New Dawning International Bookfair
presents
Sister Laurel & the Atheist
A Humorous Romance Novel
by
Dee Dawning
Copyright © 2010 Dee Dawning
Smashwords Edition
Dedication
Dedicated to hopeless romantics, of any persuasion, around the world.
Chapter One – They Meet
"When I saw you, I fell in love. And you smiled because you knew."
~Arrigo Boito~
When Laurel saw him, her heart beat so hard it felt like it might come through her chest. Long, wavy, brown hair, strong cheekbones, straight Roman nose and pouty lips that made her wicked mind want to kiss them. Her eyes refused to blink as if they might miss something. She struggled to catch her breath. Long and lean, his athletic frame was dressed casually in designer jeans, a long sleeved cobalt blue shirt, and blue topsiders, he possessed the appearance of a wingless angel. Or at least what she imagined an angel might look like.
It was early morning in Java Joint, and for some reason, she couldn't pull her eyes from his searing good looks and devilish smile. She felt guilty being so attracted to him. She should have picked up her latte, her book and made a beeline for the exit, never to lay eyes on him again. However, she not only didn't, she couldn't. The man mesmerized her.
Standing in line, waiting to place his order, he scanned the room. She flinched when his piercing gaze locked with hers. Cozy warmth from a tinge of embarrassment enveloped her. Drat, he caught me ogling him. Obviously, the lusty manner in which those mesmerizing silver-blue eyes appraised her threw her off kilter.?
This is wrong. It was a chore to look away. She picked up her drink and sipped the last of it. Back to her book, she read the words, but their meaning failed to penetrate her mind. The man demolished her concentration.
A furtive glance in his direction revealed his continued interest. My Goodness he's pointing at me. And then he caught her staring at him. Immediately, she averted her gaze, returning to her book and resolving not to look up again. Heat engulfed her, perspiration, formed on her brow and other unmentionable places. This was too embarrassing. She picked up the coaster and began to fan herself. She thought to stand up, but her legs wouldn't respond. Her breathing increased as if the vision of him had reduced the available oxygen. What's wrong with me?
She couldn't believe the turmoil that raged through her. The urge to look up, to see what he was doing was overpowering, but she wouldn't. I can't let him see me watching him. I must be strong. I belong to Him.
"Hi."
Like a reflex, she looked up seeking the source of the voice. It was him and he smiled. "Hope you don't mind. I noticed you were almost out, so I bought you another café latte." His pure, melodic, masculine voice made her heart jump a beat while her pulse rate increased from his closeness.
He set the drink down in front of her.
"A Bible. Are you religious?"
Through her dry throat, she tried to speak, yet was speechless. She nodded.
"Well, I'm not." He plopped down in the chair next to her. The nerve of him!
He tilted his head and cast an endearing lopsided smile. "Perhaps, I should stick around and show you the error of your ways."
That focused her. Her nervousness vanished. "Are you not a believer?"
"No, ma'am. I'm afraid not. My parents are, but to their chagrin, I refused to buy into their Christian mumbo jumbo."
Laurel was both offended and fascinated. She didn't remember ever meeting an admitted atheist. "Mumbo jumbo, indeed. Perhaps, I should stick around to show you the error of your ways."
He threw back his head and laughed.
She laughed too.
"I think I'd like that." He offered his hand. "My name's Julian Peters."
He obviously expected her name in return. Did she want to show him salvation through God? She is supposed to save those who need saving, but this one—an avowed non-theist—would be a challenge. She took his hand. It was warm. Or, due to nervousness, was hers cold in comparison?
"Laurel Adams, but I should warn you. I believe in God with all my heart."
With his hand still warming hers, he answered, "You are much too pretty to be wrapped up in God." His gaze shifted to her breasts, across her modest, loose fitting, gray sweater and continued downward to her black skirt, "And your clothes should complement, rather than hide your lovely figure."
Heat surged through her at the mention of her body. Her sexuality was something she'd always had trouble dealing with.
"Now, Laurel, I'm sure your beliefs are strong. All I ask is that you keep an open mind. Can you do that?"
"Of course, but what about you?"
He laughed. "That may be more problematic. I've spent most of my teen and adult life rethinking the mental pabulum I was force-fed from childhood."
She tensed at the satirical reference to her core belief.
He must have noticed, because he then said, "However, if you can tell or show me something compelling, I will accept it. Shall we go?"
