Retired Rear Admiral Jake Thornton and his wife Jody made a big splash in the social scene in San Diego. Jake was well known in both Naval and civilian scenes. After his retirement, he was elected to the board of several large corporations and was an active member of practically every philanthropic outfit in town. Admirals just can't stop working. They merely change a uniform for mufti and keep on running things. Furthermore his marriage was a success in every way. He loved Jody and she loved him. Despite the nearly thirty years difference in their ages they had married completely free of scandal. After his first wife died they simply dated discreetly then, with the help of his daughter, MaryAnn, married her friend and sorority sister, Jody. His new wife fit in with almost any group. She had worked with MaryAnn as a journalist. Then she landed a great job as a literary agent.
They had been married about a year when he and his wife were invited to a posh dinner honoring the Spanish Ambassador's visit to San Diego. One of the most elite programs of the year, it would be held at the city's oldest and most prestigious hotels. A society writer for San Diego's leading magazine said only one in ten people hoping for an invitation got one. Naturally Admiral Thornton was on the list.
The night of the party Jake asked his wife, "nervous darling?"
She gave him a quick kiss and replied, "I suppose I should be but I think I'll fit right in with the white tie crowd. Hell, I've interviewed presidents. Also I have the perfect dress for the occasion, one that finally shows off the boobs you adore. Do you think they will thrill the younger guys at the party?"
"Hell they thrill this old boy. I've had them to play with every night we've been married, and quite a few times before our nuptials. And tonight you'll find some hot-blooded Spaniards at the bash. They will gaze at you and fantasize about wonderful, erotic things."
Jody smiled and answered, "Poor souls they will only be able to look."
Jake chuckled, "Maybe one will get lucky. High class dames have their own libidos to take care of also, and you, you poor soul, are married to a man whose libido is fueled by little green pills."
"But darling admiral sir, you make love with such wild abandon it's undignified for a two star.
Jake chuckled and replied, "And you love it you wanton thing. Some times I wonder just how wild you would be if you were not constrained by the bonds of holy matrimony."
Jody loved exchanges like this, but they had to get ready, "Zip me up. Then tell me how breathtaking I look. And take your Viagra with you. You might find some hot-to-trot mama who wants to have her way with you"
The lively patter between the two continued until they reached the hotel. Then went through the reception line and entered the ballroom. It was set up for dinner and had two free bars. One would guess Spain had a better year financially than the country they referred to as Los Estados Unidos.
Jake and Jody made the rounds, and she indeed did seem to raise the blood pressure of some hot-blooded Spaniards. The young Spanish naval officers were "borrowed" from their studies at the tactical war college in Newport, Rhode Island to add youth to the affair. Most not only were fluent in English, most were able to use it as a sailor would. This evening each seemed to have a reason to say hello to the Almirante Americano - - all while they tried to get a discreet eyeful of his wife's bosom. Jody, an old hand at flirting, enjoyed it tremendously, especially since she was a couple decades older than some of them, and at least a decade older than the rest of them. One, named Fernando, was especially charming and, while he took in the spectacle of Jody's breasts, he managed to present a plausible reason for his conversation. Indeed it was a conversation with the Admiral about the future of their respective navies and their ability to keep up with challenges which constantly changed.
He was assigned to his country's counter terrorism force/anti piracy force and when he learned that Jody as a literary agent had read, studied, and promoted books on both terrorism and modern piracy he was delighted.
"Admiral, do you mind if I sit at your table this evening and we can continue this interesting discussion?" he asked while sneaking one more peek at Jody's boobs.
"Of course, Fernando. It'll be interesting and perhaps valuable to all of us."
The evening was ostensibly just another society bash, but it was also the ideal place for folks to seek out and make contact with folks of influence. The evening would be a busy one for the Admiral. He was introduced along with other visiting dignitaries. The mayor introduced the guest of honor with words flattering to Spain. And the Ambassador responded with his own flattering words. Only the TV and newspaper reporters took note. Few others cared. The valuable conversations would take place face-to-face later.
Then the orchestra started playing. Still the chitchat continued. Most everybody of importance stopped by to talk with Admiral Thornton, and many of them invited him to lectures, open meetings, and the like. And it was interesting, and to the point. Fernando showed his knowledge of international problems as well as his understanding of naval operations. The conversation continued apace with Jody holding her own between the two Naval officers, one in his early thirties, the other retired and in his eighth decade.
Finally Jake broke loose from the conversation. He asked his wife to dance, a slow one of course. On the floor, he looked down at her and asked, "Did I ever tell you I love you?"
She stuck her tongue out at him and said, "Only when some young swains are flirting with me.."
Jake gave a paternal smile and added, "Darling Jody, we talked about this once before and I meant it. I only ask that you be careful and discreet. Nobody really expects that a person in my position, or his wife, has to be a paragon of virtue but we all have to be perceived as such.'
Jody moved in close and growled, "I got your back Admiral. Don't sweat a thing. . . . oh, I love you too, despite what I do, or might do."
Jake pulled her close, brushed his body across it, and said two words: "Discreet, remember."
She put a kiss on her fingers and put them on his lip.
They walked back to the table hand in hand, both in love and both wondering what adventures the night might bring.
It would be a busy one. A virtual line of people wanted to talk to Jake. And all the young Spaniards wanted to dance with Jody.
Fernando bided his time taking part in the discussions at the table.
Finally the young Spanish officer got his chance, "And, Mrs. Thornton, you're free. Quick before you are snapped up. May I have this dance?"
"Yes, I'd love to dance but you must you call me Jody."
He took her hand to help her. Then, "And I am Fernando, but let's save time and call me "Ferde. All the Americans at the War College do."
They danced well together and anybody watching could have guessed that their dancing together was just an act of courtesy. Although both were aching to go beyond courtesy, even propriety, both Jody and Ferde tried to project the innocent image. But each was hoping they would be able to move beyond dancing this evening. The talk continued to be proper. Finally Ferde made his move, "Jody mi querida I have to say when I first saw you it, it was like a . . . a . . . trueno."
