Still Faithful, Always Pt. 01

"Speaking of ten years ago and first dates, would you accept an invitation from this lady for dinner tomorrow night? As I recall I drove on our first date; I can pick you up at your home at seven. We can share a kiss and a brandy and I will make a reservation for eight-thirty; how does that sound?"

"You don't kn . . . ."

"Of course I do, a good secretary knows all she needs to know. Wear your tuxedo; I'll dress appropriately."

Hanging up the phone Laura let the moment's emotions wash over her person; she could feel tears begin to stream down her cheek. Six years to hear his voice, to speak to my former lover. Six years without trace of the man who meant so much to my life for so long. Laura cried aloud and squeezed both hands together. Greg is still my lover; he never left me and I never left him. I buried him deep to protect Dan and I because I knew I had no choice, but I never let Greg's love die.

With a deep breath Laura rose and off to the bathroom to wash evidence of her tears away. I better call Dan and let him know I have arrived safely, she told herself. After pouring another wine she checked her watch and did the time zone computation. Laura used the speed dial for home and heard two rings before Dan picked up.

"Hello Baby, I'm just calling to let you know I arrived okay."

"Hi Baby back at you. That's the miracle of modern transportation for you, cross the country before waking from your nap."

Laura laughed; the couple had inconsequential conversation for a few minutes before pauses for new topics dominated their speech. They had shared breakfast time together at their kitchen nook eight hours ago so there wasn't a lot of news to cover since coffee and a muffin.

"I'll call toward the end of the week and let you know when I am coming home. I love you Baby. Take care of yourself and give my love to Mrs. Patron when you visit her."

"I love you too Baby, I'll tell Mrs. P when I see her tomorrow, bye-bye Baby."

Laura was up and at work early the next morning. She was at her desk fifteen minutes before Heather, her secretary, arrived. Laura found the situation mildly amusing that one of her jobs required that she have a full time secretary acting as personal assistant while her job title with her east coast employer was still executive secretary to the partnership committee of her law firm. She and Heather spent their first half hour together with coffee and catch up. That was a routine Laura insisted as number one priority for her every trip to her Business Lady workplace. As far as she was concerned her Board of Directors position was a sidelight. No matter what her title Laura considered her key position with Business Lady was always as part of the marketing staff.

Preparation for tomorrow's meeting kept Laura's morning busy. When Liaison came by to greet her they made a lunch time date for their favorite local spot. Liaison also talked more about the perfect romantic restaurant for two lovers to reconnect.

"It's up on a bluff, overlooks the ocean at Monterrey Bay, and is surrounded by walking trails through garden settings. Their French chef is top rated; expensive but worth it is the word I got from a friend. It's where her husband proposed."

"That's just what I am looking for; I can afford expensive after a six year hiatus. Oh god how I miss him, girl; I didn't realize how much until I allowed myself to bring us back to life."

Liaison reached for her friend's hand, "I hope this time your relationships both work out for you. Of all my friends you are the only one I know who would dare to try. You really do deserve both of your men. You deserve to win Laura, you really do. I'll make the reservation for you now and come get you for lunch."

Laura left work early Tuesday; she wanted no part of rush and hurry for this very special date. She allowed time for a soaking fragrant bath before dressing. Choosing her dress required no great decision; the gold and black she bought last year to dazzle Dan when she insisted he join her in San Francisco for their anniversary. The bodice was of metallic gold fabric that cupped her breasts for modest support but was split to the waist front and back. Skirt of the dress was made of black silk cut short on the right side to reveal generous length of thigh but angled down to a point below the knee on her left. Dan picked out many of her evening dresses and his taste in women's clothing was unmatched by other men. She wanted to show him she could find a great fashion statement too. If it was perfect for an anniversary with her husband it would be just as fitting to wear for a renewal of anniversaries for her lover.

