A Friend in Need
Part 18. Life is Beautiful.

These final 2 parts of my fantasy completes this tale, I must thank my very good friend Christina, who did exist and was exactly as described in the story, petit, feminine, gorgeously sexy, impulsive and very loving.

She was fully aware that I coveted her body, as she did mine, if we could exchange bodies we would have. We wrote this together her doing the male feelings me the female and correcting each other as we went along.

I arrived back home tired, but exhilarated, while I had been away Jane and Kerry had been to London and found what Kerry called the perfect dress.
My daughter is taller than I (who isn’t?) so she chose a full-length classic dress, I nearly wept when I saw the pictures of it and imagined her in it.

It was a Vera Wang classic in silk chiffon with a satin lining, boned bodice and no straps. Luckily my daughter is well endowed and tall. The dress fell in gorgeous waves of silk tulle and chiffon, she would look stunning in it.

We were in touch with the venue and had given them the number of rooms we would need.
The invitations were sent out at the end of August for the wedding in the middle of November.
The menu was finalised and the numbers for the actual wedding, the ceremony was scheduled for 1pm.
The numbers for the night-time dance was double the wedding numbers, over 160 people!

All the time I was looking for my wedding dress, I most definitely did not want to outshine Kerry, as this was HER day, also being 5’ tall; a dress like hers was out of the question.
So I was looking for a champagne coloured understated dress, preferably knee length. Though I personally would have liked a shorter dress to display my wonderful legs, but I thought that as mother of the bride this would be unseemly!

In the end I didn’t get anything in my wish list! Jane took me to the same place as Kerry bought her dress and I fell in love; and I mean BIG style LOVE with a white column dress.
It was gorgeous made from silk with a satin lining, thin shoulder straps and backless; far from making me look washed out it really brought out all my best features and my shape, as it really clung to my figure (God I’m getting vain)

I thought that it looked too young for me, but Jane and Kerry persuaded me different, Kerry saying, “Mum, you only look a couple of years older than me. This dress is perfect for you!” So that was MY dress organised.

Now for the bridesmaids! CJ’s sisters, and two friends of Kerry’s Jane was to me my Maid of Honour while Julie (my sister) was to be Kerry’s.

This was another problem, so we decided that the Maid of Honour and Bridesmaid dresses would be similar, again this took time, but by the second week in September we had the dresses bought, final adjustments would be done in the week leading up to the wedding when CJ’s sisters would be in the UK.

The idea of these dresses was that the girls could use them after the wedding; Jane is on the left in the ‘more mature’ dress as I evilly put it and got hit for my troubles (the long one). While one of CJ’s sisters is in the shorter dress; the hem could be raised in case a short dress is wanted, but for the wedding they would be knee length.

CJ arrived back in the UK October and started work, my Pub fascinated him, because he had forgotten most of the things about it, it was strange he could remember being Tony, but couldn’t remember being Christina – not a thing!

I was in heaven, living with CJ, having him in bed with me every night, I told him that once we were married I wanted his children.
Of course he asked if I was certain; I told him in no uncertain terms that I was absolutely certain!

As the time passed to the wedding, things became more hectic! As all my bar staff Alan the relief landlord and regular customers were invited to the night time I decided that for one night the place would close at six.
Notices were put up to remind everyone about this; there were some moans but – sod em!

CJ was really involved is setting up this new R & D division, sometimes it was really late when he got home.
Then he dropped the bombshell that had the potential to ruin everything. Due to tax incentives and discount on business rates etc. The new R & D division was going to be located in the West Country – Plymouth to be exact. This was about 400 miles from where we lived!

I won’t be as dramatic as to say I was devastated; but I was upset. My vision of an idyllic life where my friends and family lived was destroyed.
If CJ commuted I would only see him weekends! I was in a real dilemma. I loved him to pieces – that much I did know.
Also I knew that I couldn’t be simply a stay at home wife and mother, this would drive me to distraction.

So now being totally comfortable in my female body. I did what any woman would do.... I gave him the silent don’t talk to me or touch me treatment!

This lasted for two long hard days; I was desperate for him to touch me. But stubborn little cow that I was I was determined.
However when sensible Christina thought about it what was I determined about? Luckily CJ broke first asking me what was the matter, why the silent treatment?

I explained to him my fears. How I would be leaving all my family – and my best friend.
What about my business? The place was a little gold mine. What about me? I needed to work; I needed to be around people – even when I had children I knew that this would be true.

