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Forces of Nature

By: oOScarletWingsOo



Andrew was the new man in my life. We had only been seeing each other four months but our one on one time was limited. Our professional lives were proving to be obstinate barriers to quality time together. We were making good use of technology to keep in touch but it wasn't cutting it. I needed to see him and feel the physical chemistry that was strong between us. When our electronic banter turned from innocent messages of "hey how's your day" to comments heavily saturated with sexual innuendo, it wasn't a question of if we would be turning innuendo into action but a question of who would act first. 

Andrew suggested that we spend the day together during the work week. I didn't hesitate to answer yes. I didn't even check my schedule to see what work related nonsense could possibly sway me to say no. What was a priority was seeing Andrew. 

The day we choose didn't come soon enough. I stood in the entry way of my house, pacing a bit and taking small breathes to quiet the nervous excitement bubbling inside me. The knowledge that I was playing hooky from work, coupled with doing it with Andrew, made me foolishly giddy.

When Andrew pulled up to my house I hurriedly locked the door and did nothing to conceal how happy I was to see him. Andrew held the truck door open for me. I slipped my arm around his waist and squeezed him before climbing inside.

Andrew hadn't told me where he was taking me. I stopped myself from asking because many times I had queried Andrew in the days leading up to today but he wouldn't give any hints. The secrecy added to the excitement. All I had to do now was stretch my legs into the floor board and relax. My eyes drifted closed for most of the drive south on the interstate to our mystery destination.

I had a sense Andrew was glancing over at me. Andrew rubbed the back of his hand against my bare arm. I opened my eyes. Andrew smiled at me. I smiled back, warmed by the promise in his expression. We chitchatted about everything but work and in no time we reached our destination. 

Andrew steered the truck off the narrow two lane highway onto a dirt road. The tires bumped and popped over rocks and gravel while we were jostled about the cabin for fifty yards before we started up an incline that climbed up and up, only to abruptly level out at the top of a clearing. It seemed as if I was staring out into a postcard. The view was vast and beautiful from where we parked. The sky was a gradation of blues, light at the horizon and growing up into a dark rich blue, dotted with fluffy clouds. The spring grasses were sprouting up green and proud. Tiny ornaments of wild flowers caught my eye. I let the joy of seeing the greatness of Mother Nature bring a smile.

I wanted to be out in it. I waited for Andrew opened my door. I stepped out into his arms and received a bear hug. I giggled and tried to squirm away. Just when I thought I'd escape, he caught my wrist and pulled me into his chest. I gave Andrew a challenging look.

"What could you possibly do?" he said, holding me tighter.

"Well," my eyes softened and I stretched up to reach the corner of his mouth with my lips. I liked the feeling of his freshly shaven skin against my cheek. Slowly, I placed tiny kisses across his lips from one corner to the other. 

"I can do that." 

Andrew's hold slackened. He leaned down to capture my lips with his. I pulled away. Andrew tightened his hold my waist.

"All I want is a kiss, Leah."

"All you have to do is ask," I responded playfully.

"I don't have to." He inched his lips closer.

"Hmmm. Yes you do." I brushed my nose against his then nudged under his chin, kissing his throat. I heard a quiet moan. I kissed lower into the opening of Andrew's shirt. 

"Kiss me please," Andrew said, with deliberate pleading in his voice. I tilted my head back; eyes closed and offered my lips to him. With knee quivering-sweetness Andrew kissed me.

"Now that wasn't so hard was it?" Andrew said.

I smiled then turned to look at the view. 

Off to the east a large wooded area ended the prairie landscape. The spring rains had made the trees full and green. I took a deep breath to save this view with all my senses.

I took Andrew's hand, gave it a squeeze then said, "You've picked a good spot."

"I tried."

Hand in hand, we followed a path down the hill. The day was pleasantly warm for spring in Oklahoma. We meandered around, taking in all of what nature had to offer. I enjoyed listening to Andrew share his knowledge of our surroundings. We exchanged stories of our childhood adventuress outdoors and laughed. I liked his company. This alone encouraged me that what we could have together may not be merely physical. There was a familiarity between the two of us. A stranger would have thought we'd known each other for many years. 

I found myself getting hungry. As if he heard my stomach convey the message, Andrew asked, "Are you hungry?"

"As a matter of fact. How long would it take to get somewhere close by and get something?"

"About two seconds."

His response confused me but I understood the moment we rounded a thick clump of trees. In a clearing was a picnic table. Resting on top of it sat a picnic basket. I was impressed by his creativity and touched by his thoughtfulness. I gave Andrew's hand a squeeze.

"You really were ready for today."

"I sure was."

We sat down across from one another and dug in. The light picnic lunch with fruit, deli sandwiches and juice hit the spot.

"Thank you for making this day so wonderful, Andrew. I'm really having a good time."

"It's my pleasure." Andrew reached out for my hand and held it. His thumb stroked over my fingers. The hairs on my arms stood up.

A cloud passed overhead and the area around us fell dark. We look up to see a thundercloud rolling overhead. 

"Was it supposed to rain today?" I asked.

Andrew shrugged. 

We packed up and made our way back to the truck. When Andrew and I made it through the trees I felt a raindrop hit my shoulder, then quickly another. Thunder clapped and the rain poured down soaking through our clothes in seconds. I stopped walking. I tilted my head back and let the rain fall onto my face and neck. The scent of moist earth filled the air. Calm washed over me while I listened to the loud patter of raindrops against the ground. 

Several steps ahead, Andrew stopped to look at me. I slicked my dampened hair back and walked toward him, my shirt clung to me.

This day, this moment with a storm growing above us was what I'd always wanted; sex in the rain. "You know what would make an already terrific day even better?" I said.

From his expression I could tell Andrew wasn't catching my meaning so I said, "Let's get naked. Make love to me right here in the rain."

Before Andrew could give me his answer my hands were unbuttoning his shirt. I kissed him. My tongue slipped into his mouth. My hands eased into his pants. Andrew's body awakened to my touch. He helped me strip our clothes off. 

Fat raindrops splashed down on my bare bottom and back, a wonderful sensation that blended well with Andrew's touch. We stood holding each other, kissing and rubbing our bodies together. I moaned when his hardening cock pressed against my tummy. I ran my fingernails into his back. 

Andrew pushed me down at my shoulders and laid me down into the wet grass. The Earth was below me. He was above me. My head spun with arousal as he kissed my neck, my breasts, then licked away the rain. He squeezed my breasts together and sucked my already taut nipples. I looked up into the rolling black sea of clouds above me. I was dizzy with lust. I could hardly believe that my fantasy of having sex in the rain was unfolding. 

Long fulfilling minutes passed. He worked his mouth and tongue on my swollen clit. Thunder rolled in the distance. Andrew crawled up to me and without pause or question slid inside me. The feeling of him rock hard and deep almost made me lose my breath. I begged him to fuck me harder. I wanted our sex to match the forces working around us. Andrew looked sexy above me, hands on either side of my head, cock caressing me deeper. I got wetter. My muscles tightened. I was ready to come. I pulled Andrew down closer to me. The weight of him created closeness, an intimacy. He became one with me. I breathed words of pleasure into his ear as my desire swelled and my orgasm engulfed my body quick, tight, sweet and long. My body quivered underneath him. Without raising his body completely from mine, Andrew pulled out then laid his cock on my tummy, pressed it there and almost instantly he came. His moans and shouts were drowned out by the thunder. The air was electric. I stroked his back, loving the way he felt. 

I lay there, still, listening to the rain. I was in a dreamy contentment and didn't bother to count the minutes that passed when the rain eventually let up. The clouds broke up. Andrew pulled away from me. I snatched a flower from the ground beside us. I recited the girlhood rhyme in my head and timed it with the slow uncrowning of an innocent Brown-eyed Susan but stopped when four petals remained then tossed it between us. 

I used my toe to count the rays of sun light streaking out from behind a cloud, sighed, then asked, "What are you doing tomorrow?"

"I'll check the weather."

Forces of Nature



Author's notes:

Sorry it has taken so long to post this story. I have been overworked getting stuff ready for publication. I have a couple more stories in different genres to post and then it will be another long break. It sucks when the real world intrudes on what you really want to do. As always, my loving wife is the main editor on this story. If there are mistakes, and there always are; they are my fault and I apologize for them. I hope you enjoy this story and take a second to vote or a minute to comment or send me some feedback. Once again, this is a copywrited work of adult fiction and all legal disclaimers apply.

Myhands316.



Cheryl Parks needed laid in the worst way. Her week at work had been a real bitch, along with the shriveled up goblin she had for a boss. She even contemplated offering her some private time with her favorite toy, if the old bat might use it and get off her ass.

Looking around the bar, hoping to find some fresh meat. She liked finding the new girls and introducing them into the delights of woman on woman sex in the right way. She knew she was great at licking pussy and a wizard with her double headed dildo. She had given so many girls their first real orgasms; she couldn't remember them all if she tried.

She always made sure her partners knew it was just for the night though. She didn't even want to think about any type of long term relationship. Relationships never worked anyway. So, she just did what she was good at. If nothing else, she knew she could call on Misty.

Misty was her friends with benefits, partner. Misty was sex on two lovely sticks. She would have it often with anyone willing. In this place, they called her the energizer bunny or just Bunny for short. Misty had been told on more than a few occasions that if they caught her having oral sex on the dance floor again, she would be removed from the welcome list.

Not that there were many alternatives. Other than the Pink Rose, there were only Impressions, which catered to the LGBT community. Cheryl had stopped going to Impressions because they started going into the whole Bi-sex, Poly-thing, which just freaked her out. She never even thought about anything other than straight Lesbianism anymore. That question had long been answered.

She growled and slammed her shot of Jaggermister. She didn't want to think about that. She hated thinking about that. "Fuck-em all anyway..." She hissed and took a long drink of her beer chaser. "FUCK!" She rubbed her eyes, trying to stave off the vision in her head. 

In an instant, if she wanted to or not, she was thrown back into her past to that day five years before. It was supposed to be her twenty first birthday party. It was supposed to be another step in getting her parents back together again. It was supposed to be a good thing.

They invited all of Cheryl's friends. Cheryl even invited the guy she had been dating and her best friend since grade school. Susan and Paul spent the night to help with the decorations, since Cheryl had to go to work. "Fuck, fuck, fuck!" She ranted at herself as the memories flooded her brain again. The flashback tore through her mind.

"Hi, I'm home." Cheryl called out as she came around to the back yard, with the two big bags of ice. She turned the corner and couldn't believe her eyes. Susan and her dad were in the pool. Susan didn't have a suit on, while her dad was sucking her breasts and rubbing her crotch with his free hand. Susan moaned and writhed against his hard on, trying to get it inside of her as she leaned against the side of the pool. Cheryl dropped the ice and headed into the house. She had enough of this shit. She was going to tell her mother what was going on in the pool. If this was how her father acted, no wonder her mom kicked him out!

"Mom...!" She called out, thinking she would be in the kitchen. Searching the house, she flinched when she heard sounds from her bedroom. She wasn't quiet as she walked to her door. She flung the door open and gasped in shock. Her mom was riding her boyfriend's cock like a woman possessed. She was saying things like. 

