Hank could not believe how boring a History conference in Washington, DC could be. History was his life's passion but it no longer was. Sure he was excited to be part of an elite panel that was discussing the American Civil War and its effects both here and abroad. The fact that it was going to be televised was something he liked. At least it couldn't hurt the sales of his latest book. He was going to be interviewed on NPR tomorrow then going home.
He missed home and his family. He never thought he'd be saying that but he did. All a long he had been wanting a place to call home and now he had it. He had a beautiful wife, a great daughter and a baby on the way. To him, he had it all.
Amy's pregnancy was progressing well. She was near the end of her sixth month and so far everything was going well. Their sex life had really slowed down especially compared to the earlier months and her moods had gone through some changes. She was up one day then down another. One day she wanted his touch and the next she pushed him away. Sometimes she couldn't sleep and he find her seated, wrapped in a blanket in the bedroom chair, just looking out the window. Hank tried his best to be there for her but he couldn't miss this conference. Amy encouraged him to go, saying it would be good for him. She was right as he touched base with some of his old contacts. He especially liked to tell people about Amy and Carrie.
Carrie was acting like the freshman she was. Most of the time she was great and very helpful but she had discovered boys and wanted to date. Amy was dead set against it and it led to some tense moments. She didn't date as a freshman so Carrie shouldn't. Carrie tried to recruit Aunt Jessie but that never helped. Hank was ok with it but with strict rules. He tried to see both sides but that usually got him in trouble. That was the great part about being a new dad to a teenager. It was a big learning curve and he was finding that out every day.
"Dr. Dixon." The voice startled him. "You're up." Hank walked to the podium and started his talk. It went well. He held his own in the panel discussion and Q and A that followed.
Hank was tired and he headed out of the conference room planning on going up to his hotel room. He wanted to call home to see how things were going. And just to hear Amy's voice. Leaving the room he heard a female voice call to him. "Hank, Hank Dixon."
He turned around and there standing not five feet away was Susan, his ex.
Susan was dressed in a gray suit with red blouse. Her black hair was pulled back in a bun. Her eyes sparkled and she gave a big smile. She walked towards him. Hank extended his hand. She took it, pulled him close and kissed his cheek. "It's been a long time."
"Yes, it has. You are looking good, "replied Hank.
"Thanks. You're looking well too. I guess married life agrees with you. I heard you speak. Great as usual," she said. "Where are you staying?"
"Right here," Hank said.
"Great! Me too." Susan answered. "Would you like to get a drink?"
Hank agreed and they headed towards the hotel bar. They sat down. Susan swung herself around so her knees touched Hank's. They talked about old times and people they knew. Susan told Hank she was working as a lobbyist and the job was going well. A number of times as she spoke she placed her hand on Hank's thigh. They decided to have dinner together. When their table was called Susan slid around in her stool seat. This spread her legs allowing Hank see her inner thigh. Hank noticed the top of her black stocking and her creamy thigh.
At dinner, she sat next to him, not across from him. Their knees constantly touched. Hank tried not to notice but he couldn't. Hank turned the conversation to Amy and Carrie but she always brought it back to the two of them. As they talked, she undid her hair, allowing it to fall free. She shook her head and ran her fingers through it. "There, that feels much better."
She smiled and by the look on Hank's face, it had the desired effect on him.
"You know, we could have made a pretty good team, you and me," Susan said. "Maybe I should have fought for you."
"How's that?" Hank replied. He was taken aback by her forwardness.
"Oh come on. We have a lot in common. We both love power. We both worked hard to get where we are. We made a good team, your brains, my drive. Admit it, the sex was pretty good." Susan smiled.
"True," Hank answered. "Thinking back, we did have some pretty good times."
"So?" She asked.
"So what?"
