42 comments/ 57062 views/ 172 favorites A Bangin' New Year By: Stacie_Maddoxxx Brianna Miller rested her head against the glass window in the back of the van as she watched the rain pour down in torrents. 5pm on New Year's Eve and she was driving through some backwoods town looking for a crummy hotel in a horrible rainstorm. With her head throbbing and aching back, she bitterly reflected on how a day that held so much promise was now ending as an all-out shit fest. Bri threw a bitter glance at the person sitting beside her who was tapping rapidly on a tablet. The person Bri blamed for the entire day going down the drain. The very LAST person she would ever want to be anywhere near on New Year's Eve. Erin McKinnon. Bri gave her the best side stink eye she could muster. Damn bitch Bri thought to herself. It had all started a week ago. Everyone was happily gathered in the conference room at her job for their semi-weekly meeting. Just a few more days and there were all off to their last assignment for the year. Bri and the rest of her department were going to Miami. Bri worked for Aztech International where she trained medical professionals-doctors, nurses, hospital administrators- on the use of the new medical equipment that the company produced. Bri loved her job. She had planned on a career in medicine after getting her biology degree, but stumbled on this job and never looked back. At age 26, she was already making $45,000 in base salary alone with monthly bonuses of at least $800.00 or more each month. She was single, no kids, and had no debt of any kind. Lately, she had even been thinking about saving for a house. The bonuses were based on the evaluations from the training participants after each workshop, as well as the post training score results of the trainees after a month of working on the new equipment. She and her training partner, Jose, had the top results each and every time. Bri was a natural at training. She was knowledgeable, engaging, and creative. While it did involve extensive travel all over the country, sometimes up to 3 or 4 times a month, Bri didn't mind. Often, they got to train in a great city such as New York, LA , or Honolulu. Everything was paid for by the company-food, hotel, flights etc. They received generous stipends issued on company credit cards that were far more than what was needed and the extra could be used as they wished. Every so often, Bri would land in one of those awesome cities on a weekend or around a holiday where they did not have rush off to another training just yet. For a party girl like Bri, these were the ultimate assignments. She got her work out of the way and then spent the rest of the time partying her ass off on the company's dime. This trip to Miami was going to be one of those times. Bri could hardly wait. Fucking New Year's Eve in Miami. Back in July, she and Jose had an assignment in Manhattan. While out at a club later that evening, they met Cuban businessman Alejandro Solares. A self-made multi-millionaire at only 29, the man was not only filthy rich but also gorgeous. Golden brown skin, thick black hair, and an impeccably dressed , slim muscular build all wrapped up in a sexy Cuban accent. Bri stayed by his side the entire night. He was also very generous and treated them to a night on the town and paid for all their drinks, cover charges, and ending at his gorgeous penthouse which had a wonderful view. Bri had drunk everything from Bacardi to Cristal that night. While Jose was busy in another room with a girl, Bri was heavily making out with Alejandro on his massive bed in one of the most gorgeous bedrooms she had ever seen. The next thing she remembered was waking up in his bed, fully clothed, and with a throbbing headache. Bringing her coffee and two aspirin, he said they did not have sex because it was something he wanted her to be fully present for and remember. "Trust me, you're going to want to remember it," he said. Just dripping with Cuban charm. He extended an open invitation to his penthouse in Miami anytime they were in town. Bri had broken up with Matt 8 months ago. It had been Bri's longest relationship coming in at a solid four months. What could she say? She hated commitment and being tied down. She had to admit that Matt was actually an awesome guy who had treated her very well. He was sweet, supportive, and had a great engineering career he was working to get established. The reason for the break up resided with Bri. Fed up with her partying just about every weekend and refusing to make a serious commitment to the relationship, he gave her an ultimatum. Bri chose her freedom. So far she had been single and loving it. No constraints, but she did sometimes miss the care and support Matt gave her after she came back from a tiring training session or just wanted a listening ear and to be held. Bri was raised by a single mother with her father bailing before she was even born. Bri never met him, but it did not stop her family from stepping in and helping to raise her. She had two aunts and a set of grandparents that absolutely adored her. Everyone did. Her Aunt Alice had three boys and her Aunt Shannon had no children. Bri was the only girl and was spoiled. And she knew it. Her uncles always stpeped in for things like teaching her to ride a bike and helping her pick out her first car. Her aunts and grandparents helped her mom with babysitting, chipping in for school supplies, birthdays and so on. Bri and her mom had a close relationship representative of single parents with only children. More often than not, they looked and behaved like sisters more than mother and daughter. But Bri was an unapologetic party girl. She had a fun, laid back personality and was always down for a good time. Plus, she was a natural beauty. People were just innately attracted to her, guy and girls. She was 5'4, with long, beautiful reddish brown hair and deep blue eyes. She had firm B-cups and a tiny waist on a naturally slim, petite body. Other women, and some men, envied her for being able to put away pizza, ice cream, chocolate and alcohol by the truck loads, over an entire weekend, and not gain a pound. Things just came easily to her. She was the type that could goof off all weekend and write a stellar research paper in one night and get an A. She didn't prep at all for her SAT's, was late the morning of the test, but made a score that landed her a full academic scholarship. So even though she partied hard, Bri always got her shit done. Always. For this entire year, she and Jose had been the top producing team each and every month. Earlier at the team meeting, Bri was once again named top trainer, overall, for the month. In addition to a bonus, the winner got a gift card and a cute paper certificate. Bri had the certificate playfully taped to the front of her blouse. She loved being goofy. Bri's team manager, Louis, quickly tried to quiet everyone down as he began again with more announcements. Bri's department was made up of 8 teams of at least two people. Although it was a pain of the job working on days such as New Year's Eve, the holiday pay was great and they often got to spend the next few days touring the city if they didn't have another assignment. As a top trainer, she got to pick and choose her assignments with more ease than the newer teams and she had purposely picked to work this New Year's Eve in Miami. Some of the newer teams with less experience would be going to the smaller cities outside of Miami. "You guys are so lucky," Allen remarked to Bri and Jose. Allen and his teammate, Katie, had just been hired a few weeks ago. "We have to fly out to Amherst and the weather is supposed to be terrible. Bad rain and icy. Hope we can make it back to Miami in time." Bri just shook her head and gave him a soft pat on the shoulder. She remembered those days as a newbie where you had to take whatever backwoods assignment given to you. "Alright, I know you are all excited about Miami," Louis said. "Well to comply with flight schedules and as appreciation for all your hard work this year, you all have until the 3rd to fly back." Bri and Jose did a secret fist bump underneath the table. This day was getting better and better. Bri gave a head nod to Crystal and Beth, their other party partners in crime, and mouthed "It's on." Whenever the four of them were in a city together, it was insane. There was the time in San Diego where both Jose and Bri ended up on a beach, completely drunk, and wearing the other's bathing suit-Bri in just Jose's swim trunks and he wearing her skimpy red bikini. They had found a puppy somewhere and were singing raps songs in front of a bond fire with an equally drunk Beth and Crystal laughing and snapping photos. Don't ask. And then there was that epic time in New Orleans, during Mardi Gras of all times. Because of her completely drunken haze, Bri could only remember bits of that night which seemed to include handcuffs, a horse, and lots and lots and lots of flashing of every body part she had. Even some of the internal ones. Don't ask. And they all had the same oath. Whatever happens wherever they go, it stays between them no matter what. As soon as they found out about Miami, Bri sent a text to Alejandro. At first she was afraid he had forgotten her, but he immediately replied saying he would send a car to pick them up that evening after their work was done. They could spend New Year's Eve night at his downtown penthouse, and then fly out to Key West on New Year's Day on his private jet. It was going to be epic and Bri was seriously looking to pick up with him where she left off. Everyone was in high spirits at the meeting, joking with Louis and each other until someone walked into the room and changed the entire atmosphere. Erin McKinnon. She was the budget coordinator for the department and everyone hated her. She was rigid, cold, stern and took her job very seriously. Too seriously in Bri's opinion. She never cracked a joke, smiled, or joined them for any social gatherings. Beth once told Bri that it was such a shame with girls like Erin. They were born blessed with great looks and an awesome body, but did not know how to flaunt or use it. Bri considered this and had to admit that, despite the complete lack of social skills, physically, Erin was stunning. She had the brightest sea green eyes, naturally wavy blond hair that she always wore in a ponytail, and a well-toned 5'8 body. She was a full firm C-cup with a round butt, flat stomach, and long legs. However, she kept that body encased in some of the most hideous clothes Bri had ever seen worn to the office. Erin always wore conservative long skirts, or dress pants and blouses that she buttoned to her chin and looked like they belonged on someone 82, not 28. Bri only knew how toned her body was after seeing her running along the street outside their office building one morning in shorts and a tank top. Bri had to get some files from the office before a 7am flight. Someone mentioned to her that Erin ran about 5 miles every morning before work. The only thing about Erin's outfits that Bri admired was her scarves. She always had a silk, brightly colored scarf with every outfit. Sometimes it was around her neck, over a shoulder, or in her hair. It was the only thing she wore that resembled taste, Bri thought. But overall, Bri just didn't understand Erin. Bri had a natural way with people and her charm and flirty manner usually made her a favorite with everyone. She could talk to the head execs with the same ease she used on the workers in the mailroom. She knew the cleaning staff by name and they knew her name. Yep, everyone adored Bri. Everyone but Erin. Erin was a stickler for the rules and