Drinks Later Pt 04

THE CONVERSATION

I gazed at her as I slid out from under the sheets. She was so peaceful. Looking at that stunningly beautiful face, I began to have doubts about my plan. Do I really want this? Am I really this strong?

But as I looked down at her stunning features, I knew the answer. I must put a stop to her shenanigans. Or at least I must put a stop to my quiet complicity. By not facing this head-on, I am saying everything is OK - but it's not! Her health and safety - and by proximity - my health and safety - these were being left out to dry! What kind of parent am I to Cassie and Carrie to let this continue?!?

I took a deep breath and moved my eyes from my sleeping beauty. The nightstand clock showed 7:15 am - time to go. The hotel carpet squished between my toes as I stood up. I stumbled into the bathroom. I had to squint as I became accustomed to the light. I ignored my reflection in the large mirror.

I let the hot water cascade off my body as I began to relax in the shower. I only needed a few minutes with soap and shampoo, but I spent a few extra minutes rehearsing my speech silently under the water spray. I closed my eyes and took another deep breath. This was painful.

After toweling off, I grabbed the hair dryer and blew it dry. Then shaving, deodorant, brushing of teeth and vitamins- the routine calmed my frayed nerves. I slipped back into the bedroom for my clothes. Jennifer was still asleep. She had rolled on her stomach and her dark hair was splayed out over her pillow. Damn! Am I strong enough to do this?

I dressed quietly - jeans, golf shirt and tennis shoes. Then I went about repacking my suitcase. I put my clothes back, including the ones I wore yesterday when we got here. Back in the bathroom, I repacked all the toiletries. I gazed over the counter at Jennifer's stuff - it felt odd not to pack them - or even make room for them in the bag - but I didn't.

I carried the closed suitcase and bag and set them by the door. Step one was complete.

I plugged in the small coffee maker that is supplied by the hotel and began to brew some decaf. Soon the aroma permeated the room. I unwrapped two cups from the counter and, after pouring, add two sugars to hers while keeping mine black.

I set the cups on the table with the two chairs located in the corner of the room at the foot of the other bed. I then pulled the curtain back slightly. On the seventh floor of the hotel and looking south, the beginning of a beautiful day was showing itself on the horizon to the left. The beautiful water to the right was still. I smiled at the irony.

"Morning! Coffee for me?" Jennifer started stirring.

"It is." I handed her the cup.

"Why are you dressed?" she asked, as she sat up in the bed, taking the cup and a quick sip.

"We need to talk."

"OK, where's my robe?" She was looking around. I noticed how the sheet covered her breasts as she held it up with her elbows tucked into her ribs. It dawned on me that this is a recent phenomenon. In the not-so-distant past, she would've just let the sheet fall proudly showing her body to me.

I grabbed it from the other bed and handed it to her. She gave me back the coffee cup so she could slip into the robe.

"Give me a few minutes," she said, as she tied her robe and headed for the bathroom. I watched as she walked away and marveled at her sexiness. Then I looked away and closed my eyes for a moment.

I got up and moved over by the table to sit in a chair looking out the window. I slowly sipped the coffee. The city at this height looked quiet for a Saturday morning. I glanced back at the bed. I wish I were still in it sleeping soundly.

Jennifer interrupted my thoughts when she came back as she rounded the corner. She sat down in the chair opposite me and grabbed her coffee with both hands. After a quick sip, she leaned back in her chair and looked at me. Oh, those gorgeous seductive green eyes. How I love those eyes.

"OK," she started, "You haven't been yourself since we got here. Start talking - what's going on?"

I smiled feebly and looked back out the window for a moment.

"This is a conversation I never expected to have," I began. Slowly, I turned to face her. "The happiest day of my life was the day you agreed to marry me. The second is a tie with each girls' birth, but far and away the best was the day we exchanged 'I do's'. Winning you was my crowning achievement."

She smiled and took another sip of coffee. "Thank you. But........." she drew out the word for me to continue.

I forced myself to look deep into her eyes. "But things have changed."

Her eyes went wide, and a combination of terror and venom covered her face. "What things? What are you talking about? Are you leaving me? Is there another woman? That's it, isn't it?!? There is another woman!! You're leaving me for another woman?!?!?" She worked herself into such a frenzy that she was almost screaming at that point. Tears began to form in the corner of her eyes.

