Chapter 23

"Cindy I need a shoulder to cry on"

"I know Peter. I'm so sorry. Marion called us as soon as you left down there. Where are you?"

"I'm about an hour from home."

"Peter drive carefully, don't do anything stupid. People love you and need you. When you get home, park your car and walk over to my place. Roz is there with me and we'll take care of you. We'll work something out."

"OK, thanks Cindy. You both are great friends. See you in about an hour."

When I pulled into my place and saw Red's and Michelle's place dark a shitload of memories flooded my mind. Some good and then the nasty ones. My suffering – ALL for nothing.

It took me a while to get myself together, stopped at the bathroom and had some water before locking up and walking over to Cindy's.

Both ladies opened the door for me and hugged me – they didn't say anything – there really wasn't anything they could say that would make me feel better.

"Come on in Peter, I bet you're hungry. I'm sure you haven't eaten anything since leaving Marion's place." With that comment Cindy hooked her arm under mine and Roz followed suit – guiding me to the kitchen table.

"Peter, what do you want to drink, beer, tea, water or something stronger?"

"Cindy, got unsweetened tea?"

"Sure do, coming right up and then some comfort food. Roz's special meat loaf, mashed potatoes and gravy."

I really didn't feel like eating but I had to eat something and that sounded good at the moment.

The three of us sat and ate in virtual silence. There really wasn't much to say. They had been filled in by Marion about what happened so there was no need for me to rehash the events of the last few days.

I wanted to help with the clean up but Roz very resolutely pushed me out of the kitchen to the couch.

"Sit Peter, we'll be with you shortly."

She turned on the TV to some sports channel and went back to the kitchen.

I really had no idea of what I was watching as I replayed the last words of Red's therapist in my head.

"Doctor-patient privilege does not permit me to tell you what she said when I suggested that she needed to talk to you. I'm sorry Peter. You tried your best and it did not work."

All that suffering for nothing. Now what? I guess work and loneliness is in my future. I've been burned twice. Not sure I have it in me to try again.

The ladies came from the kitchen and sat down one on each side of me.

Cindy handed me a snifter. "Here drink Peter, not that it will make you feel better about what happened but you should enjoy the moment. You have caring friends and a company to run. Things will work out. You'll be hurting for long time. There will be really bad days but then spring will come..."

She kind of faltered and just looked at me with what I thought was a tear or two in her eyes.

Roz said, "Go ahead Peter have sip."

I swirled the snifter but when I bent over, it didn't smell like cognac. Looking at Cindy she smiled, "18 year old single malt, single barrel Scotch something I keep around for funerals. Sorry, I shouldn't have said that. Red isn't dead."

"No Cindy, I think it's OK. I'm mourning what could have been the greatest love in my life but it wasn't to be."

I took a sip and enjoyed the smooth liquor going down my throat.

We sat for quite while in silence, each deep in thought.

I must have fallen asleep from mental exhaustion because suddenly there was an elbow in my side.

"Hey, what's up with this? Two hot ladies and you go off to sleep on us?" Roz was smiling as she said that.

"Sorry Ladies, I guess I'm whipped – oops poor choice of words – just tired. I better get home and go to sleep."

"Oh no you don't. You are staying with us at least for tonight. We don't need you waking up with some kind of nightmare and be all alone. There is plenty of room for the three of us on my bed. We promise, no games. You can cuddle or not – but you will be in the middle with your guardian angels on each side of you."

"Go take a shower, there are some PJ in the bath room for you to wear. They are mine. Maybe a bit short in the legs but they'll fit otherwise since there has to be room for my boobs in the top."

I knew resistance was futile. So I did what I had been told and when I got to Cindy's bed room, the two of them were already on the bed wearing similar silk PJ's like the one I had on. Cindy was right, it fit sort of with just the legs a bit short.

"Come up here Peter, right up the middle." Roz patted the mattress where they wanted me.

Both of them kissed my lightly on the lips and Cindy turned off the light.

As I turned on my side, Cindy scooched closer to me and put one hand on my chest while Roz pushed her butt into my groin and sighed, "Cindy, it's not broken, I can feel a bit of life."

They both giggled and I felt myself blushing.

It's good to have friends.

To my surprise, I had a trouble free night 'til I woke up around five with the need for a bath room. I carefully untangled myself from the two of them and did my business.

I didn't want to try to climb back between the two of them – the gap had narrowed and Cindy's hand was on Roz's boob.

So I headed into the kitchen in search of some coffee. As the coffee was brewing, there was a thud on the door. I went to check and there was a plastic bag with two papers, the local newspaper and the out of town edition of the NY Times.

I found something to do while I enjoyed my first cup of coffee.

I was halfway through the Times crossword puzzle when the two somewhat bleary eyed ladies appeared in the kitchen.

"Hmm, coffee – smells good," came from Roz as Cindy looked for a couple of mugs.

"So Peter, did you sleep OK?" asked Cindy and I just nodded.

"Our toy doesn't talk much does he Cin? Well if he doesn't want to talk maybe we put him to work and have him make us breakfast."

