Monday dawned as a beautiful day and Lee & Lyman made good time driving into work.
"I enjoyed meeting your ladyfur friend this weekend," commented Lyman. "She's everything you said she was and a good shot, too." He chuckled, "If you do go the distance with her, you'd best watch your step as she obviously knows how to take care of herself."
"I know it," replied Lee, "that's part of the attraction. I don't want a dishrag, a doormat, or a clinging vine; I want a partner."
"Well, she seems to be that."
Turning onto the street in front of the plant, they noticed a line of cars at the main gate of the aircraft plant. Lyman sighed and grumbled, "Well, there goes the idea of a lovely Monday. They're obviously doing an entry check again.”
As they got to the guard, he asked to see their badges, which he compared against a list. "Ah, the first two I’ve seen from this list! Mr. Aquilaferi, Mr. Evans, I've been asked to inform you that you are to report to the conference room in Building L as soon as you arrive."
Lee and Lyman looked at each other with a common thought, Building L? Oh man, it's turning into one of those Mondays.
Building L was a non-descript, windowless building located just off the ramp in the middle of the plant; it was also a very isolated building with it’s own intra-net and no computer connection to the plant’s intra-net or to anywhere outside the building. Not only that, in addition to offices it had its own shop and assembly areas. Still, history had been made here, and at similar facilities at other companies; these were the secure buildings where highly (often very) classified programs were conducted.
They parked in front of the windowless building, used their clearance badges to sign in, and headed for the conference room where a tall black-furred wolf waited for them; their boss, Joe McDonald.
"Lee! Lyman! I’m glad you two are the first ones here. You're going to be the point men for design on this goodie, sign out a folder and start looking at what's going down."
"Sure, boss. What's up?” asked Lyman.
"An upgrade to that special program we did last year. They want the first one by Friday."
"By Friday?" queried Lee, "I hope it's a modification and not an all new bird."
"It's a ‘mod’, but a big one; they want to add a major new sensor system. Take a look and start figuring the approaches you two could use."
"Yes, sir; we're on it."
As their coworkers entered the room, Lee & Lyman waved the other design specialists over. “Noele, Jim, Curt, Morgan, this is the package we’re going to be working with. All ideas on how best to handle this are welcome.” Looking up, Lee saw a familiar white figure enter. “Hey, Rava,” he called out, “ bring Kim & Todd with you and come see your new headache.”
When the rest of the Special Engineering Team had arrived, they all grabbed some coffee and pastries, and signed for their folders, the boss asked the guard to shut the door. Standing at the podium in the front, he started his briefing.
"All right, listen up! The Customer was very happy with what we gave him last year, but now he wants to add some new sensors. Preliminary Design thinks we can put it in, so the Customer's bought into it. Thing is, they need the first one by the end of the week; so the order of the week is 'Do and work whatever is necessary to do it right and to meet that schedule'. Now, Lee & Lyman are going to be our point men in the design phase as they did the original design of the area involved, I want full support for them and prompt turn-around on anything they hand you. Lyman, Lee; you two had best figure you're going to be at home very little this week.”
“One other thing, take a look at the caveat block on these pages, this is a continuation of last year's 'black program' and all the rules and restrictions you were briefed on apply. In other words people, no discussing this project outside this building unless you are in a secure area and authorized to do so. Alright?” he looked around to see if there were any questions. “ Now, get going, we're on a tight schedule and I've already wasted too much of your time."
As Lee & Lyman headed for their workstations on the main floor to start putting together the data and models they'd need, Lee turned and asked, “Do you want to call Dr. Amwald and tell him that we won’t be in class tomorrow night or shall I?”
Lyman shrugged, “Doesn’t matter. He at least understands the business and will give us the notes we missed without an argument. I’ll go ahead and call him, you start getting the material together.”
- - Lunchtime- -
Debbye enthusiastically sat down to lunch with the rest of The Clique.
“Well,” observed Susan, “it looks like someone had a good weekend. So spill it, what more did you learn about this guy?”
