The Tale Of Leigh And Jo free porn video

The Tale of Leigh and Jo By Kelly Blake Edited and Proof Read by Andrea Lena DiMaggio and Alison Mary; artwork by the incorrigible Belle Meade Author's Note: This little tale would definitely not have been possible without the help of the above mentioned ladies and their staff. This tale is dedicated to all those who have 'little secrets' and unyielding families. "New Year's Day..." Mother, we always called her mother, and I were in the sun room. She wanted to speak with me privately; away from the others. I was gazing out the window into the formal gardens with my back to her as she sat. I was hiding my tears. "What are you trying to prove sweetheart?" "Mother...please!" "Your poor father can't even face you and that...that...woman you choose to soil yourself with..." She had to emphasize 'that woman' as if Jo was a disease. "But I love her mother. And she loves me." I knew this was going nowhere but I felt compelled to defend Jo. After all...she stood by me when nobody else did. Anyway, this conversation was a repeat of every conversation we'd had for the past years. Thankfully...THANKFULLY...my Jo appeared in the door way. She did not have a happy expression on her face, especially after seeing me in tears. "Hey...what's going on kid?" She called me kid even though I was twenty four years old. It was her years of working in construction that made her thirty two years seem like more. Jo came toward me and I tried to dry my tears with a hand towel and put on a happy expression. But her knowing eyes indicated she didn't believe my motions for one minute. "All right. I think we've had enough of this shit! We're out of here!" Jo's face was scarlet with anger. She grabbed my arm and began to pull me after her before I could even undo my apron. I knew this would happen. It always happened whenever we accepted an invitation to a family event. "Bye mom..." Jo's voice dripped with sarcasm. "...thanks for the meal." We strode through the door and into the dining room. My sister Meg and her husband Pat, my brother Edward and his wife Martha, and my youngest brother, Bill Jr., all sat and watched the drama unfold. Meg stood up and came to us. I knew she would. These things were usually her idea and she was accepting of us. Pat was tolerant and even pleasant when they visited with us. But my other siblings criticized my 'life style' and choices. "I'm sorry Leigh. I honestly thought it might be different this time." I could see tears well up in her eyes. As she spoke softly, Pat stood by her side with a hurt look in his eyes. "Thanks Meg," Jo said sincerely. She hugged Meg with one arm, her other still holding onto me as if I would escape if her grip wavered. "We know it's not you or Pat. But we've both had enough, ya know?" Meg nodded her head in understanding and helped us on with our coats. I had little doubt she and Pat would be leaving next. She couldn't handle the comments and the snide remarks any better than Jo. I was a glutton for the punishment though and had Jo not come to my rescue, I would have had a panic attack. I don't know why I became so frozen in these situations. We got out the door, or, actually. I was pulled out behind Jo. She escorted me to the passenger door of her huge pick-up truck and opened it for me. She shut the door and went around to get into the driver's side. I knew she was upset; more over my treatment then hers. She turned the key in the ignition and the huge vehicle rumbled to a start. Jo sat for a moment. Her pale face was still reddened with anger. She pounded on the steering wheel with her fists. "Dammit! I don't know why I let you talk me into these...things!" She didn't look at me; she didn't have to. I looked down and away. It was my fault we came. I knew what would happen. The same thing always did. "I thought it would be different this time," I said in a whisper. "Well I wish you would stick up for yourself a little. Sometimes you need to show you have a little..." "What? A little what...balls?!" I turned to her and hissed. "Okay...that does it!" She pounded the steering wheel again as a tear or two rolled down her cheeks in anger and frustration. Jo put the truck into gear and the tires screeched as she pulled out of the space onto the roadway. I turned my body toward the door and leaned my head on the window watching the cars and houses slip past. We both sat in an uneasy silence; too angry to vocalize our thoughts in a manner that wasn't hurtful. Jo's temper didn't frighten me. I knew that with her flaming red hair and the family name Moran she could have a word or two too profane for ears as delicate as mine on occasion. And with seven brothers to compete with, I knew that she could be...fast? Forward? Maybe a bit aggressive? So she would yell and throw something (I had special plastic cups and saucers for just such occasions). Those occasions rarely happened and she never touched, or berated me in anger. On the other hand, I would sulk. I would become quiet and moody with one word answers being my forte. I could drive her crazy if the mood struck or, as in this case, I felt defensive or hurt. We were certainly opposites in many ways. "A Girl Named Jo..." "Where are your light switches?" I wasn't even sure what I was asking for. I only knew that the switch thing in my entrance way didn't seem to work. "Aisle six Miss." I had only just moved into my first apartment after obtaining a teaching and research position at the local university. It was a small one bedroom flat with plenty of light and a nice view in a place called Flushing, Queens. I had managed to paint the place in more suitable colors with the help of Meg and Pat before trying to arrange what little I had into an order that would be comfy for me. Now I stood in aisle six of the largest home supply store I'd ever seen. As I looked down the aisle, I could see various electrical...stuff...lining the walls from the floor to about seven or eight feet up! I stood there in complete awe; mouth agape and wide eyed with a look of distress on my face no doubt. "Ya need help sweetie?" I heard the voice from somewhere in my overwhelmed mind, but I didn't connect it to the appellation 'sweetie'. I turned and saw this tall guy with very short red hair standing to my right. He was smiling at me. I noticed that he was adorned with what appeared to be work clothes complete with heavy shoes. His clothes were covered in grey dirt, as were his shoes. The odor of dust and perspiration hung heavily about him. "You seem a bit lost. What are you looking for?" Oh my God! It's a woman! He's a she! And she was smiling at me as though this was an everyday event; accosting strangers in aisle six and trying to be of help. 