----- Flight home

Today was homecoming and I was homesick. I jumped out of bed after having a great night's sleep. It was six thirty and I had a quick shower and threw my clothes on. My bags were already packed and all I had to do was bring my old dirty clothes out to the car and put them in my one suitcase I had. I also had a backpack and a laptop case -- I can travel light.

"Gabe, thanks for helping out. I appreciate you letting me stay here even though I wasn't here the whole week."

"Glad to have you, Amigo. Tell Cindy I said hello when you get home."

"I most certainly will."

Gabe and I hugged. Next stop: Kaycee's apartment to pick up Zoe.

Kaycee wanted to come with me to the airport this evening. This meant that she would be driving herself to the airport. Zoe and I ate breakfast at Kaycee's -- donuts and coffee. Bonnie was still asleep while we talked.

"So, how was your night, Zoe?"

"Is was ok, Sam."

"She slept with me." Kaycee interjected.

"Oh?" I said raising an eyebrow.

"Nothing happened!" Zoe exclaimed. "I just didn't want to sleep out in the living room alone, ok?"

"That's fine, Zoe. It's really none of my business."

"I offered to sleep on the couch, Sam." Kaycee said defending herself. "But Zoe insisted. I couldn't very well let her down."

"Thank you for taking care of her, Kaycee."

"It's my pleasure, you two.

We chit-chatted for a while. Kaycee talked about our day in Phoenix earlier that week. I talked about Cindy. Zoe talked about Samantha.

"Did you two go to the Binky store often?" Kaycee asked Zoe.

"Not so much. Samantha would drive."

"At nineteen inches? She must have had some monster extensions on the pedals."

"Her dad had them specially fitted. I believe someone where he worked designed and made them for her."

"What does her dad do?"

"I don't know." Zoe said. Then they looked at me; I shrugged. I was not going to tell them I knew and I was certainly not going to tell them what he did for a living.

"What kind of car was it?"

"It was a Volkswagen Beetle."

"Wait." I said. "Was it yellow?"

"Yes, it was."

"I think I saw it. It was in her parents driveway."

"Yes, they took it when she passed away."

"You don't have your own car, Zoe?"

"I sold it long ago. We used Samantha's car all the time, which wasn't really hers, it was her parents."

"And you haven't had a car since then?"

Zoe didn't answer; she just looked down. I could tell it made her sad. I changed the subject.

"Have you been back to Drumford lately, Zoe?"

"It's been a while."

"I was there a couple of days ago. You should see the swim team."

"What's so special about that?"

"They have little people on it."

"Borgford's disease?"

"Yep."

"Do they swim against the bigger kids?" Kaycee asked.

"I don't know, Kaycee. They were practicing together but swimming in different lanes."

"Do the diseased one's swim slower?"

"Diseased? That sounds so, I don't know, like outcast, Kaycee. You make it sound like a death sentence."

"Who knows?" Zoe said. "Maybe this is a death sentence."

"Oh, come on, Zoe. Nobody has ever died of Borgford's disease."

"Not yet. It's only been a couple of years. What if the life expectancy is only three years?"

"Then we'll find out soon enough." I said.

"Ugh, let's not talk about such things." Kaycee pleaded.

"I agree." I said. "The girls were topless."

"The swimmers?"

"Yep."

"All the girls?"

"Just the little ones."

"You would notice that."

"What can I say?"

"Figures." Zoe said. "You horny little fucker."

"Ha, ha." I laughed. "I don't deny it."

"Wish I had seen that."

Kaycee and I stared at Zoe.

"What?" she said shrugging. "It's the meds. They make me horny too."

"Ya, we know." Kaycee and I said looking at each other now and laughing inside.

"Zoe and Cindy should get along splendid." I said out loud. I was wondering how the two were really going to get along. Would Cindy tempt Zoe? And what about Erin? Were lesbians physically attracted to other girls the way guys were? I suppose I was going to find out. I got a little clue an hour later when Bonnie woke up.

Zoe's eyes got real big then she started laughing and pointing at Bonnie.

"What's so funny?" Bonnie asked.

"Ha, ha. You're topless. Ha, ha, ha." Zoe replied, laughing uncontrollably.

"What? Oh." Bonnie covered her chest then ran back into her room looking a little peeved.

"Aw, be nice to her, Zoe." I admonished. Bonnie came back out wearing a long t-shirt.

"Sorry about that." Bonnie said. "I do that without thinking. Remember, it's my home too."

"I wasn't expecting that," Zoe said, "and especially in front of Sam. Ha, ha."

