The Contractor (Short Story/Fiction)
The Contractor
I work as head project manager for an international construction and engineering firm. There are only a few companies that have the expertise to oversee the construction of modern skyscrapers. I like the work. I get a feeling of accomplishment when one of 'my' buildings becomes the next landmark in a city skyline. All the flying I do from project to project eventually caused the destinations to blur together. It's amazing how much construction sites, hotel rooms, meeting spaces, and the backs of taxis, all over the world suffer from a bland sameness. I was putting away the laptop, conference phone and various a/v hardware from our Friday status meeting, and feeling more than a little 'off'. The meeting went well, I thought the project was progressing nicely; we'd be breaking ground soon and my part of the job would be over, then we'd be on to the next job; starting over on the bidding process, logistics, and whatever other groundwork, before starting to dig the next hole. A hole that eventually would hold the foundation of a skyscraper somewhere else in the world. The generic conference room in the business class hotel could've been in Bangkok or Beijing or Berlin. I had to think for a moment and remind myself of where I was, and what day of the week it is.
My neck hurt, I absentmindedly rubbed it, trying to work the kink out.
"You're stressed out Jack, when is the last time you took a day off for yourself?" My boss asked me.
I thought for a moment, before answering. "I really don't remember, Jenny."
"Well, lucky for you, Monday is a holiday, for the next three days you can't work even if you wanted to."
"Au contraire, ma soeur, (To the contrary, my sister) I have expense reports to submit, meeting notes to compile, and stacks of other paperwork. The project manager's work is never done."
"All of that can wait until Tuesday. All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy, and being stressed will make you less productive in the long run."
"I like to keep busy."
"And I want my project manager healthy and working in top form. Planned 'R&R' is better than unplanned sick time if you burn out. You should go get a massage or something. Expense it, I'll approve it."
"Are you telling me to hire a prostitute? The 'massage parlors' in this town are notorious, are they not?"
"The spa in this hotel isn't a front for prostitution, it's 'legit', no 'happy endings' as far as I know. I'm suggesting you to get a massage. I was thinking of going myself too. I'll treat you to dinner first"
"OK, Jenny. I'll let you use your expense account for dinner, and if you can, get me an appointment for some shiatsu."
"I'll make the reservations. Meet me in the lobby at half past six, does that give you enough time to stow this stuff and change?"
"Sure, what's the dress code?"
"At the spa? Nude. At the restaurant? Not work clothes, be comfortable."
"Well, I meant for dinner. I'll see you in an hour."
It only took a couple of minutes to finish stowing the gear. I went up to my hotel room and took a quick shower. All of my clothes were 'work clothes'; well almost, I put on loud Hawaiian-style shirt that I had bought as a gift. I'll have to get my father-in-law something else. I was sipping a Perrier when Jenny joined me in the lobby bar. She suppressed a laugh at the sight of my shirt. Dinner was uneventful; idle chit-chat, nondescript food. (are all business-class hotel restaurants the same?) Then we went downstairs to the spa, it had some generic 'spa' name like 'Namaste' or 'Body and Mind' or something like that.
"Welcome. Do you have a reservation?" The receptionist greeted us.
"Actually two reservations" Jenny answered, she indicated herself and I with a hand gesture.
"I don't have a 'couple's massage' scheduled, would you like me to see if I can arrange something?"
"Sorry, I wasn't being clear, two separate reservations, room 2116 and 1223. We aren't a couple."
"Oh, of course ma'am, I have your information: two one hour shiatsu massages. If you'd go through here, and sir, to the far door please, you can change there and someone will come and collect you presently."
Just as I finished changing into the provided terry cloth robe and slippers, a petite, attractive young woman made her presence known and beckoned me to follow her. I was led to a typical massage room, decorated with bamboo and (LED?) flickering candles. 'New age' type music was piped in along with the sounds of nature; birds, a stream, rustling leaves. Incense spiced the atmosphere with the aromas of balsam, sandalwood, and patchouli.
"Please sir, on the table, face down." She instructed, I got the impression that maybe she didn't speak much English. "Any area hurting today?"
"No, I just want to relax a bit." I replied.
We did the dance where I disrobed and got on the table and she strategically positioned the blankets to preserve my modesty. She left most of me covered and after checking if I was comfortable, started by working on my temples, and progressing down to my toes, and then back up to my shoulders, uncovering only the area she was working on. She then asked me to turn over. She was good at what she did, kneading the various aches from my tissues with her soft hands. Eventually she worked her way down from my shoulders to my fingers. I involuntarily recalled the last time a woman held my hand. Visions of wires and tubes leading from the broken body of my beloved to the various machines and pumps keeping her temporarily alive. In my memory I heard the beeping of the array of monitors, and the wet rasping of her breath. I relived our final conversation, where I bid her farewell, and we exchanged 'I love you's' before she succumbed.
I missed her so much. The dam broke and I openly wept.
"Sir, is there pain?"
"No, a sad memory. My daughter, and my wife, they died in an automobile accident. Somehow I was reminded of her last moments."
"You have my sympathy." She said and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze that wasn't part of the massage.
Then she started to sing.
She sang softly in a language I didn't understand, a song that had the qualities of both a lullaby and a lament. The massage took on a different quality, she was no longer trying to sooth my aching muscles, she was trying to ease my sadness; caressing my brow, my neck, my shoulders. My tears flowed. The sound of her softly singing mingled with the music piped into the room and obscured my sobbing. Memories of the hospital, the funeral, and their grave-sites stabbed my heart. Then I heard my wife's voice in the back of my head:
"Please...it's time...
I love you, I've had a wonderful life and you've given us so much...
So much happiness, and six years with our beautiful daughter....
Sadie is with me now, she isn't hurting anymore and neither am I..."
Memories of happier times flooded my mind: dates, goofing off, our wedding day; her in her wedding gown, our wedding night; her in a white lace negligee, our daughter being born, birthday parties, Sadie's first steps and first day of school. I couldn't help but smile.
"That's right honey, remember the good times...
I know that you'll never forget us, but it's time to let go...
It's time to move on....
Goodbye my dearest...we'll be together again someday, a long, long time from now. Until then; live. Live and love and be happy. Be happy for all of us..."
I said a silent farewell. Then I heard my daughter's voice:
"Goodbye Daddy, I love you...I'll take care of Mommy, so don't be sad..."
"Goodbye, Pumpkin. Daddy loves you too." I whispered.
The singing stopped. I looked up at my masseuse as she wiped away my tears with one hand and held my hand with her other.
"You smiled at the end, you have happy memories of them too, yes?" She asked.
"I do. Thank you for the song, I feel better now."
"Good, now turn back over please, there was a trouble spot on your back that I want to get to again."
She finished the massage. I thanked her again. She then informed me that I have access to the spa facilities until closing time, and where the Jacuzzi was.
A few minutes later, I slipped into the warm bubbling water, put a damp cloth over my eyes, and started to soak. Presently, I heard someone else also step into the tub, but said nothing (I was relaxing).
"How was your massage, Jack?" She asked.
"Very nice, I could get used to doing that regularly. And yours, Jenny?" I replied, as I removed the cloth.
"Soooo goood" she cooed as she arched her back and stretched her arms above her head in a feline manner, giving me a good view of what was previously hidden under the turbulent water of the hot tub. I put forth the effort not to react. "Hey, Jack?" she asked.
"Yes?"
"How long have we known each other?"
"I guess about six years."
"And we've been working together on field projects for how long?"
"Almost four years." I replied. I didn't say but thought: ever since my wife and daughter died.
"And you like the work?"
"Sure, it's good to keep busy."
"The pay is good too, and the benefits?"
"Sure, but, where are you going with the questions?"
"Do you trust me?"
"With my life."
"...Really?!?...anyway, we're friends, not just co-workers, right?"
"Of course. Jenny, what's going on? Is something wrong?"
"I'm getting there, bear with me please."
"Okay."
"To sum up: We're co-workers, you like your job, the pay and the benefits. We're friends, we trust each other."
"Yes, I agree with your summary."
"So, with our friendship, how would you like benefits?"
I guess I wasn't paying attention, she had been inching closer to me during our conversation.
"Benefits?"
"Yea, I kind of need a favor."
"What can I do for you?"
"I'm stressed, just like you have been. And this job, the constant travelling, and moving around; I have difficulty forming relationships outside of our team, so I have a hard time finding someone to help me with my stress, finding someone to give me some relief. I need someone whom I can trust, and building trust takes time, which is a luxury I don't have. With how long we are ever in one place, I can't seem to do it."
"Jenny, you can trust me, but I don't know what it is you're asking me to do..."
By this time she was right in front of me, her hands on my knees.
"Sleep with me."
"...You mean sleep with you, or sleep with you?
"The latter, then the former. Let's have sex, then hold me until the morning. It's been far too long. I'm not asking you to make a commitment or even to get into a relationship with me beyond what we already have. I need a f**k-buddy. My list of candidates is very short, it's you."
"Aside from the 'HR' ramifications, have you thought about this? Is this what you really want?"
"Jack, I'm hornier than a nanny goat, help me out. Please? "
"Jenny, I..."
"Am I unattractive? Aren't you lonely too?"
"That's not it, quite the opposite actually; but, this is a lot to take in, and emotionally, I'm in a weird place right now. I'm not saying 'no', but can you give me one night to sleep on it, to think it over?"
"That's fair. I'll call you tomorrow evening then..." She smiled broadly, lightening the mood. "...that is unless you call me first." She said, while playfully poking me in the nose. She then brazenly stepped out of the tub, using the towel only on her hair, treating me to a view of her naked self.
"Thanks for the meal!" I said while laughing.
"What? The hotel restaurant was adequate but nothing special."
"I meant the feast for my eyes!" I exclaimed, indicating her nudity.
"Ha! You're welcome, but this is merely an amuse-bouche." She wiggled a little as she strutted from the room.
I silently asked that voice in the back of my head, 'Honey, is this what you meant by moving on?'
