The Coffee Shop

Abi and Reeta become more than 'besties' - a simple lesbian romance story but no one told Abi that a good tale never begins with someone eating a salad ............

I’m picking at my tofu salad while looking at my phone, looking at the video again on the holiday company’s website, we are going to book our honeymoon this weekend. Music from the video fills my EarPods. 

I stab a chunk of radish and pop it in my mouth. I’m just thinking why I ordered the lunch deal, I am not even hungry and only wanted an iced tea. Even though my crush on him is history I still cannot say no to cute eyeliner barista. It’s always the same:

“Iced tea” I say

“Lunch Deal?” He replies

“Yes” I say to those hazel eyes, how can I say no to them. Things could have been so different if he wasn’t…  well thats another story. 

Let me tell you about me I am Abbi, Tom describes me as, and I quote: easygoing, hot, slim, cute, and a natural blonde with a good sense of humour and a blinding fuck - every mans dream Tom says and he says plenty more things as well. 

It would be false modesty for me to disagree with a single item even on his full list, he is punching well above his weight and he knows it. 

You know what is best of all? Tom never says I am high maintenance even though we both know I am.

If you asked me I would say: I am 25 even though everyone knows I am 27…OK 28. 

What? You think I’m 30? Fuck you.

Anyway back to the list: I look 25, let’s just leave it there, I am totally in love with Tom, he is my soul mate, I work out 5 times a week in the gym just to look good for him, I work full time in the same company as Tom. 

Both financially and socially we both know I am the one punching well above my weight.

Tom and me are childhood sweethearts, same class all through school, Tom is a high-earning high-flyer who is already middle management at 30 and good prospects. Damn…25 I mean. He deserves a hot wife and in a few weeks that is exactly what I will be for him - arm candy for the young exec.

I sip my iced tea with lemon then poke the fork at the salad bowl again, I glance up, cucumber this time. The stodgy brownie is staring accusingly at me - it’s a double size serving that cute barista slipped me. Why the fuck does he do that? Is he flirting? Do I look like a fucking man? Should I be angry? Why do I find his eyeliner soo hot?

I press replay on the honeymoon video, the table shakes. Already I am squeezed in right next to the wall at the tiny two seater ‘billy no mates’ table that I hate. I glare at whoever is making my iced tea spill.

“Abbi !!!”

“Clara…Hi” why the fuck does she pretend to be surprised? She saw my brand new x5 half on the pavement right outside. I look out the window and spot her red Fiesta correctly parked opposite.

Clara is the third of our ex-school group, Tom and me, Clara and Roger. Clara and Roger have been married for 6 years now. We used to party as a foursome, us two full on ‘besties’, you know sharing clothes and shoes to extend our wardrobes. 

Six years of marriage has changed Clara, she is a bigger person…no I take that back. It was a just a little bitchy thing to tell you and I am capable of better, much better…just watch.

Our village is small enough that appearances have to be maintained, friction caused by falling out between friends, especially old school friends is frowned upon so even though we aren’t besties any longer we still act the part.

Truth be known both Clara and Roger resent Tom’s success and the things in life that come with it. Neither of them miss a chance. They both see the negative in any positive thing Tom and me do.

And - Oh I am getting into full flow now, I’ll stop…well first I must tell you why the barrier has grown between us -  it’s the wedding that is really gritting Clara’s shit, you know the church ceremony, the sit down reception, Caribbean honeymoon. And I’m not even pregnant!

Clara has a panini with full fat latte - who drinks a fatty-latte this late in the day? Then eyeliner barista plonks down her brownie and cream! 

“On my way home from the gym…” Clara begins. Saw the car she says, popped in to ‘touch base’

What soap re-run did she harvest ‘touch base’ from I wickedly think, wherever it came from she has gossip to share. Clara is a better gossiper than me.

Well I can tell you now that the gossiper is going to be the gossipee. 

Tom once said I can make him almost cum without touching - the overconfident bastard - there is no ‘almost’ about it...where was I?   Oh yes  - I bet you I can fuck Clara with a table between us. 

Don’t get me wrong I do like to know everything about everyone but it’s like Tom says - knowledge is power and should be used wisely. 

I was looking at that honeymoon company video again I say to Clara. 

I swivel my iPhone, we watch the last bit  together. We are chatting about nothing, girls gossip, Clara did not come in for this…

“I saw Tom at the mall” Clara says.

Here we go...

“Saturday?” I say. Now I know how a pirate feels when he sees a treasure ship laden with booty. 

“Mmm he dresses very casual out of the office” Clara says. She is getting going. “He seems much more confident with his feminine side these days.”