She frowned, then glanced around. "Wha…where do you want to take me?"
A mischievous glint sparked in his eyes. Most likely, trying to hold back a smile, he said, "I won't go into where I want to take you."
She warmed and blushed at his suggestive innuendo.
He stood and pulled her to her feet. "Grab your latte and don't forget your Bible." He winked. "You're going to need it."
She wanted to go. Really, she did. He was so interesting, dismissing God so cavalierly and God knew how attracted she was to him. Could it be a test from God, himself? To bring someone she finds as desirable as Julian into her life? But what if he's dangerous?
She pulled her hand away. "Hold on. I don't know you. I met you ten minutes ago. I need to know where you wan…plan on taking me."
He smiled so broadly, dimples formed in his cheeks. "Of course you do. I could be a rapist or worse a serial killer."
He laughed at his attempt at a joke, which she didn't find the least bit humorous. He pulled out his wallet. "I plan to take you where I work."
He removed and handed her a card. She read it. Assistant Antiquities Acquisition Director, Natural History Museum.
"Triple A, that's me."
This time she smiled. Laurel was just a little impressed. "You work at the Natural History Museum?"
He gave a single nod.
In her excitement, her hands involuntarily moved. "I love that place."
"Shall we go then?"
She answered demurely, "Maybe, but what does the museum have to do with disproving God?"
"Nothing, but it debunks one of the tenets of the Bible—Creation."
"The strict interpretation, yes, but I happen to agree with the less literal view. I'll tell you what. I haven't been there in awhile and I would love a tour from an expert. I'll meet you in the front lobby."
"Don't you want to go with me?"
Now, it was her turn to wink. "You could be an ax murderer."
* * * *
Julian could have danced. The breath of fresh air named Laurel was going to meet him. God she was hot, with her shoulder-length dark hair and large brown eyes. Gorgeous and smart, she didn't seem to realize how special she was. He had to laugh. He hadn't planned to sit with her, but the growing problem in his pants forced his presumptive action. Thankfully, it worked out.
The moment he first saw Laurel, he was interested. Trying to be inconspicuous, he'd watched her at first in the mirror behind the counter while she watched him. Fantastic, he'd thought, I have to meet this delectable tidbit. When the line had moved forward and she fell out of view, he chanced the occasional surreptitious glance. The few times they'd locked eyes, his stomach lurched, but he resisted looking away. The shy thing she was, she immediately averted her gaze and blushed.
And now, he's on his way to meet her at the museum. What a stroke of luck. His first choice would have been to take her home, undress her and make love to her. You don't fuck a woman like that; you make slow, passionate, meaningful love to her. In time, Julian. In time. She wasn't the kind of woman that would just jump in bed. There was something pure and innocent about her. With a woman like that you move slowly and woo her. That kind of woman deserves a lifetime commitment.
He clicked the lock on his Porsche Cayenne SUV and hopped in. After taking 101 to 110, he jumped off at Exposition Blvd. He pulled in his designated space in the rear of the building and rushed into the huge edifice. By the time he reached the lobby he was out of breath and…she wasn't there. In a panic, his eyes scanned the entire room. No Laurel. Could this be a brush off? He glanced around. She was nowhere visible. He rushed to the gift shop. No Laurel.
He headed for the information booth, but after he arrived, he didn't know what to ask the attendant. While he was thinking of what to ask her, a fingertip pressed between his shoulder blades. He swung around and there was a vision of splendor—Laurel smiled at him with her beatific countenance.
Julian was sure he shocked her and the attendant, but he was so happy, he took her in his arms and kissed her. She didn't respond, but neither did she push away.
Realizing what he'd done—how forward he'd been—he jerked away.
"I ah…excuse…I umm, don't know. Please forgive me…I was so…worried when I—"
Laurel began to laugh, a pretty, infectious laugh.
He shrugged his shoulders and sighed.
"Wow. You give a whole new meaning to the term personal tour. Do all the recipients of individual tours of the museum get such a warm greeting?"
He must have blushed, for he experienced a flush of heat, as did she when she responded, "Only a beautiful angel such as you, sent to bedazzle me. But time's a wastin'. Where would you like to start?"
In her first personal gesture, she snuck her arm inside the crook of his and said, "I can't make up my mind. You pick."
