Betsy - Reawakened Ch. 16

© 2022, All rights reserved -- mimaster

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Darren was feeling it. His usual soft touch was exceptional as he hit putts on the huge practice green. Draining another fifteen footer on the fast surface, he said to himself, "It's going to be a good day."

It was already pretty spectacular as far as he was concerned, and it was only ten o'clock in the morning. He had a 10:40 tee off time and he was awaiting his playing partners for the day, having gotten there early to practice his short game. He'd already hit a small bucket of balls on the practice range. Then he'd chipped for a good twenty minutes before pulling out his putter.

It was a glorious summer day in northern Virginia when he pulled into the country club lot. Stepping into the sunshine, he looked up at the beautiful blue sky, a few wispy clouds giving a bit of character to go with the mountains in a the distance. He loved living in the Shenandoah valley. It was going to be a perfect day for golf for early July. The temperature was supposed to be in the low seventies, with a light breeze to the north. Certainly not enough to have to adjust for a wind factor.

In truth, his day had started off similarly to how the night before had ended. Sex was involved, as it usually was of late, or so it seemed. It was only the circumstances that were unusual.

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

He'd spent his Friday evening listening to Neil as he recounted his round with Joel. The young man talked about every shot he hit, both good and bad. Darren asked him pointed questions, and soon Neil realized his father was thinking about the course in his head, following along. Not just that, he was giving him advice for next time.

"When you're hitting your approach shot into that green, or any green, it's always important to know where to miss."

"What do you mean? I'm trying to be on the green."

"Yes, but where on the green?"

"In the hole?"

"Ha! Yes. It would be great if every time we hit onto the green it just went into the hole. But we know we can't do that. So, we want to play strategically. Mr. Sampson is teaching you how to hit. The swing, how to adjust for different lies; hitting out of the rough. Things like that. But he's not teaching you to chip and putt."

"No. You did that."

"Right. And now what I'm teaching you is about course management."

"How? We're not at the course."

"We don't have to be. You've played it how many times now?"

"Uh... ten, I think."

"Where is the water on number four?"

"The big pond? It's all the way down the left side."

"Where's the bunker on number seven?"

"It's hidden behind the green."

"What's the first thing you notice when you're on the tee on number eight?"

"The tree?"

"Right. The huge oak tree to the right of the green. You've played the course enough times now that you know all the big landmarks. Now you need to think about the little things that will let you score better. You need to learn the slope of the greens."

"I know how they are, dad. I'm a good putter," he scoffed. Darren understood. It was actually the part of Neil's game he admired. For basically a beginner, he had remarkable touch.

"Okay. Would you rather putt downhill, or uphill?"

"Uphill. It's way easier."

"Right. So on number five, you said it was one of your bad holes. I know you said you hit some bad shots, but you also said you putted four times. I'm sure it's because you hit a shot too far and you were off the back of the green."

"How'd you know?"

"Because if I went over the green there, and I have, then I'd four-putt it, because that's what happens when you fly over the green on number five. So, I know in my head that I'd rather be short on my approach shot. I guard against going long. That's what course management is all about. When you play a course once and you'll never play it again, you have to hope for the best. But when you play a course and you get to know it, you can figure out the best places to miss. Do you know what I mean by that?"

"Where to be if you're not on the green?"

"Right. The reason Gene is such a good golfer is because he finds a way to be below the hole, chipping or putting uphill as much as he can. But you can't do that if you don't know the way the green slopes, and if you don't pay attention to the other things."

"Other things?"

"Okay. You know you don't want to hit it in the pond on four, so you aim to the right so if you pull it, you don't pull it into the water. You know about the sand trap on seven. It's hidden, but you know it's there. So, you make sure you don't hit too far."

"Mom said she got stuck in it today," he snickered. "She said it took forever to get out, but she learned how to rake it."

"Well, maybe now she knows not to go in there again," he shrugged. "On eight, because I hit the ball higher than you do right now, I have to worry about the limbs from that oak tree that hang over the right side, so I always play to the left, even if the pin is way to the right. If I hit it on the green, I'm confident I won't three-putt. I won't try to hit it close to the pin, because I'll have a better chance of hitting the tree and making a four or a five instead of a two."

