“Hey, where is she?” Paula somberly asked Mo entering Lisa’s front door.


“She’s is her room. She won’t talk to anyone but you’re welcome to try.”


Paula unwrapped, tossed her belongings in the chair and went to the kitchen and fished two wine glasses from the cabinet, along with Tony’s best red reserve, passed Mo a glass and poured. “Where’s Tony?”


“He and Charlie are still on base. This all happened so suddenly. How do they expect him to get out-processed in four days?” a rare morsel of anger came with her words. “He’ll be gone for a year. They could at least postpone until after the wedding.”


“It’s the United States Government, they can do whatever they damn well please.” Paula downed half her glass. “If they can ship Tony out on short notice then none of us are safe; uniform or not.”


“Hey,” Stacy came joined them and asked Mo. “Did you tell her?”


“Tell me what?” Paula asked more than a little nervous.


“Shane and Harley have also been pulled. They’re all going to Johnston Atoll.”


Paula grimaced. “This is ridiculous! What the hell is going on in the South Pacific that they’re pulling three of our programmers off the Y2K project mere weeks before rollover? It doesn’t make any sense!”


“Like you said, they’re the United States Government, they can do whatever they damn well please” Stacy pointed out.


“Will Lisa be able to visit him?” Paula retrieved another glass for the cabinet.


“No. Johnston is a tiny island, about a mile by a half a mile including the shore wall. No families allowed, but they’ll receive two weeks of leave.” Mo explained.


“Has anyone spoken to Lisa’s family?” Paula asked Stacy disappointedly.


“Lisa called them earlier. They’re not coming to see her.”


“Damn it,” Paula spat. “They were all to ready to fly in for the wedding but run for shelter when she needs them. Fine!” she passed her glass to Stacy. “I’ll take care of her. You two straighten the house in case company comes by and have dinner ready before Tony gets home. I’ll go talk to Lisa.”




Paula drew a long weighty breath and tapped on Lisa’s bedroom door. “Lisa, its Paula. Can I come in?” she waited for a reply that never came. She entered and found Lisa sitting against her headboard staring blankly across the room. “Oh Lisa.” She muttered and climbed into bed and pulled Lisa’s mass of brown hair to her. Lisa’s tears prickled Paula’s shoulder. No words of comfort could take away the sting of Tony’s leaving so Paula simply held Lisa until she was capable of speaking.


“I can’t believe it, Paula. I was right there; everything was finally falling into place and this happens. I should’ve known it was too good to be true. Nothing this good ever happens to me.”


“Lisa, don’t say that.”


“Why not, it’s true. My family is shit.”


“They love you.” Paula tried to sound genuine.


Lisa sat back against the headboard. “Really!? Then why aren’t they here?” A mix of pain and anger was etched across her tear soaked face. “My entire family lives three hours away and the only reason they’ve called is to make sure I’ve canceled their hotel reservation. Me! I’m the one hurting and they couldn’t even be bothered to do that much for themselves,” she wept with such agony Paula found it difficult to bear. “Tony was the first man who took the time to get to know me. He saw passed all of my hurt and he loves me. And now they’re taking him away like it’s nothing, but they don’t know he’s everything to me. He’s all I have, Paula, and he’s leaving.”


Paula fought to register Lisa’s anxiety, to say something meaningful. “We can’t choose our families but you have friends, Lisa, and we’re not going anywhere. We can’t keep Tony from leaving but we’ll see you through this.” Her word rang hollow even to her. “Look, Lisa, I have very little patience for unruly family members so I am probably the wrong person to talk to about your family problems,” she brushed Lisa’s cheek. “But I will sit here if you want to talk.”


“You always talk about what the wives of the servicemen go through. But what about us? What about the fiancés who are asked to put our lives on hold while our men serve? I wake up every morning and put on that uniform,” she pointed to her closet. “Do they think it’s easier for me to bear watching my fiancé leave just because I’m in uniform? Do they think that we’re machines?”


“Yes, they do. I was one of them before I came to work at Gunter.”


“Well, I’m not, Paula. I’m not strong like you.”


“What do you mean,” Paula was struck by her words. “I’m not always strong.”


“You’re stronger than I am.” Lisa shook her head. “You walk around all day pretending like there’s nothing going on between you and Charlie when it’s so obvious to everyone around you. You won’t even admit to yourself how much you love him. But one day you will and it might be too late.”


“This isn’t about me.”


