Any Chance We Could Ch. 28

"Does Katrina's mother know that she is gay and in a gay relationship?" Evie asked.

"While she may have noticed a clue or two when she visited, no she doesn't know that Katrina is in a relationship with Ashley. Neither of the girls is gay as such as they both have interests in men." Then Veronica laughed, "They are so similar in their tastes that they are both interested in going after the same two men."

"Unless you knew she already accepted her daughter's relationship with another woman, you may be wise to consider the possibility that Marty will react negatively to the participation you have suggested," Evie offered. "Marty may well react strongly against her daughter being in a lesbian relationship."

Veronica nodded her head and had a thoughtful expression on her face. "You're right. I haven't thought about Marty reacting negatively. Now that I think about it, Katrina is anxious about her mother's reaction."

"It sounds like they are not gay, which is not unusual. There are some women who are strictly gay. Many women are strictly heterosexual. There are also a good number who are at various points along the continuum between the two points. Though we use the term bi-sexual to describe them, there are various degrees of bi-sexuality. There are those who like men but will enjoy women in the right circumstance. There are those who enjoy both sexes more or less equally and there are those who tend to prefer women." Evie paused to take a drink of bottled water while looking at Veronica's body language and facial expression. Putting the bottle down she continued, "There are women who tend to prefer women being with another woman but are also highly aroused by the right man. Katrina and Ashley may be in the middle or towards the side of the continuum that prefers women."

"I haven't given that much thought," Veronica nodded.

"Before we talk about how I can connect with Ashley and Katrina, do you have pictures of them?" Evie asked. With a glow on her face Veronica produced several modest and bathing suit pictures Scott had taken of them.

After talking about how to do the counseling surreptitiously, the conversation meandered along with Evie asking questions and Veronica providing answers.

Eventually Evie asked, "Is one of you dominant or assertive in your sex life?"

"I am to a degree, but Scott is far from being subservient, nor would I want him to be. I have my fetishes and Scott has his and we not only affirm the other's fetish but both work to fulfill the other's too. Neither of us has a dom/sub fetish with one tying the other to the bed or humiliating the other. Why do you ask?"

Evie stood and moved to perch her butt on the front of the desk three feet from Veronica. "First, dom/sub relationships do not necessarily involve humiliation, bondage and abuse. They're more about who's in control and to what extent. You'd be surprised in how many marriages where there is a woman dominating the bedroom. I've found that in marriages with a dominant woman the female usually has a very fulfilling sex life, without a reduction of her partner's sexual fulfillment," responded Evie. "Of course there are some women who find fulfillment in being dominated by their husband."

"I can't imagine having a more satisfying sex life than I have now," Veronica responded.

"I appreciate how you feel satisfied." She paused and with her eyes locked on Veronica's she continued quietly for emphasis, "Before we came into the office I noticed that you were admiring my body, a complement for which I thank you."

After Veronica nodded her head Evie took off her reading glasses, and then softly yet forthrightly continued with a firm tone, "A moment ago you hinted that you and Scott have had others in your bed. Since you were looking at me, and given your comfort with your daughters' love for one another, I assume that that those other partners were female."

"Yes," Veronica smiled and nodded.

Evie grinned a little, picked up her glasses and the note pad she had been using. She silently read her notes, took off her glasses and looked at Veronica for a moment. "If Scott were with you today I'd have finished with having you both doing a simultaneous survey, one of you on the office computer and one on my laptop. It's a survey to help guide our future discussions on a range of things from money to sex, from daily habits to desires and dreams. In your case Veronica, while the survey will flush out details, and while I may be wrong, just from our conversation and other nonverbal signs I suspect I know you."

When Veronica didn't say anything, Evie smiled, "If I had to boil it down, into a short description, and if I'm wrong here, please correct me. I have concluded that Veronica is a confident, well organized, vivacious, personable and generous woman who has an excellent mind and loves freely. She is passionate about life. Her fiancé whom she adores is the focus of her life. Veronica is a sensuous woman who is eager to explore her sexuality, not unthinkingly but thoughtfully. She loves sex and has become increasingly comfortable with her bi-sexuality. Though a handsome man may interest her, Veronica's interests skew towards women, many of whom she is willing to share with her husband. I believe that she has a fetish for young women, and has enjoyed being the aggressor. If Ashley and Katrina are not yet your lovers, I wouldn't be surprised if they are in your bed in the near future."

