Life, Love, and a Career Ch. 04

"Beth, I don't want to get physically involved with Rhonda or do anything tha5 wo7ld considered 'outward". I just don't want to um... ruin what we have."

We parked in the driveway of the house. "Baby, I love you and will never ask you to do anything you don't want to do. Okay love?" She nodded.

She quickly shook her head 'No'. "Miss soon I will ask you for something deeper."

I looked at her inquisitively. She smiled winking.

I kissed her quickly and exited the car then walked up the stairs and into the house. As we got into the house I could see that Mom was still decorating for Christmas. Most of the boxes had been emptied and were carried back down to the basement. Decorations just lay aro7nd but in areas where they would be placed with love, care and belonging.

Our normal routine was that Kate went up the stairs to our room changing first while I checked in with mom. Like many other times, that is what we did. I walked into the kitchen to see mom.

As I turned the corner and entered I didn't see her but heard her.

She was in the family room. As I approached her, I saw her sitting in her recliner, her head down just crying. She was holding my Dad's Christmas stocking in her hands. I knelt down on the floor next to her, wrapping my arms around her just holding her. It was the first time I had witnessed her sad and missing my father and her husband.

I heard Kate come down the stairs, she walked into the room. "Oh I am so sorry Frances and Beth. I didn't know where you were." she then backed out of the room continuing her apology.

My mom cleared her throat then said, well almost shouted, "No, no dear. That is nonsense. Come here Kate."

I unwrapped my arms from around my mother; she stood and continued "I am just an old woman being nostalgic and silly."

"Mother!" I screamed. "Stop! You have feelings also and it is okay to show them."

They both stopped looking at me as I have caught their attention, quickly.

"I am sorry for screaming at you but do not dishonor him by pretending you don't miss him and that you are sad." I hugged her, "We all miss him and I know it is tough."

Kate spoke up, "Frances, would you like for me to start dinner for you? Maybe you and Beth can just sit and chat over a cup of tea, coffee or cocoa?"

I looked at my love and just smiled. I mouthed to her, "Thank you babe"

Dinner was amazing; Kate was amazing. She took care of the cooking, cleaning, all the while waiting on Mom and I. We sat with a second cup of tea in the family room wrapped up in an afghan. During our second cup of tea, Kate excused herself and went upstairs, explaining she was tired. Mom and I looked at each other with sadness in our eyes.

"Go honey; be with Kate she loves you so much."

I kissed her cheek, "I love you mom and miss Dad every day."

"Beth", she started, "Love them or hate them, I am sure she misses her parents. Be understanding and love her dear." She paused, "As much as I try to love her I am not her mother."

That night when Kate and I made love, I focused on her and didn't care about my needs at all. As we lay snuggling in the afterglow of our lovemaking Kate slid into her now normal and favorite spot still softly kissing my chest and neck.

After a few moments she kissed my earlobe then said, "I need to confess something to you."

I turned to her, "Baby, what are you..." She placed a finger on my lips.

"All those months ago, I heard you and Frances, when she learned about us and our love." She confessed. "Chelle and I came back too soon, we heard you Beth, and I heard you."

She raised her head, looked in my eyes with tears welling up in hers.

"I just witnessed one of the most beautiful exchanges between a mother and a daughter. I wish I could give you a baby. I want you to be a wonderful mother like Frances."

She kissed my lips, laid her head down and repeated, "Miss, I wish I could give you a baby."

I hugged her kissing her cheek explaining how deeply I appreciated her sharing with me. Kate cried herself to sleep. Me? I couldn't sleep that night if I tried wondering what I could do to settle this concern and make things right for her.

Kate and I made it unscathed through the company Christmas party; we mingled and had a good time. No one questioned us coming 'alone' as our fiancé's were both otherwise detained.

Kate looked tremendous in her Christmas red dress; I of course, chose a dark Christmas purple.

Midnight Mass was beautiful, we were together as a family, Mom, Kate and me. Christmas morning was magical; breakfast was just Mom, Kate and me. We sat on the couch telling stories of Dad and of days gone past. Each telling our dreams of a future wedding or union ceremony for us.

Chelle came around that afternoon with her boyfriend for an early dinner. They had been dating for a few months. My mom was smiling, that is all that mattered to me.

