The Village Wives

I like the loving wives category but it can be difficult to come up with something different and the comments are often ruthless. I try to explore alternate realities or situations with angst.

I do spell and grammar checks and proof read but bound to miss some. If that bothers you too much maybe think about reading something else.

Please check the tags, don't read it if it's not your thing. Otherwise, I hope you enjoy it, they are free and they are just stories.

Best Wishes, Satin

***

They were finally aboard, on their retirement cruise. It wasn't Jack's first choice of holiday but he thought Stacy would love it... a month long voyage around the Mediterranean. His retirement gift from work colleagues contributed to the cost. Married for 27 years, their two children Luke and Kelly were adults and leading their own lives, allowing Jack to take early retirement before reaching 50.

Jack thought the prancing about and official functions were a bit of a pain on cruises, but the fact they were in a new port almost every day and would be able to explore would be perfect. There were over 20 ports spread across 8 countries including Spain, France, Italy, Croatia and Greece.

Jack had enjoyed watching his wife choose outfits for the cruise. At 48 Stacy remained a very attractive woman. He thought she got better with age, both beautiful and elegant. Her long auburn hair was pinned and braided up in a constantly changing disarray of bangles, twists and curls but always managing to look stunning. It framed an attractive lightly tanned oval face and sparkling green eyes.

Work had kept Jack fit and he had plans to cycle and exercise more in his retirement. They handled the impending retirement differently; Jack was looking to rekindle all of his hobbies and delighting in the extra time available, aiming to get fitter. Stacy seemed a bit worried about it all and thought it was a sign they were getting old. Jack hoped the trip would incorporate a sense of adventure and excitement; there was an endless list of interesting places waiting for them to explore after all.

***

They were preparing for the welcome dinner on the cruise, Jack thought Stacy looked stunning in a close-fitting satin dress that accentuated her figure and he told her so.

She smiled sweetly, "Thank you, I feel a bit self-conscious in the dress, but you've just made me feel good about it. That's a gift you have; making the people around you feel good, you're always so kind and understanding, I love you."

Jack's warm reflection on her comments was suddenly interrupted as Stacy looked over his shoulder, "Oh my God, that's Steve Dexter the film star!"

Jack turned to look, "Oh yeah, although 'star' is stretching it these days, he hasn't had a major film in years."

"He was my crush when I was younger; my friends and I were so obsessed by him. I wonder if I can meet him, Jen would be so jealous."

"Jesus calm down Stacy... he is just another guy, not a God. Anyway it looks like you will get you wish, he is in the line with the Captain and crew for the intros. He must be on a freebie, a minor celebrity endorsement of some sort."

"They is nothing minor about him, he was one of the biggest stars of the 90s."

They stood in line making introductions, when Stacy finally reached Steve Dexter, she wasted no time in saying how much of a fan she was, "It's fantastic to meet you, I am a fan... I even had your poster up on my bedroom wall when I was a teenager."

Dexter lapped it up and thanked her for all the support. It balanced the brief "Hello" he got from Jack.

They were invited to the Captains table, Jack wasn't sure why. Usually far more important people would sit there, or pay for the honour. It was probably Stacy's over the top welcome that resulted in the invite. Stacy ended up perched between Jack and Steve Dexter, with Dexter's business assistant Patricia Jones on the other side of Jack.

Dexter monopolised Stacy, she thought he was absolutely charming and wasn't used to so many compliments, especially from someone so famous. Jack was left talking to Patricia or 'Trish' as she preferred. She was a stunning raven haired beauty but remarkably easy to talk to.

Later Steve asked Jack if he objected to him having a dance with Stacy. He nodded it was fine, amused to see Stacy so excitable; she was almost giddy with it. Dexter was eating it up, obviously in his element. A second dance followed, Steve didn't mind too much, it wasn't every day you got to meet an idol and it was a nice treat for his wife. He continued his conversation with Trish; she had a great sense of humour, which wasn't always associated with someone who was so attractive. They all shared further drinks afterward before finally parting company.

***

They settled into their room and planned excursions and time on board. Jack was keen to see as much as possible at each of the ports. Stacy signed up for Spa and dance lessons saying it was something she had always wanted to do. Jack agreed to try but said he couldn't promise not to step on her toes.

