Twenty Minutes

A warmth settled over her, soothing colors appearing behind her closed lids, pleasure spreading throughout every limb, every digit, every nail. And when she opened her eyes, she wanted more. More of Shy, the feel of her, the sensations Shy created within. She grabbed at Shy's tank, pulling it over her head, tossing it aside, pleased she wore nothing beneath. Her lips hungrily sought a hardened dark nipple and drew it into her mouth. She enjoyed the feel of the hardened flesh against her tongue as her hands undid Shy's jeans clumsily, her feet helping with the chore of removing them. She shucked the rest of her own clothes, wriggling enticingly against Shy, her mouth never releasing the nipple she held captive. Shy inserted another finger into her, stretching her, sending bolts of pure pleasure through her. She could feel another peak building. She bit into Shy's nipple, enjoying the grunt of pain and pleasure as Shy shoved her fingers deeper, following her lead, fucking her more enthusiastically. That thumb was still toying with her, driving her crazy, pushing her closer to the edge. Her breath hitched and she suddenly felt another orgasm flood her senses. Her entire body froze, the seconds ticking away slowly as the fever consumed her. When the intensity of it died down, she shifted their positions and climbed on top.

She didn't know where to start, wanting to taste every inch, memorize the texture, the smell, the look in those smoky gray eyes. She was too impatient to start at the top, so she settled herself between Shy's massive thighs. She took a moment to enjoy the glistening heat, inhaling the potent smell, savoring it. Then her lips latched onto Shy as if starved, sucking, licking, nibbling, biting. She dug her hands into Shy's waist as the woman responded to her, trying to hold her still as she worshipped her, enjoying the feel of those thighs trembling as they pressed against her head. Shy's hands found their way to her thick mane of hair, balling into fists as she pulled Robbie's face closer, intensifying the contact. It only took a few minutes more before Shy was barking out her pleasure, mumbling incoherently as Robbie refused to let up until she sent her over again.

Neither one knew how long they enjoyed each other or when they came up for air long enough to actually unfold the sofa bed and settle beneath the comforter. Snuggling didn't last long and before they knew it, Robbie was on top again, worshiping at Shy's center as Shy worshipped at hers. First it was exploration, then competition to see who could hold out the longest, then...then it was pure, unadulterated pleasure. The pleasure of the feelings both created. The pleasure of the feelings both experienced.

It was many hours before either woman needed sleep. And when that need stole over them, Robbie settled against the larger woman as if she'd been designed specifically to fit.

***

It took Robbie a moment to remember where she was when she opened her eyes. The snoring mountain of flesh beside her, warm and unnervingly familiar, helped. She smiled, glancing around the tiny studio for a clock. When she found one, she winced. It was already twenty minutes after two. She was due at work by 3. She was careful not to wake her companion as she crept from the bed, gathered her clothes and made for the bathroom. She was glad the bag of money was gone as she quickly showered and used a finger to brush her teeth. She could brush them properly once she arrived at work since she kept an overnight bag there. She shrugged as she toweled off and donned her incredibly wrinkled scrubs, smiling at the ribbing she knew she would take at work. When she emerged some minutes later, Shy was still sleeping soundly. She grabbed her knapsack and left the apartment as quietly as possible.

She walked the few blocks to her job with a smile on her lips, trying to remember a time when she felt as lighthearted...as goofy or happy. What a surprising turn of events, she told herself. She'd never imagined herself with such an abrasive, withdrawn, seemingly unhappy person. Not only had she spent one of the most memorable nights of her life with Shy, but she knew she wanted more. More of the sex, of course, but also more of Shy. She wanted to get to know the woman, spend time with her, compare battle scars from their childhood, wake up beside her. It was stupid and much too fast she knew, but she didn't care. She could hardly remember a time when something felt so good...so right.

The good natured teasing from her co-workers, the incessant complaints from the elderly residents, and the harsh tone of her supervisor barely registered. And eight hours passed more quickly than she could ever remember. She opted to go home, remembering that Shy worked the graveyard shift, although she wasn't sure what the woman did. At home, she checked in with Janet, balanced her checkbook, ate something only because her stomach was growling, showered, and climbed into bed. She only had five hours before Shy left her job and she wanted to meet her at her front door.