“Feminine side? What was as he wearing a dress at the mall?” I say all relaxed and jokey

“A womans jeans and a blouse, it must be worrying for you with the wedding so close now” Clara said

“A woman in blouse and jeans? what woman? Don’t talk riddles Clara. Just come out with it” I say

“He was wearing womans jeans, you could see they were womans, girlfriend style, short zipper, arse hugging, tight legs” Clara said, then remembered another nail to bang in Tom’s coffin. “A tiny pink flamingo embroidered on one pocket”

“Oh Those ones” I say then add how comfy stretchy jeans are. “I think they are a more modern style.” I giggle “he has got a great arse…dont you think?”

Clara calls for another latte. She has finished her lunch, still wondering if we share clothes? 

Watch this -  I slide my double brownie over, she attacks it. Then pauses. “Not just the jeans, a blouse. Flowery, thin material” Clara says. 

Drip drip drip this is Clara in her element. I bet she is getting moist just knowing where she is leading the conversation. Delete that what the fuck made Clara and moist come to mind in the same century? 

“I know the shirt you mean…you think it looks like a blouse?” I say. I know what is coming and scan through my ‘knowledge that is power’ folder that even us natural honey blondes have inside our head.

“I said to Reeta at the gym what a shock all this would be for you…with the wedding so close and all” Clara said.

“What Reeta Carlton? You spoke to her at the gym?” I say, Clara nods, I continue “one of the biggest gossips in the village - That Reeta?”

“I didn’t mention the bra” Clara said.

“Reeta used to go to the pre-work session, she was at mid morning today?” I said hoping Clara would think I had not taken in her last remark. My face may look blank and pretty - no that’s not right - my face looks blank and absolutely stunning. Blank is optional, stunning is natural. Any man would be lucky to see this face looking up from the pillow…where was I?

Oh yes - blank but very beautiful face - I began a search of my information banks, inside my head ducks quack quietly as they shuffled into a neat line.  

“Yes that Reeta” Clara said

“You know why she changed session?” I say not believing how easy Clara is making this.

“No” Clara said, a caterpillar sized eyebrow raised.

How long does an eyebrow shape take? Even if you did them yourself… anyway I have her on the ropes…I think that is the right analogy, but who cares I am having fun.

“Well Reeta told me why but not who” I say. Both caterpillars twitched. “Well…you know she was the only woman at the early session, one of the married guys started coming on to her…well they would wouldn’t they. Men who have been married a few years, a wife who lets herself go, hot young and fit Reeta is there for the taking…men are so predictable.”

“Who was he?” Clara said

“Reeta won’t say” I lie - I know full well who, and don’t you ask “but it finishes up where he gets all hands on” I pause, Clara is gawping, this is red hot gossip. 

I continue “well Reeta is fit in every way…well who wouldn’t given half a chance. If anyone could turn me it would be her…I would wouldn’t you Clara?”

Clara looked horrified “No Abbi”

“Anyway fit Reeta lays into him, a thigh kick put him down, she said he was limping for days” I giggle and watch Clara’s face over the rim of my iced tea as she puts two and two together and comes up with Roger. Is that binary for 4? “Slipped on the treadmill he said to the other guys at gym.” 

Anyway I can’t be sitting in the coffee shop all afternoon - there is clothes shopping to be done as well. I step up a gear.

“When did you say that happened” Clara finally said pumping for more information. 

“She won’t say, but I do know she changed sessions around…Easter” I said letting the silence stretch as if I was replaying the conversation. I wasn’t. I was imagining a neat line of ducks patiently waiting, shuffling their little webbed feet. I say “What was it you said about a bra Clara?”

“Nothing” Clara lies.

OK - she is going to make me draw it out of her, she used to do that at school make me beg to know something - and it was always something that hurt when she finally told me.

“Well Tom hasn’t bought me any lingerie recently. If you have seen him buying any I want to know.” I say. The hurt of Roger trying it on with Reeta must be easing. Clara had a spiteful look back in her eyes.

“I really didn’t want to spoil things for you, but you do need to know before it’s too late” Clara said. “When I met Tom in the mall I thought I could see a bra beneath the blouse”

“Hold on Clara, who did you say was wearing the blouse?” I said. Her eyes had a puppy dog look as if she wasn’t enjoying making me drag it out of her.

“Tom was Abbi.” Clara paused - here comes the painful bit I thought. Clara continued “Tom was wearing the bra, I put my hand on his back, I could feel the bra straps. He is a crossdresser, I am so sorry for you Abbi, the wedding and all…”

I let the silence stretch. The muscles in Clara’s face struggled to hold her grin down. 

