Dad’s Wife at the Halloween Ball
“She broke up my parents’ marriage, killed my mom, and nearly owns the business,” I growled, failing at tamping my anger down. As the son of the CEO, I could not afford to let my emotions become public knowledge.
“Trent, you know it’s only going to be worse after your father dies. You need to get it under control, buddy.” Having heard it all before, Alan was the proverbial voice of reason. He unfolded his lanky frame from the chair, tapped on my desk and was gone.
I stared out over the city skyline. Usually the view was peace, but nothing could override my anger. It started when my dad walked out on my mom for a gold digger twenty-five years his junior. My dad married someone my age. It devastated my mom. It destroyed my faith in my father that he was so easily stolen from a family and marriage that had just recently celebrated a golden wedding anniversary.
The ink was not dry on the divorce papers, and they were married. Not in a small intimate ceremony, but one that splashed on all the socialite websites.
It was her first marriage, so she wore a white dress, which ironically was the same color as her new husband’s hair. She looked much younger than her fifty-three years, no doubt what caught my father’s eye. But it could have been she had the classic looks of Jackie O down to her dark brown hair and eyes. The white dress was calf length and skimmed all her curves. Keeping herself up like that would not be cheap and I guessed she might have chosen my father for a sugar daddy, but all the blurbs pointed to old family money.
I did not attend because I was aiding my now weakened mother, dying of a broken heart, while at the same time my dad and his bride were all smiles with her geezer father beaming next to them.
My father owned fifty-one percent of the company; I owned the remaining forty-nine. My father sat at the head of the boardroom table now. When something happened to him, Marleigh, my young, wicked stepmother would take his place.
My anger was consuming, and I knew Alan was right. I had to get myself in check because I did not have a damn bit of control over what was going to happen. It would all unfold with me as a main character without a script. I still mourned the loss of my mother only six months ago, but I had to put the rest out of my mind.
I checked my watch remembering I had a department head meeting in minutes and had just enough time to scan my notes. My obsession with this was interfering with work.
“Don’t forget your files,” Simone smiled indulgently handing me the files I needed.
“Thanks,” I said, gratefully. She would soon be retiring, and I didn’t know what I would do without her. She was more than an office assistant. Often more of a confidante.
As I was coming in the door with a big sack of Chinese, a stack of files from work and a bunch of flowers, Alyssa my sometimes girlfriend texted me. I didn’t have to look to see she was begging off dinner again. I ate and threw the flowers in the trash.
My inner rage seeped out of my pores and was beginning to poison everyone around me.
My condo was my haven. I liked. I didn’t give a damn about matching anything. No decorator. Just what I liked, but anyone that ever visited was surprised. Soft comfortable black leather furniture, black nickel, marble and stainless tables, lamps, and lighting. It was simple but I liked it. At fifty-five I had no one to impress. I did the nuptial thing so long ago and it was so short lived that I barely remembered it.
I went down to the condo building gym to run off some of the tension that has become my life.
~~~
“You all ready for the meeting, dad?”
Because of the pandemic, the company had struggled. The only positive aspect of his marriage was he was inspired and got the company turned around. I ruefully admitted he was happy with Marleigh. But at what expense… And that is what I could not get past.
“I am, son,” he said smiling because he was ready to deliver good news at the meeting. “I didn’t know if this day would come. And that we can keep the company private…” he trailed off, not wanting to again think about the loss of the company to our family.
“Dad, you did a great job, I can’t tell you how proud of you I am,” I said. I had my arm around his shoulders as walked down the hall to the board room.
The room was packed with anyone within the company that wanted to come. At dad’s announcement, the relief in the room was palpable. Many lingered to socialize and celebrate and indulge in the food trays we had brought in.
Dad came up while I was talking with our employees, and I stepped away. “Marleigh is picking me up for lunch to celebrate. We’d like you to join us, son.” His words were measured and sincere. It had been no secret that I held no love for the situation.
“Sorry dad, I just can’t.” He nodded.
I saw a cloud pass through his eyes before he clapped me on the shoulder and smiled.
“This has been a great day in this company.”
Marleigh stepped out of the elevator and my gut clenched. She had a siren’s smile that could crack the ice of the hardest male heart and I could understand why she turned dad’s head. A younger woman giving attention to an older man that had long ago lost that sizzle in his marriage.
She had her cashmere coat up around her neck and commented to dad how the temperatures were dropping. Her eyes were liquid espresso with minimal makeup
She turned to me, ratcheting that smile up a notch and asked, “Trent, can you join us for lunch?” Adding, “It would mean a lot to your father to have you join the celebration.”
I looked at dad and said, “I can’t, remember I have that meeting with marketing?”
It was a legitimate excuse, but I saw the flash of disappointment in his eyes. “Sure, that’s right. Maybe next time.” I nodded and fled back to my office, hating to disappoint him about anything.
I picked up a stack of mail from Simone’s desk.
“Your Monster’s Ball invitation is here,” she smiled, knowing that I never went.
It was an annual charity event held every Halloween. An excuse for the social set and philanthropists to mingle with the heavy hitters of the business community, which amounted to old money and new money mingling for fellow man. The night would herald millions of dollars from the unselfishness of benefactors.
Although we had never had representation of the family or our company at the ball, my father set up a foundation through the company twenty years ago. I personally donated to help children and animals, both of which depended on adults to do the right thing.
