Chapter 53

Marge and Anne sat at the kitchen table drinking coffee. They waited for their husbands to finish showering so they could talk to them about going shopping. Don and Marc joined their wives at the table.

"We'd like you two to take us shopping this morning," Marge said.

"Where are we going?" Marc replied.

"Marge and I want to go to West Palm and get a few things for our trip," Anne said.

"Okay. Do you want to have breakfast first or eat at a restaurant?" Don said.

"Let's stop on the way," Marge said.

The two couples finished their coffee. They told Laura that they were going shopping and left. In the car, Marge and Anne chatted about the upcoming trip to North Carolina.

"How long will the trip take?" Anne said.

"According to Jeri, it's about six hundred miles from home to Jacksonville, North Carolina. She said it would take three days to make the trip. Jeri wants to leave on Tuesday so we have an extra day," Don said.

"I hope everyone can get the time off," Marge said.

"So do I, but if we need to, we can fly anyone that can't get the time off up to North Carolina," Don said.

Don stopped at a restaurant for breakfast. The two couples sat in a booth, enjoying their food. They left the restaurant and drove to the shopping district.

"We want to stop and see Ellen first," Marge said. She glanced at Anne and winked.

Don and Marc followed their wives into the shop. They all said hi to Ellen and then the two women started looking at the lingerie. Marge and Anne selected several matching bra and panty outfits and headed for the dressing rooms. Don and Marc stood outside, waiting.

"Come in and tell us what you think," Anne said.

Don and Marc opened the door to the dressing area. They whistled at the two women as they modeled the sexy lingerie.

"Now how do you two expect Don and me to keep our hands off you two?" Marc said.

Giggling, Marge said, "Who said we want you to keep your hands off us?"

Anne and Marge went into one of the dressing rooms. They changed into another outfit while Don and Marc watched. Once again, the two women paraded around in the skimpy underwear. Anne leaned over, wiggling her butt at her brother and husband. Laughing, Marge did the same thing.

"Are you two having fun?" Ellen said when she came into the room.

"You bet we are!" Don said. "Are you here to join these two?"

"As much as I'd like to, I have to wait on my customers." Ellen held up several hangers. "We just took on this line of micro bikinis. I thought we could get them for the trip."

Marge and Anne looked at the wisps of material and nodded. "We should get one of these for all the women," Anne said.

"That's what I was thinking. I ordered each of us a white one and a black one," Ellen said. "Try them on and see what you think."

Ellen gave Marge and Anne bikinis. She left to tend to her customers while the two women changed into the tiny suits. Don and Marc nodded approvingly when they modeled the bikinis.

"Damn, those things don't leave much to the imagination, do they?" Don said.

"Will you buy them for us?" Anne said.

"That's a silly question and you know it," Don replied.

Chuckling, Anne glanced at Marge. She sauntered over to her brother and kissed Don's cheek. Anne began rubbing Don's crotch as she leaned close to him. Marge moved over to Marc and started fondling him too.

"If I promise to give you a blowjob will you buy the shop for Marge and me?" Anne said to Don.

"What are you talking about," Don said. He glanced at Marc and smiled.

"Anne and I want you to buy this shop for us. You two have your projects and we want something to do," Marge said. She smiled at her brother and gave his penis a firm squeeze.

"We want to do this if you'll let us," Anne said.

"We can talk about this later," Don said. He gave his sister's bottom a smack and laughed.

Anne and Marge went to change. Don and Marc left the dressing room and walked around the shop. The two women came out of the dressing area with the items they wanted to buy. After placing the things on the counter, Marge and Anne continued shopping.

"Are you finding everything you want?" a women asked Marge and Anne.

"Yes, thank you. We're friends of Ellen," Marge said.

"I know, she told me. I'm Lucy; I work here with Ellen."

"It's nice to meet you, Lucy," Anne said. "How long have you worked here?"

"I've been here for ten years. Most of the women that work here have been here a long time. When I started, we only sold lingerie, but we've expanded our lines."

Ellen finished waiting on a woman and walked over to the other women. "The things I ordered for Trent came in this morning. Do you want to take them with you or do you want me to drop them off later?"

