Parting shots

"Here, help me turn the couch," Samantha said, getting up. Tom and Nicole got up as well so that they could position both the couch and the loveseat to face the television that was mounted on the wall. Then they were seated again, Nicole re-poured the drinks.

Samantha picked up the remote and brought the television to life. She had envisioned a night sitting by her lamp and enjoying her book and the feel of her clean skin on the couch, but now at least the latter sensation was enjoyed with two friends she had not seen in forever, and she liked it.

They watched the movie - Midsommar. Samantha didn't quite like it - and when they were finished, the darkness of the night outside grew deep. "I'm real glad you guys came out," she said. "Thanks for not freaking out when I answered the door."

"All good," Nicole replied. "I'm really glad we stopped by. Right, Tom?"

Tom no longer had the delay of a shocked reaction. He nodded his head affirmatively and said, "You bet."

They sat there and drank and talked about their lives, and made plans at least to come back and do another movie or game night in the near future, perhaps even inviting a few more friends, with the same dress code in mind.

"You think they won't mind?" Samantha asked, thinking of her friends Kate and Patty, who were modest, religious girls.

"They might be weirded out, but let's give them a chance to try it," Nicole said. "I think we have a new tradition on our hands."

Samantha was filled with delight. For her private pleasure to be suddenly shared with her friends and possibly expanded to her whole friend circle was an overwhelmingly wonderful thing to contemplate. And she was almost sad to see Nicole and Tom put on their clothes as they were no doubt sad to do.

"Get home safe," Samantha said. "I'm gonna snuggle up in the bed and fall asleep, I think."

"I might need another shower when I get home, just to warm up."

"Sounds like a good idea. And maybe put on something warm huh?"

"Actually, I think I might just turn up the heat instead." Nicole said as she winked. "Come on, Tom. See you, Sam."

"See you."

As the door closed behind them, Samantha suddenly felt proud about being an agent for the change in her friends' lives, and no longer did she regret living in the nude. She awoke in the morning, the sunlight came through her high windows and warmed her bare skin. It was the start of another wonderful day.

End of path