Jasmine and Achilles Jones

******

The girls we excited. I was looking around to see who I might know, and Karen Olson came up to me.

"Hi AJ, the girls are all excited, huh?" she said.

"You bet. They're over there talking to their friends," I said.

"Jasmine, busy tonight?" she said.

"I frowned. Yeah, said she has meeting. The girls are disappointed, but it's like that a lot lately," I said. I was jabbering on to someone who I had no business jabbering on to.

"AJ, you really need to put your foot down with that woman," said Karen. "You're letting her do things she shouldn't be doing. Like tonight," she said.

I looked at her. I wonder how much she knew. And if she knew anything, would she tell me. I doubted it, but—I'd never know if I didn't just flat out ask.

"Karen, can I ask you something?" I said.

"The answer is yes, AJ, she is."

It was like she could read my mind. "Who?"

"Her boss, and he's an asshole," she said.

"Geezsus!"

"AJ, if you ever want a revenge fuck, I'm available. I know a good man when I see one," she said.

I looked at her as if she were from outer space. "Huh—yeah," I said. Lame, but it was all I could come up with.

******

In the motel room she was already in her underwear tugging on his skivvies when he finally mentioned the call.

"Had to check in with hubby?" he said, disdain clearly evident in his tone.

"Yes, we had something going on tonight. I didn't want him wondering where I was," she said.

"When are you going to dump that bartender and tie your wagon to mine?" he said. "You are clearly way out of his league."

She looked at him. "He's no fool. Don't ever imagine that," she said. "He just loves his work. Money and things don't mean anything to him, or not much at any rate."

"But they do to you," he said, knowing the answer.

"They do to me," she echoed.

She had his pants down and she reached for his cock and stroked it slowly and oh so lightly, just like he liked it.

He grabbed her by her hair and pulled her in tighter forcing her to take his entire seven inches in her mouth and down her throat. Two-point-three minutes later he spasmed and exploded in her throat filling it with his cum. She swallowed it all.

She rolled back on her heels and wiped the dribble from her mouth with the back of her hand. "Yummy," she said. he laughed.

He pulled her to the bed and turned her over on her stomach. He would take her from behind; their favorite position. It is how she surrendered to him; he was her man, her real man.

She spread her knees wide lowering herself for him. She felt the soft tip of his penis tease her. She giggled. She knew he couldn't deny her for long; he was hotter than she was, almost desperate in fact, and she reveled in her female power.

"Common now, be a good little boy and plow this woman," she teased.

He rammed his cock home and she let out a scream as he drilled her. "Oh my gawd!" she said. "Oh my gawd!."

He began slowly screwing her. He took his time. He wanted to enjoy her as much as he could. She was a good piece, as good as he'd ever porked.

She rose up on her hands and thrust her buttocks back to meet his assault. He was banging her good now, and her titties rocked and swayed with each thrust. She shook as an intense orgasm possessed her.

He emptied into her and she smiled as his seed washed her insides. She could feel the heat of it, and it pleased her. She thought of her AJ and how seldom he had been able to make her feel this way. At least in recent years.

It hadn't always been like that. No, there had been a time. She felt bad for him. She was treating him badly even if he didn't know it yet, and she didn't like it. Something had to give.

Finished they were dressing. "How often do you have to fuck him?" he asked.

"Not often. I let him get off maybe twice a month. But it's always a quickie, and then it's over. He never gets the real me anymore, only you get that," she said.

"Do you think he suspects anything?"

"No, he is very trusting." She frowned at her own words as soon as she'd uttered them. Yes, he was trusting, she thought, but she wasn't trustworthy. She felt uncomfortable admitting it even to herself, very uncomfortable. She suddenly realized that she couldn't do it to him anymore. She had to divorce him. The thought made her feel a certain sadness, but at the same time free. She determined to make it an easy divorce for him. Her AJ deserved at least that. Her AJ? Well, not for much longer; he'd be someone else's man soon enough she was sure of that. Rich he wasn't, but he had everything else going for him. Roger on the other hand...

Roger was her man now. It was time to give in to his wishes. No more sneaking around banging each other in cheap, sordid motel rooms.

He smiled his appreciation of her devotion to him. He thought about his previous wives, all three of them. None were Jasmine's equal. She'd be his sooner or later, and if things worked out the way he planned, it would definitely be sooner.