since she had joined the department, she had really kept an eye on the teams' spending. She ruined many an extra night stay in a city or planned office party because it was not in line with what was allocated according to the budget. In the past, their manager, Chuck, would use extra funds to close the office early and treat everyone to Mexican, or sponsor a bowling night, or let the teams stay an extra work-free night in a city. They also were allowed to turn in their receipts monthly. This all disappeared when Erin came aboard. All money had to be accounted for and used for its intended purpose. Receipts were due within two business days and the employees received occurrences if they were late, which could interfere with their bonuses. Bri was on her third occurrence before she was finally meeting the deadlines. Gone were the free extra nights. Many teams came back to find that the extra night was charged to them and taken out of their bonuses or actual salary if they had no bonus. After that wild night in San Diego, Bri and Jose found that their $1,000 bonus had been completely deducted from their pay to cover expenses. Erin was efficient, strict, tight, and serious. She often came in to make short announcements at the start of the meetings. Always direct, short and to the point. Little jokes directed at her by the other teams would be mumbled or scribbled on a note pad and passed around. If she ever caught any of the jokes or saw the paper, she never acknowledged it. At first, Bri tried to use her charm with her and find out more about who she was and what her fun side was like. But it was like trying to break through a steel wall. Bri even tried to invite her out for drinks after work on Friday evenings. Erin always declined and went back to her computer, indicating she would be staying well after the office closed. After losing her $1,000 bonus, the gloves came off and Bri stopped trying. She started joining the others in their converted jokes and aggressions toward Erin. One day, Erin had announced that the financial reports she had been asking teams to prepare for over 2 months were due by the end of the week and no one could travel until they were done. Since Bri and Jose had put it off so long, it ended up taking them an entire week to complete and they missed out on a training in Canada. Another team took the spot. Bri was pissed. As she stood making copies for the report for about the 10th time that day, she tiredly glanced at a list hanging on a cabinet door that displayed everyone's birthday in the department. She saw Erin had one coming up next Wednesday. "Mmmm," Bri said out loud. Later that night, exhausted from work and drunk with cocktails, Bri stood with Crystal and Beth in front of Passions Sex Shop. Jose, the forever soft heart, decided to sit this one out. "Are you sure about this?" Beth slurred. "Why not, she fucked with us, let's fuck with her", Bri slurred back and then charged into the shop with the others in tow. They had fun looking at the different toys, videos, and games. They finally settled on an 8-inch, thick, fleshy, detachable dildo complete with harness and lube. Beth kept laughing through her hiccups as Bri paid and they all left the store. "I don't know about this," Crystal said. "I do," Bri answered. They placed the items and a typed note in large bolded letters that read "This may be a better fit than that stick up your ass. Loosen up, bitch!" in a bright birthday box and slid it into Erin's file cabinet drawer. "This is so weird," Bri said as she closed the drawer and looked around Erin's desk. "No pictures of family, pets, anything." "I think she is a vampire," Beth said laughing. On the following Wednesday, co-workers milled around and threw half-assed birthday wishes Erin's way. She would smile tensely and then went back to work. Bri and her friends tried to play it cool, but did not want to miss the moment that Erin opened her drawer. Near lunch time, she finally did. She pulled the box out and set it on her desk. For the briefest of moments, Bri swore she saw a slight smile, like a look of excitement and surprise. Bri felt a surge of guilt. Erin lifted the top of the box and looked down. Her faced turned 5 shades of red as she slammed the lid down and looked around to see if anybody was looking. She looked up to see Bri staring at her right before Beth yanked Bri behind a cubicle and then rushed out with her to the ladies room. Beth fell out on the floor laughing. "Did you see her face?" That was priceless." Bri started laughing too, but was conflicted with her feelings and she for sure thought Erin would say something. She waited for the reprimand from Chuck and really hoped she wouldn't be fired. But it never came. "Bitch, better not have thrown it away," Beth said over lunch the following week. That shit was expensive and high quality. Hell, I'll take it if she doesn't want it." Bri laughed and threw an olive at her, but secretly wondered why Erin didn't say anything. Too embarrassed she thought. In the meeting, everyone squirmed as they waited for Erin to finish her usual rigid, boring announcements about receipts, staying within the budget, and writing accurate reports. Even though no one liked her, Bri had to admit she was damn good at her job. She came up with the idea to issue everyone company cards and set it up so they could check their balances online. The travel funds flowed much smoother and were easier to use. Chuck had joined the meeting while Erin was talking. After she finished, he came to stand by her. "There is more news," he said. "You might not know, but we have an opening in our administrative office downtown and Erin is going to apply for the job." Bri smiled. This day was just getting better. If Erin was working out of the executive offices, she wouldn't be around to bug them. Maybe now they could get a decent budget person without a permanent stick up their ass. Chuck continued. "Well we really want her to get it. She will be great at it. It opens in March. However, one of the requirements is to have training experience since many of the executives do training evaluations and meet with medical administrators about equipment. We thought she would need a few runs with a team to get her enough practice." Chuck looked at the glazed over eyes of his young department. It was obvious they could care less about the needs of Erin McKinnon and Miami was still on their brain. That is until he dropped the bomb. "Well we figured the sooner the better for getting her started and wanted her to join one of the teams going to Miami. The room went still. Eyes got big. Breaths were caught in throats. No one wanted Erin McKinnon working with them, let alone fucking up their trip to Miami. "Any volunteers?" Chuck asked excitedly. Everyone started looking at their watches, cell phones, pictures on the wall, dust on the conference table, everywhere but at Chuck and Erin to avoid eye contact. Bri put her head down. Chuck stood there with a huge grin on his face. Erin stood silent and emotionless. She knew she was hated. Chuck tried again. "Anyone?" Crickets. Louis cleared his throat. "Well, we were thinking that perhaps it would be better if she joined one of the more top producing teams to learn how to navigate more challenging clients. Shit, Bri thought to herself. There she sat with that huge, dumbass "Top Trainer" certificate taped to her chest. Her heart started pounding. Erin was not ruining this trip for her. If Bri was anything she was a strategist and knew she had to think fast. She looked around the conference room at her once loyal comrades now focusing in on her. So it's come to this, she thought. She was desperate and about to fight fire with fire. It was going to be ugly, but she was about to throw some people under the bus. "You know I honestly think Erin could benefit from training with one of the newer teams," Bri said looking at Allen and Katie. Allen gave her the stink eye. Bri didn't give a shit. "Oh, you think so, Bri? Why?" Louis inquired. "Well starting out with a smaller audience will help Erin ease in and get to be more hands on, which is what that executive role is about. Plus, being that Allen and Katie are so new, they could benefit from the company experience Erin already brings to the table. It will help them grow professionally and Erin gets the experience she needs." A Bangin' New Year "Mmmm, good points," Louis remarked. Jose wrote "NICE!" on the legal pad sitting in between them without ever taking his eyes from the front. Bri saw Katie covertly flip her off by scratching her cheek with her middle finger. Bri knew what she did was low, but she just did not want to work with Erin. She knew Erin's uptight, nitpicking, drill sergeant ass would make the training miserable for her and throw her off her game. She wanted to do well for the bonus and end the year as the top earner. She sat back with a satisfied smile. However, for a newbie, she underestimated just how sharp Allen was and the lengths anyone would go to avoid working with Erin. "Well, I think the opposite is true, " Allen spoke up. "You do?" Louis asked. "Yes, I also think she will benefit from hands on, but with a challenging audience like Miami as you mentioned. As an exec, those are the main participants she will be interacting with anyway. Not the ones in the smaller cities. Plus, the very best way to learn is with the best and we all know who that is." Allen pointed to the sign on Bri's chest and sat back in his chair. Checkmate. Bri was two seconds away from stuffing the certificate down his throat. "Both good points," Chuck acknowledged. He looked at Erin. "Well, your call. Whatever you think it best." "Let me think," Erin said. Bri held her breath. Don't be a bitch. Don't be a bitch. Don't be a bitch. Don't be a bitch. She thought to herself. After what seemed like forever, Erin finally pierced those sea green eyes right into Bri's and sealed her fate. "I will go with Bri," she said. Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bitch! Bri screamed inside of her head. Everyone else sat stunned and just happy to be out of the line of fire. Allen smiled. "Ok, that will work, Chuck said. "And I like the idea of you being a part of the actual training instead of just shadowing. So you and Bri take on St. Luke's, and Jose, you join Beth and Crystal for the training at Hillside Medical. Jose just nodded at Chuck and then drew a sad face on the legal pad. Bri's heart sank. As Bri made her way wearily back to her cubicle, she passed Chuck. "Hey, thanks for training with Erin," he said. "Yeah," Bri answered solemnly. "Whatever I can do to help." "You know that will not be the only opening we have," he said cheerfully." "I know I know, Bri answered." "Just think about it." Chuck gave her a wink and headed towards is office. Bri went to sit at her cubicle. The company had been after her for a year to apply for one of the team lead positions that were always opening up. She had been with them four years and they had invested a lot in her. Besides her many years of training and workshop experience, any time a special conference opened up, Bri was always one of the select few that was sent. The company was looking for her to step up and take more of a leadership role. She was somewhat already in the role as she became an unofficial mentor to the new trainees and helped them learn good training strategies, best ways to prepare, and how to write up reports. Bri knew it was time to step up, but feared the sacrifice. As a team lead, it was no more hanging out and goofing with her friends after a training session. Team leads attended 10 trainings a year and the rest was administrative duties, such as meeting with execs, writing up reports, and making sure the team was on track and producing quality presentations. She would definitely have to clean up her act and be more serious. Bri hated responsibility. But the role did come with more perks. She didn't have to do any actual trainings and the bonuses were much bigger and based on performance of the team overall. Plus, there were also other opportunities she was missing. Aztech was a young company and eager to have their employees just as competitive and skilled as the ones from the more established medial companies. Aztech had a tuition reimbursement program where they would pay for an employee's Masters or PhD degree in full if they committed to a certain number of years working with them beyond graduation. Bri knew she should take advantage of it, but preparing a graduate school application usually got pushed to the side when trying to map out which bars and clubs she wanted to hit at the next city destination. The evening before leaving for Miami, the four of them found themselves at Mackenzie's throwing back drinks. Bri throwing them back the hardest. "This fucking blows!" she shouted as she swallowed her Jell-O shot. She put up her hand to signal the bartender for another, but Jose grabbed it. "Ok, you have had enough, he said. "We still got to fly out tomorrow." "I do not want to this presentation with her!" Bri yelled out. She was really drunk. "Calm down, Bri, it is not that bad," Jose said. Forever the peacemaker. "Easy for you to say," she replied. Since Jose had deprived her of her Jell-O shot, she went for his beer. "Listen to him, Bri," Beth chimed in. Jose tried to grab his beer back. "Look, it's just a 4 hour presentation," he said. "You do that together and you are done. You don't even have to ride back to the hotel with her. We can all meet back after the training and have a bomb New Year's Eve. Hell, we're flying to Key West the next day. Just think about that." Bri began to consider it. Crystal added her two cents. "Yeah, Bri. Don't give her the satisfaction. Four hours and you're done with her ass. Plus, it looks really good if you pull this off. Training a future executive and all." "Sure does," Beth offered. Bri took all of this in and thought for a moment. "I guess you're right. I just got to get through those few hours. Not so bad." "Damn right," Beth agreed. "Now let's plan for what's really important. New Year's Eve night, baby!" By the time Bri drunkenly stumbled into her apartment around 1am, she was actually feeling a little better about the training. It looked like things were going to work out fine. She had a flight out to Miami at 11am. Luckily, it was a late training so after the plane landed, she had time to get to the hotel, change, and ride over with Erin to the hospital. After the training, she was dropping Erin like a hot potato. She planned to take a separate cab back to the hotel where she had time to get a little bit of rest before Alejandro's car would come and pick them up and take them downtown to his penthouse. Bri was not making any excuses for what she did that night and was open to everything. After spending hours working with Erin, she was going to need it. On New Year's Day, Alejandro's private jet would fly them to Key West for two days and then bring them back to fly out on the 3rd. Bri couldn't wait. Still drunk, she began to half-heartedly pack before she gave up and went to crawl into bed. She had enough time before the flight to finish packing, get her training materials organized, and work off the hangover she knew she would have when she woke up. Setting her alarm for 8, she settled deep into the covers; feeling better about the training and looking forward to the New Year's Eve bash. She got the call around 4:08 am. It was a shrill ring from her home phone that pierced the quiet apartment and had Bri jump up in bed with her heart pounding. In a momentary daze, she didn't know what the sound was until she looked at her nightstand. Panic seized her as she knew the only people that called her on that phone were her family and if they were calling at this hour, it was an emergency. Bri rushed to grab the phone. "Mom?!" "Good morning, Bri, we need to get going." Bri didn't recognize the voice. "Huh, who the hell is this?" "It's Erin McKinnon. I didn't have your cell number and got this number and your address out of the office directory. Look, we have a 6:30am flight and I will be by your place in a taxi in about half an hour." Still half asleep and in a daze, Bri was trying to make sense of it all. "Who? Erin? What are you talking about? The flight is at 11. Why the hell are you calling m-" "There has been a change of plans. I was talking with Louis and Chuck late last night as we were getting the budgets ready for the teams and we thought more about your idea of being hands on, but staying with a smaller audience. So I suggested we take Allen and Katie's assignment and they can do St. Luke's with Jose. They get to grow, as you suggested, and I get the other experience. Bri sat dumbfounded. "But their assignment is in Amherst. That is 4 hours away from Miami!" "Yes, that is why we have to take the earlier flight to fly into Miami and then another plane to fly into Amherst." "This is bullshit," Bri protested. "You can't just change the plans like that. And why didn't anyone tell me earlier." "We left several messages. Check your phone." Bri looked at her phone base to see that four voice messages were on it. In her drunken stupor, she had not even checked when she got home. Erin continued. "Plus, we have the right to change any plans because we are the bosses and we did. This is about work, Bri. The job you're getting paid for. Not what city you prefer to be in to party. Be ready when I get there." With that Erin disconnected the line. By this time, Bri was wide awake and seething mad. She felt like throwing the phone against the wall. So she did and watched it bounce hard and crack on the floor. It landed right next to her open suit case that still needed to be packed. "Shit!" Bri shouted as she jumped out of bed. The next half hour witnessed her racing like a mad woman to try and get everything ready. By the time Erin arrived with the taxi, Bri was still running around trying to get everything together. Being a chronic over packer, she had to make 5 trips to the taxi and came out with clothes, toiletries, and training materials in suitcases, shopping bags and in her arms. Erin just stood by the taxi watching her and grumbling a few remarks about the meter running, the budget, and being properly organized. Bri's arms were too full to slap her. As the taxi finally took off for the airport, Erin rode up front as Bri used the entire backseat to finish packing unsuccessfully. The airport became an even bigger disaster. By the time they arrived it was almost boarding time for the plane. Bri's last bag would not close and she still had belongings in shopping bags. Everything was spread out on a bench and the floor as the other airport patrons bustled around them. It was an embarrassing mess. Bri looked over at Erin. She stood red-faced and impatient as she waited for Bri and holding her boarding pass and neatly packed luggage. Bri eyed her carry-on bag. "Hey, how much room do you have in that suitcase?" Bri asked her. Bri figured she expertly packed lightly. Erin looked down at the bag. "Why do you ask?" "Come on just help me out. Without waiting for permission, Bri rushed over and grabbed Erin's suitcase, opened it, and looked inside. "Just what I thought," Bri said. The bag had been neatly packed with a set number of clothes, two slim shoes boxes, and books. "Mind if I put some things in here?" "No, it will make it too heavy for a carry-on." "Then we will just check it." "I never check my bags. I pack efficiently enough to have the one suitcase and this shoulder bag to carry on the plane." "Well we can't all be as perfect as you. Plus, it's your fault I'm in this mess since you didn't give me adequate time to pack." "You knew you were flying out today. You should have already been packed. Why did you bring so much stuff anyway?" "Oh, get off it Erin and just help me." Bri began stuffing her items into Erin's bag, but there were still many of her clothes and shoes left over. Bri started taking the shoeboxes and books from Erin's suitcase. "What are you doing?" Erin protested. Bri shoved the items towards her. Just put these in your other bag to carry on. Erin reluctantly took them from her and stuffed them in her other bag. Bri was finally able to get everything in, but the bag looked seriously over stuffed, as did her other two bags. Erin reluctantly helped her get them all over to the counter at which Bri was charged additional fees for each bag because of the weight. Erin scowled at the amount. "Hey, don't you travel with SamrtTags," Erin asked as she watched the bags ride to the back on the conveyor belt. "Never do," Bri answered. "Waste of time and money." Erin rolled her eyes as they rushed towards security. Bri still had her training materials in shopping bags, which caused a significant hold-up and much snickering at the security check point. Security called ahead to the ticket counter to hold the plane. By the time Bri and Erin boarded, they were greeted by a full plane of passengers giving them the stink eye for delaying the plane's departure. When they finally got to their seats, both women were beyond embarrassed and furious with the other. Bri got stuck in a middle seat between an angry Erin and a huge guy in a window seat. Bri stewed as the plane ascended into the air. Usually her last minute, fly by the seat of your pants high jinx always seemed to work out without the embarrassment or hold ups. Erin was already ruining her vibe. With her hangover still throbbing and the lack of sleep catching up with her, she figured she might as well use the time on the plane to rest. She laid her head back in the seat and closed her eyes. Erin had other ideas. Bri heard Erin pull down her meal tray. Bri popped one eye open in time to see Erin pull Bri's tray down as well. She pulled out her laptop and then placed some documents on Bri's tray. "Ok, let's go over the training agenda and then what the layout for the day will look like." "Erin, I have been doing this same training for years. I don't need to go over anything and would like to get some rest since you got me out of bed at the butt crack of down with no warning." Bri let her seat back. "I really want to go over this. You may know it, but I don't and we have not worked together before in this type of manner." Erin glanced down at her with those sea green eyes. Bri noticed a change in her demeanor and put her seat back up. Was that nervousness in Erin's eyes? Bri looked closer. Wow, she is terrified Bri thought to herself. Bri sighed and grabbed one of the documents. Since she wanted to end the year as highest ranked trainer, she decided to go over the agenda with Erin so they would not completely embarrass themselves once again. By the time they landed in Miami, they had thoroughly gone over the entire agenda and Bri was feeling better. She tended to be like that. She could be seething mad about something and then get over it just as quickly. Just fly into Amherst, knock out this training, and then back to Miami, Bri said to herself. However, at baggage claim, Bri's anger returned as they were the last ones left standing waiting for the three luggage pieces. "Where the hell is it?" Bri demanded out loud. "We have to get going. The plane for Amherst is going to depart soon," Erin said worriedly. Bri cut her eyes at Erin and then stomped over to the attendant in the little