Note: This story was dynamically reformatted for online reading convenience. ï>¿Flashing Tommy by xeriscapartist An accidental exposure leads to an interesting morning. It would have been wrong to call Ron a boyfriend. Ron was just a guy that I met in a bar. We started partying together and I wound up sleeping with him for a couple of months. At 6-'3", Ron was far too tall for me. He was otherwise average in every way and although a nice enough guy, there was no way I was ever going to fall in love with him. Our common ground was alcohol and a little white powder. Ron had the party, I had the pussy. Was that a fair exchange? Ron shared a small house with another guy. He was named Tommy. Tommy was the guy that I wished that I had met first. He was dark and handsome and not so damned tall. He had nice hair and drop dead gorgeous brown eyes. He was also kind and charming and his personality was much more to my liking than Ron's. The bad part is that Tommy had a girlfriend. About half of the time that I was spending time at Ron's, Tommy was over at his girlfriend's place. But there were times that Tommy was at there and we all hung out and partied together. I got to know Tommy better during those times. It was a rare Friday night that Ron asked me over. Ron worked every Saturday, so a Friday date was unusual. We went out to dinner and then came back to his house for a nightcap and an early night of me riding his cock to orgasm. Without the powder, we crashed out before midnight. Ron got up early the next morning and headed to work. He told me to sleep in and to make myself at home as he left. I got up around nine and walked to the bathroom, slipping one of Ron's shirts over me as a cover-up. Walking out of Ron's room, I noticed that Tommy's door was open and his bed was made. I assumed he was at his girlfriend's and that I was alone in the house. I used the rest room and then went to the kitchen to make a pot of coffee. I'd get in the shower while the coffee was brewing and have it after my shower, then head back to my place for the day. I'd be back for the Saturday night's festivities with Ron later in the evening. After a long, hot shower, I wrapped my hair in a towel and wrapped my body in another. I slipped back into Ron's room, dropped the wet towel and grabbed his terry bathrobe before going out to the kitchen for my coffee. To my surprise, Tommy was sitting on the sofa in the living room, watching TV. I said hello and told him I was surprised to see him in that I thought he was out. Tommy told me that had had just gotten home and he had seen my car parked out front and heard the shower running. He said he figured I was the one in the shower. I told Tommy that I had just made a pot of coffee and I offered him a cup. He accepted. I disappeared into the kitchen and came back with 2 steaming mugs. I walked over to Tommy and bent forward to hand him his cup. Since I hadn't had my coffee yet, I was not even thinking that I was still naked under the robe. The robe opened as I bent forward, affording Tommy a good view of my naked chest. I looked into Tommy's eyes and he looked surprised, but smiled at the surprise viewing. I thought I would save my embarrassment by taking my cup to Ron's room, but Tommy asked me to join him. "I-I should go get dressed." I stammered. "You're fine." he soothed. "Sit and have coffee with me." I thought it would be rude to run away and ignore his invitation, so I sat down on the sofa, about an arm's length away from him. Tommy started a conversation and we talked and sipped our coffees. He reached the bottom of his cup and sat the empty on the table in front of us. I asked him if he'd have another cup and he accepted. I reached for his cup and the robe opened up once again. I had just flashed him for the second time and this time, he chuckled. Somewhat embarrassed, I quickly grabbed the cups and headed back to the kitchen, filling them again with fresh brew. I picked up the filled cups and turned, only to see Tommy had followed me and was standing in the kitchen door. He stepped toward me and held his hand out, I thought for the cup. Instead, he reached toward me and touched the terry fabric of the robe. "Thanks for the coffee," he said softly, "Did you mean to show me something...?" I had a hot coffee in each of my hands and Tommy raised his hand to touch the flesh exposed above the collar of the robe. I froze at his touch and he slid his fingers downward, between my breasts and slowly slid the robe open. His hand stopped at the belt closure of the robe, around my waist. I said nothing, but also did nothing to stop him. I looked deep into those gorgeous eyes and I felt my body respond. "Can I untie this?" he asked softly as his fingers bounced on the robe's belt. "OK" I whispered. Tommy took the coffees from my hands and sat them on the counter top. His hand returned to the belt and he loosened it, allowing to open. Tommy's eyes lowered to the space between my breasts and then sank even lower until he spotted my pubic curls. His eyes pulled back up to mine. "Thank