Love in Vermont and Other Destinations

By Susie Ray

Four lesbian romances set in different locations

 

The opening story is not so much a Christmas story, but a steamy lesbian mini-novella that just happens to culminate at Christmas

Ellie and Patti are almost thrown together, but each have baggage that could throw a damp squib on the spark they feel for each other and they resist their temptations. Getting burned again, is not an option, but Patti is prepared to make a leap-of-faith and ignites the spark, that burns with such ferocity, it is all encompassing.

 

Ellie was comfortable as a top or bottom, and it felt right to let Patti take the lead in her room. She had almost forgotten how arousing it can be to allow your partner to discover you at their own pace and simply submit. It was still cold outside, but Ellie's natural central heating system appeared turned up to the fullest, as the merest touch of Patti's fingers against her exposed flesh elicited waves of heat through her, stemming from her core. She wanted Patti to feel the same sensations, but Patti was holding her wrists against the feather-soft pillow, whilst her lips, controlled Ellie's thermostat.

• Language: English
• Publisher: S-Ray Press
• Release date: Feb 11, 2022
• ISBN: 9781393312574

Susie Ray

Susie Ray Author bio I love to read and lose myself in stories conjured up by the written word – I am a mature individual, but I can still recall love’s first sweet kiss and the sting of rejection; the elation of being brought alive, by another’s caress, or tender words. I write sapphic stories for my own pleasure as well as hopefully that of the reader, and my head is full of ideas and storylines that are desperate to be shared. Admittedly, it was a freebie, but the first sapphic tale I read, left me feeling wanting and empty. I thought ‘I could do better than that’, and I did! My stories draw on a lifetime of experiences and places I have visited, so there is always a piece of ‘me’ in them. My preference is for short stories; tales, in bite-size portions, although some topics, simply require a novella to do them justice. I feel my writing skill has improved and grown with me over time and I am pleased to offer some of my work for your pleasure. Come lose yourself for a while, like I do when I’m writing…

Book preview

A New Start in Vermont

In many ways, Ellie was glad of a new start. A new job in a new town – a clean break after her last fiasco. She and Candice had moved in together too quickly before they had chance to get to know each other properly and they proved to be incompatible outside the bedroom.

At least the break-up was by mutual agreement, friendly almost and she was glad that she might still be able to call Candice a friend, when the dust had settled, for Ellie would likely return to Fitchburg MA sometime hence – her family were buried there and a few distant relations, still survived. Not the least of these was her cousins Jenny and James – Jenny was more like an older sibling, James, not so much.

It was Jenny she confided in when she realised that boys did absolutely nothing for her and that she was more interested in meeting their sisters if, they had any. In fact, it was Jenny who set her up with her first date, Mary... Ellie had fond memories of those days when she and Mary discovered the joys of kissing, and the fondling...

Best not to linger on those days of long ago when everything was so sweet, a discovery and she was just a novice, it’s all too tempting to linger there forever as wonder built upon wonder. It didn’t endure, but what memories!

The Greyhound was just about entering Weston VT, where she hoped to begin a new life and not make the same mistakes all over again, especially where ‘love’ is concerned.

The other passengers were already stirring, gathering their goods about them in anticipation of getting off and being able to stretch their legs once more, giving Ellie adequate notice to do the same. Two holdalls and a suitcase on wheels is not much to show for her life so far – she hoped that she wasn’t expecting too much of her new start.

Initial indications were good, plenty of small shops and stores and the approach to the town suggested that the properties were not hemmed in on each other, but mostly detached clapper-board, Victorian styled houses. Even the new-builds appeared to follow a similar pattern. Ellie intended to give the new job she had secured, her very best attention, but if things didn’t work-out there, it was good that there might be other possibilities, nearby.

True the initial salary wasn’t that great, but the free accommodation during the trial period more than made up for that, at least she prayed it might, and the signs were promising.

First things first, report to Gracie in the bookshop, come stationers, come souvenir, come, Christmas shop – it was just a block down from the bus-stop so she wouldn’t have to struggle far, balancing each holdall on top of the suitcase-trolley. She already liked Gracie from her telephone interview and the easy-going, friendly way she invited her to call her Gracie, rather than Ms Johnson, suggesting a more casual approach than Ellie was used to.