I closed my eyes and thought for a few minutes. Presently, the jets turned off and someone stuck her head in and said that the spa would be closing soon. I rinsed off, got dressed, and headed up to my room, I was distracted, on autopilot, my head in a fog with weighing the offer Jenny just dropped in my lap. I wasn't really paying attention to my surroundings, so I'm not sure how long I was sitting on my bed after I arrived there. I heard a quiet knock on my door that brought me back to reality.
I was surprised to see my masseuse. (I barely recognized her, her hair was wet and disheveled, her eyes were red; was she crying in the shower?).
"Oh my, what's wrong?" I asked.
"May I come in?" She asked while fighting back her tears.
"Of course."
She was in my arms before the door was even closed, her tears started to flow. I didn't ask why she was so upset, as I knew she wouldn't be able to answer until she calmed down. I held her and stroked her hair and let her cry. After a few moments I started to sway a little from side to side and softly sang to her, I recalled how that would help my daughter when she needed to be consoled.
"Hush little baby don't say a word, papa's goin' t'buy you a mockingbird....."
After three or four verses, I didn't remember the words anymore, I was just humming. her crying had ceased, but she didn't seem to want me to stop. We probably looked like a teenage couple when a slow song plays at the school dance, just holding on and rocking a little.
"Better?" I asked, after a few moments. She disengaged from my embrace, and nodded while wiping her face. "Hold on, let me..." I stepped into the bathroom for a glass of water and a damp cloth to clean her up. She was sitting on the bed looking a little embarrassed when I returned. I gave her the cloth and a moment for her to wipe her face, and then I gave her the glass. I asked her: "Okay, what's this all about, why are you so upset?"
"Earlier today, with you on the table. It reminded me of...the factory fire...he died there and my life was turned upside down. I left the village to get a job here in the city and have kept myself busy... so that I would not...think about him, and then today...everything caught up with me and I just lost it...I didn't know what to do..."
"Who was he? the man who died in the fire."
"We were to be wed. He took that job to earn quick money so we could start our life together."
"I'm so sorry...how long ago was that?"
"Four years ago, in June."
"Around the same time..." I said under my breath, then louder so she could hear me: "It's good to cry, isn't it?" She nodded in response. "I'm glad I am able to do what I can, you helped me today also."
"I did?"
"Yes, having someone hold my hand, and the song; that helped me."
"Sir?"
"Please, call me Jack."
"Jack, can I stay here tonight?"
"Huh?"
"I don't want anything from you, and no, I didn't mean that... I just don't want to go back to my room at the dorm, and I don't want to be alone."
"Sure, which bed do you want?" (The room had two queen beds) "And I feel awkward asking this at this point, but, what is your name?"
"Mei, my name is Mei." (she pronounced it 'May' like the month)
"It's nice to meet you Mei, would it be okay to chat over breakfast? I'm suddenly very sleepy, it's been a long day..."
"I would like that."
"Room service for breakfast, all right?"
"Sounds good. Sleep well, Jack." She slid under the covers of the other bed, her back to me.
"Goodnight, Mei." I responded as I turned out the light on the nightstand. I was asleep as soon as my head hit the pillow.
Sometime during the night I woke up and realized I was holding Mei, her head was on my chest. I looked down and she must've felt me stir, she looked up and smiled meekly, then gave me a little squeeze. Within a few moments her breathing was again slow and regular, she was back asleep. I idly wondered if I crawled into her bed or she came into mine. I decided that I didn't care. I realized how much I missed not being alone when I slept, and allowed myself to drift off to dreamland.
Breakfast was breakfast. Typical room service: tea, coffee, croissant, fruit, cheese. Mei and I chatted (she spoke English better than I had expected), we made plans for the day. We'd see some sites, be tourists, visit the local temple, have lunch, and return to the hotel in time for her to work her shift.
I enjoyed my morning with her. We chatted about our previous lives as we strolled through the 'old town' neighborhood of the city. We got emotional as we made offerings for our lost loved ones at the temple. On our walk back to the hotel, our hands naturally found each other's. We held hands as if we were old friends. We agreed to go out again on Monday for the holiday festival. (She had a double shift on Sunday, covering for someone enjoying their holiday.)
It was refreshing to make a friend. To feel needed outside of work, and allow someone to share my burdens. I didn't think I had romantic feelings for Mei, but, I liked being with her. I started to contemplate my future. I had second thoughts about leaving and starting a new project, I needed to talk to Jenny.
After dropping Mei off at the spa, I gave Jenny a call:
"Hi Jack, swing up! Room 2116, see you in a few. Glad you called...<click>"
I didn't have a chance to tell her my misgivings about keeping my current job, or anything else for that matter. I got in the elevator and pressed the '21' button, figuring that it would be easier to discuss in person anyway.
She must've heard me walking up to the door, I didn't get a chance to announce myself. Her door opened just after I approached. I saw her face peeking around the open door that obscured the rest of her. My hand was still poised to knock.
"Well, don't just stand there. Come in." she said.
"Thanks, sorry, you surprised me..." I replied as I stepped into the room. I heard the door close behind me. I turned to speak to her, "Jenny I...." Then my breath was literally taken away buy the most overtly sexual sight ever to meet my eyes. Jenny was wearing a confection of satin and lace that was more decoration than clothing. It was designed to reveal, not conceal. She had assumed a sultry pose.
"You like?" she asked.
"...." I was struck dumb, literally speechless, and ready to cut diamonds.
"I'll take that as a 'yes', I can see that at least part of you likes my outfit, I guess I'm flattered." She said as she stalked in my direction, than gently placed her hands behind my neck, pulling me into an embrace. Her stilettos made us almost the same height, we gazed into each other's eyes.
Once I took a breath (I hadn't realized I was holding it, as if breathing would wake me from this dream) I stammered: "Damn, Jenny...I didn't....I...just wow, I mean..."
"Shut up, Jack." She leaned in and we kissed, then we kissed some more. "I'm so glad you decided to play with me.."
"I hadn't until just now. What I wanted to talk to you about can wait..." I returned her kiss, then I picked her up in a 'princess carry' and brought her to the bed.
*****
I had a mild case of déjà vu as we shared the continental breakfast from room service: coffee, tea, croissant, fruit, cheese etc.
Jenny spread some jam on her croissant, and asked before taking a bite: "So Jack, since you didn't come upstairs initially to play, what is it you wanted to speak with me about last night?"
"I was thinking of staying on the project, to completion. Not moving on to the next bid in London."
The smile dropped from her face, "...That's a big change, what's up?"
"I've grown weary of being a vagabond, I want to stay put for a while."
"Why here and not London?"
"I feel like I've been avoiding something. I guess it started as a way to cope with 'the accident', that if I kept busy enough I wouldn't have to think about it. But, I wasn't dealing with it, I was just running away. I'm going to try something else, see if I can get on with my life. I don't know that the firm will win the London bid. If we don't, I'll be back at square one, a risk that I'm unwilling to take. I feel that I can't put this off any longer."
"Jeez, Jack, I don't want to lose you, not because of last night, well yesterday afternoon, and again last night, and then this morning...all of which was incredible, but because you're a great project manager. We make a good team."
"I know Jenny, I was ready to turn you down when I came here. I really was just coming up to talk over throwing my hat in the ring for the construction manager job opening here. I know I can't ask you for a L.O.R. now, but let's enjoy each other's company until you find my replacement and..."
"Oh, hells no!"
"What?"
"You think that I'm just going to give you up? No! we will be going for 'chief ', you are overqualified for construction manager slot anyway. We'll team on running the whole show. We'll get apartments, live here for a few years and see how it goes. I agree with what you are saying about being in a rut. You have the right idea..."
"Slow down Jenny, what are you saying?"
"I'm saying that I like your idea of staying put for a while, I like working with you and I think if we try for the promotions we have a shot. We can stay here while the tower is being built, that'll get us forty months or so. I don't know what that means long term for our bedroom arrangement, last night was wonderful. I want more of that. but I'm willing to play it by ear."
"I hope that the sex isn't influencing you decision, this is your career we're talking about, actually both of our careers. Are you looking at this with a clear head?"
"I've needed a nudge. I'd been thinking about 'what's next' career-wise for a while, this is just what the doctor ordered."
I thought for a moment, then replied :"...OK! let's go for it, together."
"Hooray! I want to celebrate. Let's stay here all day and live on room service, and screw. Lots."
*****
"Good morning lover." Jenny said while stretching.
"Good morning."
"Sneaking out on me?"
"Not intentionally, but I need to change clothes, and to brush my teeth. I don't mind smelling like you, but I should take a shower too."
"Okay, come right back then."
"I'm sorry, I can't. My boss told me to take the day off, so I made plans to attend the festival today."
"That sounds like fun, when do we leave?"
"Jenny, I didn't plan on...us...I made a friend the other day and I promised to go with her..."
"You have a date?!"
"No, at least I don't think so, we're friends, still getting to know each other."
"Is this your first time going out? Who is she? is she pretty? have you slept with her yet?"
"No, her name is Mei, yes and yes. But the 'former', not the 'latter'." I replied, ticking the answers of on my fingers.
"The former??? Oh, I remember now...Wait, how do you sleep with someone before? ... Where did you go on your first date?"
"It wasn't a date, she accompanied me to the local temple...to... make an offering for the dead, for Sadie and Gretchen. As you can probably guess from our time together the last couple of days, I'm done grieving."
"Jesus, Jack I'm sorry. I was just busting your chops. I'm glad you made a friend. Is this why you wanted to settle down? Do you think there is ...'something'... there? Oh God, am I ruining this for you? You're trying to build something 'real' and I threw myself at you and...and..."
"Relax Jenny, you're not a homewrecker. I'm building a friendship with Mei, we just met, we aren't in a romantic relationship, at least not yet. But, yes, I realized because of her that I missed having friends outside of work, and that had something to do with wanting to extend my stay. As for you and I; you didn't coerce me, I was willing. I mean, when I saw you in that outfit, damn, I don't remember ever wanting someone so much. I have no regrets."
"Okay, I get it. have fun. I'd join you but I don't want to be a third wheel. If you want, you can text me later."
