A week after Valentine's Day, Megan spent the night at Esperanza's house watching her daughter, Simone. I'd sort of been expecting a dinner invitation for Megan and me, but that hadn't occurred, and I wasn't going to ask. It was nice that she trusted Megan, with Simone not having known her for very long. I know I'm biased, but Megan is a doll. When Megan returned home that night, we sat down and talked. I asked how watching Simone went. Megan said it was actually very nice. She said Simone was into soccer video games, and they played against each other most of the evening.

We gradually got off that topic and started talking about Mika and Michelle and how things were going with them. Megan said she was feeling lonely since Mika had been busy over the past few weeks. I asked if they were still FaceTiming, and she said they were. I didn't come right out and say it, and I think she knew or they'd tried it. So, I hinted they could also be intimate that way. I think she got the idea, or at least started thinking about it.

When she asked about Michelle and me, I lied and said things were fine. That nagging feeling that Michelle really wasn't the right person for me was constantly in the back of my mind. Having been with Caroline opened my eyes a bit. But I didn't want to burden my sweet stepdaughter with my problems because she had enough of her own. School, picking a university, and Mika were enough for her to handle without me adding to it.

We did talk a bit about Esperanza, or Anza, as Megan now calls her. I think we both have a mutual lust for her. Maybe that comes from our Costa Rica trip and our initial discoveries with Triana and Ines. I like running with her on Saturdays, and there's nothing sexual about that. She's interesting, we have great conversations, and she's even helping me learn a little Spanish, which I need to practice more.

Anza mentioned a new project she has going on, but she wasn't very specific; that's why Megan watched Simone so Anza could host a business dinner to pitch her idea to investors. She's also asked what field of law I'm in. I told her that as a paralegal, I mostly help get things together for the attorneys. She asked if I wouldn't mind looking over some paperwork when she's ready with her new venture. I told her I would, but a contract attorney would be better. She knew that, but another set of eyes wouldn't hurt. So, when she was ready, she'd call me, and we'd get together.

I didn't go into details with Megan when she asked about Valentine's weekend at Jen and Caroline's. Although it was beyond fantastic, Megan didn't need to know all the details. I discovered so many things about myself thanks to Caroline's willingness to switch from being Jen's alpha to more of a partner focused on mutual satisfaction with me. Our lovemaking rivaled Michelle's and mine. I wouldn't want to have to choose between the two, and I doubt I ever will.

Michelle and I had another weekend with them over St Patrick's Day. It started on Friday night, and it was more of a foursome date than going over there and having sex all weekend like the first time. We started at an upscale restaurant downtown, and afterward, we hit a couple of clubs to dance. Jen, Caroline, and Michelle were more into that than I was. But it was fun and interesting watching people. Michelle got hit on a few times, and I didn't get jealous despite how gorgeous the other women were. A couple of guys asked Michelle and me to dance, and we accepted as Caroline and Jen watched. It was fun. I was asked for my phone number, so I made one up and gave it out. Hopefully, if it were a real number, the person they called wouldn't be too upset.

The four of us didn't stay out too late or have too much to drink because we all knew the real fun was going to be back at Michelle's. We paired off as before, Michelle and Jen in Michelle's room, and Caroline and me in the guest room.

It was funny when we finally settled in our respective rooms. Caroline produced their strappy for us to use. I blushed, then got my overnight bag and showed her the one I brought. We laughed, then decided we'd use mine.

Once in bed, we started kissing and telling each other how much we enjoyed our first time together. I asked her to give, which delighted her. She'd been thinking about positions the few days before and decided she wanted me on all fours. I would have picked something else, but I didn't mind, knowing Caroline.

We lubed up the toy by sucking and licking each end simultaneously, getting aroused, and watching each other treat it like a popsicle. When it was thoroughly coated with our saliva, Caroline slipped it between her legs as I positioned myself on the bed, my ass high in the air for her. She teased me with it, slapped my ass, and fingered my labia as a warm-up. I was more than ready when she guided it into my vagina and began slowly fucking me from behind.

