ACT XII
Philip was able to conquer his performance anxiety and found out he’s a natural born entertainer, now he’s going to bask in the limelight of it with the love of his life by his side. When the oldest performing drag queen in Toronto, favours him with the compliment of asking him to perform again he’s rather overwhelmed. Will he or won’t he perform again is still a mystery, but for now all that matters to him is spending time with Victoria and continuing their life together.
After what I’d been through tonight a lot of my inhibitions were fading fast and I stood bare chested in front of the sink still in my tights not the least bit self-conscious about stripping down in front of the rest of the performers. As I scrubbed my face until it was pink, glowing and devoid of makeup I was looking more and more like my old self once more. As I was toweling off Victoria had come up behind me and wrapped her arms around my waist. “How are you holding up?” She asked me. I could feel her soft cheek pressed against my exposed back and wisps of her hair brushing against me tickling me softly. There was a familiar intimacy to it even in these surroundings and I couldn’t help but get this warm feeling inside of me. Draping the towel around my neck I turned to face her and wrap my arms around her waist and pull her close. “I’m doing surprisingly well.” I grinned and kissed the tip of her cute little nose. “My feet however are still killing me after those shoes and all that dancing.” I added. “Does this mean no dancing at the after party?” She asked her lips forming a slightly petulant mock pout of protest. “Well maybe a slow one or two if you promised to hold me really close and not step on my toes.” I teased her. She rested a crooked finger against her chin seeming to give my offer serious consideration. “I think that could be entirely doable.” Her eyes were sparkling at me brightly at me as she answered.
“So Miss Kitty, think I should get dressed and escort you upstairs to the party?” I asked smiling down at her. “I rather like you like this.” She responded running her hand over my tights encased bottom and lightly trailing her nails up and down my spine. Those simple acts were making my rethink my decision to stay and socialize. “You keep that up and I’m going to scoop you up in my arms carry you out of here and ravish you the minute we get home.” I growled low in her ear and nipped her earlobe playfully tugging gently on it with my lips. She giggled in that sexy delighted way that she had at my words and actions. “That does sound incredibly amazing and I assure you there will be a very private celebration when we do get home for just the two of us. Right now though I want you have your moment of glory and take your victory lap of the stage so to speak.” I nuzzled her ear in response and whispered “I love you.” Sweetly into her ear which earned me a warm hug in return and an equally heartfelt “I love you.” She returned to me as she rested her head against my chest.
This was a far different celebration for me than the one I had had after I’d debuted in my school play. While my mother’s hugs had been warm, her congratulations and pride in my accomplishment sincere, it differed vastly from what I was experiencing now. With Victoria it filled me, uplifting me with a sense that I was a force to be reckoned with in anything that I choose to undertake. She gave me strength and courage, stemming from the simple, uncomplicated fact that she believed in me. A laughing head stuck itself around the corner of the dressing room door. “Oh there you two are. We thought that perhaps you’d left already. Come on everybody’s arrived. One of the girls ran over to the all night convenience store and grabbed some munchies. Oh and the pizza and wings should be hear shortly as well if you’re hungry at all. The music is pumping and the joint is jumping so come on get a move on.” We were informed before the jolly face vanished from view. “I guess this is my cue to get dressed and wedge my throbbing feet back into my own shoes.” I sighed, as I was quite content to just hold her forever. “I suppose so.” She agreed reluctant to end our little cuddle session herself. “I’ll help you find your pants and shirt.” She added. It took us a while to discover them, as my abandoned clothes had gotten buried beneath a mountain of costumes as rushed performers had hastily changed their outfits during costume changes. Finally, though I was dressed and ready to go, though I seriously considered slipping my shoes off and just leaving them behind in the car along with Victoria’s drag bag while we enjoyed the party.
When we arrived back in the bar there was a definite party atmosphere in full swing. The music was pulsating loudly people were dancing and laughing with drinks in hand. Food had been set up on the bar for those that wanted it and I had to admit I could go for a slice or two. One arm was wrapped around Victoria’s waist and in the other I held her drag bag. “I’m just going to slip out and put these in the trunk of the car so we don’t accidently forget them later. We’ll just enjoy ourselves and if we indulge too much we’ll take a cab home and pick up the car tomorrow sometime. It’s after midnight and its free parking on Sundays so we should be safe from getting towed.” I told her as I kissed her cheek. “Okay I’ll grab us a couple of drinks and slices as I’m sure you must be famished again. I’ll be ready and waiting for you when you get back.” She said as she smiled at me. I grinned and nodded my approval over the music. A final quick kiss to tide us over and I worked my way through the party goers, drag bag in hand. The air was cool and crisp as I exited and it felt good to inhale the fresh air. I took a couple of deep breaths and headed for the car.
It was fairly deserted on the streets now as the bars had closed down and only a few stragglers remained. A couple of restaurant workers taking out the trash and grabbing a quick smoke in front of long emptied out restaurants. The low rumble of passing street cars, from nearby Carlton Street and the odd car gliding by were the only other audible signs of life. It was peaceful and for a few brief moments I had a chance to clear my head, which had been buzzing like a beehive for the better part of the day. One minute I was making love to the woman of my dreams who I’d spend an entire life time in search of and in the next breath I’m a wise cracking drag queen kicking up my heels on stage. Life is often stranger than fiction and I wondered if someday some of this might find its way into Victoria’s best seller that she was working on. Right now though I was just the happiest guy on the face of the planet, there was a woman I loved waiting for me and I was aching to be reunited with her.
Bounding up the steps to the door, I flung it open, only to feel a rather vise like grip clamped on my shoulder. “Hold up a minute buddy and just where do you think you’re going?” I started to answer before I’d even turned around. “Inside to meet my …” then I realized who it was, it was the same guy that had offered me my first tip and tried to tuck into the top of my dress. “This is a private party sir. I’m going to have to ask you to leave quietly.” He informed me firmly. “Oh but I belong here, I’m meeting my girlfriend.” I protested. He snorted. “I suppose the next thing you’re going to tell me is that you’re one of the performers?” He questioned me still quite unconvinced that I did in fact belong. “Well now that you mention it yes, I am actually.” I answered him feeling rather amused about all of this. “That’s a good one.” Clearly not believing me in the slightest in fact he was becoming decidedly agitated by my responses.
Under normal circumstances I probably would have been a little more patient with him as I tried to explain but right now I wanted to reunite with Victoria and join the party, besides my feet were still killing me and I was in no mood to deal with this guy. So I did what any one in my shoes would do I channelled my inner diva. “Oh, no you didn’t.” I said snapping my fingers at him with a dramatic flick of my wrist. “Nobody talks to me like that, Tootsie is offended now.” I snapped referring to myself by my drag moniker. “Not to mention you tried to stick that tenner into my dress.” I barked at him. His mind was scrambling to process what I’d just snapped at him and as he scrutinized my face trying to make the connection. Just then Victoria arrived. “Philip, sweetheart there you are.” She exclaimed. Is everything okay? I was beginning to wonder what was taking you so long. I’ve missed you.” She stopped short when she realized that everything was not entirely hunky dory at the moment. “What’s on earth is going on here? Stephen why do you have your hand on my boyfriend? I’ll admit that he’s a total hottie but I hate to break it to you but he’s a breeder.” She grinned at him.
Stephen quickly released his grip on me. “So you’re legit, you really were planning on meeting your girlfriend.” He said sheepishly. “Yes I’ve been trying to tell you that and I really did perform here tonight as well, I’m that bombshell diva Tootsie from Montreal.” I couldn’t help but grin as I delivered those infamous words after all they weren’t ones I was likely to be able to utter again anytime soon. "I really am sorry. I so didn’t recognize you without your stage persona. I heard from Sush how you pitched in at the last minute to help out and I’ve got to say that’s pretty damn decent of you. You’ll have to forgive me for trying to detain you and toss you out on your ear. We just don’t need any gate crashers causing any kind of trouble, like gay bashing or losing our liquor licence. I care about these people and their safety, it’s my priority.” Stephen said. “No hard feelings?” He said extending his hand. “No hard feelings. We’re cool.” I assured him. His words did make me stop and think though. The possibility of someone crashing and trying to attack anyone of these people for their lifestyle had never even entered my mind before. They were decent people who worked hard, enjoyed living life and all that went with it, why should anyone judge them for who they choose to love and have a relationship with. Definitely was giving me something to think about and I was grateful to him for taking care of Victoria and her friends.
“Well I’m glad we cleared all this up.” Victoria smiles as she slipped her arm around my waist and reached up to kiss my cheek. “Now come on I’ve got a couple of your admirers that I want you to meet.” She said with a twinkle in her eyes. “I have admirers?” This news came as a complete and utter shock to me. Had my mother secretly been in the crowd complete with camera in hand just like back in my youth, as I couldn’t fathom anyone wanting to meet me after my debut performance into the world of drag performance. Victoria led me stealthily through the throng of revellers to a quieter corner of the room where a rather aged grand Dame seemed to be holding court. She sat as regal as any Queen dressed in her ball gown, perfectly coiffed silver hair and covered in jewels. Victoria did a small curtsey in her presence. “Miss Antoinette may I introduce Philip Renault to you.” She smiled kindly at me as she proffered a delicately thin crepe paper like hand out to me. I accepted it graciously and clasped it in my own. It was surprising warm with a firm grip to it despite her fragile looking appearance. “Young man,” She began in a firm clear voice. “I personally wanted to thank you for your performance here this evening. I’m quite sure that you have no idea who I am so I shall enlighten you. My name is Antoine Dupre and over a half century ago I took to the stage for my first ever performance as Miss Antoinette.
It was a relatively underground activity in those early days and there were only a few of us that dared to even attempt it.” She cleared her throat and continued to speak as she held my hand. “Now I understand that you were not an entirely willing participant in your performance here this evening and I that you are in love with our Victoria, if I have been given to understand the situation correctly, and I believe that I have.” She added quirking a perfectly formed eyebrow at me. “You have indeed been informed correctly on both accounts.” I answered her, as I gave Victoria a meaningful glance and received a smile that lit up her entire face. “Now as I said earlier you may have been reluctant at first but as I watched you perform I can only say bravo and kudos to the energy that you brought to the stage this evening. Once you found your natural rhythm I must say… now how is it that you young people refer to it…oh yes you owned it. You took charge and it became yours. I was very impressed with you to the point that should you choose to perform again you will be welcome on my stage at any time you would like to join us.” She smiled warmly and released my hand.
You could have knocked me over with a feather, perform again, me? I was in a bit of a state of shock over her announcement as I tried to formulate a proper response. “Thank you. I am humbled by both your assessment of my talents as a performance artist as well as your kind invitation to perform again at my choosing.” I answered truly feeling as if I had been offered a royal decree. “Now if you’ll indulge an old woman do have a seat, and let me get to know you a bit better seeing as how you’re the newest addition to our little family here.” “I’d be delighted to spend some time with you.” I answered her as I pulled out a seat for Victoria and then seated myself next to her. Miss Antoinette made a couple of small gestures with her hand and soon I found a glass of my favorite scotch in front of me along with a plate of food to nibble on. I must have had a slightly mystified look on my face as she laughed. “This is just one of the many benefits of owning the establishment, not to mention half the street, my dear.” She leaned in and informed me in a confidential manner as though I were an old and trusted friend. “Now do indulge yourself, while we get better acquainted with each other.” She said as she gestured at the refreshments.
I had to admit she was a fascinating individual, who had had a wide variety of life experiences behind her. I didn’t even mind missing out on the more rowdy elements of the celebrations that were going on in the background. Miss Antoinette was delightful with her colourful stories. She also seemed genuinely interested in me, my line of work and even more importantly what my intentions were with Victoria but somehow I didn’t mind her interrogations in the slightest. I was feeling a bit like a minor celebrity as a member of Miss Antoinette’s private court, as people came up to the three of us to pay their respects and to congratulate me as heartily as Miss Antoinette had done. Eventually though Miss Antoinette was growing weary and begged us to forgive her as it was time for her to take her leave and retire for the evening. “I’ll just leave you young people to enjoy yourselves.” She said as she patted Victoria affectionately on the cheek and shook my hand once more. “Oh and young man, I meant what I said, you come and join us any time you like. Good night my little loves.” And with a flounce of her gown she whisked away from the table with stately grace. “Don’t you just love her half to death?” Victoria asked as we watched her depart. “She is indeed a special person and I absolutely love her energy and vitality. Do you know how old she actually is?” I asked. “Indeed I do, you probably won’t believe me but she’s turning 80 this October and she’s still a real pistol.” Victoria informed me, and I couldn’t have agreed with her more.
She was indeed a grand lady elegant, charming, as well as clearly still being a vital member of the community and I could easily envision Victoria years down the road still every inch the lady and just as noble as Miss Antoinette was, with people paying tribute to her for the gentle, loving way in which she ruled. It was something that should be captured and memorialized and what better way than in a painting, which I of course would create. It would be the ideal tribute to both these fine ladies. I made up my mind that I would propose the idea to Victoria as a special gift from the two of us to Miss Antoinette as she celebrated her reign of over fifty years on the stage as well as a tribute to the remarkable strength and courage of both these women to follow their dreams despite what the conventions of society dictated. But for the rest of the night Victoria and I would belong solely to each other.
