CHAPTER 174: George's New Dress

 

That run was exhausting.  It was important for Edna to look her best and as well as immaculate taste in clothes (in her opinion) and meticulously applied makeup, she had taken up running and exercise as a way of maintaining her figure...which was stick-thin.

But as running was exhausting, she needed a pick-me-up so once back home in Sneedley Burrow she made herself a gin and tonic.  She checked the clock on the wall:  It was 8:50am and she had to get ready for work...she had a busy day ahead petitioning the city council on a number of crucial issues.

"George!" she cried out to her husband, who was in the kitchen.  "I need that file on my...I mean, our desk...the one marked 'Burlesque Show".

"Yes dear...I'll look for it.  What's that about?" he asked as he entered the lounge.

"Oh some dreadful revue show that's being put on at the Lothario club.  I'm trying to have it stopped.  Did you know as well as all those loose young women in various states of undress they're going to have a drag artiste perform there as well?  We'll have to campaign against that sort of thing!"

"We do?" gulped George, nervously.  Secretly, he had been a drag artiste back in the late 1940s when he did USO shows in the Navy but Edna had never known that.

"Yes we do!  Now run along and get me that file" she said, haughtily.

George dutifully obeyed and when he had retrieved the file from the desk, he took a few moments to look inside it to make sure he wasn't mentioned in it.  Relived that he wasn't he returned with it to Edna, looking nonchalant.

"Here we go, dear." he said, handing her the file.

 "Thank you...it's not going to be easy at this meeting.  What I really need is the support and back up of some of our more influential members of society, such as the Landgraabs." said Edna.

"We know them so I think they'll assist our cause." Replied George.

"We are more than just acquaintances with them but we're not at the friend level, George.  We've asked for, and received, some support in the past but I'm worried if we pushed them more for help it would have the opposite effect and they'll stop helping.  We can't be too familiar with them."

"I can see your point, Edna.  Well, we might get another in with them at some point.  It certainly would help if we developed deeper contacts with them and their company.  So what time's your meeting at City Hall?" he asked.

"I'm meeting with a couple of councillors who are sympathetic to our cause at 9:30, then we go in to make our petition at 11am, then we wait...and we wait...and then hopefully they'll act on our demands today before close of business." she replied.

"Which is at what time?" George asked.

"They stop public consultations at 3pm" said Edna.

"So you'll be home at?"

"Just after 4pm, George.  Why do you ask?"

"Oh that's a shame, I will have left for work before you get home" he said with a smile but deep down he had another reason to wonder how long she would be away from the house.

That is a shame but hopefully I'll be awake when you come home, dear" she replied.  "It's a pity that our work shifts don't coincide more so we can spend more time together."

"I know...it's a pity" he said, sorrowfully to her but when she left the room to go have a bath and get dressed for work, George's face changed from sorrow to a mischievous grin...he had plans!

Once Edna was dressed and had her files all ready to go, she left the house whilst Georged waved her a fond goodbye.  He watched her walk down the road until she was out of sight and then once she was he burst into a jog to get his special transformation kit.

George was going to turn himself into Georgina for the day.  He was very excited on this occasion as a couple of weeks ago he had bought himself a new dress and shoes from the fashionable boutiques of Magnolia Promenade and hadn't had the chance to try them on yet.  But now, in private, he could let the magic begin for him...but first, there was a lot of make-up to apply.

After the make-up and wig were on to George's satisfaction he produced his nice new dress from out of the bag it had been resting in since the day he bought it and laid it carefully on the bed.  He quickly stripped off his male clothes and put on his lingerie, including a pair of new pale stockings. Once his false breasts were in place it was time to put on the dress.  

It was pink with white trim and polka dots and a white belt.  It fit very nicely and he was able to zip up the back without too much wriggling and struggling.  He smoothed it down, rubbing his hands down the sides and to him it felt divine to wear.  This dress was a bit different for him...as George he was against the permissive society and in particular mini skirts but as Georgina she had been curious as to what they were like to wear.  This dress was quite short, technically mini length, and the hem was a few inches above his knees.  He finished off his transformation by slipping on a pair of white heels and clipping on some earrings.  Once done he let out a giggle of joy.  It was good to be Georgina and this dress was daring!  He liked it, or rather, she liked it!