******

I heard her car pull in; it was after 11:00PM. Her heels clicked on the wooden stairs. She came in looked at him and begin taking off her earrings. "Hello honey, how did the girls do," she asked trying to placate him and anticipating his next remarks.

"Do you really care, Jasmine?"

"Honey, I'm sorry. I just couldn't get out of the meeting. It was too important," she said.

I eyed her. She looked at me, stopped fooling with her jewelry and just looked at me. "What?" she said. "I told you I had to be there. I would have come if I could," she said vehemently.

"Was Roger there," I asked, gambling that it was him she was cheating with.

"Yes, of course, he's my boss," she said.

"Was anyone else there?"

"What? What do you mean?" she said.

"I mean was it just you two or was it a gangbang," I said without undue emotion.

She stopped cold. She paled. Her look clearly stated that there was no way I could know. "You're not funny," she said, still holding to her line of bull.

"I wasn't trying to be. But, I know that the Century motel has no conference rooms; so I am pretty sure you all, all seven of you, wouldn't have been able to fit into one of those cheap little fuck-by-the-hour rooms they charge thirty-five dollars a night for," I said.

Her arms dropped to her sides. "You know don't you." It was not a question.

"I figured it out. So where do we go from here?"

I said. I was not prepared for her response.

"I'm relieved," she said. "I was going to talk to you tomorrow. You deserve to know. AJ, I want a divorce. I have fallen in love with Roger. I never meant it to happen, but it has, and I need us to part. I'm sorry."

I was stunned. But, I kept my cool. "You sleep in one of the guest rooms. The girls and I will move out tomorrow," I said.

"What? The girls?"

"Yes, we talked earlier. They want to stay with me. You can have open visitation, but at least with me, the custodial parent won't be missing any of their functions. Oh, and to answer your earlier question; They both received subject area awards: Marie tops in English and Tina in Math. Those, in addition to perfect attendance and citizenship. I mean in case you really do care a whit. Now, get out and let me sleep."

She stared at me, went to the closet, retrieved a nightgown and a robe and retreated out into the hallway. I thought I heard her sob as she exited, but I could have been mistaken.

The sun rose at 6:03AM. I was already dressed and downstairs making coffee; it had always been my time of day. I was pouring myself my second cup when she pulled out a chair at the table. "Can I have a cup?" she said. I poured her one and leaned back against the sink eyeing her.

She stirred in a teaspoon of sugar and looked up at me. "Can we at least be civilized about this, AJ. I know you're hurt. And I am the guilty one. I recognize that. But the girls need their mom. I can do more for them..."

"No, you can't and you haven't. But, yes we can make this a civilized transition if you do not fight me over the girls. We don't care about your money. And we sure as hell don't give a damn about good 'ole Roger. I have no problem with the divorce. You haven't been a wife to me for a long time. But, you and the asshole are not coming between me and my girls. Okay, the ball's in your court," I said.

"I guess we have a fight on our hands then," she said. "I will not give up primary custody, AJ. I can't."

"Your choice. Consider the battle joined. You probably shouldn't be talking to me anymore, nor I you. We're quits as of now; it's just a matter of the legalities being finalized," I said. I headed up stairs.

I had made my plans the night before, at least the initial ones, after she had called and I had discovered the tryst at the Century. I figured worst case scenario, and that's what I discovered that was indeed the fact of the matter, that I'd be moving out the next day—today.

I got the girls up and packed some of their things while they were showering and getting dressed. I took their bags and one I had packed for myself, and headed back downstairs. Jasmine was on the phone, probably to Roger, but I wasn't sure.

I took the suitcases to my car and went back to get the girls.

"AJ, you can't do this! Please do not make me fight you. AJ, you can't win; I'm the mother," she all but screamed.

"Tell you what, Jasmine, ask the girls. Here they come now," I said. looking her straight in the eye. "Ask them who they'd like to stay with. I will stand by their decision." I was sure the girls would stay with me, and it showed in my demeanor.

"What? I can't put them on the spot like that, AJ. What kind..."

"Then I'll ask them, Jas. They're almost thirteen. They know what's what almost as well as you or I."

The girls had reached the bottom of the stairs. They were looking at us nervously. "Girls," I began. "There is no easy way to say this, but last night your mom told me that she wanted a divorce. I have agreed to it; I really have no choice; she has a boyfriend, her boss." I was being cruel, but I was hurt and angry and I didn't know what else to say or do.

