Taboo

Keywords: Upstream, 05, Ch., Paddling,

*Chapter 5*

I had enough written to give a good idea of where the book was heading. I sent what I had written already off to my agent so he could see what I was up to, then I headed to bed. The sheets felt stiff where the several wet spots had dried. Instead of changing the sheets, I drifted off to sleep, smiling as I remembered how those spots had been made.

"I love it, Michael," George's voice gushed forth from the telephone the next day. "I see the old you in here. It warms my heart to see you back on track."

"Thanks, George. I feel it, too. I feel good about this project."

"So do you have an idea of how long to finish it?"

"Give me at least a few months, less than a year at the outside. I don't have an idea for the ending yet."

"Okay, okay, I won't push, but I will start sending it around to the publishing houses. They are going to want to take a good look at this."

"George—"

"Don't worry. I know it's rough. They know it, too. I just want to stir up interest. You know, let them all know you're still working. You do your part and let me do mine."

"You know best."

George laughed. "You just keep making us money. I'll call you back next week after I let a few people look at this."

The phone call had really brightened up my morning. I didn't expect to hear from George so quickly. He must have been very anxious to see what I was working on to read it right away and call me. Even with his office an hour ahead of me, it still wasn't even lunchtime for him. Satisfied with his response, I put the writing aside for the rest of the day and thought about the evening ahead.

Whenever I thought of Lindsey, I smiled. I didn't even feel guilty when I thought of Theresa. I was coming to grips with the reality that she was a part of my life, a former part, and Lindsey was the present. "Perhaps even the future?" I wondered. It was too early to think about that, but it was a nice daydream.

I thought about bringing something to Lindsey, remembering what Amanda had told me. Lindsey had never said what she was planning. She had really liked the margaritas so I wanted to bring those. I ran to the grocery store after lunch and picked up a few things.

Being a small town, I ran into many of Fournton's residents as I negotiated the narrow aisles of the grocery store. It was a problem because everybody remembered my name while I in turn had so many new names to learn. To them, I was a celebrity. An anonymous one, but celebrity none the less.

I also picked up some flowers and, at the checkout, grabbed a packet of catnip for Brisco. I thought, on the drive home, how I was acting the way I had when I had first met Theresa. That had been a wonderful time in my life. I missed that time, the newness of falling in love, and I was enjoying reliving it. I still missed Theresa, but I had finally reached the point where I could move on and start over.

I showed up at Lindsey's door at three o'clock. I was early, but I was anxious to see her. When she came to the door, she was wearing a light robe.

"I was getting out of the shower when I heard the doorbell. Come on in while I get dressed."

"Don't get dressed on my account," I said with a smile. "Hello, Brisco. I have a surprise for you."

"Pervert," Lindsey teased, kissing me. Then, bending down and scratching Brisco's head, she told the cat in a stage whisper, "I think he likes us. He's bringing us presents."

"For the lady of the house," I said as I handed her the flowers, "and for you, Mr. Brisco."

I opened the plastic bag and put the cloth pouch of catnip in front of her cat. He sniffed curiously at it twice before picking it up in his paws as he rolled over on the floor. Lindsey laughed.

"Are you planning to get us both drunk just so you can take advantage of me?"

"Speaking of getting you drunk, I brought the stuff to make Margaritas. I hope that's alright."

"Yes, I love your Margaritas. I'm glad you thought of that."

"I'll go out to the car and get the rest of the stuff."

Lindsey went off to get dressed while I brought in the VitaMix, Margarita mix and tequila. I set up a makeshift bar on her counter while I watched Brisco play.

"Better take that stuff a little at a time, fellow, or you will end up with a hangover."

"He can do that for hours," Lindsey said as she walked back in the room. "I love to watch him. It's his way of getting stoned."

"What's for dinner?" I asked as I loaded up the blender.

"Men! Is that all you think of? Food and sex?"

"Pretty much," I said. "But I am willing to help… with both."

"Good. Make me a good stiff drink."

I did just that. I admired Lindsey's ass while she was reaching up to get two glasses. She was wearing very short terrycloth shorts and a t-shirt that came only to her midriff. She was obviously showing a lot of skin for my benefit and it was my intention for her effort to not be wasted.

We took our drinks outside to her swing. It had been another really warm day but the shade was nice and the frozen drinks helped cool us off. Lindsey sat with her legs crossed on the seat and I rested a hand on her knee.