office area for their airline. Erin followed. "Hey, our bags have not come in yet. Can you check on it for us?" Bri asked the attendant. "Name, please?" "Brianne Miller." The attendant picked up the phone. "Did you label your luggage? Makes it easier to track." "Um...no." Bri heard Erin stewing and grumbling behind her. The attendant was on the phone a few seconds and then hung up. "I'm sorry Ms. Miller, but it looks like the bags have been misplaced. She handed Bri a paper and clipboard. "Go ahead and fill out this claim form and we will get a search on it as quickly as possible." "You lost our luggage?! All of our clothes?" Bri screamed. "I'm really sorry ma'am. We will locate it as soon as we can." Erin was fuming. "Just great. Great. All of our stuff is lost. No clothes or anything. You just had to use my suitcase. Who the hell packs that much? What are we supposed to do now, wear our training materials?!" "Well it would certainly be an improvement over what you usually wear," Bri shot back. The attendant began to shift nervously. "Just fill out the damn form. Our flight is about to leave. Again." Erin said. Bri angrily filled out the form and gave it to the attendant. Next, the two of them, once again, dashed like mad to the other side of the massive airport to make the plane. They made is just in time. It was a small, dinky plane and sitting at the back, Bri and Erin could feel every bump. "This is just great," Bri complained. She looked down at her sweatshirt and faded jeans pants. "What the hell am I going to where?" Erin rolled her eyes. "We will just have to find you something when we get there. We may have a little time, but not much." Bri looked her over. Of course, Ms. Perfect had the sense enough to wear a blouse and dress pants on the plane. Although out of fashion, it was passable for a training session. And of course, she was wearing one of her scarves. "Just had to say we would do the Amherst presentation," Bri snipped. "Don't blame me. You should be more prepared." "I have been doing these presentations for years without a hitch. The one time I'm with you and my whole day goes to shit." With that Bri turned her body and tried to rest her head for the rest of the bumpy ride. Once they and the few other passengers arrived at what barely could be called an airport, they found a driver to take them to the only local clothing store open on New Year's Eve. Bri was horrified at the limited offerings in the small town and settled on a very conservative blouse and old time skirt. She grabbed some hard black shoes to complete the outfit. They did not have any coats and the weather in Amherst was significantly colder than Miami. It was also expected to get worst and rain was coming. Bri looked in a mirror. She looked terrible. Erin was even fashionable compared to her and actually smirked once she saw Bri emerge from the dressing room. Again, Erin was seconds away from being slapped without knowing it. By the time they arrived at St. Luke's they had stopped speaking to one another. Bri took a moment to duck into a bathroom and put cool water on her face. "Just get through this training," she said to herself. "It's New Year's Eve. You can do this." Taking a deep breath, Bri left and found her way to the training room. Erin had begun to set up and training participants were beginning to file into the room and sit down. They both looked at one another as if to say, "Let's just put everything aside for these next few hours." Both women were about getting their shit done. Once the training started, the old Bri kicked in. Her instincts returned and despite a horrible morning and questionable outfit, she was right back to her funny, charming, and easy going self. By the time their last break came around, she had calmed down considerably. Bri was spending the break texting back and forth with Jose and the girls. Even with the setback, things looked like they were going to work out. After the training was over in an hour, they would get a ride back to the airport and wait for the plane to take them back to Miami. Since they started so early, there was still time for Bri to rest and get some shopping done if they still did not find her luggage. She could rest and be ready for the parties tonight and Key West tomorrow. She was feeling better. There was also another bright spot that she hated to admit. Despite everything else, she and Erin worked well together. Who would have thought? Through the entire training, they were complimentary, gave each other space, and supported one another. Bri expected the typical Erin response of being bossy and taking over, but it was the opposite. She completely respected Bri's role in taking the lead. Yet, she contributed in her own way by backing Bri up and offering her considerable knowledge on the history of Aztech, and every piece of medical equipment they made and distributed. The training participants appeared engaged and satisfied throughout the entire time. It was a very smooth training and Bri was sure the evaluations would put her in front for trainer of the year. That bonus was going to be nice. A Bangin' New Year However, Bri's spirits slightly dampened when she glanced out the window. The sky had gotten considerably dark gray. That terrible storm she had been hearing about seemed to be moving in and Bri knew they needed to get out of this town as soon as possible. She couldn't take anymore setbacks. An hour later, the participants were filling out evaluation forms as Bri and Erin packed their equipment up. "It's really getting bad out there," Erin mentioned as she glanced out the window. Bri looked at the sky again. "I know, that's why we need hurry up and get back to Miami." Erin went around collecting the evaluation sheets as Bri continued to look at the sky. It really didn't look good. As they rode to the airport, Bri was really starting to get worried. Hearing the driver, John, speak was not making it better. "Wow, it really looks bad," he said. "And with that small plane, not sure if they are going to be able to fly out. It's looking to be a bad storm and with the temperature, it will all turn to ice." "They will fly out," Bri said determined. "Bri, we need to think about safety here," Erin offered. "Not now, Erin. It's your fault we are out here in the boondocks in the first place," Bri snapped. At the airport, there was a back and forth between the airline of whether to depart or not. There were several other passengers there, bedsides Erin and Bri, who were also trying to fly back to Miami. Finally, they made the decision to fly out. As Bri slid into her window seat and buckled her seat belt, she breathed a sigh of relief and threw a haughty glance at Erin sitting beside her. "Told, you," Bri said. The victory was short lived. After a 30 minute delay, the pilot's voice came over the intercom. "Ladies, and gentlemen, this is your captain, Dave, speaking. It seems we are not being cleared for take- off because of the incumbent weather. This flight to Miami is being cancelled until further notice. We apologize for the inconvenience." Several groans could be heard throughout the small cabin with the biggest one coming from Bri. "I cannot fucking believe this!" Bri continued to complain while getting off the plane and back into the lobby airport . "There has got to be a way to Miami." "It's really bad weather, Bri. It's best to stay put," Erin said. "This coming from a woman who has no New Year's Eve plans or plans for any night of the week. Ever." Erin looked hurt. Bri was in full anger mode and didn't care. She spotted John, their driver, outside. "Got an idea." Bri ran outside to him and Erin followed. "Hey, John. You know where we can rent a car around here?" "You have got to be kidding," Erin said exasperated. "Miami is only four hours away by car," Bri threw back. John shook his head. "No car rental places around here, ma'am." "You're kidding me!" "No ma'am. Sorry." "Small, hick ass town," Bri admonished. "The closest thing we have is Mike," John offered. "Mike?" "Yep, Mike got himself a brand new Mercury after his aunt died and left him some money. He loves driving that thing and for 100.00 bucks plus the gas, Mike will take you just about wherever you want to go." "Great, where is he?" "Over on Maple Oak. I can take you over there if you want." "Oh, you have got to be kidding me," Erin said. "He would drive with this kind of weather coming on?" "Mike don't care," John said. He tapped his forehead. "He's a little soft up there if you know what I mean. But he's nice enough and the boy sure can drive." "Great, let's go." John went to open the car door. "Really Bri?" Erin couldn't believe it. "You would hop in the car with a strange man who is crazy enough to drive in this weather? You're that desperate for some stupid party?" "I wouldn't expect you to understand. Let's go, John." John went for the car door again. "Well the company is not paying for it," Erin said and folded her arms. "Why the hell not? It's a transportation expense." "At this point, it's not work related and definitely a liability in this weather. I'm not approving the funds for it." "Fine," Bri hissed. "I will just pay for it myself. Let's go John." John went for the car door yet again. "Great," he said. "Now you have cash, don't you? Mike only takes cash." Bri looked in her purse. "I only have cards. Is there a bank around here?" "Yes, we have the one." "Great, let's go." "But it is closed for New Year's Eve." "Dammit!" "Sorry, ma'am." "This is really stupid," Erin stated. "Stay out of it," Bri snapped. "What about an ATM?" "Oh, one of them cash machines? Yes we have one. Right outside the bank." "Great. All I need," Bri said excitedly. John looked as the other airline passengers beginning to file out of the airport. "Well I got to get these other folks to a hotel somewhere. I can run you by the bank afterwards." "How far from here?" "20 minutes walking." John looked at the sky. "But it's pretty cold out here and that rain is going to start pouring down." "Bri, just let it go," Erin said Bri ignored her and turned back to John. "I will walk to the bank and meet you back here and you can take me to Mike's." Erin threw her hands up. Bri looked at her. "Look, you do whatever you want." You have already cost me enough." With that, John pointed Bri into the direction of the bank and Bri started walking. It took all of 4 minutes for her to realize just how bad of an idea this was. The biting cold became accompanied by a harsh wind and Bri's thin sweater was no match for it. By the time she made it to the bank she was freezing. The only heat came from when she blew her top upon seeing the out of order sign on the ATM. On her way back, the rain finally made its grand appearance. Immediately, it began pouring down like buckets. Bri walked faster and then took off into a run. She tripped twice with the last one causing her to land painfully on her back. Bri stumbled into the airport lobby soaking wet and freezing cold. Looking around, she was surprised to see Erin sitting on one of the benches. Erin stood up upon seeing Bri. "Oh, wow, are you ok? Take my jacket." "Don't bother, "Bri snapped. "And what the hell are you still doing here? I thought you were going to a hotel." Erin ignored the question and went to sit back down. "So did you get your money?" "It was out of order. She turned to Erin. "Look, can you just please give me the cash?" Bri asked and then let out a sneeze and shivered. "Are you kidding me right now? Look at you. No way, Bri. Too dangerous and against regulations." "Thanks for nothing," Bri said and stormed off to the other side of the airport lobby and waited until John finally arrived and picked them