It has been eight months since Tom's wife, Stacey, died of cancer. They were married for thirty-five years and have two children and five grandchildren. Unfortunately, they live across the country and Tom cannot visit them as often as he would like. Tom made a couple of important decisions following Stacey's death. Tom sold their family home and moved to a high-rise condo in a trendy section of the city, and he retired early from a successful career in marketing for a national sporting goods company. Tom saw too many friends, colleagues and especially Stacey get robbed of their retirement years. He vowed it would not happen to him. Tom also promised himself that even in grief, he would move forward with his life.
Tom's first few months after Stacey's passing were filled with sadness, disposing of the family home, and starting a new home for himself in the condo. The original retirement plan for Tom and Stacey was to travel and be active with the common sports they loved of tennis, pickleball, and golf. Tom enjoyed being busy and between the obvious fitness benefits he had a large social network that helped him with his adjustment to retirement and losing Stacey.
As time passed, several of Tom's friends started suggesting that he put himself out there on dating apps. Tom wasn't against dating but preferred the old fashion method of actually meeting people.
It was late October and the start of the winter tennis season at Tom's tennis club. The golf season was ending, so Tom registered for several tennis leagues that would keep him busy a few afternoons and evenings a week. One league he signed up for was Mixed Doubles on Wednesday evenings. There were 36 players, mostly couples but also 'free agents' as Tom like to call them. Tom was one of those 'free agents'. The best part of the Mixed Double's league was the participants would wander next door to the local pub The Goose and the Hound for wings and beers after they finished playing.
The first Wednesday of play, Tom was assigned a court with three other 'free agents', Will, Heather, and Anne. Tom knew Will from previous tennis and pickleball leagues but didn't know Heather or Anne. They all had a great time and when the session was over, and they were gathering their equipment, Tom told the other three about his 'free agent' nickname. Will suggested that the 'free agents' set off to The Goose and the Hound.
The four entered The Goose and the Hound and found a booth near where the other Wednesday Night Mixed Doubles players were gathered. A server arrived and took their wings and drink orders. The 'free agents' settled in with casual conversation.
Will was the youngest of the four, working as an engineer for an auto part firm. Will was married, with two kids and a dog. Will quipped that in the pecking order of the family, he was right below the dog.
Heather was also married, older than the other 'free agents' with several young grandchildren who lived nearby. Heather and her husband Rick were retired but found new roles as part-time babysitters for their grandchildren. Heather commented that caring for their grandchildren was fun, but totally exhausting. Tom wished he was able to see his children and grandchildren more often.
Anne was about five years younger than the others. Anne's only marriage ended almost before it started when her husband was killed in an automobile accident. She never remarried but said throughout the years she has had a series of long-term relationships that didn't pan out. Anne owned a bookstore after a career as a librarian at the local university.
When Anne said she was single, Tom got a very weird feeling that he hadn't felt in decades. He could not put his finger on it, but the best he could tell he was experiencing excitement.
The Wednesday Mixed Doubles crowd thinned out as the evening wore on. Will and Heather were the first 'free agents' to leave, explaining that they had a "busy day" ahead. That left Tom and Anne alone in the booth. Tom had not been alone with a woman at a bar besides Stacey in decades. His excitement turned to panic, and Anne noticed.
It surprised Tom to learn that Anne was a former librarian. It certainly didn't jibe with her on the court persona. Anne was aggressive, uber competitive, moved like a panther, and threw out swear words liberally when she was annoyed with her play. Tom chuckled the first time Anne called herself "you motherfucker" when she missed an easy volley during their match this evening.
Tom wasn't sure what librarians and bookstore owners were expected to look like, but whatever it was supposed to be, Anne did not fit the bill. She was tall, with wild blonde hair, a very athletic body and very attractive. Tom would be lying if he said he wasn't attracted to her.
Anne was certainly attracted to Tom. Tom was a shade over six feet, with a muscular build. Since Stacey's passing, Tom lost a little weight from his active lifestyle, and more likely his lousy home cooking. Uncharacteristically, Tom allowed his hair to grow out which provided him with a more youthful appearance. Anne was determined to fuck Tom tonight.
Anne suggested they order more to drink. This was a ploy to keep Tom at the pub longer and loosen him up a bit. He was so nervous. The drinks came and had the desired effect on Tom. Tom chided Anne about her "you motherfucker" comment on the court. Next thing, both were imitating the character Mr. Chow from the movie 'The Hangover'. Suddenly, they were loudly pointing at each other, "you motherfucker, no...you...mother...fuck...er" in their best Mr. Chow imitation. They were having fun and, more importantly for Anne, Tom was having fun.
Time was flying. It was close to midnight. Tom and Anne looked around and discovered hardly any people left in the bar. Anne was fairly sure that the only way to fuck Tom was to get him to come to her condo. Anne's condo was about a ten-minute walk away. Anne's job was to convince Tom they were too drunk to drive, so going to her condo for coffee would seem like a great idea.
"Hey Tom, no driving tonight. Come back to my place for some coffee, and then I will call for a ride-share."
Tom was considering bailing on Anne's offer. Even in his slightly drunk state, Tom had a pretty decent idea where this was heading. Tom thought to himself, "it's been a long time." Tom also reminded himself it was okay to move on. He thought to himself, "motherfucker"!
Anne and Tom left The Goose and Hound and began walking towards Anne's condo. It was a cool crisp evening. Both were wearing sweatpants and hoodies. Tom offered to carry Anne's equipment bag.
"A gentleman," Anne suggested.
Tom replied, "Old habits die hard."
"Oh, I completely understand Tom."
They approached Anne's building and walked towards the entrance. Simon the door attendant, opened the door and nodded.
"Good evening Ms. Saunders, Sir. How was your tennis ma'am?"
"The usual Simon, a lot of cursing!"
Simon smiled, "Excellent Ma'am. Enjoy the rest of your evening, Ma'am, Sir."
As Anne and Tom went through the door Anne turned her head, winked, and said, "Thank you, Simon."
Simon was shaking his head, grinning.
Tom said, "I haven't been called sir in years. I feel really old."
Anne and Tom approached the elevator bank that showed P East and P West. Anne pushed the P West elevator button, and the door opened. Inside, Anne punched in a quick code, the door closed, and the elevator began the trip up. A tone signaled the end of the trip on the 35th floor. The elevator door opened directly into Anne's condo.
"Whoa!" Tom exclaimed.
"Come on in." Anne led Tom into her condo.
It was impressive, with 12-foot ceilings, open concept great room with two large 'C' shape sectionals backing on to each other. One facing a stone walled electric fireplace and the other facing floor to ceiling windows that faced west across the city and the foothills beyond.
Anne and Tom went over to the westward view. Tom looked out, "Spectacular!"
"Yes, it never gets old. Can I get you something to drink?"
"Yes, how about a glass of wine?"
Anne smiled to herself. "He's on to me."
"I'm going to put my racquets away. I'll be right back with those drinks."
Anne left Tom staring out the window. His head was spinning with equal parts of dread and arousal. Tom's cock was hard.
Tom could hear Anne get glasses out of the cupboard, wine off the rack, and the slow pour of two glasses. He heard Anne pad over.
"Here Tom." Anne passed Tom his glass of wine.
She was only wearing a light blue flannel shirt, unbuttoned a third of the way down with her ass and pussy showing.
"Motherfucker," was all Tom could say.
Anne glanced down at Tom's sweatpants bulge and giggled, "Motherfucker to you too."
Tom took a gulp of wine.
