This story is broken down into four parts. It could have fit under numerous categories including erotic couplings, romance, anal and voyeur. I thought loving wives was the best fit, but it's not the only fit. Love is complicated, and doesn't always color inside the lines, just like this story. Enjoy, vote, comment.
One
Mattie had only been at work for a few hours when she got the text. She wasn't supposed to look at her phone at work but the reception area was empty. She was caught up on paperwork and had one of those rare moments when she could sit back and take a breath. Blessed with a free moment she checked her phone and saw the strange message waiting for her.
Can I buy you lunch? - Valerie
The message was unusual for several reasons and Mattie was trying to organize them in her head. Valerie had never texted her before. In fact, she wasn't even sure how Valerie got her phone number. Valerie was a coworker of her husband, and more his friend than hers. Mattie had met her at work functions over the years, but they had never done anything social together. Valerie was single, and had been as long as Mattie had known her. She was tall and brash and that seemed to put off most of the men. The fact that she was highly intelligent didn't help, as most men didn't want a woman smarter than then. Mattie got along with her just fine, and admired the way she walked through life taking no shit.
The invitation to lunch was intriguing; and filled her head with a dozen questions. Mattie rationalized that the only way she was going to get some answers was to meet for lunch and ask them herself. Besides, she liked Valerie.
Sure, my lunch is from 12-1, what cha thinkin? - Mattie
Acapulco Grill, good food and a full bar. - Valerie
Sounds good, see you there a few minutes past noon. - Mattie
Mattie got back to work but spent the rest of the morning thinking about Valerie, lunch, and the unusual invitation. Noon couldn't come soon enough.
When Mattie walked in, she saw Valerie waving from a table along the back wall. She had secured them a table away from the main dining area, and already had a drink in front of her. As Mattie approached the table, she saw the drink was already empty. Curiouser and curiouser. Valerie jumped up as Mattie approached the table and gave a hug in greeting. Mattie took the seat across from her and got her coat and purse situated on the chair beside her. A waitress had followed her in and now asked if she wanted anything to drink. Mattie was not going to get a drink, knowing she had to be back at work in an hour. However, after seeing Valerie's empty glass, she decided she might just need it. She ordered a margarita and the waitress gave them time to look at the menu.
"Thanks for meeting me here today, especially on such short notice," Valerie said.
"Of course," Mattie said, "Your invitation was so out of the blue, I was instantly curious and couldn't wait."
The waitress came back with Mattie's margarita and another drink for Valerie. The two women ordered food while the server was there; before she collected the menus and rushed off.
"So," Mattie said looking at Valerie, who suddenly looked worried.
"I uh...I tried practicing this a few times but never found the right combination of words that didn't make me sound like an idiot," Valerie said, taking a big slug of her drink. Her cheeks were pink and it looked like she was overheating.
"Well, if it's bad news, just come right out with it. Rip it off quick like a band aid," Mattie said.
"It's not bad news, it's just that..." Valerie stopped again, and blew out a breath.
Mattie was starting to think she had a terminal illness, and was looking for a way to share the news. She reached out and grabbed Valerie's hand for support, to let her know it was ok.
"I also made a contingency plan in case I chickened out," Valerie said, pulling a letter out from under her plate. She started to push the letter across the table and Mattie was torn between grabbing it or running from it. She decided to not be a chicken today and reached for it only to have Valerie flatten her hand on it.
"Rules first," Valerie said, taking a breath, "this is going to shock you, but please just hear me out. I have given this a lot of thought, agonized over it. I don't want you to hate me, and I don't want to get Rolland in trouble. I'm just...asking for a loan," she finished, before letting go of the paper.
Mattie took the paper and opened it up while Valerie took another big drink. She was blushing pink on her ears, cheeks, and neck. This is really getting interesting now. Mattie unfolded the letter and saw it had been typed out in advance and was nearly a page long. Her name was at the top and it was signed by Valerie at the bottom. She really had planned all this out in advance. Mattie took a sip of her drink to fortify her and dove right into the letter.
Mattie,
If you're reading this, I chickened out, and couldn't say the words. Please read the whole thing before you speak, and know this is the hardest thing I have ever done. I won't be upset if you say no, in fact, I'd be shocked if you said yes. Despite all that, I made a promise to myself that I would try. So here goes.
