Amazing Grace

A challenge: In the story, there are more than 30 hidden titles of known songs. The first 2 readers who find at least 20 of them and email them to me, I'll have their names mentioned, and if they send me an idea for a story, I'll use it in one of my upcoming stories.

All characters in this story are at least 18 years old when mentioned in a sexual context.

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After finishing high school, I got accepted to the University of Wisconsin in Madison. I was happy: It was in my home state, consistently ranked in the top 50 nationally, and... famous for being a party campus. While Mom and Dad congratulated me for getting into the best university in Wisconsin, my primary goal was to have a good time in the next 4 years.

Just before summer vacation started, I turned 18 and invited several former classmates to enjoy what could be our last meeting. We celebrated it in our spacious basement. The decorations, music, and food were perfect. In fact, Mom 'unintentionally' left a few packs of beer in our reserve fridge downstairs, so the fun was complete.

Among the guests were my baseball teammates, other buddies that I had befriended over the years, and most of the girls from my class. I liked Sarah the most because she had a cute face, long blonde hair, blue eyes, a constant smile, and big tits. Unfortunately, she was dating Allen, who was 2 years older, so I could only ogle her from a distance. During the party, Alison followed me much of the time. Her excuse was that it was MY birthday, but I knew better: She was attracted to me and was looking for a way to grab my attention.

On a scale of 1 to 10, I ranked Alison a 7. Her face was OK at best, and while her figure was 'not bad', her tits were too small for my taste, and her arms were hairy. She was a nice girl and ready to help whenever I asked her for something at school, but it was not enough to persuade me to go out with her.

...

Two weeks later, I got an email. It was from Alison. It said, 'Dear Keith, I still remember YOUR birthday party fondly. It was just what I needed at the time. Yesterday was my official 18th birthday, but I chose to celebrate it this upcoming weekend, Saturday evening starting at 6 pm, to be precise. A party without you will not be the same, and I hope you'll join us. Miss you, Alison.'

My initial reaction was to look for an excuse to say no. After all, I was just a former classmate. But on second thought, I changed my mind: Alison was nice to me through the years, and that Saturday I did not have anything better to do. I emailed her back, 'Be happy to attend. How crowded it will be? It doesn't call for a special attire, does it?'

An hour later, I received another email, 'While a heat wave is on the way, during the evening the temperature is expected to cool down. Dress comfortably.'

Until the last minute, I debated whether to go. Suspecting that Alison would again attempt to make me date her was not something I cared for. But I promised and hated to break my word. So I calmed myself, saying that sacrificing a single evening was tolerable.

I shaved, showered, wore khakis and a Hawaiian shirt, and drove toward her house. On the way, I bought a box of Neuhaus pralines for the birthday girl.

I arrived at 6:15, and Alison opened the door for me. She was having on a short black dress which clung to her smallish boobs and highlighted her long legs. I wasn't impressed, but smiled politely, gave her the box of chocolates, and announced she looked fantastic. Her eyes brightened, and she led me to the living room, where several former classmates were already chatting. I joined in. As expected, there was a lot of gossip about former teachers, new relationships, sports, and politics. I relaxed on the sofa. Now and then I said something, but most of the time I just chilled, munching on the snacks.

About 20 minutes later, Alison came from the kitchen, followed by an older woman, who was likely her mother. The other woman wore a simple blouse and a midi style skirt, but I was smitten at first sight: She was around 40, yet her face radiated unblemished beauty, which the couple of wrinkles around the eyes could not hide. Her full lips, large warm eyes, and button nose were a magnet to my eyes. Her figure was also astounding: Large breasts, which she tried to cover with a larger size blouse, a narrow waist, and nicely widening hips.

What can I say? It was love at first sight. Throughout the evening, my mind was concentrating on the mother. Alison and others talked to me multiple times, but I was too distracted to speak coherently. The most meaningful discussion I had with Alison was to ask her where her father was. She had tears in her eyes and said that he died 2 years earlier of a heart condition. Rather than feeling sad for her, my heart jumped in joy. I was embarrassed, yet relieved. Before the evening was over, I knew I wanted to have the mother...

...