My eyes welled up, I fished a Kleenex from my purse, dabbed the corners of my eyes. 

You know Tom thinks I might be able cry on demand? 

Well he might think that but always folds before my eyeliner runs. It’s one of those little things I love about him. 

Clara ordered fresh drinks. 

I sipped the iced tea then said “when you were that close to Tom did he grab at your breasts”

“No why do you ask?” Clara said

“Bear with me” I said “how about when we have been out as a foursome? Grabbed your breasts when Roger and I are out of sight?” 

Clara shook her head “no nothing like that”

“How about the girls at the Gym? Did they say Tom had molested them, you know held them against a wall and groped the front of their knickers?”

“Why are you asking these things?” Clara said.

“They say the wife is always the last to know. I wanted to know exactly what to say to Tom” I said. ‘Even though I am not a wife yet.” 

I guessed Clara was busy with her ducks as she sat there staring into mid space. I imagined them milling around uncontrollably. Would Clara realise what that bastard Roger had been doing to me and other women in the village over the years. Would Clara ever realise how much it still hurts to know she got Tom drunk and while he was in a stupor fucked him just to hurt me.

It has been a long time since we were all 16 but time has not dulled the pain I still feel every day remembering how much pleasure she took in telling me.

“One more question Clara then I must go and speak to Tom” I said 

Clara nodded.

“Did any of the girls at the gym mention seeing Tom with a prostitute on the industrial estate Thursday nights?”

“No why would you ask that?” Clara said “don’t you and Tom go to gym Thursdays?”

“Well after what you have been saying I wondered if he may have been borrowing your red Fiesta from Roger and sneaking off down there” I said. 

I begun checking my makeup in the phone then held my phone up to Reeta “Is that what Tom was wearing when you saw him?”

Clara sat silently. I let the silence stretch, I had spent ages doing Tom’s nails, yes me. Would you believe it the pussy wouldn’t go to the nail salon like a normal person and Clara didn’t even notice. 

 

“I took that picture of you and Tom from the balcony at the mall.” I said

“You set me and Tom up? Why?” Clara said

“Remember when you were 16, when you slept with other girls boyfriends? Not only Tom but the others as well” I smiled that smile I save for lost kittens. “What was it you said when I asked why…oh yes, I remember…because I can…that is why Clara. Because I can.”

I have to admit that I did use that smile I save for lost kittens when Tom explained his plan to rid us of Clara and Roger. He had that frightened little boy look about him so it would have been mean not to. 

What’s the saying? Every successful man needs a dominant woman on top of him. Did I get that right?

——————————————————————————

“So why won’t you let me hear it then Abbi” Reeta said. 

I could easily have edited the recording I can hear you saying, let her listen to the edited one. 

You are right, Reeta would never know. 

Perhaps it’s that I want her to hear it all 

Perhaps it’s that I am feeling like I want to please her.

She had little phases where she used to ask when I had first let slip that I had Voice-memo running on my iPhone that day when I, well, last spoke to Clara. No one in the village had realised just how widespread Rogers ‘hands-on’ activities were, guess you could say I’ve become a champion for women in the village.

Go on then - I said you could say it.

“It’s just the way I’ve already told you a million times” I say. Reeta is asking about the recording.

We’ve met up for a coffee morning, the way besties do. 

“The recording drags on and on, you’ll be bored in no time.” I tell Reeta. I know right then that I am going to give in - 

What’s the worst that can happen?

Whats the best that can happen?

I know I called Reeta a gossip to Clara, well she is, but I needed a new bestie back then once Clara and that perv Roger have moved away. They had a rough patch but stuck together and moved to…well you don’t care about that. Of course you don’t.

You know what they say old news is no news, old gossip is not worth wasting breath on. Who says it? I do silly.

“OK I give in” in false exasperation we shared my AirPods and I pushed play on my iPhone.

“It’s old news, you’ll be bored…” I say as it begins playing “let’s shop” 

I know you are thinking I am manipulating Reeta, the old double negative to whip up interest. I need to watch her eyes, see how she reacts instead of talking to you.

“Oh I love that bit…” Reeta said “…you never told me you said that.”

I hand Reeta the second AirPod, she has both in now, slips my phone across, taps, listens, taps, listens. I know where she is…the bit Tom always talks about. I make one unguarded fucking comment and everyone fixates…

“Lets get another Iced tea” Reeta says. She hands me one AirPod. The recording is on pause.

I don’t need to guess where she has paused the recording. My heart speeds up a little, breath catches - like when you know horny is coming to visit. This is good I decide. My mind breaks the sound barrier.

Reeta presses play, I already know the words by heart, I say them enough times for Tom. We’ve been married a while now of course and it adds a little spice, all men like that sort of thing don’t they? 

