A Renewed Life
She was approaching middle age and not taking that fact too well---she keeps herself fit, looking as good as possible. Never cut her dark brown hair so it flows passed her ass. Not what you’d call beautiful or stunning but not a dog either. Dark brown eyes that at times betray her Pacific Island heritage; kind of a Mae West figure curving in all the right places. Those who appreciate the buxom would have no complaints.
She needed to get in her car and drive, re-evaluate, and get out of
Big Apple. So one day in the early fall she took a two week vacation,
loaded up her very middle class looking SUV; maps, cell, pda---and
gone. No babies at home to worry
about. No one special in her
life male or female either. So
she kissed her daughter goodbye, emailed her sons she was reachable by cell
and took to road.
Somehow she made it to Pittsburgh.
She had no idea where but she was hungry, a little stiff from sleeping
in the car in a truck stop and she needed to find a
hotel. But her stomach won the
argument between food and a room.
“This place looks interesting” she glanced up at the sign,
very colorful. She grinned,
she knew, you don’t grow up in NYC without being aware of certain lifestyles
even if you don’t live in the Village. So she went
in.
It was early and quiet. She went to the counter to sit, a pleasant woman with bright red hair turned and greeted her a smile, “coffee honey?”
“Tea if you don’t mind.”
“Sure, no problem, uh new in town; I’ve never seen you before and I know just about everyone on Liberty Ave.”
“Yes just traveling, driving through, just tired and hungry.” God she thought am I that starved for conversation, it’s only been a few hours.
“No sweat honey, why don’t you park it in a booth over there, I’ll bring you your tea and a menu.” So you’re just passing through?”
“Uh huh, feeling a little sorry for my self mid life crisis sort of thing.”
“Tell me about it; no family?”
“No, I mean yes I have a family, 3 kids.”
Debbie gave her an eye.
“No babies, 13-26; look”, she pulled out some pictures.
“Oh my, she’s beautiful and a cop, must be hard for you sometimes.”
“Yes in the beginning, I handle it better now.”
“You said you have 2 others.”
“Yes, boys, they live with their dad; we visit often.”
“Holy shit, get a load of him, bet he has to beat the girls off with a stick and the younger one, cute with a smart look to him.”
“Yeah, too smart, the voice of reason in the family.”
“You must be very proud.”
“I am, very; their healthy, smart and focused; you have kids?”
“Yes one, my son Michael, he’s gay, any of yours?”
“No she has a boyfriend and your right about the middle one; he has to fend of both girls and boys; the younger one just started to notice the girls.”
“And you, anyone special.”
“No, I’ve had three great loves in my life, all men, but I’m beginning to rethink that too.”
“I thought you fit too well in here; so you’re on vacation?”
“Yes, I needed to get away, drive, see things, not be me for a while; does that make sense?”
“Oh yeah, too much sense, I would too if I could but I don’t have a car!”
“I’m Debbie by the way.”
“Johna, nice to meet you.”
“That’s an unusual name.”
“It’s part of my middle name, I use it when I don’t want to be me; I hope that doesn’t offend you, I’m not trying to hide.”
“No sweetie, we all need to be someone else or someplace else at times.”
“Just as long as we go back to real life, right?”
“Exactly”
Door opening.
“Oooo, one of my lost boys now.”
“Hi Deb.”
“Hi Em, where’s Teddy.”
“He’ll be here in a minute; can’t miss Saturday morning breakfast can we.”
“No you can’t.”
“Where’s the princess; isn’t he working today?”
“Should be here soon, that’s if a certain someone would let him get out of bed; I swear that boy can hardly walk sometimes.”
“Well, you know true love.”
Door.
“Hi ya Ma.”
“Hi ya baby.”
“You guys want the usual.”
“SURE”
“Well go sit.”
“More hot water honey?”
“Do you mind if I have a new cup, I don’t like double dipping.”