I tossed the envelope in a desk drawer and began sorting the other mail.
After the meeting Alan popped his head into my office, and seeing that I wasn’t busy, sprawled his tall form on the chair across from me.
“So, I suppose you got your Monster’s Ball invitation and you’re already deciding what to wear?” he asked sarcastically and laughing.
“Yes, I did. I suppose you’re going?” I replied, equally as sarcastic.
Alan and I were college roommates. When he graduated dad was happy to bring him into the company and since then considered family. My dad, Alan and I were the only ones to get the invitation. Five-hundred dollars a ticket narrowed down the prospective list to only those that could afford it.
He crossed his leg, his ankle on his knee and I laughed at today’s choice of socks, which were his trademark and endeared both men and women to him.
“What?!” he said, fighting back a grin. “You got something against goldfish?” We laughed. “I am thinking this year I might go and see what it’s all about.”
“Okay, now the truth.”
“Okay so the girl I’m dating mentioned something about going,” he said, sheepishly.
“Ah ha!”
“What ah ha?! She’s the giving type!” That naughty boy grin I knew stopped women in their tracks.
I rolled my eyes. “Moving on.”
“Hey, is wicked stepmother and your dad going?”
“No idea.”
“Okay then.” He got up and did a comical tip toe out of my office.
An hour later Simone came into my office and closed the door. Her face was white, her eyes wide with shock.
“Do you have your cell phone on?”
I picked it up off my desk and saw six missed calls from Marleigh. My heart thudded in my chest and my gut turned upside down as I looked at Simone. By then tears were rolling down her face. She steadied herself on the back of the chair.
“It’s your dad, Trent.” Her voice trembled “He had a massive heart attack. He’s gone.”
“He can’t be dead. I just saw him…” I said, knowing that meant nothing other than it would be the last memory I would have of him.
“I’m sorry, Trent.” She turned and left just as I saw her face crumple in sobs.
I poured a shot of whiskey I kept in my bottom drawer and wondered when I cracked it open last. I knocked it back and called Marleigh.
“Where the hell have you been, Trent?” Her voice was angry, but throaty rasp told me she had been crying.
“I uh… I’m sorry.” I simply said. Sorry for not answering. Sorry she lost her husband. Sorry I lost my dad.
“He had made all the arrangements and they’re in motion,” she clipped.
“Okay, let me know what you need,” I said and heard the silence because she had already disconnected.
Alan appeared at my door. His eyes were red rimmed. I nodded and waved him off. We both knew there was no need for talk right now.
Dad had arranged everything be hastened and the next week was a blur. We quickly arranged for family to get here from across the country. I was an only child and our family was small, but they wanted to pay their respect. Like a general, Marleigh issued orders for everyone, including me. To be fair though, picking up family at the airport was not exactly a hardship.
What was uncomfortable was bringing them to the big house that I grew up in. That my parents lived in until their divorce. Dad did want mom to stay, but she refused so he bought a condo which was not only more the size she needed but did not come with the baggage of memories. She had enough of those already rattling around in her head and they never did allow her any peace. Mom never knew, but dad paid for everything right down to her end-of-life care.
Not long after that he brought Marleigh into the house as his bride and as any woman would, she redecorated every room. Mostly to exorcise the memories for dad, I’m sure. No matter, it was the first time I’d been in the mansion since she moved in. They were only married two years, so I did not have but a couple of holidays to beg off.
I introduced Marleigh to the family and she greeted them with a sincerity that was likable. She wore an understated Chanel suit in grey with grey suede high heels. They all commented on how she reminded them of a former first lady, enamored with her at once. Only I saw through her façade.
“Trent, your family is so nice. I’m sorry your dad didn’t have time to see them more,” she murmured later.
“No, he stayed pretty busy once he married you.” She recoiled. A slap could not hit the target more perfectly.
“I loved your dad and he loved me,” she stated flatly, her brown eyes sparking. “Had you spent some time with him, he would not have had to shoulder the load alone.” The click of her heels as she walked away might just as well have been the shots from a gun.
Marleigh began showing up for board meetings, albeit leaving the talking to Angus, dad’s assistant. He and dad often spoke in tandem, so used to his presence and input. She listened attentively and often took notes but never interjected her opinions. Yet. I knew that would not last long. As the current majority owner, I was sure she would not let that detail slip away from her.
After the meeting I overheard her tell someone that she had plans to go to the Monster’s Ball. My vision dimmed. I was incensed. Dad hadn’t been gone two weeks and she was already preparing to put herself back on the market. I strode past Simone’s desk into my office and slammed the door behind me. I rarely even closed my door but knew I wouldn’t be bothered when I did.
Dad, you’re not even cold in the ground and your bride is already going on the prowl for another husband. Alan warned me that it would be worse once dad was gone, and he was right.
I picked up my keys from the desk and threw them in my desk drawer. Seeing the invitation made my blood boil all over again that my stepmother was attending such a gala. I picked it up, slit the envelope open and read the invitation. I tapped the edge of it on the wood, thinking.
Then it hit like a two-ton truck, and I smiled at my own duplicity and tossed it back into my drawer.
Another month until the Monster’s Ball, which I would need every day of. I was at the end of wrapping up my dad’s estate. He of course had everything clear so there was no room for squabbling. Since the family was small, everyone was remembered. I found my eyes tearing as I ran down the list of who was to get what. All our long-term employees were listed.
