Ballad of Flavia & Sarah: Bridge

This is part 3/6 of "The Ballad of Flavia and Sarah".

Many thanks to DawnDuckie for editing this story.

Sarah pressed the last skirt into her suitcase as hard as she could, but it wouldn't fit. Giving up, she hung it back up in her wardrobe, then zipped up the green case and placed it on the floor. Her packing complete, she headed downstairs and made tea for her mum.

When she handed over the drink, her mum looked up from watching the television. "All set then?"

Sarah sat next to her on the sofa. "Yes. A three day tour isn't much, but it means a lot to us."

Her mum turned back to the television. "Well, I hope it works out for you. Now you've left school, you've got to start earning money."

Sarah took a sip of her scalding tea. "I know, but it's just small clubs to build the band's reputation, and between van rental, petrol and hotels, we'll lose a bit of money." She took a deep breath, readying herself to discuss something more important. "You know I've been seeing someone?"

"Your fancy man? I know almost nothing about him, and you've been dating for months. Have you split up again?"

"No. Quite the opposite -- things are going really well. And when I come back, I think you should meet."

"So I finally get to meet him. I thought you were ashamed of me."

"Of course not. But there's a couple of things you should know." Her mum turned back to the television. "He's a she."

Angry eyes stared into hers. "A girl? Oh Sarah, how could you? Now I see why you've kept it secret all this time -- you're ashamed of her, and what you've become."

"Not at all. I couldn't be happier with her, and I was just worried about how you'd react."

"You know the Bible's clear that what you're doing is sinful?"

"I'm not sure that's true. What exactly does it say?"

Her mum huffed. "I don't remember the whole book; it's huge. But--" Her finger rose to point at Sarah. "--it's wrong. Unnatural."

"Love is not unnatural." Her heart beat faster. "And there's something else you should know about Flavia; she's a couple of years older than you."

"I knew no good would come of you joining a Rock and Roll band. I warned you. But would you listen? And now you're going through a phase with females. I should never have let you play football as a child."

"Football? What's that got to do with it?"

"It's a boys' sport. If you hadn't played it, maybe you'd be attracted to boys like you're meant to be."

Sarah stood and picked up her mug. "Enjoy your tea; I'm going to my room. You're not going to talk me out of this. She means too much to me."

"I'll pray for you."

????

Sarah lay on her bed and video called Flavia, who answered almost immediately.

"Hi, innamorata. I just finished tea with Marie. Are you excited about tomorrow?"

"Yes, all set. I keep getting texts from the other girls; we're all nervous."

Flavia sat in her armchair. "I'm sure it'll go well. You remember our video chat with your father? Well, I had a separate one with him today."

"And?"

"He's fine with me being a woman, which isn't surprising. But he's worried about the age gap. I did my best to reassure him and let him know I'd always do what's best for you. I can't blame him for being worried; if Marie was dating a man my age, I'd have kittens."

"But he wasn't furious? He's been distant when I've spoken to him."

Flavia shrugged. "He understands falling in love with the wrong person. He loves you and doesn't want to see you hurt or making a mistake. But he can see that we're committed, and he's going to give me a chance to show I'll be good to you. He told me he'd come down here and kick my arse if I hurt you."

"He didn't? I've never heard him threaten violence, or even use a word like 'arse'."

"Oh, he did. And I told him that if I did hurt you, I'd gladly let him kick my arse. How about you? Did you chicken out of telling your mum again?"

"No, I did it! I came out to her."

"Good for you; I'm so proud. How did she take it?"

"Terribly."

"Not so good for you."

"She thinks I'm going through a phase, and she's praying for me. She'll probably get the church to pray for my soul. On the other hand, she didn't seem at all bothered about your age."

"The opposite of your dad then. Maybe she'll come round in time."

"Maybe. Perhaps I shouldn't have told her."

"Sarah, you are what you are, and shouldn't have to hide it from your loved ones."

"Have you told your mother yet?"

"It's not the sort of thing I can do over a phone. Next time I'm in Rome I will."

"OK." Sarah stared at Flavia's face. "I'm going to miss you while I'm away."

Flavia laughed. "We don't see each other much during the week anyway, and with Marie home for the summer, I don't think I should have you over at weekends. Honestly, I feel like a teenager, sneaking around trying to find a way to see my girlfriend. But we'll talk on the phone every night. And I'll miss you too."

"Take care."