“Yes it is,” Lisa grabbed Paula’s arm. “You see how quickly things can change for women like us. You may not wear the uniform but he does. And you have a top secret clearance, you can be sent away just as easily as we can.”


Paula cleared her throat and gave Lisa with a weak smile. “Did you say that for your benefit or mine?”


“Both,” Lisa laughed. “I need something else to focus on and you’re problems seemed ripe for the pickin’.” She leaned her head on Paula’s shoulder and Paula leaned her head atop hers. “I’m sorry, that was too easy.”


“How did you know about me and Charlie?”


“Please, anyone can tell you two are a couple. You didn’t have to be a rocket scientist to figure that out.”


“I do love him.”


“Then you need to tell him”


“Well, well, well! Aren’t we full of advice now that we’ve stopped crying.” Paula teased and brushed Lisa’s hair.


“Are you gonna come over every day because you feel sorry for me?”


“No,” Paula closed her eyes and yawned which proved contagious. “I’m starting a new tradition: Girls fondue night.”


“Sounds good,” Lisa curled into Paula’s side. “I didn’t know people still did fondue.”


“We’re gonna bring it back. We’ll make it classy though with seafood and rich desserts.”


Lisa closed her eyes. “Don’t forget the veggies and marinated pork.”


“Did you say pork because I’m Black?”


“Shut up, you’re ruining my fantasy.” Lisa lolled into Paula lap.


“Oh sorry,” Paula rubbed her hair. “Are you hungry?”

“No, I’m fine. Thank you for distracting me.”


“That’s what I’m here for. We’ll get through this.” She began plaiting Lisa’s hair.


She sighed. “I can’t believe this has happened. I was almost married.”


“You still have time. He doesn’t leave until Sunday. We could have something small at my house---Judy is an ordained minister, she can perform the ceremony. And the ladies and I can organize everything so you and Tony can spend your remaining time together.”


“You’d do that for me?”


“Of course I would. I’ll work with the caterers, I’m sure under the circumstances they’d be flexible. Hell, we’ve ordered a ton of food and we still have the DJ on reserve.”


“I’ll talk to Tony about it, but right now I’m glad you’re here. Mo and Stacy kept trying to cheer me up. You didn’t.”


“You and I both know nothing changes the fact that Tony is leaving. All I can do is be here and listen.”


“Thank you, Paula.”



Paula was a generous listener. An hour had passed before Lisa paused to breathe. By the time Tony and Charlie arrived, Stacy and Mo were gone and Lisa was asleep. Paula warmed their dinner and sat talking in the living room. Charlie was to take on Tony’s clients while he settled into his new station and Paula was to keep an eye on Lisa. They would both stay the night and offer their time.


She sat listening to Tony and Charlie speak of logistics: clinic paperwork, SQL backups, house and bill maintenance, but they mentioned nothing of the emotional impact his departure would inflict. She soon realized that this was their way, the Military---handle business first and then sort out the emotions later. Lisa knew this; she knew Tony would leave their house in order and see to her once the smoke cleared. This is what they do, the servicemen. They leave knowing what they’ll return to has been well-handled.


The doorbell rang at nearly half passed eleven. It was Tess coming to check on Lisa. Seeing her place her overnight bag in the closet struck an indiscernible raw nerve with Paula. Charlie hadn’t given Tess a second glance yet Paula felt her neck bristle whenever she was in their presence. She knew that Tess had a small crush on Charlie but she also knew that Tess’s Puritanical upbringing compelled her to wait for him to make the first move.


And that was never going to occur.


Charlie’s love for Paula was earnest and unchanging. She transcended everything in his wildest dreams: feisty and bold, modest and demure, clever and witty; she was his end all be all. Admittedly, there were times when her suspicion drove him up a crag, luckily they’d moved passed those days. The only speed bump was Tess. Paula was still trying to figure out which category to place her: friend, foe, love rival, hapless victim of circumstance. It didn’t matter because Charlie only had eyes for Paula.


In Tess’a defense, she was unaware of Paula and Charlie’s relationship. If anything she relied on Paula for guidance in the situation. Paula did as much as anyone would when trying to conceal her relationship from the pubic and keep her love rival tethered. She encouraged prudence which at times made Tess look like a jackass when Charlie, none the wiser to the ladies dealings, shot her down. Could this have been perceived as bitchy behavior or was Paula sparing Tess’s feelings? Tess wasn’t what Paula would consider a friend but neither was she a bad person. Generally speaking she was an endearing and, were it not for Charlie, she might even have secures a position in the friend zone.



