Victoria & Alex

Alex slowly awoke with low spring sunshine pushing its way through the closed curtains, prying his eyes open. He could feel Vicky’s warmth alongside him whilst she still slept. He wanted to lie still for longer, but his bladder dictated otherwise. His rear felt a satisfying glow from Vicky earlier that morning, her cum still inside him.

In the end, his thirst for a cup of tea won out, with his bladder a close second, and he slipped out of bed, trying not to wake Vicky. He imagined Vicky’s cum dribbling out of him onto her floor so stepped into yesterdays discarded boxers and pulled them up. Vicky’s voice came wearily from under the duvet.

“Morning sweetie… Can you make me a cup of tea?… Pleeeaase…”

“Yeah, shhh, it’s still too early to be up on a Sunday.”

Alex put the kettle on before resigning to his bladder. As he finished and washed his hands, Vicky’s phone rang, knowing Vicky’s current dread of her mother’s smothering personality he hoped she hadn’t heard.

“Alex, can you find my phone?”

It was easy to follow the noise, to see it vibrating on the glass table in the lounge. By the time he’d reached it, the caller had rung off and no caller ID was showing. Out of the corner of his eye, Alex caught Vicky skip into the bathroom naked, as he hunted his phone out whilst waiting for the kettle to boil.

Alex opened the lounge curtains to view the outside world through the net curtains. The sun looked inviting, very few clouds in the sky and the ground dry. He heard Vicky pad back to the bedroom as he poured the kettle to make their teas and carried everything back on a tray to Vicky, who was now back snuggled under the duvet.

Vicky sat up and shuffled back onto pillows to make herself comfortable. She wrapped the duvet around her and tucked it under her armpits, hiding her petite chest, much to Alex’s disappointment. Alex handed Vicky the tray as he returned to join her under the duvet.

She placed the tray on her bedside drawers, picked up her phone with a grimace to unlock it, for her face to light up as she gasped in relief.

“Thank god, it’s Sarah… ”

< Hi, sore tart2? Wondering if you and your tall dark stranger want to meet for breakfast at ten? G Xxx>

< G? I thought we’d agreed you were Tart1? V xx >

< You called me Garfield… Although I prefer Sex kitten. Sk xx >

“She wants to meet for breakfast at ten, Alex?”

“Sounds like a plan.”

< Tall, dark stranger says yeah… V xx >

“There’s the Darcie Green café on a barge on the Grand Union Canal bank. We’ve often breakfasted there. It makes for a pleasant walk and if it isn’t too cold, we can sit outside to watch the world go by. She suggests 10 am, and it’s barely after eight, so we have lots of time.”

Vicky started texting Sarah back furiously, as Alex dropped his boxers to slip back into bed alongside her and checked his phone. As expected, there weren’t any messages waiting for him, so searched the web on how to change your name on your passport. Vicky muttered as she typed.

“It’s so exciting, there is so much to tell her…”

Vicky’s phone buzzed, announcing a replying text for Vicky to giggle as she read it.

“She’s disappointed not to have received our friendly phone call for advice yesterday! She says she can still talk you through it, if you need further directions…”

“I think we coped fine on our own. What do you think?”

“Mmm, I agree. She’ll see us there, although as our paths cross, we may bump into her on the way.”

Vicky finished a text and sent it to look victoriously at Alex.

“Last night was wonderful on many levels… But I’m still worried about my passport, Sarah will know.”

“I’m reading through a really helpful website that talks you through it. You’ll need to confirm your name change by deed poll and new photos that can all be done at the post office. If you want to change your gender, then you need a signed letter from your doctor only to confirm any changes aren’t reversible.”

“It sounds all too simple to be true. My passport is at mum’s but I have my name change deed poll paperwork here. I can phone the private clinic on Monday about the gender change confirmation. Sarah would have solved it as she went to Ibiza for her main holiday last year.”

“If all else fails just do the name, and photo change and wear something neutral when you fly, Jennifer won’t inspect your passport to see your gender.”

Alex handed Vicky his phone, for her to read the website as they drank their teas. Alex left his empty cup on his bedside table to slip down under the warmth of the duvet.

Alex cuddled up to Vicky and let his hand drift down between her legs. Vicky was still reading the website, and gave him a playful slap on his wandering hand. Alex saw a twitch under the duvet and knew what to do. Ducking further under the duvet, Alex was soon level with Vicky’s hips and gave her some light kisses.

“Mmm, no, I know where you’re going… No. Naughty.” Vicky giggled.

Alex wrapped his arms around Vicky’s hips and slid his head over her, hunting for Little Mike. Vicky’s hand tried half-heartedly to push him off, but when Alex’s mouth found his target shaft, it was twitching with excitement.

He sucked its end into his mouth, licking and bobbing his lips around the end, hearing Vicky’s moaning above the duvet. Alex enjoyed playing with Vicky’s hardening shaft around his mouth, toying with it. Vicky’s hips responding in pleasure.

Vicky’s hands drifted down to ruffle Alex’s hair, encouraging him further down her pole to engulf her. Alex’s hands drifted around to spread her cheeks, letting one finger tease around her still damp and used rear.

“Mmm, I’ll pass you the lube.”

Alex gave Vicky one last, long suck, then sat up, taking the duvet off her. Looking down on her naked glory, he moved around to kneel between her legs, reaching to take the lube from her offering hand. He bent down to suck and kiss her nipples, enjoying her wriggling excitement.

He kneeled up and as he applied lube to his now stiff shaft, Vicky raised her bum to slide pillows beneath her. He gave her the bottle of lube back and stroked his hands along the insides of her legs, teasing her.

Alex walked forwards on his knees to engage his tip in her rear, still glistening wet with his cum from last night. He leaned in and felt the now familiar squeeze as he entered. He looked up to see Vicky’s eyes widen and mouth open in pleasure.

Alex brought his knees to either side of Vicky’s hips as he slid deeper into her. She wrapped her legs around up behind him, pulling him down on top of her. Their lips met in long slurping lip kisses, as Alex ground short, slow thrusts into her, with her hips responding.

Between kisses, both affirmed their love for each other, whilst also groaning in pleasure. This was a slower, more loving coupling than last night, with both wanting it to last forever, knowing Alex would return home later that afternoon.

Alex felt the dampness between them as Vicky dribbled pre-cum. Kneeling up, he held her shaft and started stroking her, rolling his thumb over her tip as he drove longer strokes into her.

“Ooh, Alex… Mmm… Nice and slow, Mmm.” Vicky purred in her low, sexy voice.

Alex stroked her with his hand a little faster, but kept his thrusts inside her slow and long. She rewarded him with long spurts of cum, squeezing out of her shaft as she squirmed, giving a long, deep moan of pleasure.

Alex released her shaft and gripped her hips. At the bottom of each thrust of his shaft into her, he ground deeply into her, holding it before pulling back. She was now looking up at him lovingly, open-mouthed, moaning whilst tightening her rear muscles around his shaft.

Alex felt his desire for release and once more drove deeply into her as his warmth injected into her. Vicky grinned and laughed with pleasure, squirming beneath him to squeeze every drop of him out, until he flopped out.

Alex rolled over to one side and Vicky curled over to face him, both wrapping arms around each other, kissing. Alex pulled the duvet back over the both of them as they both wriggled into a granny knot of arms and legs.

“Mmm, I think we’ve well and truly laid that ‘Remain a Virgin’ joker card to rest this weekend.” Alex giggled.

“Yeah, and I’m glad we have. Without you with me last night I wouldn’t have been able to sleep a wink, as I’d have been too excited after hearing about my promotion.”

“You didn’t… Remember? You woke me up.”

“Oh, yes… I did, and I loved it.”

Vicky expanded on the prospect of her new promotion and the pay rise that she’ll receive. She excitedly retold Alex all the gossip she had gleaned last night. Even though he was, still none the wiser hearing all the stranger’s names and habits a second time.

Once she finished, Alex remembered to warn her. “Oh, David and Henry saw us at the wine bar Friday night, but I don’t think they suspect anything.”

“Suspect what?”

“Well, that you’re a T-girl.”

“Oh… Silly, they already know. I met them by accident over a year ago at a drag show with my ex. David’s been wonderful at work. He’s not said a thing, remaining very professional.”

“Oh, phew, that’s a relief… Did you know you were the office hot totty?”

“So it seems, but it proves their HR policies work as I never knew… Any chance of another cup of tea, as it seems I’ve worked up a thirst?”

Alex went to make another cup of tea, to hear Vicky answer her phone.

“Hi, mum… Yes, we had a lovely night… Yes, they were lovely… No, we didn’t leave until late as I have lots of exciting news… MUM!… If you’re going to ask questions like that I’ll ring off and you won’t hear my news… No… No, he didn’t… MUM!”

Vicky went quiet and Alex heard her thump the duvet and scream in frustration, then her phone rang again with her leaving it ringing until it disconnected. Alex returned to the bedroom with mugs of tea, to see her tearful, pulling her pyjama baggy T-shirt on.

