The half marathon went really well. We all finished better than we thought we would and were exhausted. Mom and Barb met a couple of ladies who were running at the same pace so they just formed a small group and talked away the miles. I kept focusing on people ahead of me and tried to catch them. I had my IPod playing upbeat music and despite not getting a complete eight hours sleep, I actually beat my predicted time by ten minutes.
The next few weeks after the race weren't the best in my life. Michael and I had more disagreements that seemed to keep getting bigger and bigger. Of course, it involved the bedroom and our lack of mutual satisfaction. Finally, after two months of frustration, I decided to visit Barb and get some more advice. Michael's attempts at satisfying me were lackluster, to say the least. I did everything I could think of to make him like my pussy. I douched, I washed, I wore sexy panties, I trimmed, I thought about a wax which would be my last attempt at coaxing him to like going down there.
I called Barb and asked if I could come over for a serious talk. Naturally, she said yes. She had a business dinner on Friday night and so I needed to be over about seven o'clock because the dinner was at eight. She was going on a two-week trip to China on Monday to finalize a couple of contracts. I jumped at the chance for a fine dining experience and to rub elbows with the rich and famous. Michael and his buddies were off to some sports bar to watch a pay-per-view something, so I was free to do what I wanted.
Mom dropped me off on her way to do rounds at the hospital. She was a bit jealous that she couldn't go also. Barb had asked her first, so I didn't feel guilty about taking her place. I dressed to impress, my sexiest heels, a form fitting dress which showed off my runner's butt and toned legs. I had a bit more makeup on than I normally wear. I felt good and thought I looked good too. I packed a change of clothes since I was going to spend the night and didn't feel like getting back into my outfit just to ride home.
I called Barb to let her know I was almost there; she met me down in the entry to her building in her terry bathrobe and slippers. I was glad mom wasn't there because Barb's jaw dropped when she saw me.
“I like it kitten, it's very nice to see you all dolled up.” Her eyes gazed at me from head to toe and back again, she definitely liked what she saw.
Barb looked me over, making me feel a bit self-conscious. I actually wasn't that bad looking in my own opinion. I had played high school soccer, ran track and kept fit running. I had played soccer through college and though not a starter, I did get a lot of playing time. As a full-time teacher, I run before school and on weekends. I even manage to get some weight training in along with a session of Barre at times.
I apologized, explaining, “I felt like dressing up. I didn't want your clients to think I was a bum.”
“I don't think they would have regardless what you wore, my love. With you looking like that, they will be very impressed and maybe a bit jealous of you.”
My mother and I have never had any serious discussions about life, being a woman, sex or anything else that normal mothers and daughters discuss. You would think a doctor would have done those things. But she, like my dad, seemed to work more than they should. Therefore I was left discovering life's little quirks on my own or through Barb.
“I hope we can talk after dinner or in the morning. I hate burdening you but I just can't talk to mom. You know it's easier talking to you. I feel more comfortable since we had our last talks."
Barb nodded with an all knowing smile, “Yes, sweetie. Your mom means well and she loves you but she's not the greatest at dealing with you being so grown up. Little children are her specialty, you know that.”
I agreed as we continued the elevator ride in silence. I was looking forward to this dinner as a chance to see how the other half lived. I wasn't so thrilled about the talk we were going to have after. Maybe the results of it would help me get on with my life. I was pondering that as the elevator door opened. We made the short trip to Barb's front door. Grinning like a Cheshire cat, she opened it allowing me to enter first.
“Welcome to my den, said the spider to the fly.”
I laughed, a bit puzzled why she would say that. “You are so silly, I'm a kitten, remember?”
“Oh, yes. I do recall that and a very sexy kitten at the moment.”
She held the door open letting me past her, wondering what she was up to.
Looking across the room I saw Southeast Portland lit up through the window wall. Pausing just through the entry, I blinked a couple of times to be sure I was seeing what I thought I was seeing. There, profiled against the large picture windows was the outline of a woman. The light in the room seemed to highlight her against the backdrop of Portland. She, with the various lights beyond her, made a very lovely sight.
I hesitated a bit then slowly walked in to greet her. She came towards me allowing the lights to fully illuminate her. She seemed older than me yet younger than Barb. She was Asian, with jet black hair done up in a bun with a pair of ornate lacquered chopsticks holding it together.
She was as tall as me, wearing one of those Chinese flower print dresses with the side split up to her hip. Her face was lightly made up with emphasis on her high cheek bones. The eye shadow she wore matched the pink pastel color at the shoulders of her dress. From her shoulders down the remainder of the print consisted of soft pink, rose and white flowers.
The dress hugged her body almost as if it were painted on. Its silken sheen accentuating her svelte body as she entered the brighter light.
Her smile widened as she opened her arms to hug me. I stood in awe for a brief moment unsure if I should move. Opening my arms to cradle the goddess before me, I was at a loss for words. She kissed my cheek which shot a surge of lightning through my frozen body which immediately warmed to my core. Releasing me from her gentle grasp, her hands moved to my shoulders.
Turning her head she addressed Barb, “Barbara! So this is your friend's daughter! Oh my, you are a very stunning young woman.”
Her gaze returned to me, our eyes met causing another rush through my already weakened body. Barb came to my rescue joining us in the entryway. She was obviously delighted that her friend found me so attractive. Taking her time, she introduced us while I regained my composure.
“Ping, this is my best friend's daughter, Katherine. Katherine, this is Ping Liu, the client we're dining with this evening. The rest of the group decided to dine elsewhere so it's just the three of us.”
