Chapter 02: Marketa's Lesson
Sitting alone in the sidewalk cafe, he drank his coffee trying to shake the morning grog from his head. A warm spring breeze ruffled the edges of the newspaper and he felt a presence silently standing across the table from him. He peered around the paper to investigate. There stood a very attractive older woman with an elitist air surveying the outdoor cafe for a seat. All the tables were filled. He was convinced that behind her dark sunglasses, she was feigning her search, hoping for an invitation. She looked at him, smiled politely and continued her silent search. After a few seconds she asked in a French accent, "Is anyone using this chair?" Reluctantly, he gestured for her to join him and resumed his reading.
"Excuse me," she interrupted, "I forgot my paper at home. May I?"
"Please," he replied sliding the already read portion across the table.
"Thank you, you are too kind," she replied. Moments later she started again, "Look at this... the new Spring fashion line is out... you would look good in this jacket... it is made for you..."
In his morning haze he wondered who she was thinking she she could insert herself into his day. "Excuse me, do I know you?" he politely asked.
Extending her hand she replied, "Marketa. And you are?"
"Henry," he replied looking down through the mesh table top noticing her beautiful legs and fancy high heels.
"Nice to meet you Henry," she answered, a smirk on her face as she noticed his roving eyes.
They sat in silence for a while drinking their coffee until she started again, "Did you see in the paper that there is a new art exhibit at the museum? Henry, do you like art?"
"Yes, very much, especially impressionism," he responded. A discussion ensued and they found some common ground, which suddenly made his day much better and she more interesting.
"So Henry, look here," she persisted pointing at the picture of the coat, "it is you..."
"I'm not much for fashion," Henry demurred.
Marketa persisted, "Come on, just take a look at it..."
He obliged her. "Yes, it is very nice..."
"You really need to see it on you. I can tell. You will buy it once you try it on, you will see... I have an eye for these things," she persisted in her sexy accent. Based on her fashionable attire, he thought she was probably right about the coat.
"Do you have plans today? Lets go have a look, try it on... trust me, you'll be better for it, and, if you like it, you buy it. And if not, I buy you lunch. Deal?" she asked. He momentarily wondered why a complete stranger was asking him to spend time together to look at some coat but she had already started growing on him and having no schedule for the day, he relented to her persistence. They spent the rest of the day walking and talking. They made it to the museum, and yes, he did buy the jacket. In appreciation for his trust, she still bought lunch.
Despite spending what turned into a great day getting to know a complete stranger, around 5:00 pm, she suggested parting ways, "I have to go- I have an engagement tonight. I'm sorry. This was all to good to end, and so soon... Days like these are to be remembered fondly," she stated as she handed him a piece of paper, "My number... call me if you want to meet again," she said walking backwards, a smile on her face as she looked at him just before turning away. He stood motionless marveling at her as she turned the corner and disappeared.
That day started it all. He was enthralled by her vivacious, outgoing and spontaneous personality. The foreigner in her made her mysterious and alluring. Aside from her attractive looks and sophisticated dress, she was an older woman, 45 to Henry's 37, and he found that intrinsically tantalizing.
She was enamored with his low key personality, his intelligence, exuberance for her, the attention he paid her when they were together, his lack of expectations and the carefree spontaneous fun they had. And then there were his good looks- tall and striking, a well kept body, straight dark hair, chiseled face, deep set blue eyes. He was well educated, a successful professional and a great conversationalist- "well rounded and worldly" she described him. Yes, he was the complete package by all standards and she found him outright refreshing compared to men her age.
Slowly friendship turned into a very private affair- she wanted to keep it discreet. They each saw others and did not hide the fact from one another, which helped lower expectations. She never introduced him to her friends, never brought him to social gatherings. Sometimes he felt like her "boy toy" but did not mind- he was having too much fun. This went on for about a year, clandestine meetings, romantic weekends and then one day he received a letter from Marketa and opened it with curiosity. It read:
"Dear Henry,
I write you with great trepidation that what I am about to reveal will shock you, perhaps even scare you off. We have known each other for a year, and it has been a wonderful one at that, although I must admit I should be more forthright with my friends regarding your presence in my life. For that I apologize and promise the coming year will be different. But that is not why I write.
Henry dearest, I feel very comfortable with you, more so than ever before with any other man. I feel that I can tell you my deepest darkest secret without feeling vulnerable. I know even if you do not approve of it, you will not spurn or chastise me, or be judgmental, because that is not your nature. Henry, I want you to allow me to give my undying obedience and trust to you in an act of complete submission. Do you understand what I mean? Please tell me you do. It is a fantasy I have harbored for many years but never found the right person to share it with, the one person who might indulge my curiosity. I hope you are the one who will do it. Please tell me you will share it with me. The when and where are inconsequential. I'll fly us wherever you want on the face of the earth to try this with me, just name the place and time. Love, Marketa"
Henry was stunned having never expected anything of this sort from his conventional lover. A wicked smile crossed his face as he pondered the possibilities. He had dabbled in it before- it had started as light hearted experimentation with a girl who he was living with in his youth but it never really got past that point, the relationship having ended shortly thereafter. He had found it hard to find women of his liking who were willing to explore beyond sexual convention, and, he yearned to try it some more.