Elaine and James

'When can I see you again?'

'Well whenever you want really. I am at your service.' I pulled out a pad from under the dash, and scribbled my phone number down.

'Give me a ring when it's convenient. I'll come and pick you up. We can do that meal, or just sit and talk, here or at my place.'

'Oh I prefer your place, anyway Brian could walk in anytime. He would jump to the wrong conclusion whatever I said.' This perplexed me. She wanted me to bring her back here, so that Brian may hear, yet didn't want him to find us together. Strange creatures, Women!

'Well phone me if you like, anytime.' She nodded.

'I will, soon.' I got out and walked round to her side of the car. Elaine had got used to this courtesy now and sat waiting for me to open the door. She gave me that brilliant smile as I held out my hand to help her alight, and when she was standing lifted her head and kissed me again.

'That will get the tongues wagging.' The words were murmured in my ear. She ran to her front door, turned and waved gaily before going in.

As I drove away, my mind was all over the place. What was going on here? Yes, I was attracted to Elaine. Yes, I would like to become intimate with her. No, It wasn't what I intended even two days ago.

No, there was no future there for me. Yes, if something happened between us, I would be left alone again. Did I want to involve my self with emotions that would eventually leave me bitter . My mind tossed all this around, and finally came up with a rationale for all of this. Elaine was making the running just as surely as I. Possibly more than I. She was looking to find herself as a woman. She wanted to learn all the attitudes and manners that would turn her into a seductive woman. The sly little tricks, the turn of the head, the look in her eyes, and I was the training ground! Could I manage that without becoming emotionally involved. Perhaps I could my head told me. My heart told me something different.

CHAPTER FIVE The meal

Although I saw Elaine at the club, she didn't ask to meet again. It was three days after our we saw each other at the club that she phoned in the afternoon.

'Hello James, it's Elaine.'

'Elaine! It's good to hear from you. You well?'

'Yes thanks. I could do with seeing you, I was going to ask for some advice.'

'Well you can ask. I don't know if I can give the advice. It will depend on the questions.'

'I have got an interview. You remember, I said that I was applying for a job.'

'Yes, you did mention that. How can I help?'

'I have never had an job interview. I wanted some advice on how to behave? What to say? What to ask? You know the sort of thing.'

'It's a long time since I had an interview myself. But I'll try and dredge my memory, see if I can come up with some tips. When is the interview?'

'Day after tomorrow.'

'Right, well we had better get together. When can you make it?'

'Now if that's ok, or tomorrow.'

'Now. I'll come round and pick you up.'

'Oh James, I was hoping you would say that. Would you have time for the evening meal we promised?'

'Yes. I'll book somewhere. Tell me what you don't like, and I will avoid that.'

'I'm happy with anything, except I am not too sure about Indian.'

'That's fine. I'll get a booking made, and pick you up in about an hour. Ok?'

'That's lovely, James. And thank you.'

I booked a table for two at an Italian restaurant. It was a good one, about four miles out of town. I quickly showered, shaved and changed. Black slacks (my usual) a cream shirt, and a beige Linen jacket. I picked out a tie which was basically brown, but with little gold motifs. I was pleased that Elaine seemed impressed when I arrived at her house. I had imagined that we would have the chat she wanted there, but she picked up a make-up bag and a dress holder, and was ready to go.

'Oh, I thought we would stay here.'

'No, if you don't mind. I can have a shower and dress at your place, it that's alright?' She gave me a pleading look.

'Yes, no problem.' That's what I said, but the thought of Elaine walking around naked in my bathroom and bedroom was making my thoughts jump about.

Back at my place, I made some tea. Then went and sat with her in the conservatory.

'Now tell me, what sort of job are you applying for.'

'It's with BGR. The job description is administrative assistant. The pays not great, but I can manage.'

'I will not give you loads of confusing advice. All I will say is that you dress neatly and conservatively. That tells them that you are there to work, and not for social reasons. It is important that you be yourself. Don't act as you think they want you to act. Be true to yourself and tell the truth. If you can, make the point that you expect to work hard and will do so. It would help if you know something about the company. They like people who take the trouble to make enquiries. Do you have a computer at home and internet access?'

'Yes.'

