Monday:
I let the guys know that Kathy and our friend, Valerie, were joining us for lunch, and that I would drive.
It was the usual group: Ken, Dale, Roger, and Mark.
I was curious what they would be wearing: sun dresses, tank tops, or tight tube tops. The last two options would mean they would include nice pairs of shorts, with toned and smooth legs. Whatever it turned out to be, I knew I would love it. Love showing off my girlfriends.
Stepping into the bar, I wasn't disappointed. They were sitting near a window on high bar stools. Their legs crossed. Exposing a lot of smooth leg and thigh. Each in a tight strapless tube top, white shorts and sandals.
Kathy was wearing a pastel green top, with little yellow flowers. The top beginning just above the gentle swells of her breasts. The material hugged each of her little mounds perfectly. The material was thick enough that her nipples were not on display.
Valerie wore similar top, but was a pastel blue, with little soft green flowers. Her top was also molded to her slightly larger; but, still firm breasts.
As each sat there, the bottom of their tops came to rest just at the top of their shorts and the bottom of the shorts barely covered their upper thighs. When they each stood to come over and give me a hug, their tops rose a couple of inches, exposing two cute navels and bare midriffs. I heard a couple of gasps and one soft "oh my" from behind me. I inwardly smiled.
Standing on either side of me, my hands resting on two soft bare hips, I introduced Valerie to the group.
After cooking our burgers, we all sat. All of us guys with our second beer. Mark and Dale were enamored by Valerie, especially Mark, and who could blame them. I mean those soft brown doe eyes that I had lost myself in on our first date. The brightness of her smile. The cute nose. The smooth shoulders. Those pert mounds. Her bubbly personality.
While I had given them a brief account on how it was that Kathy and I knew Valerie, they wanted more details.
Kathy and I sat, her hand resting on mine, and listened as Valerie went through our history, from our first date, helping her with her math and science classes. Hanging out and becoming good friends. The casual introduction of Kathy and me. Every so often, Valerie would look over at me and give me a soft loving smile, as she recounted our early days together. I smiled back. It was the first time I had heard her account of those early days. It warmed my heart. Occasionally Kathy would squeeze my hand. The guys picked up on the nonverbal exchanges between the three of us.
I bid 'my girls' a farewell. And said I couldn't wait to see them later. I got a peck on the cheek and a tender smile from each.
Later that day, Ken came over to my cubical and sat down.
"I remember when you introduced Kathy to all of us. I later told you that I saw that you two had something that a lot of married couples would die for. You and Valerie have a special connection too. Different; but, similar. On a different level. It's so cool that Kathy is so relaxed and comfortable with it."
"Yeah she is. She and Kathy were friends before I even met Valerie. And when we met, Valerie made it plain that she wasn't looking for a boyfriend. I wasn't looking for a girlfriend. But, we hit it off. Hung out all that school year as friends. And, as you can tell, became good friends. Even after I met up with Kathy. She's truly happy for us."
"You are one lucky guy. And, I really mean that."
"Thanks. Just a thought. Once Valerie leaves. Why don't you, Jennifer and Jenna come over for a Bar-B-Q, or something? Jenna can swim in the pond, and we could all hang out. The women can get to know each other."
"I like that. Let me know."
.............................................
The tours of the two Art Institutes went pretty well. They lucked out and were able to talk to a couple of admitting administrators. The first didn't give her a warm feeling like she expected from a private school.
Pulling into the parking lot of the second Institute gave her a warmer feeling, just by the look of the grounds. After meeting with the administrator, she was introduced to one of the instructors. He asked Valerie if she happened to have any of her work with her, as he would like to get a feel for her level of talent. Since Valerie knew what the real purpose of her visit was, she had her sketch pad with her.
Kathy knew what was in there. Before Valerie handed over her sketch pad, she asked Kathy if she minded. Kathy quietly shook her head.
They watched as the two of them went through her works. From the earliest one from the beginning of her freshman year. To the ones of me, both the portrait and then the nude sketch. Through the various sketches, they studied each without saying a word.
When they came to the one of Kathy and me, the instructor stopped. Looked up, first at Kathy, and then at Valerie. He spoke for the first time.
"Valerie, I saw talent in your work from those first few sheets; but, this. This is incredible. Art is a powerful form of expression. A way to build windows into the human soul. A lens through which we may come to know each other better. Humans are a very sexual species. I rarely see a work where the artist has captured the raw emotions of their subject. You truly have talent. Talent that I am sure we could develop. Could help you grow and expand."
"Thank you," she said softly with a grateful smile.
Handing her sketch pad back, the instructor said, "Should you decide to apply here, there'll not be a problem in getting you accepted. I know going from a State University to a Private Institute can be a bit on the expensive side. Given your talent, I think that we could offer some financial assistance, small scholarships to help out in that area," looking at the administrator, "You agree?"
He nodded approvingly, and added, "Again, should you decide to attend here."
Valerie sat there... momentarily stunned. And then the reality of everything hit her. Her face beaming as she looked over at Kathy, who was equally stunned at the offer.
They got a tour of the Institute. She left with an application.
........................................
I got home, and was greeted by one bundle of energy. Valeri's cup was overflowing with enthusiasm. They told me to get comfortable, grab a beer, and to meet them at the picnic table.
The early evening's humidity was still high. I would have preferred to sit inside in the air conditioning, but that's what they wanted.
"So, how did the tour go? Did you like the area?"
"The tour went fine," pausing and looking at Kathy, Valerie put it out there, "We visited two art institutes."
"Art institutes? What do you mean?"
"Private art schools," Valerie added with an eager smile.
I think I still had a confused look on my face.
"I'm thinking of transferring from Southern to finish my last two years up, and around here."
I looked over at Kathy. She was looking down. She knew what I was thinking. That they had planned this for a while; but, hadn't told me anything about it. It was the main reason for Valerie to be visiting us.
I wasn't sure what I was feeling. Part of me was a little ticked. Part of me felt left out. I mean... why... why wasn't I brought into all of this? It would have been exciting to have shared in the possibility of Valerie living close to us.
Valerie went on and described their meeting with the administrator and the art instructor. About the possibility of getting some type of scholarship to help with the tuition and stuff. I could tell she was really excited. I tried my best to get into her excitement. I don't think I was completely successful. Kathy knew it. Valerie kind of sensed it.
I was quiet the rest of the evening as we watched TV together. Kathy and I on our couch... sitting close; but, 'not close'. Valerie in an adjacent chair. Again, I tried to be cheerful and excited for Valerie. Around 10:00 I said I was going to bed. That was early for me.
Ten minutes later, I heard our shower going. Five minutes later, Kathy quietly slipped into bed and cuddled against me as I held her... her head on my chest. Her bareness against mine. The sweet scent of her body wash filling my nostrils.
The night air was still stifling; but with the combined air flow from the fan in Valerie's room and ceiling fan at its maximum, it was OK.
She lightly kissed my cheek, as she settled back down against me. Her hand resting on my chest. Waiting.
I gathered my thoughts.
"Why didn't you tell me what was going on? That Valerie was thinking of transferring up here. That was the real reason for her visiting us. Wasn't it?" my voice soft... almost a whisper.
Taking a deep breath. Her voice was soft, almost a whisper.
