CHAP 4
Title: The New Routine

Sheri liked the sound of Kate's voice on the phone. She was also quite pleased with the entire package that arrived that evening for the roommate interview session. Kate's short blonde hair, slightly wild and unruly, coupled with those green eyes held a fetching appeal. Her figure was athletically trim. Sheri had approved the combination with a silent mental checkmark. After the roomies had finalized the agreements, Kate left with a promise to return the next day.

The house was once again silent; Sheri unwrapped the sari from her tall length and lay it across the spare lounge chair. Her naked nipples hardened in the cool breeze of the chilly night air. She raised her arms above her head and welcomed the hedonistic stretch of muscles. Reclining into the chair, she thought about her soon-to-be roomie. She smiled. Drifting off to sleep to the symphony of cicadas and crickets, she envisioned a pair of green eyes with flecks of gold.

Kate moved in the next day with a few possessions. She made arrangements to have more belongings moved over by professionals two days later. Sheri helped where Kate asked or needed and they both felt a tentative bond forming between them. Within a week, Kate felt at home. During the initial days the two women established somewhat of a routine. They set up a schedule for washdays, cleaning, and grocery pickup. Kate spent a few dollars and purchased some houseplants that added to the atmosphere of the downstairs and upstairs decor.

Kate also spent some time organizing her upcoming class work and appointments with college staff, and she started notifying specific people of her new address. Within two weeks of her arrival, she started receiving her mail.

Kate quickly discovered Sheri was not a morning person. At least not until 10 a.m. Kate enjoyed the early morning hours between 7 and 9 as she drank in the view off the back deck while sipping her coffee. Around 9 she started making a light breakfast. Most mornings the smell would wake Sheri and she would stumble down to greet Kate with a 'please pass the coffee'.

School soon started and the routine began a bit earlier but was cemented quickly. They both needed to leave by 9 for morning classes. Kate returned home late in the evening, around seven on most weekdays, because she was spending an enormous amount of time researching information in the library. Sheri commented on the late hours and after hearing the need promptly retrieve a laptop from her room. Plugging it into the house phone line, she explained she wasn't using it much anyway. Kate argued, but Sheri persisted. She left it available for Kate and it stayed on the coffee table. Within a few days, Sheri had the phone company install another line and the laptop was available night or day. Kate began to wonder how she ever got along without one, and Sheri began to see Kate return home much earlier in the day.

Kate began to notice a pattern form with Sheri's schedule too. On Tuesday and Thursday nights, Sheri would disappear. Sheri never offered an explanation to her whereabouts, but Kate noticed her return on both evenings was well after midnight. Kate kept with the 'respecting one's roommate's privacy' pattern and did not ask.

Sheri eventually mentioned that she worked those evenings. All other weeknights the other woman's habits were totally in synch with Kate's. Sheri would spend a few hours studying before heading for a Jacuzzi swim or switching to a good book. Her quiet nature was exactly what Kate needed in a roommate. Once in a while Sheri would receive a phone call from one friend or another. Kate would hear her discuss plans or, if needed, cut them short for her study time. Kate was not as social. She received one call from her parents then nothing until the next call came in a few weeks later. Sheri didn't pry, but she frowned in disappointment at the friendless person her roommate seemed to be.

On Friday nights Sheri would try and cajole Kate into heading to different places. Kate accepted a few times then began to decline. Their blooming friendship did not suffer. Sheri took the declines with good grace and kept asking every time. She let Kate find her own pace and settle into her new environment with ease. Sheri would often return home to find Kate asleep in the Lazyboy recliner, a book spread across her lap. She would softly whisper her awake and guide her, half sleep, to her room.

Broodingly, Sheri found it difficult to get the little fair-haired beauty out of her mind. Often, Sheri found herself reclining naked in the Jacuzzi, her thoughts dwelling in contemplation of her roommate. Sheri wondered if Kate could at all possibly be a lesbian? A small smile curled the edge of her mouth as she realized where her thoughts had roamed.

After a few months of living together, Sheri asked Kate if she would like to go sailing on the upcoming weekend. Sheri had some friends who owned a boat. Letting Kate know she wouldn't have to do anything but enjoy the ride, Sheri practically begged Kate to accept. Kate finally gave in. Sheri, without hesitation, gave Kate a quick hug and a huge grin. Kate stiffened slightly in the embrace, but relaxed when Sheri excitedly and enthusiastically stepped back and went over to get a drink for the two of them to celebrate. She brought two sodas and they toasted to a relaxing weekend.

