An Inheritance

Chapter 28

That was one thing she was still working on.  Once she accepted her ‘gifts’ totally and without hesitation, the floodgates were opened and stimuli from all around poured into Lauren.  With the training and guidance from Odilia she was now beginning to limit and control her senses.  Although these ‘gifts’ weren’t something that could be turned on and off readily, Lauren could at least concentrate on what was important now and avoid reaching too far into the future.   

Lauren bent down and kissed Abby’s head and she, in turn, reached up and rubbed the side of her mouth against Lauren’s chin.  Two friends enjoying an idyllic early morning.  

The cottage would go under renovations next.  Right after Thanksgiving, Millicent had asked to come down and check out the family place.  Being a structural engineer, Millicent was able to talk to the contractor and help develop not only the changes to the barn, but also to the cottage. A partial second floor with another bedroom and second bathroom was to be created.  Lauren had liked the plan as set forth by her grandmother, but evidently her grandmother had not realized that there needed to be three bedrooms, not two.   

And air conditioning was an absolute must.  Her grandmother may have wanted to live like her ancestors, but Lauren had been brought up in the Northeast and to be without air conditioning was not an option.  There was one other change that although not really significant, would add to the enjoyment of the cottage.  The front porch was to be enhanced with glass windows that could be opened to screens and electrical outlets where lighting and fans could be plugged in.  This would enhance the outside living, even in the hot and humid summers.    

While the cottage was under renovation, Lauren and Abby would stay at Sam’s mother’s place.  She had an apartment over the garage that had been used in succession by each of her children right after college.  It was currently vacant and would be just right for the two of them, plus the new kitties.  In a town like this, it was the image of propriety that was important.   

Lauren smiled.  After that night when Sam had confessed that his family also had similar gifts, they had grown closer together.  If Odilia wasn’t around to help and guide her, Sam was.  She and Sam had continued with their dating relationship where he took her around and let her experience all of the things Slidell and the surrounding areas had to offer.  It was always a wonderful time, no matter if it was a school play (The Crucible), a ride through the bayou in an airboat or meeting and getting to know some of the townspeople; it all seemed so right.  Just touching Sam’s hand was enough to send Lauren to places she wanted to see more of.  But after each date, it was always the same thing, Sam would walk her to her door and kiss her on the check or top of her head.  It was a frustrating and maddening emotional turmoil, but Lauren didn’t know how to convey her feelings aside from man-handling him into her cottage and having her way with him.  

Sam had taken Lauren and Abby to the airport the week of Thanksgiving and helped carry her luggage while Lauren took Abby in her carrier - Abby of course had her own seat, no luggage compartment for this girl.  When they got to the security line, Sam walked on the outside of the ropes next to her until the line bent toward the metal detectors.  Taking her by the shoulders gently, he kissed her so softly that, except for her nether region’s reaction, Lauren wondered if it had really happened.  Smiling his lopsided smile, Sam released her and headed out of the airport.    

Well, what the hell was that about?  Get a girl all steamy and then leave her without any options!  He should have done that when he took me home last night; the outcome would have been so much different.  

That kiss stayed with Lauren for the next two weeks; nudging her, teasing her, making her wonder if it had actually happened and what it really meant.  What good are all of these ‘gifts’ if I still can’t understand men at all? She fumed.  But it did warm those cold NJ nights just thinking about the possibilities.