“A woman after my own heart, I hate limp tea---giggle.”
“Hey Mom, who’s the lady.”
“Well she just traveling; on vacation.”
“And she stopped here, in the Pitts.?”
“No, not really, she was driving all night from NYC and got tired, wound up here.”
“Oooo NYC!”
“She’s very nice, sweet and she’s has kids.”
“Oh so mommy talk.”
“You got that right kiddo.”
“Here ya go, I thought you said you were hungry; how about I bring you some toast and eggs.”
“Perfect; your son?”
“Yes that’s Michael and the other is Emmet; he’s quite a character; and the conservative looking one coming in now is Ted; and right behind him and late for work is…SUNSHINE---you’re late!”
“I know, sorry Deb, but you know uh he uh…”
“BRIAN”, the 4 four exclaimed.
“Yeah”, blushing.
“Well come on put your apron on before it gets busy.”
“Sure Deb.”
“He’s the youngest of my boys, just dropped in our laps a couple of years ago and never fell out; we all love him.
“I take it that Brian is his boyfriend?”
“Yup, not that he would ever admit it but they love each other; it’s been a struggle.”
“When is being in love ever not a struggle?”
“You’re right, let me get you those
eggs.”
“Sunshine can you please…”
“Oh sure Deb.”
“Hi toast and eggs?”
“Yes thank you; do you have a real name or do they always call you Sunshine?”
Blushing---“Justin.”
“It’s nice to meet you Justin, I’m Johna; you look about my son’s age, 17, 18?”
“19 almost 20.”
“My son is 17; you in college?”
“PIFA, I’m an artist.”
“That’s wonderful, I admire someone with goals, keep working you can do anything you set your mind to; now I’ll let you get back to work.”
“Please eat your breakfast before it gets cold; I’ll bring
you another cup of tea.”
“Thank you.”
“How ya feelin’ now honey?’
“Much better, almost human; uh ladies room, all that tea---giggle.”
“Back through there.”
“Thanks” She arises and stretches getting some admiring looks from the locals.
“Wow honey, look at all that
hair.” She smiles over
her shoulder.
As she walked back to her booth she notices another hot cup of tea and one more lost boy. Tall, lean, gorgeous brunet with striking hazel eyes; she smiled sadly thinking about one of her own lost boys with hazel eyes. But that was in the past, now they’re good friends and good parents. Just then the one called Emmet got up and plopped himself down in front of her saying, “Sooo Deb says your from NYC, I’ve only been there once to help pick up a friend.”
She hears a growl from the hazel-eyed man and a groan from Justin. Ignoring the noise Emmet continued, “So tell me why you would ever leave?”
“Well sometimes you have to leave a place to appreciate it, see it as it really is then return; that’s what I’m trying to do.”
“Oh that sounds a little sad.”
“No, not really, sometimes you need a break. That’s what I’m doing taking a break. A break from my career and being responsible for others; for the next 2 weeks it’s just me.”
“Oh I get it then you go back refreshed and renewed.”
“Exactly.”
“Well I for one would never leave NYC; do you live in Manhattan?”
“No, with a grin, Queens!”
Deb and the boys all crack up except for Brian.
“May I see the pictures of your family?”
“Sure, my oldest.”
“Ooo a lady in uniform, I love those uniforms on a tall strong, oh silly me.”
Giggle “My 2 sons.”
“Wow look at him, that hair and I could go for that.”
“Sorry Emmet he’s straight and a bit young for you.”
“Oh well and the little serious one, adorable.”
“Well not so little but yes very serious, into computers stuff like that.”
“Well he’s quite a looker too.”
“Thank you…uh Debbie may I have the check; it’s been wonderful meeting you all but it’s time; can anyone recommend a hotel?”
“Oh sure” said Ted, “there’s one, uh Brian,
BRIAN?”
“OH MY GOD!” Debbie screams and drops her tray as they all watch Brian’s face turn red and then start to turn blue.
