"Is that the swimsuit edition?"
"Uh-huh"
"You like that a lot? It's been out three -- four months now!"
"You're point?"
"I don't no, I like looking too, at broads I mean, Looks like they're getting skimpier and skimpier."
"Yeh."
"Look at the tits on that one!"
O.o.o..Yeh.." I was on the RTA Rapid going downtown for classes at CCC. I was a first year freshman. I know, the freshman year is your first year but at CCC lots of guys take two or more years to get enough credits to move up to sophomore status. Anyway, it was early September; just three months into my eighteenth year. My seatmate was a middle-aged guy. He was nicely dressed and well groomed; his hair slicked back with Vasoline or Valvoline or something. His pock-marked face sported a pencil thin moustache. A Rolex on his left wrist and a pinky ring completed his "look".
I put my SI back in my book bag and stood up. "My stop." I said. I don't know why, it was Terminal Tower, everybody on the Shaker line got off here.
"Mine too." The man replied, softly. "Have fun at school."
I didn't even look back as I worked my way to the door. That's the way it went for the next few weeks. I got on at Green, he got on at Warrensville. It was after the morning rush so quite often the seat next to me was open. He made small talk; about the Browns, the weather, the Buckeyes, every once in a while a comment about a woman on the train. Eventually I learned his name. He was a name partner in a prominent law firm so naturally I'll just call him "Rich", not his real name, of course! My real name isn't Don either, but that's what I'll call myself.
The day before Thanksgiving he handed me an envelope. "Remember that swim suit edition? I thought you might be interested."
It was a photographic art magazine, nudes! I'm sure my eyes nearly popped out of my head. I didn't know that this sort of "art" was available. I mumbled my approval of page after page of very seductively posed women.
"You don't have classes Friday, do you?
"No," I answered hesitantly. "I'm working on some briefs for a trial that starts after the first of the year." He handed me his card. "Why don't you come to my office, I've got a ton of this stuff. I bet you'll like it." He didn't give me a chance to reply. He just stood up, turned to leave and glanced back, "See you Friday!" It wasn't a question or statement of fact, it was almost a command.
I looked up and nodded my agreement.
Classes ended Wednesday and I went to my job at Higbee's, a downtown department store in Terminal Tower. I thought about Rich's offer but dismissed it as sort of strange.
Thanksgiving Day was spent with the family and I didn't think about visiting the office of a man I really didn't know but Friday was different. I was due in at Higbee's at three pm anyway so what was the problem with going downtown a little earlier? At ten thirty am I found myself on the Rapid heading downtown. At eleven fifteen I was in an elevator going to the thirtieth floor.
The doors opened on an office lobby and a receptionist greeted me. "Good morning, sir! How may I help you?"
"I'm here to see Mr. Hedde." I said as I handed her his card.
"You must be Donny, he's been expecting you! Please have a seat; I'll let him know you're here."
"Mr. Hedde, ......... the young man you've been expecting is here. Yes, I'll tell him. ...... Yes, Mr. Hedde."
"Donny," she smiled sweetly as she spoke. "Mr. Hedde is in conference with James C........., our senior partner and Charles F....., one of our paralegals. He said he's sorry to make you wait but he won't be long. Would you care for some coffee or perhaps a soft drink?"
"Coffee would be very nice." I replied timidly as I seated myself in a large overstuffed leather chair. Looking around the room I was impressed by the dark walnut paneling, the portraits of the partners, the chandelier. I was surprised that the ceiling was very high, maybe twelve or fourteen feet. I glanced at the name plate on the receptionist's desk: Veronica Williams. I glanced at the receptionist as she prepared my coffee at the built-in kitchenette. Nice! I thought. She wore a navy blue skirt and a white blouse with lace trim at the neck and cuffs. Her hair was pulled back and she wore dark framed glasses. Her heels matched her skirt; very professional, I thought. Except for her bright red lips!
She turned on her heel and glancing over her shoulder asked, "Cream and sugar?"
"Black, please."
She left the spoon she had placed on my saucer on the shelf and brought me my coffee and two small cookies. "I hope you like shortbread." She said as she handed me the cup and saucer. Not paper or Styrofoam! Real china and not cheap either! I know, I've been through the china department downstairs.
"Thank-you very much!" I felt out of place and a little overwhelmed.
"Are you here for a job interview, Donny?"
"What! Ah... no...ah just a social call."
