About four months after Ann came back, Jim's company was sending him off to a training seminar for a couple of days. Julie called Ann and asked if she would like to bring PJ over and have dinner, then spend the night.

"Does this mean what I hope it does?"

"I don't know Ann. Let's just say I have been thinking about it. I asked Jim what he thought about you coming over, and he thought it was a great idea so I would have some adult company. PJ can sleep in Carly's room, and you can have the guest room."

"Ohh... okay."

"Well, if I AM going to do anything with you, it isn't going to be in the bed my husband and I sleep in. Let's just see what happens, ok? Jim has never given me any reason to make me want to cheat on him. I know he never cheated on me, and I think it would make me feel guilty as hell."

"Okay, Julie. I am not gonna push you into doing something that could ruin our friendship, but is playing around with another woman REALLY cheating?"

Ann and PJ came over in the afternoon that Jim was leaving for his trip. He thanked Ann for coming over and keeping Julie company and told them to enjoy themselves. The women settled the two kids in the playroom and waited for the older ones to get home from school. They got dinner started, then sat down and talked about how Ann's job search was coming. She said she had been out on a few interviews, and a couple looked promising. But nothing full time would be available before the next school year in the fall.

"Even that is dependent on which teachers return from this year. There are a few that know they aren't coming back for sure, but not for the grades I am certified to teach. So unless something changes before the end of summer, I will either have to look further away or just continue as a substitute. I don't really want to be somewhere too far from mom and dad's place, so I don't have to drive too far, either to school or to drop PJ off. But if nothing comes up by the second semester, I might go back to school myself and get certified for additional grades."

"In the meantime, I have been able to work a few days here and there subbing and found a daycare center that will take PJ just a day or two without a full-time commitment. There is also a neighbor, Mrs. Johnson that you might remember that lives down the block. She is retired and is happy to watch him in a pinch as well. Mom will quit her job or maybe go part time if I decide to put him in pre-school a couple of days a week once I get something full time."

"Yes, I remember her. She's a nice lady, and I think she babysat my sister and me a couple of times when we were kids. It sounds like you have been making some progress anyway. Once you get a full-time job, will you find a place of your own?"

"I am going to play that by ear. Mom and dad said I was welcome to stay as long as I needed to, and for right now, it is fine. Dad actually converted the basement into an apartment for when my brother or I came home for holidays or some event, so  he, my sister-in-law, and the kids had a place to stay. PJ and I are living down there for now. The door that leads out to the backyard has a key lock on it, so if I want to bring someone home, I don't have to walk them through the house."

"Oh, have you already been out looking?"

"No, I am just trying to get settled in."

The three older kids got home from school and went outside to play for an hour before they had to come in and do homework. Judy took Carly and PJ out to play on the ‘fort' in the back yard. When the hour was up, they came in and sat at the table to do their homework. They all worked hard at it because they usually only had limited TV time each day, but if the kids finished early, the extra time could be spent outside, as additional TV time or whatever they wanted. When dinner was ready, they put their books and homework aside and set the table.

When dinner was over, Judy went to her room to call one of her friends and see if she could gab for a while and the two boys finished their homework, then played video games. Ann and Julie did the dishes then got Carly and PJ ready for bed. Finally, it was time for the older ones to go to bed as well. Once settled down, they usually read for half an hour, then it was lights out. After they were asleep, the two women went into the family room and turned on the TV. It was a little awkward as both women were not sure how to broach the subject that was on both of their minds.

"I know my suggestion for you to come and stay here overnight seems like an invitation to do more, but I am still just not sure. I would feel like I am cheating on Jim, and that is just something I really don't want to do. Something he doesn't deserve from me."

"I brought a video we can watch. It might change your mind. Besides, most men secretly would kill to watch two women make love. I have actually asked both men and women, some of whom were married if they felt making out or fucking another woman would be considered cheating, and not one said they would."

