Destinbury

"So you're going through with that?"

"I am. Having a house full of perverts is just what I need right now to keep my mind busy."

"Well count on us being there."

"Thanks, it helps knowing that."

Chapter One Hundred Five

As word about Owen and Nila splitting up got around, Owen heard from one couple and then another, and each time they confirmed they would be at the party, if for no other reason than to be there for him. But he got a surprise when he called Kate. "Would you do something for me Sis?"

"Sure, what do you need?"

"Take Nila's things that I have here over to her?"

"No."

"What? Why not?"

"When Nila was about to screw up in New York, I told her just that. She didn't listen to me and look at what happened. She screwed up in a big way. I was right Bro, and right now you're about to screw up, and I'm telling you, don't do anything. Put her things away someplace so you don't run into them, but they aren't hurting you. Trust me on this."

"Damn it Kate, you're wasting your time with this. Let it go."

"I will not take her things to her Owen. I'm not going to nag you and I won't push you toward her, but I won't help you screw up either. Just stuff them in the back of the closet."

"Shit. Okay damn it, I'll do as you ask, but that won't change anything."

"The better way to look at it is, you won't be hurt by just doing as I ask. In other words, humor your sister and thank you. Oh wait, before you hang up on me I have something to tell you."

"I won't hang up on you. I may mutter obscenities later though."

"Listen to this. Linda called me to make sure you told me about Mom and Dad. I told her about you and your party crisis so here's how it will go. Stephie and I will run the show for you so you can go play with somebody. But wait, there's more Bro. They weren't going to come to your party because Alan will be tied up. I'm assuming she didn't mean that literally by the way."

"You're so funny."

"Thank you. The bottom line is, Linda will be your date."

"You're kidding me."

"I'm not kidding bro. Hey, you'll probably get paired with June or one of her friends, but even then it will be interesting, because you and Linda will be more or less together as you look at sexy photos of friends and guests."

"Well that makes a dozen for the party. I was hoping for more, but maybe that would have been introducing too many unfamiliar faces at one time."

"Do I know any of them?"

"Well you know Alana and Dan, and of course Kathy and Perry. You met June I think..."

"I did meet her."

"Her date is a guy named Ian, and I've met him. Bill and Dusty are the other two men and I've not met them. The other two women will be Rita and Candy. Want me to e-mail the game rules to you?"

"That would be great."

"They're nothing complicated. Alana and Dan, and Kathy and Perry will be the only married couple there, and with Nila out of the picture, they will be the only couples that we have to worry about getting paired to their mates."

"I'm impressed."

"With what?"

"You mentioned Nila's name in a cool even tone."

"Whatever you do, don't bring up things like Jake the prick, the big apple or anything connected with those two and I'll make it."

"I talked to Nila yesterday, want to hear about any of our conversation?"

"No."

"Well that was succinct enough."

Check your e-mail in a few minutes. If you see any glaring issues, call me."

"Of course."

"Hey."

"What?"

"Thanks for caring and helping Sis."

"You're welcome Bro, bye." Kate thought about her conversation with Owen and then called Nila. "Hi, it's me. I was determined to stay out of this, but I talked to Owen, but I don't have a lot to share. One thing though, the guest list for the party doesn't include Kiley or Wendy or any of the other names you gave me."

"Thanks. That doesn't change anything, but it helps anyway. I just wish I could understand why he went so ballistic on me."

"Nila, you know why, but for whatever reason you refuse to believe that."

"But my God Kate, he...his face got so red that I thought he was going to have a stroke. He watched me make love to Ethan and that didn't bother him at all."

"Nila, I still see you as my best friend, but damn it woman, wake up. I'm going to risk our friendship by telling you exactly what I think and feel. There's no doubt that Owen got so totally pissed when you showed him the pictures and he learned the truth. But not simply because you slept with Jake. Oh that alone was bad believe me, because as I pointed out before, you hardly knew the guy. Owen worried about Jake a lot more than you worried about Kiley, and I really do believe that. Even now you're relieved that Kiley won't be at the party, but he was even more afraid of Jake. It isn't that you slept with just any guy. It mattered who you slept with. It mattered a whole lot that you slept with Jake. And damn it Nila, you slept with him less that two hours after we got there. You knew him for a total of less than three hours at the most including meeting him at the wedding. Think about that girl. That's no different than going to a bar and four hours later sleeping with some guy you met there."

