âYes, great. The X-Rays show excellent healing so not only is my foot up, but I've got a rocker bar too. This means darling,' Tenille whispered in Sidonie's ear, âI can begin weight bearing as soon as the plaster is dry. Isn't this a milestone to celebrate?'
Sidonie held the door open as she said goodbye to the nurse, then they progressed to the side exit. No hassle with the car here. On their way back to #226, she broached the subject uppermost in her mind: the housewarming. Traffic was heavy and now she was stuck behind a bus; impossible to pass with this press of cars. The downtown commotion at rush hour really was hopeless. She was moving slowly west on Wellesley, but at this rate it was going to take forever. Tenille could see her patience wearing thin, her fuming increasing.
âLet's circle Queen's Park and take Haskin,' she suggested. âSt. George will probably be faster than Bay.'
âOK. Anything is better than this,' feeling her temper fraying at the edges. “
Sit back and don't sweat the small stuff,”
she advised herself.
Tenille's mind raced. Had Sidonie come up with this party idea because of her birthday on the 10th? Did she plan to move and have the party on the same day? What about Thea's idea to give her a surprise? Perhaps she could deflect her train of thought, without deflating her enthusiasm.
âHoney.' Her voice broke into Sidonie's concentration. âIt sounds like a great idea, but ⦠we're not even moved yet. Don't you think we should get ourselves settled first, then think of inviting people?' Silence.
âIt's only a party, Ten,' Sidonie pointed out, screwing up her face. âThey'll bring the beer, we'll provide the pretzels. As for the furniture, it's better if there isn't too much, leaves more room for dancing. I can't see a problem.' She glanced over at Tenille. If she really didn't want a party, of course they could wait, but then it would be past her birthday. Tenille looked back at the girl, she had turned her attention to the road, so all she saw was a determined profile looking tough and serious.
This was just what she had feared; Sidonie, ready to dig in her heels. Inspiration. âWe'll have to clear it with Moira and Rani first, don't you think?' she cautioned. âWe don't want to start off with our new landladies rubbing them the wrong way.'
âWe'll invite then too.' She looked confident. If that was her problem, then no worries. She felt sure there'd be no objection; in fact they'd have a great time.
Try again. âHow can you be so sure? We don't know what they like,' she argued.
âTenille, you are such a worrywart. Of course they'll come. Everyone loves a party.' She couldn't understand her objections.
Yes. This was the girl talking who would relish her own surprise birthday party. Tenille, smiling to herself, opted for the middle course. She suggested they ask them and take it from there; then added for good measure: âOtherwise I think it's a great idea.' She heard her but didn't respond, concentrating on some tricky manoeuvring, crossing Bloor at St. George. Even with traffic lights, one had to stay alert.
Inside Tenille's, away from the noise and so many people, she could relax. She'd leave the subject of the party and try again when she was more receptive. It probably would be too much with the move and all. She'd been indulging a wishful fantasy.
âWant a coffee, love?' Ten asked solicitously, seeing she was beginning to fade. When the day starts at five and there's no âcatch up', it wasn't surprising.
âAn O.V. if you've got any left, Babe.'
âStill three in the fridge.' She opened one each and they could split the third for their refill. Sid came over to collect the beers and then set them on the night table. She took a long draught.
âAh, that tastes good.' She stretched out on the bed with a deep sigh. âCome here.' She put her hand out for her to join her. As she sank down, she rolled onto her side, snuggling into Sid's neck.
âI have to be careful of the cast since it's not quite hardened,' she explained. âI'll just keep my leg over here.'
âOh yes, of course. Sorry.'
âNo apologies needed.'
She turned her face towards Ten, feeling that delicious longing rise inside as she began kissing her inviting lips. The kiss was gentle, full of savor, the ending slow and tapering. Ten began to stroke Sid's temple and the smooth roundness of her cheek. She saw her eyelids droop then remain closed. Yes, it had been a long day and she could do with rest. She always seemed to be on the go, looking after her.