up. And so here she was. In the back of John's van watching the rain beat against the window and perfectly ruin her New Year's Eve. "Ok, here we are ladies. Last one," John said. They had already gone to the only other hotel in town which was full due to stranded passengers and New Year's Eve celebrations. Erin got out without saying anything. Granted, she had also been the one to get out and check the other place, but Bri didn't care. She was soaking wet, cold, pissed, and her head was throbbing. Erin came back to the car and gave a thumbs up. She passed John a tip. "Happy New Year, ladies," he said. "Thanks," Erin said. Bri could only muster a weak smile. Bri rubbed her head as she shuffled her way inside the lobby. I just want to find some alcohol, go to my room, and not be bothered, Bri thought to herself. Bri had plans to not see Erin again until it was time to fly back. Bri followed Erin and Lori, the overly cheerful hotel clerk, up the stairs and down a hall of rooms. Lori handed Erin a key. "Have a nice night ladies and Happy New Year. We have sandwiches for purchase downstairs if you're hungry." Lori looked at Bri. "Well you are absolutely soaked, Sugar," she said. "I can get those washed for you if you need it." "Wait, where is my room?" Bri asked. "Oh, this is all we have left," Lori said. You two were lucky. A man right before you had the room, but decided to go to the next town. "Thanks," Erin told her. Bri looked like she was just given a death sentence. Erin opened the door to the room and Bri stalked in behind her. The first thing she saw was the ONE queen sized bed. Just great, she thought to herself. Erin closed the door and laid her shoulder bag on a desk. Then it hit Bri. Again. "Shit, we don't have anything to sleep in," she said. "Uh..no, you lost our luggage," Erin said without looking at her. Bri dug in her purse for her phone. She might as well let everyone know she wasn't going to make it. "Damn," she said as saw it was completely dead. Erin looked up at her. "What now?" "My phone is dead and the charger is-" "In the lost luggage," Erin finished for her. Bri glared daggers at her. Erin took out her laptop. "Do you want to shower first, or should I?" Bri ignored her and looked around at the cramped room, the ONE bed, and then down at her soggy clothes. She shook her head. How could this happen she thought. Then she sneezed. "Hope you're not getting sick," Erin said. Bri said nothing and started towards the bathroom. "Hey, I am going to ask Lori about something to eat," Erin stated. What do you want?" "I don't want any food. Just see if she has any booze. Anything will do." "Um, well you haven't eaten since lunch, so I thought you would be hungry." "I don't need you thinking about or for me. No food. Just see about some alcohol. It's not that hard!" With that Bri went into the bathroom and slammed the door. She turned on the shower and began to strip off her heavy, sodden clothes. "What a fucking piss of shit day," she said out loud. All Erin's fault. Bri stood in front of the mirror naked. She looked terrible. Her usually gorgeous hair was all windblown, her skin red from the cold, her eyes were watery, and she had a big bruise on her lower back from when she slipped and fell. She jumped at a knock on the door. "If you give me your clothes, I can take them down to Lori for you," Erin said through the door. "Go away!" Bri yelled back. She could not ever remember being this angry or this big of a bitch to anyone. Ever. She looked in the mirror again. She was becoming a completely different person. She needed a drink. Bri stepped into the shower and began to relax under the warm water. "Damn, this feels good," she said out loud. As she used the raspberry smelling complimentary soaps and shampoo to wash the grime from her hair and body, she reflected on the day. She had all but given up salvaging any part of her New Year's Eve. She wanted a drink. Bad. She could only hope that by some miracle, the weather would clear up tomorrow and she could get the hell out of this town and far away from Erin. After her shower, Bri rubbed some raspberry and vanilla lotion on her body, which smelled divine. Next, she wrapped herself in a fluffy towel and took a deep breath. No pajamas and so, therefore, in a room naked with Erin all night. Just great, she thought. Bri stepped back into the room to find Erin setting sandwiches down on the table. At the sight of them, Bri's stomach growled. "Sorry, they didn't have any booze. Just these." Erin set down two small bottles of apple juice. "Figures," Bri grumbled. She went over to the table and surveyed the sandwiches as Erin unwrapped one. "What kind are they?" Bri asked. "Well this one is roast beef and that is tuna." "I don't want tuna. I want the roast beef," Bri protested. "You said you didn't want anything. I only got that just in case and didn't want to not bring you anything to eat." "Why the hell didn't you get two roast beef?" "It was the last one. Once again, YOU said you were not hungry and I don't like tuna." "Well I certainly don't want it. I want the roast beef." "Are you serious right now? You should have went and gotten your own food then." "It's your stupid fault we're in here in the first damn place. Give me the roast beef." A stare down. Neither woman relenting until, finally, Erin sighed and slid the roast beef sandwich over to Bri. Bri snatched it up, grabbed one of the juices, and went to sit on the bed. "You're welcome," Erin said as she began to reluctantly pick through the tuna sandwich. Bri offered nothing. Just took a huge bite of the roast beef. It was either the best roast beef ever or she was really hungry. Probably the latter. She grabbed the remote off the night stand and began surfing channels. They were the standard, limited hotel channels. She did manage to find a New Year's Eve countdown special that had already started. Just a few hours left in the year. She looked around at the dingy hotel room, her towel wrapped body, and Erin's obvious distaste with the tuna sandwich. What a way to end the year, Bri thought. She glanced at Erin again. And what a person to spend it with. Bri finished off her sandwich and drank the rest of the juice. Next, she settled on top of the covers to watch the special and get her mind off things. Four hours later, Bri awoke with a start. The room was dark and all she could hear was the soft volume from the television. It took are a second to get her bearings and remember where she was. She did notice her headache was gone, which she was internally grateful for. She glanced next to her to see Erin sitting in a bath towel, hair wet, smelling freshly showered, and staring intently at the television with tears in her eyes. Bri looked at the screen. It appeared to be some family holiday movie. Erin looked over at Bri and quickly began wiping the tears away. It was obvious she didn't want to be seen crying. "I hope the volume didn't wake you. I was trying to keep it low." Bri glanced at the clock. 10:58pm. "Hey, flip over to the other station. I want to watch the ball drop and see what celebrities show up." "Oh, this is a really good movie. One of my favorites and I haven't seen it in so long. It goes off at midnight, but we can switch over when it gets close." "No, I want to watch it now. Hear some music. I don't want to see this mushy crap." Erin sighed. They were back at it again. "It is not crap and I said we could turn over close to the time. I have been more than accommodating, Bri, and I really want to finish the movie." "Accommodating? Seriously? Fuck what you want. You got us into this. Turn the damn channel." Bri knew she was being a brat and was surprised she was still acting like this. Her easy going manner had left long ago. Erin threw the remote down on her nightstand. "Bri, I am getting damn sick of your tantrums. You keep blaming me for having us do the jobs we are paid to do. This is beyond ridiculous. You don't get to party and drink your ass off on New Year's Eve. Boo fucking hoo. Not the end of the world and not worth you acting like a damn bitch this whole time." Bri was seething now. "Don't fucking question my work ethic, Erin! I work just as hard as your rigid, uptight ass any day of the week. I have the evaluations and commission checks to prove it. If I want to kick back and celebrate at the end of the year, I can do that." Bri was yelling now. "At least I know how to have fun. And you're one to call someone a bitch. You are such a dried up, uptight prune all the time that no one can stand you!" With that, Bri quickly reached over Erin and grabbed the remote and changed the channel to the New Year's Eve special. "Hey, maybe your number one resolution for the new year should be to get that stick out of your ass, Erin." Bri put the remote on her nightstand. Erin said nothing as minutes of silence passed. Bri kept staring at the television but remained very aware of Erin. Bri wondered if she had gone too far. Her suspicion was soon confirmed. "Stick in my ass," she heard Erin quietly say before Erin got up and walked over to her carry-on bag. Bri tried to pretend she was unfazed, but kept one eye on Erin as she watched the television. She heard Erin dig around the bag before she finally came back with one of the shoe boxes and two of her scarves. She laid the items on the bed and began fiddling with her towel. She now had Bri's full attention with the New Year's Eve program all but forgotten. "You know, you're absolutely right, Brianne," Erin said she as took off her towel and let it drop to the floor. Bri's eyes became big as saucers as her heart began to beat very fast. Two quick thoughts came to her mind as she stared at Erin's completely naked body. (1). What they hell was she doing? and (2). Damn, what a fucking body it was. The rumor of her running miles every morning before work was definitely true. She had well developed muscular legs, and actual abs. With her height and face, Bri swore she must have modeled once. And those breasts. Bri could not take her eyes off the large, perfectly tear drop shaped globes with thick pink nipples that were quickly hardening. Bri could feel her own nipples hardening. "Wwwhat the hell are you doing?" Bri stammered. "Oh, just giving you what you want," Erin answered. With that, she quickly reached for Bri's towel and yanked it off of her in one fast move. Next, Bri felt herself being roughly tuned over so she was flat on her stomach. "What the hell?!" she cried out. She saw Erin grab one of the scarves and felt her straddle her backside. She could feel the soft wetness of Erin's pussy on her bare ass. She tried with all her might to squirm free, but Erin had her by 4 inches in height, at least 25 pounds in weight, and those strong muscular legs. Next, Bri then felt her arms being very tightly tied behind her back with the scarf. "What the fuck are you doing, bitch?!" "Uh, that filthy mouth," Erin said calmly. With that, she grabbed the other scarf, forced Bri to bite down on it and tied it over her mouth. Bri screamed with the tie in her mouth. "See, Brianne, you have been bitching and whining all day," Erin said as she climbed off of Bri and stood up. She looked down at Bri. "Don't you fucking move," Bri didn't move a muscle. She couldn't. She was absolutely terrified. How had things changed so quickly? Next, she saw Erin pick up the remote. Instead of changing the channel, she actually turned Bri's New Year's Eve program up louder. Bri was beyond confused. She watched as Erin put the remote down and then started opening the shoe box. "Now everyone knows that, although not advisable, the best way to shut up a whiner is to give them EXACTLY what they want." Bri