“Argggghh… She’s infuriating… First, she starts all nice, asking if we had a nice dinner etc… Then asking why I sound tired… To then hint if you kept me up all night…”

“Well… You did wake me up in the middle of the night for sex.”

“That’s not the point, Alex… Mums aren’t supposed to ask about your sex life… Then she asked if my exciting news was a marriage proposal…”

“Whaaat?”

“Yes… So what do you think about dear old mum now?”

“But we’ve only just met… Again, for the second time.”

Then Vicky mimicked a Minnie Mouse voice, “So Vicky, did he shag you rotten? Oh, is he going to marry you? And how many children do you want?”

She guffawed at her sarcasm, leaving poor Alex nonplussed. Then Vicky’s phone buzzed she turned her head away from it, refusing to even look at the screen. Alex peered over to see her mum’s text ID and the first words of the first line of text before it disappeared.

< Sorry Love… >

“Vicky, at least read her text. Remember we’re supposed to be visiting her in two weeks, and more importantly you need your passport.”

Vicky shrugged and sulkily slid down under the duvet, pulling it over her.

“You read it… My password is capital V, lower case t, a, r, t, and the number two.”

Alex picked up her phone and slid to join her under the duvet. He swiped her phone and typed in her password, went to messages and opened her last text.

Alex read, < Sorry Love… I’m just excited that you are happily in love and Alex is the ‘One’. I don’t mean to be intrusive, but it just comes out that way. I’m sorry I do want to hear your news, please ring me back. Love mum xx. >

“Oh, Vicky, she’s sorry, please read it?”

Vicky shook her head under the duvet, so Alex read the text out loud…

“Traa la la la la la la, I’m not listening… Tra la la la la…” Vicky tried to drown Alex out, only to stop when she heard the ‘pip, pip, pip’ of Alex typing on her phone.

“What are you typing?”

“Dear Mum, you are the best mum ever and I’m a spoiled…”

“Noo.” Vicky cut in, leaping up out from under the duvet to snatch her phone off Alex to see nothing of the sort, as he laughed at her shock.

< Alex here… Vicky will call back once I talk her round. See you in 2 weeks. >

Vicky scowled at Alex. Relieved he hadn’t sent it, so she modified it, removing the last few words.

< Alex here… Vicky will call back soon. > Then she sent it.

“Vicky, regardless of your frustrations, you need to talk to her about your passport.” Alex reminded her, as he stroked her shoulders reassuringly.

“I know… That’s what frustrates me…” She scowled back at him, sitting up and sipping her tea.

“You shower and I’ll call mum.”

“No, I think it’s best I’m here to take over should you flip out again.”

Vicky scowled again, but she knew he was right. Her stomach was knotted once more with the anticipation of calling her mother back, frustrated at being caught between a rock and a hard place.

She needed her help with her passport and she wanted to tell her mother about her exciting news, but she didn’t want a smother mother, asking her about her sex life. With Alex alongside her, his arm around her, she felt strong enough as she pressed the button to call.

“Hi, mum? No, it’s okay… You know what I am, so I don’t need innuendos nor do I want to share intimate details with my mum, that’s all…”

They longer they chatted, the more relaxed Vicky became, and a smile grew across her face. After a pause listening to her mother, she looked at Alex and blushed.

“Yes mum, I’m happy… Yes… Yes, he is…”

She then told her mother about the evening, her promotion, the additional money and her acceptance of the role.

“Yes, mum… I know, it’s so exciting, to interview them, to help them, enrol them in college, it’s a great opportunity as they will also work to a certain extent under me on my accounts… Yes…”

Alex could hear her mother’s squawky voice on the phone excitedly ask further questions and Vicky’s replies. Time was marching on, they still had to get ready to meet Sarah and Vicky still hadn’t asked about the passport. He motioned to Vicky to speed up and mouthed ‘Passport’ to her, to receive a joke scowl.

“Oh, that isn’t the only exciting news last night mum… I know… The excitement came so thick and fast last night… Well, Jennifer and Graham have a chalet in France and they’ve invited us to join them for a week in April… Yes, the both of us… Yeah… I like them both… The only problem is… My passport, it’s still in Mike’s name.”

Vicky listened intently for a while then answered, “Brilliant mum, thanks, that’s great… We’re off to meet Sarah for breakfast along the Grand Union Canal… Yes, that barge cafe… Okay… Thanks, mum… I love you too.”

Vicky looked exhausted but pleased, turning to kiss Alex as she put her phone down.

“Mum has the passport set aside with all the information needed. She’d printed it all out in anticipation when I changed my name by deed poll. She’s going to get it out, reread it and text later. Oh, I’m glad I called back now, she was totally different. She even apologised and sounded a little teary when she first spoke.”

After a brief hug and a second kiss, Vicky slipped out of bed and skipped her way across out of the bedroom. “I’ll jump in the shower first then!”

Alex finished his tea, washed up their cups and tidied his dirty clothes away into a bin liner in his bag, seeing it would be a lighter for his homeward trip that afternoon, leaving so much with Vicky. He sat in bed, scanning his phone, waiting for Vicky to finish.

As Vicky returned in her bathrobe, they kissed in passing as Alex went to have his shower. Once showered, Alex slipped on one of his collared shirts and jeans to find Vicky sat on the sofa scanning through her phone. She was wearing jeggings with a thin black jumper with sparkles dotted through it.

Grabbing her bag, their phones, slipping on shoes and coats, they made their way out into the fresh sunshine. Vicky was having her best weekend ever, sharing it with her lost love. Her body was still electric from Alex’s lovemaking earlier as they walked along together holding hands.

Alex was having similar thoughts, pleased about the weekend, also mixed with tingles and aches from lovemaking. It had been a rollercoaster ride of experiences that he could never have imagined before knowing Vicky. And now it seems the weekend had brought another improvement.

“Do you feel better for having spoken to your mum in the end, after all that?”

“Yeah, I think it did us both good for me to throw my toys out of the pram a little. She sounded almost relieved that I did… I feel as if a weight has come off my shoulders. Thanks.”

They cut through the streets, to join various couples and families walking along the wide Grand Union Canal towpath. The old canal towpath was now a major promenade, with people enjoying the Sunday morning sunshine, with some joggers and cyclists weaving their way through the pedestrians.

“Ohh look ahead, it’s Sarah, with some guy. I’d know that long blond hair anywhere, and that is definitely her biker jacket. She’s also wearing her favourite boots.” Vicky pointed ahead. As they were on the outside of a long curve in the canal, they could both easily see Sarah.

With Alex being a lot taller than Vicky, he could see over everyone’s heads, but not knowing Sarah well enough, he couldn’t recognise her. He could see a blonde-haired woman and a guy ahead of them, in a short, black biker jacket and wearing faux latex leggings.

The dynamic between the couple didn’t look right as she had her hands in the pockets of her jacket and he kept trying to pull her into him by the waist or shoulders.

“Do you recognise the guy with her, Vicky?”

“No… But it’s hard to tell.”

Sarah shrugged the guy off and spoke to him, but he kept trying to draw her in, but she pulled away. Her one hand pushed him away.

“I don’t think she wants him around. Can you run?”

“Not in these heels, Alex. But, no I don’t recognise him.”

Sarah had now stopped walking as Alex and Vicky sped up, closing the distance between them. Alex was already gearing up, fists closed. The guy was definitely pestering Sarah. Families and couples gave them a wide berth, not wanting to get embroiled in a lover’s tiff.

Not wanting to let this get out of hand, Alex thought he would defuse the now growing threat to Sarah. In his loudest, commanding voice, Alex shouted. “Hey, Sarah, woohoo, It’s okay we’re here.”

The couple turned to see where the voice had come from. Sarah’s face showed relief as she recognised Vicky and Alex. Although the man with her, looked at the six-foot-tall, Alex waving and his face changed from confident to unsure; he held onto Sarah’s bag strap, pulling her to one side.

Alex dropped Vicky’s hand and put on a burst of speed, sprinting towards Sarah, now barely a hundred meters away. The guy let go and fled off, dashing into a side street through some buildings and was gone. Alex stopped as soon as he reached Sarah, now safe. She hugged him in relief and gave him a peck on the cheek.

“Are you okay? Who is he?”

“Oh, some creep. The usual. He wants a date with a pretty girl and won’t take ‘No’ for an answer.”

Vicky arrived. “Sarah, are you okay?” Sarah nodded as they hugged and kissed.

“Yeah, I’m okay. It’s the price of living in the city. Come on, or we won’t get a table.” Sarah led them onwards, she and Vicky holding arms, with Alex trailing behind, scanning to see if there were any more creeps coming out of the woodwork.

