Build parking spaces and they will come—in cars. New research presented this week at the annual meeting of the Transportation Research Board finds a direct, causal relationship between the amount of parking in cities and car commuting rates.
University of Wisconsin researcher Chris McCahill and his team examined nine "medium-sized" cities with relatively stable populations between 100,000 and 300,000. They compared historical parking data with car commuting rates beginning in 1960, finding "a clear, consistent association" between parking levels and car commuting that has "grown stronger" over time.
Using an epidemiological research method, McCahill's team determined that the relationship was causal. For example, data indicated that increases in parking tended to precede growth in car commuting.
Researchers compared five cities with low car commuting rates (Arlington, Virginia; Berkeley, California; Silver Spring, Maryland; and Somerville and Cambridge, Massachusetts) to four cities with relatively high car commuting rates (Albany, New York; Lowell, Massachusetts; and New Haven and Hartford, Connecticut).
McCahill and his team found that for every 10 percentage point increase in parking spaces per capita, the share of workers commuting by car would be expected to increase by 7.7 percentage points. So if a city increased its per capita parking from 0.1 spaces to 0.5 spaces, car commute mode share would rise about 30 percentage points.
In Hartford, for instance, the number of parking spaces in the city increased from about 15,000 in 1960 to about 47,000 by 2000. The city's solo car-commuting rate over that time rose more than 20 percentage points.
University of Connecticut Professor Norman Garrick, who co-authored the study, said the findings indicate it's not in the interest of cities to continue to add parking.
Meanwhile Downtown Louisville is a vast expanse of parking lots.
What "City leaders" are thinking is that demolishing old buildings a paving the land entices developers to come along sometime and "develop". What we need next in terms of research is something that either supports this theory or else debunks it.


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2017 Audi S5 Sportback review
New S5 Sportback is more spacious, better to drive and offers a calmer ride than before, but rivals offer greater involvement
Audi's second-fiddle sports coupé moves to a turbo V6, but faces an increased challenge from more dynamic rivals like the BMW M4
Audi S5 Cabriolet long-term review
Sporty, handsome and powerful all describe the Audi S5 Cabriolet aptly, but what is it like to live with day-to-day? We found out over five months
2017 Audi S5 Sportback UK review
The Audi S5 Sportback is more bruising GT than practical sports car, but it makes sense for those wanting a fast executive saloon in coupé get-up
A car that is set to make life exceedingly difficult for Audi's recently introduced S5 coupé, no doubt – the 2017 S5 Sportback.
Offering an extra pair of doors and a versatile liftback-style tailgate over its two-door sibling, the new five-seater has been developed from the ground up as part of the second-generation A5 Sportback line-up. Among its rivals are the BMW 440i GranCoupé and Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupé.
It might be all-new but the styling of the S5 Sportback is predictable. Having hit on a formula with the first-generation model that appeared to sit well with its customers, Audi has resisted any urge to adopt major design changes. It's a lot more striking in the metal than in pictures, especially on optional 19in wheels, but you have to wonder whether Audi has done enough to ensure it will still look fresh towards the end of its seven-year model cycle.
Based on Audi's latest MLB platform, the S5 Sportback has grown, albeit only slightly. Length is up by 21mm, width extends by 11mm and height has decreased by 5mm. The wheelbase is also 14mm longer than before, extending to 2824mm. As with the latest S5 coupé, it receives a slightly different chassis than the S4 saloon, with respective front and rear track widths of 1587mm and 1568mm.
The bump in dimensions provides the basis for a 17mm lengthening of the cabin, allowing incremental increases in rear leg room and additional boot space. Yet despite growing in size, the new S5 Sportback boasts a commendable 85kg reduction in weight over predecessor, at 1660kg.
Under the bonnet is a new turbocharged 3.0-litre V6 petrol engine. The 60deg unit forms part of the modular EA838 range of engines, the most powerful of which is destined to power the upcoming RS5 Sportback. Innovations include Audi's patented valve lift system, with continuously adjusting camshafts and centre-mounted spark plugs contributing to improved combustion efficiency and improved response.
With 349bhp, the new engine delivers 21bhp more than its predecessor, but more important is a 45lb ft lift in torque, to 369lb ft, produced between 1380 and 4500rpm.
The S5 Sportback receives an eight-speed torque converter automatic gearbox as standard, with a Tiptronic shift function and steering wheel-mounted shift paddles.
Drive is sent to all four wheels via the latest version of Audi's Torsen torque-sensing quattro four-wheel drive system. Under normal conditions, 40% of drive is sent to the front wheels and the remaining 60% to the rear, but depending on prevailing grip, up to 70% of drive can now be sent to the front or up to 85% to the rear. A sport differential, which continuously varies the amount of drive to each individual rear wheel, is available as an option.
The initial impression is one of thoroughness. Its design may lean heavily on that of its predecessor but the subtle styling nuances and overall precision in the fit of its frameless doors is quite superb.
The attention to detail continues in the cabin, which carries a combination of materials and controls of a much higher perceived quality than those found in its BMW or Mercedes-AMG rivals. The front sports seats offer plenty of lateral support and a reasonable amount of adjustment and all-round visibility is sound, although the C-pillars sometimes prove an impediment during quick over-shoulder glances.
The dashboard and wide centre console house the latest evolution of Audi's MMI infotainment system. A 7.0in centre-mounted display is standard, although the 12.3in Virtual Cockpit and head-up display unit of our test car remain options.
Well-shaped rear door apertures provide good if not excellent access. Adults can be accommodated in the back, although the heavy curvature of the roof means head room is a little limited. For the record, Audi claims an added 24mm of knee room and 11mm of extra shoulder room. An electronically operated tailgate is standard, while the boot has a 15-litre increase in capacity over its predecessor, at 480 litres. With 40/20/40 split rear seats folded, this can be extended to 1300 litres.
Positive impressions continue as you get under way. With greater torque arriving earlier in the rev range, the S5 Sportback proves highly flexible and responsive around town. In lower gears out on the open road it pulls with real earnest when its reserves are unleashed with a heavy nudge of the throttle, propelling the new five-door liftback along with great authority.
An alluring soundtrack accompanies this flexibility and urgency. On light throttle loads there's a raspy exhaust note that grows in volume and intensity, ultimately becoming quite menacing in Dynamic mode on the approach to the 7500rpm redline.
The eight-speed automatic gearbox offers greater smoothness than the old seven-speed S tronic dual-clutch automatic, especially on downshifts, although it did baulk occasionally when hurried with rapid-fire manual shifts at higher revs.
Audi claims a 0-62mph time of 4.7sec, which is 0.4sec quicker than the old S5 Sportback. Despite the extra performance, fuel consumption is improved by 2.0mpg at 38.7mpg, while CO2 emissions are rated at 166g/km.
The handling is well resolved, although enthusiasts may bemoan a lack of real involvement over challenging roads. With excellent body control and improved balance you can carry impressive speed through corners. Overall there is greater fluidity and sense of willingness to the new S5 Sportback compared to its predecessor, but it fails to offer the outright verve of the 440i GranCoupé or the feedback of the C43 Coupé.
Grip is always in abundance thanks to the fast-acting qualities of the quattro four-wheel drive system. Yet while the steering offers improved response upon turn-in, it lacks the communication required to make the S5 Sportback a truly great-handling car rather than merely a highly accomplished one.
Crucially, the ride is much improved, with more supple low-speed qualities and improved authority on broken roads in Comfort mode. Sport mode stiffens things, although the overall composure remains. It is a big improvement, adding a degree of comfort that was lacking before. The suspension also isolates road noise better than it did.
It's arguably better looking, more spacious and better to drive than its predecessor and offers a calmer ride, so if you're in the market for a quality executive class car you'd be foolish not to consider the new S5 Sportback.
It's quick, too. The new engine adds a further dimension in performance while offering improved economy and lower emissions. There's greater involvement to be had from its rivals, although the Audi must be commended for its overall refinement, which is extremely impressive and at the root of its appeal.
Audi has announced pricing for the S5 Sportback, with its £47,000 entry point putting it about on par with Mercedes' C43 Coupé, but some way adrift of the cheaper BMW 440i GranCoupé. But if the familiar styling is to your taste and the versatile interior fits your lifestyle, then we'd understand why you'd choose it above the coupé S5, or indeed, either of these rivals.
Location Ingolstadt, Germany; On sale Early 2017; Price £47,000; Engine V6, 2995cc, turbocharged, petrol; Power 349hp at 5400-6400rpm; Torque 369lb ft at 1370-4500rpm; Gearbox 8-spd automatic; Kerb weight 1660kg; 0-62mph 4.7sec; Top speed 155mph; Economy 38.7mpg (combined); CO2/tax band 166g/km, 30% Rivals BMW 440i GranCoupé, Mercedes-AMG C43 Coupé
Was the test car fitted with
Was the test car fitted with the sports diff? If not, it might offer a more involving drive. Otherwise, the A5 perhaps makes most sense with a smaller engine.
Ski Kid
is the defeat device still standard
looks nice ,a shame about the tarnished brand image with all the fraud that has gone on re the emissions .Also, does not make good reading to read the article that there will be large cutbacks and this platform will be likely to be scrapped off.Money far safer in JLR,Bmw & Mercedes imho, unless you get one on a risk free pcp.
Prices HAVE been announced if
Prices HAVE been announced if you look beyond the customer website... £47,000.
bowsersheepdog
This is one less
Whether as S5 or A5 this hatchback version looks better and is more practical than the coupé, but it's still no A6/S6 Avant in either department. In fact it doesn't look as good as the A6/S6 saloon either. Personally I can't see any advantage of buying a coupé shaped car if there is a saloon or estate equivalent.
I don't need to put my name here, it's on the left
AddyT
bowsersheepdog wrote:
I'm just distracted by the picture of the 6R4! Truly crazy but cool car!
AddyT wrote:
The caption when I found it said that it's a prototype version on show in the Gaydon heritage centre.
My son loves the style
He's 8. I still think these xe s c43 are miles too over priced for a 6cyl engine that will depreciate as fast as it gets to 60. A grand coupe 440i with a good deal is far less.
flappy88
jer wrote:
You genuinely believe a BMW 440i Gran Coupe will depreciate less than an S5 or A5 Sportback??