"That isn't the same at all."

"That's exactly the same Nila, and that's not just my opinion, that's a fact, and only one of the facts that made him explode. Are you still listening to me or have I lost you as my friend?"

"I am listening."

"Then listen to this, and whatever you do, spend however much time you need to think about this, I beg you. I love you both, and you and Owen love each other, but you two are on a short path to destroying anything you two might still have for each other. Owen has built a wall around his emotions about you. If anything about you or New York comes to his mind, he hides behind that defensive wall because he can't deal with his hurt."

"How do you know that if he hasn't opened up to you?"

"I saw it when he sobbed in my arms that night and I can see it in his eyes every time I'm with near him."

"You said something about one of the facts. What else is there?"

"You know what else because I told you, but then I'm not at all sure you were listening to me."

"Kate I was in such a mess I don't know what I heard or didn't hear."

"You do know Nila. Owen did enjoy photographing naked women as they flashed or even were just undressed. That really was a hobby of sorts for him. But you were the one he wanted to photograph more than anybody. He loves you and that one thing...not seeing Kiley naked, or Candy or wherever else. You Nila. You were all important to him as a friend, lover and future wife. But what did you do? You told him you just couldn't manage to do that for him. Why was that, please tell me so I can understand."

"I just couldn't, I don't know why."

"Now let's go back to Jake's apartment for a minute, and when you came out in that transparent dress. Remember when you walked out and I saw you?"

"Of course I remember, I was scared senseless."

"I don't think so. I think you were excited and nervous, but you weren't scared. I told you something that I still remember, because you so surprised me. Can you remember what I told you??"

"I really can't."

"I said, and this is almost verbatim, if not exactly my words,. 'Well you've proved how strong you can be, that's for sure.' Did you hear that? You certainly proved how strong you can be. You were amazingly strong for Jake, a near stranger Nila, but you couldn't be half that strong strong for the man you love and want to spend the rest of your life with. I have to question your love for him actually. I also have to question things like why you were so determined to go naked to dinner. There was nothing to stop you from, at the very least, wearing a bra and panties. Did he really demand that of you?"

"I don't know, that is all so mixed up in my mind now."

"Nila, you have to accept the fact that at least deep down you wanted to go to dinner just as you did. That's a pretty heavy thing to admit to I'm sure, but you better thoroughly examine that probability."

"How can you say that I really wanted to put myself through that frightening experience? That makes no sense."

"Actually it does make sense in a way. I do think you put yourself into a situation that you couldn't get yourself out of. I'm guessing that you told Jake you would go dressed like that, but you started to have strong second thoughts. Unfortunately you didn't act on your second thoughts."

"But Kate, that just doesn't make sense, because all I had to do was go back and change."

"Which is exactly what I told you to do at the time. Now this brings me to the last part of what I'm sure of. You won't like it probably, and you'll deny it I'm sure, but here it is. I think being so far from home and anybody that might know you played a big part in your adventure. That's right, your adventure, not your crisis. Jake could do no wrong in your eyes. He has money, power and influence. With what probably was no more than a wave of his hand, he had clothes made for you. You were awash in the thrill and excitement of going out wearing almost nothing, and of course you had Jake's attention. He made over you in the bedroom. Even I know that, because I heard a few of his words, but you liked feeling his warm hand on your ass, and in public no less. You liked feeling his hand on you in the restaurant as he teased you from knee to crotch. You were high on that whole adventure. Nila, you screwed Jake like you were on fire, and when Colin joined in I...oh God, if Owen ever learned about that event. Nila, I thought you were going to faint with out of control passion from having two near strangers at the same time."

"You can't tell me that having two men at the same time wouldn't have an effect on you."