Soon they reached a large barge cafe moored on the towpath. Sarah led them through the entrance and up some stairs onto the roof deck to find an empty table on the canal side in the sunshine. The creep incident now forgotten as the three sat down with Sarah sitting facing the rear and the towpath behind that they had walked up, opposite Vicky who with Alex had the view along the roof deck.

“So what is all the exciting gossip from yesterday?” Sarah asked, then leant forward and whispered, “But start with the sex. How many times? Who was on top? And who screamed first?” Sarah giggled with a dirty laugh, making both Vicky and Alex blush.

“Dirty cow. No, let’s order first and then I’ll tell you all my news,” Vicky answered, waving some menus.

After making a list of everything the three desired on his phone, Alex left the girls to head down to the counters inside the cafe to order. As he walked down the stairs, he nervously glanced at the two girls, now leaned in tightly together chatting and giggling, with him guessing that he was the focus of their conversation.

With the orders taken and paid for, Alex returned up the stairs with three coffees. He found Vicky and Sarah had swapped sides around the table, with Sarah now having the view along the roof deck and Vicky with her back to him. Behind him, Alex heard voices and footsteps behind, following him up the steps.

“Why the musical chairs?” Alex asked as he placed the tray down and passed Sarah her coffee.

“The food will come up to us in ten to fifteen minutes.”

“Shhh… Sarah’s spotted a girl she’s been stalking enter the cafe. She came up the stairs behind you and we think she’s on her own.” Vicky explained as Sarah pretended to focus on her coffee whilst looking intently behind Alex.

“I’m not stalking her… Okay, after seeing her buy a sandwich I followed her back to her office once… She’s gorgeous, but I’ve not seen her since.” Sarah explained. “I don’t know what it is, whether it’s her black-rimmed glasses or long auburn hair flowing over her, but her body is definitely the best part. The way she walks and brushes her hair with her fingers is lovely.”

“Sorry, but she is with someone Sarah, they were talking behind me as she followed me up the stairs.” Alex tried to burst her bubble.

Sarah and Vicky giggled, with Vicky saying, “Don’t worry, that hasn’t been a problem before for Sarah, once she sets her mind on someone.”

Alex squeezed past Vicky’s chair to sit down, allowing enough room between them for Sarah to peer through. Sarah’s face dropped saying, “Her breakfast date has arrived, no competition, he looks more like her younger brother.”

As Alex started his habitual sugar sachet ritual, shaking four sachets together, Sarah turned her attention to Alex.

“Not you too?” She said, as Alex shook all four sachets into his cappuccino at once.

“Haha, no Vicky copied me… I started the trend.” Alex said, as Vicky guffawed and Sarah shook her head in mock disgust.

“Right, so you two tell me all about it, don’t worry Alex, Vicky has already told me the juicy interesting parts!” Sarah asked.

“NO… I haven’t, honest Alex, she’s such a tart.” Vicky protested with a giggle.

Vicky told Sarah about their day yesterday (leaving out the more private afternoon) and the dinner party. She described her tour of Jennifer’s house in detail, then how Jen pulled her to one side to tell her about the promotion.

Alex could see why Sarah was Vicky’s closest friend, as she joined Vicky in her excitement in a positive, supportive role, asking a dozen questions, most of which Vicky and Alex had already considered in depth.

“So you’ll be getting a raise with your promotion?” Sarah asked with Vicky nodding happily in reply. Whilst not a pauper, at long last maintaining her apartment was well within her income, leaving a little more at the end of the month.

A waiter brought their breakfasts and set them down. Sarah pulled her phone out, fiddled with the settings to hand the phone to the waiter.

“Can you take a photo of the three of us, please?”

“Yeah, no problem.”

After the usual twisting, rotating with the phone and stepping back, they heard the familiar ‘click’ and the waiter handed the phone back. Sarah grimaced at the result once the waiter had left them.

“Quick, selfies,” Sarah said, pulling Vicky across.

The three squashed together over their plates of food and Sarah rattled off a few photos, clicking as she twisted the phone to a variety of angles. She inspected the results and busied herself posting, tapping away on her phone whilst Alex, and Vicky shuffled plates, unwrapped utensils, adding sauces and began to eat.

Vicky’s phone buzzed twice, and Sarah excitedly asked the question neither Vicky nor Alex had considered. “So now you won’t need to work those weekend ski and travel sales shows any longer?”

Vicky sat in stunned silence, as the idea sank in, thinking the implications over, whilst Sarah puzzled over why Vicky wouldn’t be excited at that prospect. Sarah joined the other two eating with Vicky, deep in thought.

“So, you’ll be free next weekend and we can party?” Sarah asked between mouthfuls.

“Mm… No. It’s tempting but sorry, no.” Vicky mumbled, with a mouthful of omelette, rushing to empty her mouth.

“Dave was fantastic to me when I first came to London and I needed that extra income. He’s always been supportive and protective. I’m sure he realises my position, so I don’t want to let him down.” Vicky told Sarah.

“I couldn’t cancel next weekend this late after Sandra and Mandy have already pulled out, and we now have a new starter that will need some training.”

Vicky leaned over to rest her head on Alex and hug his arm to see Sarah look a little bemused.

“Alex is joining me next weekend. He spoke with Dave on the phone yesterday and got a job offer. I think we should at least work next weekend and if there are any other commitments Dave wants first.” Vicky declared proudly.

“O. M. G. You two are two peas in a pod and now a dirty weekend in sunny Birmingham!” She giggled gleefully, but her eyes betrayed jealousy.

Sarah put down her utensils and pushed her empty plate away. “Right, if you two are going to leave me alone next weekend, I’m off to do something about it.”

Sarah stood up and grabbed her phone to walk down the aisle. Vicky and Alex turned to see the Auburn-haired girl disappearing down the stairs, with Sarah in hot pursuit. Auburn-haired girl’s breakfast date or little brother remained sitting at their table, focussed on scrolling through his phone.

“She’s incorrigible!” Vicky laughed. “You’re okay with us still working next weekend, lovely?”

Alex’s heart skipped to hear the ‘L’ word after yesterday’s drought. But maybe half of that was his fault, and he made a mental note to try harder, as they only have half a day left together.

“Yeah, of course. To let Dave down now would almost be criminal. He’s booked hotels and trains. Above all, we’ve both agreed to it. As you said, let’s see what next weekend brings before we decide.”

Alex leant into Vicky this time to kiss her on her cheek and whisper, “Sorry lovely, I’ve forgotten to tell you how lovely you look this morning.”

“Ew… Yuk… Brown sauce! You don’t change.” Vicky gasped and giggled as she wiped the brown smear off her cheek. “Thanks, you still need practice but keep persevering.”

Vicky retrieved her phone to see the recent post to their group of friends from Sarah, ‘Breakfast with the happy couple.’. The photo was one of Sarah’s twisted selfies, with the three of them smiling over their breakfast plates.

“Aw, look Alex.” Vicky showed Alex her phone for him to see the post and photo. Alex grinned as he viewed.

Then Vicky checked the second separate text to Vicky only, ‘Happy couple xx,’ with a photo attached, a similarly angled selfy, but of Alex and Vicky only, minus breakfast plates. She also nudged Alex to show him the second, more personal photo.

“That’s really nice, now you don’t have to pretend to have your arm around me anymore!”

Vicky giggled, remembering her photos of her and Alex back on their sixth form trips. She viewed the photos again and forwarded the photo of the three of them on to her mum.

“Oh, I hope you’re forwarding those to me?”

“No… Do you want me to?”

“Please… Sarah’s really caught our breakfast omelettes really well!”

“Arghhh.” Vicky gave Alex a playful thump and typed away on her phone. Alex received two vibrating notifications from his phone in his pocket.

“Thanks, seeing those photos you kept on your phone last weekend made me realise how few photos I have of us from back then. Not just of us two, but with Rich as well. Maybe I should have taken some, good times.”

“Hey, aren’t we having a good time now?”

“Yeah, and in six years, we’ll be looking at those two photos and we’ll also say good times.”

“Only good? Not great? Wonderful?”

“Okay…” Alex leaned over and kissed her, “Lovely, wonderful, happy times.” Making her blush as he kissed her on the lips again, minus any brown sauce.

Alex stacked their empty plates and coffee cups to one side, seeing Sarah return up the stairs grinning with a tray laden with three cups and teapots. As soon as she clattered the tray down to free her hands, she waved her phone under Vicky’s nose.

“Chloe… And I have her number. Her voice is sweet, even though a little unsure at being approached on a Sunday morning. She has lovely blue eyes behind those glasses. She went to the disabled toilet, so you never know?” Sarah boasted as she sat down and played mother, pouring milk into cups.

“What does that matter? The ladies could have been occupied.” Alex asked, unsure of the significance.

“The ladies were free because I used them. Trans-women can feel safer using the disabled toilet if available. It can avoid any possible friction if a CIS woman realises and kicks off. It’s not a guarantee but if in doubt, it’s easier to be cautious. I’m okay where I work, as all the women are okay with it.” Sarah explained as she poured the tea and spread the three cups between them.

