**[This is a re-write of my earlier story Nicole and Kate: A Beginning. I rushed that story for submission during a stressful time, and I was mortified that the published story was riddled with editorial errors. I apologize to anyone who was subjected to that version. Please forgive me, and please enjoy this version.]
Nicole had recently turned 18 and her life was as busy as ever with school, soccer, tennis, applying to college, friends, and volunteer work. Sometimes she wondered if she was too busy for her own good, but she considered herself lucky to have a supportive family and some close and faithful friends. Over the past year or so, Nicole also had come to appreciate her relationship with Kate, a teacher and coach that Nicole also considered a friend and mentor. Kate was 31 years old and married, and she was a great history teacher, assistant soccer coach, and, most of all, someone Nicole admired and confided in. Nicole also thought Kate was one of the most beautiful women she had ever known: a tanned, athletic body, short blonde hair, and amazing blue eyes that sparkled whenever Kate smiled.
Nicole, like a lot of other students, both boys and girls, had a crush on Kate, who had been an All-American soccer player in college and who almost made the national team. Her husband, Darius, was an All-American football player in college who signed a big contract to play professional football. He also was gorgeous: a 6'3'' and 225-pound black man, with a perfect athlete's body and legendary abs. Kate's uncle was Darius's agent, and she and Darius met after his first year in professional football. Three years later, Darius suffered a career-ending knee injury, but Kate's uncle had made sure Darius invested his money wisely, so he and Kate, who got married a year and a half after Darius was injured, were financially secure. Kate was free to pursue teaching and coaching, and Darius had started a successful sports marketing firm.
Nicole and Kate had been close ever since they both arrived at the school for Nicole's freshman year. But they had grown closer over the last year or so, finding out that they had a lot of interests in common beyond soccer. They both volunteered at a local children's center and participated in park clean-ups around town. After those activities, they sometimes had lunch together at a restaurant, and Kate helped Nicole think about her college choice. A few weekends after Nicole's birthday, following a park cleanup, Kate for the first time invited Nicole to her house for lunch for what she called a "girls day," explaining that Darius was away on a golf weekend. They headed out to the backyard pool to talk about school, college, and life. Nicole was in her shorts and a tank top, but Kate changed into a two-piece bathing suit that showed off her figure.
After a bit of chat, Kate went in the house and came back with two iced teas, handing one to Nicole. "Hold on," Kate said and she sipped her drink. "Okay. All good," she added. Nicole looked at Kate quizzically. "Mine is a Long Island Iced Tea," Kate said. "I wanted to make sure I didn't mix them up," she said with a smile.
"That's an alcoholic drink, right?" Nicole asked.
"Yes. My favorite. I hope it's okay for me to have one," Kate said sincerely.
"Of course it is," Nicole said, enjoying the "adult" conversation.
"I'd offer you one, but you just turned 18," Kate said looking into Nicole's eyes. Nicole couldn't remember mentioning her recent birthday, and she was surprised Kate knew when it was. "Last year, you told me your birthday, and I have it on my calendar," Kate said casually. "Part of the reason for inviting you over today was to say 'Happy Birthday,'" Kate said with a smile. "In fact, hold on one more sec," Kate said as she headed back into the house.
Nicole could not help but admire Kate's perfect butt and legs as she walked away. Nicole also noticed that Kate did not have any visible tan lines on her back, or for that matter on her chest. After just a minute, Kate came back out with a beautifully wrapped gift box and held it out toward Nicole. "Happy Birthday, Nicole."
Nicole was taken aback. "Oh gosh, Kate, really?... that wasn't necessary.," Nicole stammered, still not taking the box.
"I know it wasn't 'necessary.' I wanted to do it," Kate said. "Go ahead, open it." Nicole was aware that she was not saying much, and she somehow liked doing what Kate told her to do.
"Yes, ma'am," Nicole said with a smile. She undid the ribbon and unwrapped the package to find the same two-piece bathing suit Kate was wearing. Nicole looked at Kate and smiled.
"Okay, maybe this is weird, but I fell in love with this suit," Kate said, stepping back to let Nicole look over her body. "And I couldn't shake the thought that it would look great on you... So, I thought 'why not?' I just hope it fits," Kate said with a shrug. She reached down and took a gulp of her drink. "Do you like it?"
"Oh my god, Kate, I love it," Nicole gushed. Her mind raced with excitement at the thought of Kate thinking about her while shopping for a swimsuit. Nicole added: "When I saw it on you, I thought it was amazing, and said to myself that I hope someday I can look that amazing in a bathing suit."
"Don't ever worry about that Nicole. You will look amazing in any suit," Kate assured her. The compliment sent electricity through Nicole's body.
"So? Go put it on, the sun won't be here forever," Kate said, pulling away slightly. Nicole was still taken aback by the gift, and she hesitated. "Go young lady," Kate said, pretending to be stern.
"I'm worried how I will look," Nicole said. "I might need one of those Long Island teas to get up the courage," Nicole said with a nervous laugh.
Kate smiled. "Here you go, instant courage," she said smiling and handing her half-full glass to Nicole. Looking into Kate's eyes, Nicole took a gulp, surprised at how easily the drink slid down her throat. "Be careful," Kate smiled, "they can sneak up on a girl."
Nicole handed the drink back to Kate. "Be right back," she said.
"Can't wait," Kate said. "Use the guest bathroom right off the kitchen." Kate then asked: "Should I make you a drink while you are gone?"