* * * *
After two hours of touring Habitat Hall, Mammal Hall and a couple others, He took her to the café. She was too nervous to be hungry, so she ordered only iced tea and dined on his handsome appearance instead. He ordered coffee with cream, a tidbit of info she stored in her memory bank, and a piece of chocolate cake, a la mode with two forks.
She liked this man. Being with him made her happy. He was witty, self-effacing, cheerful, and totally charming, not to mention she found him irresistible. She could relax with him and open up. Something she had great difficulty doing, especially under her current circumstances.
After managing to sock away half of his cake and ice cream, he asked the question she dreaded, but knew was inevitable. "You know what I do. Tell me what do you do?"
Coward that she was, she told him only part of the truth, "I'm a nurse in training."
An eyebrow rose. He was thinking, but he let her off the hook when he followed up, "Ahh, I would have guessed beauty queen or movie starlet."
He kept talking about how beautiful she was. She's not ugly, but she didn't get it. He was so accomplished and handsome, she didn't understand why he even bothered with her.
"Julian. I know I'm only average looking. Why all the flattery? I'm not going to go to bed with you."
His mouth fell open. "Are you kidding me? Don't you know how attractive you are? I thought you dressed plain and simple to ward off all the predatory men that surely must hit on you. And yes, I'd like to make love to you, but not until I've earned it. Not until you ask me."
"That won't happen. There are no men, no suitors. The occasional doctor may get friendly, but that's about it. I live a very secluded life." I should tell him. Why is it so difficult to tell him? Why?
* * * *
He was incredulous. "Don't you ever go out, have fun?"
She shook her head. "It seems like I'm always too busy to do something fun."
He stood and grasped her hand. He loved her hands, her long elegant fingers and nails. "C'mon, we can finish the tour later."
Confusion spread across her lovely face. "What? Where do you want to go now?"
"I know we just met, but I think of you like a friend. Maybe more, but certainly a friend. Would you like to be my friend, too?"
"Yes."
"Good, as your friend, I'm going to show you how stunning you are and after that I'm going to take you out and show you a fantastic time. Okay?"
She seemed to ruminate upon what he'd said. What's she thinking behind those penetrating, warm, brown eyes?
After what seemed like minutes, she answered, "Okay, but I won't go to anyplace wild."
Chapter Two – Jessie
"One kiss breaches the distance between friendship and love." ~Anonymous~
Julian insisted she ride with him. His silver green Porsche SUV was a lot nicer than her older model Ford. She'd mistakenly thought they only made sports cars. Obviously not.
She gazed out the window. It was a clear sunny day and she could make out the coastal mountains to the east. We headed north up 101 when he told her he knew someone named Jessie who was a beautician and she was going to give her the works—whatever that meant?
"Jessie's a girl?" She asked.
His gaze shifted to her momentarily. "Jessica is more like a lady. She's thirty-six and my oldest sister. She has a beauty salon, spa and boutique in North Hollywood."
"Oldest sister. How many sisters do you have?
He rattled off, "Three, Jessica, Janet and Judy."
She narrowed her eyes. "Wow, your family seems to have a 'J' thing.
He snuck in a glance and chuckled. "You could say that. My mother and father are Juliet and John."
She giggled. "Tell me how old are Janet and Judy?"
Someone cut Julian off. He swerved, then honked his horn.
The driver waved as if to say he was sorry. "Crazy friggen California driver.
"Sorry about the language. All my sisters are thirty-six, seven years older than me."
Her confusion must have been obvious, because he continued, "They're identical triplets, each born thirty minutes apart. Jessie was first."
She imputed, "And by the way you named them, Judy was last."
His gaze shifted again and he flashed an effervescent smile. "Give that girl a kewpie doll."
"That makes you five years older than me."
He waggled his brows. "Correcto mundo, assuming you're twenty-four."
She smiled. "What do they look like?"
Julian turned into an alley, drove about a half block and pulled into a single row of parking spaces behind a two-story building. He turned to her and grinned mischievously. "They look like Jessie, whom you'll meet in about thirty seconds. Wait there."
He jumped out of the SUV and rushed around to her side. As he'd done at the museum, he opened the door for her. Grasping her hand, he helped her out. "Shall we?"
Hand in hand, they went into the back entrance. Laurel assumed she'd be fixing someone's hair or something, but Julian took her directly into a small, rather disorderly, office near the rear entrance.