“So what do you say you and I have a bit of fun with the rest of the guests and out on the dance floor?” I inquired of Victoria as I held out my hands to her. “Why sir I thought you’d never ask.” She grinned and with that we were off. It was one of the best parties I’d ever attended. People were jovial, the music was incredible, laughter abounded, the food while not the least bit pretentious was plentiful and the drinks flowed freely. The party atmosphere began to ebb slowly and about quarter to five in the morning it was time to call it a night. We said our good nights to those that were still there and quietly slipped out the door. It was still dark out but there was a faint glow starting to rise in the sky. “Shall I see you home my good lady?” I asked as I slipped my hand into hers and leaned down and nuzzled her cheek before depositing a soft kiss on it. “Sure right after breakfast.”
“Breakfast, you want breakfast now?” I asked completely incredulous. “Yep breakfast, it’s a guaranteed to ward off any potential hangovers from all those drinks we consumed and it will give us a chance to talk over everything that’s happened. By the time we’re through we’ll be able to drive home safely as well.” She chirped at me. “Your wish is my command Miss Kitty and where exactly are we off to? “Eggstasy, should be the perfect spot they have killer breakfasts and it’s only about a block and a half from here.” As she told me as she took my arm and guided me down the street. Eggstasy as it turned out was a beehive of activity even at this hour of the morning. We waved to a few friends from the night before who were already seated and sipping steaming cups of coffee and digging into massive plates of what looked like deliciously prepared breakfast entrees. We were whisked to a table, handed menus and offered coffee which we both gratefully accepted. I sat across from Victoria at the small table for two and reached out to stroke her hand before I enveloped it in mine.
She was beautiful, even just perusing the menu making faces of concentration and deep thought as if what to eat was a critical decision. I smiled and watched as this cacophony of sounds around us added to this feeling of joy and wonder. Probably from being on holidays with my parents where we would always begin each days adventure at some kind of hotel dining room or diner so these sounds of sleepy diners, cups and saucers gently tapping together, coffee machines bubbling and the muffled noises of a busy kitchen just coming to life always reminded me that the day has so much potential. The frenetic energy of both the kitchen staff and the wait staff whose lives were based on a time scale so foreign to my own, was contagious and it gave me great excitement for the day ahead as they prepared for the onslaught of the day. Now that excitement was compounded exponentially with such a wonderful partner to share the morning meal with and it compelled me to say so.
“You’re a pretty amazing woman you know that.” I told her. “Thank you I try.” She laughed. “No I mean it, seriously. You are the one person that can ease me out of my comfort zone, assure me that I can do it and that anything is possible and it’s all because you love me so unconditionally and believe in me. I’ve never had that in my entire life and I’m so overwhelmed that you do. I have got to be the luckiest person on the face of the earth.” I told her as my eyes penetrated into hers. She squeezed my hand. “Philip, I’m the one that’s the fortunate one here because I have the gift and protection of your love. You’ve opened yourself up to me so much and you give so freely of your time and talents and have right from the start, even when I was pretty awful with you when we first met. You didn’t judge me then and even after you got a rapid fire education about me and my all too numerous faults and bizarre life style you still love me.” She concluded her eyes looking as if they were welling up with emotion. “Hey now, none of that only happy tears ever my love.” As I leaned raised her hand to my lips and kissed it. “Let’s just agree we’re both very fortunate and blessed to have found each other. “That’s something I can totally agree with you on.” She concurred just as our waitress arrived with pad and pen in hand to take our orders.
“We’re sorry miss we’ll need a few more minutes to decide I haven’t even looked at the menu yet” Philip apologized to her. Our waitress just grinned broadly at me. “Correction sir, you’ll need a few more minutes I already know what this one wants. Let me make sure I’ve got this right, two eggs sunny side up, bacon crisp, marble rye toast, home fries, blueberry pancakes extra butter and maple syrup and of course another cup of coffee.” She reeled off quickly. “You’ve got it.” I giggled at her. Philip just shook his head, handed his menu back to the waitress and said “Make that two please.” As the waitress left Philip asked me teasingly “So just how far does the radius extend that wait staff and delivery people are acquainted with you?” “Oh it’s pretty extensive.” I assured him. “But I have this feeling I’ll be dining at home a lot more from now on.” I smiled at him. “Probably be working out a lot more as well so I can keep enjoying meals like this as well,” My implied meanings of how and just who I planned on having as a workout partner were quite clear to Philip who flushed and as his eyes darted around the room to ensure no one else had overheard me and had understand my true meaning. “You’re entirely too cute.” I said as I squeezed his hand in mine. “I could learn to live with that.” He returned as he half stood and leaned across the table to give me a gentle buss on the lips.
As we sat holding hands we discussed the previous day, his basic introduction to my parents, which we both agreed could have gone a lot worse, but seeing as how we were both adults and had handled things in a straightforward manner had gone pretty well over all. We also began to discuss in depth just what his performing last night had meant to both of us. To me it had been a gift of love, his overcoming his misgivings and anxieties just to make me happy. To him it was as much a gift of his love and devotion to me as well as to realize one of his secret dreams of performing before a live audience. Maybe not quite the way he had envisioned it but still had given him at least a taste of fulfilling that ambition at least once in his life. Two large oval plates with hearty portions were placed in front of us. “Oh yum, I’m starved.” I said. “Bon appetite.” Our waitress wished the two of us as we unfolded our napkins and picked up our cutlery all ready to dig into the steaming dishes. It didn’t take the two of us long to polish it off along with a couple of more cups of coffee which our waitress was quick to keep topped up and hot for us. “I so can’t believe we just did that.” Philip moaned rubbing his stomach. “But it was delicious wasn’t it?” I asked him slyly. “Oh yeah, I agree, definitely no complaints about that.” He responded. “So what do you say we settle the tab, pick up the car and head home to work some of this off work out partner of mine?” I asked him. “Check please, miss.” Philip said as he caught the attention of our server.
After we’d settled up and had left a generous tip, which Philip insisted on paying for out of his tips from last night’s performance. “Just one of the many perks of being a successful and well-loved performance artist.” He informed me as though he was a seasoned veteran. We both began to laugh heartily. “I love being able to be silly with you.” He told me as he kissed me on the nose before we headed out the door. The sun was up fully now and it looked like it was going to be a perfectly glorious day to be alive. By all rights I should have been utterly exhausted but somehow being in love is this wonderful magic that makes you feel like you’re able to live on that and nothing else. Philip and I sauntered back to the car, arm in arm at a leisurely pace with not a care in the world. We were incredibly happy and very much in love with each other. We’d stop every few paces and share a small gentle kiss before we would carry on. When we finally reached the car and were on our way I rested my head against his shoulder and placed my hand on his upper thigh and languidly strummed my fingers over it as we made our way home, which elicited little moans from his lips as he drove. As we pulled into his drive he asked “So beautiful your place or mine?” He asked me giving me a dreamy look. “Mine please I need to feed Sydney who should be pitching a complete and utter fit by now.” I responded.
Philip grabbed my bag out of the trunk then came around and opened the door for me. He escorted me out and we walked over to my place with our arms wrapped around each other’s waists. Now I’m sure to some people this might be considered the walk of shame coming home at dawn with a man you’d hadn’t even known an entire week but there was no shame for either one of us. We truly were in love and were committed even now to remaining a couple for the rest of our lives. I dug through my purse to find my keys and opened the door so we could enter. Sydney just as I expected was howling in protest about being kept waiting for his breakfast. Catching him in mid jump I nuzzled his fuzzy little head as I apologized to him. “I’ll feed Sydney, if you’ll take care of his litter tray.” Philip offered. “How about we reverse that?” I teased him. Sydney just howled plaintively as if to say “Would you people just get a move on and take care of me, good grief are you going to quibble like this if you ever have human kids?” Philip ended up feeding Sydney and I took care of the other parental duty. Now fed and with fresh litter Sydney was a happy camper once more.
Philip and I made our way slowly up the stairs as fatigue seemed to finally be settling in with us. At the doorway to what I know considered our bedroom Philip brushed a stand of hair back from my face. “You look beautiful.” He whispered to me. I knew I must have looked a wreck after such a late night out and so little sleep the night before but I loved the fact he still found me attractive even at a time like this. “I’m sure that I’m not, but I’m happy that you think I am.” I smiled at him. “I know we’re both running out of steam even after our second wind, so what would you say to a nice hot shower before we slip into bed together.” I propositioned him. “Sounds perfect provide you’re planning on joining me in that shower. It’s save time, seeing as how were both so tired.” He added his eyes twinkling. “No arguments from me on that.” I answered amiably. “Give me just a couple of minutes to use the facilities and brush my teeth before you join me? I’ll start the shower and get the temperature just right too.” I added. “Sounds good to me, though I could use a bit of sprucing up in the oral hygiene department myself, do you happen to have an extra toothbrush I could keep over here?” Philip asked me. “Sure help yourself third shelf down in the hall closet there should be a couple extra ones there. Help yourself to anything else you may need. After all, my home is your home now.” Philip discretely shut the door behind him so I could have a bit of privacy while for a couple of minutes before he rejoined me with a soft tap at the door to see if it was okay to enter now. “Come on in, I’m decent.” I called back. He turned the doorknob and entered, toothbrush in hand.
As we brushed our teeth together sharing the sink it struck me as how familiar this all seemed sharing space like this together. We performed this little ritual together as tough we’d been sharing a sink together for years. There was just this natural synchronicity between the two of us, which was beautiful in its own right. Of course when we were finished we had to test the minty freshness our breath on each other. The test results were most favourable as slow kisses turned into something more probing and intense. I got the shower started and those kisses resumed, loving affirmations of our commitment to each. Slowly we began to undress each other, layer by layer until we were both unfettered by clothes. With nothing binding us we moulded our bodies against each other as we continued to kiss each other as if we could never have enough of those joyous little gifts to each other. Somehow we managed to find our way into the shower together never once breaking the contact of flesh between us. I could feel Philip’s arousal pressing against me wanting to find its way home. We sighed into each other as the warm water cascaded down on us, soothing tired and aching limbs, never once breaking the seal between our lips as we managed to locate the shower gel and began to lovingly lather each other’s bodies. Philip worked his soapy hands over my shoulders and breasts tenderly soaping and massaging me, causing any tensions that my body held to evaporate into thin air. I moaned hot puffs of air into his mouth as his hands worked their way down my torso, over my hips and buttocks, down my tummy and to that sweet hot spot he had more than a passing acquaintance with after yesterday. I was in heaven and I never wanted the feeling to end.
I had just had one of the craziest days and nights of my entire life and here I was creating the dawn of a new day with a beautiful woman who also happened to be wonderfully free spirited and gave her all for me. She was now the focal point of my universe and I had to wonder what I had done before she came into my life. Her warmth and gentle spirit fused with my own and made me a better and stronger person because of it. I loved her with a vitality and passion that surpassed anything I had ever experienced before. Her hands running over my body made me long to enter her and to feel her special warmth that could only be obtained when were we coupled together as lovers. Even with Victoria here in my arms and our lips conjoined together I ached to have her even closer to me. The need to make love was over powering me and I couldn’t contain myself any longer. I slowly began to sink to the base of the tub gently guiding her down with me. I managed to somehow sit on the bottom of the tub and navigate her into a squatting position above me. Her fragrant tantalizing sex was quivering in small spasms of anticipation as I guided her down with my hands on her hips unto my own quivering shaft of flesh.
She sighed as her legs opened like the petals of a lotus flower and she accepted my gift. It was an awkward position but we were determined to make love here and now. Our passions needing to be sated, whether it was this unique position or our intense need for release it came to us both mercifully at the same time. We clung to each other for dear life as wave after wave of orgasmic pleasures over took us. My mind was in an erotic fog from the experience. I smothered her with kisses of gratitude as wave after rolling wave of sensory overload racked our bodies. Her whispers and cries of I love you Philip were the sweetest music in the world to my ears. I cradled her in my arms joyfully repeating her refrain of I love you, I love you, I love you. Holding on to each other as though we were each other’s salvation which is exactly what we were to each other, before Victoria my life had been a barren wasteland.
The water had begun to run cool so we began to untangle ourselves and help each other regain our ability to stand. I turned off the water and grabbed a towel off the towel rack to wrap Victoria in and stop her from shivering from the coolness in the room. She purred and sighed contentedly as she told me how much she appreciated me being so attentive towards her. Not for one minute though did she stop to even consider she was duplicating my loving gestures as she too had grabbed a towel and wrapped it around me. When we were sufficiently dry we ran like a couple of playful little sprites down the hall and to our bed room. We pulled back the covers and dove into the depths of the bed as we cocooned ourselves in the sheets and duvet that we’re on it. The true warmth though came from the love in our hearts, as we entwined our limbs and snuggled close together.
ACT XIV
It's amazing how manageable life can feel with only one blanket and the right two arms holding you close. Victoria has finally learned what it is to trust someone completely and know the haven of warmth that is to be found in a good man’s loving embrace. Philip has discovered the unmitigated joy of knowing the loving tenderness of having the perfect woman for him by his side. Love really is a many splendored thing.