you" he whispered and withdrew his hands from the fabric of the robe. I realized that I liked having his eyes on me. I reached to the opening of the robe and pulled it open, exposing my breasts in full to this handsome man. Tommy smiled as he visually drank me in. He then reached forward and tried to pull the robe closed again. I didn't let him. "Well..?" I said softly. "You're beautiful.." he whispered. "but you know.. we are both... involved." "I don't mind." I whispered back. Tommy smiled again. I had the feeling that he was having an internal battle with his own better angels. I chose to encourage his inner devils. I grabbed the collar of the robe and pulled it off my shoulders, letting it slip down my arms and fall to the floor. Naked in the kitchen with a man I'd never even kissed. I reached up and pulled the towel from around my hair, allowing my still damp curls to fall onto my shoulders. Tommy stood, his mouth slightly open, unsure of what to do. He leaned against the counter, still surveying my body. "Turn." Tommy said, making a gesture with his hand. "I'd like to see the other side." Slowly, I moved my feet to turn my backside toward Tommy. I heard Tommy exhale deliberately. "May I touch?" he asked. "OK." Then I then felt Tommy's fingers touch me between my shoulder blades. His fingers trailed slowly down my backbone and he stopped, just above my ass. I shivered. '"Are you cold?" he asked. "No.. I'm fine." I replied, allowing him to keep his fingers on my lower back. "Just tickled a little." "You have such a great ass." he mused as his fingers became his whole hand as he slid a hand over my butt cheek. "I've wanted to do this ever since I first met you". Tommy's free hand went to my shoulder and stayed there as he surveyed my butt with the other. I could feel a slight pressure on my shoulder and I bent a little at my waist. Tommy's hand slipped between my legs and I felt his fingers on my vulva. Involuntarily, I moaned softly. "You're wet." came Tommy's voice from over my shoulder. Tommy slowly slipped a finger between my labia and he wiggled it, then sliding a finger into me. My body offered little resistance. I let out a low moan as his finger slipped into me. The taboo of being naked in front of him brought out something in me I hadn't experienced before. Many people had enjoyed my body before, but never without the usual foreplay and flirtation. And never without a kiss first. Tommy moved his hand from my shoulder and reached around to my front and quickly made his way between my legs. Two fingers from one hand rubbed my clit and his middle finger on the other hand explored my depths. Both of his hands were on my most sensitive of spots and I began to feel his breath on my shoulder. "Bend over a little more." Tommy urged and I bent to where my elbows and forearms were on the countertop and I slid my heels outward. My backside had to be sticking way out there. "Perfect." he breathed, over my shoulder. The change of angle allowed Tommy's hand to move better and I felt him enter me with his ring finger. Two fingers in and the other two cradled my vulva. I could feel the heel of Tommy's hand pushed up tight against my anus. He had my pussy completely covered. Tommy stroked and rubbed me with abandon and within a few moments, I felt the tingling and spasms of my orgasm begin to build. My orgasm started quickly and it shot like a rocket through me, making my knees weak as my weight collapsed forward onto the counter top. Tommy quickly withdrew and wrapped an arm around my waist to keep me from falling. As I settled down, Tommy released his hold around me and I started to laugh softly. "What is it?" Tommy whispered, still from over my shoulder. "That was not how thought I would start my morning." I joked. "Me either." he answered. A few moments passed and I regained my composure. I turned around and kissed Tommy on the mouth. A real first kiss. I broke the kiss and we both giggled. We both realized the ridiculousness of the situation we were in. As the laughing subsided, I looked Tommy in the eye and said "Can I see you, too?" Tommy's eyes shifted and he looked away. "Well, there's Cindy, and..". he said. "I know." "I think I need to.." Sensing Tommy's reluctance, I blurted "We don't have to have sex, you know..." He nodded. "This is just between us, Tommy" I added. "we don't have to tell anyone." "Our secret?" he asked. "Just us." I added. I wanted him so badly at this moment. A vulnerable, handsome man would always have my attentions. "You promise?" "I promise, Tommy." Tommy had done his fondling and fingering from behind me and my hands were busy holding myself up, so I had no way to engage with Tommy's body while he engaged with mine. I had no idea of what to expect from Tommy. I'd soon find out. "I guess it would be unfair not to, considering.." Tommy chuckled. "After I let you finger fuck me? Damned right!" I retorted. Tommy grinned and stepped back a step, placing his hands in his pockets. "OK" I leaned back against the cabinet and he stood in front of me, as if he was waiting