A Gift in Disguise

"Murph really likes you, Tom," Bethany said softly while we walked hand-in-hand to her car.

"He seems like a very nice guy," I answered. "And he obviously thinks the world of you, too."

"He's a good judge of character," Bethany said as we approached her car.

"Humble much?" I chided her laughingly.

"I meant yours!" she responded with a good-natured punch at my arm and that bright smile.

She hit the "unlock" symbol on her key fob. There was an audible click as her driver's side door lock released.

"I wish I didn't have to get to work, but at least we got to talk for a while today. I'm sure you'll do the right thing with your photo book." Just before she started to get in her car, Bethany put her hand behind my neck and pulled me closer. She kissed me lightly on my lips, then slipped into her car while I held the door open for her.

"Don't forget to look at the video on the thumb-drive. I'll look for your critical review next time we talk. Keep in mind, we put it together quickly and before we knew Sharon wasn't going to be able to be at The Club for last night's event."

Bethany slipped behind the steering wheel, then extended and latched her seatbelt, and finally started her car.

"Thank you again for this weekend," I said sincerely.

Bethany's radiant smile and sparkling eyes said more than any words she might have uttered.

I closed her car door. She gave me one of those wish-I-didn't-have-to-go looks, then a wave, and drove off.

Once inside my own apartment, I checked my cell phone for messages. There was one from Robyn Broadsword's cell phone. After looking at the time and making a quick calculation of the time in her time zone, I called her back.

"Hi, Tom," she answered.

"Hi, Robyn. I'm sorry for calling so late, but..."

"No worries, Tom. I got into town tonight and I'm checked in at the motel. Same one I always stay in. This time I'm in room 169. You may want to write that down. It's around back. Quiet, private, and away from the office and the noise on Airport Boulevard."

Since she had told me her first briefings were on Tuesday at the FBI office here, I had assumed she would travel on Monday rather than today.

She explained. "I've got to be at the Bureau office tomorrow at 9 a.m. to confirm I've got their special briefing room and to verify who they'll have with me to witness the briefing. I've got to go over the briefing with whoever it is tomorrow. Then I'm heading over to Jamie's lab to double check everything I'll be briefing the rest of you on.

You're still on deck for 1:30 on Tuesday afternoon, Tom. Does that still work for you?"

"Sure, that's fine."

"Since there will be a Bureau agent there to witness the briefing, I'll keep the briefing impersonal and very businesslike. The agent will know we've met and talked once at the meeting we had at Devlin Laboratories, so there's no need to pretend we're meeting for the first time.

During the briefing, Tom, listen carefully and don't hesitate to ask questions if I say something that isn't clear. Keep in mind that you will be signing some papers in which you affirm that you have received and understood and agree to everything. I'll be going over this same canned introduction with you on Tuesday, but really, Tom, if something doesn't sound right, don't hesitate to speak up."

"Thanks for the heads-up, Robyn. I've never done this before, so ..."

"Don't worry, Tom," she interjected. "Everything you and the others will hear from me is absolutely consistent with what Jamie and Marta and Emily have been saying all along. Jamie knows what the DoD expects, so she automatically builds good responses to those expectations into projects that may end up coming to us.

At the same time, it is important that you listen carefully and really do understand what your responsibilities are now that Uncle Sugar is officially involved in the phallus project."

"Thank you," I answered appreciatively.

Robyn's voice changed slightly from official to womanly. "Your briefing should take less than an hour, and its my last one of the day. Right after that, I'll head directly to the motel. I'd like to freshen up a bit before you get there. Could you meet me at my room at 4 p.m.?"

"Sure, whatever works best for you. That'll give me some time after my briefing to get in a swim and grab a quick shower at the pool.

Do you still want to see the photo book or ...?"

"Absolutely! After what Emily told me about it, you better bring it. I'm really eager to learn all the details about the photographer and your photo session with her."

"I'm hoping that as you look at the photos, you'll explain to me exactly what you're feeling," I said. "I'm trying to understand the mystery or magic about Misako's photos."

