My apologies for posting the introduction separately and so long ago. I had intended to post the follow up right away, but RL and COVID-19 have had a hand in screwing with the world. As a result, much of my time for writing has been occupied. I finally was able to spend some time on this and here is the result. Part 3, the finale, is being reviewed now. It should follow in a few days.
KB
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Chapter 2
A week had passed from the night of Ted Archer's awakening at the prospect ceremony. The events of that night had been on his mind persistently. Until that night, he had no idea about the strange and sordid things he'd observed. He never believed things like that even happened. A part of him was bothered by it, but he was intrigued and excited more than repulsed.
That afternoon, Ted was shocked when Alexander Lancaster, one of the company's most senior executives, stopped by his office unannounced. Alexander was in his eighties but still functioned like a man far younger.
"Mr. Lancaster," Ted declared when the elderly man stepped inside his small office. "How can I help you?"
"Ah, young man, I'm not here for your help. I stopped by to invite you to a celebration at my home this weekend. My granddaughter has finished her studies, and we are throwing a party for her. As you are of a similar age to her, I thought you might enjoy meeting her and spending time in her company."
"I would be delighted," Ted said as he stood up. When the older man held out his hand, Ted stared at it briefly before shaking it. It was wrinkled heavily and covered in age spots, reminding Ted of the man with the purple and silver mask from the ceremony.
"Excellent," I'll leave the information with your assistant. It's a casual affair, so dress accordingly. You may want to bring a swimsuit, as well."
The older man turned and headed to the door, then stopped before leaving. "You do know that we expect all our senior leadership to be married to the right kind of women."
"Yes, sir," Ted replied. He'd been trying to find a girl he felt was suitable material but had failed miserably.
"Good, then we'll see you Saturday afternoon," the older man said as he exited Ted's office.
Chapter 3
Ted arrived promptly at 4 PM as directed in the notes Alexander had left with Penny, Ted's administrative assistant. He brought a bottle of Scotch, for Alexander, having heard it was his drink of choice. He also brought a nice bottle of wine for the lady of the house.
He rang the doorbell at the large, country estate, expecting a butler or another servant to answer. Instead, a lovely, middle-aged woman, with bright eyes and a cheery disposition answered.
"You must be Ted," she said with a warm smile. "I've heard a lot about the brilliant, up-and-coming star at Raventree. I'm Paulina Lancaster."
Ted hesitated, and the woman continued, recognizing his confusion. "I'm Alexander's daughter-in-law. I'm married to his son Reginald. This is my home, and Audrey, the guest of honor today, is my daughter."
Ted smiled, "Oh, I see, thank you for clearing that up." He handed the bottle of wine to Paulina. "This is for you. I also brought this bottle for Reginald and Alexander."
Paulina politely examined the wine bottle and raised her eyebrow. "Opus One? Where on Earth did you find that? I grew up in Napa Valley, and Opus One has always been one of my favorite vineyards."
Ted beamed with pride. "I have a friend who owns a specialty wine shop, and he highly recommended it. I'm glad you like it."
"I adore it," she explained, taking Ted by the arm. "Come, I will pour us a glass and introduce you to everyone."
She led Ted inside her spacious home and through to the kitchen. Several people were standing about the sizeable eat-in bar. He recognized Reginald from work, though he had never met the man. He also saw Alexander, who was seated comfortably. Three other young women were present, all of whom turned to stare at Ted with curiosity as he entered.
"Everyone, this is Ted Archer," Pauline said. "He brought me a bottle of one of my favorite wines. Reginald, introduce him to the girls."
Reginald stepped forward and shook Ted's hand firmly. "Hello Ted, about time we met formally. Welcome to my home. You've met my father." He gestured to the older man who nodded in greeting.
"This is my daughter, Audrey," Reginald continued, bringing the middle of the three young women forward to stand before Ted. "Audrey, meet Ted Archer."
"Hello, Ted," Audrey said with a soft voice as she extended her hand. Ted stared at her, mesmerized. Without a doubt, she was one of the most beautiful women he had ever seen in his life. He immediately felt his heart melting and a fire burning in his loins.
"It's a pleasure to meet you, Audrey," Ted managed to say, sounding more confident than he felt.
"Father and Grandpapa have spoken so highly of you and so frequently, that I feel like we've already met," she confided.
"And these are Audrey's friends from University, Daphne and Sasha," Reginald said, pointing to the two young ladies. Daphne and Sasha were blondes, where Audrey was a brunette. All three had a vivacity about them that made men smile to be in their company. All were lovely, but Audrey was far prettier.
"Hello, Ted," Daphne said with a little wave.
"Hi," added Sasha.
Paulina had uncorked the bottle and was getting out large wine glasses. "Who wants a glass?" she asked.
"I think I'd rather have what's in the other bottle that young Ted here is hiding," said Alexander.
Ted remembered the Scotch and brought it out from under his arm, "Oh, yes!" he said excitedly. "This is for the gentlemen."
Reginald accepted the bottle. "MacAllen 18," he stated, giving his father a wink, "perhaps we pay young Ted too much."
He broke out three glasses, pouring two fingers of the Scotch in each, sliding one to Ted and placing another before his father. Paulina poured the Opus One into a glass for her and Ted, but Audrey spoke up, "I'd like a glass, mother. I'd like to see what appeals to Ted, but I cannot stomach Scotch."
"Certainly, dear," Paulina said. "What about you, girls?" she asked Daphne and Sasha, who both happily accepted.
Ted found himself with two glasses. He raised both, clinked his glasses with everyone present, then took a sip of the wine first, followed by the Scotch.
"Ted," Audrey called out, "would you like to go outside with us? All the old folks can stay in here to talk. If you're looking for the company of someone more your age, this is your chance to escape."
Reginald and Paulina grinned at Ted. "Go on," Paulina suggested.
Ted grabbed both of his drinks. "Sure," he said, "I'd like that."
Audrey took Ted's hand and led him outside by the pool. Daphne and Sasha were seated on reclining loungers. Both of the girls had slipped out of their sundresses, apparently having their bikinis on underneath.
"Did you bring a suit?" Audrey asked.
"I wore it under my clothes, too," Ted replied.
"Perfect," Audrey said. She locked eyes with Ted as she untied the bows on each of her shoulders, and her dress fell off her body. It reminded him of how the robes had dropped off the women in the ceremony he had witnessed. The thought left him uncomfortable, and he shook it off, his eyes roaming Audrey's now exposed body.
She was even more lovely in a bikini than he could have imagined. "Join me for a dip?" she asked, then turned and dove into the pool. Ted quickly kicked off his shoes and stripped down to his swimming trunks. He dove in and swam out to Audrey. When he surfaced, she put her arms around his neck and pressed her body against his.
"My grandfather thinks very highly of you," she said.
"He is a kind man," Ted replied. He couldn't believe how good it felt to hold Audrey in his arms.
"My grandfather is many things," Audrey said with a giggle, "but kind is not one of them. He is ruthless, Ted. That's how you become successful. Ruthlessness wins more deals than kindness."
"I guess I've never seen that side of him," Ted replied. Audrey's full breasts pressed against his chest, her erect nipples poking him through the fabric. Ted felt himself growing aroused. Audrey could, too.
