Introduction: 

It was summer time and The Nancy Hanks, an old locomotive, was making its inaugural run from Atlanta to Statesboro.  Kayla Grainger stood in the ticket line and watched the frenzied movement of the bustling crowd rushing throughout the terminal.  She knew most of the people were present to become part of the historical event taking place.  Kayla wondered if she might be the only person around that wanted to take a step back in time.  Her ride would take her backward to where her life both began and ended so many years ago. 

With ticket in hand, Kayla pushed her way through the train car until she reached the last seat in the coach.  She sat next to the window and gazed unseeingly at the Atlanta skyline as her memories carried her fifteen years into the past.

 

Part 1 

15 years ago: 

Suzanne Butler parked her car on Main Street among the many other early morning shoppers.  She reached over and picked up her morning paper before slowly climbing out and locking the car door.  Suzanne chuckled aloud as she looked at her old clunker and thought if she left it unlocked maybe someone would steal it and take the nuisance off her hands.  Shaking her head, she walked briskly into The Downtown Diner. 

“Morning, Sue.  How’s it going?  Sally, the waitress, called out as she poured a cup of coffee. 

“Doing so-so.  The air is killing me and it is already hot as Hades outside.”  Suzanne quickly moved toward the only booth left unoccupied by the windows. 

“Toast and coffee…right Sue?”  Sally said as she walked past the booth. 

“Yes, perfect.”   

Suzanne flipped open her paper and began looking at the headlines.  She could hear the movement and talking of the other customers but tuned them out as she read about a home town model making it big in New York.  Her eyes glazed as she stared at the incredible image before her eyes.   

Kayla Grainger was the most exotic woman Suzanne had seen.  The photo cast her dark skin in a soft brown tone.  Her black hair was pulled back in a tight chignon, held away from her face.  Her face was slender, with a thin straight nose and a narrow chin lifted slightly displaying her classical beauty.  Her lips were glossy and pouted slightly with a just kissed appearance to them.  It was her dark eyes that gleamed with life, inviting Suzanne to look closer. 

Suzanne snickered under her breath as she remembered Kayla from their childhood.  She could not count the number of times she had reached out and pulled Kayla’s black braids just to make her notice that she was sitting behind her in class.  They had been grade school friends before Kayla’s parents decided to move back to New York where the rest of their family lived.  She remembered the pain of losing her best friend so many years ago. 

Reading the article, Suzanne noted that Kayla Grainger would be in town for one night during the Peanut Festival.  There was to be a celebration for Kayla on behalf of her success although it had been years since Kayla lived in Statesboro.  Maybe she would mosey on down to the festival and see if Kayla remembered her. 

“Suzanne….oh Suzanne?”  A male voice broke her concentration and made her look up. 

“What Zack?  Have a seat.”  She stated as she pointed to the other side of the table. 

Zack sat down, propping his elbows on the table where he could rest his chin on his clasped hands.   

“How have you been doing, Sue?”  He asked as Sally sat another cup of coffee on the table. 

“Fine… working like a dog to get the hay baled and stacked.”  She replied as she lifted her now cooled coffee and took a sip. “What have you been up to?” 

“Not much.  Stopped a couple of cars on I-75.  Found a load of drugs in one of them.  Same old…same old…” Zack answered as he added sugar to his coffee.  Zack was a sergeant in the local Sheriff’s Department and a long time friend of Suzanne’s. 

“When will people ever learn?”  Suzanne mumbled as she folded the newspaper and sat it on the bench beside her. 

“Say Sue?”  Zack began nervously. 

“Yesssssss…” 

“Would you consider going to the Peanut Dance with me?”  He ran a finger under the collar of his starched shirt. 

“Zack………. You know how I feel about dating men.” 

“I know….I know.  But Ellen is going with that big shot banker and I just want to see what is going on between them.” 

“How many times have we had this discussion?  Ask the girl to marry you and get over worrying about losing her.” 

“Jesus….I know but dang….I am just not ready.” 

“Then you may end up losing her.” 

“Oh don’t I know it.  Please come with me.  I am begging you.”  Zack said as he looked around the café to see if anyone was listening to their conversation. 