'Maybe she works here' I thought. Suddenly she started making motions with her hands. "Huh?" "I thought you might be deaf or something, so I know some signing, ya know?" She laughed. I must have looked quite the fool standing there with my mouth agape. This was a bit beyond me. I mean...if something needed fixing in the house, I was the very last person anyone would come to. In fact...I wasn't even on the ask list. "I need to get a switch? You know...for...the wall?" "Your wall needs a switch to work? What happens without it? Does it down or something?" I giggled at that thought. I really looked at her for the first time. The first thing that struck me was her smile. She had a wonderfully impish grin. There was a mischievous twinkle in her pale green eyes. And freckles...oh my God did she ever have them. I couldn't help but smile back at her. "Come on. Follow me." And off she strode down the aisle with me in tow. We came to a long panel that displayed all types of switches. There must have been a hundred different ones. My 'guide' began to explain what each type did; and quite expressively so! She spoke with her hands waving and her body moving for emphasis. I felt like I was watching some intricate modern dance or performance art piece as she walked slowly along the wall. "I think I simply need an 'on' and 'off' switch?" I was almost afraid I would disappoint her with such a simple request. She put her knuckles beneath her chin and looked at me as though she was peering over the top of reading glasses. "You know..." she said quite seriously; "...those simple switches rarely, if ever go bad." "Hey Jo!" I heard a deep voice say from behind me. "Hey Mike!" she replied with a wave and a smile. She cast her gaze back to me. "It might simply be a loose wire. Now buying a simple switch is cheap but..." She brought her face quite close to mine. "...do you know how to tell? I mean...can you rewire it if the switch is actually bad?" "Of course!" Of course! I'm not completely ignorant. "There is one screw on the thing...what do you call it? Anyway..." I continued without waiting for a reply. "...then you just attach the wires." Jo...she hadn't formally introduced herself as of yet...laughed. It was a hearty laugh. I noticed her eyes tended to stay open when she laughed. She pointed a finger at me. "You've just zapped yourself!" A dirty index finger, its nail filed nearly to the quick, pointed at me. "First thing you have to do is cut the circuit breaker so the juice is off." She smiled. I frowned. So maybe I am that ignorant. "Well...the super said he'd put a new one in for fifty dollars." I hated the thought of having to pay him that for what I thought was so simple a task. "Fifty dollars???!!! For fifty dollars I'll put in..." She was in thought for a moment, her eyes screwed upward as if the answer was on the ceiling. "...hell...I'll do six. But that's only because you seem nice. Normally I'd do four." "Huh?" "I'm an electrician," she said with another laugh. "Tell ya what...let me buy you a cup of coffee. They have lousy coffee here but at least we can sit a minute and rethink this thing, okay?" Jo looked anxiously toward me. I thought for a moment and before I could even say yes she started speaking again and walking back down the aisle. I mindlessly followed her as another man had called out. "Hey Jo! You still faulty wiring the town?" It was the department manager and he smiled pleasantly at her as he spoke. "Absolutely Walt. Hey...when you gonna get a real paying job anyway?" She laughed. We continued as she again began to speak to me. I listened and thought that maybe she would tell me how to properly do what I had to do. As we approached the snack counter in the front of the store she absent mindedly pointed to a four seated table. I understood what she wanted and took a seat. She continued up to the counter. The tables were typical of a fast food area. The four seats were affixed to the floor and two small tables were placed between the chairs so that two couples could sit. She returned with the coffees and took a seat cattycornered from me. In this manner we occupied the four seats and two tables as she stretched out her long legs and arms. Placing a coffee in front of me, she emptied the pockets of her vest spilling Half and Halfs and sugar packets out onto the table. Still speaking, she emptied four of the creams into her cup followed by six sugars. I always drank my coffee black with a wee bit of sugar. "So..." she said. "...let me guess. You're a school teacher." "Well...sort of." How did she ever guess? "How did you know?" "You kinda dress like one, ya know? Skirt below the knees, simple striped shirt, skimmers with low heels; it's like a dress code or something. I didn't know schools were still in session." She took a sip of coffee, her eyes never leaving mine. "Well...I only just got the job. I really don't have to teach though. I'll have a G.A. to do that for me." She suddenly looked at me with more than passing interest. "What's a G.A.?" "A graduate assistant. I'm over at the college but they really hired me for research?" Jo's eyebrows arched in surprise. "You're a college professor? You look so...young...like you're more of a student or something." I giggled. That was the usual reaction when I told people what I did for a living. "What kind of research?" "I have a Doctorate in aberrant child psychology. I also have a P.H.D." She really looked surprised. "You're a Doctor? Like a shrink or something?" Now her mouth was agape and her eyes wide opened. I knew exactly how she felt; kind of like I did when I first saw aisle six. Suddenly that wide and wild grin crossed her face as she leaned toward me and rested her chin in her hand, her elbow on the table. "I bet you've been analyzing me this whole time." Her eyes narrowed and she arched one eye brow. Oh my God! Here it comes; decision time. Well...I certainly don't want to blow her off. I need to be careful. Here is a living soul with all sorts of unknown buttons that could be pushed and I didn't want to do that. I blushed. "Well???" She sat smiling like the Cheshire Cat. "You gonna diagnose me?" "It's not like you're an aberrant child you know. And I certainly don't go around trying to find out what makes people tick." I leaned in closer mimicking her position. "But I will say that there is no reason for you to be nervous around me." "What do you mean?" She suddenly sat upright. Crap! A button no doubt. "Your constant chatter is nervousness. It's like biting your nails or fidgeting." She stopped smiling. Crap! I was getting myself deeper into it. "It's like my silence...but in reverse. When I'm nervous I become quiet and withdrawn." I smiled. I could tell she was thinking about what I said. She leaned back in and resumed her position, now mimicking me only she wasn't smiling now; she was listening. "What else can you tell about me?" I could sense she was really interested in what I had to say. "You are comfortable with your peers...those you work with. And that's because you're very good at what you do and they recognize that; they respect you for that." Her smile was back. Whew...I thought I'd blown it for a moment. "You are quite intelligent and have the vision of what could be and how things should be." "Huh?" "You could have simply shown me the thing I wanted. But you showed and explained all the different things and how they are used. That tells me that you want others to know what is possible and you want to open up their minds to different ideas." She was grinning again; whew! She suddenly shifted over to the seat across from me; a break through of some sort. "What else do you know?" "Well...your name is Jo..." She laughed and held out her hand. "Jo...short for Joan...Moran." "Leigh...short for Leigh...Howard." I took her hand and she shook mine as if I was a man; vigorously and with a firm grip. In fact a bit too firm which hurt a bit. I winched. "Sorry..." There was concern in her eyes. She realized that she might have caused me some pain. "It's okay...really." I smiled. "Okay...ready for more?" I laughed. "I'm not sure. But...okay." She was still grinning so I was still of interest. "You are more comfortable with men than with women BUT..." I had to emphasize the 'but'. "That comfort only extends to co-workers and only goes so far. You may have a beer with them but it goes no further than that. Other women make you nervous and you become the chatter box. I, on the other hand, am nervous around men and I feel more comfortable around women. But my comfort extends only so far as well." "Yeah...but I find that hard to believe about you. I mean you're so...femme? Guys should flock to you like bees to honey." I could sense a touch of envy in Jo's voice as she spoke. We were sitting leaning forward toward one another. I noticed that she eye lashes were sooo thick and full. I wanted to reach out and gently touch them...kind of run my finger tip along them. She must have noticed