Eleanors Birthday Gift

"Do you want a cookie? I baked some this morning."

"Thank you, Grandma, -- I do." said the woman.

She loved visiting her grandmother's house. The yellow and white Craftsman style home with its picket fence and gardens looked like something out of a magazine - a stereotype, but true. Inside it was crammed with her grandmother's artwork. Paintings and drawings and quilts -- even some paintings directly on the walls -- mostly flowers. Lillian thought this busy gaiety was a tremendous reflection of her grandmother's personality. On top of all of that (sometimes literally) were dozens -- maybe hundreds - of photos of family members -- going back for generations and new babies from this year.

"Grandma -- we've got to plan for your birthday - you'll be 90 and we need to do something special."

"Well, your mother has invited everyone to her place -- she's got plenty of room, that big outdoor kitchen, and the pool." said Eleanor, "She's having it catered and has hired a service crew so we can all relax and enjoy the party."

"Yes, but grandma, what do you want for your birthday?"

"Seeing all of you is enough -- you can see I've got plenty of stuff already, I don't need any more."

"But grandma," said Lillian "you'll be 90, we should really get you something special."

"Lily, do you want to know what I'd really like?" asked Eleanor.

"What?" asked Lillian.

"I want a man," said Eleanor, "a real man to make love to me and hold me and make me sparkle."

Lillian nearly spluttered out her coffee, "Grandma!" she exclaimed, "What did you say?"

"You heard me, I want a man to make love with -- well maybe not love, but a buck to fuck."

"I've never heard you talk like that. Are you crazy?" exclaimed Lillian.

"You're the only one I can talk to about this," said Eleanor. "I want to feel the touch of a man -- the smell of him, the scratch of his whiskers, the weight of his body on mine, the fullness of him inside me -- I want it all. Can you make that happen?"

"Grandma, I don't know." said Lillian.

"Lily, I haven't been with a man since your grandfather died -- I've worn out a dozen vibrators since, but they aren't the same."

"Too much information Grandma!! -- TMI!"

"Lily, won't you try? It will be our little secret."

Lillian did have some understanding of her grandmother's need. Her own husband had dropped dead of a heart attack two years before, and here she was, 42 years old and single. She had been especially lonely for physical contact since she sent her daughter to college this past fall. Who should she consider and how could she arrange it?

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Marc was nearly finished with his work for the day -- he just had a couple of things to drop off in the mail room and then he'd be on his way. As he went, he passed by Lillian's desk. Beautiful Lillian, with her long dark hair, pretty face, and a very handsome build. Marc had thought of asking her out numerous times, but hadn't. He knew a couple of other colleagues had approached her for a date and she had kindly let them know that she wasn't ready. Marc hoped the time would come someday. In addition to her looks, Lillian was smart and skillful. He enjoyed working with her when they were assigned together on projects -- she was a great team member -- but always strictly professional.

Lillian watched Marc approach her desk as he was walking to the mail room. Marc was easily the nicest looking man in the office with his slightly greying hair, fit body -- and, his most important asset, Lillian thought, his sparkling eyes that always seemed to be on the cusp of saying something humorous. Forty-five years old, divorced for about 3 years, friendly -- but never crossing any professional lines, he was a genuinely nice guy. Lillian had been thinking when she was ready to date again, Marc would be the first person she'd want to know. Maybe now was the time.

"Marc," she said, "do you have a minute?"

"Sure Lillian," he said, "what can I do for you?"

"I have an idea I'd like to talk with you about -- but not at work." she said.

"OK" he said, "what do you want to do?"

"Do you like picnics?" she asked, "I was wondering if you'd like to go on a picnic with me Friday after work."

"Absolutely!" he exclaimed, "I'd love to go on a picnic with you. Can I bring something?"

"No, I've got it all planned -- you could bring some wine if you like."

"White or red?" he asked.

"White would probably go best with what I've planned, but either would be fine so long as it isn't sweet," she said, "I don't like sweet wines."

"I'll be happy to do that," he said, "I'm thinking of a New Zealand sauvignon blanc -- does that sound good?"

"Perfect" she said.

"If there's anything else I can bring?" he asked, "Let me know, I'm really looking forward to this."

"Me too." said Lillian -- but wondering how he would respond when he found out the real reason for the picnic. Yet, she was also glad the situation had come up. She might never have approached him otherwise.