"Now, I want to say that this is all about us, and it has nothing to do with you girls. Your mom and I both love you. And neither of us wants to keep the other from seeing you—I don't think. But the problem remains, who would you rather stay with for the immediate future? We've decided that you should be allowed to choose, and of course, you can change your mind whenever you want." I felt like shit loading this on the girls' shoulders. But, a little pain now might avoid a lot more later, or so I rationalized. I had no inkling of what I was about to learn.

They began to fidget and Marie was tearing up. They conferred. Jasmine was nervous, and clearly worried. I was confident, and I must have appeared so.

"Dad, Marie and I love you so much. You are always there for us. But, I guess we are going to stay here for a while, if it's okay with you. We think mom needs us more," said Tina. My mind went blank. I had hot flashes. I think I began to sway.

I was stunned. The blood was rushing to my head and I felt like I was going to blackout. I choked up. I finally managed to find my voice, "Okay—I—daddy loves you." I had to get out of there. I went back out to my car and pulled their suitcases from the back seat them on the porch and left.

Jasmine looked at me; she wasn't gloating. If anything I think she was feeling pity for me. Well hell, I was piteous. I swallowed choking back my tears. "I'll come back tomorrow morning after 10:00AM to get the rest of my things," I said. "Please don't be here. Please." I left.

At least I had a place to stay. I was in between renters. I had been planning to clean the house up and throw some paint on the walls on the weekend. Now, I would be doing it for myself instead of new renters.

I headed for the Head Trip. I had to talk to Drew. I got the day off, and made the necessary rounds. I had to get my credit line worked out separate form hers, and change my will and other things. Drew recommended his lawyer, I called and made an appointment; the secretary said she could get me in before noon.

******

At noon, I arrived at the office of one Tanya Baker, esq. a little before 11:00AM. I had to wait for a little while, I was early. At 11:15 I was ushered down a short hall to an office.

Being shown in, I walked toward the desk and saw a familiar face. I couldn't place it, but I knew this lady.

She stood and extended her hand for me to shake. "I thought it might be you. I recognized the unusual name," she said. "I have long wanted to thank you for saving my life."

"Huh?" was my brilliant comebacker. "Ma'am? I'm afraid you have me at a disadvantage," I said. "Do I know you?"

"Well, Ranger, you should. Afghanistan, fourteen years ago. You fell on me and saved me from that incoming mortar round. The nurse?"

All of a sudden it came back to me. Yes—you—you were a nurse then—but now?"

"I was able to afford law school on the GI bill. So I went. Frankly, I can't believe our paths have crossed again. I mean—small world..." she managed.

"Do yuh think," I said, falling into the chair in front of her desk.

"I tried to find you to thank you after they rushed you the heck outta there. But you were long gone to Rhine Mein and then the states. I never knew where.

"So how have you been?" she said.

"Hummph," I managed. "Until last night okay."

"Oh, yes, I understand. I got a call from Drew. He said you had a problem with your wife."

"Yeah, you could say that. She's been cuckolding me with her boss and last night she laid it on me that she wanted a divorce. So, yeah, I have a problem with my wife," I said.

She nodded. "I see. No chance for a reconciliation?"

"No."

"Children?"

"Twin girls, age twelve, almost thirteen. They said they wanted to stay with their mom. I have to tell you; that one stopped me. I'm the one that is always there for them, at the games and events and happenings. Their mother never is. But when we asked them; they opted for her. I tell yuh, that one hurt—a lot," I said. I was starting cry; I got hold of myself.

She stared at me for the longest time. "It happens. If I had to guess, they did it to try and get their mom to start coming to their events and happenings as you call them. They doubtless figure that you will always be there, and if they were staying with you that their mom would withdraw even farther from them. I am pretty sure, going on experience, that their choice had nothing to do with you per se.

It made sense. For the first time in the last twenty-four hours I actually had something to hold on to. "Thanks," I said. "I hope you're right." I actually believed that she was.

We talked for some 45 minutes longer. The upshot was that she would defend my interests, and make sure that I got the best possible visitation rights with my children. There would be no money demands, although she said I could get alimony if I decided that I wanted to go for it. I told her no to that one, that I made enough. She said she wanted Jasmine to do the filing though; that way she, Jasmine, would be up against it for court costs, and for my lawyer costs too if things were to work out the way she thought that they would.

