I would like to thank volunteer editor DWS1973 for his encouragement and help with the story structure.
*****
Part 1 Escapade by the Pool
It was a typically hot and humid August afternoon in central New York State. Ashley could feel the oppressive sky pressing down on her as she slowly walked off of the soccer field. It was Monday, the first day of soccer practice before her senior year in high school. It had been a long day starting early in the morning with only a short break for lunch before finally ending at 2. Her jersey and shorts were soaked with sweat from the grueling hours with only breaks for water and lunch. Her clothes were plastered to her body revealing a shapely form that had been late to develop. Her brownish blond hair was in a French braid and also soaking with sweat. Every muscle in her tall muscular frame hurt. She knew tomorrow morning she would hurt a lot worse before the next practice session even started.
However, she was pleased with her performance and was confident she would make the varsity team. She was faster than any of the other girls and her ball handling skills were superb. Playing soccer in Germany and Italy had honed her skills even though the regular moves resulting from her Dad's military career meant she was a year behind in school. She had turned 18 at the end of her junior year only a few months after her Dad retired from the army. He had brought them back to the town he grew up in just in time for her to start the second half of the junior year. Luckily she was practiced at making friends.
Ashley yelled to her new friend Emily, "Hey do you want a lift home?
Emily smiled and said "Only if we can stop for a milkshake and some calories. I think I'll faint if I don't eat a horse."
Emily was small and lean at 5' 2". Ashley towered over her by a good 6 inches. Emily was a native of the town and in awe of Ashley's world travels. They had become good friends since they shared several advanced placement classes together. Also they had both been on the track team in their junior year. Emily was a long distance runner while Ashley preferred sprints, hurdles and the long jump. Emily was also gay but it was not an issue for Ashley. They had established their boundaries and each was comfortable in the relationship.
The girls shoved their soccer bags into the back of Ashley's Miata and set off for Papa Ben's ice cream stop. They both ordered two Hoffman snappy grillers. In addition to the hot dogs they each ordered two large shakes and a cheeseburger. They settled at a table under an umbrella and began to ravage the food.
Emily said "No way, one shake would be enough!"
Ashley agreed and commented on the day's practice, "You were awesome Emily. You stripped me of the ball so many times there is no way you won't start as a defender. I hope you didn't make me look too bad."
Emily laughed. "I doubt it. The coach sure noticed all of the goals you scored after blowing past all of the defense. He was really impressed."
Ashley looked down and said, "I hope so. Soccer is my favorite thing in life. I'd really like to settle down in one place for a while and play a whole season without interruption."
Emily respected Ashley's devotion to soccer but replied, "Well there is a lot more to life than sports. This is our senior year and I plan to have fun. If you were not straight it could be even better. Luckily Mary and I have a thing that will help me get past my failure to seduce you."
Ashley laughed at this. "As if anyone could come between you and Mary. You guys have been special friends ever since kindergarten according to Mary. Hell, she's so sweet she could even get me to join the other team."
Emily put her arm around Ashley ignoring the fact that they were both still soaking from the practice. She looked Ashley in the eye and said "Any time you want to join Mary and me for a little fun you know we'd be eager. Mary has said she'd like to get into your track shorts more than once. So just say the word."
Emily then laughed and gave Ashley a kiss on the cheek.
Ashley knew Emily was more than half serious and took the remark as a complement.
Ashley said, "Well you know I want to see where my relationship with Ryan goes. But if it goes on the rocks I may take you up on the offer. You know I love you both."
Ashley thought about Ryan. He was extremely good looking but a bit conceited. Probably what you would expect from a football quarterback who came from one of the upper class families in town. He was smart but his grades suffered slightly from a lack of serious study. He knew his future was secure. Still Ashley's Dad approved of the relationship since Ryan's father was one of his better clients. Her Dad was focused on establishing a private law practice after all of his years in the Army JAG. He kept harping on how important social connections were and the need to make a strong effort to establish them.
Emily said, "Well there is still more to the senior year than soccer and a boyfriend. We need to do some memorable things. Hell with your looks you should aim for home coming queen."