Ryan Lynch was the happiest man in the city. His company gave everyone a bonus for completing their latest project ahead of schedule but in addition, Ryan's team was given a supplementary bonus because they completed their portion of the project two weeks ahead of schedule. Since his dad had encouraged Ryan to move in with him and his third wife, Diane, his life was getting better. First he was hired by a firm that lived up to their press releases. Then he was given two raises and was promoted. The extra money in his pocket begged to be spent celebrating his new found situation.
It was a beautiful day. He observed a clear blue sky without any clouds. The oppressive heat wave had broken. All the pedestrians were strolling slowly, chattering with complete strangers or just standing in front of buildings giving the impression they did not want to leave the bountiful gift that Nature had given them.
Ryan had exited the bus a few stops before his normal stop because he decided a walk would help him develop a celebration idea that could be put into action.
Turning the corner he left the hi-rise buildings and entered a world that was a throwback to a previous century. Small speciality shops lined both sides of the street, selling all manner of goods not available anywhere else in the city. As well, there were restaurants, bistros and other types of eating establishments some of which did not have seating areas but grateful customers could eat their purchases while relaxing on benches thoughtfully provided by the city. In this area, the hungry had choices of whatever kind of food they desired. Aromas assailed his nose. Soon, he was almost drawn in by the marvellous smells of Antonio's his and Diane's favourite eating place.
Why would the old man treat Diane so shabbily? How could the old man be so stupid? Or could it be that to keep youthful the old man refused to have a relationship with a woman over thirty. Ryan smiled, Diane was only three years older than him.
In Ryan's eyes she was a beautiful woman. Black hair usually hung over one shoulder. When she smiled her whole face lit up especially her blue eyes that sparkled. Her clothes were picked to enhance all the best parts of a curvaceous body. Topping off the package, she was intelligent and had a great sense of humour. In fact the last two movies she produced were successful. He stopped, hit himself on the head. If there was anyone in the city he wanted to celebrate his good fortune with, it was her. The few times they had gone out together he had really enjoyed himself. Why would this time be any different? As well, the old man was in Europe closing some mega deal maybe she might want to go out.
Now that his mind was made up he hurried along the street. A few minutes later he left the shops behind and entered the area of the community that had no shops but only houses. As he looked at the rows of housing he wondered if he could get the old man to sell him his house, at a price he could afford. Fat chance, he thought. But on the bright side, hopefully, Diane would agree to go with him although he did not have an idea what kind of date this would be. The only thing he knew for sure was that he wanted to take her some place expensive. Some place they had never been to before.
Primordial wailing assailed his ears as he opened the door. It was the sound of extreme hurt from the depths of a soul. He rushed toward the origin that in this case was the dining room. Diane had cradled her head in her arms on the table such that her black hair on the her crown was the only part of her that was visible. Shoulders were heaving but somehow sounds that suggested deep hurt still escaped.
"Diane! Diane! What's wrong?" He shouted.
Diane felt, rather than heard, her name being shouted. She looked up and through teary eyes saw Ryan. She didn't want him to see her like this but it was too late.
"Nothing," she stammered.
He pulled her from her position, wrapped his arms around her before crushing her to his chest. It surprised him that she willingly allowed him to arrange her such that she fitted all the nooks and crannies of his body.
"Come on, it's me you're talking to," he said.
All reserve crumbled. Nothing could be held back because she felt so safe and secure in his arms.
"It's all your dad's fault. He promised me that he would be my escort to the awards. I've just heard from him and he says he won't be back for another month. This is important for me because I'm trying to arrange funding for my next picture. If I don't have an escort, the money men will think there is something wrong. My company could fold," she inhaled deeply as she had blurted her tirade without breathing.
"I can get a tux and be your escort, if it won't interfere with your plans," he said.
"You'll be perfect," she said. Immediately, it occurred to her that she might be too enthusiastic. However, she liked going out with Ryan because unlike his dad, he didn't see her as a mindless decoration but someone he wanted to take out.
She whimpered as he released her. It had been so nice to be cuddled.
Even though Ryan had to rent a tux and shower, shave, he found himself waiting for Diane. His dad speculated that women learnt how to time their entrance from when they were babies. The only thing a man could do is grin and bear it.
Diane was unsure if this gown was the right choice. However, when she saw Ryan's reaction she knew she was correct. His eyes popped open, his jaw slackened allowing drool to run down his face. Picking a red colour announced her presence. As well, it had a slit that revealed a right leg and a cut off. The left side joined a halter that enabled her cleavage to compete with the rest of the package. Her hair was draped over her left shoulder hiding the string holding the bodice in place.
She did a slow pirouette that exposed a naked back. When she faced him again, she finished with a small curtsy. Then she put her makeup into the inside pockets of his jacket, wiped his chin and threw her purse onto the dining room table.
Ryan placed his hand on the small of her back guiding her to the door.
"Ryan, there's a Limo blocking our driveway," she said.
"That's our chariot for tonight," he replied.
The reaction of the Limo driver confirmed her opinion that she picked the right gown. She smiled as it looked like the men wanted her for dessert. Someone helped her into the car by using her ass to assist her. She hoped it was Ryan who was being so familiar with her.
They began their journey to the "Castle". Some millionaire at the end of the nineteenth century build the building to satisfy his English wife. One of his problems was that the cost of importing an idea and material from England bankrupted him. His wife left him and he committed suicide. After decades of neglect the city claimed ownership and spent a good sum to bring the building back to a point where it could charge for tours. During this time, some faceless bureaucrat discovered that organizations would pay rapacious amounts to rent the building for special events. The grounds were ample such that, searchlights could be used to frame its structure and provide a lengthy red carpet to the delight of the celebrities and the press. As well, there was enough parking to accommodate all the participants.
Mayhem greeted them as they drove into the grounds. Their driver had to dodge pedestrians who were more concerned in reaching the point where they could be taken to their seats than being run over. Cars avoided both walkers and other vehicles to be directed to parking. However, the Limo driver was skilled and able to stop in front of their entrance.
As she slid across the seat to exit the car her gown opened up to reveal white panties. The Limo driver almost let the door slam into her. She smiled and thought this is how a person should cope with bad news, be the object of men's desires. Ryan caught up to her after he concluded his business with the driver. Almost immediately, his hand found the small of her back so that he could guide her into the building. It did not bother her that she was being manipulated like a puppet although, she wondered why she was being so docile.
