messy, she didn’t eat quickly, but appeared to enjoy every single bite, even closing her eyes sometimes. Adam wasn’t sure, but he thought she might be moaning with pleasure at those times, but he couldn’t quite hear.

The platter in front of Adam was empty first. He used the little packets of wash-its to clean his fingers and mouth. He only needed a couple because he was a daintier eater than Charlie. As he looked over at Charlie, she laughed, her mouth stained with sauce, and winked as she threw the last empty bone back on the platter.

“Yum, yum, yum. That was so good.”

Adam started laughing and asked, “Have you ever heard of or seen a movie made some time in the 60s called Tom Jones. Tom is a young Albert Finney and there’s a scene in there where Tom and his lady friend, I think it was Joyce Redman….”

Charlie burst out laughing and interrupted Adam. “It’s the sexiest eating ever filmed in my opinion. I was thinking about that very movie a couple of months ago when I got ribs to go. The only thing that would make it better here is if Eb would let us throw our bones over our shoulders.”

“You do know the movie? Do you or did you see the movie when the scene where Mrs. Waters, or Joyce Redman puts a raw oyster in her mouth and holds it on her tongue before swallowing it. Because the director refused to delete that scene, the movie got an “X” rating. In the updated version, that scene was cut.”

“I don’t remember seeing that in the movie I watched. About all I do remember is how much they enjoyed their dinner; and, most likely how much they enjoyed each other in one of the rooms at that inn…that is if that’s what happened.”

By now, the waitress had removed their empty dishes and returned with a second beer for each of them. Charlie excused herself to go to the restroom and give her hands a serious wash. Adam watched her move across the room, stopping now and then to say a few words to someone or respond to whatever was being said to her. He watched as she reached the end of the bar where an old black man sat. He was slim and his hair was as white as new snow. He reached out to Charlie and she hugged him hard with both arms and gave him a smacking kiss on his cheek. They talked and laughed for a minute before she continued to the restroom.

Adam watched Charlie’s return, which was in much in the same fashion as her departure had been. This time, she took the old man’s hand in hers, raised it to her cheek and then gave it a kiss. Before he took his hand back, he gave her chin a little nudge and they both laughed again.

When she arrived back at their booth, Adam asked, “Who’s the old guy at the bar?”

“Oh, my goodness, you’ve never met Mr. Ebenezer. He’s the one who started this place long ago. He gave me my first rib and was delighted by how I bit and sucked and made a huge mess. He says the reason he’s lived so long is his ribs and secret sauce. Mr. Ebenezer is the most delightful man. He always makes me laugh over something and is usually in his place at the bar on Friday and Saturday nights. His family runs the place now, but he likes to come ‘enjoy the ambience’ is how he puts it. I’ll have to introduce you. I’m sure you’d like him…everybody does.”

They finished their beers and prepared to leave. Charlie took Adam’s hand prepared for the sizzle she’d receive and led him over to Mr. Ebenezer. “Mr. Eb, I’d like you to meet a friend of mine, Adam. He’s a yankee, but he has good taste because he loves your ribs.”

As the two shook hands, Mr. Eb, spoke in a very lazy southern drawl, “Course this young man has good taste. Look who he’s with. Only a man with good taste would have brung you here. And since you hardly ever come in for a meal with a man, I’m thinking maybe this here yankee might be a special friend.”

“I’m very pleased to meet you Mr. Ebenezer. I found your restaurant probably the first week I came to town. I haven’t eaten inside often because I hate having to wait for a place, plus I hate eating alone. Your ribs and sauce are the very best I’ve ever had.”

“Thank you. I’m glad you enjoyed your dinner. I saw you didn’t have any bread puddin’. That’s another specialty. Here, let me send some home with you. Hey, Sammy, put some bread puddin’ in a to go box for this young friend of Ms. Charlotte’s.”

Adam started to object, but Charlie told him it was fruitless. When Mr. Eb makes a decision, ain’t nothing gonna change his mind, ain’t that right Sir?”

“It shore is.” Mr. Eb said as he took the little bag from Sammy and handed it to Adam. “You enjoy now, yuh hear.”