Don heard Ellen. He moved close and said, "Why don't you and Harry come over this evening? You can bring them with you then."

"Okay, I'll call Harry and let him know. What time?"

"Let's plan on dinner," Marge said.

"Harry and I will come over after dinner. I have to close tonight and my hubby is making dinner for me," Ellen said.

"Okay, we'll see you then," Anne said.

Lucy went to help a customer. Anne took her husband's hand and led him into the small room in the back corner of the store. She showed Marc the displays of adult toys and giggled. "See anything you like?"

"I didn't know they carried things like this," Marc said.

"Ellen said they have a few customers that buy these things. I guess there aren't many places selling adult toys in this area."

Marc laughed and said, "I think you have enough toys for now."

"I do. I just wanted to show you this area of the shop," Anne said.

Marc and Anne went out to find Don and Marge. Don stood in the center of the display area, looking around. Anne and Marge selected a few more items and then paid for the things they wanted. After telling Ellen they'd see her later, they left the shop. Don locked the bags in the trunk of the car and told everyone he wanted to walk around.

The two couples walked down the street looking at the other shops. Don and Marc went into a men's store to pick up a few things before they continued. They walked to a coffee shop and went inside.

"Let's sit outside," Don said after getting coffees for everyone.

They sat at one of the small tables in front of the coffee shop and watched the people walking by.

"What do you two have in mind for the shop? Do you just want to own it or are you planning to work there too?" Don said.

"Anne and I thought that we'd work," Marge said.

"We think it would be nice to have something to do while you two are jetting back and forth between here and Michigan. With the kids going back to school and their fishing, Marge and I don't have much to do," Anne said.

"Anne and I want to have Ellen as a partner just like we have Bob and Dianne as partners with the golf course."

"Marc and I will talk to Joel. If we can work out a good deal, I think we can do this," Don said.

Marge and Anne grinned. Little did they know that their husbands had already started looking into the shop. They asked Joel to check things out when they heard Ellen say that the shop was going on the market. Don instructed Joel to send the current owner a letter of intent so she would show Joel the books. Joel told Don and Marc that based on his cursory examination the shop was profitable. He informed the two men that he would have an accountant do a comprehensive audit. Both of the men agreed to have a little fun before they told their wives.

"You know this will cost you two, don't you?" Marc said.

Giggling, Marge and Anne nodded. "You know we'll be happy to pay the price," Marge said.

"We haven't told you what it will cost yet," Don said.

"We know, but we figure it will involve sex," Anne said with a chuckle.

Don and Marc laughed. "You two are much too willing," Marc said.

"Is that a problem?" Marge said.

"Hell no!" Don said.

They finished their coffee started walking again. Don glanced across the street at the lingerie shop as they passed it. He noticed the stores next to the shop and wondered if either of them would be available for expansion in the future.

"Are you two ready to go or is there something else you want to look for?" Don said.

"We're ready," Marge said.

Don put his and Marc's things in the trunk. Everyone got into the car and headed for home.

Jodie sat at the table in the back of the tackle shop with Sid and Jane. She grinned as she thought about her evening with Andy.

"What's got you so goofy looking this morning?" Sid said.

"I was just thinking about my date with Andy. We had a great time last night," Jodie said. "He took me to a neat little restaurant for garlic crab."

"If he took you to the place I think he did, you must have had a good meal," Jane said. "Sid and I love the Rustic."

"That's where we went. Tonight, Andy is making dinner for us at his house."

Sid smiled at his daughter. "I guess you like him then."

"Andy is very nice dad. We had a nice time getting to know each other last night. After we ate, we went for a walk on the beach."

"Sounds romantic," Jane said.

"It was very romantic. It's been a long time since I've done anything like that."

The buzzer sounded and Sid got up. He went out to take care of the customer that came in. While he was gone, Jodie stared into her coffee cup.

"Jane, do you think it's wrong that I don't feel guilty for going out with Andy?"

"No, I don't think it's wrong at all. I know that losing your husband must have been hard, but you can't dwell on it forever. It isn't good for you or Trent. Your son is very concerned about you, Jodie. He's talked to your father about it several times."

"What did Trent say?"

"I don't know. Sid didn't tell me what Trent said to him."