He was very generous to us all, but I would rather he still be here with us.
Marleigh got the mansion, cars, and the fifty one percent of the company. Surprisingly, she was not listed for a monthly payment. The next line though sent a shockwave through me.
Marleigh’s father was to receive one and a half million dollars.
I went to the window and my city view trying to come up with some explanation for that.
There was a tap on my door, and I knew the only one that dare do that would be Alan.
“Come in, Alan.”
He quietly closed the door behind him and did another comical tip toe to the chair. “Is it safe?”
I handed him the estate list. As he scanned, he smiled fondly when he found his name on the list. When he got to the end, he looked up at me with the same shock I had.
“One and a half mil?! What the ever-loving fuck.”
“Right?”
“You have no idea?” he asked.
“Not a clue, no.”
“And she gets no monthly reward,” he said, the sarcasm dripping.
“Nope. Unless that has something to do with it… But that makes no sense either.”
Alan pointed out, “Her family has enough money on their own. But I wonder if her dad was in a monetary bind?”
I shrugged. “You’d have thought dad would have just lend it to him, instead of waiting until his death. I really don’t know, Alan. No idea.”
He tossed the paper on my desk. “So have you decided to go to the Monster’s Ball?”
“Are you joking? No fucking way,” I said, laughing. “But you’re going right? You and Honey?” He laughed.
“You call everyone I date, honey. You give them a complex before I even get the chance.” We both laughed.
He stood up to his six-foot two inch eight. “I’m going to leave you to your conundrum.” He hesitates, his hand on the doorknob. “I can’t believe your dad included me,” he said softly, his voice full of emotion.
“You’re family, dude. You’re the brother I never had.” He didn’t look back and just slipped out the door.
~~~
“This is all you have?” Two weeks later I was in the costume shop, and they told me that between the ball and Halloween parties, most everything was rented for that night. I looked at myself in the mirror and laughed seeing how ridiculous l looked with my clean cut looks in this get up. How would I ever pull something just so totally opposite of me off, I thought wondered.
Anyone would recognize me and that is something I did not want to happen. I needed to be able to come face to face with Alan, and him not know who I was. But most of all, Marleigh could never get an inkling of who I was.
Fortunately, I spent a good part of my schooling in England where I spent just as much time perfecting the accent as I did schoolwork. By the time, my years were up I had no American accent. Nothing I could do with my hair but wear a wig. I gathered what I needed and considered myself ready for the Monster’s Ball.
It would not be too difficult to find Marleigh that night. As soon as I did, I could set my plan in action. At least for that one night I wouldn’t give her time to find another septuagenarian to get her claws into.
I replayed my plan over and over in my head and finally the day of the Monster’s Ball arrived.
“Can’t talk you into going, eh?” Alan asked, catching up with me in the hallway. “We can find something for you to wear, I’m sure!”
“Nah, I have a hot date with financials tonight. Think of me when the clock strikes midnight or whatever happens on Halloween.”
“It truly is All Hallows Eve, so I expect big things tonight,” Alan shared.
“Okay, I’ll expect a full rundown in the morning!”
Deciding to be as normal acting as possible, I didn’t leave early from work so as not to arouse suspicion. Some our execs were going but the tickets were out of the price range for all but the high rollers. The positive to this was the proceeds would go to charity.
I had left everything on the bed this morning so I wouldn’t forget any of the details. I showered and snapped up the red western shirt and pulled my jeans on. Black leather chaps went on next.
Before doing any more, I went into the bathroom and wrestled the wig on. It was good quality, and the hair was long and dark blonde, the opposite of my short brown. I would have liked to have left a stubble grow, but what little bit was there would have to do. I lightened my eyebrows with the pencil that the costume shop included with the wig. Contacts came out and I dug out an old pair of wire frame glasses that no one at the company had ever seen.
I stepped back from the mirror and surveyed myself, surprised that I looked strange to me. I was confident this, along with my British accent would get me by anyone that might know me.
An impressive white and black faced Jayleh took my ticket and blinked a yellow eyed greeting. Years back a local group of socialites bought a theatrical mansion that was built and occupied by a nineteen forties screen star husband and wife. Three ballrooms, one with a stage, took most of the main floor. The caterer’s kitchen was not part of the house but built apart and connected by an enclosed connector. Bedrooms occupied the two floors above. I imagine more than a few after event celebrations took place up there.
Black duster, hat and gun belt made the decision for whiskey at the bar rather than champagne from the enticingly clad French maids. I propped my elbow on the corner of the bar and began scanning the crowd for Marleigh.
“That’s quite a gun you’re toting there, sonny.” I looked down to see a grey-haired school marm. But even her baggy dress couldn’t hide the shapely figure of a petite young lady.
I had a fist on my hip and didn’t realize the duster pulled back to show the alarmingly real Colt on my hip.
“It does look real, doesn’t it?” I said in my perfect British.
Young sea blue eyes met mine, glanced down, and she said, “I wasn’t talking about that gun.”
She smiled, picked up her drink and left. I looked down and only then I realized the black leather chaps perfectly framed the crotch of my blue jeans. Another day, another time, another mindset I’d have followed up, but that wasn’t what I was here for tonight. Oh, I had seduction on my mind, but I had to pass on discovering the busty body under the costume.
