Riding in the cab with Kate from Louis Armstrong Airport to downtown New Orleans, Lily realized Mardi Gras had become her favorite holiday. Mardi Gras had none of the familial demands and restricting obligations of the more traditional holidays. It fell perfectly in the long lull that stretched from Super Bowl Sunday through the Memorial Day start of summer. Its modern day incarnation of pure bacchanalian freedom and delight matched Lily's need for a periodic outlet to cut loose and press the limits of sexual experimentation.
Glancing out the window and pushing her auburn hair behind her ear, Lily said to Kate, "I love this town."
Without skipping a beat, Kate replied with a laugh, "I love the sex in this town." She was nothing if not direct. "I can't wait to hit the clubs tonight."
While not as overtly demonstrative as her friend, Lily shared her anticipation.
Their first visit to Mardi Gras had been a spring break road trip with a van-full of girlfriends. That alcohol-drenched, long weekend was largely a blur. However, what they could remember was universally favorable. Not only great memories of memorable sex and shared adventures with intimate friends, but of a warm and open and unjudging city. Very different from the more constricted atmosphere in their hometowns further North.
"I've got a new dress that's so short their eyes will pop out." Kate said with clear enjoyment at the thought of a group of fawning suitors.
"Very classy, dear." Lily said with a giggle. "We're young professionals now. We need to act a little more upscale."
With mock horror, Kate answered, "Oh please. People don't come to New Orleans for class. They come for trash and for fun. That's what brings me back each year. And you, too."
Lily nodded in agreement. After graduation, their jobs took them to different cities. While they talked frequently, they both missed the daily contact of college. Two years ago, Lily had suggested a vacation together. Kate had jumped on the idea and they settled on Mardi Gras as much for the cheap airfare as for any logical reasons.
This would be their third trip. The first two had exceeded expectations. Being together in the other-worldly charms of New Orleans was intoxicating. They reconnected as they splurged on all the delights of shopping, food, music and galleries. But they both acknowledged it was the thrill of sexual opportunities that addictively lured them back.
Kate reveled in being the 'wild one' in their group of friends. However, their previous trips included fiery, sexual flings for both of them. New Orleans' almost tangible decadence fit their vacation mood. It reinforced their occasional need to escape the constraints of their mundane, daily existence. The Mardi Gras festivities took the sense of illicit freedom to an even higher level and was a license to leave all inhibitions behind.
The taxi dropped them at a small hotel just outside the French Quarter as dusk settled over the city. They paused on the stairs to breathe in the palpable atmosphere. Then, exchanging excited glances, they bound inside to check-in.
With their jobs providing more resources, they had decided on nicer accommodations for this trip. Standing on the wrought iron balcony of their suite, Lily gushed, "This is fabulous, Kate. You found a great place."
From inside, Kate shouted, "That's nice, but it's not why I picked it. Look at these bedrooms."
As Lily joined her friend, Kate fell back on the high four-poster bed with arms spread. "This bed is luxurious. And bouncy! I'm going to give it such a work-out this week."
"Is sex all you're thinking about? Think about the Cajun food. Think about the casinos."
Kate rolled her eyes. "I'll think about those later, girl. I haven't had sex in weeks. If I don't get some soon, I won't be able to think at all."
"Alright, alright. Let's get changed and get you a fix before you jump someone. You shower first. I'll check out room service for a light dinner"
Two hours later they sat at the balcony table and finished nibbling light salads. They were a study in contrasting styles. Kate's outfit exuded sophisticated, sensual desire. For all her talk of 'trash', her look was pure, urban professional. It was black from head to toe. The centerpiece was a classic, little black dress. It had long sleeves, but was low cut at the bosom and barely reached mid-thigh. It was tight everywhere emphasizing her thin, but compelling curves. Her hi-gloss, black high heels and dark stockings drew attention to her long legs. The dress complemented her short dark hair. A simple gold necklace and earrings were ideal accessories. The only color was a blood red scarf casually wrapped at her waist and matching lip gloss.
"You were right about that dress." Lily said in admiration. "You really pull off that look."
"You're no slouch yourself." Kate returned the compliment.
To kick off the week, Lily had chosen to go soft and feminine. Her white, sleeveless blouse was frilly and loose, intentionally revealing her white lace bra and full breasts. A deep pink skirt, with a hint of gypsy, fell in layers to flare inches above her knees. Its thin material moved easily accentuating the natural sway of her hips. Underneath, Lily wore a garter and stockings in a pink floral design and hot red, high cut panties. Colorful bracelets jingled on her right wrist and her necklace held her lucky, silver unicorn charm. Her hair was pulled back off her face, but then fell softly to her shoulders. Lily's lips were shiny pink and her perfume was strong. Altogether, she projected an aura of wanton innocence.
Lily asked, "Are you ready for some fun?"
"You know it, girl."