"I guess I should talk to him and let him know I'm fine."

"Hun, if he sees you looking as happy as you look right now, he'll know. Trent isn't blind."

"It shows?"

"If I were to guess, I'd say you and Andy had a very good time," Jane said and then she chuckled.

Jodie blushed. "We didn't do what you're thinking."

"Why not?" Jane said bluntly.

"I've only known him a few days and last night was our first date."

"So what? Look, I'm not suggesting you marry the man, but having a little fun is okay. You'll soon find out that when we get older, we don't have to go through the whole courting process."

"What would he think if I slept with him after just meeting him?" Jodie said.

Laughing, Jane said, "I guess that all depends on how good it was."

"You sound like my new friends. Is there something in the water down here?"

"Maybe your new friends are right, Jodie. Look, you're responsible for your happiness. No one can make you happy if you want to be a grump."

"I know I'm responsible for my happiness, Jane. I worry about how Trent will feel about it though. It hasn't been that long since Hal passed away."

"It's been long enough, Jodie. You have to decide if you want to have fun with life or mope around. I wouldn't be too concerned about what anyone thinks, including Trent. He has his own agenda now and her name is Kim."

Jodie chuckled and nodded her head. "Yes, I do believe you're right about that. That boy is head over heels for that girl."

"From what I can see, Trent is moving on with his life. He's very interested in fishing as well as his new friends."

"That's about all he talks about, isn't it?" Jodie said.

Jane smiled and nodded. Sid came back into the backroom with Andy right behind him.

"Hi, Andy. I didn't know you planned to stop by today," Jodie said.

"I didn't, but I was in the area so I decided to stop by and say hi."

"I'm glad you did. Would you like a cup of coffee?"

"Sure, but I can get it."

"Sit down and I'll get it for you." Jodie got up and went to the coffee pot to pour a cup for Andy.

"Thanks," Andy said taking the mug from Jodie. "I enjoyed myself last night."

"So did I. Have you decided what you're making me for dinner tonight?"

"Yes, but I'm not telling you."

Sid chuckled. "You two sound like love-struck teenagers!"

Jodie blushed and Andy laughed. She sat next to him, scooting her chair closer. "What are you doing for the rest of the day?" Jodie said.

"I have to run down to Miami and call on a few of my customers. After that, I have to start preparing dinner."

"I can drive to your house if it would be easier for you," Jodie said.

"It doesn't matter either way. I'd be happy to pick you up if you want me too."

The buzzer went off again. This time Jane went out to the shop with Sid. Jodie looked into Andy's eyes and grinned. She shocked him when she gave him a kiss.

"Have you found out if you can ride to North Carolina on the yacht?" Jodie said.

"I changed a few things so I could go. I have to work in a booth with the regional rep at the tournament, but I'll have time for us."

"What do you show in the booth?"

"We display our new rods and reels." Andy chuckled. "What did you think we showed?"

"I know, I guess I'm trying to make conversation," Jodie said.

"Don't feel you have to. I'm perfectly happy just sitting here looking at you."

"Will you tell me about your products so I can help my dad around here? I don't know much about rods and reels."

"Sure, I'll teach you all about the Shimano product line. That way you can sell more for me," Andy said with a smile.

Sid and Jane came back in to the back room. The four of them chatted for a little while and then Andy said he had to leave. Jodie walked him out to his car and gave him a hug.

"This is nice," Jodie said as she looked into the front seat of Andy's Suburban.

"Yeah, I use this for work so I can carry the things I show my customers."

Andy held the steering wheel and looked up at Jodie. She grinned, leaned over, and gave him a kiss. Andy kissed her back.

"Why don't you tell me how to get to your house and I'll come over when you're ready," Jodie said.

Andy nodded. He took out a pad of paper and wrote the directions to his house. Jodie watched him draw a map.

"What time should I come over?" Jodie said. She folded the paper and put it in the pocket of her shorts.

"I'll call you when I get back from Miami."

"Okay, I'll be here." Jodie gave Andy another kiss before closing his door.

Jodie waved as Andy pulled away. She walked back into the tackle shop, humming to herself.

