Consequences Pt. 13A

Eventually she made up her mind, she knew David trusted her instincts and he had indicated that he was interested in Andrew, so she hit him with her idea, "I would need to check with my colleagues of course, but how do you like the idea of overseeing our network of Retreats and Hotels?"

"Tell me more."

"Well as I understand it the organisation has fantastic women who are key to site location and design and fitting but they are overextended. They are trying to arrange training, appointing staff, arranging meetings and everything else of which I have little knowledge. They need someone of equal expertise to spread the load, I don't think there are any specific proposals, everyone is so busy they seem to rely on David finding someone who arrives and finds his or her own niche. I'll give you an example, we have just found 4 wonderful new sites with lots of possibilities, but Ruth,our Hotel specialist, is too busy to go out and assess the potential for a hotel." She went on to describe the membership plans they had for a nationwide hotel and golf complex with health spas and landing strips around the country.

At the back of her mind Sophia realised that she used the words 'our Hotel specialist,' had she really committed that far?

"Whooooh!" he exclaimed as she finished "That's no small ambition, there must be some serious money involved."

"Lets just say money isn't an issue as far as I know, there's a lot of support for these women's refuges."

"I can imagine that in today's political climate."

"So do you think a Hotel and Golf course complex would work here?" she asked, changing the subject.

"I don't think I should answer the Hotel part of that question do you?"

She nodded, accepting that her question had been cheeky, "But I think a decent golf course might work, we are not well endowed locally with courses, and if your course was championship class you could do better than expected.

"Do you know what's been tried before and failed?"

"Well most have been turned down as being intrusive on the countryside but some have tried in the commercial areas and failed but nothing of particular importance. I'm afraid you are going to have to come up with something new" he finished.

"We are," said David, coming into the restaurant with the others. "We have been doing a bit of brainstorming and come up with a few ideas. I assume from your conversation that Andrew has signed the confidentiality documents. At a 'do you think I'm stupid' look from her, he continued, "Good" leaving her to go on.

"And I think I might have found our next person to add his genius to our campaign."

"Really, tell us more?"

Andrew reddened a little saying "I wouldn't want to claim anything like genius."

David ignored him "If you had a choice of the whole country, where would you most like to be based?"

Taken aback Andrew was startled for a moment, "Possibly Texas, my boy and his family moved down there some while back."

"Perfect," said David, "when can you start?"

Sophia positively beamed at the confidence that David was showing in her judgement, despite his earlier faux pas, while Andrew looked truly dumbfounded.

"Do you always make judgements that quickly?"

"No but if Sophia is suggesting you, that's good enough for me."

They sat back down together and they chatted about Andrew's experience and their ideas for the location, by the end of the conversation David felt that significant progress had been made. Andrew's present employment notice requirement had been reasonable but he had vacation time owing so he promised to use some of it to go down and meet with Ruth for a day before spending time on each of the schemes looking at the expectations and the future needs. By the time David took Ana and Elle to bed, Andrew had a glow about him of a man with a new lease of life. David gave Sophia a quick wink as he left the table and she blushed beautifully, fortunately Andrew was too busy to notice.

David, Ana and Elle were just as excited with their progress and it spilled out into kissing in the elevator on their way to their room, as they approached their room he was reminded of the day they met Sophia and a wistful feeling came over him, he was already missing her. He could tell the others felt the same because there was less of an edge to their lovemaking.

Meanwhile Sophia and Andrew were still chatting until she became impatient and finally said, "Don't you have a room Andrew?"

He flushed "Yes, of course."

"Then why aren't we in it?"

"I don't know," he stammered, "I thought.. I guessed that it was too forward.. too soon.."

"Don't be silly, I am on an adventure and you better hurry up and make your mind up."

He rose and took her hand, kissing it in the old fashioned way before saying "Ma'am will you be mine for the night?" Overcome with his silliness, she stood up and kissed him quickly saying "let's not waste any more time." A little bit of her was imagining what the others were doing.

In the early hours, Sophia crept back into their room and kissed each one of the sleepers briefly before slipping out of her clothes. Sliding in behind Ana who was laying half on him, she thought she had been ultra quiet but David said softly, "Welcome back" before pulling her in tight close to Ana. The others were disturbed just enough to moan, "We missed you," then went back to sleep. Sophia had had a wonderful evening with Andrew and he had been a thoughtful and caring lover but a tear or two still escaped her eyes as she tried to get cosy.

The next morning Andrew found them again in the breakfast room, he managed to get Sophia alone for a moment, "Did I do something wrong? You left me."

"No I had a wonderful evening but I had to return to my family, they missed me." He looked mystified. "It will come to you eventually as you become part of what these people are about, there aren't any rules except open-mindedness, honesty, and love. It's unconventional, yes, but it's wonderful and I am enjoying every minute before I go back to my old life. Eventually I hope to join them permanently and no doubt that next life will be different again. Don't let it worry you, lovely man, maybe you'll get lucky again, who knows and she kissed him on the lips. The poor man looked hurt, she felt a little guilty but she couldn't help it, she had to go home to her loved ones. "Can you spend the day with us?" she asked. It made him perk up a bit that she asked and smiled while he thought, "Yes, I think so."

