Prologue
Allan awoke with dawn's sunlight splashing across his face. Gretchen was not in the bed. He sat up and scanned the room but she wasn't there. He saw the ivory parchment envelop on her pillow. It was addressed to 'Allan' with a lipstick smooch beneath his name. Maybe she had gone to breakfast and wanted him to meet her there.
He opened and read the calligraphic message.
ALLAN,
HAPPY BIRTHDAY, BUDDY, FROM YOUR BEST CLIENT.
I understand the reality of this message is going to be a downer after such a potent encounter with Gretchen but I am in awe of your years of service and the wealth you have helped me accumulate.
Words and money alone could not adequately express my admiration. I like actions.
So...I arranged this more suitable reward. I hope you liked it and will forgive my subterfuge. But, hey, how would you like to continue this birthday party? Let's make a deal.
- Do a GOOD job with my money over the coming year and you can look forward to a similar birthday present next year.
- Do a GREAT job with my money over the coming year and you can look forward to spending your birthday on a weeklong tour of Norway. Guess who could be your tour guide? I hear there are many marvels to see in Norway...but you have to leave the hotel suite. Or not...
So, stay very focused on MY best interests and you'll find me very focused on YOURS.
GRATEFULLY,
YOUR BEST CLIENT (EVER!)
Allan let the transient disappointment at Gretchen's departure wash over him. He had truly enjoyed his fantastic night with this exceptional woman. And his best client was always true to his word. Allan's opportunity to get another date with Gretchen, incredibly, an overseas week-long date, was firmly in his control.
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Present Day
The airliner thumped down at Oslo International Airport. Allan watched out the porthole sized window as the plane taxied to the terminal and parked at its designated jet-way. He gathered his things and trudged through the gate, immigration and customs, finally into the Arrivals hall.
Allan's heart skipped a beat; there to greet him was Gretchen.
Gretchen stood behind the clamoring crowd as Allan made his way to her. She opened her arms and he fell into the sweetest, softest welcome he could imagine. Her breasts mashed his chest and her kiss washed his lips as she warmly embraced him. "Welcome to Oslo, my darling..." she whispered.
Allen leaned back but held a loose embrace. Gretchen's face was radiant with rose tinted high cheeks and crystal blue eyes. Her thin platinum blonde hair hung with straight bangs and a bell cut above her collar. She was shorter than Allen, even in heels. Full figured with rounded hips and breasts, she still looked the part of the merry widow that she had claimed to be when they first met a year ago.
An airport porter helped with the bags as Gretchen escorted Allen, arm in arm to their waiting limousine. They cuddled warmly on the ride to the hotel. The snowy streetscapes outside slid past the cozy interior of the towncar. Allen described his highly lucrative investment year that had carried him back into Gretchen's arms. She expressed her happiness at his success with cuddles, caresses and kisses, lauding his acumen.
Their penthouse suite at the Oslo Hilton was magnificent, with a view across the Norwegian urban expanse. Winter dusk arrived early at these latitudes; lights twinkling alive across the frosty landscape.
Allen showered alone as Gretchen arranged his things. He emerged wrapped in a waist towel to find a room service meal setup. Gretchen had changed to a loose diaphanous gown, obscuring her undertone but draping her form in titillating triumph. She wrapped Allen in a fluffy terrycloth robe. A small fireplace gave off a red glow, accenting the dinner table candles.
Allen and Gretchen enjoyed a romantic dinner, fine food, fine wine, fine conversation. Half through the dessert aperitif, Gretchen rose and, pulling back Allen's chair, sat on his lap. She circled his neck and they kissed playfully but with growing purpose. Allen lifted Gretchen and carried her to bed.