The routine for 'Georgina' was to prance around the house a bit, do some chores and act in a feminine way but after the success of her first solo walk down the road and back, she decided to do that again in the new dress.  Georgina was so excited by it; the material, the way it felt on her body and the extra leg shown was all a buzz.  With a light skip and a hop she trotted out of the house and walked down the road.

It felt great to be outdoors again and Georgina's confidence grew with each step.  She had an objective in mind:  Make it all the way to a sidewalk bench at the top end of Bedrock Straight and then take a seat for a while.  She focussed on the seat, not looking left nor right to see how anyone else was reacting...she was focussed on her task.  Arriving at the little bench seat she turned to sit down, smoothed her dress with her hands and sat with her knees together and legs slightly tilted to the side to make her seem more ladylike.  The hem of the dress, much shorter than she was used to, rode up and a glimpse of stocking tops was visible, so Georgina pulled it down to conceal them.

Georgina let out a sigh of contentment and she felt thrilled to be doing this.  Such a relief from being boring and stuffy old George.  She looked up and down the street, watching people going by and not one of them stared at her.  No one had a knowing look that she was a he.  Everyone was going about their daily business and Georgina was just another citizen enjoying this fine morning.

"I could get used to this" thought Georgina.  "And the new look suits me, I think.  Maybe Georgina's a more daring girl than I thought.  A bit more with it...yes..." she mused some more.

She decided to get up and walk all the way to the bottom end of Bedrock straights so standing up, smoothing down the sides of her dress and gently patting her hair do, she minced her way down the road.  Everything was going very well until she, literally, bumped into Geoffrey Landgraab; who was out on his morning jog and wasn't paying attention to his surrounds.

"Excuse me, Madam" he said, apologetically "I wasn't paying...attention..." he said, looking into Georgina's face and letting his words trail off.  "Why, it's Beulah, isn't it?" he said, dreamily.

Georgina panicked.  As George he knew Geoffrey quite well but the last time he was in drag and bumped into him, Geoffrey had believed he was an actual woman.  Not only that, in order to distract Geoffrey even more and not make the connection between George/Georgina, he had called himself 'Beulah' and spoke in a Deep South accent.  Being a transvestite wasn't easy...

"Oh mah, yais it is!" said Georgina, turning into Beulah.  "And you are Godfrey Landflab, am ah correct?" said Beulah, camping it up as a Southern Belle.

"Call me....Geoffrey" he said, smoothly.  "Geoffrey Landgraab to be precise.  I remember meeting you here nearly two weeks ago.  You're new to our fair city, how does it compare with Georgia?"

"Oh it's mighty fine, Geoffreh...and how are y'all and your family?"

"My what?  Oh, my family?  Yes, they're fine.  I must say, Miss Beulah, you look absolutely delightful." said Geoffrey, looking her up and down and turning the charm on Beulah.

"Oh thank you for noticing.  It's a new dress" she replied, putting one hand on her hip and acting coy.

"It suits you very well" replied Geoffrey.  "It shows off your legs particularly well.  My compliments"

"Oh really?  I thought it might be a trifle too short...for a lady my age"

"I wouldn't worry about that.  My wife, Nancy, is all for wearing miniskirts and she's...erm...39.  A lady like you who is...I hate to guess but would I be right in saying 30, 31?"

"Oh you old charmer, sah!  But, yes, you're right:  31".  Georgina/Beulah would happily settle for being thought of as 31.

"Anyway, a lady still in her prime in her early 30s can still show off her legs if she wants to.  It all depends on the elegance of the dress and I must say that is an elegant one you're wearing."

"You have just made mah day, Geoffreh!" said Beulah, patting him on the hand and letting out a girly giggle.

