“I am so damn tired of picking my mail up off the ground.” Stacy grumbled aloud as she climbed out of her car and picked up the letters that were lying below her mailbox.  “Why in the hell can’t the carrier put my mail in the box?  This is the third time this week that I’ve found it on the ground.” 

Stacy got back into the car and began to pull into her drive.  The more she thought about her mail, the more upset she became.  Deciding to do something about it, she put the car in reverse and peeled out of the drive, heading toward the Post Office.  It is time to take some action to get this problem under control. She thought to herself. 

She stormed into the Post Office and stood impatiently in line until it was her turn at the counter.  Her green eyes blazed with anger as she tossed her long, straight, ash blonde hair over her shoulders.  She tapped her foot, wishing the line would move closer. 

She was sandwiched between two men who towered over her five feet six inch stature, making it hard for her to see in front or behind.  Finally, she was invited to step up to the counter. 

“Next,” the mail person behind the counter said.   

As Stacy moved closer, the clerk asked in a nasally, flat tone of voice.  “Need stamps, envelopes, money orders, or anything else?” 

“I want to see the Post Master…Post Mistress… Post Person or whomever is in charge.”  She said curtly to the clerk.   

“One moment, please.” the woman responded in her grating voice.  She stepped away from her post and slipped into the back room.  Within minutes, a young man stepped through the door and walked up to where Stacy stood. 

“What can I do for you, ma’am?” He asked in a condescending manner.   

“I want to report my mail carrier for the careless handling of my mail.”  Stacy said as she bristled over being called ma’am.   

The young man pulled out a small tablet from his pocket and a pen.  Poised to write, he asked, “Name, address and zip code, please.” 

“Stacy Canady, 2116 Northwest Locus Drive, 234564.”  She snapped back just as rapidly. 

“Do you have a number we can call for further questions?”  He asked. 

“That’s it?”  She asked in astonishment. 

“Well, yes, ma’am.  I will have someone look into the matter and we’ll give you a call in a couple of days.  Have a good day,” he said as he turned and walked back behind the counter not even waiting for her phone number. 

Stacy stood in the same spot with her mouth hanging open until she realized she had been curtly dismissed.  Still unsatisfied with the encounter, she turned and briskly left the building and headed back home. 

“God damn it to hell, the little asswipe.” She fumed as she cruised toward her house.  “I’ll have to figure out myself what the hell is happening and see if I can get it stopped.”  She said to her image in the rearview mirror.  “Yes, that is what I’ll do.” 

The days passed and the mail remained in the mailbox until that Friday.  When Stacy pulled into the drive, she immediately noted her mail scattered on the ground below the box.  Cussing under her breath, she put the car in park and climbed out to retrieve her mail from the muddy ground.  She wiped it off as best she could once she got back in the car.  Pulling into the garage, Stacy decided she was just going to have to find out who was messing with her mail and why. 

On Saturday, Stacy finished her chores as fast as she could.  She knew that the mail carrier delivered her mail after noon each day.  She wanted to be on the front porch so that she could watch her handler.  As the clock struck twelve, Stacy poured herself a glass of tea, walked to the front porch and sat down on the swing that was nestled in the porch’s shadows. 

It was a cool spring day and Stacy took the time to enjoy the sounds around her.  She could hear the robins calling to each other.  The blue birds with their red breasts darted back and forth, gathering twigs and cut grass to begin making their nests.  She noted several squirrels scurrying around the yard.   

The squirrels were adventuresome little devils.  She watched as they raced up and down trees, chasing each other.  At times they would follow each other across the telephone lines to the next set of trees and begin their game of tag once more.  Several times, Stacy even saw them racing up and down the mailboxes in her yard and the neighbor’s.  Their antics were fun to watch and made her smile. 