A spunky, somewhat overly made-up woman with bright red hair sat at a cluttered desk. She looked up, and her face lit up when she recognized Julian. "Baby brother, what a pleasant surprise." She rose, came around the desk and hugged him. Then she turned to her. "And who have we here?"
"Jessie, this is my friend, Laurel Adams. Laurel, this is Jessica Ryan, my sister."
She offered her hand, but Jessie would have none of that. She pulled her into a hearty embrace. She broke away. "Nice to meet you, Laurel."
Laurel smiled broadly. "The pleasure is all mine, Jessica."
She winked. "Jessie please."
Turning to Julian, she continued. "Now, what brings you here, Ju?"
He hitched his head in her direction. "I'm taking Laurel out on the town tonight and I want you to work your magic on her."
Jessie hitched her chin inward and frowned in disbelief. "Magic? She's lovely. Doesn't look like any magic is needed. Just a comb-out and a little makeup."
Julian nodded. "I know, just do what you think is best. She's going to need something from the boutique also."
She rubbed her palms together. "Ooh, I know just the outfit. Laurel dear, let's get you started and I'll put together an ensemble for your approval. If you don't like it, we'll find something else, it won't hurt my feelings in the slightest. Is that all right?"
Laurel was overwhelmed and getting a little concerned, because money was in short supply. She nodded, but her worry must have shown on her face, because…
She waved a hand. "And don't worry about cost. Julian and I will take care of it."
She looked her up and down. "Pretty figure. I'd say size six dress, seven shoes. Is that about right?"
A little more relaxed, she smiled. "Perfect."
She turned to her brother. "Now, Julian. Where are you taking this lovely lady?"
"I thought I'd start with dinner then a play or dancing."
Jessie raised a solo eyebrow. "You do have reservations?"
Julian raised his head and closed his eyes. Opening them he said, "Christ, no. I can't take Laurel to just any old place."
"It's okay little brother. Let me get Laurel started, while you call Janet and see what she can do."
Jessie took her hand and led her out of her office and down the hall.
"What does Janet do?" she asked.
Jessie snickered. "It's not what she does. It's who she's married to."
They entered a large room, obviously the beauty parlor. "Laurel, this is Sarah," whispering, she continued, "She's my best hairdresser and maybe the best in Hollywood."
Sarah was thirty-ish, average height, nice figure and pretty with platinum hair and friendly blue eyes. She grabbed a handful of Laurel's hair and let it run through her fingers. "Hi Laurel, love your hair. It'll be a pleasure to work on you."
"Thank you, Sarah."
"Okay. I'll leave you two for now. I'll be back in an hour to see how you're coming along."
"Thanks for everything, Jessie."
"Thanks aren't necessary. I'd do anything for Julian."
She noticed Sarah flinch, then recovering, she said, "All right dear, we'll start with a shampoo."
While soaping and scrubbing her hair, Sarah asked, "Are you seeing Julian?"
Laurel opened an eye and gazed at her. Her brow was furrowed and her smile seemed tense, forced through a tight jaw.
"No, we're just friends. Ow, that water's too hot."
She saw Sarah's hand move back behind her head, and then the water cooled down. "I'm Sorry. You were saying."
"He thinks I need some fun so he's taking me out."
Her eyes seemed thoughtful. "I went out with him. I'm a few years older than him so I knew there wasn't a future."
"Really? How long ago?"
"Hmmm. Roughly a year and a half ago, I guess. He's a player you know? Breaks women's hearts. I knew what I was getting into. Mainly did it for the sex. But he still got under my skin."
Laurel was nonplussed. "Really. You went out with him to have sex."
"Sure. Fun too, but mainly sex. He's a great looking guy. I'm sure you've noticed?
"Okay, let's get some curlers in your hair and get you under the dryer." She wrapped a towel around her head and helped her up.
Back at Sarah's station, after blow-drying her hair, she put it in curlers. She acted quiet, seemingly deep in thought. When she finished she led Laurel to a bank of dryers.
Her mind spun. Sarah's words in her mind eclipsed the hairdryer's loud drone. Mainly did it for the sex. He's a player you know? He's a great looking guy. He certainly is a great looking guy. Charming too. He's a player you know? Sure, fun too, but mainly sex. Sex, sex, sex, sex, sex!
We're in the museum, Julian takes me in his arms. He's kissing me. This is bad! No it's good! I should stop him, pull away! But I don't want to! I want to kiss him back, but I don't know how. I don't know what to do. They don't teach you how to kiss an angel…an angel…an angel.