Silence filled the office. Veronica was so stunned how Evie had accurately described her, that all she could ask was, "How did you conclude all that about me?"

Evie laughed, "Your confidence is indicated in how you walked towards me, in your handshake, how you sat down, and above all in how you spoke and what you so quickly shared. Only a confident person who is comfortable with themselves would share what you shared and hint at what you hinted. Your intelligence is evidenced in our conversations. Your generosity and indications of your interest in being organized has come out as you talked about your home and professional life."

Veronica nodded that she understood. Evie continued, "Veronica, in a variety of ways you are signaling that you are a sexual tigress on the prowl and that you love having sex with either males or females. You are not only meticulous in how you dress, but the length of your skirt and the tightness of your blouse send signals. Your bi-sexuality is evident in how you looked at me and in the hints you gave. When you showed me the pictures of your daughters I saw in your eyes and facial expression that you desire them. When you showed me the group picture of the girls in bikinis by the pool your hand twitched and your breathing changed a little which gave me a clue to your fetish."

"I didn't know that I was that obvious," Veronica quietly interjected with some embarrassment.

"Don't worry, you weren't that obvious. I have some understanding as to what signs to note." Evie smiled and patted Veronica's hand. "I could go into more detail, but let me ask this, Veronica, are you aware that since entering this office that your skirt has shifted noticeably higher to the welt on your stockings and that two more buttons on your blouse are undone?"

"I knew about one button, but I…."

"I understand, and again thank you for the complement by showing interest." Evie moved back to sit in the other guest chair. As she sat she crossed her legs in an exaggerated fashion catching Veronica's eyes looking up her skirt. "Yes, I too am wearing stockings. My husband enjoys them as much as your fiancé does. It seems that in several areas we have similar tastes."

Evie paused a moment to grin before she continued, "Veronica, given your interest in having other women as playmates, I would encourage you to give thought to being more sexually assertive in your home, particularly in your bedroom. Though you may not have explored your dominant bent, I suspect it's there. Your female playmates need to know that this is your turf and marriage, and that you are in control, not them. Through your control you can make it clear that your husband is securely yours and you are firmly his. A good number of secure self-confident men are willing to allow their wives to be the dominant partner or the aggressor, particularly when she is bringing other women into their bed."

"As I said I'm satisfied with my sex life now, and though I'm not sure the dominant role is me, I'll give it some thought." Veronica quietly confessed.

"If you change your mind, let me know, I'll be glad to help you bring it about. Can you, Scott, Katrina and Ashley attend a worship service and a brunch here Sunday? Our services start at 9:30 and finish around 10:40."

"I suppose. If we can't I'll call you back, okay?"

"I look forward to meeting your family next Sunday then," concluded Evie as she rose and took Veronica's warmly hand in hers.

"I hope I didn't embarrass you admiring your physical attributes or by looking up your skirt, but honestly, you are very attractive and appealing. Your husband is a fortunate man," concluded Veronica still holding Evie's hand.

"Honestly, Veronica, I purposely hoped you'd look when I crossed my legs. I like you and you too are appealing. On Sunday I know you'll wear something that flatters you. The next time you come to the office, you can feel free to wear a shorter skirt if that's your desire. Whatever you wear I know you'll dress as nicely as today. In fact I'll wear something shorter as well," responded Evie with a slight squeeze of Veronica's hand before releasing it.

As Veronica started the car she was processing what had transpired. She was amazed that Reverend Graham had captured so much about her from their conversation, tone of voice, dress and her body language. Did she just tell me to wear a mini-skirt the next time we visit? And she would too?

As she sat at the second red light she spoke aloud, "I really like Evie. If I had had a minister like her way back when, I doubt I'd have stopped going to church. I really hope that we can become friends, and maybe more than just friends. I think I'll shop for one or two new skirts or dresses while in San Francisco."