I was lost in staring at her. "What?" She giggled as she asked. "You have such wonderful eye lashes." Oh my God! I can't believe I said that! "Are you coming on to me?" She eyes sparkled with...delight? "NO!" I thought of a very brief moment. "No..." And another even briefer moment; "No!" I didn't think so anyway. "I love your freckles." OHMYGOD!!! Whatever was I thinking? Okay...she giggled again. "Yeah...well you can have some if you'd like. They were such a nightmare for me in school. I was always getting teased. Guys always wanted to take a pen or magic marker and 'connect the dots and see what the picture was. Ya know?" Jo laughed. I couldn't imagine how horrid that must have been for Jo. Then this weird thought came into my brain and before I knew it...the damned thought was out of my mouth. "It would be far more interesting if they wanted to connect those dots with their tongue." Oh my god! "Are you sure you're not coming on to me?" She laughed and then had this faraway look in her eyes. "Yeah...that would've been cool." She laughed again. "That I could have handled...I think." I laughed as well. That helped to cover up my profound blushing at what I had said. I mean, she was cute...very cute and I could definitely imagine her being pursued by guys at school. "Okay Jo...you have just gotten my fifty dollar analysis session." "Well...maybe we can barter for it? I mean...you still need a switch fixed, right? Where do you live?" "Oh! So who's coming onto whom now!" The truth is that we were building a certain intimacy around us. We were bonding in a really warm, yet weird, manner. Jo was a strange sort of character for me and I'm sure I was far from the usual fair for her. I lived near the college and she lived off of Union Turnpike in Flushing. We were sort of neighbors...almost. "I could come over now and fix it if you'd like." "Tomorrow would be better for me...if that's okay with you. Then maybe we could have lunch." Oh my God...did I just ask her out on a date? Naw!!! "Yeah...that sounds good." She said after taking a moment or two to think. Somehow I could tell that she must've been thinking; 'Did I just get asked out on a date?' I had to giggle. "Great! But make sure you shower first!" I admonished wagging my finger for emphasis. "But it's not Sunday!" Jo moaned. We both laughed. I spend at least another hour speaking with her. I got the second, and then the third cup of coffee. The time simply flew and before either of us knew it, darkness had descended to begin an ending of that June day. "The Longest Night" To say my mind wasn't occupied with Saturday would be the greatest of all lies. My new found friend was constantly on my mind. I had these images popping up like a power point gone wild of her done up in various modes of fashion; buzz cut and all. Jo was really quite beautiful in an odd way. There was no one particular feature that made her unforgettable. Her breasts were no larger than mine. She was tall and sinewy with quite an athletic build. Her face was a bit on the thin side (emphasized by her extremely short hair). She did have wonderfully large and expressive eyes and very full lips. I think it was more the total package rather than its parts that was alluring. A lipstick and perhaps nail polish to match her shade of auburn would definitely add quality points. A light foundation and concealer to tone down the freckles would cause one to focus more on her eyes. And those lush, full, and auburn colored lashes would bloom beautifully with a swipe or two of rich dark brown mascara. Oh my God! Whatever could I be thinking? I was dressing her to an image I had formed as if I would be the one of interest in her life. That could never be. That would never do. These kind of dreams wouldn't come to any fruition because...well...I simply wasn't the one for her. But I couldn't put those thoughts completely out of my mind. I showered, as usual, and as I patted the thick terry cloth towel over my body, I stood before the mirror gazing at myself. Yeah, I was cute and naturally so. But as my gaze slowly descended down past my navel to the place where my towel hide my 'little' secret, I shook my head and wished that my 'secret' would disappear. I mean...how would I ever explain that stupid little appendage to a woman who might be attracted to me? And is she attracted to me to begin with? Or will we simply be BGFF with the first 'F' being capitalized and underscored? I had difficulty sleeping as well. She was on my mind. I would play out these little vignettes of us doing different things together...to...get...her!!! Her smile would flask across the darkened ceiling in my mind and my stomach would flutter a bit. Jo's acrid odor from her physical work lingered in my nostrils. It was enticing and delicious with the fullness of life. The touch of her callused and powerful hand on mine when we finally exchanged names was electric. That feeling coursed through my body like nothing had before. It had been some time since a stranger, male of female, had touched any part of me. Of course I shook hands frequently whilst trying to obtain a position, but that was nothing compared to her touch, physically and sensually overpowering as it was. When I finally awoke in the morning, it was premature for sure. I had the proverbial sand in my eyes that lingers with a lack of good sleep. I mindlessly turned on the coffee maker, which I prepared the prior evening, on my way to the bath room anticipating a nice warm shower to refresh me. I doffed my sleeping tee shirt, a large size that swam on my body, and my bikini cut panties as the water warmed to an acceptable temperature. I opened the glass door and stepped in letting the water dance down upon my body. I took a moment to think of how I wished to present myself today. In no way, shape, or form did I wish to be the 'teacher' again. I used a fragrant body wash and then my herbal shampoo and conditioner. What can I say...I adore the aroma of flowers and herbs. My body was still smooth and hairless from the other day and my patch was neatly trimmed. I exited the shower after washing out the conditioner and immediately wrapped my bath towel around myself. I took a smaller towel and wrapped my short pixie style hair cut as best I could and returned to the bedroom to review the contents of my closet. The day promised to be a warm, slightly breezy, cloudless one so a sun dress came immediately to mind. I chose an apple green one nearly the color of my eyes and laid it upon my bed. My undergarments, for the most part, are simple cotton and chosen for comfort rather than allure. I chose a simple white bra with a lacey insert in the cups and a matching pair of panties. Those too rested on the bed. I quickly inspected my toes nails to make sure that the polish on them was still pristine and worthy of being exposed to the general public; and then my finger nails. Whilst I used clear polish with a pink tint on my finger nails, I wore a frosted pink high gloss polish on my toes. Today would be a sandal day. I would let the little piggies breath. The pair I chose had good arch support and a one and one half inch heel. The straps were slender yet sturdy and the medium brown shade of the leather would not over whelm. I returned to the bathroom, stopping briefly to fetch a mug of coffee. I began to do my hair starting first with spraying a conditioner on it. I washed my hair nearly every day and always took precautions to keep it looking healthy. After blow drying and shaping my hair, I doffed my towel, hung it to dry, and proceeded into my bedroom to get dressed for the day. It was so very second nature for me to be putting on a bra and panties that I didn't even think about it anymore. Though I had a small bust, it seemed to be in the proper proportion for my slight built. I loved this particular sundress in apple