One Night at the Jefferson Ch. 1

They made their way up to their floor and both went into Lauren's room.

"Drink?" Roxanne said as she walked behind the bar.

"Sorry, but the cupboard is bare," Lauren replied.

Roxanne reached into the fridge and brought out a bottle of crown and a two-liter bottle of seven up. "Really?" she asked.

"What the hell??" Lauren sputtered.

Roxanne burst out laughing. "Silly Lauren, haven't you ever heard of room service? I ordered the drinks from the package store, they delivered and someone from the hotel brought them up."

Lauren just smiled at her as Roxanne fixed them both a drink. She brought Lauren's to her and they both sat on the settee. It was good, if a little strong. A silence fell upon them then. Roxanne was staring at her with an uncertain look. Lauren suddenly felt warm and the room felt stuffy. She felt like a schoolgirl on a date again, unsure of what to say or do. There was a tension in the air, something almost palpable.

Roxanne drained her drink and smiled softly. Lauren found her eyes drawn to Roxanne's. Something passed between them, but she wasn't sure what. Her eyes darted to her friend's lips. She realized Roxanne's eyes were on hers. Her head moved forward, just slightly, hesitantly. What was she thinking? She felt a sudden panic well up within her and drew back for her friend.

Roxanne frowned and stood up quickly. "Good night Lauren," she called over her shoulder as she quickly retreated to her room and closed the door.

For a long time Lauren sat there, tying to decide what had just happened. She finished her drink slowly, trying to work through her own feelings. In the end she gave up.

"Horny, drunk and tired," She muttered to herself as she stripped off her clothes and curled up under the sheet. She lay awake for a long time, unable to get her mind off Roxanne's face. It floated there before her eyes as sleep finally claimed her.

She awoke with a start. The room was still dark, no sunlight shown through the curtains. She was bathed in sweat and had kicked off the sheet. She realized her nipples were aching and her hand was resting between her thighs. Her breathing was ragged and her mouth was very dry.

She brushed her hair back from her face.

"What a dream," she whispered to herself. It was then that she realized her fingers were sticky and that she was very damp.

"I must be loosing my mind," she whispered to herself as she got up and got a glass of water. She dried herself with a towel and washed her face. The image that stared back at her from the mirror seemed alien.

She returned to her bed, but try as she might, she could not remember what she had been dreaming.

*******************

Lauren awoke to the enchanting smell of fresh coffee. She was instantly aware that someone was in the room with her. She sat up quickly, pulling the sheet up to cover herself.

"Good Morning, sleepyhead," Roxanne said as she walked out of the kitchenette with a hot cup of coffee. She was wearing a deep metallic blue nightie that barely covered her behind. Lauren had to pry her eyes off of her friend to take the steaming cup of coffee from her. She looked so happy and relaxed.

Lauren propped herself up on her pillows and sipped her coffee. I t was hot and incredibly thick and strong.

"It's good, where did you get it?' Lauren asked as Roxanne walked back to the kitchenette.

"At the corner store, it's almost eleven o'clock, I have been up for a while. How do you like your eggs?" she asked pleasantly.

"Scrambled," Lauren replied automatically.

"Me too," She said as she started to break the eggs.

"I'll help," Lauren said as she started to rise.

"You will not, you will stay right there and relax. You are on vacation." Roxanne said.

"So are you," Lauren protested halfheartedly, she really did not want to get up.

"I am happy to cook for you, so just lye back and enjoy it," Roxanne called.

Lauren was too drowsy to argue, she relaxed and closed her eyes. Soon the sounds and smells of breakfast cooking filled the room. She had to admit it was very nice to be babied.

When she opened her eyes Roxanne was bringing her food on a silver bed tray. Lauren suddenly found herself ravenously hungry and attacked the sausage, eggs and toast with gusto. Roxanne pulled up one of the wingback chairs and sat down, watching Lauren eat. She crossed her legs and propped them up on the bed, Sinking deeply into the chair and sipping her own coffee. Lauren glanced up at her and smiled.

"You would make a good wife for someone," Lauren teased between bites.

"Are you offering?" Roxanne asked, there was a smile on her face, but the question seemed to carry a deeper meaning.

"I don't know can you keep house?" Lauren said as she toke the last bite of her toast.

"With the best of em, I even do windows," the smaller woman said.

"How are you in the sack?" Lauren asked. She was rewarded by seeing Roxanne blush a deep crimson.