Laura knew this dress drew male eyes top and bottom; heads looked like twisting bobbing dolls the one time she wore it to dinner with her husband. Wearing it tonight for Greg was a way of including Dan on her date. He had given tacit permission for this date; he should be included. Greg's love is important to me but Dan's love is vital. It had taken four years of turmoil and six years of unconscious contemplation to understand that simple relationship truth. Laura carefully applied makeup, what little lingerie she would wear, and finally her dress.

Laura called the concierge asking that the Lincoln Town Car she rented be at the front door in fifteen minutes. She had time for one more phone call before leaving. Dan answered his cell phone at first sound of Laura's special ring and heard, "Hi Baby, I just wanted to tell you how much I love you. I am dressed and about ready to pick up Greg for our date tonight. You mean so much to me as my one and only husband. I want you always to know that simple truth. I love you." Laura hung up before Dan could respond. She didn't want conversation; Laura simply needed to tell Dan how much she loved him.

Laura kissed the cheek of her concierge and gave him a soft hug as he handed over the car keys. "You do so much taking care of me, Francisco, I do appreciate everything." Programming the GPS map to guide her on I-280 to San Jose and then to the coast and her restaurant was task one. Laura adjusted seat and mirrors and pointed vehicle south. Traffic was busy but tolerable. Concentration on traffic meant little time to dwell on tonight. The GPS instructions were precise: turn left, quarter mile, turn left, two blocks, turn right. Suddenly Laura was driving on Greg's street and then she recognized the house number.

Laura parked her car, took a deep breath, she walked path beside the driveway. As she approached the entrance, Laura realized that without consciously considering her situation she had made a decision. I want this to be my home too. I want to be together with Greg again, always, somehow. The door had an old fashioned brass clapper - knock, knock, knock - she slapped clapper against brass plate. She could hear footsteps approach the door.

Chapter 2 – Laura and Greg

Laura had every intention of announcing herself with a witty phrase when Greg's door opened; she thought of several on a theme of Avon calling while driving south. Best intentions sometimes flee, just seeing Greg as he opened the door left her speechless. She almost leaped into her lover's home and into his arms. Laura kissed first, squeezed tight, pulled back to look, and then kissed hard once more. Greg wrapped her in his arms, lifted and held her tight to his chest.

As Greg set his lady back standing on two feet, his hand quite naturally slipped into and under the open slit that was the back of her dress. His mind leapt back in time to spectacular dresses Laura always wore for their special dates. He stroked, fondled and remembered. He nuzzled face to crook of neck and kissed.

"I have missed you so much for so long."

Laura tried to turn head and kiss once again but Greg backed off, closed door for privacy, and led Laura to his living room sofa. Once again they kissed and clutched; both used their hands for intimate search. Both seemed to need proof the other was real. When Laura found her hand between her lover's legs and gripping his very erect cock she knew reality.

Greg spoke, "We could forego dinner, my darling, and feast on each other."

"No, no Greg, I have reservations and I want this date; it's our time for your birthday. I'll keep my hands, and lips, off of you until later." Laura sighed, "Just seeing you brings back so many memories, so many feelings - love - go make us a drink, something not too strong since I'll be driving. While you do that I'll do some deep breathing."

Greg captured a quick kiss as he rose and left to make drinks. Laura's first deep breath was more of a gasp of emotion. Greg returned and handed over a snifter of brandy as he took his place next to Laura on the sofa. Laura accepted the drink and switched the topic of conversation onto safer ground.

"Dan and I are doing really well. He has had a big impact with his company since moving up to be Vice-President. He still does his art things too, both at work and at home. We have doubled the size of his gallery at home." Laura was about to continue with her business news when Greg interrupted.

"I read an article in a magazine, Business Week I think it was, that mentioned Dan. The article was about reaching into the community as a key marketing strategy successful companies work with. It mentioned Dan as V-P and his art in the office project as one of three or four examples of best practices around the country." Greg reached for Laura's hand and then gave a light kiss. "I showed it around the office telling everyone I know this guy."

"I hope you didn't add that his wife was my special lover."

"I am surprised you didn't see something about my Business Lady news; I know it was in the San Francisco papers. The reason I am out here this week is BL has a board meeting beginning tomorrow."