Bonnie and I looked at each other and exchanged a secret smile. She walked up real close to Zoe, almost touching looking down at her and said, "So, you think it's funny?"

The top of Zoe's head was below Bonnie's crotch and her eyes even lower -- about mid thigh. Looking up I'm sure she could see Bonnie's panties underneath her shirt. It must have been intimidating for her because her demeanor visibly changed and she slunk over next to, and behind me looking terrified.

"S-sorry, Bonnie."

"What're we gonna do today?" Kaycee broke in. She was chipper and seemed eager to get out.

"We have most of the day but I don't want to be late to the airport. We'll probably be waiting most of the time in long lines."

"Oh great." Zoe said, sarcastically.

"Don't worry, Zoe. I guarantee that we'll get through alive. Eventually."

Kaycee wanted to spend the day in Phoenix. "We're going there anyway. Let's stop at the Binky place."

Zoe shrugged.

We decided it might be a good idea to at least hang around the city a little bit before going to the airport.

"Let's go to Phoenix now." Kaycee said excitedly. "We can go to the zoo. It's near the airport."

"That'll burn some time."

"The gardens are just past the zoo." Zoe added. "It wouldn't take any more time than going to the zoo. I'd rather go there than a stinky old zoo."

"What gardens?"

"The botanical gardens."

"Sounds ok with me." I said.

"And then can we take some time to go to Binky Bird!" Kaycee excitedly exclaimed.

"Are you ok with that, Zoe?"

"Sure, why not?"

"It's a plan then. Go get ready."

"Fine." Zoe said, scampering off to get her things.

"Are you coming, Bonnie?"

"I don't think I can." she said. "Hal and I have plans today. I'm not even sure I can meet you at the airport later."

"Why don't you two come with us today." Kaycee exclaimed.

"No. I don't think so."

"Aw, we'll have fun together."

"Sorry, Kaycee. I'll have to say my goodbye's to Sam right here."

"Hmpff. Fine."

Since Zoe would be spending a lot more time with me later she volunteered to let Kaycee drive her to Phoenix. Plans were now set. Zoe cleaned up and I brought her stuff out to car.

"I guess this is goodbye, Sam." Bonnie said.

"Yeah, Bonnie. I'll miss you."

"I'll miss you too. You're my favorite one of Kaycee's friends."

"I'm sure you say that to all of them."

"No, I don't. Come here."

Bonnie got down on one knee and we hugged and kissed each other good bye. It was a long sloppy kiss too, not the peck on the cheek kind. Considering what we'd done this week, it was appropriate. But Zoe didn't know that.

With the rental car loaded up, I was on my way to Phoenix. I met up with the girls at the botanical gardens. It was expensive to get in but we decided to splurge. Not much to say here; they had a lot of cactus and once you've seen one, you've seen them all. The girls had a good time though.

After that we decided to go into Phoenix to eat. We parked Kaycee's car near the airport and used the rental to drive over near to the Binky Bird. We decided to eat from a hot-dog cart on the sidewalk.

"I thought you were a vegetarian." I asked Zoe.

"Whatever gave you that idea?"

"The restaurant we ate at -- the one you wanted to go to -- was vegetarian."

"Just because that was vegetarian doesn't mean I am."

"Okay. You'll eat meat then?"

"I don't consider hot-dogs meat."

"Then what is it?"

"Chemicals, plastic, rat's tails, and other assorted detritus."

"Ew. Are you serious?"

"Almost."

"I think I've lost my appetite."

"I'm just kidding. Let's eat."

So after filling our bellies with hot dogs, chips and soda, we visited 'the boutique'. Cathy was working again today.

"Welcome to the Binky Bird. Hey, I remember you." she said.

"Yeah, it's me, Sam. This is Kaycee and Zoe. Remember them?"

"I do. How are you two? And Zoe? She's the one you were looking for right?"

"Yep. I found her."

"I see. I'm so glad to see you all again. Zoe, I have a dress that just came in and it's exactly your size. It's really cute; a very pretty summer dress."

"I doubt it, Cathy." I said. "She only wears black."

"Whatever gave you that idea, Sam?" Zoe said.

"You've been wearing black since I met you. I thought you were goth or something."

"I'm still in mourning, that's why."

"Oh. Sorry."

"But I can't afford it anyway."

"I don't mind buying it for you. That is, if you don't mind."

"I'd rather you not do that, Sam."

"Oh, go on and try it. It's not going to hurt."

