Continued thanks to thanks to Phil Anderer - This story might have come to an untimely end without his continued help.
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Three days had passed since Alice's visit to the doctor when the call she had anxiously awaited finally came through. Fortune smiled upon her; the news was all positive. Every test had come back negative.
After ending the call, Alice found herself staring at her phone in disbelief. She had braced herself for the worst, considering all the risks she had taken. Yet here she was, emerging unscathed from her past. She silently vowed never to return to her former life, regardless of how things unfolded with Frank. From this point forward, it was only upward--returning to her earlier existence was simply not an option.
Frank was away when she received the update, tied up with an appointment--or so he had vaguely mentioned, his tone carrying a hint of irritation.
Turning her attention back to her computer, Alice reflected on her recent decision to enroll in a correspondence course. Just days earlier, she had committed to completing the necessary credits for a program that piqued her interest. Frank had proposed that she pursue a business degree as a starting point, to gain a foundational understanding of managing a business. The curriculum was comprehensive, covering general accounting, business law and contracts, management, and even incorporating some computer skills.
Such a course would ideally position her for an office manager role. Though she initially resisted, insisting that her place was as Frank's assistant, Frank had convincingly argued that she would be more valuable to him with these skills. Considering that Frank had provided her with a home, food, and a salary, Alice realized she had little ground for dispute.
The course Alice was currently immersed in was a senior high school level general accounting class. To her, many of the concepts felt as distant and intricate as plots from a novel. She had never been in a position where she needed to budget for major expenses--owning a car, making large purchases, or systematically saving were foreign concepts. Budgeting for food had always been a binary situation for her; she either had the funds for sustenance or she did not. For a brief moment, she entertained the idea of basing her final project on her earnings from prostitution, pondering the reception of such a submission.
"If I pleasure five clients a day, I can afford both lunch and dinner," she mused, though she doubted her instructor would appreciate the jest or the reality wrapped within it.
Frank returned home shortly after, his demeanor noticeably different than usual. He barely acknowledged Alice, merely muttering about changing before heading to his room. This behavior struck Alice as odd for several reasons. Typically, Frank was upbeat and made a point to pause and engage whenever he spoke to someone. Moreover, they had reached a silent agreement a few days prior that Alice could dress as she pleased around the house. Currently clad only in her panties, she found it strange that Frank didn't so much as give her a second glance--a departure from their usual interactions.
It was almost dinner time when he reappeared from his room. He was still wearing the same clothes as earlier belying what he had told her when he got home.
"Good evening, Alice," Frank greeted upon entering the living room, his voice carrying a hint of apology. "I'm sorry for how I acted earlier." He didn't elaborate on his behavior, implying that Alice should not probe further.
"Let's focus on dinner," he suggested, swiftly moving beyond his brief apology.
Then, Frank paused, finally taking a moment to really look at Alice. His face lit up with a warm smile. "Beautiful," he commented, genuinely appreciative.
This small exchange reassured Alice, hinting at a return to their normal rapport. She approached Frank, planting a gentle kiss on his cheek, and met his gaze. He seemed weary and touched by a hint of sadness, though she couldn't pinpoint the reason.
Deciding to get dressed, Alice retreated to her room. Throughout the week, all the clothes she had selected had been delivered, offering her a variety of outfits to choose from, including comfortably fitting bras that impressed her with their support. These bras not only provided comfort without strain but also enhanced her figure, eliminating the discomfort of deep lines and ensuring the back clasp remained in place. Remarkably, they lent her a newfound confidence; her reflection in the mirror showed a woman transformed, her posture and gait exuding self-assurance. The heels she chose altered her walk to long, proud strides, a far cry from her previous, hurried steps. This newfound poise wasn't just about the clothes; it was a reflection of her inner strength and confidence.
Frank's observation of Alice's transformation was unmistakable. He watched as she navigated the hallway with a newfound poise in her silk blouse and pencil skirt.
"Grab us a car, dear," Frank instructed.
Without hesitation, Alice phoned the concierge. "It's Alice in the penthouse. We'll need a car for this evening. Immediate pickup, with a likely return around 10:30. Thank you." She ended the call, her tone exuding a seasoned ease that belied it was only her second time making such arrangements. Frank observed her, a silent approval in his gaze, marveling at the stark contrast from the Alice of just a week prior.
The restaurant Frank selected epitomized romantic dining, its design ensuring privacy for each couple. Tables nestled in front of semi-circular plush booths allowed diners and their companions to sit together facing the room, while tall, ceiling-to-floor curtains, running down the middle of the aisle, ensured the intimacy of their conversations remained undisturbed by other guests.
Seated in a secluded spot, champagne was served promptly and wordlessly. Turning to Frank, Alice began, "I have some news."
Frank's expression was one of curiosity as he waited for her to continue.
"Michele's office called today; all my tests came back negative," Alice shared, a hint of relief in her voice. "Do you know what that means?"
Frank, slightly puzzled, ventured, "That you're healthy?"
"That, and I'm sharing your bed tonight," Alice replied, her smile echoing the lightheartedness of his own past comments.
Caught off guard, Frank nearly choked on his drink. Alice's forthrightness unleashed a torrent of images in his mind, each more vivid than the last.
Alice's amusement at Frank's reaction was evident, but she couldn't help feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness about the night ahead. His casual mention of stopping for contraception took her by surprise, prompting a light-hearted laugh from her. "Don't think that's necessary," she said, a playful tone in her voice.
"Why?" Frank queried, curious about her response.
"Because you are, you know, you are..." Alice stumbled, unsure how to articulate her thoughts.
"Because of my age?" Frank helped, guessing where her hesitancy stemmed from.
"Yes," Alice admitted softly, believing that Frank's age might negate the need for contraception.
Frank's laughter filled the air, easing the awkwardness Alice felt. "My dear, age doesn't stop a man from being fertile," he clarified, his tone gentle yet informative.
Alice was taken aback, her expression one of genuine surprise. She had somehow conflated male fertility with the concept of male menopause, mistakenly assuming it mirrored female menopause in its effects on reproductive capabilities. This revelation was a stark reminder of the gaps in her knowledge, leaving Frank momentarily surprised at her misunderstanding. He pondered what other misconceptions she might hold, recognizing an opportunity for further conversations and shared learning in their journey together.