I freshened my whiskey and began moving through the crowd.
It was a discovery that apparently women have fantasies about cowboys. I got a little more attention that I had banked on but keeping it casual and friendly allowed me to keep my eyes roaming the room.
A red feather plume was a beacon above everyone’s head and the crowd finally parted enough for me to see her. She animatedly chatted with an older couple. The plume feathers clamped in the silver filigree fan waved with any breath of air. Although a saloon girl was antithesis of Marleigh’s refinement, she carried it off well.
Her eyes were smokey with thick eyelashes sultry black outlines. The only other addition to her face was red lipstick. Her hair was up in a style of the era with long corkscrew curls hanging down.
“Hey cowboy,” a soft voice said in my ear. Still afraid of being outted, I froze for a second before turning to a blue police hat pulled low over mirrored sunglasses. A thick mass of auburn curls tumbled over her shoulders.
“Hello… Officer…” Her curvaceous body was highlighted by the skintight blue dress. The upper half of the buttons parted by breasts threatening to bust out at any moment. A silver star perched on her breast right about where her nipple would be.
A black gun belt was slung low on her hips. Silver handcuffs dangled in front, a black plastic gun on one side, and a Billy club that looked suspiciously like a black penis shaped dildo hung from the other. Black over the knee boots buckled up the front. This by far was the most provocative outfit of the night. So far.
I maneuvered so I could watch Marleigh over Officer Hotstuff’s shoulder while we exchanged flirtations.
Marleigh was popular and still hadn’t moved from that spot. Someone brought her a drink that was clear and bubbly that I suspected was soda water.
The off shoulder black silk dress showed bare pale shoulders but a higher neckline that showed no cleavage. Her waist was cinched saloon girl style. When she turned to talk to those surrounding her, the black silk skirt swished around her net encased legs. Tiers of sheer black silk ruffles edged the skirt. Red sequins flashed from the edges.
The skirt ended at the top of her black leather ankle boots. On one side the skirt was hiked up to her knee so the frothy red petticoat could peek out.
Her wedding ring was the only jewelry she wore. I plan to prove that her wearing the wedding ring my dad gave her, was all for show, part of the hook. I intended to show her for the gold digger she is. That she wasn’t as innocent as she led everyone to believe.
I moved a little closer since the officer gave up on her seduction of me. I gave a deep respectful nod to an American Indian dressed in authentic suede, leather and bead clothing as I worked a bit closer.
Just at that moment I saw Alan towering above the crowd coming right towards me. I tipped my hat lower and looked the other way. He brushed right me as he walked by to greet Marleigh. I would have to wait before approaching her. I couldn’t take the chance that Alan wouldn’t see through my costume, wig and accent.
I worked my way back to the bar for another whiskey, then circled the room. It was easy to keep an eye on the tallest head with the fireman’s helmet on. I chuckled to myself thinking how perfect the buckled jacket and suspendered coveralls were for him. He wrapped his arm around a gorgeous blonde that appeared at his side that could have been a flapper from that era. She was tall and a perfect fit for Alan, and seeing how he looked at her, I was happy for him.
“I wasn’t sure if there would be another cowboy at this event or not.” A bad guy in black with a 10-gallon sidled up next to me.
“It was all they had,” I said, shrugging because I really didn’t care what I was wearing. I was only here for one thing. He nodded and moved on, disappointed in no cowboy gab.
“Hey! There’s a cowboy for you saloon girl!” Alan’s voice raised above the others, and I cringed. Marleigh turned and looked. She smiled and turned back to Alan and his date, obviously not interested.
The ball was in my court though and I needed to make my move at some point, so I moved into the circle, so I was next to Alan. I didn’t want him studying my face too closely.
“I understand the saloon girls were meant to get the patrons drinking and playing cards, thus leaving more money at the bar.”
“You’re a Brit?!” Alan said.
I nodded, looking at Marleigh who seemed a bit more interested.
“Very good,” she said. “Many think the saloon girls were prostitutes, but they weren’t. They were employed by the saloons to do just that. Encourage the patrons to spend money on drink and leave the rest at the poker tables.”
I nodded and tipped my hat. “I would ask you to dance,” I pointedly looked at her wedding ring, “but your husband might take offense, ma’am.”
“He is- He’s not here but I would like to dance, thank you.”
I took her hand leading her through the crowd to the dance floor, which was equally as crowded. I knew I couldn’t pour it on too heavy or she would bolt. Slow and lightly seductive wins this race.
We made small talk, most of which I made up on the spur of the moment. It made no difference anyhow. She was sizing me up for her next conquest. I indicated I had money just to keep her interest.
“Do you live here?” she asked. She was very good, and I could see why she caught my dad’s eye. Marleigh was one of those that made you think you were the only man in the room.
“Yes, I do.”
“What about you? You’re married… Family?”
“My husband recently passed, and I have no children, but one stepson.” she said noncommittally enough that I couldn’t read anything into it.
“I’m sorry. You’re very young to be a widow.”
She nodded and looked across the room. “It seems as though they are seating us for dinner. Would you like to join me?” She smiled with that you are the only man here smile.
“I would, thank you.”
We were seated at a table with four other couples which fortunately for me made it difficult for group discussion. I could keep it one on one with Marleigh without interruption.
We had a break before the entrée was served so I asked Marleigh, “Do you work?”