Justin starts to panic and whimper. The woman gets up pushing through them and makes a grab for Brian. Swinging her arms around him pulling in and up from behind; all of a sudden he coughs expelling a piece of toast that somehow managed to go down the wrong way. Seeing that he was breathing and the color slowly returned to his face she eased him back into his seat unconsciously taking his pulse and counting respirations; all along whispering to him comfort words and instructions to breathe slowly in and out. The hazel eyes calmed as she gently stroked his arm with a therapeutic touch that many of her profession use while scanning over to Justin who minutes before looked like he was going to pass out. Seeing him safely in the clutches of Deb and Em she gently releases their grip and pulls him close. “Now he will be fine but he’ll need your help.”
“My help?” The panicked look vanished in an instant only to be replaced with a look of determination.
“Yes.”
“What can I do?”
“First Brian’s throat may be a little sore so warm tea or soothing broth.”
“Got it, what else?”
“His belly may also ache where I pushed, he really should be checked by a doctor.”
“Oh no he’ll never go for that.”
“Ok then, just be gentle.”
“I can do gentle.”
“One more thing, he may feel a little nervous or panicky although I see he wont admit that will he?”
“Uh no he won't so I should be extra understanding and patient, huh?”
“You got it Sunshine, you know if you weren’t going to be an artist you’d make an excellent nurse. A good nurse is an artist in a way.”
“Hmmm, never thought of it that way.”
“Most people don’t, let me go back and check on him.”
“Ok”
“Brian how are you feeling now?”
“Uh my throat hurts a little.”
“Don’t talk just nod; do you understand what happened?’’ He nodded yes.
“Ok try sips of water or warm tea or broth; you really should
see a doctor, don’t say it, Justin filled me in; between you, me and
the wall I don’t blame you but I have to say it
anyway. Now, (whispering softly),
there’s a young man over there who was about to freak so I told him
that you need to be taken care of so let him, that way you can relax but
be in control and he feels useful and wont panic,
understand?” The hazel
eyes flashed her brown ones a thank you with a wink.
“Now can anyone recommend a hotel before I crawl in a booth and
pass out?”
The woman became overwhelmed with all the talking and suggestions that
they all were making loudly and all at
once. Being a little over wrought
she was about to leave and search on her
own. Then a loud bang rang out
from Brian’s hand slapping the table startling them all into
silence. Brian glared at all of them keeping them quiet with his
look and gestured for Johna to come closer then whispered into her
ear.
Brian and Justin piled in to the woman’s car as Brian tossed his
car keys to Mikey. They all
followed her car as Brian directed Johna to one of the best 4 star hotels
the Pitts had to offered. As
they parked the cars the boys grabbed Johna’s bags and followed Brian
to the registration desk. There
Brian barked out his orders for a suite, dinner, massage, sauna all on
him. Johna attempted to politely
refuse but was stopped by one of the infamous Brian Kinney
glares. All she could do was
remain quiet and sign where told.
After seeing her settled in to the room and with all their phone numbers
placed in her hand, the gang left her to shower and
rest. As she settled down into
the enormous bed she smiled and pondered how she could ever explain to her
own family the events that took place
today. Exhausted she slipped
peacefully to sleep.
The following Sunday morning as the woman was packing up to go home
she puzzled over how she was ever going to fit everything back in her
car. She had stayed a week,
she had no intention of doing so but her new family
insisted. Everyday someone had
her day filled with activity. A
visit to an art gallery, a museum, a tour of PIFA and window shopping all
along Liberty Ave. Lunch, dinner
plans and someone buying her a memento of her stay. Then Friday night dinner
at Debbie’s.
Dinner was incredible, reminding Johna of the family dinners her own
Italian grandmother used to make.
All the moms were there talking including Jennifer, Lindsey and
Mel. Gus stayed home with the
sitter.
