Julie woke up when her cat, Big Kitty, gently pawed her face. "Ok, ok," she mumbled as she got out of bed. Once in the kitchen, she fed BK and made coffee. As she sat at the table, planning her day, the phone rang.
"Hello?"
"Hi, Julie. Just wondering how you're feeling."
"Oh, morning, Sarah. I'm ok. How are you doing?β She took a sip of coffee. βAwfully early for you to be calling isn't it? Especially with a hangover."
"Julie, you know that's not what I mean. Don't change the subject. After our talk last night, I'm still a little worried."
"I told you. I'm fine. There's nothing to worry about. I was just in one of those moods, I guess. Next time, just keep me away from the Guinness, ok?"
"Uh uh, it's not that easy this time. Get out of the house today. Do something fun. I mean it, Julie! Look, I know you're a writer and I know about your deadlines. But think about it. You and David broke up at least 6 months ago. You're not going to get your life back if you don't stop using your writing as an excuse and just get out of the house once in a while. "
Julie laughed. "Well, gee, Sarah! I could have sworn we were out last night. Was Ryanβs a figment of my imagination?β She leaned against the wall and hugged herself tightly as the tirade continued.
"You know damn well that's not what I meant. I'm not talking about sitting in a neighborhood bar, Julie." Her sister's voice softened. "I'm sorry. I'm nagging again, aren't I?"
Julie nodded her head as she watched BK eating. "Yes. But I understand your concern. I do. I'm just not ready to start another relationship. I promise, when I am, you'll be the first to know."
"Guess I'll have to settle for that for now." Julie heard her sister sigh. "You know, sometimes it's hard being your sister. Other times, I wouldn't trade you for anyone. I'll talk to you later. I love you Jules."
"I love you too, Sarah."
Julie hung up the phone and leaned down to pet BK. "You know, B.K., if I could find someone with your loyalty, charm and good looks, I wouldn't be standing here like this." She sighed as she stood up, the memories of mornings with David flooding her with a deep sense of longing.
Carrying her coffee into the bathroom, she turned on the water for a shower. Taking off her robe, she stood in front of the mirror. With a critical eye, she looked at her long curly red hair, blue eyes, stomach and ass. Her hands moved to hold her breasts from underneath, thumbs gently stroking her nipples to hard tips. Her eyes widened; David was behind her, caressing her shoulders as he smiled. She lost herself in that smile of his as her bare cheeks pushed back into . . . nothing.
She gripped the edge of the sink and looked at her reflection. "What am I doing? It's over," she screamed out loud. Sighing, she stepped under the water and tried to take her mind off David. She shampooed her hair but when her hand touched the side of her neck where David used to kiss when they showered together, she gave in to her grief. Her tears mixed with the water as she rinsed her hair.
Julie toweled herself off, grabbed her coffee and headed into the bedroom to get dressed. She pulled on a pair of old jeans and a gray sweatshirt, then walked into her office. She laughed. "Big Kitty, you know my routine better than I do sometimes." Picking him up off the top of her monitor, she turned on the computer. While it booted, she looked at her list of things to do.
First things first, she thought as she checked her e-mail. Seeing the usual messages, she made mental notes of how to respond. She stopped at an unfamiliar name.
"Leslie. I just finished reading two erotic stories posted on your web page. I just wanted to let you know I like the way you write. It's as if you're reading my mind. I'll be looking forward to reading more of your work. Jack Reynolds."
She sat back and drank the last of her coffee. She was used to getting responses to her erotic stories, but the mind reading comment intrigued her. Setting her cup down, she messaged him back.
"Dear Jack. Thanks for your message regarding my stories. I'm not a mind reader but it's nice that you think so. Must mean I know what I'm doing. *grin* Thanks again. I really appreciate your taking the time to comment. Leslie Larson."
She pushed the send button and then started answering her other mail. BK sat on the desk next to the mousepad and yawned as Julie continued down her list of projects.
An hour later, she was absorbed in writing an article on the latest political controversy when she heard "You have new mail." She stopped typing in mid-sentence and checked.
"Hi, Leslie. I'm not sure what area of the world you live in, but I'm in the United States - Chicago, Illinois. If you're anywhere close, perhaps we could meet for lunch today and discuss mind reading techniques. Jack."
She ran her hand through her hair as she re-read the message three times. This was not something she had had anticipated. She sat back in her chair and stared at BK, whose paw was resting on her lower arm. Making a decision, she replied to this latest message.
"Hi, Jack. Believe it or not, I'm on the north side of Chicago. I just happen to have some free time available around 1:00 this afternoon. Let me know where you want to meet and I'll bring my mind reading manual along. Leslie."
Pushing the send button, she got up from her chair. She walked into the kitchen, not sure of what she wanted in the room. Nerves, she thought. She was nervous because she had never done anything bold as this before. But, she was eager too. It's the new me, she decided. I can do this. What will be the harm?