Saturday dawned with a brilliant sun. The warm coastal waters were reflecting brightly. Wearing dark sunglasses, Sheri surveyed the boat with anticipation. Her T-shirt showed the telltale signs of a bikini underneath, her waist wrapped in a sari. Sheri tapped her foot impatiently, waiting for the ship's goods to be finished loading. She glanced at Kate nearby and smiled again.

Kate's blonde hair was flipping all different directions. Her sunglasses hid the eyes that were trying to look everywhere. The 'little boat' Sheri had described was actually a yacht. It was big enough to have a few crew to pilot and maintain service. Sheri let her eyes roam over Kate's attire and bit her lip at the huge T-shirt that covered a bathing suit and was tucked into the waistband of her khaki shorts. Kate had worn tennis shoes. She held a large beach bag with a towel and sun lotion. If Sheri knew Kate, there were probably a few books in there too!

Sheri heard a call from on board and stepped closer to the small ladder they would use to get onboard.

"Come on Kate. You first. I'll hold the ladder." Kate eyeballed the attached ladder and nodded. She quickly climbed up and was helped on board by one of the crewmen. Sheri followed behind her.

Almost within seconds of standing on the deck they were approached by an older woman who reached out and gave Sheri a long hug.

"Sheri!" The woman exclaimed. "It's been way too long. I'm so glad to see you." The woman squeezed her tightly.

"Thanks, Aunt Helen. You know I wouldn't miss your visits for anything." Stepping out of the hug, she motioned to Kate.

"This is my friend Kate. She's new in town and hasn't seen the sights." Turning to Kate she introduced her Aunt.

"This is Helen Taylor. She is my favorite Aunt!" A huge sigh came from Aunt Helen.

Kate smiled at the rolling eyes. "She says that to all her aunts. We do compare notes once in a while, child," She chided Sheri affectionately.

Kate noticed the dark hair color streaked with touches of gray at the temples and the height similarity. Helen's eyes were also a blue, but much lighter, softer. She quickly smiled a greeting and shyly held out her hand. Helen eyed her hand and shook her head. She quickly grabbed the hand and pulled Kate in to a brief hug.

"We don't want any misunderstanding. A friend of Sheri's is a friend of all Taylors." Kate blushed a becoming pink and the surprise welcome filled her with warmth. Sheri just grinned and nodded.

They followed the aunt toward the front of the yacht. Rounding a corner Kate took in the plush surroundings and artistic lines of the ship. The bow was cushioned around the forward point of the boat with waterproof cushioned seating, large enough for a party of ten or more. Heading aft was a huge cabin area, the entry of which had a enclosed overhang containing a small dining area. Seated at the dining table was another woman.

"Come on, woman. Put the book away and make a new friend!" Helen's booming voice broke the intent gaze of the silent woman who glanced up and started grinning.

"Sheri? Why didn't you tell me you were gonna come sail with us?" Her voice was softly pleasant. She laid her book on the table and stood to greet her guests. Kate smiled widely. This woman was not only petite, she was small. Much shorter than Kate, who stood only at 5 foot 2, this woman had to be under 5 feet. Her classical Asian features showed her heritage. Sheri bent way over and picked the woman up in a hug that took her off the ground.

"Put me down, you oaf!" Sheri and Helen laughed so similarly it made Kate look twice.

"Who is this beautiful angel you've brought with you?" The small woman held her hand out in greeting to Kate. Kate slipped her hand into the woman's grasp and shook it.

"Dotty, this is Kate Shefield. Kate, this is Aunt Dotty." Sheri grinned at Kate's quick glance in her direction. Dotty beamed a smile at her and Kate smiled back without thought.

"Pleased to meet you, Kate. That big oaf over there..." She pointed to Helen "...is my partner. Sheri just graced me with Aunt Dotty because it was easier for her than Ms. Dotty. Warped child," Dotty stated, chuckling as she lightly swatted Sheri's stomach passing by to move into Helen's arms. Helen bent low and kissed her on the top of the head.

Kate nodded her understanding and smiled. Although a little surprised, she wasn't uncomfortable with it. She did grow up in an all-girls school for goodness sake. There were relationships going on all over the place. Mentally wincing at the slight reminder, she turned to eye the book title off the spine of the paperback Dotty had been reading.

"It's Radclyffe," Dotty mentioned as she returned to her seat.

Kate frowned and shook her head. Dotty gestured for her to take a seat.

"She's my favorite author. Lots of action and lots of romance." Kate smiled back at the enthusiasm shining in Dotty's face.

