Thursday

This is my first published story, I hope you like it. Many thanks to EvalineDoll for editing efforts. Any errors are purely my own. I will much appreciate whatever feedback you may care to provide. -v

Gooseberry Hollow

Prologue

Erin strode onto the patio of the bistro, head swiveling in an effort to find Scott. They were old friends meeting up for a lunch long overdue. They'd met in their junior year of college in a class on film making, even though neither of them had an interest in actually pursuing a career in film. They'd found a shared curiosity in a number of things, from films to music to literature. Anything that was stimulating for an active mind.

They were both seeing other people at the time, and so quickly formed a close, platonic friendship. A year later, they were both single and briefly flirted with a less than platonic relationship but after a scant few 'official' dates and one make-out session which was fun but somewhat awkward they decided it would be better to be friends than lovers. Since graduation they had each moved for work but they made a point to speak several times a year at worst but typically once or twice every month.

"Heya stranger," he called over his menu with a big smile.

"Scotty!" Erin squealed on seeing him. He stood up and they shared a warm embrace. He pulled a chair out for her and gave a friendly wave to the waiter, calling him over.

"Hi, thanks. Could I have a small glass of water and a large Long Island Iced Tea please?" she said to the waiter, an elderly gentleman with a bushy mustache.

"Right away miss. Any appetizers today?" he enquired.

She declined but Scott chimed in, "Just drinks for the moment, please. I'll also have a glass of water and your most expensive rye whiskey, on the rocks. It's a little too late for lunch and just a little too early for dinner, so if it's all the same to you, we can be very un-demanding customers so long as you continue to ply us with alcohol until we're hungry."

The waiter laughed and said, "Of course, Sir! I'll be back shortly," He squinted up at the bright sky, "Now be sure to pace yourselves in this hot sun!" He winked at them and retreated to the bar.

"Well, isn't he the friendly sort? Anyways, how the hell are you, Scott? Doing better without that stupid bitch? How's work? How are your folks?" Erin fired in one long breath.

"Slow down there, partner, or you'll pass out!" Scott laughed. "Let's see... I'm hella good, there's a lot of good in my life. Work is fine, my folks are fine, and yes, I'm doing great without Beth."

"That's so good to hear," she exclaimed, leaning over in her chair to give him a hug. "What the hell was she thinking? I know you two were in a rough spot, but damn."

Scott heaved another sigh, though this one telegraphed contentment rather than sadness. "Yeah, but it is what it is. My life has only gotten better since we divorced. No daily drama, no cold shoulders or snide remarks, and a lot more sex."

The waiter returned with their drinks along with large glasses of water instead of small. "You'll want to keep hydrated in this sun. I'll leave you two alone. Just wave me down if you need anything," he said as he turned and left.

Scott lifted his drink and swirled the whiskey around a little, "Erin, I promise you. I'm over her and can't possibly be more content with the joy that has entered my life since then."

"Scott, I'm so glad to hear that. You deserve nothing but good things," Erin smiled.

"Aww, thanks, Erin. Let's suck these drinks down as quick as we can and get a couple more on the way, and you can tell me how you've been. It's been about two and a half months since we got together, and only a couple texts, right?"

Erin's voice took on a cloudy tone, "I know. It's just, after my grandparents passed-I told you that right?" Scott nodded agreement, "I thought so... I think it was just before you and that stupid bitch split. Anyhow, I'm so sorry it's been so long! After the funeral and a couple weeks of moping, letting time do what time does, I got around to dealing with the inheritance. It was a lot. A whoooooole lot."

Scott's eyebrow raised in curiosity.

Erin continued, "Yeah. A. Lot. So, I'm newly retired from the dog eat dog world of corporate jingoism, and have settled into a nice routine volunteering for a number of charities I like and lounging by the pool at my new mansion."

Scott's other eyebrow raised now.

"Yeah, it's near Burlington. Was in pretty good shape and just needed a few cosmetic things done, like fixing the wallpaper, filling a couple of holes in drywall, and a thorough cleaning. Think 'Ghosts' rather than 'Downton Abbey' for the scale. In fact, here, lemme show you." Erin pulled out her phone and pulled up the photos, handing it over to him to scroll through.

As he did so he muttered, "Nice. Very, very nice. No jealousy here. Very nice." He smiled and gave the phone back. She took it and tucked it back into her shoulder bag.