As she watched the squirrels, she saw the mail carrier walking down the sidewalk toward her house.  She did a double take and stared at the figure coming closer.  The mail carrier was a woman and she was extremely attractive. She was tall and very slender, looking more like a swimsuit model than a letter carrier.  She was wearing regulated mid thigh US Postal blue shorts with the uniform red striped, cotton shirt neatly tucked into her shorts.  Her feet were covered by matching blue socks and comfortable black lace Reeboks.  She was bareheaded and carried the large tan pouch slung over her left shoulder.  She walked effortlessly, her thigh muscles standing out in relief with ever step she took.  She whistled as she walked and appeared to be enjoying the work she was doing.   As she neared her house, Stacy was able to get a better look at her features.  She must have been close to five feet eleven or maybe even a good six feet tall.   Her hair was chestnut in color and pulled back into an attractive French braid with a wafting of bangs floating on her forehead.  She was wearing sunglasses, making it impossible to see the color of her eyes. 

Her lips remained pursed in a whistle as she stopped beside the mailbox and placed several pieces of mail in the box.  None was dropped to the ground.  She never noticed Stacy staring at her from the porch as she continued to the next drop.  Stacy sat stunned by the woman she had just seen.  By the time she regained her equilibrium, the carrier had already turned the corner and was out of site.  Stacy staggered to her feet, managed to retrieve her mail from the box and reentered the house.  She had learned little as to how her mail ended up on the ground.  She knew she was going to have to keep her eyes peeled if she was ever to solve the mystery.  

Later that night, her phone rang.   

“Hello.”   

“Hi, babe.” 

“Oh, hi, Joan.  What’s happening,” Stacy asked as she flopped back onto the couch. 

“Hey Stace, want to go clubbing with us tonight?”   

“Awww.  You know how I feel about bar hopping.”  Stacy whined into the phone. 

“Come on, when’s the last time you were out.”  Joan wheedled. 

“I’m always out, you know that. Ever since I was sixteen.”   

“Bitch. That’s not what I meant and you know it.”  Joan replied even as she continued speaking. 

“Stacy, we’ll be by at eight pm to pick you up whether you are ready or not.  Ciao!”  Click!  The phone went dead. 

***** 

Seven forty five rolled around and Stacy was waiting impatiently for Joan to pick her up.  She debated many times in her mind whether she should just drive her own car instead of having to wait until the group was ready to come back home.  Yes….No…repeatedly she would decide for or against using her own transportation.  She was on the ‘No’ phase when she heard a horn blasting away from the driveway.  She snatched up her jacket and headed out the door, realizing she would be stuck with the group until they were ready to head for home. 

The bar was lively and loud.   Strobe lights flickered constantly adding to the heightened level of excitement that was cast over the dance floor.  The music blared from well-placed speakers as the band gyrated on the postage stamp sized stage.  Voices clamored to be heard over the harsh strident sounds of the guitar as it snapped and held one long high-pitched note.  Women were milling everywhere and seemed to know one another with the ease of long time acquaintance.  It was not hard to understand, as this was the only lesbian bar in town.  Everyone did know everyone else unless someone from out of town happened to be frequenting the place.   

It had been months since Stacy had been to the bar.  When she split with her last girlfriend, her desire to resume dating and trying to establish another long-term relationship waned.  It wasn’t a bad split but rather based on loss of romantic interest in one another.  They remained good friends but the passionate relationship that burned brightly for several months seemed to have dissipated mutually over time.  They were simply no longer a couple. 

As Stacy stood and looked around at the familiar faces, several people she knew would call out her name and wave.  She waved back as she made her way to the bar.  The group she had come with had already split apart and were drifting sporadically throughout the room, talking with their old friends. 

Climbing onto a bar stool, Stacy turned to the bartender to order a coke and rum.  Her mouth fell open and no words came out.  There, standing behind the bar, dressed in leather, was her letter carrier. 

“What’ll you have tonight?” the sultry voice asked as the woman wiped her hands on a dishtowel. 

“Ahhh….rum….and coke.”  Stacy managed to finally get out. 

“One rum and coke coming up,” the bartender replied.   