After hanging up, Sarah had trouble sleeping. Her thoughts were on the tour, and her mum, and her dad. And Flavia. They'd been dating for months, but neither had told the other she loved her. Sarah felt deep love for the older woman, but was afraid to tell her after what had happened with Lena. And though Flavia was affectionate, she'd never put it into words. Was that normal in a relationship?

????

Sarah and the rest of the band climbed out of their transit van, stretching their cramped limbs under the bright sun. Georgina led them into the Travelodge, where she had two rooms booked. Keys in hand, they fetched their bags and found the rooms, clean but plain, a pair of twin beds in each.

Georgina said, "Right, so me and Kira in this one, the rest of you in the other."

"What?" said Daniella. "Why do you get to have just two to a room?"

Georgina flushed red, but Kira spoke up. "We're gonna work on new songs, so we need to be in the same room."

Bethany said, "Well, I'm not sharing a single bed. Let the two lesbians have it."

"Thanks," said Sarah. "Let's get unpacked, then check out the venue."

"One other thing," said Georgina. "We've only paid for four people, so someone's not going to breakfast tomorrow."

????

The crowd gathered in the dark club, chatting and drinking as the speakers boomed out rock music. Peering from behind the curtains, the girls' nervousness was a growing and almost palpable presence.

"There's a lot of people," said Daniella.

"Nah," said Bethany, "it's not that big a place. Just bigger than the pubs we're used to playing."

Georgina said, "It's bigger than the Cavern Club."

"How big's the Cavern Club?" asked Kira.

Georgina shrugged. "Dunno. But I'd guess it's smaller.

Their chatter was halted when the music cut out and an announcement through the PA introduced them. They walked out onto a stage lit by many colourful lights, staring at the sea of expectant faces.

Daniella whispered to Sarah, "What's the Cavern Club?"

"Huh? Oh, I'll tell you after."

Taking their places, Sarah envied Daniella her place at the back, with a drum kit in front of her. Sarah was in front with just a mic stand. But Daniella kicked them off with the drum roll to begin I Want Your Love, and the rest of the band joined in. It wasn't long before Sarah added her own pleading vocals.

And the crowd loved it! They jumped around and joined in with the chorus. By the time they'd hit their third track and Sarah introduced the band, there was a party mood, and things flowed smoothly. Even Silent Tears went down well, though Sarah doubted many there had heard it before.

????

"Flavia?" said Sarah into her phone as the older woman's face came visible. "The first night went amazingly. They cheered for encores until we ran out of songs. We even played Take a Chance on Us."

"I'm so happy for you. I told you the tour would go well. Wait -- who was that?"

Sarah looked behind her, to see that Bethany had walked past naked on her way from the shower to her bed. "Bethany, do you mind? I'm talking to Flavia on video chat."

Stepping into her pyjamas, Bethany said, "Lighten up. I probably gave your girlfriend a thrill. You should be thanking me."

Turning back to the phone, Sarah said, "Sorry about that. The fun of sharing a room, huh?"

"All part of the wannabe rock star life, innamorata. So which of you got the spare room?"

"We only got two rooms. Daniella's sharing with us."

At that point, Daniella walked by, waving hello to Flavia.

"So you got a triple?"

"Double. I'm sharing a bed with Daniella."

"A double bed?"

"A single. I swear, there's nothing to it. But if you want, I could--"

"Sweetheart? I trust you. I think you might be in for an uncomfortable night, but I trust you. Have you spoken to your mother?"

"Yeah. She's no happier, but she's realising that I'm going to see you with or without her blessing. How do you feel about lunch at my house next Wednesday?"

"I have plans, but I'll move them. My girlfriend's far more important."

They chatted a while longer, Sarah telling all the details of her day, and Flavia talking about working with an architect on the pub extension, with a big planning meeting in a couple of days time with the council.

Finally, Sarah found herself yawning. "I'd better go to bed. I miss you. Just two nights to go."

"I miss you too, innamorata."

After she hung up, Bethany said, "Ahhh, so sweet. But why didn't you tell your girlfriend you love her?"

Laughing, Sarah threw a pillow at her, and was proud to hit her right on her face.

Not long after, they went to bed. They couldn't afford the rock lifestyle of drinking and partying. Flavia was right about one thing: sharing a single bed with Daniella was uncomfortable, with almost no room to move, their bodies jammed against each other. It was nothing like sharing a bed with Flavia. And she hadn't realised Daniella snored.