For the remainder of the morning, Jodie helped customers, but her thoughts were elsewhere. She thought about the things Jane said earlier and decided that maybe she was right. If Andy wanted to take the relationship further, she was more than willing.

At lunch, Trent came to the shop to eat with his mom, Sid, and Jane. He talked nonstop about fishing for tuna the next day.

"Trent, can I talk to you for a few minutes," Jodie said after she and the others finished eating.

"What's up, Mom?"

"I wanted to let you know that I'm going out with Andy again tonight," Jodie said.

"That's cool. I'm staying on the boat tonight."

Jodie chuckled. "Yes, I remember that you're staying on the boat tonight. So, you're not upset with me for dating Andy then."

"Heck no, why would I be? I told you that I thought it was cool when you told me last time. I probably won't be back until late tomorrow."

"I figured as much. You kids be careful and have a good time," Jodie said.

Trent and Jodie went back into the shop. She felt relieved that Trent accepted her dating Andy.

"I'm going to head over to Kim's house. We're changing the oil on the boat today," Trent said.

"Okay, Trent. You remember what I said about being careful," Jodie said.

"I will, Mom. I'm taking a few things to keep on the boat. I'll see you tomorrow night," Trent said.

Jodie gave her son a hug. He left the shop and drove to Kim's house.

"Jodie, Andy's on the phone," Jane said.

"Thanks," Jodie said as she took the receiver from Jane.

"Hey there, did you finish your stops?" Jodie said.

"Yes I did. I'm heading home and I should be there in an hour," Andy replied.

"Okay, I'll see you in an hour or so then."

Andy and Jodie chatted for a moment. She hung up and went to tell her dad and Jane she was leaving so she could get ready.

"Take an overnight bag with you. Who knows, you may end up spending the night," Jane said.

Jodie grinned and nodded. She knew that saying anything contrary to what Jane told her would be fruitless.

At home, Jane took a shower. She shaved her legs and then she shaved her vulva. Giggling as she thought about the other women when she went skinny dipping, she trimmed her moms into a neat triangle.

Jodie took extra care fixing her hair and applying her makeup. She thought about what Jane said and put together a small bag with clean underwear and a change of clothes. She packed her two-piece bathing suit and a few toiletries. As it came closer to the time she would leave, Jodie felt nervous.

Sitting in the living room and watching the clock, Jodie thought about what lay ahead. She didn't know if Andy was interested in more than a close friendship, but she hoped he was. If the kisses and caresses they shared on the beach were an indication, she was sure that he wanted the same things she did. Jodie felt starved for a man's affection and hoped that Andy would fill her needs.

Jodie got up, grabbed her bag, and left the house. Her nervousness increased as she drove toward Andy's house. Following the map, she found his street. Jodie drove very slowly and looked for the address.

Pulling into Andy's driveway, Jodie took a deep breath. She got out of the car, grabbed her bag, and walked to the porch. Andy opened the front door a moment after she rang the bell.

"Hi, there!" Andy said holding the door open for Jodie. "Come in."

Jodie walked past Andy and gazed around the living room. Andy came up behind her, put his arm around her waist, and turned Jodie to face him.

"I wasn't sure you'd come," Andy said. He gave her a quick kiss. "I'm very happy you did."

"Why did you think that I wouldn't come?"

"I don't know. I'm just nervous I guess."

Chuckling, Jodie said, "You too?"

"Put your bag down and I'll show you around."

Jodie put her bag on the floor. She followed Andy through the house, listening to him talk about each room. When he showed her the master bedroom, he shuffled his feet nervously.

"You have a nice house, Andy."

"Thanks. You're one of the few visitors I've had here."

"Have you lived here long?"

"I bought the house eight years ago. Would you like something to drink?"

Jodie nodded. She and Andy went to the kitchen and he asked what she'd like.

"I'll have whatever you're having," Jodie said.

Andy opened the refrigerator and took out two bottles of beer. He held them up, smiling when Jodie nodded.

"Come with me. I'll show you the yard," Andy said.

Jodie and Andy went outside. She looked at the pool and then noticed that a tall wooden fence enclosed the backyard. Taking her hand, Andy led Jodie to the seawall.