“And, Ms. Charlotte, don’t you go being such a stranger. I know you get ribs to go, but I sure do like seeing your pretty face a lot more often than I have been. Your daddy’s workin’ you way too hard.”

“It’s not daddy that’s making me work so hard Mr. Eb; it’s the company. Mamma and daddy are off on another one of their trips, so it’s just me, myself and I left behind to handle it all. Say, didn’t your grandson just graduate from Georgia Tech last spring?”

“Yes, that would be Dennis. He graduated at the top of his class. We’re all mighty proud of that boy.”

“Does he have a job? Is he working someplace right now?”

“Yeah, he’s workin’ for that Nelson Company, but I don’t think he’s real happy with his job or the work. Why you askin’?”

“Until tonight, I’d forgotten Dennis had graduated and I think he was in the same or very similar program as I was. I’m thinking about doing some hiring. Can you tell Dennis to drop off his resume or give me a call? I’d really appreciate that.” Charlie said as she pulled a card out of her bag.

“Happy to do that Ms. Charlotte, happy to do that. Now, you take care yuh hear. And, you, young man, be sure you stop over and say hi the next time you’re here if I’m sitting at the bar. Always like to greet people and watch them enjoy the ambience.” Mr. Eb laughed and patted Adam on the shoulder while he gave Charlie another hug with his other arm.

Outside, Adam took Charlie’s hand as they walked toward the car. Once again, she received the expected sizzle and seriously hoped Adam intended to spend the night at her house or take her home to his cabin. They didn’t say much as they returned to his car and Charlie was sad to let go of his hand when he opened the car door. Instead of climbing inside, Charlie turned and with the door between them, reached up to kiss Adam’s mouth. What ensued was the best kiss Charlie had ever received. It was brief and left her wanting more, but Adam stepped back and said, “I find public displays of affection embarrassing, probably because I’m an uptight yankee. Go on, hop in.”

Charlie looked up at him, into his eyes and would have sworn she saw desire there, but if he wanted to be more circumspect, she could do that too. It was only when Adam got in the car and asked, “So, where did you park your truck? I’ll drop you off there.” that Charlie realized there would probably not be any fun and games at either one of their places that night. She now wished she’d gone home and had Adam pick her up there. Damnit anyway.

Charlie told him her truck was behind the building that housed her company. Neither one said much as Adam drove the short distance, stopped and turned off his car. He opened his door saying, “A gentleman always walks a lady to her door, even if it’s a truck door.”

Adam came around the front of his car and opened her door. Charlie allowed him to take her hand and help her out. Once the car door was shut, but before he could walk her to her truck, Charlie faced Adam and murmured, “There’s no one to watch back here.”

With that, Charlie reached up and clasped her hands behind Adam’s neck and pulled his face to hers. The taste she’d had just a short time before didn’t prepare her for the shockwave of feeling that went through her body. Their lips met, separated and met again, changing direction but never really breaking contact. Adam’s tongue found its way into Charlie’s mouth and she welcomed it with her own, sucked it gently and then offered her tongue to Adam’s mouth. Adam pulled her tongue inside with suction and deepened the kiss. His arms were around her, holding her so their bodies were pressed tightly against each other.

Charlie had never shared kisses like the ones they were sharing now. She would have been happy to go on kissing Adam and having him kiss her for an eternity. She love, love, loved the kissing. At the same time, she could feel Adam’s erection pressed against her and she desperately wanted to feel more of that as well. Her nipples were hard and she knew her panties were becoming damp.

Adam pulled away and used his hands to hold her away from him. “Charlie, you were right when you told me I felt something when we touched. I do and it scares the crap out of me. All I can think about is kissing you and having sex with you and this is just happening way too fast for me.”

“Oh Adam,” Charlie murmured, “I’ve been thinking about how it would be between us because every time you touch me, every single hair on my body stands at attention. I want to crawl all over you, fuck you, suck you, do anything and everything we can think of that would pleasure us both. I know you probably think I’m way too forward, but I believe in being honest and I’m being honest. I want to have sex with you. I want to have sex with you now, tonight.”