The first lesson was after an excursion to Athens at the start of the cruise. It was a long trip from the port Piraeus to the city. Jack endured long queues for tickets and the mass crowds at the acropolis, while Stacy enjoyed coffee and a stroll shopping. By the time they got back to the ship, she could see he was exhausted and knew he would struggle with a lesson. She offered him the out, saying they had options for singles and that she would be fine going alone.

She got back in really a good mood and assured Jack there was no to apologise, "It's fine, you are excused duty, singles get paired up, and it will probably save my toes from damage. Anyway it would be hard for you to catch up after missing the basic steps."

That was fine by Jack; he breathed a quiet sigh of relief.

They had a fabulous start to the cruise: Crete, Santorini and Corfu were highlights. The services and facilities, food and entertainment on the ship were amazing. Stacy was in the mood more than usual and they enjoyed passionate nights together. It was so nice to be totally focused on each other.

It was the fifth dance lesson when Jack felt guilty and went to check on Stacy. He looked into the auditorium to see her dancing with Steve Dexter. It bothered him but not overly much, they were in there with 20 other couples.

"How was your lesson?"

"Great I really enjoyed it, still getting a lot of steps wrong though."

"Who did you get partnered with?"

"Oh... a few different people."

"Really, I thought they would keep you with the same partner to make learning the steps easier."

"No, well not all of the time."

"So who did you dance with?"

"Well Steve Dexter was there, I danced with him a bit."

At least she didn't lie, "Oh that must be nice for you, he being your idol and all."

Stacy hesitated, "He isn't my idol any more, you are...the best husband in the world."

"I hope you always think that."

"Of course I will, nothing will ever change that. I think we will be paired up for the competition though, is that OK? It will mean dancing with Steve, everyone is practicing hard for the moon light ball, there are prizes for best dancers and most improved."

"Yeah I guess, just watch yourself with him, he is a player."

"Honestly, he has been fine, the perfect gentleman in fact."

***

The following night Stacy dressed to the nines in a flowing elegant gown and sling back heels. They enjoyed another sumptuous meal, thankfully not at the Captains table, the guests there were rotated, no doubt to maximise profit. Stacy was certainly more comfortable dressing to impress and started liking the attention she was receiving especially from the young officers.

Dexter appeared in the bar afterwards and made a beeline towards them, "Hey Stacy, you look absolutely ravishing, you are a lucky man Jack."

"Thanks, I know it."

"And I appreciate you letting me borrow your wife for the dance competition. I learned some steps for filming but should have practiced more."

Dexter sat with them and they launched into conversations about their classes and the people in it. Jack started to feel ignored as Dexter enthralled Stacy by reciting tales from his movie career and the famous people he knew.

When Dexter finally went to the washrooms, Jack turned to Stacy. "Are you having a nice time with your dance partner?"

Stacy looked bemused and answered honestly, "Yeah he is lovely and so interesting, his life has been amazing."

"So it seems."

"What do you mean by that?"

"Well you've spent more time talking to him than to me tonight!"

"Don't be ridiculous, I am just being polite in company. We were just chatting and the conversation flowed. You need to grow up!"

"I am pleased we paid a fortune for this holiday so you could spend it with your idol."

"Don't be like that, I didn't realise you felt left out. You seemed to be talking to Trish happily enough the other night and I didn't complain."

"I am going... stay if you like!"

"Don't be stupid, I'm coming with you, I'll make our excuses when he returns."

Dexter seemed disappointed but covered it in his usual easy manner. The walk back to the room was more a silent trudge until they got to the door, and Stacy muttered, "Happy now we've had to cut our night short because of your petty jealousy."

"You're welcome to go back to him!"

"Maybe I should, if you're going to be like this."

***

Their spat was mostly over by the next morning and they began talking again while skirting around the tetchy topic of Steve Dexter. They'd always planned a couple of days where Jack would go on an excursion and leave Stacy on board relaxing. The following day he had a fantastic time checking out Dubrovnik in Croatia, and was excited to show Stacy the photographs of the old town.

