Sam and Meera

Author's Note: These stories are a continuation to the Four Friends series. They can be read separately, but might be more enjoyable after you've read after - up to you. This story starts after the end of

Four Friends 8_End of Semester

.

....

"I'm sorry to butt in, but you might want to consider something other than the Cesar salad."

Jack looked disapprovingly at me. "David, would you leave this poor woman alone?"

"I will, but I can't in good conscious let her order that. I've eaten just about everything on the menu and it's almost all ok. For something without meat, the veggie nachos are pretty good, even the impossible burger - but Jack, even you have to admit the Cesar is...." He shrugged, nodded.

I try not to bother people, but she wasn't a regular. Business attire, an adult. She was lovely - clear brown skin, long brunette hair - I couldn't tell her age, but then again everyone looks young to me.

"Then I'll take the vegetarian nachos."

"Sorry - but I made that mistake once and didn't want you to suffer needlessly."

"I appreciate it. I just need something, a beer and then some rest."

I went back to my phone, beer. It was pretty busy, but not so loud as to drive me out - yet. Jack brought her food.

"The veggie nachos are pretty good. Thanks."

"Here to help."

She ate a bit more, then turned to me. "Not to bother you now, but did I hear Jack say your name is David."

"That's right."

"David who sits at the end of the bar?"

"Excuse me?"

"Yeah, that sounds weird, doesn't it? Did you know a former grad student named Katie?"

"As a matter of fact, I do. And you are?"

"Meera, Katie's advisor. I'm here for a conference and she said to come here for a quick bite if I needed to get away. And to find 'David at the end of the bar'."

"Interesting. How's Katie?"

"She's great. Wonderful student, good researcher, really turning into quite the lecturer. She says hi and hopes to see you over the holidays. She's always on about her and Izzy and Victoria and Alex -you know them as well?"

"I do - they're quite the extraordinary group of young women. Wish I had been as smart as they are, but talent isn't equally distributed." We talked a bit more while she ate, learned more about Katie's research, what Meera taught. I gave her some recommendations for better food around town, wished her a pleasant conference.

The next afternoon, I was sitting in the coffee shop where I'd met Izzy.

"Hello again." It was Meera. In daylight, I could see she had dark grey eyes, which were striking against her honey, almost almond colored skin. She was informally dressed, with a long braid hanging down to her lower back.

"Hello to you - guess Katie told you this was the place for coffee?"

"Actually, one of the grad students helping me here. And tea for me - I never developed a taste for coffee even after I came to the states for school."

"Tea's pretty good here too - much fresher than most places, and they use the right temperature water."

"You know about tea?"

"Did some work in China a long time ago, got to know how to make a decent cup. How's the conference?"

"Good, though I'm glad to have a few free hours. These things take a lot out of me."

"So I've heard." I noticed she was playing with her wedding ring. "Missing home?"

She gave a slightly embarrassed laugh "Missing my daughters."

"How old?"

"14 and 16. They're with their dad this week." I couldn't help but notice she said their dad, not husband.

"That can be both a wonderful and a tough age. At least that's what I've heard."

"Indeed. Especially Parvati - she's 16- smart, ambitious, beautiful, absolutely sure she doesn't need anything from anyone - let alone me."

"I have no reason to say this, but I'm guessing the apple didn't fall very far from the tree."

"That's exactly what my mother says. I'm proud of her, but worry." She took a sip. "I'm sorry - the other tables were all full, but I should have asked - may I sit here? I don't mean to bother you."

"Any friend of Katie's is a friend of mine. Nice to talk to someone new." We chatted about nothing in particular. I learned she'd be in town this week and next, the conference topic, her guest lecture that evening, even how she was in the middle of splitting up with her husband after he cheated on her.

"I'm glad I have my work and the girls, but I don't what I'll do with myself once they're off and I'm alone. Not easy for a woman my age to find someone new."

"Oh, that can't be true. You're smart, interesting, beautiful. I'm sure once you get over the newness of being single again, you'll have men beating down your door."

"As if. But thank you for trying to boost my confidence." She took a sip of her cold tea, eyed me. "Katie told me a bit about you - you've never dated since your wife passed?"

"I haven't dated since I met her - but that's different. I'm much older and my marriage was very happy."

She blushed a little "I know I shouldn't say this, but I've been told you haven't given up on women entirely..."

"Oh god - what has she told you?" The blushing got a little deeper.