*****
When I got back to my room, I noticed the 'message waiting' light flashing on the room phone. Mei had let me know where and when to meet, she called yesterday while I was at Jenny's. I had to hurry, I didn't want her to think I was standing her up (I only had twenty minutes but had to shower, I smelled like Jenny, and sex). I got ready and met Mei downstairs.
"Sorry to keep you waiting, it's unusual for me to have a Monday off, I overslept."
"Quite all right, Jack, I've only just arrived myself. (I felt bad and suspected she was just being polite, and had been waiting for a while. I was late.)
We spent the day at the festival, tasting new (new to me) foods from the stalls, chatting, watching the dance performances, throwing 'color' at the runners as they passed. After the sun set we watched the fireworks. I felt very comfortable with Mei. Her hand naturally found it's way into mine. When we weren't holding hands, we were arm in arm, ('so I wouldn't get lost' she said) . When we were sitting to eat or watch something we'd find ourselves leaning against each other. It didn't start as a date, but, it quickly evolved into one. The intimacy felt natural, automatic, unforced.
Before I knew it, the crowds were starting to thin. People were heading home. Mei and I walked back to the hotel. Before we parted at the elevator, she kissed my cheek and told me she enjoyed my company. I returned her sentiment with an embrace and told her that I looked forward to going out again, and bid her a good night.
*****
As I approached my room, I received a text:
<She's pretty> was sent to me from Jenny.
<Stalker! ;-p > I replied
<I just happened to be at the lobby bar>
<you find a date?>
<you offering?>
<that wasn't my intention>
several minutes passed, I entered my room, washed my face and brushed my teeth.
<what are you doing now?>
<about to take a shower, then going to bed>
<want company?>
<in the shower? not really practical, or bed? I'm pretty tired but I'm okay with the 'former' >
<either/both/ or just to talk.>
<something wrong? you ok?>
<I'm ok, I just miss you>
<you know where to find me>
Three seconds later I heard a knock on the door
"Were you texting from the hall?" I asked as I let her in. It was hard to read her expression. Was she angry? Sulking? Her face was a little red. She said she was at the bar, I wondered how much she had to drink.
"I was wandering around and just happened to end up on your doorstep"
"Are you a stray kitten?" She walked up to me and hugged me like it was the most natural thing to do. "What's going on? Did something happen?" I asked, concerned.
"Nothing much, I just missed you. Maybe I'm a little envious, maybe I'm a little lonely."
"I'm not sure I understand, we haven't even been apart a day. And whom do you envy?"
"I don't understand it myself, Jack. I was hanging out at the bar and some guy hit on me, and it bugged me."
"Why? was he rude?"
"No, but it was so superficial, so hollow. He didn't even see me as a person. When I looked around, I felt that everyone who met my eyes was leering. Not seeing me, but looking at me like I was a slab of meat, and they hungry wolves."
"I'm sorry, sometimes 'us men' are scum."
"That's why I got so envious. Mei kissed your cheek, and you looked at her so warmly. I couldn't see how she looked at you, but I imagine it was the same. I was reminded about how lonely I'd been, and I wanted to be with you, but she was there...and...I...so wanted it to be me who you were looking at with your kind eyes... "
"It's okay Jenny, I get it. Let me take my shower and we'll chat after, all right?"
I washed the sweat and 'color' off from the day, put on lounge pants and a t-shirt and then rejoined Jenny. She was already under the covers.
"Jack?"
"Jennifer?"
"What's wrong with me?"
"Nothing, you're great."
"How come I can't find a man worth finding, or if I do, he's taken?"
"I don't know Jenny, I'm not an expert on these things."
"You didn't even try, and you found Mei. Are you in love with her?"
"I like her, quite a bit, but, I can't say I even know her that well, it's certainly too early to say if there is love 'there'. We both lost someone dear to us and we found comfort in each others company. That might grow into something, someday. For now, I'm enjoying the companionship."
"Jack?"
"Jennifer?"
"Will you make love to me?"
"That's a silly question, we've been boffing like bunnies in springtime."
"Yes, and I've enjoyed that. I want something else, make love to me"
"Are you sure you know what it is you're asking for? Are you sure you want that? We can't go back to being just 'friends with benefits' if we 'go there'. I don't know what I would do if I lost you ... if something goes wrong. Can we go a little slower?"
"And that's why I want you. I can wait. Hold me."
"Okay, but can you do me a favor?"
"Hmm?"
"Put something on, I'll...I would worry about you being cold... and I'll be so distracted, I won't sleep well."
"I call B.S. Regardless; I didn't bring anything, you'll have to deal with the temptation, and you'll have to keep me warm." She said in a teasing manner.
"You're a brat, at least wear one of my t-shirts."
"Fine, I'll take this one." she tugged at the shirt I was wearing. After she put it on, I silently laughed at myself, the same single thin layer of fabric separated us, which of us was topless was a distinction without much of a difference.
"What time do you want to get up? I'll set the alarm."
"We have a conference call at half past nine, so either I get up at seven and do my normal morning routine, or we order room service, sleep in, and do the call without video."
"So, seven. got it."
"Spoilsport." The lights were out, but I could imagine her petulant expression.
"Boss lady, I'm gunning for a promotion, when it comes to work, I'm going to be on my best behavior..."
"One of these days we're taking a vacation together, and all bets will be off."
"Is that a threat or a promise?" I programmed the alarm for 06:50.
Then a text came in from Mei:
<I had fun today>
<Me too> I replied.
<I might be being forward, but I'd like to go out with you again, soon.>
<I would like that, and I don't think that's too forward>
<Ok, I have some time Wednesday, dinner?>
I checked my calendar before replying, <I'm free, 19:00?>
<Great, I'll meet you in the lobby. I'll text you if I have an open time-slot tomorrow if you want a massage>
<That's an indulgence, too much $$, money I'd rather spend on dates>
<it would be on me, off the books>
<well that's different - let me know! :-)>
<ok, goodnight Jack, have sweet dreams>
<I plan on it, hoping to see you there, Goodnight>
"Okay, the alarm is set" I said.
"That was an awful lot of clicks to just set an alarm, were you texting your girlfriend?"
"Yes, we have a date Wednesday."
"...hmmh..." she pouted.
"Jealous? Seriously? We're sleeping together!"
"But she gets to date you!"
"You want me to ask her to switch? You and I would date, she and I would sleep together and boff like bunnies..."
"You're a meanie, you know we can't 'date', 'HR'. Besides, how many dates until she gets that too? She wins either way."
"Contrary to popular opinion, I am not 'easy'. If we go down that road, I can't imagine it'll be for a while yet. I promise, I'll let you know."
"I hope we get the job. I want you to have a chance with her."
I kissed her. "That's just about the nicest thing I've ever heard, thank you."
"Kiss me goodnight again, then hold me until morning, I want to enjoy this while it lasts."
We kissed again. "Goodnight Jenny" I was already drifting off, content and comfortable with Jenny cuddled up to me.
"G'night, Sweetie." She nuzzled on my bare chest and played a little with my hair.
*****
The next day was hectic. We were 'ticking the boxes' on the steps to wind down our role in the project. It seemed everyone was trying to get everything that was pushed from the holiday done plus all the new business. In addition, Jenny and I put our 'hats in the ring' for the promotion to oversee the construction project, and I had all the stuff I didn't do over the long weekend. I was worried about acting 'normal' around Jenny, I didn't want any other members of the team to know about our bedroom activities, and I didn't want Jenny to feel weird. It turned out the point was moot, I was too busy to do anything but work, or notice if anyone caught on.
We ate lunch and dinner in the conference room, by 20:30 we were finally caught up, and I was beat. I was ready to close up shop, going through my messages before I turned on "do not disturb" for the evening:
Email: Subject: Position opening, interview, tomorrow....13:15, Webex Id...{add to calendar}
Email: Subject: Expense report received...{mark task complete}
Email: Subject: Permit request, Utilities...{delegate to 'ops' team}
Email: Subject: Human Resources REQ, Transfer request/forms required...{create task, forward docs, mark task complete}
....
Text: From Bill in HR <I have the docs, if Jenny's gets in, you are in too, good luck...>
Text: From VP, Ops <Jack, call me on my cell tomorrow, I think Jenny's a good fit for the gig, but I want to know how she is to work for, off the record, before your interview later..>
Text: From Namaste Spa <Your complimentary hot stone massage appointment is for 21:30 this evening, please feel free to arrive anytime up to 90 minutes before to prepare and take advantage of our facilities...>
Text: From John (father in law) <Are you going to make it in for the holidays? Your nieces and nephews want to see their Uncle Jacques...>
Text: From Jenny <Busy later?>
This one I decided needed an immediate reply, <Rain check? I'm beat>
<I could rub you shoulders?>
<Actually I'm on my way to the spa, 'hot stone' massage>
<good for you! I'm glad I lured you to the dark side, my vices are now your vices>
<me too, I like the dark side. See you tomorrow? We have a meeting at 09:30 but I'd like to chat with you beforehand, the old man wants to talk to me off the record about the gig. "how it is to work with you">
<Sure, did you want to meet for tea in the morning? or should I just nudge you awake?>
<You are a tease>
<I am NOT, I am thirsty however>
<How will I ever miss you, if I don't ever 'not' see you? >
<YOU are the tease, I WILL miss you, see you in the morning, 7:30ish?>
<OK, goodnight Boss Lady>
I went down to the spa, and after taking a quick shower went for my massage. Mei greeted me with a smile:
"Welcome back, Sir. I'd like to work on that trouble spot from last time. The stones should work well." she said as I settled on the table.
"Thanks, some of the areas around there are wonked up too."
She started on my lower back, I felt the tangled muscles jump at her touch.
"Oh my, what have you been doing? I've only run into this sort of strain in this area a few times before, once was when someone was dancing to exuberantly and once a newlywed was 'honeymooning' too exuberantly."
"...." I paused, how do I tell her I strained by back screwing someone else? I decided do not hide anything. I quietly told her everything: my relationship with Jenny, the sex, my intention to stay in town for several years, how our friendship informed my decisions, everything.
She stopped messaging me. Then I felt her weight on my back as she hugged me.
"When we're done here, I'm coming up to your room, we have much to discuss." She whispered.
