Consequences

Consequences 12 Part B

New adventures - A Different Way of Life

Tags: Cheating Wives; Coupling; Relationships

For the list of Characters fast forward to the end.

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Olivia and Ciaron first discussion

Later they got together to talk, Olivia was dying to know about this woman who had obviously impressed David and Ciaron was fascinated by her in return; she could see so much of her mother in her. They found a quiet room with a coffee in hand and started out discussing generalities. Eventually Ciaron can't resist asking, "You didn't enjoy that little scene last night, why did you do it?"

"It wasn't supposed to happen like that, I was going to tease David and then hand over to Nina who wanted them both but then I saw you and well something inside just took over, but I was still uncomfortable and when the nurse came I was somehow relieved to leave."

Ciaron felt she should explain her interest "You see, I never saw my mother able to take herself back until she had pushed my father away and I wasn't sure if you tried to do that last night or not. Then I wondered how that could be if he wasn't yours to push away?" Olivia looked like the question might have been too personal so Ciaron quickly continued. "You see, I have spent my life trying to understand why I lost my mother and I'm hoping you will be kind enough to help me to understand. I know now that it wasn't entirely her fault but it seemed to me that she never tried to be better for him, then I saw you and you seem to have found something, perhaps only a little something."

"Is that why you came with David?"

"No, I came because for the first time I can remember, I have been having a ball"

Olivia smiled indulgently and said sadly, "He is something isn't he?"

"That he is, are you and I going to be friends or adversaries?"

"I'd like to say adversaries but then my devil will make sure I do something awful and that will be that again, so I hope we will be friends."

"Do you mind if I study you? I have never been able to practise my knowledge although I try to keep up with advances in the science."

"Not at all, I rather wrecked much of my treatment, it's still ongoing, but I would welcome a second input as long as it's on confidential terms."

"Thank you."

"You know that it could interfere with your relationship with David don't you, I have a habit of pushing people away."

"I was pretty sure you would."

"So the pursuit of your Mums problem is something more then?"

"We'll see, I don't think he is quite ready for any kind of exclusivity, do you?"

"Perhaps not, he already has a dozen who would like to be and more waiting."

"It's really hard for an outsider to understand but if I take this new role I would like to try and find out what makes this group tick."

"Would you like to do the job?"

"Probably, but he is going to have to stew a bit first, I'm not ready to forgive him for dropping it on me like that, by a long chalk."

Olivia smiled indulgently. "He's like that, gets carried away sometimes when he has one of his ideas, it's part of his charm, you'll get used to it. But that's not to say he should get away with it, just don't leave it too long."

Ciaron grinned back conspiratorially.

"So are you going to join the orgy tonight if there is one?"

"He hasn't told me much about it."

"Well usually Jo and a few of the naughtier ones start getting frisky about now during the photo shoot and it all gets out of hand and ends up on the huge bed."

"I've never tried anything like it."

"Very few of us had, it has kind of evolved, nothing's compulsory but some of our visitors love it, all the toys come out and it's just one big glorious fun time."

"Does David get involved?"

"Do you think they give him a choice?"

"Ohh, yes I see."

"They have all found their own way of getting a piece of him I think, and Sundays is their time for filling up the tank, if you get my meaning."

"It's hard for an outsider to reconcile."

I know, it's my fault really.

How so?

"In the beginning it was about me, he has no problem with me having sex with women, so along came Ana and triggered it and then came Jane and at first I wouldn't let her have him and kept her to myself. And so it went on, but then it became more, Bree just wanted somewhere to escape to and feel good about herself, so did Jo in a different way but she formed an immediate bond with us both. So as the story goes on, he always said this is my harem."

Ciaron was rearranging her first conceptions fast and swearing at herself for unprofessionally assuming everything at face value. There was a lot more to this than she imagined.

