Publish Novellas 8 March 2023
EPISODE 8 – AROUSAL
Alyssa’s mother details everything the young adult, determined to pursue an unwise course, needs to know.
Mature content advisory
Curtailing Behavior
Tamara has laid out all the negative aspects of Alyssa’s decision. She now switches gears to prevent alienation.
“If anyone can make this work, it’s you. We agree that Brad is handsome. Who knows? If you were not in the picture and I turned on my charm, I might be facing your same dilemma. Beyond good looks, he can cook well. Those are two strong positives. What type of work does he do?”
“He’s a day trader. It has something to do with stocks. With him being your age, it scares me when you joke about putting the moves on Brad. If he comes over when I’m not around, would it tempt you?”
“Alyssa, let’s get something straight. I can’t deny his good looks. Based on Brad’s profession, we can assume he’s smart, and financially well off too. If he was single, I may have pursued him, without any notion of your interest. If you’re staking your claim on him, there’s no way I would compete with you.”
“So if he was single, would you prefer him to be with you rather than me?”
“Do I need to explain why I wouldn’t enter into a romantic relationship with any man my daughter fantasizes about?”
“No, Momma. That’s pretty clear.”
”Since he’s older, be liberal with public displays of affection. This makes it obvious that you’re a romantic couple. Otherwise, women my age may flirt with him right in front of you. I still prefer you have the security of marriage. But that’s something you can’t rush.”
“I value all your advice. You warned about feelings of jealousy. I don’t like the idea of sharing him with anyone. Even sleeping with his own wife upsets me. So maybe he needs to choose.
“Brad is waiting to hear the result of this conversation. After that talk, I’ll know how he feels about raising a family with me, and if marriage is a consideration. If we come to an agreement, I’m going to tell him that I’m ready to move forward in our relationship.”
Mutual Satisfaction
“Well, I’m still hoping you’ll wait until marriage, but there are some things I left out of our sex talks. They are normally filed under the category of pre-honeymoon education.”
“Momma, really? Without being an expert, I know enough to get through my first night. Are you going to tell me where babies come from? We already discussed ovulation, fertilization, gestation, orgasms, and prophylactics. I understand the benefits of breastfeeding too. What else is there?”
“That’s a start, but if you let me continue, I guarantee you’ll learn things you’ve never heard before. Don’t be quick to disregard my advice. My goal is not to encourage unwise behavior. Rather, it’s to provide sufficient information for an informed decision.
“Recognize it’s not something you’ll sneak and do only once, out of curiosity. Once you begin, you’ll likely binge with heightened hormonal changes. That’s why it’s best that you’re in a stable relationship to start with. As a matter of fact, keep a few of these in your purse, in case your man is unprepared.”
After a 90-minute monologue, Tamara adds, “The aphrodisiacs you choose and how you consume them have an effect on the occasion. Be liberal with praise. My strong advice is do not let your first time be in the backseat of a car or on someone’s sofa. If you’re bringing your ‘A’ game with these techniques, the setting should bring dignity to your special moment.”
Blinkless Alyssa is in awe. “Goosebumps! That explanation was more intense than I could ever anticipate! You could slap me now and I wouldn’t feel it. I’m afraid to look in the mirror because that speech may have loosened my curls.
“My first-encounter plan was to undress, lay down with arms to my sides, and wait. It would have been so disappointing! With no idea where my “G” spot is, I thought flashing my small, but firm, headlights was upping my game. There’s some serious work involved!”
“I’m sorry if I made you uncomfortable.”
“No, don’t apologize. It was way more instructive than I imagined. Thank you!”
Pouring herself a cup of ice water, Alyssa continues, “Based on Brad’s reaction during lunch yesterday, I may have mastered seductive dining. Your list of aphrodisiac foods, though, is most helpful. Let’s wash up and eat dinner while I cool down and regain my composure before calling Brad.”
Thirty minutes into dining, Tamara says, “Now, here’s something to consider regarding your contrasting ages. Decades into the future, you might find it in your heart to care for your feeble mother. How much of a strain will that decision be if your husband is in the same situation?
“This is a lot to process in my mind. Twenty one years is a long time to wait for a moment like this. When I’m with him, I want to get it over with and deal with the consequences later.To be clear, if you come home from work tomorrow, and I’m more of a woman than when you left, will you be angry?”
“You have all the information I can give. How you choose to act on it is up to you. Try to remember that being ‘more of a woman’ can mean knowing when to walk away. When you feel you can’t control yourself, you can relieve the desire other ways. Be aware that men sometimes make you believe you’e getting what you want. But after receiving what they want, their commitment evaporates.”
“You’re telling me that after all his promises, he could cut me loose?”
“It’s a possibility. A long commitment after a short courtship usually doesn’t add up. Your mind is preoccupied now. I’ll clear away the dishes. You have an important conversation waiting.”
“Yeah. I must think both about now, and the future. Dinner was good. I’m going to relieve some desire in the shower and shave before calling Brad. Thanks for everything! Love you.”
“You’re welcome, sweetheart. I’m happy you appreciate my candor.”
More Answers
With heightened appreciation of research prior to making a commitment, Alyssa looks up information about Brad on the Internet. What she discovers, shocks her. Apparently, his wife Judy, died five years ago. So Brad lives alone!
Now past nine o’clock, Alyssa must confront the man who has been lying to her. He answers the phone immediately. “That was a long conversation with your mother. I don’t suppose it went well. I’m sorry if I got you in trouble.”
“Actually, our talk went better than expected.”
“Really? What did she say exactly about our plans?”
“She said a lot of things—mainly, she doesn’t want to walk in while it’s happening. I promised to vet you more thoroughly before making a decision. So where this goes depends on your responses during our next discussion.”
“You should sound happier. She’s leaving it up to you. This afternoon you left no doubt about what’s next. Do you prefer to talk in my car, or a nearby motel.”
“Let’s talk in your car. Meet me out front.”
The Sign
After sounding so confident, Alyssa is embarrassed to reveal the new discovery to her mother. So she just says that her conversation requires face-to-face time in his vehicle, outside the front door for privacy.
“Don’t wait up. I’ll stay as long as necessary for important answers.”
“You must realize by saying that, I won’t be able to sleep at all?”
“Momma, if everything goes well, from my perspective, I’ll text you a kiss emoji from the car. If it falls apart, then I’ll send you a crying emoji. Either way, I’ll fill the details tomorrow. I hope you appreciate how thoroughly I’m approaching this. These marathon discussions require so much thinking and are exhausting.”
“Tempers can flare when intimate plans are interrupted. There is also a greater chance that talking about sex alone in a car with a man will escalate. I will rescue you when you press my emergency speed dial number.”
“Understood, Momma. I don’t know how you plan on rescuing me, or know whether I prefer not to be rescued. But I’ve learned not to underestimate you.”
“Get ahold of his car key to minimize his chance of abducting you. If it’s a fob, with a push-button, he can still start the engine. But you’ll have access to the alarm button. Keep the conversation dignified. Don’t be afraid to take a break and stand outside to cool down. I won’t relax until I receive your text and won’t sleep until you’re back inside with the door locked behind you.”
“Those are more good suggestions. New plan: I’ll delay the text until I’m inside the house. If I haven’t sent a message by midnight, you have my permission to peek outside and see if we’re still just talking.”
“Thanks for permission. But I will still exercise my parental right to glance through the window as often as I see fit to calm my nerves. Now, go do what’s necessary, my grownup girl!”
Continue…
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