"This is my boat. Would you like to see her?" Andy said.

"Sure, but how do you get on it?"

Chuckling, Andy pushed a button that lowered the boat to the water. He stopped the lift when the gunwale was level with the seawall. Stepping on board, Andy offered Jodie his hand.

"Well, what do you think?" Andy said.

"It's nice, Andy. I don't know much about boats."

"This boat is designed for fishing. She's wide open so you can move around the deck."

"What do you do if you have to go to the bathroom?" Jodie said as she snickered.

"I just stand close to the side of the boat," Andy replied and he too chuckled. "Let me show you the cutty cabin."

Andy took Jodie to the front of the center console. He opened a hatch and showed her the steps leading below. Jodie moved past Andy and went down the steps. He followed her and began showing her the small galley, the bunk, and the head.

"It isn't designed for a long trip, but this is good for getting out of the weather."

"I think it's cute. Do you get out much?"

"No, as I said last night, I don't get out often."

"Will you take me out one of these days? You can teach me how to fish," Jodie said.

"Sure, we can go out."

Jodie and Andy went up to the deck. He told her about the twin outboard motors and showed her the rod lockers. Jodie listened, hearing the excitement in Andy's voice.

They left the boat and Andy raised it again. He took Jodie's hand again, holding it as they walked back to the patio. They sat at the table, enjoying the hot afternoon.

"Are you going to tell me what you're making for dinner now?" Jodie said.

"I'm doing pork tenderloin on the grill. Are you hungry?"

"Not right now."

"Would you like to change into your suit and go for a swim?" Andy said.

"Sure, that would be nice."

Jodie grabbed her bag and followed Andy to the master bedroom. He told her she could change in there and that he'd change when she finished. Andy closed the door and waited in the hallway. Jodie stripped and put on her suit. As she adjusted it, she wished she owned something a little sexier.

Andy smiled when Jodie came out of the bedroom. She blushed, and said, "I forgot my cover up."

Chuckling, Andy said, "I'm glad you did. I'll be out in a minute."

Jodie went to the kitchen to wait for Andy. She noticed that like the rest of the house and the boat, the kitchen looked spotless.

Andy came into the kitchen wearing a pair of trunks. He and Jodie went outside and sat in the sun for a few minutes. They sipped their cold beers and talked. Andy told Jodie that the friend he used to fish with moved away a year ago and that he didn't like fishing alone.

Jodie got up and walked to the edge of the pool. She turned to look at Andy, smiled, and jumped into the water. Andy watched her for a moment before he jumped in with her.

Andy swam over to Jodie. He stood in front of her for a moment and then put his arms around her. She circled his neck with her arms and met his kiss. They held each other as they pressed their mouths together. Andy leaned his head back so he could gaze into Jodie's eyes. They shared smiles and then moved apart. Andy and Jodie swam and relaxed in the pool for a little while and then climbed out. He handed her a towel and grabbed one for himself.

Jodie placed her towel on a chair and sat down. She watched Andy drying himself, smiling at him when he looked at her. He went into the house and returned with two beers.

"That was refreshing," Jodie said.

"I try to swim every morning that I'm in town to keep in shape."

"It's working," Jodie said.

Andy chuckled. "Should I start dinner?"

"Sure, I'm getting hungry."

Andy started the grill and went into the house. Jodie sat in the sun, smiling as she thought about Andy's strong arms around her while they were in the pool. Jane's comments came to her and Jodie chuckled to herself.

Jodie watched Andy place the meat on the grill. She got up and went over to watch him cook.

"That looks good," Jodie said.

"I hope it turns out. I season the tenderloin with fresh garlic, pepper, and a little curry."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"You can set the table. If you'd like, we can eat on the patio. The dishes are on the counter," Andy said.

Jodie went to find the dishes. She set the table, placing the settings so she would sit next to Andy instead of across from him.

"I think I found everything," Jodie said as she stood next to Andy. She put her arm around his waist and moved closer.

Andy put his arm around Jodie, letting his hand rest on her hip. With his other hand, he used tongs to flip the meat. They stood side by side, with their sides touching. He seared the meat and closed the hood.

"I have to finish the salad and heat the vegetables," Andy said. "The meat takes about twenty minutes."