“I use the disabled toilet in straight pubs and clubs, but at work, using the ladies is okay as I don’t think anyone knows or guesses… But I only go in when I know it is empty, if busy I’ll use the disabled one.” Vicky admitted.

“Did you admit to being her stalker?”

“No, I told her I work in the same building and see her daily, but have always been too shy to talk to her.”

“Ooo Pinocchio!” Vicky hissed, laughing.

Sarah grinned as she typed into her phone.

“Chatting her up already?”

“Just making sure she hasn’t given me a bum number… Tee hee, she’s picking up her phone and smiling.” Sarah smiled, peeking between Vicky and Alex’s shoulders.

Alex and Vicky glanced behind to catch Chloe duck down shyly behind her friend. Sarah’s phone buzzed the arrival of a returned text.

“She’s just bounced back a ‘Hi’.” Sarah told the other two lovers proudly.

Vicky’s phone rang as a staff member came up and started clearing the dead breakfast dishes away. Vicky checked her phone and answered the call.

“Hi, Mum… Yes, you like the photo. Yeah, breakfast… Yes, she’s still here, she’s okay…”

Vicky looked up at Sarah, “Mum Says Hi, Sarah!”

“Hi, Amanda,” Sarah called out to the phone in Vicky’s hand.

“Mum, Yes, you did?… Thanks… Alex found a helpful website… Yeah… Ahh… Okay… That’s more or less, what the website said… No, it does help thanks… Yes, I call later, thanks, mum.”

Vicky finished speaking with her mum, and she put her phone away.

“What’s up, Vick?” Sarah asked, reaching across to her. Alex placed a comforting arm around Vicky.

“It’s okay, it’s still a result. We were going to ask you, Sarah, but I think we already know the answer.”

“What, if those red heels suit you?” Sarah Joked, coughing as she realised now was not the time for her sassy attitude as her friend looked disappointed over some unknown news.

“It’s okay Garfield, I expected too much.” Vicky giggled through her disappointment. “Oh, sorry I forgot sex kitten. It’s my second batch of good news, I’m being silly.”

Vicky coughed again and downed her cup of tea. She then outlined the second half of their dinner with Jennifer and Graham to Sarah.

“No way, you lucky cow. A week in France skiing with Alex, you two will be so loved up!” Sarah squealed.

“That brings me to my two dilemmas that I’m worried about. The first is my passport. I didn’t change it when I changed my name.”

“That’s simple I did mine at the post office. Take your change of name deed poll with you and have a new photo taken. The info is all on the dot-gov website and the post office do it all for you. I got mine back in three weeks.”

“Well, I had wanted to change my gender to how I feel now, as a woman.”

With his arm still around her, Alex gave Vicky a comforting hug.

“Sorry honey… I don’t think the doctor will sign that off, as your boob job is reversible. I had a chat with mine and whilst I had done both hormones, and had my boob job, he was still reluctant. Unfortunately, you’d need the whole surgery to get past him.”

Sarah reached across to Vicky and held her hand, giving her a big smile.

“It’s what is inside that matters, Vicks… All customs want is for your face to match the photo. The airlines want your photo and booked name to match your passport. No one cares about your gender unless they want your phone number. If there’s any doubt you can always lift your skirt and give them a flash!” Sarah laughed and gave her a wink.

“You’re terrible… You old tart.”

“Sex Kitten… Please?”

“Tart by name, tart by nature… Until you behave better, it should be Pinocchio!”

The two giggled in unison, gripping each other’s hands across the table. Alex dropped his arm back to sip his tea, relieved that they’d solved one hurdle.

“So that was easy. What is dilemma number two?”

“The plan is for Alex and Graham to drive down whilst Jennifer and I fly. To spend a day in Geneva, Jennifer is going to show me around and we can do some shopping.”

“Wow, I wish my boss would give me such issues… Geneva… I’ve never been, that’s the one with the enormous fountain on the lake isn’t it?”

Vicky tutted, rolled her eyes, and gasped at Sarah’s description.

“I know… I’ve always imagined it to be a sexy, sophisticated city, like Paris, without the croissants and Eiffel tower. So what is the issue? It sounds like a perfect way to spend a day… I want to work for your boss.”

“It will mean sharing a hotel room with Jennifer overnight. None of your innuendoes either, she’s married and I’m with Alex.”

Sarah giggled and pulled a mocking face of shock. “Aw, spoilsport. She’s sexy, despite her middle age. I can see what Graham sees in her.”

Vicky playfully slapped her hand.

“Sorry Vicks, it’s too easy, it just slips out. I understand, but the solution is simple. Borrow a pair of Alex’s Grandpa pyjamas for that night and keep a second sexy set for later with Alex. Just keep your morning wood hidden, especially if sharing a double… She may change her mind.”

“I don’t wear pyjamas, let alone Grandpa’s,” Alex said, wrinkling his nose up, causing the girls to laugh. Vicky, as she knew what he looked like naked, and Sarah as she imagined him naked (wondering if his height transferred to his manhood).

“You’ll need to buy Vicky a pair of passion killers and quickly then!” Sarah admonished.

The three smirked and laughed at the images in their minds, as both Sarah and Vicky rattled off a list of ‘has been’ or charity shops that you could purchase such a pair of pyjamas. The morning’s weather continued to promise, with clear skies and the sun keeping the chill off.

“This afternoon, Alex, we could do the tourist thing that we missed yesterday. I love walking through Hyde Park, along the serpentine to the Palace. It’s lovely.” Vicky suggested, looking at Sarah in an unspoken invite.

“Can I come? I don’t want to crowd you two… You don’t mind, do you, Alex?” Sarah piped up.

“No, of course, I don’t mind, I think I’ll enjoy walking with two lovely women in my arms.”

“That’s settled then… I’ll just pop to the ladies and see if I have a stalker.”

Vicky winked at Sarah, stood and wandered off down the stairs.

Alex sat back in his chair, enjoying the sunshine. With this being the first time they’d been alone together, he wasn’t sure what to talk to Sarah about. It was one thing to chat with mates down the rugby club but to have Sarah’s bluntness omitting from a beautiful woman frightened him a little.

Sarah watched Vicky disappear down the stairs, they both sat, looking into their empty teacups and avoided each other’s gaze. Both feeling awkward now alone together with nothing to say.

Time dragged and after what seemed like hours, Sarah finally plucked up the courage to say the only thread of thought she had with Alex. She moved across to the chair opposite Alex, leaned in towards him whilst he reciprocated with the both of them meeting across the table as if they were about to share a secret.

“She’ll be awhile… I have to admit I’m jealous… Green with envy.”

“Why? You’ve had your chance. You’re best friends and previously even shared benefits, Vicky said you both knew going any further wouldn’t work for either of you. Surely by now, you’re used to the arrangement?”

Vicky smiled, her eyes changed, and she slid the empty cups away to lean a little closer, almost touching him nose-to-nose.

“Not jealous of you… Jealous of Vicky.”

Alex blushed, fearing she would kiss him he leaned back into his chair, away from her before she was tempted.

“Don’t be scared. Although I wouldn’t mind sharing you… I could ask?”

Sarah saw Alex’s demeanour change from embarrassed to uncomfortable.

“Don’t panic, let me explain… Vicky’s always talked of a lost love, an opportunity she missed before we met and I’ve always been jealous of her mystery man.”

Alex relaxed and Sarah pulled back to give him a little room, but she remained leaning on the table.

She continued, “All of my relationships have been with chance encounters, unknowns, online hook-ups, with them all carrying hidden baggage. Whilst fun, they’ve led to a few misadventures, leaving me the injured party and alone once more.”

It was now Sarah’s turn for her demeanour to change. Her face flickered with pain, but her strong exterior returned as fast as it had left her.

“Okay, the road to true love is never easy, but you both know each other, have a shared history and memories. Except for some small parcels, you both know each other’s emotional baggage. You’ve both crossed those bridges years ago”

“Awe, come on, it isn’t as simple as that?”

“Isn’t it? I’ve met friends I knew at school or at work before I transitioned and they still avoid me like the plague… You’ve embraced her transition… I still don’t understand why you didn’t get together before she left Bristol. You knew her preferences and you two…”

Alex hastily cut in, guessing what Sarah was insinuating. “We were friends, just good friends.”

“Really? That’s not what my gaydar is telling me.”

“Gaydar?”

“Well, maybe it should really be LGBTQ plus radar but gaydar rolls off the tongue easier. Like radar but it helps me detect the right matches and you’re a huge blip on mine.”

“I’m not gay and I wasn’t then.”

“Hmmm, let’s think about it, maybe not gay but…?”

“Whatever I’m now, I wasn’t then… We were friends. I knew her preferences, I knew about her makeup videos… It was just an innocent friendship. We were mates… A bromance at best, if you like?”

“There must have been something more than that there, remember Vicky has told me everything… Did you feel the same way whenever you met her brother, without Vicky?”