Debbye blushed, “Well, from watching him swim on Saturday, I can verify that the tawny patch goes down at least to his waist; beyond that I can tell you that he’s quite a swimmer and a good player to have on your volleyball team. On a somewhat more somber note, I can also report that he knows how to defend himself.”
Catching her tone, Cindy softly asked, “What happened?”
“Well,” blushed Debbye, “you remember I told you about that male weasel, Kirk?”
“I remember,” replied Cindy. “Did he try something?”
“Did he ever!” answered Debbye heatedly. “Lee was walking me out to my car when Kirk comes running up, yells at him to leave me alone, and throws a punch at him.”
“Then what happened?” asked Sabrina.
“I can’t say, exactly,” continued Debbye, “but the next thing I know, Lee has Kirk’s punching paw up behind his back and Lee’s other arm is around Kirk’s neck. Lee managed to subdue Kirk without doing any violence at all.”
“So, what else happened this weekend?” asked an amazed Cindy.
Debbye chuckled, “Well, I did get to meet his best friend, Lyman Aquilaferi. He’s got an interesting ancestry, Italian wolf and English red fox; it gives him something of an exotic air. I can see why he and Lee are such good friends, they think along very similar paths and both are quite the gentlefurs.”
”Indeed?” commented Susan with a laugh, “I wouldn’t have expected that many to still be around.”
“I didn’t expect it, either,” Debbye answered, “but they both are.” She sighed and continued, “Lee really proved it when I muffed it big time at the gun range and almost drove him off.”
Sabrina looked at Debbye with a start, “What happened? You two seemed rather taken with each other.”
Debbye looked down at her food and pushed it around with her fork. “It was my fault. Lee has a friend and co-worker who’s just as exuberant as you’ve told us ZigZag can be; I didn’t realize this at first and thought there was something more between them than just friendship. I’m afraid I made a quiet scene about it.”
“Is the rupture still there?” inquired Cindy. “You certainly seemed happy enough when you came in here.”
“No,” answered the squirrel, “it isn’t still there. Once she realized what had happened, Lee’s friend, Rava, came and talked to me and we settled things; then I talked to Lee and we worked things out. Rava and I talked more, later, I think we’re going to become friends.”
“I hope you won’t forget us,” Chuckled Susan.
“No way!” replied Debbye, then blushed as she realized she was being teased.
- - - - -
When Joe came by after lunch, they had some initial information for him. “As usual,” commented Lee, “there’s good news and bad news. The good news is that the basic modeling that the PD folks did is accurate, all the basic hardware seems to fit. The bad news is that they didn’t look at the connection and installation requirements and we’re going to have to make some additional changes.”
Lyman added, “But we rather expected that from previous experience and checked that first. Barring any unexpected surprises in the rest of the installation, we should have the basic package modeled before we go home tonight.”
“Good job, guys. That’s why I put you two at point; neither of you misses much and you cover each other’s weak spots without thinking. I’ll be back this evening for a review of what you’ve got.”
As they got back to work, Lyman looked over at Lee, “So, tell me, how’s this bit of ‘fun & games’ going to affect matters with your ladyfur?”
“What can I do but tell her the truth? This is a part of the job and she’s best forewarned; I don’t think it’ll faze her but she needs to know what she’ll be getting into if the relationship grows as I hope.”
“Planning ahead or just counting unhatched chickens?”
“The former I hope, there’s something between us that we both feel and my hope is that it will be there, growing stronger, as we come to know each other better.” He looked back towards the papers all over his desk, “Meanwhile, we need to get ‘cracking’ if we’re to have this done so we can leave at a ‘reasonable’ hour tonight.”
- - - - - -
By 8:30 that evening, they’d reviewed the full package of changes with the boss and were getting ready to leave. Lee looked at the time, “Oops, I’d best call her before we leave rather than wait ‘til I get home; it’d be too late then. Can you wait a couple of minutes?”
“As late as we’re running, what difference will a few more minutes make?” laughed Lyman.
“Thanks, friend.”
Ring-g-g-g, Ring-g-g-g
“Squirrel residence” answered Mrs. Squirrel.
