"Justin, do you have time to stop by this afternoon? I got this really interesting letter, and it says we should read it together."
"Um, sure. Weird to get something for both of us."
"Definitely. And it's on some incredible boutique stationery."
"Well, that sounds positive at least. If we were in trouble, I figure it would be a business letter."
"Stop by around six-thirty? It says we should go somewhere private to read it."
"See ya then, Traci. We'll read this mystery letter and then look up some dinner. I'm not overly busy tonight. How about you?"
"I'm trying to be done by then so maybe we can get in a little trouble tonight."
"I like the way you think, babe. I'll do the same."
We hung up and I got to work. Traci and I both tried to get our studying done during the day so we could relax more in the evenings. One of the many things I liked about her. We had been dating nearly a year, since mid freshman year, and our friends called us an item. In fact, we had both endured ribbing that we found the perfect partner too soon and would miss out on playing the field. We laughed it off. I was smart enough to know what a catch Traci was.
I finished studying, cleaned up, and walked over to Traci's apartment.
"Hey, Justin," she said before a sultry kiss. "Let's take a walk to read the letter. Don't know when my roomie will be back."
"How about the park? Should be some benches free."
"Good idea. I'll tell the story on the way over."
Traci got her purse, and we joined hands and got started down the street. Traci looked around and then spoke quietly.
"I went to check mail today and there's this cream envelope with my name and address hand printed in flowing script. Very nice stuff. I open it and find a folded note and another sealed envelope, which is black with even more impressive paper. It has both our names. The note said to please use discretion and open it with you in a private place. It looks like some sort of invitation."
"The park should be clearing out by now," I replied. "Hopefully we can find a secluded bench. I might want to get into some warm up trouble before we go to dinner."
"Oh you do, huh? Maybe I'll let you."
We were able to find a bench in a corner of the park that we had used before for makeout sessions. Trees and bushes provided privacy while being far enough away to speak privately.
"Ready for the mystery?" she asked. I nodded. "Here's the note."
I unfolded the heavy cream paper and held it where we could both read:
Please exercise discretion in opening the envelope. If others are around, laugh it off and say it's a private invitation. Contact Justin today or tomorrow and find a confidential location to open and read the inner envelope together. We apologize for the mystery but want to protect both your and our privacy.
"Pretty wild, huh?" Traci whispered.
"Yeah. Can't wait to solve this mystery."
Traci pulled out a black envelope with both our first names engraved in silver script. It was easily the most expensive stationary I had ever seen. It felt wrong to break the heavy seal and rip the flap open. Inside, we found the expected exquisite paper and handwriting. The words, however, went far outside any notions we may have held:
Traci and Justin, thank you for taking the time to provide the discretion we ask. Please continue to observe that and make no mention of this letter, or its contents, to anyone.
We formally invite you to the membership candidacy process for a very exclusive and private social club. We apologize that we cannot share details about this club until we mutually agree on your interest. However, we expect you to meet a group of people who will become extremely intimate friends for the rest of your life. We all share a passion for good living, mutual affirmation, sharing with others, and interest in learning. Our members say that joining this club was one of the most important decisions of their lives.
The club is made up of university students but is not connected to the university in any way. You will understand why if you agree to communicate with us more directly as described below. Some of our members have noticed that you fit the description of the people we are looking for, so we have extended this invitation.
Again, we apologize for the mystery surrounding this process, but we value your, and our, privacy very highly. Talk it over, and if you are interested in learning more, please follow the instructions below. In any case, we request that you destroy this invitation and the envelope and not mention this invitation to anyone. Please burn the materials to ash.
We hope that you are intrigued and want to learn more. Of course, you are under no obligation, now or in the future. Please also understand that we will be interviewing both of you during the candidacy so we can all make an informed decision regarding your membership.
If you want to move forward, here are the next steps. First, we want to ensure that you opened the envelope without others reading it first. If you did, we ask that you meet at the griffon fountain for a lover's kiss at exactly eight in the evening this coming Friday. This will signal that the invitation found the right couple.
Next, we ask you to establish an account for each of you on the Ether chat service. Traci, please use the username river-nymph and Justin, river-fire. Please do this before you visit the fountain. After your kiss, we will send more detailed information across this secure channel.
If the envelope was previously opened or altered, or if your usernames are already taken, please go to the same fountain and stand back-to-back holding hands. We will know that something was compromised and will contact you again.