Jodie turned to face Andy. She leaned against his chest, sighing as he hugged her to him. They kissed each other, moved apart, and went into the house. Jodie sat at the counter watching Andy mix the fresh greens for the salad. He put a pot of water on the stove and placed three ears of sweet corn in the water.

"It's nice to be able to cook for more than myself," Andy said. He stood across the counter from Jodie.

"One of these days I'll cook for you," Jodie said. She smiled as she wished it would be breakfast.

Andy asked Jodie about Iowa. She told him about the harsh winters and snowstorms she'd endured over the years. Jodie also told him that she wasn't going to miss the cold weather.

"Trent's car is very nice," Andy said.

"That boy spent almost every spare minute working on his car. He and his father worked on it almost every day. When Hal got sick, I thought the project would end, but Trent finished it."

"He appears to be a good kid."

"There were a couple of years that he messed up. After his father died, Trent started acting out. He hung around with the wrong group and started smoking. I became so worried that I asked my dad if I could move back to Florida."

"Is he still smoking?"

Jodie laughed. "No. He found out that Kim and the other kids didn't like smoking and he quit."

"It's funny how a girl can make a boy change."

"I think that goes both ways, Andy. When two people like one another, they will make some changes. The hard part is not losing your own identity." Jodie ran her fingers through her damp auburn hair.

"That was the big problem between my ex wife and me. I was willing to compromise, but she wanted to make me something I wasn't. She was into the club scene and wanted to go every weekend. I'm more of a homebody. I like going out, but not as much as she did. We ended our marriage when she started using sex to get what she wanted."

Andy walked toward the sliding door-wall. "I have to turn the meat."

Jodie went outside with Andy. She sat on a lounge, picked up her beer, and took a drink from the bottle. As she watched Andy, she thought her marriage. Hal was a wonderful, caring husband and a great father, but lacked passion when it came to sex. While they did make love, it was always the same.

"We're ready to eat," Andy said. He removed the pork tenderloin from the grill, placing it on a platter.

Jodie went inside to get the salad. Andy carved the meat into thick slices and then took the corn from the pot. They sat at the patio table, enjoying their meal. Jodie complemented Andy several times.

"I can't eat another bite. That was great," Jodie said.

"You relax for a few minutes. I'm going to take care of the dishes."

Jodie got up to help Andy. They carried the dirty dishes and leftover food into the kitchen. She rinsed the dishes while Andy put the leftovers into containers.

"Would you like a cup of coffee and an after dinner drink?" Andy said.

"I will if you're having one."

Andy ground the coffee and started the coffee maker. He took a bottle of cognac from a cabinet and showed it to Jodie. She shrugged her shoulders, telling him she'd never tried it before.

Andy poured the brandy into two snifters. He waited for the coffee maker to finish and then filled two mugs. Picking up the mugs, Andy walked to the living room. Jodie picked up their drinks and followed him. He turned on his stereo and then sat next to Jodie on the leather couch.

Jodie watched Andy swirl his brandy in the odd shaped glass. He inhaled the fragrance and then took a sip. Jodie sniffed the liquor and tasted it.

"Mmmm, this is good," Jodie said. "It makes me feel warm inside."

"I enjoy a cognac once in a while. It seems to be the perfect finish for a nice dinner." Andy hoisted his glass toward Jodie. She smiled and tapped her glass against his. "Here's to friendship," Andy said.

Jodie nodded and took another sip. In her mind, she wondered if friendship was all that Andy wanted. That thought faded when Andy took her brandy and placed it on the coffee table. He took her in his arms and kissed her.

Andy and Jodie held their kiss for several moments. She squirmed against him, trying to get closer. Andy broke the kiss, slipped his arm under her legs, and placed Jodie on his lap. She wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him again.

Jodie moaned into Andy's mouth as he stroked her sensitive flesh with his strong hands. She felt his penis against her thigh and knew he was as excited as she was. One of his hands moved up her side and then covered her breast. Jodie sucked Andy's tongue and pressed her chest into his hand. A moment later, he eased the strap of her bathing suit down her arm. Jodie waited impatiently for the feeling of his hand on her bare breast.