We talked about it for a good few hours, finally CJ said, “look Chrissie, I love you and will do anything for you, we have two options as I see it. One: I resign. Two: we get a business near Plymouth.”

I thought about this for a good while. CJ sensibly left me to think.

Finally I stirred and told him, “As I see it, I love you to bits; so if you resigned over something like this I would hate myself for ever.” I took a deep breath and continued,
“So we had better start looking for a business!”

“Are you certain?” he asked me. I smiled weakly and quietly answered “No, but that’s what I’ve decided. Now all I have to do is tell Jane and sell the pub!”

He smiled broadly telling me, “You don’t have to tell Jane. Keith is moving too; as Engineering Manager!”
Accusingly I snapped at him, “and you didn’t think to tell me!” He looked taken aback, “but you weren’t talking to me!”

I snapped back, “and what’s that got to do with anything! You didn’t tell me!” He quit while he was still ahead and walked away muttering, “women’ “I HEARD THAT” was my parting shot to him as I flounced through to the bar!

I phoned Jane, she was very subdued so I asked her if she had any news. She hummed and prevaricated for a while finally saying, “Chrissie, Keith’s having to move!” She ended with a sob.

I simply couldn’t keep her feeling like she was feeling. So I answered, “I know, CJ has to move to the same place.”

There was silence then an almighty squeal (which nearly deafened me). And a million questions followed. We ended up talking for over an hour, deciding to meet tomorrow to talk some more.

It was now closing time, Sue, Celia and myself tidied the place then we sat down for a couple of drinks before they went home. Sue looked a bit glum, so being me I asked her what was the matter.
She heaved a big sigh before saying, “Oh, Bob (her husband) is getting made redundant! I don’t know what we’re going to do.”

I was shocked, I had heard rumours that the place he worked was having problems, but nothing this bad. I was about to speak when she started crying.
This was very unusual because Sue is one of those strong women who don’t show their emotions.

She was worried as Bob was approaching 50, and his chances of getting another job were low, he didn’t have many marketable skills except that her was a great people person.
She was worried about the mortgage, the bills and many other things that when you are faced with redundancy rears their ugly heads.

So we had another drink, as I said goodnight to them and locked the door I told Sue that I’d sort some more hours out, but also mentioned that I could be selling the place, as CJ has to move with work.

Sue looked anguished at this and very nearly broke down again saying, “Oh god it’s one thing after another! What if the new owner sacks me? What will we do?”
This wasn’t good! I brought her inside again and we talked for a while. I promised her that when the place was sold I would do what I could for her.
Anyhow I finished more cheerfully than I felt “it’s not until the New Year.”

I went through into the living accommodation CJ was still working away on his laptop. I went behind him and put my arms around his chest squeezing myself to him.
“Can you finish sweetheart, I feel really down and need a cuddle.”

To give him his due, he powered down and turned to me, putting his arms around me hugging me to him, “why are you down?” I recounted my conversation with Sue and how it made me feel bad heaping more worry on her at this time.

“Come on let’s go to bed” he suggested. I readily agreed and we walked upstairs hand in hand. I undressed and took a shower while CJ got ready for bed. I completed my night-time routine and joined him.

He pulled me to him and I snuggled into his arms, we talked quietly for a while as I drifted off to sleep.

Next morning when I woke up CJ was not here. I slipped on my robe and went down stairs – still no sign then I spotted a note on the table.

Chrissie,

I had to be at work early, so I left you to sleep. You looked so beautiful and peaceful.
I’m going to have a look on the Internet to see if there are any businesses for sale down in the area.
After you fell asleep I did some thinking and if it’s ok by you we will use the money I received for the changes – don’t go off the deep end like you usually do!
Let sensible Christina think about this – we’ll talk tonight.

Love you
CJ

I had to smile at the last piece of his note, because that was exactly what I was about to do!
The irrational Christina was saying ‘what right did he have to interfere!’

But the rational Christina realised what he was trying to do and also realised that the money he had received by changing lives with people would be put to good use.

As usual when I think the rational me wins. I got the place ready for opening.

Then back to the wedding, going out with my daughter organising the flowers.
Luckily the venue had florists that they could recommend.
Then to organise the beautician and hair stylist to work on us two brides! This would be on the morning of the wedding at the hotel as we had booked a room each for the night before.

The back to open the place up working until Sue arrived at six thirty.

I heard the throaty sound of CJ’s McLaren. He had shipped it over from the States at great expense.
On English roads the left hand drive was a liability so he really had to sell it.

I was doing supper when he came in, a huge bunch of red roses in his hand. The first word he said was, “Peace!”