Zack was a big man and never backed down from a fight in his life.  But he found himself begging for help before he lost Ellen, the love of his life. 

Suzanne stared at him a long time before looking down once more at the paper lying beside her.  Kayla’s image stared back at her in a mocking salute.  Maybe this will give me the chance to talk to Kayla, she thought to herself before looking back up at Zack. 

“You know what?  You got yourself a date.  Don’t expect me to be in a dress and I’ll drive myself to the dance.  I’ll meet you at the South entrance at….8 pm.” 

“Oh bless you….bless you.”  Zack reached out and squeezed her hand.  “I’ll never be able to repay you.  See you later.” 

Zack slid out of the booth and left as quickly as he had entered. 

“No you won’t.”  Suzanne mumbled as she shook her crushed fingers. 

Throwing some money on the table, Suzanne picked up the paper as she too left the café.  As she climbed into the car, she tossed the paper on the seat beside her.   

“Guess I’ll see you on Friday night,” she said to Kayla’s image before cranking the car and heading toward the hardware store.  She still had a couple of errands to run before returning home to stack the rest of the hay bales in the barn.

 

Part 2 

Kayla Grainger stepped out of her Mercedes.  A blast of heat surrounded her body and nearly took her breath away.  She had forgotten how god awful the heat was in the South.  Already her crisply starched shirt lay limply against her body.  Looking down she could see the outline of her nipples pressing out against the now lifeless material.  Looking up, Kayla saw the sign to The Downtown Diner.  Walking briskly across the street, she entered the diner and was greeted by a stream of cold air.  

“Help yourself to a seat.  I’ll be with you in just a moment.” The waitress called out as she walked over to the cook counter and passed through an order. 

Kayla moved over and sat in the booth closest to the window.  She wanted to look over the street that had been her home so many years ago.   

“What’ll you have?”  Sally asked as she held her pen ready to take the order. 

“Hummm…I’ll have iced tea and a house salad.”  Kayla ordered.  She suddenly remembered that all tea was sweet unless ordered unsweetened.  “Oh make that unsweet tea, please.” 

“Sure, honey.” Sally replied as she moved behind the counter. 

“Say, don’t I know you?”  Sally asked as she placed the glass of tea on the table. 

“I don’t think so.” Kayla answered. 

“Sure I do.  Let me think.”  Sally stared at Kayla for several minutes before she snapped her fingers, startling Kayla. 

“You’re that model on the front page of the paper.  The one from New York.  Right?” 

“Yes, I am.  I’m Kayla Grainger.” 

“Well hot diggity dog.  Wait till I tell the other ladies that I got to wait on you.  Is there anything that I can do for you?”  Sally asked before pulling out a paper napkin and laying it on the table in front of Kayla. 

“Will you sign this for me?” 

As Kayla wrote her name on the napkin, she looked up at Sally.  “There is something you might help me with.” 

“Sure.” 

“Do you know if Suzanne Butler still lives in Statesboro?” 

“Sugar…sure enough.  She was sitting in the very spot you are in less than one day ago.  I bet she is back out at the farm working.  That is the hardest working one woman that I know.  What do you want with her?” 

“She is just an old friend I thought I would look up.”  Kayla stated as she ran her fingers through the moisture on the outside of the glass. 

“Heard tell she’ll be at the dance tonight.  Kind of surprised me though.” 

“Ohhh?” 

“Yeah, she don’t date much and when she does…” leaning closer Sally whispered…. “It is mostly women.” 

Kayla smiled at that little bit of gossip.  She could have told Sally she knew that years ago but held back.  She was pleased to pick up that Suzanne was still single.  Kayla wanted to see her once more and try to figure out why she had never forgotten her although many years had gone by. 

As she sipped her tea, Kayla remembered the gangly girl that was forever taunting her.  There wasn’t a day that went by, that Suzanne wasn’t tugging on her hair or hip checking her as they walked down the hallway.  She remembered Suzanne as a tall, lanky girl that had not filled out yet.  Her hair was chestnut brown and straight as a board, making Kayla envious so many years ago.  Suzanne’s complexion had always been tanned where she ran wild in the sun, chasing horses through the fields.  Her penetrating blue eyes never missed anything that happened around her.  She used to act so tough but underneath it all was a heart of gold. 

