She is probably my closest friend. I have known Lynn for almost two decades now. We had the same circle of friends in college and would often call each other as fallback dates, strictly platonic of course. The two of us spent a lot of time together in those years. In fact, acquaintances often mistook us for a couple. All through school, I fielded the statements, "Too bad you two aren't really dating, you're perfect for each other" and "Josh, the two of you should just sleep together and get it over with."
I did love Lynn. But, in a way it was like kissing my sister. It was an enjoyable experience the one time we kissed. But I enjoyed how we were with each other on a daily basis more. I didn't want to ruin it by getting all involved romantically. So, we never went any further than that one time, that one kiss. That, and maybe I just was not experienced enough then. I might have just been chicken.
Obviously, our history is long and detailed. We've kept in close contact since our college days despite living three hours away in separate cities and separate lives. Lynn was present for my wedding with Kate. She was also one of the first to visit when each of my kids were born. In fact, the kids now call her Auntie Lynn, which makes it even more of an ironic "sister-like" relationship. She made the trek to sit on the couch and watch football with me when I had my vasectomy. She and Kate would alternate fetching me the packages of peas and corn (the ice). I, in return, have been there to hear all the horrors of dating as a 30 and (now) 40 year-old, adult woman. And at every one of our friend's weddings we dance, laugh, and make the wedding bet that she can/won't take home the cute bartender boy. I usually lose that bet as she winks at me on her way out the door at the end of the evening arm-in-arm with said lucky bartender.
Kate and Lynn get along as well as can be expected. There was no way initially for them to be great friends. There was simply too much stuff in the way, namely me. In fact, for a time Kate believed I was having an affair with Lynn. I guess I can understand why she would say that, too. First, we are physically affectionate with each other. We greet each other with a peck on the lips. Second, when in business in Los Angeles, I often chose to stay with Lynn at her one bedroom apartment (although I have always slept on the couch). But, thirdly, Kate's concern came mainly from her own hormones during the pregnancy with our two kids. It just stuck in her head that way. She knows and understands now. I haven't ever and won't ever cheat on her. I love Kate and we have a great, healthy, growing relationship as husband and wife.
So last Friday, Kate took our kids to Los Angeles to board a plane. The kids are spending a few weeks with my parents at my family cottage on a lake in the mid-west. Kate was obviously apprehensive to have the kids fly alone. But we worked out all the details with the airline and my parents would be right there to pick them up at the gate. I was supposed to go with them to see them off, too. However, at the last minute I couldn't go. A work project started spiraling out of control and needed my immediate attention. Kate was not happy having to drive alone. But there was nothing either of us could do about it.
Kate called me from the airport to confirm everything went just fine. The kids had been excited and had no issues with being alone for the next few hours. Kate was allowed to accompany them as far as the gate and talked with the flight attendant in charge who took the kids to their seats. Although Kate was still worried, she didn't show it to the kids and was comforted by the likeable, responsible attendant.
"I'm a nervous wreck right now," she said on her cell. "I won't be able to concentrate on anything until I hear their voices on your parent's cell phone in Chicago."
"Can you drive?" I inquired. I was concerned about L.A. traffic and the fact that Kate was not the world's best driver. She gets distracted easily and is not familiar with L.A. one bit. In fact, she hates the L.A. freeways with a passion.
"No. Not right now," she agreed. I was relieved to hear her admit it. "What should I do? I don't want to hang at Starbucks for the next four hours. The beach, maybe?"
My mind flashed to Lynn. It was a Saturday morning. She would most likely be home and she's only a couple of miles from the airport.
"Call Lynn. I'll bet she'd meet you somewhere. Or, you could just go hang at her place until my dad calls. Then you should feel more comfortable to drive." I wasn't real sure she'd go for it. Kate has never been to Lynn's place before. I figured she'd hedge that idea and go shopping or something.
"Hell yeah! That sounds great," she replied sounding much better all of sudden. I was happy to hear her so enthusiastic about it. I thought it interesting she was so open to the idea.
So, Kate got in touch with Lynn and drove over to her house. She was there in a few short minutes and spent the rest of the morning chatting away and drinking coffee. About four hours later, I got the call from my dad. The kids had a blast on the plane and they were now on their way to the cottage. I immediately called Kate.
When she answered her cell I could hear laughing and then music in the background. "Hello?" Kate sounded like she didn't know who was calling, although I know I was identified on her phone. But she was upbeat.
"They arrived. You can stop worrying now," I informed her.
"Great. I actually haven't thought much about it since I got here," Kate replied. "Lynn is a fabulous host. We're having such a great time."
In the background I could hear familiar music from the '80s. But I couldn't put my finger on what band.
"Good, I'm glad," I said a bit too somberly. I was, no doubt a bit envious. "Tell her I said hi and ask her when she's going to come visit us again."
" 'K," was her only reply. There was a brief pause.
"I've got about an hour and this project can be put to bed," I continued. "You hittin' the road soon?" I was eager to have Kate at home alone sans kids.
"Yeah," she paused again sounding like she didn't want to leave. "Lynn wants to take me out to lunch. I'll make the trek home after that. I figure if traffic isn't bad I'll be home before dinner. Does that work for you?"
It was fine. I'd have a couple of hours at home to myself. I never mind that kind of quiet. So we finished up. And that was that. Kate arrived home later that evening. I had dinner ready and we had a wonderful evening without the kids around.
In fact, we had a wonderful week. Kate and I had more sex and fun in one week than just about any other week in our marriage. I'd venture to say the sex was better than our honeymoon, too. But if this week was good, it only added fuel to the fire and hinted toward even more fun on the upcoming weekend as Kate and I had plans to go to Las Vegas for a couple of nights. We wanted to take advantage of no kids and escape.
I got out of work at noon on Friday. We wanted to hit the road early enough to beat out the majority of the traffic. We were in Vegas and checking into TheHotel by 6 p.m. Now, TheHotel is one of my favorite places to stay. It is modern, stylish, and has one of the best views of the strip from the bar at the top. The suites are simply elegant with dark wood and black leather furniture. The suite I like to reserve has a separate living area with a wet bar and large, flat screen t.v. The bathrooms, yes, two of them, are marble and spacious. And the king bed is awesome.
Kate loves this place, too. Upon arriving she immediately kicked off her shoes, flopped on the couch, and turned on the large flat screen. Normally, I'd be slightly miffed. We didn't come all the way to Las Vegas to sit on a couch and watch t.v. But, you have to see this hotel. It is more comfortable than home and way more sleek, stylish, and fun. There is nothing like the luxury of a first class hotel suite. As much as we like to gamble, eat, drink, and play, just hanging out in this suite is a blast.
"So, what do you want to do for dinner?" I hinted, attempting to nudge us out and explore a bit.