"Score one for me," Lauren said giggling.

"Bitch," Roxanne said, giggling herself.

"I'll show you bitch!" Lauren said, jumping up and leaping on her friend. She dug her fingers into Roxanne's sides eliciting a squealing giggle.

"No!" Roxanne managed as she tried to squirm away. Lauren pulled her to the floor and rolled on top of her. Straddling her hips as she dug her fingers in and kept tickling.

Lauren continued to tickle her until she was reduced to gasping sobbing laughter.

"Give up?" she said with a smile as she stopped momentarily.

Roxanne's face was strange, a look of surprise and something else upon it. Lauren realized suddenly that she was still nude. Roxanne's eyes were glued to her breasts, which were just inches from her face. Lauren stood up quickly.

"Oops," was all she could manage.

Roxanne's nightgown had ridden up and Lauren was suddenly aware that her friend's panties were visible. Roxanne quickly pulled her nightgown down, coloring furiously. Lauren was almost sure that her friend was aroused.

Roxanne's eyes roved all over her body, and Lauren felt a strange feeling rising within herself. She laughed and quickly danced to the bathroom. She could feel Roxanne's eyes on her, all the way until the door closed.

When she came back out she was alone in her room. She quickly got dressed and had a second cup of coffee. Roxanne came in a few minutes later.

"Ready to go?" she asked.

"Where are we going?"

"You will see," she smiled.

They left the hotel and walked through the quarter. It was less crowded and Lauren was able to enjoy the scenery. The buildings were a mix of architectural styles, many obviously very old. The first place they stopped was Marie Laveau's Voodoo shop. Inside the small shop were tarot cards and gris gris bags. All the trappings of the fabled Voodoo priestess were displayed. There were potions here and there and magical charms.

Roxanne picked up a green bottle and said, "Here ya go. Have a swig of this."

Lauren examined it; Love Potion Number Nine was emblazoned on it. Lauren giggled and put the bottle back on the shelf. They browsed for a while, showing each other anything they found that was interesting.

A few doors down was a shop devoted to Mardi Gras masks. The had a ball trying them on and showing them to each other. The proprietress seemed used to such things and only smiled. Roxanne bought a small mask before they left.

Laughing and enjoying each other's company they made their way up to Jackson square. Lauren was immediately taken with the Cathedral there. It was beautiful and majestic, rising above the square. They waited in line for the tour, which was conducted by a very short priest with a French accent.

After the tour Roxanne led her across the busy street to the famous Caf‚ Du Mond. Lauren took a seat and was watching the crowds when Roxanne returned with two cups of coffee and a plateful of begets. Lauren took a bite of the sweet pastry, it was very good, very much like a funnel cake. She then took a swallow of her coffee. It was awful, thick and hot but terribly bitter.

Roxanne exploded into gales of laughter as Lauren struggled to keep from spewing coffee and cake all over the place. When she finally was able to swallow she gave Roxanne a dirty look.

"What is that shit?" she demanded.

"It's called chicory, the locals put it in all their coffee," she giggled.

"That was a dirty trick," Lauren said as she wiped her mouth with a napkin.

"Score one for me," Roxanne said sweetly.

"You'll pay for that, I promise," Lauren said with a hint of a smile.

"Ooh, a threat," Roxanne cooed.

"Not a threat, a promise," Lauren said smiling for real now.

They finished their snack. Lauren couldn't take the chicory coffee and was forced to go get a cup of regular coffee. When she returned Roxanne was staring at the Cathedral with a strange expression. Lauren looked at it, but could not determine what Roxanne was staring at.

They made their way up the steps to the River Walk after they finished eating. It was a beautiful view of the ships moving busily about the river. The river walk was full of shops and they spent quite a while shopping. Lauren picked up a few Cd's in the small underground music shop. Roxanne bought a few nick-knacks here and there for friends.

By the time they passed the Jacks Brewery it was dark outside. They made their way up the silent streets, which were filling with people again. Roxanne seemed to be looking for something. She stopped outside a nondescript shop with a sign that said Second Skin and pulled Lauren inside.

The inside was filed with leather goods. The walls held an unbelievable number of jackets, skirts, pants and boots. Lauren was amazed at the colors, from traditional black and brown to outrageous pinks, purples and even Day-Glo orange.

"Ready for some fun?" Roxanne asked.