"You're damn right it would affect me. But having Colin join you and Jake began because of your out of control excitement of the high stakes game you were playing. A game that ran from the time we arrived there until Sunday morning. Sorry girlfriend, but that's how I feel and I can point to so many specific examples to support what I say. You gave Jake...gave him Nila, because you two didn't even know each other long enough for either of you to earn anything. You gave him everything that Owen was hoping for and asking of...almost begging of you. Jake had your undivided attention and admiration. Correction, adoration, not admiration. You totally submitted yourself to him as though he bought you. You gave your body to a man that you hardly knew like it was a Halloween treat, and on top of that, you gave him your spirit. You forfeited your will and ability to think for yourself.

Kate hadn't meant to even get into any of that with Nila, but once she was started, it just poured out of her and she couldn't stop. But it did stop when sobbing Nila said, "Good bye," and ended the call.

Kate vowed to herself that she would never tell Owen about venting her feelings to Nila, but she was glad she'd had her say with Nila. But her speech almost meant that would be the last Kate and Nila would talk to each other for some time, if ever again.

Chapter One Hundred Six

The party was to start at three o'clock, but Kate and Stephie were there just after one, and they went over what Kate would tell the guests. "Owen," Stephie said, "Kate's been telling me a little about you and Nila, and I'm so sorry."

Kate looked at Owen and then said, "Sorry Stephie, but that's an off limits topic."

"Oh, I'm sorry Owen."

"That's okay, and thanks for your concern." Then as soon as Owen wasn't looking, Kate shared a quick smile with Stephie. "So, what will you two do while the rest of us are out getting into trouble?"

Stephie shared another smile with Kate and then said, "We have plans, but we're not ready to share them with you."

"Oh, well pardon me for asking," and he smiled.

"When the guests got their invitation with some of the details about the game, did any of them say no thanks?"

"Oh sure, and I knew that's how it would be. In one or two cases though I was surprised by who accepted as much as my those that declined the invitation. You know, it's all in the interpretation of the words I used. What is sexy to one might be something totally different to another, and that's one thing that will make this evening so fun and interesting."

"I'm sure it depends on which woman you'll be with, but do you have any ideas of what you want to do or rather photograph?"

"I have a few ideas, but I'd rather see what she might come up with."

"And each couple brings their own camera. I mean you're not providing them right?"

He laughed and said, "I'm not blowing a thousand bucks on cameras for them, so they're on their own. Then they can print their pictures before they come back here, or they can do that here if, for whatever reason, they need to do that."

"Who do you hope to be paired with?"

"I think it would be more fun with somebody I don't know."

"Really?"

"Sure. Then we'll only have four hours to get to know each other well enough to get into something sexy or teasing, and get good photographs. A very compressed and exciting time."

"I have to admit," Kate said, "You came up with a devilishly wild idea."

"Thanks."

Each and every invited couple was having similar conversations as they prepared to go to the party. "How far would you go with your partner," was one of the most often asked of his or her mate. "What ideas do you have for pictures," was another. Dan's first question for Alana was, "Honey, it's anybody's guess who you'll be out and about with, so what do you see happening?"

She smiled and kissed him before she said, "Well he could get pictures of my hand inside of my exposed panties as I pleasure myself in front of him."

"Very cute baby. Now what are you really thinking?"

"I don't have any idea, because I don't even know half of the men here. Can you imagine how bad it could be if I was paired with a real jerk, or somebody afraid of even a dirty word? Hey lover, I could say, what kind of sex thing should we get pictures of, and he'd pee his pants," and Dan laughed.

"That's more or less my fear too. A woman too afraid of me to even get into the game, and I end up photographing her ass when she isn't looking."

"At the very least, this party will be enlightening."

"I'm sure we'll have fun, but I don't have my hopes or expectations for adventure or surprises too high."

To Owen's surprise, couples started to arrive before three o'clock, with the rest of them trickling in with the last couple arriving about twenty after three. They mingled and sipped drinks until four when Owen got their attention and told them "Okay, welcome to Flashination, the time for surprises, excitement and fun. The name I've given the party should give you a strong hint of just what you and your temporary mate might get into. I'll let Kate and Stephie go over the rules, and then they will draw names. That's when the real fun will begin, because only then will you learn with whom you will be until eight o'clock as you create your ideas and turn them into photographs for all to see. Kate, it's all yours."

