The Church Conference

Elizabeth agreed to go with Abe to a church conference out in the Florida Keys. She glided through the pleasantries and small-talk skillfully. Afterwards, she founded a secluded private pool behind some palm trees. It was heated, and it was needed, as it felt a little nippy in February, even this far south. She sat there, enjoying the heat while Abe sat on a nearby lounger, relaxing for a few minutes.

After a few minutes, a pretty blonde joined her. The blonde was in her early 40s, and had fake tits and some ass implants. She was pierced, and perky.

"Oh, Abe. I didn't know you'd be here, you old dog," she said slyly, giving him a side hug.

"We keep bumping into each other. I better duck out now, before these bodyguards get too amped up, some old black man too close to the prize. Elizabeth, keep your hands to yourself." The blonde laughed. Elizabeth recognized her as the keynote speaker. The two guards settled down onto the lounger, keeping an eye on their mission.

"Where did you find old Abe laying around?" the blonde asked, stripping down to a sapphire blue bikini. There were a few stray dark hairs poking out. She kept herself immaculately tanned, and showed signs of frequent working out.

"He came cheap at a garage sale," Elizabeth said, causing the blonde to snort.

"Funny. Barbie Putnam," she said, introducing herself. Elizabeth shook her hand.

"Elizabeth Castle-Jones," Elizabeth responded, and Barbie's brown eyes showed a spark of recognition, but she didn't say anything. Instead, she swam a few laps, enjoying the warm air. After a few moments, the gates on both entrances to this quiet pool swung open, Elizabeth's son Moses Jones Jr. running in one way, and Barbie's daughter, blonde and lithe and athletic, running in the other. They were both seven now, looking at each other awkwardly.

"Mom --" they both said simultaneously. Elizabeth and Barbie laughed, and each gave their child permission to go hang out with their friends a little longer than originally granted. Mo and the blonde daughter both stared at each other for a moment, then ran in opposite directions.

"Presley was my first baby when John got elected to DC," Barbie said simply. Elizabeth didn't follow politics and the reference was lost on her. Barbie looked into Elizabeth's blue eyes, processing what she'd seen. Moses Jones Jr. didn't have an ounce of white Elizabeth in him. "Handsome son you have there." She said simply.

"Thank you," Elizabeth replied.

"Love can be complicated," Barbie said.

"That it can be," Elizabeth agreed.

"You know, when I was in college, I was all about these jocks and alpha males. And then I went to business school, and found someone that wasn't all that. He wasn't boorish, he wasn't arrogant, he was sweet and kind. So I offered him, anything he wanted in the bedroom, I'd do for him. I promised."

Elizabeth just sat there, listening, unsure of why the blonde was telling her all this.

"And he wanted me to be with John. And I fell in love with him. And my ex went on their own path, and found their own happiness. And I found my own happiness."

At that moment, a man in his late 60s entered the pool area, with his own men in dark suits.

"There you are, Barbie," he said relieved. "You going to be up soon? I took the pill not long ago."

"Sure, Daddy," she said, smiling. "Just finishing up with my new friend Elizabeth."

"Nice to meet you, Elizabeth," John said. "John Putnam. Hope you're enjoying the conference." He stood up and walked back to the hotel.

"Where did you dig up that old fossil?" Elizabeth teased.

"On sale at the nursing home," Barbie replied. "Touche. The point is, love isn't a straight path. I always felt it would be and should be. But you end up where you're meant to be. Abe is a strong man. Moses Jones is a strong man. There isn't any shame in being with strong men. And speaking of strong men ... I better get back to John while the pill is still working. Nice to meet you, Elizabeth."