green. It was very light cotton and the hem, which fell to mid-calf, had a wide swipe so that when the wind caught it, I could feel the sensual teasing of the material against my calves as well as my thighs. I adored the way the cloth seemed to drape my body. I slipped the sandals onto my feet, snugged the straps, and was off to the bathroom again to do my face. As I sipped my coffee and gazed at my reflection in the mirror, all I could think of was light. A light day and therefore light make-up. I truly wished I had a vanity instead of as plastic tool box to keep my cosmetics in. There was such incredible light in the main room and my bedroom that I could truly see what the shades of powders looked like once applied. I love earth colors, especially the browns and greys. I decided to go lightly with a medium shade of brown on my upper lid. I single color and a single swipe with a red sable haired brush. I lined my lids with a drop of water mixed into dark brown and brushed along both my upper and lower lash line. Two quick coats of dark brown mascara brought out my eyes even more. I thought how lucky Jo was to have such thick lashes. Fortunately I usually have good skin tone so concealer is rarely in the mix. I put on a rose tinted clear lip gloss and stood back to check the look. I certainly looked good enough for the day without being overdone. I did't think Jo could say I looked like a teacher. I love to have jewelry in matching sets. I chose an emerald green antique glass bead set which included tear drop earrings, a necklace and a bracelet. After fighting with the earrings a bit (that always seems to happen with thin wire), I got the other two pieces on with no trouble at all. I stood back to have another look in my full length mirror on the back of my closet door. I really needed to get my ear piercings gauged a bit. I normally wore simple posts during the week and the thin wire of my beaded sets proved too challenging. Hmmm... I looked ready to greet the day in a most casual manner. I grabbed my mug after closing the closet door and went into the living area. I went to the couch and sat gazing toward the window and the beautiful day awaiting. Then I gazed around the apartment. There were various framed pictures, paintings and drawings along the walls awaiting their proper place on the wall. There was much yet to be done. Then there were the floors. I loved the nice wooden pattern but I really needed rugs and runners. The boards made noise when I wore heeled shoes and had a tendency to creak even with my modest weight upon them. Jo mentioned yesterday that she would come over around eleven. A few minutes before eleven the door buzzer sounded and I heard the intercom crackle with electrical noise. I got up and quickly strode to the device alongside the door. I pushed one of the buttons saying; "Hello" not being sure of how it worked. After pushing the other two buttons and repeating my simple appellation, I heard a knocking at the door. Could she have gotten up here so quickly? Or was I too confounded by the array of useless buttons? Either way I felt my heart go into a slight arrhythmia from the very thought of this woman...this new person in my life if only for a few hours...outside my door. What could I do? I opened the door and there she stood in all her six feet of glory; smiling like that Cheshire Cat...again! "Well..." She had such a grin on her face. "...you sure don't look like a school teacher now. Do you always dress up on your days off?" I didn't know what to say. I kind of stood there staring wide eyed and opened mouth at Jo. She was wearing these mirrored aviator sun glasses and I could see my own reflection in them. I finally, after what seemed like a life time, closed my mouth and spoke. "Hi." 'Brilliant,' I thought. "Ya gonna invite me in or what!" She laughed. "Oh God! I'm sorry. I was a little befuddled by this stupid thing for the door." I stepped aside. "Please come in. Would you like some coffee?" Jo walked in and dropped a cloth satchel on the floor. From the clunking sound it made I assumed it contained an assortment of tools. "Sure. I'd love some. I even brought some doughnut holes; the breakfast of champions," she announced boldly. She handed me a box and continued walking in and checking out the place. "Wow! A green wall...and a yellow one. I guess you don't believe in plain old white." She laughed again. "Nice place. So...you didn't answer my question?" "What?" I said as I poured her a mug of coffee. I remembered she liked cream in hers...and sugar...so I placed them out on the small dining table where I had placed the box along with a spoon. "Do you always dress like this..." She waved her hand toward me. "...on your days off?" "You mean this old thing?" I blushed and giggled and tried to be calm and collected. I mean...how else does one dress? "Well...you look terrific. God you're sooo femme." I smiled and looked at her. Jo wore a pair of old but comfy looking jeans with holes in the knees. She had on a white tee shirt with some sort of logo on it. I later found out from her it was the logo of the electricians union. I noticed for the first time that she had a tattoo on her right arm of a green harp with some words in a language I didn't know written beneath it. I also noticed for the first time that her ears were also pierced...multiple times. She had a row of studs from the top of her right ear that travelled down nearly to her ear lobe. In her other ear she had two rings through her lobe. I could see a row of pieced holes across the top of that ear but she hadn't put anything in them. "I love your beads," she said as she removed her sunglasses and began to put the fixings into her coffee. I noticed that she wore no other jewelry save a very sturdy looking watch on her left wrist. "So sweetie...where is this fifty dollar job?" I walked to the switch alongside the door button thing and flipped it several times. Jo looked around after watching me and walked into the small kitchen area. She looked briefly around and seemed to find what she was looking for. It was a small metal door with a pull tab on it. She opened it as she sipped her coffee and looked inside. I watched she every move. I noticed that she wore a clean pair of work shoes. She also had some sort of chain arrangement emanating from within her back pocket and terminating with a solid looking clip onto her thick belt. She looked sooo...butch? I walked up to where Jo stood to see what she was looking at. Even though she was only a few inches taller than me, she seemed so much larger. "It's the circuit breaker box. We want to kill the electricity for that switch before we do anything else." I moved in a bit closer. "They're not well marked so we'll kill them all." And she began to cut off all the electricity. I was standing next to her with both hands around my mug watching. Suddenly I had this weird urge! I wanted to touch her very short hair to simply know what it felt like. I moved my hand up and ever so softly across the top of her head. "WHOA!!!" Jo's entire body kind of shivered. "That felt really intense!" She laughed. "I'm sorry." I was. I didn't mean to startle her. "I couldn't resist knowing what your hair felt like. I mean...it's so short and all." "Well? Whadaya think?" Jo rubbed her hand over the stubble several times herself. "It's nice." It did feel nice. I had to touch it again and again she shivered and giggled. "If you keep that up we may never get this thing fixed." Jo giggled and squeezed her way past me to walk over to the wall switch. Still giggling Jo bent down and opened her satchel and retrieved a screw driver. She unscrewed the switch plate and handed both screw and plate to me. She looked inside and laughed. "The wire has been disconnected. That little sleaze of a janitor probably does this to each new