"A birdie."

"Right. So. If the pin is right, I play for a safe par. If it's left, I take a chance at making birdie. That's course management. And you can start doing it now that you're learning the course. There's one more thing. I bet on five, you tried to do too much with your fourth shot."

"What do you mean?"

"You said you hit a bad drive, and a good second shot. Then you duffed the third. But from what you just told me, you really weren't in that bad of shape, yet you hit a three wood."

"Yeah. I hit it too far."

"Right. That's how you ended up with a snowman."

"A what?"

"An eight on a hole. The number is a little circle on top of a bigger one. In golf we call getting an eight a snowman."

"That's funny, dad," he giggled.

"Wasn't funny when you got it, I bet."

"Well, no."

"My point is, you were lying three, hitting four, and you hit your three wood because you were upset you didn't get there in three like you usually are. What Gene is so good at is keeping big numbers off his scorecard. His goal there would be to play it short of the green. If he's just off the green or on the fringe, he figures the worst he'll make is a six. He might even chip in and make five. It's uphill. It's a lot easier. Neil, you're a great putter and chipper. You chipped in on six not that long ago when you played with me. Over the green you made eight. Short, you make a six, just like him. That makes your score a 56. If you make a better decision on another hole, it can go down to a 54. See how quickly you can improve your score just by thinking of where to be?"

"So on two, I needed to be to the left. I was on the right and I had to hit it over the sand trap."

"Yes. You didn't want to go into the sand, which is understandable. So you ended up way over the other side of the green to compensate. It makes sense, right?"

"Yeah!"

"Great. I want you to think about the course and green. Remember what I said about number eight... on that one I play it the same no matter where they put the pin. But I look at where the pin is on every hole and decide if it's one I want to attack, or do I play safer knowing par is a good score that day. That's what makes the game so fun. The course plays differently every time. It's never the same. Where they put the pin. The wind. The temperature. It all factors in."

"Dad?"

"Yes Tiger?"

"Thanks for teaching me how to play. I had so much fun playing with Mr. Sampson today."

"You're welcome, Neil."

"I hope mom had as much fun playing with him as I did."

Darren couldn't help but smile to himself. "I'm sure she did."

"Has she told you about it yet?"

"No. She probably will after you go to bed."

"Why then?"

"Because, right now it's about you and me. I'll make time for your mother tonight."

"Oh... okay."

~*~*~*~*~*~*~

Betsy and Darren were in the basement. She was panicked, unsure of why she'd agreed. That is if you could say she agreed. It was more like she accepted the inevitable. And she knew why. She was horny. Plus, she'd planted the seed the night they were with Keith and Diane. And it was all because she was playfully refusing to tell Darren anything about her round of golf with Joel.

They'd been upstairs, having waited for their naughty fun until Neil went off to sleep. He was exhausted after another full day at the country club playing golf, and then swimming with his friends. Not to mention running around outside after dinner. When he finally wound down enough to talk with his father about his day on the course, he was already yawning a bit. He was in bed by 9:30 and out like a light a half hour later. At eleven, Darren went to Betsy, who was outside swinging on the carport, a half smoked joint in her hand... another ready for her husband if he cared to join her. He did, as she shared what she and Elaine discussed that morning.

Darren was wary. "So, you're really okay with me fucking her whenever I want."

"No," she answered. "I'm okay with you fucking her once, sometime during the weeks that you're home. You don't have to pick a specific day. When the mood hits, do it. Just be respectful. There might be times she's not in the mood, or she can't."

"Oh. Like when she's on her period."

"Ha! Tim has to worry about that. You don't."

"Why would Tim have to worry about her period but not me?"

"Darren, don't be dense. I meant Tim has to factor in my period. You don't have to concern yourself with Elaine's because she doesn't have them. She's been through menopause."

"She has? A little young for that, isn't she?" He wondered, wrinkling his nose a bit on disbelief.