"Oh shit, don't stop, I'm so close, don't stop. Come on stud... fuck me with that big cock. Make me your slut. Fuck me harder. Damn I need your cock. Fill me with its juice. Make me cum baby, and I'll give you my ass." Her eyes were closed and Cheryl could see hickies on her tits as they bounced around on her chest. It was obvious that they had been going at it for awhile now. She wanted to vomit at the sight.

"YOU GUYS ARE JUST SICK...!" She screamed at them and ran out of the house. She got in her car and screeched out of her neighborhood like a scalded cat. If they ever stopped fucking, she didn't know or care. It was like they all wanted to get caught.

From that day on, she went completely gay and single. She sold her car, and roomed with a friend, until she could get her own place. She never told anyone what she saw. She changed her number and left a note at her mother's work telling them to put her stuff in storage and leave the key so she could get it. She never wanted to talk to any of them ever again.

******

"You'll never get any pussy if you keep that look on your face." A voice pulled her back to the present.

"What...? Oh, sorry Pat. Just a really bad week. What's new?" She looked up at the tall butch.

"Oh, I was just wondering if you wanted a strap-on ride tonight?" She pushed her leg against Cheryl's hip to show she was already wearing it.

"No... but thanks anyway." She smiled and tweaked Pat's nipple playfully. "If I change my mind, I'll let you know." She winked and grabbed her beer. She wanted to fuck someone, not get fucked. But if nothing else, Pat was good for some uninhibited fun. She knew if she wanted, half the chicks in the place would fuck her. Well at least the half she knew and already had sex with. The other half, she wasn't interested in, or were attached.



They both looked at the door when the chimes sounded. In walked every lesbian's dream. Well at least as far as Cheryl was concerned. She was five six and maybe one ten. Most of that was in her tits and ass. She had raven black hair that was short enough to be easy to take care of, but long enough to let everyone know she was all woman. Her bangs framed sooty lashed brownish-hazel eyes that held your attention. She was in a white blouse, with a jacket over her arm. Her ass was incased in a form fitting pinstriped skirt with real silk stockings and two inch business pumps.

"Who's the new chick?" Pat asked, drool apparent in her voice.

"I don't know, but I'm going to find out before tonights over." Cheryl eyes followed every seductive step of the lady's progress to the bar.

"Fifty bucks say's I'll get my dick into her, before you can lick that split." Pat threw down a challenge.

"I'll take that bet." Cheryl watched the new chick turn down Misty's first attempt. She knew the sharks would be circling the fresh meat. But Cheryl had been doing this for a long time. She knew when to wait and when to strike and score.

Across the room, Lynn Oleander was nervous. It was the first time she went to check out the possibilities in her new town, in her new state, while going home from her new job. Back in California, there were many places she could investigate her preferences. Here, there were only two. She went to the first place and wasn't there for five minutes before she knew it wasn't her scene. No matter which way she chose. She knew it wouldn't be with multiples. She was a one on one girl and she knew it.

She ordered a strawberry daiquiri and was stunned when this woman, who looked like a porn star, started hitting on her before the bartender could even put the ice in the blender. She declined as nicely as she could, and tried not to be obvious while looking around The Pink Rose.

She mentally shook her head, as she watched a beautiful blonde with blue eyes, wearing a sexy dress that showed off her perfect 38 C breasts, and a mannish, flat chested, brunette; stood there looking at her. The brunette ground her crotch into the blonde's hip as they talked. She wondered if she would ever be out enough to be comfortable with that type of display in public.

She wondered if she was even gay. All she knew that the few dates she had with men, did nothing for her on any level. Most of them couldn't keep a thread of conversation without losing it somewhere in her blouse.

Then there was the show she got in high school and Julie Markson. Julie was her old supervisor. Julie could at least make her panties wet and her body respond just by bending over in the racks while putting books away. Lynn often wondered for whose benefit she did that the way she did. She also noticed many of the younger guys looking at the display as they were supposed to be reading.

She was almost tempted to ask, until she found Julie and a certain boy she knew in the back. Nothing they were doing was really wrong, but she could feel the desire in the air between the two. She knew if they hadn't bumped pubes yet, they soon would.

So, when the new associate librarian positing came up a few states away, she took it. She wished Julie and her friend goodbye and good luck. She knew they were going to need it. Julie was over ten years older, divorced, and if she didn't miss her guess, now pregnant. He was, a starving student, going to college, and her overly protective neighbor's only son. Lynn hoped they figured it all out before their baby was born. A child needs both parents in their life.

She smiled at the cute bartender as she sipped her drink. She liked the library she now worked in. It was bright and airy. It was also round. She could see down most the isles just by taking a twenty step circle in the middle of the desk. The only real blind spot was behind the card catalog that she was in charge of updating into the new computer system.

She smiled at a few of the patrons as the music played out of the fancy box in the corner of what was supposed to be a dance floor. She watched as the ladies mingled and talked. She studied her new surrounding like she had studied everything in her life. If she wanted to make a move, she wanted to be sure it was the right move to make.

It didn't bother her at twenty five she was still a virgin. She knew the cost that was paid to keep herself that way. She still sent sympathy cards to James every month or so. She hoped that his testicles healed enough to have children some day. She just knew it wasn't going to be with her and he was too drunk to understand 'No'. So she did what a girl had to do to protect her virtue.



"Hi, you're new here." Pat said looking down at Lynn with unvarnished interest. "I'm Pat. I'm a top and don't have time for the usual games. This isn't a come on, but just to let you know. Whenever you feel like taking a ride on my strap-on, just give me a shout. If you get into trouble, you can call me. I hope you have a great time here." Pat shook her hand and held it in her firm grip, before kissing the back of it and letting it drop.

"Sorry if that was blunt, but like I said, I don't have time for any bullshit. So, I just put it out there upfront. Nice to meet you. You can tell me your name when you're ready." She walked away confident in the fact the sexy fem was intrigued and looking. It was all she could hope for on a first night.

"Don't let Patricia frighten you away sweetie." The bartender said from behind her. "It's just the way she is. I'm Stella by the way." She reached over the bar and shook Lynn's hand.

"Lynn." She answered over the music. "I have to say, you have an interesting place here Stella." Lynn smiled.

"Yeah, it's the only place like it in the state." She wiped the bar and set the other half of her drink in front of Lynn. "Anyway, once the offer is made, Pat won't do it again unless you go to her. If you're ever in over your head, she's great for helping out any of the girls. She's a cop and everyone knows it."

"Oh, okay. That's good to know." Lynn looked at the tall woman and wondered how she stood up to the pressure of being a lesbian on the job.

"Don't mind Bunny either. She can't help herself. Get a couple of drinks in her and she's ready to go. Sometimes too ready, but it's all in fun."

"Who...?" Lynn asked.

"Misty..." she pointed out the first girl. "We just caller her bunny, as in energizer." She smiled at the new comer. Stella thought, if her partner wasn't waiting at home, she might even be tempted in hitting on this new girl. She was impressed that she didn't go running out the door when the two most blatant customers hit her up with in the first ten minutes.

"So, what's the crowd like on the weekends?" Lynn asked, not knowing what to say.

"Most nights are like tonight. Friday and Saturday, it's a zoo. We get people from all over, since we are the only place like it on the map. Sunday is couples only night. You have to come in and leave as a couple and we close at midnight. We shutter the windows and as long as everyone respects a no, pretty much anything can happen. It gets pretty wild sometimes, but mostly it's a safe place for couples to come and experiment. Twice a month, we have outside vendors bring in the stuff you can't find in the local stores, if you know what I mean." Stella thought it might be a good idea to give her the lay of the land before she heard the rumors.

"Interesting... I've never heard of a place like this before." Lynn was shocked that a place like this existed outside the coastal areas like Miami or LA.

"Yeah it was a real bitch getting all the permits. But we've managed. The Mayor's daughter, Judy, helped when she came out, and stared down the town council." Stella sighed.

"I take it Judy is your partner?" Lynn saw the look and sigh.

"Yep, all mine." Stella said. "Well, have a great time and don't be a stranger." She waved and headed to the other end of the bar to get Cheryl another round.

Down at the end of the bar, Cheryl was still watching the new girl. The more she looked, the more she liked. Now, all she had to do was offer a kind shoulder and ear, and within a week, maybe two tops, she would be muff diving her to multiple orgasms. She had made plans with Misty for tonight to take the edge off, but she was looking forward to showing the girl at the end of the bar a warm, wet, and exhausting welcome.

"Cheryl, wipe the drool off your chin. You look like a lion ready for a meal." Stella told the sexy blonde patron.

"So, who is she?" Cheryl asked, knowing Stella would have the background already.

"Names Lynn, I think she's the new librarian. She got guts but in only in the curious phase right now. Don't get all predatory and scare her off. We need more like her around here." Stella warned. "What's with Pat? I've never seen her go after a girl that fast before. You two got a bet on or something?" She looked at Cheryl with knowing eyes.

"No... well, not really." Cheryl flinched under Stella's stare. "I wasn't serious, but Pat put fifty on who could get sugar britches in bed first." She shrugged indifferently

"You two keep your bets to yourself. Either one of you hurt her and you're off the list!" She warned Cheryl, shaking a finger in her face. "She's a bright intelligent new comer. Not a piece of meat in a market. Not in my place. So be warned."

"Awe Stella, you know I wouldn't hurt her. I'll treat her like a Queen. I'll teach her everything she doesn't know and always wondered about. I never hurt any of them." She defended herself.

"Bullshit...! You've broken more hearts than I could ever think to mend. Back off or so help me.... I'll sick Judy on you." She flicked her ever present rag at an invisible speck of dust on the counter.

"Damnit...! That's not fair. It's because of me, you two are together. She was in the dark and confused the night I picked her up." Cheryl remembered the tears in the morning as she set Judy on her way.

"Yeah, and the first heart I had to put back together. She still carries the scars. So, if you know what's good for you." Stella warned her seriously.

"Yeah, okay...! I got it... give her space... hands off for now. I got it!" Cheryl promised, holding up two fingers and placing her other hand over her heart.

"And stop that stupid bet with Pat." Stella ordered and set a fresh beer on the bar and walked away.

"God damn it, that's not fair." Cheryl griped to herself. "Stella and Judy would still be mooning over each other if I hadn't showed Judy what good girl-girl loving was all about. I didn't tell her to fall in love with me. Hell, she fell out of it fast enough and straight into Stella's arms." Cheryl bitched as she watched the sexy Lynn from afar. "Fuck this! Bunny, I'm going to wear you out." She got up and started over to her fuck buddy.

*****

"So, what do you think of our little town after your first month?" Bill, the postman asked as he leaned over the counter and ogled Lynn's tits again. It was something that happened every day he delivered the mail and she was at the counter.

"It's nice. Not too big, but not so small that there isn't anything to do." She ignored where his eyes wandered. She'd learned for all his looking, he was a happily married man to Mable, the head waitress at Murphy's Diner. They had three growing kids, a dog, and a mortgage. He might look, but he would never think of touching.

"You go out and see any of the local sites yet?" He asked as he remembered to sort through the outgoing mail.

"Yeah, I went into this place called the Rose, or something like that. It was nice, not too loud and the service was okay."

"You mean the lesbian bar down off fourth? I hear they have all girl orgies in there and stuff. The community leaders had a fit. But since Judy lives with the owner, they pasted their permits and inspections." It was up to him to set things straight.