We soon got into a rhythm, and once more, the room was filled with that wonderful aroma of sex. Caroline talked about how much she missed me as she slapped and fucked me. I told her I missed her also, as I winced with each sharp blow. She didn't hit too hard or too often, just enough to excite me and herself.

During the few brief moments when the room was filled only with the sounds of the bed creaking and Caroline's hips bumping my ass cheeks, we heard our lovers going at it. Jen definitely pleased Michelle because of the sounds reverberating down the hall. I think that inspired Caroline because she became more enthusiastic and smacking my ass harder and more frequently as she kept humping away.

Our timing was a little off, and we didn't climax together like we'd done before. Caroline reached her orgasm first. I think it's due to listening to her lover and the fun she was having. I followed, of course, but it took longer than I thought it would with Caroline's enthusiasm.

Once we'd both reached the apex of our orgasms, Caroline eased out of me and gently removed the toy. She placed it on the end of the bed, then joined me, panting, worn out, and happy. I rolled over onto my back, waiting for her so we could cuddle. We lay basking in our afterglow for a few moments, and then Caroline apologized for getting so worked up. I kissed her and told her it was fine. She went on to explain that she and Jen had a number of discussions after Michelle and I left that weekend. Jen became a little more demanding, wanting Caroline to be in control more often. Apparently, Michelle had made an impression on her, and she liked it. I guess since Michelle couldn't do that with me, she took advantage of Jen. Caroline said they worked it out, and all was good. I told her I was glad they figured it out.

We finally fell asleep around two in the morning and slept until close to ten the next day. That's the latest I've slept in that I can think of. Caroline was still out when I opened my eyes. She seemed happy, snoring away next to me. I watched her breathing softly and listened to hear if our loves were up and about. I didn't hear anything, so I took the liberty of getting up and making coffee for all of us. Being familiar with Michelle's house, I knew where everything was and went about my tasks without making much noise.

When the coffee was ready, I poured myself a cup and sat down at the kitchen table. I hadn't bothered to dress, and the cold seat of the wooden kitchen chairs surprised me for a few moments until I got used to it. I laughed to myself briefly as I sipped the hot liquid while my ass cheeks adjusted to the cool, hard chair. I'm not used to being without panties in the house, and I thought it was funny.

I was halfway through my coffee when Michelle wandered out of her room and greeted me with a kiss. She looked tired. I didn't ask, but I assumed she was worn out by Jen and staying up so late. We sat and talked until our guests joined us, and then Michelle made a few suggestions for breakfast. None of the choices agreed with the majority, so we decided to shower, dress, and go to brunch.

Our brunch was at a country club where the restaurant was open to the public. The view was nice, overlooking the eighteenth hole. We watched as the early morning golfers finished up and parted ways or entered the restaurant to eat. When we finished, we headed back to Michelle's house, where Caroline and I took a nap in the guest room while Jen and Michelle did whatever they liked to do in Michelle's room.

When I woke from my nap, my stomach wasn't feeling right. I rushed to the bathroom and vomited. Caroline came in to check on me. My face was ashen. Caroline was sweet, asking if there was something she could do. I told her it was probably something I ate either this morning or last night. I needed to lie down and see how I felt in an hour or so. She helped clean me up, tenderly using a washcloth on my face. I went back to bed, and she knocked on Michelle's door to inform her of my condition.

I slept for just about an hour. When I woke, my stomach still hurt, and I thought I might have a fever. Michelle checked my temperature with one of those non-invasive electronic thermometers, and it read one hundred and one. Michelle brought some medications for me, along with some water. I downed both, then debated heading home to sleep. My three companions insisted I sleep some more, and then they would drive me home. They didn't want me driving if I was feeling as bad as I looked. I figured they were kidding about how I looked, but I heeded their advice and went back to bed.