was frozen; completely transfixed by Erin's actions. "Now you have been saying to me all day you want a wild, crazy, banging New Year's Eve. And silly me, didn't even realize you had already given me the tools to give you just that." Erin reached into the shoe box and pulled out the same long, fleshy dildo Bri and her friends had placed in her cabinet for her birthday. Although it didn't seem possible, Bri's eyes widened even more. Erin began fastening the dildo to the harness and pulled out a huge bottle of lubricant. Bri could not believe this was really happening. She started trying to scream through the scarf tie. Although she was really frightened, she could feel herself getting very turned on. Erin, now wearing the dildo, climbed back on the bed with the lubricant. Bri felt Erin separate her legs very far apart. Erin had a firm grip on her thighs as she kept Bri's legs separated. Bri knew she was staring hard at her now dripping wet pussy. "Well damn, Bri. There is no need for the lubricant," Erin said. Bri felt Erin rub a finger gently down her slick folds. Bri moaned softly. "Fuck you're leaking like a faucet. I can't even see where to put the damn dick." Bri heard Erin move around and the next thing she felt was Erin's tongue intensely licking her dripping pussy. A Bangin' New Year Bri started moaning and screaming through the tie. She quickly felt a hard slap on her right ass cheek, which made her moan even more. Everyone has that one spot that makes them completely crazy, and for Bri, it was her ass. She loved having her butt played with, whether it was tickling, rubbing, a soft bite, or spanks which Erin just gave to her left cheek. Bri yelped. "Oh, you like that, huh?" Erin slapped both cheeks, and then went about licking Bri again. Bri thought she was going to lose her mind. Erin's tongue was absurdly expert. She gave her deep, long strokes down her labia and then pushed her tongue into her vaginal opening. With each stroke of her tongue, Bri became even wetter. Erin stopped. "Dammit, would you quit leaking. I'm trying to clean this mess up and you keep running like a faucet. Erin returned her tongue back to Bri's soggy wet pussy. This time, she started making loud slurping noises as she incessantly lapped up Bri's cum. That did it. Between the loud slurping and Erin's tongue, Bri's orgasm hit like a typhoon. She felt her body tense up then began to spasm violently as she let out a long scream through her tie. During the entire orgasm, Erin kept licking, which caused Bri's intense orgasm to last even longer. When her climax finally subsided, Bri lay on the bed , still face down, with her hands tied, whimpering like a wounded animal. Erin continually licked up the cum as Bri's body moved in post-orgasmic jerks. Erin finally stopped and lifted her head. "Although, I didn't give you permission to come, you're going to be glad you took that edge off," she said. She reached up and turned Bri's head towards the television. Bri had completely forgotten that the New Year's Eve program or televisions themselves existed. "Now, since you wanted to watch your precious New Year's Eve countdown, that is exactly what we are going to do," Erin said. "Countdown." Bri fet her thighs being pushed apart again. Then, without warning, Erin slid the long thick dildo right into her. "Now make sure you pay attention to that countdown clock," Erin said. Bri could barely register anything on the TV screen as her brain had been completely consumed by a pleasurable fog. Erin brought her back to reality. She roughly grabbed Bri's hair. "It's at 15:24. That is all that's left in the New Year." Erin began slowly thrusting the dildo into Bri. "You better not even think about cumming before that fucking clock reaches zero." Erin grabbed the remote and turned the TV up louder. Next, she started thrusting the dildo harder into Bri. Bri didn't know what she was going to do. The first orgasm had taken a little bit of the edge off, but she didn't know how long she could last. Bri looked at the clock. 10:02. She could see the smiling host and celebrities on the screen, but everything else was a blur. Even with how loud the TV was, her mind was completely consumed by Erin fucking her. Erin made expert, strong thrusts. Going slow, increasing speed, and then going slow again. Next, Erin slid her hands between Bri and the bed to grab onto Bri's breasts while she continued to pound her from behind. Bri moaned with pleasure. Who the hell is this chick, Bri thought as she struggled to keep her orgasm at bay. Bri really didn't know what exactly Erin would do if she did come too early, but she was turned on by the excitement and unpredictability of it all. And unpredictability kept coming. Erin stopped for a few seconds and removed her hands. Bri heard the lubricant bottle being opened. Then without warning, Bri felt Erin's long and well lubricated finger slip right into her asshole. Bri started screaming through the scarf tie. Erin slid her finger in further and then started thrusting with the dildo again. Bri looked at the countdown clock. 7:02. She wasn't going to last. Between Erin's vigorous thrusting and the finger in her ass, she was going to fly to the ceiling. The only thing that helped was Erin stopping at different points and sitting still. From Erin's hard breaths, Bri knew she was trying to stave off her own orgasm as well. "Don't you fucking move a muscle ,"she told Bri. Bri would lay completely frozen, feeling the unmoving dildo stuffed up her pussy and the finger still in her ass. It sometimes took a few moments, but then Erin started back thrusting again. She fucked Bri relentlessly. By the time the five minute mark came along, all of Bri's senses had dulled except for the feeling of her body being fucked. She could barely register the laughter and music of whatever goofy host was on TV. A face she had seen many times, but could not remember the name. Her entire brain had shut down except for her pleasure center, which was on full blast. It was finally at the one minute mark. Although Bri didn't think it was possible, Erin was able to push the dildo even deeper into her. Next, Erin took the finger out of Bri's ass, pulled Bri up, and reached around and now placed two different fingers on Bri's clit. Bri screamed. Erin rode Bri like an animal in heat with the dildo and used her fingers to rub Bri's clit just as hard. All Bri could do was scream through the scarf tie and struggle to hold on. She heard the host begin the 10 second countdown. "10." The pleasure was unbearable. She was crying and moaning out of control. "7." Bri heard Erin's insistent grunts as she continued to fuck Bri and rub firmly on her clit. "4." Bri felt herself almost go numb and was now afraid of the orgasm building inside of her. She had never felt anything this intense in her life. Bri saw the countdown clock reach 0:00. Just as the screen exploded into different confetti colors, Bri began to see her own colors in her head. Erin gave one last hard thrust just before Bri's body went rigid and then shook violently. Her eyes rolled deeply in the back of her head and she let out a feral scream as she bucked, spasm, creamed, and came hard into the New Year. Around 3 in the morning, Bri awoke and sat up in bed. She looked down and saw she had been tucked under the covers. The scarf ties had been removed. The light was still on in the room and the TV was on mute. Bri looked over at Erin to see she had fallen asleep. On shaky legs and a well fucked pussy, Bri quietly made her way into the bathroom. As soon as she closed the door, she looked into the mirror and mouth "WHAT THE FUCK?!" Bri could not believe what had happened. Erin McKinnon had just fucked the living shit out of her. Uptight, cold, stick up her ass Erin Fucking McKinnon. And with a dildo Bri had bought her as a prank no less! What the hell just happened? Only a few hours into the New Year and she had already had a night so wild it would be enough for the entire year. Bri stepped into the shower and turned it on. As she washed the lingering sweat and huge amount of dried cum off her body, two thoughts came to mind. While she was still confused about how and why this all went down, she was very aware that (1) she was not letting Erin get the best of her and (2) she desperately wanted to have sex with her again. By far, she had just experienced the most intense orgasm of her life. This was saying a lot because Bri had had a lot of sex. A lot. But nothing ever like just what happened. She had hooked up with girls before in the sense of kissing them while she was drunk for the amusement of some guy. She did engage in a threesome once. But of course, it was while drunk once again, and only amounted to kissing and feeling the girl up while her and the guy got it on. Nothing like what she just experienced with Erin. Intense and completely sober. Bri stepped out of the shower and toweled off. The advantage of no luggage was no clothes to worry about. Bri took a breath and opened the door. Ready or not, Erin was about to get what was coming to her. When Bri entered the bedroom she saw Erin wide awake, still naked, and drinking another apple juice as if nothing had ever happened. Erin pointed to a juice on the table. "Got one for you, too." "What the hell happened earlier?" Bri spat out as she went for the juice. She was thirsty as hell and her throat was raw from all the screaming. "I just gave you what you deserved. You were really being a bitch," Erin replied. "Well you messed with the wrong bitch," Bri said. She finished the apple juice, slammed the bottle on the table, and stomped over to Erin. Erin seemed amused. Bri realized she had not really thought this out. Erin was still bigger than her. "Where is it?" Bri asked looking around for the dildo. "Like you would know what to do with it," Erin said. That did it. Fuck the dildo. Bri caught Erin off guard and pushed her onto the bed. Bri was completely turned on. She climbed on top of Erin and started kissing her. Erin kissed back and it actually became very tender and loving. Then Bri tried to pin Erin's arms to the bed. Erin fought against it and yet another power struggle ensued. The girls wrestled on the bed, completely naked, until they ended up in a crude scissors position that also resembled a pretzel. With her face pressed against a pillow and the rest of her body entangled with Erin, Bri had no idea what her clit was smashed up against but it felt divine. Somewhere on Erin's hip or thigh. Whatever it was, Erin began to rub it hard and fast against Bri's clit. Bri tried hard not let Erin win again. She felt Erin's pussy somewhere on her leg and tried to wiggle it with no avail. Her legs were somehow pinned between her and Erin. Erin kept humping against Bri until Bri felt another strong orgasm build inside of her. Right before she came, Bri felt Erin untangle their bodies. Erin grabbed Bri by the legs and pulled her to the center of the bed. She lifted Bri's right leg up high and then lowered her pussy directly on to Bri's. Erin began grinding her hard. Bri's eyes rolled back in her head. With the position she was in and Erin's weight and strength, Bri could only lay there and take it. Bri would have sworn Erin had suction cups in her pussy with the lock she had on Bri's. Erin mashed their pussies even tighter and began to grind faster. Little grunts could be heard over the wet, sloshing sound their pussies made as they grinded together. Bri started panting. Erin grinned. "Look at you about to come again. Your pussy is so wet, mine keeps sliding off." As if to make the point, Erin readjusted herself on top of Bri and mashed her pussy harder against Bri's. Bri could see