Alex thought long and hard, but had to admit. “No, Rich and I weren’t like that, I never saw Rich, in the same way, I saw Vicky.”

“Aha… So my gaydar’s right then?”

“But I still liked women then. I had a crush on several back then.”

“That’s as well as maybe… But who did your eyes search out for when entering a busy dining hall? Who left you disappointed when they weren’t there?”

Sarah knew she was right as she saw Alex’s eyes drop. His mind drifted back to his memories of Vicky in the sixth form when she was Mike. Visions flickered through his mind…

He remembered her freckles, her soft nose, her hair and his eyes drifting to Vicky’s short shorts, yearning for her buttocks to peek out as she stepped up, on those sixth form trips. He remembered his heart fluttering when he held her hand or waist to support her when she was terrified on those Alpine mountain treks.

“Okay, I’ll admit it… I used to stare at her bum. It was so peachy and yes, a few times I was tempted to squeeze it, to hold her… To run my hands through her hair when she laughed and giggled… She’s always had that deep sexy voice… I think it turned me on even back then… But I wasn’t gay then… I don’t feel gay now.”

“Labels don’t matter Alex… You’re fluid… what matters, is that you’re true to your heart… Think back, be honest… Vicky hasn’t changed that much since then, so why didn’t you two get together back then?”

“I told you we were friends…”

“You’re joking? There was no fairy godmother waving a magic ‘Pride’ wand over the two of you last weekend. What’s changed between then and now for you to finally get it on with your best friend?”

Alex thought long and hard remembering the emptiness, he’d endured when Vicky left school and disappeared.

“I never knew how much I’d miss her, until she was gone. I expected her to be there forever, that’s why I never took anything further. When we met again, last weekend it all flooded back.”

It was a relief for Alex that the noise of the busy cafe drowned his confession out, sighing as if it had released a weight off his shoulders. Sarah’s voice had become his focus and the cacophony of the surrounding cafe drifted into the background. One of Sarah’s cool, soft hands landed on his and squeezed it.

“And now Alex… What gets your motor running now she’s Vicky?”

“Well, she’s very sexy, chic with everything she does and the way she dresses. Her hair…”

“Come on Alex… Her boobs?”

“Yeah, of course, I love her boobs…”

“Why? Because you prefer women?”

“NO… Because they make Vicky feel like the woman she wants to be and as a result they’re an intrinsic part of her now.”

“And what about her…” Sarah’s hand lifted off Alex’s and she wiggled her little finger.

Alex paused; he’d half expected this as the conversation had progressed. His mind ran back over the events of the weekend.

“I knew you’d ask me, eventually… I knew it was there… It’s no biggie… Oh. Er. No… You know what I mean.”

“And…” Sarah giggled and raised her eyebrows questioning further, wiggling her little finger again.

“Yes… okay…” He acknowledged and leaned forwards, closer to Sarah.

“Yes, I love Vicky’s willy.”

Sarah giggled and her eyes rose to look above Alex’s head. From behind him, a pair of arms slipped down around his shoulders and wrapped around his neck. Vicky’s head appeared alongside his, as she rested her chin on his shoulder. She kissed his cheek, saying, “And I love your willy too.”

“Awe… How long have you been there?”

“Long enough.”

Vicky pecked his cheek again, released Alex and stood back up, giggling along with Sarah, both grinning, pleased with themselves. Vicky pulled her coat off the back of her chair to slip it on.

“Right, come on you two, I think we have enough revelations for one day.”

Sarah and Alex stood and slipped their coats on, and the three ambled through the cafe back onto the towpath. Sarah and Vicky walked either side of Alex, initially both leaning into Alex, heads on either shoulder, still chuckling. In unison, they pecked a kiss on his cheeks as they continued on; the trio holding hands.

“You sure you don’t want to share him, Vicks?”

“Nope… Hands off, tart… He’s all mine.”

“Sex kitten… Please.”

“Pinnochio.”

They separated into a pair, plus one, as they came off the towpath and turned to wind their way through streets with the narrower pavements. Sometimes Alex & Vicky as a pair, but often Vicky and Sarah hand in hand, with Alex happy to trail behind.

Alex enjoyed the view of the two chic women strutting along and seeing the admiring glances from other men and women. The weak winter sun was still warm on them, but feeling the chill as soon as they walked into any shade.

The two women chatted as they walked, checking and sharing their phone screens. Alex could now pick out and recognise familiar names from the wine bar on Friday night. He was suspecting the two weren’t taking the most direct route as they halted outside a boutique store and suggested Alex wait outside.

As the two snuck inside Alex peered through the windows, lingerie adorned transparent mannequins in the window but beyond the shop looked bare. Almost empty shelves and display racks ran through the small interior.

Seeing the glee in both women’s eyes as they chatted and examined minuscule lace garments left Alex pleased he had remained outside. Although the lack of any pricing in the window or visible on any shelves concerned Alex.

Alex was about to phone Vicky to encourage them out of the shop, when the door opened to spill Vicky and Sarah out onto the pavement. Giggling and tucking small brown paper bags into their handbags, both glanced at Alex and burst into giggles again. Vicky embraced him to apologise.

“Sorry, I’ve got something special for next weekend. Don’t worry we’re nearly there.”

“I’ve something special too, but Vicky wouldn’t let me model it for you, although the sales assistant didn’t seem to mind.”

“I’m sure she gets requests to try on their lingerie all the time SK.”

“Now you’re getting used to it… Sex Kitten, I wonder if we can get the others to use my new moniker.”

Vicky snuggled up to Alex, and they followed Sarah down the road. After a crossing few streets, they were opposite Hyde Park. It was popular with the sun out. It seemed as if the whole of London had the same idea.

They crossed the last road, dodging the busy black cabs, and entered the park through a wide iron gateway. Whilst the path widened, they could still only walk as a pair, plus one with the busy foot traffic around them. Vicky released her hold from Alex and stepped forward to walk with Sarah, hand in hand.

It was important to her that Sarah accepts Alex as her lover. Something Sarah had never done with any of her previous relationships. Despite them both being close friends, Sarah had always refused to acknowledge Vicky’s other lovers.

Alex’s thoughts drifted back to his conversation with Sarah. Had his feelings for Vicky, back then when she was Mike, gone beyond a simple bromance. He certainly didn’t feel the same way about her brother, despite them being a threesome, was that the issue with Rich, was he jealous?

As they walked on and Alex continued to ponder, his jean pocket vibrated and his phone ring chirped up. Unused to receiving calls other than from Vicky, he quickly pulled it out and saw his mum’s ID.

“Hi, mum, what’s up?”

“Hi Alex, we’re okay. I’ve just had coffee with Amanda. She’s given me Vicky’s passport and some printouts for you to pass on to her next weekend.”

“Oh, that’s brill… What’s up? You don’t sound too happy about something… What’s wrong… mum?”

“No, I’m not happy. I’m sat in the car and I wanted to talk to you before driving anywhere angry.”

“Mum, what’s up, is dad there?”

“No, he’s okay he’s messing about with his motorbike back home…”

“So what’s up?… Mum?”

“Amanda alluded to you leaving Bristol and moving to London. Is this true?”

“No… Why would she say such a thing?”

“She said you’re moving to London to live with Vicky, as you’ll be working together.”

“No, mum… She’s confused it all or you’ve misunderstood.”

Alex knew who was at fault here. His mum never jumped to conclusions. Amanda had exaggerated it. For his mum to phone him and get involved in his business meant she was more than just upset.

“She said, you were both going to work for some ski holiday company? I’m not happy that you’re going to waste your career after your apprenticeship. Your father will be livid when he finds out.”

“No mum, Amanda has it all wrong.”

Alex looked ahead, seeing Vicky a little further away now, deep in conversation with Sarah. He explained to his mother about their plans were and about next weekend.

“So there you are, mum, no plans to leave Bristol. It’s just to help Vicky with her second job, just for this one weekend. Honest mum.”

“Okay, I’m glad, but Amanda gave it a whole different spin. I have nothing against you moving in with her, if she were here in Bristol. It’s just after your apprenticeship, all your college work and you have a burgeoning career with your company. I wouldn’t want you to throw it all away. What if she moved back here?”

“Aww, mum. No, Vicky is in the same position I’m in. Her company has funded her through college and now they’ve promoted her, she has her career too… I know you mean well and I’m glad you’ve phoned me rather than worry, but there is nothing to worry about. Vicky’s lovely and we are serious about each other, but we’ve both got careers. I’ll be home for about six ‘ish and I’ll tell you everything, ignore anything that Amanda said.”

“Okay. Thanks, love. I’ll have dinner ready for seven and we can talk then. I’m sorry I jumped the gun, but Amanda made it sound as if it was all happening tomorrow.”

“No, nothing’s happening, don’t worry any further mum. See you tonight… Bye.”

“Bye love.”