????

Sarah woke feeling grumpy and sore. The three dressed quickly, wanting to get down before breakfast finished. They knocked on Georgina and Kira's door, to hear some hurried sounds of movement.

Poking her head around the door, Georgina said, "What's up?"

"Breakfast. You'd best hurry not to miss it," said Daniella.

After Georgina opened the door they entered, to see Georgina and Kira scurrying to get dressed.

Sarah said, "Why's that bed been made?" Her voice was huskier than usual.

Kira stared at it red-faced while she put on her bra. "I always make my bed when I've finished sleeping in it."

Bethany said, "We're leaving this town today, so they'll clean the bedding. For someone who left getting dressed till the last moment, you seem to have wasted time on something pointless."

Sarah said, "Any luck with the new songs?"

"New songs?" said Georgina.

"That's why you two got a room together. Did you manage to write any?"

"Right. We tried, but nothing seemed to work out. Maybe tonight."

Sarah agreed to stay in the room during breakfast, since they'd only paid for four people. Bethany managed to smuggle some rolls from the buffet, and she ate those with a cup of tea. It hurt to swallow the hard bread.

????

After a day of wandering round a dreary park filled with vagrants and junkies, then watching a not-funny-at-all comedy at a cinema, The Unnamed Band were ready to rock another town. The venue was smaller than the previous night's, so confidence was high. Sarah's voice had begun to hurt all the time, but she'd drunk plenty of water, and quite liked the raspy edge when she spoke.

With far less nerves this time, they went onto the stage. The first three songs went well, and it seemed they had another success on their hands. But then Sarah's voice began to croak, and she found it hard to hit the right notes, coming in squeaky and sharp.

Kira and Georgina helped out, taking on vocal duties while Sarah dropping back to being a backing singer. But neither Kira nor Georgina had the powerful voice or stage presence of a lead singer, and they struggled to play their instruments while singing. The crowd's intensity dropped and never recovered, even when the band pushed out their covers of classic anthems.

????

"Sarah? You sound awful."

Sarah gazed at Flavia's beautiful face on her phone; that always cheered her up. "I feel pretty awful too. My voice gave out and we didn't sound great."

"Oh, sweetheart. You can't go on tomorrow then."

"What? The show must go on."

"You want to be a singer, and your voice is your most important asset. I think it would be a bad idea to sing until you've recovered. You should see a doctor."

"But it's just one more night. Are you saying you won't allow me to sing tomorrow?"

"Innamorata, you're an adult, and besides, I'm not your mother. The choice is yours. Whichever, you should drink plenty of fluids."

At that moment, Daniella placed a glass of Coke next to Sarah.

Flavia winced. "Hot drinks or water, not fizzy drinks. I'll look up throat problems online. You should try to talk as little as you can." She talked for a while longer, but asked Sarah not to speak, so that her voice could recover. "You look shattered, innamorata. Get some sleep. I miss you so much. Nod if you miss me too."

Sarah nodded.

????

Sarah and her room-mates woke early the next day. After dressing, they went to Georgina and Kira's room. But as Sarah was about to knock, she heard sounds of pleasure that she recognised only too well.

"They've got a boy or two in there," she whispered to the others. They left them alone and went to get breakfast without them. Sarah didn't have much appetite, but made sure to drink several cups of tea. Her voice hurt, so despite the delicious aroma of mushrooms and veggie sausages at the buffet, she stuck to just fluids.

On returning to their room, they knocked, but there was no sign of the boys, just Georgina and Kira getting dressed.

????

The Premier Inn in the next town felt just like the other hotels they'd stayed in. After checking in, Sarah sat in their room, nursing her throat with a cup of hot chocolate she made from a sachet. The rest of the band had decided to investigate clothes shops, but Sarah felt it best to rest.

She was dozing on her bed when a knock at the door woke her. Opening it, she was surprised to see Flavia in skin-tight jeans that showed off her curves. They embraced, her lover's lips probing and insistent on her own.

"Come in," said Sarah.

Flavia put a finger on Sarah's lips. "No speaking. I don't want you to damage your voice. Here..." She fished in her black Louis Vuitton handbag, bringing out a small notepad and a Biro. "I'd never want to stop you expressing yourself, but use this until you're better."

Sarah took it with a smile, and wrote why here?.

