A Winter Awakening (3 page)

"I, uhhh..." she mumbled.

Jacob came to her rescue. "Not to worry," he chuckled.  "You are cute when you’re flustered. I love the way those cheeks of yours flush. Relax! The show won't be that bad, will it?" He took a sip of his coffee, black of course.

Ellie got the eggs started, then turned to Jacob. "It seems so demeaning. I mean, why should women trounce around scantily clad in front of strangers? Doesn't that just turn them into sex objects?" 

"You are telling me,” he said. “I don’t understand how a show like this sells tickets in Logan.” Jacob paused thoughtfully, watching Ellie cook. “You can trounce around, scantily clad in front of me if you would like," he continued.. “You know I love your curves.”

Realizing she was serious, he added, "As long as you present yourself in a respectful manner at the show, you will be fine." 

Ellie couldn't help it. She had to chuckle at this.  Jacob's appetite was insatiable and his jealous possession of her was endearing. She walked over to where he sat on his stool and pushed herself between his legs. Pecking him on the nose, she said, "Jacob, I am sorry it didn't happen this month. I know you are disappointed." 

"Babe, I love you," Jacob said. "We’ll be pregnant soon enough."

He checked his watch and kissed each of her almond shaped eyes. "Dad and I are meeting to determining how many head to sell at market. I have to run." He grabbed his worn Stetson cowboy hat off the hook, winked at her, and walked out the door.

The silence of the house filled Ellie's head as she stared at the closed door. 

He left without eating breakfast,
Ellie noted.

Ellie took a deep breath and turned off the burner. She knew she needed to put her domestic troubles on hold before she headed into town for her meeting with Sarina. Fresh air always helped her clear her head. She filled her coffee cup and stepped onto the back porch.

The crisp spring air fill her lungs as the door swung shut behind her. She closed her eyes and listened for the sweet sound of songbirds. She was met with silence. The winter stillness lingered. 

Maybe tomorrow,
she thought. She opened her eyes and scanned the field beyond her yard for new calves. Though Ellie loved the warmth of the sun and greening of the grass, baby animals were her favorite marker of spring. She spotted three calves near a fence post, the first of the season.

In Montana, winter is the end; the fields have been harvested, the ground lay frozen under the snow, the cattle have been sent to market. It is the harshest of the seasons. If cattle are lost to the elements, it occurs in the bitter cold of winter.

For Ellie though, it is the blank slate of promise. Those frozen winters give Earth a chance to rest and prepare for the new life of spring. There is no place on Earth that brings in new life as spectacularly as on a ranch in Montana. 

Ellie wrapped her arms across her body as the newborn calves huddled in a group near the fence. The adults grazed fifteen yards away. The steam from Ellie's breath floated in front of her as she laughed at the calves jumping and running in circles. 

"Jacob will be pleased." The sound of her voice was lost in the vastness expanding from her porch. 

Girl, you don't have time for this,
said Miss. Sensibility, the nickname Ellie had long ago given to her more, well, sensible side. 

"I intend to take a few moments for myself, and you can't stop me," retorted Ellie.

The muted whites and grays of winter would soon give way to blue skies and green ground cover of spring. Just as Ellie would be ready for the hot days of summer, the season of new life would dry up and the rains would stop, making room for the next season. The harsh dry summer would bake the fields into a shimmering gold. Time would march on and the nights would begin to cool off, signaling the end of summer. Soon after, the trees would reveal their splendor in the fall.

Montana marked her seasons with color, and Ellie had grown to appreciate this about her home. In fact, her own life had evolved into one of seasonal rhythm. Winter was a time for self reflection, rest, and knitting. Spring brought a renewed energy, new dreams, and the garden. 

Ellie took one last gulp from her cup and headed for her meeting with Sarina Elliott. They had met each other a few months ago at a Burlesque planning meeting. At the time, Sarina was somewhat new to town and didn't seem to have many friends.  No surprise. Logan can be tough on outsiders. Sarina seemed kind, and frankly a little lonesome. Ellie couldn't help but take her under her wing. As it turned out, they had several things in common and had developed a friendship.

Sarina sat at the lone place setting at her dining room table. Even when the boys were with their dad, she liked to set the table. The bright colors of her fiesta ware reminded her that she was a part of a family once.

She filled her glass with her favorite imported beer, and had another bite of the ravioli she had made earlier that day. 

Nice work,
she thought as she savored the flavors on her palate. She detected the intricate balance of flavors from her white sauce. The wine and garlic were perfectly balanced with the fresh Parmesan added at the last minute.
Perfecto.

Sarina enjoyed experimenting in the kitchen. Cooking was her creative outlet, her stress reliever, and she had found, it was also a great way to win over a man. Watching him enjoy the flavors she produced in the kitchen could always lead to his enjoyment of
her
in the bedroom.

I wonder what Jacob would think of this dish.

Sarina sighed. Her progress with Jacob was too slow.
He is so damn devoted to Platinum. Maybe it is time to up my game.

Sarina wrapped the rest of her meal and put it in the fridge. It was hard to eat when there was so much at stake.  She grabbed another beer and wiped down her granite counters one last time. Her kitchen may be small, but it was fit for a gourmet chef. The All-Clad pots and pans dangled from a rack above the island. With a satisfied nod, Sarina retired to bedroom.

