Divorced Don and Sarah - Recovering From Surgery

This memory is from 1984. As anyone who has read the story about Lady M knows, I'm Don. In 1984 I turned 43. At this point in time I had been divorced for 8 years. I love to dance country style. I had lots of friends and lots of dance partners in several country bars within 50 miles of where I live in a medium size city.

On this night I was in one of my favorite dance bars because it's only 6 miles from my house and Friday nights almost always had a good crowd dancing to live band music. The band started at 9:00PM. I was in my favorite chair at a table near the dance floor. Tonight we had a fine crowd with some new faces.

I saw a young lady sitting by herself at a small table that was toward the back of the room. I decided she would be my first dance partner for tonight. I walked to her table. "May I have this first dance?"

She answered. "OK, but I warn you I'm not very good. I don't do any of the fancy stuff."

I replied. "We'll do just fine. It'll be fun."

We danced that two-step and got along just fine. I asked. "Will you stay and dance one more?"

She answered. "I need to see if it's a song I can dance to. I told you I don't do any of the fancy dance steps." It was a slow song. She replied. "This one is fine."

I said. "My name is Don. I dance here most Friday nights. And your name is?"

Her answer. "I'm Sarah. This is my first time here. It's also my first time in over a year to dance anywhere."

I asked. "So, if I'm not prying to deep... why haven't you been dancing? After a dance and a half I think you're doing just fine."

She hesitated. "It's a long story. I don't want to bother you with it. But I am having a good time so far."

When the song ended I walked her back to her table. "Thanks for the dances...I'll be back in a bit."

She responded. "Just not on really fast ones, OK?"

I replied. "I'll remember. And I still would like to hear your story."

I danced with a couple of ladies I almost always got up to dance if we were all here.

The next song was another slow one. I went to Sarah's table. "Is this one OK?"

Her response was to stand up, take my hand and head for the dance floor. She asked. "Why do you want to hear my story?"

I replied. "If there is any chance you might come back some other night, I want to be someone you remember dancing with and talking to."

She answered. "Oh, I'm sure I'll be back... probably next Friday because I'm having fun. I hope you'll be back, too."

We danced two dances again this time, just talking about where we lived, what our work was and so on.

This pattern went on for the first two sets of 45 minutes of dancing and the band taking a 15 minute break. A couple of other guys had asked her to dance so she wasn't just dancing with me. I knew the band was about to take their second break so I made sure I got Sarah up for that last song of this set.

We walked back to her table. Sarah said. "This has been fun, but I don't want to get too tired so I think I'll say goodnight and hope to see you next week."

I said. "I don't like for a lady to walk out to the parking lot alone. Let me walk you out to your car."

Her response. "That would be nice. Thank you."

She picked up her purse and we walked out to her car which was parked a ways back in the lot. We were standing next to her car. She turned to face me.

I put my left arm around her and pulled her in gently. She was fine with that so I leaned down to give her a soft little goodnight kiss.

She was fine with that... and she went to kiss me again. I was fine with that. We had been dancing the slow songs really close. Out of habit, like I did with several of the ladies I walked out to their car, in mid kiss I started to cup her left breast with my right hand to give it a little squeeze.

The instant my hand touched her breast she broke the kiss and asked.

"Don't...Please?"

Of course I pulled my hand away and stepped back just a little. I put my hands on her waist so she would know where my hands were. I apologized. "I'm sorry. I was feeling so comfortable with you I just did what I did out of habit... I do that with some of the ladies I'm friends with."

She was trembling. She said. "I'm sorry, too. I was kissing you back and it just surprised me."

I stepped close and put my arms around her over her arms which were at my waist. I just held her for a minute. I asked. "Can we just sit in your car for a couple of minutes so we can talk?"

She unlocked her door. "I'll unlock the other door so we can talk in private and not out in view of anyone."

I walked around the car and got in. I was sitting sideways so I was turned to face her.

I asked. "Is there something that I should know about your past?"

She hesitated. "I've really enjoyed dancing with you tonight. I hope we can do this again next week." There was a long pause... "They reason I freaked out when you touched my breast... Was because they're not..."