"Oh, I didn't know. I must have gone down on an off night. All I saw were few patrons drinking and talking, just any other regular bar. I didn't know it had a reputation." She shrugged, realizing there is no such thing as anonymity in a small town.

"Yeah, there's Chuck's. It's a CW bar, then Rory's is more for the younger set, with that thumbity-bump music blaring so loud you can't understand the words. Of course the steak house has the best food, but it's a bit pricy. Then Mable's place has the best breakfast...."

"I'll remember that." She smiled. "Have a nice day." She waved at him as he shoved the mail in his bag and walked away to complete his appointed rounds.

"Don't worry. Being the new person in town will wear off fairly fast. Just as soon as everyone thinks they know everything about you." A pleasantly plump woman said from the other side of the counter.

"Oh, I'm sorry, can I help you?" Lynn went over and took the hold card from her. Looking at the title, she blushed. "Um, a bit of a mature request, for this library." She hummed.

"Yeah, I know. That's why I ordered it. I'm trying to drag this place into the twentieth century before it turns into the twenty first." She smiled a bright smile. "I'm Judy, the town's Militant Queer and the Mayor's disappointment of a daughter."



"Oh, okay... you um, don't look that militant. I mean you still have your hair and stuff." Lynn said, thinking about some of the girls she saw in California.

"Yeah, I know. But, that's what everyone will tell you. Stella said you might be the new Librarian. She said to say hi, and ask you over for dinner some night." Judy babbled happily.

"Oh, you're that Judy. Hi, I'm Lynn." She reached over. "I liked the Rose. It's nice."

"I'll tell Stella you said that. I know she works hard enough at it. Just watch out. There are a few sharks in the pool too." She warned helpfully.

"Everyone I met seemed nice. I mean the tall brunette was a bit abrupt, but other than her, they were okay." Lynn scanned the racks, to make sure everything was still orderly in her realm.




Forces of Nature



"So, did you see anyone you might be interested in?" Judy asked, knowing the place was empty. Well, it was almost always empty. Not for the lack of her trying to get more people out to the community centers of her home town.

"Well, I'm not even sure...." Lynn blushed. "This is so awkward. I'm not even sure of my orientation. I'm still looking I guess." Lynn shrugged and fidgeted with some papers on her counter.

"Sweetie, I'm not hitting on you. I'm seriously taken." She smiled. "I'm just being nosey. Stella said I should have been one of them reporters since I have to know everything. Come on, there is no one here to give away secrets. Though I have to know everything, doesn't mean I tell everything." She gave her biggest and friendliest smile.

"Well there was this one blonde there. I wondered if she was a model or something, but she never came over to talk to me. A first I thought the tall brunette and her were together, but oh, I don't know." Lynn stammered and blushed. She didn't know why she was telling this stranger these things.

"Blonde... five-five, crystal blue eyes, nice rack, in a tight sexy dress? She looks like a dream come true?" Judy got a pinched look on her face.

"Yeah, that's the one. Unless there are more than one of those running around." Lynn found her first real smile of the day.

"Well, unless you're into one nighters... I'd stay away from that one. Talk about some major commitment issues." Judy couldn't keep the bitterness out of her voice. Oh, she knew things worked out for the best. Stella was the love of her life, but the rejection after such a night of great sex, was still a bitter pill to swallow.

"Darn! Oh well... at least she's pretty to look at." Lynn sighed. "Well, I have to get back to work. If you need anything else, just let me know. I have some resources back in California for some of the more, um, risqué material in that genre." She slipped 'The Art of Sappho' into a library bag and handed it to Judy.

"Okay... it might scandalize the town. But willingly, or kicking and screaming, I will drag this place into the next century and out of the last." Judy waved and walked away with her full hips swishing in her silk lined skirt.

She sighed and went back to work on the new 'Kiddies Corner', she was designing to try and get some of the daycare centers and kindergartens involved with the new book lending program she'd suggested. She knew that her job, like so many others in her field, depended on having more community involvement or the local library would soon find its place only in the annals of history.

  *****

Cheryl was ducking her boss again. "She needs to get laid and off my ass." She bitched while she pretended to be smoking. It was a shame that she had to put up with the smell, just to get five minute every hour of peace from her boss's relentless bitching. She hated smoking, she hated the smell. But she hated her boss riding her ass even more.

"Hey Cheryl, you hiding from Ida again?" Pat came up and pulled the cigarette out of her fingers and took a long drag. "You need to start buying better smokes... I usually buy the gold packs, since we're sharing and all."

"I'll remember that officer Tate." Cheryl smiled and then winced when she heard her boss's voice.

"Smoke breaks are for five minutes, not six or more!" The bitter faced old woman said with ice in her voice.

"What the fuck is her problem?" Cheryl bitched again.

"Um, you didn't hear it from me, but Walter was busted with a teeny-bopper pro on one of our routine sweeps Charlie has started since he took over." Pat looked around to make sure no one overheard.

"No way... he's got to be like a hundred and fifty years old." Cheryl was shocked.

"Yeah well, you know.... We found a bottle of those little blue pills, some weed and a big bottle of lube. Doc Johnson laughed his ass off while trying to extricate the butt plug so we could book the old geezer. Ida had to bail him out. So, I'd cut her some slack." Pat pulled on the cigarette.

"Un-fucking believable. God, people are such fucking losers." Cheryl shook her head.

"Yeah well from what I hear from the old timers, Walter had a reputation of spreading it around back in the day. Ida's like Lutheran or some other version of Catholic-light, so divorce is out of the question."

"See, that's what I mean. Relationships never work. That's why I'm permanently single. At least I'm honest about it." Cheryl handed Pat another smoke out of the pack. "I've got to go back in. See you next time around."

"See ya at the Rose later." Pat walked back to her cruiser and went back on patrol. Cheryl walked back in her office and saw her boss on the phone again. She could tell by the extra sour look on Ida's face, who was on the other end.

"No... I can't. No, we tried that before. I won't air my dirty laundry in public again." Ida was saying while pointing at Cheryl's desk.

Cheryl felt sorry for the old lady. Ida should be out sipping spiked tea and rocking on her porch, not having to work past retirement age to keep her house and cheating husband afloat. Getting mad for Ida, Cheryl grabbed the phone from the startled Ida.

"Hey Walter, go shove a butt plug up your ass and a dildo in your mouth and leave us alone. We've got work to do, you sick bastard." She hung up the phone. Without pausing, she told her boss. "I'm sorry, I have the results of the Fisher Lane property search and there's a problem. You need to call the listing agent and get it cleared up before they can close on the house." She told the shocked and pale looking Ida before going back to her desk like nothing had happened.

Cheryl didn't hear a word from her boss for over two hours and she started her next property search. She knew one day, since no one else wanted her damn job. She would be the head cheese of Brownville Title Company LLC.

"Cheryl, I'm going to lunch and then to a meeting with Bart Miller. Please have the Turner Road search on my desk before you leave for the day." Ida was looking at Cheryl with a blank look and confusion in her eyes.

"Yes Miss Ida. I'm working on it now. Since it's a flipper, we just have to update the records and get the clerks signature. The only issue is B&D will ask for a tax exemption." Cheryl said and waved before looking back to her work.

"Yes, thank you. Make sure the doors are locked no later than four thirty and lights out by four thirty five. No sense for paying the power board more than we have too." She walked out still with a look of confusion on her face.

******

"How was your week?" Stella asked Cheryl as she set up the shot and the beer that was always her original order.

"Another week in paradise." Cheryl slammed the shot and swallowed hard.

"A birdie told me that you told off old man Williams." Stella liked knowing just as much as her mate, but she was not as good at it, even with being the bartender.

"Yep, backed his wrinkled ass right off... the fucking prick. No wonder Ida is such a bitch. I'd be the same way if I was stuck with a freak like him." She blew her bangs back and tilted her bottle of beer.

"Oh, Ida might have surprised you in her younger days. She was known to be a bit on the wild side too."

"Yeah, but did she get caught fucking a whore with a butt plug up her ass? Did she go running around on Walter? Or was she one of those go out, cut loose, and flit until she got home to bang her husband until he couldn't walk types?"

"Well, there were a few rumors about her and Deloris Campos.... But no one ever caught them parting the forest." Stella gave a meaningful look, shocking Cheryl.

"No fucking way. Ida's in the closet?" She shuddered. It was like learning that your grandparents still had sex. They both turned and watched Lynn come in. "Damn she is so sexy."

"She's nice too." Stella waved. "Judy invited her to dinner next week. Something about her getting a very rare book for our collection."

"You mean Judy's lesbian smut book collection? I thought she was still riding the fence?" Cheryl took another good look and just had to get to know her better. It might be better than sitting over here and wishing.

"I think she's looking for more than a romp in the bed with either sex." Stella waved to some others. "Well, I have to get to work." She set the second beer up and went to take some orders.

"Damn it...!" Cheryl swore and just went for it. She walked over and put her butt one stool down from the pretty woman.

"Hi, I'm um, Cheryl." She said, not knowing what to say for the first time in a long time.

"Hi, I know. Just like you know I'm Lynn." Lynn smiled. "My last name is Oleander, like the flower."

"Parks...." She looked over and was instantly entranced by her eyes. They weren't as brown as she thought they would be with her hair color. They were hazel tinting to lavender.

"I don't mean to be rude, but um, I'm not here to be picked up." Lynn said as she felt Cheryl staring at her. "I'm not into one night stands. I'm trying to figure out who I need to spend my life with. So...."

"Oh, I see my reputation precedes me. Well hell... I never thought that it would be a bad thing." Cheryl smiled. "So, what are the chances of having some small talk and maybe becoming friends?"

"I don't know... I'm up for making friends, as long as you know only my eventual partner will ever get any benefits." Lynn like looking at the cute blonde, but wasn't going to put herself out there to get hurt. She refused to be anyone's notch on the bedpost.

"Wow, you're not shy about setting ground rules are you?" Cheryl was impressed. Most curious types had no clue what they were looking for.

"Nope, it's more about morals. I don't believe in sex without commitment. I'm bending the rules as it is." Lynn saw the flinch. "I don't judge either. I believe in the power of change." She shrugged. She'd made her peace with her beliefs.

"Well, I feel sorry for you. I hate to think about the pain you'll end up going through." She shrugged. "Because, I know relationships are nothing but bullshit. So, I avoid them at all costs." Cheryl finished and went back to her beer.

"I am so sorry. You must have been really hurt bad to believe that line of crap." Lynn put her hand on Cheryl's in a comforting way. They both looked as they felt the surge of energy pass between them.

"Naw, I've survived. But I mean really... It isn't so bad. You should try it. It's quite liberating." She smiled seductively.

"No, no thank you. I just can't see going all the way with someone who I'm not totally in love with and willing to commit my everything to. It wouldn't be fair to either of us." She smiled. "But, at least it will give us something to talk about." She had to let go to pick up her drink.

They chatted the night away, with Cheryl wondering why she was getting so aroused by just talking. She knew she needed to stop off and buy a supply of batteries, or she'd rub her clit down to a small nub.

*****

A few weeks later, Ida needed to come in late because she had to go to court with her husband. Cheryl felt sorry for her boss, but didn't know how to make it better. She had stopped taking so many smoke breaks and actually started talking to the older woman. She flinched as the door slammed open.

