Part II: Jodie Loves Tommy
Ha ha.
There's a goose story dedicated to you.
And it's sappy.
August 1 A.G. ~ Dr. Smith’s Group’s
Everyone else had long ago gone inside, but Liz Gaines stood on the side of the hill watching the sun sink lower and lower on the horizon. The sky was purple now, daylight fading fast. Tommy Gaines, her husband, had been beyond her field of vision for hours, and yet Liz couldn’t bring herself to go inside. Not that anyone else cared about Liz, or if she was all right. No one would come out and get her. She was all alone in the world. The only person that cared about her was gone; he had just left to embrace a heroic, glorious death.
A glorious death. Ha. There was no such thing. Any death was ugly and nasty, and any death caused pain and suffering to those who were left behind to mourn. One could say that they had died for a good cause, and maybe there was some grain of truth to it. But making death a noble thing was just fooling oneself. Tommy wouldn’t be coming home, and Liz wasn’t sure how she would ever get over that. How would she cope? How would she move on? Would she have the strength to raise two children all by herself, one that wasn’t even biologically hers?
Now the sun was gone. The stars were out. And still Liz stood. Her legs were weary. She probably wouldn’t even bother to get out of bed tomorrow, anyway. There wasn’t anything that she really needed to do. She could rest then. Tonight she would stand a vigil for Tommy. She remembered a time when he wasn’t in her life, and how painful that had been. But this time, that absence was going to be permanent, and for the first time, she actually grasped what that meant. And she didn’t like it.
November 5 B.G. ~ Wester
“That was a hell of a bowling night!” said Levi Fernal as he swung open the door to Tommy’s dorm room. A quick glance around revealed that the mysterious roommate, who was never there, wasn’t there. Levi collapsed onto a blue, inflatable, plastic chair with a sigh.
“You can say that again. That was fun!” said Sam Berkley, a girl that Levi and Walt had met and befriended. She sat on the floor next to Levi’s feet.
“Thanks for making me come out tonight, guys,” said Tommy Gaines, standing next to the television and watching his new friends sprawl all over his room. It was nice to be able to entertain fun company. Walter Edmund, his best friend, had gone back to his parents’ house for the weekend, and Anne Steiman, a girl whom he had gotten close to, but who had gotten very angry with him when he had started dating someone else, still wasn’t speaking to him.
“You needed to stop moping. It was nice to see you smile again,” said Jodie Watercrest, the only senior in the room of freshman. She had stricken up an instant friendship with Tommy, and jumped at the chance to come along when Levi had suggested a night of bowling fun.
“Yeah. It’s time you got over Liz,” said Levi. “You can do better.”
“Let’s not talk about Liz,” said Tommy. “It’s only been a week since we broke up.”
“But you were only together for a month,” said Levi.
“I don’t even know the girl, and I don’t like her,” said Sam. “She’s a brackin’ miro. Get over her.” Everyone laughed, and even Tommy had to smile. He really had felt better tonight. Better than he had been since Liz Payne had broken up with him.
“Anyone want to watch a movie?” asked Tommy.
“Oooh, you know that I am sucker for movies,” said Levi. “Sorry, man, but I promised Roger that I would stop by his party tonight. Want to come?”
“Nah,” said Tommy. “I’m not in the mood for a big party tonight. I stayed up late watching the election returns this week, and I still haven’t caught up on my sleep. I can’t believe what a huge margin the Black / Kennedy ticket won by! Finally, someone decent in the White House.”
“Then I’m going to have to take a rain check,” said Levi.
“Me, too,” said Sam. “I have to be at work at eight am, and it’s already after midnight.”
“Jodie?” asked Tommy. She looked like she was going to say yes for a moment, then shook her head.
“I’d better go,” said Jodie.
“Night,” said Levi, standing up with a groan and heading for the door.
“See ya,” said Sam.
“Oh, Tommy, I wanted to ask you a question,” said Jodie, pausing at the entryway as the other two left.
“Go ahead,” said Tommy.
“I’m organizing an intramural basketball team. Are you interested in playing?” she asked.
“Sure,” said Tommy without thinking about it. What?! He hated sports!
“Great,” said Jodie. And then they began talking. Tommy would never remember what had really started the conversation that night, but they ended up talking for a very long time, each telling about their lives, their families, their friends, their hopes, their dreams. Tommy had been feeling like he would never get over Liz, even though everything with her had happened so briefly and so quick that it really hadn’t all sunk in yet. And then now, when for the first time in years he hadn’t been interested in any woman, hurting as he was, he found himself entranced by this several years older woman. She was a nursing major, but an enthusiastic member of the marching band at the college for the last four years, culminating in the assistant field commander position that she now held. She was smart, funny, cute. She was everything that Tommy had ever dreamed about in a woman. She was amazing.
And then she was asleep on his floor. Tommy had noticed, of course, that she had eventually stepped back into the room and sat down. But she still had her coat on. During one of his lengthy narratives, he turned, and she had her head on a pillow that had been lying on the floor, emitting the softest, most delicate snores that Tommy had ever heard. He found it absolutely adorable. He pulled his old, warm, brown blanket off of his bed and covered her up. He started to climb into bed, then looked back at her. How could he sleep in a soft bed and leave her lying on the hard floor? It wasn’t right. He grabbed his pillow and lay down several feet away. He closed his eyes and fell asleep.
“Great party!” yelled Nora Rifkin over the din. She had a beer in one hand, and held the other over her head as she danced to the music. Liz Payne, her roommate and best friend, smiled at her.
“Yeah,” she yelled. “It is!” She took another swig of the alcohol. “This is just what I needed.”
“Good,” said Nora with a grin. Roger Blacken came dancing over with Levi in tow.
“Can I throw a party or can I throw a party?” asked Roger.
“You can throw a party!” said Levi.
“The keg is empty!” yelled Tony Vista from the kitchen.
“Excuse me,” said Roger. “Time to change the keg.” He left the three alone.
“You caught yourself a good one,” said Liz, smiling at Nora.
“Don’t I know it,” said Nora with a smile. “Hey! There are kegs here! Where’s Jason?”
“He’s trying to cheer up Anne,” said Liz.
“I think that may be a lost cause,” said Nora.
“She’s nice enough,” said Levi. “Just a little high strung.”
“But still, Jason isn’t one to pass up alcohol for anything,” said Nora.
A cheer went up from the front of the apartment. Jason Clucker came dancing in, decked out with a fedora tilted sideways and a velvet jacket. “Somebody give me a beer!” he yelled.
“Right on cue,” said Liz with a smile.