I just stared at her, blankly. Another woman? After what has she been doing on her trips? Another woman? This beautiful creature who I vowed to love forever and what has she done to me? Another woman? But she has turned into another woman - the woman in those videos is not my wife. My wife doesn't talk like that, she doesn't act like that, and we don't have sex like that!!! Yes, she is right! It is another woman that has come between us - but that other woman is sitting across from me now!

"Yes," I said softly. "I'm leaving because of another woman."

The tears now started to well in her eyes. She clutched her coffee harder as the tears began to stream down her cheeks. "Who is she?"

I ignored the question. "Remember a couple of months ago, when Carrie swapped our computers, and you left town with mine?"

She nodded.

"Remember how you had me forward your files for your presentation the next day? Imagine my surprise when I found your video collection." My voice was cold.

She shuddered. "Oh, no!" she quietly gasped.

"Imagine my thoughts," I continued with no emotion, "when I realize that the woman I love and the mother of my daughters - is actually a porno star. And not just a porno star - she's a hooker and a whore!"

She began to sob uncontrollably. "I'm cold."

I got up and pulled the quilt off the second, still-made bed. I stepped back to her and covered her legs and chest.

"Thank you," she quietly murmured.

"So, yes," I continued, as I sat back down to face her. "Technically, I'm leaving you because of another woman. It's just that the other woman is you."

She sat silently for a few minutes with her eyes looking down. Finally, she composed herself and wiped her tears with the back of her hands. I grabbed a box of tissues and gave them to her.

She nodded her thanks. After dabbing her eyes again, she looked up at me.

"I never meant to hurt you. I really don't know what I meant - or why?"

I stayed silent. I wanted to scream, but I stayed silent.

She took another sip of coffee then set the cup on the table. She clutched the quilt tighter and looked down. I knew she was searching for words.

"After Cassie was born, I didn't feel very good about myself. As you know, I had trouble loving her, Carrie, or you. Mainly, I had trouble loving me. I know you were doing your darnedest to reach me, but I didn't want nor deserve love.

"But I had to go back to work. I know you wanted me to stay home with the girls, but I was going crazy. I needed to get back to work.

"I don't remember precisely what trip it was, but Jeff and Tom were pressuring me to get this guy's business, come hell or high water. So, I went and put on all the charm I could muster - which, the way I felt personally, was an Oscar-level performance. But it was enough.

"They had a party that evening, and the potential client invited me to join. Well, the liquor flowed freely, and I had more than I should have.

"He kept flirting with me all evening, and - ", she paused for a second, "and it started to feel good. I guess I started to enjoy it."

She started to sniffle again and used the tissue she held to wipe her nose. She looked out the window as she continued. "Anyway, the party wound down and I found myself alone with him."

She looked back down and sighed deeply. "And when we were alone, he kissed me. And - even though every fiber in me wanted to resist - I didn't. I found myself kissing him back." She looked at me with sad, teary eyes. I don't know if I saw guilt, sadness, or resignation.

"Next thing I knew, we were in his hotel room making out. He slowly removed my clothes," again she looked down, "and he made me feel sexy again. And then he had sex with me. And I enjoyed it. I didn't want to, but I couldn't help it."

The tears slowed down and she took another sip of her coffee. The words became clearer now. "And he recorded it. I asked him why? He said it was because he could relive these moments whenever he wanted and, since he was also married, we would each have a copy and could use it against each other. He wanted me to have a copy so I could relive it, too.

"So, after spending the night with him I got the account.

"Then I came home. My guilt was almost unbearable, but nothing had changed. You were still you, as wonderful and loving as ever! My girls - I started seeing them clearly and learned to love them." She gave me a feeble smile then looked away as she continued. "And at work, I was a hero! I had won the account that Tom and Jeff had worked years to close. And I got it! Then, a couple of days later, I got a copy of the video in my email.

"It took me a couple of days to work up the nerve to watch it, but I did, and those feelings came rushing back.

"Then Jeff sent me back the next month to tie up loose ends - and he and I picked up where we had left off. I again slept with him - and the scary part was that it was easier, and I had less guilt. And he again recorded it.

