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Old 09-02-2015, 11:42 AM
voltesv voltesv is offline
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Re: story time......

part deux :

"You're sure, are you?" Joanne asked with a raised eyebrow. "Just how many 'of them' have you taken to bed? And how could you compare them to me? We haven't been in the same bed in twenty years. Maybe twenty five."

A touch of color highlighted Thom's cheeks as he replied indignantly, "Knock of the teasing, Jo. You know what I mean." Almost he had to look away, but her eyes had lost some of their far away look and became a magnet for his attention.

"Maybe you better explain it to me," she replied with her chin low and a sly look out of those eyes. "You know, about me being good."

Rolling his own eyes in an maladroit attempt to break the visual link, Thom managed to give the impression of disinterest even though a barely acknowledged part of him agreed with the statement. "If you don't see it, you're not as smart as I thought you were. Simply put, you're dead-sexy with a body that most 20 year olds would kill for. You teach dance classes, and your normal walk has moves like a cat. Fresh out of the pool you look slippery as a seal and twice as much fun." He stopped, and gave as close to a serious look across the table that he could come up with. "If he doesn't want you it just shows a total lack of character on his part. Most everybody else appreciates you for what you are. You can have almost anyone you want just by asking, and if they turn you down I doubt very much if they would be worth your time."

Joanne giggled, "You're full of it, but you're sweet. I'm glad you're my brother." For her part, Joanne was flattered by his comments. Although he hid it well, it was obvious that there was some sincerity behind them. She wasn't self dilusionary enough to deny anything he had said, but it was nice to hear it expressed. Her smile in return was genuine.

"Yeah, I'm sweet. So why am I wasting it on you?"

Joanne happened to have a crumpled up napkin in her hand, which she predictably threw at him. "Just when I thought there was some dignity in you. For that, you get to pick up the check." The anger in her voice was pitched in just the range that a careful ear could pick up a pleased contradiction.

"Lucky you," Thom said while standing and reaching for the bill. "I still have some money left after paying this months exorbitant counseling bills. My therapist is pretty sure all my problems are your fault anyway."

"Harumph. I should think so," his sister retorted. "I'll meet you at the car."

While paying the bill, Thom fought his eyes following his sisters pert rear out the door. Tight and classically apple shaped, it had just the right amount of sway as she walked. His mind shied away from the idea, but there was no denying that it was about as great an ass as anyone could boast of. Why was it that today he was noticing things like that? He had to tear his eyes away to receive his change before hurrying out after her.

In the parking lot he found Joanne with her abundant key chain in hand, staring distastefully at her car. "I really don't feel like driving back to Seattle right now."

"If you don't leave soon you'll hit the worst of the traffic. You know better than that."

"Yeah." She made no attempt to open her car door, just stared at it. "Tommie, if I stayed for a while and did some shopping, could I crash at your place until tomorrow? I'm just not in the mood to head home."

Something about her tone precluded much sibling ribbing Thom would normally have engaged in. Instead he wrapped his arms around her lovingly and said quietly "It's okay by me." Something about the moment made it impossible for him to maintain it tenderly. "but since I bought lunch you've got to pony up for dinner," he had to add, whispering in her ear.

Joanne chuckled quietly with her cheek against his shoulder. "Okay. Fair enough. I hope I'm not putting you out or keeping you from any girlfriends?"

"Lets just say that it had better be a very good dinner," Thom replied releasing her and turning towards his car.

"Pizza it is."

****

Upon reaching his apartment after work Thom found a total of three messages on his antiquated machine. The first was from a girl calling off their date for that evening. This suited Thom just fine, because that relationship wasn't going anywhere and it let him off the hook as far as canceling it himself. The second was from Joanne informing him that she was planning on being in about six and that she would bring dinner. The third was also from Joanne, who sounded quite tired, yet cheerful. "I got tied up at Powells with a couple of books. I may be late, but I'll still bring dinner."

This suited Thom because his one bedroom apartment was very bachelor like; It desperately needed a power cleaning. An extra hour or two gave him the chance to clear the table for their dinner and put fresh linen on the bed, in addition to taking care of the general clutter. When Joanne finally came in he was just laying out a couple of blankets and extra pillows on his couch.

"Oh, that's thoughtful," Joanne remarked as she saw the condition of the room. "Give me a hand with these packages, will you?"

Thom took the heaviest package appearing to be mostly books, which left her with a couple of bags that looked tantalizingly familiar. "Dim Sum?" he asked.

"Take out Dim Sum?" she replied, shocked. "You've got to be kidding. It's Thai."

"Okay. You're forgiven this time." Setting the books down in a chair, Thom took the bags and began setting the containers out on the table. When their eyes caught each other he once again noticed how tired she seemed. It was possible she had been crying.

As they were eating Joanne made every effort to appear cheerful, even managing to engage in normal banter with her brother. The fact that she had been crying was something she didn't want Thom to worry about. The food was good, and her brother really was on his best behavior. For a few moments at least she forgot about her problems and enjoyed company with a nice person. 'Good family is a gift,' she thought. 'A gift that I must appreciate.'

After toying with the remnants of their meal for far too long and worming out all the information she could about Thom's love life, Joanne announced the need for a shower. "I'm afraid I stink, and I don't want to foul your couch," she said.

"Help yourself. Towels are on the rack. But even if you could foul THAT couch you won't be sleeping there. I made it up for me."

"We'll argue it when I get out of the shower. And you know you can't win an argument with me."

Thom stiffened in mock indignation. "That's what you think. I cheat."