“I’m going to go and see if Roger got that keg changed,” said Levi.
“Nora, can I talk to you for a quick second?” asked a young guy. “The drill charts for tomorrow…”
“Duty calls,” said Nora to Liz with a sigh. “You gonna be all right by yourself?”
“Please. It’s a party. I’ll be fine,” said Liz. “Go.” Nora nodded and took off. Liz watched her leave, and allowed her smile to drop, but just slightly. She was having a lot of fun. She always did love the college parties. A good chance to get plastered and blow off some steam. It was good to be free of Tommy. He wasn’t as into the social scene as she was.
Brack it. She was at a great party. Why was she thinking about Tommy? He had been sweet, true, but clearly he was a wuss. She could do much better. She took another guzzle of beer and started dancing again.
“Hey, cutie,” said a muscle bound jock, approaching her.
“Hey yourself,” said Liz, giving him a grin.
“Are you here with anybody?” he asked her.
“Nope,” she said.
“Want to make out in the bedroom?” he asked.
“Sure,” she said, taking his hand. Tommy Schlamme. This guy was way hotter.
Tommy opened his eyes and almost gave a shout of surprise. He was cuddled around Jodie, his arm over her shoulder. How did that happen? He took a quick glance around. Yep, he hadn’t moved during the night. She had rolled over to him. As the shock wore off, he couldn’t stop a smile from tugging at his lips. Jodie, huh? He hadn’t really thought about her in this way. She was definitely cute, and nice, and sweet. But she was a senior. He was only a freshman. Surely she couldn’t be interested in him?
“Mmm,” said Jodie softly, shifting. She rolled onto her back and opened her eyes slowly. Her face showed a quick glimpse of surprise, too. Tommy quickly pulled his arm back to himself. “Good morning.”
“Good morning,” said Tommy. “You fell asleep on my floor.”
“I see that,” said Jodie.
“You must have, um, rolled over against me during the night,” said Tommy.
“Uh huh,” said Jodie, rubbing her eyes.
“Seriously! You fell asleep all the way over there! I didn’t try to cuddle you!” said Tommy. Jodie looked back to where she had been, then reached up and tried to smooth down her hair.
“I like to sleep against the wall,” she said. “I must have thought you were a wall.”
“Well I’m not,” said Tommy with a smile.
“I can see that,” said Jodie.
“So, um, well…,” said Tommy.
“Well what?” asked Jodie, blinking her pretty eyes with the long lashes.
“This was nice. Waking up to see you,” said Tommy.
“I’m not complaining,” said Jodie.
“So, you, um, maybe want to go out some time?” asked Tommy.
“I don’t know,” said Jodie. Her brow furrowed slightly. “I really don’t know.”
“Ok,” said Tommy quickly.
“You can put your arm back if you want,” said Jodie with a smile. “It felt good.”
“Ok,” said Tommy. He held her to him.
“Just promise me that whatever happens, we’ll still be friends,” said Jodie.
“I promise,” said Tommy, a bit confused.
“Good morning,” said Liz sweetly, chin resting on her arm, which was strewn across the hot guy from last night’s party’s bare, muscular chest.
“You’re still here?” he asked.
“Yeah. Where else would I be?” asked Liz.
“Usually the girls are gone by the time that I wake up,” said Hot Guy.
“Well, I’m not that kind of girl,” said Liz with a smile, trying to remember his last name. She knew that his first name was Matt. They had had a few brief conversations when they ran into each other around campus, but she didn’t really know him that well. Last night had just been plain lucky.
“Oh,” said Matt. “Well, I have to get up.” He reached to the floor for his pants and pulled them on quickly.
“Do you want to do something tonight?” asked Liz.
“Sorry. I can’t,” said Matt, looking around for his shirt.
“How about next weekend?” asked Liz.
“I’m busy all weekend,” said Matt, tossing Liz her bra.
“Ok,” said Liz, dawning on her that she was being brushed off. “So this was just a one time thing?”
“It doesn’t have to be,” said Matt.
“Then when are you free to go out again?” asked Liz.
“Go out? No,” said Matt, giving her a curious look. “But leave your number and I may give you a call some night.”
“You want me to be your booty call?” asked Liz in surprise.
“Sure. Why not?” asked Matt.
“I don’t do that, Matt!” said Liz. “I wouldn’t have had sex with you if I had known you were such a pig!”
“What’s my last name?” asked Matt.
“What?” asked Liz.
“I knew that you didn’t remember it. You are so quick to judge me, but you jumped in bed with a guy that you’ve only talked to a few times, and whose last name you don’t even know. Don’t be such a hypocrite,” said Matt, finding his shirt at last and pulling it over his head. “I have to go. Notepad is on the bed stand.” He slipped out the door.
“What a jerk!” said Liz out loud. She put the bra on and saw her jeans on the floor. She looked back at the notepad, momentarily tempted. Then better sense won out. “He’s a pig!” She pulled on the rest of her clothes and stomped home.
December 5 B.G.
“Anne! You made it!” exclaimed Liz as Anne Steiman stepped out of her old, blue, four door sedan at the lake house, now surrounded by bare trees as winter fast approached.
“Yep. You’re quite a ways up here, aren’t you?” asked Anne, shivering against the chilly wind blowing off of Lake Erie, causing the dark blue water to appear choppy on the horizon.
“About as far north as you can get while still staying in Ohio,” said Liz with a smile.
“And my house in Cincinnati is about as far south in Ohio as you can go,” said Anne.
“Well thanks for coming up,” said Liz.
“No problem,” said Anne. “I’ve just been sitting around, anyway. Is Nora coming?
“No. She went home to Roger’s family for Christmas,” said Liz.
“Wow. They’re getting serious pretty fast,” said Anne.
“Yeah, they are. So how do you like Wester Jeffersonville College so far?” asked Liz as the two girls walked into the ranch house.
“It’s ok,” said Anne. “It’s weird to be hours away from home, but I’ve made some new friends.”
“I’m kind of surprised that you came up here,” said Liz.
“Why? We’re friends, right?” asked Anne.
“I guess. Until right before break, we had barely spoken a few words to each other,” said Liz.
“Then why did you invite me?” asked Anne.
“I don’t know. You seemed nice, and I wanted someone to hang out with,” said Liz.
“Well, thanks for thinking of me,” said Anne.
“No problem,” said Liz.
“So what do we do now?” asked Anne.
“Want to talk about boys?” asked Liz.
“Aren’t we a little old for that?” asked Anne, raising an eyebrow.
“You’re never too old to talk about boys,” said Liz with a smile.
“Ok, then,” said Anne. “Which boys do you want to talk about?”