She continued the massage, using the hot stones to relieve my strained muscles. She didn't speak again until she was done.
"That area in your lumbar region still needs work. It seems to me that the way you're exercising puts tension on it. I'd like to show you some techniques to build some strength and flexibility. You could alternate your 'workouts' to ease the strain. Regardless, you should come back regularly so that I can work on you. You can request me by name when you make a reservation."
I wondered if she thought our conversations could be overheard. If so, I hoped I wasn't going to get her in trouble for discussing our friendship. I also wondered if she intended the double entendre. In any case I merely thanked her and said that when I made follow up appointments I would certainly request her. I skipped the Jacuzzi and shower and retired to my room. I heard her knock about half an hour later.
Mei's teary-eyed face greeted me as I opened the door. She glomped onto me, I was caught off balance by the ambush and staggered back a few steps then fell backwards onto the bed. Mei landed on top of me and kissed me fiercely, deeply, passionately.
"Is this is becoming the standard procedure? I greet you at the door and you're crying and leap into my arms? Not that I think that's a bad thing..." I inquired, once we broke the kiss and I was able to take a breath.
"Oh Jack, I don't know if I can make you understand, I am so happy!"
"I think that I have an idea..." I responded before kissing her in return.
"I was so afraid of allowing myself to care about someone, and I couldn't help myself. I started caring about you and I was certain that you'd leave me...<smooch>...and I was holding myself back...<smooch>...and now you tell me that you're going to try and stay...<smooch>...and that maybe I'm not going to just lose you...<smooch>...I'm ecstatic!"
Each of her statements was punctuated with a little kiss. It was so adorable I couldn't help myself, I held on to her and laughed in between her kisses.
"I'm happy that you are happy; but, I haven't gotten the promotion yet. I don't know that I can stay."
"But you want to, and you're trying to make it happen, that's what makes me happy!"
"I don't mean to spoil the mood, but you did hear the rest of what I told you, right?"
"Yes, and I am a little bit jealous..." She said she started unbuttoning my shirt. "But, a rival?... that I can handle!" She kissed me deeply as she started working on my belt.
"Slow down, honey..."
"Don't you want to? I know we've really only had one date, but I..."
"That's not what I meant. We have all night, we don't need to hurry, I want us to take our time."
"Oooo, I like how you think, the second round will be nice and slow, but now..." She rendered my objections moot. She straddled me and 'went to town', our first time would not be slow.
*****
I felt like I was asleep for only a moment when the alarm on my smartphone went off. It was quarter to seven and I was spooning my new lover. I didn't want to get out of bed. As I silenced the alarm I noticed a text waiting, it was timestamped a just few minutes earlier.
Text: From Jenny <I ordered breakfast to my room for our meeting @07:30, if you want to swing up early you can.>
I replied: <I just woke up, I need to shower etc.>
<shower here, I'll scrub your back ;-) >
<as tempting as that is, I have to pass this time, I'll take you up on the tea, I be up as soon as I can, and I'm sorry>
<I'm just flirting, why are you sorry?>
<I'll explain when I see you, it's nothing bad>
<OK, see you soon>
I took a shower and did my best to do my regular morning routine quietly. Once I was dressed I gently shook Mei's shoulder.
"Mei, sweetheart, I need to go to work."
"Good morning" She replied sleepily, "I'm getting up..."
"No, honey, you don't have to. I just didn't want you to to wake up alone, and I wanted to give you a good morning kiss. Give me a call later, okay?" I gave her a kiss on the forehead.
"Thank you, I feel like I can sleep for a week, you wore me out."
"And I wish I could stay, I think you undid all the fixing you did with the stones."
"My shift starts at one o'clock, and I have a dinner break at six or seven, I can fix you up then."
"Did you forget? we're having dinner together at seven, you'll have to fix me another time. Why don't you go back to sleep until your shift? Do you want me to request a wake up call? "
"You'll spoil me, thanks, eleven thirty?"
"Done, sleep well."
She burrowed under the blankets, hugged a pillow, and and inhaled deeply.
"Mmmm...smells like you, I'll miss you."
I called the front desk for the wake up call and left to meet Jenny. I had some trepidation about meeting with her. I braced myself for the worst when I knocked on her door.
"Have a seat, Jack" Jenny greeted me, and indicated the table in her suite that had breakfast for two laid out. Once I sat, she sat across from me, grabbed a scone and took a bite. I could tell she was tense. After she crossed her legs, they would nervously bounce a little. She adjusted her bathrobe, and asked: "So, Jack, what's up?"
"First, I owe you an apology. I promised I'd warn you before my relationship with Mei took the next step, and..."
"Last night?!" She interrupted.
"Yea, it turns out I'm 'easier' than I believed."
"When did you even have time to?...I mean did you change your mind after your spa visit and call her over? Or did she call you, or??? I'm sorry, I guess I'm jealous, you could've called me."
"It was kind of a spur of the moment thing." I replied between bites of croissant. "Jenny, I've never considered you just a 'booty call'."
"I know Jack, I guess I'm just surprised, and for whatever reason the logistics was the first thing that crossed my mind. But, now I'm curious. How?"
"I guess I didn't mention this before, Mei is my masseuse."
"Really? Way to go Jack! That's like the stuff of legend. You seduced your masseuse!"
"It wasn't looking for that initially, I found her easy to talk to, and she's a good companion. It wasn't a 'pick up'." I replied, defensively.
"I know you Jack, I know it wasn't. I'm teasing you."
"You're taking this better than I thought you would."
"Like I told you before, I sincerely hope that you have a chance with her, for something real. I want that for you."
"Thanks Jenny, that means a lot to me."
"Did you tell her about us?"
"I did. I told her everything. How we're trying for the promotion together, how I want to stay in one place for a while, our relationship, the sex, everything."
"How did she react?"
"I'm not sure how to say this."
"Just spit it out, I can take it."
"I think it turned her on."
"What?!"
"The rivalry, I think she wants to 'outdo' you, I think it's a turn on for her."
"Oh, that's delicious" She said as she stood, and tugged at the tie of her robe.
"What?!"
"It is a turn on Jack, take me." She shrugged and her robe fell to the floor.
"Jenny...wait...we don't have time."
She assumed a provocative pose on the bed. "We do, If you'd stop dilly-dally-ing, and get out of those clothes!"
I didn't have to be asked twice
*****
My call with 'The Old Man' was unusual to say the least. For starters, I was nude. In addition I was in my boss's hotel room, having just finished sex with her a quarter hour ago. The purpose of the call was to give my opinion, to the Vice President of Operations (The Old Man), about working for Jenny. Sort of like a job interview, or referral. Usually these types of calls are confidential, so that one could express concerns, if any, without reservation, as the person in question would not know the responses. I couldn't do that on this call as Jenny was fellating me while the call was on the speakerphone.
"...Yes, Sir , Jenny and I've worked in the field together for about four years, I'd say we have a good relationship." I answered the VP's latest question.
"Do the jobs she gives you present any particular problems?"
"On occasion one of her jobs may present a challenge to me, but I'm finding that enhances my experience." Jenny smiled up at me with her eyes at the double entendre.
"So it's a 'feature', and not a 'bug'?"
"Yes, I've never been bored with any of the jobs Jenny's given me."
"So why do you want the change, or did you just want to stay on Jennifer's team?"
"Actually it was my idea. Jet-setting was growing tiresome, and I was ready to take on a larger role."
"And she wants the gig because you want to stay put?"
"I don't believe so. I think she's proven to herself that she is capable of whatever task she puts her mind to, and is ready for 'what's next'. Our desires happen to overlap. I have no reservations."
"From where you're sitting are you satisfied with her, with the job she is doing?"
I had to mute the line. I couldn't hold back my laughter anymore.
"Jenny...I'm about to..." she redoubled her efforts, I made a mess all over her. She stood up and walked to the bathroom, patting me on the shoulder as she passed.
"Jack, you still there?" The VP asked over the speakerphone. I then un-muted the line.
"Sorry about that, sir. There must've been a drop in the signal. I was saying that from where I sit, I'm extremely satisfied." Jenny's and my eyes met, we exchanged grins. "However you should know my opinions are not unbiased. I really like Jenny, we've been friends longer than we've been coworkers. I feel that I am a better professional for having worked with her and a better person for having known her. It is difficult for me to be entirely objective in my evaluation." I could tell by Jenny's reaction, she was touched by my statement.
"That's OK Jack." The VP replied. "From my perspective, the results speak for themselves. The two of you as a team create a case where the 'total is greater than the sum of the parts'; whatever it is you two are doing together, I want you to keep doing it!" Jenny covered her mouth to stifle her giggle. "We were hoping that Jennifer wanted this role, but she gets to pick her own 'number two', I was hesitant to offer her the position if you weren't on her team because you two work so well together, and I didn't want to take a chance on an unknown quantity. The teams you two work on have always gotten projects done on time and under budget, productivity is excellent. I have no reservations endorsing her to oversee the 'tower project', as long as you are part of the deal."
"Thank you, Sir. I appreciate your confidence in us; however, I do have a concern about a minor detail."
Jenny 'mouthed' to me: "what are you doing?!"
"What's your concern, Jack?" He asked.
"It's the expense schedule and the per-Diem. One of the things that keeps me sane and productive is regular massages for stress relief. These are available at the hotel here, and are on the expense schedule; but, won't be once I move to one of the apartments."
"So you want me to make that expense part of the offer?"
"I want you to let me hire a masseuse, put them on retainer or whatever. I'm concerned that if I expense regular masseuse visits to my apartment, it'll look shady."
"It's not the most unusual request I've heard. Could you bill it as 'personal training'?"
"I don't see why not, I know Jenny would want access as well."
"One 'personal trainer' for the two of you? Yea, I can cover that, no problem. You have a local resource? No, what am I saying? you're the PM and 'fixer', you probably have half a dozen candidates already vetted."
"Something like that."
He laughed, "OK, I imagine '10-k' a year would cover it? I'm probably coming out ahead, of expensing per appointment."
"Twelve five" I replied, deadpan.
"Done. Anything else?"