Just look at previous models/generations and the depreciation on these and that will show you that you're wrong......
Lee J
It is a 90 degree V6 with balance shafts, not 60 degree. It weighs 1735kg, not 1660kg. The redline is 6,500RPM, not 7,500RPM. And " ...fails to offer the outright verve of the 440i GranCoupé or the feedback of the C43 Coupé." is surely transposed? Apart from some concern over what else may have been cut and pasted from some other car's review, and the rather lazy use of "involving", provided some useful insights. Although the C43 Coupé isn't a competitor - not enough doors. Funny, as M-B were the ones that started all this with the original CLS.

redpajama_set_name: RedPajamaCommonCrawl


text:
Book 1: Awakenings
By: S X Meagher
Disclaimers: See Chapter 1
Feedback: I'm consumed by self-criticism; therefore only positive feedback will be read. If you enjoyed the story please stroke my fragile ego, if not, flush it from your memory bank and move on. You can email me at sx_meagher@mindspring.com
"Castro Fitness Center, this is Ally speaking," rang out the clear alto voice.
"Hi Ally, guess who?"Ryan asked.
"Hmmm,"she mused, "Is this a really hot brunette, 6 feet plus, legs for days?"
"Yeaah,"she purred.
"I don't know anybody like that, who the heck are you?"she asked as she tried to hide a laugh.
"I'm just a lonely woman looking for a little companionship," she said innocently. "Do you know anyone who might be free on Friday night?"
"Friday night? You actually want to see me on a Friday night?"she asked incredulously. "I thought you were only allowed out of the house in the afternoons."
"I've had a change of schedule,"she said happily. "My weekends are now my own."
"Really? You haven't had a weekend off in all the time I've known you. Do you have any idea how to fill a weekend?"
"I hoped you could help me out with that,"she asked hopefully. "What do you say to Friday night?"
"Best offer I've had all day,"she replied. "Do you want to go out or stay in?"
"I can go out with anyone,"she said in a dangerously low tone. "I want to stay in with you."
"I'll be home by 6. Bring dinner with you, Hot Stuff, cause you're not leaving until Saturday."
Ryan buzzed over to the Castro on Friday night, thinking about Ally. They had met shortly after Ryan had graduated from high school. She had started to take classes to become certified as a personal trainer and she lucked into a job at Castro Fitness. Ally was just 2 years older and had started at Castro just a few months before Ryan had.
Ryan was sure that Ally had barely noticed her and she was a little surprised when the near stranger approached her one day and brought up the topic of safer sex. Ryan was just starting to feel comfortable with her lesbian identity. She had spent the previous year engaged in some fairly risky behavior but Ally sat her down and read her the riot act. "Listen Ryan,"she had told her. "You just can't run around and be wild with everyone you meet. You've got to use safer sex practices every time you're with someone."
"But the chance of contracting AIDS isn't very high for women having sex with women,"Ryan said defensively.
"No, it's not very high, but any chance is too high. You're 17 years old, Ryan. Don't risk cutting your life short just to get a little action. Besides, AIDS isn't the only thing to worry about. I guarantee you'll contract a venereal disease within 6 months if you haven't already. Herpes and chondyloma are permanent, Ryan. And no matter how attractive you are, your popularity will hit the skids if you have lesions or warts on your fun parts."
"But I don't know how to have safer sex,"she admitted as she blushed.
"Come over tonight after 8 and I'll show you everything you need to know,"Ally had offered.
Ryan laughed when she thought about how easily she had succumbed to Ally's charms. They had spent that first night at 'Good Vibrations', a woman oriented sex toy shop in the Mission district. Ally explained all of the sex toys and latex barriers that Ryan could use to protect herself. Then to make sure that her student understood everything perfectly they had gone back to Ally's apartment and tried out every item in her little bag of tricks. By the next day Ryan was terribly sore but very well trained in the science of safer sex.
After that initial foray they had hit it off almost immediately. They both enjoyed working out, riding bikes, and having sex, lots of sex, with lots of women. Ryan had actually found herself falling for her new friend. But Ally made it clear that she was not in the market for a girlfriend. She continued to date anyone who caught her eye and she never made an attempt to hide her lovers from Ryan. After a while she came to understand that Ally really was not going to return her affections and she began to think of her as an occasional sex partner. And as long as she kept it very casual Ally was always willing to spend a day or two with her.
Their normal pattern was to see each other quite a few times in a two or three week period. But as soon as things started to get too intense one or the other would stop calling. They would let 3 or 4 months pass and then start up for another round.
Ryan often felt that she would have liked the chance to try to make a relationship with Ally but she realized that they were too much alike to be able to stand each other for too long. But she had to admit that it was usually Ally who called a halt to their little flings.
They sometimes went to a club or a bar, and one year they went to Gay Pride Weekend together. But they generally just got together for incredibly good sex. Ryan had never met anyone who had her number quite like Ally did. Maybe it was because they had slept together so many times. But there was something about Ally that just drove her wild. She was not really even Ryan's type, physically. She was the only woman that Ryan had ever been with who could pick her up. And she did it a lot, sometimes just to show her who was boss. Ally was just a little bit taller but she was incredibly strong. She competed in body building competitions and usually did pretty well, as long as they were chemically free. Ally was very antagonistic about steroids and she refused to compete if the athletes weren't tested for their use.
Ally was attractive, but in a very androgynous fashion. She wore her dark brown hair very short, about 1 1/2 inches long all over her head. Half the time it stuck straight up like a crew cut, but Ryan loved how the bristly little hairs felt on her naked body. Her eyes were somewhere between blue and gray depending on the light, but there was a fire in them that Ryan was truly drawn to.
Ryan was usually attracted to women who were smaller than she was. Her favorite type was tall, but not as tall as she; about 5'7"or so was perfect. She loved brunettes with relatively long hair and she was a sucker for dark brown eyes. She particularly liked lithe, lean women who were athletic but not very muscular. So it never ceased to amaze her that she found Ally so incredibly attractive.
She stopped at Hamburger Mary's to pick up burgers and malts, Ally's favorite junk food. They both tried to eat healthy most of the time, but when she wasn't getting in shape for a competition Ally was pretty flexible. Since Ryan didn't much care about a little weight fluctuation she could easily be tempted to treat herself to some junk food and she had to admit that hamburgers were one of her favorite indulgences.
As she parked her bike about a block from Ally's building she felt her pulse begin to pick up. She didn't often get nervous when she went on a date, having learned a long time ago that a lot of great looking women were absolute duds when you had to spend an evening with them. But she knew Ally well, and she knew what to expect...as much sex as she could handle. Ryan had always fancied herself as the dominant partner in almost every liaison that she had. She liked; no--she needed--to control the action. But she never got to do that with Ally. Even though she was only 2 years older Ally had always treated Ryan like she was young and inexperienced. She controlled the entire evening, and Ryan had learned that if she wanted to keep their connection going she had to allow her friend to be in charge.
Ryan trotted up the stairs to Ally's third floor unit. She buzzed the door and waited patiently as she could hear her walking around inside. She opened the door with her portable phone in her hand and smiled broadly as she indicated that Ryan should go into the kitchen and get dinner organized.
As she finished putting everything on plates Ally snuck up behind her and enveloped her in a big bear hug. She snuggled her head down against Ryan's neck as she held her tightly around the waist. "I've missed you, Sugar,"she whispered in her ear.
Ryan felt a chill start at that lucky ear and travel all the way down to her toes. She giggled a little as Ally's warm breath tickled her ear. She loved the soft southern accent that her friend had not been able to shake even though she had moved to San Francisco from Chapel Hill, North Carolina over 8 years ago. She was ready to be released but Ally held on just a bit longer to let her know she was still on top. Ryan turned in her embrace and lifted her head just an inch to brush her lips against her friend's silky soft mouth.
One of the things that Ryan loved best was the contrast between Ally's external demeanor and appearance and the soft, warm, womanly curves that were usually hidden under her workout clothes. Ally had rather large breasts for her size and a delightful curve to her hips that Ryan loved to run her hands over. Her external toughness just accentuated the hidden treasures that Ryan loved to indulge in. "I've missed you too, Ally,"she said sincerely.
"How long has it been?" Ally asked as she stepped out of Ryan's embrace and reached around to pick up a French fry and toss it in her mouth.
"I was thinking about that on the way over,"she admitted. "I think it was right after the AIDS ride. I remember that my legs were stiff when I came over and that they stayed that way for another week thanks to you!"
"You know I never guarantee not to bruise the merchandise,"she purred as she backed Ryan up against the table. Ryan slid her arms around Ally's neck and allowed herself to be thoroughly kissed. Those big strong hands held her tightly around the waist as Ally worked on her mouth with a methodical intensity. She pulled back slowly and chuckled at bit as Ryan kept her arms twined around her neck, eyes tightly closed. "Aren't you hungry, Sweet Pea?"she asked softly.
Ryan mutely nodded, eyes still closed.
"You look like you're hungry for some love," Ally purred as she bent to lavish another round of heated kisses on Ryan's hungry mouth.
Ryan couldn't stop a low groan from escaping as her mouth was claimed so totally by her friend. She often felt powerless when she was with Ally and she had to admit that she absolutely loved it. There was something reassuring about feeling that someone else was in charge once in a while that really appealed to Ryan. She didn't think she'd like to feel this way all of the time, but it was a welcome change that she had come to rely on and actually yearn for during the past 5 years.
"Come on Sugar Baby,"Ally said softly as she pulled away from the embrace. "I need to keep my strength up to handle you all night long." She picked up the plates and carried them into the living room. Ryan handled the malts and a fistful of napkins. They sat in the cozy living room, Ryan on the low futon/couch, Ally on a butterscotch leather club chair. They chatted about Ally's most recent weight lifting competition that had just been held in San Jose. Ryan knew some of the competitors and one or two of the judges and Ally filled her in on who was in really good shape. Ryan reflected that their conversations centered almost entirely on working out, weight training and acquaintances that they had in common. Ally usually asked her a few questions about school, but it was clear that she did so to be polite. They didn't share an interest in hardly anything, Ryan mused. A Wynona Judd CD was playing quietly in the background to highlight one area of disagreement. Ryan liked to listen to World Music, with a particular fondness for Afro-pop or contemporary Irish artists, while Ally never varied from Wynona, Shania, Reba, and Faith. Her apartment was devoid of books, the only reading material being fitness magazines.
