Sunday
Emily woke groggily to the tap on the door. She got up, wrapping a robe around her body as she answered the door.
Elena was awake, but opted for the ‘Don’t bother me, pull the sheet over her head’ move, partly because of modesty.
I don’t remember ordering breakfast last night. Em thought, but I’m glad I did. Em thought to herself.
The door closed behind the server as he left, and Emily poured coffee. Elena sat up and joined her. The breakfast was croissants, jam, butter, and a hotel specialty that was as if puff pastry and French toast had a baby. There was plenty of fresh fruit, coffee, and juice.
“You planned ahead,” Elena observed.
“I like mornings that don’t cause a fuss.”
They finished breakfast, and Emily stacked everything on the trolley and put it outside the door. Elena pulled the bedspread off and put it on the floor. She stretched and began a yoga routine. Emily watched from the first few positions, then joined her. Elena taught Emily pointers not just on body position but also on breathing and on centering her inner self. Elena went to the bathroom as Emily put the bedspread back on the bed.
Steam was already wafting out the open bathroom door. Before she could tap on the glass, Elena’s arm extended, holding a sea sponge.
Emily accepted the sponge and the invitation. The shower was slow and luxurious, with soft moans and giggles as they exchanged kisses and washed each other’s bodies. They dried each other’s hair and helped each other dry. Stepping out of the bathroom, they danced a ballet of movement, each moving about to dress.
Elena kissed Emily and said she wanted to get fresh clothes, and disappeared out the door. Emily decided she wanted to go shopping and wore the silk men’s shirt and taupe trousers. Elena knocked 10 minutes later, dressed in a loose, flowy dark blue-violet dress with thin shoulder straps.
She is so beautiful. Emily thought.
They began walking along the waterfront and slowly moved into the shops.
Emily bought several more outfits, all flowy, soft, and comfortable. They shopped through a few different boutiques, and Emily stopped. She picked out a thin camisole and matching, loose slacks.
Not hiding anymore, are you, Emily?
Em looked at Elena, eyes moving up and down as if measuring. She reached out and selected a charcoal slip dress. Yes, this is Elena.
Elena accepted the dress wordlessly and went to a dressing room. Emily went to the adjacent one.
Elena tried on the dress, forgoing her bra. She stepped out a moment before Emily.
“This feels like me,” Elena whispered.
You look incredible,” Emily replied.
Elena held Em at arm’s length.
“I could not have chosen better,” Elena whispered, her eyes drinking in the outfit Em wore. They changed back, and Emily bought the lot, asking the clerk to have the package sent to her hotel room. They continued exploring and came across an old theater, now an Art House, showing European films. Elena’s eyes were drawn to the poster. Betty Blue. was on the marquee, but the poster was in the French title 37′ 2 Le Matin. Emily noticed Elena’s lingering gaze.
“You want to see it?”
Elena nodded slowly. They went to the box office and, to their great pleasure, saw that the movie would start soon. Elena purchased the tickets, and Emily insisted on buying the popcorn and drinks.
They chose seats toward the back and waited for the film to start.
“A quaint theater. Reminds me of the Fox Theater back home, except that one has a balcony.” Emily noted.
Elena glanced. “Not many people here. Guess they don’t like subtitles.”
Emily shot a look at Elena. “Not in English?”
Elena smiled. “French.”
Emily took Elena’s hand in hers and squeezed.
“I’ll endure… For you.”
A few other couples entered and found seats, along with the odd single man or three. None were close to them. The lights dimmed, and the film started.
Emily was not prepared for the erotic images; she thought it was a romantic movie, but this was borderline porn. Her breath quickened at the love scenes. As the story developed, Emily’s hand found Elena’s thigh. Without thinking, she moved her hand under Elena’s skirt, brushing her panties. Elena parted her legs a little. Emily looked at Elena, deep into the movie. Emily’s fingers pressed, prompting Elena to move. Emily leaned and kissed the corner of Elena’s mouth.
