Chapter Seven: Let It Snow
Early January 1999, the cold, dark days after Christmas and the New Year had produced the customary feeling of gloom in some, but not Tamara. She felt cheerful in the knowledge that her life was full of possibilities as she walked along the corridor having just left the Head's office. She had been asked to become acting Assistant Head with responsibility for the sixth form. She wanted to share her news so she dashed off a text to Jack.
"Hi Love, just been asked to act as assistant head, celebration tonight! xxx"
Sheryl was away on a two day leadership and management course, but Tamara knew that the Head had consulted his deputy on the proposal, so she dashed off another text.
"Hi Sher, Just been offered acting head by Chris, he said you were keen, thanks for putting a word in for me, hope course is okay, looking forward to your return, don't forget Saturday. xx"
The reply came within minutes.
"Hi Tam, congrats you deserve it, course is great, looking forward to Sat! Catch up on Wed xx"
Tamara also sent a text to Alena, who expressed the view that they'd have been mad not to offer her the role and sent love and hugs.
The Head had explained that the governors had approved changes to the leadership structure. The post would be advertised, with a view to filling it permanently from September and, of course, she'd be welcome to apply. Miriam, the Chair of Governors had been 'kept in the picture' and would call in to the school on Thursday, to have a chat with Tamara and welcome her to the senior leadership team.
Tamara called into Sheryl's office on Wednesday morning. They hugged and kissed each other as Sheryl congratulated her. Tamara was delighted that she would still be teaching her sixth form students.
They sat together on two low easy chairs, Sheryl on Tamara's left.
"So how was the course?" asked Tamara.
"Really worthwhile, I think we should get you on the next one, in May."
"That would be great, I'm going to need some training and support, but tell me, any interesting men on the course?"
"No, as usual the best ones were married, I did get chatted up by your old boss Trevor Strong, but who hasn't been? That's the only trouble with these locally run courses, no 'bonding' in the bar in the evenings."
"And are you still 'wearing'?"
"Wearing? Oh, yes, and I do enjoy the feeling but they're not always comfortable the whole day long."
"I think I might know why, let me see."
"What, here?"
"Don't worry, we can't be seen, and your PA is down in the admin office at the moment."
Sheryl hitched her skirt up to reveal her suspender straps and stocking tops.
"I thought so, the straps and clips are narrow, and there aren't enough of them."
Tamara, reached with her right hand for the strap on the top of Sheryl's left thigh. For a long moment Tamara looked Sheryl in the eye and, still clutching the strap, rested the back of her hand on her leg. The hem of Sheryl's skirt was pulled taut across her thighs, just hiding her panty gusset. Tamara wanted to sink her hand between the soft white thighs and nestle her fingers against Sheryl's mound.
Sheryl was aroused and vulnerable, she looked meekly at Tamara, it was clear that Tamara would decide what happened next. She could see that a nervous looking Sheryl wanted to be touched, but this wasn't the time or place. Sheryl craved the new experience of a woman's hand on her pussy, but Tamara broke the spell. She hitched up her own skirt and showed Sheryl her straps and clasps.
"Look, six broad straps and strong wide, well padded metal clips, you hardly know you've got them on. Don't worry, we'll find something for you on Saturday."
Sheryl, aroused but, at the same time, relieved at being let off the hook by Tamara, admired her stocking clad legs and felt a trickle of juice leave her pussy to dampen her panty gusset.
The following day, Miriam's visit to Tamara was not at all what she had expected. Miriam was a tall, elegant, attractive woman in her late fifties, Tamara had seen her around the school on several occasions. A formal black business skirt suit, crisp white blouse, red and black patterned scarf, and black heeled court shoes adorned her trim figure. Her expensive red dangly earrings, necklace and handbag added class and sophistication. As she sat close to Tamara, skirt tightly drawn over her thighs, Tamara could just make out the tell tale signs of suspender clips.
She was married to a Tory MP from the neighbouring county. Miriam skilfully put Tamara at her ease and they spoke enthusiastically about the future organisation of the sixth form. The conversation became friendlier and less formal, Tamara said that she admired her shoes and asked where she had got them from. As Miriam left, she turned in the doorway, pressed a business card into Tamara's hand and said.
"Look, I know it's not always easy for a woman promoted internally to find her feet in a new role. If there is anything I can do for you Tamara, and I mean anything at all... please get in touch."
She kept hold of Tamara's hand and stroked her thumb over the back of it, while looking meaningfully into her eyes. Then she turned and walked briskly but elegantly along the corridor. Tamara watched her make her graceful progress into the distance and wondered if Miriam had just made a pass at her. She looked at the card and saw that it contained Miriam's name, and that she was an executive director of a local fashion business. A business phone number was crossed out and replaced by a mobile number written in blue biro. Maybe one day, thought Tamara, she would take up the glamorous Miriam's offer just to see what might come of it.
Tamara and Sheryl met briefly in Tamara's new office on Friday afternoon, at the end of the school day. Tamara put her left arm around Sheryl's waist in an affectionate gesture.
"Jack and I would love you to stay over at our place tomorrow night. If we get the snow that's forecast it's probably sensible anyway. But I don't want to force you or put you under pressure if you'd rather not."
"Thanks, I'd love to, but be gentle with me," laughed Sheryl as she returned the friendly one armed hug.
It took a moment for the two women to realise, that what had started as an affectionate hug had become mutually arousing embrace as Tamara's left thigh pressed against Sheryl's right thigh. Tamara stroked Sheryl's right cheek with the back of her right hand, then, to break the mood, dropped her left hand on to Sheryl's left buttock, gave it a playful squeeze and planted a kiss on her forehead.
"You're being a bit over familiar with your boss Ms. Fox," joked Sheryl.
"I'm yours to command," said Tamara playing the submissive.
"I should be so lucky," quipped Sheryl with a cheeky smile.
"Okay, it's going to be freezing tomorrow, have you got thick woollen stockings?"