"I'm glad I bumped into you, Beulah" continued Geoffrey.  "I'm having some problems at home..."

"Oh sorry to hear that, is it your wife?" said Beulah.

"No!  It's nothing like that!" replied Geoffrey, defensively.  "It's our cleaner:  We caught her stealing some objects from our house and we had to fire her and call in the police."

"Why, how terrible!  What is the world comin' ta today?" said Beulah, upset by this news but staying in character.

"Indeed, Beulah, indeed.  It's a lack of proper upbringing and breeding, I say, not at all like a well mannered and charming lady such yourself."

"Once again, Geoffreh, you flatter me" she replied, fluttering her hand in front of her bosom in mock embarrassment.

"I mean it.  I can tell you're a decent, wholesome woman just by looking at you.  Anyway, to cut a long story short, I remember the first time we met you said you did some cleaning for the Sneedleys..."

"Whah yais, I do from time to time.  That Mrs Sneedley she sure does like to keep a tidy establishment"

"Would it be possible to lure you away from them for a couple of days a week?  Our house is large and very...well...appointed" said Geoffrey, his eyes gazing at Beulah's ample bosom as he said the words "well appointed".  Little did he know they were made out of silicone rubber.

"Ah don' rightly know, sah.  Ah mean ahm a busy lady and the Sneedley's need mah attention" stammered Beulah.

"Nancy and I pay well, if it's a question of money"

"It's not the money, sah, it's about loyaltah" Beulah's answers were becoming defensive.

"That's one of your more attractive qualities" replied Geoffrey, looking Beulah up and down again.  "What about 2 days a week, 3 hours at a time?  Does that clash with George and Edna's schedule?"

Beulah paused.  No, it didn't clash at all because George had plenty of free time during weekdays before his shift at the hotel started and after Edna had left for work.  But how to get out of this predicament?  He couldn't go to work...as a woman...to a house where he knew the couple quite well, as a man...to work as a maid and cleaning woman!  His cross dressing was always more elegant and feminine than that.

"Well...no...but..." stammered Beulah once more.

"Did I mention the pay?  I'm willing to offer..." and Geoffrey leant towards Beulah to whisper in her ear what the amount was.  Beulah was taken aback.

"That...is...more than ah had imagined" she replied, haltingly.  

"I won't press you for a commitment right now, Beulah; think it over.  Here's my card: It's got my phone number and address on it.  When you're ready, call me and we'll arrange a time when you can come over and see the place for yourself.  And you'll get to meet Nancy as well."

"Uhm...ah'll certainleh think abaht it, Geoffreh" she replied.

"Enchante, madam...until we meet again." said Geoffrey, smiling at her fondly, before setting off for his jog again.

Beulah went back to being Georgina and she thought to herself.  Let's think this over.  It's a lot of money for a cleaning job and I can easily do those and the little extra would help maintain the lifestyle Edna and I have come to enjoy.  And I can get a bit more cash that I can spend on even more dresses, wigs, make up and shoes.  Plus, I'll be able...as Beulah...to put in a good word about Edna and myself, as George, and maybe learn a few Landgraab secrets while I'm at it which would be good for the cause.

Yes...YES.  I can see this working!  The only issue is whether I get caught and someone recognises me as George?  But already people just accept me without noticing that I'm a man and Geoffrey...does he fancy me?  At that thought she blushed and fanned herself.  OK, I'm going to have to keep a respectful distance from Geoffrey...maybe act coy around him but don't entirely discourage his flirting because maybe he'll drop his guard and reveal some important information?  This will be the greatest role I've had to play since I played Lady Macbeth at the Enewetak Atoll's USO show in 1950!

And with that thought Georgina skipped all the way back to the house where she watched an episode of Days of Our Lives before changing back into boring old George.  An hour later, he was off to work.

...and an hour after that, Edna returned home.