tenant. Bastard!" "What?!" I was shocked and moved closer to have a look. Jo pulled the wire out a bit so I could see. "Listen, I'll clean this up a bit and put decent connectors on the wires. They've been put on and taken off so many times that the wiring has unraveled at the ends." She set about her task of reworking the connections and spoke the entire time. Jo worked effortlessly and quickly, yet very carefully. She probably could have done the work in her sleep. When Jo had finished, she held her hand out for the plate and screw, not even worried about whether the switch would work or not. After resetting all the breaker switches, she asked me to try the switch. It worked, much to my delight. "Okay...now whadaya say we hang a few pictures?" Jo offered with her face alight with a huge grin. Oh my God! I had no idea we'd be doing this. "Sure...great!" I laughed. Jo asked me to get the lease to find out what was allowed in terms of anchoring things to the walls. As it turned out, I would be charged for each wall anchor, whatever those are, and for each nail hole. Fortunately I had nothing of real weight and Jo had those tape-on things to hold framed stuff. As it turned out, her satchel was full of stuff for just such odd jobs she sometimes did for 'beer money'. We spent the rest of the morning hanging things. Jo was incredibly patient with me and even suggested a thing or two. We had hung most of the things and before we knew it afternoon was upon us. I was getting hungry and Jo had not only eaten most of the doughnut holes but she had also licked the powdered sugar from the waxed paper that lined the box. I was determined to treat for the lunch only I really didn't know the area very well other than that around the campus. I didn't think I wanted to do bar food, or a bar at all for that matter. "Listen...tell ya what...I'll drive. I know this place that has good home cooked style food and we can even take a walk through a pretty nice park afterward." Now that sounded like a plan to me. The restaurant offered a simple Northern Italian style of cooking. And the walk through the park afterward was a sheer delight. I found Jo to be a very comfortable woman to be with. She was completely unassuming and straightforward and, aside from an occasional profanity, gentleand easy. We sat beside a small pond and I watched her as she spoke. Her face, and body, would become so animated when she spoke of the future and her plans and dreams. I felt like I could watch her all day. Of course I had my turn as well and she was as attentive a listener as she was an active speaker. I often found that we were gazing into each other's eyes as we spoke. From time to time we even touched. I would touch her hand to emphasize something or she would touch my knee. We even held hands for a moment in the midst of a shared joy. Though there was certain innocence about our touching, there was also an excitement that I couldn't deny, or avoid feeling. Her touch was electricity surging through my body and terminating deep within me. Touch of our hands was titillating. Though roughened and calloused by her work, I could feel the softness of her soul beneath that tough exterior. I remember sitting in silence with her that day. It was a comfortable silence that only two souls who have managed to touch can feel. I reached over and ran my fingers down her fore arm, feeling the soft minute hairs and touching her freckles. It was a soothing moment for me. I looked up into her eyes with a smile and the exact same feelings seemed to be reflected in her. When we returned to my apartment, entering the door presented an entirely new look; especially with the pictures and paintings hung. We put up the remaining few and Jo hooked up my television and DVD player properly. Reluctantly, regrettably, all the tasks either one of us could think of at the moment were accomplished. I could feel that she was as unsettled about the end of the day as I was. I felt there was so much more I wanted to do simply to be in Jo's company and I could tell she felt the same. We decided to make a date for the next day. We could have our coffee, read the Sunday paper, and perhaps find another little adventure we could share. Our lips barely touched as I bid her good night at my door with a kiss. But that wasn't enough! I put my sandals back on and walked her down to her car. Our lips touched once again; this time for a bit longer. The sensation was heavenly and exciting and...oh my God...sooo right. I found it difficult to watch her drive off that evening and I watched until she turned the corner and was gone. "Mean while...back at the Ranch" The following morning I was lounging in my robe on the couch doing nothing in particular. I was somewhat bleary eyed after a restless night of pillow hugging and dreaming of my new friend. Waiting for the caffeine to kick in is always a drag and I had no idea of when Jo would arrive. When she did finally come, her arms were full of various things including the Sunday Times. We kissed a greeting to one another and I took the bags from her arms. As I turned my back to walk to the couch, I felt Jo's breath on my neck. "You always smell so good...like flowers or something." I giggled as I set the bag down on the coffee table and unloaded the things she brought. Jo had gone into the kitchen and poured herself a mug of coffee. I liked that she felt comfortable and familiar enough to tend her own needs. We spent the better part of the morning sipping coffee, eating bagels and cream cheeses and salmon. It was relaxed and easy, you know? I always dive for the magazine section and Jo went directly to the real estate. I enjoyed looking at the fashions and such. Every so often I would hold up a picture of this really hot guy. "Isn't he dreamy?" "Gay!" I showed her another and received the same reply. Now it's not a big secret that there are gay men in modeling but...give me a break! "They're not ALL gay," I said after the fourth picture. "Some of them are bi...but swinging closer to gay. I'm bi in case you haven't guessed." She looked up at me with an impish smile on her face. I was a bit startled by the intimate direction our conversation suddenly took. "Really?" I was a bit shocked at her admission. "Yeah. I just walk up and say; 'By the way, wanna fuck?'" She broke out in laughter. "Jo!" I had to giggle anyway. "Guys don't seem to care for me all that much anyway." Her face betrayed a bit of sadness with her admission. She kind of muttered something under her breath and I let that one go. I mean she's really kind of cute. But with her general appearance and cocky attitude I could understand why some guys might be intimidated. After having our fill of lazing and grazing, Jo asked if I could show her the campus and particularly where I worked. It was another really pleasant late spring day out and I thought that going to the campus might be just the activity for us. I got my wardrobe for the day together, gathered up the things, and went to shower. Jo seemed content to sit and look through the rest of the newspaper as I washed and quickly dried my hair. When I shut off the drier and placed it in its home in the shelf on the wall, I was surprised to see Jo in the door way leaning against the frame with her arms crossed and a crooked smile on her face. "I got lonely." She giggled and, uncrossing her arms, strode in and sat on the closed toilet seat. "Do you mind?" "Mind what?" I giggled. Fortunately, out of habit, I did have a towel wrapped around myself. I wasn't sure what she was asking me and thought it curious that she felt at home enough to serve herself but had to ask permission to join me in the bathroom. I mean it wasn't like I was doing my 'business' and needed a bit of privacy. "I want to watch while you do the make-up thing. Is that okay?" "Yes...of course." I giggled but then