And why not? Tom gives me everything and the some.

“Did I tell you Clara phoned me? Would you believe it? After all this time…” Reeta had that little twitch going on, the one where it looks like she is going to smile but is holding it back. “Said she remembered something you said that day…”

The twitch I imagine as I…well you know. OK I’ll spell it out if you are going to act all ‘what?’ The look I imagine when I’m having a little solo fun. 

What does she say in my head? 

What a thing to ask a young lady.

Now Reeta has the volume up, it's blasting my ear. 

Digital me says “…well Reeta is fit in every way…well who wouldn’t given half a chance…”

I grab my phone back, of course I do, anyone would but I’m not quick enough. Perhaps I didn’t want to be quick enough. There I am talking loudly into my own left ear and Reeta’s right ear “…if anyone could turn me it would be her…I would wouldn’t you…” I am saying at close-on earsplitting volume.

Reeta finally lets smile break, the way she does right here inside my head when I - well you know, like I said. 

I blush. 

“Don’t pull that false blush on me” Reeta says. 

Reeta and I are where I wanted us to be. She knows I would… Now you are wondering what I have planned next? 

Me too.

I let the moment hang, we have been besties long enough now to be comfortable without talking. I notice that I’m feeling hot. 

No not a hot flush you twat I’m 25, full blown front sex hot. 

With neither of us ready to go first a ‘who is going to speak first contest’ wordlessly begins.

“Iced tea with lemon and a brownie on the house” eyeliner barista says unknowingly being both cute and winning our secret challenge at the same time. No I take that back - he knows he is cute.

“I…” I know, I know Abbi lost for words, well you can wait - me and my bestie are having a moment. It’s not a big of a thing anyway, some of us girls have a little ‘lady crush’ sometimes just like men have ‘man crushes’ all the time.

Meanwhile I’ll tell you about Tom, he is up for it. Like you would not believe, no not just a standard  girl on girl - every man thinks of that while he is wanking. Tom has a whole scenario worked up in his head, rules, how, when, where.

No…that’s not that strange…is it? 

You don’t get to the top without handing out hymn sheets.

“Is she still with Roger?” I break the silence. Reeta forks a morsel of the brownie, a piece the size you would feed a baby bird. “You know…when Clara phoned you…”

I glance over, eyeliner barista is watching as Reeta feeds me. What is he telepathic as well?

One iced tea, one brownie, one fork, one serviette - I guess he must be.

Reeta ignores my attempt to change the subject with my ‘this is awkward’ question.

“It’s going to happen?” Rita says up-speaking. I imagine that rising inflection when she is…well talking about something different. 

I slowly chew the morsel of brownie even though eyeliner barista is still openly watching, ignoring a customer. I think of how much stronger Reeta is than me, how she could totally dominate me, she brings another morsel of brownie to my mouth. I eat it despite not being hungry. I’m on fire hot.

Oh you think I would like to be dominated? What sort of fucking thing is that to say?

I take a sip of iced tea and hand the glass to Reeta. 

“I won’t cheat on Tom” I say then tell Reeta all about Toms scenario, the whole hymn sheet as if it is already decided. 

“Clara mentioned that day with Tom, you know in the mall” Reeta says “it set me wonderieng if Tom still has those clothes?”

“I think they went to goodwill” I answer suspiciously fast. We are distracted by my phone pinging, my click-n-collect has arrived at the store. 

What? Food shopping? No silly a really cute little black dress, the sort that could be slipped off my shoulders and fall silently to the floor.

Who would slip it off my shoulders?

Now what sort of a question is that?

——————————————————————————

“Hey Abbi” eyeliner barista says “is Reeta with you today?” 

“Mmmm…iced tea please” I say.

“Lunch Deal?” He replies

“Yes” I say to those hazel eyes.

We are regulars now, you know, table service regulars even though there is no table service. 

Remember how I used to dislike this small table for two up against the wall, well now eyeliner barista always keeps a ‘reserved’ sign on it for us.

Reeta breezes in and sits opposite.

One large iced tea, one Tofu salad, two forks arrive on our table.

“Still can’t say ‘just iced tea’ Abbi” Reeta says.

There is an underlying awkwardness between us, no not awkwardness I mean more a sort of tension, well it’s a new thing. We already know what is happening after lunch. We’ve already practiced kissing at the gym a couple of times. 

 “Is it the danger of getting caught that makes it so hot?” I say to Reeta. Ok, I admit it, we’ve practiced enough for Tom to mention I kiss different. 

“We’ll find out soon” Reeta says.