It had been a trying day at the council but not hopeless.  She had to argue hard for her case but the Council came back saying they were impressed by her presentation and that they would further consult on the matter.  So not a yes to her demands, but not a no either.  However, she hadn't had a drink all day and she was desperate for one now.

But as she was approaching the front door of Sneedley Burrow, she was accosted by none other than Geoffrey and Nancy Landgraab.  So they wanted to talk with her, did they? Edna thought.  She must be going up in the world.

"Geoffrey, Nancy, how lovely to see you.  I'm sorry to receive you in such a state but I have only just arrived home myself.  I've been at the Council all day, campaigning for important things for our city." she said in a tone that had a whiff of self-importance to it.

Geoffrey nodded.  "I hope you don't mind our borrowing of your cleaner, Edna" said Geoffrey.

"My what?" replied a puzzled Edna.

"Your cleaner.  Beulah.  We want to hire her a couple of days a week to clean our house as well.  Does she clean for you daily or weekly or some other arrangement?" continued Geoffrey.

"We don't have a cleaner, Geoffrey" said Edna.

"Oh, don't you?  I was under the impression you did.  Beulah herself said she cleaned for you and George."

Edna didn't respond immediately but instead thought this matter over.  Was Geoffrey mistaken?  Who was this Beulah woman and why does she claim to work for them?  Does George know anything about this?

"It might be something George has arranged, recently.  I am busy during the day campaigning so I don't have the time to do a thorough clean of the house like I used to do.  I have noticed our house is immaculate...that's partly due to our refined taste in choosing things that are low maintenance but also, it must be, getting in a professional cleaner.  George probably arranged it but didn't want to trouble me with telling me what was going on" Edna said that last bit through gritted teeth.

"Well, I hope she's as good as Geoffrey says!" said Nancy.  

"Yes, I hope so too.  As I don't know this woman you can certainly hire her for whatever time you require.  But the house does look very clean, more than normal so she's quiet and does appear to do the job well." replied Edna.

"Well, we must make time to meet up soon, Edna" said Nancy.  "Inform us of all your crusades.  Come along, Geoffrey, let's keep up the pace!" 

The Landgraabs jogged off and Edna was left puzzled by the conversation she had just had.  "Beulah?" she muttered.  She really needed a stiff drink after that!

CHAPTER 173: Ways Of Keeping Fit

 

"Now, Mother, Darrin's got an important presentation to make and I don't want you to ruin things for him!"

"Oh I'll be good, Samantha dear...heh-heh-heh...eye of newt and toe of frog, let's give that Durward the head of a dog!"

"I can predict the rest of how this episode is going to go" said Liberty, as she watched the show on TV.

"You know 'Bewitched' is meant to be just a bit of fun, Libs" said Summer as she finished up the dishes.

"Yes, but it's the same thing every week!  All these sitcoms are like that and don't get me started on 'I Dream Of Jeannie'...I mean, the way they depict the space program is highly inaccurate!"

"I won't!  Anyway, food's ready...who wants some?" asked Summer.

"I'll be fine with just a coffee...I'll eat later" replied Liberty.

"Did someone say 'food'?  I'm there!" said Travis, bounding into the room.  "So what's happening?" he asked.

"Libs is down on Bewitched" said Summer, handing Travis a plate of food and Liberty a mug of coffee.

"Oh, that's a shame...hey, who do you think would win in a fight?  Samantha or Jeannie?" Travis said.

"Television's so boring...why don't we do something more active instead?" suggested Summer.

"I'm up for that!  I agree about the TV; it's all depressing news about Vietnam or dumb sitcoms at the moment." said Liberty.  "How about hitting the gym, perk ourselves up?" 

"Excellent idea, I really want to burn up some energy!  Are you coming too, Travis?" said Summer.

"What, exercise?  Running on machines that don't go anywhere?  Lifting weights that don't need lifting?" said Travis.

"Oh come on, it'll be fun...we can be together having a work out" said Summer.

Travis thought about it and leaned in closer to Summer.  "Will you be wearing your leotard?" he whispered to her.