"God damnit...! What did I ever do to deserve this shit?" Ida cursed as she slammed down her purse, almost in tears. "I've looked the other way so many times. I just can't do it anymore." She rubbed her forehead and sagged into her chair.

"Why don't you go talk to Deloris?" Cheryl asked Ida. "I hear she helped you through a lot in the past." Cheryl came up behind Ida and started rubbing the older woman's shoulders.

"Because, two wrongs don't make it right." Ida sighed and wiped her eyes. "I'm not promiscuous, my sons would be scandalized and I'd be excommunicated. You don't know how easy you have it." If Ida hadn't been so upset, she might have never said these things, but over the last month, her and her young co-worker had become closer than she ever thought when she hired Cheryl.

"Oh... I didn't know." Cheryl was stunned.

"I refuse to be like him!" Ida went on uninterrupted. "It about killed me when we were almost caught...." She sighed and looked up. "I trust you not to say anything... but Deloris is my weak spot." She sighed and wanted to cry.

"Oh, wow... I didn't know. I mean I've heard some things. But I didn't think...." Cheryl stammered. "How bad...?"

"Very bad..." Ida relaxed into the hands kneading the tension out. "I didn't have the choices you have, not that you're doing anything meaningful with them." She looked over her shoulder. "Don't think I haven't heard of your reputation either. You might want to tone it down. We are a public business and I've heard rumors of one of the bankers starting up and new title company."

"What I do in the privacy of my own..." Cheryl started to say.

"Not in a town like this one. Maybe if you lived in a city. But here, everyone thinks they have the right to know everything, even if what they're doing is worse." She sighed again. "The things I could say if I was a gossip." She reached up and patted Cheryl's hands. "Thank you dear... I needed that. But, I can't afford to pay his fines if we don't get any work done."

"I have the next three searches either done, or in the hopper, going the rounds. Unless we have any new listings coming in today, we're golden." Cheryl smiled at her boss and was surprised at the returned smile. It changed Ida's face and made her look much younger. "Why don't you take the day?"

"Because, I'd have to look at him." She bit her lip. "No... no, now that we are getting along better, I rather be here. At least here, I feel useful." Ida straightened her shoulders and opened the files on her desk. "Go share a cigarette with Officer Pat. I'll be fine by the time you get back in." She waved her employee out.

Cheryl went outside and handed Pat a cigarette without getting one for herself.

"So, how is she taking it?" Pat asked as she exhaled the smoke and sighed. "I seriously need to quit these things." She added as an aside.

"I think she's ready to go stark raving mad." Cheryl said and looked at her boss through the window. It tore at her heart to see the old woman dabbing her eyes. She guessed Ida didn't want to cry in front of her.

"I wouldn't blame her. He told the court it was all her fault... he is still a man with needs... etc, etc, etc." Pat looked at the sky. "God, I'm glad I don't have to put up with that kind of shit."

"Yeah, tell me about it. Although she did say I needed to tone it down a little bit." Cheryl sighed. "I guess she is feeling the heat from my lifestyle, something about one of the banks starting some competition."

"Yeah, I was going to say something about that. Something about the lack of morals and Preacher Don is all up in arms about the failing of the community to right the blatant wrongs. Same shit different day. I've heard it all before." Pat shrugged and snuffed out the cigarette.

"Great... and we say we're an advanced society. Well I've got to get back to work. See you at the Rose." Cheryl hugged Pat and went back to work.

*****

At the library, Lynn was bagging the latest selections for Judy as she was being questioned. "So, any closer to finding your true self?" Judy asked as she smiled.

"Until I find the one, I'll never know for sure. I know what I feel, but, well you know." Lynn said noncommittally.

"That's no fun. I'm surprised that you don't have a line at the door." Judy winked.

"Oh, I've had offers from both sides of the fence, but they've dwindled once it got out that that I'm looking for commitment, not a roll in the hay." Lynn shrugged and smoothed down her skirt. "I'm used to it."

"So, when you coming over for dinner again?" Judy asked as another patron walked up.

"I'll let you know... Can I help you?" Lynn asked the lady, who was holding a stack of books.

"Yes, I was wondering if you had anything new on the crumbling of the modern world. I'm doing a Sunday School class." The lady pursed her lips. "It's just scandalous... you might think about who you're seen with, and I thought you were raised better Miss Judy." She huffed.

Judy just smiled. "So Melody, have you ever figured out who on the football team got you pregnant? It was a gangbang after all... and from what I hear, you REALLY enjoyed it. I mean, Joe is such a good man for raising Jimmy as his own, but not knowing who the father is, must make him wonder from time to time. But, he loves you enough to forgive all that!" She blew the infuriated woman a kiss. "I'll see you later." She waved and bounced out of the library.

Lynn blushed and directed Melody to the proper section. "I um, have the new Charisma coming in... and doesn't the bible warn us not to make judgments?" Lynn smiled and walked away.

*****

That night at the Rose; Pat, Stella, and Cheryl were talking at the end of the bar when Lynn walked in. She really needed a drink after the conversation she had with her boss. She loved her job, but she refused to have her private life or the lack there of; be a stone around her neck. 

"Hey Lynn, why don't you come join us?" Cheryl asked as her body responded to the sight of the pretty woman.

"What can I get you sweetheart?" Stella asked and patted a stool in between them.

"A shot of to-kill-ya, with a water back." Lynn sighed.

"Wow... sound like you had a shitty day." Pat smiled.

"Seems like a lot of that going around." Cheryl said and tilted her shot and sipped her beer.

"Yeah, what happed with you? We can all commiserate together." Stella set the shot glass in front of Lynn.

"Whoosh... I needed that." Lynn set the shot glass down and took a drink of the water. "Had a conversation with the boss." She shrugged.

"Did Melody get all uppity after her run-in with Judy?" Stella asked and set the shot glass in the well. "Sometimes she doesn't know when to leave well enough alone."

"God save me from the recently converted." Pat huffed. "She was the biggest slut in the state until she found religion."

"You'd think her and Ida's husband should have been great friends." Cheryl said irritated. "I can't wait until the election is over. Then maybe things can get back to normal."

"Well, that would depend on what normal is for you." Lynn sighed. "I didn't know we were going into an election year."

"Special election... the county comptroller was busted for fraud and the Sherriff was caught fucking an underage girl while on duty. It doesn't matter the girl was less than honest about her age, and was more than willing. The shit is getting rearticulated and no one is immune."

"Judy's dad is in a lather. No one knows what's going to happen... especially with Don bringing on the fire and brimstone." Stella shrugged. "I've been warned to tone down Sunday nights for awhile."

"Like Preacher Don doesn't take it up the ass every time he can. Fucking hypocrite...!" Pat said incensed. "Shit, it was his wife who taught me how to use a strap-on, while she was trying to keep him under control."

"I never knew I moved into Payton Place." Lynn smiled. "For me it was guilt by association. Moral turpitude and all that nonsense."

"I feel sorry for Ida..." Cheryl said, putting her empty on the bar. "She's buried in the closet and married to freak-o-matic. She can't go be with her friend, because of potential repercussions. So much for equal rights."

"I never understood how it is okay for a man to go out and whore around... but if a woman does it, she's wrong. Or if she chooses to find love with another woman, she needs to be outed and stoned." Pat said getting irritated. "Look at Don... he runs to the city to have ass sex with other men, while he condemns Willis for having sex with a girl. At least Willis is single. Like he's the only person to have sex during work hours. Cut him some slack... It's not like he has to run an R and I on every woman who comes on to him... And trust me, she made the moves. He was just giving her a ride home when she did her first lap inspection. She was caught riding him like a pogo-stick...."




Forces of Nature



"Okay... TMI...!" Cheryl shuddered.

"From what I hear, she wants to give him babies... lots of babies." Stella said putting another round in front of the ladies. "She's had the hots for him since she was a little girl. With him still missing Brandy... he loved her like no tomorrow." They all sighed at the loss of their friend. "She took her best shot. She's hoping she's pregnant so they can be together. She also said his will be the only cock to ever get inside her. There's a girl who knows what she wants and is willing to go for it."

"Yeah well she needed to wait another month." Pat huffed. "Seventeen is seventeen even if by a day."

"Does he want to get married again?" Lynn asked, not knowing the history.

"She has him wrapped..." Pat took a drink. "He was almost back to his old self, before they were caught. I mean I knew something was going on, but until it all came out... It wasn't my business and he deserves to be happy." She shrugged.

"Well, if she isn't pregnant, it isn't for the lack of her trying." Judy came up and joined the group. "I personally hope she is, and they get married. She of age now and it will go a long way in helping him keep his job."

"Didn't she think of protection?" Lynn asked. "I mean, she is young, she might want to do something else and if she's trapped by having kids so young."

"Lora has never been young." Pat told Lynn. "She grew up hard and fast."

"She knew what she wanted, and planned for it. She wants nothing more than to be the best wife and mommy on the planet. She's had her eye on Willis every since she helped with Brandy while she was so sick. I think she was afraid he would think of her only as a friend if she didn't... well anyway. No matter what they say, he's a great Sherriff and she'll make him a great wife." Judy wiped her eyes and tried to smile. 

"Here's to love finding a way." Cheryl toasted with the girls.

"To Love...." They drank and slowly separated.

*****

A few days later, Lynn saw Cheryl standing outside of her work and she walked by. "How's life treating you?" Lynn smiled.

"Better if you ever decided to loosen your morals enough to let me seduce you." Cheryl teased.

"Sorry, you'll just have to pine away until you're ready for a real commitment." Lynn smiled and tugged her shirt away from her breasts, so the other woman wouldn't notice her hard nipples.

"Sorry, but I know where that leads, and I'll never go there willingly." Cheryl said and looked over her shoulder to see if Ida was finished with her private phone call.

"I'd hoped, since you toasted to love the other night." Lynn looked at her friend and wondered.

"Yeah and when he cheats on her or she cheats on him... the kids will have to live with the mess. By the way, Lora got her wish... she's knocked up and ecstatic about it. Since Willis is on paid leave, they're planning a trip to Vegas or some where to make it official. She's bragging how he broke her cherry and made her his woman."

"I hope they know what they're doing... one day you're going to have to tell me who made you so bitter." She brushed her hand down Cheryl's arm. "Well I have to go and Miss Ida is waving for you." She went to pull away but Cheryl stopped her.

"And someday you're going to have to tell me why you're so stubborn. I know you're interested." She kissed Lynn's cheek and spun to go back inside.

Lynn sighed watching her walk away. "Because, I have to trust who I give myself to." She walked back to the library with her bag lunch and hoped that her boss didn't hear of their kiss.

"Yes Ida..." Cheryl asked as she sat at her desk.

"Careful with that one... She's one of them all or nothing types." Ida's eyes followed the sway of Lynn's hips. "She just might be enough to settle you down." She smiled wistfully. "Anyway, I was thinking about hiring another girl. Look at the applications and see if you find anyone worth the effort. And make sure she's straight. I hate to make that a condition, but she has to be above reproach."

"Married or single?" Cheryl took notes.

"Married preferably, but that's not a major consideration. I want someone we both can work with, that doesn't have any negative vices. Do full background checks." She sighed and looked at Cheryl.

"What else?" Cheryl knew something was up.

"I hate to ask, but can you please be a bit more discrete? I mean I don't want to listen to Mr. Tambour complain about the noise you and his tenant make at all hours of the night."