Philip held me close, enveloping me with his body trying to warm me as I shivered slightly against the coolness of the room. He drew the blankets around me tightly swaddling me as though I were a papoose against his chest, an innocent babe, who need to be held protectively, kept safe and warm. His body was my haven, a source of comfort and protection. It was still unbelievable to me how much I trusted this man, as I had never been one to give my trust to anyone lightly. Yet somehow my head, heart and soul knew that if anyone would defend me with no thought to themselves, putting me first and foremost I knew it was Philip. Never would I have to question his faith or commitment to me. My body trembled with the over whelming knowledge this of his devotion and love for me.
“You’ve got the chills.” He observed with tender concern in his voice, as he began to rub his hands over me trying to infuse the warmth of his own body into mine. “No it’s not that, but I do like the way you choose to warm a girl up.” I replied as I moulded the contours of my body closer against his. “Then what is it? You can tell me anything.” He prodded me gently as he tipped my chin up gently with his one finger so that he could gaze into my eyes. “It’ll sound silly.” I giggled self-consciously. “My darling, if it has meaning and relevance of any sort to you then it is of the utmost importance to me as well.” He promised me his voice liquid warmth that seeped into my every pore. “I’m shivering because of the way you make me feel inside. Not just from the physical aspects of things either, which is pretty fabulous, just for the record. You have this ability to just fill me with this feeling I’ve never experienced before in my life before and I just never want it to end.” I was struggling helplessly trying to formulate my feeling into thoughts. “Is it that feeling of this amazing inner peace, that all if finely truly right in the world and if fills you with this incredible happiness?” he questioned me. “Yes, yes that’s definitely part of it but it’s so much more it’s bigger than that.” I said growing excited at the prospect that he truly would understand what I was trying to convey to him. “It’s all the best moments of your life racing around in your mind then it becomes a comet and it hurtles through the space of your entire body leaving trails of energy in its wake?” He added his own excitement seeming to grow with my own. “Exactly and it fills you with this most amazing sense of elation this euphoric high in your heart and your soul. At the same time it scares you just a little but not enough that you want it to stop feeling that way.” “Oh you do understand.” I beamed in delight at him.
“I do understand my darling because I feel that same way myself.” Philip intoned solemnly. “It’s the purest, most unconditional form of love that I have ever known or experienced in my entire life and I have you to thank for giving me such a rare and precious gift. My heart and soul is forever entwined with yours Victoria.” With that he tenderly cupped my face in his hands and drew his lips down to kiss me.As much as it amazed me how completely he understood every little thing about me and could finish my various thoughts, even when I couldn’t it just confirmed to me how very right this whole decision to get involved with him had been. Philip was the North Star that would shine brightly in even my darkest night’s and would help me find my way back to the safety he offered me. He would be the sun that rose each day in my world and would shine his warming rays directly into my heart.
The way we melded together so seamlessly often let me feeling as though I had been bewitched and bewildered, but it never bothered me in the slightest. Quite the contrary I revelled in this complete and utter unification we had going on between us. The depths of our love allowed us to be in tune with each other, melody and harmony coming together to create something of great beauty. Nuzzling her cheeks and forehead before rubbing the tip of my nose against her in a playful gesture of affection, I felt totally at peace with the world. “Well we’ve had quite the day haven’t we?” I asked her yawning ever so slightly as I did. She just smiled at me. “Indeed we have and I’m so glad you did that first. I’m only just now realizing how incredibly exhausted I am. What would you say to just holding each other close and allowing the sandman to make a visit to both of us.”
She asked sleepily slipping her upper leg through mine its silky thigh overlapping mine now. Her head resting on my chest as she made soft sleepy little sounds as she snuggled in making herself comfortable in my arms and was softly slumbering before I could even answer her. Stroking her cheek lightly with my fingertip I then brushed back an errant strand of still damp hair from her face. She looked so peaceful and so happy lying there in my arms, positively angelic despite earlier claims to the contrary by her parents. To them she may always be more sinner than saint but in my eyes she was the ultimate in perfection. I kissed her ever so softly so as to not disturb her and rested my head upon my pillow. I have no recollection of how long it took me in reality to drift off myself but it seemed I had barely even closed my eyes before it happened.
Before I even opened my eyes, the sense of still being nestled next to Philip was evident to me, by the warm of this body, the soft evenness of his breath as he continued to slumber, the gentle even beat of his heart still at rest. The knowledge of his presence caused a smile to form upon my lips as my lids gently began to flutter open. With my now open eyes I drank in the features of his handsome face. As I gazed upon him I realized how much I truly adored and loved this man. These same ruggedly handsome features of his had only last night been softened to become a beautiful woman and yet to me he was and would always be all man. There was a also a childlike innocence to him and the way he held me in the crook of his arm against his chest, as though I were some cherished stuffed animal that he just couldn’t bear to sleep without. I had to smile at the thought that I was now his very grown up version of his former faithful companion and sleep partner. Lightly I brushed kisses over his chest before cradling my ear against him listening to the soothing beat of his heart. I was in heaven safe in his loving embrace.
She was a thing of rare beauty that was beyond my abilities of description, lying there so still in my arms. There was such comfort in having her snug in my arms this way. It took me back to some pleasant memories of being just a young lad myself and insisting at bedtime that I could not possibly get to sleep without my faith companion and partner in crime, Ruff. My mother more than likely had him still packed safely away along with other childhood treasures of mine in hopes that one day I’d pass them on to a child of my own. I’d be willing to bet there was a copy of the Velveteen Rabbit in that box as well. As a child I had always loved that story and it suddenly struck me that Victoria was my long lost friend finally come to life. She was my adult version of my own brand of Velveteen Rabbit.
Magically at the same moment I had that thought flit though my mind, she stirred and glanced up at me. Seeing my eyes were open she, she wriggled about until her lips were just a breath away from my own. “Good morning, my love.” She whispered before that brief space between us closed and her lips were upon mine. The kiss was everything a proper good morning kiss should be, a welcoming form of warmth that gently stirred the senses, encouraging me to come to life once more. It was a leisurely greeting that coaxed me to transition completely from my dreams into my reality. “In a perfect world, every day would start like this.” I murmured softly as I placed a kiss upon her forehead. She lifted her head slightly and kissed my chin. “It would be lovely if we could always wake up like this.” She agreed running her hand over my chest her fingers seeming to dance across my flesh. “Easing into the day together, knowing the rest of the day was ours to do as we pleased. There are so many things I could do and perhaps should do but I am determined to make this day ours. It wouldn’t matter what we do or where we do it, just as long as we’re enjoying it in the company of each other.”
“I could happily just spend the day here in bed with you my love. Sharing cuddles, our hopes and dreams for our future together, making love, just simply enjoy being us.” I told her as I tried to draw her just a little closer to me if such a thing were possible. “I particularly like that stay in bed and make love part of your plans.” She grinned at me saucily as she ran her tongue over her lips lightly as though savouring the idea and barely being able to control her desires for me. “You’re a naughty girl Victoria.” I chided her lovingly, which earned me a rather throaty little purr from her along with a decidedly mischievous look in her eyes. “When I’m good I’m very good, but when I’m bad I’m better.” She quipped back complete with her best Mae West imitation to go along with it. As she started to kiss her way down my neck, chest and torso I realized she was planning on showing me just how frisky and naughty she was feeling. Not surprisingly I was already rather aroused when she met the object of her desire and began to lick at it with long languid strokes of her warm, wet tongue. It felt amazing and I began to squirm under her administrations to my member which was now beginning to throb, not only from the arousal I was experiencing but the anticipation of what she’d choose to do next to me. She was truly an expert at making my mind race as to what she’d do next to me.
Beginning with soft caress with her hands, squeezing, massaging, stroking and alternately fondling me would have been enough to bring any man to his knees and make him beg for the sweet relief she could provide. But it was that tongue and mouth of hers that was causing me to convulse in spasms beneath her. She had this way of sucking the tip into her mouth and with a little wink she was capable of devouring me in one fell swoop of her mouth where she would hold me captive in the warm and depths of it. I’d moan in rapture as she continued to work my flute of flesh and make it sing. She could coax the vibrations from me as I trembled and would raise my hips to meet her in an attempt to kiss her mouth with my loins. As she drove me into a frenzy of delight I became more and more vocal with her. I couldn’t hold myself back much longer and I knew my release was going to be imminent. My hands stroked her shoulders urging her on as my fingers entwined themselves in her hair. I felt that surge of energy pulsating thought out me and I knew I was going to fill her with my hot sweet cream.
It filled me with a great deal of deeply felt satisfaction knowing that I pleasing Philip this way. The way his body was responding to me filled me with my own desire which rose with each and every level that his did. To me this was my own brand of art being able to pleasure him and evoke such primal responses from him. I felt his legs quivering, his hips giving one final urgent thrust before I began to milk spurt after spurt of his creamy essence. I eagerly swallowed each and every precious drop of his fluids as I drained every single drop from him, continuing to suck gently on his still firm flesh. His breathing was rapid and he was still having those delightful little aftershocks racking his body. It filled me with an awesome sense of power knowing that I could exert such a means of control over his body and its pleasure. As I rested my cheek against his thigh I kept his penis ensconced in my mouth protected lovingly. I sucked on it softly finding it a soothing and loving act for both of us to enjoy. Eventually he began to soften in my mouth, as his breathing returned to a more normal rhythm. He stroked my hair, gently curling tendrils of my air around his fingers to form delicate little curls. Small shared intimacies such as these were what made our lovemaking so special. Finally with a little sigh, I released him from the protective custody of my mouth and gave him a few tenderly devotional licks and kisses.
I drew her up to me and stroked her face softly with my fingertips, committing each delicate feature to memory. Kissing her lips I could taste the salted essence of my own fluids still lingering upon hers. Truly she was beautiful to me and I hoped and prayed I would never do anything to make her think otherwise. “You are absolutely gorgeous Victoria.” I told her sincerely. “Even with a severe case of bed head and no makeup on?” She queried suspiciously. “Especially now, because you are in your most natural state, I can see the real you. If I wasn’t already madly in love with you I wouldn’t be able to resist falling for you in this minute. You are my everything, my hopes and my dreams all rolled into a wish come true.” My voice cooed to her in mating call of its own design.
“For that I am glad, because you are my dreams come to life as well. I’m still trying to figure out how all of this happened…” she began. “Victoria,” I broke in placing my finger against her lip to quiet her. “Don’t try and over think it, just accept it, we were meant to be together, we’ve always been meant to be together. I know that in the depths of my heart and my soul.” I finished as I kissed those soft yielding lips of hers once more. The best part of all of this was that I knew just exactly how lucky I was that I’d found her at long last. There was no doubt at times that she’d be a total handful and try my patience to its limits with her crazy antics but I also knew that I wouldn’t want to miss one minute of it, not for anything in the world. If last night had been any indication at all I knew that she’d be able to convince me of absolutely anything. It made me smile.
“So pray tell kind sir, why are you grinning like a Cheshire cat, who’s just had a bowl of cream? As I believe that I was the one that just enjoyed your vessel of cream.” She purred at me just like the seductive little kitten that she was to me. “I was thinking about last night. How crazy all of it was and how somehow despite my better judgements I let you talk me into it and how it turned out to be some of the best fun I’d ever had in my life. If it hadn’t been for you and your charming wheedling to get your own way, it never would have happened. But I’m so glad I did it, it was a great experience and I actually learned a great deal from the experience.”
“You make it sound like I somehow conned you into performing. Why Philip I did no such thing, you made that decision of your own volition.” She began to protest. “Victoria you can easily wrap me around me your pretty little paw and have me eagerly do your bidding. I made a decision to face my own fears last night that much is true, but there was definitely a need for me to not let you down either. I fear you’ve been let down enough in your life by people and I’m not going to be one of them. I’ll always back you up and support you and I needed you to know that I meant it. I needed you to know it just wasn’t a bunch of empty words. I’m pretty sure that life is always going to be an adventure with you, filled with plenty of surprises to keep me on my toes.” I told her quite plainly. “Would those be toe shoes by any chance? Bet you’d look utterly fab in those and a leotard complete with a tulle tutu in baby pink perhaps?” She started to giggle.
I reached behind me and grabbed the pillow from under my head and took a playful swing at her with it. “Oh yeah?” she responded as she picked up her own pillow and gave me a solid thump with it. From there on it was game on. We both tossed pillows at each other laughing like a pair of lunatics the entire time. It was entire madness two alleged grownups naked as the day they were born behaving like a pair of children romping around enjoying a honest to goodness pillow fight on a lazy Sunday afternoon. As she grew tired from the exertions of the game she tried to pin me to the bed “Say Uncle and I’ll quit.” She demanded in a childlike demeanor as she tried to look menacing holding her weapon of choice in her hands above me. “Not so fast.” I retorted easily rolling out from under her and positioning myself over her body. “You say Uncle.” I teased her. She just shook her head defiantly and laughed. “Nope.” She replied staunchly not about to give in. “Looks like I’m going to have to resort to some other tactics to get my own way about this one.” My eyes were only full of love for her as I pinned her and began to kiss and tongue her ears throat and shoulders until she was putty in my hands. She soon began to moan and squirm beneath me and finally her words came like music to my ears. “Uncle, I give up. You win.” She gasped. “Aha” I crowed triumphantly. “More please.” She purred at me. “You nut.” I smiled at her and gave her exactly what she asked for after all how could I possibly deny my lover anything her heart desired, especially when the thing she desired most was me.