"Yes" she said.

"Count me in" he replied.

After they'd gathered up their keep fit gear they headed to central Willow Creek to the gym.  The girls were keen and raring to go...Travis less than enthusiastic.

Inside was busy but after getting changed Summer found a free treadmill and proceeded to do an endurance run.  On the next treadmill was the senior gym instructor; Clinton, who had a reputation of being a hard taskmaster if you hired him as your personal fitness trainer.

Liberty decided that her reflexes and upper body strength needed working on she opted for the punching bag.

...and Travis checked out the gym's other facilities.

Meanwhile, back on the ground floor, Summer was getting into the groove but next to her Brent Hecking was struggling.

"Brent, lift your feet up more...and remember your breathing!" said Brant.

"It's alright for you to say that!" gasped Brent.  "You were in the Army and sometimes I think you've become your old drill instructor!  I'm strictly civilian!" 

Travis, in the meantime had actually managed to get his fitness kit on and was trying out a punch bag.  He figured it would be easier to manage than the treadmills or the weights.

Liberty watched Travis' punching technique.  This wasn't about self-defence, although he had a weird moment a few months ago when he wanted to get a gun to protect the home, but fitness and Travis was exerting a lot of effort for not much gain there.

"Trav...try throwing a punch more from your shoulder than just jabbing with a fist.  It'll work your muscles a lot better." Liberty said.

"OK...more shoulder...and....FIST PUNCH!" he yelled.

"Trav...you don't have to say 'fist punch' when you're boxing" she advised.  On the other side of the room a young lady, who was also doing boxing training, looked at Travis and shook her head in disapproval.

Meanwhile, back on the treadmills, Summer was getting some grief from the instructor.

"You call that running, little lady?  You need to pick up those feet and BREATHE, not flail about like a rag doll...PICK UP THOSE FEET!"

"I'll have you know that I competed at cross country running at school, and won trophies" Summer replied, indignantly.

"This ain't no cross country run at an all girls' school....THIS IS THE GYM!  NOW HAUL ASS, SISTER!" he bellowed again.

At that moment Travis strolled in, looking exhausted.  He saw the stand off between Summer and Clinton and walked over to intervene.

"OK, buddy, reign it in a little..." said Travis but when Clinton stepped off the treadmill he stood right next to him, his muscles bulging.

"Now what have we here..." said Clinton, menacingly.

Travis looked up at Clinton and gulped.  "Ah, you're kind of big...well, this is my girlfriend and I think she's doing just swell there" he said.

"You look like you could enrol in some of our classes as well.  Get some muscles on you" said Clinton to Travis.

"I've been working on my muscles...look, here's one right here" Travis said, pointing to his arm.  "A work in progress you might say"

Liberty in the meantime had finished her workout and had headed upstairs to get a drink and take a breather.  As she turned a corner in the narrow confines of the changing room she had quite literally bumped into Brent Hecking, who was wearing just a towel and had to quickly grab on to it before it fell completely to the floor.

"Oops, my mistake, Brent!" said Liberty apologetically.  "You know how all fingers and thumbs I am!"

"I think I've retained my modesty" chuckled Brent, nervously.  He tightened the towel around his waist.  "It's as much my fault; my head in the clouds as usual."  He seemed a little downcast.

"Is anything the matter, Brent?" asked Liberty.  He sighed.

"Nothing serious...it's just that Brant is always on a health kick.  Drink this, eat this, excercise more...some days I find it hard to keep up with him.  I'm worried though that if I don't keep up with him and let myself go a little he might....oh, I think I might have said too much!  Erm, let's say Brant might find another housemate." said Brent, embarrassed.

"I know you and he are gay, Brent" said Liberty.  "We all do...well, except Julia.  She hasn't picked up on the hints yet.  But you can talk freely with me about you and Brant being a couple."

"Phew, that is a load off of my mind...wait, everyone knows?  Oh, not important right now...oh yes, well you can see my problem:  Brant's into the whole body beautiful and peak fitness ideal and I'm worried I'm not measuring up to that and if I don't...well...he might find another who does measure up."