Ally came from a big family, but she had left home almost immediately upon graduating from high school. She had been having sex with women since she was 15 but an older brother caught her with another girl when she was a senior and her family made life nearly unbearable for her that last year. After she left North Carolina she maintained a relationship with one of her sisters who had also left home for good, but that was it. She had never been back home and she had no contact whatsoever with her parents. Ryan was not even sure if her parents knew where she lived. She knew that there must be a lot of pain hidden behind her friend's sunny demeanor but they never talked about it. Ally really preferred to only dwell on current issues and Ryan had decided long ago that she needed to honor her need for privacy if she wanted to maintain the relationship. Perhaps because of her family situation Ally also never inquired very deeply into Ryan's home life. She knew that Ryan lived at home, since they could never go there for a date, but she rarely asked after the rest of the O'Flaherty clan. Their relationship almost seemed to exist outside of their normal lives. It was untainted by any of the day to day issues that can cause tension. There was clearly only one focus and both of them seemed to like it that way.
"So tell me what's caused the change to your schedule?"Ally asked as she picked up Ryan's now empty plate and carried it into the kitchen.
"I got a new job,"Ryan began as Ally came back into the room and sat down right next to her on the couch. Her friend casually draped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her close and Ryan smiled demurely as she automatically snuggled up against Ally's side. "Well, actually a friend got me a new job,"she admitted just to be accurate. Even though they had worked at the same gym for nearly 5 years they didn't see each other often at work. Ryan worked evenings and weekends almost exclusively while Ally had tailored her schedule into a 9-5 job. She didn't work out at Castro, so she spent most of her evenings training at a heavy duty free weight place in the Mission district.
"You're leaving Castro?"she asked in surprise.
"Pretty much,"Ryan admitted. "My new place is over in Berkeley. It's really cool, Ally. It's women only and it's filled with people who want to work, not pose." It was a long standing joke between them how few of the people at Castro really seemed to work, especially in the evenings; prime cruising time. "I've got two clients who don't want to move with me, but I think I'm gonna have to let them go. It's just not worth it to pay $250 a month and have to come back over here to make $375. That just knocks my hourly down too low. Would you like to take them?"
"When do you see them?"
"I see Mark on Wednesday at 9 and Sunday at noon, and Vanessa at 4. I think they would actually prefer to come on a weekday though. Mark's a writer so he can make his own schedule, and I think Vanessa is either a sex worker or a dancer. We've never talked about it but she's got a lot more silicone than I think you need for normal purposes,"she said with a laugh.
"I'd love another couple of steady clients," Ally said. "Do you want to hand them off or should I call them?"
"My fees are paid up through October so I was planning on finishing out the month with them. Would you be willing to come over on Sunday and meet them?"
"Sure. Why don't you come over tomorrow night and we can have brunch on Sunday morning before we go over?"
Ryan gave her a lopsided grin as she made a small plea for moderation. "That works for me, but you have to promise not to wear me out too badly tonight. I've got a long bike ride scheduled for tomorrow and I can't do it standing up. Plus I need to reserve a little energy if you want me to come back tomorrow night."
"Okay,"Ally said softly as she leaned over and started to kiss Ryan's neck. "I'll go easy on you tonight, but tomorrow all bets are off,"she said as she nipped her neck rather sharply in anticipation.
Ryan gulped audibly as she considered what she was in for. Ally never hurt her or really tried to dominate her physically. But she seemed to take great pleasure in wringing every bit of desire from Ryan's body. She didn't use any elaborate bondage paraphernalia but she did like to restrain Ryan, usually with her hands or sometimes just with her personality. Ryan knew exactly what it was like to be in Ally's shoes since she behaved just like her when she was with other women. But it was a very big turn on for her to be the object of desire when they were together. When Ally said all bets were off that meant that she would be up all night, giving herself over totally to her friend. Ally could rarely let her off with just one orgasm. And since Ryan was not multi-orgasmic she needed to rest for an hour or so between bouts. So some of their dates turned into very long marathon sessions, with short naps or even a run out to a 24 hour diner for a little sustenance to keep them going.
Ryan leaned her head back as she closed her eyes and gave her friend total access to her sensitive neck. Ally liked for Ryan to look a little butch on the outside, so she had worn a tight black v-necked T-shirt with the short sleeves rolled up a little and carpenter's style canvas jeans. But she also satisfied her friend's desire for sexy underwear. Under her tough girl outfit Ryan wore a nearly transparent black lace bra and some tiny black bikinis. Ally started to work her shirt out of her pants and Ryan reflected that she had never undressed herself when they were together. Ally had a need to control the entire scene; from start to finish, and undressing her partner was a very important part in setting the stage.
After she had pulled Ryan's shirt free she returned to her neck and started kissing down the v of her collar. She didn't like the angle she was working at so she slid her arms behind Ryan's back and knees and effortlessly pulled her onto her lap. Ryan smiled serenely as she felt herself being lifted so easily. She was always the one to cradle a woman in her lap and she loved the role reversal. There was something so freeing to just let herself go and allow Ally to make all the decisions. She briefly wondered if Ally had anyone to switch roles with, but all such thoughts flew from her mind as she felt her shirt being lifted from her body. "Oooh, I love this,"Ally's voice burred against her ear as she ran her powerful hands all over Ryan's breasts.
She felt her nipples snap to attention as they were teased through the somewhat rough lace. She hadn't warned Ally to go easy on her breasts and she shivered slightly as she imagined how thoroughly they would be loved. Ally was decidedly a breast woman. It seemed that most of her arousal came from fondling Ryan's breasts and she returned to them again and again as they made love.
Ryan leaned languidly against Ally's neck as she continued to massage her breasts through her bra. A small moan escaped from her lips as she felt those big strong hands grasp and play with her increasingly aroused mounds but she knew that Ally would go at her own pace, no matter how aroused she was. Ally clearly wanted to please Ryan but her own pleasure was the focus of their interactions. She waited until she was ready to move on in their lovemaking, and Ryan knew that she might as well relax and enjoy the ride. Ally was driving and she had no control over the route or the destination.
She slid her hand down to grasp Ally's full breast but she felt her hand being gripped firmly as her friend whispered, "Focus, Sugar. Just feel what I'm doing to you." Ryan submissively complied with her instructions as she wondered whether she would be allowed to touch Ally this time. She was usually allowed to please her friend, but she normally had to wait until Ally had made love to her at least twice. There seemed to be a barrier that they had to cross in order for her to be receptive. Sometimes they would be together for two days with Ryan never being allowed to even kiss her breasts. But Ally clearly did not want to talk about her desires or her needs. Ryan assumed that she had been molested as a child since there were certain ways that she could not tolerate to be touched. There were also certain positions that Ryan had learned never put her in. Ally could not tolerate being on her back with Ryan on top of her. The one time she had tried that she found herself nearly thrown from the bed, so she was careful never to repeat that move. But they sometimes reached a level of intimacy that allowed Ally to shove down her barriers and welcome Ryan's touch without restriction. Ryan clearly loved those times best of all. As much as she loved being touched, touching Ally seemed like a gift. She would focus all of her energies on pleasing her friend and sometimes they would fly into a frenzy of lovemaking that was truly overpowering for both of them. But every time that happened Ally would withdraw the next day and be unavailable for at least 3 or 4 months. Ryan reflected that the last time they had seen each other they had gotten very intimate. Ally was more vulnerable than she could ever remember her being, and had in fact softly wept after Ryan had made love to her. But the experience had obviously been uncomfortable since she had not heard from her friend since June.
It was clear tonight that Ally did not want Ryan's hands to wander into restricted space. She slowly unbuckled Ryan's belt while she kept her gaze locked on her. She pulled it from the loops and quickly wrapped it around Ryan's hands and gripped it tight, completely restricting her ability to move her hands independently. She gently tossed her onto her back and tied the belt over the wooden arm of the sofa, causing Ryan's arms to be fully extended over her head.
Ryan sighed deeply as she felt her hands being removed from her control. She was completely confident in Ally's concern for her and she knew that she would stop anything she was doing if Ryan asked her to. She didn't restrict Ryan for her own pleasure as much as she did to remind her to relax and give up any desire for control. And Ryan had to admit that it worked perfectly. She opened herself up to Ally's desires and let her friend use her body to bring both of them the pleasure that they sought.
Ally moved down to remove Ryan's big black lineman's boots and her thick white socks. She spent a long time massaging her feet, sending waves of pleasure up and down Ryan's spine. Ryan was so relaxed that her limbs felt heavy and weak. Ally decided to crank her back up a bit so she raised Ryan's foot up and began to sensually suck on her clean pink toes. The feel of that terribly soft warm mouth on her foot brought her right back up to her previous level of arousal. She started to slowly twitch her hips as she waited for her friend to make her next move. She sincerely hoped that it would involve her vulva, but she had a feeling that she was a long way from getting any release. Much to her surprise Ally began to slowly unzip her jeans. She slid her hand in and tickled her mound with just the tips of her fingers. Ryan's hips shot off the sofa and tried to increase the pressure but Ally knew all of her tricks. She lightened up her touch every time Ryan thrust at her until she was touching only her panties.
She leaned over and whispered into Ryan's flushed ear, "Are you ready for me, Sweetness?"
Ryan closed her eyes and ground her hips around in a little circle as she slowly nodded her head.
"Talk to me Sugar. Tell me what you want,"she cooed.
Ryan took several deep breaths before she had the ability to express her needs. "I want you to touch me Ally. I want to feel your hands on me and I want your fingers deep inside of me."
"Mmmm, I want that too, Sugar,"she whispered as she captured Ryan's swollen bottom lip and gently sucked it into her mouth. She nibbled on the tender flesh for a moment before she moved on to explore Ryan's mouth with her tongue. After a few achingly long moments she pulled away and gazed into Ryan's desire filled eyes. "I promise you'll get all you can handle, Sweetness. But I don't think you're ready yet,"she informed her with a note of regret in her deep voice. "When you're really ready you'll beg for my touch."