That’s how close we’ve become, as if one of us hears what the other is thinking. When did that happen I wonder. We pick at the salad, there is no rush.

 Of course there is a reason for no rush, my housekeeper is at home for another hour. Yes that’s right - at my house. I know I work part time now but I have other things I have to do.

Like what? 

Like this morning, rushing from stylist to beauty salon, it’s not easy being so high maintenance. Even for someone as gorgeous as me.

“You look…” Reeta hung a half sentence then slowly chewed on a chunk of Tofu. 

“…hot-n-sweaty” I smile, I’m wearing joggers and sports bra top “for now, only hot by the time you get to the house.”

Reeta looks stunning, she had the stylist and beauty appointments after mine. I realise it’s not tension I’m feeling but excitement. I look at Reeta. I touch her knee with the tips of my fingers. Her fingers touch mine. 

We are both thinking the same thing, my phone is full of Reeta texts just like hers is full of mine. Tom reads them - of course he does, I make sure of that. 

Anyway let’s fill you in on the latest.

Remember that awkward thing with the phone recording? Well you know I told Reeta the full details of Tom’s fantasy. Reeta is OK with it, no scrub that she thinks it’s hot. 

Do I really have to spell it out for you??? 

Tom is OK with me and Reeta being better than best friends. 

Now pay attention, keep up.

You thought he wanted to be there in the bedroom watching and wanking? 

What sort of a fucking weirdo are you? 

Getting started took the most planning, well we were both a bit nervous of course - there is only one chance to make a first impression.

Planning? 

Yes of course. Let me let you into a secret…us girls like foreplay.

How does foreplay begin you ask?

Did I slide my warm hand into her already moist panties?

No wonder you are such good friends with your palm. 

Friends cheek kiss…

OK speedy so you already know that. 

Then I’ll speed up just for you.

Now where was I? Greeting cheek kiss becomes lip kiss, finger tips touching an arm become a caress, kiss lasts a little longer…

Still too slow and boring? Ok I’ll skip forward to the good bit even though I’m not ready yet.

Right I leave Reeta sitting in the Coffee Shop, I have jogged back home…

ACTION! - thats what directors say isn’t it?

I’m showered and beautifully perfumed - of course I am and still in my bathrobe. The doorbell rings. 

What?  Yes of course it is Reeta…No she has not come to repair the fucking boiler.

Her heel catches as she steps through the door, she puts a hand out to steady herself, her hand slips inside my bathrobe. We make out a bit.

No she does not throw me to the floor and reveal a massive strap-on under her micro mini-skirt.

The rest of the day we chill together around the pool.

“The girls were wondering when you are having a pool party” Reeta says.

We have just had the pool re-modeled. “Next week?” I say up-speaking

“Friday” Reeta suggests

I tell her it’s Tom’s birthday, she already knows.

We spend the rest of the afternoon phoning around and swimming, The pool party is set for Thursday morning.

I press Reeta up against the front door making a real mess of her lippy as she is about to leave. She tells me to wipe it off her and redo it, then she takes the same lippy and does my lips. I don’t want her to leave, no thats not it, I want her to stay.

Tom arrives home and notices my wet bikini under my wrap as we kiss. “Busy day?” He says

“Mmmm, jogging this morning then Reeta popped round after lunch” I say.

Tom instantly picked up on my hint, I head up for a shower before changing into some barely there lingerie. Need to be comfortable, there’s lots to tell Tom. He likes to know how my day has been.

Most of the crowd are already here when Reeta arrives, the pool party is in full swing. Mary came in early to prepare the lunch buffet.   

You don’t know Mary? She is our part-time housekeeper.

I ignore Reeta for a while, I circulate amongst the ‘ladies who lunch’ 

“Hey Reeta” I say and we air kiss. She is holding an empty glass. I top her up then move on. Her eyes scan the room before she empties the whole glass of Cristal in a plant pot.

We swim while Reeta watches from the side with a couple of the other non swimmers, she has a near empty bottle of Cristal in one hand and glass in other swaying and talking bollocks. Even fully clothed and pretending to be drunk she looks hot. 

We climb out of the pool and towel off for lunch. 

While I am laying out the buffet conversation is starting focus on who has drunk what, who is going to drive, who is sharing a taxi.

“Best hide Reeta’s keys” Poppy says

“Just as well she didn’t swim” another voice chips in

Poppy looks around, she is a little older that the rest of us. Lunch nearly over gossip has moved on.

“Reeta was a bit squiffy” Poppy quietly says to me “I’ll check if she is OK before I go.”

We are finishing eating lunch, Poppy has an armful of towels and hands me her phone. I skim the video then stream it to the screen on the wall. 