how red Erin's skin had turned and how dark those sea green eyes had become as she humped against Bri. Erin adjusted and pushed their pussies together even tighter. To Bri, it seemed Erin would like to push her pussy right into Bri's if it was physically possible. Bri felt the familiar shaking in her body as wetness dribbled down her leg. "Damn, Bri. You have a damn tidal wave in your pussy. You're a real cum happy bitch aren't you?" Erin's dirty talk sent Bri over the edge. In response, she had no choice but to give Erin what she wanted. Bri grabbed a hold of Erin's arms, threw her head back and let the climax wash over her. She could see Erin's face twist into something resembling pain as her body began to shake. "OH. FUCKING. SHIT!" Bri heard Erin yell as her body shook like she was being electrocuted. However, it didn't slow Erin down. Erin continued to grind right through her orgasm as those green eyes started intently into Bri's, which sent Bri into a second orgasm as she wailed out Erin's name. A few minutes later they lay in bed still tangled up. "So you're gay,?" Bri asked after a moment. A few seconds passed. "Yes," Erin said quietly. "Wow. That is the first time I have admitted that out loud." "Sorry about giving you that dildo on your birthday," Bri said quietly. "It was tasteless and juvenile. Although it certainly worked to my advantage." Erin laughed. "You didn't know we would end up here together. Why did you bring it?" Bri asked. "Well as you have mentioned several times, I was planning on spending the New Year's Eve alone. Thought it would keep me company. I had never taken it out of the package so I just brought the entire thing with me." "And I'm sorry about the roast beef slash tuna sandwich debacle." "Yeah, you are a real brat sometimes." "Well, I admit, you certainly taught me a lesson. Where the hell did you learn to fuck like that?" Erin took a deep breath. "When I was 18, starting college and really just coming to terms with who I was...am, I met this 36-year old woman. I was tutoring on the side to help pay for school. I tutored her son in math once a week. It started innocent between her and I and then turned sexual. Of course, it was my first time with anyone and I thought I was in love and she was going to leave her husband and runaway with me. Of course, she was just using me. I was just a 3 month escape slash experiment while she figured her life out. She never left him. I was left with a broken heart and shame for embarking on the relationship in the first place. She was a damn freak though. I knew that even without ever having been with anyone. The woman had no limits. Taught me a lot." "No shit." "From then on I kept it to myself. I have had mini trysts here and there but nothing serious." "What about your family? Are you out to them?" "When I was 7, my mom married a guy 10 years older than her and who already had two of the most vile, rude, horrible sons imaginable. Everything with my mom became about pleasing him and those two animals and not upsetting them. The females had to take a back seat. They said any filthy, horrible thing they wanted to me and I was left on my own to protect myself. So vulnerability was not something I was comfortable showing." "Right before I left for school, I was having such anxiety about leaving, my sexuality, and some other things and at a weak moment I tried to confide in my mom. I started trying to tell her I didn't think I felt the way I should about boys. She stopped it right there and told me to finish folding the clothes. However, she did tell my step-father who announced at dinner that night that all I needed was some good dick. His sons then proceeded over the last months I lived at home to set me up, sometimes by force, with all of their equally despicable friends. It was horrible, but further confirmed what I already knew." "Wow," Bri said. That is why you don't have pictures of your family at work." "We have never been close. They only call when they need money. As for my mom, we were close at one time. Like I remember we used to watch holiday movies together all the time. That is why I wanted to see that movie earlier. It was one we used to watch together all the time." Bri felt a pang of guilt as she remembered how she acted. "Sorry," she said. Erin continued. "But as I got older I guess she felt more alone and everything became about putting a man's needs before mine. Before her own." "I'm sorry to hear that happened with your family," Bri said. "I can't even imagine. My family can be pretty behind the times at moments, but if I told them something big like that, they would support me. My mom had me when she was 17, and they all just pitched in and helped. They have always helped her and been there for me. They accept me for me, no matter what." "I can tell," Erin said smiling. "You could probably poop right in the driveway and they would make a national shrine out of it." Bri laughed and punched her shoulder. "I'm just, kidding," Erin said. "It must be wonderful to be loved and supported like that." "Yes, it is, Bri answered. "Sometimes I forget that." A few moments of silence passed until Bri asked, "Earlier, back at the airport, why did you wait for me? When I walked to that ATM like an idiot. You could have just gone with John and the other passengers and found a room to yourself." Erin looked over at her. "Although you were definitely being an idiot, I wasn't just going to leave without knowing you got back safe." Bri thought about this a moment and then leaned over and kissed Erin's lips. "Thank you," Bri said. They finished the night snuggled close in bed and watching movies. The holiday movie Erin wanted to see earlier was on repeat and she got to watch it in its entirety. Bri had to admit it was actually really funny and heartwarming. The first days of the New Year inside the room were spent in much of the same manner. Competitiveness, raw sexuality, and complete emotional openness. Nothing was off limits. No pretentiousness. They had seen each other at their emotional worst and sexual best. The rain kept pounding away outside and turned everything into a slick, icy mess. Trapped inside with Bri's dead phone, spotty Internet reception, and limited hotel channels, they had to make their own fun, all while naked. They watched movies, had crazy pillow fights, a rap battle, and choreographed dances to songs that came on the radio, from polka to country, nothing was off limits. Plus there was the sex. Lots and lots of sex. With each time both were determined to make the other come first. Bri was losing big time. They had made a make-shift basket hoop and ball with computer paper, pipe cleaners, and tape they had gotten from Lori. Erin was going for a 3-pointer, or a shot by the window, when Bri grabbed her by the waist and pulled her to the bed. "Foul!" Erin yelled as she tried to wrestle herself from Bri. "There is no such thing in this game," Bri announced. "Nothing is off limits." Another wrestling match erupted. Bri was able to finally pin Erin to the bed. Breathing hard she made her way down to those beautiful round, full breasts. She placed both her hands on them and gave a firm squeeze before replacing her hands with her mouth. Bri started with the left one. She circled the puffy, deep pink areola lightly with her tongue before sucking the nipple deeply. Erin began moaning as Bri moved to the right breast. After feasting on Erin's breasts, Bri kept her tongue on Erin's body as she make soft licks towards her southern destination. Bri was determined to finally get Erin to come first. But Erin had other ideas. Bri's tongue had just reached the top of Erin's mound when Erin quickly sat up. Startled, Bri felt her body lifted and turned around so that now her pussy was pressed against Erin's face and her face against Erin's pussy. "You did not just 69 me bitch," Bri protested as she began licking Erin. "Just try to concentrate on lasting this time, Erin teased. "You can't hold your cum for the life of you." That did it. Bri attacked Erin's pussy with abandon. Being on top, Bri thought she was at an advantage as she had more head room to lick and play with Erin's pussy. However, Erin had more space for Bri's weakness, her ass. Bri still thought she had her. She stuck her tongue deep within Erin's slick folds. She placed her finger on Erin's clit and began rubbing it hard. Next she placed her mouth over the finger and began sucking on Erin's clit while still rubbing it with her finger. Erin groaned loudly. Bri sucked harder. She could feel the wetness of Erin's pussy drenching her chin. She felt Erin's body begin to shake. Suddenly, Erin pulled another unpredictable. Without warning she inserted one then two fingers into Bri's ass while continuing to dole hard licks against her clit. Bri couldn't hold on. She let out a loud grunt and began shaking uncontrollably as she came. She had all but forgotten about licking Erin's pussy. Erin didn't forget. After Bri had come down from her orgasm, Erin locked her long legs around Bri's head and began humping hard against her face. Bri could only lay there in her post-orgasmic haze as Erin used her face for a humping post. Panting and grunting it didn't take long for Erin to arch her body, shake, and let out a howl as she came hard. A Bangin' New Year Later they lay side by side with one of Bri's legs thrown half-haphazardly over Erin. They had spent the last hour going back and forth sharing secrets, acknowledging fears, and discussing dreams for the future. "Name something you would be afraid to admit to anyone," Bri stated. Erin gave her a look. "We can just state it. No judgment. No need for feedback or to give an opinion. Just listen." Erin thought for a moment. "I'm so damn lonely. I learned at an early age to shut people out to protect myself, but it keeps me so isolated. It is like I am in need of friendship the most, but I have this thing about me that repels people. Keeps them away. What about you?" A few seconds passed. "I drink so much," Bri stated. Like this is the longest I have ever been sober without having to work the next day. It's like I don't even know how to have fun without it. It started in eighth grade. Sneaking drinks with my guy cousins here and there at holidays and in the summers. Then it just got worst. I probably spent most of my time in undergrad drunk as much as I was sober. I wonder who I really am without it." Erin put an arm around her. "You know I am such a list person and always have my perfunctory new year's resolutions list-work out more, get promoted, add this much to my investment portfolio. But I never go deeper. Or have been afraid to. I really need to start letting people in, let them get to know me. I have just been so afraid of being hurt or rejected like so many times before. Like if they did know me, they would see how damaged I am. Better to keep them away with my hard exterior." Bri kissed Erin's arm. "I really need to grow up," Bri said. "That would be on my resolutions list. I am so afraid of responsibility and commitment. I just don't want my freedom to be taken away. But I am spending so much of this so called freedom in a drunken haze of stupid embarrassing shit I can't even remember the next day. It's like a waste of my life." Erin said nothing. She just lightly touched the bruise on Bri's back and then felt her forehead. "Glad you're not getting sick. All that sneezing earlier and you were coughing a little in your sleep." "I am much better now," Bri said as she snuggled against her. Later that night found Bri and Erin in the bathtub together. They had used the raspberry shampoo to make a nice warm bubble bath that smelled amazing. Bri straddled Erin's