Chapter 54

Later in the evening John lay in bed surrounded by his lovelies. He could hardly talk. The girls were all languid from the endorphins surging through their systems.

Cindy lay with her back against the headboard, her fingers playing softly in John’s hair.

“You’re a good man, my love.” Cindy said.

John moaned. “I flat refuse to make love to anyone for at least two days! ... I don’t care if Lady Godiva, Helen of Troy and Cleopatra show up at the door. Turn them away. Let them freeze.”

“You big phony. You wouldn’t turn away the fat lady from the circus!” Sheila giggled.

“Okay ... she can stay. But I’m not making love to her and she pays for her own food.” John said, “She has to sleep alone too!”

“Speaking of food. Whose turn is it?” Sheila inquired.

“Theresa’s, but she’s out.” Cindy giggled.

“Kick her. Feed me, wench!” John giggled.

“I’ll go. I get little enough chance to cook.” Sheila said.

“Two cooks and I end up being served by a thousand dollar a day consultant.” John moaned.

“That thousand dollars a day ended two days ago.” Sheila said.

“Just the same... “ John said. He started to whistle.

“What’s that song?” Cindy asked.

“Take it easy, by the Eagles.” Sheila said, pulling a robe around her.

“How’s it go?” Cindy asked.

“I’m running down the road, trying to loosen my load, got seven women on my mind...” John sang, not so badly.

The girls got it and busted out laughing.

Sheila met Candice in the kitchen. They embraced and kissed. Then together they built a meal for the troops.

“Sheila?” Candice said.

“Yes, love.” Sheila responded.

“I just wanted to tell you ... thank you.” Candice said.

“For what?” Sheila asked, tending to the stove.

“Well ... you were my first... real lover.” Candice said.

Sheila forgot the stove for a while as she pulled Candice into her arms. Both their robes came open and they embraced skin to skin. Candice’s breasts fitting neatly under Sheila’s. Sheila bent and kissed her long and deeply.

“You are most very welcome.” she said, finally.

“No, I mean it. You will always be my first. I’m really glad about that.” Candice said.

“I mean it too. Look, lover. It was only by chance that I caught you first. It could just as easily been Cindy, Theresa or even John. I’m honored to have been your first, but it was sheer chance.” Sheila told her.

“Oh ... not so much as you’d think. I was on my way to find you.” Candice giggled.

“Were you now? Why?” Sheila asked.

“Well, I think it was the way you held Alice that first night. God was that only last night ... anyway, you kissed her forehead softly. When she stirred you held her tenderly in your arms. When you did so I pictured you holding me like that ... I tried to tell you when you put us to bed...” Candice said.

“You did, love. You did. Now shall we feed the troops? Where are the triplets?” Sheila asked.

“Probably killing each other with their new found skills ... god they turned hot!” Candice said.

“Well my brood is pretty well played out, too. I don’t know how I’m functioning. Let’s divide this up and see if crumbs in bed bother them.” Sheila said.

“Quite well, is how you’re functioning... “ Candice said, hoarsely.

“Fuck the food.” Sheila said, turning off the stove and backing Candice onto the table.

Quite a bit later they each carried trays laden with food into their various wards. That’s just about what they resembled.

The troops, as Sheila called them managed to fight off their lethargy in order to take nourishment. The soup was awkward for them to handle, but it tasted good. The perfect compliment to the sandwiches.

“I’m sorry I wasn’t up to preparing anything more substantial.” Sheila said.

“Manna from heaven.” John muttered.

“Good enough for me.” Cindy said, her mouth full.

“Ditto!” Theresa said.