Adam wasn’t sure what to say. Part of him wanted to have sex with her in the cab of her truck. Another part wanted to put her back in his car and take her home to his cabin. But the sane, sober part of him simply couldn’t move ahead this fast. As it was, Charlie saying she wanted to fuck and suck him both thrilled him and left him a bit aghast at how forward she was. He simply didn’t know how to respond aside from backing away until he felt more sure of his feelings.

“Charlie, I enjoyed having dinner with you. I enjoyed the kisses we just shared. I also desire you, but this is moving way too fast for me. So, I’m going to say good night even though I know I’m going to kick myself later when I’m alone in my bed, but that’s the way it has to be for me. A northern yankee, you know. Now, drive yourself home safely and I’ll see you soon.”

With a quick peck of a kiss on her mouth, Adam moved away and got into his car. He waited for her to get into her truck. Charlie just stood there for what seemed like forever, feeling like the world’s biggest fool. She’d done everything but, well everything…damnit, how could he possibly refuse her. She unlocked her truck, climbed in and slammed the door.

Once Adam saw her inside her vehicle, he started his car and drove away. Charlie sat in her truck, fuming, “He’ll see me soon,” she muttered. “Like hell, he’ll see me soon. Fuck you Adam. You’ve missed your chance. No need to see me soon. I’m done. Finished. Don’t bother your little self. I’m just fine as I am and don’t need you one single tiny bit.”

Charlie started her truck and headed for home. All the way there she kept muttering a wide variety of epithets, half formed sentences that consigned Adam to hell and back. Even so, there was one tiny shred of hope that she’d find his car in her driveway and him waiting with open arms when she left her truck.

BORING UPDATES???

         

             It’s been a while since I’ve posted anything but chapters of the books I’ve written or am writing. Those don’t really match the intent of my blog, “Learning to live alone after almost 55 years,” although in a way, they do because I probably wouldn’t have found the time or silence in which to create. That doesn’t mean I’ve learned to live alone and LIKE it, it just means I’m moving on with my life as best I can. I think I owe my readers some updates.

First, my health. I had the last CT scan and lab work a couple of weeks ago and everything came back normal. That was great news although it’s been three months now and I’m still working to regain my stamina. During this period, I’ve only managed to walk my hour route three times and it was a struggle. This week, I’ve done half the route three times and didn’t have a problem, so maybe my stamina is returning. I can’t wait because being 75 and feeling like 95 isn’t the way I want to spend my life.

Second are my plans for the future. My real estate agent sends me the latest listings every day in an email. I view them and to date haven’t found a single one to which me and my doggies could move. Earlier this week I also came to the conclusion, and how it escaped me before this I have no idea, that wherever I move, if I move, the doggies may be a problem. I was getting ready to leave and put the doggies in their kennels before deciding I should go to the bathroom. The entire time I was in there Kaizer howled and barked and carried on. I can just hear my condo neighbors complaining about the noise. He also makes a lot of noise in the morning to let me know it’s time to get up and that would probably be even worse for condo neighbors.

Most of the listings are for condos. There have been very few of houses, most in Everett and built in the early 1900s. One of them would have been perfect had Chip and Joanna Gaines been available to rehab the entire place. Most, while eminently affordable are simply in fairly bad shape. As for the condos, most do not have a fenced area right outside for the doggies and I do not want to have to be taking them for potty walks three or four times a day. I like being able to stand in the garage door and wait while making sure they do their “bidness.”

I also really do not want to be on the bottom floor with someone tramping around over my head. The top floor would be best and there have been some great ones, but it would mean getting rid of the doggies and I don’t think I can do that…they’re family. So the hunt for a new place isn’t going well.

My plan now is that if I reach the end of April without having found a new place, I will simply stay here. If I stay, I won’t be spending $39,000 on the foundation, but will have the windows with broken seals replaced. I’ll also paint what was the marital and then John’s bedroom, purchase a double bed, all new linens and who knows what else and move myself in there.