Alex made sure his mum had rung off before he pocketed his phone again. He checked Vicky was none the wiser.Maybe it was best he kept this to himself. She was only just getting used to her mum’s change of tune this morning, but it seems her mother had flipped back to smotherhood and some weird fantasy land.

They were now walking around the serpentine water around the park and Alex caught up with the two women, as the path was clear from foot traffic. He slipped his arm around Vicky’s waist.

“My mum’s just rung to say she’s had coffee with your mum and your mum’s given her your passport with all the printouts, so I can bring them with me next Friday, to save any risk of losing your passport in the post.”

“Oh, brilliant, thanks, how’s your mum?”

“Fine, thanks… Are we going to feed the ducks?”

“No… We need to return, Lilly and Elaine had booked a table at Zizzi’s back in the basin, so we’ve asked them to increase the table for five and we’ll join them for dinner at half one.”

“Zizzi’s that’s that Italian chain?”

“Yes. There are a few here in London, but they’ve booked the one that’s close to where we had breakfast. Then we won’t have too long a walk to get back, before you catch your train. What time does it leave?”

“Four.”

“That should be more than enough time for us to eat.”

“And chat… And text… And chat…”

“Hey, we’re not that bad.”

Then the two women sang out in unison, “But girls just want to have fuu’unn.”

Vicky and Sarah giggled as they led Alex down an adjacent path and started back. Again, the three walked abreast until either foot traffic or pavement width forced them to separate again.

Vicky received a call from her mum, and the two girls halted for Alex to join them. She was confident and chirpy as she spoke to her mother. Alex waiting in trepidation for any pitfall that may come out of it, relieved when none came.

Finishing the phone call Vicky walked a little lighter in her steps, with Alex now sure that he had made the right decision to censor his earlier phone call with his mum.

The three wound their way back through Hyde Park and started to criss-cross busy streets full of black cabs and high-end cars. Alex was lost, but the girls knew their way and he enjoyed watching them from behind, as they walked in their high heels.

With Vicky’s bum covered by her silvery black puffer ski jacket, he admired Sarah’s tight arse in her faux latex leggings. Once she turned, caught his gaze and winked, as if she had felt his eyes on her. He smiled and moved his eyes away, feeling guilty, as if he had just cheated on Vicky.

They arrived back at the Grand Canal and retraced their steps along the towpath until Vicky pulled them into a wider square with a generic Zizzi’s restaurant in the corner. Walking through the entrance, they spotted Lilly and Elaine sat at the bar waving. They went over and whist the girls chatted, Alex brought a round of drinks.

As they were early, they remained waiting at the bar whilst their table was being prepared. Alex recognised the two women from the bar on Friday night, although now it felt as if Friday was weeks ago.

Vicky was buzzing, and the air was thick with each of them trying to tell the others their news. Vicky’s news won out, and she proudly fended questions about everything. The bombshell of a free week skiing with Alex and shopping in Geneva almost brought shushing, from adjacent tables, as the girls squealed in excitement.

Tables nearby, with their annoying stares, breathed a sigh of relief when a staff member guided the group to their table in a distant, quieter corner. Alex let the girls sit first. Lilly and Elaine sitting together on one side, opposite Vicky.

Sarah sat at the head of the table between Vicky and Lilly, leaving the seat next to Vicky free for Alex. Alex took Vicky’s coat to hang on the back of her chair and pushed her chair in for her as she sat down.

It seemed as if there was an unspoken unilateral agreement that Vicky was the centre of any discussion and Alex a close second. Lilly and Elaine repeated the same polite questions that Alex remembered them asking on Friday, coupled with a few that confirmed everyone had now heard about her knight in shining armour from Bristol.

Lilly was quick to explain to Alex. “Pete was guilt ridden on Friday after you and Vicky left. He was so worried he’d spoiled your evening. Jose had to hold him back and talk him out of following you to the restaurant to apologise further.”

“He is quite a dear Alex, it’s sweet how he feels like our Mother Hen sometimes,” Elaine added.

“No, that’s okay. Maybe I needed a nudge… To admit my feelings to myself.” Alex smiled and pecked Vicky on her cheek, and gave her a hug across her shoulders.

The table’s waiter arrived with menus and bottled water. They ordered another round of drinks as everyone reviewed their menus. A whole raft of discussion ensued on two levels. The first on whether to have three courses, or starters and mains, or mains and desserts. The second over individual preferences and what they had previously.

It wasn’t until the waiter’s second visit to the table that the group finalised their food orders, whilst also deciding to have only main and dessert courses. Once completed, the group delved deeper into everyone’s news.

Alex enjoyed watching the dynamics of the group. He is more used to testosterone-driven, competitive discussions that often meant friends shouting down or talking over others, whether with his rugby teammates or work colleagues. This group however, allowed each person to speak in turn, each with equal importance.

After a while, Elaine looked pensive and whispered something to Vicky, and the two rose, making their excuses to go to the Ladies. No soon as they were out of earshot, Lilly perked up, leaning over to Alex.

“I know Pete went a little far on Friday, but we all feel a little overprotective of Vicky after her last few relationships, and you’ve proven us all wrong. She’s never looked so relaxed and happy. Not just in her body language, but in her texts as well.”

“Aw… Thanks” Alex felt a little shy with the praise.

“I mean, we all have first loves, but it’s lovely how you’ve reappeared on the scene and turned her fantasy into reality. My first love was my PE teacher, Miss Stephens. She was gorgeous but I don’t think she liked girls… Elaine is my fantasy now.”

Sarah nodded in agreement, as she joked. “My first love was also my PE teacher, but I don’t think Mr Phillips would have kept his job long had he pulled his shorts down for me.”

The two women laughed as Alex gave a nervous grin.

“And now you’re both off for a dirty weekend in Birmingham, then Bristol and soon after Geneva for a week shagging. With all those ski instructor fantasies to play out. How I wish some of my ski instructors would have whipped my salopettes off and…” Sarah chuckled, winking at Alex.

“It took Elaine and I months before we were brave enough to go on a dirty weekend. We were terrified we’d fall out, so avoided it. You’re lucky not to have that Alex, enjoy it. Let Vicky have her ski instructor fantasies.”

“Oh god… Is Lilly telling you about her fantasies?” Elaine blurted out as the two women returned.

Alex got up to repeat letting Vicky sit and for him to push her chair in… Elaine remained standing, looking at Lilly with a wry, sarcastic smile.

“Equality honey… Park your bum down.” Lilly smiled, pecking a kiss on Elaine’s cheek when she sat without aid.

Vicky’s hands quickly gripped Alex’s, causing him to look at her questioningly. Her eyes were watery with tears, but her smile told Alex there was nothing to worry about. She squeezed his hands and kissed him.

“It’s okay. Elaine was lovely, she’s so kind, I’ll tell you later… I’m so lucky to have such friends.”

She pecked him on the cheek again as staff arrived with plates of the main course. No soon as the plates were set down, Sarah insisted a waiter take a group photo with her phone.

This time there was more room for the photographer to stand back and clicked off several photos. They even stayed until Sarah checked and nodded that she was happy with the results.

“So, what’s the special occasion, everyone?” The waiter asked, expecting the usual report of a birthday, anniversary, or reunion.

The group glanced around but before anyone could reply, ‘Just for fun’.

Sarah piped up. “We’re celebrating Alex losing his virginity, both top and bottom.”

The table erupted in mock disgust and teasing, with Vicky kicking Sarah under the table. Alex turned bright red and wished for a hole to appear, for him to disappear into, while the waiter beat a hasty retreat.

“Ow, Vicks that hurt… Well, he did… So we should be celebrating.”

Sarah lifted her drink in a mock toast, as Lilly and Elaine followed suit giggling.

“Ignore Sarah, lovely.” Vicky said to Alex but then louder, shooting Sarah her daggers eyes look, “She thinks she’s funny.”

Sarah smiled a theatrical, sarcastic apology and blew the two lovers a kiss with a smile, repeating her mock toast.

Sarah shrugged off the criticism as she typed into her phone again. Shortly the three phones rang or beeped, as the four others got on with eating their mains before they got cold. Between mouthfuls, Vicky checked her phone to see one of the group photos from Sarah.

“That is such a great pic, Sarah. We’ll have to leave a tip now!”

Vicky forwarded it on to her mother and showed her screen to Alex, diverting him from tucking into his food, whilst still trying to move on after his embarrassment.

“I’ll forward it to you, so you can forward it to your mum, Alex.”

“No, it’s okay, I’ll show her when I get home.”

“Nooo.” Came a chorus from Vicky and Sarah.

“Did you not send her the one from breakfast?”

“Nope… I can show her tonight…”

“When you get home…” Vicky mimicked, rolling her eyes. To then scold him. “No Alex, your mum’s lovely. She’s probably worried about you being up in the big smoke”

“At the mercy of all us girls.” Sarah cut in, giggling.

“Okay, okay. As soon as I’ve finished.”