Returning from the kitchen Paula curled up beside Charlie on the sofa in an obvious display of affection. They exchanged warm smiles and Charlie kissed her lips tenderly and then once more. Tess expression went from stabbing embarrassment once she realized she’d been made a fool of to quiet anger.


“I’m glad you two are finally coming out of the closet,” Tony proclaimed. “Lisa and I were hoping you do it before the wedding. What took you so long?”


“We didn’t want to ruffle any feathers in the office,” Charlie went on. “There’s enough scandal going on.”


“Do you love her?” Tess asked with an inkling of hurt in her tone.


Charlie gave a weak smile. “Yes, yes I do love her.”


“Then that’s all that matters,” her eyes aching gazed into Paula’s. “I’m going to bed. See you all in the morning.”


As she left Paula felt a sense of relief because the truth was finally out, but with it, a sense of sadness for Tess. “Well, I’m going to bed. I’m on vacation for the next few days.”


“The Major approved your time off this close to rollover?” Tony asked.


“Yeah,” she kissed Charlie and stood. “He’s not a heartless man. He knows Lisa’s alone.”


“I love you, goodnight.” Charlie said. “I won’t be long.”


“I love you too.”

Two days after the announcement, the posse of friends managed to transform Paula’s home into a wedding central with all its trappings and Lisa was preparing walk down the prefabricated aisle under the eyes of the sixty guests in attendance. Under threat of physical harm from Paula, Gabby and Camille, Lisa’s two sisters, made their appearance; which in most respects should have caused waves however the three sisters seemed genuinely happy to see one another. They helped Lisa dress while Paula attended to the other hundred details still left on her plate. Seeing that her three helpers were in the wedding party and nowhere to be found, Paula had her hands full.


She made sure the DJ had the music on cue, went to the kitchen and ensure that the caterers were well stocked and then mingled about the guests as any dutiful hostess would. She caught Tess’s eye a couple of times when Charlie was near. Every time he touched her, Paula could feel Tess’s judgmental stare.


It was ten minutes before six o’clock and time to get the show on the road. Lisa wore a tasteful white strapless Jessica McClintock with a square neckline and sequined trim. Walking towards Tony, she looked every bit the perfect princess. Besides Judy getting choked up near the very beginning, the ceremony went out without a hitch.


Soon after the nuptials were over and the couple went off to change into their evening attire, the guests stood around socializing and carrying on as normal. The music played, the champagne flowed and the hor’dourves were devoured. Mo and Stacy joined Paula and Charlie in conversation. Now that their secret was out they couldn’t keep their hands off of one another.


“Paula, you did a wonderful job on the party,” Gabby said hugging Paula, Tess was with her. “I don’t know how you pulled it off, but thank you.”


“You’re welcome,” she said roping her arm into Charlie’s and leaning her head on his shoulder. “I had a lot of help.”


“Aw, look at you two,” Mo intoned with a puppy dog look. “You’ll be next. You guys are all other over each other.”


“I hardly think being all over each other means we’ll be getting married soon.” Charlie laughed.


“It could be seen as weakness.” Tess said to everyone’s dismay and Paula’s utter astonishment.


“So, it’s a sign of weakness for a woman to lean against her man’s shoulder?” Stacy asked.


“In public, yes, it’s weak and insulting. It’s like she’s showing off in front of women who don’t have anyone to lean on,” she turned to Paula. “Like she’s marking her territory so everyone knows this is the person she’s fucking.”


Everyone’s jaw dropped.


“Don’t you think that’s a bit harsh, Tess?” Gabby added to cut the tension.


“No,” she spat. “Especially when there’s malice in their intent.”


Charlie gave a nervous laugh. “I don’t believe there was any malice meant, do you Paula?”


“None at all.” Paula said.


“I beg to differ,” Tess whispered sorrowfully. “Please excuse me if I disagree.” She left the group where they stood.


Paula excused herself and found Tess in the kitchen pouring a glass of champagne.


“I think you’ve had enough.” Paula took the glass and bottle from her hands.


“Shut the hell up, Paula.” She retrieved her glass and drunk.


Paula’s eyes narrowed not in anger but honest confusion. “Tess, what’s your problem with me?”


“Ha!” Tess threw her head back laughing. “You’re a regular Florence Nightingale. Or at least you put on a damn good act! Look around you, Paula! This isn’t about Lisa and Tony; this is all about you! This is you and Charlie’s big debut!” she drunk and poured again. “And the worst part is you won’t admit it. You’re as self-centered as they come.”