Flavia pecked her lips. "Because my wonderful girlfriend's voice is hurting, so I'm here to be her nursemaid."

Sarah quickly scribbled costume?".

Flavia laughed. "No, I don't have a sexy nurse costume. I didn't realise you were into that sort of thing. We have seven hours until your show, and I'm going to give you as much care and attention as I can."

Sarah wrote planning meeting today.

Flavia sighed. "There are more important things than extending my pub." She prodded a finger in the middle of Sarah's chest. "You, my sexy little significant other, matter so much more to me." She placed a series of kisses on Sarah's throat. "Tomorrow, I'll take you to the doctor back home. Now then, let's start with some hot water and honey."

????

The final venue was the biggest they'd ever played, and was supposed to be the climax to an amazing tour. As they strode on stage, Sarah felt her throat tighten. It had improved after Flavia had tried some medicines she'd found on the Internet, but would it last? A smoke machine billowed, and she coughed when she tasted its acrid tang. The band started with a few numbers that didn't call for much power from Sarah. Her voice held out, and she took frequent swigs from a bottle of Evian. The crowd loved the music. Perhaps the previous night was just a blip.

With growing confidence, Sarah put more and more power and passion into her songs. If anything, the huskiness added a newfound intensity to her voice. And the crowd responded, cheering and applauding as each song ended, pushing the band to greater heights. Even the pain in Sarah's throat had lessened. This was all they'd dreamed of. And Georgina had heard a rumour that there might be a journalist from an industry newspaper in the audience; would they get a good review, something to really put them on the map?

With smiles to the rest of the band, Sarah listened to how the instruments were working together, forming rhythms, playing off each other. They'd really improved as musicians, and now it had all come together. And then as she pushed, her voice turned into a croak, the atmosphere falling flat immediately. She quickly found herself unable to even whisper backing vocals. Kira and Georgina took over lead vocals, but it wasn't the same. Their moment of glory slipped away, and Sarah could do little but become a dancer while the rest of the band tried to soldier on.

Georgina thanked the audience for attending, then they trundled off-stage, heads down. Nothing was said on their way back to the hotel. Outside their rooms, Flavia was waiting in a grey trench-coat. Sarah held her for a long time before the older woman took her into the room to have a hot drink and pack, then carried the bag out to the Audi. Was it Sarah's imagination, or was Georgina leading Kira into their room by the hand when Flavia led her out of her room?

????

Sarah didn't speak on the drive to Flavia's hotel, for fear of damaging her voice any further. Somehow, Flavia kept up a good conversation anyway, and Sarah sat in glum contemplation of the darkened streets, where revellers made the most of the warm weather. They soon pulled up at The King's Arms, a medieval inn whose timber frames held more character and history than all the hotels the band had stayed in combined. Passing the reception desk, Flavia led her up a narrow and twisting staircase before unlocking her room with an old-fashioned metal key. Inside was an immense room, a large bed waiting temptingly in the corner. No sharing a single with Daniella tonight!

like our 1st nite, wrote Sarah.

Flavia kissed her, slowly and romantically. "Why don't you get into bed? I'll hang up my coat."

Not wanting to waste time looking in her bag for nightclothes, Sarah undressed and slipped into bed naked, feeling the cool touch of the crisp sheets. Somehow the tour ending badly didn't seem so bad, not when she had Flavia with her. Her thoughts went back to her previous fantasies of being a housewife to Flavia. That had to be easier than trying to become a rockstar.

But her train of thought thoroughly derailed when Flavia came back into view. She'd lost the raincoat, and Sarah now understood why she'd worn it. Because there before her, in a fancy-dress slutty nurse outfit easily two sizes too small, was the most beautiful woman Sarah had ever seen. Flavia's curves were accentuated by the dress, and her bountiful breasts threatened to spill out with every move she made. That's if the straining button at the top didn't pop off first. There was even a small hat on top to complete the costume.

Smiling at her reaction, Flavia pirouetted slowly. "You seemed to like the idea of me being dressed up as your nurse, and since I couldn't get a ticket for your show, I spent my time finding a shop where I could buy this. They had some in my size, but I thought you'd prefer the one I chose."

Sarah furiously scribbled u look amazing.

Flavia ran a finger along Sarah's jaw, then kissed her. "Let's start by taking your temperature." She undid her top button, and brought out her right breast, which she held before Sarah's face.