Turning away, the bartender walked toward the other end of the bar.  There were actually four bartenders behind the bar as the crowd constantly stopped to pick up drinks.  Stacy had eyes only for the carrier.  She watched as she walked away and once more admired her physique.  The carrier was wearing black leather pants that hugged her long legs and cupped her tight ass like a well fitting glove.  Her feet were covered with jet-black boots that complimented her pants.  She wore a solid white silk shirt that shifted smoothly across her broad shoulders as she moved.  The tails were tucked into her pants, highlighting her narrow waist.   

Stacy’s eyes moved to the back of her head and noted that she still had a French braid that hung neatly down her back.  She wondered what it must look like when it was released.  She could nearly picture the waves that would be threaded through it from the tight braid and wondered how soft it would feel beneath her palm.  Her hands began to sweat so she wiped it along her linen pants as she waited for her drink. 

“CJ, how’s it hanging,” Stacy heard one of the other bartender’s say to her carrier. 

“CJ…..CJ….nice name” she thought to herself as she waited on her drink. 

CJ walked back up with drink in hand.  Stacy continued to stare into her face as she was finally able to see her eyes.  CJ’s eyes were dark gray with pinpoints of light shining outward, reflecting the strobes as they flashed off and on.  Her brows were perfectly arched, adding to the attractive appearance of her face.  She had laugher lines, crows feet, in the corner of her eyes.  Her lips pursed in a half smile as she observed Stacy staring at her. 

“See anything else you want?” she asked in a seductive tone. 

Stacy blushed and looked down at the bar as CJ set her drink in front of her.

”Well?” 

“Oh, I want it all if you want to know the truth,” Stacy said when she looked back up. 

CJ threw back her head and laughed aloud.  “At least you are honest.”   

Stacy smiled at her as she lifted her drink and took a sip.  “Very good.” 

“Glad you like it.  Say, have I seen you before?”  CJ asked as she leaned against the counter. 

“I’m not sure.  You deliver my mail.”  Stacy relayed. 

“Oh…. now that’s a lot of help, considering how much mail I deliver each day.” 

“Stacy Canady on Locus Drive.” 

“Yeah….yeah, the cute little house with the vine covered porch.” 

“That’s the one.”  Stacy confirmed. 

“Say, can I ask you a question?” Stacy began. 

“CJ, can you cover the drinks for table fourteen while I grab sixteen?” one of the other bartenders said as she walked up to CJ. 

CJ turned back to Stacy, saying, “Looks like duty calls.  Take your time and I’ll be back soon to see what the question is.”   

Stacy nodded her head, indicating she would remain where she was. 

CJ turned back to the mixing counter and began filling orders.  Stacy watched her lithe movements as she flipped bottles up and down and shot mixer into the glasses.  Occasionally, she added fruit or olives to garnish the glasses.  When she was done, her drinks were nearly a work of art.  She turned with the drinks on a tray and passed them over the bar to the server. 

“Thanks, CJ.  Great job as usual.”  The young woman said as she walked away with her tray of drinks held high over her head. 

CJ sauntered back over to stand in front of Stacy.  “Would you like another drink?” 

“Sure, I’ll take the same.” 

Setting a fresh drink in front of Stacy, CJ asked, “What was that question you wanted to ask?” 

“CJ, have you been having trouble with my mailbox?”  Stacy asked. 

CJ stared at her for a minute or two and then said, “What?” 

“I have been finding my mail on the ground two or three times a week.  I know that you have been putting it in the box but it’s still on the ground when I come home in the afternoon.  I wondered if maybe you were having trouble with my box.” 

“Gosh, no.  Your mailbox works perfectly.  Except for removing a little trash out of it occasionally, I haven’t had any problems with it.  The lid closes firmly and appears to remain closed.” 

“That’s odd because the mail is definitely on the ground.  Do you deliver every day?” 

“No, I have a substitute that covers for me twice a week on my days off.”  CJ answered in a perplexed manner.  “I have never heard any complaints from anyone about how he has delivered the mail.” 