After we connect securely, you will learn more, but you won't know our identities until you join as full members. Be assured, however, that we will convey an unmistakable signal that we are sincere in this invitation. Again, members have vouched for your discretion, and we emphatically ask that you speak of this invitation, and any further communication, to no one now or in the future.
Once again, we apologize for the mystery, but we trust that you will understand if you move forward to take advantage of an extraordinary opportunity. We are excited to have you join and hope that you will find the club exceeding your wildest expectations.
"Whoa!" Traci whispered. "That's a lot to take in."
"Unbelievable. Let's read it again."
We both read it again, and it read exactly the same way. I could feel the buzzing coming off from Traci's body, and my own skin prickled.
"Is this one of those secret societies you hear about?" Traci whispered.
"Maybe, but it feels even more mysterious. I haven't heard of a society that invites couples. And the 'extremely intimate' wording is, I don't know, pretty bold."
"I know. You don't think—Oh my God!" Traci flushed deep red, and I followed her.
We looked into each other's eyes and then clasped each other long and hard. We both trembled with the power of those thoughts. Finally, Traci pulled back.
"Okay, let's not get ahead of ourselves. We really don't know anything about this. Why don't we kick it around over dinner? Or do you still want to pregame our naughty evening?"
"Just a quick kiss. I think we'd light the bench on fire if we went too long. You're such a hottie."
"Yeah, right." But she had a little smile on her face as she leaned in.
We held hands and quietly walked toward the business district.
"Tuesday night. Shouldn't be too crowded. Any thoughts?"
"A place with privacy," she answered. "Luigi's?"
"I'll ask for a booth. They have tall dividers."
When we got there, I tried something.
"Table for two?" the maitre d' asked.
"Yes, and if you have something private, even better. We just got hit with a significant life decision and need to talk it over."
"A good decision, I hope. We have just the thing."
He led us down a hall toward the kitchen. We had been here several times, but had never noticed. He stopped at a discreet door and slid it open. Inside, we found a small nook with candles burning. The mellow light illuminated a cozy booth with room for four.
"You have intimate things to discuss. I can see it in your eyes. No one comes inside here without knocking first. This bell cord will summon your waiter. May you have a fantastic evening." The door slid shut to our thanks.
"This evening gets more and more mysterious," Traci said. "Is this where the Godfather dines?" We both cracked up.
We accepted the suggestion to let the chef surprise us tonight, and the bread came with two glasses of wine and a whispered "Compliments of the house."
We toasted, thrilled to have wine at our age. We chatted a little, then grew thoughtful.
"So, what are you thinking?" Traci asked, a gleam in her eye.
"I wish I knew. It sounds like a big honor. I don't think it's a joke. The invitation looked like expensive work. So far, they haven't set any obvious traps."
"What about non-obvious ones?"
"I'm intrigued. From what I can tell, so are you. I think they know that we would be."
"Drawing us deeper into their web?"
"Exactly. Any other thoughts from your side?"
"Don't we all yearn for some secret society to notice how special we are and invite us into their ranks? That there's something romantic and mysterious just out of sight? It sounds wonderful, but we need to be careful. I wish we knew more."
"Me too, but we're going to have to follow their instructions if we want to know more."
We heard a knock. "Let's sleep on that. For now, let's enjoy this wonderful meal."
"Well said, signorina," the waiter said. "Enjoy."
We did enjoy. Several courses came, but nothing overwhelming. We ate well but didn't feel stuffed.
"I think we're going to need significant life decisions more often. That was exceptional."
Traci laughed and sipped her coffee. "I'm guessing we'll have this private room as long as we like. Would you like to cuddle a bit?"
"Love to." We kept it PG but steamed up the nook pretty well.
"I'm ready to take this back to my place."
We took a moment to straighten our hair and rang the bell. A few moments later, the manager opened the door.
"I trust you had an enjoyable and productive evening?"
"Very much so, and we really appreciate your efforts to give us space to talk candidly while feeding us so well. How can we thank you?"
"Do a good deed to others, and perhaps put in a good word for us. We could tell you had something important to discuss, and we understand these things. We are a home away from home, no?"
"You certainly are, and we will do as you say. Thank you for taking care of us."
"Of course, and take care of each other. I hope the rest of your evening goes at least as well."
"Oh, I'm sure it will," Traci added with a wink, and she took my hand. The manager bowed and wished us a good night.
