U Is for Undertow

slid his shorts down over his hips. She kissed him, lips soft and open, and then sank down to her knees and took him in her mouth. He grabbed her by the arms and pulled her up, kissing her with the same intensity she always called out of him. Smiling, she put her bare feet on the tops of his and he walked her to the bed.
    The sex was good. It was always good, but this time his inclination was to be done with it and get her out of the way. She was a distraction. Her intensity was like a mass of hot, wet rags pressed over his face. He could hardly breathe. She must have sensed his distance because she clung to him like an octopus, all arms and legs and sucking. She wanted his full attention and she was doing what she could to arouse him for another round.
    He pushed her hand away. “Enough. I’m bushed.”
    “Don’t be such a shit. You never turned me down before.”
    “I didn’t turn you down. What do you want from me? We just made love.”
    She settled on her side, her head propped on one hand. “You know what? We belong together. We’re a good fit.”
    “How do you figure that?”
    “It’s the feeling I had the first time we met. Like we were together in another life.”
    “Yeah, right.”
    “No, I’m serious. It’s like I remember you.”
    “What about Creed? How many reincarnations have you shared with him?”
    “Don’t make fun. He’s boring. All mopey and glum. I’m sick to death of him and his parents and this whole stupid town. I’m this close to taking off, just getting the hell out.”
    “I thought the bus belonged to him.”
    “Who said anything about the bus? That’s what thumbs are for. I hitchhiked all over the country before I hooked up with him. Pregnant, babe in arms. There’s always a guy who slows down and offers you a ride. You go where the wind blows you.”
    “Go and god bless, but leave me out of it.”
    “Where’s your sense of adventure? Don’t you want to live on the wing?”
    “Not particularly. What about your kid? He might not appreciate being dragged all over just to satisfy your whims.”
    “I’ll leave him with Creed. Sky’s crazy about Deborah. He’d be happy as a clam.”
    “You can’t do that. You told me he’s not even Greg’s kid.”
    “What, you think kids are possessions? Mine, yours, and his? Sky’s a child of the universe. He’ll find his own path in life. He doesn’t need me for that.”
    “He’s eleven. You can’t just dump the kid and run off.”
    “I’m not dumping him. I’m thinking about what’s best for him. Deborah thinks I’m a crappy mother anyway and maybe she’s right. At least with her he’d have a normal life, whatever that’s worth. We’d have a blast, the two of us. We could go anywhere. Nova Scotia. Have you ever been to Nova Scotia? I love the sound of it. Nova means ‘new,’ but what’s a scotia?” She put her head on his chest and wrapped her leg over his.
    Her flesh was hot and the weight of her leg made him tense. He could feel her pubic hair against his thigh like a Brillo pad. “Nice idea, but it won’t work.”
    “Why not?”
    “Here’s some late-breaking news. I’m eighteen. I live at home. In two months, I start college. I don’t even have a job.”
    “Neither do I. Who needs a job when you can panhandle? You ought to see ’em in the Haight. Tourists stand around gawking at all the hippie freaks. For them, it’s like being at the zoo. Hold your hand out, they’ll give you cash. They’re scared to death of us.”
    “I don’t want to be a beggar when I grow up.”
    She hooked an arm over his shoulder and shook him playfully. “Come on. You old sourpuss. This is the Summer of Love. We’re missing all the fun.”
    He stared at the ceiling, wondering how long he’d have to put up with her before reclaiming his day.
    She kissed his neck, making a low sound in her throat like she was turned on. “I love you.”
    “Stop.”
    “I mean it.” She licked his neck. She nibbled on his shoulder while she rubbed against him, amorous despite his failure to respond.
    “Cut it out.”
    “So uptight. Such a grouch. Don’t you even love me a little bit?” She put her lips to his ear and ran her tongue around the rim.
    “Goddamn it. Get off.” He loosened her arms and rolled out of her embrace. He found his shorts and pulled them on. He ran his hands through his hair, smoothing it.
    She sat up, agitated. “What’s wrong with you? Ever since I got here, you’ve treated me like