The store was so busy and full of people, Ellie could do no more than leave all her belongings outside on the sidewalk and keep an eye on them as she waited for her turn at the shop counter.

Hi, I’m looking for Gracie,

You found her hon – hey, are you Ellie from Massachusetts?

The very same – I’m sorry to come when you are so busy. Should I wait until it quietens down a little?

Chance would be a fine thing, but at least the days go quick and that’s why we’re hiring. Welcome to Weston. Give me five and I’ll take you to your digs!

Ellie liked the warmth and sincerity in Gracie’s voice, musing that she was a little older than she sounded on the phone, or perhaps, more mature, might be more appropriate, as she was still a looker, nonetheless. She was happy just to people-watch until her new prospective employer joined her and insisted on carrying one of Ellie’s bags. Just off a side street to the left Gracie piped up,

This is us, well you. My daughter runs this place as a B&B and I have asked her to save you a good room. I guess you will be glad to unpack and rest after your journey?

The place they faced had a reasonable frontage and Ellie was to quickly to learn that the bulk of many of the properties lay to the rear, in Weston, as did this one. Frontage, apparently was at a premium. Still, it looked well maintained and kinda homely. Gracie led her round back where she was most likely to find her daughter busy in the huge kitchen.

Hiya Patti, this is Ellie, I told you about!

Hi Mum and hello Ellie, Her hand reached out to greet her latest guest accompanied by a warm smile. I’ll take it from here Mum, I know you are indispensable in the store.

I’ll catch you later Ellie and help prepare you for tomorrow. Bye Patti!

Bye for now. Ellie and Patti spoke simultaneously and their nervous laughter broke the ice nicely.

Let me help you with your bags – I have just the room for you, on the front, up on the second floor, and it has its own shower room so you can be private. I hope it will suit.

With that she opened the door for Ellie to enter first, a large and airy room with comfortable looking furnishings and a fully made-up large double bed complete with a teddy bear reclining against the pillows.

Well, what do you think?

It is truly beautiful and the teddy is a wonderful touch, thank-you Patti.

I’ll leave you to get unpacked and settled in – it’s bound to feel a bit strange at first, being away from home, but I hope you will be comfortable.

I’m sure I shall, thank-you again.

If you are up for it later, come down to the kitchen and we can share tea and cake – today is my baking day, so you have arrived at just the right time!

There was so much to take in, everything being a new experience, but it hadn’t gone un-noticed that Patti favoured her mother with her looks and they both appeared to dress rather quaintly, almost as if from a bygone age.

There was ample hanging space in the wardrobe in the room and Ellie was pleasantly surprised how large the shower room was, as well as being spotlessly clean with an abundant supply of soft fluffy towels. She sat on the bed for a moment to cuddle the teddy – such a good idea, she thought, before deciding to take Patti up on her offer. The baking smells were rife now as she reached the foot of the stairs and followed her nose.

I hope I’m not too early for tea and cake?

Hi Ellie – I can make coffee if you prefer?

No, tea is fine thanks. So, this is your baking day? Do you cook just for family and guests or do you sell some too?

Mainly for myself and guests, but I do sell some occasionally – if we are a little slack, I get the time to bake more often and sell those, but that in itself is a rare occasion these days.

Ellie commented, I guess this is your busy season. I do hope I am not monopolising your best room if you could rent it out to tourists.

Actually, I don’t get many tourists – I have enough passing-through trade as well as providing rooms for my Mum on occasions. Regarding the seasons, there isn’t much difference year-round. There are three main seasons for holidaymakers, late spring and summer count as one, fall another, and winter and early spring skiing, the third.

Thanks for the teddy bear, at least I won’t be lonely.

You’re welcome. I got the idea from the Hugging Bear Inn in nearby Chester – they put two teddies in each double room, and they have a teddy bear shop at the back, where they sell all kinds of bears, from toys to collectible artist bears.

That sounds worth a look on my day off, mm, this cake is delicious, so light and tasty.

I could take you there if you like and give you a guided tour of the area – only if you are interested, don’t feel obliged just because I have suggested it.

Actually, I think I would like that, thank-you Patti, I accept!