We talked Zoe into trying the dress. It was white with yellow, orange and red flowery patterns all over. It was sleeveless and really looked cute on her. She had taken her black pants off and it was showing off her legs. I hadn't ever seen her legs before but now I could tell that they were a little skinny but the dress really showed them off to good effect. They suited her extremely small stature.

"Zoe!" Kaycee exclaimed. "That looks so good on you. You have to get it. If you won't let Sam pay for it then let me."

Eventually, after a lot of persuasive talk, Zoe relented and we bought the dress for her. We said that Kaycee would pay half and I would pay the other half, but since Cathy wasn't sure how to write up the tickets, I ended up paying for it all. I didn't let on to Zoe about that fact. I bought a pair of khaki pants and two pair of dress shirts for me. It's hard to find clothes like that in my size and if I ever come back to Phoenix I will definitely visit this place again.

Kaycee, of course, also spent a large sum of her own money supplementing her wardrobe. And we had all spent a good deal of time shopping there, but for once, I didn't mind. Zoe thought I was being real nice for them. Secretly, I was enjoying the shopping just as much as they were.

We let Zoe change into the dress in the car then we got our stuff packed into our bags and at last we ended up at the airport. I unloaded, including Kaycee and Zoe, then returned the rental car. I met them at the departure terminal where we checked a couple of our bags in and then went to get in line for the TSA checkpoint.

"Well, Zoe." I said. "I guess it's time."

"Yeah. I guess it's time to say goodbye."

Kaycee wasn't smiling anymore. I put my bags down and hugged her. We kissed. She had tears in her eyes and they were starting to run down her cheeks.

"I'll miss you, Sam."

"I'll miss you too. Thank you for having me this week."

"It's ok. I really enjoyed it. Sam. I ... I love you."

"I love you too. If things were different ..."

"I know. Just promise me you'll keep me in mind."

"Of course I will. I'll call too. Is that ok?"

"Yeah. I'll be waiting."

I smiled. "You don't have to wait. I'll call when I get home so that you know I've arrived safely and I promise that I'll keep in touch."

"Ok. Uh, you better go now."

We hugged and kissed again. This was a long, deep kiss. She stood and watched as Zoe and I got in line. The place was crowded and it wasn't long before we lost sight of each other. Leaving her left a little empty place inside, but I was also looking forward to going back home.


----- The plane ride

Zoe and I were in a sea of legs as we stood in line. It was like being walled in because we couldn't see beyond the people that were immediately next to us. Zoe kept real close to me; so close that she was touching -- I could feel her tits pressing into my back. The line snaked back and forth around the pylons that were set up and it took close to an hour to get all the way through.

We arrived at the metal detectors where I had to help Zoe put her bags up on the x-ray conveyor belt. Zoe took off her black tennis shoes and stepped through the machine. I followed suit. The lady at the end of the conveyor belt helped us get our bags; I appreciated that.

After getting our stuff and putting our shoes back on we walked around for a while and finally found the correct terminal, then sat down to wait. Zoe seemed a bit happier than usual, or maybe it was just the colorful dress she had on that made her seem that way. Whatever it was, it was attractive. I noticed people staring at us.

"She's really fallen for you, you know?"

"Who? Kaycee?"

"Yeah."

"I know. I love her too."

"She couldn't stop talking about you on the ride over to the city, Sam. What are you going to do about Julie?"

"I'm going back to her. My life is back home. Kaycee knows that."

"You shouldn't have slept with her."

"Maybe not."

"What are you going to do if Julie finds out?"

"She knows."

"Did you tell her?"

"Of course I did."

"Is she ok with it?"

"She is. She's done the same."

"What do you mean?"

"She's slept with a few people this week; last night with Cindy."

"Her and Cindy slept together?"

"They sure did. And before that she slept with Erin and her boyfriend."

"Wow."

"And Gail two nights this week."

"Yeah, right."

"I know you don't believe me but you'll see soon enough."

Zoe gave me that doubting look. I just shrugged. When they announced that they would start boarding in five minutes she wasn't so happy anymore.

"Are you going to be ok, Zoe?"

"Yeah."

"Have you flown before?"

"Yes. But not since I started shrinking."

"Well, it'll be better now: the seats will be bigger."

"And so will everyone else. They'll be even more rude than usual to us too."

"No they won't."

"Just stay close, Sam."

"I'm not going anywhere." I had to reassure her. She did cling to me again when we got up to board. All in all, she spent the better part of the last two hours pressed up tight against me. Talk about scared; no wonder she never went out by herself.