A plaintive “merrrow” broke up our little make out session as Sydney decided to join us. Clearly he felt respectable people should be out of bed at this hour of the day and taking care of more important things like feeding him. I gave him an affectionate pet but would have been just as happy if he had decided to make himself scarce and had spent the day snoozing on on the back of the sofa as he basked in the sunshine. “Guess we should make some sort of move to drag ourselves out of bed.” She said dubiously. “Think we could get the pizza delivery guy to deliver to our bedroom and feed the cat on the way out if we tip him really well?” I offered. She just burst into laughter at that idea. I joined her in the giggle fest but clearly Sydney looked at us like that was so not an option in his world. I gave her one last hug before we got up.
“If we ever have kids can we agree they spend weekends at least once a month with Grandma and Grandpa so we can have silly, special times like this just the two of us?” I asked her. “Totally doable, we’ll be happier people and better parents as a result of having us time. The only flaw with that plan is straightening out after they’ve been spoiled rotten by their grandparents.” She answered, which just served to make us both laugh good naturedly knowing the truth in those words. Somehow we managed to make it downstairs, each of us having the presence of mind to toss on some form of cover up, for me that was a pair of my boxers and for Victoria it was one of her old t shirts and a pair of rather fetching looking panties. Heaven help us if we had another day of friendly neighbours and family dropping by. They’d just have to deal with it if they did pop around unexpectedly.
“This has to be the best day ever.” I said snuggling up to Philip as we cuddled on the sofa in the living room. Sydney had been fed, watered and otherwise placated by both of us and was now doing what he did best, attempting to figure out how to get on to the top shelf of the entertainment centre that contained a fish bowl which contained a blue Beta fish in it by the name of Sushi. “You named a fish Sushi?” Philip had questioned me rather amused by the choice when he’d inquired if I had a name for him. “Sure” I’d shrugged “after all chances are Sydney being as resourceful as he is that could very well be his fate.” “Aren’t lazy days like this the best? I so seldom have them anymore it’s rather a luxury for me. Tomorrow it’ll be a whole other story but for today I’m a very happy camper.” I murmured happily as Philip nibbled on my neck. “Seems perfect to me as well but then any time I spend with you is perfect.” He crooned into my ear. It sent shivers of delight down my spine the way that he said it.
“So I’m not sure if this is a good time to bring it up or not but I had this scathingly brilliant idea last night and I wanted to talk to you about.” Philp said to me. “Any time is a good time for us to talk about anything Philip.” I assured him. “Well it’s like this. Last night meeting Miss Antoinette and all was quite the honour for me. I loved her energy and spirit. It kind of gave me a glimpse into the future with you. You might be silver haired and perhaps not quite as agile as you are now, but you’ll still be every inch the lady, filled with life, charming and disarming as ever.” He told me. I flushed under his compliments. “Thank you Philip I take that as quite the compliment. She’s been a real inspiration to me, a trail blazer in a world where it wasn’t always easy and wasn’t openly accepted. It takes a lot of courage to do what she’s done. I have the utmost respect for her. She’s also been incredibly kind to me as well since I’ve met her and been working at the club. I wish there was some way that I could show her both my gratitude and affection for her.” I sighed. “Well I think I might just have the answer to that.” I told her with a glint in my eyes as I prepared to propose my idea to her. “What would you say if I did a portrait of the two of you together in full drag? We could present it to her formally at her birthday party in October. Think she’d consent to sit for one?” I asked not entirely sure if I was over stepping my bounds even asking.
Her answer was to bounce into my lap and throw her arms around me after which she began to smother me with kisses. “That is sheer genius. I know she’d adore that.” She gushed between kisses and hugs. Suddenly she stopped short. “But I can’t pay you for something of that magnitude Philip and it’s bound to take heaps for time because I already know you’ll take great care in making it as perfect as possible, as you capture everything just right.” She added regretfully. Once again I held a finger to her lips. “Woman you are simply going to have to listen to me at least every now and again.” I told her sternly. “I said it was a gift from both of us, secondly I wouldn’t dream of taking any money from you or anyone else for it It’s going to be a labour of love for the woman I love and her benefactor and mentor. Besides as long as I’m on the receiving end of your hugs and kisses I’d consider that more than fair payment.” I grinned at her and then kissed her firmly on the mouth to stop any further protests she might have. It was a very enjoyable tactic to get her to be silent. I knew it would be one that I’d have to employee on a fairly regular basis, but I was a trooper and more than willing to do what I had to do.
When I felt she’d been kissed properly I finally released her. “Nice try but if that’s how you handle me and my mouth, I’m just going to ramble all the more about things.” She said as she stuck her tongue out at me like the cheeky little minx that she was. “Well I always believed one had to be firm but fair at a time like this.” I told her before moving in for even more kissing maneuvers with her. The truth of the matter is the simple fact was that I simply loved kissing her, over and over again. There were so many perfectly delightful ways to do it and I planned on perfecting each and every one of them with her as my study buddy. “I’m totally starving again, even after that massive breakfast we had earlier.” I informed her as we sat snuggling. “Well I guess I’d better do something about that. After all I do have to keep your strength up if I plan on continuing to ravish you the way that I’m planning to.” She informed in a solemn tone but her eyes were twinkling merrily at me at the prospect of all that ravishing she had in mind. “So what would the lady of the manor like for dinner this evening?” I inquired of her. “Not sure, do you have any suggestions?”
“Well if we had a barbeque I’d suggest that. We could go get those steaks I bought when we went shopping on Thursday and grill those along with some grilled veggies, a baked potato and voila a quick and easy dinner. I suppose we could just do the steaks under the broiler though.” I suggested to her. “Actually if you have a sense of adventure which I don’t after watching my Dad over the years then we can have one.” She informed me. “Okay so I take it we’ve got a bbq then and just what does your Dad have to do with this?” I asked arching an eyebrow at her. “Oh it’s one of the prehistoric types we had when I was growing up. You know the type charcoal briquettes that you start with lighter fluid and a match. Well Dad would inevitably have flames of epic proportions going on which let our neighbours to panic and put in call to the local fire station. I was the only kid in the third grade that was on a first name basis with an entire station of firefighters.” Then she shook her head and laughed. “I have no idea how my Mom put up with him at times, he can be quite the goof at times. Guess she loved him and still does.” She surmised.
“Well if you’ll be so kind as to tell me where it is I’ll go drag it out of its hiding spot and get it started so we get a nice set of coals going to grill on. As long as you think I’ll look okay without eyebrows.” I said which earned me a horrified look until she realized I was only teasing her about the eyebrow thing. “Oh you.” Was all she said as she leaned in and kissed me. Since I was going to be in charge of the charcoal lighting and grilling Victoria offered to clean and prepare the rest of the meal for me to cook. But first I had her get dressed in a few more clothes and slip over to my place to grab me a fresh change of clothes. We’d go over after dinner and grab some more things but for now I’d be happy with a pair of jeans and t shirt of my own. She was happy to comply as neither of us wanted to cause any more neighbourhood scandals other than the ones we already had.
Once I was dressed I went out to the little garden shed in the back yard and poked around until I found the old fashioned grill and the briquettes. As I got into the light of day in the back yard I realized it had seen better days but I was still confident I could make it work for at least tonight. It was a relieved Victoria that emerged from the house a while later, with a tray laden with freshly sliced veggies which she in her increasing boldness in the kitchen seemed to have marinating is some virgin olive oil, garlic and a few other herbs. It actually smelled like a pretty good combination to me. There were also a couple of potatoes wrapped in tin foil and perforated so they wouldn’t explode during the baking process in the hot coals. The steaks looked thick and tender, nicely marbled and I planned on grilling them to perfection. She’s also had uncorked a bottle of red wine along with a couple of glasses which also reposed upon the tray she carried.
“You’ve thought of everything it looks like.” I said smiling to her as she set it down on the picnic table. “I think so even the plates, cutlery and tongs for you to use are here.” She crinkled her brow as she ran over her mental check list. She was so darn cute whenever she concentrated on something. I put my arm around her and pulled her in for a hug. When the goals were perfect I poked through the coals and buried the foiled covered potatoes to bake. Then I leveled out the coals. It seemed to amuse her. “This may come as a shock to you but I actually have a clue about what I’m doing here.” I quipped at her. “I can see that, just thinking about Daddy and his flaming inferno’s is all, which produced a charred beyond recognition exterior and a rather rare interior. Bit of challenge to get your knife through even.” She laughed over the memory and I joined her. Dinner when it was finished cooking was excellent and we both dug into it heartily and enjoyed our simple but filling feast along with the wine. The sun began to sink further from view as I put my arm around her when we’d finished dining. What more could a man ask for I thought his best girl by his side, a full stomach all capped off with a gorgeous view of the setting sun. It was getting chillier as the sun dipped behind the horizon and she snuggled closer into me. Life as I knew it was good, beyond good actually.
We finally rose and cleaned up the table and I carried the tray in the kitchen for her. She started the washing up while I tended to making sure that the grill was properly cooled. I arrived inside just as she was finishing wiping the last dish. “Typical man.” She teased me “Arriving after the dishes are all done.” I took it all in good stride and teased her back. “Well if you’d rather take the opportunity to meet all the eligible fire fighters in this neighbourhood I won’t be so cautious next time I put the grill out.” Her only retort was to toss the wet dish towel at me. I dodged it easily and then caught her in my arms. “So think its bedtime?” I asked her in a husky voice. “That depends are you planning on grabbing a set of pyjamas when we get some more things for you to wear from your place?” She asked waiting expectantly for my response. “I hadn’t planned on it.” I whispered into her ear. “Then mister when you get back it’s definitely bed time for the two of us.” And with that she reached up and kissed me passionately.
ACT XV
In everyone's life a little rain must fall but when you're in love you'll be able to weather the storms as long as you have each other. The storms will pass, the clouds will clear and the sun will warm your hearts once more.
We actually ended up going over to Philip’s place together partially so that I could take some things of my own to keep over there but mainly because we simply wanted to spend time together. It was that desire to spend time together that had led us to a rather playful little romantic romp in his bed. Neither one of has required any major form of enticement to make love to each other, which is how we had ended up completely unencumbered of our clothes. Sprawled on the top of Philip’s bed, he was working his magic on me and had me alternately mewling and purring with delight and pleasure. There was definite strength in his hands and caresses but at the same time there was such gentle tenderness in his caresses. The way he moulded my flesh to his never once breaking the contact between us, flesh against flesh, lips against lips, tongues boldly exploring one another, heated breath, rapid pulses thundering. These were moments we both lived for striving to connect as fully as possible with each other. Our voices sang out to each other in rapturous joy as we pleased each other with passionate but always loving care. This was lovemaking at its finest pure, intense beyond description and something I was rapidly learning I had never experienced until Philip. Never in my life had I been so unabashedly expressive with a man before I had taken Philip as my lover. He was the only man that had ever created such a safe haven for me to explore my sexuality. Philip listened to my needs and desires, not only in the words I spoke but the way my body spoke to him and responded to his. So unselfish, always so giving, kind and patient he had allowed me to finally be able to trust another human being. Finally I could truly say I knew what it was like to both be able to love and allow myself to be loved in return.
This whole episode between us had begun so naturally and had just progressed until we were in the height of passion in a tangle of intertwined arms and legs here on my bed, that only a couple of days before she had made up for me. I loved the spontaneity of our love making. The intensity of it was something I had never experienced with any partners of my past either. With mere words this woman could seduce me as if she were performing some slow sensual striptease for my intellectual self. She was so in touch with not only what she wanted and needed but what I did as well. You need to have chemistry with your lover not only the physical kind that too many people never seem to get past, but the intellectual, spiritual and emotional ones as well. Victoria and I had found that elusive balance of all of them and were reaping the rewards of our discovery. We brought out passions and desires in each other deeper than either of us had even known we were capable of possessing.
As we both hit our climaxes together, we clung to each other as we were tossed on the waves of mutual orgasmic gratification. Our pelvis continued to kiss one another as we rode those swells of pleasure. Lips joined heatedly interlocking into each other as our internal fireworks exploded in blast after blast of dazzling brilliance. Until finally only gentle trails of fading colours remained and even then I could not bear to break the connection, remaining buried inside of her. She made no effort to break the connection either as we continued to kiss one another. They were softer kisses now, gentle soothing, reassuring that we would never lose the crazy passion that we had just experienced together. I knew I never wanted to live my life without it. “Have I told you how much I love you Victoria?” I whispered quietly to her as we lay still joined together. There was a soft giggle “I believe you just did and without the use of any words…at least ones that were discernible in the heat of the moment.” She responded. Nuzzling her I couldn’t help but giggle myself until I ended up bursting into complete laughter. I rolled her on top of me and brushed her hair off of her face, then used my hands to frame her face. “Do you know how incredibly lucky we are that we can laugh while we make love?” I asked her totally enthralled with the entire concept. “Technically it could be argued we’ve finished.” She replied with her eyes twinkling at me merrily. My response was to wriggle my hips against hers reminding her even though I wasn’t rigid I was still a part of her. She wriggled back “Point made.” She said drawing down to kiss me once more.