"Sweetie, she's sixty-one. Tim is sixty-three."

"Really. She doesn't look it. At all. She fucks like a twenty-year-old."

"And just how would you know that?" she asked with a raised eyebrow.

"I fucked you when you were twenty, and you fuck the same way now," he winked.

"Smart answer. You can fuck her once a week whenever you're home. But you have to initiate it. She's not chasing you, although she might give the occasional spontaneous blowjob. But if that happens, it's also only once a week, and you won't be able to fuck her that day. And you're not eating her pussy. She wasn't happy about that, but with Neil we need to be aware. We should be able to work in a hot, quick fuck, or a blowjob. Cunnilingus is off the table. It's too involved, especially the way you do it."

"Complaining?"

"Never. But you should never lower your standards. She knows how incredible you are at it. Accepting less wouldn't be fair. So no eating her pussy."

"Man, you're strict."

"We're doing that for you."

"What do you get out of it, besides Tim."

"That depends how willing you are to adapt our rules."

"Already? They've only been in place a couple of weeks."

"I know. But things have been changing pretty quickly in our lives. I don't think either of us would have guessed we'd be with the Capers. Did you?"

"Only in my fantasies."

"Mine too. Now it's a reality, if that's what we want. I do. But I never thought of Elaine as a play partner. She's looking to learn more about being with women. I want to help. So, I'm proposing that the weeks you're gone, I be allowed to play with her once. Do you think that's...."

"Agreed," he nodded nonchalantly as he took another long hit from his joint.

"Really?" she said excitedly. "You approved that pretty quick."

"I already told you that you could be with the women of the couples we play with together... whenever you want. How is this any different?"

"Because we're not really all together with them. It's you and Elaine, and it's me and Tim, but not evet at the same time. I don't want to presume that the rules are the same, because the circumstances aren't."

"Hmm... I guess that does make sense. But I'm okay with it. As oversexed as you've become, I think you could use an outlet that lives right next door while I'm gone."

"What's that supposed to mean?" she laughed.

"With as much cock as you've been getting, I'm a bit worried you'll go through withdrawal while I'm away. I wouldn't want to have to worry about you straying."

"Darren! I would never do that!" she exclaimed, becoming concerned he actually felt that way.

He shook his head to calm her fears. "Relax, Bets. I was kidding. I trust you. I've always trusted you."

She slugged him on the upper arm playfully and said, "Don't do that to me. You know how I can worry. I'm just starting to feel like my old self again."

"Don't you mean your young self," he teased, referring to her college days.

"Very funny. Yes, my younger self. I'm just beginning to hit my stride again. I'm happy with where our life is going. I don't need you putting doubt in my mind. That'll only make me second guess my instincts, and that can lead to problems, sweetie."

"I know babe. I'm sorry if you thought I was serious. I love where we're going to. It's exciting to see where we might go next. Do you think Tim will go for this?" he asked, already knowing the answer. He'd talked to his friendly neighbor just that afternoon about the very subject.

"I hope so, but I'll understand if he doesn't. I'll be disappointed, but I'd understand."

"I don't think you have anything to worry about. He loved being with you. He told me."

"When?"

"This afternoon, when he helped me put the phone in the basement."

"Wait! You put the phone in?"

"Yes. I even used it to call and page Neil at the club. Tim and I were down there... "

Before he could finish his thought, Betsy leapt up and took off. He could hear her running down the stairs just inside the back door as he stood.

"Wow. She must have been anxious for me to put that in," he chuckled softly, following her downstairs.

He found her holding the receiver to her ear, listening to the dial tone. She looked at him lovingly, a tear rolling down her cheek as she smiled sweetly.

"What?" he asked, frozen in place at the foot of the stairway, unsure about her reaction.

"We're st... staying?" she asked, her voice catching, her tears becoming a small sob.

He'd never realized how much the deal for the new building weighed on her. It wasn't something they'd ever actually discussed, because he didn't want to worry her. Yet the candid conversation he'd had with Tim earlier suddenly resonated more clearly. Betsy had done the research. She'd been on top of the proposed interstate since she first read it in the Washington Post. She'd learned more from the local paper. Hell, she was the one that first clued him in to the probability and the economic impact it could have on the area.