“Good evening, may I speak to Debbye, please?” asked Lee.
“Certainly, who may I say is calling?”
“Lee Evans”
“Ah, the young gentlefur…” he heard in the background as the woman called for Debbye, “She’ll be with you shortly Mr. Evans; in the meantime, her father and I appreciate the courtesy & consideration you’ve shown her this past weekend.”
“Well, ma’am, I reckon that she’s worth it. ‘Sides, I’d want my sister to be treated the same way by any male fur interested in her.”
“Still, we do appreciate it. By the way, she didn’t say and her father was wondering how the target shooting session went yesterday.”
Lee chuckled, “Well, ma’am, let’s just say that if my intentions were anything but honorable, I’d be worried, she did shoot well.”
Mrs. Squirrel chuckled, “I’m certain her father will be glad to hear that. Now, here she is.”
“Hello, my princess”
“Hello, yourself. I was beginning to think you weren’t going to call.”
“To tell the truth, I almost didn’t. We’re just getting ready to leave work for the evening.”
“At this hour? What’s up?”
“I can’t tell you much more than that something big and hot came up and that I’ll be working late probably every night this week. Since I don’t know how Friday will be until then, why don’t you call me at work that afternoon and we can plan for the weekend with some certainty. The ‘last four’ of the phone number here is 2922, the prefix is the same as on my card.”
“Okay, I’ll be looking forward to talking to you on Friday. Now you get yourself home to a dinner and a good night’s rest.”
“Yes, ma’am!” responded Lee in his best trainee style, “I’m on my way.”
“You’re nuts, but I like you anyway, “chuckled Debbye, “You take care now and I’ll talk to you on Friday.”
“Good night, my princess”
“Good night, my prince; pleasant dreams.”
-click-
Lyman looked at Lee, “I take it she wasn’t too put out?”
“Nope, didn’t seem to be. And she was concerned that I take care of myself. I’d consider those hopeful signs.”
“They seem to be. Now, let’s get out of here. Care to grab something on the way home?”
“Sure, how about Chinese?”
“You’re on.” And they cleared through the exit check by Security and headed for the car.
And at the other end of the line:
“So tell me,” inquired Debbye’s mother, “just how interested are you in this gentlefur if you’re worrying like that?” smiling at her daughter.
Debbye blushed, “I’m not certain, yet, mom. I promise, you and dad will know as soon as the situation changes.”
“We trust you, honey. We know you’ll move carefully. From what we heard, he doesn’t move rashly either.”
For Lee and Lyman, the workday started with a quick staff meeting.
“Okay,” announced Joe, “Lee and Lyman managed to get the new installation modeled late yesterday and it’s in the master model file area. I want all the engineering disciplines, especially Stress, Loads, Electrical, and Manufacturing Engineering, to take a look at it first thing and check it out. We’re going to have to hurry with this one and it has to be right. While that’s going on, Lee & Lyman will be setting up the necessary documentation structure so we can get the drawings and other data out quickly. Any questions? If not, get to it people, we’re under the gun.”
By lunchtime, the few concerns that arose had been dealt with and operations proceeded forward at a brisk pace. While Lee and Lyman proceeded with getting the necessary drawings and design paperwork out, other disciplines started the necessary documentation & reportage, and, working from the details in the master model, the shop started fabricating the parts that were needed.
By Friday, the last drawings were finishing up through the expedited release cycle and the installation was well under way on the vehicle. Lee & Lyman had managed, through “burning the midnight oil”, to get their initial job done and were now working with the assembly shop to keep the new installation going smoothly.
“Hey, Lee,” yelled the mechanic they were working with, “you actually gave us room to hook everything up without scraping our knuckles or contorting our backs; you keep that up and they’ll drum you out of the union.”
Lee just chuckled, “Nick, you wouldn’t have liked the PD version, they didn’t even look at that kind of thing. Lyman and I, have been through enough that we know better.”
Nick grinned back, “I know, it’s just that most of what we work on doesn’t have that. Can we get the ‘powers that be’ to have you two review new designs?”