Not needing to have things spelled out, Sarah leaned forward and took the offered nipple into her mouth, running her tongue over the areola while she sucked. Flavia cupped Sarah's head in her hands, sat on the bed, and ran her fingers through her hair.

When Sarah eventually released the breast with a *plop*, Flavia said, "I've concluded that my patient is hot. Very, very hot."

Sarah grabbed the notebook and wrote i need more nursing.

"Of course." Flavia kissed her. "What would Nurse Flavia's patient like first? A massage?"

fluids

"I should have thought." Flavia sat up. "Would you like one of those lemon drinks?"

Sarah shook her head and pointed to Flavia's groin.

It took a couple of seconds for realisation to dawn on Flavia's face. "Oh, you want those fluids. Well, since you asked so nicely..." Smiling, she stood, hooked her thumbs under her dress, and pulled down her black lace underwear.

Sarah smiled at the thought of Flavia having no knickers on under that nurse uniform. She lay down and watched Flavia kneel astride her, then shuffle forward, her knees edging forward until they were past Sarah's ears. When Flavia lowered herself, Sarah was engulfed in the nurse's dress, finding herself in a world of delicate scents, soft skin and delicious tastes. Her hands rising to go under the dress, she fondled Flavia's bum while her lips and tongue made tender love to her womanhood. The gasps, the increasing jerks of hips, the increasing wetness: Sarah smiled to know how easily she could excite and please her girlfriend. It took a while, but Flavia came screaming Sarah's name.

And Sarah got her fluids.

????

Sarah paced about her living room, cleaning and tidying what she could, while her mother watched.

Her mum didn't look up from the television. "I'm sure your girlfriend won't care about a little mess. Honestly, you'd think the king was coming round."

Sarah pushed some old newspapers into a drawer. When she spoke, her voice was still raspy, but not as bad as it had been the previous week. "She's got a lovely house, mum. I don't want to feel embarrassed." Turning, she added, "Please promise you won't embarrass me, or her. She means so much to me."

Her mum grunted. "We'll see. Honestly, the sooner you're out of this phase, the better."

"It's not a phase; it's who I am. You don't have to be happy about it, but please accept it."

"Who you are? You didn't talk like that before your dad... Is she just using you?"

"Flavia? No, I trust her. She's so good to me."

"You remember Mrs Eggerton from down the road? Her son just started working as a doctor. That's good money, and he's single. We could set up a blind date."

"Mum! I'm not going to date someone else."

Her mother finally looked into Sarah's eyes. "So you want to stay with this girl?"

Sarah sighed. "She's not a girl, mum. She's a woman."

Her mum turned back to watching the police drama. "Right. I suppose it's not politically correct to call a twenty-year-old a girl these days."

Sarah's stomach congealed into a frozen mass. "Flavia's not twenty."

"You said she was. I remember it well. I was pretty shaken when you said you were dating a girl, but I know you said she's a couple of years older than you."

Flavia sank into the armchair. "I didn't say she was a couple of years older than me. She's a couple of years older than you."

"Than me? What's she doing being older than me? I'm not the one dating her. When I think of..." She turned to face Sarah again. "Forty-five?"

"Yes."

"She's forty-five?"

"Yes."

"Your girlfriend is forty-five?"

Sarah nodded.

"You're dating a forty-five-year-old woman?"

"It doesn't matter how many times you ask the question, she'll still be forty-five, still a woman, and I'll still be dating her."

The doorbell rang, and Sarah stood.

"Forty-five," her mum muttered.

"Please be nice to her. For me. Please?"

Her mum still muttering, Sarah moved to the small hallway and opened the door. On opening it, she found herself looking at Flavia, in a very conservative sky blue summer dress.

Sarah kissed and hugged her. "You look beautiful."

Flavia entered. "So do you. Lunch smells amazing."

Sarah kept her voice low. "Just one thing: my mum only just learned how old you are."

Flavia's face fell. "I thought she already knew."

Sarah took her hand and led her into the house. "So did I."

Entering the living room, Sarah said, "Mum, this is Flavia. Flavia, this is my mum."

Flavia walked towards her, smiling, her hand extended. "It's a pleasure to meet you, Ms Audeley."

Sarah's mum remained seated and didn't shake the offered hand. "It's Miss, not Ms; I don't hold with all that modern nonsense. And I was a Mrs before that, before one of you gays stole my husband away."