Each day in the week that followed, I parked my car in an unmarked area near Alison's house, checking her mother's routine. At times, I sat in the car for 3 hours before noticing anybody opening the front door. It was an important lesson to appreciate the tough work of private detectives... On the second day, I brought with me a large bottle of water, coffee in a thermos, a couple of sandwiches, and an empty can to pee in whenever I was in my car.

During that week, I learned a lot about the mother. Her name was Grace, and she was a librarian in the local library. Her work hours were noon to 8 pm. In the mornings, she attended the local LA Fitness on Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. On Saturday, I followed her to one of the churches and observed her working in the kitchen for 3 hours, sorting and then distributing food to clients.

The following Monday, I joined LA Fitness. I entered having on shorts and a T shirt. Grace appeared 15 minutes later. She wore leggings, tank top, and sneakers. I was in one of the corners, and she hadn't noticed me, but I doubted she would have remembered me from her daughter's party anyway. I worked on an elliptical, watching her using a treadmill. After 15 minutes, she moved to a couple of other machines before heading to the women's room. She came out having on a one piece swimsuit. It wasn't a fancy one, but it covered a dynamite figure. I didn't have much time to adore her body because she rushed to the swimming pool. I didn't bring my Speedo, so I just peeked at her a couple of times as she did 20 laps. When Grace was done, she moved to the dressing room and reappeared 20 minutes later with her hair wet and her cheeks pinkish, talking to another woman. Five minutes later, she said bye to her friend and drove home.

The next day, at 2 pm, I went to the library and registered. Grace didn't recognize me. Her million-dollar smile melted my heart. I asked her to help me find books that could direct me to a volunteer job for the summer.

She said, "That is unusual. Most young guys who come here look for travel books and occasionally action thrillers. Are you saying that instead of enjoying the summer, you wish to spend your precious time helping others?"

I grinned, "You are right. During summer vacation, most of my friends look for fun and games, but I feel for the poor people who have nothing and wish to contribute the little I can to help them."

She gave me a strange look, "You are a good guy. I can show you the area that has a couple of books which give some information and guidance about volunteering, but they are not specific to our area. You'd better look online. By the way, if you wish to consider working in a pantry, I may help you."

I smiled, "I can't imagine a librarian knows much about pantries in our neck of the woods."

She giggled, "It happens that sometimes I volunteer at a pantry nearby, so if you wish to join, I believe additional hands will be useful."

I pretended to think about it and blurted, "Will they accept me there on Saturdays?"

"Sure! My shift is usually on Saturday as well, and we frequently work beyond our scheduled hours to finish the needed distribution."

"I like it already. Where and what time should I be there?"

"It's two blocks from here, on Park Street, and if you show up at quarter to 9, I'll introduce you to the boss. She will get your details and assign you to one of the needed jobs with somebody who will instruct you on what and how to do it."

"How should I dress?"

"Come as you are. Based on the actual work needed, over there, they might give you an apron, gloves, and sometimes even a face mask to keep the hygiene and protect the food items."

"OK. I'll be there. Thanks for the help."

She smiled broadly again, and I left.

...

Saturday morning, I was at the pantry on time. Brenda, the boss, smiled at me and asked if I was willing to help carry the bagged stuff onto the truck to be delivered. I agreed, and she commented, "Most of our volunteers are much older, and cannot lift much. This will be an important task."

I rolled up my sleeves and started lifting a few bags at a time. Fifteen minutes after beginning to do it, I noticed Grace, who was filling a couple of bags, glancing at me. I grinned and lifted my hand to say hi. She blushed and then smiled. After an hour and 15 minutes, Brenda suggested I take a break. I did, and saw Grace sitting on a small bench, munching on an apple. I approached her and asked if I could sit by her. "Of course," she said and moved slightly to give me room.

I said, "After talking to you in the library, I realized that eventually I'd like to travel. Any recommendation?"

In a sad face, she blurted, "Before getting married, I wished to see San Diego, but I also had a fantasy to one day go to Japan. Unfortunately, circumstances were unfavorable, and I never moved far from home. Anyway, if you come to the library on Monday, I'll show you the section with numerous books and maps recommending trips both in the continental USA and abroad."

