*Being in love does not make you strong; being afraid does not make you weak *
Xavier Walker walked into his boss's office. Gloria Newman looked up at her protégé and smiled. Xavier was a great asset to the bank. He was also an incredible boost to the forty-year old woman's self-esteem. Xavier was her secret lover; hardly a relationship the board of directors would approve of but was so worth it.
Still she had never regretted coming on to the rather naïve young man. She had recruited him out of college because of his prodigious talents with international finance, but fallen in love with his dynamic personality and optimism. She knew immediately something was off. One of the few things Xavier wouldn't be good at was poker.
"Xavier, what's wrong?" she asked. Xavier was surprisingly indecisive.
"Gloria," Xavier said as he looked down at the ground, "I can't see you anymore. My family situation has become ... complicated."
"Oh," she hesitated, "does this have to do with the promotion?"
"Oh God no," he said in pained tone, "I'm grateful for every opportunity you've given me and I'll always give you my best work."
"I don't doubt it Xavier, but please tell me what I can do to change your mind," she asked. "You must know that you've earned your place here. I haven't given you anything because ... because of us."
"I know Gloria and thank you. All I can ask is that you please give me some time." He was clearly upset by something, but Gloria couldn't figure out what it was. "I hope things will settle themselves out soon and if you still want me back, I'll gladly return to you."
"I understand," Gloria lied. "You know my door is always open to you. If you need me as a friend I want you to know you can always talk to me." Xavier nodded, turned and left. Gloria was left wondering what the hell had happened and trying to decide how hurt she was.
(That evening)
"Xavier," Toni said. She didn't call him 'Uncle' because she wanted him to think of her as grown up. "Ms. Pieper gave me this letter for you."
"Did she say anything to else?" her normally energetic guardian asked.
"No," she suspiciously responded, "she gave me this and said it was some information you asked for concerning my course work."
"Oh," he sighed sadly. He took the envelope and opened it. From the light coming through the letter Toni could only tell it was a list of things. It didn't look like a normal school form. He took a deep breath, noticed Toni looking at him and smiled.
"Is everything okay?" Toni inquired.
"Of course; you are going to graduate and be with your friends in high school next year. That is what's important," he answered. Toni thought that was a scary thing to say. Ms. Pieper had threatened to suspend her only two days ago. Her uncle had coming charging to her rescue and now Ms. Pieper was essentially ignoring her – always a good thing. "Let's get some dinner on the table."
"I'll get the salad," Toni smiled. Xavier was always sliding responsibility her way and she secretly relished it. He didn't treat her like a kid; he consulted her on family decisions and after the death of her Mother and Father that had helped her cope. He'd showed her that she mattered and that her brother and uncle needed her. Xavier threw himself into spicing up dinner which was always interesting because five months ago neither he nor Toni knew anything about cooking.
Later in his deceased brother's study while the kids watched TV Xavier looked over the list he'd been sent. Chloe had 'politely' given him a list of options for food and entertainment. He spent twenty minutes and an exceptional amount of brainpower trying to figure a way out of his predicament.
If he went to the school principle all he had was his word. He doubted he could trap her in her deceptions; he simply wasn't the type. There was no one he could go to about this, because if they failed Toni would suffer. He would wait for the situation to develop because in his experience everyone made mistakes. All he needed was waiting for Chloe to trip herself up, or so he hoped.
A reservation for a decent place, with enough lighting for him to feel safe, was difficult. He deviated from her choices in entertainment as well. He hardly felt a movie theater was in his best interest, as was a moonlight stroll by the waterfront. A four piece chamber music group was more a match of what she was reaching for and what he was in his comfort zone.
Like a truant student he was required to call his 'date' and confirm his decisions. When she answered her voice was very demanding and abrupt.
"Yes?"
"Ms. Pieper – Chloe, it is Xavier Walker," he answered. Her whole attitude changed.
"Xavier, it is such a pleasant surprise to hear from you. What can I do for you?" Xavier's first thought was to wonder what the hell she was playing at then he realized that this was part of the role she wanted him to play.
"I would like to go out with you on Friday night," he stated. There was a long pause. "If you want to," he added.
"Let me think about it Xavier. What would you have in mind?"
"I was thinking we could go to Callahan's at seven-thirty," he began.
"That wasn't ..."
"It is a charming place I've been to before and I was hoping you would like it. All the twenty-something's go there," he pointed out. She paused.
"I thought we might take in the South Shore Chamber Music Quartet which is playing right across the park from Callahan's," he said with a silent prayer.
"That sounds enchanting," she murmured. "I'd be happy to go out with you, and Xavier, be careful with your alternations. I like you being creative. I am less pleased with your attempts to put some distance between us; don't make you painfully remind you were we stand."
"I understand," Xavier said stiffly.
"I look forward to our date," was her honey-worded reply. She hung up and began thinking of the way she would make him pay for his defiance. Oh, she found his resistance delicious and his choices for a date were far more inventive and appropriate than her own, but he had to know who was in charge.
Choice was something she would allow, not something he should aspire to. She was rapidly falling in love with him – or more like the power she was entrapping him in. She quickly shed her skirt and sat down, legs spread. She slipped her fingers inside her panties and along the fold of her labia. The very sound of his voice could get her wet; soaking wet. Breaking him to her Will only helped the process along.
(Friday evening)
"Uncle Xavier," groused Toni, "we don't need a sitter."
