Dating : Consoling Rikki

Rikki angrily unbuttoned her blouse, tossed it aside, undid her bra and walked to the bathroom. Calm down.

The job interview was a failure and she knew it.

She moved to Rockaway as an escape from the stress of working on Wall Street — and to escape her failed engagement with Peter, a guy whose tongue was silver with the smoothness of his words but who’s heart was harder and more unyielding than bronze. Or iron.

He found another broker. A cute little number and discovered how much he enjoyed jogging with her along the river.

And the stupid insurance agency that had made so many promises had totally lied about the commission structure. Shit.

Rikki glanced in the bathroom mirror. Sadness looked back. Her hair cascaded over her shoulders and pointed to her naked breasts. She had no one to fondle them, kiss them, or tell her how great she looked.

She stripped off her slacks, then her panties, turned on the bathtub and ran a hand under the water. Cold, but it would warm up soon enough.

After settling on the toilet for a quick pee, she walked naked in the hallway, opened a cupboard and grabbed several scented candles. A hot bath was her only luxury — and one that was much needed.

She stepped back in the bathroom, set out the candles, and checked the water for warmth. Warmth? It was freezing. The damned tub was filling with freezing water.

A chill settled over her body and being naked wasn’t fun any longer. She took her robe from the bedroom, dashed to the kitchen pantry, turned on the light, and glanced at the hot water heater. The pilot light was out and then she took a closer look at the pipes connected to it — terribly rusty.

Son-of-a — –

Here she moved out of Manhattan for a lower cost of living, but the damned real estate agent and home inspector never mentioned — what else didn’t they tell her? How much money would she have to spend on this great deal.

A knock on the door got her attention. It was the older woman from next door, Elaine, the one who had welcomed her with a plate of cookies and a crock pot full of chicken.

Rikki held her robe tightly as she hurried to the front door. “Hi.” She pasted on a smile.

The woman smiled back and offered her an envelope. “Got a letter of yours delivered to my house.”

“Of course, that always happens when you try to take a bath.” Rikki took the letter.

“I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to bother.”

“Of course you didn’t. That’s fine. The hot water tank is out.” She glanced at the return address. Peter. The bastard. “And I really need a hot bath.” Rikki felt like she was ready to burst with anxiety. “I mean, today isn’t going well.”

“Take one at my place,” said Elaine. “Please. I like helping out.”

“You mean it?” asked Rikki as she tore open the envelope.

“I really do.”

She scanned the first lines. Peter said his girlfriend wasn’t working out and — Oh, my God!

Rikki tossed up her hands in frustration and fought back tears. “I need that bath.” Her robe opened, exposing her breasts. “Oh, excuse me.”

Elaine smiled and spoke calmly. “Take your time, dear. Please come over. Do you like herbal tea?”

“I love it.”

“Okay. I’ll put out candles, bath salts, and you take as long as you need in the tub.” Elaine waved as she left.

Rikki couldn’t bring herself to read the rest of the letter. She grabbed yoga pants and a T-shirt from the bedroom and didn’t even bother to take any underwear. Soaking was on her mind.

She made her way over and the door was already open. “Hello.”

“Come on in, hon.” Elaine looked gracious in nicely faded jeans and a blouse. She looked so — inviting.

The woman’s house was neat and tidy. Candles were already lit and the water was running.

“Check the temperature.” Elaine made her way to the kitchen. “I’ll get your tea.”

“You’re so kind,” said Rikki, walking to the bathroom. The water was perfect. A small tray was propped alongside the bathtub.

“Your tea’s ready,” Elaine called.

“Okay.” Rikki went to the kitchen and her robe opened again as she took the steaming mug. “Oh, how embarrassing.”

Elaine was as gracious and composed as ever. “Don’t worry. Enjoy your bath.”

“Thank you.” Rikki sipped tea as she walked, and then set the mug on the tray. She let her robe drop to the bathroom floor, and stepped gingerly into the tub. Then she braced herself and sat slowly while the hot seemed to bite and tantalize every part of her thighs, tummy, and breasts.

Rikki grabbed a washcloth, soap and rubbed her body. She closed her eyes, but the thoughts wouldn’t leave.

Peter’s letter sent emotional terror through her, the expenses around the house were adding up, her car needed new brakes, her mother wasn’t feeling well and — she was so goddamn lonely.

That’s when the tears hit and the crying. She had held it in for weeks and weeks, but now she let loose.

Elaine stepped in, knelt by the tub and offered a loving embrace. “Poor, dear.”

Rikki cried and reached out for a hug. She wiped her tears and realized that Elaine’s blouse was totally wet. “I’m sorry,” she said through sniffles.

“No, don’t be. I know how rough life can be. We need each other, sweetheart.”

Suddenly, Rikki spoke up. “Join me, please. Oh, please Elaine. I would love it so much.” In a matter of moments, Elaine had become as much a friend as she was a mother figure.

“I’d be glad to, darling.” Elaine calmly undid her wet blouse and laid it across the counter.

Rikki glued her eyes to Elaine’s body as the woman slowly wiggled out of her jeans, panties and undid her bra. Her breasts were full and her hips made Rikki sigh with pleasure.

She slipped into the tub, squeezing alongside Rikki and wrapped arms around her younger neighbor. “So many people can disappoint us. I know. And you know. And there will be others.” She kissed Rikki on the forehead.

But Rikki wasn’t satisfied. She wanted more tenderness and had always imagined what a caring woman would taste and feel like. She opened her mouth and kissed Elaine, sweeping her tongue through the woman’s mouth, hungry and starving for affection.

Elaine stroked Rikki’s hair and caressed her breasts. Rikki returned the touches and found herself sliding into the water, turning her head and nuzzling Elaine’s tits, tasting the nipples and twirling her tongue around the soft curves.

After the two had soaped, kissed and continued caressing in the candlelight, Rikki paused, cleared her throat and asked quietly.

“I’d love to sleep over.”

Elaine smiled. “Of course, darling.”