"Stop! " I interrupted her. It doesn't matter what you were going to say. I'm pretty sure I know why... I just wasn't expecting it... because you're what... 25?"

She answered. "I'm 24. I had surgery two years ago."

I replied. "I'm so sorry. Sometimes life just isn't fair. Now, I need to hear your whole story. And I have some story to share with you. Let's drive to the 'All-Nighter Diner' and have coffee."

She asked. "Where's that?"

I said. "It's on the freeway frontage road where truckers can get off the freeway at one exit, have a place to park a big rig, have a good meal and get back on the freeway at the next on ramp."

She said. "I don't know where it is."

I replied. "It's less than a mile from here. If you will drive I'll give directions. You can drop me off back here later."

She started her car. I directed her where to go. We were there in 5 minutes.

I said. "Wait just a minute." I walked around the car and opened her door.

She smiled. "Thank you. No one has done that for me in a long time."

We went in the truck stop. I asked for booth toward the back. The waitress smiled, like 'Oh, you're trying to hide'. She seated us in a back corner booth. Sarah ordered just coffee. I ordered a side of fries, hot tea and creamer for her coffee.

Sarah asked. "How did you know I wanted creamer?"

I smiled. "I could tell you a tall tale and claim to be a mind reader. But I'm obviously not... If I was I would already know your story. If I order creamer and you don't use it... no big deal. If I don't order it and you want some we have to send the waitress on an extra trip."

She answered. "You are considerate of others... aren't you?"

I said. "Being nice doesn't cost anything." Then I went on. "Just to be clear about my intentions... Regardless of what we discuss now... I want to take you out for a nice dinner and more dancing next Friday night. Will you accept my offer?"

Sarah looked at me with a puzzled expression. "Why are you asking me now instead of after we talk?"

My response. "This way you are more apt to tell me everything without worrying about what I will think."

She answered. "Yes, I would love to go dining and dancing with you next Friday. And I'll do my best to tell you about me."

The waitress brought our order. We were so busy talking that we barely ate any fries and only drank half of our drinks.

I said. "Just start with high school and go from there. We have time so be sure you hit anything important."

She started. "I was a good student, didn't get in too much trouble, and wasn't in any of the 'groups'. I went to a four year university and have a degree in business with a minor in accounting. I met a nice guy there. We dated our 2nd year and then got married when I was 20. We both finished and got our degree in business. We didn't have any children. Right before graduation I felt a lump in my breast and went to the doctor. Tests said it was cancer, still in the early stages but in both sides. The surgery went well. The doctors removed both breasts and felt that it was caught and removed early enough that I probably would not need chemo or radiation treatments."

I answered. "I said I thought I knew what had happened. I'm so sorry. Let me tell you a bit of my story. I was aware that breast cancer can strike at any age. The family that lived next to me when I was married had a daughter who used to babysit my two daughters who are now out of school. She had to have a double mastectomy at 17, right before her senior year. Her father couldn't handle what had happened. He wouldn't even talk about it. I talked to her a few times when she needed 'someone' to talk to. I've always been a good listener. I tried to get her to see the positive side... In that it was caught early and that she would probably be fine. I last talked to her mother a few months ago. It's been 8 years with no problems."

Sarah spoke. "That's what my doctor told me. That catching it early and with radical surgery that I will probably be fine. I had a check-up at 6 months and 1 year... so far everything is clear."

I replied. "I hope your tests keep coming out good."

Sarah spoke. "You mentioned that the girl's father couldn't handle the fact that it happened to his daughter. My husband was exactly the same way. He wouldn't talk about it, so we ended up arguing. He finally said...and I quote, "I can't be married to a woman who isn't a whole woman." She paused, "I filed for divorce immediately. It was final a year ago."

I was surprised. "It's hard to believe that someone who was supposed to love you for better or worse... maybe didn't love you after all. Thank you for telling your story to me."

Sarah went on. "I've dated a few men since the surgery. It seemed like as soon as they found out I've had a mastectomy that they just never called again."

I wanted to tell her something positive. "I have a date with you for next Friday night. And yes... We are going out. I won't let you back out!"

She turned on her chair that was beside mine and stood up. I joined her. She put her arms around my neck and the kiss she shared with me was long and deep.