"Hey, we don't make that much noise and I'm not the only one." Cheryl complained.

"He thinks you're having orgies up there. Or making porn... Either way, we both have to be more careful until this thing is settled."

"What thing?" She looked at her boss. "What Bunny does when I'm not there isn't my business.... Did you finally break down and talk to Deloris?"

"Why do you worry about two old biddies talking so much?" Ida blushed. "The city council is having a hearing on the application of another title company's permits. Fair trade, monopoly, and equal competition. All that prattle. I can garner some sympathy, not that I want it... but there are a lot of people talking about loose morals and all that rubbish."

"Okay..." Cheryl scratched her head. "What are our clients saying?"

"The long term ones are fine, but we need a few more new ones to pay for the new hire. It was Deloris's idea." Ida blushed again.

"To bad you couldn't hire her..." She smiled at her boss. "Has she seduced you yet?"

"I'd never... I um, won't be a cheat... I um... ohhh you... Never you mind." Ida was blushing like a school girl with her first crush. "Why are you so concerned about what Deloris and I do?"

"Because, she makes you happy. When you're happy, I'm happy... and we don't get all bitchy with each other. You deserve to be happy after putting up with his shit for so long." She was going to say more, but stopped herself. She knew if she finished her thought, it would make her just as bad as her parents.

"What... are you okay? You got a look of pain on your face." Ida was concerned.

"Naw, I was just going to say... maybe he could find his little blue pills, get with his favorite hooker, and stroke out or something... but that's just mean." Cheryl covered her real thoughts.

"Tempting as that sounds... and I have thought about it... it would be tantamount to murder. He's already about ready to blow a gasket." Ida smiled sadly.

"And still on the none plan!" She grinned evilly.

"Yeah, the porn he looks at doesn't get him there without his little helper. He's been doing a lot of begging, but I will not get a disease because he refuses to use protection!"

"Why did you marry him? Didn't you know he was like this before you said I do?" Cheryl logged into her computer to look at any new postings and her email.

"Sweetie, you have to remember that things were different when we got married. I mean he was going towards the hippy culture, but still we had appearances to keep up. My dad thought it was a fine match, the best he could do for me." Ida looked off into space.

"You're not that old." Cheryl read her mail without looking up. "We'll have two bank repos and one clearance letter coming up tomorrow."

"Oh joy." Ida sighed.

"So, why did you do what your father dictated?" Cheryl went back to their conversation.

"Because he didn't have a son and my mother couldn't carry another child to term. He needed me settled so he could either train me to take over the business or give it to my husband. Lucky for me Walter can't add two plus two and get four. But, at least I was married and doing what a good daughter is supposed to do. My father wasn't a bad man, just a product of his time. Back then what daughters wanted really didn't come up in the conversation."

"Why didn't you divorce him when you caught him the first time?"

"I couldn't... and can't. In my church, the woman isn't allowed to get a divorce. He's the man. I'm supposed to forgive his weakness and be a dutiful wife. You have to remember that over half of my business comes from people in my church."

"That's totally not fair." Cheryl looked at her boss with a new understanding.

"But it's the facts of life. I have to eat crow and put up with his... whatever you want to call it. Until death do us part, my tryst with Deloris notwithstanding." Ida looked her stunned employee. "I trust you will never confirm what only has been rumored for many years?"

"Like I have room to talk. My lips are sealed!" Cheryl crossed her heart. "Not that I can see why people are so catty about it. Isn't Deloris a war widow?"

"Yeah and never remarried when everyone thought she should. Remember in my day you didn't have to earn your reputation. If you didn't follow the party line, they filled in the blanks themselves." She reached for the phone. "Brownville Title..."

*****

"So, have you gone on any dates?" Judy asked, while Stella set the table.

"Nope, not yet, I'm still settling in. No rush on my part." Lynn handed her the dessert she made for the evening. "How is the town council thing going?"

"Daddy is having stress attacks and momma is worried. They're calling special session to see if they are going to repeal the last election or just go after Willis and Maynard. Of the two, I think Maynard should be shot. He took a lot of the retirement fund and either lost it or shipped it overseas. The DA has turned it over to the Federal people and it's just a mess." Judy sighed.

"Don is making an ass of himself, trying to keep the morality thing out there. He's sponsoring Jerry Dawson... like that old coot can find his own glasses most days." Stella said as she pulled the rolls out of the oven.

"Well I have that young reporter looking at some of Don's activities. He's young and eager. He's trying to make his mark and get some work." Judy answered.

"As long as he doesn't step over the bounds of good taste. We don't need any more trash reporting in this town." Stella argued with her lover.

"What is your dad saying about the Sherriff and his situation?" Lynn sat down and watched the couple work together even as they had different points of view.

"Daddy is trying to stay out of that one. It helped that Lora wrote into the paper and admitted that she claimed she was older, so she could get to things she had been dreaming about. He's still trying to wrap his head around her going from town pariah to the wife of the sheriff so fast."

"What's her story?" Lynn asked and helped set the table.

"Her momma was a tramp and her papa a drunk. They died when their trailer burned down after a drunken fight. She stayed with her uncle, but that wasn't much better. Everyone was surprised when Brandy took her in when she got sick. They were like two peas in a pod until...." Judy sniffed back tears.

"I guess that's when she set her eyes on Willis. She's been there and helped more than most. She disappeared for awhile, but no one was surprised when she showed back up at his door." Stella added.

"She got her GED and was looking for work they say... It's hard to separate rumor from fact, since neither are talking other than to say that they love each other and are willing to pay the price for doing what they did." Judy finished. "Let's eat... I'm starved."

"You know Pat is interested..." Stella set her famous Chicken bake next to the large tossed salad.

"She's nice, but not really my type. If I wanted what she's offering, I'd date a man." Lynn laughed. "She's a good friend, but nothing more than that."

"Anyone we know in the running?" Judy asked as she sat down. "You mind if we say grace?" After the blessing of the food, she pressed on. "Well?"

"Not really. I mean Cheryl is nice and makes me feel... things, but with her commitment problem... I just don't know."

"Yeah, she's a good friend, but has broken more hearts than Casanova." Stella put her hand over Judy's and served. They chatted through dinner and dessert. Lynn was happy she found people she could relax with.

*****

Across town, another couple was dealing with information they had no idea what to do with. "I can't just publish these... You know what I feel about tabloid publishing." The young man told his companion.

"I know darling, but you can't let him get away with living a lie either." They looked at the sharp pictures. "Not using protection is a big no, no too. He has a family."

"But we can't just out him. What would that make us look like?" He sighed, flipping through picture after picture.

"Honey, we have to do something. I mean he is making life miserable for everyone." They pulled out an image and turned over the rest. "I bet that was when he was screaming to be taken to heaven. I wonder if his wife knows?"

"I will not blackmail a gay man, no matter how far in the closet he is. What if they did that to us? I refuse to stoop to that level."

"I don't see it that way dear... we're just letting the truth be known and maybe...."

"No... I feel dirty just looking at these!"

"Sweetie, that's not what you said in the car... he's a hypocrite... could be a gay porn star too, but still." A hand reached over and rubbed the throbbing member trapped in snug pants. "Oh, this head likes what it sees."

"Thomas, stop that... still tender from before." He moved his lover's hand from his sensitive member. "I didn't say it didn't excite me, but what if someone crept up and took pictures of us?"

"You're the reporter... I'm just the flunky and sexual relief." He sighed and stopped teasing his partner. "I say give him a chance to come clean. I say, give him enough rope to hang himself with. Let him bow out gracefully. If he does, then we can give him and his lover the pictures to do with what they want."

"And if he doesn't?" He adjusted himself.

"Then send a copy of that one to his wife. She should know what he does so she can protect herself. She has kids. She can't afford to get AIDS because he likes getting it bareback. And you thought I was a cum-slut when I'm horny." He flipped over the picture and leaned back into their couch and rubbed his lover's back. "Men like him give all of us a bad name."

"I still feel like a perv, for taking those. I was just looking for something I could use for a good story. I don't want to destroy anyone. I know what I had to live though in college because my roommate outed me."

"I know darling... but still, you don't have to out him, just let him know that someone knows what he does." He gathered up all the pictures and put them into a protective sleeve. "Give him the choice. It's more than you were given."

"But how, without it looking like blackmail?" He leaned back and sighed.

"Go to the library and send the ever anonymous email. If he doesn't respond, send him one of the clean pictures. If he still is stubborn, send his wife one of the dirty ones. If he still won't do what's right, then send his wife a copy of all of the pictures. If she wants them published, she can do it and our hands are clean. When it's all said and done, we'll burn the camera card."

"If that what you think is best... I still hate doing this."

*****

"Hey, Cheryl, how is Ida doing?" Pat walked up and took the offered cigarette.

"She's holding it together." Cheryl stepped back. "You need to slow down on our smoking. The smell is horrid."

"Yeah, I know." Pat snuffed the butt. "You'll never guess who showed up at work today?"

"Um, with the look on your face, the Sheriff and his bulging bride?" She smiled at the look on Pat's face. "So, what happened?"

"He's insisting on being reinstated since everything is legal now. He slapped his marriage license on the desk and had his lawyer behind him with a lawsuit ready to file. It was fun to watch the look on their faces... they're holding a special meeting next week on a referendum."

"Is it open to the public? I'd like to see that." Cheryl smiled evilly.

"Nope... closed door, but I'll be there as security, so I'll let you know what happens. When are you going to ask Lynn out? I see the way she looks at you."

"She still has a hang-up about my life-style. She's all about waiting for the one." She shrugged impotently. "She's driving me crazy. How did you fair?"

"She's not my type... besides I might have something in the works... don't want to jinx it." Pat held up a finger as her radio squawked into her ear. "Well, I have to go. I'll see you in the Rose Friday." She got into her cruiser and headed off to the call.

"If I don't wear out Bunny by then." She sighed and headed back into work. She wondered what Misty wanted... it was rare for her FWB to call her.

That night, while Lynn was walking to the Rose, she saw Cheryl coming out of the posh condo's on the corner. She also saw the woman they called Bunny. She was mid wave, when she saw them kiss. Lynn's stomach lurched as her eyes caught Cheryl's. She felt like a fool. She bit her lip and walked faster.

Cheryl took her talk with Misty philosophically. She was happy for her. She was also sad that she would be losing her benefits. But if Bunny wanted to try this whole relationship thing with her new girlfriend, she wouldn't stand in the way of their pain. She kissed her friend as they exited Bunny's complex. Once she broke the kiss, she caught the movement in the corner of her eye. She saw Lynn waving. She also saw the look on her face and felt like shit.

"What the hell is that all about?" She grumbled under her breath.

"That woman is half in love with you and just saw us kissing. Don't be such a stupid bitch! She's still a virgin for god's sake." Misty sighed dramatically. "Just because your parents are perverted assholes, doesn't mean everyone is." Bunny huffed and walked away.

Cheryl shook her head and started walking to the Rose. "It's not like I'm lying about anything." She mumbled. "I've never lied to her, or done anything but be honest with her." She figured that if she was ever going to get anywhere with the stubborn Lynn, they'd have to have it out.

Lynn was quietly sipping her drink, when she felt Cheryl come in. She didn't have to look when the door chime sounded; she knew... she always knew. She felt it in her chest. But... she wasn't about to let her standards slip because some pretty woman made her heart go pitter-patter. Besides, she looked more than comfortable with the other sex-bomb of the town.

