A change in direction for Jamie.
~ ~ ~
Janet looked up at me from her desk, asking if I had a nice weekend. I just smiled, and she got up and followed me into my office. She closed and locked the door, sat in the chair in front of my desk and demanded,
"Alright, spill, Jamie!"
I told her all about my weekend romp with 'Sherri with an i', and I could see the concern in her eyes. She asked,
"Do you love her Jamie?"
"No! She's just a kid!" I answered, "It was just something that happened, but I don't see being with her anymore."
"D-Do you love ... m-me?"
"That's a rather complicated question, Janet!"
"Really Jamie, how so?"
"Well, you supported my exploring some freedom, and then withdrew that support. You found a boyfriend throwing your dates with him in my face. Then you insisted that I set you up with another man while we were on a date, and then you accepted a date with him right in front of me ... were you trying to break my heart? I don't even know that you are not still seeing little Mr. what's-his-name? You have been very cool to me at work for a while, with no explanation. So, I would ask you Janet; do you love me?"
"Yes, I do, actually! I have for a long time, Jamie. I took the initiative to give myself to you, and that's something I don't do capriciously ... I'm not a slut, Jamie! But I thought you were throwing your new freedom in my face a little and I was just protecting myself."
"Well, I'll bet we can still get you a date on Tom's friend's yacht!" I said with an edge to my voice.
"That's unfair, Jamie, and I already thanked you and Kim for that, it was just some dates to make your jealous!"
"Did you let him make love to you on those dates?"
"Um, yeah ... you know I did!" She looked down, and started to tear-up a little.
"And with your other dates?"
"Uh-huh, those too!"
"Okay, Janet, let's cut to the chase; what about right now? Right at this moment, what are your feelings?"
"I do love you, Jamie but it hurts me to see you going out with other girls. So, you have to tell me when enough if enough! I won't wait for you forever; I am a young and vibrant woman, Jamie!"
"I told you it wouldn't be a long time, but here is what I propose: if you are not busy with any of your other boyfriends, why don't you come over tonight, and I will make you dinner. It's Friday night, so if you feel like bringing an overnight bag, you can have to guest bedroom. I am tired of dating around, and want to see how we are together—we can take it slow if you wish!"
"Umm, well, I actually do ... have a ... date tonight, but I'll cancel it! What time tonight?"
"Just keep your date then Janet, and we will do this another time, if you can fit me into your busy social calendar!"
"No! No! Jamie! I'll cancel! I'll cancel! Please, tell me when you want me there!"
"Okay, seven! I'll leave the garage door open so just drive in, and come in through the kitchen."
She gave me a self-satisfied smile, wiggling her butt in the chair a little. She got up, before returning to her desk, said."
"See you at seven, Jamie!"
~ ~ ~
Part Twelve: A series of unfortunate events leads to new direction.
Janet arrived at seven, and drove into my garage. She did have an overnight bag with her. I took it from her to bring upstairs. I greeted her with a brotherly hug, and she accompanied me upstairs to I deposit her bag on the bed in the guest bedroom. Since we were starting a new relationship, I wanted to keep it fairly platonic until we get used to each other.
We made a nice dinner for ourselves from whatever I had, and ended up with a sort of chicken stir-fry kind of thing over some rice. It was nice, working together, but there was nothing sexual between us, just two friends laughing, joking, and bumping into each other in the kitchen.
The feeling of freedom that came with our relaxed attitude was palpable to both of us. We laughed more, and teased each other more. She even teased me about Sherri (with an 'i') but my only punishment was a punch in the shoulder. I laughed and told her it didn't hurt, so she gave me another one that
did
hurt! I told her,
"Be careful Jan, Sherri has promised to take out a contract on you!"
"Well, you will protect me, won't you, Jamie?"
"Maybe, maybe not!" That earned me another slug in the arm, and giggles from her.
We opened a bottle of wine after dinner and just talked back and forth like friends, listening to music. Janet was dressed in a pair of tight jeans that perfectly defined her firm little ass, and a knit shirt straining to contain her breasts. She jumped up at one point, and said,
"Jamie, this is nice music, but we need something that rocks! I want to dance!"
She shuffled through my CDs and squealed when she found some things from my old rhythm and blues collection. She put one on, and when the first upbeat tune came on she stepped jazzily toward me snapping her fingers and wiggling her shapely hips.
I laughed hard watching my sweet friend's antics. She grabbed me off the couch and we danced a be-bop step as I twirled her back and forth ... a real throwback to the 1950's! She seemed to like Fats Domino, Chuck Berry, and Little Richard the best! My tastes run more to Jackie Wilson, and Sam Cooke.
She was fun, and I loved dancing with her. After half a dozen tunes, we collapsed together on the couch. She teased me about my dance style and I teased her right back. She punched me again in the arm and I went after her ticklish spots—I know them all!
She was giggling out of control, and when I relented, we accidentally ended up in an embrace. We looked into each other's eyes, and the rest of the world disappeared for some part of a moment.