Lauren looked at her suspiciously. Roxanne laughed and took her arm, half leading half dragging her through the hanging beads that masked a doorway that separated the shop into two parts. A sign read over 21 only.

The other side held a selection of bondage gear and sex toys. Restraints of every kind lined the walls. Leather corsets and dresses with cut outs at the most private places, collars, hand cuffs, gloves and anything else you could possibly imagine. Lauren was dumbfounded.

"I thought you might like it here," Roxanne said softly into her ear.

Women were trying on various things under the watchful eyes of their masters. One man experimented with a paddle on his sub's bare behind. A tall blonde woman led a smaller brunette through the racks on a leash. Videos of X rated bondage films were showing on screens all around the shop.

Lauren felt her heartbeat quicken and her breath seemed to catch in her throat. A tall, heavily muscled man wearing only leather chaps and boots approached them. His nipples were pierced and he had on a spiked collar.

"Can I help you ladies?" he asked in a deep voice, devoid of accent.

He exuded raw power and his black eyes seemed to hold a magnetic power over her. Except for the purple mohawk he could have been one of the men from her favorite fantasies.

"I was looking for a collar," Roxanne said. His eyes finally left Lauren's and she found she could breathe again.

"Of course, any particular style?" he asked as he led Roxanne away towards the back of the shop.

Lauren was left standing there still trying to take it all in. She had heard of such places, but never expected to see the inside of one.

"A pretty little thing, is she yours?" a voice inquired.

Lauren turned to see the tall blonde woman standing there. She wore her hair in a sever bob, and was coldly beautiful. She was even taller than Lauren and exuded an aura of supreme confidence. Her blue eyes were glued to Roxanne's ass and she licked her lips hungrily.

For some reason that look angered Lauren more than she would have believed. In her minds eye she could easily see this cold woman hurting Roxanne. Without consider the implications she replied, "Yes, she is mine."

"Pity, you should keep her on a short leash, she is to edible to last long around here," the blonde said as she tugged on the leash and moved away with her sub meekly following behind her.

Lauren stood there trembling in rage. She was not even sure why, but she mastered herself and walked quickly to the back of the shop where the man was showing Roxanne a huge selection of collars.

"What do you think?" Roxanne said with a smile as she showed Lauren a black leather mistress collar with a metal D ring in front.

Lauren's eyes were on the blonde woman who was watching from across the room. She barely heard Roxanne.

"Lauren? Lauren?? Lauren, are you all right?" she asked, her voice rising.

"What? Yes, it looks fine, I think you should get it,' Lauren said distractedly.

"I will then," Roxanne said, her voice showing her confusion.

"Will you excuse us?" Lauren said as she took Roxanne by the arm and steered her towards the counter.

Roxanne paid for the collar and was about to put it in her bag when Lauren said "Put it on."

Roxanne giggled and said, "Are you crazy?"

She looked into Lauren's eyes, the smile fading from her face. She meekly put the collar on.

Lauren nodded and led her out of the shop. The last thing Lauren saw was the blonde staring at them as they left. She stayed mad for about a block. Then she looked at Roxanne and smiled.

"You can take it off now," she said easily.

"What got into you?" Roxanne asked as she removed the collar.

"Nothing,' Lauren said. Roxanne searched her face, and then shrugged. Her face showed she wanted to ask more.

"I'll tell you later," Lauren smiled.

By the time they had reached the Italian restaurant where they were going to eat dinner they were laughing and joking again. The mitered showed them to a secluded booth and took their drink orders.

When the waitress returned with their drinks and took their orders they were left in comparative privacy. Roxanne sipped her wine and stared at Lauren. Lauren was on her third drink before she finally spoke.

She explained what happened in the shop. Roxanne watched her intently but said nothing. When Lauren finished she eyed Roxanne and waited.

"That was incredibly sweet of you," Roxanne said at last.

"Sweet?"

"Yes, very sweet,"

"Why do you say that?"

"You wanted to protect me, I find that sweet. Is that so odd?" she asked in a quiet voice.

"Well, no if you put it that way I guess. I don't know. I don't know what's come over me. Let just try and forget it and enjoy our meal."

The meal was excellent and the drinks were good. Lauren had an excellent Penne Rustica while Roxanne had chicken parm. By the time they finished Lauren was feeling very mellow. Roxanne was very giggly and Lauren remembered that she had mentioned that wine had a particular effect on her.

