We head east and Hank proposes
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Scorpius1945
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Author's notes:
1. This is a work of fiction. The activities and practices described in this story are not necessarily either condoned or recommended. If you choose to do anything described in real life with real people you do so at your own risk.
2. All characters are fictional and any likeness to any living person is purely coincidental. The story is purely imaginary and, to the author's knowledge, bears no relationship to any factual occurrence.
3. For those who haven't yet read the previous chapters, I suggest you read them to provide context before continuing with this chapter. I am open to suggestions about where you would like this story to go, if you wish to comment. Thanks.
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The following morning Hank and I awoke and by the light of day we examined our wounds from yesterday's experiences. I was a little concerned at the marks left by the cane on my body, so decided that we should delay our departure, if that was Ok with Ted and Lex. They were happy for us to stay another week, we found out at breakfast time, so we spent the next few days enjoying normal sex together, rather than bdsm, and tossing ideas around for the next stage of our road trip, which was becoming quite a lengthy affair. By the end of the week we were ready to depart, the leaves already showing signs of changing color, signifying that winter was on its way.
It was early Fall and the weather was noticeably cooler so we were grateful for the warmth of our leather riding gear. Leaving Ted and Lex was a mixed experience; we had enjoyed their company and all they'd taught us, but we had itchy feet and knew it was time to leave. So, after dressing in our riding gear, we packed our few belongings, including the purple corset that Lex insisted I keep, into our saddle bags, gave Ted and Lex final hugs and kisses, vowing to stay in touch, and hit the road.
Hank and I had discussed our trip over the past few days, deciding that, while sleeping under a tree on the beach is fine and fun in the summer, in winter it is totally impractical; we needed to find a real apartment for winter. We were also very aware that we did not have enough money left from our circus work to see us through winter, so we needed work. We realized that our blissful holiday was almost at an end as we headed away from our friends and lovers towards civilization and the unknown.
We reached Bakersfield after a few hours and stopped to refuel us and our bikes. As we waited for our burgers and coffees, Hank began the discussion of where things were heading.
"So, honey, what's the story with us?" he asked, "We've been together a while now, ever since you bribed me into your bed with a bottle of JD." We both grinned at the memory. "Best thing that ever happened as far as I'm concerned. Seems like we're pretty compatible, have had lots of fun and have no idea what the future will bring, which I find a bit scary. How do you see our future? Do we stay together or part? What sort of work do you think we should find to get some money? I really don't feel like starving in a run-down shack in a city, so we need a few plans."
"Hey, darling, not like you to want certainty in an uncertain world," I replied with a grin, placing my hand on his. "I love you dearly, so right now you're stuck with me unless you choose to leave, which I would really hate. We'll find something."
"Thanks, sweetheart, I wish I could be as confident as you seem to be. I'm good at flipping burgers but that's about all. I dropped out of school so really have no experience or quals for anything reasonable, so I guess it'll be burgers, again."
"Well, we've had lots of experiences since we met, maybe you could use some of those to find work?"
"Yeah, right, who needs a slightly experienced pussy beater who worked in a circus?"
Our food and coffee arrived, the young waitress giving Hank's bare chest under his partly open jacket more than a second glance, a look that was returned by Hank. We thanked her, then he continued, watching the trim waitress as she walked to clear another table. "I wouldn't mind beating her pussy for no charge," he chuckled.
I kicked him under the table. "Yeah, dream on. I worked as a waitress a while ago; hated it. Hated being hit on by all the guys. It made be feel like a commodity, but I guess as a stop gap measure, I could do it again. Those types of work are low paid so we wouldn't be able to afford any sort of flash apartment, it'd be pretty basic. A real step down from Ted and Lex's, but definitely better than either of us could afford if we went our separate ways."
We discussed a few other possibilities but at this time saw no real solutions to our situation; we both usually had the attitude that opportunities would appear when they were needed, so we weren't too concerned. After we finished our drinks, we left, mounted up and headed towards the big smoke. One of the advantages and disadvantages of traveling on two wheels is that you have time to think without fear of being interrupted, but you can't easily discuss your thoughts. All my life I'd more or less accepted that what happens, happens, and hadn't planned too far ahead, tending to act on the spur of the moment, as I had when Hank and I first hooked up. That Hank was concerned for the future was possibly an ominous sign. Was he thinking 'us' instead of just of himself? Was he falling into the male partner trap of thinking he had to provide for and protect his partner, as so many men did, often developing a proprietary sense of ownership expressed, and often unconsciously stated, in expressions such as 'my wife' or 'my partner', while use of 'the wife' or 'the partner' sounded strange and somewhat impersonal, almost derogatory. These thoughts and more ran through my mind as we headed eastward, away from the golden California beaches towards the east coast.
We'd allowed five days for the trip, spending four nights on the road, none of which had been planned as it was not the holiday season and accommodation at this time of year was both cheap and plentiful, we hoped. We decided to make Las Vegas the first night and stopped on the outskirts to discuss possibilities.
"I've heard of Caesar's Palace and The Flamingo, so I'd really like to go there if that's OK with you," I suggested.
"Sure, sounds good to me. We could go to the casino and maybe make some money as well."
"Yeah, maybe. Probably lose more than you made," I cautioned, "No, it'd be great just for the experience."
Hank had the GPS, so set our destination and led the way. We booked a queen room settled in, then headed to the pool to wash off the grime from our trip. It felt strange having to wear my bikini after swimming naked for the last few months, and Hank disliked having to wear shorts as well. The pool was almost empty but we decided that we'd better adhere to normal convention and keep our sexual activities behind doors; we didn't want to be evicted before we'd really settled in.
After dinner we dressed in our only good sets of clothing and hit the town. As we thought, it was a city where the party never stopped. Casinos were everywhere, as were strip clubs. Looking at these, I suddenly had an idea.
"Honey," I said, stopping on the sidewalk and gripping Hank's arm, "You're concerned about money, why don't I work in a night club, or even a strip club? I'd get a lot more than working as a waitress, and probably get some perks as well if I was willing."
I grinned at him, thinking that, as an exhibitionist, I would undoubtedly enjoy dancing naked in front of a group of randy guys.
"Yeah, and what about us? What'd I do while you were off stripping and being fondled by all those greasy customers?"
"Oh, darling, why are you being so negative? I'd come home to you every night; you wouldn't lose me, I wouldn't run off with some cowboy with a big cock."
