Chapter 1

This true story describes a moment in time (Spring 1984 when Leigh was 21) and is about the further evolution of Leigh’s and my sex life. Though it is not necessary to read the previous installments to enjoy this story, at least reading “The Hike” will help with the context of this story.

The descriptions of the people in the story are accurate for the time however, their names have been changed to protect the innocent. Understand that like all works “Based on a True Story”, there may be some artistic license taken.

Both Leigh and I were running on fumes, the kind of bone-deep fatigue that made every thought feel sluggish and every movement deliberate. The last few weeks had been a relentless grind ... tests, projects demanding late-night marathons, and an ever-present pressure to get through the semester gnawing at the edges of our patience. We needed an escape, not just a breather, but something to reset our minds before finals dragged us back into the trenches.

“Why don’t we head down to Galveston for the weekend?” I said, leaning back in my chair with a grin that came from imagining Leigh in a skimpy bikini. “The beach always relaxes you.”

Leigh’s face lit up instantly, the weariness in her green eyes softening, “That sounds wonderful,” she said, her voice already carrying a hint of relief. “Do you think it’s too late to get a room at the Galvez?”

She loved the timeless elegance of the old hotel which had been the destination of the Texas wealthy since the early twentieth century. Assuring her I responded, “They should have rooms. After all, it’s off-season.”

And just like that, our little vacation was decided. No endless itineraries, no overplanning; just a quick pack-and-go. We would toss our bags into the trunk of my Mustang right after our last class on Friday, point the car south, and leave. By the time the sun was setting, we’d be rolling into Galveston, with the first neon flickers from the Seawall’s nightlife summoning us to let go.

We’d check in, freshen up, and still have plenty of time to slip into the clubs just as the music swelled and the real weekend energy began to crackle.

I met Leigh at her dorm right after my last class. Both of us had packed most of our things the night before, so it only took a few last-minute tosses of essentials into our bags before we were ready to roll.

Leigh spotted me pulling up and came striding out the entrance, the mid-afternoon sun spilling gold across her. She had dressed comfortably for the drive, but comfort never dulled her allure. She wore a pair of khaki walking shorts that showed off her long, toned legs, a simple white T-shirt tucked neatly at the waist, and sandals that clicked softly on the pavement. Her long jet-black hair was gathered into a sleek ponytail that shimmered like silk down her back, almost to her waist. A faint sheen of makeup highlighted her striking green eyes, making them shimmer like gemstones in the light.

Even with her outfit’s casual simplicity, there was no denying the charged sensuality she carried effortlessly. The thin cotton of her shirt left little to the imagination, and I quickly noticed the delicate outlines of her nipples pressing against the fabric. Her natural sway and bounce as she crossed the walk toward me only heightened the effect.

She leaned in, kissed me lightly, and handed me her overnight bag. With a grin, I tossed it into the trunk of my pride and joy, a restored ‘69 Mustang convertible. We climbed in and we were off.

The weather was perfect, clear blue skies stretched endlessly overhead, so before merging onto I-45 I dropped the Mustang’s top. The wind rushed through carrying the warm scent of spring grass and faint whiffs of blooming wildflowers. The deep growl of the engine reverberated through the seats as I accelerated southward, the wide Texas highway unfurling ahead of us like a ribbon.

Leigh nestled against me, slipping her hands lightly around my upper arm. Her touch was soft but purposeful, and when she tilted her head up, her green eyes danced with something more than playfulness. “I brought some clothes to help me explore what I learned about myself when we went camping last month,” she said, giving my bicep a teasing squeeze. Her lips curled into a smile as she added, “I want to feel like that again.”