Caroline Devlin checked her phone again. That was at least the twentieth time in the last twenty minutes. Why doesn't Ami respond to her text? Caroline was anxious, she thought, Ami must realise that they needed to talk. To get things straight. Things were already out of control, and she had resolved to call an immediate halt before anyone got hurt. Before this stupid obsession ruined her family.
Two weeks earlier...
Caroline had a perfectly uncomplicated life. A husband Tony whom she loves and a radiant daughter Chloe. At 19 Chloe was now in her second year studying hotel management at the local college. This year she had moved out of the family home and lived in a house share with other young people and was having fun. She had a girlfriend now and she had brought Ami to meet her parents. When Chloe had come out to her parents they had been really cool and understanding. Chloe was a beautiful, slender young woman. In many respects she took after her father and was tall and willowy with sandy hair and deep blue eyes. They wanted her to be happy and supported her choices and accepted her for who she was.
Meeting Ami
She had introduced Ami to her parents on an evening out at a restaurant when she and Ami had come to visit for the weekend. They were immediately impressed by her striking looks. Her heavy mane of almost black hair framed a smiling cherub face with large golden-brown eyes that seemed to shine like gems. She was shorter than Chloe by half a head, but in contrast to Chloe had a shapely figure with lovely curves, as revealed by her swooping neckline and mid-thigh length yellow dress that perfectly complemented her milk-chocolate coloured skin. After the meeting the parents had joked about how they could totally understand Chloe's attraction to Ami.
The evening had been a wonderful success, and everyone made friends and got along brilliantly. Caroline had quizzed Ami about her studies and discovered that she was training to me a masseuse. As they talked Caroline wanted to know more and Ami explained the style of therapy she was learning. Caroline asked how they practise, and Ami had explained that they work in pairs in class. She added that she was also allowed now to provide massage to other clients, so long as she didn't charge for the treatment, as she wasn't yet qualified.
"She is brilliant, Mum. You should let her give you a massage. I can't get enough of her wonderful touch." At this Chloe took Ami's hand but Ami immediately giggled and let go.
"Don't embarrass people," she affectionately scolded Chloe. Tony and Caroline had been surprised by Chloe's open acknowledgement of their daughter's intimacy with Ami. But the conversation soon recovered.
Later as they left the restaurant Chloe had linked arms with both her parents and encouraged, "You really should take advantage of Ami and get a free massage. She is genuinely expert and really makes you feel sooo good." Chloe dragged her mum a little ahead of leaned in conspiratorially to confess, "Though with me it's anything but relaxing." She giggled and added, "Sorry mum, I'm embarrassing you. I'm a bit drunk. Just ignore me. But isn't she just gorgeous?" With that she skipped off to link arms with Ami and they all headed for home.
Tony caught up with Caroline and announced, "Well she seems happy." They watched the two girls huddle together as they walked ahead.
"Yes, definitely," Caroline agreed. She had always been very close to her daughter, they talked about everything. Caroline had shared in the emotional turmoil as Chloe had struggled with boyfriends and losing her virginity. Then the exultation when she realised her preference was for girls. Caroline had felt proud of her daughter's courage in accepting who she was.
"She has certainly become a confident young woman," Caroline confirmed to Tony as she watched the girls and smiled, they were now swaying from side to side and singing, "I think we should get them home before there is a commotion," she laughed at their antics.
A plan is hatched
Early on the Sunday morning over breakfast Tony offered to take the girls on a bicycle ride. He and Chloe were keen cyclists.
"You could ride Caroline's bike Ami; you are a similar height" Tony suggested.
"I have a better idea," chimed Chloe, "Ami isn't really sporty." Seeing the look of mock afront on Ami's face she quickly doubled down, "Well you're not Babe, admit it. You just aren't." As a salve she added, "Doesn't mean you don't have a great body of course." She leaned over to kiss Ami's cheek. Ami caught Caroline's eye and looked embarrassed. Caroline just smiled reassuringly as if to say, 'I know, she means well, but she is a clot sometimes.'
Chloe outlined her plan, "Dad and I can go on one of his crazy bike rides and Ami can give mum a massage, won't you Babe," she checked with Ami.
"Of course, Caroline, I'd love to," Ami grinned at Caroline, her lovely eyes shone happily.
"Well, that would be nice, dear, but I don't want to put you to work, it's your weekend off."
"Oh, she doesn't mind, she loves doing it," Chloe stepped in to answer for them both. "That's settled then. Me and dad will go riding and you two can have a girly time and get to know each other, OK?" She continued, "Dad, can we go to the peak. I haven't been there for soo loonngg," she stretched the last words for emphasis. "I really need a good workout today."
"Sure, Honey," Tony confirmed, "I am happy to do that, but it will take a few hours, maybe four."
"That's no problem. When we get back lunch will be my treat. Mum, will you call the King's Head and book a table for us for lunch?"
The arrangements were made and within half an hour Tony and Chloe had set off. Ami repeated the offer of the massage.
"If you are sure, dear. I don't want to give you bother. If you would prefer to relax that's fine."