Thank you. Thank you. Thank you for your patience! This part of Abby's Dress led me in so many directions causing me to change the story line several times. However, I believe I got it to a point that will allow many fun possibilities and surprises in a possible conclusion. Again, thank you dear readers.
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My stomach was in knots. I knew that I was calling Linda simply to make myself feel better. I wanted to know that everything was okay. And yes, I did want to check on her, too. After all, I left her laying there in a post orgasmic haze, knowing that she probably had not had that feeling in some time.
I picked up my phone and clicked her number and got quite the surprise when the voice on the other end was Abby's. "Hi, Mrs. G" she answered in a "sing songy" way.
"Oh. Abby," I responded, "I thought I clicked your mom's number."
"You did, Mrs. G, but she's in her bathroom, I think."
My brain went into overdrive. Was the noise I heard, Abby? I mean, I just left her house and here she was answering her mother's phone! How did I miss her as I left her house? Did she hear us or see us?
"Mrs. G, are you there?" she said as her voice interrupted my thoughts.
"Yes, Abby, I was just thinking about something" was my reaction.
"Well, Mrs. G," she practically whispered, "I hope you were thinking of me licking every inch of your body."
And here I thought I couldn't be more distracted! "Abby, not now," I scolded. "Would you have your mom call me when she gets out?"
"Sure, Mrs. G, but keep me and my tongue in mind" she said hanging up.
I sensed a smile on her face which put a smile on mine, but concern about Linda's feelings were not going away until I spoke with her.
I changed and washed up and busied myself with packing even while thinking this trip might not happen. An hour went by and I was a nervous wreck. Linda must be upset. That's why she hadn't called. I've lost a friend. This trip is not happening. Does Abby know? Would she say anything to Stacy? Then my phone rang. Linda!
I clicked on my phone and before I could say hello, Linda started with "Brenda, don't say anything, just let me talk." And she did. For at least five straight minutes!
Linda's stream of consciousness ran the gamut from apologetic to disbelief, surprise, guilt, embarrassment, thankfulness, confusion, and relief. I listened as a good friend should and when she finished there was simply a loud sigh from her. I also felt relief because I thought there might be anger, as well, but there was none.
In the end, we both blamed stress, hormones and, of course, our husbands. A telling comment from Linda was "If I was going to stray to get my needs met, I'm glad it was with you." To me, that left a door open. Where that door led, I wasn't sure myself, but it may have to wait for after the weekend. After all, we would have our daughters with us.
After speaking with Linda, I felt so much better. Alive, in fact. I told myself, "This is going to be a great weekend." With that, I finished my packing, texted back and forth with Linda regarding travel details, and eventually prepared dinner. Stacy got home and she was excited, talking non-stop about the trip. I was so happy to see her this way and it relaxed me even more. All was good.
We decided to leave at around 7 only because we wanted to maximize our time. Stacy and Abby were even agreeable to the time. Linda would drive as her SUV was roomier and she would pick Stacy and I up in front of our house so we didn't have to lug our suitcases up the street. I told Stacy not to stay up too late because I didn't want her cranky in the morning. Frank told me he'd be leaving for work before we left. I had a feeling he was getting an early start so that he could leave work early to play golf.
Frank went up to bed before me and Stacy was in her room doing her own packing. I was making sure everything was put away or turned off. I had already placed my roller bag by the door and prepared to check on Stacy to make sure she had everything she needed. I picked up my phone which was by the sofa to find a text waiting for me to open. It was from Abby. I clicked it open to find a close-up photo of her puckered lips. The text below it read, "Looking for a place to put these. Any ideas?"
I stared at the picture on my phone screen. It was not something I expected. The adult in me said that I needed to delete and ignore this text and find time to talk with Abby. The woman in me wanted to let Abby know ALL the places I wanted her lips.
Hearing Stacy, I clicked my phone to the home screen and put it back down on the end table. As she brought her roller bag to the front door she said, "I don't think I could fit any more."
"Honey, we're just going away for the weekend." I said knowing how futile the statement was. After all, I packed more than I needed.
I was pleasantly surprised when she came up to me and gave me a big hug and said, "Mom, thanks! I think us girls are going to have so much fun."
"I appreciate that, honey, and I'm glad you and Abby don't mind hanging with your old moms."
Stacy rolled her eyes and said, "Abby and I agree that we have the coolest moms."
With that Stacy said goodnight to me while I reminded her to set her alarm.
As I prepared to go up to bed, I picked up my phone again so that I could set my own alarm. Another text from Abby. I clicked it open to find a picture of her lips, but this time her tongue was stuck all the way out. The text below it read, "Looking forward to licking you from head to toe."
Again, I stared at the screen. I must keep my cool, I thought. I didn't reply. I couldn't. I shouldn't.