'Well get on it tomorrow and look them up. They will have a web-site. Don't try to memorise it all. Just pick one or two points. Particularly about their business plans, and how long they have been operating. Apart from that I will say no more, else it can be confusing.'

'Thanks, James. I will do that. So dress conservatively, and answer questions honestly. Yes?'

'That's it. I got a job once by admitting a serious character flaw. The guys who interviewed me told me later that my being so honest was a refreshing change, and that decided them to take me on.' She grinned.

'And what was that character flaw, may I ask?'

'Procrastination. Very serious for a Salesman.' She looked disappointed.

'Oh, I was hoping it would be something juicy.' I laughed.

'And what sort of juicy would you be looking for, may I ask?' Then quickly added, 'don't answer that question. We could get into trouble.' She arched her eyebrows.

'And we don't want to do that. Do we?'

We laughed together, and then I asked if there was any other things she was unsure of.

'There is one thing, James. And it is a big favour really.'

'Well ask, I can only say no.'

'Do you have the time to take me? I will feel much more confident going with you, than on the bus.'

'What time is the interview?'

'Two-thirty.'

'That's alright. I'll pick you up about two. It will only take fifteen minutes to get there and it will give you time to sit in their reception and calm your nerves.' She gave me a smile.

'Thanks James. You are a brick.' She then changed the topic.

'Where are we going tonight?'

'Trattore in Mannington.' She raised her eyebrows.

'That's posh, but I love Italian food.'

'Good. I like it as well.'

'What time?'

'Eight.' Elaine looked at her watch.

'Oh God, it's six now, I shall never be ready in time.' She dashed off, grabbed her make-up bag and the dress holder, and went to go upstairs.

'You don't mind me using your bathroom, do you?'

'Don't be silly. Go on up you go. Try and improve on perfection.' She liked that.

'I'll do my best.' she started to climb the stairs and then her voice floated down to me.

'No peeking, James.'

'Perish the thought.' I called after her. Although the imagination would not be so easily subdued. I heard her enter the bathroom. The floors upstairs creaked a little, and it was easy to follow the footsteps around the various rooms. The she called again.

'Would you mind if I had a bath?'

'Help yourself,' I called back, 'there's plenty of hot water. Once more my imagination worked overtime, seeing in my mind's eye her getting into the bath naked, bathing those lovely limbs. I must stop this, else I will start sweating and have to change my shirt.

I took my jacket off and hung it over the back of a chair, then sat carefully so that I got no more creases in my slacks, other than those that were intended. From time to time I heard movement upstairs. She was out of the bath now, and I heard the bedroom curtains pulled close. My mind painted the picture of what she was doing. I looked at my watch. Damn! Only three quarters of an hour gone, I reckoned it would be at least another three quarters before she came down. I opened the door and went out in the garden where the cool of evening was blowing in on a gentle breeze. At the very least it would cool me down a bit, and I needed that.

At last her steps on the stairs told me my wait was almost over. I was back in the conservatory now, sitting in one of the comfortable chairs. From this position I couldn't see her until she came round the corner. I got up, and caught my first glimpse of her. She stopped and stood there shyly, looking at me asking my approval with her eyes. There was no consideration from my viewpoint, impulsively I burst out.

'God, Elaine. You're beautiful!' The smile she rewarded me with would have lit up Blackpool.

'Thank you, James. I didn't want to let you down.' She was wearing a Jade green dress, which went with her dark hair superbly. The dress was gathered at the top into two straps which went over her shoulders. The straps joined at her bust, low enough to show a little cleavage, which I knew would tempt me all evening. The skirt was semi-full and came down to just above her knees, and the finishing touch was a pair of gold strap high heel sandals. She had brought a white jacket, just to slip over her shoulders.

'You couldn't let me down if you were dressed in a sack.' Yes I know, Corny. But I couldn't think of anything else to say at that moment. I looked at my watch.

'Well if we go now, we shall be a little early, but that doesn't matter. We can sit and have a drink and chat for a while. Is that good for you?' She nodded, and slipped her arms into the jacket. I gathered my things, and we left for Trattore.