The only hiccup during the holidays was a discussion Kate and I tried to have with mom about us paying rent. She uttered one final single word, "Forbidden" then stormed out of the room.

January '87

As we started back to work the first week of January, I was still rolling. I was now over $80.00 of labor billing per hour. I wasn't at the level of the recruiter but I was getting $.35 per hour for each call sheet that turned into a contract. The recruiters were making fifteen times that! That is where I wanted to be.

On Friday morning when I came in, there was a note on my desk. Liz and Ken wanted to meet me right after lunch. I panicked immediately until I saw that Liz had a smiley face under it with a P.S. "It's a good meeting mini-me."

I was stunned when I left that meeting. Ken and Liz were very happy with my work and wanted to challenge me even more. They felt I was grasping the concept of recruiting and were shifting me in April to a full recruiter.

"You have a few months to get up to speed." Ken said, "Each new non-technical job order that comes in will be yours to fill. No need for call sheets to go to the recruiters."

In my mind I knew that wasn't many, but this was my break, my stepping stone.

"Also, you and Kate will go with Liz to the Career Fair at your school and two other schools' career fairs in finding a replacement for you and an intern like Kate."

"Yes sir, I got it."

Liz was smiling, this was her success and she knew it. Ken was happy; he was making money with new contracts and consultants billing big net margins, thus making more money. That made the whole office more money which equates to happiness.

***

When it was time for the career fair, Liz met us at school. We were dressed alike, red company logo blouses, black slacks and flats, Kate and I walked into the same gymnasium but this time we were on the other side of the table. We saw Liz and made our way over to the table.

Her instructions were simple, "Find someone just like you, no less motivated, no less professional, with the same skills. Anyone else I am not interested in and neither should you be."

It was a long six hours standing behind the table and talking. As the day came to an end, my feet hurt, my back hurt, I was mentally drained. I joked with Liz that I couldn't recall how many times I told the story of Ken's company and what we did. Kate and I both agreed and felt that way.

Liz agreed saying, "The life of a recruiter. See you both tomorrow at the office." And she was gone, leaving the packing up to us.

I turned to Kate, "I want to be like her. Did you see her act, hear her talk, knowing just what to say, how to say it and move forward?" I was in awe of her.

We finished packing and were preparing to leave when my emotions stirred tremendously. My heart jumped from my chest and I saw Kate's eyes open wide as she turned to look at me.

Rhonda was walking our way and she looked amazing. She had trimmed down, wearing a very attractive business suit. Her hair was now a darker shade, almost black. She stopped at our table smiling, extended her hands as if to grasp one of ours not to shake, but to hold hands like a little hug.

"Ladies, I was wondering before you left would you have a few moments to catch up? I am heading to my office now but could give you a hand with what you have brought and can walk to your car while we chat."

Kate looked at me and with her eyes almost begging for us to join her. Squeezing her hand slightly as if returning the hug.

"Yes but you don't need to help carry our stuff. We will just meet you in your office."

We released our hands from each other and as Rhonda turned to walk away, Kate said, "Beth, she looks so beautiful, dare I say sexy? Her hair is a beautiful color and her cut, frames her green eyes just so..."

I cut her off taking a step closer to her. I placed a finger on her lips.

I squinted and looked hard at Kate, "Is your Miss not attractive enough? Am I not enough? You little minx, you are getting warm inside. Are you sexually attracted to her?"

I took a step back, "Earlier you told me you wanted nothing physically with her and now? I must not be as attractive as she is."

I picked up one of the boxes and in a very direct tone, "Let's leave now!"

I purposely walked at a quicker pace pretending to be upset. I wanted to see Kate's reaction and just how hungry she was for a little excitement.

"Beth!" I heard the footsteps behind me. Frankly, I smiled, obtaining the desired outcome already. I got to the car faster than Kate.

I popped the trunk and was loading my box in the trunk and I heard her come up behind me.

"Miss, please. That isn't what I intended to say. It's not what I meant. Miss please."

Her words were rushed; she was rambling, speaking in a tone of worry, not quite panic but worry.

I spun around trying to keep a straight face.

"And my little pet, my baby, my one true love, just what was your intention? Are you so infatuated with her that you lost your mind and no longer love me!"

Her eyes closed, her head immediately dropping, staring at the ground.

