The Accident

"So you ignore her?" I wasn't sure I wanted to be there any longer. Tammi sat back in her chair and studied me for a moment.

"What do you do for a living?" Tammi asked, ignoring my question.

"Excuse me?" I said as stood again, "I think I'll just finish loading and be on my way." I had no idea why she switched to interrogation mode. None of it made any sense, and I decided I would prefer ignorance. I moved to the guest room and retrieved the last suitcase. I handed Tammi the key card as I was walking out.

"Please don't hurt her," Tammi said as she took the card. It was a plea, a desperate one. I looked at eyes that were wetter than they should be. I almost reminded her, again, that she was the one doing the hurting. I thought better of it. I just nodded and headed down to the car. A strange woman, that one.

I next went to the hardware store. I talked with someone who seemed knowledgeable and then gathered joint compound, some wood for furring strips, mesh drywall tape and a quarter sheet of drywall. I had to laugh, the quarter sheet cost almost as much as a full sheet. My mudding skills left a lot to be desired, but the hole was behind the washer/dryer. If it wasn't perfect, nobody would know.

I came home to find the house smelling like a pine forest. The kitchen was sparkling clean. I could see myself in the stainless steel handles of the appliances. I called to Rebecca and heard a weak reply from the bathroom. I found her there, inside the shower scrubbing away at my years of hard-water stains.

"What are you doing?" I asked. Rebecca was wearing another of my old t-shirts, and I could see she had worked up a sweat. She smiled when she saw me.

"I'm just repaying your kindness. Besides, your bathroom was a little gross."

"You don't have to do that," I said, as I looked at the gleaming sink and pristine toilet. I couldn't remember the last time the shower doors were fully transparent. "I'm not going to stop you though. It looks so damn clean." I guess the bathroom was a little gross. I opened the shower door. "Thank you," I said and kissed her smiling lips. A wet, chemical-smelling hand wrapped around my neck and pulled my lips back to hers. I felt my heat rising again as her lips parted slightly and her tongue began to explore. I almost slipped as I stepped into the shower, and she broke the kiss, laughing.

"Let me finish this," Rebecca said, giving me another quick kiss. Her face lost its smile and she looked into my eyes. "I want to be with you tonight. It's entirely too soon, and I don't care." I smiled, my blood rising more than it should. I quelled my impatience.

"I'll start on the hole in the wall," I said as I stepped carefully out of the shower, "and try hopelessly to keep my mind on the job." I loved Rebecca's sly smile. I turned and walked back to the garage to unload the car. All I could think of was her. She was becoming more attractive as her confidence increased. I kept trying to imagine what was under that t-shirt. I tried to develop a picture in my mind of the breast I had felt last night. I wondered if her panties were still blue or had she changed to another color, or none at all. My mind was a sewer and I wanted so much to wallow in it.

I measured the hole and cut a rectangular piece of drywall to cover it. I placed the piece over the hole and traced around it with a pencil. I used a hand saw to enlarge the hole to fit the piece perfectly. I cut two furring strips a little taller than the hole and screwed them to the inside of the drywall on both sides of the hole, thus building a frame to attach the piece. I put the piece in the hole and screwed it to the furring strips. I was overly proud of my work.

"You've done this before?" Rebecca asked. She had come up behind me as I was working.

"Nope,the guy at the hardware store told me how to do it. I won't even tell you what I was planning before I talked with him."

"Looks professional," Rebecca complimented. I put mesh tape around the seams where the drywall patch met the wall. The phone rang. It was finally Rebecca's sister.

"No, Cathy, I'm fine .... No, I am staying here tonight." She looked up and smiled to me. I knew what that smile meant. "Damon Richardson .... no .... he picked me up yesterday." Rebecca's eyes rolled as she talked. "It's not like that ..... no .... well, he's kind of the guy I rear ended .... NO!" Rebecca brought the receiver away from her ear and gave me a frustrated I-currently-dislike-my-sister look.

Rebecca listened for a moment longer, then covered the phone with her hand. "She wants to meet you," she whispered. I shrugged my shoulders and nodded okay. "Sure." Rebecca continued with her conversation. "Tonight?" Rebecca looked back at me; I nodded and pointed at the kitchen counter. "How about dinner here?" Rebecca nodded to me and proceeded to give the address. A moment later she sighed and hung up the phone.

"Sorry about that, Cathy is kind of protective." I smiled so she would know I didn't mind.