It was almost a bittersweet moment for me when I did finally slip out of her but in my heart I knew the rich intenseness of what we had just shared would never truly leave either of us and that we would find ourselves revisiting it countless times together in the future. “So shall we just stay here this evening?” I asked her as we both seemed totally at home in the cozy nest for two we’d created in bed together. “If we do that we’ll have to get up super early get dressed and at least one of us will have to tromp next door and feed Sydney. As tempting as staying here is, it’s easier to nip downstairs naked take care of his demands then, just go back upstairs so we can curl up and snuggle until we really to have to get up and start our day in earnest.” She sighed. “Never really thought about it, guess I’m still not used to dating a single unwed mother.” I teased her. “Not to mention the sensation it would cause if you streaked over there to be a responsible pet parent. Though I have to admit I wouldn’t mind seeing you running naked. I’m sure it would be quite the vision.” I smiled at her. She pretended to be miffed by my comments but I noticed that familiar pink stain creeping up her cheeks. “Oh my God, you so have been caught streaking before haven’t you my dear?” I challenged her, which only served the colouration to deepen further. “If I say yes, is this going to be some sort of deal breaker between us?” She inquired almost timidly. I just burst out laughing again. “No, no, not at all this isn’t some episode of the Jerry Springer show after all, but I’m rather curious tell me about it. What on earth possessed you? Is there someone that is remembering the occasion a little too fondly that I’ll want to punch in the nose at some reunion or other event, should they bring it up?” I questioned her.
Letting out a sigh, I began my explanation. “What can I say it was the seventies, streaking was the in thing. We were young, more than just a little… now how shall I say this without incriminating myself further here, under the influence of a certain herbal substance?” I grinned. “In other words it seemed like a good idea at the time but after the fact you thought better of it?” Philip supplied for me. “Exactly, it was one of those stupid I dare you sort of stunts, the it was late at night and the only one that may have seen us was one of my neighbours who, bless his heart was blind as a bat without his glasses on and probably didn’t have a clue as to who or what went whizzing by his front porch.” I laughed at the memory. “I guess my folks may have been right I could be quite the handful at times when I was growing up. Are you really sure you want to keep me around?” I added seriously. Clearly this was one of those times Philip felt he had to silence me because he pulled me down to him and planted a firm kiss directly on my lips. I loved the way that he would calm my fears and silence my protests. “Guess you’re sure.” I smiled at him. “Oh yeah, I’m sure.” He said as he kissed me again.
Neither one of us was overly motivated to untangle ourselves and so that we could be responsible pet parents. We were going to have to figure something out so that Sydney would be able to be equally at home in both our country and city homes as we’d decided to call out two dwellings, as neither of us really cared to refer to them as yours or mine. That just seemed too cold and clinical to us like it was some sort of a legal contract not a personal committed relationship. So until we decided together what to do about the matter we’d come up with the idea of referring to her place as our country home as it was closer to the park and river than mine was, while mine was a little closer to the down town core of the city and hence would be referred to as our city home. Eventually we’d make the move fully to a single dwelling as it would make no sense to either of us to maintain the expense of two completely separate residences for any length of time. I knew Victoria had a great deal of sentimental attachment to the country home due to her late Aunt Emily and the many childhood memories that were attached to it, while my recent acquisition of property meant little to me. The only matter of any importance to me in my address would be the fact that I was sharing it with the woman I loved.
“So how long are we going to continue to do this commuting thing my dear Victoria?” I asked her as we each carted over some more of my clothes and other personal items. She was struggling with the key in the lock as she tried to balance a small box on her bent knees. “I agree we have to make a decision as this is really rather silly but at the same time I don’t want either of us to have any regrets about moving things along too quickly either.” She dropped the box on the porch and gave the door a solid little kick with her foot in frustration. I set my own burdens down and wrapped my arms around her. “There, there, don’t fret my pet.” I comforted her. “Sorry, I’m just frustrated, I’ve worked so hard trying to get this place into shape, there’s still so much to do, things are going so great with you, and I’m just being majorly neurotic that I’ll do something stupid and …” with that she burst into tears. I held her close and stroked her hair as she sobbed her body quaking from the efforts. “Victoria, you aren’t going to lose me, no matter what, I love you with all my heart. Please remember I’m not one of the past disappointments of your life I’m your present and we are going to face the future together. Also I know how attached you are to this place and I wouldn’t dream of asking you to give up your dreams of making this yours.
I think you’ll find I’m actually a pretty handy kind of guy to have around the house.” I assured her in a loving tone. Her sobs began to subside, she looked up at me with her tear stained cheeks and red nose which was swollen from her crying jag. “I’m being a silly little goose aren’t I?” she sniffled at me. “Yes, but you’re my silly little goose so it’s okay but” I added with a serious note to my voice “you have to learn that my love for you is unconditional. When you get insecure like this I’m just going to love you just a little bit more. I promise you here and now I’m always going to make time for you, I’ll listen to you as well I’ll treat you with respect and kindness. Victoria it’s okay that all of this is overwhelming you at times.” I told her as I used my thumbs to wipe away her tears. “I’ve been on the verge of tears a few times myself the past few days. I’m just so overwhelmed by the way you love me and how much you’ve breathed life into me. There were parts of me that I had closed down and shut off before I met you. We were made for each other. There’s this rather charming Chinese proverb I once heard and I’ve never forgotten it.
It goes like this: An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break. You and I are that red thread we were destined to be together and nothing is going to break the special connection that we share with each other, even if we do get tangled up at times.” I told her as I brushed her forehead with a kiss. She clung to me tightly. We’d been so focused on each other that neither of us had noticed the sudden change in the weather. Large drops of rain had begun to fall and the wind had begun to rise. “Come on we’d better get inside.” I said as I kissed her softly once more. The door when she inserted the key turned easily this time and we hustled into the warmth of the house. Sydney was sitting by the door waiting for us with a look that said. “Silly humans I was wondering if you two had enough sense to come in out of the rain.” As he licked his paws before stalking off. Clearly he didn’t feel the need to chaperone the two of us. It was then we heard the rumble of the thunder and saw the first streaks of lightening, as the darkened entryway was illuminated by nature’s light show. “I’ve always loved a good storm and this one looks like it’s shaping up to be a pretty major one the way it came up so suddenly.” She said as she peeped through the window of the front door.
I sidled up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. “I’ve always loved them too. There’s just such power and energy in them, this wild unleashed passion. When I was a kid, I loved it if it stormed like this when I was staying overnight at my Grandmother’s place. She had this amazing skylight in her reading room. She’d make me a big mug of cocoa and I’d go in there and lie down on my back and stare up at the patterns and designs the lightening made. It never failed to fascinate me.” I leaned forward and grazed her cheek with a soft kiss. She turned to face me. “Ironically I used to do the same thing myself when I was a kid and I’d lie there and wonder if there was any one else out there doing the same thing I was. I guess I finally have my answer to that question. Must be that red thread you just told me about we’ve been connected to each other for years.” The smile had returned to her face once more and even with the storm raging outside she was at peace with herself and with the fact I truly was going to be a constant in her life.
“I know it’s getting late but how about we make a couple mugs of cocoa and watch the storm for a while?” I suggested to Philip. “Actually I’d really like that. Just let me run these upstairs first because the cocoa will mellow me out and I know I want feel like dragging them upstairs later so may as well get them out of the way. I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a couple minutes.” He said with a quick kiss before he and I parted company. When I Philip met me in the kitchen I was already busily measuring out the ingredients that I’d lined up on the counter. “You’re making it from scratch? I must say I’m impressed.” “One of my super powers is that I make a totally wicked cup of cocoa.” I informed him. “Well if I ask you very nicely will you share your secrets with me?” Philip asked with a charmingly little boy smile on his face. “I might be able to see my way clear to doing that, seeing as how I’m moderately fond of you.” I teased him. “You’re only moderately fond of me?” He feigned his disappointment at that pronouncement, then wrapped his arms me from behind and murmured in my ear. “Would you consider upgrading that to relatively fond of me, once we’re married? After all we’d be related then. So if this is like a family secret it would be safe with me then.” He whispered in my ear before nibbling on it. “Well when you put it like that, I suppose I could share it with you.” I laughed gaily at him.
The ingredients were now in the pot and I placed it on the element on a medium high heat and began to whisk it in a figure eight pattern. “This is the real secret you have to whisk it in a figure eight and never change the direction you’re going or it just won’t taste the same.” I informed him, which earned me a really skeptical look. “Seriously that makes a difference?” he asked obviously thinking I was joking with him. “I know sounds totally weird but I swear it’s the truth. My Grandfather taught me how to do it and he was a pharmacist, said it had something to do with the molecular structure or some such thing or so he claimed. All I know is Gramps made the world’s best hot chocolate and he taught me to make it as well.” I told him as I removed the pan from the heat. Philip retrieved two mugs from the cupboard and I poured the piping hot chocolate into them. “Would you like marshmallows in yours?” I asked. “Definitely if we’re going to do this may as well go all the way with it.” She opened a bag and plopped a generous handful of miniature ones on to the tops of the steaming mugs of cocoa. Perfect now let’s go snuggle up and watch the storm together. We each took a mug and made our way into the living room. We sat down on the floor before the large picture window and began sipping our cocoa.
Amazingly it was the best tasting cocoa I’d ever had in my life. She sat scrutinizing my face as I sipped, my eyes growing wide in both disbelief and delight. “Told you.” Was all she said before leaning in and kissing me softly on my lips, the kiss was warm and slightly sticky with the traces of melted marshmallow on her lips. It was truly one of the sweetest kisses I’d ever received both literally and figuratively. “I shall never doubt you again, no matter how crazy it may sound.” I promised her as we finished the hot chocolate and stretched out together on the floor side by side. She rested her head on my chest and wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close. The storm was still raging outside and the rain streamed against the window panes, but the two of us were safe and warm inside nestled in the comfort of each other’s arms. The thunder would begin with low rumbles, until it grew to fierce growls and roared with it all its might.
The bolts of lightning raced across the sky in some crazy game of electrical tag. Piercing the darkest recess of the night with light as bright as day. The wildly raucous games the thunder and lightning were playing with each other were in stark contrast to the peace I was experiencing with Victoria in my arms. I knew we’d weather our storms together from time to time, like her earlier upheaval about where we were eventually going to rest our heads together at the end of the day on a permanent basis. I was also secure in the knowledge that the two of us would be able to talk things through and work them out. We were bound to have our ups and downs together, all couples do but it would be the way we handled them that would set us apart from those other couples. She had strength, far more of it than she gave herself credit for. How many other women would have the courage to undertake even half of the things that she had. I truly found her remarkable and I knew how lucky I was that she was mine.
Mother Nature was putting on quite the spectacular show outside the sanctuary the house provided for us. Drops of rains melded together and ran down the panes in mighty fast flowing little rivers. Cracks of thunder snapped like whistling rawhide whips through the night, as if attempting to coral and contain the errant streaks of lightning which boldly lit the sky. It was raw and intense and I loved every minute of it but not as much as I loved the man that held me next to his chest, stroking my hair. His heart beat was steady and even a soothing contrast to the wildness of the night. In his arms I knew I was would always be safe and sound. The earlier tempest of doubts I’d experienced earlier was in the grander scheme of things relatively minor. Philip was as solid as rock taking it all in stride, reassuring me and calming my fears which had no true validity to them at all. I admired his confidence and I knew I’d always be able to count on him to be there for me. With his loving patience I knew I could learn to let go of the past and truly allow myself to be happy and know the meaning of what it was like to be so loved, so unconditionally.
“This is wonderful. It’s been ages since I’ve taken the time to do something like this and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share this with.” I told her as I kissed her temple gently. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing. Let’s promise each other here and now that no matter how busy our lives get we’ll take time out together to share moments like this.” She said as she turned her head up so her eyes met mine. “Definitely, I completely agree with you. No matter how nuts things get we’ll take time to step out of the madness even for a few moments and share special times together because moments like this will see us through in the long run.” I reflected. “The next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activities for both of us. You’ve got your opening night gala for the gallery to finalize and get into our routine with our work. I’ve got a column to write, shows to rehearse and a book to write. Not to mention the everyday chores of life to take care of.” She sighed at the thought of it all. “Now none of that sighing business because you and I are a team and we’ll handle all of this together and we’ll make it all work.” I reminded her. “Your right Philip, I just need to get used to the fact I don’t have to do it all on my own any more, that you and I will make it work, by working together.” I smiled up at him. “It’s a hard habit for a stubborn broad like me to break of being so fiercely independent but I’ll work on it.” She promised me. “That’s all I can ask, but right now I’d like to ask if you minded if we went upstairs to bed. It’s just hit me how unbelievably tired I am and I don’t think my poor back can take a night of sleeping on the floor, even with you.” I said to her.