She wasn't in the cabin when he got back on board, so he did a couple of circuits of the ship to find her without any luck. He tried the Spa but couldn't gain access without paying an extortionate entrance fee. Just as he was leaving he caught a glance of Stacy. She was in his favourite swim suit, relaxing on a sun lounger with Steve fucking Dexter sat next to her, looking irritatingly fit and tanned. Their body language suggested she was more than liking his attention.

Jack thought about jumping the gate and confronting them but didn't want to create a scene, any accusation would look childish, and they weren't doing anything inappropriate... except the look in their eyes suggested something more.

A crew member asked him to clear access to the gate.

Jack moved off muttering, "Fuck fuck fuck!"

He was stewing on his thoughts back in their cabin. What was she up to; she knew he was already unhappy and that look they shared. He tried telling himself to calm down... it might all be innocent.

Stacy returned to the cabin an hour later with her a breezy greeting, "Hi honey, how was Dubrovnik?"

"Fine."

"Just fine... really! It was something you had pre booked and were really looking forward to; it's such a shame if it disappointing."

"Actually the trip was awesome and I rushed back to show you the photos and get ready for dinner but you weren't here."

"You knew I was going to the Spa."

"I did, but didn't think you would be there all day, how was it?

"It was fab, so relaxing."

"Just relaxing by yourself then?"

"Yeah mostly, I talked to a few people."

"So Steve Dexter wasn't there?"

Stacy wasn't sure how but it was obvious Jack knew something, "Well ermm yeah he was there some of the time."

"What's going on Stacy? You might as well be on vacation with him. I know you fancy him and he seems well on the way to seducing you."

"What exactly are you accusing me of? He is doing no such thing, and that accusation is insulting to both of us."

"He is an over confident braggart and past it, why are you spending all your time with him... this is supposed to be our holiday."

"It's hardly that bad, nothing is happening except in your petty mind."

"For you it's not I'm sure, for me its purgatory."

Stacy hesitated, "I don't see why it is effecting you, you weren't even here and nothing is going on."

They continued talking but Jack didn't feel he was getting much sense out of Stacy and just got more frustrated, "Fine he can take you to dinner then, I am sure you won't be disappointed."

With that Jack stormed out of the cabin. Stacy was furious; had she just been accused of cheating? Yes she kept bumping into Steve and spent time with him but it was just a... friendship. Jack was blowing everything out of all proportion.

She spoke to herself, "Fine, let him have his huff, it would serve him right if I did ask Steve to escort me to dinner."

In the end Stacy calmed down and got a snack from the buffet, there was no sight or sound of Jack. She tried to see things from his point of view, it had been a lot of time with Steve, and while she hadn't lied, she hadn't been sharing too many details.

Jack sat in the bar, testing out the alcohol allowances in their cruise package. Trish walked in saw him and sat next to him, "Hey stranger."

"Hey yourself."

"Oh shit, you seem in a bad way and very drunk, what is wrong?"

"Well I was sitting here wondering if your boss is still seducing my wife or if the deed has already been done."

"Shit sorry Jack, in answer to your question, he is certainly trying. He doesn't usually have to work hard for a liaison, whether you wife realises that yet I am not quite sure, she seems a bit naïve and unaware of his motives."

"He's a prick!"

"Indeed he is, no doubt about it. I was supposed to distract you, but when we talked on that first night you seemed like a really nice guy. To be honest I am sick of the whole thing, this is my last trip. I am going to give the information I have to his very rich wife, who will almost certainly divorce him, although she is just as bad."

Jacks words were slurring, "It seems a bit fucking desperate, a famous actor on a cruise ship."

"Yeah it's pretty low for him but he has done every cheap celeb TV programme going. They are great for money but they exposed his true character; the producers don't want anything to do with him now."

"He can't be short of cash... he's made millions surely."

"What was it that famous footballer George Best said... 'I spent all of the money on women and drink and wasted the rest.' Well that sums him up; only a fair bit of that money was snorted up his nose."

"And despite those flaws, she is besotted by him, taran, transp; fuck... transported back to her teen fantasy."

"Yeah it's more common than you think. It's like they see the memory not what he is now. It's pathetic... all these happily married women destroying their lives."

Trish noticed Jack's head drop, "Sorry I didn't mean that about your wife Jack; she might not go through with it. Either way she is likely to come back to you, his façade will slip and she will realise her mistake."