As the moms huddled in one corner the boys goofed around in the
other. Justin was clearing the table and doing the washing
up. The boys were ranking on
Brian as he got up to help Justin without being asked; calling him whipped
or making some other crack. The
love in his eyes for Justin was obvious to the moms and any other person
who would look but the boys kept
teasing. Well not Ben or
Vic. The moms put an end to
the teasing with a very cold stare and a pop to the head from
Debbie. The guys then went on goofing around with each other and
looked over Mikey and Justin’s ideas for the next issue of
Rage.
What none of them knew about was that a lunch had taken place a few
days earlier between Brian and Johna.
Brian had called Johna inviting her to lunch at a restaurant close
to her hotel and near his office.
As they sat picking on their salads Brian again thanked Johna for
saving his life. She blushed
a little and joked that she couldn’t stand by and watch the world loose
one of its most handsome men. Now
it was Brian’s turn to blush.
After a little unnerving silence Johna ventured, “It must be
hard work being tough and aloof all the time isn’t
it?” She had Brian’s
attention. “He knows it’s
not always the words but what you do to show him that you care and love him;
love comes from your heart and your brain, not just the other parts”
she said with a grin. Show him
with everything you do, when you open a door for him, hand him a cup of coffee
or with a kiss for no apparent reason.
And when you’re ready the chains around your heart will melt
and the walls that prevent you from actually saying the ‘L’ word
will crumble. The words will
come but in the mean time keep showing him; now lets finish this salad before
we all wilt.” The two softly
chuckled and finished their lunch.
Brian saw her back to the hotel and returned to work a little lighter,
a little more bounce in his step and a smile on his face that made him feel
and look a hell of a lot younger.
After dinner it was time for Babylon, Johna asked to be taken back
to her hotel but the boys would hear nothing of it, she was going with
them. Lindsey and Mel handed
her a bag that contained a special blouse for her to wear, sensing a conspiracy
she reluctantly took the bag.
“Oh well I guess I’m
outnumbered.” The gang
cheered and drove her back to the hotel to get ready; 15 minutes later she
met them in the lobby wearing the tight little black wife beater with a rainbow
butterfly on it that the girls had given her, a little more make up and her
black leather jacket. All clapped
with approval and off they went.
When they arrived at the club they proceeded to check their coats before entering the dance floor. As Johna handed her jacket to the attendant she felt 6 pairs of eyes on her. She turned to face them, “what, do I have a bug on me, is there something hanging out of my nose, what?”
Emmet was the first to stammer out, “ uh sweetie your arms.”
“Yes I have 2 and your point”---giggling a little to herself.
“Well I guess we didn’t expect uh, you have uh…”
“What he means to say,” Ben started “is that not only do you have a bit more muscle that most woman but you have beautiful tattoos.” Ben smiled, admiring anyone who was into weight lifting or working out regularly.
“Thank you I think.” Justin being the curious artist turned Johna into a bit more light to look. On right upper arm beautiful roses of blue and lavender with a small red heart slicing into them and a little bee hovering close. On her left a symbol of her zodiac sign. This was no ordinary Sagittarius. This one was female with long auburn hair holding a bow. She was naked to the waist where the torso then transformed into the body of a beautiful golden brown horse. On the horse’s flank initials blazoned like a brand into its side. Justin raised an eyebrow and Johna explained, “The initials are of my children.” She was rewarded with the Sunshine smile and a nod of approval.
Brian stoic and silent broke the reverie with “come on we came
to dance, it’s not like you never saw a tattooed woman before”,
he pushed them into the club.
Now Johna’s stomach started to flip, oh it’s not like she never stepped into a club before and except for the obvious differences of clientele one disco is the same as any other but she began to feel out of place. Emmet, sweet Emmet saw the mixed looks that flowed across her face, heard the groan that escaped her lips as she followed the gang to their spot by the bar; “Oh god I am way too old for this.”