We found our seats and I had Zoe up on my shoulders to reach the overhead storage compartments. When were safely belted in she seemed to cheer up again. I liked the cheerful Zoe much better. It was now around ten o'clock and by ten thirty we were in the air. It would be another four and a half hours in the air and counting the layover about six hours until we were at our destination. But due to the time zones, we wouldn't be arriving until around seven in the morning eastern time.

We were flying, the seatbelt signs were off, and I was ready to go to sleep. But then Zoe got up and took my hand.

"Come on, Sam. I need to go to the rest room."

"Go ahead."

"I need you."

"What for?"

"I can't reach the latch."

I rolled my eyes. I wasn't sure if that was the real reason or if she just wanted to cling to me, because she held my hand real tight on the way down the aisle.

I opened the door and she pulled me in.

"Whoa. I don't need to go in here. I can latch it from the outside." I said. Then I added, for good measure, "Nobody will be able to get in. I'll be right out here."

"No. You can't lock it from the outside. Come in with me."

What the fuck?

"Zoe!"

"We'll tell them you're my brother."

"No. You go in."

"I told you I need you to lock it for me from the inside."

"But I'll be in there while you do your business."

"Yes, you will. I'm not saying it again. Inside."

I didn't want to argue, especially on the plane. With all the stories I've been hearing about them kicking people off the plane I didn't want to chance an argument. So, in we went.

After locking the door she had me help her to stand up on the toilet. I started by raising the toilet seat lid.

"No, leave it." she said. She was very demanding. I tried to turn around to face the other way but she grabbed my shoulders and made me face her. Then as she was standing on top of the toilet she reached under her dress and pulled her panties down, stepped out of them and threw them aside. She pulled the front of her dress up and I saw her cute, little, shaved pussy. It was glistening.

"Lick it now." she said.

"What?"

"LICK IT!"

I couldn't refuse; I couldn't think straight either. If I had been able to do that then I never would have started lapping at her little cunt. She grabbed my head and started humping my face and it wasn't long before she was moaning with her head back and eyes closed. It was over in what seemed like less than a minute. That's what I call a hair trigger.

"Oh, God; thanks, Sam."

"Uh, you're, uh, welcome." I said. I was a little confused.

"Ok, you're turn."

"What, no. No, you don't need to do that."

"It's only fair."

"But you're a lesbian."

"So?"

"Lesbians don't like penis."

"Whatever gave you that idea?"

"It's kind of obvious. Isn't it?"

" Are you the lesbian expert now? What's obvious is that you're hard and need relief."

"So then, you're ok with dick?"

"Sure. It's what's attached to it that I have a problem with."

"Oh." I said, feeling a bit dejected.

"It's ok, not you. I'm kind of fond of you. Unzip."

"No, really. You don't have to do that."

"You have to do something to take care of that, Sam. Do what I do."

"What do you do?"

"Rub it out."

"I don't think I can do that in front of you."

"Just whip it out; I'll give you hand job. Fair enough?"

"Uh, ok." I don't know why I was agreeing to this, but my mind couldn't fully grasp this turn of events. I unzipped, Zoe opened the toilet lid, grabbed a hold of Mr. Happy and started stroking. I was on as much of a hair trigger as she had been. In less than five minutes we were both done.

"Ok, now move over. I need to pee. Unless you want to go first."

"Uh."

"Ok, fine, you go then. How about I hold it for you."

"No, I'll do it myself." I said, as Zoe giggled. She watched me as I stood there and took a piss into the airplane toilet. When I was done, she lowered the seat, climbed on with my help, and relieved herself. We both cleaned up and found our way back to our assigned plane seats. Nobody seemed to notice that we had went in and came out of the rest room together.

"Zoe. What was that about?"

"I hope I didn't freak you out too much."

"I'm slowly getting over it."

"I couldn't help it, Sam. I haven't had a human touch in ..."

"Since Samantha?"

"Yes. And last night being next to Kaycee, well, she's pretty cute, you know."

"Oh, I know. I know very well."

"I'm sure you do. And then Bonnie this morning."

"I see tits turn you on."

"That's not all."

"What then?"

"She wasn't wearing panties."

"She wasn't?"

"When she changed her shirt she must have taken off her panties."

"How do you know?"

"I saw her bare kitty. I had to look at her when she came near me. Remember?"

"Yeah, I remember. Oh, wow."

"Yep, tell me about it. Then there was all that rubbing against you earlier."

"I thought you didn't want to get lost?"

"I didn't. But all that rubbing still had an effect."

"Ah. And you ..."

"Were hornier than a priest at choir practice."

"I suppose that's one way of putting it."

"I told you; it's the meds."

"Right. Excuses, excuses."