She climbed on top of Ryan and started to kiss her again. Ryan's mouth opened and welcomed Ally's warm tongue as it began to explore every surface. As the kissing intensified Ryan had an overpowering desire to wrap her arms around Ally's back and toss her over. She wanted to satisfy her primal urge to be on top but her bound hands constantly reminded her that she was a bottom today, and would remain so for the duration of the evening.
After she had kissed her so thoroughly that her lips felt bruised Ally moved down again. She went to the end of the sofa and grabbed the hems of Ryan's pant legs and gave a powerful yank. The jeans flew from her body and were quickly tossed aside. Her panties were pulled down inadvertently so Ally gently pulled them back up and softly patted Ryan's belly. Then she climbed on top again and began to kiss Ryan's nipples through her bra. The pressure of her firm tongue made the material feel quite rough on Ryan's delicate skin. Her nipples puckered so forcefully that her areolas almost disappeared. Ally's hands were never still as her mouth worked away. She ran her hands up and down Ryan's torso, touching her lightly, teasingly.
After a long while she sat up and gazed at Ryan for a moment. She reached up and untied her hands, swiftly pulling her up to a sitting position. "Dance with me,"she said simply as she extended a hand. Ryan obediently grasped it as she was pulled to her feet. Ally was still fully clothed. She had on black jeans and a white cropped T-shirt that bore a logo that read 'girl'. Ryan guessed that she also wore a sports bra since she had no cleavage tonight. She just fervently hoped that she'd be allowed to find out what was under those clothes before the night was over.
A slow, emotion laden song was playing and Ally wrapped her arm around Ryan's waist as she grasped her hand and held it to her breast. She began to move her slowly around the wooden floor, keeping perfect time to the music. Ryan felt more naked than she would have felt it she was in fact naked. Something about dancing in your lacy underwear when your partner was fully dressed could do that to a girl.
Ally's black Doc Martin's added to her height advantage to make her at least 3 inches taller than her partner but the height difference allowed Ryan to get close by tucking her breasts just under Ally's. Ryan let her head drop to rest on Ally's broad shoulder and she sighed as she felt her partner's head turn to gently rest against hers. There was something so intimate about this tender dance that Ryan felt a burst of emotion well up in her throat. They continued to move with and against each other until the entire CD was finished. As the music stopped they stood and swayed together for a few long minutes. Ally finally lifted her head and kissed Ryan tenderly, just barely brushing their lips together. Her hand lifted from Ryan's back and gently held the back of her head as she slowly increased the intensity of the kiss until she could feel her partner's knees begin to weaken.
With one powerful move she swept Ryan into her arms and started to carry her towards the bedroom. Ryan raised her hands to clasp behind Ally's neck as she leaned back and enjoyed the ride. She hadn't been carried to bed since she was a small child and she smiled sweetly as she thought of all of the women she had done this to. When they arrived she laid her gently onto the neatly made bed and started to undress. Ryan stared at her with her heavy lidded eyes filled with open desire. It was clear that she appreciated Ally's sculpted body and she did her best to show that appreciation with her eyes. Her gaze was met with a knowing smirk as Ally showed off a bit. She removed her T-shirt and pulled her bra over her head. Standing there in her jeans she stretched and arched her back languidly. Ryan took in all of the rippling muscles in her back and shoulders as she felt her mouth go dry with the insistent craving that pounded in her body. She loved few things more than to feel those muscles flex as she touched them with her hands and mouth.
Ally turned around to remove her jeans. Her only motivation was to show off her back a little bit more but Ryan loved this exhibitionistic part of her friend. She appreciated great bodies and she thought it only fair that the owner would appreciate her own body as well. She shucked her jeans slowly as she displayed herself completely. Next she slid her gray panties down her rock hard legs and stepped out of them. Another few stretches for Ryan's benefit and she climbed onto the bed.
"God, you look good,"Ryan breathed as she ran her fingers up Ally's legs. "I've never seen your legs look so big." Ally didn't stop her so she continued to trail her hands over the starkly defined muscles. "Ummm, your quads are like iron,"she said in wonder as she pushed her thumbs into the big muscles. She was just about to move her hands to feel the backs of Ally's legs when she abruptly found herself on her back again.
"Break's over, Sweetie, back to work,"Ally said with a wild look in her eyes as she climbed on top of her again. She returned her attentions to Ryan's now aching breasts. Once again her nipples popped up quickly as Ally let out a little chuckle. "Somebody seems to like me,"she said as she blew a cool breath across the tender nubs.
"Ummm, they like you a lot,"Ryan purred as she felt the sensation begin to radiate out from her breasts. Ally continued to tease the taut nipples through the lacy bra until Ryan once again started to roll her hips in a very beguiling fashion.
Ally rolled her onto her side and unclasped her bra and lifted it from her body. She put her on her back again as she leaned over her ruby red nipples and spoke to them as if they were sentient. "You look so red and swollen,"she said sympathetically. "I bet you'd love someone to soothe you with a nice warm mouth, wouldn't you?"
Ryan answered for her nipples as she tried to grab Ally's head and pull it onto one of the inflamed tips. But Ally was far too quick for her. She got a firm grip on both of Ryan's hands and placed them upon two of the spindles in her wooden headboard. She leaned over until her nose was nearly touching Ryan's. "Keep them there,"she growled.
Ryan despised to have to control herself and even though she had never revealed this fact to Ally she had a feeling that the larger woman knew it and forced her to do so just to make her point. It was much easier for her if Ally just tied her hands. But Ally got a lot of pleasure from Ryan's internal struggle to obey this one simple command, so she did her best to comply. She gripped the spindles firmly and closed her eyes as Ally dipped her head and covered one of her aching nipples with her mouth. The warm, wet tongue was very soothing and Ryan luxuriated in the sensation. Ally blew on them again and Ryan felt some of the heat leave the tender nubs as the cool air passed over.
She felt her hips begin to thrust as her friend began to suck more and more of her breast into her mouth. She wanted to reach down and hold Ally's head and push her mouth more firmly against her breast but she was unable to do so because of her restrained hands. The fact that she was the one restraining herself just made the sensation all the more deliciously frustrating. She just wished that Ally would slide one of those rock hard thighs between her legs so she could have some pressure on her vulva. It was so
maddening to have her hips thrusting against nothing but air, but she could not keep them still, no matter how hard she tried.
Ally tossed her leg over Ryan's hips and sat up, straddling her thighs. Ryan smiled to herself as she felt those dark brown curls leave a moist trail as they passed over her leg. Ally opened her arms and beckoned, "Come here, Sugar."
Ryan relinquished her hold of the spindles and sat up quickly, feeling herself enveloped in her friend's strong embrace. "I swear you're more beautiful every time I see you,"she whispered into her ear and she squeezed her tightly. Ryan lifted her head and Ally began to kiss her again, this time with a tender, soft, emotion filled touch. She brought her hands around to cup Ryan's breasts and gently squeezed them as her kisses deepened. Ryan brought her hands up to rest on top of Ally's and she pressed them harder against herself as they began to move around in a circle. "You have the most perfect breasts I've ever touched,"she murmured reverently as she continued to move the tortured flesh around slowly in her hands.
She finally pulled one hand away and moved it to the back of Ryan's head. She lifted her own breast in her hand and raised it to Ryan's willing mouth. "Please,"she begged with a tremulous voice. Ryan thankfully opened her mouth and sucked Ally in. They let out concurrent moans as they both felt a jolt of pleasure from the contact. Ryan's arousal shot off the scale as she sucked on Ally's breasts with a ravenous hunger. Her clitoris throbbed as she squeezed her thighs together as tightly as she could manage. She was rewarded by Ally's soft moans as she worked on her generous mounds with her hands and her mouth. But after all too brief a time Ally pulled her breast away and bent to kiss Ryan for several more minutes.
Ryan's head was spinning from her unquenched desire as she felt Ally roll off of her. She gave her a wicked grin as she slowly pulled her bikinis off. Ally rolled her onto her stomach and Ryan felt her shift to get something from the nightstand. Suddenly she felt something cold and wet being poured onto her butt, Ally's second favorite body part. Her strong hands began to massage the cool gel into her skin and Ryan purred as her cheeks were firmly manipulated. As the gel disappeared Ryan was surprised to feel the heat begin to build as Ally blew across her cheeks. The heat continued to grow until Ryan felt like she had been spanked. But as quickly as it developed it began to dissipate until it felt cool once more.
Now Ally squeezed the gel all over Ryan, from the tops of her shoulders, down her back, across her hips and down each leg. She used her hands to spread it around until it coated every inch of skin but she did not rub it in. Instead, Ryan felt her climb on top of her and begin to glide across her body with an incredibly sensual tempo. Every time Ally lifted a particular body part away from Ryan the cool breeze that was blowing across the room heated up her skin until she squirmed. Ryan was quickly becoming so aroused that she was on the verge of slipping her hand between her legs and bringing herself off. But Ally seemed to sense this and she grabbed Ryan's hands and spread them out under her own powerful arms. She continued to grind against Ryan's hypersensitive skin, as Ryan pounded her hips against the mattress.
Finally Ryan could not take another minute of frustration. She moaned into the mattress and begged for release. "Please, Ally,"she pleaded. "Please touch me. I need you now."
"Are you sure you're ready, Ryan?"she whispered into her ear.
"YES!!"she cried. "PLEASE!! I'm begging you, Ally, please let me come!"
"Okay, Sugar,"she agreed. "You've been very good tonight." She picked up a small towel and quickly wiped the excess of the gel from Ryan's back and her own chest and legs. They both shivered a bit as the air blew cool and then hot across their sensitized skin. She turned Ryan onto her back and her legs immediately shot open as she placed her feet on the bed, waiting for Ally's touch.