Elena shifted, doing two things: sliding her panties down her thighs and her skirt up. Emily’s hand immediately found her moist opening. She slid a finger inside and slowly began moving it in and out. They both watched the film, with Emily emulating the man’s thrusts on the screen. At the climax of the scene, Emily withdrew her finger and rubbed Elena’s clit hard. Elena shook, wracked with an intense orgasm. After she came down, Elena used napkins to clean up what she could and slid her panties back up.
They finished watching the film without comment, and as the credits began to roll, Elena kissed Emily briefly, but hard.
They left the theater after Elena cleaned herself more thoroughly in the ladies’ room.
“That was a good film,” Emily commented.
“Indeed. I found it stimulating,” Elena retorted.
Wandering toward the beach, they encountered an arcade. Emily spied a photo booth, and they both went in. Partway through the snapshots, Elena moved aside, coming out of the frame. Emily turned her head just as the shutter went off, capturing a three-quarter profile. The snapshots dropped out of the slot. Elena took a penknife out of her bag and trimmed the single shot of Emily out of the strip, then handed the rest over to her. She opened her locket and put the picture on the back half. She looked at the photo for a second, closed the locket, and slipped it into her blouse. Her eyes met Emily’s.
Emily felt tears forming and blinked twice, deliberately. Her throat tight, Emily whispered, “Thank you.”
Elena took Emily’s hand. “Come on.”
They headed back to the hotel, choosing to stop at a Cuban restaurant, where Elena schooled Emily on the island’s cuisine. It was evening when they arrived in the lobby. Emily checked with the desk and was pleased to find her packages already in her room.
Elena pushed the button for her floor. Emily did not react as she followed Elena to her room. Elena motioned Emily to sit at the desk. “Write something. I’ll be right back,” and after opening and closing the dresser, disappeared into the bath. Emily took the stationery and, with a flash of inspiration, jotted several notes about Miami she wanted to include in her novel.
She never heard the bathroom door open. The first thing she noticed was the scent of Lavender and vanilla, and an animalic undernote. She turned, Elena stood close by, wearing a simple babydoll that was almost completely sheer. Emily could see her passion darkened areolae, her nipples erect, the shallow rise and fall of her breasts.
My God. Emily thought she stood, tentatively reaching for Elena. Elena moved into Emily, kissing her and removing her clothes. Once Emily was naked, Elena shoved her onto the bed.
She climbed over her, straddling her. Slowly, Elena pulled the gown off. Then she lowered herself, offering her tit to Emily.
Emily took the proffered nipple into her mouth, sucking hard, then swirling her tongue around it. She moved back and forth between the magnificent breasts. She gripped Elena and pulled, urging her forward. Elena moved and lowered her now wet pussy to Emily’s panting mouth. Em put every ounce of passion and skill she had into the oral lovemaking.
Three times Elena stiffened, three times Elena whispered “Emily,” then rewarded Emily with her orgasmic flow.
She fell to the side, breathing hard. After a few moments, she moved, spreading Emily’s legs and almost brutally assaulting her with her mouth. Emily writhed under Elena’s tongue. “Fuck.” The single word, out of character for Emily, was wrenched from her throat.
Elena kissed her way to Emily’s throat, and her hand began to rub Emily’s burning pussy.
“Yes, yes, yes.” Emily moaned over and over as Elena played her body as if it were a finely tuned instrument. Elena’s fingers drove deep into Emily, causing the author to scream out in ecstasy.
Later, her head on Elena’s shoulder, she traced a finger along Elena’s skin.
“I used to think happiness was something you achieved. House, dog, kids, the Hawaii vacation.” Emily sighed. “Then I thought, Work. Succeeding, being on that damned New York Times bestseller list.” She touched Elena’s face so they were looking into her eyes.
“Lying here, with you, this feels like I’m somewhere I never want to leave.”