Trish couldn't make out Jack's next drunken utterances.

"Come on let's get you back!"

She half dragged him out of the bar and they struggled back to his room. Finally reaching it and banging on the door brought Stacy to it in a state of near panic.

"Oh my God what's happened?"

"He's heavy, give me a hand!" They dragged him to the bed between them.

"He was drunk when I came across him; bemoaning the fact he thought his wife was having an affair."

"What! That's crazy and insulting, I would never dream of..."

"Save it Stacy, your treading a dangerous line with Steve and Jack's concerns are completely valid. You need to think carefully about what you want."

"I... I..."

"Whatever... your excuses are wasted on me, I am out of here."

***

Stacy put Jack in the recovery position and placed a bowl near the bed in case he was sick. Looking at him, she reflected on her time with Steve. They had danced closely and often, he checked her out obviously and made no apology for it, it was all quite overwhelming. For the first time in her life, she was having thoughts and urges and wasn't sure if she could control them. She still loved her husband, but Steve was intoxicating. She found herself obsessing about him; he invaded her thoughts constantly. Even now when she should be focused on Jack, he was there in her mind.

She tried to dismiss Jack's concerns as an overreaction, but Trish was backing him up and her own thoughts were betraying her.

***

Stacy ordered a late breakfast in their room, it arrived as a very hung-over Jack awoke.

"Morning... bad head?"

Jack just nodded in response.

"There are pain killers and water at the side of the bed. You looked so upset last night, are you OK?"

"Not really."

"I never meant to neglect or upset you."

"And yet here we are... you have turned a dream holiday into a nightmare. I need you to be honest with me."

"I'll try, I didn't realise I had spent so much time with him, we just seemed to bump into each other."

"Come off it Stacy, he is deliberately trying to bump into you and you're encouraging him. You are acting like a love struck school girl."

"I am sorry about that. I admit there is an attraction there."

"And you like that?"

"No, yes, I don't know, it's nice to be seen like that I guess, it's flattering especially from him. But I love you and you alone. Look I admit, I got a bit infatuated but there is nothing in it, it wasn't ever going to lead onto anything."

"I don't know Stacy, you seem smitten and the way you looked at him yesterday well..."

Stacy was mortified Jack had spotted any sort of look like that from her, she wasn't conscious of doing that but couldn't dismiss the idea... she may have.

"I honestly don't think I did that Jack, but I am sorry if that is how it appeared. I promise to devote all of my time to us, no more dance classes and I will avoid him."

"Are you sure? I know that dance competition means a lot to you."

"Yes, nothing is more important than you. You can trust me Jack, nothing has changed about that I hope."

Jack hesitated, "I'm ok if you still want to do the competition. I guess me and 700 guests means it's pretty safe and I either trust you or we have a major problem... die by the sword so to speak."

"There will be no dying involved, and thank you Jack... it does mean a lot to me, but the fact you still trust me means far far more; we can go together."

They smiled at each other and picked at the breakfast, "How's the headache?

"Still throbbing."

"Are you sure, it's just that I have some making up to do but I can hardly pounce on an ill man."

"I am starting to feel remarkably better all of a sudden."

***

The next few days felt like a step back in time, they were focused on each other and together. The few times they bumped into Steve, Stacy quickly made their excuses and clung onto Jack's arm. She explained that she didn't have time for any more of the dance lessons but would still enter the competition with him at the ball. They enjoyed the rest of Croatia, Venice and the stunning Italian coastline and ports. It was the trip they had both hoped for.

Jack was feeling unwell as he got ready for the ball, he suspected it was bug he picked up on board the ship; they were already late.

"Go on ahead."

"I am not going without you."

"I'll catch you up, I'm feeling a bit shabby and just need to sit and have a drink of water."

"Ok I will be with the dance group when you get there."

Jack sat and had a glass of water, and closed his eyes for a few seconds.

He awoke with a start, realising he'd lost an hour! He felt woozy but threw on his jacket and headed to the ball. When he got there it was packed with people, the dance floor was full. The event was incredibly swanky, befitting of Monte Carlo where they were berthed. The men all wore tuxedos or suits and ladies elegant evening wear, all predominantly silver or white to fit the theme.