She woke up unsteadily, from a hand shaking her arm. "Oh! What?"
Looking around she saw Sarah half laughing at her. "You fell asleep. C'mon, sweetheart. Time to make you beautiful."
She flushed.
Sarah took her to her station and set her down. "How do you want it," she asked, "any ideas?"
She gazed at Sarah's image reflected in the mirror. "No, what does your experience tell you?"
Her hand grasped her chin. "Hmmm. Let me think. Who's your favorite actress?
"I like Nicole Kidman."
Sarah looked at the ceiling and shook her head. "No, someone young, preferably with dark hair, like you."
"Then how about Sarah Jessica Parker?"
Sarah shook her head. "No, you don't look like her and she's older than Nicole Kidman. I'll tell you what. You have such a pretty face I don't want your hair to distract from it. How about if I fix your hair up with a ribbon and curls cascading over the ribbon?"
"You're the boss and I don't have that pretty a face."
"Oh, yeah? Wait until I finish."
She spun her around and wouldn't let her see what she did. While Sarah worked on her hair, the manicurist, Lucille, came over and performed a quick manicure and pedicure.
After Lucille left, Sarah began to apply makeup. About ten minutes later, she came around in front of her, stood back and took her picture. Just then, Jessie came by. "Sarah, fantastic job. My God, Julian can sure pick 'em. She's exquisite.
Sarah stiffened slightly at Jessie's comment, but acted normal. Swinging her chair around, she said, "Ta-da."
She didn't recognize herself. Laurel didn't know if she was beautiful, but she couldn't take her eyes off the mirror.
As she looked at her mirror image, Sarah, beaming, put her cheek next to hers and glancing at her reflection, said, "What did I tell you? Beautiful!"
"Oh Sarah, It's…it's absolutely gorgeous. I don't know how to thank you."
"Don't worry about it. I get paid to do gorgeous." She turned slightly and pecked her cheek. "But thanks for saying so."
"I hope you're not going to be mad at me for going out with him. Are you?"
Jessie was right there so she whispered, "Nah. He never was that interested in me, just sex. I'm pretty much over him and you've got a good shot with him. Good luck."
Sarah's hand rested on her opposite shoulder. She reached up and grasped it and just like that, they became friends.
"Let me give you a little advice. Don't go to bed with him too quickly. I think that's what I did wrong," she whispered.
Laurel was beyond shocked. As attractive as she found Julian, sex was out of the question. "Don't worry Sarah. I have no intention of sleeping with him," She whispered back, probably a little too loudly. She hitched her head and blinked her eyes in a so there gesture.
Sarah laughed. "You're a cutie, here's my card. Call me, let's do lunch sometime."
She rose, took the card and kissed her cheek. "You're nice. Julian should take a second look at you. Even if you are older."
She laughed again and embracing her whispered. "If Julian is going though all this trouble, he only has eyes for you."
Jessie took her hand. "C'mon Laurel, have I got the finishing touches for you." She led her back to the spa and boutique.
When they got there, Jessie showed her what she'd selected. Jessie had great taste. She wouldn't change a thing.
Just then, Julian rushed in all excited. "Guess what?" He came to an abrupt stop and said, "Wow! You look great. He stepped into her and hugged her like at the museum, but without the kiss. He pulled away his hands still on her forearms. "I like your hair up." He looked at Jessie, then her. "Janet came through. She got us reservations at Capo for eight o'clock."
"Wow! That's great." She didn't know what or where Capo was but Jessie seemed to approve.
She looked at her watch. It was three-thirty. Except for putting on the gown and heels, she was ready, but their reservation was for eight—four and a half hours away. She looked at Julian and he seemed to read her mind. "I could take you back to the museum for an hour or so and if you don't mind me knowing where you live, I could follow you and you could get ready. We could leave from there."
There was no way she wanted Julian to see the dorm she lived in. "Is Capo near here?"
"Sort of. It's in Santa Monica. Why?"
"My sister, Teresa, lives in Culver City. It would be much closer for me to get ready there. I live clear down in Torrance."
"Fine." Julian let go of her forearms and took the dress and shoes from Jessie. "I'll be right back."
As Julian left, Jessie pulled her aside. Speaking softly, "I've never seen my baby brother this excited about a girl. Here's a bag of accessories for you, too. Have fun and when you can, I want to treat you to a pampered day in the spa. Okay?"