"Do you have another major presentation of one of your great ideas?"

"No, that's not it, you really haven't heard? I will listen to the presentations others make. About eighteen months ago I was nominated to be on the board. I am now a full time voting member of the Board of Directors of Business Lady, Incorporated. How about them apples, my love? You may now kiss the bride!"

Greg enveloped Laura in a bear hug and began kissing all over her face. "You are wonderful, just so special, incredible, yes - wonderful - I love you!" Greg's tongue tried its best to get past Laura's tonsils. Laura responded matching his probe with her tongue. When their kiss finally broke Laura leaned back to take a deep breath once again. She was totally disheveled. The bodice of her dress had drifted apart and her shoulder straps now rested in the crook of her elbows. Both breasts exposed to full view. Laura started to complain but Greg stopped her.

"They are still beautiful, just as I remember. I still see you in my dreams just like this."

Laura reached to her right and raised half of dress bodice into place adjusting breast to fit. She guided the hand Greg had moving in her direction to the breast over her heart. "Hold me for just a moment with a tender kiss." Greg responded. After a minute of pleasure for both, Laura fixed the other side of her dress, standing briefly to smooth wrinkles and gathers of fabric away.

"I think we should drink these brandies and then get on the road if we are going to make our eight-thirty reservation. Point me to the closest bathroom so I can repair my makeup. I am sure I am a mess."

The drive from Greg's house to the restaurant on the coast took almost an hour. Laura didn't really need her GPS; Greg knew the road and served as guide. Laura talked casually about goings on at the law firm where both worked together in the past. "Old Jacobs finally stepped down from an active role." Greg said retirement but Laura clarified her statement. "He still has an office, he works a few of his old clients; it's just that he no longer works every day. He's more like partner emeritus." Greg asked about the young lawyers he had supervised, and Laura talked about their goings on.

Laura enjoyed driving the big Town Car through the twisty sections of the highway; a sports car would be even more fun, she mused. It reminded her of driving through the Smokies at home. The hour of driving flew by and soon she was back to following her GPS as it led her the final miles to the Overlook Restaurant parking lot.

Laura brought the car to a stop where one of the two valet attendants indicated. One assisted Greg while the other came to Laura's driver side door offering a hand also giving a numbered brass medallion that she slipped into her clutch. With arm tucked into Greg's they entered the restaurant. "My friend Liaison recommended we come here. She said the ambiance is totally romantic and the food excellent."

As they reached the Maitre De, Laura introduced herself. "Yes Madame, I have the perfect table for you and your guest, quiet and intimate."

As he led the way Laura opened her clutch looking for the American Express card she wanted to use tonight. She carried five: two identified her as Board of Directors - Business Lady, one company card and one personal; two related her to the law firm, also business and personal; the last card was for the family account she shared with Dan. All five were platinum colored dark silver. She handed her personal Business Lady card to the Maitre De and softly spoke, "Please ask our server to use this card and add a very generous gratuity, half the bill would be appropriate for perfect service. We want absolute privacy tonight; I don't want to even notice the server. I am sure you understand."

"I will see to it, Madame. Your service will be perfect."

Their table was in a small alcove with a window that looked out to the Pacific Ocean. Laura kissed her lover before he seated her. She had one final request of the Maitre De before he left them, "We would like to start with a bottle of your best vintage Taittinger Brut please."

Laura and Greg dined as lovers they were. Hand holding and light kisses intermixed with bites of their meal. Rekindle of love and desire after six years apart was evident and on display, but few could see them in their alcove. Laura wore her ruby ring; Greg clearly noticed. Several times as he held Laura's right hand his fingers lingered at the ring. At meals mid-point, Laura went to her clutch to bring out the blue velvet box she set between them. She lifted her champagne flute and nodded it to Greg; their glasses touched as Laura gave her toast.

"To us, still, always."

"Yes, to us, still and always."

Greg initiated kiss following their toast; he kissed his lady love with as much possessive fierce passion as his lips and tongue could convey. Laura responded completely. When kiss was complete, Laura sipped another mouthful of champagne from her flute. She set her glass on the table and held her left hand toward Greg, fingers well spread.