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Friday finally came -- and the end of the day finally came. Both Lillian and Marc had been distracted all day. When five-o'clock rolled around, Lillian went to the restroom and changed from her skirt into some nice-fitting jeans and a sleeveless blouse. She switched her office flats for a pair of cross trainers. Marc had dressed a bit casual for the day, so rather than a suit he'd worn chinos with a sport coat. Change to his running shoes and off with the jacket and tie and he was ready.

"Do you know where the Hilltop Path is at the Metro Park?" Lillian asked as they were walking out the door.

"I've seen the sign for the trailhead, but I've never been up there." said Marc.

"Well, I grew up here, so I know it well. We can take my car if you like -- I've got it already packed, or we can each go in our own car." she said.

"I have the wine in a cooler in my trunk," he said, "let me get that and we can ride together."

"Sounds good," she said.

The drive to the trailhead parking lot was only about 10 minutes. Lillian opened the trunk and lifted out a picnic basket. From a cooler she transferred some cheeses and cut up fruit, then they walked up the path. They came to a clearing at the top with some benches and a beautiful view of the town and the valley beyond. They had the area to themselves; the late summer breeze felt refreshing after their hike.

"What do you like?" asked Lillian, "Do you want me to fix up a plate of this while you open the wine?"

"Sounds fine to me," agreed Marc, "I'm glad it has a screw cap -- I forgot an opener."

They shared the plate and sipped the wine -- making small talk and getting to know each other's informal side and enjoying the peaceful evening. Lillian was unsure how to bring up the purpose for the outing, finally she blurted out, "What do you think about sex?"

"I'm in favor of it," he said -- looking startled, "but that's a funny way to start out -- don't you want to kiss me first?"

"No, not with me, with my grandmother." she said. Marc simply stared -- mouth open, cracker in hand -- immobile -- wondering where in the world this was coming from.

"Is this a joke?" he finally asked.

Lillian went on to explain about her grandmother's request.

"Is she senile or just crazy?" asked Marc.

"No, she's sharp as a tack," said Lillian, "although she's always been a character and a half. I would be there to be sure everything's alright."

"A threesome with your grandmother?" asked Marc.

"No, no, just in case something happens, I want to be close by. I don't want her to get hurt. You are the nicest man I know and the only person I could think of who might be right for this. I'm sorry if I led you on, please forgive me."

"Lillian, I've liked you for a long time -- I'm glad to spend time with you and get to know you, but I never in my wildest dreams expected this." Said Marc.

"Think about it." said Lillian.

"I don't know,' said Marc, "it seems pretty weird."

"Please think about it," said Lillian, "I can't think of anyone else to ask. You are kind and thoughtful, and, I have to admit, you're a hunk!! I think you're handsome and I'm sure my grandma will as well."

"Lillian, I'd like to go out with you. That's what I thought this picnic was about -- you and I getting to..... I don't know -- start a relationship. If you'll think about that, I'll think about your proposal -- or, or... proposition."

"Marc, I've already thought about that." Said Lillian, "I haven't been ready to start dating before now, but I've always thought that when I was ready, you'd be the first person I'd let know. I think I'm ready" she said.

"I'll think about it." said Marc.

Two days later he stopped by her desk, "If I'm going to do this, I'm going to do it right," he said, "you have to help me -- I've got a lot of questions."

"Like what?"

"Well, what's her favorite color? What's her favorite flower? What kind of things does she like to do? and so on," he said.

"OK," she said, "I'm happy to help you with that -- thank you so much!"

"When do we do this?" he asked.

"Sometime this week," she said, "her birthday party is Sunday afternoon and it might be good to do it before then."

"That isn't much time for what I have planned, but I will do my best." He said, "How about Friday?"

"I think that'll work, I'm going to see if I can take an afternoon off to help her get ready," she said.

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"Grandma, we've got to go shopping," Lillian said.

"What for?" Eleanor asked.

"A pretty dress and maybe some other things," Lillian said.

"Lily! Did you find my present?"

"Yes, he's a very nice man from my office -- and VERY handsome," Lillian said.

They went to the mall and found a beautiful wrap dress -- yellow, Eleanor's favorite color, and some pretty shoes to match. After that, Lillian stopped at a lingerie shop for some lacy underthings.

"My granddaughter has fixed me up with a date," Eleanor stage whispered, to the clerk. "I need to be pretty from the inside out -- you never know where the show will go, and he's a hunk!"

The sales clerk managed (barely) to keep a straight face -- picturing someone with oxygen and a walker. If only she knew.