remembered that she had brothers and not sisters! Could she be clueless? Didn't she have other female friends...like maybe in high school or something? I began my daily ritual by opening up the draw in the sink cabinet and taking out my color palette and brushes. As I began to apply just a hint of color, I noticed in the mirror that Jo was watching quite intently. I smiled at her letting her know I didn't mind her watching. "You do this every day?" She was honestly surprised. It's not as though I was the only one in the world that went through this particular exercise. Indeed I had this down to a science more than an art. "Yeah...I do." "Why?" A good honest question; why do I go through the bother of making myself more...appealing when there was nobody that I truly wished to specifically appeal to? I could give all shades of possible justifications and rationalizations with maybe a wee bit of reasoning as topping but my mind happened at the moment to draw a blank. "I don't know." I frowned in thought. I needed to say something. "It makes me feel completely dressed I suppose." I shrugged my shoulders. "Why, don't you like the look?" "Oh yeah!!!" Jo took on a serious look. "I think you look great. But you look great without it as well. Ya know? Kinda...terminally cute?" 'Terminally cute?' Hmmm... I liked that. I blushed and giggled of course. I continued to do my cosmetic thing, grinning away like a fool. "I never looked good in that stuff." Jo frowned again; this time looked a bit forlorn. "I always think I look like a clown, ya know? And I could never get accustomed to the feel of some of the stuff. But you look really super with it on." "Well...it does help me look more...adult? Otherwise people sometimes mistake me for a kid." "Well...you're certainly not that far removed yet." Jo laughed. I made a sour face trying to suppress, unsuccessfully, a giggle. She was, of course, right. I picked up my eye shade brush and put some of my dark bronze on it. I quickly turned but Jo was reading my mind. Up went her hands and feet to fend me off. "Oh no you don't!!!" she admonished and laughed. "Oh please???" I pled. She gently, but firmly, took hold of my wrists. I persisted. "Pretty please???" My facial expression was nearing that of pain. I was hoping she would give in. I sensed that she really wanted to try something new and do something a bit different but, like many of us, she needed an excuse. I would give her one. Jo looked up at me with wide eyes and a bit of dread. "Listen..." She pled with a whining in her voice as she gently, but firmly held my wrists. "...you can't tell anyone about this, okay?" "Sure. It'll be our secret. I promise." It was then that Jo noticed the two thin white scars across each of my wrists. "Hey...what's this?!" The look of concern matched the expression on Jo's face. "I had..." I took a deep breath and let it out. "...issues when I was younger." "What was up? Ya didn't like the food or something?" I giggled, blushed and shook my head. Now was not the time. "Okay. But one day?" She didn't have to finish her thought. Yeah...maybe one day I would tell her my secret. Jo put down her legs and dropped her hands from my wrists. She sat with a look of resignation on her face. After taking a deep breath and taking the palette I offered, she looked up at me as if saying 'I'm ready'. I took the brush and swiped the color slowly and gently across her closed upper lid. Twice more and I could see the darker shade of the bronze color her pale lids. I then took the same color and went over the upper portion of her lids to give a lighter shade that I could blend. Finally I put some non-metallic gold on a smaller brush and stroked the area just beneath her brows. I set aside the brushes and lifted Jo's chin slightly. "Okay...keep your eyes closed for a moment." I blended the three sections so that the shading looked smooth and natural. I wet the thinnest brush and. After dropping a bit of water into the dark brown pot, took some of the liquid color onto the tip. I carefully painted along the lash line on her upper and lower lids giving more definition to her eye shape. I brushed in a very thin line of dark bronze and the some gold over the thin line on her lower lids. I blew gently making sure that the dark brown shadow was dry and again blended the colors with a cotton swab. I stepped back and asked Jo to open her eyes. I took a critical look and decided that her eyes looked quite nice considering the rush job and the lack of fore thought for coloration. Oddly enough, the colors that worked for me seemed to enhance and enlarge her eyes as well. Thankfully Jo did pay her brows a bit of attention and their shape was quite full, but definitely nicely shaped. "Let me see what you've done so far." Jo began to rise up. I pushed her back down onto the seat. "The light in here sucks and we're not done yet. You need to trust me that you will look good and if you don't like the way you look...it does come off you know. Now comes the hard part. I definitely want to do your lashes. They are so wonderfully thick! I am sooo envious. Wait there a minute." Sharing cosmetics is so personal. It's like sharing a tooth brush. Whatever one might be afflicted with on the skin, or from the eyes, is so easy to spread. I definitely don't recommend sharing with anyone you don't know well. I don't know truly what processed me to share my things with Jo after knowing her only one day but I was so curious and...well...attracted to her. Any logic went right out the window. I took my dark brown mascara and turned back toward her. "Oh fuck no! Not that crap! No way!" Sorry...way! I grinned and told her to please try it...for me. We could remove everything easily enough but I really wanted her to give it a chance. This was difficult for Jo. With her eyes opened she could see my hand approaching and the spiraling brush coming nearly into her eye. But, after an unduly long and patient bit of time, I had managed to get her lashes colored and they were magnificent, as I suspected they would be. "This feels so weird! I don't think I like this." Jo gripped her thighs so tightly that her knuckles turned white. "Please Jo. Just give it a chance to dry and remember not to rub your eyes. Use a tissue to dab at your eyes if you feel the need. Two last things and we're done." "Oh Christ! What now." I could tell from Jo's voice that she was tiring of this game rapidly. I took some pink tinged lip gloss and pulled off the cap. Jo knew what was coming and allowed me to quickly put one coat onto her pouting lips. As Jo rubbed her lips together, I capped the lipstick and placed it in the pocket of my dress. This would need to go into my purse when we left for the campus. Two quick swipes of a brick colored blush and we were done. I took Jo's hand in mine and pulled her into my bedroom. I opened the closet door revealing the full length mirror and had her stand about three feet away. The light was good and she would be able to see the difference a bit of color made. Jo turned her head this way and that I suppose in an attempt to see the affect from different angles. She pouted a bit. "Well..." She paused for a bit before speaking. "...I kinda like the way my eye lashes look? But I don't see much of a difference. I mean..." She looked down at me and took a deep breath. "...I think my eyes look...bigger?" "You're not supposed to look 'made up'. It needs to look natural, ya know?" I stepped into view so that we both reflected in the mirror. "Personally?" I grinned ear to ear. "I think you look terminally cute...maybe even...sexy?" We both broke into laughter. Jo conceded that she indeed liked the way she looked even if the mascara felt 'weird'. We had our arms around each others waists as we continued to stare at our reflections. She suddenly turned toward me and hugged me. "Thanks." That