I think we were a fairly average suburban couple, with good careers and a lovely family; we were in our mid-thirties and had been happily married for 15 years with two young children Callum and Jessie.
"We" being Paul and Susan, I was a shade off 6ft, my previous athletic body had filled out a touch but I retained a broad chest and thought I carried the weight quite well, at least I hoped that was true. Susan was a trim red head, 5ft 5inches unless she put her heels on, with a healthy looking 34c, 28, 36 figure that I still thought was a marvel.
I had the same friends since school, we still met up weekends but scaled back our activities since all getting married. We enjoyed sports but changed to socialising as couples having regular nights out together. Susan spent a lot of time with her best friend Claire as well as her mum Anna. Claire had been her bridesmaid and was favoured 'aunt' to our kids despite not actually being related. If anything we had become closer since her divorce from the prick that cheated on her. She was lovely and a fun person and didn't deserve that. When they went out it often left me looking after the kids which I enjoyed. I got away with being the daft parent making sure the kids had fun whilst Susan was the stricter one, but we worked it out between us well.
Susan had seemed off for some time, I tried gently asking questions but couldn't pinpoint anything. She occasionally got stressed by money or lack of it, wanting to move into a bigger house and booking plush holidays. I was more focused on the kids and social activities but picked up lots of overtime to cover the holidays.
Susan stopped socialising with our friends as much, in favour of seeing her mum; she finally admitted being worried about her. Her step dad died 18 months earlier, leaving her mum a widow, despite our best efforts to support her; she couldn't seem to move on with her life. Susan was focused on her mum, often inviting her over to share meals and bottles of wine. Anna seemed to enjoy herself with us but resisted all other social activity.
Over time, I wondered if Susan was trying to manufacture times were I would spend time with her mum. I didn't mind, we got on incredibly well and I loved her company, she was 53 years old but looked a lot younger and was often mistaken for Susan's sister. I told her repeatedly that there would be a long line of men just desperate to take her out, which at least seemed to cheer her up a little. Our times together seemed to be happening more often, maybe it was attempt by Susan to get Anna used to chatting to a guy again and a prelude to more socialising. It was with this in mind that I experienced one of the more bizarre conversation of my life whilst sitting on the couch watching TV.
"Paul, I am really worried about mum she is really struggling since George died. She's lost the love of her life and just doesn't know how to move on."
"We're trying to help her; you're being really supportive, I'm not sure what else we can do."
"You have been great with her, did I tell you that she said you reminded her of George when he was younger. After my useless dad ran off with his girlfriend, it took ages for George to convince mum to give him a chance; he was so patient and understanding."
"She just needs time to find someone else like George then."
Susan was quiet for what seemed like an age, I wondered if she had started dozing off to sleep... "I think you should take her out!"
Shocked at the sudden comment I started laughing, getting the joke... but then Susan didn't laugh: "You're not serious... are you?"
"Yes I am, look I know this sounds strange but she needs to get over that hurdle and we are the only people in a position to help her; more specifically you as you're male."
"Thanks for noticing, but I am also her son in law it's hardly appropriate; why not try a bit of matchmaking with someone her own age."
"She has point blankly refused to even talk to another man; you're the only one she trusts."
"Ok so like a friends date then, just to get her used to going out again. I could do that I guess."
"Yeah a date... mainly, but if it goes a bit further than that, I'd be ok with that."
"What do you mean?"
"She needs to feel desirable, convince her that she is still attractive to men."
"I can do a bit flirting, surely she know lots of men find her attractive."
"Honestly I think she has no clue, her confidence is shot and she's forgotten what it feels like, she thinks all guys are trying to take advantage, she needs to realised she can be with another man!"
"Bloody Hell, it sounds like you are you asking me to sleep with her!"
Susan shrugged her shoulders.
"You can't be serious; she's your mum!"
"Don't tell me you aren't attracted to her, I have seen you looking and you get on so well. All I am saying is I'll be ok with whatever happens."
"And I suppose you don't mind me cheating on you?"
"It's not cheating if I've suggested it and know about it. I see it more as an act of love; it's safe as well because I know you both love me and you will come back to me."
"And does your mum know about your wonder plan, she'll go ballistic when you tell her."
"We've already talked about it, a lot actually. I think she is coming around to the idea."
"This is just crazy Susan!"
"I know it sounds weird but just think about it ok, don't dismiss the idea."
Before I had the chance to think too much, Susan was almost attacking me, rolling on top and kissing me urgently as she hurried to get me both hard and inside her.
***
We talked about it endlessly, Susan was consistent in her assertion that she was good with what ever happened; my initial rejection of the idea gradually began to erode. I had to admit the truth of being attracted to Anna to myself, she was still gorgeous. She had long auburn hair and deep brown eyes and a voluptuous figure, and she was a lovely woman with a great personality. I'd really like to help her out and it wouldn't be a hardship, far from it. I was married but my wife was the one suggesting it. So potentially sex and with a hot woman and for a good cause and with permission, it was almost too good to be true.
I finally agreed to meet Anna for a drink on neutral ground and without Susan hovering to discuss it. We exchanged pleasantries and got our drinks before I built up the courage to mention the elephant in the room.
"Anna, Susan mentioned she was fine if we wanted to do more of this, going out together... how do you feel about it?"
"Well it does feel strange, but we've always gotten on really well, so it could work. I'll be honest Paul, something does need to change, I am really lonely, but I struggle to trust any man, my first husband treated me... very poorly."
She looked to be about to cry. So I moved around to her seat and gave her a hug; her perfume and feel of her body surprised me, it was absolutely heavenly.
I didn't want to pry further, so tried lightening the mood, "Well I am more than happy to spend time with you, and I guess we could claim to be on a first date now... it's not so bad is it?"
Anna's frown turned to a beautiful smile, "Thank you Paul, it's not too bad at all, I feel better already."
We enjoyed a meal and easy conversation relaxing enough so I could ask a few more questions, I asked a lot about her life and relationship with George, Anna was as open and engaging as ever.
"If we keep doing this, is there anything you'd specifically want out of it.Anna?"