“Would you mind checking with him?  Maybe the box is not working correctly for him.” 

“Sure, I’d be glad to.  I’m sorry you’re having so many problems.” 

“Tell you what; I’ll double check the box on Monday just to be sure that I haven’t missed any problems since you’ve brought it to my attention.” 

“That would be great.  Thanks, CJ.” 

“Hey babe, you ready to go home?” Joan said as she sidled up behind Stacy and draped herself over Stacy’s back. 

CJ looked at the woman hanging onto Stacy and wondered what their relationship was.  She cocked up one eyebrow as she pondered whether she should try to find out who she was.  She didn’t have to wonder for long.

“Joan, cut it out.  You’re too hot to be hanging onto me,” Stacy said as she pushed back against Joan’s body, making her step away.   

“CJ, this is my best friend, Joan.  Joan this is CJ.”  

“Nice to meet you, CJ.”  Joan said as she raked her eyes down the tall lanky frame in front of her.  She elbowed Stacy in the side, nearly unseating her as she whispered, “You lucky dog.” 

“Same here,” CJ said as she reached across the counter and shook hands with Joan. 

Joan turned back toward Stacy and said, “Stace, you ready to head out?  It’s nearly midnight and Sam has to take her mother to church in the morning.” 

“Sure, guess so.”  Stacy said with reluctance wishing she had driven her own car after all. 

“I’ll hope to talk with you again, Stacy.”  CJ said as she watched her getting ready to leave with her friends. 

“I’m not off again until next weekend if you want to give me an update on what the other carrier has to say,” Stacy said as she paid her tab. 

“Good.  I’ll look for you when I make the deliveries then.”  CJ replied placing her change on the counter.   

“Keep it.” Stacy said shoving the change back across the bar. “Good night.” 

“Night, Stacy, later.”  CJ kept her eyes glued to Stacy until she walked out of the door. 

*************** 

The week passed slowly as Stacy waited for Saturday to come around so that she could once again talk with CJ.  Twice that week she had come home and found her mail on the ground.  None of it was making much sense.  Thank goodness, the spring weather was holding up and it had not rained.  Finally, it was Friday afternoon and Stacy closed her office down and prepared to head home She was looking forward to her meeting with CJ on Saturday and wondered if she would still look as attractive in her uniform as she had the other night in the bar.

Saturday morning, Stacy rose early and rushed to pick up her laundry and a few groceries before the mail was delivered.  She was delayed at the drycleaners, which pushed her late home at nearly twelve thirty.  As she drove into the driveway, she noted CJ walking briskly toward the corner away from her house.  She quickly honked the horn several times, hoping to catch her attention.  She watched as CJ turned, raised her hand in acknowledgement and headed back in her direction.   

Parking the car, Stacy picked up her groceries and her laundry as she got out of the car.  CJ walked up and lifted the hanging outfits from her hands. 

“Here, let me give you a hand before they end up back on the ground.  I would hate for you to have to take them back in without even getting to wear them first.” 

“Thanks, that would be great,” Stacy said as she snuck looks at CJ’s body.   

CJ looked just as hot in her shorts and shirt as she did in her leather.  Her hair was loose and flowing around her shoulders today.  It swung softly across her back as she walked.  Stacy grinned as she noted the waves that ran through it from being held in the French Braid for some period.  It shone with chocolate brilliance, alive and rich in thickness and shininess.  Her tanned legs stretched forever as Stacy watched the muscles bunch with each step.  She carried her heavy mailbag effortlessly. 

As they walked up the steps, Stacy turned toward CJ. 

“Would you like to come in while I set these groceries in the kitchen?” 

“No, thank you.  I would like to sit out here in this shady swing, if you don’t mind?” 

“No, go right ahead.  Would you like a glass of iced tea?” 

“That would be great.  Holler at me if you need help with anything.” 

“I will, don’t worry.” 

