The Master of Me

Chapter 14

        Sterling rubbed his palms against the leg of his dark blue, straight cut, relaxed fit jeans as he approached Julie’s front door. He didn’t know if he was experiencing normal date night nerves or just uncomfortable with whom his date was this evening. He had on a red and navy plaid button up shirt, un-tucked, and the top two buttons remained open for the casual look. On his way over he stopped and pulled over and text Julie to ask if there was something he could bring over as a contribution food item for dinner. Which Julie had replied ‘No, but thanks! That is very sweet of you. Just come on over, I have everything we need.’ He rang the doorbell and within moments the door was open, revealing a very enthusiastic smiling Julie.

                “Hey, Sterling! Welcome! Feel free to take off your shoes, if you would like. Dinner is ready.” She told him, twirling on her bare feet and headed for the kitchen. Sterling decided to keep his shoes on and glance about as he followed her. There was a set of stairs immediately off to the left that lead down to the basement portion of her modest three bedroom home. A sitting room to the right with black leather couches facing the front window. On the walls were two large pictures of the Eiffel Tower and Big Ben. When he entered the kitchen and dining room he almost went slacked jawed in surprise. Julie had a small rectangle table with place settings for two, covered in moss green linen tablecloth, wine glasses, fancy china dishes, as well as the Italian pasta stuff Julie mentioned earlier that day. In addition to that there were what appeared to be homemade bread sticks, and a fresh tossed garden salad.

                “Wow, Julie. This is quite astonishing.” Sterling managed to stay, a prang of guilt tearing at his insides. It was very clear that this dinner was important to her and Sterling could only hope that he didn’t totally mess this night up for Julie. “Awe, it was nothing. I usually make too much anyway so your company this evening is certainly appreciated.” She said standing by one of the chairs. She wore a moss green, sleeveless, sundress that had navy ribbon just under the bust line of the dress and a bit of frilled edging at the bottom. It reached about mid thigh on her and Sterling was grateful for her choice of navy leggings to complete the outfit. Some attire, even on appealing figures, should not be worn alone.

                Sterling took notice of her hovering near her chair and walked over and slid it out for her and said back to her, “I appreciate the offer.” He took his own seat and after a word of grace from Julie they began to eat.

                Meanwhile, back at his home, Alue returned just after she heard Sterling’s car leave. She didn’t understand why she took off so suddenly, after getting home from their shopping trip. She figured it had something to do with him continuing to shop when she had wanted to stop. The back door was of course unlocked and she walked right in, reluctantly shutting it once inside.

                The two bags of clothes still sat upon the kitchen counter and that is what she headed for. Opening the first bag she pulled out the fuchsia shirt and held it up to get a better look. It was delightful to hold in her hands. The cotton material was soft with no stains or smells of any kind. Right then she removed her tattered articles of clothing, eager to have such a commodity on. She was about to feed one arm through the shirt sleeve when she couldn’t help but notice her skin. Even with washing at the lake, there was only so much rough rocks, leaves, and cold water could do for keeping clean. She bit her lip then placed the shirt back down on the counter, feeling undeserving of such an item.

                Then her subconscious wolf spoke to her saying, ‘He offered that one time to let you use the guest bedroom facilities. Why wouldn’t that offer be valid now? Go shower if you feel the need.’ Alue mulled over this idea glancing at the shirt and then down the hall were the guest bedroom would be. That would mean her going further into his home, being in his space, using his facilities, relaying on him more then she needed to. He had already bought the clothes, she shouldn’t have to do anything more to be deserving of them. ‘You really should do it now, while he is out for a little while. Besides, our tail could use a proper brushing.’ Wolf relayed then seemed to subside. Alue could no longer disagree with her wolf on that logic. She grabbed the shirt and the two bags and headed down the hall for the guest bedroom.