Hey, look... a third installment in a series! I've never made it that far before. I'm trying REALLY HARD to continue one series, rather than starting a new series. This after one of my "gentle readers" commented that I don't have a good track record continuing a plot line. Guilty, as charged. Confession time: I have sexual ADHD and am constantly distracted by the next story that pops in my head. But don't worry, I do plan to go back and add to those other works, and I have a folder full of other ideas to explore. But I'll focus on Shelly and Scott for a bit longer. There's a lot more story there to tell!
I found myself experimenting in this one, and would welcome your feedback. In this chapter, I rehashed a lot of what was already described in the two earlier chapters. I did that primarily for new readers coming into the series starting with this third installment. I'm curious to hear from you who have read the earlier two chapters: is that distracting? Would you rather the writing not reiterate those earlier works? And for you first time readers: is it enough to give you a sense of what has already happened? Does it compel you to go back and read the previous chapters, or do you feel it gives enough background that you can just read this story and simply wait for the next installment?
Please Let me know in the comments: I want to grow as a writer, and your comments help. And, as always, I truly appreciate your ratings, comments and email. Particularly those with thoughtful criticisms that help me develop my writing skills. - Yes
*****
Madeline was sitting at her mother's kitchen table when the first text message from her husband came in.
Scott: When are you coming home?
Maddy: I don't know. Later. Why?
Scott: Your girlfriend is here.
Maddy: Honey, I told you she would be stopping by if it got really hot out.
Maddy: Their AC is on the fritz, and she'll want to take a dunk in our pool.
Scott: THAT'S THE PROBLEM!!
Scott: SHE CAME HERE DRESSED IN HER BATHING SUIT!!
Madeline put her phone down and giggled.
"What's so funny?" her mom asked.
Madeline looked up at her mother, who was still unpacking groceries. They had both just gotten back from the local supermarket. Earlier in the week, Maddy had asked if she and her son Thomas could come over and visit for the day. Her mom loved the idea, told her she normally went grocery shopping on Fridays, but suggested they do it together Saturday morning. Truth be told, Madeline wasn't thrilled about taking her mother out grocery shopping, but agreed to it anyway - it was a small price to pay for the opportunity to be out of the house with Tommy all day.
"Oh, it's a text from Scott. My girlfriend and I are playing a little joke on him today."
"Oh?" Mom said, without a glance in Maddy's direction. Her attention remained focused in the cupboard as she packed away some canned goods. "How's that?"
Madeline didn't want to tell her Mom the truth: that she had convinced her best friend Shelly, a sexy, sultry bombshell of a woman, to spend the day alone at her house and try to seduce her husband. No, Madeline didn't want to tell Mom that! It would also require explaining why Maddy was going to such lengths. She'd have to explain how young, single mothers - and even a few married ones! - were always fawning over her husband at the Little League field where Scotty coached, taking pictures of him and posting them on their Facebook pages. That, of course, would lead into old arguments the two of them had years ago when Maddy first started dating Scott ("I'm not sure that man is right for you, Madeline. He looks as if he might have a wayward eye.").
Maddy had dismissed those earlier comments, because Mother had never liked any of her past boyfriends. The disparaging comments about her husband had even continued a few years into their marriage ("How are things between you and Scotty? It sure sounds like he spends a lot of late evenings at the office, from what you tell me. Are you sure there is no hanky-panky going on there?").
Her mother's words were the source of many a Mother-Daughter heated argument: Scott was a good man. He was focusing on his career, moving up in the company, getting promoted and doing extremely well. Madeline did not begrudge him the occasional late night at the office. Her mother's comments had mostly quieted after the birth of their son, Thomas, 10 years ago.
"Is this your neighbor friend Shelly that we're talking about? That attractive blonde gal? Playing a joke on Scott? What are you two up to?"
Madeline's mother was now putting produce, fruit and meats in the refrigerator. Even though she was pretending to be detached and uninterested, Madeline could tell her mother was very much hoping for some condemning news about her husband Scott - anything that would justify her earlier criticisms about the man.
"Nothing really, Mom. It's just that I think he's going to have a rather uncomfortable day."
Madeline left it at that, returning attention to her phone.
Maddy: Unh, duh. If she's going swimming, of course she'd be wearing a swimsuit.
Scott: IT'S A FRENCH BIKINI!! She is parading around the house wearing hardly anything at all.
Maddy: Scott Ouellette, you listen to me. That's my best friend! I expect you to treat her as a welcome guest at our house!
Scott: Honey - I'm just not sure it's a good idea to let her stay here if you're not here.
Maddy: WHY? Worried you can't control your urges around another pretty woman?
Scott: Honey, stop. That's not what I meant.
Maddy: What did you mean?
Scott: I have chores and there is no one here to entertain her.