Around one, I woke again, feeling a little better. I was still nauseous, so Caroline drove me home with Jen following in their car. They escorted me inside and made sure I got to bed after taking some more medications. Caroline noticed a few pictures of Megan and me in Costa Rica. As she tucked me in, she commented on how wonderful Costa Rica looked and how gorgeous Ines, Triana, Megan, and I looked in our bikinis. I thanked her as I pulled the covers over me and asked her to lock the front door when they left. She kissed my cheek before she and Jen left.

I woke around dinner time. My bedroom door was closed, but I could hear cheering and music coming from the living room. I got up, used the bathroom, and then went to investigate. Megan was home, playing a video game on the television. Since we don't have a game console, I asked what was going on. She said that Anza had given her an older one to practice so she could beat Simone the next time she watched her. Simone got a brand new one to replace the one she was playing on. I smiled, then headed to the kitchen for some water and more meds. I was feeling better, and when I checked my temperature, I was down to one hundred.

I sat on the sofa near Megan, watching her play soccer. It looked like fun, but I was too woozy to try to play. After a bit, I made myself some soup, ate it, then went back to bed. Sunday morning, I was feeling fairly normal and woke around eight. I had two texts on my phone, one from Michelle and one from Caroline, asking how I was feeling. I texted them back separately and just said 'better' and thanked them for asking.

I got smiles back, and both said they were glad. I lounged around the house all day and watched Megan play the video game off and on, but I mostly slept.

Monday, I felt much better, but called in sick to work anyway. Nothing much happened over the next week or so. Michelle called a few times, and we talked. I apologized for ruining the weekend, but Michelle told me not to worry about it; it wasn't my fault, and it was far from ruined. I heard from Caroline as well. We talked and made more apologies that weren't needed.

Then, on Friday, April 1, a day I disliked to begin with, Michelle came over unexpectedly. Megan was out, watching Simone and staying overnight at her house. I'd already had dinner, so we sat down, and she told me she'd gotten a promotion at work and was going to move to Connecticut. After she explained how great it was, she asked if I'd move with her. We could get married and start a new life there. She said I wouldn't have to work if I didn't want to because her new salary was twice what she was currently making. I told her I'd think about it.

That night, we made love like it was our first time. It was slow and sensual, with Michelle pushing all my buttons. I think it was her way to get me off the fence in my decision making. I wish we made love like that more often, but it hadn't been that way for quite some time. Needless to say, I didn't get much sleep. Not because we were fucking all night, but because I was torn between moving and staying. When we woke, we made love again, showered, and then dressed. We had coffee and some breakfast.

The rest of that morning, we hardly said a word, except for Michelle, who kept telling me she loved me, but the move was too good for her to pass up. Mid-morning, Michelle decided to return home, and we kissed goodbye. After Michelle left, I went to my room to cry and think about it. That afternoon, when Megan returned home from her workout with the girls, I told her about Michelle's offer.

My sweet stepdaughter assured me she could function on her own, and if I wanted to marry Michelle and move away, she understood and accepted it. Deep down, I knew her heart was breaking, too, and she didn't want me to move. When we were finished talking, Megan excused herself to call Mika, went to her room, and closed the door. I remained in the living room contemplating Megan's reaction to my news. The house was silent as I walked from the living room to my bedroom to use the bathroom. Just as I was about to enter it, I heard Megan sobbing. I tiptoed to her closed door and heard her talking to Mika, explaining my situation. That was strike one.

I was torn, but with the recent trysts we'd had with Caroline and Jen, I didn't see Michelle as a one-woman woman. I enjoyed the swapping, but I wanted more. I think Michelle would eventually get bored with that and seek someone else, with or without my knowledge. The sex with Caroline was simply amazing, and it felt like more than just sex. She was imaginative and practically insatiable. Jen was cute but way too submissive for me and much more to Michelle's liking, which was why we didn't swap partners. Our new friends were fun, but I wanted something deeper than that. There were too many negatives for me to continue seeing them in a sexual way. I figured the same thing would probably happen at some point in Connecticut. That was a foul ball and strike two.

