I highly recommend reading chapters 1-13 before beginning this chapter. While this chapter can be read as a stand-alone story, it is entirely dependent on the events of the earlier chapters. A writer thrives on your feedback. Please take a moment to vote and leave a comment if you feel so inclined. Your votes are greatly appreciated. I hope you enjoy my scribbling.
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Sharon was waiting for us when we arrived. I had called her on my cell phone when we were on the road and given her our ETA. She welcomed me, as usual, with a warm hug and kiss.
Uncharacteristically, she was wearing a sarong. I was sure that was in deference to Heather's newness to the nudist lifestyle.
"You must be Heather. You're everything that Kim said you were, and more," she exclaimed while moving to her and sweeping her into a hug and kissing her on the cheek. I think Heather was more than a little shocked at the warmth and intimacy of Sharon's welcome. Heather was a little reserved and stiff at first, but quickly adjusted to Sharon's openness and she wrapped her arms around our hostess's body and returned the kiss to her cheek. They stood silently for a brief moment, staring into each other's eyes, arms wrapped loosely around each other, and I got the impression that Heather recognized another soul mate in Sharon's eyes.
Finally, they broke their hug and Sharon said, "Ya'll must be starving. I have dinner ready. Let's go grab a bite. You just missed Jim. He and the boys left a little while ago. Hopefully you will get a chance to see him on Sunday afternoon."
We followed Sharon to the dining room. The table was already set and Sharon went to the kitchen and quickly returned with a large bowl of cold shrimp pasta. She also brought a bottle of cold white wine. I suddenly realized how hungry I really was. The salad that I had shared with Heather at lunch was just a vague memory. I could see that Heather was in the same condition as she spooned a generous portion of the pasta onto her plate as well.
There wasn't much in the way of dinner conversation as we tucked into the delicious and filling meal. Sharon just sat and watched, obviously amused, as her guests tore into the meal. The crisp, white wine was wonderful and went well with the meal.
All three of us joined to clean up. In a few minutes, the dishwasher was loaded and table cleared. We even had some leftovers for lunch on Saturday. Sharon suggested that we unload the car, get settled in, and then retire to the hot tub for more wine and conversation. We readily agreed and made our way back to my car. Sharon guided us back to the guest room where we deposited our bags.
While doing so, Sharon caught my eye and gave me a nod, indicating her approval of Heather. I realized that she hadn't really had an opportunity to really get to know her yet, but I also knew that Sharon was the kind of woman that largely based her opinions on the strength of first impressions. Her approval was important to me and made my heart happy.
After dropping off the bags that she carried in, Sharon said that she was going to open another bottle of wine and get the hot tub ready while we settled in. I realized that she wanted to give Heather and me a moment alone.
"She likes you," I said to Heather.
"How do you know?" she replied.
"I just do, I can tell," I responded.
"Well, I'm glad. I like her too. I was pretty nervous meeting her," Heather said.
"Why?" I asked.
"I don't know, maybe because you have a longer history with her. Maybe it was just because I felt a need to be accepted by her, because of that history and the fact that she is a part of your life. Maybe it was because I was afraid of being compared to her as a lover."
"She's a very open and accepting person. I guess I should have told you more about her before we got here. I'm sorry about that. I think you will end up being good friends. I hope so anyway, and you have nothing to worry about in regards to any form of comparison. You are your own person, in bed and out. Sex is not a competitive sport."
"I sure hope not," she replied, giggling softly.
"We need to get moving and not leave her alone.
"Uhhhh..." I stammered and paused for a moment. "Heather, we usually don't wear anything in the hot tub. Are you ready for that?" I asked.