The vanilla scent from the candle on her bedside table welcomed Sarina into her room. She tried to empty her mind and settle into her silk sheets, but now that Jacob was in her mind, heart and soul there was no rest.

Sarina pulled the white feather comforter over her bare skin, letting the cloudlike bed wrap her in the comfort of her fantasies. On her bedside table sat the usual suspects: her favorite dildo, a candle, pictures she had snapped of Mr. Laugh Lines when he wasn't looking, and a vase of flowers. She opened her top drawer and pulled out the spiral notebook. 

Sarina thought back to those first few weeks in Logan. It had been a challenge to locate Mr. Laugh Lines again after that first sighting of him. She laughed at herself as she remembered. All that time she had spent following him at a "safe distance" or crouched in the field behind his house.  Sarina opened the notebook and looked over the plan. In some areas, she was making great progress. Befriending Mrs. Platinum was proving to be easy. 

Sarina chucked out loud at the thought of her good fortune.  Joining the Burlesque show as a dancer was brilliant. It was the perfect venue for getting to know Mrs. Platinum. She had even been able to finagle herself into a job at the coffee shop owned by Platinum's uncle.

Scoring that job was genius. And the gullible gushy thing considers me a friend,
thought Sarina.
You need to keep your friends close, and your enemies closer, right?

Sarina turned her attention to the items on the list that were designed to bring her into regular and close contact with Mr. Laugh Lines. Unfortunately, none of them seemed to work. She had joined his church, but was unsuccessful at getting into a small group with him. She had tried to "accidentally" bump into him on the street around lunch time, but he didn't seem susceptible to her advances. 

There must be a way,
Sarina mused. She pulled a pen out of the top drawer with a sigh.
What can I do to break down his devotion to Platinum Bitch? How can I get close to him? 

She turned her attention once again to the Burlesque. "The solution is in that event," she said to herself. 

Yes, if I can ensure that Jacob will be in attendance, I can have a little fun.

She spent the next hour writing out possible plans. When she was satisfied, she tucked the notebook back under the other items in her drawer, turned on the old stand-by toy, and lost herself in her favorite picture of Mr. Laugh Lines, snapped on a street corner when he wasn't looking. 

One hand moved up her body seeking her new size DD breasts.  They were still a little sore from the surgery, but her doctor had given her the clearance for bathing and "extra-curricular" activities. She caressed her breast, enjoying the new larger size. Hoping her nipples had not lost any sensation during the surgery, she gave them a pinch and twist. Hard. This sent a jolt of energy through her body. Satisfied, Sarina refocused on Mr. Laugh Lines. 

His Fingers Will Do This Some Day. 

He Will Love My New Cleavage. 

He Is A Tit Man.

He Will Possess My Breasts Someday Soon.

All I want is a family. I am a good mom, and I deserve a good man. Is that asking too much? 

After her release, Sarina rolled over into a satisfied exhaustion. Tomorrow would be a big day. She was meeting Platinum Bitch at the coffee shop. It was time to put the plan into motion.

Ellie eased her car into a space down the street from Willow's Coffee Shop. There was no way in hell she was going to parallel park, and this was the only street that offered
normal
parking. She rolled the windows down so the spring air could circulate through the car during the day. Ellie melted back into her seat and inhaled deeply. She could smell the coffee whenever she was within a block or two of the shop. 

This particular aroma would always make her think of Uncle Emery. This shop was one of many that belonged to him.

Ellie strolled down the sidewalk, taking her time along the way. She cherished these morning moments of solitude and was in no rush to see them come to an end. On the other hand, Willow's was one of her favorite places on Earth; it reminded her of Uncle Emery. He had been a constant fixture during her childhood, but she had not seen him in years. He was busy running his empire. 

When she opened the door, the warmth and strong smells swirled around her head. Ellie scanned the eclectic shop and did a quick head count. It looked like an average weekday morning. People were seated at tables and lounging on the couches, chairs, and floor pillows as well. Ani Difranco's sweet voice flowed from the speakers in the corner, filling the room. 

"Ellie," Sarina exclaimed.

She was behind the counter, brewing a latte for the couple standing near the register. 

"Girl, how are you? I always look forward to the days you come in. You need to make it a habit. Jacob can survive without you!" Sarina finished the drink for her customer and nodded toward Ellie, "The usual?" she asked as she grabbed a cup.

"Of course!" replied Ellie.

Ellie walked around the counter and placed her bag in an employee cubby. Though she didn't technically work there, it was well known that she was family of the CEO. She said hello to Frank, the other barista on this morning, then turned her attention back to Sarina. 

She has picked up on this quickly,
Ellie thought. Indeed, Sarina skillfully prepared Ellie's drink, and didn't miss a beat when the next customer arrived at the counter. She took the order pleasantly, and remembered it accurately even though her hands were full. 

Ellie gratefully accepted the drink, and asked Sarina, "Are you ready for a break?"

Sarina nodded enthusiastically and asked Frank if he would take over at the counter.