I actually considered selling the house, quitting my job, and moving far away, but I couldn't do it. I felt like I'd grown so much in the last year or so that I'd be throwing all that work away just to become Michelle's wife. I'm more than that; I'll never be just someone's wife again. I had become my own woman, and I was enjoying it. That was strike three.

Before dinner, I told Megan I'd made my decision. I was going to stay and start over, looking for someone as a friend first and a lover second. Megan hugged me and told me she hoped I'd come to that decision without any negative input from her. She didn't want to hold me back if marrying Michelle was what I wanted. I told her I made that decision despite knowing deep down she didn't want me to leave. We got very emotional for a while, and we both had a good cry and lots of hugs. Sometimes, I wonder how I got such a wonderful and loving stepdaughter.

I knew my heart would ache for a long time. Michelle held a special place there, as did my first love, Lloyd. I knew I'd get past the pain at some point, hopefully sooner rather than later. I still had to deal with seeing Michelle at the gym until she actually left, and I hoped she wouldn't be too angry with me.

Megan and I ordered out for dinner. Neither one of us wanted to cook, so we ate Chinese and streamed a couple of movies, snuggling on the sofa together. After the movies, Megan headed to bed, and I stayed up debating if I should call Michelle and tell her.

It was around eleven that I called Michelle and told her I'd made my decision. As much as I loved her, I couldn't uproot myself and move away from Megan. We both started crying, and Michelle offered to move Megan if I agreed. I told her that wasn't possible. Thanks to Anza's contacts and Megan's exceptional soccer skills, my sweet daughter had just been accepted to a private college. I was going to tell her, but her news trumped mine.

Our conversation slowly drew to a close, with pauses and a lot of dead air. Michelle said she still loved me and would do almost anything to convince me to move. I told her my mind was made up and that I loved her also, but my life here with Megan was where I needed to be. We were both crying when we hung up, and for me, that continued even after I went to bed.

I'd finally dozed off until I felt the bed move, which woke me up. I rolled over, wondering what was going on, and there stood Megan, her knee partially on the bed. I could see in the dim light of my bedroom that she was completely naked. Megan pulled the covers back, got in, and snuggled next to me. She kissed my neck as she placed a leg over me and whispered, "You know I love you, Mom, and that will never end. I want to take your mind off of things if you'll let me."

She knew I had a weakness for her, and we'd made a pact never to do this again, but I was vulnerable. I also knew she hadn't been with Mika in quite some time. I sighed and said, "You know we agreed to never do this again, sweetheart. I love you too, and I appreciate what you want to do, but..."

Megan whispered, “Shhh...just enjoy.”

I didn't get any further because Megan shut me up with a long, passionate kiss. I was a goner, and I really didn't mind. We continued kissing, our passions building as Megan moved her body over mine. I wrapped my arms around her, massaging her back as she parted my legs with hers. We continued kissing, our breasts smushed together, with Megan's bare labia against mine. When my sweet stepdaughter began grinding against me, all I could think about was how good I was feeling.

When Megan moved from my lips to nuzzle my neck, she whispered, “Can I get your toy, Mom?”

I purred, "Yes, please, baby."

Megan kissed my neck, then moved off me to get the strappy from my drawer. I told her to forget the lube because I was already wet. When she returned, she suggested we lube it together. She held it between her fingers, licking the giving end. I sat up and gripped the toy, covering her hand with mine, and began kissing and licking the receiving end. Our lips met several times as we licked and kissed 'Kimmy,' getting her ready for us.

Megan kissed me one more time, then sat back, inserting the toy between her legs, briefly adjusting it, then asked how I wanted her. I told her I wanted her facing me so I could see her sweet face and we could kiss. Megan grinned, then pushed me playfully back onto the bed.