“Right, “ responded Lee drolly, “as if they’re going to listen to a couple of young guys like us. The best we can hope for is to give y’all the best we can, make it as good as we can for the folks that have to maintain it, and hope that we set an example. Of course, if y’all and the maintainers were to mention your appreciation, it might help point management in the right direction.” He grinned at him.
“We’ll think about it,” promised the mechanic thoughtfully, “and I’ll chat with my opposite number at the site this bird’s going to.” He smiled back.
Lee checked his watch, “Well, unless there’s a problem, I’m going to go grab a lunch before the building cafeteria closes.”
Lee was almost to the door of the assembly bay when Nick called him back. “Lee, it looks like they did a modification out in the field and never documented it. The plumbing change for this area won’t fit.”
Lee sighed, “I knew things were going too smoothly. Okay, y’all start mocking up the new plumbing we’ll need and I’ll alert Lyman that there’s a change package coming through. Maybe I can still grab some lunch while we’re working.”
On his way out of the assembly shop, Lee stopped at an internal phone, “Lyman. It’s Lee. We just ran into a problem down here; it seems there was a field mod that was never properly documented, we’re going to have to put through a change package. I’m going to grab something in the cafeteria and then head back here. We should be able to dump the mock-up data to the database within a couple of hours, maximum.”
Lyman groaned, “I knew this was going too smoothly! Okay, you stay there and support the shop. I pull the data, check it, clean up the product, and dump the final version back into the database. Since it’s a drawing change, we should be able to still get the paperwork out today. Darn, I was looking forward to getting out of here at a reasonable time for once this week.”
“You know my situation, how do you think I feel? I don’t think I’m going to get to see her tonight,” replied a frustrated Lee.
“Worry about that later, we’ll need you down there to clean this up as quickly as possible.”
“Wilco, I’m on my way for a quick trip to the cafeteria. While we’re taking care of things here, you check and see what documentation is available on this change.”
“I’m on it, I want to see if there’s anything else we missed.”
By the time Lee returned with his lunch, the area had been opened up and Nick, Rava, and the others involved were examining the problem area. Squatting down to look into the vehicle, Lee could see where the new plumbing and the modification interfered. Using his pencil as a pointer, Lee held the tube in place and indicated a new routing. “I think if we make this change to the tube, it’ll clear no matter what hardware’s there.”
Nick & Rava squinted at it for a minute, looked at each other, and nodded their heads. “Yeah, that should do it without major changes,” answered Nick, “I’ll go get mockup tubing and get started.”
Within two hours, the new tube was through the entire process and Lee observed the installation with pardonable pride. “Looks good,“ pronounced Nick as everything was properly tightened down. “Darn good thing you were down here, Lee. It would’ve taken a lot longer for someone unfamiliar with the area to fix this.”
Lee chuckled, “Why do you think Joe supports us being down here? He knows how these things go. I’ll be staying here ‘til everything’s buttoned up and she flies off.”
- - 3 PM - -
Ring-g-g-g, Ring-g-g-g
“Hello,” answered Lyman.
“Lyman, this is Debbye. Is Lee available?”
“I’m sorry, Debbye, he’s busy in another area right now. Can I have him call you back?”
“Yes, please have him call me at home when he gets free. Do you have any idea what time that will be?”
“I’m sorry, no I don’t,” apologized Lyman. “I would imagine that it shouldn’t be more than a hour or two, he’s seeing our ‘headache’ through to completion while I hold down the fort in this area.”
“Sorry to have bothered you, I imagine you two are quite anxious to get this job over.”
“You don’t know how anxious. There was one night we even considered using the RON kits we keep in our desks.”
“RON kits?”
“Oops, sorry,” apologized Lyman, “That’s a term we’ve picked up from some of the pilots and crew we’ve worked with. It stands for ‘Remain Over Night’ and the ‘kit’ is basically everything you’d need to do so and be in good shape in the morning.”
“You didn’t, did you?” asked Debbye with concern.
“No, we decided that, despite the late hour, we’d both be in better shape if we slept at home.”
“I’m glad of that. Now, I’ll hang up and get out of your fur.”