"Sounds like a capital idea Roz. Peter are you up to feeding two starving ladies? There are eggs, bacon, bread and various jams and jellies. Have a go at it."

"Yes Ma'am."

"Ah, he does speak and he hasn't forgotten his manners. Come here you lunkhead and give us ladies a hug. We'll even help."

With that comment Cindy pulled out the stuff for breakfast out of the fridge and Roz looked for plates and utensils.

"Would it be OK to make some French Toast?"

"Sure Peter, knock yourself out. Need anything else?" asked Cindy.

"Just some Cinnamon and if you have powdered sugar but I can do without"

The requested ingredients came out together with a griddle fitting over two burners. That was good, speeds up production.

While I cooked, Cindy made another pot of coffee and poured three glasses of OJ.

We had finished eating and started to put the dirty dishes away.

"No Peter, you are our guest with kitchen privilege, not our houseboy. We'll clean up, just relax."

"Peter, I have the keys to the apartment. I guess we need to get that ready for the lady that is taking over for Red and Michelle. Any idea of what will be the best way?" asked Cindy.

"Why don't we go to the plant. We usually have a stack of empty cartons there that we can get to pack up Red's things in her apartment. Do you know if we are to ship any furnishings?"

"Marion e-mailed Cindy a list of stuff. Nothing major except an antique roll top desk that's in the office. It belonged to her Grandfather and Dan wants it down south, her books and some pictures."

Cindy grinned, "I'm sure you know which ones besides the original art pieces."

I blushed as I thought about the framed photos of my sore ass.

"Maybe we should rent a POD. That way we can pack up all that stuff and store it and when we are done, they come, pick it up and deliver it to where ever Marion and Dan want it."

Roz, suddenly exclaimed "Oh, what about all the toys and bondage furniture. Sure would not want the new tenant..."

"I have an idea. We get a new high security lock and a sign that says 'Owner's storage'. I can install both of them and we can put other personal things that will not get shipped in that room. Cindy gets the keys and when Red wants some of the stuff or comes back it is all there and still private.

"Good idea Peter. Do you need a shower or can we all get dressed and go to work on the apartment?"

"I'm OK Cindy, it can wait 'til we decide that have done enough for the day."

Cindy made the call for the POD people and they promised to have it there the next morning.

All of us got dressed and walked over to my place to get my SUV and drive to the plant to get the boxes.

On the way back, we stopped at the hardware store where I had gotten the clothes pins and bought a lock that only a skilled locksmith would be able to pick. Well, maybe some burglars too. We also found a sign that said 'Owner' and we decided that was good enough, along with some double sided tape to put it on the door to the play room.

We spent most of the day packing boxes and boxes of clothes and books.

While on a break, my phone rang and even though I didn't recognize the number I answered it. Not in my usual way but just "Hello."

"Is this Peter?"

"Yes"

"Hi, this Charlize Shepherd, Dan told me to call you about the apartment and office."

"Oh yes, he told me that you would not only take over the office but also the apartment. Some friends and I are right now in the process of packing up Red's personal things. I think you should be able to move in right after New Years."

"That sounds OK, when I can I come and see it and also the office. I want to get settled there as soon as possible."

"We'll be here for at least another couple of hours if you can make it, " I looked at the ladies and they both nodded.

"OK, that will work. I have the address in my GPS. Should be there in about forty five minutes. See you then, bye."

"Ladies, Ms Charlize Shepherd will be here in about forty five minutes. I better get moving on the lock and sign. She wants to see the apartment and office and from the way she was talking, she'll be in the office working from now on."

The Girls checked all downstairs rooms for toys and incriminating bondage items while I changed the lock on the play room and attached the sign with double sided tape.

We just had finished putting the stuff found by the girls into the play room and locked it when door bell rang. Roz went down stairs to open the door while I locked up and handed Cindy the keys.

I took a double take on top of the stairs when I saw who walked in with Roz. I never made the connection from just the name but I knew that lady. Even dated her a couple of times in college. Ms Charlize Shepherd and I shared an economics class for a semester.

Charlize is a stunning black lady with legs that seemed to never end 'til they get to her rather impressive set of boobs. Those legs were enhanced by skinny jeans tucked inside knee high black boots.

The two dates didn't lead to anything, not that I wouldn't have wanted to get into her pants but there was no real connection other than having the same taste of music.

She looked up at me, "Is that really you Peter, the Peter from Doc Hansen's Economics 101?"

"The one and only Charlize. This is a real surprise. Never figured you for a lawyer, not the way you aced those tests."

"Well, things changed. I got an offer to pay for part of my school if I went to NC State and law school thereafter. That's why left after my second year here. Maybe one day I'll tell you the complete story once I'm settled in. I understand you have some legal issues with your ex."

"Yes and no, not sure yet. I will know right after the first of the year."

I introduced Cindy to Charlize and explained the relationship between the two ladies and Red.

Charlize looked around the apartment and decided that she liked it just the way it is.

Pointing at the door upstairs, "What's up there"?

I answered her, "Owner's storage. Items that will stay here for the time being. It was a spare room and rather than putting stuff into storage, we decided to leave them up there."