"The only way I progressed from there was to compartmentalize my life. You are my husband - I love you and only you. You have my heart - no one else will ever have that!" She had an earnestness in her face as she looked at me. "And I'm a mother to the most precious children - my home life is perfect!

"But - but my perfect life isn't quenching my lust. And I don't know how to stop." She looked directly at me. "I am so sorry," she said softly.

I took a long deep breath and closed my eyes for a moment to compose myself. She had confessed, but the apology felt fake. And it didn't sound like she was going to stop.

"Were you ever going to tell me?" I asked.

I have wanted to," she was watching my reaction. "But I was scared. Scared of you - scared for my family."

"But not scared enough to stop? Not scared enough to even curb this lust? And not willing to share any of this lust with the man that loves you more than life itself - me?"

"No," she answered softly, looking down at her hands.

"I don't know where to start -," I stammered. "I'm so livid on so many levels that I don't know where...like, I've watched these videos - starring my wife - doing things with other men that she won't do with me! You're giving blow jobs! You're being fucked in the ass! And you're loving it! You've never allowed me to do that! Me - your husband - the father of your children - the man you promised in front of God and family to love and respect forever! Even last night you said no! How do you think that makes me feel?!?"

My anger began to swell and any speech I had prepared went out the window. I was on a roll and not going to stop. She didn't say anything, but her tears began to flow again.

"I have loved you," I continued, "and only you since the day I first saw you! I won the lottery when you married me! We were supposed to grow old and die in each other's arms together!! Instead, I have nineteen tapes with twenty-five different men fucking my wife - the whore - in ways I'm incapable of describing!! You are the ultimate Jekyll and Hyde! I don't know you. Somewhere along the way you changed - and not for the better! Success and sex in the workplace have overtaken the wife and mother! Hyde won again!"

She was bawling at this point. Through her heaving, she cried, "I can change! Please give me a chance! Please!!!"

"I've tried. But last week you went to Denver. I hoped you would stop but instead you fucked three more and made video number twenty. And, if that wasn't enough, you brought two of them back the next night and did it again! Then, your husband takes you on a weekend getaway and you won't do any of the sex things with him that you did with three strangers! I don't think you can change." My voice was cold with that last statement.

"Wait -," she was still sniffing, but straightened up and glared at me. "How do you know what happened in Denver? Have you been following me?"

I paused and looked down at my hands. "Yes, I've been putting the pieces together since I found the tapes."

"So, you know everything?"

I nodded. "All except the 'Why'? I know about your 'drinks later' code, I know the names and addresses of everyone on every tape, I know what companies they work for - I even know the names and emails of their spouses."

"What are you going to do with that information?" she was shaking as she asked.

"I've already done it," I lied. "I've sent a copy of each tape to their company, a copy to their spouses, and copies of everything to your bosses and legal."

"How could you!?!?" she screamed at me. Her eyes were blazing.

I answered coldly. "They fucked my wife! I figure that gives me the right to fuck with them!"

With that, I stood up and looked down at her. "I have always loved you and I think I'll always love you. But right now, I don't much like you."

She was shaking her head and looking at my waist. Slowly she lifted her eyes to meet mine. "Oh, my god! Do you have any idea what you have done?"

"That's my question to you," I answered. "So, here's where we go from here - I've already filed for divorce. You'll be hearing from the attorneys shortly. You're going to move out - I've already rented an apartment for you. I'm going to keep full custody of the girls."

"What!!!" she screamed, jumping out of the chair. "No! They are mine!!"

"Their mother is a prostitute who makes sex tapes," I countered. "That's not a very good environment for two little girls, is it?"

"No! You can't take my babies!"

"I'm not taking - you pushed."

She clutched the quilt tighter and again began to sob.

"The room is paid for through tomorrow," I continued. "You can stay and gather your thoughts. Hell, even bang a bellboy if you want - that is, if you can find a video camera. I'm going home. Goodbye, Jennifer."

She dropped back into the chair. "Please...."

Every muscle in my body wanted to run to her, hold her, and promise all was going to be alright. But it wasn't. I gazed at her beautiful but sad face then turned and walked to the door.