“All of them,” said Liz.
“You’re pretty good at this making out thing,” moaned Jodie as Tommy nibbled on her neck.
“So are you,” said Tommy from on top of her, redoubling his efforts. He kissed lower, and lower still. Jodie squirmed. He pulled down the neck of her shirt a little. Then a little more.
“Wow. You’re getting pretty low, buster,” said Jodie with a grin.
“I’m just kissing your neck,” said Tommy in between licks.
“That’s not my neck,” said Jodie, breathing heavier.
“It isn’t?” asked Tommy in mock innocence.
“I thought you were a ‘good boy’,” said Jodie.
“Not always,” said Tommy nervously. He had never touched any part of a girl’s breast before, except the over the bra action that Liz forced on him, and just sucking on the top, he was finding that he liked it. A lot.
“I think I’m ready for bed,” said Jodie, kissing him on the lips and then extracting herself.
“Ok,” said Tommy with disappointment. “Can I get a blanket?”
“You don’t have to sleep on the couch this time,” said Jodie. “You can sleep in my bed with me.”
“Ok,” said Tommy, brightening a bit. “But no sex.”
“Of course not,” said Jodie. She took him by the hand and they went back to her small bedroom. She changed while Tommy turned his back, not looking, even though he very much wanted to. She gave him a weird glance. The boy had just been sucking on her boob, after all! Why was he being so shy now? She climbed into her tall bed. Tommy turned around, kicked off his shoes, and joined her. Soon they were back to their make out session.
“Aren’t you uncomfortable in those jeans?” asked Jodie. “You can’t sleep in jeans.”
“Ok…,” said Tommy, a little unsure. “I’m only wearing boxers underneath, though.”
“I don’t mind,” said Jodie.
“Ok,” said Tommy, pulling off his jeans and tossing them on the floor. They went back to the kissing again. This time is was Tommy who pulled away, pausing to whisper, “It’s not fair that you get to wear pants and I don’t.”
“Oh, it’s not?” asked Jodie.
“Nope,” said Tommy with mock seriousness.
“What are you going to do about it?” challenged Jodie.
“This,” said Tommy, reaching for her zipper. She smiled and kissed him again. Several minutes later, and after much fumbling on Tommy’s part, as he had never tried to undo a bra before, but Jodie insisted that he do it with one hand, to learn, they were naked, cuddling and groping. A thrill went through Tommy. So this was what he had been missing out on! Why hadn’t he done this with Liz? Maybe if he had, she wouldn’t have dumped him. Why was he thinking about Liz right now? He was in bed with a beautiful girl, touching parts on a woman that he had never even seen before, save for some late night sessions on the internet. He concentrated on Jodie again, enjoying every sensation.
“I want you inside of me,” whispered Jodie, licking his ear just the way she knew drove him crazy.
“No…,” said Tommy, barely resisting. He had made up his mind long ago that he wouldn’t have sex until it was with the right person, and he had only been seeing Jodie for a month. He couldn’t. He just couldn’t. But she was so close, so beautiful, and he was so excited…
“Please,” pleaded Jodie. Instead of answering, Tommy used his fingers to do the talking. Soon enough she stopped asking. It wasn’t that she had gone silent. It was just that there were other sounds to be made.
An hour later, it was all over. Tommy spooned Jodie from behind, sighing contentedly, both satisfied, and with ‘only’ mutual masturbation, as if that were an ‘only’. It was a big deal for Tommy, and he definitely thought that that was enough. There was no need for real sex at this point in his life. Tommy was happy. This was what he had imagined having a girlfriend would be like. Actually, that wasn’t true. He hadn’t seriously considered the bedroom aspect of the relationship before. But now, he was happier than he had ever been before. This would work for him. This was what he wanted. He fell asleep, smelling Jodie’s flowery-scented hair, and dreaming of a future for the two of them. Jodie went to sleep, too, but while she had been satisfied, and she was definitely happy, her dreams weren’t of the future. They were only of the present.
January 4 B.G.
“Hi, Tommy,” said Levi as he sat down at the cafeteria table with Tommy and Walter Edmund. Walt barely gave him a nod while he shoveled food into his mouth, although he did certainly look much happier. Perhaps that was because he had made a good new friend, Sam, who also sat at the table, watching Walt with obvious adoration. Walt was, of course, oblivious.
“Hi, Levi. Did you have a good break?” asked Tommy.
“Yep. But I’m glad to be back. Not for school, but I missed you guys,” said Levi. “How was your break?”
“Fantastic,” said Tommy. “I have a girlfriend.”
“Wh… what?” asked Walt, choking on a bite. He dropped his fork, whirling angrily on Tommy. “You have a girlfriend?! You didn’t tell me that you had a girlfriend?”
“We didn’t hang out much over Christmas,” said Tommy.
“That’s because you kept running back across town to campus,” said Walt. “It was break! You should have stayed away from school. Wait a second... This isn’t going to work. Don’t change the subject! You have a girlfriend and you didn’t tell me?”
“I didn’t tell anybody,” said Tommy. “You guys are the first ones, right now.”
“Well who is it?” asked Levi with interest.
“I’ll bet I know who it is,” said Sam.
“How do you know?” asked Tommy.
“I saw you on your walk of shame this morning, still dressed in your clothes from last night,” said Sam.
“You dog!” said Levi. “We need details!”
“I didn’t have sex with her. I just slept over,” said Tommy.
“Why the hell not?” asked Levi.
“I’m waiting,” said Tommy sheepishly.
“You’re such a girl!” said Walt. “Speaking of girls, who is she?”
“Jodie Watercrest,” said Sam.
“Jodie? You’re kidding!” said Levi. “My man bagged a senior!”
“Stop,” said Tommy, turning red.
“Were you even over Liz?” asked Walt. “You were so depressed right after…”
“Liz and I are over,” said Tommy. “It’s Jodie and I now.”
“So if you haven’t told anyone, then Liz doesn’t know?” asked Levi. Tommy shook his head.
“I say we rub her face in it. I don’t know the girl that well, but she seems mean,” said Sam with a wicked smile.
“No. No one tells her. She’ll just… find out eventually,” said Tommy.
“Smart move, man,” said Levi. “Congratulations. Jodie is pretty cool.”
“I can’t believe you didn’t tell me,” said Walt. “Now I have to eat and get fat!”
“You aren’t the least bit fat,” said Sam.
“And you’re going to eat anyway,” said Tommy.
“Shut up, brackhole,” said Walt to Tommy. Tommy smiled.
“Hey, guys. What’s going on?” asked Anne, sitting down at their table.