Everyone is laughing as a bedroom strewn with Reeta’s clothes appears on screen, she is fast asleep in the master bed, my shower room is a bomb site.

“Let her sleep it off” I say. The pool party ends soon after, I wave off the last taxi full then make sure the house is secure. Then I make a small plate from the buffet, all of Reeta’s favourites, and take a fresh bottle of Cristal from the chiller along with 2 glasses.

Reeta is snuggled under the duvet, her face towards me, she smiles. 

“I’ve brought us some lunch” I say then pop in for a quick shower. Wrapped in a fluffy white towel I sit on the edge of the bed, we chat and pick at the lunch plate. 

I shiver.

“Cold?” Reeta asks.

I nod.

She lifts the duvet slightly.

I slip in.

What happens next? 

Well we fulfil Tom’s fantasy for the first time of course. Did you think I was going to tell you some nonsense about birds singing, angels circling above, hearing music, the earth moving.

Will I tell you all about what Reeta and I did next?

Yes I will tell you exactly what Reeta and I did, step by step. You remember I told you it’s Tom’s birthday tomorrow? Well Reeta and I tidied the house removing every single trace of the pool party. Tom came home, we sat and enjoyed the rest of that bottle of Cristal then had an early night.

Oh you want to hear something kinky?

OK - here goes…Tom was already in bed when I came into our bedroom.

YES the one Reeta and I spent an afternoon in…now be quiet and listen.

So I walk in, lights on and begin to strip. Tom needs to see what a lucky man he is every night.

 

OK…I’ve skipped the boring bits…I’m standing in bra and pants, my back to Tom.

“I forgot to mention, the girls came round for a pool party lunch.” I say. It’s the bra from the peach set Tom bought me for valentines, my royal blue pants don’t match, I needed to distract Tom before he mentioned my fashion faux pas. 

Tom throws his phone on the bedside, he is all interested now. 

“Many come? He says all casual. I can hear his cock creak. 

I turn around as I unhook my bra. 

I am laughing that low sexy laugh that I never practice in the mirror. 

I just said I don’t practice it…well fuck you very much…

“What’s so funny?” Tom says all jokey

“Well I don’t know how this happened…look…I’ve put Reeta’s panties on by mistake” I say as I slip under the duvet still wearing them.

——————————————————————————

As I drive to the Coffee Shop my thoughts are in total disarray, inside my head every filing cabinet is open, files are piled on the desk, loose thoughts litter the floor…here goes…I’ll share a few…

I haven’t spoken to Reeta since Thursday - why hasn’t she answered my texts - Tom had the best birthday ever - I haven’t spoken to Reeta since Thursday - why did Tom whisk me away for the weekend - why hasn’t Reeta answered my texts - why do I feel 16 - why do I feel so unloved today - just answer my fucking texts Reeta… 

“Hey Abbi” eyeliner barista says “is Reeta with you today?” 

“…iced tea please” I say ignoring the question.

“Lunch Deal?” He replies

“Just iced tea” I say to those hazel eyes…then I feel like I’ve just kicked a puppy and eyeliner barista’s hazel eyes let me see he is hurt. I add “and a brownie please”

I fiddle with my purse, check phone, I’ve an awful feeling Reeta is not going to show.

Why?

I just knew you would say that, OK lets get you up to speed, no tip-toeing around today. Thursday we fucked, Friday I spent the day with Tom, then instead of us coming back to the house Friday night he took me away for the weekend. What is bad about that you are wondering? 

Tom insists we leave our phones at home. “Just us, no work calls” he says. Did I mention Reeta has not answered my texts?

I dab at my eyes with a Kleenex, “touch of hay-fever” I say to eyeliner barista who is watching. I’ve been texting Reeta since early. 

OK I’ve been texting Reeta all through the night. Yes just like a fucking teenager.

Then I glance up from my phone and Reeta is sitting opposite me as if she has just materialised from another dimension. 

“Hi” I say. 

Don’t cry, don’t cry I chant over and over silently in my head. Tears escape, we head to the disabled restroom. Reeta locks the door behind her, I see that her make-up is streaked as well now. Our streaked make-up mixes…we are on each other without a word.

“Did you find my phone?” Reeta says. We are back at the table, our fresh make-up is impeccable, of course it is. Reeta is feeding me a morsel of brownie. We are sharing the fork, feeding each other. 

For once I have been socially responsible and parked in the car park opposite, we pause on the kerb while traffic passes. I link my pinky finger with Reeta’s pinky while we wait.

“I like that” she says.

We cross the road and get to the car, Reeta turns to face me. She says “where did you learn to do that?”