Emmet whispered in her ear “Honey you’re never too old, look.” He directed her gaze to a bunch of younger women huddled in a corner looking at Johna with smiles and winks of appreciation of her apparent attributes.
“Thank you Em”, she said with a peck to his cheek. Emmet then made a grab for her arm and said “are you ready to dance?” A momentary flash of horror crossed her eyes and that’s when Brian stepped in.
“Let the lady have a drink first, Em then you can drag her on the floor.” The look in her eyes said “thank you”.
Brian got closer and said only to her, “yeah me too, I usually need something to get up the nerve to dance.”
“Never”, she retorted and they both
giggled. Everyone placed their
drink orders.
Justin as always needed to dance and as usual Emmet latched onto
Justin’s arm and looked to Brian for
permission. Brian replied, “Go
on you know the rules” and as he started to say them, the rest of the
gang chimed in, “and keep your hands above the
waist.” Laughing Justin
and Emmet weaved their way onto the dance floor under the watchful eyes of
Brian following their every move.
Johna watched and remembered her
youth. She laughed with the
boys when Emmet got to his ‘praise Jesus’ moves and smiled watching
Justin’s erotic dancing deep in his own thoughts and
dreams. The music changed to
a remix of something Johna recognized from her own clubbing days almost 15
years ago, Em left the floor, Justin liked the music and remained alone to
dance. Brian tensed knowing
that when his boy was alone other men would circle around him to attempt
to stake a claim. Johna saw
the look and in a loud voice to be heard above the music “my
turn”. The boys watched
as she quickly made a beeline to Justin.
Johna weaved her way between the gyrating sweating men and found the
young boy about to be pounced upon, “excuse me
boys”. The shocked men
stood dumbfounded and edged away from the
boy. Justin smiled with relief
and raised eyebrows. “Just dance with me Justin I am really
nervous.” He smiled and
nodded. Johna became lost in
the music, her mind drifted to a time she and her best friend would go dancing
on their weekends off, when she would rescue her younger pretty friend from
unwanted attention. Not that
Johna was tall and intimidating like Brian but she could be imposing when
she needed to be.
Justin and Johna danced fairly close her long hair flying and her eyes half closed as she swayed and pumped with him. She felt the blue eyes gazing at her, “am I embarrassing you?”
“Not at all, you’re a wonderful dancer and you look beautiful.”
“Thank you Justin, thank you I needed to hear that.”
He smiled wistfully and said, “Sometimes you need to hear the
words”. Johna
nodded.
The song started to change into something slower and the two strolled
off the floor. As they made
it back to the bar Brian offered his hand to Johna, she took it without thinking
and then stopped looking up into the hazel eyes that beamed back safety and
trust; they continued onto the floor.
Taking up very traditional dancing positions Brian led his dance partner
around the floor, nothing fancy, no twirls or dips but just nice slow
dancing. Then the glitter rained
down most of it sticking in her hair.
Both smiled and continued to dance until Johna felt a tap on her shoulder,
“May I cut in?” She
turned to see Justin standing there with a glint in his
eye. Johna nodded but before
she released Brian she drew closer and whispered in his ear “sometimes
you have to say the words.”
She looked into the hazels eyes half expecting anger but saw love
instead; Johna smiled and replaced herself with the beautiful
blond.
The gang all watched the Brian and Justin
show. Then the most amazing
thing happened. They all saw
the lovers get close as usual gyrating and grinding together Brian hands
hugging the boy close to him, foreheads touching, well nothing unusual about
that. They saw Brian nibble
Justin’s ear they could almost hear the moan they knew Justin would
make. Justin then stopped looked
up at Brian and beamed the brightest Sunshine smile ever, no strobe or floodlight
could compete. Justin then leapt
into Brian’s strong arms; the lovers stood hugging and
kissing. Johna laughed and a loud “YES” slipped
out. The boys turned and looked
at her with waves of curiosity washing over their faces; Johna just shrugged
her broad shoulders and grinned.