She smiled and hesitated. “Not a nine to five day. I take care of some business interests of my fathers’, and I have recently inherited part of my husband’s business.”
“Seems you must stay busy between those two things. So, you’ve grown up in the business world.”
“Right, I don’t remember my father not owning his own business. He has been very successful and now helps other struggling businesses get back on their feet before the vultures swooped in.”
Right then our entrees arrived, and I was saved from responding to the last thing she said. I exchanged a few words with the woman to my other side and began eating. I had more to digest than the food obviously.
Had I been wrong about Marleigh? Did she have a hand in saving our company? I recalled something she did say to me about not being around to help dad shoulder the load.
“Everything okay,” she whispered, leaning close. Her scent drifted in clouding my thoughts. I nodded and smiled warmly. “Good. For an event like this, the food is very good!” She was eating and obviously enjoying herself immensely. None of that two-bites-and-they’re-done crap that some women do.
“Yes, it is,” I said stiltedly. Trent, you must get it together dude. It was me that suddenly lost my appetite.
Alan and his date appeared behind us.
“A new band and bar are outside now. We were going to snag a table. Would you two like to join us?”
“I know I would!” Marleigh was first to speak up. She looked at me and said brightly, “Would you like to join us? I’m sorry, silly me, here I’ve been talking to you and never asked your name!”
“Robert. Yes, I believe I would. For a while.”
Alan said they’d have a table whenever we got out there and was gone.
She had about eaten everything on her plate and made a show of adjusting her wedding ring. I assume as a reminder as well as dismissing me from a list of possibilities. She looked at me and my plate.
“All finished?” she had suddenly turned much brighter. There was a twinkle in her eyes that wasn’t there before
“I am,” I said, pushing back and helping her chair back.
We found Alan and I wasn’t able to stay out of his line of sight, but as enamored as he was with his new squeeze, he only had eyes for her.
Marleigh slid her chair next to mine to get a better view of the band and dance floor. We opted for after dinner coffees and after they arrived, I decided to wade in.
“You say your dad helps struggling businesses?”
“Right. He has a team look over the history of the company, their competition, all the financials of course but he also looks at where they might have gone wrong. If he can help them, he sits down with the board, or owners and family, and they talk about it.”
“Interesting.”
“It’s probably more personal than normal, but that’s the way my dad is,” she said, with a soft smile. “In fact, he just finished with a company that he got back on its feet recently. He gets a percentage and although he received it under sad circumstances, the company is thriving.”
She sipped her coffee and looked at the costumes, smiling, laughing and pointing them out to Alan and his date.
Could she have been talking about our business, I wondered. Sad circumstances could have been the death of my father. The large sum left to him in the will was probably his percentage. How could I not have seen that? Why would my father not have included me in is the big question?
Abruptly I made my goodbyes and left. That my father had left me out hung heavy. Now I wondered if their marriage had anything to do with it. Since I was left out of any of the financials, there could have been good reason he divorced my mom and married Marleigh.
I took a few days off from work. I always thought myself a strong man, just as strong as the next guy anyhow. What I just learned shook me to the core. I had much to contemplate about my place in the company.
“Hey boss! Hope you’re feeling better.” Simone greeted me with a thick stack of mail and her perennial smile.
“Yes, must have had a flu bug or something, thanks.”
Later afternoon I heard a tap on the doorframe of my office. I looked up to see Marleigh. Back in her business suit, and no longer a sexy saloon girl.
“Hi.”
She smiled, stepped in and closed the door behind her. She didn’t say anything but sat in the chair across from me and crossed her legs. Her suit skirt was modest length but the leg she showed was shapely, the spike heels added the sexy to the mix.
“Are you like your father with a bottle in a stash in your drawer?”
I smiled. “I am.” I pulled out a bottle of bourbon and two glasses. I poured two fingers and handed one to her.
“Cheers,” she said, grinning.
It was painfully clear right then she knew it was me at the Monster’s Ball. I nodded in deference.
“When did you know?”
“You’re very good I’ll give you that. It was later. Right before we sat down to eat. You have this thing you do with your sleeves and that was your tell. Oh, and after I asked your name, you never asked for mine.”
“That’s why I never play poker,” I said laughing. Then I got serious. “I’m sorry. I don’t know what I was thinking.”
“You were thinking a younger woman came in and swept your dad off his feet. That your dad divorced your mom just to marry me. And probably that I was nothing but a gold digger. Am I close?”
Marleigh was turning the tables on me, and I was uncomfortable. “Pretty much.”
“Would you like me to explain it?”
“Please.”
“Your company was in bad shape. Your dad almost went under. He met with my dad to find out if there was anything he could do to save it. My dad wanted you in on the discussions, but yours was adamant about keeping you out of the problems.”
I rubbed my temples. This was getting painful.
“They looked over everything, discovered the weaknesses as well as the strengths, and came up with a plan of action. Nothing was guaranteed, and your dad knew if the company would fail, he would personally. Financially.”
“And that’s why he divorced my mom?”
“Yes. To protect her. To protect both of your assets. Had the business not turned around, your mom would have lost everything as well. He married me to make the money flow easier between my dad and him. Also, some sort of commitment kept any investor onboard.” Seeing I needed a moment to take it all in, she paused. “Trent, I loved your father dearly. He probably loved me more, but that was okay because he was happy.”
“But you did gain over half the company,” I pointed out.