I’m feeling all playful and happy now “Lesbians Handbook” I say

“Have you read chapter 2 yet?” Reeta asks.

“No…what is it about?” I say

Reeta doesn’t even look around, she just pushes me back against the car door and kisses me.

“Kissing in carparks for beginners” Reeta says before demonstrating another kiss.

We leave her car, take mine to look for her phone at my house, I’ve already gotten that tight feeling in my breasts. Reeta is looking out of the side window I speak, she answers still looking out at the hedgerow going past.

“I might have slipped my phone under the pillow on Thursday while waiting for you.” Reeta finally says. As if what we both know is going to happen might not. As if we need a reason to head to the bedroom. 

You think we are going to rip each others clothes off?

Well thanks for spoiling the moment. Reeta is as expensively dressed as am I. 

Reeta is rummaging around under the pillows, right up the back. She finds her phone and places it on the contactless charger on the bedside. “Did you try ringing?” She calls out.

“No” I lie, from the bathroom. Nerves. I’m sitting naked on the toilet. “Any messages?” I call out as I hear Reeta’s phone beep as it greedily swallows it’s first milliamp.

Naked in the toilet?

That’s right, I’ve hung my clothes in my dressing room. Bedroom leads to dressing room. Dressing room leads through to bathroom. 

“No” Reeta lies, as she scrolls through the endless list of my texts with her back to me. She feels the bed shift as I slip under the duvet, puts her phone back on the charger, with her back still towards me she begins unbuttoning her blouse. 

“Got a spare hanger?” She says as she walks over to my dressing room.

What? Yes that’s right we both hang our clothes - oh here is a snippet of information I know you will like - we both fold our undies the same way.

Why? 

Well there’s no rush is there, perhaps it’s almost a part of foreplay?

You want me to stop hanging around?

OK, OK I’ll get on with it…

…so we have finally gotten round to finishing all the things that you just imagined we would do and then some…how’s that for not hanging around?

Now we are showering together.

Good guess, yes we are washing each other wearing exfoliating mitts. I am thinking how different today was compared to Thursday…

“Today was another first…just for us” Reeta says. 

I stare at her briefly and wonder if she was listening to my thoughts, then I nod and say “I missed you.”  

I know, I know - how needy is that? 

We dress to run. Reeta picks two running short leggings and sports bra outfits. I take the top from one and bottom from other and hand Reeta a pair of mismatched running shoes. I put on the mirror mismatched pair. We take loads of selfies.

We chat as we run together - side by side - along the lane back to Reeta’s car. It’s so easy to have sensible ideas when running. We agree. We are keeping sex casual. Once a month. Perhaps twice a month. A bit of fun. Nothing serious. Be discreet. No more dressing like twins who dressed in the dark. Kissing in the carpark was a stupid thing to do. No more public affection. I’ll run on when we get to the car. Run the full loop. That’s settled.

‘I find it so easy to think clearly when I’m running” I say as we turn the final corner and step down the pace a little.

“Lift home?” Reeta says as we reach the car

“No…I’ll run” I say. Reeta unlocks her car, I get in. We ride back to the house and sit parked on the drive listening to music.

“Would you like some tea?” I ask. My fingers are crossed. I’m holding my breath just to be double sure she will say yes…

——————————————————————————

How devious am I?

‘Very’ was not the correct answer !

I changed Mary’s day from Friday to Today, Wednesday. Tom left for a two day business trip this morning, Reeta arrives at the house this evening.

OK I’ll bring you up to speed. Mary is our housekeeper, she does not know about Reeta and me. Well I’m pretty sure she doesn’t, anyway no need to flaunt it is there?

Reeta is staying two whole nights. 

What?

No, I didn’t tell Tom, Tom said “you need some company while I’m away…ask Reeta?”’ 

Tom is that OK with me and Reeta?

Oh my you are full of questions. “OK yes Tom likes me to be happy while he is busy.”

I haven’t told you much about Reeta? You want to know more?

No biggy, we are like copies of each other, same size in every way from shoes to hats, same age apart from 3 weeks. Reeta didn’t go to same school as me and Tom, she had a prestige education (her family is ‘old money’) She lives at home still, the family home is massive. 

I’m not sure how many live there.

I’m not sure if Reeta knows.

Yes - that big.

I can jog there in 20 minutes, 15 minutes if - well you know. 

Oh she has Deep auburn hair and almond shaped green eyes…I think I might be falling in love - not a word - our secret.

I was going to say our relationship had become more adult but I cannot lie.

We are hopelessly lost in lust.

So I won’t tell you with details of two full days of nothing but sex, I know how much that bores you.  I’m fast forwarding right to night two. 