"I'll try, Tom, but based on what Emily told me about her reaction, I can't make any promises about my responses," she said with a laugh. "Regardless, I'll do my best to satisfy you — one way or the other."

We talked a few more minutes, then disconnected.

Two or three minutes after talking with Robyn, my phone rang. It was Lorraine.

"Hi, Tom."

"Hi, Lorraine. I just got off the phone with Major Broadsword confirming the time and place of my briefing on Tuesday."

"Good, then I'm not interrupting anything, I hope," she said thoughtfully.

"Not at all. What's up?"

"Well, I was hoping that if you didn't have any plans for next Saturday, you might bring your photo book and come visit with me. Unfortunately, I'm pretty busy this week with work, but Saturday is wide open, and ..."

I had been looking at my calendar while she talked, then said, "Sure. That sounds like fun."

Lorraine's sexual drive had been increasing each time we had sex. After removing the phallus following her sex with Emily, Lorraine had asked Amanda if there was any way to reduce even further the time needed for her pubic hair to regrow. Amanda had given her an accelerated formulation but had warned her that there could be uncomfortable side effects.

The new formulation speeded up Lorraine's pubic hair regrowth so much she claimed she could almost feel it growing. Unfortunately, that led to intense itching.

Amanda had provided a lotion that would remedy the itching, but she had cautioned Lorraine that if she applied it to relieve the itching, Lorraine should completely refrain from any vaginal penetration. No fingers, toys, or me for a week.

That week had passed, and Amanda had first examined Lorraine then cleared her for sex just before Lorraine called me.

"I hope it will be. Now that the uncomfortable side effects of Amanda's enhanced pussy hair regrowth formula have worn off and she has given me a completely clean bill of health, I'd really like to spend some private time with you. Obviously I want to get the sexy details of your photo shoot but more than that, I really want your personal inspection and evaluation of my new regrowth. I'm not even going to trim it until you give me the go-ahead."

Her last remark had caused my cock to begin twitching. I tried to remain composed.

"Thank you, Lorraine. I'll do my best.

There are a few things about Misako that I'd like to talk with you about, too. What time would you like me to be there?"

"Is 1 p.m. too early for you?" she asked.

"No, if that's convenient for you, I'm fine with it."

"Perfect, Tom! I'll see you here."

After concluding my conversation with Lorraine, I walked into my bedroom headed for the bathroom when I noticed the paper I had casually dropped on my dresser the night before. Geri's note that included only her first name and phone number. The area code was the same as mine so, after checking the clock on my cell phone, decided to return her call.

"Hello. This is Gerilynn. Please leave your name and telephone number and I'll return your call as soon as I can. Thanks! Bye." My call had gone to her voicemail after several rings.

"Hello, Geri. This is Tom. We met Saturday evening and you wrote your name and phone number on a paper and gave it to me. If you'd like to return my call, please call my cell phone number." I gave her the number, not knowing if the number she'd given me stored the incoming caller number.

Two or three minutes later my cell phone rang. It displayed the same number Geri had written for me.

"Hello, this is Tom."

"Hi, Tom. It's Geri, returning your call. I'm at the library and had my cell phone on vibrate. It took me a couple minutes to get to a designated phone room."

"Hi, Geri. Sounds like your university library and mine have the same setup — rooms set aside to make and take calls."

"Not surprising. You and I go to the same university. I just didn't have a chance to mention it last night when we first met. Daddy and Uncle Roger were tag-team talking to Risa, so it was pretty hard for either you or me to get a word in edgewise," she said lightly.

"Are you a student or faculty member?" I asked. She looked too young to be faculty, but looks can deceive and she spoke with the poise and confidence of a much older woman.

"I'm a grad student trying to get my MFA. Fine Arts was my undergrad major at CUNY-Hunter, and my minor was cognitive psychology.

Daddy's company is one of the consortium that owns The Club. They own several similar themed clubs throughout the country. He brought me last night in hopes I could help him evaluate The Club's proposal to have an exhibition of Misako Sato's photos at The Club.

An art exhibition, even an erotic art exhibit with the propensity to visibly stimulate patrons sexually, is a big departure from the various clubs' usual headliner live entertainment. It would be a bit of a financial gamble for the owners. After all, not everyone might be suitably stimulated. Not an easy decision for the owners."

