As we sat and finished the beer, I was thankful I had taken the tubs to the car. Loretta had zapped my strength. I hoped by the time we got to my, our, apartment I would regain some strength. Thank God for elevators.
We were leaving, and Loretta turned and looked back into her apartment. She looked a bit sad. She was giving, well selling, almost everything she had worked so hard for. When we got into the car I turned to Loretta,
“Loretta, are you sure you want to sell your things? You worked so hard for them and you are very attached to them, I can tell. We can sell my stuff instead, or go back to our plan of putting my things in storage. Honestly, what do you want to do?”
“Michael, you would give everything away for me. I know that. I do love my things, but I love you more,” Loretta sighed heavily.
“Honey, call Annie and tell her there has been a change of plans. Ask them to look at my stuff, they can have it and welcome. I get you, that’s all I want,” I tried to console her. “Talk to Annie tomorrow. Explain the situation and just see what she says. The worst that can happen is she says no, then we will have to tell her the deal is off.”
Loretta turned to look out of the passenger window. I wished I just put my stuff in storage and brought her things to the apartment. The rest of the drive was quiet. Damn it, I was mad at myself.
I got the tubs and her clothes up to the apartment including her crutches this time. Loretta was looking around, she was deep in thought. She looked around the apartment like a potential buyer. I let her go I knew sooner or later she would come into the living room. Beverages would be waiting for her.
She sat on the couch and smiled at me. I got the pillow and the lotion. I thought she would want to rest her leg. Loretta chuckled and took off her pants. She made herself comfortable. I slid the pillow under her leg and I began to massage the lotion on her. She sat back with her beer, relaxing.
“How did I get so lucky? I have a man who loves me and pampers me. He’s smart, funny, and also a mind reader. He’s like no other man. I love you so Michael. I hope you don’t get mad at me,” Loretta tried to hide behind her beer. She was blushing a little.
“Why would I be mad at you, Baby,” I kissed her leg and continued to massage it. I had a feeling of what was coming.
“Michael,” Loretta sighed heavily, “I really want my things. I’m sorry I got in a rush and, well, I guess I wasn’t being honest with you or myself.” Loretta’s expression was sad.
“That’s fine with me. If Annie isn’t interested in looking at my stuff, into storage it goes. Tomorrow after work, Jack and I will bring your dresser over. Then we’ll set it up with the movers. We have almost three full months to pack up your apartment,” Loretta’s expression changed to a smile.
“Baby, what do you want for dinner, and where do you want your sticks? I’m still in training remember?” I was teasing her.
I’m a little worn out, Michael. I know I didn’t do much, but it was a lot of mental. A hot ham sandwich and a cold beer are fine with me tonight. And just set the crutches here where I can reach them when I want them,” Loretta pointed to where she wanted them.
“Hey, I have some of Michael’s Miracle bar-b-que sauce if you would like it for your sandwich.”
“Miracle bar-b-que sauce?” Loretta gave me a funny look.
“Yeah, if it turns out good, it’s a miracle,” I laughed.
“Sure, slather some on there chef, and put it on the good China.” Loretta laughed.
I brought out my culinary achievement and fresh drinks, on the good China. Sectional paper plates. I brought out a bag of chips and Loretta’s eyes widened. I gave her the bag and she took a handful.
“I haven’t had these chips in forever. I love them for dips. Mmmm, so good,” Loretta smacked her lips.
We talked more about the move. Loretta is very organized, which is fine by me. A little clap of thunder and a quick flash of lightning flashed by our window. Loretta looked out of the window with an unhappy face.
“Michael, I’m afraid of storms. I have been since I was a little girl, eight years old. I was riding my bike to our park when a storm came up. There was a shelter I hid under. Oh, Michael, I was so scared. It seemed to go on forever. It had me trapped, I was screaming for it to go away. I still hate them,” Loretta cringed as another flash ran past the window.
I closed the drapes and held Loretta. She still jumped a bit when there was a loud clap of thunder. She slowly ate her sandwich watching the drapes as though the storm would come through them.
It didn’t last long, and Loretta relaxed. She looked at me with sorrowful eyes and buried her head on my shoulder. She sighed a sigh of relief. I had my arm around her, and my other hand held her head. I kissed her softly on her head, and Loretta cooed quietly.
“Michael, I’m going to get ready for bed if you don’t mind. I’m ready for a hot shower.”
Loretta started to get up and I reached to help her. She smiled and sat back on the couch.
“My love, there are some things I must do. It’s not that I don’t appreciate your love and kindness, but I have to do it.”
I never thought about it that way. She has done all of these things without me forever. I guess I was getting a bit pushy. She got up and tucked her crutches under her arms and off she went. I had no idea how she would get in the tub to shower. I figured if she needed help, she would call.
Loretta was gone for a while, I kept my ears open in case she called. I heard her moving around in the bedroom. Then back into the bath. I sensed her perfume as she was coming toward the living room. I heard her open the fridge and grab a couple of bottles. I sat back on the couch as though I was just relaxing.
“You can relax your ears now. Here’s a beer for my sweet protector,” Loretta’s voice was soft and very feminine.
When she came in front of the couch, time froze. Her hair was curled around her face. Her makeup was a bit dark the way I love it. Her lips were soft pink and glistening. She was wearing a gown that was just sheer enough to allow the outline of her breasts and her sultry hips. Her perfume was already floating through my brain, and her vision sent shock waves to another part of my anatomy.
I couldn’t stop staring. It was as though she stepped out of a romance novel. The beautiful sultry woman of his dreams. Of my dreams.
“How do I look, Michael?” She had a sultry smile and she held out her gown and turned around and smiled at me. “Michael. Michael, say something, anything!”
“Lord don’t take me now. Loretta, you are a beautiful woman,” I gulped. You’re gorgeous, Oh My God you are gorgeous!” I sputtered.
“Give me twenty minutes, please. I’ll be right back,” I jumped up.
I went into the bath showered and shaved in record time. I didn’t cut myself, thankfully. I dug into my closet and found a nice gown my Mom gave me for Christmas twenty years ago clean boxers, and then flew back to the living room.
When I returned, Loretta was lounging on the couch like a Lady of the Manor. Her gown flowed around her and her arms crossed into her lap. Soft music played in the background. What a vision of loveliness. She looked back at me and giggled.
“Well, are you going to open the champagne and pour it?” Loretta purred.
I pulled the bottle from the makeshift cooler and wrapped a towel around it. I gently wiggled the cork until it could no longer resist. It separated from its restraint with a resounding “pop”. We cheered my success and I filled our glasses. With our arms entwined, we took our first sip.
“Ooo, that is delicious. Where did you find this Loretta? It’s wonderful,” I had another sip.
“Alice told me about it. She and Jack had it for their first anniversary. I didn’t want to wait that long to pamper my man. And tonight, Mr. Michael, you are going to be pampered,” Loretta said with a sensual grin.