"That you've not given up on relationships - just dating. And after I texted Katie last night you said hi, she sent me some encouragement." Meera passed her phone across the table, showing a picture of me and Katie.

"I am so sorry you had to see that."

"Don't be - it's quite impressive. I'm not sure anyone has ever made me feel like that -not sure I can even imagine feeling like that."

"If you asked her, I'm sure she'd tell you all about it. And if she won't, I'm sure one of her friends would."

"Well, Katie and I have already crossed a student/advisor line with this text - not sure how much further I want that to go."

"Indeed." I paused, pushed a little. "Dare I ask why you showed that to me?"

"Because Katie told me to. Because she's been trying to convince me to get over my husband. And because she hoped that showing me would entice me to expand my boundaries."

At that very moment, I got a text. It was, of course, from Katie.

What do u think of Meera? Sorry, but I couldn't help but share a pic.

And before I had a chance to respond, I got one from Izzy too.

Katie told me u met Meera. She's great. Do us a favor, eh?

I laughed. Meera had a quizzical look on her face. "Well, that was Katie and Izzy. They certainly are encouraging."

Now Meera looked really embarrassed, mixed with something else.

"Listen, I must go but I'm really glad I ran into you. If you need someone to waste some time with, give me a call."

"You sure I won't be bothering you - or if this is too weird?"

"You are not bothering me at all, and I've been through weirder."

"Really? Well, yeah, based on what she told me, I can see that. Of course, they're beautiful young women."

"Meera, you're easily as beautiful as they are. Your husband is a fool."

I stood up, took a last sip. "But I do have something to attend to. Please, call me."

I leaned over, kissed the back of her hand, left.

...

I came home to a dark house, shades drawn. When I opened the front door, the strong morning light flooded the living room, revealing a curious sight. From the sidewalk, you wouldn't see anything more unusual than a figure sitting on a chair. Looking more closely, you might notice a few oddities.

First, the chair was in the middle of the room. Second, the person sitting in it didn't seem to have a book, a phone, or watching tv. Once your eyes got used to the darkness, you might notice that it was a woman, naked, not moving much but rocking a bit. And with really good eyesight, you'd see her legs tied to the chair, arms held above her head, rope affixed to the chair's back.

Remember Sam - the grad student Izzy told to look me up? Interested in self-bondage, she'd figured out that the strictness of the ties she wanted required help. She'd come by whenever things were too stressful. Who was I to refuse?

She'd come by early that morning unannounced, having had a long week, knowing the weekend wasn't going to get better. She walked around the living room, closing shades, curtains, taking off her clothes, explaining the situation. Standing naked in the middle of the room, hands on hip, "What are you waiting for?"

Thinking through her preferences, the circumstances, I settled on the chair and a dildo. She stuck it to the wood, settled down with bit of a groan, a wry smile on her face. Sam preferred the roughness of sisal rope, which I used to tie ankles to chair legs, hips to seat, arms to chairback. She liked sensory deprivation, the feeling of being alone, so a blindfold and gag were in order. Almost done, I added a surprise, leaned a Hitachi Magic Wand against the chair, adding vibration to the silicone inside her.

Her breathing became shorter, long nipples erect as I rubbed the top of her head. "Enjoy yourself, I'll be back in a bit." I watched for a moment, making sure she'd be fine, was enjoying herself. I turned off the lights, went to get a coffee and scone.

So, when I told Meera I had something to attend to, I wasn't lying. I didn't usually stay away this long, but I knew Sam wouldn't mind. When my eyes adjusted to the dark, I could see Sam's sweaty body, head back, groaning. I came closer, touching her neck, shoulders, letting her know I'd returned. I sat down on the couch, enjoyed the show for a bit.

"Enjoying yourself?" I ran my fingers across her chest, finding long nipples fully erect, pinching them. "I guess so, or is it just cold?". I continued a tour of her skin, across stomach, legs, between her legs. "Nope, not cold."

I removed the blindfold, asked if she'd like to taste herself, bringing a soaked hand up to her mouth. Opening wide, fingers pushed up against her palate, pushing her head back. "Like that, don't you? You're a very dirty young lady."

Sam liked to be reminded of her proclivities, found words exciting. I kissed her, tasting her sex in both our mouths. I ran a hand down her front, between her legs, adding pressure to what the dildo and Hitachi were already doing. Practice had taught me the speed, pressure she preferred. Usually I would've continued the games, but I knew she had places to be. I helped her to cum once, then again, hoping it was enough help.