Kayla missed her friend and wondered if she would be as she remembered her.  Suzanne was the only reason she had accepted the invitation to be the guest at the dance tonight.  Thank god she had time to drop in before her next shoot was to take place.  If life went right, she’d be investigating why she couldn’t forget Suzanne.  

Kayla finished her lunch as Sally hovered nearby, never letting her tea glass even reach half empty.  She paid for lunch and made her way back out into the heat.  She would hibernate in her hotel room until the dance..

Part 3 

Suzanne roared into the parking lot of the park on her Harley.  The noise drowned out everything around her as she finally found a closer place to park.  She kicked down the stand and still straddling the seat, pulled off her helmet and shook out her long hair.  She dismounted before turning to clip her helmet to the seat.  Reaching into her pocket, she pulled out a silver clip.  With both hands she gathered her hair behind her head and bound it with the clip in her hand. 

Her black jeans still held their starched creases despite the heat of the night.  Her toes of her boots peaked from beneath her pant cuffs.  She tucked her dark blue shirt into her jeans before adjust the black leather vest worn over the shirt.  She was ready to meet Zach.  Where in the hell was he?, she thought to herself as she neared the entry door on the South side of the building.  After waiting nearly twenty minutes, she realized, Zack must have been called out on a run or he would have been here to check on Ellen.  Tossing down her cigarette, Suzanne turned and entered the hall. 

Kayla was standing on stage next to the Mayor.  He had just finished giving his speech and handing her a plaque and a plastic, gold plated key to the city.  Kayla stepped toward the podium and quickly spoke.  The crowd went wild clapping and whistling.  As she looked over the crowd, her eyes were drawn to a very attractive woman standing in the back of the room.  She ran her glance down the cowgirl’s athletic body and felt her own draw tight with sexual tension.  She was exactly the kind of woman she loved meeting.  Then she looked upward into her face and was greeted with the stare from a pair of brilliant dark blue eyes.  Her smile widened in surprise as she recognized Suzanne. 

Suzanne felt Kayla’s eyes traveling her body and even from this distance she could feel the want in her look.  This is going to be better than I expected, she thought as she pushed away from the wall and walked toward the stage. 

Reaching the stage, Suzanne stopped directly below Kayla.  Tilting her head back, she got her first up close look at Kayla’s perfect body and face.  Her breath was swept away with the beauty before her.   

As Kayla looked back, a small smile broke the surface of her face. With deliberate slowness, she protruded her tongue slightly and moistened her lips.  She watched Suzanne’s face as Suzanne concentrated on the movement of her tongue.  Oh yes…it is going to be a hot time in Dixie tonight, Kayla thought as she watched a glaze coat the blue eyes before her. 

“Hey stranger,” Kayla finally broke the stare.  

“Hey yourself, Kay.”  Suzanne managed to say between her own dry lips.  She didn’t realize she had been breathing through her mouth until she felt how parched she was. 

“Would you like to walk over and have some punch with me?”  Suzanne asked as she walked along side Kayla, who was still up on the stage. 

“I would love to.”  Kayla walked quickly down the steps until she stood next to Suzanne.   

“Do you know that no one has called me Kay, but you?” 

“Oh…” Suzanne smiled as she reached over and lifted Kayla’s hand in hers.  She could feel the heat in Kayla’s body.  It was nearly as hot as her own. 

“Tell you what, why don’t we step outside where it is a little cooler?” Suzanne asked as she guided Kayla through the crowd of dancers and out the same door she had entered. 

Kayla leaned against the rail as she watched Suzanne light her cigarette.  Her eyes watched the sensuous lips that enveloped the tip of the cigarette.  She couldn’t help wishing those lips were on her body as her temperature continued to climb.  She realized what had been a childhood crush had somehow over the years become a desire for more.  She just hadn’t realized how strong that desire was until she saw Suzanne again. 

“Like what you see?”  Suzanne asked as she crushed the butt of her smoke beneath her heel. 

