Forward: This is the second story in the Lockwinnock trilogy. It is the sequel to New Year's Eve in Lockwinnock. To fully appreciate the context of this story, it is suggested that New Year's Eve in Lockwinnock be read first. As always, the author appreciates your comments and suggestions. Enjoy.
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Beth stirred in the bed. There was noise in the kitchen and the smell of fresh brewed coffee. She slowly stretched and drew back the covers. Sitting up she found her terry robe neatly folded at the end of the bed and her slippers at her bedside. Beth slipped them on her feet and smiled.
The touch of the soft sheepskin against her toes brought back the memory of the night before. Her left hand involuntarily caressed her breasts and the thumb of her other hand brushed her pubic hair. The sound of dishes being placed on the dining table made her start. Embarrassed she rose, put on the terry robe, and began to shuffle out of the bedroom. She mused to herself "...memo to the management: a proper fitting robe and slippers are a must to ensure a repeat visit..."
At the door, she stopped and watched for a moment as Aaron scurried about the kitchen. He was dressed in a T-shirt, sweat pants, and slippers and moved about with quiet efficiency. The table was set for two. There was bread, butter, jam, and cheese on the table. Aaron turned away from the stove, coffeepot in one hand and mugs in another. He spied Beth in the doorway and said, "Morning sweetie. Hungry? I known I am."
"I thought with everything you ate last night that you would still be full," she coyly answered.
"Different restaurant, different menu," he replied, "but I do in intend to dine there again today. Want some coffee?"
"Are you sure that restaurant will be open?"
"I'm sure I can get the meal I want. I know the waitress."
"Waitress, hell...you better suck up to the owner if you want to dine like you did last night," she retorted with a sarcastic smile. "And the waiter of this establish better hurry up and pour me some coffee or his tip might be drastically reduced," she added playfully as she sat down at the table. Aaron poured the coffee and placed a kiss on her forehead. He set the pot down and joined her at the table. The banter continued as they ate.
Breakfast finished, Beth announced that she had to wash her hair. She shuffled into the bathroom with Aaron and watched and listened impatiently as he demonstrated how to use the portable showerhead. Suddenly she was overwhelmed with his pedantic and specific tones. She lost tolerance. "Seems simple enough." She said curtly and grabbed the showerhead from his hands.
Aaron withdrew slightly deflated. "There's shampoo and cond..."
"I know, I know." Beth cut him off. "I can find it. I'm a big girl. Now be off."
Aaron quickly closed the bathroom door behind him bemused by her sudden change. He shrugged his shoulders and wondered as he cleared the table if it was that time of the month or just too much caffeine? As he put the milk and cheese away in the RV refrigerator, he reminded himself to drop off a bottle of scotch to Ian on the way home tomorrow. As usual, the old groundskeeper had done a great job ensuring the preparation the cottage. Without his assistance, Aaron knew that the previous evening would have been a total disaster.
The dishes were soon washed and put away. Aaron was just tidying up the table when he heard Beth's screams. "Aaron! Aaron McGregor! GET YOUR ASS IN HERE!!!!"
"Oh Jesus, what now," he muttered as he opened the bathroom door and entered. "Beth, Beth, what's the matter?"
"Ooohhhh, it took you long enough. Oouuch. The shampoo is in my eyes. It hurts something awful and I can't turn on this fucking shower! DO SOMETHING!!!"
It was all Aaron could do not to burst out laughing at the comic scene of Beth writhing about in the tub, rubbing at her face, and swatting at the shower controls. However, Aaron was smart enough to realize that laughter was not appropriate at this moment. "Just a second and I will help you out," he said in a calming voice. He grabbed the washcloth from tub and gently mopped her face with it.
" I need the shower not the..."
"Shhh, my love," Aaron stopped her by placing his fingers gently on her lips. As he turned on the shower and adjusted the water temperature, Beth squirmed with annoyance. Gently he used the washcloth and the shower water to remove the rest of the shampoo from her face. Then with the sprayer and caressing hand movements, he removed the shampoo from her hair and rinsed the remainder of her body. He could feel her relax as she leaned back in the tub. He gently kissed her forehead, then her lips. He hoped all was forgiven.
Suddenly there was a splash. With crocodile quickness, the showerhead was wretched from Aaron's hands. Water sprayed into his face, over his T-shirt, and onto the floor. Aaron reeled back blindly and reached for the main shutoff valve. Finding it, a half twist muted the irritation. "What the hell was that for?" roared Aaron rubbing his face with his hands and flicking away the water.
"That's for the shampoo in my eyes."
"What the ...why is that my fault?
"Of course its your fault. If your damn shower worked properly it wouldn't have happened."