“No problem. I’ll be sure to have Lee call you as soon as he gets back here.”
“Thanks, bye.” And Debbye hung up.
- - 5 PM - -
A rather worn looking Lee eased in the office and sat down in his work area. “It’s all done,” he announced to Lyman, “they’re signing the final transfer paperwork now. Good job on speeding that change through the system, I’d hate to have things held up for it.”
Lyman chuckled, “So would everyone else. Besides, the Customer was embarrassed that we hadn’t been given full information. They were impressed, though, that we managed to find a simple change that’d work for all the ‘birds’, irrespective of whether they’ve got that mod or not.”
“Good, maybe that’ll help in getting future work.”
“I hope so. Meanwhile, lest I forget, you’ve got something important to take care of. Your ladyfur called and wants you to call her back.”
“Darn, I knew I’d forgotten something; I did ask her to call me back this afternoon. Well, I’d best call her then, especially since I need something pleasant after that push to finish things up.” So saying, Lee turned and picked up the phone.
Ring-g-g-g, Ring-g-g-g
“Good evening. Squirrel residence. This is Debbye speaking.”
“Good evening, my princess. This is your waylaid prince returning your call.”
“Lee! I was wondering if I was going to here from you,” exclaimed the young squirrel.
“It has taken time to wrap this one up. We just DD250’d the bird so I can now officially relax,” responded Lee with a tired tone.
“DD250’d?”
“Pardon me, DD250 is the form with which the government customer officially takes delivery from a supplier, so when final delivery is complete, the item is said to be DD250’d.”
“Ah,, just another verbal shorthand, like the RON kit Lyman mentioned.”
“Precisely,” agreed Lee. “Every specialty has their share, this one just has a larger share because of all the different things we get involved in.” “Of course,” chuckled the feline, “there’s bound to be overlap between specialties; depending on who you’re talking to, ‘LEO’ can mean either ‘Low Earth Orbit’ or ‘Law Enforcement Officer’.”
The squirrel chuckled, “I can see real potential for confusion there.” “Okay, then,” continued Debbye, “what are your plans for tonight?”
“I’m not certain I’d be fit company tonight. We’ve put in over sixty hours since coming in Monday morning and I’m feeling rather wiped out at the moment.”
“Over sixty hours!’ exclaimed Debbye. “You’ve got to take better care of yourself than that!”
“Easy; I’ve been most careful in taking care of myself. I’ve not done much else beyond eat, sleep, and work this week.”
“Well, then,” responded Debbye firmly, “You need to relax and let someone else provide for you, for a change. Tell me what time you’ll be home and I’ll bring dinner over with me. For you and Lyman.”
“Debbye,” protested Lee, “We can’t impose on you like that.”
“Nonsense!” snorted Debbye. “You’re friends who need assistance, and I’m offering it. That is not imposing. Imposing would be if you insisted I do it regardless of my wishes. Now, what time do you expect to be home?”
Lee sighed, “I can’t argue, and I’m not certain I want to. We should be at my place by about seven. Despite my protests, thank you, my princess. I’ll be looking forward to seeing you”
“I’m glad you’re being reasonable and seeing it my way,” Debbye chuckled. “Now, you two be careful and I’ll see you at seven.”
“Of course, my lady. We’ll see you then. Goodbye for now.”
“Goodbye, my prince.”
-click-
Lee turned to Lyman, “Well, I guess that takes one item off tonight’s agenda; she insists on bringing dinner over for two tired and overworked engineers.”
Lyman raised an eyebrow, “For both of us? Why for both of us?”
“I guess that she considers you a friend, too. ‘Sides, you know you’re as worn as I am.”
“Too true,” replied Lyman with a yawn. “Now, let’s get things finished up here so we can escape.”
And at the other end of the line:
Linda Squirrel raised an eyebrow as Debbye hung up. “I take it you’ll not be joining us for supper then?” she asked with a smile. “That was a nice offer to make, darling, and including his best friend was a good way to both show concern and avoid any problems that just the two of you being together might cause.”
