When the Moon is High

As Marcus lay warm and cosy in his bed the constant bombardment of rain could be heard against the window. An occasional flash of lightning highlighted the trees and shrubbery throughout the garden in an eerie silver blue light. The thunder that had woken him some twenty minutes before echoed over the Ranges urging the storm westwards across the southern sand plains of Perth. It had been a similar storm that drenched the burial party almost two years ago to the day as they laid Frances, his wife, to rest. It was as if the heavens wept in sympathy. A tear still came to his eye when he placed his hand on her side of the bed finding it cold and empty. When she had been by his side on such a night he would have snuggled in, placing his hand on her warm soft thigh hoping to encourage a response, often to be told that it was sleeping time, followed by a squeeze of his hand as reassurance that she did love him. Other times he was lucky.

On re-awakening to a calm and brighter night sky, Marcus went to the lounge window that presented a panoramic view of the foothills and plains stretching to the coast. Small dark clouds raced across the sky as if trying to catch the major event, however the higher level clouds moved more slowly allowing the full moon to expose herself, if only fleetingly. Seeing her he gazed up, his palms together in appreciation of her protection. He had always been an admirer of the moon, a chart hung in his bathroom depicting her phases to which he often referred. Not an active worshipper, but always an admirer of her luminous celestial body and the mysticism surrounding her.

Early the next morning the phone rang, it was Dave, a friend and occasional drinking companion who is Section Manager with the national cold storage group ColdSAT. Dave had been with them now for twenty years, although only in body for the last five. He had climbed the corporate ladder almost reaching the top, now he was on the down slide due to the recent re-structuring of the Head Office in Melbourne. Still on a good salary, he ran a fair-size office connected to a national computer network and shared a secretary with most of the male staff. His main function was to control and composite the accounts for independent user companies. It was a demanding task, as these companies ranged from one operator with a small business to large organisations which contracted for overseas shipping and freight consortiums.

'What did you think of that storm last night? Wasn't it a ripper! Took part of our roof off, bloody terrible night, we were up most of it with the Emergency Service handling tarps.'

'Do much damage?', was Marcus's immediate question, anxious to know if he or Sam was hurt.

'Not really, it's mainly over the kitchen and the back bedroom which is going to be fixed on Thursday.' He paused, 'in the meantime Sam and I were wondering if we could stop at your place tonight.'

'Well Samantha can certainly sleep over, but you may have to find somewhere else,' Marcus replied jokingly with a touch of lust in his voice.

'That would be right! Leave the old man out in the cold while you screw his missus.'

'Well that's life! I guess you'll come anyhow, see you when? Six?' 'Okay, six sounds good, we might go out for a feed, see you then.'

Marcus was out under the pergola doing some tidy-up gardening when the door bell rang and opening the front door he was surprised to see Sam as it was only three o'clock. 'Good to see you love, you're early.' Leaning forward he kissed her, a kiss that lingered a little longer than normal between friends and stopped abruptly as his hand slowly traced the contours of her bottom.

'Careful now, watch that blood pressure of yours, I might weaken, then you'll be in trouble.'

Handing over a shopping bag she continued, 'thought we'd stay home tonight. The weather is still lousy, so I brought some food around to prepare; much cosier here with a fire and a bottle of wine than driving. I always score the mug's job of driving, missing out on the fun.'

As they went through to the kitchen Marcus complimented her on the idea. Walking behind her he was able to admire her rounded buttocks as they rolled in synchronised motion causing a wicked stir within his groin. It had been too long since he had indulged in the pleasures only obtainable from the anatomy of the female body. Leaving Sam in charge he excused himself, 'I'll just finish this repotting job, won't be too long. Anything you need just sing out. The house is yours.'

On his arrival Dave too agreed with the eating arrangements, declaring that it was a bitch of a night outside and that he would be much happier to stay in the warmth. Marcus brought him a beer and poured a glass of Chenin Blanc for Sam and himself then settled down in his chair, commenting, 'well, this is great to see you guys, haven't had much company lately.'

'You should get out more often, join a club or something. You and Frances were always busy travelling or going to shows.' Continuing, Sam mentioned Dave's immediate plans. 'Why don't you go on this trip with Dave, stir the blood a bit?', she urged. 'He's off on a boat cruise in a few weeks and I am sure there will be a few ladies there for you to woo and keep you occupied,' she finished with a laugh. Marcus's eyes narrowed with curiosity as he stared at Dave, 'A boat cruise! What's this? Where are you going and without Sam?'