She kept a list of her lovers in her desk drawer the one that locked. The one that held her secrets.
The list totaled seventeen. Not bad she rationalized. For a forty year old woman divorced.
she had watched tv dramas women in her position had barhopped to fifty lovers in a year. but not her.
They ranged from lovers she needed lovers she wanted to lovers who could not pass from one night to the other.
But the new neighbor was different. he had a daughter twelve or so.
She had dropped a bag of groceries the eggs splattered he held her close saying shushhh honey its ok. kissing her hair Keeping her safe and comforted.
Her ex never did that. An hour later he appeared with two more bags of grocery. That night She felt him watching her slip into her pool. She felt his eyes on her.
He appeared with a bottle of wine. Can I join you he asked? As he took his clothes off and sat in the pool. Only if you dont take this the wrong way she smiled.
He slipped naked in the blue water. He looked fit and tanned. As she slipped out of the water he looked into her eyes and said you have beautiful breast.
Blushing she closed her robe. Do you get lonely he asked.? Yes sometimes. I do too he whispered. Are you lonely now Yes she said.
Five years later
They laughed as thier little baby girl joined the other children in the pool.
Swimming for the first time her new baby laughed. She looked at him holding the chid safe, He was so safe so warm. So much what she needed.
He reached for her hand. she felt his solid grip. I love you my sweetheart he said. As he picked up their little girl I love you too daddy she whispered.
As a tear of joy flowed softly down her face.
Just when you think you are past love is when you find your last love. Jude