"But, ya know, why the hell not have a nice place convenient for skiing? And besides, maybe I'll do short term rentals most of the time, and then turn around and donate that too. I'm basically living off interest," She cracked a Cheshire cat grin.

"Well, damn! First, I'm so glad you're doing well. I know it's tough losing your family and seeing you smiling makes me so happy. Second, it's a seriously nice place. I think you could charge buckets of cash if you rent it out. Even do weddings and stuff."

"I've thought about that. I think what I want to do is rent it for cheap though, much cheaper than it could really get. I mean, I inherited this money, I didn't earn it. I want to put it to good use so that's why I donate a lot of it. But I also want to do nice things for regular people too. Sure, if you're renting a ski lodge you're probably doing pretty good, but how can I arrange to rent it out to someone that would otherwise stay at a shitty motel-because that's all they can afford? Just to give them some joy. Just because I can."

Scott nodded along in agreement, "That's such an awesome idea, on both counts."

They sat in companionable silence for a few minutes before Erin giggled, then said, "Well, that's that... let's drink and you can tell me what's going on in your life!"

She waved at the waiter who was conveniently lounging against the desk on the other side of the room. He popped right over and then departed with their second-round order in anticipation of quickly finishing the first round. She picked up her drink prompting Scott to do the same. They toasted and Scott drained his entirely. Erin got about halfway through hers before her eyes bugged out and she put the glass back on the table, leaving some dribbles at both corners of her mouth.

"What the fuck am I doing chugging a Long Island Iced Tea!?" she blurted.

Scott threw his head back and laughed uproariously, "BAAAAH!!! You wuss!"

Erin growled and then smirked at him and then threw back the rest of the drink. "Up yours buddy!"

They stared at each other for a moment and then both burst out laughing again. The waiter arrived with round two and departed without a word, winking at them.

---

After a long time spent catching up on the doings of mutual friends and former classmates, after an additional round, and finally a light pre-dinner snack the conversation finally rolled around to the topics of Significant Others and Current Sex Life.

"Okay buddy, you've skillfully avoided this all afternoon. I am so happy to see that you've reached peace with the split with that stupid bitch but I'm curious what is going on that has you... how did you put it? 'Content with joy' or something like that?"

"Can't think of a better way to put it. I am content, satisfied, and happy where my life is right now. My work is rewarding, I have a good circle of friends, several hobbies that keep me busy, and two stupid hot girlfriends. Vanessa and Maggie. You should meet them." That last bit said with a big, shit eating grin on his face.

"What?" Erin asked in a completely dead, monotone voice.

"You heard me. Vanessa and Maggie. We're a throuple, or something like that. They are both amazing, smart, hot, funny, adventurous, sexy, and well... you get it." He winked.

Erin sat for a solid sixty seconds without saying anything. She waved the waiter down again, asking for two shots of tequila and the check. On their arrival she handed one glass to Scott, lifted hers in toast again, downed it quickly and said, "I am... surprised. And intrigued." A brief look of hope passed over her face though Scott didn't catch it. "You need to tell me everything."

Scott laughed and said, "you got it! I can't tell you how badly I've been wanting to just blurt it out all afternoon!"

She paid the bill against his objection and they departed. It had turned into late afternoon and the sun was largely hidden behind buildings and trees. There was a large park across the street from the bistro with numerous individuals and groups lounging or playing. A fountain in the center sprayed water twenty feet into the air in a variety of patterns. They crossed the street and Scott offered a crooked elbow. Erin hooked her arm through and they began a leisurely stroll along the wide path that circumnavigated the park.

"Okay dude, spill it. How the hell do you have two girlfriends?"

"It is a surprisingly short story involving the gym, two broken hearts, a busted four-way, and an alignment of stars. Seriously, they're great. You should meet them. Maggie is a meteorologist on a TV station down in the city, nearly done with a master's and Vanessa is a forensic accountant. Though this isn't really a 'serious' thing, just a larger than average group of friends with benefits. But it's comfortable. We spend time together or just any two of us and there's no drama. It's easy. In a way that I don't think I ever had with Beth. Fate finally got around to doing me a solid," He grinned.

Erin laughed and replied "As you say. I offer no judgment and express only surprise. Now gimme the details."