Ten adjusted her position to caress her more comfortably. Shortly she heard the slow, regular breathing of one who has completely succumbed to fatigue and sleeps. Such a dear, dear face she reflected, as she gazed at her beloved. A handsome profile. It wasn't always possible to look as good in profile compared with full face, but hers was perfect. Was she biased? â¦rose colored glasses? No, she didn't think so. No one could doubt that she had a most striking, well-proportioned countenance, no matter from which angle it was viewed.
Brilliant golden hair, falling in careless dishevelment, she looked like a Greek god.
“Now could anyone resist her charms; let alone a poor maiden like me?”
She smiled to herself in sardonic reflection.
“My, you are whimsical sometimes, Ten.”
Letting her hand fall to Sid's shoulder, her fingers traced the muscles in her arm and forearm. It was not often she had the chance to indulge herself like this; when she could look as long as she liked, drink her fill of every detail. She brought her hand to rest on her rib cage, rising and falling with each of her breaths. She looked at her breasts but did not touch, fearing to disturb this sleeping Peri. Her gaze moved down. She enjoyed feeling the taut muscles of her stomach so flat, yet the outline softened by youth. There were no sharp angles. Her body must be at the peak of condition.
Gently, very gently, she let her hand slide down to the top of the thigh, just beyond the edge of her shorts, the skin hot to the touch. Satiny smooth. Only very fine blond hairs grew here. This was in marked contrast to the leg below the knee, where the hairs grew in greater profusion; still fine, still blonde. She liked the fact that she didn't shave. When she stroked her legs, she was never prickled. The flesh still felt silky smooth, despite the golden down. She let her head rest on Sid's shoulder and dropped off into a light slumber, her hand remaining neglected where it lay.
This was good for Ten. She was waking up too early, about four, then couldn't get back to sleep. Sometimes she'd give up, turning on the light for a read, then try again later. By morning, she'd be ready to go into a deep sleep. How topsy-turvy. The relaxation pills should help. She was the first to stir, trying to change her position and the cast had clunked into her other leg. Sid didn't move. She decided to make coffee, the smell would probably be enough to bring Sid round. Carefully she rose from the bed, then pushed herself upright on her crutches. Tomorrow she could take some weight. She checked her watch. It was almost six, time to get ready for Reine and Thea's. With the coffee steaming on the counter, she hopped over to Sid's side of the bed and sitting down, shook her shoulder.
âHoney.' She waited. No change. She leaned over and kissed her cheek. âHoney ⦠it's time to wake up.' Eyelids fluttered and opened. She was immediate in her coming round.
âMm..m, I smell coffee.' She smiled happily up at Ten and kissed her briefly, thinking there would come a time when this could be a daily occurrence. To be awakened by Ten; for her face to be the first sight to her eyes ⦠bliss.
âYou'll have to come and get it my love,' she told her apologetically.
âOf course, Babe, no trouble,' she replied affably.
âDo you always wake up so ⦠so ⦠together?'
âYepâerr. One minute asleep, the next awake and ready to go.' She brought over the coffee and they both enjoyed its reviving properties. âI know,' she continued, âpeople envy me. I never have to go through that awful half awake stage when you want people to stay at arm's length. Not me. It will be nice for you too,' she added: âNo morning grouchies.'
Ten smiled at the idea of their mornings together. âSid, this is lovely but we must get organized.' She was businesslike. âI'll shower whilst you finish your coffee and then the bathroom will be all yours while I dress.' She nodded as she sipped. Ten turned on her bedside radio in time to catch the six-thirty news. As it happened Toni Braxton was singing the Spanish version of BREATHE AGAIN.
âOh, I love that song.' Sid looked up, her blue eyes shimmering with life.
âMe too,' affirmed Ten, âbut I've not heard it in Spanish before.' She paused where she stood, then went on excitedly. âWhen we get settled, can we buy a CD player, start a collection? I know there's lots of other things we need too, but music is important, isn't it?'
âSure we can. CD players are quite reasonable these days. It's the discs which cost an arm and a leg. Two arms and a leg, I figure.' They hummed along with Toni, Sid harmonizing quite pleasantly, whilst they got themselves ready. By seven o'clock, they looked âthe beautiful couple'. Ten had selected her white muslin top and skirt, but this time chose a yellow Spanish shawl, fringed with white to tie over her right hip, the point of the shawl falling free down her left side. To complement the look, she added a long string of small amber beads.