"We both know what is in that box. It has to be different this time my love. We have to be different. I would love to wear that ring again with all that wearing your ring symbolizes. I want to wear your ring on this left hand along with the rings Dan gave me so many years ago."

"You know well I left these rings home many times when I was with you. Dan took them from me. I will never take his rings off of this hand again while expressing my love for you Greg. Can you live with that? Can you accept that you can never have me only to yourself?"

"Can Laura live with what you are asking of me? You were often the greater whirlwind. Can Dan live with what you propose?"

"I know I can live with two husbands. I am willing to ask and convince Dan that he needs to accept as well; convince him he has nothing to fear. I am committed to turning that whirlwind I stirred into no more than the gentlest breeze for all of us, all three of us. I think he will accept if I can assure him of my continuing absolute love."

Greg took the box, opened it and saw the ring their very special jeweler made at his direction just for the woman sitting across the table. For a long moment he simply gazed at the stone, the band, he remembered the evening he first gave this ring. Laura bared her finger then as she accepted this ring. Now she is telling me she will never bare that finger again. Can I accept less than all? Can I be Laura's West Coast husband? That is the question Laura is asking me. Time passed as Greg considered his questions and his answers. Laura made no sound across the table, not even breath.

The spell broke when Greg lifted ring from the holding slot in the box. He looked at Laura and saw her exhale and smile. With clear purpose Greg slipped the ring one more time onto Laura's third finger, left hand. The couple intertwined fingers.

"I love you my darling Greg. I accept your ring and will wear it proudly. I hope you understand that by accepting this third ring for my wedding ring finger I am also accepting a fourth ring sometime and somehow in the future. Please kiss me." This kiss carried love.

Laura raised left hand to her lover, "By wearing this ring I am committing to you Greg; I am committing to make every effort with Dan to get his agreement. I am promising that we will be able to live what this ring symbolizes within limits we both understand."

Maitre De handed over Laura's card and the check. She signed. "I have heard your gardens and the overlook are beautiful; could you point the way."

"Of course Madame, and please return often with your friend."

Greg looped his arm around Laura's waist and led the way following the glow lamps lining the path. The floral scent from shrubbery along the garden path enhanced the romantic mood of garden lit only by moonlight. Laura reached her free hand to stroke her man's chest. They stopped and kissed. They walked further and reached the overlook; Greg moved Laura forward standing behind her to wrap his arms around mid-section.

"It's beautiful like this, the moonlight on the ocean. I'll keep this picture as a memory of this special night."

"The view is beautiful, the night is beautiful; you are more beautiful."

Lips caressed Laura's neck; she reached for hands at her waist and raised them to her breasts. Greg's hands wanted flesh, not fabric; he worked them through the slit in dress bodice and pushed fabric aside.

"Ah yes, pinch them, pull me taut, stretch my nipples as only you can. Pinch, pull and twist and make me sing; it has been far too long Darling, far too long."

Laura turned for kisses. Left hand lowered zipper and found cock to hold tight; right hand freed a stud and worked to find male nipple. Greg held her close and ravished his lover with probing kisses. He moaned into Laura's mouth his pleasure of her touch. One of his hands held the couple together as other hand mauled a breast. Finally Laura pulled away.

"I could have you here, but I want you in bed. Take me to your bed and make love to me; fuck me Greg, I want you tonight."

Now back at restaurant entrance, her clothes still mildly disheveled, Laura found the parking medallion and handed it to the valet. She acted impervious to young eyes fixed on her open cleavage. When her car pulled up she asked Greg to drive home, "It's dark and I'm sure you know the road better." Laura managed to expose a breast to the valet as she handed over ten dollars for his tip. She received a grin and a sincere, "Thank you and have a very good night ma'am." Laura snuggled close to Greg but did her best to not interfere with his driving. Close quiet time for an hour was a perfect nightcap to their romantic birthday dinner as far as she was concerned.