"How realistic is that thought, Brent?" asked Liberty.

"Not really, but it creeps into my mind sometimes...like today." said Brent.

"Try not to let fear affect your judgement or trust in Brant..." said Liberty, sympathetically.  Brant still looked unsure but then their conversation ended abruptly as Brant entered the room.

Back downstairs Travis had managed to bluff Clinton into thinking he was a lean, mean fitness machine and the overbearing instructor backed down and walked away from him and Summer.

"My hero" said Summer, appreciatively.  

"Well, you know, it's about knowing when to stand up to someone and having an escape route worked out" replied Travis.

"Always the joker" Summer said.  "But you're a cute joker, I'll give you that."

"So, are we done here?  Would you like to take a walk by the river?" he asked, suggestively.

"Sure thing, sugar!" replied Summer, flirtatiously.

It was a warm, bright day with a light breeze which cooled the young lovers as they watched the wide, winding river.

"Hey, Summer...we timed this well...here comes the Delta Lady!" exclaimed Travis.  The Delta Lady was an old 19th Century paddle steamer that had been refurbished and travelled up and down the river as a pleasure boat.  It was very popular with tourists visiting the city and was an impressive sight whatever time of the day.  In the evening it was all lit up to further dazzle onlookers.

"Do you know, I've never been on board" said Summer.

"Really?  Never?  Didn't your parents ever take you on it when you were a little girl?  Haven't you been on it since?"

"When I was a girl it was still being repaired from that time a Japanese submarine torpedoed it." 

"Yeah, that was a weird one...considering the war had already ended when that happened.  Anyway, I should take you on a date on it.  It's got a nice restaurant on the upper deck."

"Sounds great" replied Summer.  "Let's move a little closer"

"Now you seem to be in a romantic mood today, Trav" she added.

"And you seem to be in a very energetic one" he replied.  "How about we combine them both?"

"I like the sound of that!" said Summer and the two of them drew ever closer together until...

At that moment the Delta Lady passed right by Travis and Summer and the passengers on the deck let out a cheer when they saw the kiss.  Travis waved back at them.

"That will give them something to talk about with their friends" said Summer.  "But that was wonderful, Travis.  I'm so lucky!  And that kiss just makes me want to spring right up into the air!"

Summer got up and did precisely that.

"Wow, you are bouncy today!" said Travis.  Summer sat back down beside him and they were about to snuggle again when they were joined by Liberty, who was still in her exercise clothes.  

"I wondered where you two had got to" she said.  "Aren't you going to go back in the gym?"

"We're done with the gym for today" said Travis.

"Aww, I feel really raring to go" said Liberty.

"Well, how about we head on over to Blue Velvet for a bit of dancing?" said Summer.

"Sounds good...I'll go back and get changed and meet you there." said Liberty.  "Oh, and have you got a quarter?  I'm going to phone Gary and invite him along too"

"Sure" said Travis, fumbling around in his pockets for a quarter he could give to Liberty.  "The more, the merrier"

The Blue Velvet was packed and swinging and the music was blaring out loud...so loud they couldn't hear themselves talk; all that was left to do was drink and dance.

"Wow, this place is really happening!" said Liberty.

"Yeah, this is the best it's been in ages...shame I have to go to work soon" said Summer, at the top of her voice.

"What?" said Travis, suddenly.

"I...HAVE...TO...GO...TO...WORK!" replied Summer.

"WHAT?  NO!" said Travis, looking sad.

Summer sidled up to Travis' side and spoke directly into his ear.  "Yeah, sorry babe.  We've been having so much fun I almost forgot I had to go myself."

Summer went to leave but had second thoughts.  Maybe just stay to the end of this song... she thought.

But leave she had to, not before having a long and protracted kiss with Travis...and another...and another (the last one right in the doorway of the club).  That left him and Liberty dancing, although not together.