for instructions. I obliged. "The shirt.." I said. "off!" Tommy smiled as if he found pleasure in me giving him direction. He reached to the bottom hem of his tee shirt and lifted it upward, revealing a flat belly with just a fluff of dark hair around and below his navel. He brought the tee up to his underarms and changed the position of his arms so he could raise it up and over his head. A thin layer of dark curls were scattered over his breastbone, but not over the rest of his pectorals. Raising his arms over his head, I realized the triangular shape of a strong upper body and broad shoulders. Tommy tousled his hair as the collar popped over his head. Tommy tossed the tee to the floor. Shirtless, he looked at me, seeming to look for approval. I liked his build. I nodded my approval. Tommy looked at me. "Pants?" he asked. "Yep." I nodded, leaning back against the cabinetry, enjoying his performance. "I'm not wearing underwear." he said, stalling. "Even better." I quipped. Tommy brought his hands to his midsection and unbuttoned and unzipped his pants, allowing me just a glimpse of the area below the belt. He moved his hands to the sides and pushed the top of his pants down to his knees, bending at his waist to do so. Tommy returned to his standing position, revealing his genitals. As a man, Tommy was well equipped. His cock and balls were nestled in a nest of dark curls. It was obvious that he was above average in terms of size, compared with others I have seen. His shaft was broad and the color matched his skin tone. Further down, a darker circumcision scar and then a lighter, peachy-pink and perfect glans head at its end. His balls appeared small, nestled into his curls and partially hidden by the rest of him. Tommy braced himself against the counter as he lifted a leg to extricate himself from the jeans that were bunched up around his knees. He stepped out and was now totally naked. I giggled and held out one hand, gesturing for the turn around that he had done with me. Starting at the ankles, I admired the strong calves and thighs, moving up to a cute little guy butt, upward to the outward taper of his shoulders. The man was well put together. I had him stay there, while I admired the view. Tommy turned back around, without my permission I might add, and he stepped toward me. It was obvious that he was enjoying this. After facing me, I could tell that his cock had started engorging, beginning to stand away from his body. I was rapt as I watched his blood engorge him, pulsing ever larger, ever straighter, ever more impressive. Every beat of his heart filling his phallus to a scale I'd never seen. Fully erect now, I reached out to touch him. First one hand and then the other. I was mesmerized at the sheer size of this man. I couldn't touch my fingers around his girth and both of my hands could fit on the shaft. I looked up and Tommy was grinning at me widely. I think he could tell that I was amazed at what I was seeing. I was. I could only think that I was looking at the business end of a skin-colored softball bat. "I think I see why Cindy likes you.." Tommy chuckled. "She likes it." I held Tommy's cock in my hands, absentmindedly stroking him slowly. Tommy broke my daydream. "You know we can't go further with this, right?" "But, I'd like to.." I said. "I can't. It's Cindy" I thought for a few moments, still slowly stroking his big cock. "I get it." I said, trying to hide my disappointment. "Don't stop, though... I'm enjoying your hands on me." I smiled. Tommy started to shift his hips into my hands, making my strokes more intense. 'This is OK?" I asked, referring to the hand job he seemed to be encouraging. "Yeah.. it's good." I was in. I'd use my hands to bring this big dick to completion. I dropped to my knees for a closer look and to improve my position. Faster and faster my hands moved as Tommy groaned his appreciation. Within a minute or two, Tommy grunted loudly as his cock erupted, sending his cum spurting onto my neck and chest. I slowed my strokes and came to a stop as he stopped cumming. I released my grip and Tommy opened a nearby drawer and retrieved a dish towel. I wiped up and handed the towel back to him. I got up and kissed Tommy once more. I turned away and walked back toward Ron's room. Tommy followed me down the hall, but turned into his own room. I know he was checking out my ass along the way. Time to get dressed and head on home. As I dressed, I looked in Ron's mirror and noticed a sheen on my skin where I had wiped off Tommy's cum from my chest. Tommy had left his mark on me, in more ways than one. I'd wear this mark for the rest of my day, thinking of the morning's events. I'd see Tommy again when I was back at Ron's place that night and we'd give one another short, knowing looks when our eyes met. My thing with Ron soon fell apart, so I didn't see Tommy again until we ran into one another at the grocery store a few weeks later. We agreed to meet to have a drink that night. Flashing Tommy, Again I meet my Ex's roommate in a grocery store... It was a Saturday