Elena fought the tear forming. “That’s a dangerous thought.”
“I know, and I’m not asking.” Emily stretched. “It’s still early. Let’s disappear in some big dance club and be alone together.”
Elena hesitated, feeling it was not a good idea, then relented. Emily did not notice Elena’s reluctance. Emily and Elena chose the outfits they had bought earlier and took a cab to Club Nu down on South Beach.
Inside Club Nu, they started at the bar, a shot of vodka to warm them up. The pulsing music of Bronski Beat had drawn everyone to the floor. bodies pressed together, blurring motion. The lights strobed—too bright, too dim—color washing everything into frozen moments.
A pretty redhead in a net top slid in behind Elena, hands finding her hips with practiced ease. Elena glanced over her shoulder once—assessing, reflexive—then her eyes caught Emily’s.
For a heartbeat, she didn’t move.
Emily felt hands settle on her own hips, a hard body pressing close from behind. A man’s mouth brushed her ear.
“She’s almost as hot as you are,” he said, voice thick, accented. “I can tell my girl wants her.”
Emily didn’t turn right away. Something hot and sharp rose in her chest.
Possession.
She grabbed his wrists and peeled his hands away from her body.
“No.” One word. Flat. Final.
She stepped forward, reached for Elena, pulling her out of the redhead’s loose hold. Emily’s hands slid up Elena’s back, anchoring her, and she kissed her—hard, claiming, unambiguous.
Elena stiffened at first, startled by the force of it. Then she melted into the kiss, answering it fully, one hand fisting in Emily’s shirt as if to say I’m yours.
Time warped.
They drifted to the edge of the dance floor, the music still fast but muffled now, the bass a distant pulse. Around them, bodies collided and separated, but they stayed still, holding each other, swaying as if the song had slowed just for them.
Emily pressed her forehead to Elena’s.
“I’m sorry,” she said, breathless. “I couldn’t stand seeing her touch you.”
Elena’s mouth curved into a smile.
“Good,” she said quietly. “Neither could I.”
They stayed within a foot of each other, often much closer, hands sliding up and down each other’s bodies, and they danced together. A few people noticed how they moved together, and some thought they were born to dance together. To Emily, feeling Elena’s body moving under her hands was even more intimate than sex.
I need to find a way to have her stay with me when I go back to work. Maybe an apartment looking over Miami Beach… Emily was caught up in her fantasy of them living and growing old together. A brush lip on hers brought her back to the here and now, David Byrne singing Burning Down the House.
“Emily? Hello?” Elena’s eyes were worried.
Em smiled. “Sorry. just a daydream.”
“Was I naked?”
“Would you be disappointed if I said no?”
Elena put on a fake pout. “Maybe.”
“In that case, naked as a jaybird, sweetheart,” Emily teased, causing Elena to smile.
“And Pregnant with twins.” Emily managed with a straight face.
“Wait, what?!?”
Emily kissed Elena lightly. “Kidding.”
Elena theatrically mimed a heart attack. She took Emily by the hand. “Let’s get out of here, the music is making you wonky.”
They left the club, the evening air feeling brisk after the heated air of Club Nu. They walked down the street, Emily wide-eyed at the Miami nightlife. This was not Bal Harbour; the streets were grittier and, as a result, more diverse. As they walked, they passed a sex shop. Emily’s eyes were looking.
Elena leaned in, “Want to go in?”
Emily was almost giddy as they entered. An older woman, maybe 50, was behind the counter.
They browsed together, Emily pointing to an enormous dildo, roughly the size of her arm.
“Not on me you won’t,” Elena said. They continued browsing and saw a strap-on harness and its attachments. Emily was bewildered. Elena, seeing Emily stare at the leather and ring harness.
“…Is that—”
“Yes,” Elena said lightly.
Emily glanced at her, then back at it. “But it’s not attached to anything.”
Elena leaned in enough to lower her voice.