"Kate, baby, I am teasing honey I am sorry."

I grabbed her and pulled her into a hug. Our first big public display of affection.

"I love you and am teasing you. You know I think Rhonda is sexy but she isn't bi, hell she still has a boyfriend for all we know. I was playing with her; and you."

"I took my joke too far baby." Releasing the hug, I tilted her chin up and kissed her full on her mouth. A loving kiss. "Now, are you okay?"

She smiled and nodded. I took her hand and started walking towards the Student Center.

"Miss, in all seriousness, she is so pretty. But, I wonder if we could maybe play with her a little. See if she really is bisexual, or gay."

"Kate dear, if that is what you want." I stopped just shy of opening the main doors to the building, paused and looked at her.

"This campus brings back so many wonderful memories, when we first met, the first party, the fun we had, you dating ALL those boys, you crawling in my bed the first time, our first kiss."

She was smiling, "Let's go make another memory."

I reached up to Kate's blouse, and unbuttoned another button, now with two undone, I flared out the collar and allowed a little more skin and the slightest swell of her breasts now visible. Thinking that was a much better look, I opened the door and we walked side by side down the hall.

Rhonda opened her door with a smile on her face, "Beth, Kate, please come in, please come in!"

As we walked in she pointed towards the table we sat at many times and she shut the door. We didn't take a seat but as the door closed, I took a step closer to Rhonda and when she spun around we were close enough to each other that it could have been considered uncomfortable.

The look on her eyes when she turned was of surprise. She didn't move. There was a palpable hesitation on Rhonda's end. I took her hands in mine, I could hear her breathing quicken, and her hands were shaking.

"It's okay Rhonda, the first real deep kiss is always the most fearful."

I turned and looked at Kate, reaching one of my hands out towards her. When Kate took my hand I pulled her closer, now an inner circle of three ladies. No sounds, no movements, just anticipation.

I leaned to my left and kissed Kate just as softly and as gently as our first kiss. Then nodded my head, Kate turned towards Rhonda.

Kate rose up on her toes and gently kissed Rhonda's lips. Rhonda hesitated, but welcomed the kiss, then another. I knew what Kate wanted, her hands moved to Rhonda's hips, pulling her closer but Rhonda didn't move, then a final kiss. I stood back watching.

When they broke the kiss I said, "Rhonda, there is nothing unnatural about the love in one's heart and the desire to be loved and to feel good."

I stood higher on my toes and kissed her deeply, a deep soulful kiss. I parted my lips allowing my tongue to touch hers and as her lips parted, I took her in a hug and started exploring her mouth.

Rhonda moaned deeply into my mouth wrapping her arms around me. Our tongues intertwined, she was also exploring and she was slightly tentative. As I released her from the hug and broke the kiss I could hear a sigh of sadness come from her.

Rhonda composed herself, "Ladies, let's have a seat."

We spent the next twenty minutes chatting about life after graduation, the trip we took to the beach, how we proposed to each other and how work has been since we started four and a half months ago. The conversation fell into a lull, and I knew this was my opportunity.

I reached over the table and took her hand. "Rhonda, you are more than welcome to invite us over to your home anytime you want." I paused, "If your boyfriend ever travels or is not home, we would come for a visit."

"He doesn't live with me Beth."

I was slightly surprised, not stunned when Kate spoke up. "Beth is an amazing lover Rhonda, but she is my Miss, my queen. She has guided me and loves me beyond any dream which I can imagine. We can take you there, joining us."

She looked at me and continued. "I tell you this, Rhonda, so you are aware she is my queen. I am not a jealous woman but I am hers. You could learn from me if I was properly incentivized or Miss can guide you, teach you, allow your feelings to grow and evolve, if you desire."

With that Kate stood, reaching for my hand and said, "Miss, I would like to take you home and make love to you."

I stood looking at Rhonda, "I sense the attraction from you to us is strong, it was when we were students and I sense it is stronger now."

Pausing, "I am curious how long you have felt this way Rhonda."

She blushed and lowered her head whispering, "I have not experienced the loving touch of a woman. Possibly one day."

Kate's hand found its way under Rhonda's chin and tiled it up saying, "You know how to reach us."

We turned in hand and walked out the door.

