Dedicated to Nippy

1986 - free

1986

Janet stepped onto the stage each night, the crowd's exuberant cheers wrapping around her like a warm embrace. Yet, as the last notes of her performance faded into the stillness, a profound ache stirred within her. She longed for her lover's presence, the comforting familiarity that could only be bridged by their nightly phone calls. Amidst sound checks and studio recordings, they exchanged snippets of their lives, laughter mingling with the loneliness that lingered like an unwelcome guest. During fleeting moments of respite, Janet would retreat to her journal, pouring her heart into poems and lyrics—a tapestry of her emotions laid bare.

Meanwhile, Whitney was caught in a whirlwind of harmonies and recording sessions, but she, too, felt the gaping void that Janet's absence left behind. As she channeled her feelings into every note, each melody resonated with vivid memories: the sound of Janet's laughter, the warmth of her smile, the enchanting scent that clung to her. Suddenly, Whitney snapped back into the moment, her eyes blinking open as she realized the beat had ended. The music had a magical way of drawing her under, and each time she sang, the thought of Janet submerged her deeper into a blissful hypnosis, where the echoes of love intertwined with every chord. She sighed, ecstatic to be finished with the day's recording session. As per the late phone call she had with Janet, they would be able to see each other for the first time in weeks. She did her usual routine of thanking her producer and skipped out of the building as quickly as possible.

~~~

Janet held every emotion inside her, determined not to succumb to the urge to dash to Whitney's door. After enduring a whirlwind of challenges in life and her career, she finally found a moment to breathe. All she wanted was to relish this rare instance of peace, and naturally, she yearned to share it with Whitney. Clutching the strap of her bag tightly, she felt its weight against her shoulder as she skipped eagerly toward the inviting entrance of the other woman's apartment.

With a flutter of anxiety tightening her chest, Janet raised her hand and knocked softly, the sound echoing in the stillness of the hallway. Just as her heart began to race, the door swung open, revealing Whitney. Their eyes locked, and a rush of warmth washed over her; it felt like time stood still.

Without hesitation, Whitney grasped Janet's hand, pulling her into the cozy sanctuary of her home and shutting the door behind them with a gentle click. The moment felt electric. Janet let her bag slip from her shoulder and drop to the floor, forgetting the outside world as she melted into Whitney's embrace. The two women instinctively wrapped their arms around each other, relishing the tender embrace that promised solace and understanding.

"I missed you so much.." Whitney spoke into Janet's hair as she embraced her.

Janet didn't utter a word; instead, she tilted her head up, her eyes finding Whitney's with a mixture of longing and urgency. A heartbeat later, their lips met in a kiss that spoke volumes—a perfect, unspoken I missed you too. Whitney's soft sigh melted into Janet's mouth as the kiss deepened, their passion reigniting like a spark catching fire. Whitney's fingers tightened around Janet's waist, drawing her even closer until there was no space left between them. Her tongue brushed against Janet's, teasing and inviting, while her hands roamed Janet's body with a slow, deliberate touch. They traced the curve of her sides, gliding up until her palms covered Janet's breasts, giving them a firm, yearning squeeze that made Janet moan against her lips. The sound was intoxicating, urging Whitney to explore further. She slid her hands down the small of Janet's back, past the curve of her hips, until she grasped Janet's ass, squeezing possessively before delivering a playful, stinging slap that left a tingle beneath her fingertips. The room around them began to blur as their focus narrowed to just each other, every touch sparking a current between them.

Janet reluctantly drew back, breaking the kiss, her breath warm and ragged as she whispered, "I want to kiss you all night, but I made plans for us."

A playful pout formed on Whitney's lips as she sighed, eyes dark with mischief. "Do those plans include us kissing, touching, and," she lowered her voice to a sultry murmur by Janet's ear, "fucking all night?"

A shiver coursed through Janet, making her heart skip and her body hum with anticipation. She swallowed hard, regaining her composure, a teasing smile curving her lips. "I mean, if that's what you want— No, girl, I've got something else in mind. I want us to go out tonight."

Whitney's brows arched, a glimmer of hope and surprise lighting her eyes. "As a couple?"

Janet's face softened, and she squeezed Whitney's hand gently. "Of course. I found somewhere special, discreet enough for us to be ourselves without glances or whispers. Now, let's go find you something to wear that'll make me want to cancel those plans and keep you here," she teased, tugging Whitney toward her room with a playful grin.

~~~

Janet expressed her gratitude to the driver as she closed the car door behind her, watching as he drove off into the night. She turned to Whitney, with excitement bubbling in her chest, and together they approached the building. It stood before them, cloaked in a soft pale pink hue, adorned with the word "Ember" glowing in vibrant neon orange, casting an inviting light onto the sidewalk. The pulsating music that radiated from within seemed to resonate through the ground, sending a rhythmic vibration that tingled in the tips of their heeled shoes.

As they entered, Janet's fingers intertwined with Whitney's, guiding her into the bustling atmosphere. The air was thick with a heady blend of musky perfume and the sharp scent of alcohol, creating a vibrant tapestry of sensations. Whitney surveyed the scene before her, wide-eyed and intrigued: a sea of women filled the space. Some swayed and twirled on the dance floor, lost in the rhythm, while others sat on bar stools, laughter and conversation blending with the thumping bass. A few couples were nestled in cozy corners, wrapped in flirtation and soft touches.

Whitney's gaze lingered, her surprise palpable as she began to piece together the reality of where she was.

Noticing the look of shock on her friend's face, Janet leaned closer, her voice rising above the music's clamor. "It's amazing, isn't it?"

"Janet, I— I don't think I can do this. I—"

With earnest intensity, Janet stepped in front of Whitney, capturing her full attention. "Look around... everyone here is just like us. No judgment, nothing but freedom to just be ourselves. It's up to us to embrace it."

Whitney's heart raced as she took a deeper look around. It was like stepping into a temporary sanctuary for lesbians, a safe haven where they could shed the weight of societal expectations. The realization began to sink in—this was an opportunity to fully embrace the parts of herself she had hidden for far too long. It seemed fitting that, for once, she could let go of the secrecy and experience the exhilaration of being free.