"Hey, when's Gary going to get here?" he said.

"Anytime soon?  Why, you seem keen to see him too!" she said, teasingly.

"He's a good guy, an honorary member of the Foundry Cove Gang" 

"Oh, there's a gang now, is there?  And why is he only an 'honorary' member?"

"We don't just hand out membership to any old guy, you know!" said Travis.  "His membership is pending"

"And do you have little laminated membership cards as well?"

"Right next to my Lothario Club membership...oh, look, here comes Gary now"

Gary entered the bar and Liberty went right up to him to say hello and give him a kiss on the cheek.  

"Hey, sweetie, good to see you" she said.

"You too...I tell you, it's good to get out of the office:  Work is just blah, blah, blah these days.  Too much waffle and inaction." he replied.  "So, you guys been hanging out here?  Cool!"

"Let me get you a drink, Gary" said Travis.

"Thanks...a beer would be great.  So, let's sit and have a chat, Libs" said Gary.

"What's happening in Foundry Cove...give me the latest" asked Gary.

"Apparently there's a Foundry Cove Gang that has membership cards" replied Liberty with a chuckle.

"Is there an application form?"

"I'm trying to get one for you" she replied.

"Ooh, you think I'm eligible?" Gary said, with interest.

"In more ways than one, sweetheart" she said, blowing a kiss.

"Sign me up then!" he replied.

Travis returned with the drinks.  Liberty spoke up.  "I've told Gary about the Foundry Cove Gang...have you got a membership application form he can fill in?" 

"Buy the next round and you're automatically in" said Travis, raising his beer bottle.

"Deal" said Gary.

As they sat there in the Blue Velvet, Liberty and Gary were fliting with one another and having playful chats.  Travis was beginning to feel like a third wheel and was missing Summer's company.  He knew she had to work but in social situations like this, having her by his side would make him feel less self-conscious.

"I'm going to head back to Garden Essence" he said, eventually.  "Got some work to catch up on.  You two have a great time"

He left but Gary and Liberty were feeling that the main bar area was getting a little too crowded so they stepped out into the garden terrace at the back.

"I think I'm in the gang now" said Gary to Liberty.

"Just one more entry requirement to go" she replied.

"And what would that be?" he asked, his face being drawn ever closer to hers.

After they had kissed Gary said "Did I pass the entry requirement?"

"With flying colours" she replied.  "I'm hungry, how about we head on to my place for a bite?"

"To eat?" asked Gary.

"That as well..." she said, flirtatiously as she kissed him again.

They headed back to Garden Essence, both giggling like kids, where Liberty grabbed a couple of plates of something Summer had made earlier.  Their chef friend was a fantastic cook and there was always plenty in the fridge she had made to tempt the tastebuds.

"That's one of the things that makes me always want to come and visit" said Gary.  "The other being you, of course" he said to Liberty.

"You romantic, you.  You're always welcome; I know Summer and Travis really like you too."

"I hope so...it must get tricky around here trying to co-ordinate everyone's romantic life. Who's in, who's out"

"Oh tell me about it!" said Liberty rolling her eyes.  "Well, I haven't heard from Travis so I'm not sure he's home and Summer's still at work which leaves us here on our own." she said with a smile.

"Coffee?" she added, suggestively.

"I'll take it with milk" Gary said...also suggestively but what he was suggesting was anyone's guess.

They got up and sauntered over to the coffee machine where Liberty brewed a fresh pot.  "It's very quiet here" she said.

"Very" Gary replied.

"We could just tip toe into the bedroom for a coffee...and a chat...and some..."

"Exercise?" he said, whispering into her ear.

"Well, something like that" she replied.

"Let's skip the coffee and move straight on to exercise part" he added.

The two of them skipped down the hall to her bedroom and proceeded to get undressed.  Then they quickly dived under the bedcovers for a bit of WooHoo.

Meanwhile, Travis had returned from a cycle ride and went into the kitchen to get a glass of water but the faucet immediately sprung a leak.