Ally climbed onto her waist, facing the foot of the bed. She was so wet that Ryan could feel her moisture spreading all across her belly. Ryan clearly had enough of her own lubrication but Ally couldn't resist putting just a dab of the cinnamon flavored gel right onto her clitoris. Ryan nearly leapt from the bed when she felt the cool liquid hit her overheated clit. But when Ally leaned over her and began to blow on it she nearly hit the ceiling. Her hips flew from the bed so violently that she nearly hit Ally in the face with her pelvis. She called out indecipherable words as she impotently humped the air. Ally scooted down lower to hold her still and slid her fingers across Ryan's throbbing vulva as she let out a low moan of satisfaction. She had barely begun to move her fingers up and down against her inner lips when Ryan screamed out her climax. She bucked and jerked so violently that Ally had to steady herself with her hands to stay on top of her. But since she was bent over a bit she decided that one more good blow couldn't hurt. She watched Ryan's vulva spasm for a moment and just when she began to still Ally blew out a long breath that traveled up and down Ryan's oversensitized center. "Aaaahhhh! AAAAHHHH!"she yelled as the heat began to build again. She snapped her legs shut and rolled over until she could dislodge her tormentor.
She threw her arms around Ally and they began to wrestle on the bed. "Are you trying to kill me!!?"she panted as she pinned her temporarily.
Ally easily shrugged out of her hold and tossed her onto her back once again. She covered her body with her own and leaned down to kiss Ryan several times. "I'm just trying to please you, Sugar,"she purred. "How did I do?"she asked with a little grin.
Ryan beamed back at her as she wrapped her arms around her neck. "You did great,"she said sincerely as she began to kiss her back. She was surprised to feel Ally begin to submit to her so she rapidly increased her attack. Her kisses intensified quickly as she squeezed the delectable mounds that hovered above her.
"Touch me now,"Ally pleaded and Ryan immediately complied. Ally had never asked for what she needed and Ryan was certainly not going to refuse this first request. She rolled her onto her back while she carefully cuddled up next to her. Just for paybacks she squeezed some of the gel onto her fingers before she slid them into Ally's drenched vulva. Her legs flew open as she grasped Ryan's hand and pushed it against herself roughly. Just a few seconds of firm pressure and she began to shake as her climax hit her hard. She continued to shiver as she held onto Ryan's hand, pushing it against herself for a few more seconds. Then she lay very still for a few moments, finally looking up at Ryan with a crooked grin. "Race you to the shower,"she said as she vaulted from the bed and dashed in front of her laughing partner. They pushed and elbowed each other for a few moments but Ally won as usual.
Next they fought over the hand held shower for a few minutes to remove the residue of the gel. "What is this stuff?" Ryan asked as a look of bliss crossed her features as the last traces were washed from her vulva.
"It's cinnamon flavored motion lotion,"Ally replied. "It tastes just like 'Red Hots'."
"You are truly diabolical,"Ryan teased as she leaned over to give her another kiss.
"You really know how to turn a girl's head," Ally replied with a sweet smile as she returned the kiss.
By the time they dried off and stopped in the kitchen to feed each other ice cream it was nearly 10 o'clock. They crawled back into bed and cuddled up together to sleep. Ryan was always amazed at how snuggly and affectionate Ally was when they slept together. She had every part of herself touching some part of her partner as they settled down into a comfortable position. "G'night, Ryan,"she whispered as Ryan felt herself begin to relax in her warm embrace.
"Good night, Ally,"she replied as she turned her head to give her one final kiss. Moments later she could feel her relax and lean against her heavily. Ryan sighed deeply and joined her in sleep minutes later.
Jack walked in to his apartment on Friday evening and smiled as his senses took in the smell of roasted chicken coming from the kitchen. There is nothing better than coming home from school and having Jamie here making dinner for us, he thought happily. He stopped in his tracks, however, when he came upon an obviously new bright orange bike leaning against the wall in the hallway.
"Jamie, are you here?"he asked.
"Yeah, honey. I'm in here,"she replied from the kitchen. "C'mon in."
He did as he was told, but his confused look remained. "Whose bike is that?"he asked as he pointed in the direction of the hallway.
"It's mine, silly,"she replied as she made her way over to give him a proper greeting. "Whose else would it be?"
"I don't know,"he replied. "I didn't know you liked to ride, and I didn't know you had a bike, sooo..."
"Well, I do and I do,"she said simply, as she wrapped her arms around his neck and silenced any potential response by keeping his lips busy for several long moments.
He was not to be deterred, however. When she pulled away he walked back into the hall and looked more closely at the bike. "Sure seems like a nice one,"he said. "Is it new?"
"Yeah, I just got it this week."
"How come?"he inquired as he returned to the kitchen, carrying his mail.
"How come what?"she replied, although she knew what the question really was.
"How come you bought a new expensive bike?"he said patiently.
"I want to get into riding,"she said, as if this explained everything.
But Jack was his usual tenacious self, and he sensed there was more beneath the surface. "Why?"he asked firmly as he locked his gaze onto hers, giving her a clear signal that he wanted a complete answer.
"I've decided that I'm going to ride in this years AIDS Ride in June." That should satisfy him, she thought.
"Why would you want to do that?"he asked with his voice rising just a bit. "And why are you avoiding my questions?"
"What's so odd about wanting to do something to support a worthy cause, Jack?"she replied. "We've both been lucky enough to have been unscathed by this disease. The least I can do is show my support by doing this ride."
"Jamie, we both know if you wanted to support this cause you could write them a check that would make them faint. That can't be the reason for doing something this stupid." As soon as it was out he truly wanted to pull that last word back into his mouth. That urge got stronger when he saw the hurt look in her eyes. "I'm sorry, Jamie. I didn't mean that,"he said as he approached her and tried to put his arms around her.
But Jamie was having none of it. She turned her back on him and struggled to keep the tears from flowing. She shrugged off his repeated attempts to touch her as she tried to control her emotions. Finally she turned around and regarded him with a sad look. "Why would you say something like that, Jack? Are you just trying to hurt me?"
"No, of course not, Sweetheart,"he said as he was again rebuffed in his attempt to touch her. "It's just that it seems there's more and more stuff that you don't tell me. I guess I just feel left out,"he grumbled with a dejected look on his handsome face.
Jamie could not resist the hurt puppy look and she had to admit that he was right. She was leaving him out of some decisions, so she relented and took him into her arms. "I'm sorry, Jack. I don't want you to feel left out. This is just something I decided to do recently. It's important to me and I want your support. I guess I sometimes forget to tell you things, but I'll try to do better in the future."
He wrapped her in a fierce hug and held on for several minutes. As he nuzzled his head into her neck he broke the ice by asking, "Do you want to make up like we did last time?"
She laughed a little as she leaned her head back and gave him a tender kiss. "I would love to, but dinner's about ready. Let's eat and then go to bed early, okay?"
Over dinner she explained the ride more thoroughly. She was reticent to explain how Ryan was so intrinsically involved, but she was resolved to try to keep her promise to Jack. Her friend's name had not been mentioned since their fight and she felt a little guilty about developing such a close relationship without Jack's knowledge. The first time she mentioned Ryan's name Jack paused mid-bite, but he did not comment. Jamie dutifully told him everything. She told him about deciding to do the ride, about buying the bike, about training at the gym. She was chagrined to hear herself mention Ryan every 5 seconds, but she was determined to be completely honest.
Jack asked a few questions, but just generally let her talk. When she was finished he sat back in his chair and regarded her for a long moment. "I would like to get to know this woman,"he said simply. "She's obviously become a very good friend and you seem to be spending quite a lot of time with her so I would like to spend some time with her too."
"How about tomorrow?"she asked with a little grin. "She's bringing her bike down here and we're going on a ride."
"Tomorrow it is,"he said with a small smile.
They lay in bed together late that night. Jack was sound asleep and Jamie watched him as he lay in peaceful exhaustion. They had made love, and while Jamie was not physically satiated she felt very peaceful lying next to her fiancé. She loved the closeness and the warmth their lovemaking provided. She often thought that her favorite time was after Jack had finished and he lay collapsed in her arms. She felt so close to him, kissing his forehead and holding him tight as she whispered words of love into his ear. She snuggled up behind him and rested her head against his back as she rolled him onto his side, and drifted off.
Jamie had donned her new bike shorts and a lightweight long sleeved T-shirt that was designed to wick away sweat. She clomped around the living room in her bike shoes and did a few light stretches to loosen her hamstrings and quads. Ryan was due in a few minutes and she knew she would be on time, as usual. Jamie was a bit nervous and Jack seemed very quiet. I hope this goes well. I know he will like her if he can just give her a chance.
Just then the doorbell rang and she went to let her guest in. Well, I finally got my wish, she sighed to herself as she took in Ryan's long form. I've been dying to see her muscles and she had to show them to me when Jack's here. But even though she was a bit chagrined she was glad to finally be able to check her out thoroughly. And she had to admit that the wait was well worth it. This woman was a truly amazing sight. She wore black ankle length bike pants that highlighted every firm muscle of her legs, and a tight red short sleeved bicycling jersey covered with advertising logos. Her large red bicycle was casually slung over her broad shoulder, and her black helmet dangled from the handlebar. Her black hair was slicked back off her face, and her face was flushed from obvious exertion which must have included carrying the bike up 3 flights of stairs. She wore a bright smile on her beautiful face as she grinned down at Jamie. "Hi,"she said simply.
"Di..Di..Did you ride here?"Jamie asked incredulously as she struggled to resist the urge to catch the drop of sweat that was trailing down the side of Ryan's cheek.
"Yep. I figured that since I need to put in 100 or so miles on the weekend, that this would be an easy way to do it."
"C'mon in and I'll get you something to drink. You look like you could use it," she laughed. "Honey, Ryan's here,"she said toward Jack's small office.
He emerged with a quizzical look on his face. He took in the figure before him and shook his head a bit, "Did you ride here?"he asked with a smile as he extended his hand.
Ryan struggled a little to remove her padded glove, but finally got it off and took his still extended hand. "Sorry, I'm a little sweaty,"she said as she shook Jack's hand. "That last hill was a killer,"she admitted.
Jamie emerged from the kitchen with a cold bottle of water, which was gratefully accepted. Ryan tore open the cap and tilted the bottle up to her mouth. As she leaned her head back to chug the cold water Jack stole a long glance. Wow, he marveled, she could be a model, or something. Well, maybe a model for a fitness magazine, she couldn't pull off the waif thing at all, he amended.
