In her senior year of college Kathy had rented a three bedroom apartment with two of her other school mates. The room-mates continued to rent the apartment for a few years after graduation until the other two eventually moved out and started their own "grown-up" lives, leaving Kathy alone. Since Kathy was gainfully employed and paid well, the rent really wasn't much of a problem. She loved the area so much she decided to just stay there.
The apartment, however, was much bigger than she really needed. The sensible thing would obviously have been to downsize and move to a smaller apartment, but she doubted she could get a lower rent, so she decided to advertise for a roommate. The extra money would come in handy for savings, entertainment and, to be completely honest, the company would be nice as well.
Kathy was a tall athletic woman, about 5'11." She was an avid runner and went to the gym four or five times a week, she had light blue eyes, a good strong and lean figure, and shortish light brown hair. She played beach volleyball in college. Trainers at her gym said that she was so muscular that it would be easy for her to work on definition and get into the amateur body building circuit. Kathy, flattered, had no interest.
Sarah came to interview for the apartment, she was quite different from Kathy. She was smaller, about 5' 5" trim but with a bigger chest. Where Kathy was long, tall and elegant, Sarah was more average height and sexy with long black hair and brown eyes. Despite their differences, Kathy and Sarah hit it off quickly, they had instant chemistry. Sarah signed the rental agreement that day and moved in on the first of the next month.
That first night, the two ordered take-out and opened a bottle of wine to talk and get to know each other. It seemed that they had similar tastes in wine and food, completely different taste in men, Kathy liked taller men with light hair and blue eyes, while Sarah liked men a little shorter, darker, with brown eyes. They had similar tastes in furniture, decorations, daily schedule, and much of the tension that comes with a new roommate just never happened. They seemed like they were old friends who just met.
Their first couple years together flew by and was a time of growth for both of them. Both college grads, both employed, both fairly successful, both about the same age, both gaining positions of importance, and both growing closer as friends. They began to speak to each other in that short-hand that only close friends speak. They would talk about the men that they dated. Rarely would Kathy find Sarah's dates attractive, and Sarah always thought Kathy's dates were too tall.
Kathy was a bit jealous of Sarah, nothing serious, but Sarah had an easier time finding dates. Kathy's height and build made finding boyfriends kind of difficult. They needed to be at least 6'3" because Kathy liked her high heals and hated to be taller than the man she was dating. Kathy was basically an Amazon, so small skinny wimpy guys wouldn't cut it. Sarah had a wider field of suitors, where as Kathy often intimidated men. Sarah was more approachable. Truth be known, however, Sarah secretly admired Kathy's height and build and wondered what it would be like to be that tall and strong.
Approaching their 30s, they worked well together. Each had a job, each managed their finances, each covered for the other as needed, and each contributed to the upkeep of the apartment. They helped each other when they needed, offered encouragement when necessary, and solace with chocolate ice cream for emergencies. Unknown to either of them, there was no emotional need that was unmet. They dated when they wanted and had each other when they didn't. They were never aware of how close they had gotten or how dependent on each other they had become.
Then Thursday came. It was a bad Thursday, Sarah lost her job. The company was re-organizing, down sizing and moving jobs to India and/or China. She had worked there for five years and loved it as well as the friends she worked with. She was devastated. She had some savings and some retirement, perhaps unemployment would help for a while, but the job market was slow. While she had confidence that she would find another job, health care was really expensive! more than unemployment would cover. She would have to move back home and live with her parents until she found a job that could pay for healthcare and get her career back on track.
When Kathy came home from work, she found Sarah sobbing on the sofa. She didn't even have to ask, Sarah blurted out that she was "let go."
Kathy, quick with an idea, said "Vegas, my treat!" Sarah objected, but Kathy was firm. "You just had shitty news, you are going to be an emotional wreck for weeks, so why don't we just try to have some fun before all the seriousness sinks in. It will be fun." Sarah wasn't convinced, but had to admit it would be nice to have some fun before she starts the painful process of getting unemployment, cobra benefits, transferring the 401K, moving home, etc.
Kathy took a personal day and they left Friday morning after quickly packing two suitcases. They arrived late afternoon in Las Vegas and stayed at the Luxor. The first thing they did is get a drink out of the minibar. Sarah and Kathy talked about what Sarah planned to do. Kathy did not want Sarah to move out. This was only a temporary situation and it would be like losing a family member. Kathy came up with an idea, but it was crazy. "Sarah, I have a great idea, but I think I need to drink more before I tell you." Sarah was intrigued, but knew Kathy had to say it in her own time.
That night they went out on the town. They saw a show, did a little gambling, and, of course, drank. Walking past the Bellagio Hotel, with the water fountain show in full swing, music playing, Kathy stopped Sarah, got down on one knee and asked "Sarah, will you marry me?" Sarah was shocked. This was crazy, right? Kathy looked Sarah in they eye, and said, "Don't be shocked, I'm not gay, but if we get married, I can get you on my insurance as my spouse. Your unemployment will pay your bills. I got the rent for the apartment until you get a job, we'd also be married filing jointly, think of the tax savings!"