At this point in the Brian and Justin show the two would have fled
to the backroom but they had a guest to tend to and their celebration required
a real bed not a dirty sticky wall; they remained in the
club.
Ben and Mikey danced, Brian and Mikey danced; Em got Ted to dance and
then they all danced together. It
was then time to go, promising to meet in the morning at the diner for
breakfast.
Brian and Justin drove Johna back to her hotel; as she got out of the car the lovers also got out. Justin gave Johna a hug and a peck on the cheek saying, “thank you”.
Brian stepped in front of the woman and gazed down into the chocolate brown eyes and with a move usually reserved for Justin he brushed his thumb across her cheek. He bent down to kiss the spot and whispered “thank you for my life”; his eyes glanced towards the boy. Brian was rewarded with a hug and a kiss.
Johna whispered back, “Now it’s time for the
action.” She waved as the
two hurried away towards the loft.
The exhausted woman made it to her room and collapsed peacefully to
sleep with a knowing grin on her face.
The lovers were desperate for each other wanting to touch and kiss,
Justin leaning over to Brian wanting
him. Brian was becoming distracted
so for safety sake he pushed the boy back into his
seat. He drove as fast as he
legally could all along keeping his right hand on the boy’s thigh to
calm him. When they arrived
at their building a brief debate ensued regarding stairs or
elevator. The stairs would be
faster but Brian was unwilling to detach himself from the boy’s lips
that he had latched onto the minute they got out of the
car. Brian directed the boy
to the elevator. Brian kept
the keys to the door in his hand; Justin tried to remove as many pieces of
clothing that he could without both of them being naked before actually getting
in the door. Finally the loft
door screeched open and then slammed
shut. Brian was almost tempted
to take the boy at the door but Brian wanted to make love to Justin not just
fuck. The two continued to kiss
their way to the bedroom leaving a trail of clothes.
Brian pushed the naked boy onto the
bed. Justin saw the love and
lust in his lover’s eyes.
With panther like stealth Brian slowly crawled onto the bed up and
over Justin. Then Brian
attacked. He kissed, bit, sucked,
nibbled every inch of his beautiful lover, repeating over and over the words
Justin wanted, needed to hear; “I love you Justin, I love you, I want
you, I need you always.”
Justin’s mind was reeling overloaded with emotion and the physical
sensations his powerful gorgeous lover was
displaying. He tried to give
back but Brian needed to be in control, they had life time to please each
other. This was Brian’s
time to show with action and word just how he
felt. Justin realized the
significance of this night and of Brian’s needs, he
acquiesced.
Brian made love to his boy every way
possible. He spent nearly an
hour licking the boy’s ass and sucking Justin’s cock before entering
the warm tight hole. All night
long Brian continued his onslaught.
Justin lost count after the 5th time he and Brian came
together.
By dawn it was over, the lovers spent, lying blissfully asleep entwined
in each other’s arms.
Surprisingly the lovers awoke fairly early the next morning, tired
but not too exhausted. They
did not want to miss Saturday morning breakfast with the gang or Johna’s
last day in the Pitts. The lovers
giggled as they separated and dried cum flew in every
direction. They showered together
and enjoyed their morning ritual of protein intake, dressed and off they
went to the diner.
When Brian and Justin arrived the gang was there as well as Johna,
Mel, Lindsey and Gus. The boys
were gossiping about what they had witnessed the previous night trying to
figure what had passed between the
lovers. Mel remarked that Brian
probably offered Justin a hooker or something else equally as vile; Lindsey
admonishing Mel telling her to behave.