I kissed down her wet skin, untied her. I picked up her much smaller frame, carried her to the bedroom. Napping with her was a pleasure, watching the sunlight move across her ivory skin. She woke, with a smile, got up to shower. "Man, I really needed that. The conference on top of all my usual stuff."

"Do you remember Katie? Duh, of course you remember her. Her new advisor is here this week - she's amazing."

"I know."

"How? Don't tell me...."

"Nothing like that. I met her at the bar last night and while I was out this morning, she said hi at the coffee shop."

"I bet Katie told her about you -she did, didn't she?"

"Appears so, but really, it was very professional. She seems nice."

"And beautiful. I'd kill for her hair."

"You, my dear, underestimate yourself. I love your hair."

"Gee, thanks." She flipped it over her shoulder and then saw the clock.

"Holy crap - I gotta take a raincheck on brunch. Meera lecturing tonight and I'm on setup." Knowing she wouldn't feed herself; I made coffee, some toast with almond butter for her.

"That's so nice." Took sip, a bite. "You should come to the lecture tonight. It's gonna be great."

"Thanks, but all that's way over my head. Take care of yourself, let me know if I can do anything."

I saw her off, straightened up the house, went shopping, made myself some dinner, settled in for a night of reading and bad tv.

Katie texted me to let me know Meera had called to shoot the shit, asked for my number. It was nice to check in. I also heard from Izzy that she'd be around in a few weeks, asked if she could stay. I texted 'duh'.

At about 9"30, there was a knock on the door. Thankfully, I was still dressed. I found Sam, a few other grad students, and Meera on my front walk, happily chatting away. Not entirely sure what was going on, I invited them in.

"David, sorry to bother you. We wanted to hang more but facilities folks threw us out and we didn't feel like going to a bar. I suggested here, if that's cool."

"Of course it is, Sam." She smiled. "What would folks like?" I was in the habit of staying fully stocked even though there were fewer 'sorority' meetings. I had more than enough for a small group.

After a bit, Meera came over. "Thanks' for having us. I was surprised when Sam suggested going to a friend's house and it turned out to be yours. Do you know everyone?"

"Not as surprised as I am, and no, I don't know everyone. But Sam took over some of Katie's research and, since I know Katie...."

"You know Sam - makes sense. She's lovely - maybe I can recruit her too."

"You should. Anyway, relax, enjoy. If you need anything, just ask." I mixed, made sure folks were supplied. By midnight, only Sam, Meera, two others were left. Meera spoke up.

"Don't you think we've intruded on David long enough? And we have activities in the morning - shall we leave the poor man alone?"

"Don't rush on my account. I have no plans for tomorrow."

But everyone agreed it was time to call it a night. Sam asked Meera "Would you like someone to walk you to the hotel?"

"I can find my way - and don't you live in the other direction?"

"Well, yeah, but I'm responsible for you."

"I'll be fine; it's a small town."

I offered to walk her back. "I'm too worked up to fall asleep anyway. It's a beautiful night, I like walking around when its quiet."

"You wouldn't mind? Is that ok with you Meera?' Sam winked at me.

"I wouldn't have offered if I minded."

"It's not necessary, but I won't refuse."

Everyone grabbed their stuff, set off.

"Thank you again for letting us come by. You're a lovely host and the grad students seem very comfortable around you."

"Well, Sam's the only one I really know - and anyway, what else do I have to do?"

We walked in silence for a bit. "If it's not too personal, how do you know Sam - she looked pretty comfortable around you."

I thought for a moment, decided honesty was the best policy. "Well, you already know about Katie, so I guess it won't surprise you that she 'recommended' Sam come to me for stress relief."

"And how exactly is it that you help people with stress?"

"Depends on the person. For some, it's just talk- and free drinks. For others, more."

"More?" A long pause. "And Sam?"

"You can ask her, she'll probably share. I'm old, don't kiss and tell."

She stopped walking. "I was hoping you'd say that," leaned in, kissed me. Tentatively at first, then more with a sense of relief.

"Was that ok?"

I smiled at her. "Meera, I am unencumbered, it was lovely. Is it ok for you?"

"More than ok - best kiss in a long time. But I'm not sure if it was a good idea."

I offered her my arm, she took it, we walked again. "Seems like a good idea to me. You clearly deserve a little, what is it they call it these days, oh yes, 'self-care."