"What should we make?" I asked. I had little in the way of good dinner food. I could do pancakes, spaghetti and canned chilli, but those didn't seem appropriate. "Shopping trip?"

"I'll cook," Rebecca said in agreement. With a four day weekend, there was no reason to finish the hole today. I cleaned up the mess, covered the half-repaired hole with the washer/dryer and took Rebecca to the grocery store.

Some women brighten when you take them to a jewelry store while others find a shoe store the greatest experience. The grocery store was Rebecca's destination of choice. Her whole demeanor changed when the door swished open. She didn't even turn around to look at me when she pointed at the carts. I grabbed one and followed her.

Rebecca was a closet gourmet, and I was her lackey. Watching her shop was simply amazing. Her brain held some menu and she seemed to know exactly what she needed. She grabbed some lettuce, Butterhead and Red Leaf. I pointed out the convenient bags with lettuce already ripped into nice edible bites. Rebecca laughed, not with me, but at me. She gave me a quick kiss to soften the chastising. She gathered some red cabbage, raisins, walnuts and a small container of raspberries. Not the iceberg and ranch I was used to. I always liked raspberries so I was going to remain open to the strange salad concoction.

We picked up a two-pound sirloin tip roast. She added cayenne pepper and olive oil to the cart. I was informed I already had the other necessary ingredients. I knew I had A1 at home, though I don't think she meant that. We had to go back to the salad dressing aisle; it seems we had forgotten red wine vinegar. I was busy reading the vinegar label, wondering why it was so special, when I felt a pair of arms circle me from behind. A pair of happy lips kissed my neck.

"Thank you," Rebecca said softly.

"For what?' I said, hoping she wouldn't let go of me.

"Everything and allowing my sister to come for dinner," Rebecca whispered. Her lips tugged on my ear and her hands caressed my chest. I almost dropped the vinegar. I tried to turn in her arms, but she released me and took a step back with a devious smile.

"You're teasing me," I warned with the best intentions.

"Yes." Was all she said, though her eyes made promises. I laughed as she took my hand and the cart and headed to the checkout lane. She was watching me, her eyes alive, as she drove the cart right into a corner display, and a tower of cereal boxes came tumbling down. Not just one or two, but the whole damn rack.

I watched life drain from Rebecca's face and her confidence fly away. I thought it would be fleeting, but it lingered past a second, and I saw lines begin to form around her eyes. Her body jerked when the rack hit the ground. People turned and Rebecca began to recede into herself. It physically hurt to watch those few seconds, my muscles strained and my throat thickened. I could not let it continue. I pulled Rebecca into my arms. She didn't struggle as my lips found hers, my intent was to be there with her and let her forget. It only took a moment as the grocery store faded away, her hands found me and pulled me closer. I drifted with her, her soft lips embracing mine, through a world of our own making. She returned to me, stronger and more alive.

"Excuse me, Sir," a man in white smock said to get my attention. I separated slowly from Rebecca. Her eyes were sparkling, and my heart leapt to see it. I looked to the man, a grin glued on my face.

"Sorry, I was distracted," I said, "the cart kind of got away from me." The man looked between Rebecca and me and smiled. Rebecca's arm wrapped around my waist and she leaned her head on my shoulder. She felt so comfortable there.

"No problem, Sir," the man said on the verge of a chuckle, "if you pull the cart back, we'll get this cleaned up." I pulled the cart back as the man gave me another look. It was the you-lucky-son-of-a-bitch look. 'Damn right,' I thought.

++++++++++

The house smelled delicious. There was an exquisite smell of slow-cooked meat hanging in the air. My mouth had been watering, and Rebecca wasn't letting me near my own kitchen. It was strange that I was letting her do it. I actually liked the idea that she had claimed a domain and declared herself dictator. I enjoyed the confident Rebecca.

"That smells wonderful," I complimented as I sat on the other side of the counter, "you would make a good chef."

"That's my dream," Rebecca admitted, "I always end up waitressing in the end." It wasn't depressing sounding. She was just stating fact.

"Start your own restaurant," I continued as Rebecca placed the lettuce she was tearing into a big bowl.

"Kind of need money for that," Rebecca said, "half a million just to build it and half that again to keep it going the first year." She had put some thought into it. I don't even think I could help her borrow that kind of money. Maybe, before the divorce, but now I was lucky to get a good rate on a car loan. The doorbell rang and ended the discussion.