Flavia's arm dropped back to her side. "Sarah told me. I'm so sorry; my husband left me too, so I understand your pain. I brought you some flowers and chocolates."

Sarah's mum eyed the offered treats as though they were a poisonous serpent. "My husband may have left me, but at least I don't go around looking for children to replace him."

Sarah took the flowers and chocolates and placed them on the yew coffee table. "The flowers smell lovely mum. Wasn't that kind of Flavia?"

Her mum rolled her eyes. "I saw that sort of thing on Hollyoaks, where someone has gifts for someone far younger than them. It's called grooming."

Sarah noticed Flavia taking a deep breath, but her words were controlled when she spoke again. "I care deeply about your daughter, Miss Audeley. And she was the one who pursued me. We didn't mean to fall for each other; sometimes the heart just wants what the heart wants."

Sarah felt her mum's eyes on her. "Don't you see she's using you, Sarah? The idea of a woman her age falling for someone like you! How can you be such a fool?"

Flavia answered her. "Miss Audeley, I've put up with your comments against me for Sarah's sake. But I won't have you calling the woman I love a fool."

Sarah's mum stood. "I'll talk the way I choose in my own home. If you don't like it, why don't you leave? Sarah and I will enjoy lunch without you."

"Mum! Flavia's our guest and my girlfriend. Apologise to her, right now."

"I will not. And don't you dare tell me what to do. You're not to see this woman again. I won't have someone living under my roof who does the perverted things you two have done."

Sarah felt Flavia's hand on her back, trying to calm her. But she couldn't keep her words calm. "You can't tell me what to do either. I'm an adult now, and I'll make my own choices."

"Adult? You're practically a child, and this paedo--"

"Don't call her that."

"This paedo is taking advantage of you. Using your body for her ungodly urges. She's corrupting you. She'll--"

"No, Mum. You don't know what it's like between us. And you're not even trying to find out."

"Think about what everyone will say. You can't do this, Sarah. Find yourself a nice boyfriend, someone your own age."

Sarah choked back a sob. "Don't you understand? Flavia's the one I want. I'm not going to dump her for some boy just to keep you happy."

"Then I won't have you living here."

Sarah took Flavia's hand. "If that's the way you want it, we're leaving. I'll not give up Flavia for you. And if you loved me, you wouldn't ask me to."

????

Sarah was shaking as Flavia led her from her car. "How could she? How dare she?"

Flavia placed her hands on Sarah's shoulders. "I'm so sorry you had to go through that. And I hope you can repair your relationship. But I saw you pick me against her wishes. That means so much to me." She took Sarah into a warm hug.

Calming, Sarah looked around her, getting her bearings. "We're at your house."

Flavia ran a finger along Sarah's cheek. "I wasn't sure where to take you. She threw you out, so you need somewhere to live. You're welcome to stay here as long as you need. Even if, heaven forbid, we should break up, you can stay here. Unless there's somewhere else you'd rather live? With one of your band mates, perhaps? Or your father? I know he lives far away, but I'm happy to drive you to him today."

Sarah shook her head. "I'd like to stay here. With you."

Flavia kissed her. "I was hoping you'd say that. We'll see about getting your clothes and shoes from your mother tomorrow. If she refuses, I'm sure Marie will let you borrow some, and we'll buy you anything you need." She unlocked the door. "We'll get you a key cut too."

Inside, Marie was watching television. "I thought you were having lunch with Sarah's mum?"

"That was the plan," said Flavia. "It didn't go well. Sarah's moving in here."

Marie rose and gave Sarah a hug. When she stepped back she said, "You look white as a sheet. Anyway, welcome to our house. And on the bright side, I can't imagine your mum took it any worse than my gran will."

"Thanks," said Sarah. She remembered what Flavia had said about avoiding being together in front of Marie. "Which room should I take?"

Flavia placed her arm around Sarah's waist. "You can have your own room if you like. But I'd prefer you to share my room. You are my girlfriend, after all."

Despite her recent experience, Sarah smiled. She was going to live with Flavia! Blushing, she said, "Yes, please. I'd love to share your room."

Flavia hugged her close and kissed her. "That's agreed then. I'll move some of my clothes out and free up space for you in the wardrobe. I guess I'm going to have to take some to a charity shop."

Marie laughed. "I've never known you to throw out clothes."

Flavia shrugged. "I want Sarah to feel at home here. Speaking of which, we missed her delightful lunch. Why don't I knock up something quickly for the three of us?"