âAs pretty as a picture,' Sid admired gallantly, her eyes lighting up with pleasure at the sight of her woman. Tonight she carried a small beaded purse over her shoulder, containing some toiletries she guessed. She had settled for white chinos with navy espadrilles and a rather, for her, flamboyant over-shirt in the Hawaiian style. Definitely in holiday mood. Checking herself in the mirror she asked: âWill I do for an evening out?' She turned towards Ten, one eyebrow raised in enquiry.
âDo I breathe?' was the retort.
Laughter was carefree, as they headed out the door.
*Â Â Â *Â Â Â *
âCome in, it's open,' came the response to Sidonie's knock.
After the beer store, they'd stopped off at the liquor store to pick up a Friexenet. Tenille hopped through as Sidonie held open the door. Thea poked her head around the kitchen divider and told them Reine was just washing up and would be out directly.
âHere's a bottle to help us celebrate our move. It needs chilling so I'll pop it into the freezer but ⦠don't forget it.' Sidonie moved over to the fridge as Thea said: âI'll delegate that responsibility to you.' Before Sidonie could think of a suitable comeback she jumped in with: âI'm making Sbaglioni for dessert.' This stopped her dead in her tracks.
âOh you spoil me, Thea. My favorite. You know I only ever get to taste it here,' she disclosed.
âYou should learn to make it yourself Sid,' she chided. âIt's not hard.'
âI know you're right, but I can never get the eggs to go properly.'
âWhat's Sabaglioni?' enquired Tenille, âI've never heard of it.'
Sidonie explained. âIt's a most delicious Italian dessert. Light and frothy; made with eggs and Marsala, a sweet Italian wine.' Her eyes sparkled in anticipation.
âMm..m sounds good,' she said eagerly.
âThe problem is you have to stand for ages beating the egg yolks and I can never get the mixture nice and smooth,' she grumbled.
âI should ask Mrs. Sandrelli. I bet she'd have a few tips for you,' Tenille contributed.
âDon't listen to her, Ten,' Thea advised. âSid could do it. It's just her way of getting out of it.' She came forward to give her a big hug and got a smacking kiss back for her disparaging remarks.
âI could tell her a thing or two that would keep you in your place, woman ⦠but I'm too nice,' she retorted, enjoying the banter, as she let her go.
Thea turned to Tenille. âCome Ten, sit yourself here â¦' she indicated a high stool at the counter, â â¦and we can talk. Fix your woman a drink,' she charged, looking at Sidonie. âI don't know what's happened to Reine.' Sidonie threw Tenille an inquiring look.
âIs red wine possible?' she turned to Thea.
âSure thing. We've got the lot. The opener's in that drawer.' She pointed. âSo ⦠how's the move going? Ready to tear your hair out by the roots?' Despite her bulk, Thea moved neatly between sink and cook-top as she expertly prepared her vegetables for a stirfry.
âEverything is under control, so far. Neither of us seems to have accumulated mountains,' replied Tenille. âIt's a wonderful feeling to know we'll soon be settled in our own place.'
Sidonie observed: âIt feels funny to have some things here and some there, though,' as she handed Tenille her glass of wine. âWhat about you, Thea, aren't you going to join us?'
âListen Honey, I'm already ahead of you.' She picked up her half empty glass. âI drink Spritzers now. They help me stay the course.' She was taking a big swallow as she caught sight of Reine.
âWell, here she is, at last. Were you saving yourself for a grand entrance, darling?' They all turned as Reine appeared at the kitchen archway.
âSmart-ass,' was all she would deign to say and turned pointedly to Tenille and Sidonie. âHello my
darlinks,'
and embraced them with Gallic effusiveness. âI'm glad to see you both looking so well. Although I must add it's no more than I'd expect of Pumpkins your age. Wait 'til you're mine â¦' she added with heavy emphasis.
âCome off it, Reine,' Sidonie expostulated, amicably. âJust âcause you're old enough to be our grandmother, doesn't give you license to curry sympathy.'
âYou know where you can go, newt ⦠back to the swamp.' Reine glowered, this time turning her back on Sidonie and smiling graciously at Tenille.