My next birthday ends in a zero; it's one of the big ones. Every year I save up enough money to go somewhere tropical for two weeks. This is my treat to myself that allows me to work so hard at my job. I can get through just about anything, knowing that a tropical vacation is waiting for me. I love going to new places and seeing new things, and have been doing it by myself for nearly twenty years now. My mother is a travel agent and helps me book the best places and the best deals. She has long since given up on me finding a husband and giving her grandchildren. That doesn't stop her from pestering me about finding a man. This year she got a bee in her bonnet and bought a second ticket to accompany mine. She refuses to go, and has been telling me to find somebody to go with me. She started her campaign by saying it had to be a man, somebody I could share the adventure with. Then she raised the stakes and hinted that it could be a romantic vacation, and I could get my ashes hauled, as she calls it. I tried to tell her I wasn't seeing anyone, and didn't know the first thing about finding a booty call at my age. Finally, she cornered me and told me I was in danger of becoming an old bitty. I would be an old spinster soon and I didn't even have enough sex stories to put in a coffee can and bury in the backyard. She wants me to make some sinful memories before it's too late, and I slide into regret as well as retirement.
I made a list. Actually, I made three lists, trying to analyze the problem. There was a list of men I wanted to sleep with or was at least interested in sleeping with. There was a list of men I enjoyed talking to, and thought I could take on vacation without killing them. Finally, there was a list of men I could trust; both with my heart and this opportunity. I needed to find a guy who understood this was a one-time deal. This would be a two-week vacation from reality; without emotions, false promises, or sticky entanglements. He can't be a blabbermouth, and must be willing to keep this a secret. There was only one name that was in all three of my columns.
Rolland.
Mattie looked up and made eye contact with Valerie at this point, not believing what she was reading. Valerie whispered 'o fuck' and picked up her drink and took another big pull while looking away. Her color had returned to normal but now the blush came roaring back with full force. Mattie shook her head and went back to the end of the letter.
I am trying to be painfully honest, because I know how big of an ask this is. I am looking for a lover to accompany me on my vacation. It will begin and end with this trip, nothing more, and never again. I would never do anything to harm your marriage to Rolland, ironically that is one of the reasons I am asking you. Your marriage is one of the strongest ones I know.
You can think about it, or refuse right now. You can tell Rolland about this, or not. I will not hold your refusal or your anger against you. I realize you must be furious. I appreciate you reading this far, and at least allowing me to keep a promise I made to myself. After this, I can honestly say that I tried.
Hopefully still your friend. Valerie.
As Mattie finished the letter, the waitress came back with their lunch and set the plates down in front of them. She asked if they needed anything else and Mattie realized her margarita was empty. She asked for another. She never understood what constituted a two-drink lunch before today. When a friend asks to fuck your husband, it's a two-drink lunch.
"Say something," Valerie said softly.
"I'm thinking," Mattie said, "eat your lunch."
Valerie picked up her fork and Mattie saw her hand was shaking.
"Well, you didn't throw your drink in my face, slap me, and storm out, I guess that counts for something," Valerie said with a weak smile.
"Have you mentioned this to Rolland yet?" Mattie asked.
"O God no. I think we both know this is your decision," Valerie said.
"My first inclination is to scream no. I can't imagine sharing my husband with anyone," Mattie said.
"I understand," Valerie said.
"I don't think the sex worries me as much as intimacy would. The holding hands, the cuddles, the pillow talk. That stuff scares me," Mattie said.
"I get it," Valerie said, "I could promise to just treat him like a piece of meat, but he is one of those romantic kinds of guys."
"What happens if I say no? Do you have a backup plan?" Mattie asked.
"Um, not really. I had two other guys that made two of my lists, but each of them had some kind of mark against them. One can't hold a conversation, and the other was sure to brag about having sex with me. I decided I would ask you, give it my best shot, and then move forward with no regrets. I can tell my mom I tried, and apologize about the wasted ticket," Valerie said.
"I'm sorry Valerie, I just don't think I could do it," Mattie said.
"Hey don't worry about it, I expected you to say no, remember. I can't imagine a wife saying yes. They would have to be crazy. I just...wanted to try...just once...for me," Valerie said.
"I understand," Mattie said, giving her a weak smile.