Paula and Joni graduate to "Cougar Night." Part 9 in the "Paula's Discovery" series.
Penny set a late brunch time of 11 allowing the girls to sleep in.
When Paula's phone alarm chirped at 10, she noticed a text from Tom.
"HOPE U HAD A GOOD TIME LAST NIGHT AND RAISED LOST OF $$$$." "LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING U TOMORROW NIGHT."
Paula was still not sure exactly how she felt when she thought of Tom. She knew she still loved him and didn't want that part of her life to change but she was also enjoying the new experiences. She felt lucky that he supported her adventure but hoped there would be no adverse effects.
As Paula finished the light make-up job she heard the knock on the connecting door and opened it to see Sheila in her warm-ups; the now-standard breakfast uniform of The Club. Paula grabbed her jacket, slipped it on over her sports bra and grabbed her key card.
Both ladies were refreshed by a good night's sleep and the late wake-up. As the elevator descended to the ground floor neither spoke but the knowing smiles indicated they were both thinking of the activities of the previous evening. Paula smiled when she thought that if someone told her two months ago that she would have had an experience like that she would discount them as a lunatic.
Surprisingly, Penny and Anne were already seated at a large table with mimosa's and a small plate of fruit and yogurt. They smiled as they greeted Paula and Sheila. Penny waved to the young waitress and pointed to the two ladies and to the mimosa glass in front of her. The girl smiled, nodded and headed to the bar. Paula and Sheila walked to the buffet, made some light choices and when they returned to the table, they found mimosa's at their places. As they took their seats, Marge and Joni joined them and the waitress headed back to the bar.
This girls enjoyed breakfast, surprised at how hungry they were and then realized the empty seat at the table. As if reading each other's minds, Penny offered that Jane and Rob had seemed to get along well the previous evening and the girls smiled and wondered as one.
Almost on cue Jane appeared. Although smiling and animated Paula noticed she did look a bit tired and was moving a little more deliberately than normal. The attentive waitress noticed the new arrival and had a mimosa for Jane almost before she sat down.
Penny took charge and raised her glass. The girls responded in kind and Penny offered a toast.
"To a record-breaking fundraiser and some new shared experiences."
The girls toasted each other around the table.
Turning to Paula and Joni, Penny said, "We have certainly enjoyed your company this weekend and I hope you have enjoyed ours."
Joni nodded with uncharacteristic energy and the girls laughed, hoping that what they had apparently unleashed in Joni would have positive consequences.
Penny continued, "Despite the fun, the weekend's activities were designed to give you confidence in yourselves and to help you enjoy your sensuality." "We all feel that a lady has the right to pursue her pleasure but societal conditioning has not given us the comfort and skills that may require."
"We have one final exercise for you if you are still willing to accept the challenge." Penny said, part statement and part question.
Paula and Joni looked around the table and then nodded enthusiastically at Penny.
"Tonight is cougar night." "Each of you must choose a younger man and,..how should I say..,,ensure that all
your
needs are met for the rest of the evening," Penny said.
Paula knew there was a
rite of passage
for the group but when Penny spelled out the evening's activity Paula had a flood of different emotions. Amazingly, her first thought was not of the risk to her marriage. Although Tom could not have known the specifics he had encouraged her to enjoy the weekend and she had to admit the previous days had been very liberating and exciting. Her moment of doubt was instead whether she could fulfill the night's objective to the satisfaction of Penny and the others.
In short, was she up to the challenge?
Joni looked at Paula with a look of bewilderment but as Paula smiled, so did Joni and in that instant they traded energy that would get them through the night.
Penny continued, "We, as always, are focused on your safety and this hotel was not chosen at random." "Some large corporations, use this hotel for their employees who are in town for training or conferences and other organizations use the hotel and its conference rooms for training and seminars."
"This week Bob has a class of new sales personnel, all young and predominantly male and this week there is also a medical seminar and some corporate entities are holding new-hire training." "That should provide ample opportunities and a diverse selection for you," Penny said with a sly smile.
"Sheila and Marge and I will be in the bar to make sure you are safe and I have retained the service of a trusted bodyguard who will be available at a moment's notice." "Please provide an extra key to your rooms so that he can assist if you text or call my phone," Penny explained.
Paula wondered if the service of Penny's friend had ever been needed but felt comfort in knowing that she would be protected and more importantly, that The Club had taken her safety very seriously.
Penny looked at Paula and then at Joni to gauge their response.