We were a little early, but luckily we were able to seat straight away. The waiter fussed about us, getting the napkins unfolded and placed in our laps. He was a bit perfunctory with mine, and lingered long over Elaine's, especially when she slipped her jacket off her shoulders. He was Italian to the core. The candle was lit, and placed so that it caught her eyes, and put shadow to emphasise the cleavage. I was happy as it was me sitting opposite, and it was me that got the benefit, although he would get a better view when he served her. Elaine looked at me and her eyes twinkled. She was amused. When Giuseppe, or whatever he called himself, asked if we would like any wine, he addressed me but still looked at her. I asked for a bottle of Valpolicella and he left us to fill the order. Elaine leaned across the table, giving me a delightful view.

'Why didn't you sit next to me?'

'I can enjoy the pleasure of your loveliness from here. I wouldn't be able to do that sitting beside you.' That lovely, happy face came over her again.

'I've had more compliments from you in the last few days than I have in the rest of my life.'

'You should be complimented. It is important that a gentleman should tell his lady that he appreciates her and that she's special.' The waiter had left the Menu's and I picked one up, opened it, and handed it to Elaine. I opened the other.

'Now what are you going to have?' Elaine looked through the wide range of dishes. 'I don't think I can manage a starter, a main course and a sweet.'

'Well in that case I suggest we miss the starter, and if you still have some room after the main course, then choose a sweet.' She nodded.

'That's a good idea. What are you going to have?'

'I have been before and their Filetto Rossini is absolutely superb, so I am going for that.' Elaine put the menu down.

'In that case I will join you. The choice is huge, I thought it would just be Spaghetti dishes, or Lasagne, and Pizza. What is this Filetto Rossini?'

'Fillet steak, cooked in Madeira wine, with mushrooms and garlic sauce, and topped with a rich Pate. The sauce gets thickened during the cooking, and is magic.'

'Ooh, sounds good. Do we choose vegetables?'

'No they will bring a selection with the dishes. Usually Sauté potatoes, and whatever the Chef has for that day.'

The waiter came back with the wine, and made a great play of uncorking it, pouring a little in my glass to taste, and upon approval, pouring wine into each glass. He lingered long when filling Elaine's glass, almost salivating over the view down her décolletage.

When he could finally drag himself away, Elaine had a fit of the giggles.

'He was ogling my t... I mean breasts.' I grinned with her.

'Of course, and why not? They must be an entrancing sight.'

'You don't mind?'

'No, not at all. If you did not mind, and you didn't, else you would not have laughed, then why should I?'

'But I am with you. If he had done that and Brian was here, there would have been a punch up.' I had to explain.

'Elaine. We are here as friends, I have no rights over you and you are your own person. If you had found it offensive, then you could have mentioned it to me, in which case I would walk over there and quietly tell the waiter that he should behave himself. If we were an intimate couple it would have been different. I would be annoyed, and complained to the Head Waiter, or someone in the management.' She gave that some thought.

'So if we were an intimate couple you wouldn't mind other men looking at me?'

'You are a beautiful woman. You dress to emphasise your beauty. I cannot blame men for admiring you. But they will know that you leave with me, and as an intimate couple it will be me, who will enjoy your beauty when you are undraped.'

'Is that what you want, James?' My face was alive with mirth. Elaine was fishing again.

'We were talking about a hypothetical situation. This is real life.'

Elaine took a sip of her wine.

'Wow, this is good, What was it called?'

'Valpolicella. It's a bit like Chianti, but I think smoother.' Elaine went back to the previous topic.

'I didn't mind him looking. It gave me a buzz to know that a man would find me attractive. He can look, but that's all. You can touch if it would please you.' I nearly blew a mouthful of wine over the tablecloth. Elaine was laughing as I struggled for breath.

'Pardon?' She leaned forward again, which did not help me at all in trying to suppress my coughs.

'You heard, James.'

'Of course I heard, why do you think I nearly choked to death?

'Well?' I was saved by the waiter coming to take our order. For some time I had been debating with myself whether to make a move on Elaine. I had held back as I was seeing myself in the role of Mentor, a kind of Dutch Uncle. Our age difference came into the equation as well, though that was more on my part than Elaine's. I placed the orders, taking the time to ask Elaine how she would like the steak cooked. This gave me some breathing space, which I needed for more than just thinking time. I think I came up with a good answer.

