Melissa Larson was perhaps at the peak of her young career. A respected Doctor of Psychology specializing in Child and Adolescent Behavior, her recent book entitled "Teen Time -- A Guide for Self Esteem" was climbing the Amazon Best Seller list and she was quickly becoming one of the most sought after speakers on developmental and behavioral issues among adolescents in her field.
Her husband David was also quite renowned for his research on Dementia and Alzheimer's Disease. David was leading a team of dedicated Physicians and scientists at his research lab and was close to identifying markers in DNA which could detect individuals who might be susceptible to the disease, and if not slow it down remarkably, perhaps eradicate it altogether.
Melissa and David met in medical school almost 20 years ago and had two boys, Thomas and Michael. Thomas had been awarded a full scholarship at North Carolina State with the men's soccer team and Michael was in his senior year at high school. Both young men were academically gifted and popular at school. Melissa felt so fortunate for the life she shared with her family.
This evening's Gala was a huge night for Larson's. David's Institute had submitted a grant to the Wayne L. Simpson Foundation for $12.5 million. If the grant was approved, David and his life's work would have an extension of funding for the next year. The clinic, along with the other seven physicians and staff's positions, hung in the balance.
Mr. Simpson, an extremely wealthy businessman who had made a fortune on AI technology, amassing a net worth of $1.3 billion in just ten years, had invited the Larson's to his Annual Fall Gala. Simpson always capped off the evening's festivities with the presentation of a grant to a deserving charitable organization and David hoped his clinic might just be the beneficiary this evening.
Melissa adjusted her gorgeous gown in the full-length mirror. At 39, she looked every bit as trim and fit as she did in college. She wore a red sequin backless dress that hung perfectly on her narrow hips, accentuating her gorgeous round ass. Though she was small chested, a 30-A, her breasts were firm, capped off with two prominent nipples. Given their size, she rarely wore a bra which became quite evident when she was excited or chilly. Though she was never embarrassed, and sometimes appreciated the glances she received from both men and women alike as the little nubs pushed at her tops.
She was very selective about what she ate, practiced yoga, and still tried to get in a morning run every day before she headed into her office. Mel accentuated her 5'5" height with the burgundy three-inch heels she was wearing. She started to wear her hair up but decided to let her long silky brown hair fall softly over her shoulders.
Melissa capped off her stunning attire with an 18kt white gold diamond and ruby necklace that had belonged to David's mother. That and the diamond studded earrings in each year ensured she would certainly attract notice. David and Melissa rarely had opportunities to attend an event like this and she was really looking forward to it!
David walked into the bedroom in his black tux, looking elegant and debonair. David, at 5'11" was not much taller than Mel but the heels she wore gave him only a slight advantage. His brown hair had thinned over the years but he too kept himself in great shape and could still get into some of the tees he wore in college.
"Damn, you are one pretty lady," David gushed as he kissed his wife on the cheek. Walking behind her, he held Melissa tight in his arms. His face sliding beside hers as her perfume teased the evening air. "You're going the be the hit of the gala. Thank you for going tonight," he sighed. "It's a really big night for us,... the clinic. I'm not sure what we're going to do if we don't get the funding. Our federal support runs out at the end of the year and we're so damn close," he sighed
"You'll get it babe. Just have faith," Melissa encouraged him as she let her hand run down the leg of his trousers turning to kiss him softly on the lips.
Melissa and David arrived at the Simpson's just a little past eight with many of the guests having already arrived. The Simpson home was every bit as extravagant as Melissa imagined it would be. A huge plantation type home on a sprawling 80-acre compound. Hospitality attendants were walking throughout the house with champagne and delectable hors d'oeuvres
Melissa spied Wayne Simpson holding court on the other side of the room surrounded by a throng of people. He was much younger than she imagined - perhaps in his mid-fifties, Simpson cut a sharp image in the white dinner jacket and black slacks he was wearing.
As Melissa took in the gorgeous gowns and ornate surroundings, her gaze became fixed on a painting hanging on the wall just to the left of a large fireplace. "Oh, my Lord, I think..." she gasped as she moved closer pulling on David's arm. "It is, that's a Delacroix." David looked puzzled as his wife took in the painting.
"Delacroix was a French painter whose use of colors were simply spectacular and considered an inspiration for other Impressionist artists," Melissa gushed as her eyes took in the colorful canvass before her.
"Nice," David offered as he sipped his Champaign and then looked to see if he could make his way to his host. David didn't have to travel far as Simpson made his way over to the Larsons.
"David, you made it. So happy you could be here and this must be Melissa," he added as he reached out for her hand.
"You have quite a collection of art Mr. Simpson. I noted a Gainsborough, in addition to this beautiful Delacroix," she offered.
"Please, call me Wayne and yes, I have a fondness for the European masters. I take it you have an eye for exquisite art as well Melissa?" Simpson replied.
"I studied it extensively in college... though I was never good at painting myself. But I do have a great appreciation of their talent and these are breathtaking," she added.
"Then you simply must see my Renoir," he teased. "Would you enjoy that?"
"You have a Renoir as well?" Melissa shot back.
"David, that's my wife Stephanie over there by the fireplace," Simpson said pointing. "As well as my attorney Jannette. She wanted to meet you. Please introduce yourself and I'll give your wife a quick look at one of my most prized possessions if you don't mind," noting that David seemed to be completely disinterested in the priceless piece.
Melissa looked over to see an elegant blonde surrounded by several of the guests, but it was the young brunette with chestnut colored hair in a flowing ivory dress standing beside Mrs. Simpson that really drew her attention.
Simpson casually grasped Melissa's arm, "Come my dear. Let's go upstairs to my private office and I think you'll really enjoy a treat that few ever get a chance to see."
Melissa wasn't altogether comfortable leaving David but she also hoped to build a bond between herself and David's potential benefactor and this might be just the chance.
Simpson and Melissa walked up a winding staircase to the second-floor study as the crowd noise and music started to fade into the background.
Simpson opened the doors to a gorgeous cherry paneled room lined with shelves of first edition books, leather seating, and a wide mahogany desk. There behind the desk was indeed an early Renoir.
"Renoir was a master of eliciting feminine sensuality... don't you think," Simpson inquired as Melissa examined the painting.
"I've seen photos but never a real Renoir.... amazing," she uttered breathlessly observing the colorful brush strokes on the canvas.
Simpson walked over to a wet bar and pulled the top off a crystal decanter. "Care for a cognac my dear as you study the piece?
"I'm not sure I know much about liquors," Melissa said back softly, her eyes still gazing upon the work.