Johna sat sipping her tea with a Cheshire cat like grin on her
face. Before the lovers squeezed
themselves into the booth with the boys Brian reached over and pulled Johna
out of her seat. Brian and Justin
circled her and before she knew it a massive group hug happened, she was
left breathless from being squished between the two
men. The rest of the gang looked thoroughly
perplexed. Mikey spoke out,
“Do you want to tell us what that was all
about?” Brian, Justin and
Johna answered in unison, “NO” and
laughed. No one needed to
know. It was private between
the lovers except the perceptive Em had his suspicions, but he kept them
to himself.
Breakfast over, the decision was made to spend a relaxing day at Lindsey
and Mel’s. Johna had a
long drive a head of her the next day so they all agreed to a laid back Saturday,
no pun intended. Johna
had developed most of the pictures she had taken of the gang over the week
and everyone wanted to share. That
afternoon that had an impromptu pizza party and all agreed to dinner at
Johna’s hotel restaurant later that
night. Johna’s last day
in the Pitts was wonderful.
They all exchanged phone numbers, email addresses as well as snail
mail addresses. Johna extended
a standing invitation to all.
Whenever anyone wanted to come to the Big Apple they had a friend
ready to receive them.
Dinner was great Johna recalled long and
leisurely. They all met in the
lobby each family member dressed up for the
occasion. By 9PM it was
over.
Johna continued to pack; she even had to buy a small duffle bag to
contain all the gifts the family had bestowed upon
her. There was a special painting
done by Gus, an ornamental teapot given to her by Deb and Vic and
thimbles. The girls had discovered
her passion for collecting souvenir thimbles so Linds, Mel and Jennifer ran
around town purchasing thimbles with pictures of the sites of Pittsburgh
and of the state. Ted and
Emmet’s gift, well was something Johna could use if she was so inclined
to in private; enough said about that.
The gang insisted on one last breakfast before she left for home so
Johna rechecked the now empty suite and proceeded to check
out.
Johna’s new family was sorry to see her go but it was time. Deb packed up a bag with enough food to last her the trip and then some plus a thermos of hot tea. Johna was ready to go. She gave everyone a hug and a kiss and to Deb she whispered her first name. “Now you will keep in touch right?”
“Right and I'll call on Friday night.”
“Great!” Johna
planned to be a part of Friday night at Deb in her own
way.
Brian and Justin walked with Johna to her car wanting to spend every last moment with her. Justin with tears in his eyes said, “I wish you didn’t have to go, it’s almost like saying goodbye to my Mom.”
“Oh Sunshine, never gone just away, and you’ll IM me and email and you can call me anytime, I’m very reachable”, she glanced at the cell phone and beeper that was always with her.
Justin presented her with a small package saying “open it later when you get home.”
“Ok if you insist.” She placed the bag on the passenger side seat. As Brian stepped up to her she took one last look over the tall lean body, the gorgeous face and settled on the hazel eyes that commanded her attention. Brian pulled something from his pocket and reached for Johna’s neck. When he was done hanging from her neck on a thin leather lace was a single cowry shell. He then stepped back with a very satisfied grin on his face saying, “a life for a life.” Overcome Johna grabbed Brian’s face and planted a hard kiss on his lips.
He pulled back breathless, “woman are you trying to turn me straight?”
“Never” she replied and they all
laughed. With another hug and
kiss from Justin she was off.
Liberty Ave. returned to normal, uh well, it’s version of
normal.
Johna made it back home without difficulty, she still had a week left
to her vacation. She spent it
reorganizing her life and her house; kind of like spring cleaning but in
the fall. She felt happy, content and more relaxed than she had
in a long time. Her last task
was deciding where to hang the sketch that Justin had done for
her. She was going to put it in her room but then no one else
would see it. She had one blank
wall in the dining room.
The sketch was beautiful; how Justin managed to pack every thing into
a 9x12 frame she’ll never know.
There was a caduceus to represent her career, the female centaur like
her tattoo and portraits of her new family interwoven with roses and
vines. In the middle a heart
with a blue sheen to it, Johna knew the heart symbolized Justin and in the
heart a cowry shell-Brian.