Kayla stepped forward and slowly ran a hand over the front of Suzanne’s chest. 

“You’ve finally filled out, haven’t you?”  She remarked as her fingers lingered over Suzanne’s nipples.  They quickly hardened beneath the warmth of her marauding fingers. 

Suzanne reached up and captured one of her hands, holding it tight against her breast.  She stepped closer until their bodies were pressed together.  Dipping her head, she was able to trace Kayla’s lips with her tongue before pulling her tightly into a hot, wet kiss.  

Their lips ground together as each struggled to dominate the other until finally all that could be heard was their harsh breathing and suppressed moans as the kisses continued. 

Suzanne let go of Kayla’s hand in order to press her palm against Kayla’s hips, pulling her closer as she ground their pelvises together. 

The door opened beside them, causing the heated clasp to break apart.  They stood staring at one another until the intruders moved into the parking lot. 

“Drive out to the reservoir with me,” Suzanne commanded as she gently brushed her work roughed hand over the velvet smooth softness of one of Kayla’s cheeks. 

“Yessss”  Kayla managed to exhale before she was rapidly pulled along behind Suzanne.   

Suzanne stopped beside her bike and turned back toward Kayla.  She looked down and noted Kayla was wearing a long black skirt.   

“Oh…I guess riding is out of the question.” 

“Not on your life.” Kayla answered as she reached down and lifted the hem of her skirt.  With a rapid movement, she tore the skirt along the left seam until it stopped at her hipline.  “Now, let’s go.” She stated as she kicked a leg over the seat and scooted back far enough for Suzanne to mount. 

The bike roared out of the parking lot as Suzanne headed toward the reservoir. 

 

Part 4 

The water rippled gently as the bike pulled up to the beach.   Once the engine died, silence reigned over the area.  Suzanne climbed off the bike and turned back toward Kayla.  She swiveled Kayla around until both legs were on one side of the bike.  She then stepped between Kayla’s legs as she drew her once more into an intimate embrace.   

Suzanne tilted Kayla’s head back as her lips sought the slightly swollen lips.  Kayla opened her mouth as Suzanne probed gently against her teeth.  Just as easily as it started, the kiss quickly heated until their mouths ground tightly against each other, each one trying to consume the other. 

Suzanne drew back and with shaky hands, slowly unbuttoned the buttons on Kayla’s blouse.  She slipped it over her shoulders, letting it drop onto the sand behind them.   

The moon glinted over the tops of the trees with enough light to shine over Kayla’s golden breasts with their ruby red nipples.   Suzanne ran her rough fingertips over the harden nubs as she continued to kiss and suck along Kayla’s neck.  With slow deliberate moves, Suzanne trailed her tongue over Kayla’s breast until one sweet berry was sucked into her mouth. 

Kayla groaned and held onto Suzanne’s head to keep from falling backward off the bike.  She threw back her head and groaned aloud as her nipple hardened beneath the tonguing it was getting. 

Kayla arched forward, pressing her breast more firmly against Suzanne’s tongue as her body ignited into flames.  She was wet simply from the touch of Suzanne’s tongue.  Making love would be so much more.  Would it be enough to quell the burning fever now raging through her body?  

Suzanne slipped back and straddled Kayla’s uncovered leg.  She slid her hand beneath the torn skirt.  Her fingers sought and found the wet juncture between Kayla’s legs.  With velvety movements, she stroked her fingers along Kayla’s wet lips, pressing against the swollen nub she could feel beneath her silk panties.  She felt Kayla rocking back against her fingers as she slowly slid the crotch to one side so that her fingers could finally touch the hot pink flesh between Kayla’s legs. 

One stroke, two, three, followed by two fingers sliding into Kayla’s body, sent Kayla quickly over the edge as she came against the fevered touch of Suzanne’s hand.   

Suzanne felt the liquid following against her fingers as she pressed her own clit hard against Kayla’s legs, riding it until she too climaxed in ecstasy.  

Slowly Suzanne pulled her fingers out.  They were coated with the smooth essence of Kayla’s body.  With deliberate movements, she licked her two fingers clean as Kayla watched in silence. 