"Hey kid, how's tricks?" Cheryl tried for light hearted.

"Where's your girlfriend?" Lynn couldn't make eye contact or keep the bitterness out of her voice. She didn't want to make a bigger fool of herself.

"Who... Bunny...? We're just friends." Cheryl shrugged it off.

"Looked like more than friends to me..." Lynn bit her lip to silence what she wanted to say.

"What's your deal anyway? Look at me will you...." Cheryl huffed and touched Lynn's chin to turn her head.

"No deal... I don't have a hold on you. You're free to do whatever with whoever!" Lynn got angry. Didn't she know how much it hurt to care for someone and not have it returned?

"Bullshit...! What's with you? Why are you holding out like some idiot out of the dark ages?" Cheryl was churned up already and wanted nothing more than to let herself get lost in Lynn's embrace.

"Who messed you up? Who broke your heart so bad you refuse to even look at a real chance at love?" She motioned Stella for another drink. "Don't you know what you're doing to your soul? Don't you care?" Lynn was also wound up.

"Are you bothering her?" Stella came up with the drink and scowled at Cheryl.

"No, I'm just trying to get some answers... give me a double and put her tab with mine... we need to clear the air about some things is all." Cheryl didn't look at Stella as she made her order. "Why don't we go get the booth... a bit more private for this?"

"Why...? Why even bother?" Lynn asked, her heart breaking in her chest.




Forces of Nature



"Because I want, scratch that... need to understand you." She put her hand up. "And I think you need to understand me better too." She picked up their drinks and walked to the back corner of the bar.

"Okay...." Lynn sighed and followed the sexy butt that made her really want to explore her feelings more than any man could.

Once they sat down Cheryl opened the discussion. "What made you into such a prude?" She took a sip. "I mean really, you wouldn't think it, by looking at you."

"I'm not a prude. I just have morals." She scraped her lip with her teeth. "Let me rephrase that... I have strong morals. I was raised that way."

"You're not one of them religious nuts are you?" Cheryl shook her head in confusion, making her hair fan out behind her.

"No... It's not about religion... it's about faith!" Lynn touched Cheryl's lips to keep her quiet. "Let me put it to you this way." She took a deep breath and looked over the sexy woman's shoulder.

"I believe in God! I love him first, and others as myself; I have no other gods before the living God. I don't pray to graven images. I don't use God's name in vain. I will not bear false witness or let false things pass my lips. I keep the Sabbath or Seventh day holey... and that's Saturday by the way. I honor my parents. I will not commit murder, adultery, steal; or covet anything that is not mine." She sighed and looked into Cheryl's eyes. "These are the rules that I run my life by. I make no excuses and no contradictions to those rules."

"Wow... you memorized them?" She shook her head. "I never met anyone who actually memorized the big ten..." She tried to smile and make a joke out of it.

"Right here... they are written right here." Lynn put her hand over her heart. "Like I said, it's not about religion. I've seen what has been done in the name of religion and it makes me sick. But... that doesn't mean I have to lower my morals to their level either." She placed her hand on Cheryl's, to stop them from fidgeting on the table. "Don't worry; I'm not going to break out into a sermon. Nor do I make judgments."

"But, but... but what about what they say about... well you know... I mean how...? How can you come in here and look at me the way you do and everything else?" Everything that Lynn had said was chipping away at the amour around her heart.

"Just because I live by those rules, doesn't mean I've given up the freedom to chose who I love. I have a whole dissertation on how most people pick and choose what they call sin... don't even get me started or we'll never get out of here and I'm getting tired." Lynn smiled sadly. Cheryl sat back totally confused and stunned. "Now, can you tell me who hurt you so bad?" Lynn asked, letting Cheryl's hands free.

Cheryl felt like someone kicked her in the tits. She felt things she thought were permanently buried, threatened to rip out of her chest. "I, I... I've got to go.... I'll talk to you later." She got up and kissed a startled Lynn on the lips and fled in fear.

Lynn watched her leave and wanted to cry. As the door closed, she picked up her drink and emptied it in one go. "Wow, that's something I never thought I'd live to see." Stella was at the table looking at Lynn with wonder in her eyes.

"What's that...?" Lynn tried to keep her voice steady.

"What did you say to her? I've never seen that girl run away from a confrontation before. I'm impressed. Hey, what are you doing Thursday evening?"

*****

Cheryl looked at applications and thought about Lynn. She didn't know what to say or do about the strong hearted woman. Hell, she didn't even know why she felt the way she did. "Hey, did you hear about Preacher Don?" Ida came in and set her stuff down.

"What, huh...?" Cheryl looked up, trying to focus.

"Don is taking a leave of absence to deal with some personal issues." Ida chatted away as she put her jacket on the hook and got ready for her day. "I've been told that his wife has filed for divorce, and has been spending time in the company of your favorite law enforcement officer." Ida smiled.

"What about the town meeting?" Cheryl asked shocked.

"He won't be there. His congregation is in shambles. The Church is sending in help, but the meeting is tomorrow night and they can't have anything ready by then. I hear the Sheriff and his new wife are going to offer testimony."

"Wow, big doing at what is usually a very boring night." She pulled out the folder. "Here is the paperwork for this morning's signing."

"Good, thank you." Ida smiled at her employee. "Make the interviews for next week please." She grabbed her phone. "Brownville Title Company...."

"What's wrong...?" Cheryl asked as she watched Ida's face go pale.

"Is there any hope? Uh huh, okay... I'll be right there." Ida caved into herself.

"What happened... what's wrong?" Cheryl insisted as Ida dropped the phone on her desk.

"Remember what you said about Walter...?" Ida looked at the blank wall. "He didn't have a stroke... he had a massive heart attack and, and they can't separate him from, from... her." She put her hands over her face and started weeping. "It's so disgusting... I can't... I just can't."

"I'm calling Deloris... you can't drive like this. I'll deal with the signing, you wait right here until Deloris gets here." Cheryl went to her desk and punched the numbers.

"Yes... hello Ida." Deloris's soft voice said with a happy lilt.

"Deloris, this is Cheryl... you need to get here right away."

"What happened?" Deloris asked instantly.

"Ida needs to get to the hospital... I think Walter...." She tried to tell Ida's friend.

"I'm on the way." Deloris ended the call before Cheryl could finish talking.

An hour later, Cheryl sighed and tried to put on a happy face as the morning appointment came in to sign for their house. Ida was in the best of hands to deal with what she had to deal with, and Deloris would tell her what happened.

"Hello and welcome to Brownville Title... Miss Ida has a family emergency to deal with, so I'll be handling the signing." She shook hands with everyone and set the folder on the long table.

*****

"I know you're not out or anything, but I could use the support." Stella asked Lynn. "I mean you make us look good. No running around, or anything unsavory, and this meeting is so important."

"Okay... I'll go. Do you know if Cheryl is coming?" Lynn asked, wondering if she was being avoided.

"No, Ida's husband had a massive heart attack and Cheryl is covering the office. She's the only one who can." Stella fixed her makeup and pulled off the towel that protected her dress.

"Oh, wow... I didn't know. Is Judy going to be there with us?" Lynn was wondering how she got talked into this.

"No, she's going to be with her mom." Stella checked her hair and switched off the light. Well, let's go." She reached out for Lynn's hand. They left the upstairs apartment and walked the two blocks to the town hall arm in arm.

"Is it always this eventful?" Lynn asked as she felt eyes on her.

"No, usually it's pure tedium. I have to give Judy an energy drink or she falls asleep. It's like a major convergence and they are trying to deal with everything all at once, so they can get back to their normal boring lives." Stella found Judy in the crowd and blew her a kiss.

Everyone settled down as the meeting was called to order. Lynn looked around and wondered if this was a closed meeting, what the open ones would look like. The room was full of people, all looking around, trying to gauge where this meeting would go.

"All Come to order." The Sergeant at Arms called out, as the crowd quieted.

Stella held Lynn's hand as they went through the reading of the minutes and the firing of the controller who had lost or embezzled the money. Stella tightened her grip as they called for any new information as to the referendum of recalling the Sherriff for Moral Turpitude, and other illegal activities.

Lynn saw a young woman in maternity clothes, even though she didn't need them yet. Get up and approach a desk. She was followed by a mid thirties man who was in a suit.

"Yes, I have a lot to say about the allegations of wrong doing my husband is accused of." She said in a loud, clear voice.

"Miss, do you deny that you were caught having sexual relations with a man who wasn't your husband at the time, while he was on duty?"

"So, because my then fiancé, now husband; was on duty, I cannot have sex with him?" She asked unrepentant. "You're trying to say that until a new Sheriff is elected I cannot have sex with my husband...? Because as Sheriff, he's never off Duty! Who died and made you god?" A mummer went through the crowd.

"Miss, you are out of order." A council member said looking down on the woman.

"I'm out of order... How am I out of order?" She refused to back down.

"As a Sheriff, anyone who holds that title must act in a manner that is above contempt or scandal. You admit you were under that age of consent...."

"I never admitted anything of the sort." She interrupted, not letting him finish his sentence. "I said I had not reached my eighteenth birthday. But then again; I've been an emancipated adult since I was sixteen. So, I was a year older than consent requires. My parents are dead! There is no one else to give consent other than me, and trust me! I consented to everything we did to get me pregnant with our first child. I was a virgin until we started having sex and I will never cheat on my husband and the father of my child. So, how has my husband acted in a manner other than above reproach?"

"Even the appearance of improper action is enough to...."

"Then let's look at the reproach of former Sheriff's of this county." She interrupted and opened her file. "The first sheriff, who was in his forties, married his cousin on her thirteenth birthday. Another sheriff never married, but produced eleven children from women that lived at the Manor House. According to these newspaper articles, the Manor house was the local house of prostitution. The sheriff, who was re-elected three times before and during the war of the states, kept three female slaves and had children with all three and two with his wife until he got a son to give his inheritance to. The sheriff that followed him had five wives. Let us not forget Sheriff Leland and his daughter...."

"That is besides the point...." Another member tried to divert the topic.

"No, that is exactly the point. My husband and I were unmarried and unattached when we started our relationship. We both were of legal ability to enter said relationship. As history shows, my husband has acted well above the morals of the prior people who held his office. Since when is it illegal or immoral for a widower and a single woman to date, become engaged, have sex and get married? Until that time, my husband is guiltless in all of the things he has been accused of."

"Are you trying to say that you didn't have sexual relation while in his official vehicle?"

"And, on the hood, on his desk, on our table, in the park at midnight... anywhere and everywhere we can find time to have sex. As a matter of fact, we had sex before we came here, if that's any of your business." She smiled at the look on their faces. "I love him and he loves me. We're married, having sex and making babies. Sorry if you're not getting any, but that is not my fault!"

"Order... that is out of order!" the Mayor banged his gavel and tried not to smile. "And what do you have to say about all of this Will?"

"I've let my wife have her say." He scratched his head. "Now, I'm insisting that you reinstate me, or I'll file a federal suit against this county and all its officials. I have done nothing to warrant the investigation into my private life. I'm an elected official and have voluntarily submitted to the investigation to clear my name. That's done. I'll be reassuming my position as of tomorrow with all accrued back duty pays and vacation time. I will be going through my department with a fine tooth comb and making some changes. Other than that, I have nothing else to say on the matter." He made a motion to a man in an expensive tailored suit.

