Chapter Four -- The Story of O
Sam was prepared for Mark's suggestion to abandon the window displays following the Bettie Page weekend. Mark approached Sam midday on Monday and said he thought the display window had run its course; that they should try something that didn't require Morgan being the model. He had not discussed this with his wife, but was reacting to what had happened over the weekend, and had made a command decision on his own.
This was exactly the response Sam had expected. He already knew the answer he would give, but he let Mark explain his position first.
"I understand your position Mark and I would have said the same if I were you. But in my position, and given the state of the business, I will probably have to let you go if that is your final decision." Those words took the wind out of Mark's lungs. He knew Sam had said he would consider letting him go, but he never thought Sam would actually do it. It had taken Mark over six months to find this job, and he needed this job.
"Wait a minute, you're telling me that if my wife does not continue to be the model that you will have to let me go?"
"Yes, I may have to let you go." Sam lied. The business had done so well, he was actually in a position to give Mark a raise, but he did not share this fact with Mark. Sam figured that if he gave Mark a raise, there was still a risk that Mark would want to remove Morgan from the window. He took a chance with this approach. There were other priorities playing here. And one of those was what Sam wanted, not what Mark needed.
"Okay... Okay... let me think about this for a minute. Mark had not heard the word 'may', he only heard the phrase 'let you go'. How about moving back to just using the mannequins?" Mark interjected without thinking hard.
"That didn't work the first time, if you remember."
"Yes... okay... it didn't work the first time. But maybe I can fix the dummies or maybe you can help me find better replicas?"
"Nope, what's in the back store room is all I've got. I cannot think of another option at this point, Mark. It worked because your wife became the model. If she will not do the display window, then sales will probably go back to what they were, and I may not be able to pay you."
Mark did not respond immediately. He lowered his head in thought and waited a bit longer. "All right, let me think about this. I'll get back to you with an answer later." Mark needed time to absorb the situation and evaluate the different options.
"By the way, I have a suggestion for the next scene if you decide to stay on."
This surprised Mark, because he was only thinking about whether or not he should let Morgan continue being the model, and here was Sam already thinking about a new window display.
"And what might that be?" Mark's image of his wife in a fantasy overrode his thoughts about what he should do regarding the job. Sam outlined his thoughts around the next fantasy display, which only took a few minutes. Mark listened, allowed his eyes to drift up to the left and responded. "Let me think about this. I'll talk to Morgan this evening and see what she thinks. I'll get back to you tomorrow."
"Alright, tomorrow is soon enough. I can wait." Sam turned and smiled to himself. He was going to get his wish.
***** ***** *****
Mark was not sure how Morgan would react to Sam's suggestion. Especially considering what had happened to her two nights earlier. He didn't really want his wife to continue being on display for other men. But he had to admit that her exhibitionism did excite him. And they really needed the money. So over dinner Mark outlined the next fantasy to his wife. He was expecting her to say no, but was surprised when she quickly said, "Yes, I'll do it. It sounds exciting."
Mark was taken back by her answer, half expecting her to break down in tears with his suggestion.
"As much as I was embarrassed with what happened last Saturday. I've had time to think about it. I now realize that it was stimulating and I enjoyed the exposure. I don't think anyone knows
who
is the model, so I think my secret remains intact. I'll do it!"
From the tone of their conversation, Mark knew that Morgan had no idea that Sam knew about her. Neither of them had any idea if anyone else realized what was happening. Morgan was of the opinion there were only two people that were in on her secret. In a way Mark was relieved. He was not going to burst that balloon and let her know there was at
least
a third person.
Morgan had taken over the dinner conversation and planning. What started as Sam's suggestion, was now hers, because she believed it to be her husband's fantasy.