She'd been looking out for Darren all along. She was a true partner, giving him details of what was happening in their community constantly. He didn't have the time to read the paper like she did, mostly because he was on the road every other week. The weeks he was home, he was doing the office work that came with the position. Not to mention working the phones, talking to customers, which he couldn't do while driving up and down the east coast. By the time he came home he just wanted to unwind. He'd read the sports section. Any details he got about what was going on in the world, he attained from his wife. It wasn't like he was clueless, but she offered details and perceptions he didn't have because she was more informed. It was what made them such a good team. He really did trust her.

Based on what Tim had said, he could understand her fears. She'd figured out on her own what would happen if the interstate was built along the northern corridor instead of nearer to where they lived. She'd guessed correctly that he'd build the new warehouse in a different town, and they'd follow suit by selling the home they'd just built and move north as well. Yes, she'd stated that it would devastate Neil. And it likely would have. But she wasn't saying how much it would effect her.

They'd literally just gotten their marriage to a place that was exciting and adventurous. All his years of separation and hardship, working to make a career that would provide for his family. All the sacrifices she'd made, foregoing a career of her own to be a stay-at-home mom; she had earned a college degree, and had aspirations of becoming a writer or reporter. It wasn't that she was upset that she hadn't gotten to follow her passion, finding great rewards in her role as a mother. But the life they had as husband and wife those early years had been difficult for them both.

He knew the reason it would be hard for Betsy to face moving again would be the recent changes in their lifestyle. They had proven to be a struggle to attain. They were finally at a point in their marriage where they could start reaping the rewards for all their hard work and sacrifices. Moving would put her back in the mode of being just a mother, having to support her youngest. It would mean finding new friends, when they were already established where they were.

Neil would have adapted rather quickly, even though it would have been difficult at first. He made friends as easily as Betsy did. Darren reasoned it would have been a lot better than the transition Gene had to make when they'd moved to Virginia. Neil was in elementary school, not junior high. And he wasn't as shy.

Betsy would have found friends just as easily. But finding ones she and Darren could have sexual experiences with? The likelihood of that happening would be hard to replicate. They'd been in their town for seven years, and they were just starting to find other couples to play with. The possibility of having to start all over more than explained why Betsy was crying, the relief of knowing they were staying put had hit her in a way that overwhelmed her. She knew the real reason Darren had waited to put in the phone. He'd been unwilling to do it before because he wasn't sure where their future would be. His completing that simple task meant they were staying.

He smiled as she hung up the phone. He couldn't help but think of what she'd done, besides all the research, and the subtle remarks she'd make at dinner to let him know what she'd learned in the newspapers. He was imagining her walking into Tim's office, determined to do whatever she needed to do to keep her family from having to move. Including trading sex for influence over the zoning vote.

It was hard for Darren not to actually think of it that way, considering her reaction to the phone he'd installed. He and Tim were convinced they had a 6 to 3 margin amongst the nine zoning board members. Certainly they'd win it at 5 to 4 if one person changed their mind, or they misread them. But Betsy convincing Tim to go in early, giving him insight as to how to play the room before the vote, using the information she'd given him regarding how families might migrate away; the results of that meeting were now glaringly evident. She'd taken a close vote and pushed that margin to nearly unanimous, just one antagonist voting against. It became clear to Darren just how wishy-washy several of the board members actually were. It wasn't difficult to believe that if she hadn't gone to Tim's office, the vote could have turned out horribly for all of them.

So it was that he said with conviction in his heart, "We're staying, because of you, Betsy. If you don't fuck Tim, there was no guarantee the vote would have gone our way. You took away all the doubt. You got Tim to open his eyes, to know what question to ask to sway the board members, and you gave him the tactic he needed to get the vote going the right direction by telling him where to sit. I'm so grateful I have a wife that's not only intelligent, she's also so sexy she turn heads, and she's slutty enough to put those two things together for my benefit."