“Hi, Anne,” said Tommy.
“Hi,” said Anne to Tommy. There was a moment of tension, as they all knew that Tommy and Anne had barely spoken in months, but it passed as Anne smiled and asked, “How was break?”
“Fine,” said Tommy.
“He got a…,” began Walt, but Sam, picking up on the vibe, jabbed Walt hard in the ribs.
“How was your break?” asked Levi, covering quickly.
“It was pretty good,” said Anne. “I went up to the lake to visit Liz. We…”
“Hi, hun. I thought I’d brave the cafeteria and eat with you guys today,” said Jodie, giving Tommy a quick kiss on the cheek and pulling a chair up right against him. Anne’s face betrayed a look of shock.
“What were you saying about the lake?” asked Levi, trying to pull Anne back to herself before everyone else noticed.
“Excuse me. I, um, forgot to get a drink,” said Anne, standing up from the table. Tommy stood up, too.
“Yeah. I want a cookie. I’ll be right back,” said Tommy, following Anne back to the food line. He caught up to her out of earshot of the others. “Anne, hey…”
“Hey, you and Jodie. That’s cool,” said Anne.
“Yeah,” said Tommy. “Listen, about before break…”
“It’s ok, Tommy. I was just having trouble adjusting to college life,” said Anne with a shrug.
“Liz thought that it had something to do with me and her…,” began Tommy.
“That’s crazy,” said Anne. “Of course not!”
“So can we hang out again? I miss your friendship,” said Tommy.
“Absolutely,” said Anne with a smile. This time, she didn’t have to force it. She really was ok. She had had time to get over Tommy, and on second glance, he really wasn’t what she was looking for in a guy, anyway. They would be all right.
“Look at that PDA,” scoffed Nora, more for Liz’s benefit than anything else as they watching Tommy, Jodie sitting on his lap, chatting with the others in the lobby of the music building.
”Drop it, Nora,” said Liz with a sigh. “I talked to Tommy for a couple of minutes yesterday. We’re good. We’re friends. It was just a brief thing, anyway. Time to move on to better guys.”
“Good,” said Nora. “Because you two just didn’t work together.”
“I know,” said Liz. “But he’s still your friend, too, and I don’t want you to be bitter towards him.”
“I won’t be. But I’m supportive of you,” said Nora.
“Yes you are,” said Liz with a smile. “So what do you…”
“Hi,” said a high pitched voice. Liz barely stopped herself from running into him, and looked up at a muscular, snappy dressed guy. His voice didn’t match his normal looking body at all. He was hot!
“Hello,” said Liz.
“Liz, right?” asked the guy.
“Yeah,” said Liz.
“Excuse me,” said Nora with a smile, leaving them alone as she went to join Jodie, Tommy, and the others.
“I’m Topher. We had Western Civilization together last quarter,” he said.
“Oh, yeah, hi Topher,” said Liz. “How are you?”
“I’m fine. I was wondering if you’d like to grab dinner this weekend,” said Topher.
“With you?” asked Liz.
“Yeah, with me. Sort of a date thing,” he said, flashing her a brilliant smile.
“Sure, why not?” asked Liz.
“Great. I’ll pick you up at seven on Friday, ok?” asked Topher.
“Yeah. I’ll be ready,” said Liz. Topher walked away, whistling, and she smiled. This was more like it. She had a great date with a cute guy. Not a jock jerk, or an immature kid. This would be fun.
“Hey, Liz! What’s up?” asked Jason, folding her up in a big hug.
“Not much. I just have a date,” said Liz, hugging him back warmly.
“I’m so jealous! I was going to ask you out,” said Jason, in mock offense.
“Yeah, right,” laughed Liz.
“Well, you are a total hottie,” said Jason.
“So are you,” said Liz.
“I want a date now! See what you did? You got me upset!” said Jason.
“How about some ice-cream?” suggested Liz. “Will that help?”
“It’s a start,” said Jason.
February 4 B.G.
“How’s pledging going?” called Jodie from the bathroom, as she showered in preparation for Valentine’s Day dinner. Tommy sat on the floor in the hallway, back against the door. Jodie wasn’t usually high maintenance at all. Tommy had just arrived very early. And their dinner had had to take place pretty late. Both were busy with school and such. It was already nearly nine o’clock at night. Tommy sighed, dressed up in a jacket, tie, and slacks.
“It’s a lot of work,” said Tommy. “I feel like I haven’t slept in weeks!” In a spur of the moment decision, Tommy had decided to pledge a fraternity. If anyone had ever asked him if he would ever pledge in college prior to a month ago, Tommy wouldn’t have been the slightest bit interested. But Meredith and Vikki were friends with some of the senior guys in this particular group, and they seemed pretty cool. Tommy had been surprised when he had arrived at the orientation dinner to discover that Levi, Roger, and Walt had also decided to pledge the same one. He had expected them to think about Greek life, but there were seven fraternities on campus. Jason had also signed up to pledge, but already dropped out. He didn’t want the stringent Greek schedule to interfere with his blossoming social life. The group’s reputation as the ‘nice guys’ seemed to have gotten out among the freshman. “I feel like I haven’t gotten to see you very much lately.”
“Well, I warned you when you decided to pledge that it was a big time commitment. Don’t worry about it. My internship is keeping me pretty busy myself,” said Jodie. “I’m never around to hang out, anyway.”
“I know,” said Tommy.
“Sorry I’m making you wait. I just have to brush my teeth and my hair and I’ll be ready to go,” said Jodie.
“No rush,” said Tommy. “It’s not like I made reservations or anything. We’ll get there when we get there.”
“Ok,” said Jodie.
“You know, this, you and me, it’s been pretty great,” said Tommy.
“What?” asked Jodie over the sound of the blow dryer.
“I said, it’s been really nice to be with you!” said Tommy.
“I like spending time with you, too,” said Jodie.
“You’re my first real girlfriend…,” began Tommy.
“Liz was your first girlfriend,” said Jodie.
“But her and I never…,” said Tommy, but he trailed off, still not willing to voice out loud the things that he and Jodie had done in the privacy of her bedroom.
“It doesn’t matter,” said Jodie. “You cared about her. That’s what makes a relationship. Not what you did together.”
“I should have asked you out first,” said Tommy.
“You haven’t asked me out yet,” said Jodie. “You just want to call and hang out and eat food and sleep over. You have never officially asked me out.”
“I haven’t?” asked Tommy.
“No,” said Jodie.
“Well, do you want to be my girlfriend?” asked Tommy.