She giggled and said, "Whatever you want, you get, Mom." I spread my legs, and Megan moved over me to gradually slip Kimmy into me. She bent forward so we could kiss and, after a bit, raised herself up and began easing the strappy back and forth in me. I reached up, using my fingers to toy with her nipples as Megan continued gliding back and forth. She knew I loved watching her in this position, her firm tummy muscles and hips rolling as we fucked. I touched her and could feel her ab muscles working. My love would slow down now and then to lean into me so we could kiss. Her lips felt so good against mine; all I could think about was how much I loved her.

She was right; I needed a distraction, and she knew the perfect way to do it. We continued making love until we both reached our climaxes. Then, my sweet girl slowly removed the toy from me, took it to the bathroom, and left it in the sink. When she returned, we cuddled and started talking. We hadn't done this since Christmas, and in some ways, I missed it.

When Megan asked what I thought about Anza, I asked her why. She said, despite being in love with Mika, she lusted after the Latina beauty. I giggled and told her I did, too. She said she wasn't going to tell me, but she needed my advice. Megan thought Anza was flirting with her and Mika when they went over for dinner. She described the dessert ritual, and I told her that it was definitely flirting.

When she said she wanted to offer herself to Anza as a 'thank you' for getting the university scouts to look her over, I was shocked. I told her that would be like being a prostitute, and obviously, I thought it was a bad idea. She apologized and said she wouldn't offer, but if Anza wanted to kiss her or Mika or both of them, should she say no?

I sighed and then told her that if Anza offered that to the two of you, it would be entirely up to both of them. I also reminded her that she was over eighteen and could make her own decisions. Then she asked if Anza wanted to do more than kiss, should she? Again, I reminded her she could make her own choices, just like she made tonight, and to remember that sometimes there are consequences for those actions.

I thought for a moment, then asked Megan, "What about Simone? What do you think her reaction would be if she discovered you and Mika, or just one of you, was sleeping with her mom? That's something you might want to consider also."

Megan sighed, then said, "You're right. I hadn't considered Simone. I don't know how she'd react. She's finally spending more time with Anza, so it would be quite a shock to see her soccer friends spending the night in her mother's bed. Thanks, Mom. This is another reason I love you so much.”

I smiled, then kissed my doll and whispered, "You're welcome. I want the best for you, and I think Anza is a temptation you need to seriously think about before you act."

We'd talked enough; soon, we were both fast asleep, snuggled in each other's arms. I slept until the April sunrise shone through the blinds on my bedroom window. Megan was still snuggled against me, and I didn't want to wake her. I lay with my love's head resting on my chest and softly breathing. I brushed a stray hair from her lovely face, wishing things could be different and we could be lovers. But I knew neither of us could live with the gossip and looks we'd get from those who knew we were mother and stepdaughter.

When Megan finally woke, she looked at me with sleepy eyes and said, “Good morning, Mom. How do you feel?”

I smiled, thanked her, and then told her I felt renewed. I kissed her forehead, and she giggled. Megan purred, then moved her face to softly suckle my nipple. I closed my eyes as I sifted my fingers through her blonde hair. I whispered that I loved her. My sweet girl paused her attention to my nipple and whispered she loved me too, then went back to nursing.

Megan continued, switching from breast to breast as I lay with my eyes closed, enjoying the sweet sensations coursing through my body. When Megan left my breasts, she moved her attention to my lips. We kissed for a very long time, enjoying how our tongues played together. When my sweet girl decided she'd had enough, she kissed her way down my body and stopped between my legs. Her focus was now on my outer lips, licking and pulling on them when she wasn't kissing them.

When her tongue parted my swollen labia, I cooed, telling her she felt divine down there. Megan giggled and continued playing with me as I moaned. I needed my nipples pulled, but I didn't want Megan to stop, so I used both hands to pinch and pull them as Megan continued. I called Megan just about every sweet word I could think of until she paused and said, "cariño." Then went back to teasing my nub with the tip of her tongue.

