Fateful Jessica

Fate knocked at the door, I answered it like some automaton and through the frosted glass panel a long-haired figure foreshadowed coming events. Opening the door, my face cracked a smile when I saw it was my cousin Jessica, who lived nearby.

"Hi! Come in!", and I stood back to let her pass, "Can I get you a coffee?"

"Yes, please. I haven't had a cup yet."

"And it's after lunch?", I cut in.

"Didn't finish work until 6am."

"You need a coffee then. Have you had any sleep?"

"A few hours. Enough to start the weekend."

"Sit down then, and I'll put the kettle on. Do you want some tucker?"

"Had an apple on the walk over, and I thought we might go to the cafe, then do some shopping. If you're not doing anything, that is?"

That sounded just right, "No, my afternoon's free. What shopping did you have in mind?"

"Nothing exciting, only the usual groceries, but your company would be nice.", said Jessica with a coy smile.

"I've grocery shopping to do as well, and a pretty face makes the task much more appealing."

"Well, I don't know about the face but I figured you could do with some female company."

At this remark I paused. Jessica had hit the nail on the head, metaphorically speaking. Six months or so since my marriage failed and the pain was giving way to nostalgic remembrances of intimacy, including shopping. Loneliness can colour memories of even the toughest times. My mind began considering what Jessica was doing here, although not by way of complaint.

I nodded, and didn't move. Jessica cradled me in her arms and held me close while a few tears dribbled down my cheek. It had been too long since the fullness of a female breast had been felt against my chest. Soon I snuffled and withdrew from her embrace.


"I'll make you a coffee, and you can relax while I have a quick shower."

Jessica said "Thanks," with what seemed a smile in her voice. Having excused myself, I went to the bedroom that had been shared with my ex, to select clothes suitable for a hot summer afternoon. Cotton panties, light-blue lace bra, cargo-pants and t-shirt seemed the go.