As always, thanks to Kenji for his editing and support.
Chapter 11
My next week was hectic. MomC corralled MumE to go with her to Cambridge for a few days. She was researching the abstract artist, Ben Nicholson, for an exhibit she wanted to put on at the V&A. Matthew, who was still her boss, had loved her proposal, so she was pretty stuck into it. The most extensive collection of his work was in Cambridge, so she asked mum to come with her, not only for her expertise, but so they could catch up with David. MaryAnn was able to collect and get the kids to and from school for the few days MumE was gone, although dad and I made an effort to get home earlier than usual.
Mums had given me their approval to sleep with my dad, but sex was off the table. Damn! But that was fine...to an extent. It was enough just to have him spoon me all night, gently and, somewhat chastely, play with me, and connect. We talked 'til the wee hours about us, Maisie, my future, the family, and too many other things. I think we both needed this time, as dad saw I was growing closer to Maisie, and sooner rather than later, our intimacy would stop. I hoped I would still be able to share their bed, though. It was extremely tempting to slide my lithe body on dad's and take him, knowing he wouldn't resist. But I wouldn't do that to my mums. They trusted me, and that was too important to both of us. Still, it felt wonderful to have his daddy-cock firmly embedded on my crevice for two nights.
Maisie and I behaved at uni and at work. We didn't even have to discuss it, both of us knowing there was a time and place for everything. I needed to talk with my mums to see how she and MumE handled the same scenario at the V&A. We still had our lunches together, but the tone and mood had changed. Neither one of us apologised for Sunday's, uh, digression, knowing it was inevitable, and we agreed we had handled it rather well, considering what could have happened!
Mums were back Thursday evening, so we caught up with her research and on David and his studies. I packed for my weekend away, choosing a mixture of easy-going and dressy. As I had no idea where we were headed, it was tough. Mom lent me a few coats, fitting me wonderfully, but I always felt they were a bit too elegant for me. Still, they did look good!
Maisie pulled up in her chic Fiat 500 convertible earlier than I expected, but that was no surprise! We packed my full case in the car, grabbed my camera bag, and I left a note for everyone. We were off! She headed west, then south, which didn't give away too much yet! I had my phone plugged in, so we listened to music on the way down, singing along and so wrapped up in each other. Our tastes were similar, but she didn't care much for Wet Leg. I'd have her convinced before the weekend was
over, though!
Two hours later, we parked in the enchanting medieval town of Rye.
"I thought we should stop and grab a quick drink...or an early lunch?" she said.
"We're...not there yet?" I asked.
"Not too far, hen. Grab your camera, and we'll stretch our legs for a bit," she smiled.
We found a friendly little pastry shop, so we popped in for one and a coffee, then walked around the quaint town. I knew my mom and dad had spent some time in the southeast long ago and would have to see if they knew Rye. It was a charming place to stop off, but soon enough, our road hugged the coastline, as we headed west. It was a beautiful day for the top down. Maisie's long, red hair ponytail floated in the breeze in the most serene way as we sped alongside the clifftops of the channel.
Maisie drove into Brighton and finally pulled up to a gorgeous Regency terraced house with views of the pier. I was stunned! It was simply beautiful. There was a sea-facing balcony that wrapped around the building. A vast sliding picture window framed the pier, with a table and chairs outside ready for us. The high ceilings, sash windows, and architrave were all of the period, the walls a brilliant white with splashes of grey and light blue accessories dotted around. We stood out on the balcony, and I hugged and thanked her. This was quite a find!
"Happy birthday, Chloe," she sighed, and I melted into her arms.
"Thank...thank you, darling. This is...stunning. Thanks," I gushed, too much.
We checked out the apartment and weren't disappointed. I spotted a vase of fresh flowers and a card on a side table. I walked over, opened the envelope, and pulled the card out. In Maisie's distinctive writing was a note to...me!
As I read the note, I leant over and inhaled the fresh scent of the daisies, roses, veronicas and thlaspi.
'
My love; To love is to be vulnerable, and that
'
s exactly what I am with you. We only regret the chances we haven
'
t taken, which is why I never want to lose you. I love you just the way you are, Mo chridhe, mo ghrà dh. Happy birthday. Maisie. xxx
'
Maisie's hands were on my shoulders as I read her words. When I had finished reading, she wrapped her arms around me, my head falling to her shoulder, and she so tenderly kissed my head. I turned around, looked at this beautiful woman, and kissed her. I could feel the tears coming, so she held me securely in her arms.
"I...I love you so much, Maisie. Thank...thank you...for everything," I whispered.
"Agus tha gaol agam ort, Chloe," she murmured. "That means, 'And I love you,'" and smiled. "Happy birthday."
She pulled me to her, and I smelled her scented neck, felt her breasts tight against me, and her fingers in my hair. I ran my hands through her thick, red hair, holding her lips to mine.
As we walked from room to room, I held the card in my hand. There was a huge walk-in shower in one bathroom and a curved roll-top in the other. We flopped on the bed and smiled at each other.
[Yeah, this'll do, I thought.]
I turned on my side, facing Maisie, and whispered, "You're too kind, Maisie. This is...gorgeous!"I squealed.
"Anything to see you smile, mo ghrà dh. That's enough for me," she sighed, and we embraced. My body shivered whenever I heard her light brogue call me, 'Her love.'"
After a bit of languid necking, we brought our cases in, and I pulled out my iPad and did a quick video of the place for everyone back in Richmond. When I returned to the bedroom, Maisie casually dropped her flimsy nightwear on the bed with a coquettish, "Oops," and deliberately moved it to her pillow. She gave me a sultry smirk and continued to fill her drawer with her clothes. I tried to ignore her, but she knew she had baited me. I showed her what I had filmed, both of us wishing everyone a great day, and I sent it.
"Walk?" she asked, and I grabbed her hand. We headed towards the pier, which was the most prominent site. There was a brisk sea breeze, so we wrapped up in our light coats and scarves. I took too many photos, but Maisie put up with this little quirk. She had gotten used to it over the last two years, so she wasn't too surprised. It felt almost liberating to be in the open, holding hands and kissing Maisie. We headed inland to the more eclectic part of the city. The streets were lined with quirky, independent shops 'til we ended up in The Lanes, a series of narrow passageways and alleys where there were colourful, 17th-century cottages that had been turned into shops, boutiques and cafés. It reminded us of certain parts of London, but it had an ambience of its own.
We ambled about, ducking into antique shops, jewellery stores, and many boho clothes marts. Mum would love it here. I saw Maisie make notes on her phone when I pointed to a particular bangle or bracelet I liked.
[She had better not, I thought!]
Every so often, I would catch her face in just the right light and shoot off several photos, embarrassing her, but I didn't care. Goodness knows how many coffees we had, as all the cafés looked so inviting. There was a definite new-age feel to this place, all the shops having their own character and staff. Brighton seemed to be a very, well, liberal place to live and work. I was excited about going out tonight! We asked a few waitresses where we should go for drinks and dancing, with several inviting us to join them. We eagerly took the names of a few clubs, saying we may meet them later.
The afternoon wore on, and Maisie said, "I'm scunnered. Can we head back for a bit?" I smiled at her use of slang, but picked up what she meant.