"Don't tell me you weren't horny as fuck either."

"So, are you like, bi or something?"

"No, I'm a lesbian."

"But you touched ..."

"Your dick? Yeah. You don't think I've touched dick before?"

"Um..."

"I've had plenty in the past before I realized I was a lesbian. I've been told I give pretty good head by both gals and guys."

"Oh."

"Loosen up, Sam. I'm sorry if you blew a gasket, but I really appreciate what you did. It won't happen again."

"Oh."

"Disappointed?"

"I uh, ... thanks."

"You're welcome. Maybe I was being too harsh; maybe it will happen again. Who knows? So you tell me about Bonnie."

"What about her?"

"She has thing for you. Don't deny it. I know you know it too."

"She's Kaycee's best friend and naturally we became good friends."

"If I didn't know any better I'd say you had also slept with her judging by the way you two kissed."

"It was just a kiss."

"Like professional boxing is just a game."

"Whatever. You're just jealous." I said then blowing a raspberry at her.

"I am."

"She's cute too, isn't she."

"She's hot, Sam."

"Yep."

"Did you get a look at her titties?"

"I'm a guy, Zoe. What do you think?"

"Right. You were as turned on as I was."

"But I didn't get to look up her shirt."

"When you get to be as short as me you will."

"See? Another bright side to shrinking."

"Ok, I agree: another bright side. You can creep on girls with dresses when you're short."

"Speaking of dresses, you look really good in that new dress."

"Thank you, Sam. Did you notice I left my panties in the rest room?"

"I know now."

"You'll be hard again in less than five minutes."

"Shut up."

She laughed. Zoe had the middle seat and I was in the aisle. I really wanted to be in the window seat but that was taken and Zoe raised the armrest between us and laid her head against my stomach. We went to sleep.

We had a layover in Chicago. I don't like that town -- it's cold, there's a lot of crime and the airport is always filled with crowds of people. Big people. Again, Zoe was glued to me as we switched planes. Fortunately, we successfully navigated our way onto our connecting flight. This time a flight attendant helped us to place our bags in the overhead bins.

"Are you going to use the rest room again, Zoe?"

"I'll let you know. But this time it will only be for peeing."

"Ok."

"Don't be sad."

"I'm not sad." I said.

"Inside you are."

I rolled my eyes. This flight was a little bumpier but it wasn't severe. While on the flight I moved my watch ahead to the correct time zone. We were getting nearer and I was getting restless. I'd soon be back home with Julie, Erin and Cindy. I felt the tires of the plane thump onto the runway. We taxied for hours it had seemed, I called Kaycee, then after parking we waited for those in the front of the plane to disembark. The same flight attendant helped us with our bags in the overhead bin and Zoe and I were finally walking out into the airport terminal.

"We have to walk out past the secure point then we can go downstairs and pick up our suitcases, Zoe."

She stayed close. Even though we couldn't see over the crowd it was a little easier here than in the other airports because I knew my way.


----- Home

I heard her.

"There they are over there. Come on, let's go."

It was Julie's voice. I looked up and saw her. You couldn't miss her -- her head was way above everyone else. I grabbed Zoe's hand and began running. When we finally reached each other Julie bent down and scooped me up. We hugged and kissed.

"Oh, Sam, I missed you so much."

"Me too, honey. Me too."

I looked down and saw Zoe's head craned up with huge eyes.

"Uh, Julie, this is Zoe."

"Hi, Zoe."

"Hi." she said.

"Maybe you better put me down now."

"I don't want to."

"People are staring."

"Let them. What do you care?"

"I don't, but I think Zoe needs me."

"Oh, ok."

I was put back down whereupon I hugged Cindy and introduced her Zoe.

"So, where's Erin?" I asked.

"Sleeping. She worked late and then went out with Fred. Don't worry though, she made us promise to wake her when we get back home with you."

"That'll be ugly."

"Oh, Sam." Cindy said, "She's not that bad in the morning."

"You don't know her like I do."

"Ok, maybe she is. But she's very excited that you're coming home."

"And I can't wait to see her too. Let's go get our bags."

"How about I carry you, Sam?" Julie asked.

"I don't think so. Zoe might get lost here in the airport."

"I can carry both of you."

I looked to Zoe. She wasn't talking but she was shaking her head real fast.

"I don't think that's a good idea just yet, Julie."

"Oh, alright."

I did reach up and grab Julie's hand like a little kid holding onto his mother. In my other hand I held Zoe's. After retrieving our luggage Julie insisted on carrying both of the bags. It looked like she was carrying a pair of paperback books.