With regard to eliminating stuff around here, the garage is almost completely empty of unnecessary items. There’s still a few things I’m hoping someone on Craig’s List will purchase or people on Buy Nothing will take and if they don’t go via those two sources, they’ll be headed for recycle/dump. I felt quite bad a couple of weeks ago when Haley and AJ left here with her truck mounded high with stuff for the dump. The largest item was John’s California king size bed. I searched all over for someplace to donate it to since it was in great shape, but there were no takers.

My granddaughter and sons, but especially Haley has been so much help to me I cannot begin to thank her enough. It’s not like she spends the entire day doing my bidding, but she does come and assist with various projects. I began to pay her last year when she was organizing the garage with me. Her availability will cease come September when she goes off to school. So, it’s a good thing I am paying her because I’m going to have to hire someone(s) who can come help me with stuff around here…providing I’m still here.

Also, as part of the moving idea, I reached out to folks who hold those estate sales for you. It would have meant my moving some place two weeks ahead of the sale. I’m sure AJ and Angie would have let me stay there, but the end result didn’t sound promising. I could either take care of removing whatever was left after the sale, or the company could do it for me. If I took care of what’s left, they’d get one-third and if they emptied the house, they’d get half. It was amazing and extremely saddening to get an approximate figure of what all my crap is worth. I laughed and raged at John over all the crap he saved, but it appears my choices weren’t much better than his…apologies John!!!

Third and last, is how widowhood is going. Let me tell you this past year of no contact and very little social interaction really sucked big time. There have been days when I would have loved to have been able to curl up with John skin-to-skin and just lay there for hours. There have been times when I would have loved to hold a big potluck party like we used to. There have been times when I would have happily fought with John over anything at all, just to be able to hear his voice, see his angry face, and ultimately make up for whatever ridiculous problem we’d been arguing about.

Then, there’s the lost potential of going places. At one point I told myself I was going to pick a place every single week and just go there. It didn’t matter where and it could have been a nursery, park, beach, anywhere that wasn’t in the house. Did I do that…nope. It would have been good for me to get out and drive around even if I didn’t have a destination in mind. Just leaving the house and seeing other sights that weren’t either my walls or out my window would have been good. Did I do that…nope. It just didn’t seem all that fun to do with just me myself and I. Besides, when it came to the driving around part, it would have been so good to have John in the driver’s seat so I could look and look and look at whatever was passing by.

I guess what I’m trying to say here is that it’s been extremely lonely for the last 19 months. I found myself envying all my girlfriends who still have a husband in residence, and most of them do. There’s only a couple who don’t have one, and they don’t live close enough to pal around with. True, there’s phone calls, face time, social media and some visitation providing you keep your distances, but even those are few and far between.

I am vaccinated and have passed the two-week period after. Since then, I’ve seen my family and been able to hug and kiss Xander, Haley, AJ, Thor, and Angie. When it comes to friends, I’ve been Maryanne and Greg and we’ve hugged. I also now walk with Kathy without a mask. I do, however, wear a mask when I go out in public for anything for any reason. I believe I’ll be, as will anyone else with a brain, doing that for some time to come.

Meanwhile, most days I try to count my blessings and I have many. I’m alive and healthy, my bills get paid, there’s food in the fridge, cupboard and freezer and if I don’t want any of what’s here, I can order in or go pick something up. I’m definitely not going hungry. I have friends and family who care about me and check in or welcome me checking in with them. I may soon (probably not until 2022) have the ability to travel to other places and the 15-day Viking cruise from Budapest to Amsterdam sounds delightful, although Costa Rican beaches still remains my first choice.

Finally, I’m writing and enjoying every single keystroke. Some of the ideas I use come to me out of nowhere to be incorporated into the story. Sometimes, it’s the character or characters who tell me where they want to go. I seriously doubt I’ll ever have anything published that would end up on the NY Times Bestseller list, but that doesn’t really matter. What matters is that I enjoy bringing other people to life and living with them for a time. They do make it a lot less lonely and (I’m laughing here) the sex is absolutely GREAT.

So, here’s my update. Hope you enjoyed it. Under Construction will return soon. Charlie and Adam are about to…well, you’ll just have to wait and see.