Ryan dropped the now empty bottle to her thigh and breathed out a satisfied sigh. "Boy, that really hit the spot, Jamie. Thanks."
"You're welcome,"Jamie grinned. "I'm surprised you didn't bring some along for the trip."
"Oh, I did,"Ryan admitted. But I drank it all half way down here. Sometimes I don't pay attention to the weather change from the City to the Peninsula. It was cold and foggy when I left home this morning and I didn't check the weather before I left. It must be 20 degrees warmer here than at home."
"Give me your water bottles and I'll fill them for you,"Jamie offered.
Ryan handed over her 2 spent bottles from their cages on her bike. "Can I make a pit stop before we take off again?"she inquired.
"Sure. It's right down the hall, next to the office,"Jack replied.
Jamie retreated to the kitchen to complete her chore and Jack followed on her heels. "God Jamie, I didn't notice before how gorgeous she is,"he whispered into her ear as she leaned over the sink.
"Maybe you just like the sweaty look,"she said with a chuckle. I know I do, she thought wryly. "Do you feel the standard male urge to convert her to your team?"she asked with a giggle, right back into his ear.
"No, not me, but a lot of guys sure would."
"Why not you?"she inquired as her brow furrowed.
"One--because she' s not my type. Two--because I've got my hands full with you. I can't take on any side work,"he said as he bent slightly to kiss her smiling mouth. Jamie was a bit taken by surprise as he really began to get into the kiss. One hand moved up her torso as the other slipped down and palmed her Lycra encased butt. She was about to push him away when she caught a glimpse of Ryan in the doorway.
Jamie thought about the kiss for a moment as she finished filling up the bottles and Jack returned to the living room to chat with Ryan. That was odd. He is normally so reserved around other people. It almost seemed like he wanted her to see that, like he was laying claim to me. She briefly chastised herself, You don't have to analyze everything, Jamie. Maybe he just felt like kissing you at that moment. And trying to cop a feel in front of your lesbian friend, her suspicious side warned.
Ryan hoisted her bike onto her broad shoulder while Jack did the same with Jamie's. "Jack, I brought it up here myself,"she argued, "I'm sure I can get it down the same way."
"I'm sure you can, Sweetheart,"he agreed. "But I'm here and I want to help,"he stated gallantly.
As Jamie situated herself on the bike he leaned over and kissed her goodbye. "I really might need your help when I get home,"she admitted. "If I ring the buzzer will you come down?"
"Absolutely,"he agreed. "Now you two be safe. There's lot of traffic on Saturday."
"Okay, Dad,"Jamie teased.
"I'll take care of her, Jack,"Ryan said in the same teasing tone.
Jamie thought she saw the smallest flicker of irritation cross his handsome face, but she decided to ignore it.
They took off and began their short trek to the Stanford campus. "Have you been down here much?"she asked Ryan.
"No, not really,"Ryan revealed. "I've been to a few athletic events but that's it. I'm actually not sure that I've ever been here during daylight hours."
"Well you're in luck because I know this place like the back of my hand,"she admitted. As she set her trip computer to zero she asked, "So, we're doing 15 miles today, Coach?"
"If you feel up to it,"Ryan replied. "I know I tortured your legs yesterday and I want you to pay careful attention to how they feel,"she warned.
"Well, my butt feels fine and if we stay on this level terrain I think I'll be fine."
"Good. This is exactly the type of ride I want you to do on Saturdays. It's a good thing you come down to the Peninsula on the weekends. It's the ideal place to do your long slow distance ride. Berkeley is really too hilly unless you stay around campus and that is like sucking on an exhaust pipe."
"That's a sweet image. I'm sure I'll have that in mind when I ride to class on Monday," she laughed.
They rode through the palm lined streets of the campus which was relatively quiet. There was never a lot of activity on a Saturday when the Cardinal was playing an away game and since today's game was against UCLA it appeared that a substantial portion of the undergraduates had either taken a road trip to L.A. or were watching the game in their dorm rooms. Ryan had always thought it overly precious that the Stanford mascot was a color. But she supposed that was part of the Stanford mystique. The motto for the school could have been 'Be completely unique', she thought.
"So why are you so familiar with Stanford?"Ryan quizzed as they rode along.
"Well, both of my parents went here and my mother's family has a strong connection."
"Hmm,"said Ryan with a knowing grin. "Given what you've told me about your family I assume that means that some big buildings are named after you."
Jamie shot her a glance but then laughed a bit as she admitted, "Surprisingly not. My family was more into sponsoring chairs in various disciplines. I think they felt that having a building named after you would be nice but only people on campus would know your name. But when a professor is the recipient of the 'Putnam Barrett Smith Chair of Humanities' he or she uses that title on all of their professional publications. Lots more notoriety,"she informed Ryan with a roll of her eyes.
"Smith, huh?"Ryan said as she rode close. "Could you be any Waspier?"
"Don't think so,"Jamie admitted.
"Don't you have any Stepnoski's or Liebowitzes or Hudek's or Antonioni's or even an odd Murphy in your family?"
"Nope. Mother's family came from England in about 1650 and they've stuck to their own kind almost exclusively, near as I can tell. My father's family also came from England not long after the Revolutionary War."
"That's remarkable,"Ryan said with interest. "How do you know so much about your family?"
"Wasps love to research their genealogy,"she said with a laugh. "My mother's mother hired someone to research their family tree. It's all in a nicely bound leather book."
"That's pretty neat,"Ryan said. "So show me something with your family name on it."
"Okay,"she replied. They pedaled over to the main quad and hopped off their bikes. Walking over to an impressive stone archway Jamie led her inquisitive friend to a large plaque that had been placed on the interior of the arcade. "There you go,"she said as she pointed to the plaque with a flourish.
The legend read that the archway was substantially retrofitted and repaired after the Loma Prieta earthquake by the generous contributions of the listed benefactors. Ryan scanned the names for a Smith and pointed to a 'Roger B. Smith'. "Is that your family?"
"Yeah. That's a cousin. But that's not what I wanted to show you." Ryan gave her a puzzled glance so she pointed to the beginning of the alphabet. After a few seconds of scanning Ryan turned to her with a cute little grin. "Are those your parents?"
"Yep."
"Why are they listed separately?"Ryan inquired as she considered the entries for both James S. Evans and Catherine D.S. Evans.
"Hmm, I'm not sure,"she admitted. "I assume they each made a contribution from their separate funds and they didn't want to share the glory."
Ryan shot her a glance to see if she was kidding, but it was obvious that not only was her friend serious, she didn't seem to think this behavior odd. It was a struggle not to impart her own family's sense of propriety onto the Evans family but Ryan could not understand why you would not want to have your name listed along with your spouse. It just seemed terribly odd to her but she didn't want to make a big deal out of it so she kept her opinion to herself. "This is quite a pretty arch,"she said as she looked around.
"Yeah, it is,"Jamie agreed. "As you may know the University was founded by Leland Stanford and his wife, Jane Lathrop Stanford. They had just one child, Leland Junior. He died just a few months before his 16th birthday and they decided to create and dedicate the university to him. The actual name is the Leland Stanford Junior University."
"I didn't know that,"Ryan said. "That's some memorial."
"Yeah. Mrs. Stanford was quite the impressive woman. This arch was one of her personal touches." Jamie led her friend around to the front of the structure. She pointed up at the stone carvings that lined the arch and pointed out that each one bore a tiny heart right in the center. "She really dedicated the rest of her life to making this university one of the finest in the country. She must have missed her son terribly, but I really admire her for doing something positive in his name rather than just quietly mourning him."
Ryan was studying the arch and Jamie watched as her elegant fingers softly stroked one of the carved hearts. Her companion was very quiet as she contemplated the structure. Finally she said, "As hard as it was to lose my mother it's the natural order of things, you know?"she asked as she turned to face Jamie. "A child is supposed to outlive their parents. I just can't imagine how devastating it would be to lose your only child at such a young age,"she said quietly.
The sad longing in those clear blue eyes made Jamie unconsciously place her hand in the small of Ryan's back in a small attempt at comforting her friend. Ryan draped an arm around her shoulders and gave her a gentle hug. "Thanks for showing me this,"she said quietly.
"Would you like to see the Memorial Church?"she asked. "It's where my parents were married."
"Sure,"Ryan said happily as she removed her arm from its perch.
"It's right in the back of this interior quadrangle,"Jamie informed her as they walked along. Moments later they were standing in the beautiful non-denominational church. Ryan's head was thrown back as she gazed at the magnificent stained glass windows that surrounded her.
"These are outstanding!"she whispered as Jamie approached.
"Yeah, this place is pretty special,"she agreed quietly, even though they were the only people in the structure. "The inscriptions on the walls are from Mrs. Stanfords writings,"she informed Ryan. "Some of them are quite beautiful."
Ryan was obviously fascinated by the church and Jamie left her to her wanderings. She sat down in a pew to rest her legs but found herself slyly watching Ryan as she stopped before each inscription. When she spotted her friend staring at one particular inscription for a long while Jamie finally walked over to her and read it.
Ryan turned to her slowly and said, "Those are the words of someone who has known sorrow...but refused to let it own her."
Jamie gave her a small smile and pondered the words again:
There are but few on earth free from cares, none but carry burdens of sorrow. And if all were asked to make a package of their troubles, and throw this package on a common pile, and then were asked to go and choose a package that they were willing to bear, all would select their own package again.
Your heartaches may be great, burdens heavy, but look around you and with whom would you change?
She was deep in thought when she felt Ryan's warm hand on her shoulder. "You okay?"she asked gently.
"Yeah, yeah,"she said as she shook her head a little. "I was just thinking of how lucky I've been. I mean, I just feel like I haven't experienced any terrible sorrows or know any serious troubles."
Ryan gave her a gentle hug, as she leaned over and whispered, "Don't rush it, Jamie. Live long enough and you'll know your share." She looked up at her friend and rested her head against her broad shoulder for a second. In a flash it hit her...she wasn't commenting so much about her charmed life...she was fervently wishing that she could remove the sad, haunted look that came over her friend's blue eyes when she thought about her own losses. But she didn't feel comfortable sharing this thought with Ryan so she just gave her a little squeeze and sat down until her friend had finished investigating the church.