She was early, pacing in front of the broken front door of Shy's walk up...nervous. She hadn't heard from Shy all day, but she'd realized some time ago they had neglected to exchange phone numbers. The turn of events last night had probably been a surprise to them both. And now she wondered...worried. What if Shy didn't feel the same way? What if it was just a casual fuck for her and she wasn't expecting to continue seeing her? What if Shy shared that kind of energy, that kind of lovemaking, with every woman she slept with? What if Shy wasn't interested in getting to know her?

She tried not to chew her fingernails, glancing at her watch repeatedly. She had no idea how far away Shy's job was. It was already 7:15. Maybe Shy wasn't returning home straight away. Maybe she had a girlfriend she planned to spend the day with or other business to take care of. She glanced at her watch again. Okay, she would wait until 7:30 and then leave. She hardly wanted to appear desperate and she didn't want Shy to think she was pressuring her. She could feel the erratic beat of her heart, anxiety clinging to her like a fine sheen of sweat. She stopped pacing for a moment, taking a deep breath, calling up the feelings she'd experienced last night with Shy. Surely it hadn't been one-sided? Surely she hadn't imagined the intensity?

Shy watched her from across the street, a grocery bag cradled in one massive arm, a smile tugging at her lips. She looked like she was going to have a nervous break down...or run like a scared little rabbit at any moment. She took a second to wonder about the feeling of pleasure that washed over her at the sight of the compact little honey-colored cutie pacing in front of her building. She enjoyed the look of those curves, poured into a pair of tight black jeans, the slight jiggle of her full breasts barely hidden beneath the tee. It was probably too much, too fast. Isn't this what she wanted to avoid? Isn't this what always got her in trouble? Except...she hadn't felt anything this strong, this fast in....well, probably ever. She dismissed the anxiety...and the feelings for this woman, chalking them up to the delayed grief she was probably trying hard to avoid.

Robbie was preoccupied, still pacing, mumbling to herself, trying to swallow the feelings of discomfort and intense nervousness. She didn't see the figure watching her from across the street and she certainly wasn't able to enjoy the sight of the over-sized woman making her way toward her, her stride casual, not revealing a hint of her own concerns. It wasn't until Shy was standing a foot from her that she realized there was someone there. Her gaze settled on the woman, her head tilting up to take in the somewhat flat, bronzed face, those slanted Asian eyes, settled oddly amongst thick, dark eyebrows, a crooked nose and thick lips. She could remember the feel of those lips on her flesh, between her thighs and she recognized the heat rising, familiar and yet unsettling. She couldn't read those smoky, gray eyes at the moment, not like she could yesterday when the woman was devouring her from head to toe. Today they were flat...dead. Robbie swallowed.

"Uh...hi. I wasn't sure if, uh, if you w-were working...I waited, I was waiting...um, because I wasn't sure, you know, if you were working, but I thought maybe. So, I've been waiting, I didn't know...I didn't give you my phone number, so I thought I would just come over...I've been waiting, but not too long, I just hoped...I wasn't sure or anything...sorry. I wasn't sure."

Robbie bit her own lip, trying to stem the tide of idiotic babble. Shy simply raised a brow.

"I bought stuff for sandwiches. You hungry?"

Seven words. Robbie counted them. Seven words that somehow let her know it was okay that she was here. Shy had bought enough for her...and things were okay. She smiled and hoped she didn't look as goofy as she felt.

"Uh yea. Food is good. Yea, thanks."

She followed the larger women into the building and up the flight of stairs. When they entered the tiny apartment, the card table was still up, taking up a disproportionate amount of space. Shy had to walk around it to get to the kitchen area.

"Sit. Mayo or mustard?"
"A little of both."

She sat in one of the folding chairs and watched Shy move easily around the tiny area. For a woman her size, she didn't let the cramped space bother her. Robbie wondered if she was used to making the most of the little she had. People who grew up facing hard times usually had to manage...like her family. The three of them crammed into a small 1-bedroom for all those years...she still hated the idea of sharing her space with anyone. It was probably why she'd opted never to move in with anyone, or allow anyone to move in with her. But this woman...she was so used to dealing with nothing, accustomed to taking up as little space as possible. She wondered if the two of them could somehow find a balance. Then she chastised herself for even thinking such a thought. How could she even imagine moving in with this woman? This woman who'd had a grocery bag filled with money in her bathtub only days ago?

