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https://www.literotica.com/s/grace-ch-01-1
*****
"Something came for you in the mail, Gracie."
I look up at Nicole, her square face stuffed with cereal. She's pointing at the coffee table with her spoon and chewing in a way I'd find annoying if she weren't so pretty and if I weren't so interested in what could have arrived for me. I didn't order anything.
I sit on the couch and place the small cardboard box on my lap. The label reads "Dear Grace" with my address underneath.
Richard. This must be from him. I know it. And I also know that I can not open this in front of Nicole.
"What's in the package?" she interrupts my thoughts, almost on cue.
I fidget and struggle to find a lie but I'm too slow and she is standing over my shoulder reading.
"Oh Dear Grace, how formal!" She exclaims, "Did your almost date send you this?"
"No! I mean, I don't-"
"Open it!" she demands.
I acquiesce but my hands shake with anticipation and fear for what Nicole will see. I hold my breath and start picking at the tape.
I let out what must be the biggest sigh of relief of my life when I see that the box is just full of tattoo care supplies: ointment, lotion, soap, and sunscreen. I smile as I set them out on the coffee table. The products look expensive and, judging by the quality of the studio I was at last night, they probably are.
"What's this?" asks Nicole, grabbing something from the box. She produces a long strip made of red, braided leather and attached with snap.
It looks undeniably sexy and reminds me of Kathy's collar. Would Richard really send me a collar in the mail? And now it's in Nicole's hands. Oh what will she think of me, now. This entire thing is getting way too out of control. Nicole grabs my hand gently and wraps the leather, doubling it around it around my right wrist.
"This is all tattoo stuff," she says, "So obviously he thought this would accent your tattoo."
A bracelet. Of course. I adore Nicole's innocent logic and how ready and willing she always is to support me. Why do I ever feel the need to hide anything at all from such a loyal friend?
I stare at my wrist, wrapped in Nicole's long, tan hands and realize that she is right. The red leather is the perfect fiery base for my rising phoenix. I feel overwhelmed with the thoughtfulness of the gift and with the support from Nicole and feel my eyes get teary.
Nicole is a step ahead of me and wipes my cheek before my tears have a chance to fall.