“Oh, that’s romantic! Shout it through the bathroom door!” said Jodie. “You really know how to woo a girl.”
“I’m sorry,” said Tommy. “I’ll ask you later.”
“Please do,” said Jodie. The door opened and she stepped out with a yellow towel wrapped around her chest, barely covering all of her feminine parts. Tommy followed her into the bedroom as she went to get dressed. “Turn around.”
“Why? I’ve seen you before,” said Tommy with a sly grin.
“Turn around,” said Jodie more firmly. Tommy sighed in mock offense, and sat at her desk. Jodie looked at the back of his head, and then had an idea. She circled around him and sat on his lap, straddling him in her towel. She kissed him deeply, then pulled away, holding the back of his head in her hands as he buried his face in her chest. “Turn off the lights.”
“We’re not going out to dinner?” asked Tommy, pausing with his finger on the switch, barely able to reach from his seat.
“Is it really important to you that we do?” asked Jodie.
“No,” said Tommy, casting them both into darkness. Later that night, Tommy did ask her out. And she said yes.
“Thanks for dinner,” said Liz with a smile as Topher dropped her off back at her dorm room.
“No problem. It was a good Valentine’s Day,” said Topher. There was a long pause between them as they studied each other, each searching for something in the other’s face.
“I don’t feel right about this,” said Liz.
“This isn’t working,” said Topher at the same time. They both smiled as the words of the other digested.
“You’re a nice guy,” said Liz.
“And you’re a nice girl. I just don’t feel the spark,” said Topher.
“I know what you mean,” said Liz.
“Do you want to try being just friends?” asked Topher.
“No, I don’t think so,” said Liz. “We don’t have a thing in common. To be honest, the physical part of our brief relationship was the only thing that kept us together for a whole month.”
“You are smoking hot,” said Topher with a smile.
“Thanks. You’re not so bad yourself,” said Liz.
“One last time?” asked Topher.
“I don’t think so,” said Liz. “I’m just not feeling it.”
“Ok,” said Topher, putting his hands up in surrender. “Can’t blame a guy for trying.”
“I don’t,” said Liz. “So I’ll see you around?”
“Yeah. See you around,” said Topher. Liz turned and went back into her dorm building, not once glancing behind her to see how he took the news. It wasn’t that he was a bad guy, he just wasn’t the guy for her. It was a relief to have that out in the open, so she didn’t have to pretend that she loved him or anything. When she got up to her dorm, she found it empty, as expected. In fact, the whole building seemed deserted on Valentine’s Day night. All of the girls must be out with their boyfriends. Then she heard laughter coming from down the hall. She went to investigate.
Liz stopped at Anne’s door. That was clearly the source of the amusement. Did Anne have a Valentine’s date, too? Then she heard Jason’s unmistakable, high pitched chuckle from through the wood. She smiled as she knocked.
“What’s up girl?” asked Jason loudly as he swung open the door.
“Hey. What are you two up to?” asked Liz.
“All you couplely people dusted us so we’re having our own party,” said Jason.
“How was your date with Topher?” asked Anne.
“It’s over,” said Liz.
“Aww, honey, I’m sorry,” said Jason comfortingly, giving her a big hug. “What happened?”
“It’s all right,” said Liz. “He just wasn’t for me.”
“You can join our little Single Awareness Day party,” said Anne. “Jason has liquor, and I bought a sappy movie.”
“I’d like that,” said Liz with a smile. “Let me change and I’ll be right back.”
March 4 B.G.
“Stop it! Stop it! I don’t want to take a shot!” said Anne insistently, trying to push Jason’s big hulk off of her, but her laughter betrayed that she wasn’t really angry with him. Besides, it was a party. Well, a small one, anyway. Jason, Anne, Nora, Roger, Liz, Levi, Walt, Natalie, Tommy, Natalie Mounds, and Tony Vista were in attendance.
“Come on! Live a little!” said Jason.
“You may need to live a little less. I think you’ve had enough,” said Tony, taking the shot glass from Jason’s hand.
“Give it back!” said Jason, slurring his words. He reached for the glass, then fell back onto the couch in Roger’s apartment. “I give up. You’re too much effort.”
“I think he’s out of it,” observed Tommy. Jason was leaning heavily on the arm of the couch, eyes closed.
“You think?” asked Roger, raising an eyebrow.
“Roger, really, after all of our pledging time together, you haven’t learned by now that Tommy takes everything literally?” asked Levi. “I mean, even his definition of sex…”
“Did someone say sex?” asked Natalie, stumbling over to the couch. Natalie had just met some of this crowd tonight. Most of them seemed really fun, but she couldn’t help casting an evil glance at Liz every so often. She had broken Natalie’s friend’s heart, after all, and Natalie couldn’t stand it when people hurt her friends. She didn’t know what Tommy had seen in the girl. With all of their mutual friends, though, Tommy and Liz had seemed to settle into a casual friendship. They didn’t hang out alone, but they still managed to have fun when the other was around. Especially tonight, as Jodie was at work, and so not in attendance.
“Guys, I don’t think this is the best subject…,” began Tommy.
“Oh, quit being a prude,” said Levi. “Tommy here doesn’t have sex. He just does the hand thing.”
“Really?” asked Liz, arching an eyebrow.
“Shut up,” mumbled Tommy.
“That’s way too much information for me,” said Walt. “I’m going to take a walk.”
“I’ll go with you!” said Anne, jumping up, eager to not hear anymore about Tommy’s sex life.
“What do you think constitutes sex?” asked Tony.
“I think actual, er, penetration is sex,” said Tommy.
“Oh, come on!” said Nora. “If you guys got off, it’s sex!”
“No it’s not!” said Levi. “I’d have to say that it doesn’t count if it’s just hands.”
“What about blowjobs?” asked Nora.
“Not sex,” said Tony.
“Yes they are!” said Liz. “There is penetration in blowjobs!”
“It’s not really sex unless you’re both getting pleasure,” said Natalie.
“Zing!” said Roger.
“I get pleasure out of giving blowjobs,” said Nora.
“Ok, guys, is this conversation really necessary?” asked Tommy.
“Of course it is!” said Levi. “Parties aren’t parties without sex talk.”
“Oral sex counts,” said Liz insistently.
“No way!” said Tony. “You can’t get pregnant from oral sex.”
“But the word sex is right in the name of it,” said Nora.
“Roger, what do you think?” asked Natalie.
“Oh, no. I’m not getting in the middle of this!” said Roger.
“What about anal?” asked Tony.
“Well that is definitely sex,” said Natalie.
“But you said that it’s only sex if both parties are getting pleasure,” said Liz.