True to his word, once finished, Alex pulled his phone out of his pocket.

< Hi, mum. See photo from this morning. First one is with Vicky. The second is with Vicky’s friend Sarah. We had breakfast on a cafe barge on the Grand Canal. Third photo is now, dinner at a Zizzi’s. Vicky, Sarah, and two friends, Lilly and Elaine. I’ll tell you all when I get home. >

“There you go. I’ve sent the three photos to mum.”

“She’ll appreciate it. I don’t want to be the big bad girlfriend taking her son from her if we meet when I come to Bristol.”

As soon as Vicky finished, Alex’s phone buzzed on the table. Puzzled, he picked it up and checked it.

< Cheers Alex. Vicky’s pretty. It’s a lovely photo of you both. It looks as if you’re having a lovely time. Thanks, see you soon. Love mum xx >

Alex felt a warm glow inside. The one person who he needed understanding from, was supportive and she liked Vicky.

“Mum says thanks… And she thinks you’re pretty,” Alex told Vicky.

“Naturally, she has good taste. See, I told you. Your mum’s always been lovely.”

Vicky felt a pang of jealousy. Even back when she was Mike, Alex’s mum had been lovely to her. Yes, her mum had been supportive, but with a twist, and lately, that twist seemed to be getting the better of her, until earlier today. Maybe this is the turning point and she will become more like Alex’s mum.

Their waiter appeared with a handheld device to prompt for desserts. Much to Alex’s amusement, the girls repeated a round of who liked what and who ate what last time. He only had to glance at the choices to choose the tiramisu.

Once again, it took several rounds of order revisions, with various coffees, teas or drinks thrown in before they settled the order. Vicky caught Alex checking his watch, but seeing him smile.

“It’s okay, we’ve got a little time left.”

Which set off a round of apologetic “Aws’,” and “Ahs’,” as everyone realised the weekend was ending for the couple, for them to then realise they had just highlighted it. Causing them to change the subject to a fresh round of excitement based on some purchases Lilly and Elaine had made on Saturday.

Alex sat back, enjoying the renewed chitter-chatter, drinking in the atmosphere of a cheerful, supportive, mishmash group of friends, surrounded by tables of families and couples, none the wiser of the group’s uniqueness. Having never experienced anything similar, he realised the group was as closest to the sitcom ‘Friends’ he’d ever gotten.

Vicky, being close to O.C.D. with tidiness and cleanliness, was his Monica, which suited him, as he preferred Courteney Cox. Sarah was definitely Rachael, although she had yet to meet her Brad Pitt. That left Lilly and Elaine, which was easy, as they had to be Ross’s ex-wife Carol and her wife Susan.

Alex then pondered on himself and realised this was where his comparison fell apart. He couldn’t be Ross. Did this make him Chandler Bing or Joey? He ran through a few favourite scenes in his head and decided he’d choose a bit of both, Joey Bing!

Desserts arrived, or really one tiramisu, one chocolate brownie and five coffees. Before either Alex or Lilly could blink, Vicky had sampled the tiramisu and Elaine the brownie and whilst Alex and Lilly laughed, protesting, Sarah swept in to sample both.

Alex felt that not having had to pay for Saturday night’s dinner, whilst bearing in mind he never went out to eat, with him living at home, and having enjoyed everyone’s company over dinner, he could afford to repay everyone for their kindness.

He quietly excused himself from the table, to go to the Gents, but went to ask the Maitre d’ for the bill. He paid for the group and returned to his seat.

It was quite a while after staff cleared the coffee cups and dessert plates, before any of the group suggested asking for the bill, which brought forth the discussion on how they were going to split it.

“That’s okay, ladies, lunch is on me. I wanted to thank you all for your hospitality and kind words. Not just towards me but to Vicky as well.”

The table erupted in a round of embarrassed, mutual thanks.

“Oh, Alex, there was no need. But we need to get going, as we have to walk back yet.” Vicky got up and started slipping on her coat.

The friends all got up, pulling their coats and jackets on, to walk out together. Once outside, Lilly and Elaine went around the others, in turn for a goodbye hug and kiss. Alex blushed at his turn for double light cosmopolitan cheek kisses and hugs from the pretty pair, who again thanked him for paying for lunch.

“I’ll save mine for later, as we’ll walk back part of the way together, okay hun?” Sarah confirmed as she gripped Vicky’s hand. Lilly and Elaine made their last goodbyes to make their way towards their Paddington apartment. Vicky, flanked by Sarah and Alex, walked back along the Grand Canal towpath.

Their chatter was subdued and not as carefree as earlier. All three felt a cloud following them as the weekend’s closure drew nearer. They reached the street for Alex and Vicky to break away from the towpath and the three stopped for a nervous moment, until Sarah flew at Vicky to give her a big hug.

“Thanks, it’s been lovely as always. So pleased with your news. Love you loads, talk later?” They held each other tightly and kissed, initially on the cheeks, then a final parting one on the lips.

“Yea, honey. Glad we met up, it’s been lovely, thanks. Big day tomorrow so will call you later.”

Alex stood, nervous and unsure of what was in store for him, as Sarah diverted to him, pulling him into a polite hug.

“Thanks, you big tall dark stranger, for looking after my girl. I approve… But I’m still jealous. Have fun over the next few weekends. I’ll miss you both and hope to see you soon.”

Alex received the same cheek-to-cheek kisses, but then Sarah poised as if she were going to French kiss him. She held him in a strong, tight grip that belied her size… Then at the last possible second pursed his lips to give him a Marilyn Monroe style kiss on the lips, giggling at his discomfort.

“Don’t worry, I don’t bite!” She giggled, glancing at Vicky, “Look after her, she’s still fragile.”

“I will thanks.”

Sarah released Alex, returning to give Vicky one last hug and then hurried off down the towpath. Alex slipped his arm around Vicky’s waist and they walked back towards Vicky’s apartment.

“Thanks for buying lunch, which was lovely. Elaine was gushing when we went to the ‘Ladies’. Saying how glad everyone was on Friday to see the change in me, and how handsome you looked.”

“Lilly said similar when you left. It seems you’ve chosen well, little Padawan.”

“Oh god, not Star Trek?”

“Star Wars.”

“Whatever.” Vicky laughed and gave Alex another playful punch.

“Ow… I wanted to buy lunch. It seemed a fitting finale to the weekend. As I had promised you a meal Saturday night but Jennifer and Graham stole that opportunity from me.”

“You’ve enjoyed your weekend, though?”

“Of course I have. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world.” Alex squeezed Vicky to him as they walked the last of their way to enter the building.

Once back in her apartment, Alex searched around, checking he had everything in his bag that he needed to take home and had left everything he needed to leave to satisfy Vicky’s fears. Once he was sure he had everything, he caught up with her in the kitchen, sorting out the dishwasher. He pulled her round to face him and held her in close.

“I have to go, I’m sorry.” He gave her a kiss.

“I know… I’ve been dreading this all weekend.” She kissed him back.

“Me too. I’ve enjoyed this weekend, have you?”

Vicky nodded, her lips sealed tight, so she couldn’t cry.

“Did it go as planned, or did I fail?”

“No.” She pulled him into a passionate kiss. “It’s gone far better than I could have ever imagined. It’s been lovely…” She kissed him again. “I love you, you know?” and kissed him again.

“I know… It’s the best thing ever… I love you too Vicky.”

They both pulled each other into one final passionate kiss.

“Do you want me to come with you to see you off at Paddington?”

“No, it’s okay, you’re home now. I’ll be okay.” Alex pulled himself away, feeling her magnetic pull, trying to suck him back into another embrace.

“Text me,” Vicky whispered, her eyes tearing up.

“I will lovely. Friday will come soon enough and I’ll be walking back through that door.” Alex stepped back to clip on his big hoody fleece and loop his arms through his bag’s handles, pulling it onto his back.

“I hope so… Go before I cry… No, stay with me.”

“I can’t, honest Vicks, I’d love to but next week will come soon enough.” Alex stepped back towards the door, not wanting to prolong the pain, but neither wanting to leave.

“Go… Go…” Vicky waved for him to leave.

Alex turned and slipped through the door, pulling it closed behind him, walking towards the lift with a touch of melancholy about him, knowing he had to go.

Pressing the down button on the lift, he heard Vicky squeal behind him. “I love you Alex Fisher and always will.” He looked down the hallway to see Vicky stood in the hall, wiping a tear from her face.

“I love you too, Vicky Parks.” He blew her a kiss as he stepped into the lift with his eyes tearing up.

Vicky watched him disappear into the lift and drifted back into her apartment. Before she started anything else, she needed to do something to reassure her. It had been a wonderful weekend, beyond her wildest dreams, with the man of her dreams.

She knew he had to go. They both had careers but it will take a while to get used to the cadence of having Alex only at weekends.