Scott snorted a short laugh and continued, "I do not believe that for a second. He led her off the path to sit on a bench a few yards off the path and under a tree. "After Beth ended, I was pretty slow getting back on my feet, as you well know. I finally realized that my life was better off without her. And that was it. I threw myself into work, started playing soccer again, and started back at the gym. I'd become a regular and got casually friendly with a couple girls that were clearly 'together' that kept a similar schedule. Well, one Wednesday, I think about two weeks after you and I last spoke, they asked me and some other dude, Jim I think was his name, over to dinner at the one's home out in the burbs. Friday rolled around and we met up at Vanessa's house. She's super cute, with black hair and a killer smile. So, we had a nice meal that the girls made. Sitting around the table after dinner, having a few drinks, the girls get a... look... in their eyes and hit us up with "Do you boys want to play a game?" The other dude and I share a look and are like "uuhh, yeah" and there's giggles and smirks all around. Unfortunately for Jim, the game that the girls had in mind wasn't something he was willing to do and was invited to leave. No need to get into details. So, then it's just Vanessa and Maggie and me. We got drunk and high and fucked all night long."

Erin gasped at this and laughed out "you dirty slut!"

"You have no idea!" Scott replied. "Anyway, the three of us got together again a few days later, and then again and again. They were only sort of a couple when we all hooked up, and now we're all just... one. It's great. And the sex. God. Damn."

Erin giggled at that, then burst into a full roaring laugh, clutching her sides and trying desperately not to fall off the bench. After a solid two minutes she caught her breath, wiped the tears from her eyes and hugged him. "I'm so happy for you. That is so amazing. You are so lucky."

Scott hugged her back and said, "aww, thanks babe. How 'bout you? Or still too soon?"

Once the hug faded away, they sat back and just shared a comfortable silence for a few minutes again. Scott took a sharp breath so as to speak and Erin immediately said, in almost a whisper, "I know what I want but I don't know how to get it and I'm scared of what will happen if I do." Scott could clearly see the embarrassment take over.

He held his breath and then slowly exhaled, not having the faintest clue what to say. She took another deep breath, heaved a sigh of relief and then spent twenty straight minutes explaining herself, ending with "And that's it. That's what I need. Please help me?"

"Of course! How could I not?"

---

Episode 1

-- Thursday afternoon

Erin waited patiently on the broad sweep of steps leading from the circular drive to the double doors. Her home was what would have been called a 'manor house' in another time and place. Hands clasped behind her back and wearing a light, floral print sundress of a subdued pink and yellow. She looked down the length of her body for the umpteenth time to ensure she was still as cute as she thought she was, and that she hadn't somehow tucked her dress into her panties or something equally ridiculous. She stood to a perfectly acceptable 5'6" with deep, rich auburn hair. She was naturally brunette but had always preferred being a redhead. It hung just below her neckline so was comfortable to wear up or down in a number of styles. Her profile was slim and fit, with a flat stomach, shapely though somewhat narrow hips, nice legs, a deliciously bubbly butt, and arguably perfect breasts. Smallish, she knew, but was eternally grateful that while small they looked amazing and wouldn't cause back problems later on. Her guests had texted a few minutes prior that they expected to arrive soon having been briefly lost.

---

Kevin drove while Dana navigated. They'd flown from their home in Washington, DC up to Burlington, Vermont and then driven a rental for nearly an hour only to seemingly get lost within a few miles of their destination. Gooseberry Hill was east of Burlington, or so the directions they'd been provided said. They drove back and forth through the town a couple of times before finally identifying a small, unmarked street as their next turn. Once on their way again they breathed a sigh of relief. While it wasn't a long flight or drive, they had started the day earlier than usual so each could spend time in their respective offices wrapping up a few things in order to not feel guilty abandoning their colleagues for a well-earned and long overdue vacation. They were celebrating fifteen years of marriage this Saturday and felt an early start, Thursday afternoon, was warranted.

Now on the proper road at last they quickly found the address they'd been given. A small, simple sign announced the address as "Gooseberry Hollow." It was a long drive from the highway, snaking through a copse of trees and alongside a small creek. When the house finally came into view Kevin estimated it to be about three quarters of a mile off the highway. The house was... significant. Two stories and at least three times as wide as their own home. The brick and stonework prompted Dana to observe "It looks like it's from a Hallmark Christmas movie or something, yeah?"