"Okay, just so there is no misunderstanding, let's go over a few things including what was in the invitation. First, it's up to each couple to decide if you will remain anonymous. If you choose that route then fine. No extra points awarded no matter what you decide. Another thing is, you can't be paired with your spouse. If your spouses name is drawn we'll put it back and try again. Here's a big one. No photos of copulating. Erotica, sensuality and teasing are the words to keep in mind. Stephie and I will not be participating in the game in case any of you were wondering about us. Everybody back here no later than eight this evening with printed pictures. Sooner would be better. If you wish, Owen said you can use his printer, but be back early enough to allow for that. If you forgot to bring a camera, you're screwed," and a few chuckles were heard. "You can post up to three pictures on the foam boards along the wall," and she gestured to her left. We'll pick some judges who will then pick a photo, or a set if you do a threesome thing," and there was more soft laughter. "We'll choose the most daring, the most erotic or sexiest, and the most sensual. Think romantic for that. Remember though, unless you choose otherwise, nobody will know which photos belong to which couple. Only the selected couples will know they won one of the categories. I'd suggest that even be kept a secret even when you go home. Why ask for trouble right? Oh, and your photos go in an unmarked envelope. Then once all are in, Stephie and I will post them. Anything else Owen?"

"Just a couple of things. Feel free to black out faces and hair with a marker to protect your identity, or wear a mask or whatever you choose to do. Also, as I mentioned in the invitation, we'll have the second party one week from tonight for another photo contest, and we'll choose new partners. But the guidelines...rules if you wish, will be...let's say less stringent, so we hope that all of you will be able to make it to the next party. Any questions before Kate and Stephie draw the names?"

"It doesn't matter where the photos are taken?"

"If you want to get naked and lie across my piano I don't care. Where, how or why, and of one of you or both as a couple, or even enlist the help of a third person. You can put on furry parkas and rub noses, or strip naked and get a shot bumping your butts together, it's all up to you and your partner."

"Everybody laughed when that guest said, "I'll go for number two."

"Okay then, Kate said taking over again. I'll draw the guy's name and Stephie will draw a woman's name. Here we go. The guy is Bill. Raise your hand stud, so your partner can find you."

"Candy," Stephie, called out, and the two of them were soon standing next to each other and smiling.

"Dan, you handsome guy, you're next."

"And Rita, you're his partner," Stephie added. Then it was Dusty with Kathy and Perry was paired with Linda, and she flashed Owen a smile as she walked past him to join Perry.

Kate called out Owen's name and then he heard Alana's name. He smiled nicely, but there went his hopes for somebody he didn't know, and they soon had their arms around each other's waist. Ian smiled as June joined him and Bill was with Candy. "Okay," Kate called over the hum of several soft conversations. "You're free to go and play, but be back here with photos printed by eight or you'll be left out. Above all, don't forget, this is all about having a great time. Now go forth and find your adventure," and couple by couple everybody left.

As Owen and Alana went to his car she said, "When they called your name and then mine, Dan asked me if the drawing was rigged."

Smiling, he asked her, "What did you tell him?"

"I told him what he just witnessed was the power of positive thinking. He just smiled."

"What did he say when he was matched to Rita?"

"He doesn't know her, so he didn't have much to say."

Still smiling Owen told her, "I know her."

"Oh, and what can you tell me about her?"

"I'll just say that I'm sure she has an adventurous spirit."

"This is going to prove to be a very interesting and enlightening party."

"And especially the enlightening part for some couples."

She smiled and said, "I wonder if you know just how right you are."

"Probably not my pretty and sexy one. Now I suggest we blow our first half hour or so over a drink someplace while be plan our strategy."

Less than ten minutes later they were sipping beer as Alana said, "I want our photos to be of both of us if possible."

"Okay, do you have any ideas about that?"

"A few. In fact for one of them at least I even have a thought that we can even try it in the parking lot when we leave here."