HARRY BAXTER (Three -- alternate)
THE CHARIYT BALL
Faith and Marc arrived at the hotel around 7:00. They put their overnight bags in the room. By then the place was hopping. They entered the ball room, and mingled with some people from Faith's work. Marc knew Harry Baxter would be here, and he kept an eye out for him. He had a glass of wine, and got one for Faith. When he got back from the bar Harry and a beautiful young woman were talking to Faith.
Marc approached, "Here's your wine, Faith. Hello Mr. Baxter, how are you?"
"I'm doing well, thanks. This charming young lady is Cindy, my date for tonight."
Marc recognized Cindy Mason as a woman who had been spending quite a bit of time with Harry for a while. In fact, Marc had seen no other women come and go from Harry's place for months. But he only checked in every two weeks or so.
"Hello Cindy. I'm Marc, Faith's husband. These two have worked really hard to make tonight a success. It looks like they have succeeded."
"Yes. Harry has been spending a whole lot of time on this. Too much, maybe. But the charity will benefit. Has Faith abandoned you like Harry has with me?"
That was really a loaded question. Marc wondered if Cindy meant it, or was joking.
Marc laughed. "Not really abandoned, I hope. After tonight, though, I believe I'll be seeing more of her."
Harry piped up, as a gong rang. "Time to get seated, I think." Faith and Harry led the way to a table with eight places set, nearest to the dais. They were big shots and got special seating. Apparently, they both knew where to go. There were name plates at the table. Harry was seated between Faith and Cindy, while Marc was on the other side of Faith. They sat, and soon the emcee opened the proceedings by setting out the program. Wait staff were already moving to serve the guests. Several people from the charity were on the dais, and were served first. They were to eat, hear a small speech from the director of Homeless Help, and then dance to a band. About 11:00, the award of the Volt was to be announced by Harry. Then there might be more dancing for a while.
Marc spoke with Faith briefly, then she turned to Harry. They discussed some details of the program. Harry leaned in close to Faith. Marc watched. Then the waiter brought a salad, and asked about drinks. They all asked for wine. There came a time after the main course was being cleared when the seat next to Cindy came open. Marc got up and sat in it.
"We seem to be in the same boat here, Cindy. Faith and Harry are leaving us adrift. So, what is the status of your relationship with Harry?"
"You know, Marc, that's an open question. I do spend a lot of time at his place. Maybe three or four nights a week. That's been ongoing for over six months. But, we don't seem destined to be a permanent couple. Harry isn't the settling down type, I think."
"You're a really beautiful young woman. You could have lots of prospects. You could tell him to fish or cut bait. Why keep on?"
Cindy blushed a little. "Sex. Pure and simple. I like it and Harry is just the best."
Marc frowned. He looked over at Faith still looking at Harry as he spoke.
He said, "Oh."
"You know, Marc, I have wondered about Harry and Faith. They have seemed close when I've seen them together. Are you in an open marriage? Or are you worried?"
"Worried."
Desert was served then. Marc moved back to his seat. The band mounted the band stand. They struck up a Buddy Holly song.
Marc said, "Faith, would you like to dance?"
"Love to."
They made their way out to the dance floor, which was a distance away, since they were at a front table. Harry and Cindy followed.
Marc was a very good dancer. Faith was okay, but not up to his level. When she danced with Marc, she was a better dancer. They broke into a jitterbug.
Marc watched Harry and Cindy as they danced. Harry was an uninspired dancer. But Cindy looked fantastic. She twirled, smiling all the while.
Another fast dance followed, more rock and roll. Marc and Faith danced a version of boogaloo. Harry just moved around, but Cindy danced around him with a certain sensuous rhythm.
A slow dance followed, and Faith melded into Marc.
She said, "Thanks for talking to Cindy while Harry and I were working on the last details."
"No problem. She's a very interesting and direct person, sexy as well."
"You like her, huh? She and Harry have a room here for the night."
"So, we can all drink and dance," Harry deadpanned.
Faith didn't catch Marc's sarcasm. "That's right. A big party night for all of us!"
"We'll see how that works," Marc was again emotionless. He was suspecting that Harry, Faith and Cindy had plans for later. He determined to keep a close eye out, and stop drinking.
After the slow dance, all four of them returned to the table. Harry ordered a bottle of champaign. He popped the cork, and poured all around. Marc sipped. Faith downed hers quickly. She was flushed, animated. She grabbed Harry's arm when the next song started.
"Come on, Harry, let's dance." Harry shrugged to Marc and followed Faith out onto the floor.
Marc looked at Cindy. "I think you danced really well. Maybe we should give it a try."
"I'd like that a lot. Harry is good at most things, but not dancing."
Marc took her hand and led them out to the floor. A fast dance ended, and a jitterbug tune began. Marc saw Harry and Faith over in a far corner of the floor, dancing close.
He turned to Cindy and swept her into a dip. Then he flung her out and twirled her. She was magnificent, and didn't miss a step. Then they really got down. They just flowed with each other, smooth, never awkward. People began to clap. The number finished.
Meanwhile, Harry asked Faith about her panties.
"Did you take my suggestion about no panties? I hope so."
"Yes I did." Faith was not embarrassed. She was just hot for this guy. Harry pulled her into himself so she could feel his erection. But then they both heard the clapping for their partners.