"I'm Phillip Moreno, Attorney at law. I have in my possession a copy of aforementioned legal action and a summons for each of you, if my client is not reinstated." He sat back down and looked forward.

"Without sounding like a threat, I know enough to make this really dirty." Willis finished and put his hand on his wife's back. "Let me know what you decide. I'll be in my office in the morning." He walked out of the side door, with his attorney following.

The people in the gallery started talking. One of the members raised his hand to be noticed. "I might be the newest member, but I move that we reinstate the Sheriff, and ask for an outside audit on this matter to ensure we haven't made the county liable for any further legal actions."

"If the members would place their votes and pass them down... we'll see what the vote says." The mayor said and turned away. Ten minutes later, he called out. 

"Settle down please. Can I have you attention?" Judy's dad held the papers in front of him. "By a vote of seven to three, the motion has passed and the Sheriff is returned to active duty. The three dissidents know they can ask for an appeal within thirty days. I will request an audit from the Capital next week. Next business...."

As the crowd reacted, Judy stood up to be recognized. "Mr. Mayor and members of the board... I suggest that we adjourn for the time being, since it was slotted for Don Phillips to address the meeting, but he is absent. None of the changes that are to be looked at can't be tabled until next month's regular meeting."

"Do I hear a motion?" He asked, looking around.

"What are we going to do about the controller's position?" A member asked.

"We're looking for one and as soon as we have at least three good candidates, that is a dead issue." The lone female board member said, before making the motion. "I move we adjourn for now and get back to regular business for our next meeting."

"All those in favor...?"

"Wow that was quick..." Stella whispered into Lynn's ear. "Ten more minutes of the closing of the board and we're out of here."

****

The next day, Lynn walked into Cheryl's building while on her lunch break. She waited in the waiting area as she watched Cheryl talking to an elegant Hispanic woman.

"Here is the paperwork that makes you the Office Manager and allows you to keep the doors open for business. Ida will be taking at least two weeks off after she is done with the funeral home. Ida said to hire who you need, to keep the office viable. She trusts you to keep things running smoothly."

"Are you going to be staying with her?" Cheryl asked as she looked at the folder.

"No, Ida will be staying at my house. She can't stand to go home for now. She's talking about selling it and everything in it. I'm trying to get her to rent it out as an investment."

"That makes more sense... with the market now, she'll lose money and it will be years before she can get what her house is truly worth. I'll start looking for tenants that can be trusted and I'll have a report ready by the time she comes back from her bereavement." She sat in Ida's chair and stood back up. "What about her church?"

"You better get used to that chair. If I have my way, it will be yours as soon as I can get her to retire. The sooner the better..." Deloris smiled at Cheryl. "As for those busybodies at church, let them mind their own damn business. We're both widows now, and consolidating our households to make it work in the harsh economy. If they don't like it, they can kiss my dead dog's ass!"

"Amen...!" Lynn laughed, bringing attention to herself.

"Hey Lynn... Well you have a client." Cheryl and Deloris said in the same breath.

"It's okay... I can wait for a bit. I have to be back in forty minutes though." Lynn smiled and waved at them.

"Well, I've given you your marching orders. Ida will remain the owner until she either sells the business or you buy into it. Either way, it's not going to be easy and I'm keeping her away from here as much as possible. We expect to see you at the memorial." Deloris kissed Cheryl's cheek and left.

"Wow, I um owe you an apology." Lynn blushed. "I thought after our last conversation, you were avoiding me."

"I'm sorry Lynn, but I've been neck deep... I don't know how Ida did it all these years." Cheryl sat back down and looked around guiltily.

"Like she said, get used to that chair and desk... Miss Office Manager and all around big boss." Lynn smiled and sat on the edge of the desk.

"Yeah..." Cheryl swallowed. She wondered if Lynn knew that sitting there gave her unobstructed view of her legs, silk stockings and the pastel flowers covering her crotch. "I, um, have to hire two temps and one full time receptionist slash researcher." Her mouth went dry as Lynn moved and pulled her panties into the grove of her sex.

"Well, I know Jennifer Barnes is getting a pink slip at the end of the week. I can send her to you. She's reliable and smart." Lynn offered as she could feel the heat growing between her legs. "How about if I fix you dinner and we can finish the talk we were having." She stood up and the magical view disappeared.

"Um yeah, that sounds great... Um, send her in later today and I'll interview her. If she can start right away, then she won't have to get pink slipped. Talk to your boss and maybe this can work out even if she's just one of the temps." Cheryl was trying to think about work as visions of Lynn's sex seared itself into her brain.

"What time do you want dinner?" Lynn asked and ignoring the hard nipples poking out at her.

"Six will be fine..." She took out the pack of cigarettes, "Um, can you give these to Pat? I don't have any more time to talk today."

"Okay, and then I can tell you what happened at the town meeting." Lynn smiled and kissed Cheryl's cheek before walking out and meeting Pat.

Cheryl watched as Pat hugged Lynn and instantly felt irritated. Lynn handed Pat the pack of smokes, they laughed, and in her mind; it took way to long for Pat to release Lynn's hand. She blew her bangs back and dove into work.

Later that night, as Lynn set up Cheryl's dinner plate. "So Richard said if Jenifer wanted to start sooner, he'd waive the two weeks' notice and still give her a good recommendation." She set the plate of food in front of Cheryl, moving the files out of the way. "Ida would be irritated to know you're still here."

"Yeah but, I have three closings tomorrow. I have to have everything ready. Jenny could start tomorrow and it wouldn't be soon enough. She said she'll put a notice up at her apartments... and hopefully I can save the money from placing an ad in the paper. Do you know how much they want for a business ad now days?"

"Jenifer is a good worker. I think she'll be able to take over your old job without much training." Lynn sat down and took a drink of her tea.

"I hope so, or I'll never get a day off, let alone laid again." Cheryl huffed and regretted her words as Lynn flinched.

"Speaking about that... you were about to tell me who hurt you so bad." Lynn bit her lip and tried to let the pain flow through her.

"Well hell, it's not like it is a big secret." Cheryl sat back and looked at the ceiling and she started telling her story. Lynn listened without comment. At first she got mad for Cheryl, but by the time she was done, she was mad at Cheryl. "So anyway, after that; I stopped talking to all of them and made a life for myself." Cheryl finished.

"I don't want to sound harsh or judgmental...." Lynn tried to be objective.

"But...?" Cheryl saw the raw emotion on Lynn's face.

"But if they hurt you so badly, why are you doing the same thing?" The anger was just under the surface.




Forces of Nature



"I'm not...!" Cheryl protested in vain.

"You are! Listen to me for a minute, to make sure I got this right." Lynn put her hand up to stop the instant defense. "You best friend, boyfriend and parents were caught having sex on your birthday. They were not hiding what they were doing and did it in such a way to get caught. Did you ever think they wanted to get caught and everyone was okay with what was happening?"

"Ewe gross...!" She made a face, sticking out her tongue. 

"I'm not commenting on that, but still. They hurt you, so you go out and hurt other people. That's what so sad." Lynn didn't sound sad, she sounded pissed.

"Hey, I'm honest about what I do." Cheryl fell back on the lie.

"And that makes it alright to hurt people? To break women's hearts like they don't matter. People who still hurt every time they see you. And you're trying to tell me you're justified, because you parents were having consensual sex with other people? From what I've heard, they were or are swingers. Right or wrong, it's their choice. Were the other people complaining? Did your father force himself on your friend? Did you mom force your boyfriend?" Lynn was pointing at Cheryl.

"I, I... don't know. I didn't stick around." She stammered, thinking about something she had refused to think about since it happened.

"And have you talked to any of them afterward to see?" Lynn lifted her eyebrow.

"Hell no... I didn't want to talk to any of those freaks." Cheryl pushed her plate away ready to fight.

"So you didn't even let them explain what happened... and that gives you the right to hurt other people?" She crossed her arm. "Don't you get it? What you are doing is ten times worse than what they did. You're doing it intentionally. You go out, find a woman who is just figuring things out. You seduce them into great sex and then you rip their heart out because you refuse to give them anything more than sex. How is that in any way better than what they did to you?"

"It's not like that...!" Cheryl was neck deep in denial.

"It is exactly that and worse! Quit lying to yourself." Lynn pressed the issue to the breaking point. "I've even seen the hurt looks that women that have loved you, give when you're around. I see it Judy's eyes every time she has to talk to you... and you don't even have the common decency to ask forgiveness. Sweetie, you sound like one class-A, cold hearted Bitch. If I didn't know any better, I'd hate you on principal. Tell me how in the hell can you expect a woman to trust you with her most intimate being, knowing that you're going to just throw it away in the morning?"

"If you hate me so much, why are you here?" Cheryl asked petulantly.

"I didn't say I hated you... as a matter of fact, I think I'm falling in love with you. My only problem is if I could ever really trust you to love me back." Lynn brushed a tear out of her eye.

"You what...?" Cheryl wheezed.

"Don't know if I can trust you." Lynn refused to back down.

"But almost all relationships turn out to be nothing but pain." Cheryl tried to defend the indefensible.

"Yes, and then there are relationships like my parents. They've been together for thirty five years and still act like love sick fools. They are always kissing and holding hands no matter where they are. They run around the house naked, having sex in whatever room they catch each other in. I have to call first or who knows what I'll walk into. That is my example of a loving couple."

"No way...!" Cheryl was shocked.

"Yes... way! I never had to guess about the bird and the bees. Not with them. But then again, Mom wore white to her wedding and my dad was just out of school. Everything they learned, they learned together. They taught me the more you love your partner, the better the sex is."

"And they never cheated? They never fought or had bad times?" Cheryl pushed, not believing that kind of relationship could exist.

"Oh... I could say they would have to get out of bed for that, but I'll be honest. My mother about freaked when they thought dad had testicular cancer. My dad cried when they had to do mom's hysterectomy. They've had their fights, and their makeup sex. They're human; they have their faults, just like everyone else. But no, that have never cheated on each other."

"What do they say about you? Do they know?" Cheryl was trying to find a weak link.

"They want me to be happy. My brother and sister have given them grandkids. It's not like the world isn't already over populated. I don't need to bring children to ensure the species or anything. I'm the youngest, and even the studies on straight kids, show they are the least likely to procreate. I want it all or have nothing until I can. I don't feel I should have to settle. I don't care if I love a man or a woman. I just want true unconditional love from my lover. Anything else would be living a lie."

"I don't know what to do with you." Cheryl sighed, tired of the fight.

"Be honest with me. If you want to try, let me know. I don't expect miracles... I mean I know your honest, if deluded; in your intimate relationships." She sliced open the wound so it could heal.

"I'm not..." She blurted, but was stopped by Lynn.

"You might want to think before you speak. We've already covered that." Lynn smiled, taking the harsh sting out of her words. "If you didn't matter, I wouldn't so be upset either... think about that too." She got up and softly kissed Cheryl. "I'll talk to you later. If you want me to post your ad on the community board, bring it by tomorrow." She left, feeling at peace with what she had said.

*****

A week later, at the Memorial, groups of the girls were giving Ida all the support they could. They knew it had to be hard for her. Every time they looked around, they could see the pain on her face. Ida had taken her sons aside.