"Would anyone like some coffee or OJ?" Helen offered. Sheri moaned her approval and Helen just chuckled. "I'll take that as a definite yes, then. You too, Kate?" Kate nodded. Sheri followed Helen into the cabin behind the dining area. As they moved away, Kate heard Helen say she would show them around the boat after coffee.

Dotty and Kate hit it off right away. Recognizing a fellow bookworm in each other, they founds tons of interesting topics to discuss. The conversation barely slowed as the other two women returned to sit down and coffee was poured. Kate sipped at the hot drink and paused to enjoy the French vanilla flavor. Before returning to comment on something Dotty remarked about, she quickly eyed Sheri grinning. Sheri sat back and listened to them, enjoying the view. Her Aunt Helen touched her arm discreetly. Sheri met the older woman's questioning raised eyebrow look. Helen twitched her head in Kate's direction, asking a lot with the gesture. Sheri thought for a moment and shrugged back. Helen whispered under her breath.

"Ping, ping, ping." Aunt Helen mouthed, implying her Gay-dar had gone off big time. Sheri covered her grin by sipping coffee.

After coffee they were given a tour of the 60-foot yacht. Fifteen minutes later, they were sitting back down and admiring the water's view, exclaiming at the fascination of leaving land behind. The boat was puttering away from the dock then gliding across the water, shortly thereafter. One service crewmember, dressed in a nice white shorts and button down uniform, informed Helen they were clear of coastal restrictions, then he returned to the other side of the ship. Helen and Dotty urged Sheri and Kate to relax into the cushioned bow of the boat. The four women spent the morning hours basking in a light breeze and soft sunshine.

A few hours into the fun, Sheri motioned for Kate to turn and let her put some sunscreen on her shoulders. Kate had eventually removed her t-shirt like the rest of the women and was feeling a slight warmth on her paler skin. Pulling her frisky hair together to ties at her nape, she allowed Sheri to cover her with oil. Sheri took the opportunity not only to protect but also to soothe the obviously tension-filled shoulder and upper back muscles of her roommate. Long strokes of her hands with a little pressure and she felt some of the past weeks work sliding away from her busy friend.

An unusual flutter inside was growing more intense as Sheri watched her own hands slide softly against the skin. She felt the excitement of her libido kick in and just caught herself from leaning forward to kiss the delicate line of Kate's neck. Sheri felt a slight tension in the shoulders she held so she let her strength deepen. Kate practically melted into her hands, a soft moan escaping from her lips. Sheri smiled.

Her thumbs ran down either side of Kate's spine and she splayed her fingers over the rib cage. The oil was almost dry. Sheri eased away and felt Kate lean slightly back. Not wanting to have Kate upset by any circumstance Sheri patted her shoulder lightly.

"That ought to do it!" Kate looked up with slightly confused eyes and smiled. Nodding her head, she turned to ask Dotty a question.

Sheri took the opportunity to think about her own actions.

What was she doing? Kate was straight as far as she knew. Sheri had always considered herself bisexual. What with her upbringing and adventures she had never hindered herself with a label before. Sheri realized the smaller woman before her was getting to her. Living together as friends was great but Sheri had felt an attraction right off the bat. She should have recognized the signs when she was interviewing the girl. Not that Kate couldn't be a lesbian since Sheri had felt a 'ping' or two on her own Gay-dar when it came to her roommate. Kate was just too shy and intense. Sheri had never been involved with someone who unknowingly had control over her from the get-go. She didn't know if she enjoyed the sensation more than she should or if should she be more leery. Watching Kate argue with Dotty and Helen in a debate over some political issue made Sheri realized Kate could be worth the effort to pursue, if Sheri was interested. Sheri knew it would not be for fun. She had a feeling Kate was a one time deal forever. Deciding to push her thoughts aside and enjoy the day, come what may, Sheri jumped into the debate with full enthusiasm.

Kate sat back for a moment to let Sheri carry on the battle. She watched the dark haired woman through her sunglasses and realized she was in like. Deeply, deeply in like with maybe just a little lust thrown in there. This surprised her to no end. Kate hadn't been into any true long-term relationship since 'the incident'. She wasn't unknown to flirt a little or date others, but she just didn't feel strong enough to cross over the internal line between date and romance. Realizing she was missing out on a huge part of life, the world of sensuality had been heavy on her mind far longer than her friendship with Sheri had been. She knew Sheri was a sexual creature and Kate had not been averse to listening to some of her escapades she insisted on telling her about. A few weeks into living with her had shown Sheri was not a promiscuous person. But sex was important to her. Kate had also realized Sheri was not just into men. The brief thought of seeing Sheri with another woman had thrown Kate into a highly aroused state. She had worried about revealing any thoughts to her roommate and had ended up avoiding her for two whole days. Since that epiphany, Kate had become accustomed to thinking of Sheri not only as her roommate but also as an attractive woman. She thought she was hiding it well. Turning her gaze away from the object of her thoughts, she caught Aunt Dotty giving her a half smile and a knowing look. Kate managed to bite her lip and hold back the grin that wanted to burst out.