"Nope, not from me, I can't speak for Jenny but I've seen my offer and I'm happy with it."
"OK then, I don't see anything in the way of you two taking over next month, as soon as you get the housing 'reqs' into HR, go ahead and move in. Assuming that Jennifer takes the offer, that is"
I looked over at Jenny, she was 'fist pumping', she seemed on board.
"From what I understand, she wants this, but it might not hurt to sweeten the terms. Maybe you can throw her some vacation time or better yet send her one of those excursion packets you had me take care of for the 'salesperson of the year' last May, I hear Bora-Bora is nice this time of year."
Now Jenny's eyes were as big as saucers, I think she was about to cry.
"Hmm, I can see why she likes having you as a 'fixer'...did you want a week's getaway to Bora-Bora also?"
"Since you're offering, yes, but two weeks, with expenses and with 'plus one's."
Jenny silenced a gasp, I had just demanded a pair of $30,000 vacation packages on top of our raises, benefit packages and a full time masseuse.
"Jesus, Jack, you drive a hard bargain. I'll get you the trips but you'll both have to take them before taking on the new role."
"I can make that work, it's not ideal, but I can make it work. Did you have any other questions for me? I see we're approaching the top of the hour and I don't think I can squeeze much else out of you."
"Ha ha! Jack you are a tough negotiator. If Jennifer doesn't take this deal, I want you back at the home office, and on my team."
"We'll cross that bridge if we come to it. Fair warning though, I don't come cheap! Have a good day, Old Man."
"You too Jack. <click>"
Jenny melted into my arms, and kissed me deeply.
"Oh, Jack, Bora-Bora? How did you know? I've always wanted to vacation in the South Pacific. Once I get you there I am going to wear you out!" We then kissed again. "But, why did you insist on the 'plus -one's'? There's no one else I'd rather go with than you."
"I had to Jenny, we can't let on to the higher ups about us, you know that."
"Yea, but the travel agency will report who the tickets are issued to."
"True, but if no one complains, the agency won't know if someone doesn't show up."
"Jesus, Jack, that's like throwing away over ten grand!"
"More like twenty. You're worth it, or would you like me to invite Mei?"
"I know you're not serious, but I would actually like that. You like her, I bet she's great. I'd like to get to know her."
"Sooner or later you will, I plan on putting her on retainer as our 'personal trainer'."
"Mmmm, we have some time before our nine-thirty, I want to thank you properly for the trip and the nice things you said about me."
"Jenny, I meant every word. I don't want you to take this the wrong way, but..."
"Hmm?" She asked while nibbling my ear.
"For the next little while, I'd like to hold you, and kiss you, and not have sex."
"Actually, that sounds nice."
We necked until it was time to start our business day.
*****
The remainder of the workday was relatively routine. We were in the final stages of our (current) role in the project. The number of items left to complete on the checklist kept dwindling. We actually finalized the process of reassigning members of the team for the London project coming up. Prior to lunch I received my revised offer for my new role to start next month. I confirmed with Jenny that she got hers as well. During our morning coffee break, we both sent off our electronic acceptances to the higher ups and the appropriate paperwork to human resources. We chatted some while the rest of the team was out of the room, getting their tea or coffee or whatever.
"Hey Boss Lady?" I inquired.
"Yes Jack, what's up."
"If you keep flirting with me during work, we're going to have a couple of problems."
"I don't know what you are talking about." She replied coyly, while twirling a lock of her hair with a finger.
"Jenny, I like the attention. I really do, but, I have to try hard not to be distracted. Every time you walk by, or look at me with your 'bedroom eyes', I have lust filled thoughts about you. When you 'casually' touch my shoulder as you pass, it's like being hit with electricity. You know the effect you have on me, you're doing it on purpose."
"I'm just being friendly, Jack"
"And your hand in my lap? What about playing 'footsie' under the table? Or was that Monica?"
"That wasn't me...<cough, cough!>" She said under her breath, at least that's what I thought she said, before she covered her mouth to stifle her cough. She then said a little louder: "Did you want it to be Monica? I think I'm sharing you enough! And, what kinds of lusty thoughts?
"How I want to sit you on the conference table and have you for lunch, or bend you over that credenza over there and..."
"Okay I get it, I'm sorry Jack. I'll try not to get you all wound up while we're working."
"Thanks Jenny"
"You have plans tonight, Jack?"
"I'm having dinner with Mei during her break at 19:00 but otherwise free. Why?"
"I'm reserving the conference room tonight, say 21:30? Let's see if we can do something about your lusty thoughts...Before I forget, did you want to grab some coffee before we start the next meeting?"
"I'd like to, but I can't stand up at the moment. Could you fetch it for me? Two sugars, no cream?"
"Sure thing, lover. Be right back."
A few minutes later a meeting invite popped up on my phone:
<Meeting time: 21:30, duration: TBD, attendees req: TBD, subject TBD, location: conf room 1063>
*****
Dinner with Mei was pleasant, some chit chat while we ate. Then, while we were sharing a dessert I broached the subject of our future:
"Tell me about your arrangement with the spa, and the hotel" I asked.
"Down the street is a dormitory. Many of the employees of the hotel, restaurant, and spa live there. We get a food allowance for the dining room at the dormitory and we get a monthly paycheck. they deposit about ten percent of our contract amount when we start, minus uniform fees and some other expenses, about half is doled out over the year, we get the remainder at the end of the contract minus any penalties from damages, or whatever. We get to keep about half of our tips."
"Sounds like a decent deal, do you save your money? or send it home to your family? or do you need it to live?"
"I try to save it. One of these days I'll go back to my village and hopefully have enough to help buy a house and a plot, if I find a husband."
"And, how much is your total for the year? do you get a bonus if you renew?"
"About the equivalent of six-thousand dollars (US). maybe another five-hundred if I re-up. Why do you ask?"
"I got the offer to work on the project, and I took it. I'll be in town for about the next four years."
"Oh, Jack that's wonderful!" She exclaimed, beaming. "But what does that have to do with my contract?"
"Well, I negotiated the cost of a 'personal trainer' for my boss and I as a condition of taking the offer. I'd like it if you didn't have to work at the spa anymore. I could contribute to your savings, more than you are making now."
"But, but...where would I live? I don't know how much you can give me but it won't work if I have to spend it all on rent."
"Mei, I want to make sure you understand what I'm offering you. I'm not paying you to be my girlfriend, or to share my bed. The money would be yours regardless of how our relationship progresses. I am not attaching any strings, but, I'd like it if you lived with me. I'm getting an apartment, there will be plenty of space. You can have a room of your own."
"So I'd be a live in servant? I'd cook for you and clean for you too?"
"No! I would never allow that. I don't want you to be my servant, I said 'no strings'. I will have a maid, she won't live there, but she'll come and clean a couple times a week. You can cook, sometimes, if you want, or I'll cook for you."
"Is the money for me...or...or...um, my father?"
"Your father? I don't understand."
"Is that my bride's price? Are you asking me to m..m..marry you?"
"I think it's a little early for that, don't you? I like you, quite a bit, and I'm flattered that you thought that maybe I'd be husband material, but, I'm asking only what I'm asking. Live with me, rub my back every now and then, be my friend, and let's see what develops. I know it's a big step and we haven't known each other that long. Think it over, I have time."
"Yes!"
"Yes, you'll think it over?"
"Yes, I'll live with you, a thousand times yes!" She almost knocked the table over as she jumped into my arms and kissed me.
After a few moments, we disengaged and I told her: "Wait, there's more."
"I don't need any more, I'm so happy!"
"Regardless, I need to know if you have a passport, or can get one relatively quickly."
"I don't, but it doesn't take long, I have all my papers."
"Good, if you can start the process tomorrow, that would be a good idea, because in three weeks we're going on vacation."
"It might take longer to get me out of my contract here, and I'll lose my final payment, and they'll find a way to apply penalties."
"They won't. You see, your agency, they'll want to do business with me over the next few years, I'll have control over the housing and services for hundreds of workers and dozens of executives, they'll bend over backwards to give me whatever I want, and in this case, what I want is whatever it is you want. Let me know the contact information for whomever it is that holds your contract. I'll set up a meeting and inform him that you're done, I'll turn down the bribe he's likely to offer me and I'll make sure you get what you've earned. As a matter of fact, if you have friends that want 'out' but can't because of the contract, let me know and I'll take care of them too. It'll actually make it easier. They can work for me or they can go home with their pay."
"Okay, when do we move?"
"When we get back from Bora Bora, five weeks from now."
After dinner I gave her a kiss goodnight and told her I'd see her the next afternoon once she has a list of names.
*****
After I walked with Mei down to the spa, I texted Jenny:
<hey Boss Lady?>
<Yes?>
<This meeting tonight, conference room? really? why not your place or mine?>
<invite said conf room, that's where I want you>
<OK, do I need to bring anything?>
<no, but dress professionally pls>
I thought I had some idea of what she had in mind, shortly after I arrived I realized how wrong I was. Jenny was waiting for me in the conference room. She was wearing business attire, sort of. Everything seemed altered in some way; tighter, more revealing, sexier. A couple of buttons were undone on her blouse, the skirt was high enough that I could glimpse the tops of her stockings and the clips on her garters. Her hair and makeup was different. More sultry than would be expected of an executive. Overall the subtle (and some not so subtle) differences added up to a extremely sexy look. To compare to how she looked during the day (in the same suit) would be the difference between 'attractive librarian' to 'super-hot librarian'.
"Mr. Jones, have a seat." She ordered, her tone stern.
I sat, unsure of what to expect, but looking forward to it. Jenny walked behind me.
"It has come to my attention that you've been distracted at meetings..." She ran her fingers through my hair, messing it up. "...that you've been looking at me with inappropriate intentions..." She walked back around in front of me. I noticed a few more of her buttons were undone. Damn she looked hot. "...we can't have that..." She sat on my lap, facing me. I could feel the humid warmth of her on me She continued speaking in between kisses to my neck. She untied my necktie, and unbuttoned to top two buttons of my shirt to get better access. "I think we need to get these fantasies of yours out of your head, and I might have one or two others I want to explore..." Our lips overlapped, we kissed passionately, my hands roamed over her, looking for things to unfasten, I wanted her clothes out of my way. "Oh, no, mister. No touching. I think I'm going to punish you for being so naughty at work..." She then ripped open my shirt sending buttons flying, running her nails and her mouth across my chest while grinding into my lap. I was on fire. Just as I was about to lift her and onto the table to enjoy what she was apparently offering me she stood up. took my necktie and again walked behind me. I wasn't sure what she was planning but I wasn't expecting her to tie my hands or to blindfold me.