Three of us sat in the back seat of the car as Julie drove home. We had a little chance to talk.

"Was the trip a success, Sam?" Julie asked.

"Very much so, Julie. It just wasn't exactly what I expected."

"Sad?"

"I'm sad about Samantha but that goes without saying. The rest I'm not sad about, but some things are just, I don't know, weird."

"What do you mean?"

"Like why Samantha, well, how about I tell everyone about it when we get home. I won't have to repeat it to Erin that way."

"Keeping me in suspense?"

"No. I already told you most of it already."

"I want to hear all of it."

"And you will. Be patient. I'm sure Zoe will help me explain everything."

"So, what do you do, Zoe?"

"Nothing anymore." she said. "I have a degree in psychology but I lost my job because I was too small."

"What?"

"That's not exactly how they put it, but that's what they meant."

"That's terrible."

"Yeah."

I could feel the disgust in Zoe's voice from that one word. Even though I never lost a job I could empathize with her. I think Cindy felt the same way.

"Zoe." I told her, "We'll find something for you out here. I promise."

"It's ok, Sam. I'll take care of myself and when I'm back on my feet, so to speak, I'll pay you back."

I had to smile. She didn't have to pay me back and I wasn't even sure what that could even be. We talked of other things, like the weather. It was much colder here. Zoe wasn't completely out of her environment here since Flagstaff was fairly cold itself.

When we got home Julie carried everything inside by herself in one trip. Wow. It was still early morning and everyone was hungry. Cindy showed Zoe where to put her stuff and I went to the bedroom to do the same. Julie stripped down to her underwear.

"What do you think of Zoe?"

"She seems cute."

"Yeah."

"Doesn't talk much, does she?"

"Julie, you see how small she is. Do you have any idea what that's like?"

"I can imagine."

"She's afraid. Give her time, she'll open up."

"She looks at me like I'm a freak."

"So does everyone else. But you're like three times as tall as her. Taller, in fact. Think of what that's like. Think of what the world is like to her. It's not much different for me either. You can be very intimidating."

"Last year nobody would say that of me. Things have changed so fast, Sam."

"I know. Let's go out and make some breakfast. By the way, where's Jill?"

"Home, I suspect. She hasn't been seeing or talking to anyone much."

"She was like that since before I left. I hope she's feeling ok."

"Mom says she is. Just, I don't know, she's very quiet."

"That's a good thing. Still, I wish she were here to help me with breakfast."

"I'll help."

"Ok, let's go."

Erin was now up.

"Sam!"

"Erin!"

We hugged. Or rather I hugged and Erin smothered me in her tits. She had to bend over by the way just for her tits to reach me. Then I pushed myself away.

"Wait. Wait. Erin, what happened to your hair?"

"Do you like it?"

"It's blue."

"I know. I had it cut short too."

"What does Fred think?"

"It was his idea."

"Well, it's going to take a little while for me to get used to it."

"You don't like it?"

"Erin, I love whatever you do to your hair. I'm just not used to seeing you like this."

"Sam, you're the best."

"I love you too, Erin."

Fortunately, Erin was wearing clothes. Not much, just panties and a nightie.

"That must be Zoe." she said. Erin bent at the waist with her hands on her knees, then reached out with her right hand. "Hi, Zoe. I'm Erin."

Zoe shook her hand and said, "Hi, Erin. Pleased to meet you."

"What do you think of my hair?"

"I think it's lovely Erin. It suits you."

I could see that Zoe would be Erin's new best friend. Zoe was certainly not as intimidated around Erin as she was with Julie, but then Erin was not nearly as big.

"See, Sam. Zoe likes my hair."

"I like it too, Erin. But Zoe is not used to seeing your hair blonde like I am."

"I knew it. You don't like it."

"I just said I do like it."

"Then come dancing with me tonight."

"No."

Cindy and Zoe were laughing.

"We can go hillbilly dancing." Erin said.

"Hillbilly?"

"It's country line dancing, Erin." Cindy explained to her.

"Yeah, that. Cindy said you liked it."

I looked to Cindy and tried to shoot daggers out of my eyes at her. It almost worked.

"Well, Erin, I don't think there are any 'hillbilly' places to dance around here."

"I know of one on the other side of the city, Sam."

"You would, Cindy."

"Let's go tonight."

"Erin! I just got home. I've had a long week and I have to go to work tomorrow. I can't go dancing tonight."

"Next week?"

"No. Let me get settled."

"How about you, Zoe?"

Zoe looked like the proverbial deer in headlights.

"I don't think so."

"We'll have fun."

