For the time being, I felt reasonably secure that Vivian and I could proceed without worrying about age baggage. Our gap in years disappeared as our relationship progressed, at least in our eyes. Others probably wondered what she saw in an old geezer, but the few men and women my age who frequented the pool area must have thought I was either loaded or hung like a horse. I did nothing to dispel any mythical viewpoints they may have harbored.
Yes, I admit I was gloating just a tad.
I'd had friendly conversations with a few other folks since moving to the apartment complex, but nothing of consequence except for my near-daily discussions with Viv. We'd be lying on loungers and chatting about books or some other area of the arts, and inevitably a Don Juan of her generation would try to crash our party. Her beauty and sensuality were like honey to flies, but the analogy didn't stop there. Vivian considered most of them pestiferous insects.
When a tattooed lad would try to pry his way into the conversation with an insipid comment like "Whatcha all talking about?" Viv would usually follow up with something like, "We're trying to decide if George Eliot wrote Middlemarch with obscure undercurrents of homosexuality. What do you think her intent was?"
"Wait! This George is a chick? She must be gay."
The conversation seldom went beyond a few sentences like that.
We giggled at the discomfort she could instill in these intruders in a matter of seconds. I felt like a king.
And then one day, we were joined by a young lady who took the only vacant lounger available next to Vivian.
She was tall and slender with a somewhat haughty air about her, almost as if she thought the place might be infected with bedbugs.
"I'm sorry to intrude. Is this lounger taken? I didn't think the pool would be this crowded."
"Oh, no. By all means. Have a seat. Yes, it is crowded today."
We exchanged pleasantries, and Viv uncharacteristically took charge and introduced us.
"I'm Vivian, and this is Tony. We're partners in crime. We both love old literature, so don't mind us."
"Interesting! I'm a bit of a book snob myself. My name is Leeann. What are you currently reading?"
"I just picked up "Leaves of Grass." I haven't read Whitman in ages, and it is a comfort, I'm discovering. Tony recommended it, and I found a copy online."
Our mutual interests opened doors, and soon the three of us were chatting away about our favorites as well as our pet peeves. Leeann, as it turned out was a history major working on her PhD. She had recently moved to Florida to finish her doctorate at FSU. She was single after a nasty divorce.
Vivian and Leeann seemed to hit it off well, and soon they were giggling like old friends. We eventually refreshed our water bottles and did a quick dip in the pool. When we returned to our loungers, Leeann had a puzzled look on her face.
"Excuse me. I don't mean to be rude, but I'm guessing that you two are more than friends. But I don't think you're family."
I smiled and looked over at Vivian.
"Tony's my sugar daddy," Viv stated. Then she laughed.
"Just kidding. You are perceptive. Tony and I are good friends. We're not related. We found each other the way you found us–through good literature. But Tony is more than a lover of literature. He is a lover...in general, I guess you could say."
"I thought there was some energy between you two. It's wonderful to see that. So often, I see couples who only communicate with each other by texting. Look around you. Half the people here are looking at their phones. Anyway, I have to go. I have a meeting with my committee. It's been a pleasure meeting both of you."
"Likewise, Leeann. Tell you what–why don't you join us for drinks later? I have to go, but let's meet at my place around five if that works. Are you interested?"
Vivian's smile could melt cheese on a frosty day.
"That sounds lovely. I should be back by then. I usually do a quick swim around four so that is plenty of time to change. What can I bring?"
"Just yourself. It will be very casual. You don't even need clothes."
"You want me to come naked?"
"Sorry, I meant swimsuits are fine. Street clothes are optional. Naked is fine, too."'
We all laughed. But I noticed that Leeann was staring at Vivian's boobs, and her smile had a look of mischief to it.
*****
I arrived at Vivian's a bit early. She had already arranged some snacks and had everything ready to serve.
"So, what do you think about Leeann?" she asked as soon as I sat down.