On the way back to the hotel Roxanne was laughing and talking a mile a minute. Lauren had never seen her like this; she was cute and bubbly without a trace of her usual shyness. Lauren decided she would get some more wine, she liked this side of Roxanne. They stopped at the package store and Lauren picked up anther bottle of wine and another two liter seven up.

When they got back to her room Lauren poured Roxanne another glass of wine and a drink for herself. She put the enigma disk she had purchased in the cd player and clicked on infinite repeat. Then she sat down on the settee next to Roxanne.

Roxanne looked at the glass with a small smile and said, "I probably shouldn't drink anymore."

Lauren laughed and said "Aww, go ahead, you're on vacation."

Roxanne giggled and took a sip. Her face was flushed and she had a crooked grin. Lauren took a swallow of her drink and closed her eyes, letting the music take her mind away.

She opened her eyes to see Roxanne swaying with the music. She had a very serene look on her face.

"What ya thinking?" Lauren asked.

"Hmm?? Oh nothing really," she replied a bit too quickly.

"Like what nothing?" Lauren asked as she placed her glass on the table.

"Well, I was just thinking how nice it has been and how glad I am I met you here," she said quietly.

"That's nice, I am glad you came too. What else?"

"Truthfully?" she replied, suddenly serious.

"Of course," Lauren replied, her eyes locked onto Roxanne's.

Roxanne looked at her, and then licked her lips. "I was thinking how pretty you are."

Lauren smiled at her. "Hold that thought, I have to powder my nose," she said as she rose and went to the bathroom. After she relieved herself Lauren wet a towel and wiped her face. She looked at herself critically in the mirror.

"Are you sure you know what your doing?" she asked herself quietly. Her reflection stared back, showing the doubts she felt. She straightened up and shook her head once to clear it.

"No, I guess I don't." she whispered, smiling wanly to herself.

When she returned to the settee she took a big gulp of her drink and leaned close to Roxanne.

"Now where were?" she purred.

Roxanne's eyes widened a bit and she stammered a bit, "I was saying how pretty I thought you were."

"And?" Lauren whispered.

Roxanne was staring at her with wide eyes, she licked her lips nervously but said nothing. Lauren had to make a decision now. Did she press her friend, or back off? She knew it was unknown territory, in times past she had pressed online and upset Roxanne badly.

Their bodies were close only inches separated them. She could smell Roxanne's perfume, a very light floral scent. Her own nipples were hard and she could see Roxanne's forcing the fabric of her green dress away from her breasts. Roxanne was breathing heavily and her face was flushed, but Lauren was sure it wasn't the wine this time. Her eyes locked onto Roxanne's, the deep green pools seemed bottomless. Her eyes shifted to Roxanne's full, soft lips. She leaned forward slowly bringing her face to Roxanne's.

Roxanne stood abruptly and with a strangled sound she ran to the French doors and out onto the balcony. Lauren sat back and snorted in frustration. The City, the booze, the music, having her friend nearby, her own aching loneliness all had brought her to this moment. If she didn't follow Roxanne she knew she would loose her nerve, and somehow she knew if she let it pass, the moment would never come again.

For several heartbeats her emotions warred with one another. Her fear of pushing her friend away was great and Roxanne was so unpredictable. Her own nature was not aggressive and she had never tired anything like this before. Rejection would hurt her even more than acceptance would scare her. Finally, it was not something she considered normal. All this weighed against her pressing.

On the other hand her instincts told her this was right. She gulped the last of her drink and stood up, she would not let this moment pass. She walked quietly and determinedly to the open French doors.

The sultry, velvety darkness of the New Orleans night enfolded her. Roxanne stood against the wrought iron railing, staring into the darkness. Lauren walked up behind her and leaned forward, placing both her hands on the railing on either side of her friend.

"Are you all right?" she asked softly.

"I. I don't know," came the nearly inaudible reply.

"What's wrong?"

"I can't explain," Roxanne said.

Lauren's head was very close to Roxanne's, she could smell the faint strawberry scent of her shampoo. She could feel the heat of Roxanne's body radiating through the thin fabric of her dress. Her breasts grazed Roxanne's back and she turned suddenly to face Lauren.

When she made no move to runaway, or even to escape the circle of her arms Lauren leaned very close to her.

"Do you want me to stop?" she asked in a voice she barely recognized as her own.

Roxanne shook her head, apparently not trusting her voice.