"I'm too little to dance, Erin."

"No, you're not."

Zoe stuck her arms straight out to the side. "See." she said. "With my arms out, my wingspan is not even as wide as Julie's legs."

"Oh, you're just too cute like that." Erin said. "Can I pick you up?"

Zoe put her face in her hands.

"Ok, sure. Why not? Just for a minute though."

"Goody!" Erin exclaimed right before snatching her off of the floor. "Cindy tells me you're a lesbian."

"That's right, Erin."

"I hope you find someone special here."

"If I do or don't I'll be fine, Erin. I didn't come here looking for love."

"If you ever want to just have some fun, let me know. You know what I mean, right?"

Zoe looked Erin up and down, then smiled. "Thank you, Erin. You're very pretty but you shouldn't make offers you can't keep. I might take you up on it."

"I can keep that offer."

"I think I like your sister, Sam."

"You realize that you might have to go dancing?"

"It might be worth it."

"Good luck, you two."

"That was fast." Cindy said.

"What do you think of Zoe, Cindy?"

"I think she's just fine."

"I'm sorry to spring this on you in such a short notice. I hope you're ok with it."

"I am."

"While I'm thinking about it, how's the house sale going?"

"Yeah, about that. We need to talk."

"Ok. This doesn't sound good."

"It is good. But I'll be moving out."

"I knew the day would come. I'll miss you. You'll come see us though, right?"

"It's a little more complicated. Things have changed."

"How so?"

"I found a new job?"

"That's great! Where?"

"Phoenix."

"Oh. Uh, what is it?"

"Dance therapy. I'll need another six months of school but I really want to do this."

"Then I'm happy for you."

"And Sam?"

"What?"

"I'll be staying with Gabe. Are you ok with that?"

"Ok? I think that's fantastic."

"Really?"

"Absolutely. Two of my best friends getting together? This couldn't be better."

"Oh, thank you, Sam." Cindy said as she hugged me.

"Yeah, and I forgot to pass on Gabe's message to say hi. Did you hear that everyone? She's found a soul mate."

"I wouldn't go that far, Sam."

"I can see it, Cindy. Trust me, you two were meant for each other. Did you already know this, Julie?"

"I'm just telling everyone right now, Sam." Cindy said. "I wanted to wait until I could tell you."

"I'll miss you, Cindy." Julie said.

"Me too. I'll miss dancing with you."

"I'll miss dancing with you too, Erin. You'll all have to come to Arizona to see me some time. I promise we'll go out dancing."

"I'll try to make it."

"Maybe we can all go out together." I said. "So, when are you leaving?"

"Not for about four more months. I'm going to wait until the semester is over. Besides, the classes I need to take don't start until summer. I hope you don't mind me staying, Sam."

"We love to have you, Cindy. You know that. I hope you don't mind sharing the room though."

"Not at all. Thanks."

Zoe looked at me funny. I winked. She got the message.

"Who wants French Toast?" Julie asked.

We all said, "I do." and she got started on breakfast. Erin held Zoe for nearly the whole time that Julie cooked. Zoe didn't seem to mind. This gave Cindy and I a little time to talk.

"When did you figure all this out? The new job and all that?"

"Just recently. Gabe had already wanted me to drop everything and come out to live with him. But I just Friday finalized the therapy training."

"Wait. Does Gabe know?"

"Yes."

"He didn't tell me."

"I know. I wanted to tell you myself."

"I see. Hey, I know it's still a ways off but do me a favor."

"Sure."

"When you get out there, look in on Kaycee for me."

"I will, Sam. We're good friends now too. I won't forget her."

"Great. That makes me feel better."

"Do you miss her?"

"Yep."

"I know she misses you."

"That transparent?"

"It is."

"If it weren't for Julie and my job, and Erin too, and probably a bunch of other stuff, I might not have come back."

"I'll take care of her, Sam."

"Thanks. So, have you talked to Sharon yet since coming back?"

"I invited them over today. I hope that's alright."

"Sure. Them?"

"Sharon, Teagan, Sue, and Gail."

"Cool. I can't wait. I miss them all."

"And I think Fred's coming over today too."

"I miss him too. I can't believe he talked Erin into blue hair."

"If anyone can, he can."

"You're right. Erin seems to be happy with it so I am too."

"What do you really think of her hair?" Cindy whispered to me.

"Really? You really want to know?"

"Yeah."

I beckoned her real close so I could whisper in her ear. "It's very ... blue."

"Sam!"

"Ok. I like it. I really do."

"Good. By the way, Marie called. Her brother wants to see you."