They drove out to the two plots of land and learned very little, it was 'as advertised' and as they had imagined, so they started to transfer their ideas to the space they were looking at. Ana began making notes for future design drawings then, satisfied with the possibilities, they rang the authority to arrange to see an official. When asked what it was about, they found themselves being treated much more efficiently than expected. On the way there, David rang the agents again to clarify which land was available. "We have no specific instructions on that," was said, but the agent went away for a moment and came back "As far as I can tell it's either or both."

"And the price?"

"Why nothing of course, surely you were told that?"

"No I haven't been, so what's the catch?"

"Well the condition on the transfer is that 40% of the total land be dedicated to the preservation of wildlife in the area although the condition is not very specific in that respect."

"Turn around," said David to Andrew who was driving."

He went back to the phone, "Is there anything else I haven't been told?"

"I can't say sir, let me run through the sale conditions with you again."

In essence, the conditions restricted the northern track to access only and a few other commitments to the environment. "And you can't tell me who is making this gift?"

"No sir, that is a specific instruction and a condition of the transfer."

Disconnecting, David turned to the others, his face white with a kind of shock, but he was also slightly angry and slightly excited.

"Tell us David, don't keep us in suspense," they exclaimed collectively.

"It would seem that the land is a gift but we can only use 60 percent of it, the rest has to be dedicated to the environment and nature preservation. I have had a mad idea, how about we create a specialist Zoo and wildlife rescue centre just for the region; do we really need a golf course? Or is that completely bonkers?" There was collective laughter from the back seat while David looked on bemused thinking they were laughing at his idea "Who says the word 'bonkers' any more David?" they eventually said, in a mock posh english accent.

They went to the site and played around with their original idea but dropped the golf course idea and Ana made some more notes and then belatedly they headed to see the Mayor or whoever they were going to speak to. Ana did her usual presentation as always wowing her audience and Elle pointed out features acting as support whilst David and Sophia sat back studying their audience for any indication that might need them to refine their strategy. There had come a point when they had had to ask for the usual signatures when Ana faced some opposition, but with a fine analogy she managed to convince them and once signed, they soon understood why it was so important.

Ana did point out that they had wanted to include a golf course and a runway but that land restrictions had prevented them from including them. There was a burst of conversation amongst their audience then and they were asked to leave the room and wait outside.

Called back they were welcomed by the Mayor himself, addressing them by name but firstly Ana and Elle. "You have put to us a proposal for this land that we all feel has the beginnings of something that has great merit, however we would want to consult environmentalists before we comment further. However, there is one other consideration. "We were rather disappointed that there is no Golf Course and small airfield, we rather thought that would be part of your proposal and it is something that we were hoping would help put Epping on the map."

He stopped for a moment to pick up a plan. "Could I ask you to look at this plan?" They were passed a larger, more wide ranging area plan including the 'proposal' lands. "If I could draw your attention to the lands on the other side of the river; directly across from your land." There was a period of observation whilst the land was established to everyone's satisfaction.

The Mayor continued, "That land has been left in trust to the Town council for the benefit of the town. Unfortunately, you will see that it is landlocked; I think that it's fairly obvious so no point in beating about the bush. You people seem to us to be very charitably minded and we want to ask you to consider whether there would be a possible scheme that might incorporate your land and ours. Perhaps to incorporate that golf course and airfield we just discussed. You know your business, we are sure and we have been impressed by the amount of research you have undertaken in such a short time and the standard of presentation. We also see that you have an old friend of the town on your team so what more can we ask." David's team acted as if there was no surprise there but the mystery quotient just went up another notch.

They went away to think about everything but as soon as they were in the car four faces all looked at Andrew. "What?" he asked with a turn up of his mouth.

"You know very well what." Emphasised Sophia.

"I'm sorry, I didn't want to influence you in any way by the fact that I had once been a councillor."

This caused a doubt within the group over when he became a member and therefore had been required to be fully honest. They stepped back out of the car leaving him behind and formed a circle then they each rattled off their points.

"Question one, is he a member yet?"

"Question Two, what do we need to make him a member?"

"Question Three, do we still want him to work with us?"

They looked around at each other unsure about what constituted a man being a member.

Ana said, "Sophia already knows his member well, she should decide." For which she received a hard slap on the shoulder from the said woman.

"All I can think of is asking our legal people to come up with something," said David, then realised he had a great legal person with him.

"Let me talk to him." Sophia decided and nobody objected.

She went back to the car and got into the passenger seat beside him. "You have rather established a new problem for the group, how to make you a member as a man until you become an employee."

"I see, I hope I haven't caused a problem that can't be resolved."