“I did. But I also signed a contract with your father that I would turn it over to you once the business was stable. He wanted you to take over a thriving company.”
“I just wish he wouldn’t have felt he had to protect me from it all,” I said, feeling real sorrow.
Having nothing to say about the inner workings of my dad’s mind, she said, “I worked behind the scenes and can help you with the transition if you’d like.”
I leaned back in my chair and looked at her, thinking that at this point, she likely knew more about the business than I did. I’m embarrassed to say that I didn’t think there was much in the way of brains behind that beauty. My dad was old school, and all our execs were male. I could see now that other issues needed to be taken care of.
“Would you consider staying on?” I asked. I was surprised she looked a bit stunned.
“I suppose I’d have to think about it… How about we work together for the transition, then revisit it. If the offer will still be on the table by then,” she said, grinning. I laughed.
While she was in the office, I made calls to set up a nearby office for her and to schedule a meeting. At the same time, I was jotting notes. One of which was to consider everyone, male and female, for company moves. It was too late in the day to get much done.
“Would you be interested in going out to dinner with me?” I gathered up the papers. “I owe you a big apology and to be honest I don’t know where to start.”
“Forget it, Trent. Let’s move on. There was no harm done.”
“I guess not but feel terrible for what I’ve thought of you.” The only one I had confided in was Alan so I would have to make it straight with him.
“Now you know better, right?” She smiled. “And yes, I would like to go to dinner with you.”
~~~
No one knew why Marleigh stayed, and although we didn’t give the employees the whole story, we filled them in on how poorly the company had been doing; unbeknownst to everyone but my dad. We discussed changes and everyone was onboard. No one wanted to lose their jobs if something happened to the company. Marleigh and I began working together at once.
She knew the ins and outs of this business and there were areas I let her run with. Others we worked on together. We moved employees, hired, and thankfully had no reason to fire. While we were in this phase, we scanned our financials every week. There was no way I was going to let this company falter again.
“This is looking great, Trent,” Marleigh said looking over the papers spread in front of us.
It had been three months since we began working together. We both put in long hours at work, and then each of us did more at home.
“I think this calls for a celebration! How about dinner tonight to celebrate?”
“I would love that!”
I noticed all along that her smile was brighter, and she was energized while we sifted through all the company issues. This was her forte.
“Do you miss not having a variety of businesses to help?” I asked.
She sat back in her chair and contemplated. “You know, at first I thought I might. I was used to the diversity. But then, it seemed as though I never knew any one business well. I really like this. I can get into it and learn all the nuances.”
“I can understand that. I’m glad you’re happy here.” She smiled. “May I pick you up for dinner?”
“Yes, please.” She had moved out of the mansion right after dad died so she jotted down her new address.
I looked forward to some personal time with Marleigh. I had judged her so poorly that I have enjoyed getting to know her in our business setting, but I was ready to further our relationship. I had hints that she may be ready as well. I had no where to go but up from the disaster at the Monster’s Ball.
She looked gorgeous and I would like to say I took much notice of her high rise condominium, but this was a Marleigh I had never seen before. Dark hair and pale complexion were perfect for the garnet red chiffon sleeveless dress she wore.
A rhinestone clasp sat on each shoulder allowing the neckline to fall into a graceful V that highlighted the soft mounds of her breasts. The soft chiffon was shirred over each breast. The waist was cinched and hugged her hips in a snug fitting knee length skirt.
She had a classic beauty with a grace that is becoming a lost art amongst women. Her hair was in a simple French twist. Her garnet red lipstick made a man think about those lips on him. Made a man think about what was under that fine exterior. And made me think I was glad we were seated at the table which hid the results of my sexual ruminations.
As the server poured our wine, I noticed the attention Marleigh was getting by other appreciative men, but she seemed not to notice. The candlelight flickered in her espresso dark eyes which were focused on us.
I didn’t want to talk business tonight and kept the conversation getting-to-know-you personal.
“I’m sure you haven’t taken many vacations, but what is your favorite?” I asked.
She laughed softly. “You probably won’t believe this, but I love the mountains. A cabin in the mountains is my idea of rest and relaxation.”
“Really… Did you know that dad has a cabin in the mountains?” She shook her head, looking surprised. “He bought it himself, primarily for the executives in the company, but as far as I know it hasn’t been used in a long time. There’s a caretaker so it would be in good shape. Just unused.”
We moved into the bar after eating and enjoyed after dinner drinks and live music.
“Would you like to dance?” I asked and she nodded.
She held my hand to the dance floor and tucked herself in under my chin. We held each other close, and it occurred to me how important Marleigh was in my life. Personally.
I was thankful that she forgave me for making an ass of myself at the Monster’s Ball and I was sure that every year when that holiday would roll around, it would be painful. It also was the culmination of my dad’s death and how he had cut me out of the business decisions. Important decisions about our family business.
A vision of Marleigh and myself at the helm of the company suddenly became clear. And that I needed her in my life. Forever.
One song melded into another, and we danced until they took a break. Our bodies had flowed together that when she looked up at me, her eyes were dreamy with desire.
It was late when we arrived back at her condo, and I left her with kisses that made her tremble and both of us breathless. I think she was surprised that I didn’t push going further, but even I needed time to think about tonight’s epiphany.
“Goodnight, I had a wonderful time,” I said, holding her to me.
