When I picked up the phone, Kath was on the other end. "Mel, darling! I've just had your paintings back. I chose gilt frames and they look absolutely stunning."
I had delivered the three paintings to Kath as soon as Roger and I arrived back from France. She was absolutely thrilled with them and immediately phoned up about the framing while I was at her house. But now she was effervescent with delight.
"You'll never believe what a difference the frames make to the triptych Mel," she enthused. "When can you come over and see them?"
We had visitors coming for a meal that evening so I said, "I'm going to be busy this evening but I could come over for an hour or so this afternoon."
I could feel her frustration even over the phone. "Oooh Mel. An hour or so wasn't really what I had in mind. Can't you come over for longer? Pleeeeese!"
I then remembered that Roger had to go to London the following day to discuss the design of some point-of-sale literature with a publisher client. He'd certainly be away for one night, possibly two.
"Abby is coming around for coffee tomorrow morning," I said. "And I have my life class in the afternoon, but I could come over tomorrow evening."
"Great! Absolutely great" she yelled. Then, rather more hesitantly, "Will you be able to stay the night?"
"Yes, OK. Roger won't be home until the following day at the earliest."
"That'll be wonderful, darling. I can guarantee that a good time will be had by both of us."
As I put the phone down I rather fancied I knew exactly what Kath meant by that.
When I arrived the following evening, Kath greeted me in her usual enthusiastic way by throwing her arms around me and giving me a long kiss. This always got both of us off to a good start.
"Thank you for coming over, darling. It's so good to see you again. You look as marvellous as ever - good enough to eat - so prepare to be eaten."
Then she took my hand. "Come and see your paintings. I loved them when I first saw them, but now they've been framed they look terrific. I've had them hung on the wall just where we decided they'd look best."
We walked down the hallway accompanied by Kath's two gorgeous Persian cats which she'd aptly named Clit and Pussy. We chatted as she led me in the direction of her huge, marble-lined bathroom. The large bath was set on top of three marble steps and, as we entered, I could see the triptych hanging on the wall opposite.
I must admit that the gilt frames really did enhance my paintings and made them look rather special. "Oh, Kath! They do look good hanging there together don't they.?"
"Absolutely!" she enthused. "And you remember why I wanted them just there."
I gave a little laugh. "Yes. You said you'd be able to lie in your bath and gaze at my naked figure when I wasn't here."
She looked me straight in the eyes and smiled warmly. "Mmmm That's right. But you're here now, so I have the best of both worlds."
I walked slowly across the line of life-sized paintings, looking up at them as Kath followed me. When I reached the last one she came right up behind me, put her arms around me and whispered in my ear: "Would you like to view the paintings from the bath, darling?"
I ran my hands lightly along her loving arms, then turned around to face her. Kath's penetrating look told me she wanted me. I took her face in both my hands and kissed her. Then, deliberately summoning up my sexiest voice, I said, "There's nothing I'd like better, my love."
Hand in hand we mounted the three steps to the bath and I noticed it was half full of water with a layer of bubbles on top. She'd evidently planned ahead. Along each side of the bath was a small marble cupboard and a matching shelf. I kicked off my high heels, took off my dress and placed them on the shelf. Kath watched me smiling.
"No undies I see," she said with some delight. "It always seems a great pity to me that, with a figure like yours, you have to wear clothes. Mmmmm... and shaved too!"
"Flatterer!" I said, quickly looking down at the marble floor.