The luxurious lotion massage Sheri had rubbed onto her back had once again aroused Kate. Kate was irritated at herself. She was really tired of being sexually frustrated. She was doubly exhausted with being frustrated at her frustrations. Sheri may not be interested in her as she was becoming toward Sheri, but Kate wasn't able to figure out the signals. How could she let Sheri know she might be interested? Thoughts continued to swirl through her head until Dotty mentioned they would be heading back to dock soon.

Kate and Sheri looked around and noticed the sun had moved considerably. It was now high overhead. Mid-day had arrived. Helen went to go round up lunch and the three women refreshed their drinks. Dotty talked about the boat tour she and Helen would be taking. Sheri and Kate listened, enjoying Dotty's excitement.

They arrived back at the docks around 3 o'clock. Helen apologized for the short trip. They were expected to arrive for the boat tour the next day and were only in town until 6 p.m. before heading out.

Sheri and Kate both spoke of the wonderful day they had spent. The girls gathered up their belongings and headed for the dock after receiving huge hugs from both Dotty and Helen. Dotty invited Kate aboard any time they were in town. Helen agreed. Kate blushed a pretty pink and nodded. Her roommate, grinning, teased her as they exited the boat on the drop ladder.

"I think my aunts adore you. Care to tell me how you managed that, Oh special one?" Sheri maneuvered down the slightly shaking ladder and hopped to the floating dock side. Looking up, she watched Kate carefully step over and wiggle her backside down the six steps.

Kate heard the warm affection Sheri was sharing and smiled as she stepped downward blindly. One moment she was searching with her foot; the next she was falling.

A slight gasp escaped, then she felt strong arms wrap around her body and hold her tightly. Sheri stood for a moment, frozen in time, hoping she hadn't missed. Although she held the smaller woman in her arms, the vision in her head was grizzly. Kate could have broken her neck. As the realization set in, Sheri trembled with reaction.

"I'm OK," Kate softly murmured as she reached up and wrapped her arms around Sheri's neck, tucking her head under Sheri's chin and drawing a deep breath of thanks. Sheri clutched her tighter for a moment, and then gently placed her feet on the dock. Standing up straight, she met Kate's eyes briefly and glanced away as Kate, deeply grateful of her Amazon hero, uttered a 'thank you'.

Kate took in the sober expression Sheri had and knew she had better do something quick before Sheri either had a panic attack or fainted. "I'm OK, Sheri. You saved me. I'm fine." Kate reached out and held Sheri's arm with her hand. Sheri stared blankly at the still wobbling ladder and nodded her head slowly in agreement. She calmly and determinedly bent down and began to pick up the bag and towel that Kate had dropped. Her body was tense and awkward.

"Hey." Kate's gentle voice cut into the multiple scenarios still playing through Sheri's head. Sheri paused in her motions and looked up at the blonde woman who stood beside her, whole and in one piece.

"It could have been different, but it wasn't. I'm fine. Everything is all right." Kate bent down on her knees and helped Sheri gather the items. "I'm kind of a klutz sometimes anyway. Comes from not paying attention all the time, I guess." Kate grimaced with her understatement, trying to nonchalantly shrug the slightly queasy feeling away when her past memories reared their ugly head.

Sheri stopped picking up the stuff on the ground and stood up pulling Kate with her. Meeting questioning eyes. Sheri shrugged, an echo of Kate's motion.

"I caught you though. Feel free to fall into my arms any time you'd like." Sheri smiled a shy smile. Kate raised a single eyebrow at the remark and looked down shyly at her feet. Sheri sighed with resignation. Then Kate looked back up and smiled, and Sheri's stomach fluttered in reaction. The various meanings of that smile were not important. That Kate had smiled back was the important thing. Her smile was breathtaking and Sheri gazed at her companion amazed. The tension between them eased away from the moment of the 'almost' accident. At the same moment, Sheri and Kate broke the look they were sharing as they moved to pick up their belongings and walked back to the car. They shared a comfortable silence between them. Kate relished the memory of feeling of those arms encircling her, holding her tightly. A sense of being treasured and safe and wanted warmed her inside like nothing had ever done. Sheri felt a small wave of hope rush over her.

Continued...