Shopping done -- Lillian said, "Grandma - we need to talk about protection."

"No we don't -- if I get pregnant it'll be a medical miracle, and I'm not worried about the other stuff."

"Well I am -- how would we explain it? I'll talk with Marc," Lillian said.

Marc made a face, then chuckled, then agreed -- he wasn't worried. Lillian already knew where to send him.

Lillian left work early Friday afternoon. She took her grandmother to a spa/salon where she got the full treatment -- massage, pedicure, manicure, facial, and hair styling. When they got back to the house, Eleanor took a long lavender-scented bath.

Marc also left work a bit early -- he had to make final arrangements and pick up a couple things. Eleanor wasn't quite ready when he arrived, but Lillian invited him in. He was dressed very dapper with a close-fitting silver-grey suit, white shirt, and a bright yellow tie. He was carrying a bouquet of flowers. Lillian was wearing a floral-print dress -- it looked soft and lovely to Marc. While they were waiting, Marc took in the artwork and the photos.

"This is all my grandmother's work," she said. "She's quite an artist."

"Is this her wedding photo?" Marc asked. "They were a beautiful couple -- I can see where you get your looks."

"Yes," said Eleanor, walking in, "that's me and Kent - didn't he look handsome in his uniform? We met at a USO dance. He was shipping out to Korea soon -- there was a war going on. We fell in love right away and on impulse decided to get married. Our parents were against it, of course, but we got married anyway. I didn't have time to get a dress - that one was my cousin's. Kent nearly froze to death in Korea. They sent him home -- but four of his toes stayed there. He walked with a limp the rest of his life. He was my dream lover and I still miss him. Pardon me, I can go on and on. LILY, WHO IS THIS HANDSOME MAN??!!"

"Grandma, this is Marc, he's the nicest man I know," said Lillian.

"And the most handsome!" exclaimed Eleanor, "Lily -- you did real good!"

"Marc," said Lillian, "this 'schoolgirl' (air quotes) who's ogling you is my grandmother, Eleanor."

"Pleased to meet you," said Marc "Lillian has told me a lot about you. I brought you flowers."

"Yellow roses, my favorite!" said Eleanor, burying her face into the bouquet. "They smell wonderful."

"Eleanor, you look beautiful -- I can see where Lillian gets her looks -- and that dress -- the color looks so good on you, and Lillian, you are beautiful as well -- I'm a lucky guy to be able to take both of you out for an evening."

"Thank you young man," Eleanor said. "You are easy on the eyes too!"

"We have dinner reservations in about half an hour, maybe we should be going," Marc said.

As they exited the house, Eleanor exclaimed, "Look at that car!! Are we going to ride in that?'

"Yes," said Marc, "It's a 1959 Ford Galaxis Starliner, we're going to travel in style."

Marc opened the passenger side door, Lillian started to go to the back seat, but Eleanor stopped her "This car is big, we can all sit in the front -- but I GET TO SIT NEXT TO MARC!"

Eleanor got in and Lillian followed. Marc got in the driver's side, "Look Lily," said Eleanor, "I'm next to this hunk -- ooooooooooh!"

"Here's the best part." Marc said as he started the car. He pushed a button on the dash and the whole roof of the car began moving up and then back to the trunk which had opened automatically.

"Is this yours?" Eleanor asked.

"No," said Marc, "it's rented, I wanted everything to be special for you tonight. Lillian told me about your husband's convertible and how they loved riding in it as kids - I thought you'd enjoy it."

"But," said Lillian, "she just got her hair done and it will mess it up."

"Damn the messing up!" said Eleanor "my hair will get messed up later - I hope -- and this sounds fun. Let's get going."

"Where are we going?" asked Lillian.

"It's called The Piper's Kitchen." said Marc, "It used to be a pipe organ store -- they built the building around a massive pipe organ and when they went out of business, the organ stayed. It's a restaurant now with live music on the weekends. I've wanted to go there for a long time and this seemed like the perfect excuse."

The restaurant interior was ornate -- in a late 19th century sort of way. It reminded Lillian of an old theater of the same era. In the middle was a HUGE pipe organ with an organist playing on a raised platform and bantering with the guests.

Marc ordered the salmon, Lillian had whitefish, and Eleanor had prime rib -- which she thoroughly enjoyed. As they finished their meal, they heard the organist announce, "Marc and Eleanor, come onto the dance floor, Marc and Eleanor."