"With your education in fine arts and psych, I can see why he'd want your opinion. Were you able to help him?"

"Not much so far. I had been tied up with classes Thursday and Friday, so unfortunately I never had a chance to meet Misako before she flew back to San Francisco. I never even got to see any of her photos. Misako took them back with her rather than leave them with Risa to bring back.

Actually, Tom, that's one reason I hoped you would find my note and call. Risa had said that you had modeled for Misako and that you have a book of photos she took of you. I hoped I might be able to persuade you to let me see the photos and talk with you about your modeling for her. I'd like to learn much more about her.

I'm fascinated by Misako's ability to take photos that seem to be erotically neutral and yet those photos can almost instantly stimulate some people to lose control, masturbate, and orgasm. And from what Risa said, both she and Misako were surprised that photos of you swimming gave them both the fastest and strongest reactions they'd ever experienced.

Seeing the photos and hearing your perspective on them would help me form my impression of The Club's proposal to exhibit Misako's photos there."

"Sure, I'd be glad to show them to you and answer any questions. Won't that be a little awkward, though? I mean, we've only met one time, and given the effects Misako's photos have on some people ..."

"Thank you for your concern, Tom, but I'm no sexual prude. You've probably figured that out already, what with Daddy and I being together at The Club for Family Night last night. And as an MFA candidate, the things that stimulate and motivate people to emotionally react to artwork is something I'm really interested in. Spontaneous orgasms, or at least their possibility, seems to qualify as an emotional reaction.

Is there any chance I might meet with you this week and get a look at your photos? I'd really appreciate it if you could answer some questions about your photo session with Misako, too."

"Well, the best time for me this week is Thursday afternoon. I don't have any afternoon classes. If that would be too late in the week for you, I could cut either my Monday or Wednesday afternoon class and ..."

"No, don't cut any classes just for me. Thursday afternoon will work just fine.

Now, with the uncertainty about how I may react to the photos, would you be comfortable meeting with me at my apartment? Say, at 2 p.m.? I've posed nude for other artists, so I'm not exactly shy about exposing my body. Still posing for other artists is not exactly the same as spontaneously masturbating. So from what Risa and Bethany have told me, I think I'd be much more comfortable here at my apartment — just in case."

"I understand completely, Geri. Thursday afternoon, 2 p.m. at your place is fine with me as long as you're comfortable. What's your address?"

As soon as she said the street name, I said, "Oh, that's the Westminster Apartments. You're only about four blocks from me. I know right where it is."

"I really appreciate your help, Tom.

By the way, what did you and Risa think of last night's entertainment?"

"Well, I'm not a member, so I've only been there a couple of times as Sharon Madison's guest. That doesn't give me much to compare to."

"I understand, Tom," she said. "But it's exactly because you aren't a member and haven't seen that many of the shows that I'd appreciate your opinion. You're closer to my age in addition to being quite mature and definitely articulate.

Daddy respects my opinion about the clubs' operations precisely because I'm younger. He wants the clubs to remain financially viable long after he and the other original owners are gone.

Daddy's fifty but he has the stamina of a thirty year old as well as the wisdom and business sense of his age. The rest of the owners are all in their fifties or more, but they all recognize their ideas and values of sexual entertainment and stimulation may not be the same as our generation.

Incidentally, Tom, you really impressed Daddy and Uncle Roger last night."

"Really? I hardly said anything at all."

"That's exactly why you impressed them. Daddy said a less mature, sexually insecure young man would have tried to push his way into the conversations he and Uncle Roger wanted to have with Risa. Remember, to Daddy and Uncle Roger Saturday night at The Club was purely a business meeting to evaluate a valuable asset. Your apparent recognition of that and your respect for their objective quite impressed them.

But getting back to your opinion of last night's entertainment, you're not going to gross me out with your answer, believe me. The objective of the various clubs is to give people safe places where they can comfortably and discreetly enjoy sexual relations with very few limits. And besides, from what Bethany has told me, you're one of the most analytical and articulate young men she's ever met. She obviously values and respects your opinion, and she's not easily impressed."