Cathy was much older than Rebecca, and I couldn't see much family resemblance. Cathy's expression was severe when I greeted her. I felt I was being analyzed, and it was a foregone conclusion I would be found wanting. Her face brightened when Rebecca came out of the kitchen to welcome her.

There was something about Cathy I didn't like. I had expected to be vetted by her and knew that wasn't it. Something was off. Her sudden change when Rebecca appeared didn't feel genuine. Their age difference was disturbing and I disliked the way Rebecca seemed to defer to her with her posture and altered mannerisms. It was not a good start, so I decided to let my reservations go and begin anew.

"I am glad you're here," I said, smiling, "Rebecca's cooking has been teasing my nose for over an hour. I wasn't sure I could hold out much longer."

"She cooks for you?" Cathy questioned in a less than a friendly manner. Rebecca didn't seem to notice the tone. I, on the other hand, did.

"It's kind of tough to stop her," I responded in a neutral tone. I was done with being pleasant. It took me less than a minute to decide this was going to be a long dinner. I reminded myself to not be unpleasant. The last thing I wanted to do was to come between Rebecca and Cathy. I sensed Cathy didn't have the same fears regarding me.

Rebecca pulled the roast out of the oven and I no longer cared what Cathy thought of me. It was a wonderful looking piece of meat. I don't think I really appreciated my oven enough. Rebecca lifted it out of the dutch oven it had been kept warm in, with a large fork and knife. I could see the pride in her eyes as she handed the platter to me to carve. The rub she had put on the meat increased the savory smell. I could almost taste it with my nose. I began to cut into the meat and suddenly felt like my father at Thanksgiving. The whole situation felt domesticated. I looked up at Rebecca's smiling face, my barbeque apron around her waist. The ultra-clean kitchen, memories of her cleaning the bathroom and grocery shopping had snuck up on me. Three days after my divorce was finalized, and I was feeling way too comfortable with another woman in my house.

Rebecca saw something in my face. I could see worry building so I shook off my thoughts and added a smile for her. Cathy seemed to miss it all. I cut into the meat and found perfection. It had a warm pink center and the juices flowed. I had to give Rebecca credit, she could cook. I left the A1 in the fridge.

"So, what do you do for a living?" Cathy asked me as dinner progressed. I was chewing when she spoke, the meat was almost melting in my mouth. Maybe the domestic thing wasn't so bad.

"I work for Bradford Insurance and Casualty," I answered once my mouth was free, "I work in the computer department." I usually don't go past that much. A fuller description bordered on boring.

"How long have you worked there?" Cathy continued her interrogation. I guess being Rebecca's only family, it was her right.

"Nine .. no, ten years now," I replied as I stirred my salad around a bit. I was looking for more raspberries. The dressing Rebecca made went well with the raspberries and nuts. Not a mix I would ever have thought of.

"Do you aspire beyond insurance?" Cathy continued. Rebecca surprised me by scooping some more raspberries out of their container and into my bowl. Mind reader.

"There's a career path there," I answered after smiling my thanks to Rebecca, "I am vested and happy so I see little reason to move on."

"Must not pay well," Cathy said with no reservations as she looked around my small house. My first thought was death by fork. I pulled back and decided the whole truth was necessary, lest she find out from a different source.

"I went through a protracted divorce," I confessed, "it took a toll on my finances. Everything is stable now."

"You were married?" Cathy asked with disdain, while looking at Rebecca. I guess she suspected Rebecca to be shocked. Rebecca just smiled softly and nodded.

"Yes, for nine years," I replied then quickly added, "we were separated for the last four years. It was finalized a few days ago."

"My, you do move fast," Cathy said. She quickly filled her mouth with salad as if the comment was an inconsequential afterthought.

"Stop it," Rebecca said forcibly, staring at her sister. I was glad it wasn't a spineless relationship. In fact, it made me feel better. I didn't like the idea of a helpless Rebecca. I smiled and decided to defuse things before we sank into a series of jabs we would regret.

"Cathy is just worried about you," I said nicely, "I don't blame her." I just defended Rebecca's sister for questioning our relationship. Everything was moving at breakneck speed. I put some more roast in my mouth to give me time to think. I was letting things get defined by default.