We celebrated Easter dinner with Mom, Chelle, and Dan. This is the first I met Dan. He and Chelle have been dating for fifteen months now. I am not a huge fan of him but he loves Chelle. He is respectful and kind to Chelle so I ignore his quirks. After dinner and another bottle of wine, we all sat around chatting.

Mom and Dan went to bed, hanging had too much wine. This gave Chelle and me some time alone. Kate fell asleep cuddling on my shoulder and as mom called it, "her spot".

Knowing Dan was in bed, Chelle confided in me that he was great in bed and was not selfish like others. I just smiled, giggled a little. Kate must have been semi-awake.

"Eww gross! A hairy man sweating on you. Yuck I don't need that or his dick when I have a wonderful lover like my Miss."

We all just laughed until there were tears running down our cheeks. Kate closed her eyes and just laid her head back into the crook of my neck, right where she belongs.

We never heard from Rhonda.

May 87 - Our First Challenge

I was doing great; two of my last three contracts took me over the $100 and $110 billing per hour mark. I was still cold calling candidates for the IT and Engineering recruiters and they were very thrilled.

Mother's Day was soon upon us and we had made a few trips to the mall discussing gifts for my mom from both of us. Another sore topic of Mother's Day as well as every few weeks Kate would confess to me her desire to give me a child. I still needed to think this through. She wanted to be a mother, giving me us a child.

On Thursday before Mother's Day, Kate and I were leaving a small local shop with my mom's Mother's Day gifts we then decided to stop by the local florist. I asked Kate to please stay in the car and that I would be right back. I went in purchasing a nice bouquet of pink and red roses then a few spring bouquets. I also bought a single red rose for Kate.

Returning to the car, I handed her the three bouquets and asked that she hold them until we got home. Handing them to her, I kept a single red rose and jumped in on the driver's side. I was smiling the whole drive home with a single red rose in my lap which of course was for Kate but she wasn't allowed to have; yet. I had a little fun in mind for when I would give it to her.

She kept glancing towards it then would look at me. I just smiled thinking of the fun we would have when we got home.

As we turned left down our street and approached mom's driveway she gasped loudly.

"No!"

"Beth, please! Oh fuck, don't pull in the driveway. Please!" She yelled, "Keep going, and don't stop!!!!"

I slowed the car in front of the driveway trying to understand but didn't stop. Then I saw the license plate, "Oh fuck! Michigan." I drove forward hoping that we would go unnoticed.

Leaving the residential area, I pulled into a coffee shop, put the car in park and looked at Kate.

"Do you think it is them?"

Her chin was resting on her chest, she was weeping. "I don't know who else it would be."

I took her hand, "What do you want to do? I can call home and see if it is them. Mom will be cryptic; she knows the deal."

Kate was sobbing and my heart was breaking. "I won't see him. I refuse to Beth."

My heart was breaking for her; I needed to fix this.

"Beth I trust you but I will not see them, I swear I will not see them. I want nothing to do with him." She started crying hysterically.

My poor baby was overwhelmed with stress and worry now, "He fucking uninvited me, his only fucking child, he uninvited me to his house. No Beth, no!"

When she finished screaming she broke down in tears. The flowers lay at her feet; she was hunched over, crying. I leaned over just holding her. After a few moments and when she calmed down, I kissed her cheek and told her I would go inside to a pay phone and call mom.

She answered tentatively, "Hello?"

"Hey what's going on in there?"

I could hear her voice change, "Come home please, it's important and bring Kate, ask her to trust me." Mom said.

"She said no. We drove past and saw the car. I won't do it to her."

"Beth" my mom asked again, "Please bring Kate home." She stressed the word home.

In a stern voice, "Mother..." she interrupted me.

"It's safe, please."

I hung up, took a deep breath and walked outside and opened the passenger side door. I knelt on the ground and looked at her. Her eyes were swollen red and her mascara was streaked.

"I love you and I want you to trust me." I kissed her lips, "Mom asked that you trust her."

She hesitated and nodded. "I only trust you Beth; you and Frances."

I kissed her and promised her I would never harm her. We pulled into the driveway; I walked around to the passenger side and opened the door. I took the flowers and left the other gifts in the car.

"You open the door and go upstairs, let me see what is going on and I will come upstairs and get you when it is safe."