"Okay, I'll try," I replied before continuing.

"It's obvious that Paul, Michael, and Bethany are interested in knowing what The Club's members and their guests want in the way of sexually exciting entertainment. Michael acknowledged that introducing the wrestling match last night. Rather than use stateside imitations, they brought in the two authentic Joshi-O fighters from Japan to go the extra mile to entertain members and guests.

What really revved up last night's match for me, though, was Bethany's personally officiating the match in the costume she did. I guess wearing nothing but body paint over bare skin qualifies as a costume?

If she had stayed in the white shirt and pants, it wouldn't have added much if anything. Or if she had been completely nude or in a swimsuit, it would have been awkward and out-of-place costuming. Either would have diminished the classiness of the match and the evening.

But the way she tore away the breakaway outer costume, stripper-style, and revealed the paint-on referee's zebra shirt and the black booty shorts, it added to the intensity of the match's sexuality. And with the paint-on costume she was wearing while playing the referee's role straight without involving herself directly in the action on the mat, she emphasized The Club's attention to believability and detail. Her performance added sexual mystery and another layer of excitement to the athletically sexual performances of the two authentic Joshi-O wrestlers. Bethany has the performance talents and the body to pull that off as well as she did. No pun intended.

The best way I can describe the whole match was both classy and ultra-erotic.

Truthfully, though, I was a little surprised at Bethany's performance. Not that there was anything at all wrong with what she did, but it seemed a little out of character for her. She seemed to me to be more the reserved, professional businesswoman rather than an involved and active participant like she did Saturday night."

Geri paused, didn't answer immediately. In spite of her earlier assurance, I began to think I might have nevertheless offended or insulted her.

Finally she said, "Bethany was right about you, Tom. You really are very analytical. In fact, Daddy had almost the same comment. He called Bethany's participation 'low-key classy.' He said it didn't distract from the athleticism and sexuality of the Joshi-O match between the two women. Instead it sent a subtle but clear message to the members and guests that The Club's management is personally involved in and fully committed to trying to deliver first-class sexual entertainment.

But if you don't mind, Tom, be a little less analytical now. You were watching the match from a private VIP suite with a beautiful, very sexy Asian woman. What was your personal reaction to the main event?"

Geri's tone of voice told me she wanted my reaction as a man rather than an analyst.

"Risa spotted Bethany's body paint-on costume almost instantly, much quicker than I did. Then she pointed it out to me. As soon as she did, two things happened: I started getting a hard-on, and I started looking far more closely at Bethany's costume. Admittedly, from that point on I spent a lot of time looking for Bethany's tits and pussy. And to be honest, Geri, there's something about two women tangling their bodies together that has got to be a turn-on for any man."

"And a lot of women, too — Risa and me included," she affirmed. "To tell you the absolute truth, I was probably looking as hard for Bethany's nips and pussy lips as you were. Maybe even harder since I'm not allowed to touch because of Daddy being an owner. And what I saw and didn't see combined to make me ginormously wet!

Same thing with Risa. She told me that after the curtain closed, the only thing on her mind was getting you out of your suit and between her legs. I assume from her radiance at breakfast this morning that you had pretty much the same thoughts.

Let me tell you something, Tom. Risa and I weren't the only women turned on by the Joshi-O girls and by Bethany.

Our members have the option of filling out comment cards to give us feedback. If we get a 20 percent return on any night's entertainment, just that alone tells us they at least paid attention to the show, whether they liked it or not.

We had about 75 percent of the member comment cards returned last night, and get this: One hundred percent of the comments left by both the men and women were unusually complimentary. Many comments were very detailed narratives, not just the usual check marks in the boxes. After seeing Bethany moving around the ring in such a sexually revealing and exciting painted-on costume, a surprisingly large number of the women members expressed a desire to have The Club consider changing its no hands-on contact between members and employees. Personally, I wouldn't mind that at all after seeing her last night, but I can tell you that from a business perspective, it isn't going to happen. We want our members and their guests to play with each other, not with the business's managers or employees.