“That part,” she said, tapping the display card with one finger, “is a matter of choice.”
Emily flushed immediately, color blooming up her neck. “People actually— I mean, why wouldn’t you just—”
She trailed off, hands lifting in a helpless gesture.
Elena watched her with open fondness now.
“You think of things very… literally,” Elena said. “It’s one of your better qualities.”
Emily frowned. “I can’t tell if that was an insult.”
“It wasn’t. You think bodies come with instructions. Some people write their own.” Elena said.
Emily looked back at the harness, then at Elena again, “You sound like you’ve used one before.”
Elena didn’t deny it. “In Europe.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“It is to me.”
Emily hesitated, “Would you?”
Slowly, Emily took the harness off the hook. “I don’t know what… makes sense,” she said. “You?”
Elena picked up on the unasked question. She chose a dildo attachment that was devoid of realistic features, smooth, rounded, and around 7 inches long. Emily was shaking with anticipation as she paid for it. At the last moment, Elena slid a vibrator and a bottle of lubricant onto the counter.
They walked back toward Club Nu, both deep in thought about the implications that had transpired and would transpire for them. Just outside the club, they easily caught a cab dropping off fares. Silence filled the cab; they held hands tightly, an electric current flowing between them. In the elevator to her room, Emily and Elena kissed. Emily sensed a hard kiss would be off-putting, but Elena relaxed into the soft, loving kisses.
Inside the room, they slowly undressed. Emily blushed like a bride. Elena slowly began putting on the harness, showing Emily how to fasten it. She turned sideways slightly and kissed Emily. “How do you want to be?”
When Emily didn’t answer right away, “Tell me, Emily.”
Emily still looked confused. What is she asking me? Em thought.
“Do you want me behind you,” Elena asked, “or where you can look at me?” Elena kissed her softly. “Whatever you choose, sweetheart,” she whispered. “I’m here.”
It finally clicked. “I never did it any way but the regular way, with a guy, I mean.” Em blushed again. “But I want to see you.”
Elena’s finger tracked down and between Emily’s labia. She’s ready for this. Elena thought.
“I’m ready,” Emily said softly, a hint of desire in her voice. Emily sat, then moved to the center of the bed, opening for her lover. Elena followed, staying on her knees, but spreading her legs to bring them into alignment. Elena gave Emily a sultry look, asking the question without asking.
“Yes.”
Elena started moving her hips forward. The end of the dildo parted Emily’s lips and entered her slowly. Elena paused, allowing Emily time to adjust, then backed slightly and advanced. After a couple of minutes, the dildo was completely enveloped by Emily’s body.
Emily hadn’t expected the stillness. Time seemed to widen.
Emily realized, dimly, that she wasn’t bracing. She accepted the toy fully, willingly.
The thought startled her enough that her throat tightened. A single tear slid back from the corner of Emily’s eye.
Elena said under her breath, “Relax.”
Emily gave the slightest of nods. “More.”
Elena began moving the strap in and out, building a rhythm and gradually increasing speed.
Emily moved under her, their eyes staying locked aside from the glances up and down.
“Harder.” Emily urged. Em got up on her elbows. Elena paused.
“Don’t stop. I just want to see it.” As Elena continued, she leaned down for a kiss. It was soft, but passionate. Neither said it, but they read it in their eyes. Emily thought, “I love you.” Elena’s simply was, “I’m with you.”
Emily seemed fascinated by the penetrating dildo. She felt the fire in her spine, tracing up and through her pelvis.
“Elena, I-”
Emily began to shake, which turned into a convulsion. Elena, for her part, drove deep and held it, her lips seeking Emily. The contact felt like their souls were welding together.
We are together.
Elena detached the dildo and held the still shaking Emily. Neither spoke; they just relaxed into each other’s presence.
“We could… switch. If you wanted.”
Elena didn’t answer right away. Her breath slowed.
“Why?” Elena asked softly.