As they moved toward the dance floor, the organist continued, "I'm told this lady is celebrating an important milestone birthday -- one that ends with a zero, but I won't tell you the first number."

"I'll be 90!" shouted Eleanor.

"Well, Eleanor, I understand your favorite song is 'In the Mood' by Glen Miller. I've had a special request to play it in your honor -- AND AWAY WE GO!"

Marc and Eleanor moved onto the dance floor -- after a bit of a slow start, they started to really move -- and the applause started. "Wow, that couple can really dance!" said the organist as the song was ending and the applause started again.

"Now a slow dance to help everyone get 'in the mood' (air quotes). Join Marc and Eleanor on the dance floor as I play 'Stardust' by Hoagy Carmichael," and many couples did just as he asked.

As they walked back to the table, Eleanor said, "I'm done dancing, I want to save some energy for later, but you should dance with Lily, I think she'd like that."

"Here's a romantic one," announced the organist, "Twilight Time,' made famous by the late great Nat King Cole."

"Lillian, would you like to dance?" asked Marc.

Lillian and Marc made their way to the dance floor and began dancing -- gaining a bit more comfort with each other. Soon their bodies were touching and Lillian rested her head on Marc's shoulder.

"Thank you for doing this." she said.

"My pleasure, I told you that I wanted to make your grandmother feel special, like a fancy date. I really didn't want to just show up and act like a gigolo."

"Well, thank you so much -- I think she's really enjoying herself."

Marc and Lillian danced even closer -- the two bodies melting into each other as the music continued on.

------- Later -----------

Eleanor could hardly wait as they came in the door to her house. She had been cuddling Marc all the way home. As soon as they were inside, she swirled around and kissed Marc on the lips, then grabbed his ass cheeks and pulled him to her.

"Grandma!!" Lillian exclaimed, "Get a room! I'm going to stay here to be sure you're alright, but I don't want to watch."

"Well Marc -- we've received our marching orders - let's go to my room." said Eleanor as she pulled him down the hallway toward her bedroom, "Do you do cunnilingus? I've never had that but it sounds wonderful."

"TMI Grandma, TMI!"

Lillian had planned to sleep in the spare bedroom, but the 'horizontal Mambo' sounds kept her awake. At one point she heard her grandmother cry out and peeked in the doorway to be sure she was OK -- and from what she saw, she knew it was a cry of pleasure, not pain. Marc was thrusting hard as Lily looked in and she watched his ass as he pumped. She was chagrined to realize that seeing Marc with her grandmother caused a twinkle in her lady bits. She laid down on couch, but still thinking about Marc's ass pistoning, she moved her right hand to her crotch as she fell asleep. Later, she heard her grandmother say "Oh Kent!! Love me like you always did!!"

Lillian woke to the sound of activity in the kitchen -- It was fully light. She was wearing summer-weight pajamas that had seemed modest to her when she packed them, but she soon realized that Marc could clearly see her nipples poke out of the satiny fabric -- which made them stand out even further. He was barefoot wearing his suit pants and an undershirt. He plainly hadn't shaved and Lillian thought he looked even more ruggedly handsome with the stubble. Lillian moved into his space, put her arms around him, and kissed him. The thin material of her pajamas hid nothing of her body. Marc could feel that there was no bra or panties underneath and only the thin layers of fabric separated them from each other. Marc reached around her and squeezed her ass cheeks -- pulling her in tight. Lillian became aware of his growing arousal and ground herself into him before breaking the hug.

"That's a very nice 'good morning," smiled Marc.

"Yes," said Lillian -- her voice breathless.

The kitchen island was covered with small plates with things like chopped onion, sliced mushrooms, crumbled bacon, grated cheese, diced ham, sliced strawberries, grapes, melon balls, and more.

"Would you like some coffee?" He asked "I'm prepping for omelets and a fruit salad -- one of my favorite breakfasts and everyone can have it customized to their own taste. Your grandmother has a well-stocked kitchen. I see some lovely sourdough bread that should make delicious toast."

"A man who can cook as well as dance -- where have you been all of my life?" exclaimed Lillian.

"This isn't really cooking, it's just putting stuff together -- what would you like?" asked Marc

Lillian had bacon, tomato, and blue cheese, Marc had pepperoni, onion, and green pepper with a little bit of salsa on the top. Eleanor joined them later -- she looked tired and ruffled, but she was smiling - "Oh what a beautiful morning!" she said, "But I'm going to need all day to recover!"