"Oh yeah. He's the martial artist, right?"

"I think so."

"Alright. I'll have to get in touch with her this week. Who else are we forgetting?"

"Jennifer."

"I'll see her at work."

"And Michele."

"Oh boy. I suppose I'll have to get in touch with her soon too. I hope Sharon and I can practice today. I miss singing at Mike's."

"We'll need to get you two to work on some more songs. Have you seen how many people are buying your songs?"

"No. I'm a little unsure of this though."

"Why?"

"I don't know. It's the whole Samantha thing. You know that hearing my songs put her over the edge?"

"Oh, Sam. Don't let that stop you."

"It's hard not to think of it. I'll try."

"Good. We'll discuss this with Sharon when she's here."

"Fine."

Erin and Zoe had been talking amongst themselves but Erin had to go to the bedroom for something so she finally set Zoe down.

"Whew, I was starting to get a nosebleed up there." Zoe said.

"She's not that tall, Zoe."

"Tall enough for me."

"She's your type?"

"She's female, isn't she?"

"Got it."

"Your sister is very pretty, Sam?"

"I know."

"I don't see it. She so pretty and you're so ..."

"I know. Ugly."

"I wouldn't put it that way, but now that you mention it ..."

"Ha! Ha! Very funny. You don't like Julie though."

"Whatever gave you that idea?"

"You look frightened around her."

"You mistake that for awe."

"So, you like her?"

"Are you kidding me? Have you seen Julie's legs? They're great."

"Yes, I know."

"They go for miles and miles. They're like oak trees. No, redwood trees. Beautifully pale redwood trees that I'd love to climb. Her ass is so sexy. How does she keep all that so muscular?"

"She runs."

Zoe came closer. "And her tits: they're massive. And perky too. I can tell by the way they bounce around in her bra."

"Hmm. I hadn't noticed."

She hit me in the arm. "Ouch." I said. It didn't hurt but I said that for effect.

"Her head and pretty cascading hair almost touch the ceiling."

"I hate to tell you but I told you so. No, I don't hate to tell you -- you didn't believe me. Believe me now?"

"Oh yes. Seeing is believing."

"And so is being next to her."

"So." Zoe continued, "You get to sleep with that?"

"Every night. At least when I'm here."

"You know what you are, right?"

"What?"

"You're what they call one lucky son of a bitch."

"You got that right."

"And you said that she has sex with girls too?"

"Yep."

"Do you think she likes me?"

"I don't know yet. She believes like I did; that you're afraid of her."

"Oh no."

"I could possibly put in a good word with her for you, only ..."

"Only what?"

"Only, why should I?"

"Huh?"

"What would you give for a chance at that?"

"Anything, Sam. Name it."

"Ehh," I said, drumming my fingers on the table, "I don't know. I'll have to think about it."

"Don't think too long. Unless, that is, you're afraid of me stealing her."

"Pfft. Afraid of you? In your dreams."

I was playing it cool, but the truth was, she surprised the hell out of me. Cindy had been listening the whole time.

"Oooooo, you two!" she said. "You're driving me mad."

"What?"

"You talk like a couple of testosterone packed perverts. Ew."

"Hey." Zoe said. "Don't call me testosterone packed."

Cindy looked down at Zoe and her new dress with bumps showing the outline of her boobs.

"I suppose not. But you are a pervert."

"Thank you, Cindy. You're pretty too."

"Uh, thanks." she said. I could tell Zoe had also taken her a little by surprise.

"I'll have to watch Sam and learn. I don't know how he gets all the pretty girls around him. What do you think it is, Cindy?"

Zoe was pouring it on. I wanted her to come out of her shell, but this was too fast.

"I don't know." Cindy said. "Maybe it's because he's sincere."

Zoe looked at me. She seemed to have softened a little and she smiled.

"You're right, Cindy. We're going to be living together for a few months. I hope I didn't start off on the wrong foot with you. Sam is being very generous. I wouldn't just take up and go off with a guy like I just did with Sam, but he is sincere and honest and I have nowhere else to go. Maybe that's why I have a good feeling about him. He's safe. And what we were doing now is just talk. It's what guys, and lesbians, do. Don't be upset with us. Please."

"Ok." Cindy said.

"Thank you."

Cindy walked off.

"So, all that you said about Julie was just talk?" I asked Zoe.

"Hell no. I meant every word of it."

"Ah, I see."

"Are you going to talk to her about me? I could do what I did on the plane, only not with my hands."

I just grinned an evil grin.

"You're a little fucker." she said.

"Whatever gave you that idea?"