“Because you took care of me.”
Elena’s expression shifted. Emily saw Elena unguarded, Vulnerable.
Elena touched Emily’s face, thumb warm against her cheek.
“You are very loving,” she said fondly. “If we do, it won’t be because you feel you owe me.”
Emily shook her head. “I don’t.” A beat. “I want to know what it’s like,” Emily said. “For it to be you.”
Elena removed the harness. She watched Emily put it on, only correcting her when she tightened it. Emily attached the dildo.
“Lie back,” Elena suggested. Emily did so, the dildo pointed straight up. Elena silently squeezed lube into her hand and applied it to the fake cock. Then she mounted it.
“I want to see you.”
She slid down on it, feeling it fill her.
“Look at us, Emily.”
Emily found herself torn between the desire to see them join and focusing on Elena’s face, where she observed the subtle alterations in expression as Elena began to move in a twisting motion with her hips, not merely up and down. She softly moaned as she drove herself to orgasm. Her movements became erratic.
Emily clocked the motion, determined to try it sometime. Elena leaned forward, her hands clasping Emily’s. As her passion bloomed, the grasp tightened. She shivered twice, minor orgasms preceding the main quake.
With a gut-wrenching “Yes.” Elena collapsed on Emily, her pussy spasming, and a wet warmth flowed over the harness and Emily’s skin.
Elena lay there, impaled until she found the strength to roll off, Emily withdrawing it and returning to a flat position. Elena moved close, one leg over Emily’s.
“I don’t say this lightly.” Elena kissed Emily’s forehead, “I care about you.”
Emily’s mouth formed a half smile.
You’re melting, Em thought. Just a little. And you don’t even know it.
Emily responded, “I know, that’s why it matters to me.”
Elena’s arms tightened around Emily. After a moment, she murmured, “Good.”
Slowly, Elena began loosening the harness’s fastenings. Emily loosened the ones on her left.
“Shower?”
“Yes,” Emily said, sitting up. She cocked an eye at Elena, who was holding the strap-on.
“This needs to be cleaned. Soap and water for this,” she detached the dildo. “Saddle soap or neat’s-foot oil for the leather.”
Emily started the shower, and Elena joined after hanging the strap harness to dry.
Elena stepped in behind her, close enough that Emily could feel her. Emily moved back until there was contact. Elena’s hands rose, and she washed Emily’s hair slowly, grounding them both. The steady sound of water filled the silence where words didn’t need to be.
This feels natural, Emily thought, resting her hands against the tile. Not new. Not strange. Just… right.
Elena’s presence was steady behind her. “You okay?” Elena whispered.
“Yes, because you’re here.”
Elena’s hands paused, then resumed. Her head briefly touched Emily’s shoulder. Turning under the water together, Elena rinsed Emily’s hair and shoulders. Emily then returned the favor, touching Elena as if she were fine china. Both were content.
When they stepped out, Elena gathered a towel and wrapped it around Emily first, and gave her a brief kiss.
They dried each other, small kisses on lips, backs, and stomachs.
Elena led her back into the bedroom, where the atmosphere seemed calmer. The bed no longer looked charged—just waiting.
Elena pulled the sheet back and motioned Emily down, then followed, arranging them without asking so Emily’s back rested against her chest. One arm settled around Emily’s waist, firm and anchoring, the other draped easily over the pillow.
Emily fit herself there instinctively, her hands resting over Elena’s forearm.
So this is the part after, she thought. And she’s still here.
They lay like that in quiet for a while, listening to the sounds of the beach below.
“Get some rest,” Elena whispered. “No one is going anywhere tonight.”
Emily’s chest loosened with relief. “Thank you for staying.”
Monday
Morning light filtered through the window, soft and golden. It promised another Miami day, Bright and clear, and hot. Emily stretched, trying to ease the tension in her muscles without waking Elena. As her body moved, Elena’s arm tightened, keeping Emily close.
