Although Christmas was a week ago, Whitney wanted to give Mariah another gift. Wanting to beat the traffic and crowd, she began her day at 6AM and was on the road by 6:15. One present turned into more including a Marilyn Monroe notebook (Mariah idolized Marilyn and loved to write); a scented candle (another one of Mariah's favorites); and M and W charms for her bracelet.
She was ready to go when a pink satin teddy caught her eye on her way to the checkout. Whitney set her shopping basket down and lifted the desirable item on the rack. She imagined Mariah wearing it, especially for her. She had to get it.
Unfortunately, they seemed to be out of Mariah's size. Feeling defeated, Whitney proceeded to the self-checkout area. She brooded as she rang her own items up.
"Whitney?" a voice called.
The sound of her name made her look up and around. They landed on a petite woman who looked around her age. Most importantly she also looked familiar.
"Janet?" Whitney guessed aloud. The other woman confirmed she was indeed Janet when she flashed her stunning smile. "My God, it sure is you. Hey girl!"
They hugged.
"I haven't seen you since the camp," Whitney said, referring to two years ago when they were counselors.
"I know," Janet agreed. "How have you been since then?"
"You know, on my grind. Modeling and music. Music and modeling." She playfully moved her head sideways, snickering some as she put her bank card in the chip holder.
"Good for you, girl. With that voice and beauty, I would hope so."
Whitney glanced at her as she started bagging her stuff. "Well, I can say the same for you, baby girl. You are beautiful as ever, and you owe me dance lessons, remember?"
Janet tilted her head in thought, smiling. "Hey, you're right. I took a break from music, but I'm slowly getting back to it. I've been working at my uncle's restaurant. It's called Appetite. You should come by." She reached into the pocket of her jacket and gave Whitney a business card.
"Food? Say no more. And you know I'm down to support black business."
They walked out of the store together.
"So, not to be nosey or nothing, but did you do like me and take advantage of the after-Christmas sales?" Janet asked.
Whitney chuckled. "I did, and it wasn't even intentional. I just wanted to get some more gifts and realized I could get them on sale. Shame how they wait until after the holiday to do this."
"Who you tellin'? But that's how they keep you coming back."
"Ain't that the truth."
"This is my car right here."
Whitney nodded. "I'll walk with you."
Janet unlocked her sports car and opened the trunk. As she placed her bags in it, baby pink clothing slid out of one of the bags. Whitney recognized it as the satin teddy she'd had her eye on.
"I see you got yourself some lingerie," Whitney commented. "Or, you know, whoever it's for."
Janet laughed. "No, you were right, it's mine. Well, it's supposed to be. But I'm not feeling it."
"Really?"
"Yeah, I don't really wear it. I thought I'd try something different, but if we're being real..." she cupped the side of her mouth. "I prefer to be bare."
"Oh. Well okay then, Ms. Jackson. Phew."
They laughed.
"You know, it's funny 'cause I was planning on getting that same exact thing, but they didn't have the right size," Whitney mentioned.
Janet looked intrigued. "You want mine? This is a 4." She didn't even wait for Whitney to answer, she just handed her the bag.
Whitney gasped because it was the size she wanted, Mariah's size. "This is it! But I can't take this from you, Jan. It's okay, other stores have teddy's---"
"Whitney, I insist. I already know I'm not gonna wear it. I think it would suit you better." She smirked.
Whitney blushed involuntarily. "Oh, this is not for me. It's for my..."
She and Mariah hadn't made it official. They were still dating. Janet gazed at her expectantly and curiously.
"Your girlfriend?" Janet finished.
"Well, we're not technically together, we're friends who are dating and figuring it out."
Janet looked impressed. "Well, go on then! Rainbows unite."
"I mean, did you really think I could fit this thing?" Whitney loudly joked. Realizing what Janet added about the rainbow community, she smiled. "Yes, rainbows unite."
Janet grinned. "It's official, that teddy belongs to you. And don't worry about paying me back. My Christmas treat."
"Ugh, you are still as sweet as you were at the camp. Keep in touch--for real." She eyed her warningly with a glint of humor because she knew people often said "let's keep in touch" but didn't mean it.
Janet laughed. "I will. Remember, come to the restaurant, and let me know when you do, so I can take care of you."
Whitney smiled. "Sounds like a plan."
***
"Come here, you," Mariah said.
Whitney joined her on the couch, sitting on her lap. "Do you love them?"
"Your gifts are naughty and nice. Just like me."
They laughed.
"Yes, I love them," Mariah added, placing a kiss on Whitney's jaw. "I have something special coming for you, too. I hope it doesn't come today, though."
"Why?"
Mariah looked at her. "Because we're going to Toni's party, remember?"
"Oh, we sure are-I forgot about that!"
"You still wanna go?"
Whitney shrugged. "Yeah, why not?"
Mariah smiled at her. "We don't have to stay long. I know you can't wait to see me in that."
"And get you out of it," Whitney added, nipping at her lip. "I might just let you keep it on."
They gazed at each other deeply.
"We have a few more hours to kill," Mariah informed.
Whitney chuckled, a smug expression forming. "Let's get started then." She stood up and pulled Mariah with her.
"Wait, the teddy," Mariah squealed a little, giggling at Whitney's eagerness.
"Wait, wait," Whitney said, breaking the kiss. They were now in Mariah's room. Mariah looked disappointed then concerned. "We should at least put it in the dryer or give it a rinse. For sanitation purposes."
Mariah frowned and then laughed. "Oh, Whitney, you're adorable. I'm showering after this anyway, aren't I?"
"Yeah, but we don't know whose hands have been on it."
"You were the last one to touch it, right?"
Whitney was desperately trying not to think about Janet.
"Fine, we can test it out tomorrow or whenever," Mariah said. She fastened their lips together again.
Whitney slowly kissed her back, moaning as Mariah explored her mouth with her tongue while caressing her skin. When Mariah's back hit the bed, Whitney pinned her wrists, kissing her ardently now. The kisses descended to Mariah's nether regions, drawing cries of pleasure from her. She gripped Whitney's brown mane as she lovingly attacked her core with her tongue.
Even when it was time to shower, Whitney couldn't deny Mariah when she came behind her. As Mariah was pressed into the silky nude form of her body, she left gentle kisses on the smooth brown skin, enjoying Whitney's euphoric state. Whitney hummed and jerked her hips as Mariah stroked her sex. She moaned when Mariah slid her digit inside her, her already tight depths clenching Mariah.
Mariah smirked in satisfaction, glad the tables were turned now.
They enjoyed yet another round before going to Toni's house, where they were sure to encounter Janet, and many others.