In the first chapter, Robin, a 22 years old college student, helps his new neighbor, Connie, who's 38, around the house. They befriend, see a movie together, and, eventually end up in bed.
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The same evening, when I returned home, Mom was sitting in the living room, watching a sitcom.
"Robin, are you hungry? I have fresh salad in the fridge and if you wait 1/2 an hour, I can make you a full dinner."
I approached, kissed her cheek, and said, "Thank Mom, but I am not hungry."
Her eyes inspected me, "You look different: Your eyes are brighter than usual, your mouth is smiling often, and you are not hungry for a change. If I didn't know better, I'd say you are in love... Are you?"
I grinned, "You read me too well. Yes, several days ago I met a lady and we like each other. A lot!"
She blurted, "Good for you. I am happy to see you emotionally charged like that. It brings memories of when I was your age. In each relationship, I felt butterflies in my chest. The excitement was very powerful, and we were careless. So, please, make sure when you reach intimacy, to use your brain, not just your heart and... groin."
"Mom, thanks for the advice, but I remind you I am no longer a virgin and capable of thinking and acting responsibly."
She mumbled, "I know. At your age, you know everything and are very sure of yourself. I was just like you and ended up pregnant."
I was surprised, "Are you saying I wasn't planned?"
"No. I got pregnant before Dad and I met each other. The guy was attractive and a good lay, but we never intended to marry each other. I had an abortion. My parents never knew about it. Before our wedding, I told your father that I aborted a fetus a few months before I met him."
"What did he say?"
"He didn't care. His words were, 'Honey, it doesn't matter what you did before we hooked up. I only care about your life in the present and the future!"
Before the confession, I looked at my mother as 'Mom.' Her story revealed a detail I never knew about, and now I felt a much stronger bond.
I went to bed, and my thoughts turned to Mom's pregnancy. I could have had a brother or sister...
I fell asleep and had a dream: Connie and I had sex, and after we were done, she told me she was pregnant. I wasn't shocked but happy I'd have a baby with the most attractive woman in the world. As we discussed getting married, an outside noise woke me up. My watch showed 5 am, and the noise came from the waste collection team working near our house.
I lay in bed and felt wonderful. Was I in love? I wasn't sure, but I didn't care. With Connie by my side, I was on top of the world.
I waited until Mom and Dad left for work and went outside. Connie was watering the new flower garden. Her eyes smiled when she saw me, "Robin, any regrets about last evening?"
"Only one regret - That I didn't stay the night in your bed."
Connie grinned, "Honey, we don't need to rush. Time is on our side. Your vacation ends 2 months from now, and I am free as a bird. While lazy you were sleeping, I finished wetting my garden. Anything you wish us to do today?" While Connie was talking to me, she pulled on the hose and sprinkler.
Suddenly, she stopped, grimaced, and her hand moved to her lower back.
It was obvious her back was acting again. I said, "Dear lady, I know exactly what I want to do this morning. I want you in bed on your tummy, naked..."
She chuckled, "The beginning of your sentence sounds very promising..."
I continued, "You wait for me. I'll go home, bring a special rubbing oil, and massage your back gently."
Connie protested, "Robin, it's not that bad. Let's not make a fuss because of a little pain."
"Woman, I do not trust you. I saw your face when the pain started. I think you won't tell me the truth, so you will be nice and ready for my massage."
"OK, boss."
In Mom's bathroom, I found the unopened bottle of Argan Oil Dad bought for her birthday. I grabbed it and returned to Connie's place. She was naked with a towel covering her butt, and her face on a large pillow. She smiled at me, "It will be interesting to compare your technique with that of my former masseur."
"Lady, I couldn't care less about your prior massages. My mission is to relieve your pains and make you feel better."
I spread an abundant amount of oil on my palms, waited for it to warm up, and touched softly her lower back. I began a gentle circular rubbing while searching for knots. I found 2 suspicious areas on her right side. I worked to relieve them, doing it as carefully and gingerly as possible.
She moaned and closed her eyes. I continued moving up to her upper back and shoulders. Her groans became louder. She evidently enjoyed my ministrations. Her skin was soft and smooth, and the sight of her side boobs reminded me of our encounter the day before.