morning and I was out shopping for a few groceries at the local food mart. A familiar voice came from over my shoulder as I was deciding on which head of lettuce to drop into my cart. "Hey, Stranger!" I turned my head to see a familiar face a few feet away from me, smiling and looking handsome as ever. "Tommy! Hi!" I squealed, making my joy in seeing him perhaps just a bit too obvious. I quickly scanned the area around him, wondering if his girlfriend Cindy was close by. She wasn't. Tommy was shopping on his own. I stepped toward him and wrapped my arms around him with thoughts of our encounter in his kitchen flooding my mind. We immediately fell into the obligatory conversation about our well being and the condition of those we both knew. I asked about Ron, Tommy's house mate, whom I had a brief affair with and had recently broken off. "Ron's fine." he began. "Working today, as usual." "Gotta make that big money." I answered. "For sure, particularly with his habits." Tommy answered, referring to Ron's penchant for the nose candy. I looked down for a moment. "Yeah, I think he might have a problem, Tommy." I didn't really care. I had quit seeing Ron a few weeks ago as his coke consumption was getting way out of hand. I began to feel that trouble couldn't be far away considering his habits and I didn't want to be involved. I didn't really like Ron all that well anyway, nor did I love him, so I broke it off. I was a single girl once again. I changed the subject of conversation away from Ron quickly. "So- out shopping for groceries on your own today?" I remarked playfully, trying to uplift the mood of the conversation. "Yeah, needed a few things." he began. "How's Cindy doing?" Tommy paused for a second. "Cindy and I are on a break right now. I told her I needed some space." "I'm so sorry." I retorted in contrived sympathy. My mind again sent racing back to jerking him off in his kitchen. "She wants me out of Ron's place. She wants me to move in with her.. and I'm not ready for that." Tommy laughed a little. "Guess I pissed her off." "Oh..." was all I could muster. "She's right. Ron's on a bad path and I think I need to get out, but I can't afford a place on my own and I don't want a live-in situation." In that moment, I saw an opportunity to help Tommy and maybe myself. "Maybe I could check with my landlord. He has a few places around and might have something open." "Really?" "Yeah, my rent is pretty reasonable and the place is OK. Maybe he has something else like it." "Could you check with him and let me know? "I'd be glad to. I'm heading home shortly and will give him a call. Call me this afternoon." "That'd be great! Thank you." Tommy paused, "But I don't have your number." I reached into my bag and grabbed a pen and a note pad. I scribbled my number on the pad and handed the slip of paper to Tommy, all the while wanting to be so bold as to tuck it into his pants pocket... or maybe into the waistband of his jeans... but I didn't. I handed him the note. "Call me this afternoon." Tommy smiled with that wonderful grin of his. My knees weakened a little. We wrapped up our conversation with a promise from him to call me later in the day. I gave Tommy a hug as we parted ways. "Great to see you, Tommy." I said softly. "It was great to see you, too." he said. I wondered if he, too was thinking about that time, a few weeks ago. ***** I live in one of the big, grand houses out on the Millionaire's Row. While that's a true statement, the fact is that I really just have an efficiency apartment that was carved out of the third floor of a former millionaire's home. The millionaires have long since passed and their families have moved away. Investors bought up the big, old houses on the cheap and carved them up into odd apartment spaces for those of limited means, myself included. My apartment is on the third floor in what was probably a servant's quarters. A sitting room, a bedroom with a small bath with a shower and a tiny little kitchen space was my home. Totally adequate for a small woman, living on her own, like me. After returning from the store, I called my landlord and told him about Tommy, who was looking for a small place for himself. My landlord told me that he was in the process of getting an apartment ready in a house about two blocks from mine and told me if he wanted to see it, his crew would be working there until 5:00 today, and we if we could get there before then we could look around. I found out the rental rate and told him I'd get back to him if Tommy was interested. Tommy called me about 2:00 and I told him about the place. He was interested. He agreed to meet me just before 5:00 at the address and we could take a look. "Maybe we could grab a drink afterwards?" Tommy suggested. "Sure." I readily agreed. I felt the need to get a little dressed up to meet him, particularly if we were getting together after looking at the apartment. I decided to take on a real estate woman's persona and picked out a nice pair of jeans, a crisp white shirt and a sporty tweed jacket. I decided not to wear