Her arms were around my neck, and I slid my hands over her soft curves. Her in this dress would haunt me for a long time. I wanted to see it pooled around her feet in a whirl of pooled crimson.
“Me too. Would you like to come in for a while?”
I could have picked her up, taken her to her bed and slid deep inside her. Another time and another woman, I might have. Marleigh was different and when we got together the first time, we would make love. There would be plenty of time for sexy shenanigans later on.
“I can’t, but next time,” I promised. Then taking her in another passionate lingering kiss.
My balls ached and my cock throbbed. As close as she was pressed against me, she felt it.
“I understand… But I’ve been wanting to tell you something and there has never been a right time. I’m not sure there will ever be a good time to say it, so I’ll just say it now.” She stepped back, but her hands were splayed on my chest.
“Your father and I… In case you aren’t feeling right about it… We never… I mean I never…”
I hadn’t thought about it but was shocked. “You don’t need to say more, Marleigh. We have a lot to leave in the past. I understand what your marriage was, and why. It’s time for us both to move on… Together I hope.”
She smiled in relief and nodded. One last lingering kiss and I was out the door before I changed my mind and stayed.
The next day Alan popped into my office.
“Things slowing down,” he said, dropping into the chair across my desk. “I like the changes. I think they’ll make a big difference in the company.”
“I’m real positive about all the changes and glad they’re mostly in place now. It was a long haul getting here,” I said, leaning back in my chair with my hands behind my head.
“So, how’re you and that hottie doing?” I said, too late to reel it back in.
“Still my one and only–Hey, how’d you know she was a hottie?”
With a blink I recovered and said, “Anyone you’d go out with has to be a hottie and a honey?” I grinned, hoping the recovery was enough.
Alan didn’t know that I was at the Monster’s Ball, and I wanted it to stay that way. I had a tough enough time covering my sudden change of attitude towards Marleigh.
He laughed. “Up until now not so much, but I think Leslie might be the one.”
“We need to get out and grab a beer soon, Alan. You need to catch me up.”
“Let’s hit that new sports bar down the street?”
“Yep. Let’s do it.”
Marleigh walked into the outer office when Alan was leaving, and they stopped to talk for a moment. I left the door open for her.
“Are you busy?” she asked, hesitating in the doorway.
“Never for you,” I smiled.
She pushed the door shut and walked over to my desk.
“Would you like to come over for dinner one night? I’m a pretty fair cook although it has been a while so my skills may be rusty.”
“Absolutely. I’d never turn down a home cooked meal. I can’t think of the last time I had one,” I laughed. “Just tell me when and what I can bring, and I’ll be there.”
~~~
The server placed the platter of burger and fries in front of me. “Wow, glad we came here,” I said to Alan, who had ordered loaded nachos.
“Right! And so close to the office. What’s not to love?!” he laughed.
I took a swig of beer. “So, you sounded pretty serious about Leslie, huh?”
He held a chip in his hand and dabbed at the cheese sauce for a moment, thinking. “I think I’m going to ask her to marry me.”
“Whoa. Guess it is serious. Congrats, man!”
“Yeah yeah, thanks. This is the first time I’ve ever said it out loud.” He laughed nervously. “But it felt good. Feels right.”
“That’s great, Alan. I’m really happy you found someone.”
“And you’re next, dude!” I smiled. “Wait! What? Have you been holding out on me? I didn’t even know you were dating anyone!” He leaned forward in his chair waiting for the story.
“Well, we haven’t exactly been dating.” He frowned. “You’re not going to believe it, Alan,” I said, not sure how to tell him who it was. Not after all I’d said to him about Marleigh.
“Spill it!”
“It’s Marleigh.”
“WHAT? You hate her!” he whooped, hollering loud enough the next table looked at us. He lowered his voice and said, “What happened? How?”
“Well, y’know we’ve been working together. She’s smart. Real smart.” I leaned back in my chair and said, “It’s a long story. About her and my dad I mean. But it was nothing like I thought. She was in it to help the business. She helped dad get it back on its feet.”
He was stunned. “Wow, which isn’t exactly what we were thinking eh… So essentially you’re dating your step-mother.”
“Ugh, you had to put it that way didn’t you!” I had to laugh, and he was grinning. “We’ve only had one real date. I’m going to her place for dinner, so soon two dates.” I shook my head. “Sounds pretty weird now I say it aloud.”
“Whatever works man.”
And that was pretty much it. Whatever works. We have an odd story and some of it will haunt me for a while, but it’s for me to work out with myself. I was sure of my feelings for Marleigh and that was most important.
I sped up the elevator with a dozen roses, bottle of wine and chocolates from her favorite chocolatier. The door swung open just moments after I rang the bell and she answered looking as excited as I felt.
“Awh, roses, wine and chocolate! You know the key to a woman’s heart,” she said softly.
“It smells pretty darn good in here, lady. I think this chef has been holding out on me,” I grinned.
“I’ve always loved to cook. Usually trying something new, which is what I did tonight. I should have stuck to my tried and true, but I couldn’t not try this recipe,” she said, her cheeks flushed.
Her simple rosy pink dress made her dark hair creamy skin beauty even more so. I held her waist and leaned down for a kiss. Her full rose red lips were soft against mine. She angled her head and her tongue swooped in. Her hand came up to cup the back of my head, holding me while she took over the kiss. Our tongues dueled. She angled and came in again, leaning her body into mine.