She shifted slightly, and that’s when she felt it—the slight tightness across her shoulders, the tender pull at her upper arms. Sunburn. Friday’s sunburn had caught up to her.
Elena moved, her breath deepened, and a hand slid along Emily’s body.
Elena softly said, “Good Morning.”
“Morning.”
Emily rolled over, giving a brief kiss to affirm their being together.
“Hold still,” Elena murmured.
Elena’s fingers ran over her skin, gentle but precise. A pause.
“You’re peeling,” Elena remarked.
“I knew I should’ve reapplied. some skin cream.”
Elena made a small sound in her throat—not disapproval, exactly. More like an acknowledgment of inevitability.
“Does it hurt?”
“Not really,” Emily said. “Just… tight.”
Elena nodded. She shifted them so Emily was half-turned, still close, but with Elena able to see her properly. Her finger brushes lightly along the edge of peeling skin, careful not to pull.
“You act like you’re looking at a fender bender,” Emily teased.
“I am.” Elena’s eyes danced.
They left the shower, and Elena patted Emily with a towel, taking care not to rub. Emily let Elena lead her back into the bedroom and perched on the edge of the bed while Elena opened the closet.
Emily watched, curious. “You’re very decisive this morning.”
“I always am.”
Elena chose a soft linen shirt with long sleeves and a soft cotton skirt.
“I noticed your skin was dry from the burn.”
Emily smiled as she dressed, noticing Elena look away just enough to give her privacy. Like she’s pretending we haven’t already crossed that line.
Elena changed the collar. “Better.”
She’s good at this, Emily thought, grateful that Elena made her care feel normal.
“Your spa appointment’s at ten.”
Emily blinked. “When did you book it?”
“Yesterday,” Elena said, already reaching for her bag. “Aloe wrap and moisturizing treatment.”
Emily laughed softly. “You even know the details.”
“It’s what I asked for.”
The spa was cool and the lighting subtle. Elena talked to the attendant.
“Please be gentle,” she said evenly. “She’s sunburned.”
“Of course,”
The attendant had Emily disrobe and lay on the table. The first touch of cool aloe was a relief she hadn’t realized she needed. Emily felt herself relax.
Elena sat close by, so Emily could see her.
She planned this, Emily thinks. I’m lucky to have her.
The girl finished applying the aloe and an emollient similar to the Valmont cream Elena had previously used. The wrap complete, she left.
Elena asked, “Still comfortable?”
“Thank you, yes,” Emily replied.
the treatment ate up an hour. They went back to the room, Emily’s skin soothed.
“Take your blouse off, I want to see.”
Emily rolled her eyes. “You just want me naked,” she chuckled as she disrobed.
“Emily, focus.” Elena clucked. Fingers smoothed over her shoulders and the burned part of her cleavage, then her back.
“Good,” Elena said. “We’ll keep you out of the sun until later.”
“Yes, doctor.”
Elena snorted, amused. “Lunch first.”
The departure was just before noon, and the heat was already rising. As they walked the street, Elena kept on touching Emily, keeping her in the shade. Elena’s touch brought Emily a feeling of contentment.
Lunch was light: a cobb salad and iced tea. The conversation was mostly about Emily’s project. Emily described a scene that had been on her mind, and Elena listened. A couple of points she asked for an explanation that made Emily stop and think again. Elena has the makings of a fantastic writer.
Elena took her hand while they left the cafe.
An afternoon rainstorm eased the heat, leaving the air humid but bearable. Emily followed Elena down a street where the buildings shaded the sidewalk.
They discovered an art gallery, a respite from the heat outside. heels clicked on polished floors. Emily was drawn to the art and read each description. Elena moved more, not staying at any one display for long. Seeing Emily lingering by a case, she moved to join her.
Emily read a line from a description aloud, then frowned. “They always make it sound simpler than it was.”
Elena glanced at the text. “That’s how history survives.”
Emily considered that.