"What are you doing?" I asked.
"Trust me, you'll love this. wait a minute and then take what's on the conference table for you."
I waited a few moments, I heard some shuffling in front of me. and then then scooched the chair forward using my feet. Once I reached the table I leaned in. My cheek brushed smooth skin (a thigh?). I could smell Jenny's favorite perfume, but something was different. I wasn't sure the woman on the table was Jenny. I leaned in a little more and the subtle differences kept piling up. The woman's legs on the table were bare, and I didn't think Jenny had time to take off the garters and stockings. She didn't smell like Jenny, even though she wore her perfume. She felt different, she sounded different too, her little gasps and coos weren't noises quite like what I was familiar with. What was Jenny doing? She must've thought that I'd be okay with this. She asked me to trust her and she said earlier that she was fulfilling fantasies. This, however; was no longer my fantasy, it was someone else's. Jenny's? the mystery woman's? I had no idea who else would want this. Jenny wouldn't trust a stranger in this situation, and she said she had trouble making friends who were locals. She didn't know Mei (and I would've recognized her, even blindfolded) it had to be someone on our team. Who? Laura was 'batting for the other team', I thought Monica was too shy, and Leslie seems happily married. The shyness could explain the blindfold. I decided to take a chance.
"I'm glad it's you, Monica." I said before I dove in.
"Oh, Jack!" she said as she wrapped her fingers in my hair and pulled me closer.
I did my best to please her. I didn't stop until my jaw started to hurt and, judging by her reactions, she enjoyed my efforts, more than once. By then I had worked my hands free of the necktie that bound them (Jenny had only loosely tied them in a bow) and took off the sleep mask that was being used and a blindfold. I stood and slowly worked my way up to Monica's face to kiss her. She wrapped her arms around me. I gazed down at her. Drinking in the sight of her, nude and apparently ready for whatever came next.
"You are so beautiful..." I told her as I leaned in for a kiss.
"I'm glad you finally noticed me." she replied a little meekly, in between kisses.
"I've noticed before now, but we're coworkers. I didn't want to be inappropriate, or make you uncomfortable."
Her whisper tickled my ear. "I've wanted this for so long. Jack, please, make love to me."
"Um..we shouldn't...I wasn't expecting to...I didn't come prepared. I don't have protection"
"Don't worry, I have that department covered. She answered, as her hands worked at my belt. I kicked off my shoes and finished the job Monica started on getting my pants off.
We coupled while I cradled her and tried to keep my weight off her with my forearms. It was a little awkward, we were on a table after all. She wrapped herself around me and set a nice slow pace, pressing her heels against my backside, our lips rarely separated.
Sometime later, just after we 'finished', she whispered to me, "That was very nice, thank you. I wish we'd done this sooner. I love you. I feel like I've always loved you." She wiped a tear, the expression on her face was hard to read.
I froze.
"I am so sorry, how could I have been so obtuse? I had no idea... and...and...I'm sorry I can't start a relationship with you, I would not have done what we just did if I thought that you didn't just want to have fun." I whispered back, concerned.
"It's okay Jack, I know that you love someone else, and it's not like I let you know how I felt. I'm just happy we had tonight. I leave for London the day after tomorrow, and now I have something to remember you by."
"You deserve better. I'm sorry."
"It's late, and I'd like to spend a little more time with you. I'm not one for clubbing, how about you come to my room and we..."
"What? I don't know if that's a good idea... Can I have half an hour? To think it over and to freshen up?"
"Sure, see you then, room 1436."
We disentangled and she quickly got dressed and she practically skipped out of the room. I approached Jenny who apparently had been enjoying watching us. Her hand was still under her skirt.
"How long have you known?"
"That she had a crush on you? I suspected for a while, but didn't know until she confided in me at our coffee break this morning."
"She didn't tell you everything. It's not just a crush, she's in love with me. I don't think she was just here to play."
"What?!"
"You heard me, and the way you set this up, how can she not feel bad? Hell, I feel...I don't know how I feel... If I knew she... I could've handled the situation in such a way that she doesn't get hurt. I certainly wouldn't have had sex with her. Now I feel like and ass."
"Jack, it was her idea, well not exactly in all of the details, the tying you up was all for me to get my jollies, regardless, she let me know that she 'had the hots' for you and regretted never taking a chance. Today, she finally got up the nerve and you seemed not to notice. It was her playing footsie with you, and half the time her hand was in your lap, not mine. I...I'm sorry... I told her about us, and about how turned on you were by the flirting, including what she was doing, but that you didn't know it wasn't me. Then I told her about your fantasy of having me for lunch on the conference table, and we came up with the scheme. Maybe she wanted more than to just play, but settled for what she could get. She certainly seemed pleased, she was walking on air when she left."
"In addition to setting me up to break her heart, you put us both in a very vulnerable position. If Monica decides that she's upset about how she feels about this, and brings it to HR... Aside from all that, I'm not sure how to handle this. I feel like I owe her more than to just let her leave after this. I'll have to do some damage control, I will thoroughly enjoy doing it, but that's beside the point. Whose fantasies were you trying to fulfill anyway?""
"I didn't know she was in love with you, and I certainly didn't intend to make you angry." She then knelt in front of me. "Let me make it up to you, and then we can work on your fantasy of doing me while bent over that credenza..." She went to work cleaning me up from my time on the conference table. I stopped her after only a few moments and guided her into the position she'd just described.
"Jennifer, you've been a very bad girl, and I never said my fantasy was to 'do' you like this"
"But, you said..."
"You interrupted me before I could finish telling you, my fantasy is to spank you like this."
I did, she liked it.
*****
I called Mei. I thought that it would be better to tell her about what happened, rather than wait. I didn't want to hide anything from her. Mei knew about Jenny and our 'friendship with benefits', but this latest escapade; with Jenny getting a little kinky and bringing another woman into the mix, was beyond what I thought Mei 'signed off on'.
I was surprised. Mei didn't sound upset. She seemed more curious about how much I liked it, who this other woman was, and what other things might turn me on. I speculated to myself that Mei counted my little adventure as part of 'sex with Jenny' and therefore part of their rivalry instead of Monica being another rival. I braced myself for Mei's reaction, then told her about how Monica confessed her love, and how I got angry at Jenny for involving her in our playing if she knew.
The line was silent for a long moment after I dropped that bomb.
"Do you love her?" Mei asked.
"No, I told her I couldn't return her feelings, and that I was sorry she got mixed up in this, and for not realizing that she had feelings for me."
"How did she take it?"
"Pretty well, I think she thought it was a hopeless cause. She leaves for London the day after tomorrow."
"I bet she's torn up inside."
"What should I do?"
"Go to her. Make her last night a good one, without Jenny watching."
"Are you okay with that?"
"I'll get over it. Make her feel special, I don't want to hear the details later."
I was relieved, I wanted there to be 'closure' and for both Monica and for me.
*****
I changed clothes and promised myself that I'd make Jenny buy me a new shirt, or at least get new buttons sewn on. Then I went up to Monica's room.
When I first saw her I was struck with a wave of both arousal and guilt. She was wearing a snow white negligee that was hauntingly familiar. It reminded me of my wedding night with Gretchen. I suspected that Monica had been saving it for a special occasion.
"You look lovely, Monica."
"Thank you. Do you really like it? I bought it in Singapore, not long after we first met."
"Yes, it suits you well, but, that isn't what I meant. You're radiant."
"My dreams are coming true, of course I'm happy."
"Monica, you do understand that tonight will be our only night together, right? I mean, I don't want to hurt you, but, I can't be the man of your dreams. Maybe we should stop now, just sit and talk or whatever else you want. I don't want you to be sad later because I can't give you what it is you are hoping for."
"I know the score, Jack. All I'm hoping for is a 'fond farewell', and that we part on good terms. I know that I might not ever see you again, or if I do it will be at a company meeting or something. But you agreed to me mine for the night, and I'm happy to take you up on that. I want tonight to be special, and I know I'm being selfish, but I don't want to 'sit and chat', I want us to be lovers. I want a night to remember, for both of us."
Our lovemaking was tender, and gentle, and slow. Several times she again told me she loved me. Each time she did it stabbed my heart. Between sessions we reminisced about working together, we laughed about the funny things that happened at past holiday parties, or cultural faux pas. We talked about our aspirations and ambitions; how someday I wanted to be a freelance consultant, how someday she wanted to be a mother. Eventually we fell asleep.
I woke up with Monica astride my waist, apparently she wanted one last time before breakfast.
"I only promised to be yours for the night, it's morning." I playfully told her.
"Do you want me to stop?" She asked as she positioned herself.
"No." I answered as I rose to meet her.
"I wanted to thank you for taking care of me last night, I know you didn't have to, and I appreciate how sweet you were to me. I know it was for me and not really for you. But right now, this is for you."
"How do you manage to be so beautiful, even so early in the morning?"
"I bet you say that to all the women who wake you this way."
"Of that, I am guilty. But it is no less true for that. You are beautiful, and I am going to miss you."
She paused, leaned down and hugged me fiercely, "I'm going to miss you, so much." I felt tears drop on my collarbone. I held her face in my hands and kissed her tears away.
"None of that. I want you to go to London with a smile. Our little affair was short, but we packed it pretty full."
"Do you think if I...if we...sooner...that we...maybe?"
"I'm sorry honey, I just don't know. Until very recently my heart was still with my wife. Inside, I've only recently stopped grieving and opened up to...starting again. Regardless, we can't live our lives in what might have been. I hope that when you find someone else, and I'm sure you will, that you think of me fondly, but don't compare them to me, you haven't had a chance to learn about all my faults, and there are plenty of those."
