Athena's Story Ch 9

Sal gathers herself. “That’s right. It is visual. And to go big with this market, that means appealing to two different sets of eyeballs. We need clothes that are sexy and fabulous, yet functional. We need to grab attention and create a spark, but we also want to elevate, not demean. For that, all aspects of the project have to integrate,” Sal says, lacing her fingers together. “Storytelling and visuals working in tandem to create a specific vibe that no one will want to be left out of. I’m a former athlete, Ms. Orlova. I don’t want to feel like a stripper when I go out to compete against other people. I want to feel like a badass. But there’s no reason that I can’t feel strong at the same time that other people find me sexy.”

Irina no longer looks aloof. She sits forward, eyes intent. “And your other ideas?”

Sal turns to Annette. “You told her about those?”

“No brakes,” Annette says quietly.

“OK. Well, admittedly, those ideas aren’t quite as noble. But you can bet your ass they’ll be profitable,” Sal says.

Irina’s eyes find Sal’s hand. “You’re married. How does your husband feel about this work?” Her gaze is different now, and Sal is suddenly self-conscious about her state of undress. Her bikini bottoms feel sadly inadequate. She’s getting uncomfortable goosebumps, and nothing can stop her nipples from hardening. Irina sees it all.

“My wife is very supportive,” Sal says.

“Is she here?”

“No.”

“Have dinner with me. I’ll make arrangements. We will talk business. Bring your materials.”

Sal hesitates. “OK. I’m in.”

“Yes,” Annette says through her teeth as soon as they’re out of there. “Good.” There’s a lot packed into that word, and Sal’s heart leaps. There’s terror and excitement. She can’t deny that impressing people and making them happy feels good. Dulcita takes Sal’s other hand as they enter the dressing room.

“Good work,” she says. The positive energy is crackling. Contagious. Kind of a turn-on.

ATHENA

Sal’s touch is hesitant. Athena lies naked in the sheets in her big bed in her even bigger bedroom in the old CCL House. Sal is on top, looking into her eyes as she gently caresses between Athena’s legs. She kisses every part of Athena’s face except her lips, just teasing down there. It’s all Athena can do to limit her response to rapid breaths, a burning face, and maintaining eye contact. Sal has her so turned on that she wants to be a cavewoman.

“Baby.” Athena cups Sal’s face. “Make me cum.”

It’s just a memory. Things were so different and exciting when they first got together in college. That one time, late on a Tuesday after a nice date at the diner, has always been high on Athena’s list when she’s alone.

She hisses and her back arches. She holds the vibe snug against her clit. The fabric of her sweatshirt is agonizingly good against her hard nipples. She’s naked below the waist, and her legs get wider and wider until her feet press against the bed, lifting her hips off.

“Hah!” she cries sharply, her pelvis doing an undignified series of jerks as she cums. She flops with a moan, vibe still buzzing. In her mind, she sees Sal on top, toned and tan-lined, as she was in college: a vision of strength and passion.

“Jesus,” Athena mutters, turning off the vibe. She reaches between her legs and comes up with a soaking wet hand. Juices drip from her fingers. She’s definitely not as depressed as she was; she could hardly get wet a few weeks ago. But she misses Sal so much. It’s funny; before Sal was traveling, they got physical maybe once a week if Athena was lucky. Now she feels frisky every night.

ATHENA

“Hey, guys!” Athena waves cheerfully. Most of the squad is assembled: Mary, Jess, Nadia, and Tracy. Blair waits with them, not exactly sullen, but her energy is very different.

Hugs and greetings are exchanged. It’s time for another afternoon of sport.

“Hey, Athena,” Tracy says, touching Athena’s arm as they start off toward the courts.

“Yeah?” Athena holds up, and Blair turns back as well.

“After we’re done here today, we’re going to the Lotus for massages. It’s kind of a thing we do once in a while to celebrate stuff. I understand if it’s not your cup of tea. There’s no pressure. But you guys are welcome to join us.”

A massage sounds good. Athena looks uncertainly at Blair.

“I’ll behave,” Blair says, not exactly bitterly.

“Oh, no. I meant, do you want to?”

Blair shrugs. “Sure. Gotta support sex workers.”

Athena’s eyes bug. “Sex workers?”

“They aren’t sex workers,” Tracy says, blushing. She lowers her voice and looks around. “They aren’t. Athena, OK? It’s like a… sensual massage. We’re all there together, though.” She glares at Blair, who doesn’t argue.