I arrived at Leslie's new townhouse, around 5:30. I paid the cab driver, carried my bags up the steps and took a deep breath before I rang the doorbell.
I heard Leslie holler out "Rene's here!" before the door unlocked and opened. "Come here girl," she held her arms open for a hug. I dropped the bag off my shoulder, and we embraced. "You ready to relax this weekend?" she asked in my ear.
"Girl, this will be just what I need," I said stepping back and getting my bag from the step.
Leslie closed the door behind me, "Damn, you're looking good. Lost all that baby weight, didn't you?"
"Exercise and stress are two sure-fire ways to lose weight."
"Let me show you to the bedroom where you can put your stuff down," she led me around a couple of turns. "I'll give you the official tour later. We have plenty of time."
That was good to hear. I didn't want to force this weekend, and wanted to just relax and enjoy it. We passed by the kitchen, and there was Rochelle tossing a salad – wearing a bra and a pair of sweatpants. It was then that I noticed what Leslie had on – her husband's tank-top and panties.
"How are you girl?" Rochelle came and hugged me.
"I'll be fine. It smells good in there."
"You know I got skills!" She went back to the kitchen, "It won't be ready for an hour, so you've got time to freshen up and relax."
"This is the guest bedroom," Leslie said from a little down the hall, "Yours and Rochelle's home for the weekend."
"Thanks," I said going by her into the room. "This is nice."
"I like it almost more than I do my own room."
"I'm gonna call Eric to let him know I got here safe, then I'm gonna take a bath."
"Don't stay on the phone too long with him, he's why you're stressed out in the first place."
I sat on the bed by the phone, "Just a quick 'hi and bye'."
"I'll start your water for you," Leslie said closing the door.
I took a breath, and dialed home. Eric answered on the third ring. "I made it."
"Good. How is everybody?"
"They're fine, we haven't had a chance to talk yet."
"Tell them I said hello."
"I will. How's Marlena?"
"Our baby girl is doing fine. She misses you already; I do too."
I rolled my eyes at him adding himself in there, "It's only three days."
"I know, but I'd rather we spend this long weekend as a family."
"Eric," I sighed, "this weekend is for me. I need this."
"When do we get some family time, huh? School is for you, your support group is for you, the committees you sit on are for you, your workout schedule is for you. When do I get something?"
My hand started trembling, "This kind of insecurity is what I came here to get away from."
"Right, you went there to get away from me. I said that when you first mentioned you wanted to go."
"Why do you always make this about you! I need this for me, and I'll be back Monday, all right?"
"Whatever," he hung up.
He knows I hate being hung up on. I thought to call back just to hang up on him, but he'd be evil enough to not answer the phone. I sat there and collected myself. I hope Leslie and Rochelle didn't hear me shouting; those two are worried enough about me, I don't want to ruin the weekend.
I could hear the bath water running, so I undressed and got my toiletries out of my bag. I put my silk robe on and went to ask Leslie where her towels were. When I got to the corner of the kitchen, I knew they hadn't heard me. Leslie was on the counter, one foot dangling off and the other on the edge of the counter as Rochelle had her face between Leslie's legs. Leslie was bracing herself with one hand, and running her free hand over Rochelle's short hair. By the look of pleasure on Leslie's face, Rochelle was doing her usual good job of "Kissing the Cat," as we called it. Rochelle and I are close in complexion, both brownskin; Leslie was light skin - and I loved the contrast I was staring at.
A grin slid over my face, as I cleared me throat to get their attention. "Just gonna leave me out, huh?"
"Sorry, Rene'," Rochelle looked up, wiping her mouth as she came over to me. "Have you ever been left out before? We just wanted to give you a chance to settle in," Rochelle slid her hand inside my rode and caressed my breast.
I felt that surge of energy I haven't felt since this time last year, as my eyes closed themselves. My body started responding in ways it hadn't responded to my husband in a long time.
"Do you need something?"
"Yes," I whispered.
"Rene'!"
"Huh?" my eyes opened.
Rochelle giggled, gave me a peck on the lips, and went back to Leslie.
"What do you need?"
"Uhm, where are the towels?"
"I set everything you need on the toilet seat. Enjoy yourself."
"You too," I grinned, and went into the bathroom.
The smell of lavender overtook me. I closed my eyes and inhaled deeply, then went to the tub to turn off the water. I dipped my hand in, and the temperature was perfect. "Why can't Eric be this good?" I asked myself. "I see Leslie once a year, and she remembers what I like everytime. Eric can't remember from one week to the next."
I shook the thought of him out of my head, and let my robe fall to the floor. Rochelle's brief caress had me moist. I ran my middle finger between my legs, then brought it to my mouth as I looked at myself in the mirror. Though I thought I still had too much of a belly, I had lost most of the baby weight. I was very disappointed with the stretch marks carrying her left, despite putting cocoa butter on every day. Eric said he didn't care about them, but I don't trust that. He would say anything to start having sex again. My breast had lost some of their fullness, but they were still bigger than they were before I got pregnant. My nipples had lightened back to theirnormal shade of brown as well. My hips were a little bit wider now too. I noticed a scale in the corner, and felt bold enough to get on. 140, only 10 pounds off my pre-pregnancy weight - that made me smile.
Leslie's bathroom had a dimmer, so I turned the lights down and noticed a small package sticking out of the side of the towel. I smiled as I opened the envelope, then smiled even bigger when I saw the mini vibrator inside. The note told me to enjoy myself. I took another cleansing breath, then stepped into the water. I sunk down until the bubbles were over my chin, and closed my eyes.
I'm not sure how much time passed before I sensed someone standing beside the tub. I sat up, a little startled.
"Relax, Rene'," Leslie grinned.