Overwhelmed by her generosity, she nodded.
She kissed her on the cheek as Julian came back in. Then she turned to him and kissed him too.
Swinging away from Jessie, he took her hand. "You ready, beautiful?"
After She nodded, he led her out to his vehicle, opened the door and helped her in.
* * * *
Julian couldn't keep his eyes on the road for the trip back to the museum. She was so lovely, he kept sneaking glances at her. She's so nice. The couple of times she caught him gaping at her, she smiled. Is she the one? The girl I've been dreaming about. I think she might be.
It was a slow afternoon at the museum. Very few customers.
Holding hands as much as she let him, he took her through the Hominid Exhibition. "And this is a replica of Homo Habilis, commonly known as 'Handy Man.' At two million years, he's one of the oldest hominids that's been discovered."
Displaying what he hoped was a winsome smile, he placed his hands on her trim waist. "That makes him about three hundred times older than the planet he lived on."
Edging into her, a pleasant fresh scent—citrus with a hint of womanly sex—teased his nostrils.
She leaned away and backed against the display glass. "As I already told you, I don't adhere to a strict interpretation of the bible, especially Creation."
He eased in closer. Her precious breasts touched his chest, the budding bulge in his pants brushed her abdomen. She's so lovely, she's perfect.
He bent his head and planted a gentle kiss on her neck below her ear. She shivered and lifted her head up and back to urge him on. How could he resist? His lips trailed wetness up and down the left side of her neck.
Her arms slipped through the gap between his arms and body, her hands coming to rest below his shoulder blades. Resting her head upon his left shoulder, he sensed a slight tremor in her.
His lips found and kissed her ear lobe. Her small diamond studs were cold and rough against his tongue—he remembered she wore small diamond studs. He sucked and nibbled on the lobe, stud and all. The tremor became a tremble. She sighed. She was shaking and when his wayward tongue laved her ear, she moaned. Fully aroused, by the woman-child in his arms, He pressed himself into her. When her hands tightened on his back, he pressed again. Did she respond?
She kissed his neck, and he craved her lips. He kept pushing and she pushed ever so lightly back. He lifted her chin toward his lips. When their lips touched, a hot flash seared his face, the heat working its way to the hard source of her arousal. She sighed. He knew she wanted to go on, but when his tongue probed for an opening between her lips she didn't respond.
Maybe she needs to be more aroused. He reached and grasped her breast as his tongue probed again.
* * * *
Julian had cleverly maneuvered her against the Hominid display window. She knew she should have slipped away when he moved into her, but this man had woven a spell upon him. Her breasts, rubbing against his chest, sent tickly pulses of desire to her loins and hardened her nipples. When he kissed her neck, her heart skipped a beat and she got so warm she almost swooned. I must stop. Please God, help me. Give me strength. Or…or is this your will? She not only let Julian continue, she shamelessly willed him to, by exposing more of her neck to his moist, sensuous lips.
And that's not all. As he thrust his hardness against her, her loins warmed and she instinctively responded and began to think of sex. She'd banished sex from her thoughts years ago when she'd made her commitment and now, here she was rubbing genitals with an angel—a non-believing angel at that! I wonder what he looks like naked.
Still, she didn't stop him. When his lips found hers, currents of heat coursed through her body, terminating in her center. She sighed and pictured herself standing in front of Julian, sitting on a bed as he slowly undressed her. Undressed me?
Like an artist at work, his tongue brushed across her lips. She'd read about French kissing, but didn't know what to do or if she even wanted to try it. She decided to let his tongue in when he touched her breast, her mouth flew open and his tongue darted in. Her core heated, her panties moistened and she couldn't breathe. Thankfully, they were interrupted by the sound of a young boy approaching with his mother.
"You're kidding me, right Mom? Our ancestors didn't really look this ugly."
Julian chuckled in the middle of the kiss and broke it. Then he pecked her lightly on the lips and they both looked toward the voice.
"That's right, Billy. They looked like that. Some of us still do, like Daddy's uncle Dave."
Julian whispered, "That was wonderful but, I'd better get you to your sister's so you can get ready."
"That's not funny Martha. Don't put silly ideas in the boy's head," countered a voice from most likely the father.
Julian lowered his arms and his hand reached for hers. Upon finding and grasping it, they headed toward the voices.