They didn’t stay long, just enough to cool down, to let the afternoon weather shift gears. When they stepped back outside, Elena gestured down the block.
“A Bookstore,” she said.
Emily brightened. “Lead the way.”
Inside, the place smelled like paper and dust and something faintly sweet. A bell rang as they entered. It was quiet — a few people browsing, a clerk behind the counter reading.
Emily drifted instinctively, fingers trailing along spines. Elena stays close but unobtrusive, pretending to browse while actually watching Emily.
Then Emily stopped.
Emily stared at a display near the front: a stack of books, with a handwritten card propped beside them, proclaiming Staff Pick. The near-life-size cutout of her likeness. There was a banner with her pen name.
For a second, she didn’t breathe.
“Oh,” she said. Not loud. Just… surprised.
Elena stepped closer. “That’s you,” Elena said quietly.
Emily laughed under her breath, a little disbelieving. “I didn’t know they’d have it here.”
She reached out, touched the edge of the display as if to make sure it’s real. Her face showed something Elena hadn’t seen yet — pride, and also a hint of vulnerability.
“They even did a sign,” Emily said. “That’s… new.”
Elena watched her carefully. “How does it feel?”
Emily thought a moment. “Like walking into a room where they are talking about you.”
“They’re saying good things.”
Emily smiled. “That almost makes it worse.”
Elena’s mouth curved, faintly. “You’re allowed to be pleased?”
Emily looked at her then, really looked. “You don’t think it’s strange?”
Elena shook her head. “It explains a few things.”
“Like what?”
“Why you ask questions carefully.”
Emily’s chest tightened at that.
They didn’t linger. As they left, the bell rang again, and Emily glanced back once, committing the image to memory.
The light outside was gentler now. Dusk was close at hand.
Emily exhaled. “That was… unexpected.”
Elena nodded. “But not unpleasant.”
“No,” Emily agreed. Then, quieter: “I’m glad you were there.” Her fingers entwined with Elena’s.
Elena met her gaze. “Me too.”
They walked back toward the hotel without hurrying; the city was easing into night around them.
“Seafood.” Elena put it out there. Emily nodded.
“Perfect.” They walked toward the marina. Elena said she just wanted to check on her boyfriend’s boat. Satisfied it was still in its slip, they walked across the property to the Artisan, a seafood spot for locals and tourists alike.
Elena chose a fillet of sole, Emily decided on a sampler.
Emily asked, “If I can be a bit prying, do you have a boat?”
Elena put down her fork. “No, I always seem to have friends with them if I want to go out.”
“I’d love to go out on one of the big boats, lie out naked, and-”
“Burn your business.” Elena finished.
Emily snorted, trying to suppress a laugh. “Not if you keep me well-oiled.”
They headed back to the hotel, enjoying the night air. Emily dawdled.
“I think I want a drink,” she said.
Elena drew close, protective.
“Don’t want to go out though.”
Elena squeezed her hand. “Okay.”
In the lobby, Emily went to summon the elevator. Elena stopped by the desk and asked for room service, a cheese board with olives, and a bottle of chilled white. with two glasses. She caught up to Emily as the door opened. Emily started to push her floor, but Elena guided her hand to her floor.
“I’m getting something to wear.” She stopped at her room, and Elena picked out a black camisole and charcoal tap pants. She also picked up a pack of cards. Taking Emily’s hand, they went to Emily’s room. As soon as they got inside, the shoes came off.
Elena, her movements always economical, changed from the sophisticated, public-facing woman to the softer person at home in the soft fabrics she wore. She glanced at Emily, who had taken everything off except sensible cotton panties. Elena stopped her.
“Wait.”
Emily looked over her shoulder. Elena indicated the bed as she went to the dresser and grabbed the jar of Valmont cream. The knock on the door interrupted. Elena answered and took possession of the trolley. “Wait here, she’s not decent.” Elena brought the cart in, unloaded its contents, and returned it to the door. She tipped the server and turned back to Emily. Em sat on the bed, eyes hooded. Elena stood with the jar, waiting. Emily sighed and lay face down on the bed.