I got the hint and added cariño to the sweet words I was saying. I didn't know how to use it in a sentence, but Megan didn't seem to care as long as I said it. I did notice she got a little more enthusiastic when I called her that, so I used it often. Megan's attention to my climax was simply amazing. She knew exactly how to take me to the edge and back and did it multiple times. When she realized I was about to burst, she slipped a finger in to take me over the edge.

My body spasmed and shook as Megan eased back, letting me thrash about the bed and thank my sweet cariño. Before I completely settled down, Megan slipped in next to me and held me in her arms. She snuggled close and told me once more she loved me. I looked over at her, my eyes glazed over, and told her I loved her also. We kissed, then I tried to go down on her, but she stopped me. She whispered that this time was all about me and that she was happy to please me. I kissed her forehead and then suggested we shower. She giggled, then climbed over me, heading to the bathroom. Megan started the water in the shower, and as we waited for it to warm up, we kissed. After a few moments, Megan's lips left mine, and she slipped into the shower.

I sighed, then followed her, caressing her firm ass as we waited for the water to finish warming up. We kissed for a bit, then stepped under the spray. My sweet girl bent over and swooped up the shampoo bottle from the floor. Seeing her bent over gave me an idea.

Megan and I shampooed each other's hair, which was something new for us because we rarely, if ever, shower together. We took our time, almost giving each other scalp massages. When we finished with the conditioner, it was time to soap each other. Megan went first, using her hands and my body gel to go over every inch of my body. She took her time making me all slick and soapy, then rinsed me off.

After I rinsed off and it was my turn to soap her down. However, I had other things on my mind. I soaped Megan down from head to toe, but when it came to doing her sex, I placed the gel bottle back in its dish; after squeezing some in my hand, I used my fingers on her. As I was 'massaging' my baby's sweet vagina, I moved in so we could kiss. As we were kissing, I used my body to gently push her out of the water stream and against the shower wall. Megan asked what I was doing as I continued fingering her. I told her I wanted to be sure she was clean as she began moaning.

With her back against the wall, I kissed her, pressing my body against her, then slowly moving up and down her soapy, slick skin. My lips left hers as I proceeded to kiss lower. Megan closed her eyes, whispering that I didn't have to do this. I whispered back and said I did. I knelt before my young goddess, asking her to spread her legs for me. Megan did as requested and parted her lovely loins, allowing me to bury my face between them. My tongue went wild inside her, exploring and teasing her as she rested her hands on my head and lifted one leg, resting it over my back.

Her moans echoed in the shower as I continued savoring her sweet nectar. When I started easing a finger into her bud, Megan shivered, stiffened, then relaxed. I played with her little bud and teased it with my tongue as Megan called me all sorts of sweet names and a few naughty ones. The idea I got from seeing her bent over was fresh in my mind, so I backed off and told her to turn around and bend over for me. Megan asked if I was serious, and I told her I was, so she turned, placing her hands against the shower wall above her head, spread her legs, and presented her tight little ass to me. I thanked her and then moved under her to continue feasting. It was an awkward position for me, but I knew I wasn't going to be there long.

My baby was in heaven and told me so as I moved out from under her. I began licking and kissing her ass cheeks. I surprised my sweet girl when the tip of my tongue started at the top of her exposed valley and ran down it and over her clean little rosebud. Megan's reaction was an audible, “Oh Jesus, Mom. That feels amazing.” Megan obviously enjoyed the feel of my tongue there, so I continued licking and kissing to my heart's content. I had thought about getting the strappy, but I didn't want to stop what I was doing. So, I reached under her and began fingering her pussy as I continued licking.

Megan's voice changed to a low growl as she told me how good she felt. Her words changed to moans as I inserted a second digit. My little cariño gasped as I increased my movement back and forth inside her. When she called out, "Mom, I'm so close." I grinned, continuing to play with her while I waited for that sweet moment.