We were standing, shaking hands again as I prepared to leave. "Achilles, I owe you a dinner at the very least. How about it?" she said.

I was surprised, but pleasantly so. She was a very nice looking lady. "Okay," I said, kind of weakly.

"Good. Meet me tomorrow at the Cloister at seven?"

"Okay, sure," I said.

She picked up a card from the tray on her desk and wrote on the back of it. "Here's my cell in case. See yuh tomorrow," she said.

******

I knew I was early, well, I was anxious. I didn't see her come in. I guess she saw me sitting at the bar. She came up on my blind side. "Howdy, sailor," I heard from behind my shoulder.

"Huh!" She laughed at my obvious surprise; she'd startled me.

"Geezsus! Tanya, I almost had a heart attack.

Oh, and I am definitely not a sailor. Try Airborne Ranger. It's a whole different kettle of fish," I said.

"Wow, I guess I need to brush up on the proper protocol don't I," she said.

I laughed, "Darn straight," I said. The game was afoot. We talked for some minutes before the food arrived and Tanya was nothing if not quick witted and very intelligent—a whole lot smarter than me, I figured.

About the time the food came, I had had a chance to look her over pretty good. I hadn't until then, and I was surprised with myself. She was pretty, kinda nurse pretty if you know what I mean. She was a little wider in the hips than your average model. Breasts were a little on the small side, probably A-cups. Her tawny hair was curly, and flowed around her shoulders and that very nicely thank you very much. But, what I noticed most about her, was the way she smelled. That smell damn near enslaved me—she reminded me of Jasmine in that—I did my best to put the comparison out of mind.

Dinner over, the band began playing softly and a few couples got up to dance. I offered her my hand, and she accepted it—tentatively.

"I'm not that bad, really," I said.

"Oh no, it's me," she said. "I am that bad."

"Wow, such candor and honesty. Well, let's dance anyway and humiliate ourselves as much as we can."

At first, I damned near couldn't dance I was laughing so hard. For the next few hours we danced and talked and laughed and drank and generally avoided mentioning my impending divorce and my concern over the custody of my girls.

At 11:00PM I was beginning to think that it was time for a gentleman to take a lady home. "Hey girl, how are yuh doin'?" I asked. The evening had turned from tentative to fun to romantic. Her body had been melding with mine on the dance floor since after the first few dances. I hadn't at first thought too much about Tanya that way, though I am a man, and she was more than just an average female woman. But, now I was, thinking about her that way that is. I just wasn't sure if I wanted to get involved right at that moment considering my less than thrilling experience with womankind and intimacy recently.

"Good, how about you?" she said. I just smiled. Her expression turned serious.

"AJ, when are you planning to see you daughters next?" she said.

"Uh? Huh? Maybe next week. They have a summer softball league they're into. The game's on Saturday.

"Not before that?" she said. "I mean you're not goin to see them before that?"

"I don't know. I don't know if Jasmine will let them see me. We haven't spoken since I left last week," I said. "It was not exactly an amicable leave taking as you know. The girls opted to stay with her. I don't know what they were thinking. I mean I know what you said. And, it makes sense, but I don't know for sure yet. You know?"

"Well, I'm your lawyer, and I will be on the visitation issue first thing Monday. I know you and your wife are not doing too good, but I would be surprised if she tried to interfere with you seeing the girls," said Tanya.

"Yeah, I suppose you're right.

"Tanya? I have decided to play hardball with her about custody. And it's not even a matter of them preferring Jasmine to me. I just can't abide that man Roger being around my girls. If he is—I will be cutting myself off from them. I just couldn't stand him being there. You know taking my place. Do you understand?"

"AJ, you can't mean that. Those girls love you. I know it. You have got to let me handle things, okay?" she said. "And, that man will never be able to take your place, no matter what happens between you and your wife."

"I don't know, Tanya. Okay—I guess. I don't know. I just think about that slimy adulterous filthbag being around them, and..." I couldn't talk anymore.

She wrapped her arms around me and kissed me on the lips. It felt so right. It was stupid, but I felt as though the tables had turned. Once long ago I'd taken shrapnel for her to protect her; now, she was protecting me, at least it felt that way. And, I knew I needed protecting. The days ahead were not going to be easy for me.