##

On the way back home Veronica stopped at Cindy's apartment to help her gather some information for the credit card fraud her roommate had committed. Cindy was surprised to see Veronica and excitedly embraced her after Veronica stepped into the small apartment. Veronica again noticed that the furniture was aged and in poor shape. The faded and discolored paint caused her to wonder when the landlord last painted the apartment. Cindy's remaining roommate, Maddie, was there too. Maddie told Veronica in no uncertain terms that she didn't like it one bit that Cindy probably wouldn't be renewing her lease in January. "It's your fault, what are you going to do to help me out?"

"Young lady, I don't appreciate your tone of voice with me. What have you done to help Cindy? You haven't paid your share of this month's rent, or of last month's either. No one owes you anything. Frankly I don't care if you're angry with me. If you lose the apartment, it's your own fault. Cindy is whom I care for. Cindy is the one I'll help. The lease ends on December 31^st and I have paid the rent in full until then. Therefore Miss Sassy 'the world owes me', you'd best start looking for a new place to live in January and a new roommate or roommates. Cindy certainly won't be around for you to leach off of any longer. It's time for you to get a life and grow up," Veronica sternly replied.

Maddie gave Veronica a cold nasty look and stomped off to her bedroom, slamming the door.

"Are you working tonight?" Veronica asked Cindy.

"Yes, every night this week, I'll be off at midnight on Friday and have to go back at four in the afternoon on Sunday," she replied.

"Come to my house Friday after work and spend the weekend with us," replied Veronica. "Let's go to your bedroom, I want some privacy to talk to you."

After reaching her bedroom and closing the door, Veronica said, "Now I think you've borrowed money from two other friends as well as Mary Claire. I tried to pay Mary Claire but she asked that I donate it to the animal shelter, so you're settled with her, now who else did you tell me last Friday?"

"I owe Connie four hundred and Shirley about six hundred … I think it's five hundred and ninety," replied Cindy.

"Are these ladies you work with?" Veronica asked. Cindy nodded her head. "So they might be home now, or at least available for me to speak to. Do you have their numbers?"

Veronica tried to reach both but neither was available, so she wrote down their addresses and the amounts before helping Cindy gather several months of credit card statements.

"Even if it takes me several years to do it, I'll repay you and Scott for all the money you've loaned me to pay off the credit cards and my friends," Cindy sincerely promised with tears of gratitude in her eyes.

"There's no need to cry Cindy," Veronica said as she wiped the tears from Cindy's eyes and hugged her before continuing. "Neither Scott nor I expect a penny to be paid back. Family freely helps family. That's the way the Appleton family works. We're doing only what a family does to freely help out another family member at their moment of need to recover. Let me be clear about this, Cindy none of this is a loan. It's a gift freely given in love."

"What have I done to deserve this?" Cindy said as she started to cry again.

"You have done nothing to earn this. You are part of our family, that's all the qualification you need. We love you and you love us." Veronica turned Cindy's head towards hers. Her head turned slightly as their lips drew closer. Both women moaned quietly as they lovingly kissed each other.

After passionately kissing Cindy in the privacy of her bedroom, Veronica left, calling Grace while on the way. When she finished speaking with Grace Veronica's mind returned to Cindy. She really enjoyed having the girl around. She could not put her finger on it but there was something about Cindy that captivated and excited her.

Arriving home she found Katrina, Ashley and Mary Claire sitting on loungers on the pool deck laughing and obviously enjoying each other's company. Veronica joined them and brought them up to date on her forthcoming trip to San Francisco and the church service on Sunday. Mary Claire reported that Grace had called with the return on Friday rather than Saturday and that I had called and told her not to expect me for dinner, but that I would not be too late either. Veronica thanked Mary Claire for the message and then mentioned that she had just spoken with Grace too.

Mary Claire offered to make dinner and after a brief discussion, Katrina and Ashley offered to help. As they started in the kitchen Veronica went upstairs to look through her closet for a suitable cocktail dress for Thursday night. She decided on the long black halter top one she'd worn to the club last month, the same one that Carol had been photographed in. I'll try it on tonight with lace top thigh highs and dark plum satin four inch heels and get Scott's opinion.

