Even now, I pull out a few pictures of Susie, running my eyes over her lovely curvy form. I look at the picture she sent me of her in her graduation dress. That dress is so beautiful and it fits perfectly. I knew then, I was coming home the day of her graduation just to see her in that dress in person.
I smile, touching her face in the photo. Finally, my nights of self-pleasure will be over. The woman who I need is mere miles away, and nothing’s going to stop me from plucking her flower.
We finally pull into the neighborhood and excitement floods my veins. Neat homes with manicured yards roll by, and my impatience grows.
I barely let the man stop the cab before I’m thrusting money over the divider and thanking him for his service. I step out of the car and drag my bag with me. Everything is just how I remember it, except now Susie’s house is filled with guests and music is drifting out of the windows onto the street.
I decide to drop my bag off on my porch before going to Susie’s house. I’m still in my uniform and the guests outside turn when they see my cab pull up. I know what I look like: a hardened military man with a muscular frame and a determined look on my face. Hell, more and more people are throwing me curious glances, and it seems like everyone from the neighborhood decided to attend Susie’s party.
After putting my bag on the porch, I make my way to Susie’s house. I school my face into a calm expression even as sweat forms at my temples.
Get a grip. Who wants a sweaty, clammy man in their face? I tell myself. I take a deep breath, smile at some of the other partygoers, and then ring the doorbell.
I’m surprised when Susie herself answers the door. She looks absolutely gorgeous in the dress I purchased for her, her brown hair waving about her shoulders as she laughs at something someone has said. But when she turns around, her eyes go wide. She stutters, trying to find the right words, then embraces me in a tight hug.
“Happy graduation, sweetheart,” I whisper in her ear, elated by how her curvy figure feels against me. This is right, and I know I did the right thing by coming over straight away.
“Oh my gosh, are you real?” she asks breathlessly, holding me even tighter. Her breasts smash against my chest, and I moan silently at their lush feel.
I laugh. “Yes, yes I’m real. I’ve missed you,” I whisper into her hair. She smells just like all of her letters, sweet with a hint of vanilla.
She takes a step back, her face flushed with excitement and her eyes full of happiness. I can’t stop smiling and we both stand there, goofily grinning at each other.
“Susie honey, who’s there? Oh Brady, hello and welcome back!” Mrs. Monroe greets me, embracing me in a light hug. “And thank you for your service. Please come in! Jim!” she calls. “Our next door neighbor is here!”
Her husband shuffles over. He’s very average looking, with a plaid shirt and khakis.
“Hey Brady, it’s good to see you. We’re so glad you could drop by. It’s a combination block party and graduation party for our daughter, Susie, so make yourself at home. And thank you so much for all you’ve done for this country. Please help yourself. We’ve got cake, food, drinks, and you know they’re adult drinks. Not much of that in Afghanistan, right?” he chortles.
I’m half listening to Mr. and Mrs. Monroe, while trying not to stare at their aforementioned daughter. She’s having difficulty looking away from me too. Susie’s looking me up in down like she’s mentally undressing me with her eyes, and I hope to god her parents don’t notice.
I snap back to attention.
“Um, sorry?”
Jackie smiles.
“Brady, can I get you anything? Water or beer?” she asks me.
“Sure, why not? Got a corona with a lime?” I ask.
She smiles.
“Absolutely. Susie, help me?” she asks.
Jolting to attention, Susie agrees and follows her mom into the kitchen. I can’t help but watch her ass sashay back in forth in her short, flirty white dress.
“So, tell me, how was deployment?” Jim asks, slapping a meaty hand on my shoulder.
“Deployment was the same old same old, nothing special,” I answer, hoping to end the conversation as quickly as possible.
He nods his head at me. “You know I’m more of a Marines guy myself. I traveled all around Asia and Africa throughout the eighties.”
“Really?” I ask, feigning interest while subtly watching the kitchen door for any sign of Susie.
“Yep, yep, best time of my life. Then I met Jackie in between tours and decided to settle down. Then we had Susie. I loved traveling the world, but when you know, you know. You know?” he asks me, chuckling at his own joke.