was all she said. That was all she needed to say. Her smile said everything else. I slipped on my sandals, put the lipstick into my purse, and, grabbing a knitted light weight sweater, took Jo away from the mirror. We went to gather whatever else we needed to begin our day and left my apartment. This time I drove so that parking wouldn't be an issue. As we drove, I spoke about maybe one evening we get all 'done up' and go out dancing or clubbing or something. I thought she could really look hot if she was done up properly. I would love to color her lips the same shade as her hair. It would appear so natural. Jo sat in silence as I carried on and on about how really cool we could look. I glanced over at her to find that she was licking her lips and rubbing them together. She also had pulled down the visor to look at herself in the mirror. I smiled with the knowledge that perhaps Jo discovered a new image of herself. I parked behind the education building in a faculty spot reserved for me. We walked around to the front of the building and entered. I identified myself at the security desk; I had not yet received my formal faculty badge. I also identified Jo as a guest and we went to the elevators. The floor that was 'home' to the psychology department was quiet and dark. Everyone, or at least almost everyone, was on vacation prior to the summer sessions beginning. I walked in the direction past the reception desk toward the area where my little cubby hole of an office was located. Jo seems a bit intimidated by the carpeted floors and the various wall hangings of charts, information, and general academic 'spam'. She would peek into a room as we passed to see 'stuff'. It's the wood paneling that does it. Of course the names on the doors always proceeded by Dr. and followed by rows of letters indicative of degrees achieved. The moment we found my office and I opened the locked door; Jo swiftly moved past me and planted herself into the arm chair behind my desk. With a very self-satisfied expression upon her face, Jo put her booted feet atop the desk and leaned back into the chair, her hands clasped behind her head. "I could grow accustomed to this ya know?" She laughed as she rocked back and forth. I, of course, sat in the arm chair in front of the desk giggling at how at home she looked with her boots, jeans, and, of course, another union logo tee shirt. She probably looked more the psych student or GA than I in my dress and sandals. The proof was to come when what looked like a senior, or a GA, came wandering in to see who was around. He was dressed in belted shorts and a short sleeve button down collar shirt; red and white vertically striped. OMG! He looked so very preppy with no socks and deck shoes loosely tied. He was definitely a Land's End boy. He was clean shaven and his hair was perfectly styled and combed. Definitely a preppy look! "Doctor Howard?" he asked softly and politely. "I'm Doctor Howard," Jo responded with authority. Oh my God no! Jo answered him. 'Oh please...' I silently prayed. "I'm Gary Hewitt. I'm Doctor Stein's GA." He extended his hand toward Jo. She looked around and found a tissue box. Jo took a tissue, covered her hand, and then shook his. The expression of surprise and shock was thinly veiled on the poor GA. "Nice legs ya got Gary. Turn around and let me see your butt." Jo grinned at Gary whilst attempting to not break out in hysterical laughter. I have never in my life...NEVER...seen anyone turn as red as poor Gary. I couldn't believe it but he actually giggled. Oh my God! He began to slowly pirouette to give her a look. "Nice..." Jo smiled and winked at him. He did have a nice butt. I can't deny that. I wasn't sure how long I would let this go on. I pulled my sweater tighter around my shoulders and clutched the sleeves. "Ever think of dating faculty?" "Okay...that's enough!" That was enough...at least for me. We were bordering on something that could become...difficult? "Oh yeah...I forgot to introduce my wife." Jo waved her hand toward me. "This is Jo, my wife." Poor Gary wasn't sure whether he wanted to laugh or run screaming from the office. In fact I wasn't sure which I would choose. I finally opened my mouth. "Gary...I'm Doctor Howard." I stood up and pointed toward Jo. "And this is one of my delusional cases. I take her out of the 'home' once or twice a week to observe her socialization processes." He laughed...praise God he laughed. I continued with eyes blazing at Jo. "She thinks she's a he AND a construction worker to boot!" But Jo wasn't giving up that easily. "Listen Gary...if you want we could double date. Wouldn't that be a blast?" Gary put his hands in his pockets, took a step backward, and, still laughing and giggling welcomed 'whichever' one of us was the real Doctor Howard to the campus. I felt fortunate that he took Jo's 'act' in the spirit it was meant. I now knew, which I already suspected, that Jo was somewhat of a loose cannon but her sense of the bizarre was meant in humor. I did make a point of asking Jo to please contain herself somewhat when she was here. After all...this was where I ate...so to speak. Of course as soon as Gary did leave to office, we both looked at each other and mouthed 'gay' and broke into laughter more for the connection we seemed to have between us than for the fact. We spent most of the day walking around the campus and found a pleasant spot to simply sit and talk. As playful as Jo could be at times, she had a serious side and a great sensitivity toward the plight of others. As it turned out she was acting union shop steward for her 'crew' and was often the 'straw boss' or assistant foreman. She spoke, with great fondness, about growing up with seven brothers. "I couldn't get a date!!! I had to plan my own 'losing it (virginity) party'. They were so protective it was nauseating. But, on the other hand, nobody dared to mess with me." She described a closeness and a caring that I'd never known within my own family. Of course there was a price to pay...sort of. Jo was the consummate tomboy and simply never outgrew it. She loved being 'daddy's girl so she thought it quite natural to become an electrician like him. He loves baseball so Jo played softball in school and on a union team. Of course, in many ways Jo felt she had lost out on having a more 'usual' female life style. Being more at home with the boys than with the girls, and having a mother who, though attentive and loving, was simply too busy with so many males in her life to acclimate Jo to the finer points of being a girl, left Jo with little recourse but to adjust the best she could. Her mother's idea of dressing up was a clean house dress and a bit of whatever lipstick happened into her hand first. I spoke of my experience of growing up in a very limited manner. I told her that we didn't speak much at dinner and my father was unavailable due to his work which took him all over the world. My mother's idea of cooking dinner was making reservations. We had a cook and a maid and twice a week a service came to do a complete household cleaning. Mother entertained often and my sister and brothers, and I, were shuffled off into another room, usually the playroom in the basement. I was even more isolated because I had my difficulties in ways that my family couldn't understand. Only my sister Meg was sympathetic. Though younger and unable to understand what I was going through, she knew that I hurt and that was enough for her. I was not a leper to her touch. Of course I hadn't broached what the 'problem' was with Jo. I kept my end of the conversation shallow enough to get by and truly Jo felt the greater need to unburden herself. In a very odd way, she was connecting with her feminine side that had so little stimulus for so many years. Sunday had ended too so for either of us and though there was the