Marie shook her head. "Throwing out clothes and cooking? You're like a different woman."

"I've only ever lived with one other person. It's a big day for me too. Now, I don't know a great range of recipes, so will beans on toast be alright?"

Marie chatted with Sarah while Flavia cooked. It felt good to tell someone who hadn't been there about her mum's reaction. While they chatted, the smoke alarm began beeping, followed by smoke coming in from the kitchen. Flavia called out to say everything was fine.

Eventually, she brought in two plates, black beans sitting in orange tomato sauce on black bread. Sarah took a bite from hers, declaring that it tasted great despite the burnt charcoal taste.

Marie bit hers. "You're far too polite, Sarah. This is disgusting." She dropped the toast back on the plate. "We appreciate the thought Mum, but this is inedible."

Flavia tried a bite herself. "Let's go to a restaurant."

????

While Flavia booked the restaurant, Sarah received a call from her dad. Marie left the room while she took it.

"Hi sweetheart. Your mum just called me; she's frantic. I take it things went badly when she met Flavia?"

"Terribly. Flavia tried so hard, but mum wouldn't give her a chance. She threw me out after about five minutes."

"Yeah, she mentioned that. Where are you going to stay? There's space on our couch if--"

"Thanks, but no. I'm going to stay with Flavia."

"Right. That's a pretty big step. Are you sure you're ready for it?"

"I think so. I've got to try. And if I move in with you, I'll have to give up the band and seeing Flavia."

"OK, if that's your decision. But you call me if there's a problem and I'll be right there. It sounds like your mum pushed you into doing the opposite of what she wanted. Was she really angry?"

"I've never seen her like it before."

Her dad chuckled. "I'm still not keen on you being with someone so much older, but if she annoyed your mum that much, Flavia can't be all bad."

????

Flavia led the way back into the house, Sarah and Marie following. They were all a little bloated from a magnificent Chinese meal, and they collapsed in front of the television, watching a brainless romcom. Marie was slouched in an armchair, but Flavia and Sarah sat on the sofa, cuddling. Sarah barely followed the simple plot, so intent was she on the feel of Flavia's softness against her, her scent, her warmth.

As they watched, Sarah got a video call from Kira, which she answered while the movie was paused.

"What's up?"

"Remember we thought there'd be a journalist at the last show of the tour? We'll, her review went up. It's not good."

"What's it say?"

"That we're amateur and sound awful."

"Shit. But probably a fair review of that night."

"Yeah. Wait: where are you? That's not your bedroom."

Sarah smiled. "I moved in with Flavia."

"No way."

Sarah turned the phone so that Flavia could give her a wave.

"Shit," said Kira. "You really did it."

Sarah saw something else in the video. "Was that Georgina behind you?"

"No, it, uh, yeah. She's here to work on new tracks."

"Then why was she just wearing a towel?"

Kira was silent for a moment. "We've been seeing each other. It's not serious; we still don't like each other much. But the sex is alright, so..."

"And after you gave Daniella so much shit!" Sarah wished them both well and settled back into her cuddle.

Stretching, Flavia said, "It's been a busy day, and I'm wiped. You must be tired too, Sarah. Why don't we go to bed?"

Marie laughed. "It's 8:30, Mum. If you want to take your girlfriend to bed to shag her, just say it. You don't have to be coy around me."

"Alright." Flavia stood and reached a hand down to help Sarah up. "Let's go to bed and make love."

????

Sarah followed Flavia into her bedroom. No -- their bedroom. She was actually living with Flavia! Just the thought was exciting and scary and exciting and intriging and exciting and daunting and exciting. Flavia embraced her, their tongues entwining. From downstairs came the sound of the television, and a reminder that Sarah was now living with a woman whose daughter was older than Sarah. It was complicated and unusual, but Flavia's kisses and roving hands were taking Sarah's mind off her worries.

While Flavia's lips moved along Sarah's jaw, she began to unbutton Sarah's blouse. When she pushed the top off Sarah's shoulders, her lips were at Sarah's ear, whispering, "I can't believe I get to do this every night. And morning. Perhaps some afternoons too."

Sarah sought Flavia's mouth with her own, kissing her deeply. As she did, she felt Flavia's arm behind her back, then her bra went slack. Flavia slid it down her arms and onto the floor, her hands fondling Sarah's bare breasts.