Olivia continued "That's now a complete over-simplification because everything has changed, then changed again and continues to do so. The people here have found meaning to lives that they never imagined. Erika is studying what she always wanted but her family had no time for a girl's education. Amber was stuck in a mundane job and now she's administering a fledgling business. Bree was a bored housewife and you've heard what she is achieving. Rachel was going nowhere just trying to get a foot on the ladder and now she's our representative to all the building authorities."

"Wow! These ladies have been lucky through adversity."

"A lot of it is about David, he seems to see the best in people and then trusts them, and somehow they always pay back his trust."

"I can see there is a great deal for me to learn if I am going to do this job, it seems like I'm another one of his finds."

Olivia smiled indulgently "You have to find out for yourself. We had a newspaper reporter worm her way in here once that couldn't see the wood for the trees, all she could see was the quick story when maybe her skills could have done so much more with us"

"What happened to her?"

"She wanted to write a story that would have wrecked our whole principle of being a haven from abusive husbands or others; David had to step in I think. I was probably on one of my selfish 'sex adventures,' to put it nicely, at the time, so I don't know the whole story. But in another way it did the Retreats a big favour because it put so much more emphasis on privacy and security, Tania and Christina would probably not be here otherwise."

Ciaron laughed, "He made me sign the papers before he would tell me anything."

"Yep, there can be no exceptions."

"Are you not going to join with the others now?"

"Technically I am not a member because David sent me away, then I came back to have our baby, they wouldn't stop me of course but by abusing David I am sure that I have lost their respect."

"That's a shame; I was hoping you might take me to see what is going on at some point."

"Don't get me wrong, that's not a problem, in fact they will expect me to, but I'm not sure you're in the right frame of mind right now."

"No, I would rather hear about you, your life and how you got to where you are now."

The coffee became a glass of wine and then something alcohol free and they talked into the night. No one bothered them except the nurse, at which time they both went to carry on talking while Olivia breastfed her baby and then sat cradling and even allowed Ciaron to help with the burping. David popped in to take a look and have a private moment with the babies, and Mums came and spent time. But everyone seemed to realise that their conversation wasn't to be interrupted. Eventually, the babies were nicely asleep and they crept out to continue their conversation elsewhere. When they came back a few hours later, they found David flat out fast asleep on one of the nursing beds surrounded by sleeping babies and an indulgent nurse in a chair close by, keeping an eye on them.

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David - a new week

So a new week arrived and David's first priority was to get someone back to San Francisco to follow up the good work already done. At first, Olivia was extremely reluctant to leave the baby but Ciaron offered to return with her and the baby. He hummed and hawed over it, not happy about letting the baby out of reach, but eventually he was persuaded. Speaking to Olivia and Ciaron who was now virtually shadowing her, he said he wanted Ciaron to be on hand if Olivia had to go to meetings so suggested that they take a nurse as well. 'If this comes off' he thought to himself, it will be worth it. His next task was to speak to Aleesha, he asked her to check out Ciaron and a man named Greg Porter. "You should be able to get the information from Arthur, tell him I asked but it's just to be between us three."

He decided then to talk to Ana about her long term plans and tried for a meet at lunchtime. Surprisingly she was able to be available at short notice and they found a table at the Watering Hole. David thought he ought to check if there was anything in her personal affairs that needed to be cleared first, not having had a chance to talk with her and Zoe the previous day.

"Shall we start with what's on your mind first?" he asked.

"I know you gave your 'Yes' David, but everything got a bit out of hand. Zoe got a bit drunk I think and wanted to try a foursome so I went along with her wishes. Afterwards when I came down to earth I thought that I might have stepped over the line, especially as you saw us."

"Is there anything else on your mind?" he said, encouraging her as best he could.

"I am not sure what that might include."

"Just relationship issues, if you were planning any major changes in your life I need to know before I move to the next matter that I want to discuss."

"No it's much the same, Zoe has gone from being almost reclusive to wanting to be in an orgy regularly. I am still trying to reconcile myself to that idea."

"I was surprised to see you and she with the two guys, I must admit it's one step further than expected. I also haven't quite got my head around it yet." He continued. "As far as I can tell, Zoe is not 'my girl' in the sense the others are, so my concern could only be for you and I have to admit to being worried. In other respects at the moment I am ok."