"Most students of my generation prefer to travel to India or South America, but my 2 favorite destinations were Japan, like you, because of their unique culture, and a safari in Africa."

Her eyes filled with tears, "One day..."

It was time to return to work. I continued carrying bags, noticing Grace's eyes often focused on me. When the day was over, I returned home tired but happy. It was a good day.

...

Monday evening, I arrived at the library at 7, assuming it would be less busy. I was right. Except for an old woman who sat on a chair reading a book, there was nobody else there. Grace saw me and had a warm smile. She showed me a stack of 8 books and said, "I arranged for you the best and newest travel books we have here. All of them have a chapter about Japan, and 5 have also chapters about African safaris."

"If YOU had the opportunity to go to Japan, what destinations would you rather see?"

"Tokyo and Kyoto for sure. But I'd like to visit Hiroshima and see the memorial, Nara with the deer roaming freely on the streets, and Kanazawa because of its famous garden. Of course, if I had more time, I'd see Osaka, the island of Hokkaido, and other attractions."

I mumbled, "It's crazy! I thought of the same places. In my mind, I reached most destinations by bullet trains."

Grace's face turned pale, "Hear, hear..."

I smiled, "I barely know you, and I see that we have a lot in common: We like volunteering, we dream about traveling, and... books. But unlike you, I also exercise a few times a week. We just moved, and I changed facilities. About a week ago, I registered at the LA Fitness not far from here."

Grace gazed at me for a long moment and muttered, "I don't know what god is trying to do here, but I go to the same LA Fitness 3 times a week as well..."

I chuckled, "Whether it's god or fate, something is attempting to connect us together. I like the idea, but I am not sure YOU do..."

"I like you, Keith."

"Thank you. That's the best compliment I got since the summer vacation started."

She giggled, "Really? A handsome, nice guy like you can probably get more compliments if, instead of spending your time in the library and volunteering, you mingle with your peers."

"... may I confess to something..."

"Go ahead."

"I like YOUR company more than that of people my age."

"Thanks for the compliment, but I am puzzled; Yes, we share certain interests, but I am a boring middle aged woman, and my social skills are terrible."

"I beg to differ. You make me feel good about myself. I feel alive. Around young girls and guys, I feel trapped: They like to gossip, and are on social media all the time. I hate it."

Grace whispered, "I don't like Facebook, Instagram, or X either."

It was time to make my move. I stared at her beautiful eyes and asked, "Grace, would you, please, join me for a cup of coffee or a light lunch at Panera?"

She eyed me, as if checking if I was serious, "Keith, I already said that I like you, but why waste your time on me?"

"It's simple. As I said, I feel closer to you than any other person."

"Aren't you a university student?"

"Yes, I am."

"So you are on your summer vacation. Why don't you find a nice young girl and start dating? With your looks and good manners, I have no doubts you'll be successful with most pretty girls around."

"Is it a crime to be attracted to you rather than a spring chicken?"

"... do you have a mature-woman fetish?..."

"Not that I had it before I met you. I am not obsessed with my mother or any of her friends, but I like YOU. A lot."

"You are a funny guy. I don't understand you..."

"Why not? We seem to have a lot in common. The message I get from you is that the only thing bothering you is my age. Unless... you are married or already dating somebody."

Grace chortled, "There is nobody. My husband died years ago, and I live alone. My daughter is about your age, and is going to start college in Atlanta."

"In that case, what do you do in the evening when you finish work?"

"I eat a light dinner and watch TV."

"Isn't it boring to do the same thing time after time?"

"I told you my life was boring..."

"So why don't you let me take you out sometime? What do you have to lose?"

"Nothing, but I think you became obsessed with the idea of improving a life of a simple woman. I don't understand what will you get out of it."

"Lady, I like your company. Period. Let's go to Panera once, and if you hate my company, we'll separate. Please..."

Her eyes traced mine, looking for something. I didn't know what. Then she sighed and said, "OK, but I'd hate to see you get bored and yawn at the restaurant."

I laughed, "How about Saturday afternoon or evening?"

"Is 5 PM OK?"

"Perfect! Where shall I pick you up?"

She gave me her phone number and address, and mentioned that her daughter was leaving the next day for Atlanta. I felt much better: The last thing I wanted was to meet Alison and explain to her what I was doing with her mother.