"OK, not problem. To whom do I talk about the rent?"

"That would be your boss Dan or his wife Marion. I assume you know her."

"Yes I do, great lady, I like the way she thinks."

I wondered what that comment was all about. Did Charlize know about the special relationship her bosses had with their wives? Well not my business.

"Question, do the dishes and linen stay or do I have to get my own?"

Cindy answered that one, "Up to you Charlize, the place comes furnished as is. If you would rather have your own, I understand and we can pack Red's stuff up and store it upstairs with the other stuff."

"No, that's OK. I'll be fine with what is here, was just wondering. So when can I move in?"

"How does the second sound? We should be done by then, if not sooner."

"That works, now how about the office and is there any staff still around?"

"Michelle, that's the one that did the corporate work let all her staff go a few weeks ago but I have contact information if you are interested. Red's paralegal is still on the payroll. It will be up to you if you keep her or not."

"Well, I'm not really into family law but I'll have to finish any pending cases unless the clients want another attorney after this so I'll keep her for sure."

By that time, I had the office unlocked and held the door open for Charlize to enter. Since it was Saturday, Sarah wasn't around.

"So Peter, where to you live?"

"Next door 'til the thirty first. The owners are coming back from an overseas assignment right after New Years. I'm looking at some places about a mile or so from here behind a park in that direction."

I pointed towards the park located a couple of blocks behind our building.

"It's a great neighborhood, got some friends living here. It's still not my permanent address, I'm subleasing from some snow birds for the first three months of the year. Had some upheaval in my personal life and just trying to get back on an even keel. But I'm pretty sure I'll look for something permanent in this area. Cindy is a real estate broker and she is keeping an eye open for something suitable."

"Anyway, I'll be around if you want some tour guide."

"Charlize, are you still running?"

"Yes, but maybe not as often as I should."

"Well there is a marked trail in the park I talked about. I usually go almost every morning unless I'm playing golf that morning or the weather is really lousy. I'll be happy to show you and we can run together if you like."

"Sounds OK to me as long as it is not too early. Now that I have this rather 'lengthy commute' I might take advantage and sleep in a bit."

"I understand, we'll play it by ear. I'll show you the park some afternoon and we go from there."

"I have all the files from the corporate end in my place. Got them after Michelle quit, I guess I'll lug them back here."

I handed Charlize a set of the office keys.

"I'm going to need a shower. The ladies and I have plans to a neighborhood bar for burgers and beer. It's a very friendly place if you would like to join us?"

"Thanks Peter, I appreciate the offer. Another time. I need to get back to my place. Got a puppy waiting to go out."

"Please e-mail me the contact information for the paralegals and I guess I'll pump Sarah about them on Monday."

With that, we locked up and Charlize got into her dark blue Porsche and headed off to her digs.

The two girls where on me in a flash.

"Peter what gives, how do you know her?" from Roz and Cindy chimed in, "You better come clean or we'll put you on the rack."

"Easy ladies, easy. Charlize and I shared one semester of economics here and after that she left for NC. I had no idea that she works for Dan and Darrel. Never suspected that she would become a lawyer the way she took to the economics class."

"I was watching you, you checked her out good from top of the stairs. Eyes as big as saucers when you saw her after I let her in."

"Cindy, I think we need to keep an eye on the boy."

"Yes we do Roz."

"Peter, go take a shower and change, then come to my place. We'll have a drink and then head over to the bar for a burger and brew. See who is there. OK?"

"Yes Ma'am."

"Oh, I like. Are you trying to tell us that you are ready to play or are you just naturally polite?"

"Just being polite. You are great friends but I'm not ready for any form of play. Not sure if I ever will be. The last month has taken a toll on me."

Roz gave me a hug, "Relax darling, we are not man eaters. I'm sure you'll let us know if and when you are ready. For right now we are just friends supporting a friend who has been dealt a rotten hand."

I unpacked my car, took a shower and got dressed to go out to dinner with the ladies.

The ladies were ready to go when I got to Cindy's place.

"Forget about the drink we offered you. Come on Mister, you need to feed us. We worked hard today and tomorrow is another day of the same." With those comments Cindy took my arm and Roz hooked into the other.

The bar was still pretty empty when we got there and we took a table in the rear that gave us some privacy.

Our drinks came, then the food and the three of sat mostly quietly and ate, each wrapped up in our thoughts. It was a sad day for the three of us, going through Red's things, packing or locking them up.

The three of us felt a real loss.

Roz started, "Peter, are you OK alone tonight or do you want to sleep again with us? You are welcome to stay with us as long as you feel it's necessary. You had really rough the last few weeks and I don't want you experience those dreams like the ones you had after..."

"Thank you both. You are great friends but I think I'll be OK. Going have to deal with it sooner or later. Sooner is better, I think."

"OK, Peter but the offer stands. Any time, we have your back. Please promise us that if you have any issues sleeping that you will tell us. Please."

"Cindy, thank you. Yes I promise, but I think I'll be OK." But thinking not really and not for quite some time.

Roz piped up, "You know next week is New Years. What are we going to do?"