"That is a beautiful aquarium," Cathy said to change the subject. I think she realized she had dug a little deeper than necessary. She decided a little diplomacy was in order. It was nice to see her white flag go up. We spent the rest of the dinner discussing the care and feeding of salt water fish. Cathy enjoyed watching Mufasa lumber about. It is strange how your opinion of someone can change when they take an interest in your favorite things.

Rebecca tried to start cleaning the dishes when we finished. I insisted she sit. She cooked, I would clean. Also, the idea of her cleaning again kind of ate at me. It was better to equalize things and hold onto some independence. Cathy surprised me by grabbing a towel and insisting on drying. Rebecca was pleased.

"You're moving too fast," Cathy said quietly when Rebecca headed off to the bathroom. I knew she didn't mean the dishes.

"Shouldn't you be talking with Rebecca about this?" I asked and handed her a clean bowl. She took it and began to dry.

"Already tried," Cathy answered, "she's vulnerable. The fire and the accidents have damaged her confidence. I would be happier if she came back with me tonight." At least she was being honest. I thought for a moment as I washed a plate. Everything was moving quickly. I also knew the comfort was strangely frightening. I shook my head.

"We do well together," I stated, handing her the clean plate. I chastised myself for fearing comfort.

"After you're done banging her, she'll be crying at my door," Cathy said with cruelty. I wondered how long it would take to drown someone in a kitchen sink. I stopped washing and took a deep breath.

"I'm going to ignore that," I said stiffly. I continued washing the plate I had been working on. "No.." I had reconsidered. "You need to trust Rebecca. If my intentions were as slimy as you think, you wouldn't even be here." Cathy took a step back as I shoved the clean plate at her. She took it gingerly; I guess I had some evil in my eyes.

"Sorry," Cathy stated firmly and dropped the towel on the counter and placed the wet dish next to it. I wasn't sure what she was sorry about. Rebecca walked back into the kitchen, which quickly ended the conversation.

"Let's take a walk," Cathy said, with a forced smile at Rebecca. Rebecca looked to me and I nodded my head that it was alright. The two headed out the front door as I breathed a sigh of relief. Cathy was not my favorite person.

I finished the dishes and sat on the couch waiting for the ladies to return. I wasn't pleased with the evening so far. I had expected to get grilled, but not judged harshly. I poured a glass of wine and put on some music. I closed my eyes and leaned back, trying to let the stress vacate.

++++++++++

Lips were the first thing I felt. Soft and wonderful, they woke me from my brief nap. I opened my eyes to see Rebecca's smiling face as she straddled me, her knees on either side of my thighs.

"Where's your sister?" I asked as my memory flooded back.

"I sent her home," Rebecca replied, "she insisted you are going to use me for sex and then throw me out." Her face went serious. "You're not going to throw me out, are you?"

"I would never throw you anywhere," I answered. Rebecca's lips found mine again, passionately parting to tease me with her tongue. I responded, caressing her back and pulling her closer. Her lips trailed across my cheek and slowed near my ear.

"I really hope you plan on using me for sex," Rebecca breathed into my ear. My pants tightened quickly at her words. I had to clarify something before my will was no longer mine.

"I didn't bail you out to have sex with you." It sounded stupid coming out of my mouth, but I really needed to say it. I felt a smile on my cheek.

"And I'm not having sex with you for bailing me out," Rebecca whispered, "I simply want to be naked with you, Damon." I had never heard words like that from any woman. There was absolutely no doubt of her desire, and I knew mine. My cock was straining as I pulled her lips back to mine. I devoured them as I desperately pulled her shirt out of her pants. She laughed and helped me pull her shirt over her head. Her bra was next. I fumbled with the clasp in the back as she stared into my eyes, smiling.

The clasp separated, and I slowly pulled her bra down her arms. Rebecca showed no shyness as I examined her breasts. Perfect globes, larger than I had expected. I tossed the bra to the side and lifted her breasts in my hands; her eyes filled with lust as my thumbs stroked lightly across the pink nipples. The nipples responded, going taut at my touch. I leaned forward, unable to stall my desire, and sucked one into my mouth. She moaned, and I felt a shiver run through her. I moved to the other breast, tasting it as my heart began to race. It had been too long, I knew that now.

Rebecca pulled on my shirt. I leaned forward and helped her pull it over my head. Our motions were jerky and filled with need. Speed became more important than smoothness. Rebecca stood, undid her pants and pulled them and her underwear down in one movement. I was quickly undoing my pants and stalled for a moment.