Ellie nervously checked her blond hair and makeup in the mirror and glanced down at her royal blue low-cut dress that showcased her best assets. She looked better than she ever had and hoped tonight would be as memorable as she needed it to be.
Her husband Tom walked in the bedroom and paused to take her in. "I really wish you would tell me where we are going. Especially when you look like that." He was a well built and handsome man, dark hair and piercing grey eyes. She'd loved him since she was 16 but she felt bittersweet at the thought of what was coming. Her stomach knotted recalling his angry words just a few weeks before, when he had told her sex with her had become a chore and it wasn't fun or enjoyable anymore. It had gutted her but she was determined to change that and had planned this evening knowing it would be a night they would never forget.
"It's a surprise. Just promise me you will keep an open mind and go along with it," she said, straightening his tailored suit jacket. He responded by rolling his eyes. She grabbed his hand and walked with him to the front window to see if their taxi had arrived yet. She felt a nervous energy course through her but excitement too as the black Mercedes pulled into view. "C'mon, let's go. You look great by the way" she said as she headed out the door.
They slid into the backseat as she handed the driver a piece of paper with the address. He glanced at her quickly in the mirror and shot her a warm smile. Tom, on the other hand looked irritated. She sat silently, reflecting on their marriage. They'd been high school sweethearts, married young with a year left of college. Had three kids back to back and fell into a slump where their world began to revolve around their young sons and they forgot to put each other first. But now the boys were a little older and staying with her best friend for the weekend. She hoped fiercely her plans for the night wouldn't backfire. She knew if Tom would relax, it would be great for the both of them.
They finally arrived at the building that was on the outskirts of town. It was a two story building, illuminated by a sign naming it "The Club." She smirked at the cute irony, like naming a unique bar, "The Bar." Tom was less amused. "Ellie, seriously? Are we 22? This is not my cup of tea at all. Can we just go?" She was afraid of this but hoped once they got inside, he might enjoy himself.
"No, we are doing this," she said as she paid the driver. They walked up the pathway and a few other well but scantily dressed, similarly aged couples came into view. A striking Latina woman wearing a see-through black lace dress caught her eye and flashed her a bold smile. Ellie glanced over at Tom to see his eyes grow wide and shift uncomfortably. Ellie felt her nerves take hold but underneath, a current of excitement for what lie ahead.
Once inside they could hear the house music and feel the soft thud of the beat. The Club was dimly lit and inside the main entry was a large foyer filled with couples ranging in states of dress from classy but provocative to barely there lingerie for the women and suits to underwear for the men. She and Tom were definitely more covered than most, but they both looked sexy and timeless. "I can't believe this...is this a swinger's club?" Tom looked at her incredulously.
She nodded and grabbed his hands, "We are going to have an unforgettable experience tonight. Open your mind, have a few drinks, and let's enjoy this. We need this. I love you."