"Daddy, what is that?" came a young girl's voice.
After a few steps, Julian dropped her hand and draped an arm around her shoulder.
"That's a saber tooth tiger, Punkin. They were very dangerous, but they're extinct now."
As they turned the corner, not an eighth of an inch separating them, she lowered her head on his shoulder. They smiled and Julian nodded at the family of four as they approached a mixed marriage couple and their children. The woman, black, pretty and a bit of a tease from her expression, acknowledged them with a single nod. She elbowed her husband and said in a loud whisper, "Young love, it's so wonderful. Remember when we were like that, sweetheart?"
The man nodded and answered his wife. "I do, dear. It doesn't seem that long ago."
The little boy, paying us no mind, said to the little girl, "Extinct means they're not around anymore and I wish that's what you were."
The girl hit the boy on the shoulder and began running the way they'd come. The boy ran after her, yelling, "I'm going to get you for that."
"Yes, everything was so carefree then." The woman reminisced to herself as her husband ran after the kids.
Julian squeezed, her shoulder. "I think I'd like a boy and girl like that some day. How about you?"
Laurel's stomach sank and a cold sweat coursed through her head and torso. She suddenly felt faint and leaned against him for support. She wasn't ready to answer his innocent question.
Chapter Three – Teresa
"We are sisters. We will always be sisters. Our differences may never go away, but neither, for me, will our song." Elizabeth Fishel
Teresa was eight years older than Laurel and had been married almost seven years. She married Seth at the age of twenty-five and had been popping out babies in twenty month intervals ever since. The youngest, the only boy, is fourteen months, which means she has either broken the cycle or hasn't had the nerve to tell her she was pregnant again.
Teresa and her family lived in a well-kept, older tract home about six miles northeast of Marina Del Rey and the ocean. She arrived at Tess's home and Julian pulled up right behind her. It was a quarter to six, not an optimum time since the family had sat down to dinner. She answered the front door and smiled good naturedly, but she could see their arrival was inconvenient. After hugging her and shaking Julian's hand. She took them to the kitchen doorway where she introduced Julian to Seth and the kids. Julian stepped in enough to shake Seth's hand and nodded to Carolyn, Emma, Beth and Stephen.
Tess asked if they would wait for her in the living room until she finished. They sat down and Julian tuned into CNN on the TV. After a short five minutes, her sister came in and sat on the loveseat opposite them. She seemed to apprise Julian and then her. She smiled. "Ooh, I like your hair."
Though Tess said hair, Laurel got the distinct feeling she meant man.
She changed the subject. "Thank you. Don't you have to do the dishes?"
She sat back in the loveseat, her face displaying amusement. "No, Seth volunteered to do them and clean-up too." She laughed. "Maybe you should drop in at dinnertime more often. So what brings you and your handsome man friend by tonight?"
"Julian and I are going to dinner tonight, and I came by to change into her new dress and shoes." She pointed at the shoebox and the plastic wrapped dress.
Standing, she came over and grabbed the hanger hook and the shoebox. "Hmmm, what'cha have here? C'mon, let's go in the bedroom."
She picked the accessory bag Jessie had given her and followed right behind her.
Tess stood just inside the bedroom door, and the minute she walked through the doorway, shut the door and locked it.
"Tell me all about him. He's beautiful. Where did you meet him? How long have you known him? Are you serious about him?"
After shaking her head from Tess's battery of questions, she asked her, "Whoa, slow down. I only met him this morning. We spent the whole day together. I like him. I like him a lot, but you know I can't get serious about anyone. He's a friend."
"Oh, Laurel." Tess squeezed her lips tight. "He really seems to like you. The way he looks at you. It's not too late to change your mind."
She shook her head. "I just can't. I gave my word."
Tess grimaced and flashed a disdainful look. "You're being a fool, Laurel. I can tell that man is very interested in you. Does he know about you?"
Her brows furrowed at her question. "No, I have no reason. We're just friends."
She laid a hand on her shoulder. "Well, I bet if we asked Julian, friendship is not what he wants from you."
Her hands started moving excitedly as she spoke, "I already know what he wants from me—sex."
Her eyes thinned to slits. "How do you know that?"
"The girl that did my hair used to go out with him, and she told me he's a player and I believe her. He's already kissed me twice."
Tess's jaw dropped, and her mouth fixed open. "He kissed you—twice? And you let him?"
