Sometimes, the tenth time is a challenge, because the addition could be a threat.Sometimes, the tenth time is a challenge, because the addition could be a threat. And sometimes, one of us is in the awkward position of fighting like hell for the relationship. But after more than a decade, neither of us would trade the other for any fantasy, because -- for me, at least -- Annie *is* my fantasy. it's a shame that when we tried living together we didn't find ourselves compatible that way -- we're both too independent -- but what we have suits us as well as marriage and kids suits some folks and as well as purely going it alone suits others. I also told Annie that Livinia seemed to have some hesitations and I didn't think it was going to go much farther than being friends and very occasionally lovers and even that not for very long. Then Annie and I went to bed and after (once-again) amazingly pleasurable sexiness and togetherness, we snuggled. Over the next few weeks, Livinia and I got together occasionally, mostly for a cup of coffee or an occasional quick meal (while Sabrina noisily played with a milkshake or dissected a banana split) and it was pleasant. But the sexual tension was palpable. Thanksgiving came and went, and then we were in the thick of the Christmas holidays. I gave Livinia a card -- just a remembrance -- but to Sabrina I gave an Ocean Pacific sweatshirt 183 sizes too big (which was what kids her age were favoring) and, of course, a book: a fresh reprint of Andre Norton's "Daybreak 2250," excellent stuff (as is all of Mary Andre Norton's), especially for bright young females, since the protagonist is a 15-year-old girl who has an empathetic bond with animals in a post-World War III world. |