"Look around and tell me what you want. If there are no conflicts, I'll make arraignment for you to get the things you want."

"What about you, mom?" the oldest asked.

"I won't need that much. I'll be moving in with a friend." Ida said and looked for Deloris.

"You mean the queer spic..?" Her youngest earned the slap.

"Don't you ever disrespect her again! At least she wasn't found... she has done nothing but help me. If you don't like my living arraignments, then don't come over and expect me to babysit!"

"But mom, everyone says." The oldest tried to defend his brother.

"I don't give a damn what everyone says. What do they say about your father, who died while stuck like a male dog in a bitch in heat! Deloris has never fucked around... like your father, and neither have I! Remember I'm your mother and I do not answer to you!" She poked both of them in the chest, making her point.

"Yes Ma'am." They said, never hearing their mother use that kind of language.

"If you want some of this stuff... let me know. If not, I'm giving it to the Samaritan Center." She took a deep breath. "If you want any type of inheritance when I pass, you better learn some manners and respect. I know more than enough deserving charities that could use the money."

"But mom... most of these are expensive antiques." Her oldest said.

"And mine to do what the hell I want to with!" Ida had enough. She didn't even want to look at the things that reminded her of the forty years of torment she lived through.

"Is everything alright Miss Ida?" Cheryl asked as she walked by.

"It's fine dear. I was just telling my sons if they wanted the furnishings, to make a list." Ida smiled as Cheryl put her arm around her, giving her support when she needed it most.

"What about the business?" The youngest asked, looking Cheryl up and down. "Who gets Dads business?"

"The business was never your fathers. It was and is mine from my father. Cheryl here, is running it for me until things get settled. She has everything under control and doesn't need your interference."

"What about the house?" They asked together.

"Don't get greedy... it's also mine." She was about to go off on her sons.

"Miss Ida, I think they need you in the sitting room." Cheryl interrupted and gave the stupid males an evil look. "Stella and Judy will be bringing refreshments in a little bit and we need to know where to set everything up." She walked Ida away from the nasty scene and to Deloris.

Cheryl wanted to kill the men when she heard them say. "Well, if we don't like the will, we can always contest it and put mom into a conservatorship and a home."

"We'll take everything and split it at auction. She doesn't need to know. This shit is ugly but expensive. Do we know how much the house is worth yet?"

"No... it's actually owned by the company. We'll have to take control of that first. I figure we're in for about a couple of million apiece once we sell everything off. That should leave enough for mom to be in a decent but affordable home until she dies. That way we don't have to take care of her."

Cheryl was ready to confront them, but Deloris stopped her. "Those two are in for a rude awakening. They take after their father's side. Don't you worry your pretty little head." She patted Cheryl's hand and pulled her into the room where all the women were surrounding Ida.

A few hours later, people were starting to drift out after they gave their condolences. Not wanting to be the first, but far from the last to leave, Ida sons walked up together and hugged their mother.

"Let us know when the reading of the will is and we'll be there." The oldest acted as spokesman.

"There isn't a will." Ida looked shocked. "There wasn't anything for your father to will out, he didn't own anything. It was all through me or the business. The heirlooms will go to your children after I pass."

"But... I thought...?" the youngest said stunned.

"I know what you thought, but you were wrong." Deloris said from behind her lover. "Since there is no will and this is a community property state.... Your mother out lived your father. Everything goes to her. If she gives you part of her estate early, it can't be sold until after she passes."

"MOM...?" The oldest looked at his mother. "What have you done?"

"What I needed and wanted to. Just to keep you from making asses of yourselves, I've sold fifty one percent of the business to Cheryl under a partnership agreement. So, even if you get partial ownership, it will not be enough to be in the majority. The house needs over its value in repairs to bring it up to code, and is going to be leased out once they are done. Most likely on a lease option to buy. So, you still cannot sell it, without giving them first bite or be held to their lease. You forget I've done this for longer than you've been alive. I had hopes for you, but I do know you." Ida looked at her sons with contempt.

"But mom...!" Her youngest gasped.

"But mom nothing...! You are my sons and I love you. But, you're also your father's sons and I put up with his bullshit for over forty years and took steps. If you really want some of this stuff, let me know. If not, that's fine too." She kissed them and then waved them off so she could go finish this chore and get on with her life.

*****

"You lied to them." Cheryl said after everyone left and the girls were cleaning up the mess.

"Not really." Ida sighed. "You said yourself, the house needs over seventy thousand in upgrades and electrical. I bought the house for twenty five thousand, and pulled a second for forty. That's it real value. Its market value as a historical house is something all together different."

"Yeah, but... the business?" Cheryl asked stunned.

"You haven't read that paperwork I gave you, have you?" Deloris asked as she hugged Ida from behind.

"I haven't had time."

"If you read it, you'd see that you had to be a partner to be able to sign off on the titles. If you look at your check stub, you're getting five hundred more in take home pay. But, your actual earnings have doubled. The difference is the payment for the partnership at fifty one percent of the last assessed value, taken out before taxes. Ida will be able to take part of that as a stipend plus the extra earnings once the house is listed. It will be more than enough for her to live on. She still owns her share and controlling interest of the business, until you have paid for your portion of the partnership. By then she will be completely retired and you can buy the rest or sell the whole damn thing." Deloris smiled at the shocked young woman.

"Um, what did you do for a living?" Lynn asked surprised at the business acumen as Judy and Stella looked on in shock.

"I was an auditor for the IRS." Deloris grinned. "That's how we met. I had to go over her books one year after Walter made a mess of things. He was trying to expense his trips to a whore house, from the business account. I helped her build the shelter to protect the business from anything he could do."

"I pay four hundred a month now... after the house is finished, you said I can rent it for over fifteen. I'll make over eight a month off that until it sells, plus the eighteen in stipend from the business. Then I can take fifty percent as a lump sum or put it in a holding account and take monthly payments. While still investing in the company, so I don't have to pay capital gains. The house will be worth over half a million after repairs, even in this repressed market. If the market rebounds, it will be worth more. Either way, my retirement is set and you can buy me out or sell the business, since I wouldn't trust either of my sons to do what is right."

"With me having my house paid for and not much overhead for us to share, that will be more than enough for her to survive on. She'll even have enough to do some traveling and still have money in the bank." Deloris added and smiled.

"If you sell the antiques in the house, you could bank that money too." Lynn offered helpfully.

"I don't care as long as I don't have to look at them anymore." Ida shuddered. "I hate this place and all the memories of it. Give it to some young family that needs the room and I'll be happy. I don't care if you sell it at under value. I don't want it to go to that stuffy preservation society no matter what they offer."

"We could do a custom flip." Cheryl offered.

"What's a custom flip?" Lynn asked.

"We find a buyer, knowing that it's a flipper. That way they can customize the renovation to their needs and make it all part of their loan. It would take the lease option out. But still, the new family could do the little things to make it their home before they move in."

"Do it... I'll clear the taxes and liens." Deloris told Ida.

"I don't care as long as I never have to step foot in here again. Take me home and make me forget about today." She hugged Deloris and softly wept.

"Go ahead and take her. I'll take the keys to the office and start the work up." Cheryl looked at Lynn and saw that she too was crying.

*****

"Friday night, come hell or high water; be at The Pink Rose at eight o'clock." Pat stuck her head into Cheryl's office a few days later.

"I don't know...." Cheryl was looking at her calendar.

"Bullshit... be there or I'll have Judy drag you." The tall butch added. "I'm celebrating!"

"What...?" She tilted her head.

"Be there and you'll find out." Pat smiled and ducked back out. Cheryl watched as she chatted up Jennifer and the new office clerk. "Oh, by the way, Lynn is going to be there." Pat ran back and announced before jogging out to her cruiser.

Cheryl sighed. They hadn't been able to do more than to wave and say hi, since the memorial. "Brownville Title." She answered automatically as the phone rang.

"Are you going to be at Pat's promotion party?" Lynn asked nervously.

"Pat got a promotion? That's what she's so amped about?" Cheryl rubbed her head and looked at the power bill.

"Yeah, and I was wondering if you were coming." Lynn asked in a soft voice.

"Wasn't planning on it, but yeah, I'll be there." Cheryl looked at the other bills she was now responsible for.

"Haven't got a handle on the office yet?" Lynn asked concerned.

"I'm getting there... I need one more part timer to get rid of overtime. I don't know how Ida could do all this and still have the lights off by four thirty." She leaned back in the big chair and looked at the ceiling.

"Years and years of practice." Lynn chuckled. "You heard her. She'd been doing it for over forty years. She had it down to a science and ingrained into her skull."

"Yeah and I always thought she was dead weight. I never knew what she did."

"Did you know Deloris took her on a cruise? I bet if she has her way, Ida will never have to step into that office again."

"I hope not. I have people who will only sign if she's here. I'm still the new girl on the block. I mean, they understand what happened. But, still I need her here in three weeks or I'm screwed."

"Better talk it over with Deloris. She has been waiting over twenty years to have Ida all to herself." Lynn warned. "Have you thought about what we talked about?" She changed the subject.

"Every second that I've not been thinking about work." Cheryl bit the inside of her cheek.

"So, that means not so much. I'd hoped that you have been able to forgive your parents for being who and what they are. I mean you're supposed to honor them, not like them or what they do." Lynn sighed. "Well anyway, I'll see you on Friday."

"Yeah, Friday..." She disconnected and jumped when the phone rang again. "Brownville Title."

"You are working too late in the evenings." Ida irate voice crackled over the line. "If you keep it up it will become a bad habit to break. You're wasting money on power and payroll."

"How did you...?"

"Because, I get a copy of all the bills." She snapped. "Let the girls go at four and you're to be out of there no later than thirty minutes later. We get charged extra for peak hours. There's always more work to be done. I know you know how to manage time better than that." Ida huffed. "Don't make me call again or I'll sic Deloris on you. Go out and have a life, don't make the company your life. Go fall in love with that cute librarian and kick up your heals." Ida ordered.

"Yes Ma'am." Cheryl answered, still used to responding to Ida as her boss.

"Don't let Lawrence talk you into too many Saturday signings either. Life can wait until Monday. Well I better get off here and let you get back to work. Good luck." Ida hung up before Cheryl could respond.

Cheryl bitched herself out for not telling Ida about the signings she needed to be at. She looked at the clock and shut the folder on her desk in frustration. "Alright girls, the big boss said to clock out no later than four." She announced as she came out of her office.

"But I only need ten more minutes." Jennifer said looking frightened. "You needed this on your desk in the morning."

"Then get it on my desk in the morning. But, it's time to clock out and go home. Save your computer work, shut everything down and go. We have to reduce the power bill by twenty percent or we can't hire the other part timer."

After a few token protests, the girls got their stuff and sighed as they went out of the building. "I'm glad I'm getting off on time. My husband was starting to get irritated. He doesn't want me working late and not eating dinner with our kids." The newest hire said as she walked to her battered clunker.

Cheryl sighed and started shutting everything off. "I need a drink." She told the empty room.

Half an hour later, she walked into the Rose. "Well hell, look what the cat dragged in!" Stella said, already setting up a first round. "I thought you got married to that job of yours."

"Like you have room to talk." Cheryl groused, sitting down. "I never expected to...."

"I know sweetie, and from what I hear, you're doing great. Why are you off so early today?" Stella reached over and put her hand over Cheryl's.