“I know mine couldn’t take it and I’m feeling pretty sleepy myself.” She admitted. We helped each other to our feet and took the empty mugs into the kitchen, where we ran some water into them and left them in the sink until the morning. Then headed to the stairs to make our way up to bed, where we slowly climbed them together, with our arms around each other’s waists. We each undressed and unceremoniously left our clothes where they fell, not caring about any sort of order or structure. We crawled into bed and snuggled in together, like two peas in a pod. There would be no late night love making for us this evening but it didn’t matter to either of as we were nestled so snuggly in each other’s arms. The storm was beginning to subside and what has been a raging tempest that had rattled the window was replaced by the gentle patter of rain on the window. It drummed out a soothing melody which would easily lull us both into the sleep our bodies so desperately needed, before it did though we shared some gentle kisses and tender caresses. Sleep cast its spell upon us and we drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
ACT XV
In everyone's life a little rain must fall but when you're in love you'll be able to weather the storms as long as you have each other. The storms will pass, the clouds will clear and the sun will warm your hearts once more.
We actually ended up going over to Philip’s place together partially so that I could take some things of my own to keep over there but mainly because we simply wanted to spend time together. It was that desire to spend time together that had led us to a rather playful little romantic romp in his bed. Neither one of has required any major form of enticement to make love to each other, which is how we had ended up completely unencumbered of our clothes. Sprawled on the top of Philip’s bed, he was working his magic on me and had me alternately mewling and purring with delight and pleasure. There was definite strength in his hands and caresses but at the same time there was such gentle tenderness in his caresses. The way he moulded my flesh to his never once breaking the contact between us, flesh against flesh, lips against lips, tongues boldly exploring one another, heated breath, rapid pulses thundering. These were moments we both lived for striving to connect as fully as possible with each other. Our voices sang out to each other in rapturous joy as we pleased each other with passionate but always loving care. This was lovemaking at its finest pure, intense beyond description and something I was rapidly learning I had never experienced until Philip. Never in my life had I been so unabashedly expressive with a man before I had taken Philip as my lover. He was the only man that had ever created such a safe haven for me to explore my sexuality. Philip listened to my needs and desires, not only in the words I spoke but the way my body spoke to him and responded to his. So unselfish, always so giving, kind and patient he had allowed me to finally be able to trust another human being. Finally I could truly say I knew what it was like to both be able to love and allow myself to be loved in return.
This whole episode between us had begun so naturally and had just progressed until we were in the height of passion in a tangle of intertwined arms and legs here on my bed, that only a couple of days before she had made up for me. I loved the spontaneity of our love making. The intensity of it was something I had never experienced with any partners of my past either. With mere words this woman could seduce me as if she were performing some slow sensual striptease for my intellectual self. She was so in touch with not only what she wanted and needed but what I did as well. You need to have chemistry with your lover not only the physical kind that too many people never seem to get past, but the intellectual, spiritual and emotional ones as well. Victoria and I had found that elusive balance of all of them and were reaping the rewards of our discovery. We brought out passions and desires in each other deeper than either of us had even known we were capable of possessing.
As we both hit our climaxes together, we clung to each other as we were tossed on the waves of mutual orgasmic gratification. Our pelvis continued to kiss one another as we rode those swells of pleasure. Lips joined heatedly interlocking into each other as our internal fireworks exploded in blast after blast of dazzling brilliance. Until finally only gentle trails of fading colours remained and even then I could not bear to break the connection, remaining buried inside of her. She made no effort to break the connection either as we continued to kiss one another. They were softer kisses now, gentle soothing, reassuring that we would never lose the crazy passion that we had just experienced together. I knew I never wanted to live my life without it. “Have I told you how much I love you Victoria?” I whispered quietly to her as we lay still joined together. There was a soft giggle “I believe you just did and without the use of any words…at least ones that were discernible in the heat of the moment.” She responded. Nuzzling her I couldn’t help but giggle myself until I ended up bursting into complete laughter. I rolled her on top of me and brushed her hair off of her face, then used my hands to frame her face. “Do you know how incredibly lucky we are that we can laugh while we make love?” I asked her totally enthralled with the entire concept. “Technically it could be argued we’ve finished.” She replied with her eyes twinkling at me merrily. My response was to wriggle my hips against hers reminding her even though I wasn’t rigid I was still a part of her. She wriggled back “Point made.” She said drawing down to kiss me once more.
It was almost a bittersweet moment for me when I did finally slip out of her but in my heart I knew the rich intenseness of what we had just shared would never truly leave either of us and that we would find ourselves revisiting it countless times together in the future. “So shall we just stay here this evening?” I asked her as we both seemed totally at home in the cozy nest for two we’d created in bed together. “If we do that we’ll have to get up super early get dressed and at least one of us will have to tromp next door and feed Sydney. As tempting as staying here is, it’s easier to nip downstairs naked take care of his demands then, just go back upstairs so we can curl up and snuggle until we really to have to get up and start our day in earnest.” She sighed. “Never really thought about it, guess I’m still not used to dating a single unwed mother.” I teased her. “Not to mention the sensation it would cause if you streaked over there to be a responsible pet parent. Though I have to admit I wouldn’t mind seeing you running naked. I’m sure it would be quite the vision.” I smiled at her. She pretended to be miffed by my comments but I noticed that familiar pink stain creeping up her cheeks. “Oh my God, you so have been caught streaking before haven’t you my dear?” I challenged her, which only served the colouration to deepen further. “If I say yes, is this going to be some sort of deal breaker between us?” She inquired almost timidly. I just burst out laughing again. “No, no, not at all this isn’t some episode of the Jerry Springer show after all, but I’m rather curious tell me about it. What on earth possessed you? Is there someone that is remembering the occasion a little too fondly that I’ll want to punch in the nose at some reunion or other event, should they bring it up?” I questioned her.
Letting out a sigh, I began my explanation. “What can I say it was the seventies, streaking was the in thing. We were young, more than just a little… now how shall I say this without incriminating myself further here, under the influence of a certain herbal substance?” I grinned. “In other words it seemed like a good idea at the time but after the fact you thought better of it?” Philip supplied for me. “Exactly, it was one of those stupid I dare you sort of stunts, the it was late at night and the only one that may have seen us was one of my neighbours who, bless his heart was blind as a bat without his glasses on and probably didn’t have a clue as to who or what went whizzing by his front porch.” I laughed at the memory. “I guess my folks may have been right I could be quite the handful at times when I was growing up. Are you really sure you want to keep me around?” I added seriously. Clearly this was one of those times Philip felt he had to silence me because he pulled me down to him and planted a firm kiss directly on my lips. I loved the way that he would calm my fears and silence my protests. “Guess you’re sure.” I smiled at him. “Oh yeah, I’m sure.” He said as he kissed me again.
Neither one of us was overly motivated to untangle ourselves and so that we could be responsible pet parents. We were going to have to figure something out so that Sydney would be able to be equally at home in both our country and city homes as we’d decided to call out two dwellings, as neither of us really cared to refer to them as yours or mine. That just seemed too cold and clinical to us like it was some sort of a legal contract not a personal committed relationship. So until we decided together what to do about the matter we’d come up with the idea of referring to her place as our country home as it was closer to the park and river than mine was, while mine was a little closer to the down town core of the city and hence would be referred to as our city home. Eventually we’d make the move fully to a single dwelling as it would make no sense to either of us to maintain the expense of two completely separate residences for any length of time. I knew Victoria had a great deal of sentimental attachment to the country home due to her late Aunt Emily and the many childhood memories that were attached to it, while my recent acquisition of property meant little to me. The only matter of any importance to me in my address would be the fact that I was sharing it with the woman I loved.
“So how long are we going to continue to do this commuting thing my dear Victoria?” I asked her as we each carted over some more of my clothes and other personal items. She was struggling with the key in the lock as she tried to balance a small box on her bent knees. “I agree we have to make a decision as this is really rather silly but at the same time I don’t want either of us to have any regrets about moving things along too quickly either.” She dropped the box on the porch and gave the door a solid little kick with her foot in frustration. I set my own burdens down and wrapped my arms around her. “There, there, don’t fret my pet.” I comforted her. “Sorry, I’m just frustrated, I’ve worked so hard trying to get this place into shape, there’s still so much to do, things are going so great with you, and I’m just being majorly neurotic that I’ll do something stupid and …” with that she burst into tears. I held her close and stroked her hair as she sobbed her body quaking from the efforts. “Victoria, you aren’t going to lose me, no matter what, I love you with all my heart. Please remember I’m not one of the past disappointments of your life I’m your present and we are going to face the future together. Also I know how attached you are to this place and I wouldn’t dream of asking you to give up your dreams of making this yours.
I think you’ll find I’m actually a pretty handy kind of guy to have around the house.” I assured her in a loving tone. Her sobs began to subside, she looked up at me with her tear stained cheeks and red nose which was swollen from her crying jag. “I’m being a silly little goose aren’t I?” she sniffled at me. “Yes, but you’re my silly little goose so it’s okay but” I added with a serious note to my voice “you have to learn that my love for you is unconditional. When you get insecure like this I’m just going to love you just a little bit more. I promise you here and now I’m always going to make time for you, I’ll listen to you as well I’ll treat you with respect and kindness. Victoria it’s okay that all of this is overwhelming you at times.” I told her as I used my thumbs to wipe away her tears. “I’ve been on the verge of tears a few times myself the past few days. I’m just so overwhelmed by the way you love me and how much you’ve breathed life into me. There were parts of me that I had closed down and shut off before I met you. We were made for each other. There’s this rather charming Chinese proverb I once heard and I’ve never forgotten it.
It goes like this: An invisible red thread connects those who are destined to meet regardless of time, place or circumstances. The thread may stretch or tangle but it will never break. You and I are that red thread we were destined to be together and nothing is going to break the special connection that we share with each other, even if we do get tangled up at times.” I told her as I brushed her forehead with a kiss. She clung to me tightly. We’d been so focused on each other that neither of us had noticed the sudden change in the weather. Large drops of rain had begun to fall and the wind had begun to rise. “Come on we’d better get inside.” I said as I kissed her softly once more. The door when she inserted the key turned easily this time and we hustled into the warmth of the house. Sydney was sitting by the door waiting for us with a look that said. “Silly humans I was wondering if you two had enough sense to come in out of the rain.” As he licked his paws before stalking off. Clearly he didn’t feel the need to chaperone the two of us. It was then we heard the rumble of the thunder and saw the first streaks of lightening, as the darkened entryway was illuminated by nature’s light show. “I’ve always loved a good storm and this one looks like it’s shaping up to be a pretty major one the way it came up so suddenly.” She said as she peeped through the window of the front door.
I sidled up behind her and wrapped my arms around her waist. “I’ve always loved them too. There’s just such power and energy in them, this wild unleashed passion. When I was a kid, I loved it if it stormed like this when I was staying overnight at my Grandmother’s place. She had this amazing skylight in her reading room. She’d make me a big mug of cocoa and I’d go in there and lie down on my back and stare up at the patterns and designs the lightening made. It never failed to fascinate me.” I leaned forward and grazed her cheek with a soft kiss. She turned to face me. “Ironically I used to do the same thing myself when I was a kid and I’d lie there and wonder if there was any one else out there doing the same thing I was. I guess I finally have my answer to that question. Must be that red thread you just told me about we’ve been connected to each other for years.” The smile had returned to her face once more and even with the storm raging outside she was at peace with herself and with the fact I truly was going to be a constant in her life.
“I know it’s getting late but how about we make a couple mugs of cocoa and watch the storm for a while?” I suggested to Philip. “Actually I’d really like that. Just let me run these upstairs first because the cocoa will mellow me out and I know I want feel like dragging them upstairs later so may as well get them out of the way. I’ll meet you in the kitchen in a couple minutes.” He said with a quick kiss before he and I parted company. When I Philip met me in the kitchen I was already busily measuring out the ingredients that I’d lined up on the counter. “You’re making it from scratch? I must say I’m impressed.” “One of my super powers is that I make a totally wicked cup of cocoa.” I informed him. “Well if I ask you very nicely will you share your secrets with me?” Philip asked with a charmingly little boy smile on his face. “I might be able to see my way clear to doing that, seeing as how I’m moderately fond of you.” I teased him. “You’re only moderately fond of me?” He feigned his disappointment at that pronouncement, then wrapped his arms me from behind and murmured in my ear. “Would you consider upgrading that to relatively fond of me, once we’re married? After all we’d be related then. So if this is like a family secret it would be safe with me then.” He whispered in my ear before nibbling on it. “Well when you put it like that, I suppose I could share it with you.” I laughed gaily at him.
The ingredients were now in the pot and I placed it on the element on a medium high heat and began to whisk it in a figure eight pattern. “This is the real secret you have to whisk it in a figure eight and never change the direction you’re going or it just won’t taste the same.” I informed him, which earned me a really skeptical look. “Seriously that makes a difference?” he asked obviously thinking I was joking with him. “I know sounds totally weird but I swear it’s the truth. My Grandfather taught me how to do it and he was a pharmacist, said it had something to do with the molecular structure or some such thing or so he claimed. All I know is Gramps made the world’s best hot chocolate and he taught me to make it as well.” I told him as I removed the pan from the heat. Philip retrieved two mugs from the cupboard and I poured the piping hot chocolate into them. “Would you like marshmallows in yours?” I asked. “Definitely if we’re going to do this may as well go all the way with it.” She opened a bag and plopped a generous handful of miniature ones on to the tops of the steaming mugs of cocoa. Perfect now let’s go snuggle up and watch the storm together. We each took a mug and made our way into the living room. We sat down on the floor before the large picture window and began sipping our cocoa.