A low growl escaped me, and I pulled her into me. Her teeth pulled on my lower lip and nibbled. Somewhere in a distance an insistent ringing in my ears. She moaned and pushed away from me.
“Timer,” she explained. “Dinner is done!” She looked as shaken as me from what was a pretty simple kiss.
I helped her take the food to the table, poured the wine and we sat down.
Conversation was quick and easy. We discussed the business, but naturally evolved into other topics.
I knew that this discovery time in a relationship was the most exciting. I tried to temper my enthusiasm with that. I just didn’t want to rush headlong into a relationship that, like others, could implode later. Which would be worse because of our business relationship.
I helped her clean up the kitchen, which felt natural. We had fallen into an ease with each other. They usually say it’s best to be friends before lovers, but in our case, we were enemies, then friends, and hopefully lovers very soon.
We brought the rest of the wine in front of the fireplace. It was designed midcentury modern style with a pit. Marleigh had it filled with plump silk and velvet pillows. Just seeing it, imagining her in it caused my cock to stir.
She sat, tucking her bare feet under her and leaning against a pillow. I sat beside her, my legs stretched out in front of me. The heat from the flames, from the wine and the proximity of her was sending my libido into overdrive.
She leaned against my shoulder, and I put my arm around her.
“This is really nice, Alan,” she said quietly. “We’ve had a bumpy road, but I feel good about where we’re at.”
“I agree. I can’t think of anyone I’d rather be with than you.” Her head was on my shoulder, and I kissed the top of her head.
She looked up and we began kissing. It quickly turned passionate. Hot and wet and messy.
“I want you to make love to me, Alan,” she gasped, and I groaned.
She stood up and held her hand out. She led me down the hall to her bedroom. Wall sconces lit the perimeter and created a darker cocoon within.
She reached behind her and suddenly her dressed dropped into a pool of pink at her feet. She stood in a black lace bra that was so low her breasts merely rested on the shelf. Her nipples were at the top edge of the black lace. Black lace arched over each hip to the narrow strip that disappeared between her legs.
“You’re beautiful, Marleigh.”
My balls ached. My cock throbbed in the confines of my pants.
She pulled my shirt out of my pants and pushed it off my shoulder. She kissed her way across my chest from nipple to nipple, each hardening under her mouth.
She tucked her fingers in the waistband of my pants and popped the button. Her gaze was locked with mine as she eased my zipper down, so slowly I thought I would start to sweat from the tension.
Her fingers pressed against my hardness as she unzipped, and I watched her eyes flare when she felt my cock throb. She pushed my pants and shorts to the floor, looking down to watch my cock bounce up.
It was red, angry and needy. She stepped into me, and we kissed. Her lace covered nipples rubbed my chest and she gasped in my mouth. My hard cock trapped between our bodies.
I unhooked her bra and her breasts spilled into my hands. The creamy white globes were topped with dark chocolate kiss nipples. So tight and hard.
I sat on the edge of her bed and nuzzled her breasts as I tugged her black lace down. She was shaved smooth but for a tuft of dark hair in front. I softly stroked between her legs, and she was wet and needy as me.
She held on to my shoulders when I found her clit with my finger. I brought her leg on the bed and bent to taste her. My tongue flicked across her clit and her nails dug into my shoulders. I kept up the rhythmic assault until she shuddered.
I stood up and lowered her to the bed. While I knelt between her thighs, I lifted a leg and kissed her instep, then brushed my lips across her foot and nibble each pink polished toe. I kissed down the inside of her leg and nuzzled the back of her knee. She grasped the silky sheets as I repeated the same on the other leg.
Her inner thighs were so unbelievably soft on my face and lips. Plump swollen wet lips were shaved soft and smooth, the inner folds a glistening dark pink. I took in the scent of her before burying my face on her pussy. She was so ready and wet.
“I need you,” she begged. I kissed her and she licked the taste of herself off my lips. A condom sat on her bedside stand. She watched me as I went up on my knees and carefully rolled it on my hard cock.
Rubbing the head down her wet slit I circled her clit. Her hips rocked up while I teased her. She moaned, raising up.
I slowly slid into her tightness. Her lips parted on a loud sigh as I slid deeper, locking us together like perfect pieces of a puzzle. My balls pressed against her, wet from her juices.
I lowered to my elbows and began thrusting. She pushed up meeting me with each stroke. I angled my hips, so my shaft rubbed on her clit. She whimpered and her pussy clenched my cock and she mewed out her orgasm.
I couldn’t hold back any longer and pushed in, my cock pumping and throbbing deep.
I moaned and rolled to the side, quickly disposing of the condom. I pulled her close against my side.
“I knew it’d be that way,” she whispered. Her head was on my shoulder, her fingers playing in my chest hair. “Back when we began working together, I could see this. Even though your anger at me was bad, that you were protecting your father as fiercely as you did,” she hesitated. “It made me want to be someone you loved.”
At that moment I knew. “I do love you, Marleigh. I have for a long time. I just didn’t want to let myself believe you could forgive me enough to give us a chance.”
She looked up at me. “Oh, I want to give us a chance. I love you too, Trent. I’m all yours if you want me.”
“I do,” I said. “I do.” And I hoped down the road I’d be saying that to her again in front of our friends and family.
~~~ the end ~~~