"Sure as hell does. Hey, look, is there someone waiting for us right there?" Kevin responded.

"Looks like it. That's weird."

"Maybe. Anyhow, we're here."

---

Kevin and Dana stepped out of the car together and smiled at the young lady on the steps. Erin returned a broad smile and she called "Hi there! You must of course be Dana and Kevin, and I'm Erin! It is such a pleasure to finally meet you in person! Welcome to Gooseberry!" She even gave a little hop of excitement.

The married couple quickly stepped up to shake hands with her, and while she gave Kevin a strong and confident handshake, she stepped right over and hugged Dana. They both smiled upon stepping apart. Erin then stepped to the car commanding Kevin to open the trunk so that luggage could be retrieved. Kevin started to protest that it would not be necessary but Erin simply bowed her head and replied "It is no trouble at all, please allow me to assist after your long day. I know you must be famished. Please, through the door and straight down the hall and then on the right is the kitchen. While dinner is not ready to be served, I have laid out a charcuterie board and chilled a bottle of wine for you. Help yourself while I get these to your room. I have another small chore or two and then I will return to you in the kitchen, or on the back patio if you find your way there."

Dana and Kevin could only smile and assent. Dana replied "Thank you so much for this warm welcome. We're very happy to be here, and really looking forward to a relaxing weekend for our anniversary."

"And so you deserve and shall have," Erin said as she smiled as warmly as a human possibly could, meaning it completely. She stepped forward with their luggage and Kevin hurried forward to open the doors for the ladies. Erin stepped through and turned to a wide staircase to the right. She tilted her head down the hallway, "Down there, then right. It should be about twenty minutes or so. Then we can relax with a drink on the back patio and get acquainted. Here at Gooseberry we feel it vital that we come to know our guests so that we can anticipate their needs."

"Thank you, Erin, we'll see you in a bit then!" Dana responded.

Erin smiled and turned up the stairs. The room she'd planned for their stay was the largest in the manor, fully a third of the upper floor east wing. Richly appointed with retro modern furniture and décor. There was a huge bed that must have been larger than a king size. There were also a pair of armchairs and a small ottoman set opposite of a grandly carved oak dresser and vanity. A large and comfortable bathroom was connected, containing dual sinks, a jacuzzi tub and a very large walk in shower. She quickly opened both suitcases and smartly put things away in the dresser, closet, and bathroom as required. Suitcases stacked in the back of the closet and she finished the room prep by lighting a pleasantly scented lavender candle on the dresser.

She stepped into the guest's bathroom and assessed herself in the mirror one last time. Her auburn hair was up in a smart ponytail. Delicate makeup with a little splash of color above the eyes, but nothing glaring or obnoxious. Her pink and yellow sundress was snug where it needed to be, accentuating her pert breasts. At her height she carried the hundred and fifteen pounds very well with slim hips below a flat tummy. Her legs were delicately curvy but toned enough to highlight that she was clearly a runner. She winked at herself, gave her ponytail a smart shake as to build her confidence, and strode from the bedroom and down the hall, quickly descending the stairs.

Dana and Kevin found in the kitchen a large and generous charcuterie, with a variety of fruits, veggies, meats, crackers, and dips. A white wine was chilling in a silver bucket just like in the movies. As hungry as they were, they spent five minutes doing nothing but cramming snacks into their mouths. With that need satisfied they helped themselves to a glass each and sat at the bar end of the counter.

"She sure seems nice." Kevin ventured, licking the remains of his snack off his fingers.

Dana considered her husband of fifteen years. He had a very carefully manicured look on his face right this second, but not well enough put together that she couldn't sense a wicked little "What? Who? Me?" from him. "Uh-huh," she said.

"Babe we've only been here for twenty minutes so what can we judge? Yes, she's very friendly. Isn't that pretty much what her job here would be? I think you're overthinking it. Just relax! We're well away from civilization, we've left our work phones at home, and this looks to be a really comfortable place to stay. I'm sure there will be plenty for us to do around here. That little town looked like it survives on tourism so that must mean there's tourist-y stuff to do. Let's just drink this delicious wine, nibble on the yummy snacks, and wait for our hostess to get us fully settled in before we pass judgement on the place." Kevin sat back, took a drink, and watched his wife absorb his words.