temptation to continue into the night, Jo needed to be up at five thirty in the morning. We parted in what would become our usual manner of a hug and a kiss and me watching as her car disappeared and her watching in the rear view mirror till my image was no more. Settling In... The week was one of totally new events for me. Well...maybe not totally new but my perspective certainly was. Monday began early enough meeting with the Director of Research and my newly assigned GA, Sarah Greene. After this meeting I spent most of the morning outlining what I expected from her. The day seemed to drag a bit in the afternoon. I got one text from Jo. It was a bit of silliness that vibrated across my desk around three fifteen and a welcomed relief it was, sort of. Now my thoughts and soon my energies were focused almost entirely on her...HER!!! But I still had a few things to do and resisted the temptation to run off and play with my new friend. I called her when I finally returned home around seven. She was, by that time, quite tired. We spoke as I munched on Chinese food I had purchased on my way home. We spoke of nothing consequential; only the remainders of the day. It was simply comforting to hear her voice; to hear her breath. A tear rolled down my cheek because I could feel her warmth as her speech slurred from exhaustion. Jo was on her bed and ready for sleep but I could feel her desire to be here with me. It wasn't a sexual thing that drew me closer as we spoke. It was the connection two people sometimes magically feel when there simply isn't anybody else around. We spoke until she was too tired to continue and then I sang her a little tune I remembered from my early years until she fell asleep, the phone connection still open. Wednesday I went to watch Jo play soft ball. There was as much beer drinking as there was ball playing and, though I didn't understand the finer points of the game, I did enjoy myself. Jo got a hit and made a few catches and I yelled my head off every time she did. I created a bit of a stir sitting among a few of the players' wives and girlfriends. Which one was I cheering for? 'That one...my girl friend of course!' After the game, and a beer or two, we sat in the bleachers and talked. Jo was tired and dirty and sweaty but I could feel her excitement simply because I was there. I loved the way her eyes caught the lighting and seemed to sparkle. I had such an urge to bury my face in her an inhale deeply...very deeply. I remember how charged up the boys would get when their girl friends would come to watch them at whatever sport they were engaged in. I also remember how charged up the girls would get after the game simply being around the dense cloud of male pheromones that surrounded the exhausted players. Now I understood that as never before. But we were in public, though everybody had left the field, and I was still prim and proper about such things. So I contented myself merely to be in her presence and basked in her glow. We did make plans to have an early dinner on Friday and maybe even go to a movie. It was Jo's idea. Oh my God...sounds an awful lot like a date? Of course when Friday did finally come around, I was working late helping Gary organize his research project! I remembered my 'date' with Jo and dreaded making the call to cancel. I felt awful. I really wanted to see her. But being rather childish about the entire issue, she took things in stride. "YOU BITCH!!!" she screamed. "But..." I was stunned! Not only that...she shouted 'bitch' so loudly that I think the others in the room heard her. There was dead silence...a very uncomfortable one at that. Then I heard her giggle. I could have smacked her; not hard but playfully on the arm or something. I explained what had happened and she simply told me to call her when I was finished. That is once she could stop laughing long enough! To my great surprise, delight, and joy, Jo came to the conference room around six thirty with two pizza pies and some cans of soda. I was so overjoyed to see her enter the room that I nearly jumped up and ran to her; for the hug only you understand. And I was touched nearly to tears by her thoughtfulness. Once we were done eating, she pitched right in and helped us out as best she could. The entire time Jo kept a stream on banter going with her unique observations, humor, and knack for telling tales. What surprised me the most was her attire. This was the first time I had seen her in something other that a tee shirt, jeans, and she every present work shoes. On this night she wore an emerald green short sleeved blouse that really complimented her eyes. Okay...so she wore jeans but at least they were a bit more stylish than her Levi's, and they weren't blue, and the shoes were traded for a pair of somewhat stylish sandals. Jo wore a bit of jewelry in the form of a gold chained locket and several rings. She even went as far as wearing a bit of lip gloss. My first assumption was that she dressed more in accordance of where she was going; i.e. my place of work. The truth was that she wanted to express her feminine side a little bit and that she rarely, up to this point, got more feminine than she was now. I was somewhat amused at how Jo would occasionally touch up her lip gloss. We finished late; around eleven. In the parking lot after we all had left the building, she stood with her back leaning against her truck looking at me, smiling. "I need to ask you something." She then looked down at the ground and then to her left and her right. Jo was nervous about something. "Sure...anything." I reached out and touched her fore arm in what I hoped was a reassuring manner. "Well..." Jo paused and took a deep breath. "...I'd like to spend the day with you tomorrow?" I giggled. Was that it? But she spoke again. "Could you show me how to do the make-up thing again?" Jo crossed her arms beneath her breasts; a sign of fear...fear of rejection? I felt I had to be careful. A simple yes wouldn't quite do. This was definitely dark territory for Jo and I wanted to light her way. A toothy grin and a giggle was always a good start. "Oh my God!!! It'll be fun!!!" I put my hands on her folded arms. "We can put together a kit with your colors and try different things. I have so many pots of colors for the eyes and face and whatever." Jo looked into my eyes. I knew she was trying to see if I was serious or somehow mocking her. I felt that if I talked long enough she would understand that I was sincere. So I went on and on about all of the holiday 'specials' when one can buy an item, such as a scent, and receive these huge cosmetic sampler kits free. I had to have at least six unopened kits plus the mascaras and eye liners and other paraphernalia that came with them. I also had cream and lotions and scads of other products from cosmetic companies. I had nail polishes that came along with specific 'looks' they were trying to sell. Jo's arms finally uncrossed and her furrowed brow relaxed. She even smiled! "You don't think I'm being weird do you?" Oh my God! Jo had such a worried look over something that was so second nature to me. "No...not at all!!! Maybe we can even get dressed and go out somewhere nice for dinner." Now I was excited! "I have nothing to wear though." "Listen sweetie..." OMG...a term of endearment? "...the way you'll look, it won't take much. Something other than jeans and a nice blouse will be fine." I could see by her distracted look that she was quickly taking stock of what she had to wear. After profusely thanking Jo for her kindness that evening, we parted in our usual manner with great plans for the next day and evening. We were approaching the bridge onto Long Island. Jo had calmed down, as had I. I rested my head against the side window and stared out into space. I reached over with my left hand and was met by her right. We sat in silen