She spoke softly. "Thank you for being so understanding."

I replied. "We've only just met... But you can count on me as your friend... anytime." I took out my wallet, got one of my personal cards out and gave it to her. I said. "My information is all on the card... don't lose it."

She opened her purse... put my card in her purse. She got out a little note pad and a pen. She wrote her name, address and phone number on the piece of paper, tore it off and handed it to me. "This is my information... Don't lose it." Then she laughed.

I said. "You wanted to go home so you wouldn't get too tired. And I've kept you up for an hour and a half. Maybe you should run me back to my car and I'll call you tomorrow after lunch so we can talk some more."

She spoke. "There you go... being considerate again. But you're right. I am tired."

We got up, walked to the cashier desk, paid plus a tip and walked to her car. She drove me the mile back to the bar where my car was. We leaned toward each other. I placed my hands along her cheeks for a really sweet goodnight kiss. I got out and went to my car. We each headed for home.

I called Sarah about 1:00 the next afternoon. When she said hello, I said. "This is Don. I told you I would call."

She replied. "Thank you. It seems like half the guys a lady gives her number to don't even bother to call."

I answered. "I know. I've had to get after a couple of guys I know who have done that to ladies. The ladies complained to me so I had to tell the guys... If you're not going to call... don't ask for a phone number. Pretty soon the ladies aren't going to give anyone their number. It might be a lady that I want to call. If she won't give me her number because of you... I'm not going to be happy."

She answered. "You are always trying to help someone. I like that about you."

I said. "I wanted to call and let you know that I'm glad we met last night.

I enjoyed the dancing, the conversation and the kisses. I'm looking forward to Friday evening. I'll pick you up at 7:00 if that works for you."

She answered. "I'll be ready. I'm sure we will have a good time."

I knocked on her door right at 7:00 on Friday. She opened the door and said. "Please come in."

I stepped in. She stepped close and gave me an embrace to remember. The kiss was soft and lingering.

Sarah was pretty but not knock-out beautiful. About 5 foot 6 and maybe 125 pounds. Light brown hair in short curls and brown eyes. Her smile was catching... it made me want to smile. She had on a print button-up blouse over a camisole. When I had hugged her my fingers told me she was wearing a bra. Her skirt was just above her knee, stockings and high heels. She had a little eye make-up on. Her ear-rings were long dangles of shiny silver.

I complemented her. "You look very nice tonight. I love your ear-rings."

She responded. "I wear them as a distraction to catch a guy's attention. Most guys seem to stare at a girl's chest so I distract them. See...it works!"

She picked up her purse and asked. "So where are you taking me tonight?"

I answered. "I hope you like good Mexican food. I know you liked dancing at the bar we were in last week. I took a long pause to tease her... And just maybe I'll take you to bed later." I waited for her reaction.

She spoke shyly. "Mexican food is good if it's not too spicy. Yes, I enjoy dancing with you. Later... we'll see."

I was pleasantly surprised at her answer. We drove my truck to one of the better Mexican restaurants that was in a shopping center not far from the bar. I parked and gave her 'that look'. I got out and went around and opened her door.

She smiled. "Thank you. Are you trying to get on my good side? And by the way... nice truck."

I responded. "Just being who I am."

We were seated in a quiet booth. I asked. "Would you like a Margarita?"

She answered. "Yes, thank you. I hope it's not too strong."

I ordered her a margarita and a Corona for myself. Yes, a Corona with a Mexican dinner. The waitress gave us a few minutes to look at the menu and decide.

She came back with our drinks and we ordered dinner. It was very flavorful without being too spicy. We sat and talked a bit after dinner while we finished our drinks. We took a small walk around the shopping center to help dinner settle before we went to the bar to dance.

I parked at the bar, went around to open her door. She got out and said. "Thank you."

We walked into the bar and chose a table we had neither one sat at last week.

I said. "We'll call this 'our table'. You OK with that?"

She answered. "Fine with me. I'll be happy to sit wherever you choose."

I teased. "Is that you talking or the Margarita? Would you like one more?"

She gave me 'that look'. "It's me talking... And yes I would like one more."