We walked, talked a bit more, arrived at her hotel. She looked at me for a moment.

"I can't believe I'm going to ask this - would you come upstairs?"

"Meera, I'm honored. And don't take this the wrong way, but not tonight. I'm not prepared, and I think it's only fair for you to sleep on it. How about this, any plans for dinner tomorrow?"

She considered me with deep, grey eyes. "No, and that would be lovely. But I don't think I can take two rejections."

"This is not a rejection, just a chance for you to retract if you think better of it." I leaned in, kissed her softly, slowly, waited for her to go inside, headed home.

...

In the end, I went to Meera's lecture. Might as well try to understand her research, have something to discuss over dinner. I also texted Katie to get a little insight - after she finished tutoring me a bit, she wrote

'So, anything happen last night?'

You know I don't kiss tell.

Damn you. Be good to her, she deserves it.

Promise.

The lecture was interesting, surprisingly understandable. I hung around in the back, waited while Meera spoke to real academics. Sam saw me, came over.

"How you holding up, with the conference and all?"

"It's a lot of work, but you helped me get the energy I needed." She pecked me on the cheek. "I'm glad it's over soon- may need more relaxing after." She laughed, smiled.

"You know where I live."

"Indeed I do."

Meera came over. "I wasn't expecting to see you here. What did you think?"

"I think you did an amazing job of taking complex issues and putting them in ways that a simpleton like me could understand."

"I suspect you are better at complexity than you're letting on," looking back and forth between me, Sam "but I'll take the compliment. Sam, would you like to join David and I for dinner?"

"Thank you, but no. I have work to do, wouldn't want to be a third wheel. You kids enjoy yourselves."

"Ready? Happy to wait if you need more time."

"Oh no, let's get out of here. I chose this life, but can only take academics for so long. Where're we going?"

We had a lovely, relaxed dinner, drank a bottle or two of wine. By the time we finished, the restaurant was mostly empty.

"David, thank you. I haven't had this nice a time in a while." She stared at me, contemplating. "I haven't thought about another man in almost 20 years. I'm not sure what's next."

I took her hand. "Relax, remember we stop if you want." I moved closer to her. "Did anything cross your mind last night after I dropped you off?"

She blushed a bit. "Like what?"

"Not sure, but I'm guessing you had some thoughts...."

She looked down, back at me, took her hand back, looked nervously around the room. Seeing no one was paying attention to us, she slid her hands under the table, rearranging herself, brought her hands up to the table again, put something in my hand. I didn't have to look to know what it was.

"I think we should have coffee or tea before we leave," catching the waiter's eye. "Can we have some tea - and bring the check. Thanks."

I looked back at her. She looked flushed, uncertain. I took her hand in mine, put the other one on a thigh. "Ok?"

She shook her head, yes. I slowly drew fabric up until my fingers touched skin, legs together. I delicately encouraged them to open a bit, moved closer so my right leg touched her. I lifted her leg over mine, exposing her. She quietly gasped, looked at me hard.

"Just pretend nothing's happening. Enjoy," kissing her hand.

The waiter brought the tea, check. While she sipped, I caressed the inside of her thighs, her lower abdomen. I put my credit card down, never stopping, lightly brushing her skin. Breath a little more sharp, flush spread from her face, down her neck, to her chest. After the bill was paid, when the waiter turned his back to us, I ran my index finger lightly between her warm, wet, lips, parting them. Her eyes were wide with fear, excitement.

"Ok?"

She shook her head again, yes, not talking, eyes darting around the room. I lightly pushed, her movements slowly drawing me in. I ran my finger top to bottom, spreading natural lubrication, pushed two fingers in. She closed her eyes, let her head fall backward with a sharp intake of air. Beautiful brown hair cascaded down her shoulders - she looked lovely, smelled fragrant. I pushed in as far as I could reach, held there, watched her squirm.

I brought my fingers to my lips, licked them like I had just finished desert. "Shall we go?"

Outside, there was a chill wind which blew up to her skirt, cause goosebumps. "Feels good, doesn't it."

"I'm not sure...." She turned, kissed me hard, hungry. I pulled her close, my arms inside her coat, kissing in the darkness between streetlights. I caressed her back, still kissing, lifted her skirt, reaching between her legs again to touch her wetness. She steadied herself against me, moaned into my mouth, laid head on my shoulder. Her hair was thick, warm against my neck.