Amazingly it was the best tasting cocoa I’d ever had in my life. She sat scrutinizing my face as I sipped, my eyes growing wide in both disbelief and delight. “Told you.” Was all she said before leaning in and kissing me softly on my lips, the kiss was warm and slightly sticky with the traces of melted marshmallow on her lips. It was truly one of the sweetest kisses I’d ever received both literally and figuratively. “I shall never doubt you again, no matter how crazy it may sound.” I promised her as we finished the hot chocolate and stretched out together on the floor side by side. She rested her head on my chest and wrapped my arm around her and pulled her close. The storm was still raging outside and the rain streamed against the window panes, but the two of us were safe and warm inside nestled in the comfort of each other’s arms. The thunder would begin with low rumbles, until it grew to fierce growls and roared with it all its might.
The bolts of lightning raced across the sky in some crazy game of electrical tag. Piercing the darkest recess of the night with light as bright as day. The wildly raucous games the thunder and lightning were playing with each other were in stark contrast to the peace I was experiencing with Victoria in my arms. I knew we’d weather our storms together from time to time, like her earlier upheaval about where we were eventually going to rest our heads together at the end of the day on a permanent basis. I was also secure in the knowledge that the two of us would be able to talk things through and work them out. We were bound to have our ups and downs together, all couples do but it would be the way we handled them that would set us apart from those other couples. She had strength, far more of it than she gave herself credit for. How many other women would have the courage to undertake even half of the things that she had. I truly found her remarkable and I knew how lucky I was that she was mine.
Mother Nature was putting on quite the spectacular show outside the sanctuary the house provided for us. Drops of rains melded together and ran down the panes in mighty fast flowing little rivers. Cracks of thunder snapped like whistling rawhide whips through the night, as if attempting to coral and contain the errant streaks of lightning which boldly lit the sky. It was raw and intense and I loved every minute of it but not as much as I loved the man that held me next to his chest, stroking my hair. His heart beat was steady and even a soothing contrast to the wildness of the night. In his arms I knew I was would always be safe and sound. The earlier tempest of doubts I’d experienced earlier was in the grander scheme of things relatively minor. Philip was as solid as rock taking it all in stride, reassuring me and calming my fears which had no true validity to them at all. I admired his confidence and I knew I’d always be able to count on him to be there for me. With his loving patience I knew I could learn to let go of the past and truly allow myself to be happy and know the meaning of what it was like to be so loved, so unconditionally.
“This is wonderful. It’s been ages since I’ve taken the time to do something like this and I can’t think of anyone I’d rather share this with.” I told her as I kissed her temple gently. “Funny, I was just thinking the same thing. Let’s promise each other here and now that no matter how busy our lives get we’ll take time out together to share moments like this.” She said as she turned her head up so her eyes met mine. “Definitely, I completely agree with you. No matter how nuts things get we’ll take time to step out of the madness even for a few moments and share special times together because moments like this will see us through in the long run.” I reflected. “The next few days are going to be a whirlwind of activities for both of us. You’ve got your opening night gala for the gallery to finalize and get into our routine with our work. I’ve got a column to write, shows to rehearse and a book to write. Not to mention the everyday chores of life to take care of.” She sighed at the thought of it all. “Now none of that sighing business because you and I are a team and we’ll handle all of this together and we’ll make it all work.” I reminded her. “Your right Philip, I just need to get used to the fact I don’t have to do it all on my own any more, that you and I will make it work, by working together.” I smiled up at him. “It’s a hard habit for a stubborn broad like me to break of being so fiercely independent but I’ll work on it.” She promised me. “That’s all I can ask, but right now I’d like to ask if you minded if we went upstairs to bed. It’s just hit me how unbelievably tired I am and I don’t think my poor back can take a night of sleeping on the floor, even with you.” I said to her.
“I know mine couldn’t take it and I’m feeling pretty sleepy myself.” She admitted. We helped each other to our feet and took the empty mugs into the kitchen, where we ran some water into them and left them in the sink until the morning. Then headed to the stairs to make our way up to bed, where we slowly climbed them together, with our arms around each other’s waists. We each undressed and unceremoniously left our clothes where they fell, not caring about any sort of order or structure. We crawled into bed and snuggled in together, like two peas in a pod. There would be no late night love making for us this evening but it didn’t matter to either of as we were nestled so snuggly in each other’s arms. The storm was beginning to subside and what has been a raging tempest that had rattled the window was replaced by the gentle patter of rain on the window. It drummed out a soothing melody which would easily lull us both into the sleep our bodies so desperately needed, before it did though we shared some gentle kisses and tender caresses. Sleep cast its spell upon us and we drifted off to sleep in each other’s arms.
ACT XVI
Even in the midst of a real life fairy tale romance we all have to face a little reality, which for most of us that reality involves going to work to fulfill our responsibilities. While we all have to to carry on, we can still create some wonderful memories to carry in our mind’s eye and heart to see us through those times we have to be apart. Follow their example and be sure to create your own special memories with your special someone.
The morning after the storm dawned bright and clear, as well as far too early for my liking which is often the case on a Monday morning. Normally I’d be feeling this dread of getting back into the grind of work after a couple of late nights of frivolity and socializing but now it was a far different reason that I didn’t want to get out of bed. Now my reason for wanting to remain in bed was the warm body curled next to me that I didn’t know if I could bear to be parted from. She nuzzled her cheek against my chest affectionately as she began to stir from her own slumber. Then a trail of soft little kisses glided across my flesh as she worked her way up to my lips. Victoria had this rare gift of being both endearing with her aura of innocence as well as having a slow smouldering sensuality with took my breath away and quickened my pulse.
“Think we could both play hooky today?” She asked lightly, as she slid her hand down my torso and to her own personal entertainment centre of delight. I let out a low moan as she grasped it and began to stroke it so lovingly. “You’re making a darn good case for it.” I answered as I positioned myself so I could kiss her while she continued to tease me like this. Not to be out done by her early morning maneuvers my one hand had found its way to that lush mound of flesh known as her breasts. They were warm and firm in my hand as I alternated cupping each of them and massaging them gently. She began to stroke me a little more ardently as her legs rub together as though she were trying to duplicate the actions of a crickets mating call only in this case the call was silent. Still I was able to pick up on her little premating ritual. I teased her little buds on the tips of her breasts, feeling them stiffen as I did. That little trick served to cause her to rub her thighs together even more urgently and in my mind I heard their sweet song calling to me.
Ever the gentleman my hand obediently found the source of her own smouldering desire, that velvet mound between her thighs. As I cupped it, I felt the moisture of her dewy arousal upon my hand. Stroking her swollen petals, she let out a little chirp of delight as my finger began to delve between them, seeking that small delicate pearl of delight. Slowly circling it with the tip of my finger her chirps raised several octaves. Priming her in this manner her slickness increased and the heady scent of her arousal tickled my nostrils. My own member was throbbing in her hand and an early morning coupling between us seemed to be inevitable. The need to be inside of her grew with each stroke and every kiss we exchanged. This glorious good morning we were exchanging needed to be consummated.
Overcome with desire and need I rolled on top of Philip so that I could straddle him. His hands went to my hips instinctively as I sat up ready to mount him. The swollen head of his engorged member pressed against my puckered lips of flesh which begged to be parted and have this probing tongue of flesh kiss me internally. The need was great to feel his presence in me and I plunged down as he slipped into my tight crevice. I bore down on him pressing him into me as far as I possibly could but still wriggled against him in and attempt to go even further still. Momentarily I sat there basking in the feeling before I began to slowly ride him. Each stroke was euphoric and filled me with pleasure. Philip’s hips would rise to meet each of my downward thrusts as the sweet heat of friction we were creating together warmed me from within. Years ago as girl at summer camp I’d learned how to use the time honoured method of rubbing two sticks together to create enough friction to ignite a fire. Repetitive motions which caused certain warmth to grow before it finally began to smoulder, sending up faint wisps of smoke, until it finally ignited into a flame that burned bright. A warm tingling was growing in my own depths and I felt as if I too were going to burst into flame at any given moment. It would explode into an all-consuming wave of energy and sweep throughout the two of us setting our senses on fire.
Maddeningly the swell of heat that was intensifying between us felt as though it would spontaneously combust and consume our loins and each other in its fiery flames. Beads of perspiration began to form upon my forehead as I focused all of my energy into her. My hips gyrating in time with hers, dancing out our own heated mambo. Frenzied movements, urged us on to feed one another’s burning yens to sate our desires. The climax with in me was closing in, ready to rage like a forest fire out of control.
The spark had long since become a flame which engulfed me and my beloved Philip it its heat and light. It couldn’t be contained a moment longer it needed to shine and radiate its heat, free to burn brightly. With a final deep plunge I my felt the warmth of my love bathing Philip as his own waves of passion swept over me engulfing me. Riding each swell and each crest I cried out his name over and over again. His own shuddering climax, matched my own, until I collapsed into his waiting arms, trembling. He held me gently stroking me, whispering my name softly over and over again as if it were a sweet lullaby. Spasms of delight still caused me to shudder as my heart continued to pound wildly, racing like an animal trying to outrun a fire racing through a forest. Normally it might have frightened me but lying here in Philip’s arms all was safe as I took refuge in his arms.
Philip nuzzled my face affectionately. “You certainly know how to give a man a workout first thing in the morning.” He crooned softly into my ears. “Well I have to get you ready for the day you’ve got ahead of you don’t I?” I whispered back as felt a massive smile growing across my face. “You look mighty pleased with yourself missy.” He teased me as he twirled strands of my hair around his finger. I flushed. “You should be.” He continued. “You are a most amazing and invigorating lover my darling.” He softly began to kiss me. Those kisses conveyed so much me, gratitude, love as well as his undying devotion to me. It was a most humbling experience to be kissed like this. My fervent hope was that he felt those same things in my kisses. My need for the hope that I was conveying the same sentiments to him turned out to be immaterial as he murmured between kisses. “I am so grateful to you that you’ve chosen to share your all-consuming love of life and bestow it all upon me, I shall try to always be deserving of it my love.” Tears welled in my eyes, for this man I had just made love to with such passion. “It is I that am not worthy of you Philip.”
I felt that I had never spoken more, truer words in my entire life. This man was perfect in my eyes. In such a short time he had demonstrated to me in countless ways both large and small how much I meant to him. How many other men would have even dreamed of doing half of the things that Philip had done, not to mention done them with the good humour and grace that he had. Most men would have been too caught up in themselves or their own foolish pride to even hang out in a gay bar lead alone go on stage and perform in one. He was clearly comfortable with his own masculinity and unafraid of what others might think or say about him. As long as he knew the truth about himself he was confident enough to do anything. I admired that confidence in him, as far too many men of my past would have either balked at my request with a barrage of words attesting to all the things that they weren’t. Philip though was the kind of man that didn’t have to tell anyone what he was or wasn’t, as his actions were what spoke for him. “You deserve me.” He smiled and kissed me again. I loved the ways he chose to calm my anxieties and soothe me.
“Meow” as you also deserve me too.” Sydney chimed in with his own thoughts on the matter. Along with it came a look of and “Since you deserve me you’ll feed me now.” Clearly was etched upon his wee fuzzy face as he wiggled his whiskers at me expectantly, “Kid we so have to teach you to knock before entering.” Philip sighed but still managed to give Sydney a scratch behind his ears. “Now come on you little scamp, I’m going to feed you this morning and have some quality male bonding time with you while your mother has a minute or two to catch her breath.” He said leaning in for another kiss. It was comically endearing watching Sydney weave around Philip’s legs and feet as he tried to cover himself in his bathrobe. “Why not just stay naked and bring the paper in completely starkers?” I teased him. “Madam” He intoned seriously “It’s not that kind of a neighbourhood, we are model and modest citizens, must I remind you of that fact? As he drew he ties of the robe and belted it around his waist. His little speech only served to make me giggle especially with the whole boxer short episode still so fresh in my memory. As he exited with Sydney doing his little cat dance of delight, Philip lifted the back of his robe to expose his extremely fine derriere to me. “Cheeky.” I called after him. “Are you planning on taking up strip tease as your next talent?” I managed to choke out between giggles. He turned and retorted. “You can only hope my dear.” After which he grinned and blew me a kiss. Was it any wonder I was so madly in love with this man? He could be so delightfully whimsical and find the humour in anything it seemed. I stretched and hopped out of bed and made a small pit stop in the bathroom to freshen up a bit and grab my own bathrobe before I joined my two favourite men in the world.
When I entered the kitchen I wasn’t sure if I should be amused or annoyed with both of them. There was Sydney perched on the kitchen table enjoying his breakfast, complete with a placemat under it. “Sydney you know you’re not supposed to be on top of the table, naughty kitty.” I began to scold him. Sydney just stopped dining long enough to look at me as if to say, “Hey you don’t eat off of the floor, so why should I? I’m part of this family too you know. Besides Dad said I could so there.” And went back to wolfing down his breakfast. “Philip, he’s not allowed on the table especially during meals.” I began, lecturing like I was the school cafeteria lady intent on educating the masses on dining etiquette. “Shall I serve your breakfast on the floor to you then?” I looked at him and began to shake my head. “Sydney made a fine case for dining at the table, besides if I’m going to be a pet parent I’ll have to learn to pick and choose my battles of will with him.” I just began to shake my head at both of them as I began to laugh. “You’re both incorrigible.” “That’s us double trouble.” Chuckled Philip as he caught me around the waist and gave me a giant hug and a kiss. “Will offering you a cup of coffee to enjoy while I make breakfast get Sydney and I out of the dog box with you?”