a bra. I left the top three buttons of the shirt unbuttoned. The jacket would cover and maybe, just maybe I could catch Tommy's eye once again. Since the apartment was close by, I walked over to the building and found Tommy just getting out of his Mustang just as I arrived. It was about 10 minutes before 5:00 and the crew was carrying their tools and drop cloths out to a van. Taking on my imagined real estate agent identity, I stopped one of the crew and told them about the landlord's offer to let us look at the unit and he told me to go ahead, but to watch out for wet paint. He told me that they had just finished and asked us to lock the door on our way out. I assured him I would. The house was rather like the one I lived in. It was large, and was at one time a grand family home. Not quite as large as mine, but still two stories and ornate- once a showplace for those who built the home and the family that lived there. The available apartment was on the second floor at the top of a grand staircase. Beautiful original stained glass windows lit the carved wood of the staircase and the entry hall. Above, I imagined a grand crystal chandelier, only to see a more contemporary and plain light fixture where the chandelier likely once shone. A plain, wood door and painted wall was fitted into what was probably the entry door to a grand parlor at the front of the house. Nevertheless, the space showed it's antique opulence and charm. Tommy and I looked about at the entry and then decided to go upstairs and look at his potential new space. I made sure to take the stairs before Tommy as I hoped his eyes would once again take in my backside as we ascended the steps. I tried to add just a little extra sway as I climbed. The pungent aroma of fresh paint greeted us as we topped the stairs. Doors with house numbers led off the hallway, indicating what were likely once bedrooms, now turned into small living quarters. The door was open for unit F and we let ourselves in. The space was two rooms, one a bedroom with the closet space converted to a tiny bathroom and the other a living space with a small row of cabinets and counter top, a small range and a refrigerator along one wall. Little of the charm of the old home survived here, but the space was fresh, light and clean. Ready for a new occupant. Tommy looked around the apartment and I made suggestions how he could place furniture to optimize the living space. The room was warm and a little stuffy, having the windows only slightly opened for ventilation as the paint dried. I slipped my jacket off and draped it over one arm, hoping not to ruin it if I were to bump into any wet paint. Tommy looked over at me and smiled. "This could be livable.. what do they want for the place?" I told him what the landlord had told me. He nodded and told me he'd think about it, while still looking around the apartment. I could imagine that he was considering living this part of his life here. "That's just a little bit more than what I pay Ron." Tommy mused. He took one last look around and nodded. "Cool. Thanks for lining this up." I glanced downward at the floor and noticed a considerable amount of my decolletage was visible, mostly from the way I was cradling my jacket. I chose not to adjust it and turned to face Tommy again. I watched his eyes as they glanced downward. Tommy was looking. We walked out of the apartment and closed and locked the door as we had promised the landlord, then down the hall and the stairs to the large front porch. We both drew in large gulps of fresh air, laughing a bit together as we exhaled. "Paint fumes were pretty strong in there..." Tommy said. "A little bit." I agreed, still laughing just a little. "I was thinking." Tommy began. "How about we go have a drink somewhere to wash the paint fumes away?" "OK," I agreed, "but I walked here." "I'll drive. I'll drop you home after." "Deal." Tommy and I walked toward his car and he told me with passenger door was broken and that would only open from the inside. "I'd open your door for you, otherwise." "No problem." I said as Tommy circled around to enter the driver's side. "It's not like we are on a hot date or anything!" Tommy laughed. The car rocked a little as Tommy jumped in. I bent down to grab the door handle, I felt a rush of cool air against my chest. I knew at that point that my girls were on display again. If Tommy was looking through his passenger window, he'd get a good look. I was in favor of that. I heard the door unlatch and pulled the door open and tossed my jacket into his back seat and stepped into the car. I settled into the passenger seat. I expected Tommy to start the car, but he didn't. I looked over to see him looking at me. "Are you showing off again?" he asked me in a soft voice. "What?" "I've been watching. Your top has opened and I've seen your chest a couple of times." 