"Soda, iced tea, OJ, or wine?"

"Wine?" Robbie raised a brow, surprised.

Shy shrugged a shoulder, her back to Robbie.

"Thought you might drink it."

She wanted to swallow the smile, wanted not to be pleased, but she couldn't help it.

"Iced tea is fine, thanks."

Moments later, Robbie watched as Shy sat across from her, placing a thick sandwich in front of her. She was drinking a beer. Robbie bit into her sandwich and moaned, not realizing how hungry she was.

"Mmmm, this is great."

Shy didn't respond, eating silently, watching the woman sitting across from her with mild curiosity. What was this woman doing in her tiny, run-down place? Why hadn't she asked about the money? What did she want from her?

They ate the rest of the meal in silence and Robbie tried not to fidget. She hated silence sometimes. She was never sure if it was comfortable or a sign of a problem. But she didn't think Shy would enjoy inane chatter either, so she tried to be accommodating until she couldn't stand it anymore.

"What do you do? I mean where do you work? I realized I had no idea."

"I stock shelves at FreshMart."

Robbie raised a brow, "what do you mean?"

Shy paused for a moment, "I show up at 11, re-stock shelves and help to straighten out the place before they open at 7."

"Oh." It was the only response she could think of. She'd never heard of such a job. For some reason, as offensive as it might be, she couldn't think of anyone other than illegal immigrants occupying such a position. So she asked the next logical question for her. "Why on God's green earth would you want that job?"

Shy sat back, folding her arms across her chest. She'd been waiting for the prejudice. "Well, it's kinda hard to get anything else after you've been in prison. And I didn't feel like flipping burgers or working with other people, so it's perfect for me."

Robbie wanted to kick herself. How could she have forgotten Shy had been in prison? God, she felt like such a fool. It was hard to remember that considering that's simply not how she saw the woman.

"Sorry. I forgot. What were you in for anyway?"

Shy hesitated again. She forgot? No oneforgotshe went to prison. "What do you mean you forgot?" She bit out.

Robbie was taken aback by the nasty, cold tone. One she recognized from the day before. She'd done something wrong again. She had to fix it.

"Uh...I'm sorry...I didn't mean to offend you. I just...I only see Shy when I look at you, I don't see prison. Did I say something wrong?"

Shy had to admit, for the first time in a long time, this woman simply puzzled her. She'd never met a person that simply 'forgot' she was an ex-con. She wasn't sure what to make of it.

"Then why do you care what I was in for?"

Robbie shrugged, "I don't. It's the second time you mentioned prison so I thought it was important."

Shy couldn't help it. It was such an idiotic answer that it brought a smirk to her lips.

"Armed robbery."

"Oh, okay," Robbie paused for a moment, "do you want to ask me anything?"

Shy nodded, still somewhat amused but quickly growing impatient, "yea, what game you playing at?"

Now it was Robbie's turn to respond defensively.

"What doesthatmean?"

Shy leaned forward, her posture suddenly threatening, "listen little girl, no one is this naïve andeveryonewants something. So what the fuck do you want from me? You want some of that money you saw, 'cuz it ain't mine so you can't have none. You want me to fuck you again, let's get to it already. You want something else, just tell me what it is so I can decide if I want to be bothered."

Robbie could feel her anger shift from simmer to boil in an instant. She knew her eyes had narrowed and her cheeks were probably red. But she didn't blow. She wouldn't give this woman the satisfaction. Instead, she stood, found her purse and left, closing the door behind her.

***

She wiped another tear from her cheek, trying to keep in most of her hurt and anger as she recounted the ordeal to her best friend hours later.

"You okay?"

She sighed, then chuckled at her pathetic state, "no. No J, I'm not. I'm pissed, and angry...and hurt. I'm not sure why I'm hurt, but I am."

"Well, you like her Roberta, it's normal to be hurt. Don't beat yourself up about that."

"I'm beating myself up about the entire thing. I feel so stupid J. What was I thinking? Clearly this woman and I are worlds apart. There's no meeting her half way. She's so suspicious, so angry, so paranoid...jeez."