They turned on the video and began watching, all the while Ann kept reaching over and rubbing Julie's arm or leg. She continued working her way closer to sliding her hand under Julie's t-shirt, then leaned in and finally kissed her as she gripped the nipple with her fingers. When Ann heard the moan, she turned off the video and pulled Julie to the guest room. She shut the door behind her and stripped off her clothing. Then pulled Julie's shirt over her head and took a breast into her mouth. As she sucked it, she took the nipple between her teeth nipping at it gently.

"Just tell me if you want me to stop, Julie, and I will. I won't ruin our friendship over a bit of sex."

"No... don't stop."

Ann moved slowly but deliberately, giving Julie plenty of time to decide what she wanted to do and to ask her to stop if she got uncomfortable. She slowly worked her way down one side of Julie's body and back up the other.  Ann began at her forehead and went down to her knees with stops at her mouth, neck, breasts, and mound along the way. She felt Julie squirm each time she got near her clit or pussy but did not touch them. When Julie tried to rub her own clit, Ann pinned her hands down.

When Julie began whimpering, Ann turned and got into a 69 position then sucked the clit that was visibly throbbing in front of her into her mouth. Julie let out a loud moan as her body trembled. Ann felt a tentative tongue lick her nub. When Ann pushed two fingers inside Julie's pussy, Julie did the same to Ann. She knew from the body language that Julie would not last long and was torn between making her cum quickly before she had a chance to come to her senses and yell to stop, and giving her the nice slow orgasm she had wanted to give her since they were sixteen.

She hadn't been completely honest with Julie; she had known she was bisexual by the time she was sixteen and had had a crush on Julie back then. But Ann wasn't sure if Julie felt the same way, so she kept quiet about her feelings, just settling for whatever contact she could get through the games she made up to get close. After they went away to college, and she was no longer in a small town where people might see, and Julie might hear about it, she explored her lesbian side more. Then she had met Paul and fallen in love, and that was that. But with the split and moving back home, her old feelings for Julie had resurfaced.

Ann returned her thoughts to the here and now and what she was doing. When she pushed in a third finger and curled them inside Julie, she felt her walls gripping and releasing them, then felt Julie's entire body stiffen just before she exploded in an intense climax. Ann kept her going for a couple of minutes before gradually slowing down, then stopping. She turned around and kissed Julie, letting her taste herself, then just holding her in her arms.

"That... was... intense!"

"But good?"

"Very, very good."

"And?"

"And I don't know, Ann. That was amazing; I feel guilty, and yet I don't. Part of me wants to confess to Jim the minute he walks in the door or maybe even call him and part of me is saying NO, don't say a word. I'm sorry, but I don't think we can ever do that again. Let's go back to just being friends, okay?"

"Okay, Julie. I don't want to lose you as a friend, so I will do whatever you want."

Julie went back to her own bed and tossed and turned for a while before she finally fell asleep. They had made plans to take the younger kids to The Children's Museum the next day, then pick up the older ones from school and go out for pizza before Ann and PJ left. There was some initial awkwardness in the morning, but as the day went on, it dissipated so that by the time Ann left for home, they hugged and kissed goodbye and made plans for a play date for Carly and PJ. Jim was not expected home until the following afternoon, so Julie caught up on some laundry, including the sheets on the guest bed.

The next morning, she got supper started in the slow cooker, then read through the sale papers and checked it against her grocery list and weekly meal plan. She saw a few sales on meat and added them along with additional ingredients she would need for the changes to the menu. Judy had dance practice, so she dropped the boys off at their game first, then stayed to watch Judy's practice. She picked the boys up on the way home.

Jim had texted he was stopping by the office on the way home to drop off some paperwork and check-in with his boss, then would head home. That gave her enough time to get the rest of dinner ready, so they could eat at a reasonable time. She knew Jim would be tired and likely go to bed early. A bit of guilt crossed her mind, but she had decided just to put it behind her and not let it affect her marriage or her friendship with Ann. She didn't really regret having done it, only determined not to do it again.