A flush of heat passed through her. "Yes, I wanted to see what it was like. It was a mistake."
Her eyes grew big. "You didn't like it?"
She was suddenly conflicted. "No, I did like it. I want to do it some more. I even thought about sex when he kissed me. That's why it was a mistake."
Tess's eyes narrowed, and her brows furrowed. "You thought about sex?" All of a sudden, she reached for her hugging and kissing her on the cheek. "It's so good to know you're human. Are you going to do it?"
"What?"
"Have sex, silly."
"Of course not. I'm not married and I'm not getting married. You know I'm taken."
"That's your mistake, Laurel. Giving your life to God, instead of living it to the fullest."
"But I want to do good things. I want to help others."
"We've talked about this over and over. You do not need to be a sister in order to help others. But, hey, it's your life and if you want to waste it without ever sampling the true fruits of life, so be it. Now, let's see what you have here."
As she lifted the plastic sheath off her dress, her eyes grew larger. "This is gorgeous. It must have cost hundreds of dollars. How did you…"
"Before you get carried away, Julian and his sister gave it to me. He has a good job and she owns a fancy beauty salon and boutique in Hollywood. She's very nice."
Tess took the shoes out of the box. "Jimmy Choo, These are lovely." She pulled a shoe out and after slipping her's off, tried the Choo on and stood. Then she looked at her. "C'mon, c'mon get undressed. Time's a wasting."
She dithered a little, then asked, "Could you turn around?"
She moved her hands in a motion designed to move her along. "I've already seen everything you have to offer. I even changed your diaper once."
Heat crossed her face. "I believed things have changed since I was an infant."
Tess stumbled over to her wearing a single high heel and began to lift her sweater over her head. "Even if things have changed, you're still my sister. We have to be careful with that beautiful hairdo. It's gorgeous. Who did it?"
"A girl named Sarah…what are you doing?"
"I'm taking your bra off."
"I can do it Tess, please. You know how bashful I am."
She stopped removing the bra.
"You have no reason to be shy. You have a Fredrick's of Hollywood figure, like I used too—four rug rats ago."
She finished removing her bra and unzipped her skirt. Tess's hands wandered to her skirt and she slapped them away. "I told you…" She gave her the evil eye.
Tess threw up her hands shook her head, retreated to the bed, and sat down.
"Speaking of rug rats, when's number five due. You're behind schedule."
Tess who some say looks like her eight year older twin, got a coy smile on her pretty face. "There'll be no number five. The baby factory is closed. I told Seth, enough is enough and he got fixed. He's such a sweet man. So, what's in the bag?"
Tess picked up the bag, which read in big gold letters, Loving Touch of Hollywood on a hot pink background. Smaller lettering said Salon, Boutique and Spa. She rummaged, through it. She pulled out a package containing a lacy black bra and panties. She opened up the package like a child on Christmas morning. She held up the bra in one hand and the panties in the other. "This stuff is hot. Seth would love 'em."
Tess stood up holding the bra and stepped up to her. "Hold your arms out."
Laurel did and she slipped the bra straps over them, then the cups over her breasts. "Turn around." She did and looked in the dresser mirror as she fastened the bra for her. She rested her head on her shoulder. "Lovely isn't it?"
It was lovely. She suddenly wished Julian could see it, and then hastily banished the wayward thought.
"Hurry up." She reached down to the bed and picked up the lacy, black panties and held them up. "Take your panties off, so we can put these on."
She dragged her panties down to the ground and when She stood up, Tess shook her head, flashing a disapproving look. "I see you're into the natural look."
Laurel must have looked confused, because she explained. "Your pubic hair. With-it women of today at least trim their bush. Others shave it clean or go through the painful expense of having all their hair removed."
In reflex her head shook. "Well, since no one's going to see it, I don't have to worry about it. Do I?"
"I guess not."
Knowing she should let the subject drop, she asked anyway, "Do you trim your hair?"
Knowing she had her thinking, Tess smiled. "One better. Except for a little diamond shaped patch, I shave myself clean. Seth loves it. Anyway, here's the panties."
She took the panties, slipped them over her right foot, then her left and pulled them up. Like the bra, the panties were a perfect fit and sexy. Once again, an obscene thought flashed in her mind of Julian not only seeing her in these sensual unmentionables, but languorously and sensually removing them. Her sex contracted, so she shook her head to snap out of it. She picked up the dress.