"Tomorrow's the big day, right Mom?"
"Absolutely, Megan. We need to get these two guys on our side regarding the Bankhead drilling project. They're the last two pieces of the puzzle as far as I'm concerned. You know what to do?"
"Anything they say. Or want," Megan replied.
Amanda smiled. She was the thirty nine year old CEO of GIC Corporation, an energy supplier throughout the northern United States. Their scientists recently discovered an oil and natural gas supply that would keep them in business for decades.
Her daughter Megan, eighteen, was not officially employed by the company. But Amanda brought her along on 'crucial' trips to the hunting and fishing lodge in remote Alberta, Canada when they were entertaining important clients.
The guests this week were Mark, a former congressman turned lobbyist, and Jerry, a state legislator who would have a major say in the company getting drilling rights.
Amanda and Megan sat on the balcony of their room at the lodge, looking out over the incredible sunset behind the Canadian Rockies. Amanda looked over at her beautiful, blonde daughter and understood entirely why the older men she brought to the lodge drooled over the teenager. The sun sparkled in her eyes and shimmered in her wind-blown hair.
"We're going to go fishing in the morning after they arrive," Amanda said. "Wear that white bikini and keep Mark and Jerry well supplied with beer. Give them another show at dinner, hon. And then we'll all meet up in the large suite. At that point, anything goes. Just follow my lead."
"Got it," Megan confirmed with a grin. "I sure hope this works."
"Me, too. I'm glad you're here."
###
Early the next morning, a luxury SUV bounced along the remote road leading to the lodge. In the back seat, Mark and Jerry shared laughs about their experiences in government and the stories they had heard about the beautiful, ambitious CEO of GIC Corporation. Like some of the fish stories in the region, the men didn't know how much could be believed about Amanda's tactics in winning over lobbyists and legislators. They decided if only half of it was true, they could be in for an eventful few days.
Mark was a very fit fifty six year old who had the energy of a man half his age. He was rugged, handsome, and accustomed to getting what he wanted. Mark was particularly fond of young, female interns in Washington.
Jerry was one of the few forty five year old legislators who already had ten years of experience. An Ivy League graduate, he was on the fast track to bigger and better things, either in government or industry. He was an expert on drilling rights and the laws governing them. Jerry had found out early on that his combined knowledge and power gave him indisputable clout.
The men marveled at the splendor of the multi-level lodge as they approached. Tall pines stood around the rim of a large, blue lake that reflected snow capped mountains. It would be their first of many eyefuls on this day.
The SUV drove up to the front door and the driver quickly jumped out to assist Mark and Jerry with their luggage. They were all joined by a bellhop pushing a luggage carrier and the men were escorted inside.
Amanda met them in the lobby, dressed in a summery outfit consisting of a low-cut, knit top and shorts that gave the initial impression of being a very short skirt.
"Welcome, gentlemen," she said, extending a hand to each of them. "I'm so glad you could make it. Isn't the weather wonderful?"
"It's perfect, Amanda," Mark replied. "You ordered it, right?"
She rolled her eyes. "It's one of the few things out of my control, I'm afraid."
"This is quite a place," Jerry said, still surveying the inside of the lodge.
"Thank you. We love it here," Amanda said. "And it's all yours for the next few days. Please take advantage of it."
"What's on the agenda?" Mark asked.
Amanda smiled. "Once you get settled into your rooms and have something to eat, I thought we'd try out the fishing. Pike and walleye are supposed to be out there right now on both the lakes and rivers. It's up to you."
"Sure beats working," Jerry said. "We'll leave it up to the guide."
Oh, by the way," Amanda added. "My daughter's with me this week. I hope it's OK if she tags along."
She said it in such a matter-of-fact manner that both men simply shrugged their approval. Neither had the nerve to ask how old the daughter might be, although both pictured a younger girl. They would learn soon enough that Megan was no child.
###
A couple hours later, Mark and Jerry were sitting in the lobby waiting for their hostess. It promised to be an exceptionally warm day for this part of the country and both men wore shorts and t-shirts. Amanda had recommended they bring backpacks with extra clothing and water, just in case. Everything else would be provided by the lodge.
They heard the women's voices before Amanda and Megan appeared from around the corner. Both men found themselves unconsciously staring at the surprising sight. Amanda was dressed in the same clothes she wore earlier, but walking next to her was one of the most attractive females either man had ever seen.
Megan was nearly an inch taller than her mother, but with the same infectious smile and confident strut. She wore a one piece swimsuit cover that hung halfway down her thighs. It was just sheer enough to show the outline of Megan's bikini.
Mark and Jerry rose to greet them, more than pleased that Amanda's 'little girl' was with her.
"Hello again," Amanda said. "I'd like you to meet my daughter Megan. She'll be joining us today...if she behaves."
Megan welcomed the men after giving her mother a frown of feigned offense. Mark and Jerry found opportunities to sneak in quick glances of Megan's well-curved body as the foursome chatted and reviewed the plans for the fishing trip. As they headed outside and climbed into the SUV for the short ride to the lake, the importance for the men of catching a prize string of pike was somewhat lessened by the presence of the two gorgeous women.