Julie picked up the boys and headed home, stopping to get the car washed because the kids loved going through it. After sending the boys up to shower, she got Judy started on her homework, then put together a salad for dinner. When the boys came down with their uniforms, Julie started a load of laundry and had them sit down with their homework. She checked on the slow cooker and added the last few ingredients, turning the heat up, then opened a package of rolls and spread them out on a cookie sheet.

When the kids finished their homework, they cleared the papers off the table and got it set for dinner. Jim finally got home and gave everyone kisses.

"Do I have time for a quick shower, hun? I feel all sticky and grimy from the plane."

"Sure, babe. Everything is ready except for the rolls, so give me a yell when you get out, and I will throw them in the oven then."

When he called down that he was out of the shower, she put the sheet of rolls in the oven, and they were nearly ready by the time he dressed and came downstairs. While she was waiting, she put the salad and dressings out and the stew in a big bowl. While they were eating, Jim asked the kids about school and their activities, then asked Julie if she and Ann had had fun.

"Yes, we had a perfect time. We discussed some things we might do this summer with the kids. It's really nice having her back, and PJ is just the most darling little boy. Paul sure did turn out to be quite the, uhm… you know."

"Yes, I know, and yes, he did."

When dinner was over, the kids had an hour of free time. The boys went outside to play catch, and Judy went to her room to read. Jim said he would clear the dishes while Julie gave Carly her bath and got her ready for bed. Once the kids were in bed, Jim and Julie discussed his trip and the seminar he had attended. He said he had been pretty sure when they sent him, it was in preparation for a possible promotion. They sent another supervisor as well, so it might have been to see who did better.

"I think I did really good and nearly positive I did better than Samuel. He was struggling through one part and did not contribute much to the discussion."

"That's wonderful, darling. Unless the promotion means a move."

"No. one of the senior managers got promoted to regional VP, and is getting transferred. They want to promote someone from within to his position. So with a little luck, I will get the promotion and a nice raise. It will mean we won't have to be on such a tight budget all the time. Maybe even be able to start really building up the college funds and saving for a vacation."

"That would be awesome. I know the kids are still young, but it is something I have thought about since we could have three in college at the same time. And if Judy stays with either dance or gymnastics, those can both get expensive the older she gets, particularly if she keeps showing talent. And the same with Carly. She certainly seems to have an affinity for music."

"Even the boys are both pretty athletic. They have both told me they want to play hockey this winter... and that equipment is not cheap. So if I get the promotion, it sure will help. And it would be nice if you could put off working until Carly is a little bit older."

"I know. I have been thinking about how and when to get back into the workforce."

They talked some more about the possible promotion, then Jim went to bed. Julie put away the supper dishes and put the boys' uniforms in the dryer, sorted through the mail, then went to bed herself. She curled up next to her husband, quickly falling asleep herself.  When she woke up in the morning, Jim was already up. She heard noise down in the kitchen and went downstairs to see Jim making breakfast for everyone. They kissed, and he told her to sit down while he finished the pancakes. She heard the TV on in the other room and figured the kids were watching Saturday morning cartoons.

Julie set the table and called in everyone when the food was ready. When they were done, he told the children to go out and play for a bit. When they were gone, he pulled something down off the top of the refrigerator. It was a DVD. Julie knew instantly what it was and felt immediate panic inside, though she tried to look calm on the outside.

"Something Ann brought for entertainment I presume?"

"Yes, her idea of humor. She must have forgotten and left it in the player. Did the kids see anything?'

"No. luckily they know better than to just start a movie on their own without asking first. That and the fact that we keep the remote out of their reach. But you should be more careful."

"You're right, it was a lapse on my part. I should have been more careful and taken it out of the player right away. I don't know why she brought it in the first place."