When they returned to the bright sunshine Jamie pointed out some markers of her family history, including the spot under a beautiful redwood where her father had proposed to her mother. "That's really neat, Jamie,"she marveled. "How old were your parents when they married?"
"Mother was only 20 when she had me, so I guess she was still 19 when they married. He was 24 at the time."
"How old is Jack?"Ryan asked thoughtfully.
"He's 24," Jamie replied.
"And when is your wedding set for?"
"The summer after I graduate,"Jamie replied. "I want to have the whole college experience as a single woman. And I want Jack to have a years work out of the way."
"Does he know where he is going to work?" Ryan inquired.
"Yeah, pretty much. He really wants to clerk for a federal judge after he graduates this summer. That could take him anywhere, though. He can't be too picky about the location. He wants the 9th Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. That would have him in the western region, but it could be Montana or even Hawaii. That's why I didn't want to get married right after he graduates."
"Wow, won't that be hard if he's that far away?"
Seemingly for the first time Jamie considered that. "Um, I guess it will but it's what he wants and it will help his long term career prospects."
For the second time that day Ryan bit her tongue rather than comment on the strange ways of these people of the Peninsula. "What are his plans after the clerkship is over,"Ryan asked.
"It's pretty obvious that he'll get an offer from Morris, Foster,"Jamie replied.
"What firm does your father work for?"Ryan asked casually.
"That would be Morris, Foster,"Jamie admitted with a little blush.
"I'm not prying, am I?"Ryan asked with a hint of concern in her voice.
"No, not at all. I know that Jack is really talented. It just seems like an ideal opportunity for nepotism even though I know it's not. I guess I'm just sensitive to people perceiving me in a certain fashion."
"I certainly don't perceive of you as anything other than a hard working woman who I am certain would never marry anyone other than a hard working, talented man,"Ryan said confidently. "Besides, the mere fact that your father works for the firm isn't that big a deal. I mean, it is a huge place, isn't it?"
Jamie rolled her eyes a bit as she revealed, "Yeah it's huge all right...but my dad doesn't just work there. He's the managing partner. That's about like being the CEO of a business."
"Oh...um...well, I bet in a way that will make it a little harder for Jack. The last thing your dad wants is to hire some dolt and have everyone think it's mere nepotism."
"Thanks, Ryan,"Jamie replied, a bit relieved. "It's just that I know people think that everything comes so easily for me, and that my parents just get me everything I want,"she admitted. "I worry that people will think that Jack got his job because I demanded it."
"I know that's not true,"Ryan said gravely. "Money can't buy everything, Jamie. It can't buy you big quadriceps!"this last sentence came from over her shoulder as she put on a terrific burst of speed and left Jamie in her dust, a mellow laugh trailing after her.
"I thought the key for this ride was long SLOW distance!"Jamie huffed as she finally caught up to Ryan's slowing form.
"It is, Jamie,"she said seriously. "Why, do you want to go fast?"she asked with the most cherubic of faces.
"It's obvious that you were raised with brothers, Ryan O'Flaherty,"she sulked.
"Yeah, sometimes it's painfully obvious!"Ryan teased, as she burst into another flash of blinding speed.
They completed the scheduled 15 miles with just a few more sprints. By the time they returned to the apartment Jamie was definitely beginning to tighten up. "I don't think I could go another mile,"she moaned.
Ryan looked fresh as a daisy, of course, and this slightly irritated Jamie. "You know, you could at least try not to look like you've been lying on the beach for the afternoon."
Ryan laughed and did her best to put on a tired and bedraggled expression. She dragged herself over to the buzzer and rang it several times. "I guess Jack went out,"she finally said after 3 tries.
"And I was going to bribe him to carry me upstairs, "Jamie whined.
"Well, you're way too heavy for a poor tired woman like me,"Ryan teased. "But I could help you out with this." At that she leaned over and grabbed Jamie's bike frame with one powerful arm and hefted it onto her shoulder. She grabbed the wheel with her hand to steady it and then repeated the series of motions to pick up her own bike. She turned and grinned at a startled Jamie, "Lead on Princess."
Jamie climbed the stairs quickly, extracting her key from a small, hidden pocket in her bike shorts. She held the door open fully for Ryan to enter with her cargo. As she carefully squatted and placed all four wheels on the ground Jamie stood in front of her and steadied both sets of handlebars.
"Thank you, Oh Powerful One,"she intoned as she bent in praise.
"Oh, that's nothing,"Ryan replied casually. "I probably could have left you on the darn thing, but it would have upset my center of gravity."
"Yeah, right!"Jamie teased along with a little poke in the gut. "Hey,"she said seriously as she poked again and was met with a very firm resistance, "Maybe you're right,"she marveled. "I thought you said your tummy was flabby,"she chided.
"I'm quite sure I never said that,"Ryan assured her with a chuckle. "I said that I have a thicker layer of abdominal fat than you have but my abs are in great shape if I do say so myself. Keeping them built up really helps with bike riding."
Jamie reached over to pat her again. "They are firm,"she admitted, wishing that Ryan would lift her shirt for a peek. "How do you get them so firm? Do you do the same crunches you showed me?"
"Yeah, sometimes,"she advised. "But I like to challenge myself a little so I've devised some little tortures that I don't think you'd like,"she said with a grin.
Jamie crossed her arms across her chest and glared at her friend. "Like what, Tough Stuff?"
"Well, my new favorite is to lie on a declining bench and do some crunches."
"That doesn't sound so hard,"Jamie scoffed.
"No, that part isn't hard. But I have someone toss a medicine ball at my gut while I'm doing them,"she said with a casual look on her face.
"WHAT!? One of those heavy, sand filled, leather balls?"
"Uh huh,"she said as she blithely refastened her pony tail, trying to suppress a grin at Jamie's shocked expression.
"I don't think I believe you,"she finally mumbled.
Ryan could never resist a challenge. She stood tall and gazed at her friend with a daring look and said, "Hit me."
"What?!"
"Hit me,"she repeated. "Hit me in the gut...hard as you can."
"Ryan! I wouldn't do that! I would hurt you!"
Ryan gave her a slight smirk as she scoffed, "Don't think so."
"You don't think I could hurt you?"she asked incredulously. "I'm not as weak as I look!"
"Prove it,"she demanded, her blue eyes sparking fire.
"Fine!"Jamie fumed, quite insulted that her friend treated her like a weakling. Ryan tensed her abs and jutted out her chin defiantly. Jamie pulled her arm back and popped her right in the gut at about 50% of her capacity. She had closed her eyes as she swung since she did not want to see the pain in her friend's face. But when she opened her eyes Ryan was not only not in pain she was laughing at her.
"Is that all you've got?"she scoffed.
"You want more? I'll give you more!" This time she kept her eyes wide open as she reared back and slammed her fist into Ryan's midsection with as much force as she could generate. But at impact it felt like she had slammed her hand into a brick wall. Only this wall was smirking at her.
"That was better,"she advised. "Wanna switch?"
"You are truly mad!"she fumed, rather outraged that she had been unable to hurt Ryan's body or her attitude. But just as that thought hit her she slapped herself in the head. "You made me want to hurt you!"she gasped. "I've never hit someone with that intent before!"
Ryan slung an arm around her shoulders and gave her a sound hug. "Boy you missed a lot not growing up with brothers! If one of us wasn't bleeding or crying at the end of the day we just felt incomplete!"
"Well I've had enough,"she grumbled. "I don't ever want you to taunt me into hitting you again! Are you sure I didn't hurt you?"
"Nope,"she declared. She reached out and grasped Jamie's right hand and closely examined the wrist. "You didn't hurt yourself did you?"she asked solicitously.
The smaller woman shook her hand roughly a few times. "No, but it does sting a little. How on earth do you make your abs that hard?"
"Nothing but hard work, Pal." Ryan cast a glance at the slight quiver in Jamie's thighs, "Time for a little rub down, Buffy,"she ordered.
"Ohhh, my favorite part of any exercise,"Jamie enthused.
Jack walked in to the apartment as Ryan was finishing her massage of Jamie's hamstrings. His face was friendly, but a little impassive, to Jamie's eyes. Please don't let this bother him. "Hi, Honey. Where did you go?"she asked brightly.
"I had to run down to the bookstore for a few minutes. I'm sorry I wasn't here to help you bring the bike up."
"You should be, I really needed a hand,"she lied. She glanced at Ryan to see if her lie would get a reaction, but Ryan's head was bent in concentration at her task. "Ryan's a massage therapist," Jamie added, even though Jack had not commented on their activities.
He forced himself to banish the thought of Ryan giving a woman an intimate all nude massage, and said weakly, "Oh, that's nice."
Jamie was pleased that the rather intimate contact with Ryan didn't seem to bother Jack. Maybe he's really getting used to her, she hoped.
Late that night as Jack hovered over her, claiming her with a need that was foreign to their lovemaking, Jamie wondered if Ryan was the cause. Whatever the cause, she thought, this is a very good thing.
Early the next morning as Ryan lay quivering in Ally's arms she thanked the gods that she had the foresight to request gentle treatment on Friday night. My God, if she had done me like this on Friday I would have had to cancel our bike ride. I'm not even sure I'll be able to ride my Harley home. Oh well, she thought as she drifted off to sleep, I sure couldn't choose which of those orgasms to give back, so I guess I'll keep them all!
Not only did they not have brunch before their appointment with Mark, they barely made it to the gym by noon. Ryan just did her job on autopilot and by the end of the hour she wasn't sure if he liked Ally or not. But he happily agreed to switch and he gave Ryan a big kiss goodbye and wished her luck.
Ryan looked at Ally through her bloodshot eyes and moaned, "If I don't get some food into this poor abused body I'm gonna faint!"
"We've got 3 hours until our next appointment. I'll buy you some lunch, Sweetness. What would you like to eat?"
"Anything, as long as it's fast,"she replied.