She looked a little relieved at that, "Things have changed with you I think."

"Yes I suppose, the only thing that worries me at this moment is how to prevent our Retreat becoming known as a fun club instead of what it is supposed to be. Maybe I am overthinking it but I wonder if such events should be away from the refuge of the Retreat in future. But let's put that to one side for another time."

She looked at him expectantly.

He started, "Question first if I may. You are qualified at the same level as Olivia?"

"I am, as far as I understand from what we have discussed, she has mainly gone on to design for new buildings whereas I have mainly been involved in re-designing for existing buildings in a city."

"Have you ever considered whether you would like to join our side?"

"I don't think my employer would like to hear me considering that," she smiled, playing for time while thinking fast.

"Fair enough, I have been thinking that we would need another designer longer term and the current situation with Olivia has focused my attention earlier than I expected. It's my own fault, I should have thought more about the impact of pregnancy, particularly where Olivia is concerned."

"When had you expected that someone else would be needed?"

"I was expecting to face the question at the end of the first year, our progress has been phenomenal really, but some of it has been self-generated, such as our own development, then Ohio, then my Grandmothers then Tania's. I think we currently have 8 at some stage or another and we have hardly got started."

"Phew! I had lost track of what you guys were doing."

"I don't know what you heard but I have a feeling that the San Francisco project could be a hot one and I have to send Olivia out with Ciaron and a Nurse. It means I have no-one out looking for new opportunities and with the project time of say 12 months we need to get plenty in hand. Of course in a perfect world I could have someone part time to start with and build up to full time."

"Let me talk to my employers to see how busy we are over the next 12 months."

"Okay I can't ask for more than that and more importantly when will you be home again?" he said with a wink.

"Why Mr Thurlow, I can't think what you might be suggesting," she said, playing the naïve girl of virtue.

"I can suggest quite a lot," he smirked.

At least she blushed a little. "Rain check?"

"Ok Rain check it is."

About an hour later back at the office Rachel came in, "We have been advised of an interesting land sale down in Texas, what do you want to do?"

He sighed "Get someone to get me booked and see if Ruth can come."

"Is it Ok if I ask Dee to handle the arrangements, or one of the others?"

"That's fine; just ask them to liaise with me please."

She grimaced at him in sympathy and headed out of his office.

"Ohh Rachel, have you got a minute to talk 'time' with me, if not right now then later?"

"I'll make some time boss," she smiled back cheekily.

"Any more cheek from you my lass and it will be Master."

"Ooh la la and what would Master have me do?"

"Don't you dare me my girl; I'm in the mood to think of something really naughty."

Rachael would have loved to have dared, but she really did have a huge pile of work on her desk. "Hah" she said, "we'll see if you feel the same later."

A call came into his mobile, it was Ruth, "I hear you need my body in Texas."

"You have been reading my mind again."

"Love to, but I need to book it quickly before someone else nabs me."

"I've got someone working on the flights etc, give me a moment." He threw open his office door, without looking he said loudly "Dee are you booking Texas?" As one, everyone there put a finger to their mouth. "Ohh sorry" he whispered.

He went back to Ruth, Dees booking as we speak, book the days and someone will confirm soon. He rushed out to leave a message on Dee's Desk, Texas, 2 seats I room, 😊 Ruth's coming with me.

He went back to the plans he was working on, he needed to get something that Olivia could work from ready by tomorrow. He messaged her. If I get some plans done by tonight, could you draft what you need for the meeting, ready to go by Friday or maybe the following Monday. By the way, don't arrange to go to her house to stay, I would rather you get a taxi from the airport than risk being with her husband whatever Ciaron might say.

His phone rang shortly after, "Ciaron doesn't agree about her husband being a risk."

"I bet she doesn't. I've changed my mind, get the drawings done, I will go myself on Monday."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I know what so-called mild mannered men do when they get served by a divorce document; I am not risking you and the baby for anything"

For some reason she thought absurd, Olivia came off the phone with a warm feeling after that call.

