It’s like some weird episode of the Twilight Zone. But whoever heard of the Twilight Zone in Vermont, for Christ’s sake? I mean, all they have here are cows, and Ben & Jerry’s, and flannel and snow and –
And they’re all gay.
That’s it! He’s gay! Oh, thank you, Peg! God, why didn’t I think of that before? Of course, he’s gay. Why else would he be a ‘Massage Therapist’? To score with chicks? I don’t think so. And certainly not with this chick, anyway. Oh, wow, that’s it. All I have to do is remember he’s gay and after he leaves I’ll play with myself some more and everyone will go home happy.
“I’m ready whenever you are,” she heard Mark call out.
“Be right there.” She took one last look in the mirror. Gotcha, she said to her reflection. Are you sure? Peg was still hanging around. Absolutely. Now, go home, Peg. I’ll be fine. She opened the bathroom door.
Okay, kiddo. Peg’s voice was faint. Just remember one thing: Be careful what you wish for. Melanie folded the two oversized towels over her arm and walked into the anteroom.
The man sitting on the sofa stood up and extended his hand. “Hi,” he said. “I’m Mark Cooper.”
Melanie smiled. “Nice to meet you.” Her hand seemed to disappear in his. Hooo, boy! What big, strong hands you got there, grandpa. Not to mention the shoulders and pecs that go with them. They stood like that for an awkward moment and then Mark saw the towels she was holding.
“Oh, you brought the towels. Good.” He took them and motioned her to the table he’d set up. White and sturdy looking, it reminded her of a hospital gurney. “Linda told me about your flight getting cancelled and almost losing your room. Sounds like it’s been a rough day.” He turned away from her long enough to toss the towels onto the table. “So, how are you holding up?”
“I’m gay,” she said. Oh, Christ! “I mean; I’m good.” Oh, you idiot! Stop staring at his ass. “I’m…okay.” Luckily, he appeared not to have noticed.
“Can I offer you a glass of wine before we start?” He held up a bottle of Zinfandel. Melanie shook her head no, hoping he couldn’t see her cheeks turn the color of the wine. I’m already over my limit, she thought. “Okay, then.” He put the bottle down and handed her one of the towels. “Why don’t you wrap one of these around you under your robe. Then you can take the robe off and lie down and we can begin.” She took the towel and turned away from him, loosening her robe.
“Why don’t you start out on your stomach?” Mark suggested. When she was settled, he draped a second towel over her, which started above her waist and extended to her ankles.
“Now, I’ll need you to loosen the first towel for me so that I can adjust it as I move around the different parts of your body. Yes, that’s it. Just let it hang over like that.” He moved to the counter where he had several bottles lined up, each containing different color liquids. “Any questions?”
Melanie folded her arms under her chin. The thin fabric felt like fine sandpaper against her skin, exciting her nipples and bringing them to full attention. “Yeah,” she said. “Why aren’t you named Helga?” Mark laughed out loud.