Philip offered giving me his best little boy in the world face. “You two both have me wrapped around your little paws as it is. I don’t think I could truly stay cross at either of you for much more than a minute at the most.” I smiled at him as I stretched up on my tippy toes to give him a kiss, to let him know that minute of annoyance was up and all was readily forgiven and forgotten already. “But to answer your question yes, coffee would be most welcome, thank you.” I said. Philip gave me another quick kiss then grabbed me a freshly brewed mug of coffee which he whisked over and sat on the table before me. “Just as the lady likes it, a wee bit of milk in it.” I smiled up at him from where I’d taken a seat at the kitchen table, while Sydney continued to noisily chow down on his morning meal. “I hope you realize, I could get used to all of this.” I purred at him as he sank into a seat beside me. Then we both sighed in unison. “I’m going to hate being a part from you.” We both said simultaneously. “Just like an old married couple already, we don’t just finish one another’s sentences we start and end them together. We’re pros at this couple thing already.” Philip smiled at me as he placed his hand over mine and gave it a loving squeeze.
“I wish we could just keep spending each and every minute together but we both know we’ve got responsibilities to take care of. You’ll be in my heart and with me every step of the way though.” I assured her. She smiled softly, “Just as I’ll carry you in mine Philip.” She leaned in and gave me a sweet gentle affirmation of that fact in the form of a kiss. As we sipped those all-important first cups of coffee of the day and prepared our morning meal together we talked over our plans for the day. I was going to head down to the gallery to check on how things were progressing for the opening night gala. Things like finalizations of guest lists, caters, wait staff, florists as well as ensuring that my most prominent works would be displayed to show off their ultimate potential as welcome additions to my future clienteles art collections. Victoria in turn was going to put her nose to the grind stone and knock off her weekly column, which I was already dying to read. I mean after all its not every man that can say his girlfriend is an advice columnist, who doles out saucy advice.
Besides I loved the fact I was now her personal research assistant for it and was looking forward to giving her that personal touch and effort with her research requirements. She’s drop it off at the office then come by the gallery to see how she could pitch in with planning the gala with me. I was a little anxious about the opening night but knew with Victoria by my side it was bound to be a smashing success and the evening would go off flawlessly. It probably took us far longer to get showered and dressed than we anticipated as the desire to have that skin on skin contact still cast an extremely prevalent spell upon the two of us. Her lips aquaplaning over my flesh as the water cascaded down, my own skimming her flesh in return. Sudsy lather coated the most interesting and intimate of places as fingers and hands ensured it was washed away by the warmth and pressure of the water. Getting dressed was a challenge as well as we found it virtually impossible to keep our hands off one another.
There was not a single doubt in my mind that we both would have been happier had we been undressing one another rather than dressing. Though there were several visual perks that I committed to my memory to help sustain me while we were apart. Watching her pull those little silk panties up those gorgeous legs of hers and watching them gift wrap her perfect butt cheeks and that sweet little honey pot of hers. Her breasts framed with the delicate lace edging of her bra, which perfectly matched her panties, made a most enticing picture indeed. It was all I could do to keep myself from unwrapping those precious gifts and making love to her yet again. I did however wrap my arms around her and drew her close as my hands ran over her silk covered cheeks. Her neck stretched upwards and she threw her head back as my one hand travelled over her hip and around to that warm silk covered mound between her thighs. Cupping it in my hand I ran my thumb along the delicate arch between her petals of flesh. She moaned and bit her lip as she pressed into me. When I finally removed my hand from where it rested there was a slight moisture as well as her most divine scent lingering ever so faintly. She grabbed me and kissed me deeply, using a most satisfactory amount of tongue action which caused me to let out a little moan of my own.
I had every intent of making a few pleasant memories of my own with Philip before we had to be parted. My hands caressed his strong arms and chest before mischievously disappearing until they had a handful of that amazing butt of his. I giggled at the thought I had of wanting to tattoo his very hot bottom with a hickey, sort of a leaving my mark on his more than fantastically perfect ass before releasing him into the wilds of the city. I settled for a few more caresses and playful squeezes. Also feeling rather bold and naughty I also cupped my hand around his more than ample cloth covered package and massaged him until he moaned as his legs began to quake, leaving him teetering on the edge of knowing I’d put a finish on this play time when we were together again. “You so don’t play fair Victoria.” He hissed with heated breath into my ear, as he continued to nibble upon my ear lobe. Which was making me a little weak in the knees as I pressed against him.
“I’m either going to have to take you back to bed and finish this properly or we’ll have to agree to behave ourselves until we have the time to do this right and believe me we’ll do it right either choice you make.” He growled in a low throaty roar that sent ripples of shivers washing over me. I grabbed him and pulled him into a deep kiss because if we were going to be responsible adults I was still going out in a blaze of glory. He gave me a playful swat on the bottom signalling it was time to make a decision about which choice I was going to make. “So tempted, to say let’s go back to bed but the reality is we’ve got work to do. So you’d better go before I beg you to stay,” I sighed burrowing my head in his chest. He kissed my forehead softly, trying to ease us into this decision to be responsible adults. “It’s not forever sweetheart, besides we’d wear each other to a complete frazzle if we made love as often as we wanted too.” He sagely reminded me. “True enough, but what a way to go.” I grinned up at him. “Touche, my insatiable lover.”
Philip had decided to take the car to work with him as he wanted to bring home the painting he’d gifted me with a few days earlier. We walked with our arms around each other over to where it was parked in his driveway of our city home, and shared one last sweet lingering kiss before he drove away. I gave him a cheerful wave and blew him a kiss as he pulled away. I meandered back to the house and headed for the kitchen to grab another mug of coffee before I buckled down and got down to some serious work of my own. Sydney gave me a plaintive meow as he followed me into the study with my mug of coffee in hand. “I know buddy, I miss him too. The house seems really empty without him.” I said as I sank down into my desk chair and took a fortifying swig out of my coffee cup. Definitely time to get cracking on this article I thought to myself as I opened up my lap top and booted it up. I grabbed my note pad, which contained the notes Philip had so painstakingly made with the information he had garnered from the reading he’d done. I scanned over the notations he’d made and realized he had a definite knack for writing himself. Writing this particular column was going to be a breeze. I had to grin as I read the last couple of lines he’d written which said. “It was an honour and a privilege to be a part of your creative process, just as I know you’ll be an inspiration to mine.
I love you Victoria with all my heart and soul. Philip.” It was so like him to leave me a thoughtful little reminder than I was never far from his thoughts. I began to tap away at the keys as I constructed my column. My fingers fairly danced over the keys as I made sideways glances at the notepad on my desk. This was going to be some of my best work ever, especially being able to give it a really personal touch after my own research with Philip. Once it was finished, I gave it a final spell check and once over before I first printed a hard copy, as I was one of those people that believed in having a couple of backups just in case is it somehow was whisked into some cyber vortex and disappeared. I was one of those people that believe technology was great…when it worked that is. Satisfied it was everything a well written column should be I hit the send key, as I sent it wafting its way to the destination of my choice. Then I logged into my work account to see what research I’d have to do for my next column.
“Oh good grief” I thought as I opened some of the questions I’d received from my readers. Anything was fair game writing a column of this nature so I tried to take all of my reader’s questions into stride. Over the time I’d been writing the column I’d dealt with everything from sex toys, lubricants, dating do’s and don’ts for a variety of relationships issues, the latter including such things as when do I introduce my kinks of choice to my perspective lover. I dealt with everything from comically light hearted issues to some rather serious ones such a how do go about telling my extremely conservative parents I’m gay, lesbian or transgendered. People felt comfortable writing to me about a vast variety of issues which I chalked up to the fact they were allowed to remain anonymous often signing their letters off with cute little acronyms relating to their questions. Things like Keeping It Newly Kinky aka KINK. No questions were considered off limits and I always endeavored to answer them with sensitivity and with honest well thought out responses. I typed up some notes and printed those out along with this week’s questions that I’d selected to answer. A quick glance at the time display on my computer screen and I realized just how quickly the morning had flown by. After I filed my notes I’d freshen up and then be on my way to see Philip and see how I could be of assistance to him. I’d probably be more of a hindrance than a help to him but I’d see if my services could be of any benefit to him.
Pulling into my parking spot behind the gallery, I turned off the ignition and sat there for a few minutes before I got out and entered the gallery to start my work day. Images of Victoria flashed through my mind. She was a most extraordinary woman and one that for a variety of reason’s had worked her way into and had captured this man’s heart and soul. We’d know each other less than a week and already I knew I couldn’t live the rest of my life without her, nor would I want to. Call me crazy but I just instinctively knew she was the woman for me and we’d have a life time of happiness together. Granted it would be crazy, intense and far from the normal definition of happiness for most people but for us it would be perfect, or should I say it would be “purrfect” for Miss Kitty and me.” I laughed over that as I got out of the car and headed inside. Everything was just as Victoria and I had last left it, and I didn’t expect my assistants in until ten so I had the joint to myself. I grinned again at the thought of my studio being a “joint”, seems I may just have a little natural born stage performer in me after all. As a vision of performing a song or two from Chicago on stage with Victoria popped into my head.
I shook my head, look at the influence that woman has had on me already, just where would be down the road together. Which caused my brain to morph into a scene from the Wiz, with Victoria, dressed as Dorothy as we eased on down the road together arm and arm singing merrily away. I scolded myself, Philip you’ve got work do to now no more goofing off and dreaming of the silliness yet to come and definitely don’t start thinking about how she got your motor running this morning either or you’ll never get any work accomplished. I flipped on some slights in the office area and put on a pot of coffee, which being addicted to the stuff I drank by the potful. Then I opened and booted up my computer ready to go over the planning schedule for the opening night gala. Things seemed to be coming together nicely and I wasn’t anticipating any glitches for the event but at the same time part of me remained on guard knowing how easily things can happen. I was also hoping to start a couple other works that were fresh in my mind after being so inspired by the muse I now had in my life.
Grabbing another fortifying cup of coffee I wandered into the studio where I made the magic I created happen. I selected a blank canvass and placed it on one of my easels. Next I took out some of my charcoals and began to etch out the visions and bring them to life. It had struck me over the weekend and after performing that it would be a most amazing thing to do a serious of drawings and paintings of Victoria’s world of performance. I’d even decided it they sold as well as I hoped they would I’d donate some of the proceeds to some of her pet causes that she’d mentioned to me such as Casey House an aids hospice. That was just another of the reasons I loved her, her caring and compassionate nature for others, so if I could help her make a difference in someone else’s life I was fully prepared to do just that. My mind was in full throttle when it came to ideas for this project. There would be moments captured of the performers morphing into there on stage personas behind the scenes. I wanted to capture the on stage energy that was raised through the eyes of the drag queens as they performed pouring out their hearts and souls into their passion for entertaining.
I wanted pictures that showed the pleasure felt by the audience as they viewed their favorite performers giving it there all. If I managed to pull this off the way I was hoping to I’d have this wonderful record of human spirit triumphing over what some would deem the lines of normal social conventions. The pride and energy of these souls would be a prominent element of the works. I couldn’t believe how far I was coming with the project when I heard a steady but persistent knocking at the front of the shop. A quick glance at my wrist watch and I broke into a grin knowing it must be Victoria. Hurriedly I grabbed a rag to wipe my charcoal stained hands on and raced to the door. Just as I had anticipated there she was waiting for me tapping her foot not with impatience but with the energy of the performer she was inside. “Come in, come in.” I greeted her warmly. She smiled and danced in the door. The moment I closed it from the prying eyes out on the street we were wrapped in each other’s arms. “I’ve missed you so much.” “Me too.” As we exchanged long lingering kisses. “I’ve missed my girl.” I said again as I kissed her temple. Then I grabbed her hand. “Come on you’ve got to see what I’m working on.” I informed her excitedly. She was immediately caught up in my enthusiasm as we sailed into the studio together.
“Well what do you think?” I inquired as studied her closely trying to gauge her reactions. She stared silently then began to beam in delight. “Philip it’s, well it’s me, or should I say it’s Miss Kitty.” She was clearly impressed. “But I never posed for this. It’s such an incredible likeness already.” I wrapped my arms around her and looked into her eyes as I stroked her cheek lightly. “Victoria I have committed you to memory. I know the curve of your face, the fire that’s in your eyes, the way a smile lights up your face when you do something you love and are passionate about. I know you and the beauty that is you my love.” I informed her. She flushed from my compliments just as she always did with a combination of both embarrassment and humility. “You know you’re a beautiful woman Victoria.” I said as I placed my finger under her chin and tilted her face up towards mine so I could lean in and kiss those soft inviting lips of hers. She was still flushed when I finished kissing her but now the hue that rose so beautifully on her cheek bones was that of a woman deeply in love and filled with passion. The best part of that look was I knew it was all for my eyes only.
to be continued......