Ana's employers response

David worked late on the outline plans but was about to pack up when Ana called. "I've spoken to my firm; things are a bit quiet so they are prepared to sub me out as long as you pay my salary."

"Which is?"

David gulped when he heard the figure and went silent.

"David, are you there?"

"Yes, I'm afraid that's too much for someone who isn't ready to go."

"I told them you would say that and I told them that it was still a good deal for them at Fifty-fifty."

"When could you start?"

"Next week maybe."

"I need you to spend some time with Olivia when she has finished the drawings she will be working on. I will be giving her the outline plan tonight if I carry on working here a bit longer, then she can work up the designs for next Monday. Do you fancy a trip to San Fran next week?"

"With you, not a chance, we will never get any work done."

He laughed heartily.

"So you will be there for a while?"

"Yes Rachel is supposed to be coming in for a 'punishment' sometime, but she's up to her eyes in work too."

"Sounds interesting, I might pop in to help."

"Please be my guest."

She laughed too, "I'll see, I have to check that Zoe is not planning anything."

Arthur questions research on Ciaron and Greg Porter

Almost before he put that call down, his phone rang again, it was Arthur

"What's going on David, Aleesha tells me she is looking into the guy who was at the party, are you thinking one got past me."

"Not for one minute Arthur, it's something else I'm afraid, I'll send you an excerpt from the cameras Saturday night, I think he is one from Olivia's past."

"Ohh, David surely not, what has she got to benefit from it anymore?"

"Full custody of my son!"

"What, no way!"

"Don't be offended Arthur but that is so naïve, please don't be fooled."

"OK I respect your senses, how could I not, from what I've seen."

"You will come across a new lady called Ciaron who is staying with us, she lost her Mum with the same illness, and she'll tell you that people afflicted with the problem will do anything to get what they want. We have a big deal in process with Ciaron, but there are question marks against her husband. I also worry about anyone who comes under Olivia's spell. I would really appreciate it if you would check them out before we get too committed to the deal."

David continued, "When I saw what was happening after the party, Olivia looked like she was making love to that Greg guy as if he was someone special. I can't be absolutely sure but I suspect she didn't know that I was watching. Of course it would be just like her to set it up for me to see as part of some scheme. Who knows what's going on in her head, it could be a long term lover or a new flame she might be with for a while, but why would she be secretive and scheming? As I said, there's only one thing left that she could want, my son." At the other end of the connection, Arthur looked shocked as David continued, "So please pull out the stops and see what you can find in our records."

"I'm sorry David; I shouldn't doubt your instincts."

So the week rolled on, David was exceptionally busy with his ladies, as well as work, and thus he barely spoke to Ciaron in passing.

First look at Texas - David & Ruth

David and Ruth rushed to Texas and looked at an interesting piece of land but became worried that they were being drawn into a bidding war. They paid a quiet visit to see the Mayor and told him about their ideas, the meeting rolled on and it became lunch and then mid-afternoon before the Mayor said that he was satisfied that he had a good idea of what the project was about. He asked to see an example, at which they broke for coffee while Ruth arranged for photographs and video of the first Retreat to be emailed across. The view of the Hotel approach seemed to fire up the Mayor who asked an off the cuff question. "What design would you expect here in Texas?" Ruth answered that they had found from previous schemes that either one of two ideas seemed to be favoured, either a grand house in the style of an important local building or something along the lines of the White House or some other national building of importance. The Mayor looked very thoughtful then brought their meeting to an end and suggested they leave it with him, but asking, "which Hotel are you staying in?" Answering and thanking him for his time, they advised the Mayor that they would be in town for at least another day and promptly retired to their hotel for a stiff drink or two and a hoped for night of passion.

Jane resolving Nina's future

Jane was wondering how she was going to deal with the Enigma that was Nina. She tried the relaxed approach, "You know David tries to involve us in all that is going on, where do you see yourself fitting in?"