“Mother!” exclaimed Debbye. “You know I wouldn’t rush into something like that. Besides, Lee has given you no reason to suspect him of such a thing.”
“I know,” agreed her mother, “but things happen sometimes and I’m glad you’re being careful. Now,” she continued, “did you want to fix something or are you going to pick something up at a restaurant?”
Debbye glanced at the clock. “I think I’d best pick up something on the way. If I’d known earlier I might have fixed something, but I don’t believe there’s the time now to do it properly and clean up the kitchen.”
Mrs. Squirrel nodded, “You’re probably correct on that, especially since you’d have to make some real quick decisions on what to fix if you tried now. Do you need any money for the restaurant?’
“Let me check,” answered Debbye and she went to check her purse. After checking, and then double-checking, she replied “No, I don’t think I will, mom. I didn’t buy that much this week and I’ve got a fair amount left.”
Her mother passed her a $10 bill. “Just to be on the safe side, dear,” she chuckled, “your doing a good turn for those two and I don’t want you to have any problems.”
“Thanks, mom,” replied Debbye softly. “I appreciate your confidence in me.”
“We know you and everything we’ve heard about Lee is good and we’ll trust the other gentlefur on your and Lee’s opinions. Now, where were you thinking of picking up the dinners?”
“I hadn’t really thought about that, yet,’ Debbye admitted. “Do you have any suggestions?”
“Why not Furry’s?” suggested Linda, “From what you’ve told me, it’s on the way and they do have good food and reasonable prices.”
Debbye stopped and thought a minute, “Yeah, that sounds like a good choice. Thanks, mom.”
“Certainly, darling,” chuckled her mother. “That’s what mothers are for, you know.”
Debbye joined the chuckle and started getting ready.
“So, what are you two planning to do tomorrow? I imagine he’s not going to be in the best of shape, particularly if he and his friend have their usual racquetball game.”
“I’ve been thinking about that. What would you say if I took Lee on a picnic tomorrow afternoon?”
“I’d say it was a fine idea. What your father might say is another question. But, don’t worry, I can talk him into it; it sounds like just the restful activity this young gentlefur of yours needs.”
Debbye hugged her mother, “Thanks, mom. You know you don’t have to worry about anything happening. I hate to ask, but could you help me prepare something suitable for the picnic? I want to do it right.”
“Sure, dear. I’ll set some thing up tonight and we can put it together in the morning.”
“Thanks again, mom,” said a relieved Debbye. “Now, I’d better get going if I’m going to pick up those dinners.”
“Okay, dear. Have a good evening and be careful.”
“I will, mom. G’night.”
- - - -
Shortly after 7PM, Lee opened the door to Debbye’s knock. “Sorry I’m running late,” she apologized, “traffic made it a real fight to get out of the restaurant parking lot.”
Lee chuckled as he helped her carry the bag from the restaurant, “We hadn’t yet become sufficiently famished to go out and hunt you down, so I’d say you arrived in good time.” Setting the bag of dinners down on the dining table, Lee asked, “I know our tastes, but what would you care to drink, my lady?”
“What are the choices?” inquired the squirrel.
“In addition to the basics of milk, water, and juices, I’ve got the diet versions of Coca-Cola and Dr. Pepper."
Debbye thought for a moment, then answered, “I’ll have whatever you two are having. There’s no sense in bringing in two bottles.”
“Good enough,” replied Lee. He shortly returned from the kitchen with a large bottle and three disposable cups. Debbye fished the meals and plastic utensils out of the sack. “I’m sorry,” she apologized, “I wasn’t certain of your tastes, so I ordered something fairly basic.’
Lee and Lyman looked at each other and grinned, “We’re bachelors,” replied Lyman, “we’re supposed to be able to eat anything, even our own cooking.”
Debbye just chuckled. With a silent grace by each, they sat down to eat.
As they ate, Debbye looked them over. “Do these hours happen often?” she inquired. “You two look rather worn down.”
Lee looked at Lyman, who shrugged. Lee turned to Debbye, “ ‘Sometimes’ is the best answer I can give, it depends on workload and when the jobs come through. We’ve had it only sporadically this year, but we had a six-month stretch the year before.”
