Pamela went over to the park. Ahead, she saw here jogging partner, Sandra, Sandy to her friends, waiting at the usual spot. "Let's go!"
The two women started down the path. They had met a few weeks earlier, both realizing they were running the same route at the same time. They lived on opposite sides of the park, a short walk to it.
When they finished the run, Sandy asked, "Pam, you've never been over to my place. Come on. After we get rehydrated, we can unwind."
Pam took up the offer. Compatible as joggers they found they were compatible as friends. Water was pulled from the fridge, and they sat at the kitchen table.
"Now that our bodies are rehydrated, how about something more. White wine?"
Pam approved. Sandy grabbed two glasses and the bottle. "Let's move to the patio.
It was April and a fair evening. They sat and shared their stories. Pam learned that Sandy was 36, recently divorced, with no children. A good settlement and job earned a fine house in a fine neighborhood.
"And you, Pam? Your husband?" she asked looking at her wedding ring.
"Ah," She paused looking at her glass, "Jason passed away nearly two years ago. It was sudden. He went in to work one day then a call from the hospital. They didn't want to say on the phone, but died instantly, an aneurism. And he was gone.
"But we have a son, David... Dave. He's in college now, a junior. Not far. A few hours' drive away. He comes home most weekends. I don't know how I would have coped without him. He's turned into quite the man. I think, realizing he was now the man in the family matured him quickly."
Sandy wanted to hug her, to say something. But all words seemed cliché, so she just listened. Pam looked at her. She could see the empathy in Sandy's face. She reached her hand out to Sandy, who took it.
"And I took up running. It was a kind of anti-depressant, an escape." She looked at Sandy, "Thank you for listening to my tales of woe. But time, you know... Speaking of time, I should get back. Thanks for the wine and the chat."
She got up, followed by Sandy. Sandy gave her a hug of reassurance. Despite Pam's stoicism, the human contact did affect her.
"Tomorrow, usual time?"
"Yes." Pam answered.
After goodbyes, and Sandy closed the door, she leaned against it and reflected. She had decided she didn't want a man in her life and considered a woman. And now, this tall slim woman, who's personality was captivating. Pam was smitten. She imagined bringing something back to Pam's life. But Pam seemed as straight as you could get. Sandy resolved to settle for friendship.
As Pam walked home, she reflected. She had withdrawn from friends and family. She wanted to grieve alone. But Sandy's hug! Other than Dave, she felt human contact for the first time in years. It seemed a new door opened, alive again. She pondered why Sandy affected her so.
******
Next day, a Friday, they rendezvoused at the usual place. It was an unusually warm spring day. They headed down the path.
"That was a good pace!" Sandy said, catching her breath at the end of the run.
"Yes! I think it's my running partner's encouragement."
Sandy looked at her quizzically.
"Never mind. Sandy, my turn. Come over to my place."
Sandy agreed. Pam got water bottles and like at Sandy's, they sat at the kitchen table finishing their water.
Pam started, "I don't know about you. But after that run I need a shower. I can lend you a robe."
Sandy warmed to the idea. Pam showed her the guest bathroom and handed her a robe. "Meet me in the kitchen."
In her robe, Pam opened the liquor cabinet. When Sandy arrived, she turned. Sandy being a good four inches shorter than Pam, her robe on Sandy showed it. But it seemed to enhance Sandy's shapely form. Something she truly noticed now. And she looked kind of sexy in it.
"I'm upping the ante and raided the liquor. A bourbon? Or something else?"
She eyed the rye, "That!"
"Did you see the proof!?"
"It's Friday, let's cut loose!" Sandy exclaimed.
Two glasses and ice. Pam poured two stiff ryes. "Let's sit outside."
Sandy approved. Pam grabbed her glass and the bottle. Sandy followed Pam's sultry form sashaying out. She imagined Pam's robe slipping off.
They sat in two side-by-side lounge chairs, facing the sun. They drank a bit as they took in the warm rays. Pam refilled the glasses.
"This is private! Ever sunbath nude out here?"
"Why do you think I don't have any tan lines. At least when Dave isn't home."
Thoughts of her son peeking at his sunbathing mom flashed in Sandy's mind. Sandy was feeling bold.
"Pam, mind if I got in some nude sunbathing?"
"No, go for it!"
Sandy took a gulp of her rye. Then stood and dropped the robe, a bit theatrically. Pam looked and wolf whistled. She'd never gotten a good idea of Sandy's body with the sports bra. But now she could appreciate her fine form and serious breasts.
"Damn, Sandy! Now I know why the men turn their heads when we jog."
"As if they aren't checking you out? No way!"
"Maybe they're thinking of how to bed us both!"
The two women burst into laughter.
"Well, if your naked in my back yard, I'll join you." Pam took a swig of rye and stood up. With her back to Sandy, she dropped the robe. Sandy admired her long back and hair before Pam turned. Her slim figure would pop any eyes. She wasn't flat chested. But they complimented her perfectly.
"You have a college age kid? No one would believe it."
"I try to take care of myself. Jason... he would have wanted me to."
She laid back in the lounge and took a good gulp from her glass. She closed her eyes feeling the sun on her body. Sandy took another swig too. But she watched her, longingly. She felt Pam was just the kind of person she was looking for. Another swig. Her judgement was a bit cloudy now. There was Pam's hand on the armrest.
The hand was too tempting. Sandy put hers on it. Then Pam grasped Sandy's and squeezed it.
"Sandy, why haven't you found a new man?" Pam asked, after more rye.
After a long pause, Sandra took a drink. "I feel like I'm done with men." She wanted to admit the truth, but not shock Pam. Especially as they both were lying here naked. "I hope it doesn't shock you, but... I think a lesbian is what I'm after."
She hoped Pam would understand, a 'lesbian' to mean not a straight widow.
To her surprise, Pam was unphased. "'Whatever floats your boat' they say." She finished her glass and grabbed the bottle. "Hand me your glass." Pam filled it then her own. Taking another drink, she continued, taking Sandy's hand, "Listen, do what's right for you. Don't be afraid to offend. Not me certainly."
Sandy took another drink, keeping up with Pam. "And you? You can turn heads. Why not test the waters."
"Me? I'm 44, past due date. Feels like it anyway." She drank a little more, then paused. "Besides, I'm still in love with... with..."
Pam turned away. She did not want anyone to see her tears. She prided herself in her stoic facade. But with the alcohol, and Sandy, it crumbled. Sandy put her hand on Pam's shoulder.
"I'm sorry. I used to drink like this alone. But stopped. I knew it wasn't good." Pam said, fighting the tears.
"Pam, I sorry. I shouldn't have brought it up."
"No." She turned to her. "When Jason died, I cut myself off from the world. Only Dave. Then you came along."