"I love you more than you'll ever know. I only wish you felt the same about me." I picked up my suitcases and walked out.

I could hear her sobs through the closed door. But a strange calm enveloped me. The weeks of indecision and, dare I say, cowardice, were now behind me. As the moment passed, I headed to the elevator.

The crisp morning sun had the lobby illuminated brightly. As I had suspected, the world outside was coming to life. I moved to an unoccupied seating area and set my bags down. I pulled out my phone and called Bob.

"It's done," I said quietly, "Send the emails."

"Last chance to change your mind?"

"I'm sure. Do it. I'm headed to the airport now. I'll call when I land."

"OK. Just a second..." I could tell he was working at his keyboard. "It's done!!"

"Good. See you later." I was glad he didn't ask me anything about my conversation. I knew I would review it with him later but right now I needed to decompress.

My next call was to Jack. "I'm headed home. Go ahead with the filing."

"First thing Monday morning," he said. "Talk then."

The third call was to Margie. "You free later today?"

"I am," she sounded groggy.

"I just told Jennifer. I need release."

"The door is open," she cooed. "See you later."

I hailed a taxi. Climbing in, I glanced back at the hotel. That's when it dawned on me - I was now departing for a new phase of my life.

GRACE COOPER

"Damn you!! Damn you!! You bastard!!" Jennifer's voice was shrill on the other end of the phone.

All I had said was, "Hello."

Ten days had passed since our return. I had moved her out of the house and into the apartment. She took only three suitcases, some photos, the coffeemaker and some of the girls' toys. Hard to believe a shared life had come to that.

The girls did not understand. We knew they wouldn't. We explained that Mommy and Daddy were not happy, and that Mommy got to move to a fun new place that they get to visit. That helped but didn't stop the tears.

Jack had the divorce papers served two days later. She, too, had hired an attorney.

Even the tryst with Margie when I got back from the breakup conversation with Jennifer didn't go well. I blame it all on myself and my state of mind at that moment.

She had met me at her door wearing torn sweatshirt and sweatpants with her hair tied back. Still, it was super sexy. And those glossy blue eyes sent me over the top. I burst in the door and quickly reached around her with both arms and pulled her tight to me. Our lips met and our tongues went wild in each other's mouth.

"You don't waste any time, do you?" she asked when we came up for air.

"I've had a rough day," I stated.

"Come in and let me help."

She led me straight to her bedroom and we began to strip each other simultaneously. She did not have a bra on and only a thin pair of panties under her sweats, so she was naked in no time. It took me a little longer. She was sitting on the edge of the bed while I stood in front of her dropping my pants. She took my flaccid cock in her hands and began to massage it. The feeling was incredible. I reached around her arms to fondle her breasts that were just perfect.

She leaned forward and began to lick my now erect cock. She then leaned back and looked up at me. "Your condom?"

"Um, no." I stammered.

"Rule number one," she stated as she let go of my cock. "Until a ring is on the lady's finger, a gentleman always uses a condom."

I nodded. This was not cool. Also, a great way to break the sexual tension and arousal we were both experiencing. She pushed me to the side, got up and went into her bathroom. Soon she returned holding a couple of little wrappers.

"You're between a medium and a large," she stated. She was a professional! She set one wrapper down on the nightstand and put the other between her teeth and tore it open. She then pulled it out and went back to massaging my cock with her other hand until it had regained its hardness. She then rolled the condom into place.

It'd been many years since I had a condom on. The feeling was extremely strange and constricting, yet somehow still turned me on.

"OK, give it to me!" She leaned back on the bed and spread her legs.

I stepped forward and grabbing her hips began to push into her. She used her hands to help guide it in. In no time, I was furiously pounding her. I think I heard her tell me to slow down, but I was having none of it. I continued my frenetic pace until I felt that immediate point of no return.

"I'm there!" I cried, as I pumped my load into her.

She had moaned slightly during my pounding but was quiet as I came. I knew she had not joined me in my ecstasy. As I slowed, my now limp dick slid out of her.

"Well, that was fun," she smiled. Or was it a smirk?

"Sorry," I muttered. "I guess I got a little carried away. This is the first time I've had sex with another woman. I guess I've got a lot to learn."