When Flavia ended the kiss, Sarah said, "You can. Have me, that is. Whenever and wherever you want."

Flavia smiled and kissed her again. "I know."

She worked the opening of Sarah's jeans, then slid them down her legs. "I just hope you can patch things up with your mum."

"Not now," said Sarah, working the buttons on Flavia's dress. "I want to forget all about that for a while." She stared up into Flavia's eyes. "Help me forget."

Stepping out of her dress, Flavia took Sarah's left nipple into her hot and wet mouth, her tongue playing over it as it hardened and grew. With a hand behind Sarah's back, she guided her to lie on the bed, her mouth only moving enough to claim the other nipple. Her other hand slid smoothly down Sarah's belly and under her knickers, fingers trailing up and down Sarah's wet womanhood. Almost involuntarily, Sarah's legs spread to give her easier access.

Rising, Flavia reached down to pull Sarah's knickers down, with Sarah helpfully raising her legs. Naked, Sarah looked up at the magnificent woman wearing just blue lace underwear. She was living with her! Her dreams were coming true, and she couldn't remember ever being happier. Maybe her mum's reaction had been a blessing in disguise.

Flavia remained standing long enough to remove her remaining clothes, then climbed back onto the bed, but this time with her legs straddling Sarah's face while facing Sarah's feet. Without hesitation, Sarah raised her head and ran her tongue over Flavia's glistening lips, enjoying the exquisite taste and smell. Her hands reached around to hold Flavia's bum, the flesh soft under her fingers. Meanwhile, Flavia leaned forward, her hair tickling Sarah's belly and legs, before Sarah felt a tongue gently running over her, warm and moist.

It was hard to concentrate on pleasuring Flavia while the older woman teased her with licks and nibbles, but Sarah did her best, noticing the evident arousal her actions were producing. As she extended her licks, she felt Flavia's fingers touch her, one entering her, while her thumb applied gentle pressure to Sarah's clitoral hood. Two could play at that game. Moaning, Sarah tapped Flavia's clitoris with her own tongue, finding it strange for it to be "down" instead of up in the sixty-nine position.

Flavia's finger pressed in and out of Sarah, gathering pace before it was joined by a second finger. In response, Sarah stuck her tongue inside Flavia as far as it would go, then removed it and placed her lips around Flavia's clit and sucked. She was rewarded by a spasm from the warm body above hers. But Sarah let go to moan loudly when she felt Flavia finger her G spot, and her thumb thrum Sarah's clit.

Returning to Flavia's clit, Sarah took it back into her mouth, and this time she swirled her tongue about it. Moans were coming from Flavia, but she was still sending Sarah into flights of delirium with her ministrations. When Flavia's own mouth took Sarah's clit inside, the first touch of her lips and tongue was enough for Sarah to reach a climax, screaming out in her overwhelming ecstasy.

When she recovered her senses, she was under the covers, with Flavia holding her, running her fingers through Sarah's hair, their soft and warm bodies pressed together.

Sarah kissed her, not passionately this time, but lovingly and tenderly. "That was -- wow. You really know how to blow a girl's mind. I just hope Marie didn't hear."

Flavia laid soft kisses along her collar bone. "You screamed very loudly, and she knew why we headed to bed. She knows."

"Right. Tomorrow might be awkward. But it's worth it, because I get to be with you. If my mum hadn't thrown me out, would you still have wanted me to move in? Because if this is just because I need a place to stay, that's fine, and when--"

"I want this, Sarah, very much so. I'd have asked long ago if I could have found the courage. Even if your mother invites you to move back in, I'd prefer that you stay here." She kissed Sarah. "With me." Another kiss. "Where you belong." A kiss. "Your mother got all that lunch you cooked, but I got what's important."

Sarah felt as though a warm stone was heating up her stomach from the inside. "Thank you. There's nowhere I'd rather be. And I've been thinking over what happened during that disastrous lunch that wasn't actually a lunch. You told my mum that I'm the woman you love."

Flavia kissed her again. "What about it?"

"Is that true? If were you just saying that to defend me--"

"It's true."

Sarah let out a yip of delight. "Then say it to me properly. Say it now."

Flavia rolled them over so that she was lying on Sarah, staring down, her eyes glittering in the light of the lamps. "Sarah Walton, I love you."

Sarah shifted her legs apart so that Flavia rested more easily between them, her weight a comfort. "I love you too, Flavia."