Three stories of lesbian discovery and sensuality from the archives of the award-winning Karin Kallmaker. In the explicit “Steam,” a hike in the high country provides privacy and pleasure for an adventurous long-term lesbian couple. The touch of a former lover’s hand brings back too many vivid memories, and the unwelcome introduction to the new girlfriend is “Salt” in wounds that won’t seem to heal. Humor, tenderness and high-erotic energy combine in “The Butch Across the Hall”: Attracted for the first time to a butch woman, an inexperienced lesbian finds the courage to knock on her neighbor’s door. 8K words.