"You don't have any faults here in bed..." She said as she resumed taking care of me.
"If you keep this up, we're going to be late for our morning meeting."
"Then either hurry up, or fire me. I'll shack up with you and I'll negotiate a place in the rotation."
"Jesus, Monica, don't tempt me..."
"You are so going to miss me, you're going to wish that you took me up on keeping me as your mistress..." She then did something, with her hips? With her internal muscles? whatever it was, it was incredible, she brought our session to a conclusion, spectacularly. (wow! I think I saw stars). We were not going to be late.
"Woman, I can't even...Let's take a shower, I'll scrub your back, it'll save time." I said once I recovered enough to speak.
"Save time? My ass, you just can't get enough of me!"
"Guilty. Let's hurry, Can I borrow your toothbrush? I can get away with wearing what I wore last night, then I won't need to go to my room."
*****
We had an abbreviated workday. We made sure the workflows and projects were set up for the incoming team (lead by Jenny) and were done in time for lunch. We all went out to a local restaurant and had an impromptu 'going away' party. Monica wasn't the only one who was sad, we all had worked together for a number of months and had grown into a little family. We all laughed and had a good time, and drank a little more than was appropriate. Soon enough things wound down, and folks starting heading back to finish packing and getting ready for their respective flights out. Most of the team was heading to London, but a few took the opportunity transfer to another team. I saw Leslie and Laura sneak off hand in hand, apparently to say goodbye in private. Soon enough only Jenny, Monica, and I were left.
"Jennifer, it was a pleasure working with you, the London team won't be the same without you. Thanks for everything." Monica said as she gave Jenny a hug, then turned to me. "And you, I'm still sore, I'm going to miss you." She tentatively approached.
"Go ahead and kiss him, Mon" Jenny said, exasperated.
We kissed. Short and sweet. Just friendly enough not to be formal. I knew this was 'goodbye'.
"Goodbye Monica, I'll miss you too."
She left. After paying the bill a few minutes later, Jenny and I left also. We walked back to the hotel in silence. Once in the lobby we each selected our respective floors at the elevator.
"I'm sorry, Jenny. You couldn't have known, I shouldn't have been angry with you. I was literally 'blind-sided' by all this, and I lost my temper."
"That's okay, Jack. Did you have fun?" She playfully jabbed me with an elbow.
"I don't kiss and tell."
"Well, girls do. I heard you were very sweet to her, she was on cloud nine."
"That's good to know. And, you owe me a shirt."
The elevator arrived, we got in.
"So what's your plan for the rest of the day?"
"I need a nap, then I have a labor negotiation meeting at 16:00."
"Labor negotiation?"
"Yea, Mei and about half a dozen others, I'm getting them out of their contracts."
"Okay Jack, sleep well. Dinner later?" she asked as the elevator arrived at my floor .
"Sure drop me a text."
*****
Thus the chapter of my life as a grieving widower / globetrotting project manager came to a close. I started my new position as Assistant Director. The next two weeks flew by. I succeeded in getting Mei and six of her coworkers released from their contracts and paid out on their bonuses (prorated for 'time served'), one of which, Lin, became the housekeeper for the executive apartment building (a 'four flat'). I spent time overseeing the preparation and furnishing of the apartments, and pulled some strings to expedite Mei's passport. Before we knew it, it was time to leave on our vacation. Jenny had decided to invite her brother as her 'plus one' he would meet us there. Jenny, Mei, and I would fly together (there just weren't that many flights to Bora Bora).
The journey was long, almost twenty hours with the connections. Parts of it seemed even longer, with Jenny and Mei glaring at each other, I swear I could see the sparks flying between them. Once Jenny and Mei got together the rivalry ramped up, they even squabbled about who got to sit next to me. Eventually they started to get to know each other and I was 'odd man out', as they chatted and gossiped as if they were old friends. I no longer felt guilty napping en route.
"Hey Jack, wake up." Someone said while gently shaking me.
"Humph? wazzup?" I replied, not yet quite awake.
"We've worked out a plan" Jenny said.
"That's nice" I replied and tried to again get comfortable and doze.
"Yes, I get you Mondays and Wednesdays" Mei added.
"And I get you Tuesdays and Thursdays." Jenn said.
"What about the weekends? do I have to prowl singles' bars then?" I inquired jokingly.
"No silly, Friday and Saturday, you get to please us both." Mei answered.
"Or, we both get to please you, whichever way you want to think of it" Jenny added.
"And Sunday?" I asked.
"On Sundays, we all sleep late and rest up to do it all over again!" Mei replied.
"Good, we crossed the international date line. It's Sunday, I can go back to napping."
"Rookie, check your geography! It's Friday now, we crossed it going East. Time to play." Jenn exclaimed.
I managed to join the 'mile high club', twice.
After a long day travelling, we landed and took a pre-arranged shuttle to the resort. We checked in, Jenny chatted with Mark (her brother) on the phone, while he waited for a connection in Pape'ete. He would have Jenny's villa to himself. I imagined he would have a good time as a single guy at this resort. It was a target rich environment. He was still at least four hours away, so we settled into the king sized bed in my villa for a nap. Jenny on one side of me, Mei on the other. I gave both of them a squeeze just as I was drifting off to sleep, I was as content as I could imagine being.
"I love you." I said.
"I love you too." They replied in unison.
We had a very nice vacation, then, lived happily ever after.
*****
Afterward:
A few months after moving to the apartment, I received a wedding announcement from Monica. I thought to myself that I was happy that she 'got over me' so quickly, and that she definitely has a 'type'. Her husband, Lieutenant-Commander Reginald Prescott, RN (Ret.), looked like he could be my brother. We shared a similar bone structure, hair and eye color. I mused that she looked happy in her picture. I called up Jenny, we agreed to go shopping and send them some nice wedding gifts.
Christmas came some months later and I received a holiday card from Monica and her family. A photo of her and her husband and a baby that appeared to be only a few weeks old, and a note:
"Dearest:
Thank you so much for the thoughtful gift of the tea set and Darjeeling (how did you know it was Reggie's favourite?) I hope that you and yours are having a pleasant holiday season. I've enclosed a photo of Reggie and I, and our newest family member, Jackson. The photo was taken just after his christening last month, he's grown so much since then and is really starting to look like his father.
I'd like to apologize in advance, by the time you read this, some official from the British consulate is walking up to your door, I'm sorry for the position you are about to be put in, and I also want to thank you for your assistance (although at the time I didn't know how much you would be helping, and you certainly didn't seem to mind)
Love:
M "
I had no idea to what she was referring to with 'helping', and consulate officials, but I was spooked a little by the timing of her child's birth and the name choice. I checked the envelope that the card came in. It had no postmarks. I was extra spooked. What was going on? What was she trying to tell me? There was a knock on the door, just as I was adding dates and doing math (I guessed Jackson was conceived between forty and forty four weeks prior to the date on the back of the photo, our affair was within that window, shit!)
A well dressed gentleman greeted me when I opened the door. Everything about him silently screamed 'I'm British!'. The bespoke suit with a tweed waistcoat, the cuff-links, the undercurrent of stuffiness and pomposity, he looked like he just stepped off of Savile Row.
"Jacques-Yves Lefeuvre?" He inquired.
"I am he, but I go by 'Jack Smith'."
"Of course, sir. Niles Cambridge, I've been instructed to deliver these documents and answer any questions that you may have about them."
"Very well, come in. I was just about to put a pot on, is Earl Grey all right?"
"Yes, If I may, thank you."
I set out tea and started perusing the documents. Mei had planned on joining me for tea but excused herself when she saw I had a guest. The packet contained several legal papers; a custodial release, a non-disclosure agreement, and something about the 'state secrets act'. There was also a personal letter from an Admiral and another from a member of the royal family.
"It'll take me some time, and consultation with a barrister, to understand what all of this is, can you summarize?"
"Reginald Prescott is something of a national hero. He saved the lives of hundreds, and prevented an international incident, while serving in Her Majesty's Submarine Service. He did not come out of 'the accident' entirely unscathed. After consultation with experts it was determined it was best if he did not father children. The details of the accident and Prescott's 'injuries' are a matter of national security. The position of the Royal Navy, and by extension Her Majesty's government, is that it would be best if the the public believed that Lt. Commander Prescott's children were his own. We would like your cooperation in this regard."
"Let me guess, his gonads got irradiated when he rescued his boat from some cock-up. And someone doesn't want the BBC reporting how lax safety is, or how vulnerable nuclear reactors are, or worse, the warheads are on Her Majesty's submarine service? Or perhaps they're worried about recruiting sailors if there's a perception that they will become sterile, or have babies with birth defects from serving their country?"
"I can neither confirm nor deny..."
"Exactly what is it the Crown is asking me to do?"
"Give up your son."
"No."
"And be a 'donor' for his siblings, and keep quiet about it."
"Again, no. I am not a subject of the UK, I have no obligation. The way I see it, this is a private matter between Jackson's mother and I."
"It's not a matter of obligation, we know you have none. However; I believe your government may have a say in how you interact with the navy of a fellow NATO ally. Regardless, there would be compensation..."
"You insult me, sir. My children are not for sale!"
"Please sir, you know that isn't what I meant."
"Regardless, I'm not signing anything until I speak the boy's mother, and a lawyer. You may go, I'll be in touch after I've spoken with Mrs. Prescott."
"I would prefer if you used a secure line at the consulate."
"And I would prefer speaking with her in person. fly me to London."
"That can be arranged; however, may I suggest you speak to Mrs. Prescott prior to flying out?"
"Very well, good day, sir. I'll contact you to arrange the call. I'll want a conference room with video, and I want it at the U.S. Embassy, not your consulate."
"I'll see if I can arrange that, good day."
I waved in the general direction of the door. He let himself out.
"What was all that about?" Mei asked as she came back into the room.
"Apparently, I have a son."
"That woman you gave a 'send off' to?"
"Looks that way."
"She suing for child support?"
"No, the opposite. I'm being asked to disown the child."
"I don't get it, she could've just not told you, and she'd get what she wanted, right?"