"Oh no...it's gushing everywhere!  Just spurting out!  I'll have to find the stopcock and shut it off.  That's going to leave a mess on the floor..." he said, tutting and unaware of what was going on in Liberty's room.

After they had made merriment, Liberty and Gary were giggling like silly teenagers.  "So are you sure your housemates are out?" said Gary, gently running his index finger over Liberty's breasts.  

"Almost certain" she replied, smiling at him.  "Shall we have a peek?"

"If they see us they'll know what we've been up to!" he said.

"They're my housemates, not my parents!" she replied.  "I'm getting peckish, I want to raid the fridge!" she said, leaping out of bed.

"I need the john but I can't go out there in these underpants!  Hang on, I'll put some clothes on first...wait, Libs!  You can't go out there like that!" he said, noticing she'd put some panties and a bra back on.

"Catch me if you can!" she replied, playfully, as she scurried out of the door.  Gary, in a panic, chased after her.

In the hall they were silently tip-toeing to the kitchen when they heard Travis' voice.  "Hello, gorgeous, good day at work?"

"It was OK but I'm glad to be back home" replied Summer.  Liberty stopped dead in her tracks and quickly shoved Gary into Travis' room; which was largely a study these days as Travis slept with Summer.

"We can't hide in here!  What if Travis or Summer want to get a book?" whispered Gary.

"You hide under the bed, I'll hide under the desk...It'll be fine" replied Liberty.

That lasted all of 2 minutes before Gary piped up:  "I really gotta pee!" he squeaked.  "I'm going to make a break for the bathroom...wish me luck."

"Gary...nooooooo!" said Liberty, but too late; he was gone.  Gary tip-toed down the hall, quietly opened the bathroom door and closed it...silently...with a gentle lock.  Then he relieved himself in peace and quiet.  It was only on the return journey back to the study when he bumped into Travis.

"Oh, hey Gary...so you and Libs decided to head back here?" said Travis.

"Yeah...I hope you don't mind..." began a nervous Gary in response.

"Look, man, you and Liberty are cool.  If you want to get it on you go for it!"

"I meant, I hope you don't mind me using your bathroom"

"Oh, what?  Sorry, man.  Yeah, sure, that's cool too....but you know, if you want to go ahead with Liberty in the bedroom then don't worry about Summer and me:  We're totally cool with that."

"Erm, we already did that." said Gary, meekly.

"Ahhhh, well....I'll just leave you two to chill out, man." said Travis, lightly punching Gary on the arm in approval.  As Gary made his way back to the study, he was surprised to see that Liberty wasn't there but instead was Summer.

"Oh!  Sorry...erm, have you seen Liberty?" he asked.

"She said she's gone back to her room and will see you there." Said Summer, matter of factly.  "So did you guys have a nice time this evening?"

"Yes, thank you." replied Gary.

"You must tell Travis and I all about it" said Summer, cheerily and patting the empty space next to her on the bed.  Gary took the cue and sat down.

"Not that much to report....we danced, had a few drinks..." he said.  Fortunately for him, Travis entered the room.

"Hey, Summer...can I have a word with you for a moment?" asked Travis.

"Sure, babe, what is it?" she replied.

"Listen...Gary's on a date with Liberty and they'd like to be left alone, if you catch my drift" he whispered.

"I thought we could all hang out..." said Summer, innocently.

"Summer....they'd like to be alone.  In Liberty's bedroom" Travis said, raising an eyebrow.

"But surely....ohhhhh, I see what you mean.  Yes, how silly of me" she said, suddenly realising what was implied.

"And how about you and me, hanging out in our bedroom?" said Travis.

"Sure, shall we can have a catch up about our respective days, talk about what we'd like to do on the weekend and all kinds of neat stuff..." she said, perking up.

"Summer...we could do other things in the bedroom as well" said Travis, hoping the penny would drop.

"Ohhhhhhhh, I see" she said, suddenly realising.  "Now that would be fun!"