“Zing!” said Nora.
“The point is that Tommy doesn’t go all the way,” said Levi.
“Why not?” asked Nora. “If you’re going to fool around, why not go all the way? That’s just silly!”
“STDs, pregnancy…,” said Tony. “Don’t listen to her Tommy. You’re doing fine.”
“Have you guys done the oral thing?” asked Natalie.
“I don’t think I’m comfortable having this conversation,” said Tommy. He looked at Liz. She returned the gaze. What was that in his eyes, Liz wondered. An apology for refusing to go further with her, even though he did it for that skanky Jodie? Or something else? A regret? An embarrassment? She couldn’t tell. Not that it mattered, anyway. She had moved on. She didn’t want him anymore. In fact, she hadn’t thought about their time together for months. Why did that time rise to the front of her thoughts now? And why was she suddenly missing him, when she was fine, completely over him.
“Yeah, guys. Let’s lay off of Tommy,” said Liz. Or that’s what she was about to say. But Jason suddenly sat up and opened his eyes, flailing his arms around.
“No more talk about the straighty sex! I can’t take it any more! I’ve been keeping a secret from all of you for far too long, and with all of this talk about gross stuff, I just can’t stand it another minute! I’m gay!” said Jason.
“Duh,” said Tony. They all laughed, except for Jason, who crossed his arms and pouted.
“Hi, Tommy,” said Jodie awkwardly as she opened the door to her apartment. “I thought that you weren’t coming over tonight. You said that you had lots of homework.”
“I know, but I wanted to see you. It’s been over a week! I can do my work here,” said Tommy.
“Well, actually, I have some friends over right now,” said Jodie. Tommy saw several other people behind Jodie, looking curiously at him. He recognized most of their faces from around campus, but he didn’t know any of them personally.
“I don’t want to get in the way…,” said Tommy. “We can hang out later.”
“Go on back to my room and do your work,” said Jodie reluctantly.
“Are you sure?” asked Tommy.
“Yes. I wanted to talk to you anyway,” said Jodie.
“Ok…,” said Tommy hesitantly. She seemed a bit distant tonight. He tried to push that out of his mind as he nodded at the others and headed back to Jodie’s bedroom. He really did have a lot of work to get done, but a week was a long time to go without seeing your girlfriend. He missed her.
Less than an hour later, Jodie came back to the bedroom. “They’re all gone,” she said.
“Really? I hope I didn’t run them off early,” said Tommy.
“No,” said Jodie. “I have been avoiding you lately. I need to stop it and say what I want to say.”
“You can say anything to me,” said Tommy, confused.
“I don’t think it’s going to work out between us,” said Jodie.
“What?” asked Tommy quietly, blindsided. His chest began to ache.
“I just don’t think we’re right for each other. Surely you see that,” said Jodie.
“Um, no,” said Tommy, trying not to cry like he had when Liz had dumped him. “We’ve been together for almost five months. I thought that things were going well.”
“We had fun. But we can still have fun as friends,” said Jodie. “I just don’t see us going anywhere. I’m graduating soon, and you are going to change so much in the next few years…”
“I’m not going to change. I don’t understand,” said Tommy.
“You will understand. You’re young,” said Jodie.
“I’m only three and a half years younger than you,” said Tommy.
“I know. And you can’t imagine how different your life will be when you’re approaching graduation,” said Jodie. “Believe me, it’s better to end it now, and just hang out as friends.”
“But… I love you,” said Tommy, voice cracking. He had never said those words to her before.
Jodie sighed. “I care about you, Tommy. I just don’t love you.”
“Ok,” said Tommy, trying to take a deep breath and calm down. “I should, um, probably go…”
“You don’t have to,” said Jodie, frowning. She went to Tommy, who was sitting on her bed, and put her arms around him. “It’s ok. You can sleep here with me.”
“What?” asked Tommy, now totally confused.
“Stay here. It’s ok,” said Jodie. Tommy allowed himself to lie down, and Jodie put both arms around him from behind and held him tightly. They slept that way, clothes on, Jodie trying to physically comfort Tommy with her presence. It didn’t work.
April 4 B.G.
“That Tommy Gaines is sure cute,” said Jason as he wandered campus on the warm, spring day with two of his favorite females. In fact, if it wasn’t for Vikki and Meredith, they would have been his favorites.
“Jason, we love you for finally accepting yourself, and allowing yourself to be flaming all of the time, but you don’t need to keep commenting on every guy that we pass,” said Nora. “Especially not him.”
“It’s fine,” said Liz. “That was a brief thing, months ago.”
“So you don’t mind if I hit on him?” asked Jason.
“Be my guest,” said Liz. “But he’s not gay.”
“He barely touched you while you were dating!” said Jason.
“He was shy. Lay off. He obviously didn’t have that problem with Jodie,” said Liz.
“Why don’t we change the subject?” suggested Nora.
“With pleasure,” said Liz.
“What should we talk about?” asked Jason.
“I’ve got some news,” said Nora gleefully.
“What?” asked Liz with interest.
“I’m not coming back to school next year,” said Nora.
“WHAT!?” chorused Liz and Jason.
“You can’t leave us!” said Jason, grabbing her hand.
“Relax. I’ll still visit. But I’m going to marry Roger, and he got accepted to a very prestigious program down in Florida.”
“When exactly are you going to marry Roger?” asked Liz.
“July,” said Nora. “Better start planning my bachelorette party, Miss Maid of Honor.”
“I want to be the Maid of Honor!” said Jason.
“Sorry. You can be a groomsman, though,” said Nora.
“Fine,” said Jason with what might have been faux disappointment, crossing his arms.
“That’s kind of sudden, isn’t it?” asked Liz.
“We’re in love. That’s what matters,” said Nora. “I can’t wait to marry him!”
“But you’re giving up your education!” said Liz, looking at her normally sane, sometimes even reserved friend with skepticism. What had happened to Nora this year?
“I’ll probably enroll in school in Florida once we get settled,” said Nora. “For now, Roger will be able to support us. He’s getting massive scholarships and a salaried job while he’s still training.”
“Congratulations, girl,” said Jason warmly.
“Yeah. Congrats,” said Liz, but she didn’t really mean it. How could Nora even think about giving up her life for some man? Even if they were in love, no man was worth giving up your dreams for, and Liz just couldn’t believe that Nora would find those dreams as easily down in Florida.
Tommy stumbled onto the front porch of the fraternity house. His fraternity house, now that he was a full blown brother. Levi grabbed him by the elbow to keep him from pitching over the railing, and with Walt’s help, lowered him to a seat on one of several couches that had become outdoor furniture.