"Partially. She married some VIP, and he's sterile. They want me to father some more kids for them."
"Are you going to do it?"
"Mei, I loved being a dad, I want to do that again. But, I only thought of doing that with you. It bugs the hell out of me that there is a child of mine out there, and I can't be in their life. I certainly don't think I want to repeat that process."
"You want children? with me? Shouldn't we get married first?"
"Are you proposing? If so, the answer is 'yes'. How much do I owe your dad?"
"About the equivalent of $1000.00 (US), can we have the wedding in my village?"
"Sure, when?"
"After the rainy season would be best, wait, you know I was kidding, right? and you're changing the subject. What are you going to do about your former mistress"
"Monica can wait, if she really needs that favor she can ask me herself, and after I consult with you, we'll decide what to do. That government fop I'll deal with after we make a decision."
"But you were so angry with him. Will they just take 'no' for an answer?"
"This is early in a negotiation. I'm not giving an inch! At the very least they need to put something in writing that ensures he'll be taken care of, and that I get custody if something happens to Monica and her husband. Now, to get back to the other subject: I'm not kidding. I'll marry you as soon as you are ready. We can find a judge today if you want."
"Oh, Jack. I love you, but, there's no rush."
"Let's go shopping, Let's pick a ring. We're getting married!"
"You're going to make me cry. Let's go shopping later, I have other plans for you this afternoon."
*****
The next day, we met with Jenny for dinner.
"Mei, you've been fidgety since we sat down, what's up?" Jenny asked.
"We're getting married!" Mei exclaimed.
"Oh! that's wonderful, I am so happy for you both!" She was grinning from ear to ear. She was obviously happy for us. She reached over and exchanged hugs and kisses which each of us. "It took you long enough, Jack! Mei, tell me everything! How did he propose? Was it romantic? Did he get down on one knee?"
"Actually, Jenny, Mei proposed to me." I answered. "And, no, she didn't get down on one knee. We were talking about kids, and she said: 'shouldn't we get married first', and I said 'yes' and then we went looking at rings, and here we are."
"Oh, Jack you could've done better than that." Jenny whispered to me.
"I did." I whispered back, "Knock your spoon on to the floor."
"Oops!" Jenny exclaimed (a little too theatrically) as the spoon she bumped with her elbow landed near Mei's foot. I got down and 'took a knee', ostensibly to retrieve the spoon. I paused.
"Is something wrong, Jack?" Mei asked when I didn't immediately get up. I retrieved the small box from my pocket that contained the ring she liked best from our shopping excursion the night before.
"Mei, will you make me the happiest man on Earth? Will you stay with me and grow old with me and have children with me? Will you marry me?"
"Of course I will you silly man, I already asked you!"
As I slipped the ring on here finger, a pair of violinists started playing something that sounded classical, but was a recent popular love song, the head waiter popped a magnum of Champagne and it seemed the entire restaurant shouted 'CONGRATULATIONS!' in unison. Mei fell into my arms and we kissed. When we came up for air, we exchanged "I love you's'. I saw Jenny was crying happy tears.
"Jennifer, stand with us at the ceremony, be my Maid of Honor, please" Mei asked. Jenny nodded and they embraced. Then Jenny gave me a hug and a kiss on the cheek. While she did she whispered in my ear:
"I knew you'd do it right, I'm so happy for you two. I love you both. I've wanted this for you since the day you first met her, for you to have a chance at something real, at starting a new family."
"I know you did, that's just one of the many reasons that I love you too, Jennifer."
She pulled away, wiping tears. She tried to cover it up, but they obviously weren't all happy tears. Mei noticed. She leaned in and said quietly to her:
"Jenny, I love you. We're not done."
"What's with the water works, Jenny? You didn't think that you'd be rid of me so easily did you?" I added. Jenny did a quick double-take between Mei and I.
"He's still yours Tuesdays and Thursdays, and I hope you don't mind playing with a married couple on weekends. We may need to make some adjustments when lover-boy here is trying to knock me up, but I can't imagine my life now without you in it." Mei added.
"Jenny, we're starting a new family, you helped make it happen, of course I want you to be a part of it." I said.
Jenny's eyes got big and she started crying all over again. "I almost feel like I'm the one being proposed to."
"In a way, you are. Mei already asked me, now we're asking you. The violins and all the rest, it's for you too. What do you say?"
Jenny hugged us both, Mei and I, her head between our shoulders: "Yes! oh, I love you, yes! you've made me so happy." She whispered hoarsely between her sobs.
*****
"Hi Monica, motherhood seems to be treating you well." I started the conversation.
"I'm loving my enhanced bust-line, but I know it won't last." She said while hefting the aforementioned anatomy.
"Ha! That isn't what I meant, but, it's nice to see you smile. I can tell you're happy, and Jackson is adorable." The baby cooed at the mention of his name.
"Yes, he's my little treasure."
"So, why all the fuss? What is going on?"
"'Government busybodies' is why all the fuss. It wasn't Reggie's idea or mine to get the Royal Navy involved, but we're in the public eye, and they're paranoid about bad press. If I had my druthers..."
"I'm not going to just give him up, Monica. I can't"
"So, what do you want? Are you going to move to London? Do you want joint custody? Every other weekend and half of summer vacation? I won't fight you, but the government has influence and eyes on this. If you try for that through the courts the busybodies will get involved, and it will be messy. I don't want that, Jack. I don't want us to fight."
"No, Mon, you and I both know that isn't practical. I just don't want to be completely shut out."
"So what do we do?"
"We vacation together, your family and mine, every chance we get, every year. Maybe some holidays too. I want to see my boy as he grows up. It will hurt me that I won't be able to acknowledge him as my son, but I'll adapt. I'll learn to be 'Uncle Jack', and someday, when the time is right we have to tell him."
"Vacation with your family?"
"Monica, this is my fiancée, Mei."
"Pleased to meet you, Monica" Mei said.
"Congratulations to both of you. Mei. You're a lucky woman. Are you okay with this? Vacationing with my family, knowing the history of..."
"And you know Jennifer, I imagine she'll show up too." I interrupted.
"Jennifer will?" Monica asked, she was confused. She knew that Jenifer and I were lovers, but didn't know if Mei knew.
"Of course, Jennifer is family, we're still together. And Mei knows, just like Mei knew before I spent that night with you when we made Jackson."
"Jack and I spoke about this prior to the call. I'm on board."
"Well, that's a weight off my shoulders. Jack, I think we can make that work. Besides, I don't mind seeing you from time to time. So, Mei, how did you manage to get him to propose? Could you hold the ring up to the camera? I'd like to see it if I may." Mei moved her hand around a little to get the camera to focus. "It's lovely, when's the date?"
"We haven't set a date yet." I chimed in.
"Please let me know when you do."
"Of course, I'd like us all to be friends." Mei replied.
"Me too. I knew that if we just had a chance to chat we could work this all out. Jack, what about the other request? Do you think you can bring yourself to a clinic every now and then, so that Jackson isn't an only child?"
"Umm..." I started to reply, Mei interrupted me.
"I have nothing against people getting help if they have difficulty conceiving, but I think it's best if a baby is made the old-fashioned way, rather than in a lab, don't you? So, I don't have a problem lending him to you every now and then."
"Really?!" She almost squeed, her blush quickly spread from her ears down as far as the camera could see. "I would prefer that. That's more than generous of you."
"I know how you feel about him, for some reason he won't admit it; but, he loves you too. And, I can tell that at least part of him is liking the idea of making sure Jackson has siblings." Mei replied, while her hand was in my lap.
"Mei, you're embarrassing me" I interrupted.
"Hush! The grown-ups are talking..." Mei admonished me, then continued chatting with Monica:
"Jenny and I were able to come to an agreement and I think I can speak for her, judging by how she set up that 'conference', that she'd be okay with this too."
"I don't mean to sound greedy; but, recreation or just family planing?" Monica inquired
"Jack won't 'kiss-and-tell'; but, I've heard from Jenny how much fun you all had. I think we're okay if you want to play with us, in series or in parallel. If you'd prefer just alone time with Jack...well...I've lent him to you before, and I got over it. I don't see why we need to change policy now. As long as I'm in the loop, there won't be a problem, at least not from our side. What about your husband?"
"He's very understanding of my needs, and he wants a big family, he'll be fine. Oh, I think we're all going to get along famously. I'm already looking forward to our families' vacations!"
They began to discuss wedding plans, and vacation destinations, and child care, and general girl talk. They were chit chatting like they were old friends at a tea party. I felt a little left out. I was no longer part of the conversation.
"Okay, we're one big happy... whatever" I interrupted their chat. "I have a couple of provisions to add to the paperwork, if the busybodies are okay with the minor changes, I'll sign, and we can all get on with our lives. Let's start by planning our first vacation, I hear that Paris is lovely in the springtime."
*****
Afterward II:
A little bit after the tower project wrapped up, I submitted my resignation. Mei and I went to her village and had a traditional wedding with her family and old neighbors. Then we packed up for St. Kitts and had another wedding and reception with everyone else. We moved back to the 'States'. I reconnected with my former in-laws and my nieces and nephews. I was happy to be 'Uncle Jacques' again. Jenny and I started up a consulting firm headquartered in the Chicago suburbs. The next town over from where Gretchen grew up, and where many of my 'in-laws' still lived. It was close enough to the airport and train lines to get to meetings and out of town for jobs if necessary, far enough from the city to be quiet and have a yard and a picket fence. Mei and I settled into an outwardly conventional suburban life, proceeded to have three kids: our eldest Ken, and the twins, Sue and Kim, three years later. Jenny bought the house next door. She was "Auntie Jen" to the kids, and Mei jokingly called her the 'work wife', she knew what went on when we went out of town together, (the same thing that happened if I went to visit 'next door' after the kids were asleep, or as often as not, when she came over to play with both Mei and I once the kids were at school.).
Family vacations were fun; Disney World, the Caribbean, Europe, wherever. We'd get together with the Prescott's, sometimes Jenny's brother and his bride, Mona, would join us as well. The kids all got along, our (my and Mei's) three, the four of Monica and Reggie, and Mark and Mona's two boys.
End
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