...

I visited the library again on Thursday evening. I handed Grace a white rose and said, "That's for agreeing to dine with me. I feel that I am about to get lucky."

"What do you mean?..."

"A pretty lady did not say 'no' to me."

Grace giggled, "Are your goals in life THAT little?..."

"If you call persuading you to join me at Panera an unworthy goal, I guess you are correct. This evening, I came here also to take one of your books about Japan."

She smiled, "Are you seriously considering going there in the near future?"

"Yeah. Last night I dreamed I was on a bullet train from Tokyo to Kyoto, with my arm around my mate's shoulder, watching through the window the marvelous Mount Fuji."

"It must have been a wonderful dream. So you DO have a girlfriend."

"Not yet. But in my dream, I had her."

"... I don't get it..."

"In my dream, my mate was you."

She gazed into my eyes and mumbled, "Keith, what is it you really want?"

"I am fond of you and think that fate has already given us many signals that we should get together."

She giggled, "Don't misunderstand me; despite your weird behavior, I like you. However, you seem to be obsessed with me, and I don't get it. OK, we do have a few common interests, but somebody your age needs to date my daughter."

"Say whatever you want, but I find you irresistible..."

"When was the last time you checked your eyes?"

"My eyes are as good as can be. I can see that your eyes are hazel and your pearl necklace has a tiny stain on it."

I saw tears in her eyes, "Since my husband's death, I avoided going out with men. I am trying hard to push you away too, but it seems I am not doing a good job..."

"No, you don't. I may be more persistent than others, and as I repeated multiple times: I think you are everything I ever wished in a woman."

Grace stood up from her chair, went to the travel section, pulled a medium sized book, handed it to me, and said, "In here you'll find ample information about Japan. I'll see you at the Pantry on Saturday morning."

"Thank you."

...

Saturday, I arrived at 9 am. Brenda assigned me again to lift the heavy bags onto the truck. I had no qualms, since it was obvious I was the youngest and strongest among the other volunteers. It was 9:20, and Grace hadn't shown up yet. I prayed silently, 'If you can hear me, I wish you were here.' Exactly 10 seconds later, I saw Grace exiting her car and coming toward us. She chatted with Brenda for 5 minutes, and then began sorting items and putting them in the bags. Her face was reddish, and it looked like she had been crying before. Was it the case? I was too far away, and decided to ask her about it later, on our break.

During the break, Grace sat with 3 other volunteers and talked to them. I resisted the urge to join them. I ate my sandwich and drank the coffee, and 25 minutes later, I started carrying bags again. The whole time, I caught Grace glancing at me only once. And when it happened, she lowered her eyes immediately. I was confused, yet didn't want to talk to her in front of everybody, and chose to do it in the evening.

By noon, I was sweating profusely. It was hot and humid. A rain might have caused a problem, cause some of the packing was done outdoors, but I'd feel better, and in the worst case scenario, use an umbrella. The sweat was killing me. I suffered heroically, not wanting Grace to see it. As the work was finished, I had a sigh of relief and drove home.

I showered and slept like a log for 3 full hours.

...

I rang Grace's doorbell on time. I heard footsteps behind the door, and she opened it for me. I gave one look and whistled appreciatively: She wore a gray dress that was, by all means, modest, but it highlighted her big breasts and round butt cheeks against the much thinner waist. I loved the reddish lipstick and the touch of makeup.

She blushed, "Don't exaggerate. You embarrass me..."

"I do not. I think you are gorgeous."

"Stop that and let's go to Panera."

The drive lasted 10 minutes. During that time, both of us stole glimpses at each other. In Panera, she chose a corner table and asked me to order half a sandwich and a soup. I chuckled, "I planned to do the same. You see how we like similar things?" Grace didn't answer, just stared into my eyes. I might have been biased, though it looked to me like an 'interested look'. She insisted on paying her share. I refused politely, claiming that I had more than enough to cover the bill.

Until our order was ready, she told me that Alison was happy in Atlanta and found a couple of friends to go out with. I grinned, "Nice to know that your daughter is becoming independent."

"That is true. I have no problem staying by myself, knowing she is doing well."