Lyman continued Lee’s comment, “From what some of the ‘old hands’ tell us, we’ve been lucky. Some of them have stories of doing this for several years in a row.”
Debbye shuddered, “Just seeing how tired one week makes you two, I’d hate to think what that must have been like.”
Lee nodded, “I understand it was a big classified program and they couldn’t find enough people who could get clearances and who had the necessary background; so the ones they could find ended up working extra hard.”
Changing the subject, Debbye asked, “As bad as you two are looking tonight, are you still going to have your ‘court date’ tomorrow?”
Lee & Lyman nodded to each other. “But, of course,” answered Lyman, “How could we skip it?”
“In that case,” suggested Debbye, “I really think both of you ought to get a good night’s rest after this.”
Lyman & Lee looked at each other again. “Makes sense to me,” answered Lee.
“To me, too.” Agreed Lyman. “As soon as we finish here, I’m heading back to my place, washing up, and crashing.”
Debbye turned to Lee, “From your appearance, I’d say that ‘washing up and crashing’ sounds like a good plan for you, too.”
His mouth full, Lee nodded agreement.
“Now,” continued Debbye, “had you made any plans for tomorrow afternoon?”
Lee’s face lost all expression for a minute, then he answered, “Blast, I haven’t had a chance to think that far ahead. No, I’m sorry, I don’t have any plans.”
“That’s all to the good,” replied the squirrel, “ ’cause I’m taking you on a picnic. I’ll take care of everything; you just be ready to go when I come by for you.”
Lee stared for a moment, then shrugged, “I’m not really used to furs wanting to do things for me, but, yeah, I’d love to go on a picnic with you.”
“Then it’s a date,” stated Debbye.
Lee agreed, “One I’ll be looking forward to.”
With a twinkle in his eye, Lyman piously intoned, “Now you two behave yourselves.”
Lee and Debbye looked at each other and just smiled. “But, of course,” replied Debbye, “we wouldn’t dream of anything else. Would we, Lee?”
Lee smoothly agreed, “Of course we wouldn’t.”
Lyman snorted, “Tell that to someone who doesn’t know you.”
With that, all three broke up with laughter.
Recovering, Lee asked, “Would you mind, fair lady, if I brought some camera gear with me? It seems like an ideal opportunity, especially since I’d have a gorgeous model with me.”
Debbye blushed, “Me gorgeous? I don’t know what to say to that, but I’m flattered that you think so. Sure, I’d love to be your model, but I’d like to take some shots of you too.”
Lee chuckled, “Deal! How can I resist?”
Lyman just shook his head. “I don’t believe you two. You’re as bad tonight as you were in the car last Sunday.”
Debby looked over and smiled, “Were we really that bad?”
Lyman responded, chuckling, “It sure seemed like it from the back seat.” He rolled his eyes, “From my viewpoint, it looked rather deep and tonight’s getting to be the same.”
Debbye and Lee looked at each other and smiled. “Well,” answered Lee, “one of the ‘side effects’ of last Sunday’s incident is that we’ve agreed to be fully open with each other and not take things for granted.”
In response, Lyman raised his cup in toast, “I wouldn’t have expected it from you, my friend; it’s heartening to see you opening up to someone. So, here’s to the both of you.”
Debbye blushed as Lee returned the salute, then developed a sly smile. Turning to Lyman, she offered, “If you’re so concerned about our behavior, you’re welcome to come along tomorrow as a chaperone.”
Lee started and then grinned craftily, “Of course, we’d be glad to have you, in the role of photographer’s assistant. You would be a definite help.”
Lyman’s eyes widened. Darn, he thought, they’ve called my bluff. I can just imagine how much equipment Lee will bring if he’s got ‘help’. Aloud, Lyman responded, “Knowing Lee, I really don’t think that’s necessary. Besides, I rather imagine y’all would rather just have more fun as a twosome.”
“Can I quote you on that?” asked Debbye, sweetly smiling. “Just, of course, on the off chance that my father expresses some concern about the two of us going off on a picnic by ourselves.”