She scrubbed at her face, waiting, hoping and praying that her friend didn't believe she was a stupid as she felt. She knew Janet would be honest with her in a way no one else ever would.

"Robbie, come on. Don't go there. You've known her what, a few weeks? She has no reason to believe you're any different from everyone else. I got a vibe that's she's an okay person who's been hurt a lot. Just...just step back and give her some time to process. Either she'll come to you or she won't. If she doesn't, you have to let it go."

Robbie nodded, even though she could feel the tears welling up within her again. She pretty much knew how things would play out. She'd never see Shy again most likely.

"I'm gonna take a hot bath and try to get some sleep. Thank god I'm off tonight."

"Yea...look, call me if you can't settle down, okay? Otherwise, try to relax a little and I'll talk to you later."

"Thanks J. 'Bye."

But she knew, as she ended the call, that she wouldn't be able to sleep. First, it was already noon and she would have been sleeping already if she was going to work. Second, she was far too upset to sleep. After her bath, she'd run some errands and probably take in a movie. She knew of an action adventure that had just opened a few days ago. It would probably take her mind off things for awhile.

*

She managed to keep herself pretty preoccupied and felt drained when she arrived home around 5. She was also starving, having forgotten to eat after the sandwich that morning. She heated up a can of soup and located a package of crackers she felt sure was stale, sitting down at the glass, round table in the corner of her spacious kitchen. She couldn't help but compare her place to the tiny apartment she'd left that morning. That place could probably fit into her 1-bedroom three or four times. Her living room was huge, with floor to ceiling windows, allowing for lots of sunlight, and a working fireplace. She could easily have fit two living room sets into the space with room left over. The kitchen was also large, housing up-to-date appliances, tons of cabinets, a pantry and space for a small table, the one she currently occupied. Her bedroom was massive, her king-sized bed still left room for a comfortable sitting area, replete with two small sofas and a coffee table.

Most of the furniture had belonged to her mother. It had decorated the small 2-bedroom house she'd finally managed to buy after her girls finished college. The furniture, and the modest sum her mother had provided for them upon her death, was all she had left of her mom.

She toyed with her food, annoyed that Shy was still foremost in her thoughts. It's not like she was a virgin. She'd had her fair share of lovers. But Shy had touched something in her. Had reached in and stroked something no one else had been able to reach. She wasn't sure how such an abrasive woman could manage to do that, but it didn't make it any less true. She sighed, dumping the contents of her bowl into the garbage disposal and rinsing out the dish. She needed to sleep, she could feel her mind growing fuzzy with fatigue.

She showered quickly and was just settling beneath the comforter, warming herself from the chill the air conditioner provided, when the doorbell rang. She sat up, surprised for a moment. She wasn't expecting anyone. Tempted to ignore it, she settled beneath the comforter again when she heard the chime once more. She felt the hope start in the pit of her stomach, the anxiety of facing the oversized woman again, the possible joy that she'd come to talk things out...before she realized Shy probably had no idea where she lived. When the chime rang for the third time, she stepped from the bed, more than a little annoyed, and grabbed a robe. She checked the peephole twice before unlocking the door with more than a little shock on her face.

"Officers? Can I help you?"

No one was more surprised at her calm demeanor as she faced two rather tall, well-built police officers. The one on her right spoke first.

"Ms. Peterson? Ms. Roberta Peterson?
"Yes?"

"Can we come in for a minute?"

She took a step back, pulling the robe tighter and cinching the belt. Two white officers in West Philadelphia, even if it was a rather nice part of West Philadelphia, was usually not a good sign. In fact, she remembered the mayor's decree that at least one black officer would always be part of the teams in the West Philadelphia area because of the cries of racial profiling and police misconduct. Which meant these officers were from another part of the city?

"Uh, can I get either of you something to drink?"

"No ma'am, we won't take much of your time. We need you to tell us where you were between the hours of 3am and 6am yesterday morning."

She could feel the blush rise to her cheeks, knowing full well where she was. Did she really have to share that information? And why were they asking?

"May I ask why?" She hedged.

"Ma'am, an armed robbery took place at 4th and South Street. We believe Shiloh Long may have been involved. She gave us your name."

Oh. It was the only word that came to mind. And then a slow anger started to build. Why did they think Shy was involved? Because she had a record? She wondered how often Shy had to deal with this crap.