"She seems very nice. She's smart and knows her stuff as far as I can tell. I get the impression she is impressed by you. Your boobs were getting her attention, I noticed."
"My boobs get everyone's attention, but no worries. I'm used to it. Why? Do you think she's a lesbian or something?"
"No, but she does seem attracted to you. Just saying."
"She is very attractive, don't you think? Beautiful eyes and full lips. I'm guessing she's close to thirty. I know you noticed her assets as well!"
"Yes, I agree. Not as beautiful as you, but still. Anyway, I think I heard a knock. Here she is."
Vivian walked to the door and opened it. Leeann had a smile and a bottle of wine.
"I decided to wear clothes."
"And you look lovely. I love that outfit."
Leeann wore a pantsuit that nicely showed off her lithe figure. She was probably 5'7" and slim with average-sized but perky breasts and slim hips. She looked to be in excellent shape, but I had noticed that earlier when she was in her two-piece.
We got comfortable and chatted over drinks and the snacks that Vivian had prepared. Leeann asked how long we had known each other, and I let Vivian do the talking.
"I came on to Tony when I first saw him. I might as well tell you. I'm attracted to older men and it's no secret: our age difference is noticeable. But Tony has a young heart, and I'm an old soul in a young body."
"And if you don't mind me saying, that's quite a body. Those boobs of yours are something. Mine are tiny in comparison. I imagine you need special bras for those puppies. Do they hurt your back? Sorry. I know that sounds forward."
"No worries. I'm used to the attention they get. I do buy expensive bras. But Tony prefers them unfettered. He's a boob guy. And by the way, yes–we are lovers. I might as well get that in the open.
My face undoubtedly registered shock. As did Leeann's.
"Whoa! I didn't expect that! I mean–I'm fine with that. I just didn't expect True Confessions quite this early. But now that you mention it, you are a very handsome couple. As you know, I'm divorced. My ex was a major asshole, but besides that, I discovered I'm bi. I fooled around with girls when I was in college but my ex swept me off my feet. That is until he swept a few others off their feet at the same time. I decided to pursue Y chromosomes for a spell. I know–TMI."
"No, not at all. That's one thing about our relationship. Both Tony and I are open and honest. No pretenses. Right, Tony?"
I was nodding my head but realized I probably needed to join in.
"Yes, that's right. Open and honest. It's refreshing to be around people who say what they think. My generation tends to be tight-lipped about anything hinting at awkwardness–but especially discussions about sex. Vivian has taught me a great deal in the short time I've known her. Speak your mind around us, Leeann. No offense taken."
"I used to be so prudish about sex as well. I've opened up, especially since my divorce. Life is short and then you die. I'm trying to ignore my old hangups and died in-the-wool attitudes. I recently had a brief affair with an older woman who lived next door to us when I was married. I had no idea she was a lesbian, but she turned out to be a wonderful lover. I was sorry to move here as a result. We still talk but life has separated us, at least temporarily."
I was unsure where all of this was heading, but part of me was thinking things were headed in the right direction. The only thing I could think of that would be better than Vivian for a partner would be a three-way, something I had never experienced. Just watching two women munch on each other would be a dream fulfilled. My sedate life was decidedly more exciting in old age. Who would have thunk it?
"Leaving a lover is always hard," Vivian added. I'm so glad we found each other. I have a feeling that this is going to be a wonderful relationship. Don't hesitate to ask either Tony or me for assistance, no matter what."
"That is so sweet. I was unsure about moving so far and not knowing anyone, but you two have dispelled those worries. Here's to friends." Leeann raised her glass in a toast.
Vivian and I joined her and we clinked glasses.
"Let's seal it with a kiss," Vivian added. She leaned to me and kissed me, and then she did the same to Leeann. Leeann seemed tentative at first, and then smiled and kissed Vivian.
"Have to make it complete. Come here, Tony. Pucker up."
I leaned forward and kissed Leeann. Our lips lingered for just a second longer than a smooch.