Ally didn't take her seriously. She knew that Ryan needed some nutrients to get her through the day so she took her to a nice little café right on Market that specialized in low fat vegetarian food. Ryan scanned the menu and tried to find something that did not appeal to her. She was unsuccessful so she ordered a cheese and mushroom frittata and a fruit salad. She also asked for a large orange juice and some coffee. Ally got an egg white omelet and oatmeal, her normal breakfast fare.
Ally dashed off to use the restroom and Ryan whiled away the time thinking about their relationship. It dawned on her that they hadn't shared a meal in a restaurant in years. Ally suggested we have brunch together, she mused. And both nights she let me touch her much earlier than normal. I wonder what's up with that? And she just seemed to assume that I would stay with her all weekend. Normally she doesn't extend that kind of invitation. Could she be changing the rules? Do I want her to?
She was pulled from her reverie by Ally's light kiss on her cheek as she passed by to take her seat. "Miss me?"she asked with a twinkle in her eye.
Ryan gave her a sweet smile and reached out to lightly grasp her hand as she honestly replied, "Often."
Ally cocked her head and looked like she was going to ask what that meant but she obviously decided not to pursue the issue. "So tell me more about this new job."
Ryan gave her a little more info on 'Women Power' and filled her in on how the opportunity came up.
"Is that the same woman you went on your bike ride with?"she asked.
Ryan was surprised that she had caught that detail. "Yeah, it is. She's a woman from my 'Lesbian Sexuality' class at school."
Ally just shook her head at that. "Do you think they offer that class at normal schools or just Berserkely?"she asked, using the playful moniker for the ultra-liberal campus.
"I think it's probably common at the big, liberal universities, but I don't think it's the norm by any means,"she admitted.
"Sounds like a great way to pick up women,"she said with a wink. "Had any luck besides this Jamie?"
"Yeah, I've had a couple of nice evenings with my classmates,"she admitted. "But not Jamie. She's actually straight. She's engaged to a guy who goes to Stanford. That's why we were riding in Palo Alto. She goes down there on the weekends to stay with him."
"Uhh huh,"Ally said with a knowing smirk. "All the straight girls take a class in Lesbian Sexuality. And even more of them want to hang out with you."
"No really, Ally, she's straight,"Ryan patiently explained.
"How many straight women are you friends with, Ryan?"she asked her directly.
"Umm..." Ryan furrowed her brow as she ran through her list of friends. With a chagrined look she finally admitted, "None."
"Exactly. And I'm guessing that it's not because you don't like straight women. But most straight women feel uncomfortable being really close with a lesbian unless they want to flip...at least temporarily. I guarantee she wants more from you than just friendship,"she predicted.
"Hmm, I don't know how I'd feel about that," Ryan reflected. "I think I like her too much to have a fling with her. I think it would screw up our friendship."
"Is she cute?"
"Oh yeah,"Ryan said with a playful chuckle. "She's totally cute. About 5'4", slim, but with some nice muscles beginning to develop, blonde hair, sea green eyes, pouty little mouth..."
"Okay, okay,"Ally said with a laugh as she held up her hands, "I get it!" She looked at Ryan for another minute as she added, "If she ever gets kidnapped I hope the cops ask you for her description."
Ryan flushed a little at the implication. "I'm just observant,"she said rather defensively.
"Hey, you don't have to convince me,"Ally reminded her. "But if I was her boyfriend I'd keep her away from you,"she said firmly as she patted Ryan's hand. "Mother Teresa would want to flip for you, Sugar,"she said fondly.
"She's dead, Ally,"Ryan reminded her.
"Wouldn't matter, Baby. You could bring the dead to life!"
Monday morning found Ryan lying beneath Ally's sprawled out body. After their 4 o'clock appointment Ryan had gone home for dinner but as soon as the dishes were clean she packed up her things in her backpack and headed on back to Ally's. They had spent the night making love with nearly as much passion as they had possessed on Saturday night, and Ryan was almost ready to shut off her watch alarm and just stay cuddled up.
The insistent alarm woke them both and Ally crawled off of her to go to the bathroom while Ryan waged a small war with her well hidden lazy side. When she returned she reached for Ryan and started to stroke her belly in a very friendly manner. Ryan knew if they got started again she'd lose the whole day so she gave her a kiss and softly patted her cheek. "Gotta go, Babe,"she murmured softly, forcing herself to slip out of bed avoiding Ally's reaching hands. She stumbled into the shower and when she came out her friend was sound asleep again. Ryan checked the alarm clock to make sure it was set for 8 since she assumed Ally had to be at work by 9 and then she walked over to the kitchen table and left her a note.
Thanks for the marvelous lesson in how to fill up a weekend. I'll think of you all day...especially every time I have to sit down!
She hopped on her Harley with a grimace and rode directly to the MUNI station to catch a ride to school. I'll be much better off standing the whole way, she thought with a grimace. Why did we have to try out every new toy she's bought since I saw her last? Will I never learn?
She barreled into class about 5 minutes late and took a seat near the door. Jamie caught sight of the grimace as she sat down and wondered if Ryan had hurt herself on their bike ride. But when she looked at her again she noticed how terrible she looked. She was very pale and her eyes looked dull and bloodshot. Her hair was pulled back into a ponytail and shoved haphazardly under a baseball cap. As Jamie cast another glance at her Ryan's head hit her chest and she jerked in her seat as she startled herself awake. She looks injured alright, she smirked. But not from biking.
After class Ryan waited for her outside the door. She was leaning against the wall and looked like she might fall asleep right where she stood. "I don't want to belabor an obvious point, but you look like you could use some coffee,"Jamie teased when Ryan forced her eyes open.
"I don't think coffee will help,"she moaned. "I think I'm going to find a nice shady spot and take a nap until I have to go to work."
"Don't you have your bio lab?"
"Yeah, but there's no way I could safely perform any experiments today. I don't want to endanger my fellow students."
"Come on,"she said as she slipped her arm around Ryan's waist. "I can help you out."
After a relatively slow and silent walk they were climbing the stairs to Jamie's house. "I take it that you figured out how to fill your weekend,"Jamie asked casually as she led her friend up to her bed to allow her to crash.
"Oh, it got filled all right,"Ryan said, thinking to herself, Along with every other orifice.
Chapter Five Return to Main Page


Warrumbungle National Park Visitor Centre is officially open. The ceremony included a formal opening on Friday and a family day on Saturday. Thank you @NSWNationalParks for working with us to realise such an important project.
Recognising the excellence in construction by Horizon, the recently completed Double Bay house has been awarded the top prize at the 2018 MBA NSW Excellence in Housing Awards.


I was just informed by Governor Brown's office that he declined to sign the Border Patrol flag used in this event so we could give it to Agent Rosas's family. I must admit I wasn't getting my hopes to high on the request from the start, but now it has been confirmed. They said I could retrieve the flag tomorrow.
I have only communicated with Agent Rosas's sister, so as not to convey any false hopes to his widow and kids, so I will be emailing her shortly as well.
It would be too much to hope for in this left leaning state to have a gov that has respect for our Border Agents.


text:
Assemblyman calls for more Medicaid for NY nursing homes – Spectrum News
A member of the New York State Assembly is calling for more funding to nursing homes through Medicaid reimbursement payments.
"We're cutting aid to long-term care in the midst of a pandemic that disproportionately affects high-risk elderly," Assemblyman Josh Jensen said. "It's like what planet are we living on."
Despite the implementation of COVID-19 testing, vaccination and visitation restrictions, it's no secret that many in the industry say the underlying problem plaguing nursing and longterm care facilities in New York existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic began.
"For years, New York state is not given the proper amount of financial support to our state's nursing homes that they deserve," Jensen said.
Jensen is calling on Gov. Kathy Hochul to immediately address this.
"So, unfortunately, in New York state, the Medicaid reimbursement for long-term care for nursing home care doesn't cover the cost of their care," Jensen said. "It's only a percentage."
Jensen wants the governor to restore $168 million in funding he said former Gov. Andrew Cuomo cut from nursing homes during the pandemic. The New York State Health Department disputes that number — saying that in 2020, nursing home Medicaid reimbursement decreased by $17 million, not $168 million, and the following year increased it. There is, however, little dispute from the nursing home community that Medicaid just isn't cutting it.
"Staffing is a challenge all around on nursing homes and acute care facilities alike," Monroe Community Hospital Executive Health Director Alyssa Tallo said. "I think the one piece that really is hurting nursing homes right now is our reimbursement. We, you know, typically lose money every day, that we have a patient here that is funded through Medicaid. And if you look at the longterm care population, the majority of them are funded by Medicaid as a primary payer, and that hurts nursing homes because we were struggling to make ends meet. We're struggling to stay current with staffing and regulation. And it's really part of what is leading to a lot of the inability of nursing homes to function at capacity."
Tallo has welcomed the National Guard's help, as MCH opens its doors to patients from area hospitals.
"So it is great to have the need be recognized and to have the National Guard members here," Tallo said. "But it is not a longterm solution. It's not going to correct the problems that are plaguing our system, such as reimbursement issues, such as staffing issues."
Jensen wants the governor to make the move before the end of this year, with the expectation the funds will kick off a domino effect, allowing for the hiring of properly paid nursing home staff, welcoming more residents, freeing up beds in hospitals, clearing emergency department backlog and addressing COVID-19 and health care needs of the community without long waits or cancellations of surgeries.
"If we can address the staffing shortages in nursing homes, through proper funding to allow them to recruit and retain frontline health care workers that will do a world of difference in helping address the public health issues we're currently facing," Jensen said.
Jensen said tackling this problem will solve many others as he said more than 70% of all nursing home residents in New York are covered by Medicaid.
A spokesperson for the New York State Department of Health released a statement in response to Jensen:
"The total annual Medicaid reimbursement to nursing homes is approximately $6.5B. We have been working with nursing homes across the state to identify where these National Guard medical teams will have the most impact on regional health systems. In addition, we taken several steps to help with staffing shortages and bed capacity. As stated in the final guidance Dear Administrator Letter issued Dec. 3, DOH retains the discretion to require any facility to limit non-essential elective procedures and/or implement other actions to coordinate services, as determined by DOH as necessary to protect public health. As more arrangements are made, we will share more information."
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