"Are you sure about this idea, Doctor Hoffman?" I asked.
I must have sounded pretty sceptical. I wasn't even that keen to see the Dr Hoffman, even if he was an eminent marriage councillor.
"I know it seems somewhat unorthodox, but my methods have helped to save many couples from boredom and eventual divorce," he replied.
I looked over at Vicki. Her face did not give anything away. She turned to me and said "I don't know, honey, it seems harmless enough to me. It might help us to, put some mystery back into our marriage."
"You have it exactly right," added the doctor in his vaguely European accent. "It's all about reinvigorating your relationship."
"Well, yes, but by pretending to be singles and pick each other up in some sleazy bar?," I insisted.
"Remember when you first met? The thrill of the chase, the uncertainly, the final fulfilment? That is what you will be trying to recreate with this little game."
It was true. After 10 years of marriage, everything seemed a bit routine, even sex. We just didn't seem that interested anymore, and this led to other problems.
"Well, OK, I suppose we could give it a try." I was thinking more of the money we had paid to this quack, rather than any real faith I had in this plan.
"When should we try, George?" asked Vicki. She certainly seemed more keen on this than I did.
"Umm, we could try on Friday. I don't have any meetings at the end of this week."
"Agreed, then. Come back and see me in 2 weeks," concluded Dr Hoffman.
***************
Friday seemed to come around all too quickly, and as fate would have it, I did have extra work to complete. When I finally arrived at the bar, it was past 7:30 and I was more than an hour late.
The bar was quite crowded and I couldn't see Vicki. We had chosen a bar in a big, expensive hotel so that it would not be a sleazy pick-up joint. The bar was filled mainly with businessmen unwinding after a hard week's work.
I finally spotted Vicki sitting at the bar and it stopped me dead in my tracks. She looked simply stunning.
Vicki was wearing a small black dress that rode up at least half way up her firm thighs. The front of the dress dipped daringly to show her ample cleavage. She was sitting crossed legged on the stool in such a way as to best show off her long legs and black stiletto high heels. There was more makeup than usual and bright red lipstick.
I started to feel a bit guilty because I was just in my usual work suit. She had obviously spent a lot of time an effort in preparing for this and it worked. She looked absolutely beautiful and I didn't know why we were having problems with boredom. Why wouldn't anyone want to have her?
Just as I was thinking that, I was proved right. Before I could get to the bar, to greet Vicki, another man approached her. I should have just cut in right there and then, but curiosity got the better of me, and I wondered how Vicki would handle this. I sat down at the bar a couple of seats behind Vicki and listened in.
"Such a pretty woman shouldn't be alone in a bar," he said as he sat on the stool beside her.
I almost laughed out loud at such a clichéd pick-up line, and Vicki made it clear that she also didn't think much of his tactics by more or less ignoring him. But to his credit, he persisted.
"Yeah, I suppose such an old routine wouldn't work for someone like you. But I was so amazed by your beauty that I just didn't know what else to day."
I could barely contain my amusement, but it seemed that Vicki was becoming flattered by the attention.
"Let me at least buy you a drink," he offered. "Were you waiting for someone?"
"Well, I was sort of waiting for..." Vicki's voice trailed off. "Ah, what the heck. Looks like he isn't showing up. I'll have a Seabreeze, thanks."
I must admit that I was a bit surprised that she accepted his offer, but didn't blame her given my lateness. Just give her a few more minutes, I thought. He ordered her drink and introduced himself as Greg. He was a bit taller than me and, being in his early 30's, was about the same age as Vicki and myself. He had dark, neatly cropped hair and strong chiselled features. He wore a dark blue conservative suit that said 'pure corporate style'.
In between constantly remarking about how attractive Greg thought she was, he mentioned that he as a merchant banker here to stitch up a big deal. He was staying in this plush hotel because, as he said, that was what the company account was for.
Just then, another group of people approached Greg and Vicki. Greg stood up to greet them.
"He guys, how did it go. Details all finished?" Greg asked?
"Yep, all done. Signed, sealed and delivered," said one of the others.
"Good work people," Greg said and they high-fived each other. Then he turned suddenly to Vicki. "Oh, how rude of me. Vicki, this is Roy and Penny, my colleagues from head office. And this is John from our local branch. Team, this is Vicki."
They all shook hands politely with many pleased-to-meet-you's and so on.
"You could always pick the good lookers, Greg," Roy said to Greg slyly. "But you've really outdone yourself this time."
Vicki blushed deeply, her face almost matching her lipstick.
"Don't give Vicki the wrong impression of me," protested Greg.
"No , I'm sure she'll find out for herself soon enough. You see Vicki, Greg has somewhat of a reputation around the office," John added.
"All rumor and hearsay," replied Greg unconvincingly. "Anyway, why don't we all grab a table so you don't all have to stand up."
The three latecomers led them off and Vicki followed them. I noticed that Greg stayed behind Vicki and was looking at her from behind as she made her was to the table. I could see why as her ass swayed provocatively as she walked on her high heels, her short dress revealing most of her long legs. After a short while, I discreetly moved to the table next to them.