“Come back to my place with me.”  Suzanne commanded as she drew away from Kayla, allowing her to straighten her clothing. 

“I can’t, I fly out in two hours.”  Kayla replied as she watched a stoic look cross Suzanne’s face.  “Fly to New York with me.” 

“No good.  I am in the middle of harvest.” 

“So this is it?  A one night stand or should I say one hour?”  Kayla remarked in a hurtful tone. 

“It does look like it, doesn’t it?”  Suzanne replied as she helped Kayla reposition on the bike before climbing back on herself. 

“Will I see you again?”  Kayla asked as she leaned her cheek against Suzanne’s back. 

“I don’t know.  I am here…you are in New York.  Who knows…maybe someday.“ Suzanne started the bike and drove back toward town.  The wind whipped into her face and blew the tears from her eyes before Kayla could see the depth of her feelings for her. 

The ride back was quiet as Suzanne pulled up in front of the hotel and gently helped Kayla from the bike.   

Suzanne reached out and drew Kayla into one more passionate kiss before remounting and roaring off into the night.

Kayla did not see Suzanne before she left town forever..

Epilogue:  

Present time 

“Next stop…Statesboro.” 

The conductor continued to call out as he walked car to car.  Kayla shook away her memories as she prepared to step down from the train.  She was nervous over what she would find in her quest to close the door on the past.  She had a wonderful woman waiting for her in New York but she couldn’t make the commitment until she sealed the lock on her past love. 

Slowly Kayla walked down the street until once more she stopped before The Downtown Diner.  It looked much as it had fifteen years ago.  Opening the door, she walked inside.   

“Hello.  Table for one?” The waitress asked.   

“Yes, that would be good.” 

“Follow me please.” 

Once Kayla was seated the waitress handed her a menu. 

“I’m Ellen.  If you need anything at all, just call out.”  She turned to walk back to the counter to get the silverware and water. 

“Wait.  I have a question for you.” 

“Yes?” 

“Do you know Suzanne Butler?” 

Ellen paused and walked back to the table.   

“Yes, very well in fact.” 

“How is she?” 

“She is doing well.  Hold on…Honey…can you come out here a minute?” 

Ellen stood by the table as a tall slender woman walked out of the kitchen. 

“Suzanne, baby.  This woman wanted to know if I knew you.”   

Suzanne walked up and wrapped her arms around Ellen’s waist as she looked at Kayla sitting at the table. 

“Hello Kay.  How have you been?” 

“Really good.  Life has treated me well.” 

“Yes I see.  You are still beautiful.” 

“Thanks.” 

“Kay…this is Ellen, my wife.” 

Kayla reached up and shook Ellen’s hand.   

“I am very happy to meet you.” 

Ellen stepped away from Suzanne as she gently pushed her down onto a chair at the table with Kayla.   

“Why don’t you to talk while I clean off these other tables.” 

Kayla looked at Suzanne and watched her as Suzanne followed Ellen’s movements with love in her eyes. 

“You really are happy, aren’t you?”  Kayla asked. 

“Yes, very much so.  She is all that I have ever desired.  She is my comfort at night and my strength during the day.  I love her very much.”  Suzanne answered before turning back to look at Kayla. 

“How have you been?” 

“I am great.  I just wanted to come back and see how you were doing before I move on with my life.  I have a wonderful partner waiting for me to return.  She understood that I needed to come back one last time to be sure that you were out of my life.  She didn’t need to worry after all.  I realize what we had now was a one night fling…a great fling, but still just one night.” 

“That is so true.  I wondered how you were doing.” 

“I am doing very well.  I wanted to make sure you were ok before I committed to my gal.” 

“Kayla…I am fine.  I’m in love, happy and wouldn’t change a thing in my life.  It is time for you to go home to your woman and give her all the love I know that you have inside of you.” 

“I am and I will.  I simply needed to close this chapter of my life so that I would have no regrets hanging over me.  I hope Ellen knows how lucky she is to have you in her life.” 

“No, it is me who has been lucky.  We both wish you and your partner well.” 

Kayla stood and hugged Suzanne one last time before she made the train journey back to her own true love.  The door had been closed on the final unfinished chapter of her life..

 

The End