'Elaine. I would imagine that most of the men in the restaurant would like to touch, except for those two over there.' I indicated with a sideways move of my head a couple of guys who obviously walked a different road. 'There are probably a few women in this room who would also like to touch.'

'What!' I had returned Elaine's ace.

'You heard, Elaine' Grinning at her as I said it. She chuckled softly. Then I carried on with the answer.

'I am just a normal heterosexual man, who loves to touch beautiful breasts. But I need an invitation first from the person to whom they are attached. Because I need to know that it would please the recipient as well.' I hoped that would do. Elaine eyed me strangely.

'Sometime, James. I will put you on the spot, and want a direct answer.' She had the smile on her face as she said that, and I realised that in all probability it may be sooner than I thought.

We had a great meal. The food was good, but the company was better. We talked of many things. And I listened carefully as Elaine got some her anger with Brian off her chest. It would appear that as a husband he was very selfish and unfeeling. Soon after they were married he started to call her El. Eventually even this petered out, all he used was "love" Then she found out that at the pub he referred to her as "the Missus".

'He didn't use my name and turned me into an object, James. Not a person.' she complained. She compared tonight, with the rare nights out she had enjoyed with him. MacDonalds, or Pizza Hut, with Brian's head buried in the paper.

'I know the food tonight was good, but being here with you, and you actually listening to me, finding interest in what I say. We could have been eating cardboard, and I would have still enjoyed the evening. Then she surprised me.

'Your hands are nice.'

'Sorry.'

'Your hands. They are clean and smooth. All the men I have known have rough hands, with grime imbedded, Nails with dirt underneath. Why are yours so clean?'

'It was the job. I sold specialty papers and the samples were carried around in large books. When I showed them to prospective customers, my hands were very visible as I turned the pages, so I kept them clean, and used moisturising creams. That's getting in touch with my feminine side.'

'Oh no James. You are all male. But I like your hands.' Nothing more was said about that then.

When the bill came, I checked it quickly, then put a card down to cover it. I noticed Elaine fiddling in her handbag. I caught her eye, and shook my head. I whispered to her when the waiter had gone.

'I said I would not embarrass you, but please don't embarrass me either. The waiters are Italian and very Macho. I could never look them in the eye again if they thought I had taken money from you. Give it to me later.' She nodded. Then excused herself to go to the ladies room.

After I had got my card back, I left the table and waited for Elaine just outside the Ladies room. Our waiter had already taken up station by the entrance door, obviously wanting to get yet one more glimpse down the front of Elaine's dress. When she came out and saw me waiting her face lit up, with that entrancing smile. She came straight to me and stood on tiptoes to kiss me.

'Just so they know that I am leaving with you.' God she could be cheeky. The waiter opened the door.

'Buena Sera Signor. Buena Sera Signorina.' Elaine held out her hand, and he took it and kissed her wrist. I was certain that if offered the chance his kisses would have gone all the way up her arm, and wherever else.

'Goodnight,' she trilled. I got a look from him that plainly said that I didn't deserve such a lady. Actually I agreed with him.

I helped Elaine into the car, then got in myself and started the engine. I usually had the radio tuned to Classic FM, and it immediately started playing. I think it was something by Delibes, not that it mattered it was soft and quite romantic.

'Don't drive off yet, James.' I turned to ask why. But she forestalled me.

'Kiss me please.' Instructions like that I could handle. I leaned over, as she moved towards me, and we kissed. I quickly found out, and Elaine made certain that I understood. that this was to be one of those, tongue duelling, tonsil searching kisses. From time to time one has to come up to catch a deep breath, and in one of those moments she whispered.

'You have my permission, and I want you to touch me.' I brought my right hand up and caresses her breast through her dress. In the next breath catch up moment. She said.

'Inside please James.' I manoeuvred my hand down the front of her dress and inside her bra. Her skin was silky soft with the light feel of talc, and warm. My fingertips slid over the surface gathering sensations until I found her nipple. It was rigid! She moaned lightly in my mouth as I brushed my fingers over the nipple, then nipped it between thumb and middle finger.

I think we both knew that this was going no further tonight. Especially in the car park of an busy Italian restaurant. There was enough to make a promise of more. I withdrew my hand, and eventually the kisses ended. We watched the expressions on each others face.