Lyman grimaced, “Mouse trapped! Very nicely done, too. Yeah, you can quote me to your father.” Turning to Lee, he added, “You’d be advised to consider your actions carefully, she’s sharp.”
Lee chuckled, “I know she is. You don’t think I’d be attracted to a dull femme, do you?”
Lyman shook his head smiling, “Nah, neither of us would go for anyone like that.”
“Why, thank you both,” replied Debbye with a smile. “It’s nice to know a gal’s appreciated for her mind, too.”
“Mens sana in corpo sana [a sound mind in a sound body], fair lady,” commented Lee. “I, for one, find both the ‘mens’ and the ‘corpo’ quite attractive.”
Debbye blushed, “Thank you. Would you be offended if I said the same about you?” she asked shyly.
“Really?” blinked Lee. “I’m flattered, quite flattered, that you feel that way.”
“Now that we’ve got that out of the way,” interrupted Lyman slightly amused, “do you have any dessert?”
Debbye shook her head, “I wasn’t certain there’d be room for it.”
“That’s all right,” assured Lee. “I’ve got enough of a cheesecake left to take care of all three of us.”
Lee served generous slices each and dessert soon disappeared. Sweeping all the remains of dinner into a garbage bag, Lyman announced, “I’ll just throw this in the dumpster on the way to my place. Y’all just stay here. Thank you very much for dinner, Debbye; I’ll see you in the morning, Lee.” With that, he headed out the door.
Debbye turned to Lee. “I really should be leaving shortly, too,” she said, “I want you to get a good night’s rest. How are you planning to wash up?”
A puzzled Lee replied, “Just my usual hot shower, I figured. Why?”
Debbye turned away and blushed, “I just wanted to be sure you relaxed as completely as possible,” she said quietly. “I’d suggest that you take a nice hot bath; I know it always relaxes me.” The young squirrel hesitated a moment, then looked shyly at Lee, “Would you consider it too forward of me if I offered to draw the bath for you? I really do want to help.”
“Forward? No,” replied Lee with a smile. “But I do find it very considerate. I accept your kind offer.”
“If you’ll wait right here then, I’ll go draw it for you. May I use some of your shampoo as bubble bath?’
“Certainly. I’ll leave everything up to your judgement.”
Some ten minutes later, Debbye returned. “It’s all ready,” she announced. “Is there anything else I can do to help you relax?”
Lee smiled dreamily, “Well, if I really wanted to relax, I’d ask for a massage afterwards.”
Debbye thought for a moment, “I don’t know that I’d be that good, but I’m willing to try.”
Lee gave her a horrified look, “That was meant only in jest. I can’t ask that of you!”
“But, why?” asked Debbye looking slightly confused. “What’s so bad about it?”
Drawing her close, Lee rested his muzzle on her head. “My somewhat naive squirrel,” he answered quietly, “while massages are generally relaxing, they can also have certain ‘stimulating’ effects, especially on male furs, and I’m tired enough that I don’t know that I could control myself. If things were much, much closer between us, I might consider it, but not as things stand now. I don’t feel I dare chance it.”
“Oh!” Replied the young squirrel. Her face turned a deep red under her fur. “I didn’t consider that. I guess then,” she continued, “that I ought to wish you ‘good night and sweet dreams’ and leave.”
“I imagine so. What time will you be by tomorrow?”
“Noon okay with you?”
“Fine! I’ll see you then.”
Turning her mouth up, Debbye whispered, “Then let me give you a good night kiss and I’ll let myself out.”
Bending his head down, Lee hugged her close as her arms came around his neck; the kiss lasted ‘til both were breathless. “That, my lady,” Lee said breathlessly, “is all the more reason for us not to tempt matters tonight. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
Her eyes slightly glazed, Debbye softly whispered, “I understand much better now. Good night, sweet prince.”
“Good night, my princess,” responded Lee as he walked her to the door.
Debbye drove off in a somewhat bemused state. Lee enjoyed a very relaxing bath but required further, active efforts to completely relax. Both of them had “interesting” dreams that night.