I giggled at this, I simply couldn’t be angry with him for long – in truth I couldn’t stay angry with him at all!

I huffed at him, “sensible Christina indeed” but kissed him passionately taking the flowers and putting them in water.

I poured us some wine and put our supper on the table. We gave each other a silent toast and started eating.
Half way through CJ asked, “am I forgiven for the note?” He caught me with a mouthful of food so eventually I answered; “of course you are. What you wrote was true. Sensible Christina has thought about it and totally agrees.”

CJ looked stunned, “Y, y, you mean you actually agree?” I simply nodded. Then asked, “So did you go onto the internet?”

“Yes” he answered, “but before I tell you I have something to run past you.” I was intrigued, “go on” I prompted.
“Well you know we said that we’d hold off on a Honeymoon?” I nodded. “Well Keith and I have to go to Plymouth to look for premises and I sort of wondered......” I was ahead of him, excitedly I asked, “when? How long? And I assume Jane’s going too?”
Smiling he commented, “so you’re for the idea?” “CJ” I snapped, “answer the questions!
“Sheesh! What a hell-cat I’m marrying – when? The Monday after the wedding. How long? A week minimum, longer if need be. And yes Jane’s going; but only if you are – happy?”
I scampered around the table flung my arms around his neck and gave his a deep passionate kiss!

We spent the rest of the evening (until we went through to the bar) looking at prospective businesses he had found. They all were good in their own way, but one looked really special – mind you it had a special price £3,000,000! “Can we afford that much?” I worriedly asked him.
CJ nodded “yep and a bit more if needed. I thought you might like that one – it does seem to have potential”
I nodded thoughtfully then went upstairs to get changed. I dressed in white stretch jeans and a pink silk tunic top, so sheer I needed a camisole under it, Gold 4” wedges and I was ready for working.
I went through and Celia went home, I considered what to do about Sue. CJ came through and had a drink.
It was a steady night but I still spoke to everyone, made everyone feel included. By midnight I had cleared everyone and CJ and myself had a drink.

While we sipped our drinks I commented, “I’m going to have to put this place on the market – I’ll really be sad selling it, so much has happened here” He smiled gently at me and softly said, “the most beautiful woman in the world began her life here – it’s special to me too.”
We were silent for a while then CJ tentatively spoke, “You know that I don’t meddle with your business?” I nodded wondering what was coming next. He carried on, “ have you considered keeping this place and leasing it?”
I thought about this and realised that there must be more coming as CJ always thinks things through. I looked at him and simply said; “now finish, you’ve thought this through – I know you. So my dearest soon-to-be-husband, what is the master plan?”

“You know me too well” he grinned, “and you’re right – if you agree why don’t we offer the place to Sue and Bob!”
This DID surprise me, in a million years I would never have thought of this. He is so sensitive, my gorgeous lover!

I looked at his with unconcealed adoration thinking about what he had just proposed.
“I love you” I tenderly whispered, this seems a perfect solution, let’s go to bed and I’ll make mind blowing love to your gorgeous body.” As I said this my expression turned from admiration to pure lust!

Smiling gently he said, “sound’s good, I’ll lock up while you – my love get ready.” I didn’t need any urging and scampered upstairs, getting ready for bed in record time, especially making sure that my tush was sweet and ready for him.
I slipped into a satin nightdress in deep purple, lace around the bust line spaghetti straps. The hem was high, just below my perfect bubble butt.

I slipped into bed as I heard his foot falls on the stairs. The feeling of the satin sheets sliding across my sensitive skin really drove me wild. The sensual feeling this gave me made me shudder.

Making sure that my golden hair was fanned around my head. As my love entered the bedroom I simply stared at him wondering how could love be such a powerful emotion. I would do anything for this man!

I watched him undress very much aware how the sight of me in such a suggestive pose was affecting him. On a man this is very noticeable!

He got into the bed and I was all over him like a rash. I had been waiting for this moment.
I worshiped at the temple of his body. Making love to him in every way a woman can. I used his magnificent love shaft to slowly arouse myself, but I made sure that my orgasms were controllable (not at all easy for in this delicious body I now possess when I have a big orgasm it’s an earth shatterer!)

My lover I teased, kissed, nibbled, sucked and licked his body, he did have remarkable staying power, but I say this very smugly I tired him out. This little woman sapped my big hulking man.
Mind you my final orgasms were earth shattering, I had absolutely no control over my body. Finally I lay in his arms trembling as mini-orgasms racked my body he kissed my gently but passionately, slowly bringing me down to earth.