She changed into a fuller skirt with tan garter hose, one of her thigh highs had gotten a runner and two inch slides and after writing checks to Connie and Shirley she went back downstairs to join the girls. After eating the wonderful meal Mary Claire prepared, Veronica excused herself to meet Grace at Saks. "Anyone want to tag along?' she asked. "Any of you are welcome."

"Sure," they all answered.

"Put on nice blouses and skirts, heels too. Mary Claire I'm sure the girls will have something that'll fit you. Ten minutes." Veronica replied.

As they were riding to the store, Katrina, who was in the front seat, said that she'd noticed Veronica looking at cars on the internet. "Are you going to get a new car?"

"This is a rental and yes we're looking at having new cars. Dad's is too small for a family of four and mine is five years old. We'll probably purchase several new cars. Dad wants us to have reliable transportation. He figures if he gets the same brand from one dealership that we'll get a better deal and service as well. I guess he may be right, I've never experienced buying a personal 'fleet' of cars before."

"Fleet, really?" remarked Ashley. "When"

"Sometime after our honeymoon and before Christmas, but certainly before the end of the year," Veronica replied.

As they pulled into the parking lot, she stopped at the curbside mailbox and dropped the envelopes in the slot.

Grace had just arrived and as they were walking into the mall Katrina introduced Mary Claire as a close friend. The girls split off, heading to the other end of the mall and Veronica and Grace went towards the designer evening wear department at Saks.

"I'm really looking forward to spending time with you Veronica, I hope it's mutual," remarked Grace on the escalator.

"Count on it, you beautiful woman, count on it," replied Veronica squeezing Grace's hand briefly.

"Do you have any style in mind?" asked Veronica.

Grace thought something tight and slinky that you'll see the stocking tops outlined against the fabric then said "Low cut top, mid-knee to a bit longer fitted skirt, in a light color with beading on the top and lots of bare shoulder. And you?"

"I have a long black dress at home that's split in the front and open in the back, but I'm open to looking at other long dresses too," replied Veronica as they were approached by two salesladies who were in the same general age bracket as Veronica and Grace.

"My partner and I are looking for gowns to attend a gala in San Francisco and we're leaving day after tomorrow at noon, so I guess there won't be a lot of time for alterations. Please show us something that's long, revealing and sexy for me and mid-length and sexy for Grace," explained Veronica. She noticed that her implication was not caught by Grace but was by the salesladies. The quick kiss she gave Grace and wishing her happy hunting reinforced the implication that they were a couple.

They were led separately to different racks and Veronica was shown four very revealing gowns, two black, one dark lavender and the other a wine color. Veronica tried on the fine satin dark lavender dress. The front was split to just below her naval with a pearl clasp holding the sides about three inches apart just below her breasts and the cowl neckline ended just at her lower back. Obviously a no bra, no pantyhose type of dress. After putting it on and stepping out of the dressing room, "Just what I was looking for, do you think it needs any alterations?' Veronica asked.

"With the side split as high as it is I'd recommend a light lavender lace top stocking that will accent your wonderful legs. I don't see many women in garter stockings, they're very sexy. You're a gorgeous woman, your partner's quite fortunate, you're both quite fortunate. Do you have heels for this dress? If not, I can show you some satin heels that we'll dye to match the dress color."

"Yes, I'd like to try a ten and a half medium with a four inch heel. Could you have them dyed in time for Wednesday morning and do you have a selection of hosiery?" asked Veronica.

"I'll get both now for your approval and I'll deliver the shoes to you tomorrow at noon. Do you want to know the price of the dress?"

"Not really, I like it, so the price isn't a consideration," replied Veronica.

"Here's my card, would you ask for me next time you shop this department, please."

Veronica was still outside the fitting room a just as Grace's saleswoman opened the drapes on her fitting room and caught her breath as she looked at Grace in a stunning gold lame' knee-length creation. The neck scooped to a fitted bodice that revealed a good bit of Grace's creamy breasts, the straight skirt was well-fitted with a deep kick pleat and emphasized her shapely ass and hips. No saddle bags there, thought Veronica.