We are in bed, it’s 8pm and we have a bottle of Cristal in the ice bucket, a few nibbles we are set for the night. Reeta presses play on the remote, we are going to watch the video of me and Reeta. 

Yes - we made one for those lonely times when we are apart.

“We were so nervous” back then I say. Although it is not that long ago it seems like years have passed.

Reeta’s hand that had been resting on my flat stomach moved slowly in a southerly direction, I thought she may be counting my six pack but no the hand continued on…I discreetly uncrossed my ankles ready. Her hand stopped. She is such a fucking tease. My head is spinning, my ears are burning inside. Reeta’s hand began to move, my clit throbs against the duvet. Neither of us speak, permission is not required.

I slide my hand toward Reeta’s pert breast meeting her erect nipple at the same time as our lips meet, my finger copied the movements of Reeta’s tongue in my mouth. Reeta broke off and began kissing the valley between my breasts as she dipped her middle finger between my folds tracing little circles around my clit, the build was barely noticeable as Reeta gradually added more pressure…

Damn I did not mean to say all that, all I intended to say was that with the evenings activities complete we snuggled up. The screen was off, lights night-time low and we were nearly asleep.

It was Reeta’s turn to spoon.

What ? 

Yes we take it in turns to spoon, now be quiet, as quiet as you were.

Reeta must think I’m asleep. 

I am awake but still, unmoving pretending to be asleep. I like Reeta to arouse me when I’m asleep.

“Are you awake Abbi?” Reeta whispers. Her thumb slides across my hip bone. My breasts get that tight, full feeling, I begin to wake down there. I expect Reeta to keep on with little teases until reveal that I am awake for sex. 

Reeta is as still as a rock. 

This is new I think. I am as still as a rock.

“Are you awake Abbi?” Reeta whispers after a while

“Abbi?” Reeta whispers a little louder. 

Then without warning she hits me with it —WHAM

A gunshot would have been less of a surprise. 

Without warning she hits me with the L word.

Soft, low and gentle Reeta said “I love you Abbi”

Not just once. 

Reeta waited a few minutes then she says “I love you Abbi”

Reeta was practising. So sweet and yet so funny at the same time. 

On the fourth ‘I love you Abbi’ I said “I love you Reeta.”

WHAT?

No! I will not tell you what happens next.

Anyway I’ve gotten off track, in the morning we shower together, we slip on our matching bathrobes and barefoot it down the stairs. 

Did we make out in the shower?

What a silly question.

I pause, sniff. Rita sniffs. We both whisper first ‘coffee’ then ‘toast’

“Must be Mary…you go first” Reeta says softly.

I shake my head, link pinkies with Reeta’s and open the door to the kitchen. Tom is sitting at the breakfast bar. 

“Not sure what you start the day with Reeta, I’ve made tea and coffee” Tom says, calm as you like, as if Reeta and me have just got back from shopping.

“I’ll go” Reeta says. She blushes. I want to sweep her into my arms.

“Please don’t leave Reeta” Tom says then apologises for scaring us. He came home a day early on purpose. He wanted to speak to me and Reeta together. I begin to breathe again.

“You both seemed…” Tom says. He is never lost for words, this is an act. “Well lets just say your private moments should stay private” 

Then Tom gets into the reason he is here.

“Abbi and I have been a couple one way or another since we were 9 years old.” Tom says to  Reeta. He has seen how close we have become. He wants what I have - a same sex partner, someone to fall in love with as an adult. Tom’s ‘suggestion’ is that we consider continuing as before but now completely openly.  “I hate being the one to drive you two apart. I know over the past few months you two have become very close, I don’t want to be the reason you spend nights apart.”

“What live together like some sort of comune consisting of 3 or 4 people?” I say

“Exactly” Tom says

“So you are suggesting that Abbi and me become exclusive?” Reeta says, Tom nodds “Sex? How would that work Tom?”

He is not flustered by such a direct question being fired at him without any warning. “As far as Abbi and I are concerned then I propose that Abbi makes that decision.”

I could be angry with Tom for treating our marriage the way he treats a business proposal but I am proud that he is mine and is doing his best. Doing his best to make everyone happy. I admire the way he took control and turned a situation that could have been very unpleasant for everyone into a chat over breakfast that we can all walk away from almost smiling. 

“Who is the lucky guy?” I say. It’s Sunday evening, Tom and I are chatting and ignoring the television “anyone I know?”

Tom has an eye for an evening barman at the golf club he said “his name is Kevin, finished a longterm relationship a while back…”

I cut Tom off “now you swoop in” We both laugh. “Good luck” I say and raise my glass to the best husband in the world.