She walked to her bathroom and checked that his new toothbrush was still there, in the mug alongside hers. Then in her bedroom, she checked the wardrobe, seeing his new coat, spare jeans, shirts all hanging there and spare boxers on the shelf, knowing that more was in the laundry bags with his shirts.

She sat on her side of the bed and opened the top drawer of her bedside table, pulling out the photo frame that was hidden upside-down in her smalls. She returned it to pride of place on the top, next to her pillow. The photo showing the two of them sat on marble steps in St Mark’s square in Venice on that school trip, as a loving couple with her arm unnoticed behind him.

Tomorrow over lunch, she’ll pop to the local supermarket that has a photo print machine and get a hard copy of the two of them at breakfast. They may even have a suitable frame. She scanned through the photos on her phone that Sarah had sent her.

She wasn’t sure how long she had sat there staring at the images of Alex on her phone, but this wasn’t getting the cleaning done or preparing for work tomorrow. She got up and started running through some chores in her mind, heading for the cleaning cupboard.

Alex, meanwhile, was hunting the train carriage for a spare pair of seats. The underground wasn’t busy, but now in Paddington on the Bristol bound train, it was busy with weekend trippers returning home.

He found a vacant pair of seats, propped his bag on the window, puffing it to a pillow, and squeezed into the little remaining space to snuggle his body into it. His mind ran through all the events of the weekend, many causing him to stiffen and harden in his jeans and many causing his heart to flutter. He was asleep before the train even pulled out of Paddington.

An hour later the train shuddered, and shook him awake as it pulled out of Swindon. After glancing around to see the chair next to him still vacant and the train emptier, he lifted the armrest, stretched out, adjusting to a more comfortable position and tried to sleep again.

After several failed attempts, he gave up and sat up. Pulling his phone out of his pocket and noticed a text from Vicky.

< Hi honey. Missing you already xx. I had a lovely weekend and hope you did too. I can’t wait until Friday. V xx > She finished her text with a heart emoji.

He scrolled back to the photos from earlier in the day, and pondered back, lingering on the photo of him and Vicky. Realising that she’d be waiting for a reply, he quickly text her.

< Hi, sexy. Sorry I’ve been asleep. You’ve worn me out xx. I had the best weekend… EVER. Friday won’t come soon enough. Love A xx >

He returned his phone to his pocket, led back on his bag pillow and without realising drifted back off to sleep. An hour later the lack of motion and the noise of people gathering bags as they left the carriage woke him.

Glancing through the window he recognised Bristol Temple Meads station and got up, pulling his bag onto his shoulders. He followed the other passengers out and made his way back to his car.

The smell of a roast beef dinner washed over him as he walked through the door back at home.

“Alex, is that you love?” His mum’s voice called from the kitchen.

“Yeah, mum.” He closed the door, dropped his bag and went to find his mum in the kitchen.

“Nice weekend?”

“Lovely mum, I’ll tell you all about it later, first I need the loo, then a cuppa.”

He gave his mum a hug and a peck on her cheek. She pulled back, a little taken back.

“A kiss for your mum? Either you’ve had a wonderful weekend or you’ve done something bad. Which one is it?” She laughed as she put the kettle on.

“A great weekend, mum,” he said as he walked out of the Kitchen, to grab his bag and run upstairs. Throwing it onto his bed, he made his way to the loo.

Later back in the kitchen, with a mug of tea in hand, watching his mum hover of pots and pans of boiling veg. Leaning against the kitchen work top, he felt at home, but part of him wasn’t there. Part of him was back in London, wondering what Vicky was doing.

“Penny for your thoughts, love?” His mum asked, guessing already what was up.

“Oh, nothing.”

“Thanks for the photos. Vicky does look lovely, she’s changed.” His mum hinted at the unspoken elephant in the room.

“Yes, in some ways, the same personality… but not others. She’s still the same Vicky that you knew, but happier.”

“Tanya was interested when I told her you’d gone to London to see a girl.”

“Awe, mum. You told her?”

“Yes, why not? She rang and asked about you.”

“No she didn’t mum. She never does, unless it’s to find out something to taunt me with.”

When Alex was born, his older sister, Tanya found that she had to share her parents with him and she made sure Alex paid for it. She could take sibling rivalry to another level, being an expert at finding any of Alex’s buttons to push and she had a knack of blowing even the smallest issue to atomic proportions.

“She doesn’t Alex, come on, you’re both adults now.”

“Yeah mum, she does, she’s the worse sister, ever. You didn’t tell her about Vicky did you?”

“Only that you went to London to see a girl you met.”

“Good. If she knew about Vicky’s history, I’d never hear the end of it and she’ll gloat about it… You know she spread that rumour that Rich, Vicky and I were the `Three Gay Musketeers’… Worse than that she outed her friend at school.”

“No, she didn’t”

“Oh yes she did, the poor girl had to move schools and she circulated that photo of me naked in the bath, around school.”

“That was years ago, she hasn’t done anything like that for ages.”

“Only because she left home and good riddens.”

“You don’t mean that.”

“I do mum… Please don’t tell her about Vicky?”

“No, I won’t. It’s not our business to say anything. It’s up to you, if you want to tell your sister.”

“When hell freezes over… Thank goodness Tanya won’t be around when Vicky visits, as she’ll have enough to contend with her mother and Rich.”

Alex’s mum realised throughout their conversation he had only spoken of Vicky and not once referred to her as Mike. She walked over to face Alex and placed an understanding hand on Alex’s arm.

“We’re glad you’re happy, love, that’s all we can ask and hope for. I’ve had a long chat with your dad, so don’t worry about him.”

Alex looked at his mum… Never having been comfortable with discussing emotional stuff with his parents, but knowing that this was the time for honesty.

“Mum, I know it’s hard to understand. I wasn’t too sure myself but I think I liked Vicky, like that… before.”

He let that sink in as he nodded to confirm her questioning look.

“Yeah… In that way, but nothing ever happened. She’s lovely mum… and now she’s the woman she wanted to be… And I love her.”

His mum now took his mug off him and placed it on the side to give him a big, motherly hug.

“We just want you to be happy and to be who you are. We always have done love. If this is what you want, then we’re happy too.”

As she pulled from him, her eyes had tears and she smiled at him to return to the cooker, busying herself by stirring the boiling vegetables. The moment said and gone.

“Love you, mum.” Alex picked up his mug and drifted out to return to his bedroom to sort out his bag.

Later sat at the table over dinner with his mum and dad, the conversation was lighter as his mum told him their news. Alex, feeling more relaxed now, started telling them about his weekend.

Once he started, he couldn’t stop, proving how much he had enjoyed it. He told them about Vicky’s job and her promotion at the dinner party and the invite to go skiing.

His mum interjected, “Oh, her passport and the printouts are on the sideboard.”

“Thanks. Sorry about that mix-up, Amanda can upset Vicky with her smothering attitude.”

“She’s changed. The few times we’ve had coffee, she only talked about Vicky, nothing about Rich or even herself. She’s put Vicky on a very high pedestal. Do you hear from Rich anymore?”

“No, he’s back home, here in Bristol now after he dropped out of uni. He’s not commented on any Facebook posts nor made any. He won’t talk to Vicky.”

“But they used to be close?”

“Yeah, Vicky’s upset about it.”

“Amanda never said. She’s changed as she used to gush about them both.”

Alex continued to tell them about the weekend, ironing out the misunderstanding over jobs and the plans for the next weekend in Birmingham. Alex’s dad was more concerned that Alex was getting an extra week skiing out of the season. Making the most of teasing Alex over the late-season slush fest they would encounter with Les Gets being low.

Once they had finished, Alex’s mum cleared the table and was in the kitchen, leaving Alex alone with his dad.

“Glad you had a good time, son. Er… That dinner photo, so the four women all used to be men?”

“Dad… Mum said she spoke to you. Please don’t say that when you meet Vicky. But no, Vicky and Sarah are trans-women but Lilly and Elaine are bi-women… Lesbians dad.”

Alex’s dad blushed and stammered back.

“Okay… Trans-women… Your mother did speak to me… At length… Sorry lad, I was expecting to have to sit here and tell you about the evil ways of women… But that’s not applicable now.”

“Dad… You really expect me to believe that you would ever tell me about the ways of women?” Alex joked, knowing his dad would never talk about anything emotional, let alone sexual.

“Well… No… But it’s what dads are supposed to do, isn’t it? Look, I don’t need to know about the mechanics of it.”

“Thanks, Dad, I am happy… Don’t worry I wasn’t going to talk about the mechanics of it.”

“Good… Your mother and I are just happy that you are happy. If it’s Vicky, that’s making you happy then she’s welcome here anytime, but it’s up to you to tell your sister. That is one conversation I don’t want to be a part of.”

His dad got up and made his way to the kitchen, and Alex heard the kitchen door close as he went to the garage, denoting the conversation was over.

Alex returned to his bedroom to find his colour printer had finished printing the photo of him and Vicky taken that morning. He trimmed it and propped it up on his bedside table.