Elena smoothed the skin cream into Emily’s sunburn, bent close and whispered, “Tell me if it hurts.”
She started with Emily’s shoulders, massaging her muscles, and worked her way down, adding cream as Emily’s sunburn demanded. Finishing Emily’s legs, she told Em to roll over. She went the other direction, working up Em’s legs, across the burned stomach, lightly massaging. She spent time on Emily’s breasts, even though they were mostly not burned. Finally, she smoothed it on her face, finishing with a sweet kiss. Emily got up and pulled on an oversized T-shirt with Golden Bears on the top, forming a half-circle, and the bottom half reading Undefeated 1982. In the center was the blue and gold CAL signifying Cal State Berkeley.
Elena pulled the bottle from the ice. The label was from the Sebastiani winery, ‘Eye of the Swan’ Pinot Noir Blanc. Emily spotted the label and remarked, “Ooh, that’s an excellent vintage.”
They poured a sip into the glasses, and Emily taught Elena the fine points of wine tasting.
“What is on the nose?”
Elena thought a moment. “A hint of—cherry?”
Em nodded. “The profile will change as it breathes and warms.” Emily took a sip, and Elena emulated.
Swallowing, Emily told Elena, “Let it flow over and under your tongue, let it linger a bit, and swallow. Tell me what you think.”
“The cherry, and something else, raspberry maybe? And a hint of some sort of spice?”
Emily nodded in agreement.
“Is it heavy on the tongue? Light? or somewhere in between? How did it finish?”
Elena sipped again. It’s not heavy. I’m not sure what ‘light’ means yet. It’s a clean finish.”
Em sipped. “Medium body, a crisp finish is what I would say.”
Elena clocked what Emily said for a description. “Every sip you do that?”
Emily shook her head. “No, just to get the bearing of the wine, or if you are doing a tasting to compare.” She filled the glasses. She sipped again, not analyzing. “Just enjoy it.”
“So,” Emily asked as Elena shuffled the cards, “First kiss?”
“Awkward.”
“That’s not much of an answer.” Em frowned.
“I was in high school, we were sixteen, and neither of us had any idea.”
Emily smirked. “I was lucky enough to kiss a girl who really knew what she was doing.” She leaned forward. “At least, I thought she knew what she was doing, till I kissed you.”
Elena met her offered lips, and they kissed. Separating, Elena dealt the cards.
They played Gin and Poker and discovered they were evenly matched.
“Ok, time to raise the stakes,” Elena said, a twinkle in her eye. “Loser does anything the winner asks.”
Emily smiled. “Deal, but that’s dangerous.”
The game was poker, and Emily picked up her cards. Three tens, a jack, and a king stared back at her. She put the jack down. “One.”
Elena put down three, dealt Emily a card, and dealt three to herself. Her face was inscrutable.
Emily fought to keep her face neutral. She had drawn another king.
Elena looked at her, an eyebrow raised. Emily dropped her hand.
“Full house.”
Elena took a deep breath and said, “ I only have two pairs.”
She put down three cards: a four of spades, the seven of hearts, and the seven of diamonds.
“A pair of red sevens,” she smirked. “And a pair of black sevens.”
She dropped the last cards, the sevens of spades and clubs, face up.
“Now, as the winner, I want to read what you have for your manuscript.”
Emily handed over the notebook with Miami across the front. Elena curled up on the bed, opened the book, and started to read. Emily watched for a few minutes, shrugged, pulled out another notebook and her pen, and started writing.
She stopped, shaking her hand, and realized she had been writing for hours. She looked at Elena, who had slipped under the covers and was fast asleep. Emily took the notebook and put it in her tote, turned off the light, and slipped under the covers, cuddling her lover.