It had been exquisite – absolutely divine. Soon Clive was breathing regularly, I simply lay there cocooned in that wonderful feeling women have after very satisfying lovemaking.
I wasn’t resentful that he slept, I loved him far too much for that and after all it was me that had sapped him.

I finally got brave enough to test my legs! If they were still jelly I was in trouble! But no while they were a bit wobbly they got me to the bathroom and I cleaned myself.

Next morning when I awoke CJ was getting dressed, “sneaking off again after having your evil way with me last night?” I accused him.
He stopped fastening his tie, came over to the bed and sat down, kissing me gently, “from what I recall” he smugly said, “I was assaulted by a nymphomaniac as soon as I got into bed!”
“I’m only like that with you – so its all your fault” I pouted as I said this. He kissed me again longer this time, they he told me, “You know what we spoke about last night?” I nodded so he carried on, “well if I were you...” I butted in “you used to be!” I got tickled for that remark.

Where was I; he started again, “before asking Sue, I would check with your accountant and solicitor to see if there are any problems with our idea.”

I nodded, this made good sense I decided to get up and start arranging things.

As the wedding approached things really got hectic. Kerry, my daughter went into panic mode and it took the combined efforts on my mum and I to calm her down.
Mind you I was also panicking but I dare not show it to Kerry.
The meeting with the accountant and solicitor had gone well and a contract had been drawn up where Sue and Bob would be licensees; they could buy their stock from anywhere (this gets the best price) and would have full control of the running of the pub.
They would take over all the bills for the building except for the upkeep, which would be my responsibility.
Setting the rent and bond was not easy, as I didn’t want to cripple them during their first year. I discussed this with my accountant while she thought that I was a softie she suggested that I take a percentage of the profits. I thought this was a good idea and had a clause written into the contract.
Also one of the provisos of the contract was that they use the same accountant as I currently did. The length of the contract was for 5 years; this could be extended.

Finally two weeks before the wedding everything was ready to put the offer to Sue and Bob.
Also I discussed with CJ and as I wanted his baby I came off the pill to let my body prepare. Though in truth I had no idea how long it would be before I could become pregnant.

Finally I asked Sue and Bob if they would come and discuss something with me, I had my accountant with me but CJ said he would keep out of it.
I put the offer to them! They were amazed, shocked and I think relieved. I knew Sue had been worrying; this was etched on her face.
When she realised what I suggested it was like 20 years had been wiped from her countenance.
As the offer sunk in she returned to the Sue I had always known. Bob looked relieved but he was more practical asking why was I doing this for them.
I explained as honestly as I could my attachment for the place and not really wanting to sell it at this time.
I pointed out that in the contract there was a clause that in the future if I wanted to sell, then they would have first refusal and if they wanted to buy the price would reflect their hard work and be advantageous to them. (Soft Christina over-ruled business Christina)

I told them to take a copy of the paperwork away and see their own solicitor but please let me know after the wedding, and we left it at that. After they left my accountant said, “you know you’ll never be a millionaire Chrissie!” I simply smiled and nodded saying, “but if this helps them out it’ll be worth it.” She left shaking her head.

The wedding was now rapidly approaching Kerry had gone from nervous wreck to a control freak. Needless to say we had some err disputes – that bloody girl is so argumentative I complained to my mum one night! Mum gave me that old fashioned look that only mums can give and said, “Yes dear. Remind you of anyone!” That shut me up.

Then the week was upon us, guests started arriving from all over, CJ’s family were combining the wedding with visiting the UK. (November is not the best time)
CJ’s Mum and Dad were staying with my parents; everyone else was at the hotel where the wedding was to take place.
Miss control freak (Kerry) and I had quite a few differences of opinion on the days leading up the wedding. Mum, Julie (my sister) and Jane should have worked for the UN as they managed to keep the peace.

Friday was beauty salon day for brides, maids of honour and bridesmaids, a full days pampering at a spa hotel just outside York, I even put on an executive coach complete with champagne and wine.
We arrived just after ten in the morning, spent all day getting treatments, Jacuzzi gourmet food manicures and pedicures, everything a girl needs to calm her down before her wedding day – oh and wine and champagne.
We arrived back at the hotel in York and in truth we all had an early night. Tonight we had rooms for sleeping in – tomorrow Kerry would have the Bridal Suite while CJ and I would be in the Royal Suit.

Tonight however we would have double rooms and I had Jane sharing mine! What a delicious way to go to sleep. AND NO! It’s not what you are thinking we simply snuggled up and talked about the future.