“Did you ever see her again?”
I shook my head. “No. When I’d get low sometimes I’d cyber stalk her a little. She’s married now, and she and her husband have a baby. She’d lied to me, the whole time.”
“Or she’s lying to herself.”
“Maybe. But she still left. It sucked, and I didn’t go back to school. There was a job available at the beach, so I took it. And that’s where you found me.”
“And you haven’t dated anyone since?”
“Not really. I guess that’s why this is scary.” I tapped Aly’s hand holding the key.
“Thank you for trusting me. I love you.”
I nodded, My heart was beating fast, and I blinked away a tear. Concern was evident in her eyes, and she climbed into my lap. God, the feel of her skin on mine was sublime. She laid her head on my shoulder and I wrapped my arms around her waist, just holding her close to me. I stroked her hair, feeling her warmth, praying this wasn’t going to hurt.
We made love that night, gentle and wonderful, and not as baby and Her Lady, just as Taylor and Aly. Aly snuggled against me in the afterglow, her heart beating fast from the orgasm I’d just given her.
A happy little sigh escaped her lips, which made me smile and pull her in tighter. She was mine, my love, and I was never letting go. This feeling was worth the risk. It had to be.
***
We loaded up the truck I’d rented on Thursday morning. The art fair was open to the public Friday through Sunday, but there would be gallery owners and VIP guests on Thursday afternoon, as well as the judging for the various awards and stuff. I’d always pretended that I didn’t give a damn about such things. All self-respecting artists did, after all. But it was also a lie. Every artist wants recognition, don’t be fooled, especially when they’re denying it.
I’d earned an honorable mention ribbon two years ago, and I still had it in my closet. I’d never be so gauche as to display it, but I knew exactly where it was. In the past I’d always entered what I thought was my most technically accomplished piece, but not this time. I was going to enter the sculpt Mr. Beville had suggested, even though it was simpler than many of my others. I agreed it was beautiful, but I almost felt wrong displaying it, given how intensely personal it was. It was Aly, after all, flying free on the ocean breeze.
Speaking of which, I’d been amazed how willing Aly had been to get her hands dirty lifting and carrying the heavy things. We found our booth space easily, the same as I had last year. The organizers had left out the tables and a canopy I’d requested at our location, and we had them set up by noon, and were able to start transferring my works onto the tables and several standing displays I’d brought.
I left a spot for Katrina, with whom I shared the booth. She made handmade jewelry, so she didn’t need anything like the space I did, but she’d sell a lot more pieces than I would, especially since hers cost less. She was working today, so she wouldn’t be here until after five.
As soon as we had the basics up we began to unload my pieces.
“Taylor, these really are good. I predict every one is going to sell.”
She said it with obviously affected naivete, but I tried to keep my face stern. “That’s based on your years of expertise in art sales, young lady?”
She never stopped grinning, hooking her fingers into my denim waistband and pulling me close. She tilted her chin up, those incredible brown eyes flashing in the sun. “I just have an immense amount of faith in you.”
I couldn’t help but smile back at her, with just a little chuckle. The purity of that look slayed me, and I kissed her.
“Are we done here? Go back to your apartment?”
I kissed her forehead. “Not quite, baby. We need to get the signs up, and then I have to take Pacifica down to the judges area.”
“Oh, right. And then we go get it in the morning. And the blue ribbon attached.”
I shook my head. “I love you.”
We hung the two banners, one advertising Knox Sculptures and the other Kat’s Eye Jewelry. Then we arrived at the judging area and dropped off my entry. I spoke with the head judge while Aly held my hand. I introduced her to several of the officials, and she was unerringly charming, wearing that adorable smile, grasping my arm and gazing up at me adoringly. If I’d seen any other couple doing this it would have probably made me sick, but being with Aly just filled me with confidence, and by the time we left I almost believed her that this was going to be a life changing fair.
***
“You’re so tense, My Lady.”
I was. Truly. I closed my eyes and let the warm water of the shower run over me as Aly washed my back. Last night had been amazing, my baby had made me feel amazing, and I believed I’d returned the favor. But this morning I’d woken up to all my old anxieties. My dreams had been all over the place, and I’d woken up in a cold sweat.