'Oh? Do you think I've been trying to show off like I did in the kitchen?" "Maybe..." "If that were the case, I'd have opened up my top.. Like this.." I reached down and unfastened the fourth button down, pulling back the fabric until it cleared my breasts on either side. Tommy smiled that wide smile and chuckled softly. Tommy's eyes drank me in. He turned in his seat, extending a hand to my breast, then softly caressed me with the back of his fingers. Tommy's skin made contact with my areola and my nipples began to rise. He slid a nipple between two of his fingers and gently pressed, eliciting a gasp from me. "I didn't spend enough time with these in the kitchen..." he murmured. 'You'll have time." I said, very softly. Bam! The sound of a car door closing behind us. Tommy pulled his hand back and I grabbed at my shirt to get it closed back up and refastened the buttons. After all, we were parked on a city street in full daylight. Tommy just kept grinning. I looked over my shoulder to see a man walking toward the building next door. Phew- we hadn't been seen, at least by him. "Probably not the best place for this." I said, a bit of tension in my voice from nearly being caught, exposed. "Good point." Tommy chuckled. We sat for a moment, quiet. "Now, how about that drink, Tommy?" "For sure... Where would you like to go?" "There's a liquor store over on Main." "And then?" "My place?" "Deal." ***** I gave Tommy instructions on how to get to the store and once we got there, he turned to me and asked what I was drinking. "Vodka. Vodka and Tonic. Just like in the Elton John song." The tune of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road entered in my mind. Thank you, Elton. Tommy laughed and opened his door. Into the store he disappeared, only to return with two bottles and a large bottle of tonic water. "Just in case you're really thirsty." he said, tossing the packaged goods in my lap. Settling back into his seat, Tommy turned to me with a serious look on his face. "Can I ask something?" "Of course." "Is that something you do all the time?" "What? Oh! The showing off? No. I don't." Feeling the need to explain myself, I started- "The first time was an accident. I had no plans to let you see me or let you touch me, but when it happened, it felt really good." "I sure enjoyed it." "Thank you for that... but by the time you opened up the robe, it felt very sexy and... it felt right." Tommy smiled. "I feel really comfortable with you, Tommy. I like you. If I didn't, we wouldn't be having this conversation." "I understand... now tell me how to get to your place." ***** The drive to my apartment only took two minutes. Tommy found a parking spot on the street and jumped out. He walked around the car and up to my door. "Remember, you have to let yourself out, it's broken." I grabbed the door latch and swung the door open. Tommy reached in to grab the drinks from my lap. He took my hand as I got out of the car. He held my hand as we walked up the walk and to the front door. "Big house." he quipped. "Yep, but my place in it is very small." I unlocked the master lock and let us both in. He motioned for me to lead the way, once again getting the chance to ogle my behind as we ascended the stairs. I loved it. We arrived at the top of the second set of steps and I unlocked the door to my place. "Before you come in..." "Yes?" I tossed my arms around Tommy's neck and pulled his lips to mine. We kissed for several minutes in the hallway before I even opened my door. "I feel like I've been flirting with you all day." I whispered, pulling him to me once again. A second kiss, and then a third. Tommy pulled the tail of my shirt out of my jeans and his hands slipped up over the bare skin of my back. Tommy wasn't backing down this time. "I get it now. I wasn't totally sure until you opened up your top in the car." he paused. "I guess I'm a little dense sometimes." "You're precious..." I said, mildly mocking him. "Now.. How 'bout that drink?" Swinging the door open, I let Tommy in first. He looked around my place, smiled and nodded. "I like it.. it's cozy." "Thank you." I said softly. Tommy pulled me close and kissed me once again. Breaking the kiss, he said "You know, I've always had this fantasy of having a topless bartender." He began to reach for the buttons on my top. One by one, the buttons were freed. He pulled the shirttails from the waistband of my jeans, exposing me from my neckline to my navel. He raised his hands to my shoulders, spreading the shirt open, then pushing it off my shoulders. The cotton fabric slid down my arms and fell to the floor. "How do you like your drink, sir?" Tommy slid his fingers over my breast once again, eliciting the same excited reaction from me. "Strong, with lots of ice." He chuckled. "In fact, make it a double." I retrieved two glasses from my cupboard. I filled both with ice, cracked the vodka's seal and filled the bottom half of each glass with Vodka. I found a lime in my fridge and cut it and squeezed it over the ice and topped them with a measure of the tonic. Tommy watched me intently and I picked up both glasses and brought them to him. He took one from me and raised it in a toast. "To new beginnings.." "New beginnings." I echoed, lightly tapping my glass to his.