Stacy moved into the house and hurried to the kitchen to unload her groceries.  She quickly poured two iced teas and rushed back out to the front porch.  CJ was kicked back in the swing, very relaxed and rocking it slowly with her foot.  She stopped moving as Stacy came through the door.  Stacy crossed the porch, handed a tea to CJ and sat down at the opposite end of the swing, facing CJ. 

CJ sipped her drink as Stacy watched the subtle movements in her neck with each swallow.  She had a sudden desire to press her lips against the slowly moving muscles that she could clearly see each time CJ’s throat moved.  Her own tea sat untouched. 

CJ paused and turned toward Stacy.   

“I should have grabbed your mail when I walked by the box.  Have you had any more trouble?”  She asked as she ran the ice cool glass lightly across her forehead. 

“Yes.  A couple of times this week I found the mail on the ground.  Did you get a chance to talk to the substitute?” 

“Yes.  He assures me that he has been putting the mail inside the box.  I asked him about the door on the box and he stated it closes and stays closed without any difficulty.  In fact, his words were other than the trash he sometimes has to pull out of it, he has had no problem putting your mail inside.” 

“Well damn.  I don’t know what in the world is happening,” Stacy said in puzzlement. 

“We’ll figure it out, just bear with us.”  CJ reached over and laid her hand on Stacy’s knee. 

Stacy’s heartbeat increased and she was sure that CJ would hear it beating as they sat close together.  There was silence around them but it was a comfortable silence and didn’t need to be filled in with small talk.   

As CJ looked over at Stacy, her lips curved into a soft smile as she began to talk.

“Stacy, would you like to go to the show tonight with me?” 

“I’d love to go.  Aren’t you working this weekend at the bar?” 

“No, I only fill in there when someone else has to have time off.  My weekends are usually very free.  What would you like to go se……” CJ began and then suddenly paused.  Her look passed over Stacy shoulder and focused on something or someone out in the yard.   

“I’ll be damned…” Stacy heard CJ whisper under her breath.  She turned around on the swing and looked out into the yard.  The squirrels were frolicking around and chasing each other from tree to fence to mailbox and back again.  As she watched the playful antics of the squirrels, she saw her mail fall out of the mailbox.  She shook her head in disbelief. 

CJ burst into laughter as she too watched the frisky behavior of the squirrels.  As she had been speaking to Stacy, she had noted that one of the squirrels had pulled open the mailbox and disappeared inside.  Its mouth was filled with twigs and branches as it scurried inside the box.  While watching the box, CJ saw the mail being shoved out of the box to drift softly onto the ground.   

“There’s your mail culprit,” CJ laughingly said. 

“What the heck?”  Stacy mumbled as she stood up.  “I feel like a fool, walking around questioning everyone about my mail.  Now come to find out, those wily little squirrels are the perpetrators.” 

“Thank god that issue is resolved.  Now we just need to figure out a way to keep the squirrels out of your mailbox.”  CJ stated as she stood up. 

“Come on and I’ll walk with you to the mailbox since I’ve got to get back on rounds.  I know an old remedy my granddaddy used to keep squirrels out of his birdfeeders.” 

“What is it?  It won’t hurt the squirrels will it?” 

“No, it’s a non-lethal repellant.  You mix hot peppers with a few birdseeds and leave them in the back of the box.  The squirrels hate the hot pepper and once it permeates the area, they’ll not come back.  Just be sure to keep it off your hands or your eyes will be burning like crazy.” 

“I can do that and if it doesn’t work, I’ll simply find a box that can be latched and maybe the little buggers won’t break inside.” 

“Good idea.  Well, I’ve got to get going.” 

“Oh CJ, before you leave, I wanted you to know that I love science fiction if you want to pick the show for us.”  She looked into CJ’s face and was lost in her brilliant gray eyes. 

“Ohhhh…just my type of girl.  I love it too.  I’ll pick you up around seven thirty tonight then.”  CJ finished as she turned and walked away bent on finishing her workload so she could get ready for her date that evening. 

“It’s a date.”  Stacy replied as she watched CJ continue down the walk and turn the corner out of site. 

The End