Disclaimer: This is classified as a hurt/comfort story. If you are sensitive to this type of material you may wish to read something other than this story.
Disclaimer: There is the use of what many consider profanity in this story
If you are sensitive to this type of thing or are under age 18 and or find this type of language offensive you may wish pass on this story.
Moon7u © copyright 2000
For once she welcomed the silence. It occurred to her that perhaps, she should feel guilty. But it was a thought that quickly faded. Miranda curled up on the rust colored divan that centered her modern living room. The glass of Turning Leaf Merlot, sat on the dumbwaiter beside her, nearly forgotten. She glanced around at the fancy decor, the expensive paintings, and pricey nick knacks, once such prized and cherished possessions, now they were just things: things that tidied up the emotional mess the house was in. They were fillers that outwardly hid the emptiness behind doors that once held warmth and laughter.
The girls were gone, visiting relatives for the summer. Gone was the tension that usually constricted the walls. They were both more than eager to get away from their crumbling household. Miranda didn't fault them. Recently she'd found herself looking for an out. And she had. A small smile tugged at the corners of her mouth as she thought of the lovely woman that was awaiting her arrival in a small one- bedroom apartment across town.
She breathed in deeply, luxuriating in the memory of Alex's touch, her kiss. Alex had been her salvation. Her kindness and generosity had been a healing balm,- leading Miranda's tattered heart back to the road of recovery. Alex always seemed to know what to say and when to say it. She knew exactly how Miranda needed to be touched and where. She anticipated every need, seemingly without thought or hesitance. She gave so much of herself and never asked for anything in return. This gave Miranda pause, a slight furrow formed over her brow and she reached for her glass of wine. She took a sip then brought the glass from her lips clasping it in both hands. "Gods" she breathed "I've been absolutely selfish."
"Selfish about what?" Startled the glass nearly slipped from her grasp. She hadn't heard the door open. "Sorry." Rick smiled genuinely. "I didn't mean to startle you." He had loosened his tie and his hair was slightly disheveled from riding with the top of the Beamer down. He looked healthy; his natural tan was darkened by his weekends by the pool. He'd begun working out and it showed in the broadening of his shoulders. Pumping iron was a new drug for him. He'd quit drinking. Exercise helped him focus and keep his mind clear. Whatever, she liked the look. It reminded her of what had first captured her attention oh so many years ago. "You looked so at ease and relaxed," he continued. "I almost hated to disturb you."
His eyes moved over her in admiring appraisal. She looked good. Damn good. She returned his smile. "You're not disturbing me," she uncurled herself, stretching languidly. "I just didn't expect you home," she answered honestly.
"Needed to stop by for a couple of things." He shifted his eyes slightly away from her. "Meeting a couple of the guys at the cabin for some fishing this weekend." She nodded and sipped more of her drink. He glanced back at her again, seeing her with new eyes for the first time since the accident. He winced, thinking of that fateful night.
He'd been a jerk, and he knew that. His own guilt had prevented him for being there for her. But she had pulled through. He had known she would. Miranda was strong. She didn't need anyone to lean on, least of all him. But now looking at her seeing the picture of the woman she once was and something new . . . something more . . . He couldn't help but think, he could be throwing away the best thing that ever happened to him. They hadn't mentioned separation in a while perhaps . . .
Her glass now drained, Miranda stood to her feet to carry it to the kitchen. Something . . . Something in his eyes stopped her. He hadn't looked at her like that in so long. She felt a familiar warmth invade her belly and they moved together into each other's arms. Lips tasting familiar, but long avoided territory. A soft moan escaped her lips as she felt the beginnings of arousal. She closed her eyes for a moment, strong masculine arms wrapped around her possessively. The hint of patchouli pleasantly tickled her nostrils. It was as if time had stood still and they were kissing for the first time.
It was sweet, gentle . . . and so not what she wanted. As she ended the kiss, Rick leaned his forehead down to rest gently on hers. A sad smile shared between them. "It's over isn't it?" he asked softly, hugging her tightly to him. She nodded twice, speech impaired by the lump in her throat. They were both crying. She was glad she didn't hate him. She never wanted to hate him for deserting her as he had. "I was never as strong as you," he spoke with a hoarse voice. "I didn't have your courage, Randa." He sighed deeply. "I wasn't there for you. And I'm so sorry." He leaned back from her. "But look at you." His eyes moved her with warm appraisal. "You didn't need me after all."
"I did need you." She spoke softly. "I was falling to apart on my own . . ." He opened his mouth to speak but she shushed him with a gentle finger to his lips. They needed to talk but she wasn't ready for that yet. "We'll talk later." she moved out of his embrace. "You'd better get going. Your lover is waiting for you at the cabin." She didn't wait to see his mouth gape open as she turned and headed toward the kitchen. "And I'm running late." When she emerged from the kitchen he glanced at her hesitantly.
"Do I know him?" he asked softly.
"I think you've met her once." she smiled at the look of shock on his face. Then he broke into a chuckle.
"She makes you happy?" She answered his question with a nod, relieved there wasn't going to be a scene. But Rick had known about her days of sexual experimentation in college. They'd never kept secrets from each other. They'd been best friends before they married and she hoped they could get past the pain of the last two years and hold onto that friendship. "Then that's all that's important . . . I guess there's no going back."
"No." she hugged him affectionately. A sad smile formed on her lips. She would miss the love they had once shared. "It's time we both moved forward."
To be continued in Home
Comments welcomed at: moon7u@aol.com