"No, but I might have to spend a night drafting a document."

"That would be a waste."

"That it would, so you better be worth it."

He held his palms up, "whatever you need?"

Sophia was wondering if she was getting in too deep with this man, 'the sooner we move on the better,' she thought, although another night someday in the future might be very welcome.

She reported back to the others and they debated whether another revisit was needed in light of the new offer. It seemed likely that they would have to build a bridge; it would drive the construction cost up but since the land cost was potentially zero, apart from the nature conservancy aspect, there might be money to do it. There was a lot of design and specification work to be done and it might be one for Michael to handle once the outline was finalised.

"I think I have enough for now to make a start, with the maps they gave us," remarked Ana. "We just need the councillors to give us the time to prepare properly, I'll sketch something for a proposal and perhaps Michael can do a costing then Rachel can bring the scheme back to the Council for further discussions, before we finalise, what do you think?"

"Sounds like a plan," said David. "Are you happy to call the Mayor and let him know?" She nodded enthusiastically.

He turned to Elle, "I know you've done the market research as we have gone along and your input has been very valuable, would you mind continuing what you're doing so that Ana can add or subtract as necessary." She smiled with pleasure at finding a niche she could fill in their future teamwork.

Finally, David turned to Sophia, his eyes drank her in and made her feel wanted and needed all at once, "I am sorry you got stuck with a legal problem, it almost feels like a waste of your people skills."

She found herself taken aback, 'is he suggesting that she has another part to play, it would certainly be a welcome change.'

"Really?" she questioned once again feeling like a schoolgirl.

"Yes, I can think of several times you have stepped in to deal with people and spotting Andrew is a real bonus, although I think he has a crush on you."

She grimaced, "I know, I do like him but there's no room for monogamous relationships in this life we are enjoying right now."

"If you join us I think he will learn quickly enough but it's a steep adjustment curve as a few people can attest to." added Ana, trying to give Sophia her support.

Suddenly Elle made a decision, "If you guys feel that I can contribute to a research role, I would like to join if you will have me."

"That's fantastic," the others approved in their various ways, and took her into a group hug.

"Welcome aboard" said David who was overjoyed with this wonderful team he had. "Let's go celebrate in our room and then we can wind things up to go home." David didn't want Sophia bogged down with paperwork, so made a proposal saying as much, then further suggesting she made some notes to give the lawyers as part of their urgent instructions later on. Relieved that she wasn't spending her night working on legal papers, she agreed with a smile and gave herself a note to come up with a role that she would enjoy.

Back in the car, they confirm to Andrew that they will prepare a document to sign so that he can be involved until he officially takes up his new role. "You have done us a favour" David said to him, "we didn't realise there was this loophole in our system so we will get it resolved as quickly as we can. Please let me know when you're available to come to Baltimore and your likely date to take up the new role and I'll make sure everything is ready for you."

End of Consequences 13A

©2022 Bacchant2

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Main Characters

David: A successful Architect who wants to start a family, they start to play teasing games to spice up their life but it gets out of hand. Parents: James (Jim) and Ann

Olivia: David's wife and business partner, a successful designer working in tandem with her husband. Highly sexual woman who begins to find her inner desires taking control of her normal good sense. Inadvertently gathers 'lost' women around her that David calls her 'harem'.

Jane : David's first girlfriend who hurt him badly. The first to join the home after her husband proved to be a slimeball.

Ana: Olivia's former University roommate and sexual partner in their escapades when not studying. Finds herself becoming disenchanted with the city highlife and decides to look up her first love Olivia, almost destroying their marriage. Unfortunately, she brings Peter, a self-styled gigolo who preys on women and inevitably wrecks marriages.

Bree: Former Wife of a famous ex footballer, Chase. Ex-beauty queen type who is looking for a new life and fresh adventures after the disappointment of her husband becoming a worthless drunk. Came to a truth or dare party and never left.

Jo : A recluse who always received criticism by family and friends because she didn't achieve expectations. Pretty and vivacious underneath layers of shapeless clothes to hide herself, friends drag her along to Olivia's party and she never goes back to her dingy little room.

Michael : An Architect who studied with David through University. Moving to the area and possibly joining their firm but has problems with his wife, Sarah, who is having an affair with Wes Daniels.

Aleesha : A private investigator specialising in family matters. A tough cookie having gone through her own marriage break-up.

Monica: David, and Olivia's business supervisor and now a minor shareholder, totally reliable and a family friend, long term single mother but heading for a 'fling' with a handsome 'player' Mark, from the website company on the next floor up. Her office assistant is Dee.

Joannie & Francine: Real Estate Agents

Lauren: A gay woman who has a crush on Jo

Louise: Former long term girlfriend of a lawyer who lost interest in her.

Amber, Erika, Josh, Aaron and Rachel: New friends from a nightclub.

Rachel: Studied planning and development and now working with the Thurlows.

Erika: The Thurlow Business is to sponsor her to University