It wasn't long after that that Megan's body shook. She almost collapsed when her knees wanted to buckle. I gradually slowed down with my fingers but continued licking her rear until she couldn't take anymore and asked me to stop.

When Megan's body tremors started to subside, she turned around and wrapped her arms around me to hold me as we kissed. After we finished kissing and were rinsed off, I shut the water off, and we left the shower. As we were drying off, my baby asked if we could spend the day in bed making love. I smiled and told her I'd love to, but our lovemaking needed to be put on hold. Megan pouted, which almost worked on me, but I stood my ground despite wanting to bed her again and again.

I offered to make pancakes instead, which made my girl laugh and tell me that it was a poor substitute, but she'd take it. We dried off, dressed, and went to the kitchen. Megan made coffee while I fixed our breakfast. My darling sat at the kitchen table and began brainstorming ideas about college for me while I worked and sipped my coffee.

She said she'd live at home and find used books instead of new ones. She wouldn't join a sorority because they were expensive. She'd practice soccer every day, study more than she did now, and make the Dean's list. I listened without interrupting as she went on, planning her college career before it had even begun.

When Megan was finished and I was done cooking, we sat down to eat, and I suggested a few things. Naturally, she should study hard, get good grades, and work hard on the pitch. I told her she should at least look at the sororities because they are good for her to meet people, and most do charitable work. Besides, with a full ride, we could afford the extra expense. Basically, I told her I wanted her to enjoy her time there and graduate, knowing she had given it her best effort and had fun doing so.

After I told her that, she said I was right, admitting she was overthinking it because she was just excited. I agreed and told her I was glad she was excited, because it was exciting. We laughed, and it felt good to relax with her. After eating and relaxing for a bit, we went for a six-mile run. We hadn't done that in a long time, and it felt good to 'bond' again.

Sunday night, I wasn't as broken up about Michelle as I was on Saturday. I was still hurting, but I knew I had to deal with it. Megan's sweet attention to me worked, and I'll always love her for it. On Monday morning, I was expecting to see Michelle at the gym, but she was a no-show. The same thing for Wednesday. I suspected she was packing and taking care of things before she moved. She needed to sell her house, and that was probably what was keeping her from the gym, at least I hoped it was.

Wednesday, Megan and I took her paperwork back to the university and made an appointment with Coach Bello for a tour. I really liked her; she was beaming the entire time we talked with her. When we arrived home, both Megan and I collapsed on the sofa, relieved that things were working out with her schooling, and we had one less thing to deal with.

Friday evening, I got a call from Caroline. Michelle had texted Jen on Thursday and told her she was moving to Connecticut. Jen was in tears and took Friday off from school because she was so depressed. Caroline comforted her as much as possible, and Jen gradually came out of her funk. Caroline asked if I was going to move with her. I told her I'd thought long and hard about it and decided not to.

She didn't ask for an explanation, and I didn't offer one. She did ask if we could meet and have coffee or lunch sometime. Caroline said she missed talking with me and wanted to catch up. I suggested Sunday at a little bistro around ten, and she said that would be lovely. We said goodbye and then hung up. After hanging up, I thought about what Caroline had said about Jen's reaction. I thought I was crushed, but obviously not as much as Jen. I hoped Caroline didn't want to meet and suggested that she and I continue seeing each other. I wasn't going down that road, especially if Jen wasn't going to know about it.

On Sunday, I met with Caroline at the little Bistro near my work. I like it because it's sort of a 'hole-in-the-wall' type of place, quiet and unpretentious. I was a little early and found a table towards the back of the place, but not too far back. It wasn't crowded, and my server was Beth, who knew me because I frequent it fairly regularly. When Caroline arrived, she spotted me right away, waving and smiling as she made her way to me like a pinball, moving back and forth between the various tables.

She was dressed casually, as was I, and when she arrived at the table, I stood up and hugged her. I hate to admit it, but I missed her hugs and her aroma. As we sat down, she asked how I was doing. I told her I was fine, then asked her the same question. Caroline sighed, then mentioned she'd be better off if Jen realized Michelle was gone and forgot about her. Then she said she really didn't want to meet with me to talk about Jen and Michelle. She wanted to talk with me to see how I was doing because the last time we were together, I was ill.