“I think you’re done for the night,” said Walt, taking away Tommy’s bottle of booze.
“I’m fine,” slurred Tommy.
“You’re done,” said Levi. “Jodie called. She said to remind you that you two were supposed to still be friends if you broke up. She’s really upset by the way that you’re treating her. Why aren’t you talking to her?”
“She’s mean,” said Tommy. “She wouldn’t leave me alone!”
“Hey guys,” said Meredith Reel as she and Vikki Styles walked up to the porch. “What’s going on?”
“Tommy is trashed. Again,” said Walt sourly.
“Tommy, you’ve been drinking a lot lately,” said Meredith. “Don’t you think it’s time that you laid off? Maybe go home, sleep in your own bed for once instead of on these smelly couches?”
“Alcohol is good. Couchesh are comfy,” said Tommy. “Good to hide here.”
“No girl is worth this,” said Vikki with a sigh. They all knew that Jodie had continued to spend a lot of time with Tommy for the first couple of weeks after the break up, including sleeping over, albeit fully clothed. Tommy had finally gotten so frustrated with the situation that he had fled to the fraternity house, stopped returning her calls, and began to drink, something that he had never done before. It was worrying them all, including Jodie. Anne had been the most vocal about the friends’ displeasure, but when Tommy had refused to let her lead him home for the tenth time, even she had given up.
“Girlsh suck,” slurred Tommy. “I should just turn gay like Jasonsh. He hit on me, you know.”
“We know,” said Meredith.
“Look, Tommy, girls don’t suck,” said Vikki, sitting down next to him.
“Yeah, only the ones you date do,” said Meredith, sitting on his other side. Levi and Walt stood nearby, arms crossed.
“Ha ha,” said Tommy bitterly.
“We all know that Liz is a miro,” said Vikki. “You don’t need her.”
“And Jodie, is, well, not my favorite person,” said Meredith.
“Come on, Tommy. You don’t want to drop out of school or fail your classes or anything, do you?” asked Levi.
“I’m fine,” said Tommy. “Where’sh my drink?”
“No more drinks,” said Walt, pushing back down Tommy, who had tried to stand up.
“I had two girlfriendsh this year,” said Tommy. “Two! And they both dumped me! I’m never going to find a girl.”
“You just need to be patient,” said Vikki.
“I’ve been patient!” declared Tommy. “Nineteen years! I’m nineteen yearsh old! I’ve been waiting for my perfect girl for nine… nineteen years, and only two girlsh I’ve ever met have wanted to date me, and look what happened!”
“Tommy…,” began Meredith.
“Shh!” said Tommy, pulling his cell phone out of his pocket. “I’m going to make a call.”
“I don’t think that you should call anyone in your current condition,” said Levi.
“I won’t call any girls,” said Tommy, swaying. “I promise.”
“I’m going to get him some water,” said Walt, disappearing.
“Give me the phone,” said Levi, holding out his hand.
“It’s just going to call my friend in Hollywood,” said Tommy.
“Fine. Just him,” said Levi warningly. He didn’t know Tommy’s friend, but assumed that if it was a guy, it would be ok.
“Hello, Vince!” said Tommy into the phone.
“Tommy? Are you ok?” asked Vince Ratcliff’s faint voice.
“Yes. I mish you! It’s been forever! How’re you?” said Tommy. His friends looked on in concern.
“Fine...,” said Vince.
“What’sh new out in Hollywood?” asked Tommy.
“Well, I’m getting an assistant soon,” said Vince. “Tommy, are you ok? You sound weird.”
“I may be a little tipshy,” said Tommy, holding up two fingers, slightly apart. “Just a littlesh.”
“You should probably go to bed and sleep that off,” said Vince.
“What do you need an assistant for?” asked Tommy.
“I’m doing really well,” said Vince. “I should be starting a movie in a few months.”
“You’re not sure?” asked Tommy, confused.
“Tommy, I really think that you should go to bed. Call me tomorrow,” said Vince, avoiding answering the question. Had Tommy been more sober, he might have realized that Vince was trying to hide something. As it was, he didn’t suspect a thing.
“Ok. Goodnight, Vince,” said Tommy. He hung up the phone.
“You’re still on the phone? Give it to me, Tommy,” said Walt, reappearing.
“Jusht one more call,” said Tommy.
“The phone. Now,” said Walt sternly. When Tommy continued to shake his head, Walt handed the water to Levi and wrestled the phone out of Tommy’s fingers, a fairly easy task, given the situation.
“We’ll take care of him, girls,” said Levi. “Thanks for stopping by.”
“Anytime,” said Vikki. “If you need help getting him under control…”
“We’ve got it. Thank you,” said Levi sincerely. He looked back at Tommy and shook his head.
May 4 B.G.
“Tommy, it’s getting late, I think I’m going to head out,” said Natalie. “Are you going to be ok?”
“Yeah,” said Tommy.
“I’ll keep an eye on him,” said Anne, emerging from the crowd packing the fraternity house’s end of the year party.
“Thanks,” said Natalie with a smile.
“You’re happier than you usually are,” observed Anne, sitting down beside Tommy on the couch.
“Yeah. Things are getting better,” said Tommy, without a smile, but at least without depression, too. “School is out for the summer, and it’s time to kick back, have a little fun… and work at the pizza shop full time.”
“Eeew,” said Anne. “You need a better job.”
“It’s all right. And Natalie’s there,” said Tommy.
“I’m going to grab a cola. Want anything?” asked Anne.
“I’m good. Thanks,” said Tommy, nursing his beverage, clearly not drunk. Anne nodded and rose. Within moments, another body fell heavily onto the couch beside him. Tommy looked over, and was surprised to see a very tipsy Liz.
“Heya, Tommy,” said Liz, smiling broadly.
“Hi, Liz,” said Tommy. “Having fun?”
“Yes,” she said. She looked at him, focusing on his eyes. He held her gaze. She looked so beautiful tonight. She was wearing jeans, despite the warm temperature, as she usually did. Her hair was straightened, not her usual look. Tommy couldn’t help but feel a surge of old feelings, but he quickly pushed them down. It had taken months to patch up the friendship. He wasn’t about to ruin that by coming on to her. She surely wasn’t still interested in him.
“What have you been up to?” asked Liz loudly into his ear.
“Not much. Just moved in here for the summer. Done with exams,” answered Tommy the same way. The party was pretty loud, and seemed to be getting louder.
“I have one more tomorrow,” said Liz. “But I needed a study break. You live here now? Where’s your room?”