"So, did you watch it with her? Was it any good?

"Yes, we watched part of it, and it was ok, I guess."

"Did you and Ann ever do any of that kind of stuff when you were younger?"

"Well, kind of... "

"Kind of?"

"Would it bother you if we had?

"Nooo. It's kinda hot."

"Well, sometimes we practiced kissing to see how we would do when we kissed boys."

"Oh, so I have Ann to thank for you being a fantastic kisser then, huh?"

"I suppose you do."

"Well, anyway, that's really hot. It's every guy's fantasy to watch two women going at it like that. Especially if one of them is his wife. Maybe we can watch it together tonight after the kids are in bed."

"Aren't you the frisky one today? It really wouldn't bother you if I did that with another woman?"

"Well, it's not like cheating or anything; a woman doesn't have a cock, or at least not a real one. Besides, it's always been my thought that women are a lot more bisexual than men are. I would never in a million years fuck a guy or suck a cock or let another guy do that to me, but I think most women might be open to the idea of making love to another woman. Did you ever think about it... back then?"

"I suppose it might have crossed my mind a time or two, but I really don't remember. I was always into guys as I recall, and so was Ann. We double dated all the time, and it seems to me boys were a main topic of discussion when we weren't actually with them."

"Okay, babe. I guess we better get the kids inside and get the boys ready for their game. Were you able to get the shopping in, or going today?"

"I have the list but didn't get a chance to get to the store. I'll take the girls with me and swing by the field to catch the end of the game if we can. Anything you want me to add to the list?"

"I'm low on shaving cream and deodorant. And I really have a taste for some cherry pie."

"I'll add them to the list."

They called the kids in and went off in different directions. When Julie finished the shopping, she swung by the boys game and managed to catch the last few innings. After the match, Jim went with the boys and the rest of the team out for burgers and fries while Julie headed home and put the groceries away. She always kept a large cooler in the car to keep the cold stuff cold, so she pulled that inside first and got everything in the fridge or freezer while Judy carried in the rest of the bags. Then she reheated the leftover pizza for the girls while she had a salad.

The rest of the day was a typical Saturday; Jim did some yard work while Julie prepped some of the meat purchases before adding them to the freezer, and got a pot of chili and a pot of spaghetti sauce going for later in the week. She made meatballs and added them to the sauce. Julie also made mini meatloaves for dinner one night and put them on a cookie sheet in the freezer to freeze before bagging them later on.

When Jim was done with the yard, he took the kids to the park near the house and let them play on the equipment. By the time he got home, Julie was done with the kitchen work; everything except for the salad makings was cleaned up and put away, and a casserole was in the oven for dinner. Judy chopped up some lettuce and cucumbers, added some cherry tomatoes and shredded carrots, then put the bowl in the fridge. She loved helping her mom cook.

After dinner, they had cherry pie with ice cream for dessert, then played a couple of board games with the kids. After all the kids were bathed and in their pajamas, they made a big bowl of popcorn and sat down together to watch a movie like they did almost every Saturday night. When the movie was over, the three younger kids went to bed while Judy got to stay up another hour. The three of them usually played war and go fish or another board game a bit harder than the ones they all played together.

After all the kids went to bed, as they did every week, they sat down to discuss bills, budgets, kids schedules and all the other mundane details of life with four kids on a single income. They discussed the possibility of Jim getting the promotion and how much of a raise he might get, but he didn't want to jinx it by planning too much. While they had some savings, neither of them felt it was enough, and they had only just started discussing a separate account for a college fund for the kids,

They both discussed a few things on their wish lists as well as some home improvements that would need to be done over the next couple of years. One of the things they were saving for was a big family vacation to Disney World, but Jim suggested that if he got the job and a raise, they might make it a Disney cruise instead or possibly a shorter cruise and a few days at the park. He said he should know who got the new job by the end of the week. They went to bed when that was all done and made love before going to sleep.

to be continued...