“No, I’m not.” Paula tried to keep her voice down.


“Yes you are. And you’re just about as worse as it gets.”


“What the hell are you talking about?”


“Damn it, Paula!” Raw pain fueled her. “You befriended me and you knew I had feelings for Charlie. You pushed me up to it and gave me hope when there was none…and you knew it. You stood there and watched me make a fool of myself for your amusement,” Her eyes began to pool. “You laughed at me.”


“Tess, I never laughed at you.”


“Then why didn’t you tell me? Not wanting to tell everyone else was different, but you could have told me and saved me from looking like an idiot. I tell you everything. You’re my friend and friends don’t do this to one another. Mind you, this isn’t about Charlie; this is about you and me,” She stared into Paula blank face. “You’ve hurt me, Paula.”


Tears hung from her lower lashes and trickled down her cheeks. “I’m sorry, Tess. I should have told you. You didn’t deserve to find out in this way. I never meant to hurt you.” She said honestly. “I was wrong and I hope you’ll forgive me. I should have been a better friend to you.”


“You’re damn right, you should have been.”


“I’m sorry, Tess.”


I long heavy silence fell between them. Both mired in their separate yet on conjoined sorrow.


“Are you apologizing because you mean it or so I won’t hate your guts?” Tess handed Paula a napkin.


“I mean it,” she dabbed her tears and chuckled. “Really mean it. I misjudged you and I’m sorry. Can you forgive me?”


Tess eyes searched the floor. “I don’t know. But I’m willing to try if you are.”


“I am.”


“I’m also gonna need your recipe for gumbo.” She said with a faint smile.


Paula shook her head. “I’ll make you a deal. Come over and I’ll teach you how to make it.”


“I’ll have to check my schedule. I have a lot going on.” She grinned and wiped her tears away. “I’ll get back to you. Do you mind if I take a nap in the guestroom?”


“No, go right ahead.”


“Thanks. By the way, congratulations…you and Charlie look very happy.”


“Thanks” Paula said humbled by Tess’s strength.




                                                               ******




After the guests were gone, after the music faded, after the food was eaten, and the champagne drunken, Paula and Charlie lie cocooned in one another’s arms.


“What was going on with Tess?” Charlie asked.


“I’ll explain tomorrow. I’m just glad everything is settled.”


“I half expected you to rip her head off then I remembered you’d never cause an unnecessary scene. You and my mom are alike in that way.” He stopped.


Paula sensed by his abrupt silence there was sometime weighing on Charlie’s mind. “What is it?”


“I love you. I don’t tell you nearly enough.” He kissed her fingertips.


“I love you too.”


“Then why don’t you tell me more often?”


“Because I show you every day.” She sat atop him and kissed his neck while he massaged her back. “I love you more than anyone I’ve ever loved.” She moved back and gasped as she felt his cock pressed between the folds on her slit. Her mouth parted in both the sudden introduction of her firm thickness and the enticing want she saw in his eyes that faded when he realized the sensation he felt would be short lived. “Oh God,” Paula panted, her head slightly back.


Charlie sat up, still firmly inside of her and pulled her against his chest. “Are you cumming?” he whispered into the nook of her neck.


Paula clung to his massive body but didn’t answer. He pulled her closer effectively wrapping her legs around. He felt her pussy pulsating and gripping his cock, desperately and willingly accommodating each thrust. Charlie observed every ounce of doubt drain from her face as he pushed her closer and closer to the pinnacle of yet another orgasm.


“Fuck, Paula,” he tried to control his arousal but she had him on the ropes. He felt her walls tighten and her legs quiver as he pushed deeper into her. He kissed and sucked her tits, her neck and her mouth---he hungered to taste every inch of her.


Perplexed by Charlie’s absolute possession of her and the pressure of his long searching strokes, his mouth on her, in her, all over her----Paula succumbs to waves of paralyzing vision blurring orgasm. “Fuck!!” she screamed rocking and grinding on his cock until she felt his on the verge of bursting. “I don’t want you to stop.” She held his stare. “I’m ready.” He lifted her chin kissing her which such fervor another orgasm began to peak. “Baby, I’m cumming,” her lips trembled.


He rubbed and kissed her; wrapped his arms around her and with a few intense, long, heated thrusts, felt himself rush throughout her leaving both of them dizzied and weak. They caught their breath as they held each other.


“Is that how it felt the first time I came in you?” he said still out of breath.


“Yes.”


“Damn, I’m sorry I missed it.”