"Let's find a place to sit," suggested Ellie.

She scanned the room looking for an available and cozy corner. Willow's was the perfect mix of funky and relaxed.  Couches varied from red and chunky to green and dainty. Some tables were rustic and others were replicas from the 1950's. 

A couple by the window stood and gathered their possessions. They were leaving Ellie's favorite spot in the cafe, the bay window. Ellie nudged Sarina in the arm and headed in that direction.

The floor by the bay window was elevated and the seating was simply a large stash of colorful floor pillows. Ellie and Sarina stepped up, and began to rearrange their pillows.

"Well, how has it been going?" asked Ellie. 

"It's amazing. I can't thank you enough for getting this job for me. You really helped me out of a bind!" gushed Sarina.

"And the staff? How has it been going with them?" Ellie glanced at Tasha, the head barista, and the one that trains and supervises Sarina. At the moment, no one was at the counter.  Tasha was taking advantage of the lull by inspecting her nails.  Today, they’re a metallic blue.
Probably picked as a match to her hair,
mused Ellie. Last week, Tasha arrived to work with the tips of her shoulder length hair dyed blue.  A few weeks ago, she sported hot pink dreads. 

"Tasha knows her job and is patient with me," said Sarina.  "We don't have a lot in common but we are busy enough that there isn't much time to visit anyway. "Don't get me wrong, I LOVE this job. The atmosphere is amazing."

Ellie looked around the room. "It really is, isn't it?" she said, thinking once again of her uncle. He had purchased this shop when Ellie married Jacob and moved to his hometown of Logan. He had plans to hand it over to Ellie, allowing her to dip her toes into the world of business ownership, should she ever choose. 

At the time of her marriage, it had been quite the stir in her family. Ellie's father and uncle had built up quite an empire of businesses. Ellie's father had hoped she would follow in his footsteps. Ellie, however had other plans; motherhood.   Uncle Emery stepped in and settled the dispute by negotiating a compromise. Ellie's father would agree to give Ellie the space she needed to start her new life with Jacob, if Ellie would agree to keep an eye on the new coffee shop Uncle Emery would open in Logan.

Ellie knew that the ultimate idea was that she would take over not only that coffee shop, but the chain of shops someday, but she also knew that Emery would keep the pressure off. She agreed, Emery purchased the shop, and Ellie helped him decorate in preparation for the grand opening.  

Ellie took a sip of her drink and looked at Sarina, "I have to tell you, this Burlesque show has me out of sorts. I've never planned anything like it before. How is it going with the dancers?"

"Oh, it is amazing. It is so much fun, and everyone has learned the routine. The costumes got in last night. You should see them! They are all so sexy and beautiful." 

"I can imagine," replied Ellie. "How do you have the guts to wear something like that in public?" Ellie eyed Sarina.  She did have a beautiful figure. "Don't take that the wrong way! I'm sure you will look amazing. I just mean..." Ellie paused and dropped her voice to a whisper, "won’t it feel embarrassing to have people see you that way?"

Sarina laughed, "No! It really won't. I love who I am, and I am a sexual being. It is okay for women to be seductive, right? I mean, you are seductive with Jacob, aren't you?"

At this, Ellie blushed. She had never quite had a friend like Sarina. One that will speak so openly about these matters.  "I... well, I don't know. I try to look beautiful for Jacob, but I don't think he would like me to be so forward." Ellie paused, "May I ask you a question?"

"Of course!" replied Sarina. She leaned toward Ellie.

"Do men like... well, do they like it when a woman is forward? I mean..." she blushed again. "I think you know what I mean, right?" She stopped and took another sip of her drink.  She thought the heat from her cheeks might melt the paint on the wall behind her. "I never talk about these things. All my other friends are so reserved." 

"Oh, honey, let me tell you, every man is different, but most men enjoy it when a woman takes charge now and again. Do you mean to tell me that Jacob is always the one in charge in the bedroom?"

"Oh, my. I, uh..." But she was unable to answer, as Tasha came over to the table to check on them. After ordering additional drinks, Ellie took this opportunity to change the subject. "I asked you here today to help me plan the show.  I've never been to one before, let alone participate in one.  Would you have time sometime soon to look over my plans and tell me if I am straying off course?" 

"Of course!" replied Sarina. "I would be happy to. Did you bring them with you?"

"Yes, I have them right here," said Ellie as she pulled them out of her bag.

"May I take this home with me tonight? I won't have time to look right now. My break is almost over. I'll have you and Jacob over for dinner soon. We can review the plans then," said Sarina as she rose from the table and headed back to the counter. 

Ellie smiled as her new friend headed back to work. It really did seem like they had known each other for longer than a few short months. Ellie looked forward to their little chats, and was so glad to have her working at Willow's now.

"Of course," called Ellie across the room. "Besides, it’s another excuse for us to hang out together. I'll bring a bottle of wine."

"Perfect," said Sarina with a wink.

Ellie took a deep breath. Knowing Sarina would help with the Burlesque was a huge relief. She didn't quite feel so over her head anymore. She picked up a nearby parenting magazine and started perusing. She needed a little more time out in public before she headed back home to her domestic duties.