“Over there,” said Tommy, pointing across the living room to the very small first floor bedroom.
“I want to see it!” said Liz.
“Ok,” said Tommy gamely. He helped her stand, as she was a bit unsteady as she rose, and the two weaved their way through the crowd to Tommy’s room.
“It’s nice,” said Liz. “Small, but nice. Cozy.”
“Thanks,” said Tommy. He closed the door. “There. Now I can hear you.”
“That’s funny,” said Liz, laughing. The room only had space for one small section of a couch, a corner piece, and they both squeezed onto it, as there wasn’t really any room to stand, either.
“I’m glad that we can hang out again,” said Tommy, looking at her.
“Me, too,” said Liz. “I’ve missed you.” They shared a long, lingering look. The heat just below the surface of each of them became noticeable. Tommy broke the gaze reluctantly, afraid that it was one sided.
“So, what are your plans for the summer?” asked Tommy.
“I’m heading back up to the lake,” said Liz. She laid her head on his shoulder and sighed. “Tommy, why did we ever break up?”
“I don’t know. You broke up with me,” said Tommy.
“I shouldn’t have,” said Liz.
“You’re drunk,” said Tommy, allowing only an amused smile, keeping his hopes pushed down. She didn’t really seem drunk, but she was definitely buzzing.
“I’m serious. I’ve missed you. I’m sorry for breaking up with you. I know that I have no right to ask, but do you think that you might give me a second chance?” asked Liz.
“Don’t be so hard on yourself,” said Tommy. “I wasn’t a great boyfriend.”
“You were fine,” said Liz. “So how about it?”
“You’ve been drinking,” said Tommy, not without regret. “We can’t talk about this tonight. Come back tomorrow, if you still feel the same way, then of course.”
“Thanks,” said Liz with a smile.
“Thank you,” said Tommy. The moment was electric, and this time he definitely knew that it was returned, but still he held back. Liz began to lean in for a kiss. Tommy wanted to kiss her, but he knew that he shouldn’t. What if it was the alcohol causing her to say these things, and what if she regretted this in the morning? He couldn’t do that to her. He cared about her too much. He realized that he always had, and probably always would.
“Tommy?” asked Anne, opening the door. Liz and Tommy both turned to look, and Tommy was sure that Anne hadn’t noticed how close they had been mere seconds ago. “There you are! You disappeared on me!”
“Liz wanted to see the room,” said Tommy.
“I’d better go,” said Liz, getting to her feet. “I have an exam in the morning. I’ll call you after?”
“Please do,” said Tommy. Liz smiled and left the room.
“What was that all about?” asked Anne, giving Tommy a hard look.
“I’m not sure,” said Tommy with a grin. He hoped that she’d call.
Liz left the music building feeling relieved. She had finished the last exam of the year, and she thought that she had done quite well, despite having been up drinking the night before. Ah, well. It was college. There was fun to be had. The test hadn’t been until afternoon, anyway. Now she was free to do whatever she wanted to.
She turned around and went back into the music building. There was a phone by the door that anyone could use, and she dialed Tommy’s number. “Hello?” he said when he answered.
“Hi, Tommy. It’s Liz,” she said awkwardly. She hoped that he hadn’t forgotten about last night. And that she hadn’t made a huge fool of herself. And that he hadn’t been drunk, too, and didn’t really still like her, and…
“Hi, Liz,” said Tommy happily, happy enough that most of her fears were immediately put to rest. Most.
“I’m done with my exam. Want to watch a movie or something?” she asked.
“Sure. Your place or mine?” asked Tommy.
“My room is so empty; everything is all packed up. Plus Nora took the t.v. with her to Florida when she left yesterday…,” said Liz.
“Well, I’m home, and unpacked. Why don’t you come over here?” asked Tommy.
“Ok,” she said. “See you in a few.” She hung up the phone, and couldn’t help but smile. She practically skipped over to the fraternity house. This was really happening. She was getting back together with Tommy! He was such a sweet guy. She was so happy that she hadn’t ruined her chances with him. It had made sense to dump him at the time, as shy and awkward as he had been, but she did like him, and she knew that he had grown up a lot this past year. She was grateful for that rare moment of clarity that she had experienced last night, and the liquid courage that allowed her to speak up. She had pushed her feelings for him aside until she didn’t think she had them anymore. It wasn’t as if she had been hung up on him. But last night everything that she had ever felt about Tommy had come rushing back.
“Hi, Liz. What movie should we watch?” he asked as soon as she opened the door.
“Whatever you want,” she said.
“This one?” he asked, holding up a case. She nodded without really looking at the movie cover. They settled in together on the corner couch piece as the movie started. Tommy reached up and closed the blinds, making it darker. She snuggled against him. He put his arm around her. It all felt so natural, like they had never separated, only better, because he was actually making a move on her instead of just sitting there. An arm was a start.
“I was serious last night,” Liz said softly into his ear as the movie began. “I want to get back together.”
“I was hoping that you’d say that,” said Tommy, turning to look at her. And then they were kissing, all the months of pent up emotions that she had kept bottled up for him, the ones that she hadn’t know she had, bubbled to the surface, and the kiss was the most passionate one she had ever experienced.
“Wow. That was some amazing kissing,” she said when they finally separated, the movie half over, and neither one of them had paid attention to a moment of it.
“I’ve learned a few new tricks,” admitted Tommy. “And not just in the kissing department.”
“I really hate to be this forward, and feel free to say no, but Nora took the fan with her, and that dorm room is so sweltering. You have air conditioning…,” said Liz, quickly putting together a story that would lead her to find out just what those new tricks were. She was suddenly intensely curious. Plus, her room really was sweltering. It was definitely too cold in here, but she was sure she could convince Tommy to help her out in that department.
“You can sleep here,” said Tommy. “You can have the bed. I’ll sleep on the couch.” Liz looked over at the very small single bed, lofted above the television.
“They’ll be plenty of room,” said Liz. She decided to take one more chance to see if he’d bite. After all, he seemed a much different man. She wanted to know just how different. The curiosity shocked her, as she wasn’t usually a sexually motivated person. Suddenly those thoughts took a front seat in her mind. “I’ve already packed my pajamas. Do you mind sleeping in a bed with a girl who is wearing clothes that she wore all day long?”
“I think I can find you something suitable to sleep in,” said Tommy with a sly smile. She smiled back, and they resumed their kissing. He did find her something suitable to sleep in, the same thing that he ended up sleeping in, too – the nude. And that was how Tommy and Liz spent their first night back together, and most of the next day – naked in his bed.
To be continued…
posted by Jerome Wetzel | 7:49 PM