First Day

Ellie hadn’t stayed in a B&B before and was pleasantly surprised at breakfast which was served at a communal large table with the other guests, reminding her of family breakfasts back home in happier times when her parents were still alive. At the moment, she was the only store employee staying, but Patti advised her that there have been as many as three in times gone by.

Would you like dinner at 7:30pm, tonight? You will probably need it after a day on your feet. Believe me I know – I have worked in the store in the past. It is absolutely no trouble, but I understand if you need some private time and want to make your own arrangements,

That would be perfect if you’re sure it’s no trouble. Thank-you. I better get along to work and show willing on my first day. I’m really looking forward to it.

Catch you later – have a great day.

What a day it was. None-stop from the moment she arrived until Gracie suggested she go back to Patti’s. Ellie was determined to show her enthusiasm, besides it helped distract her from painful memories that had brought her here. Gracie mentioned before she left,

You probably feel like you have stepped back in time, here. It’s part of the charm of the region and whilst it is not a rule, it might be better if you wore a skirt tomorrow, just like the rest of us, rather than skinny jeans. If you don’t have anything suitable, ask Patti – I’m sure she could help you out. Oh, and well done, by the way – you did well today!

Ellie wasn’t sure if she should feel complimented on her work ethic, or niggled that her dress sense had come into question, but in truth, she had felt a bit conspicuous with the three other staff as well as Gracie, all in midi-length skirts. She hoped that Patti might indeed, be able to help her out on that score.

Ted was waiting to greet her, just where she left him this morning, on the dresser so he could survey the world with his glass eyes. Ellie was more tired than she realised after she sat on the bed cuddling him and it took some effort to go down to dinner, finding Patti alone in the kitchen.

It’s just you and me – I hope that’s okay. I don’t usually cook dinner for guests, but I have to eat and as you are working for my Mum, you are practically family already. I forgot to ask if you have any special dietary requirements?

No, I will pretty much eat anything put in front of me.

Ellie didn’t like to ask what it was other than a casserole, in case it should have been obvious and Patti might be offended, but it was delicious with roasted potatoes and steamed veg. She took the opportunity to study Patti, beyond her good looks as they eyed each other whilst munching away. Patti had really fair skin unlike her mother and her hair had quite dark brown tones that accentuated her pale flesh.

She couldn’t be much older than Ellie. Also, unlike her mother, Patti had a long graceful neck that added an air of elegance about her. She could easily imagine herself kissing such a graceful neck and had to snap herself from her momentary lapse of judgement – she needs this job and must not jeopardise it with inappropriate thoughts or actions. Suddenly she remembered the skirt.

Gracie, is it okay if I call her Gracie or would you rather, I refer to her as your mother? Anyway, she suggested I might fit in better wearing a longish skirt and that you might be able to help?

First off, Gracie is her name, so why not call her that, secondly, I should have forewarned you about the ‘dress-code’, and yes I have several skirts you can have if they fit.

I’m not sure anything will fit after that feast, it was delicious. You are a really good cook.

Thanks, I took over a year off from Weston after high school and went travelling before I returned to settle down. I worked as a Commis chef for a while, up near the great lakes.

Michigan?

Yeah, and other places, but you know what? It’s true what they say – there’s no place like home, well for me at any rate.

You are lucky, this is my first time away from Fitchburg, well holidays excepted when I was a child with my family.

The unexpected reminder of her family caused Ellie to be pensive a while and then Patti said,

I’ll go sort those skirts out – if I remember rightly, they have elasticated waists, so they should fit. You will need something comfortable wearing them all day. She added as if in explanation.

A few minutes later and she was back with three skirts, all midi length in darkish colours, all with a satin-viscose-type lining and all with elasticated waists.

Try them over your jeans, just for size!

Ellie did just that and they proved to be ideal if a little style dated from what she was used to wearing when she would visit Boston and other places.

That’s better, now you have been Westonised. Patti’s grin turned into a chuckle and Ellie joined in too. I’ve got some old-fashioned blouses if you really want to look the part?

It felt good to be able to laugh at herself and enjoy Patti’s infectious humour and somehow her feet didn’t feel quite so tired anymore.

Can I help clear up? Ellie asked.

No, that’s okay, but you don’t have to rush off unless you have something pressing to do.

Actually, I am quite comfortable here, if that’s alright?

Good, I could do with a little company. Coffee?

"You are spoiling me, but yes