I managed a polite “Hello” reaching out with my hand to shake hers. I felt awkward shaking her hand after such a warm greeting. She took my hand in both of hers, bowing as she did. “It is very nice to meet you Katherine. You are more beautiful than your pictures my friend Barbara has. It is a pleasure to meet you.”
The electric feeling that had begun earlier wouldn't quit coursing through my body. Every moment I stood there felt surreal.
I did manage a quick response, surprised I didn't stutter, “Thank you. You are too kind, please call me Kat if you like.”
Another moment of awkward silence passed between us until broken by Barb who was standing there smiling at the both of us.
“Let me finish getting dressed. The town car should be here any minute. You two get acquainted, I won't be very long.”
Barb headed off to her bedroom leaving me standing there with the most beautiful Asian woman I'd ever seen. The silence continued for a few more seconds. It gave me an opportunity to gather my wits and return to reality.
Ping began asking me all sorts of questions about my life. I managed to answer without embarrassing myself. I told her what I did for a living, that I had a fiancé and that I had never been out of the United States. She insisted that I visit China. I'd be her guest along with Barb.
I was embarrassed with all the attention I was getting from her. I hardly had any time to ask about her when Barb walked back in. She had been about ninety percent dressed when she'd fetched me. She was as stunning as ever. Her dress was black with a plunging neckline emphasizing her magnificent breasts. It was cut just above her knees showing off her toned and tanned legs. The shoes were black Jimmy Choo Taytum 130s which I'd help put away and drooled over when I helped her move in. Even in my best outfit, I felt under dressed.
Barb did a little turn for us as if she were on display. We both fixated on her, my chin feeling like it was on the floor. She stopped her twirl; her face had a questioning look as she spoke, “What? Is something the matter?”
“No!” We said in unison both giggling at our reactions.
Ping replied first, “You look fantastic my dear friend.”
“Yes, Barb you look very hot.”
“Thank you ladies, the driver texted me, he's downstairs waiting.”
She placed her hands at her sides forming handles which we both latched on to. The three of us managed to get through the front door without incident, then into the elevator still locked onto Barb, giggling our way to the waiting limo on the street.
Barb had planned the perfect evening. We drove through downtown Portland oblivious to the outside world, chatting the entire time. We talked about Shanghai, Beijing, Portland, dining and nightlife. It didn't take too long until we arrived our destination. I'd heard about this restaurant from some friends. I had noticed the menu in a gourmet magazine Barb had on her coffee table but never in my wildest dreams did I think I would eat here.
The driver let us out making sure Barb had his number to text when we were ready to leave. Our table wasn't ready so we started off with mixed drinks at the bar. Our bartender was cute and he had a very nice sense of humor. Within a few minutes our waiter stopped by to let us know our table was ready. He then escorted us inside to a lavishly decorated room full of fresh flowers and ornate wall coverings. We each waited our turn for him to pull our chairs out to seat us. Something my fiancé never could grasp.
Kirby gave us more than enough time to ponder the menu while we sipped our drinks. He took our orders wasting no time delivering appetizers. He excelled at making sure we were happy. The dinners were superb, which is why they were featured in the magazine. We switched to wine after finishing our mixed drinks. I don't think I've consumed that much alcohol at once except on New Year's Eve. We must have gone through at least two bottles which Kirby gladly poured for Barb. She sampled each one, taking her time, teasing Kirby that he might have to return them. After dinner the three of us declined dessert and coffee. Why ruin a good buzz Barb joked after Kirby left. We made our way back to the waiting limo which Barb had summoned before paying the tab.
By this time the liquor was having its effect on me, I was feeling pretty good, comfortable with Ping and Barb, not caring at all about my sexually selfish boyfriend/fiancé. It was close to midnight when the limo driver dropped us back at Barb's house. She insisted we have a nightcap while looking at the view. Ping thought it was a great idea and I didn't feel like arguing. We giggled our way back upstairs hooked onto Barb once again.
The view out of the picture windows was even more breath taking with a slightly foggy brain due to the alcohol. The crescent moon had just risen over Mt. Hood bathing it in a surreal glow. Barb kicked off her Choos insisting we do the same. I nearly hit Barb with my right shoe as she walked in front of me. With a big “Oops, sorry,” she looked back at me shaking her head with a smile, “Silly kitten.”
Ping slipped hers off with a lot more grace than I did. She turned to me with a quizzical look on her exquisite face, “You're a kitten?”
I blushed, “Kitten is what Barb calls me instead of Katherine or Kat at times.”
Just then Barb yelled from the kitchen, “What would you two like to drink? All I have is wine.”
Ping and I answered back, “Wine.”
We both laughed at our duplicate responses which were starting to become a habit. Ping walked to the clear expanse of glass that made up Barb's east wall. When she passed me I noticed a smile on her face which appeared more than just friendly. Her smile coupled with a ravenous gleam in her eyes gave me a cautious feeling. Maybe we had skipped dessert at the restaurant so we could eat here. My imagination hinted that perhaps I might be the only choice on the dessert cart.
Pausing at the windows to take in the view, Ping’s delightful body stood out against the city lights. I particularly noticed her tight rear end in her slinky dress. Suddenly, my arms were covered in goose bumps while a shiver shot through me from head to toe. It's something that has never happened to me when looking at another woman. Ping's attention focused on the myriad of lights off in the distance. She must have been thinking of something because I heard a sigh pass her lips.
Despite my forebodings in my current state of intoxication, I lowered my defenses. I approached her, taking my place a couple of feet from her. Out of nowhere, I granted her permission only one other person in my world had, “You can call me Kitten, if it makes you more comfortable.”
She turned facing me, bowed, and in the most melodic voice, “I would like that very much, Kitten.