I said I'd gotten over it quickly, and I couldn't figure out what I might have eaten that caused that reaction. We were interrupted by Beth, who greeted me by my first name. She asked if I was working, and I told her I wasn't. I liked coming here and thought it would be a great place to meet my friend. Beth smiled and said that she was glad I enjoyed eating there, then asked what we'd like to drink. She left us a pair of menus after taking our drink orders, then scurried off to get them.

Caroline said she was glad I was better and wondered how everything else was going. We started talking about Megan. Then Beth reappeared with our drinks then took our lunch orders. She was sweet and apologized for interrupting us.

After Beth left, I continued talking about Megan and her university acceptance. Caroline was happy for her and recalled seeing some of our Costa Rica pictures when she dropped me off. She said I must be very proud of her getting the scholarship, and that she was a very lovely young woman. I casually mentioned she was focused on soccer and academics, and Caroline said that was great.

I shifted the topic to Caroline's work, my work, and a few other small talk things. Her interest in Megan seemed innocent enough, but I recalled us role-playing and knew she really liked younger women. It wasn't long before Beth returned with our lunches. We thanked her, then continued talking as we ate. We were halfway through our meals when Caroline turned serious. She asked if I thought Michelle would try to lure Jen away from her. I was a little shocked at her question, but I could see why she asked.

I thought about it between bites, then told her, "Caroline, I don't really know. I think Michelle really likes Jen, and it seems to me it's mutual. Do you think Jen would quit her teaching position and move that far away just because Michelle asked her to? I don't know Jen as well as you do, but I'd ask her. I hope Michelle wouldn't do that. I haven't talked to her since I told her I wasn't moving. I'm sorry, I don't know what else to tell you."

Caroline sighed, replying, "I don't know. Jen took Michelle's announcement very hard. I've been more dominant with her lately, and we've talked. But, I'm scared. I don't know what else I could do to get her mind off of Michelle. Thanks for being honest, I knew you would be, and I appreciate that. You do know I'd love to spend more intimate time with you. But I understand why you're reluctant. Maybe once things have settled down, we could get together. However, I still want to be friends, if not lovers."

We didn't hear or notice Beth as she stood back waiting to ask us how our lunch was and if she could get us anything else. She was standing close enough to hear Caroline and was blushing when we looked up at her. Beth apologized, then asked her questions. We said we were fine and we only needed our tab. I told her to give it to me, although Caroline wanted to pay her share. I politely told her I'd take care of it as Beth hurried away. Caroline thanked me as I told her I'd love to remain friends. She smiled and thanked me as Beth returned with the check.

I paid it with three twenties, and Beth asked if I wanted change. I smiled and thanked her for her great service and told her I didn't. She thanked me again, calling me by my first name, and left us alone with a large smile on her face.

Caroline grinned, then said, “She's kinda cute and she seems to like you, Silvia.”

I giggled, “She is adorable, but I'm taking a break for a bit. Maybe down the road, I'll talk to her some more. I'm just not ready to start over yet, Caroline. But, I like the way you think.” I winked at her and we both laughed.

We walked to our cars, and as we left the Bistro, we walked by Beth, who was smiling as she said, "Have a great day, you two. See you next week, Silvia?"

We both grinned at her as I replied, "We'll try, Beth. Thanks again, and I'll see you next week."

When we were clear of the Bistro, Caroline playfully nudged me, "You're such a tease. I think she heard more than she let on to. Keep me updated, Silvia. I'll work on Jen, and thanks for lunch and the advice. Oh, congratulations to Megan again. She's got a great mom supporting her."

We hugged goodbye, then each went our separate ways. I was concerned Michelle would steal Jen away from her, but I wasn't going to get involved in that potential bit of chaos.