"How did it go at the market this morning?" I asked her.

"Fine. We're getting to the end of the summer vegetables. Grandpa is already talking about his winter garden. I'll be starting school soon, too."

"Yes, school. The little ones. Are you looking forward to that, or do you hate the start of school?"

Lindsey giggled. "Believe it or not, I really enjoy the start of school. It's the children. They come in with eager faces, all ready to learn. I love teaching." Then, she put her feet down and turned to fully face me. "Michael, will you do me a big favor?"

"What did you have in mind?" I asked warily. I had no idea what she wanted but I was willing to do just about anything for her.

"When school starts, would you come talk to my class? It would be wonderful for them to meet a real life author when we're studying creative writing. Please?"

"Lindsey, I don't know—"

"Aw, come on, Michael. For me?"

I wavered but I knew in the end I wouldn't be able to tell her no.

"You know that I have never publicly—"

"This is elementary school, after all. Come on. I'm not asking you to name your books. Just talk about creative writing."

I didn't have a chance. Not with that cute face asking so coquettishly. Before I knew it, I was caving in.

"Okay, I'll think about it."

"Think a lot about it. It won't be for several weeks yet, but I would love for you to talk to them. Maybe even a few of the other classes?"

"Lindsey…"

"They're small classes."

I knew I was defeated.

Looking into those lovely blue eyes, I said the only thing I could.

"I'll do it."

As soon as I said it, I regretted it. This was a big step for me. I was agreeing to appear in public as an author.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you," Lindsey said as she hugged me. "This will be so awesome. My creative writing lessons will never be the same," she said excitedly.

I didn't share her excitement, but I was happy to be doing something for her.

"When?" I asked.

"Oh, don't worry about that. I can schedule it around you. Not until about a month into the school year."

Brisco had followed us outside. He jumped up on the swing and settled next to me. I petted his coat and Lindsey noticed I had become quiet.

"You don't really want to do this, do you?" she asked gently.

"That's not it. Well, not exactly. I want to do it for you. I just didn't intend to be doing anything publicly as a writer."

"Why are you so secret about it? If I was famous, I would tell everybody."

"No, you wouldn't."

She leaned over me a little and petted her cat along with me.

"Why not?" she asked, still looking down at Brisco.

"Being famous is not all it is cracked up to be. There is a lot to be said for being unknown. You have a lot more freedom to move around, to make friends." I put my hand over hers. "You know that people are your friends because they like you, not because of who you are."

Brisco forgotten, Lindsey turned over until she was lying in my lap and looking up at me.

"You don't ever have to worry about me, Michael. I like you for "you", not for any fame you might have."

"Thank you," I told her. Then I put my arm behind her neck and bent down as I lifted her so we could kiss. The tenderness of that kiss spoke volumes. I knew I wasn't falling in love with Lindsey. I was already there.

My stomach seized that moment to grumble, spoiling the moment. Lindsey giggled as our lips parted.

"I think it's time to get dinner going."

She poked me in the stomach gently before getting up. I followed her back inside. Brisco chose to keep sleeping on the swing.

We worked side by side in the kitchen as we had done before. We worked well together and had fun doing it. Dinner this time was less formal, a sign that we were becoming more comfortable with each other. As Lindsey began serving the plates, I heard Brisco meowing at the door so I let him in. He seemed to have a knack of knowing when mealtime was.

After dinner, we watched a movie together. Lindsey had picked out one of her old romantic favorites—"Somewhere In Time". I held on to her as we watched, my thoughts drifting to how the two of us were separated by time. My life was becoming divided into two times. The first was my life with Theresa. The second was my life with Lindsey.

After the movie was over, we retired to the bedroom where we shed our clothes and joined as one. After we had made love and cleaned up, I was on my back in the darkness, aware of Lindsey's body across my chest. She had pressed one ear to my chest, saying she wanted to listen to the sound of my heart.

We were quiet and I did some thinking. I thought of how my life had changed. I had finally come to grips with the loss of Theresa. She would always be in my heart but Lindsey had taught me that there was room for another. Now I could not imagine Lindsey not being part of my life. It had been a hard journey paddling upstream but she had given me the guidance I needed.

Keywords: Upstream, 05, Ch., Paddling,