lap facing her as she rubbed a rag gently, but intently, over Erin's shoulders. Erin giggled at Bri's fierce determination to make sure every single part of her body was squeaky clean. "Close your eyes," Bri said as she used both her hands to scoop up the warm sudsy water and pour it gently over Erin's head. As Erin opened her eyes and blinked the droplets away, Bri marveled at her beauty. The water glistening on her face made those sea green eyes even greener and bigger. Her wet blond hair laid slicked back and brought out her skin. "Damn you're gorgeous," Bri said. Erin gave a nervous giggle and turned her head and looked down. "Whatever." "What are you talking about?" Bri said confused. She took her hand and turned Erin's face back to her. "You must know you're a knock out." Bri could see tears brimming in Erin's eyes and it suddenly dawned on her. "Wow, you really have no idea do you?" "Well when you grow up constantly being told how ugly you are, you start to believe it. Always too tall, too skinny, eyes too big." I grew up with a bunch of guys who only knew how to insult a woman or fuck her. Since I was somewhat related to them, that left the insults." "Well they are idiots and I am telling you you're beautiful and I am not the only one who thinks that." Erin lowered her head again. Bri lifted Erin's chin back up and kissed her lips right as the tears began to spill from Erin's eyes. After an hour in the tub, Erin laid against Bri in the bed as Bri applied lotion to her body. Erin dialed her phone to listen to a voice mail she missed while they were in the bathroom. "The airport called," she said putting the phone aside. "The weather's clearing up and the plane has been cleared to leave tomorrow at 10:15am." Bri hid her disappointment and concentrated harder on getting the lotion on Erin's body. Later that night, Bri straddled Erin's lap facing her. They made slow, sensual, intense love. This time there was no competitiveness, no rush to get the other off first. It was just a deep, beautiful connection that they tried to make last as long as possible. Bri fiercely rode Erin, her pussy grinding against Erin's as the chair squeaked noisily. As Bri felt Erin get close to orgasm, she held Erin's head firmly in her hands. Bri was determined to see, one last time, that look of pure ecstasy, the widening of those green eyes, and the O her mouth formed as that pretty face contorted and Erin let out a scream. The following morning, they awoke in each other's arms. Neither said much as they moved about the room getting things ready to leave. Erin had gotten another call that morning saying that the lost luggage would be waiting for them back in Miami. Before leaving, Bri was sure to adjust her previous attitude and show kindness and appreciation to John, Lori and the others who had been helpful to them. However, things between she and Erin seemed to revert back to the way it was before. In the back of John's van, Bri looked out the window while Erin typed on her tablet. Just like their first night there. They were even wearing the same clothes. On the plane, they said nothing to one another as they flew back to Miami. At the airport, they claimed the lost luggage. Bri charged her phone and saw several missed calls and texts from friends and family regarding New Year's. She quickly did damage control to let everyone know she was still alive. There was a text from Jose saying they all wanted to take a later flight back so they could spend the afternoon in Miami. After making her calls, Bri helped Erin separate all their belongings out. Both their faces turned bright shades of red as Erin placed the shoe boxes in her suitcase. Finally, it was time to depart. Erin to a flight back home and Bri towards a taxi cab to meet the gang for lunch. "Well take care," Bri said to Erin. "I, um, we...Just take care." She wanted to say so much more, but couldn't form the words. "You too," Erin answered as she retreated back to her cold, distant persona. With that, they both parted in the opposite direction. No hug, no future plans to meet, no acknowledgement of what they both shared the last three days. Hours later, Bri walked through downtown Miami as she surveyed the beaches, shops, and listened to endless tales of the gang's New Year's Eve and trip to Key West. It sounded like Bri missed out on a wild couple of days and Alejandro had left numerous text messages of how much he missed not seeing her. But Bri felt her mind was elsewhere. Beth finally asked "Poor you. Stuck in a hotel room with Erin McKinnon for three days. What the hell did you do and how did you keep from killing her?" "Oh she did her thing, and I did mine," was all Bri said. Always uphold the oath. On the flight back, Bri could feel herself pulling more away from the group. As they recounted all of the sorted details of their trip for the umpteenth time, she was consumed with her own thoughts. It was a brand new year and she wanted, no, needed to do things differently. She thought hard about Erin and what the last few days meant. She had never been on that type of emotional or sexual level with anyone. She was not gay, but had no name for how she felt about Erin. She leaned her head against the window of the plane as she watched the infinite night sky and wondered what the future had in store for her. Epilogue: About 5 months later. Bri looked carefully over the budget reports splayed around her desk in her new office. She had already gone over them twice, but wanted one more glance to make sure everything was balanced correctly. As a new team lead, she wanted to make sure her teams' work was good before turning it over to Louis, one of the new managers, and Chuck. Things had dramatically changed for her in the New Year. A team lead job opened in late February. Bri she applied for it and was hired. It was a lot different now. She had to be more mature. She didn't give training presentations, but attended those of her team to evaluate their performance. She had to attend 10 trainings a year. Her first one was back in March in Seattle. It was so different being on the other end. No more staying out late and partying. She was meeting with her team at dinner to go over their performance, and then meeting medical executives for lunch the next day. She had to ensure all budgets, reports, and receipts were documented and turned in on time. Her new job did have a good raise attached to it and she had already met with a financial planner to discuss wise investments and saving for a house. At her age and with no family, he said she was in great financial shape to get a nice house at a good cost. She was also preparing her graduate school application. There was a June deadline for admittance for the fall into an MBA program. There was so much she was doing now that there was no time to party. Bri was fine with that. It was making her grow up. She had not had more than a glass of wine here and there with dinner since the year started and it was feeling great. She felt healthier, more focused, and her mind was clear. As for Erin, Bri had only seen glimpses of her since they returned from Florida until Erin left the office for good. The executive position needed to be filled earlier than anticipated and Erin was hired in late January. During that entire time in the hotel together, neither got the other's cell number. Bri knew she could look in the company directory for her home phone and address, but did not. While those three days certainly changed her life, she didn't know the best way to approach it. She wasn't sure how Erin felt and she had never committed to a long-term anything. Bri decided to take a break from the financial reports and grabbed her coffee as she leaned back in her chair. She glanced at the calendar hanging on her wall. A training workshop had been requested in Honolulu over the Memorial Day weekend. That would be in a week. It also happened to coincide with Bri's birthday. Here she was again with an epic opportunity. It would be a holiday weekend in a great city and during her 27th birthday. As a team lead, she had an even bigger stipend and didn't have the budget restrictions of the others. Jose, who was now with Allen, was going along with Beth and Crystal. Basically, she could have the ultimate birthday bash and party like never before. For some reason, she could not get excited about it. Taking an early lunch, Bri found herself on the freeway on-ramp without even realizing it. Before she knew it, she was driving down Chestnut Street in downtown and then turning into the parking lot of their massive corporate office. After getting information from the assistant in the front lobby, Bri found herself in the elevator on the way to the 3rd floor. She had no idea what she was doing or what she would say. As she stepped off the elevator, her stomach was in knots and her palms were sweaty. She rounded a corner and came to the doorway of a large office with a great view. As she saw her for the first time in months, Bri's heart skipped a beat. Erin was talking on the phone, but gave a huge smile once seeing Bri and waved her inside. Bri relaxed, as she shut the door and sat down. Erin finished her call and to Bri's surprise, got up from her desk and went to give her a hug and kissed her on the cheek. "How have you been?" Erin asked excitedly. Bri noticed a distinct difference. Erin was warmer, less guarded. Bri could see tears in her eyes. Her own eyes were beginning to water. It felt so right to be near her again. "I'm good. How is the job? This office is great," Bri said as she took it in with a smile. "I love it," Erin said looking around and directed Bri to a large couch were they both sat down. Bri noticed the change in Erin's clothes. A sheik blouse that was office appropriate, but still sexy. Silky brown slacks and cute heels completed the outfit. She still had a scarf around her neck, which really set off the outfit. Bri's mouth went dry. Damn she looks hot, she thought. "Congratulations on your promotion," Erin said. "I appreciate your recommendation," Bri answered. "Glad to see you sticking to your resolutions." "What about you?" "It's been great. I have been getting out more. A lot more. Meeting people. Just getting more comfortable with who I am. Owning it." Erin gave her a shy grin. "I can see that, Bri said. "You look amazing." "So do you. As always." Bri frowned. "So you have been meeting people. Anyone special?" Bri held her breath. She didn't fully realize until this very second what Erin meant to her. "Yes, a lot of very attractive, smart, career-driven women who are actually gay. Didn't know it was possible." Bri frowned again. Erin leaned in towards her and winked. "But no one as special as you," she offered. "Perfect answer." Erin laughed. Such a beautiful smile, Bri thought. "Well as you know, there is an upcoming training in Hawaii," she said. "Yes, I heard. Great location." "I thought I would make this my second for the year and I know executives have to attend a few." "That's true. I have not been on one this year yet." "They have chartered helicopters that can fly to the other islands," Bri said as she scooted closer to Erin on the couch. "Comfortable, tucked away cabins away from everything and with beautiful views of the water and lush greenery. Great place to work on some things." Bri scooted right onto Erin's lap, grabbed her face, and boldly kissed her right on the lips. "Sounds like a banging time," Erin grinned as she kissed Bri back. "Oh, trust me, it will be," Bri answered. "I will bring the shoe box this time." They both started laughing and in that moment, Bri felt truly free. Yes, it was turning out be a wonderful, banging new year after all.