The waitress came to our table. She said, "Don, I suppose you want your regular Coors... and what would the young lady like?"

I answered. "A Margarita for Sarah and my Coors will be fine."

The waitress went to the bar get our drinks. When she came back she said, "A Margarita for Sarah and a Coors for you, Don. Do you want to start a tab?"

I replied. "No, I'll pay now." I handed her a $10.00. "Keep the change."

She answered. "Thanks, Don."

Sarah asked. "Does everyone in here know you that well? And why did she call me a young lady?"

I answered. "Well, I'm in here most Fridays. I tip well so I get good service. She knows I'm 43 and she's comparing your age to mine."

Sarah spoke. "Are you really that much older than me?"

I answered. "Yes, to me age is just a number. Act how you feel."

Tonight was a date night for us. We danced all the two-step dances and all the slow songs. A couple of ladies I normally danced with came to get me on a few fast dances. They would ask Sarah. "May I steal Don for a fast dance?" She always said it was fine.

It was getting close to midnight. I asked Sarah. "If you're getting tired we can leave anytime?"

She said. "I am kind of tired after all the dancing we've shared. So maybe we should."

We walked out to get in my truck. I opened her door as was my custom. She slid in with me closing her door after she was in. I got in. Sarah was sitting right next to me. Before I started my truck I put my arm around her and gave her a long, sensuous kiss. I said. "There is something I want you to do for me... and for yourself... when we get to your apartment. I'm going to ask now but I want you to consider your answer while we're driving to your apartment. I'll ask for your answer after we're inside."

Sarah had a worried look on her face. I said. "For me... and for yourself... when we get in your apartment... I want us to undress... completely... and share a naked hug and kiss. We need to do this. After that you can send me home... put on pajamas or a night gown and we can talk some more... or we can sleep together... with no expectations. If you want to enjoy sex... I would love to share that with you. If you just want to snuggle up and go to sleep, I'm OK with that, too."

I started my truck. Sarah was quiet. I could see her almost having an internal argument with herself. The drive only took a few minutes. I parked the truck, got out, and made sure she saw me lock my door before closing it. I went around and opened her door. She scooted over and got out.

She made sure I was watching as she locked her door and closed it. We walked to her apartment. She unlocked her door and went in holding my hand to follow her. I closed her door. She locked it.

She spoke in a very serious voice. "Why do you want us to be naked if you're willing to go home after?"

I spoke slowly. "You need to know that with the right man you can be naked and not worry about what that man might see. Real beauty is inside of you. Not what is outside. For myself... I love naked hugs and kisses. Be assured that whatever you decide... I want another date next Friday!"

Sarah just stood there... Thinking. I just waited.

Finally she took my hand and led me to her bedroom. She turned just a small lamp on. She turned to me and shared a passionate kiss with me.

She stepped back and started unbuttoning her blouse. I unsnapped my western shirt. She sat down and took off her high heels and thigh-hi stockings. I took off by boots and socks. She stood facing me. She took her skirt off, leaving her panties on. I took my jeans off, and since I never wear boxers or briefs all I had left on was my shirt which was all unsnapped. Sarah looked at me and took her panties off. I waited. She took her blouse and her camisole off. All she had on was a lightly padded bra. I took my shirt off. I was naked. I could see her internal struggle. Finally she reached back and unhooked her bra allowing it to just drop to the floor. She was naked.

Her surgery scars had healed nicely. The doctor had done a superb job of making it look like she was just a lady who had no breasts.

We stepped together and shared an intense embrace! I was holding her tight to my chest. I put my finger under her chin to lift her face to look into my eyes.

I said. "Someone once said the eyes are the windows to the soul. What do you see?"

Sarah was almost in tears. She spoke. "I see someone who believes in me. I didn't think I could ever do this. Thank you!"

I spoke softly. "I'm really too old for you. But I am your friend. I had faith that you just needed a little help. I'm very proud of you. Someday a man will come into your life who will love you for who you are."

"Your medical history will mean nothing to him. Don't drive yourself crazy looking for him. He has to find you. You have to just let it happen."

Sarah spoke. "I've only known you for a week. It seems like you know everything about me. I don't understand why you chose to help me."