Aly had shushed me back to sleep, or at least calmed me down enough that I could breathe normally again. Her arms around me were soothing, just like they always are, but I was still a little shaky when Aly went in and started the shower. I’d sat on the edge of the bed and listened to the water run, breathing deeply.
And now I was holding onto the safety bars as Aly washed me, my heart beating fast.
Aly’s hands went up to my shoulder and began to rub as she kissed my back. “Just nervous about today, My Lady?”
“Yeah, I think so.”
“Does this feel nice?” She ran her hands up and down my back, caressing my muscles, her fingers applying delicious pressure to my neck and spine.
“Oh, yeah, baby. Thank you.” She continued until I could feel the knots in my back start to release.
I let out a long sigh, which Aly matched with a moan of her own. “Mmm, that’s right, My Lady, let your baby take care of you.”
I reached back so I could touch her and she squeezed my hand. I turned to face her and held the back of her head as I kissed her. Her mouth dropped to my neck, then breastbone, then my stomach as she went to her knees before me. My palm still rested against her wet hair as I guided her to my sex, eyes closing as her lips and tongue began their glorious work. I drew in deep breaths, relaxing into my baby’s worship. My inevitable orgasm washed over me. I pulled Aly to her feet and kissed her long and deep and pure. My muse was right. She was always right. Today was going to be wonderful.
– Aly –
I wrapped my arms around Taylor’s waist as she started up her motorcycle, looking over her shoulder as we pulled away. We’d dropped off the rented pickup, since we wouldn’t need it again until Sunday, if at all. I’d driven it over while she’d followed. It’d be a lot easier to park the bike at the crowded fair.
We puttered up behind the booth, and I pulled off my helmet and shook my hair out as Taylor killed the engine. There was already a silver sedan parked there. I’d read in Taylor’s material that there was normally a single vehicle allowed per booth, but I doubted they’d raise a stink about the extra motorcycle. I’d seen several flatbeds that were larger than both our vehicles combined.
Taylor pulled her own helmet off, which was sexy as hell, her short blonde hair all messed up, and we went inside. There was a middle-aged woman with long silver hair sitting in a chair reading a book. She looked up and smiled as we entered.
“Taylor! It’s good to see you.”
Taylor stepped forward and gave the older woman a hug and kiss on the cheek. “Kat, hey, how’ve you been?”
“I’ve been very well.” She spoke with a slow, deliberate cadence, very in tune with the whole Earth mother, hippy vibe she was giving off with her peasant blouse and flowing cotton skirts. “I see you haven’t been doing so bad yourself. These pieces are beautiful. As is your friend.”
I could see the color rise in Taylor’s tanned cheeks. “Thanks. Kat this is my Aly. Aly, this is Katrina Harrison, she makes jewelry.” I stepped forward and shook Katrina’s hand. My head was still buzzing after Taylor had called me ‘my Aly.’ I was her Aly! My heart was soaring. I was so distracted I almost missed what happened next.
Taylor set her bag down. “It’s good to see you Kat, but I gotta run up to HQ to get my entry. You need anything?”
“Actually, Taylor, I don’t think you do. She’s right there.” Kat nodded to the front table, where sure enough, Pacifica was sitting on the table. Taylor went stiff as a board.
“Sweetheart? Are you okay?”
Her mouth was hanging open and she walked around the tables and out into the walkway. I followed after her, my mind racing to figure out what was wrong. When she was directly in front of the booth Taylor stopped. I reached her side a moment later, taking her hand and looking up at her still shocked face.
“Hey, what’s the … ooh.” My hand went up and covered my mouth as I saw what Taylor was staring at. Sitting next to Taylor’s sculpture was a huge, multi-colored ribbon. She reached out and touched it with a reverent finger, running the tip along the silky material.
“I … I don’t believe it.” Taylor’s voice was awestruck.
“You should. As I said before, that piece is sublime.” Maximillian Beville walked towards us with a slow, confident gate, the barest hint of a smile playing over his face. “It was rated first by all five judges, something I haven’t seen in years.”
Taylor gathered herself and turned, standing a little taller when she realized who was speaking to her. “Thank you, sir.”
I slipped my hand into hers, and she looked down at me, her face suddenly radiant.