Dear Miss Lonesome

Sheena Ryder waves goodbye to her stepdaughter Ailee Anne as the girl heads off to school. Once the door shuts, Sheena settles in as the Love Sage, answering letters from lonely hearts. Today a woman calling herself Miss Lonesome says she’s crushing on someone already taken. Sheena tells her to feel out if the object of her affection might want a new arrangement. Days pass. Ailee is sweeping the kitchen and asks if everything is all right between Sheena and her husband. Sheena freezes, then forces a smile and claims the marriage is fine. Ailee’s frown says she’s not buying it. Another email drops: Miss Lonesome wonders if the risk is worth it. Sheena’s reply is simple—drop light touches, hold the stare a second longer, see if the heat is mutual. Later, mother and stepdaughter fold laundry together. Ailee’s fingers brush Sheena’s bare arm, her eyes linger. When Sheena asks, Ailee mumbles something about liking the eye shadow. Sheena brushes it off. The next message from Miss Lonesome begs for the next move. Sheena offers a pointed question that’ll reveal real feelings. A short while later Ailee slides that very question across the kitchen table. It clicks: Ailee is Miss Lonesome, and the crush is on Sheena. Sheena admits things with her husband have gone cold. Ailee’s cheeks flush, grateful for the honesty. The two lean in, lips meeting in a slow, hungry kiss. Tongues soon trace stiff nipples, then slide lower, tasting each other until the only thing Miss Lonesome feels is satisfied.