The Therapist Ch. 06

Writers Note: After publishing Changing Marriage Ch. 1 I received so many nice comments from some of the readers that I wanted to thank all of you for taking the time to write. Many of you expressed a desire to read more of Julia and James (The Therapist) and that is what motivated me to write Chapter 6. I hope you enjoy it!

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That Sunday evening at home James lay in bed reviewing the status of his upturned life. He couldn't sleep a wink as his overly active mind could only think of Julia. Julia, the woman who if nothing else, was a constant presence in his mind yet seemed so far out of reach that he may as well be living on the west coast. Curiously, none of this diminished his utter fascination and desire for her. On the contrary, it only seemed to fuel it.

James thought, "What kind of man allows a woman to play so contemptuously with him and does not walk away? Why tolerate the indignities perpetrated by Julia when he knew he could have a great relationship with someone like Lucy?" The answer was complex but when James drilled down into the matter he knew it was Julia's charm, knowledge, beauty, and, most of all, her ability to manipulate him in such a way that he was always felt alive in her presence. It may have been the latter that was so compelling to James because although there were other "nice" women who were available, who were both smart and attractive, none of them had ever released the unbridled level of passion that Julia could do by just walking into the room. Because, James knew, it wasn't just Julia walking into the room, it was Julia walking into the room with the enthusiasm and expertise to reach deep down into his psyche and awaken in him desires that he didn't even know that he possessed. And, there was that charm. Julia oozed charm in her most basic of mannerisms. She was sexy peeling an orange or even changing her shoes. Turning her head to make eye contact with you would stop you on a dime. Were there any limits to what he would do for her? This thought both excited and frightened him. Was there a future for this relationship, and if so, what did it look like? He forced himself to not answer that question by moving his thoughts to his work schedule for the next day, rolling over on his side and finally falling asleep at 3:00 AM, knowing he was going to be a wreck at work the next day as his alarm was set for 6:00 AM.

On Wednesday James could not summon the courage to call Julia so he sent her an email. He felt awkward and insecure after their...well, he wasn't even sure what to call there last meeting. Was it a date, appointment, or a session? It felt more like the latter to James as it always seemed like he was at the mercy of this woman who was eternally a step ahead of him as she choreographed their interactions so that the outcome, her outcome, was exactly what she had intended. James, breaking free from his reverie, constructed his email so it was brief simply asking Julia if she had any free evenings open on the weekend. If so, he wrote, he would love to get together. James hit the send button knowing he was taking one more step down the road of surrender.

Several times on Thursday James checked his email only to find messages from several of his friends, but none from Julia. He read each one faithfully with little interest in any of them and responded to the ones that required one. Even his best friends captured little of his interest at the moment. James began to doubt whether Julia was going to get back with him even thought it had only been 24 hours since his inquiry. Unfortunately for James, it served to only increase his feelings of not being worthy of a woman like Julia. She was too beautiful, too smart, too popular, too busy, too everything for a guy like him. James went to bed Thursday evening thinking that he would never here from her again. He finally found sleep contemplating life without this woman. He didn't like how that made him feel.

It was mid-afternoon when Julia's email arrived in James Inbox and with an equal sense of trepidation and excitement he opened it. James heart sank when he read the first part where Julia stated that she has already made plans all weekend for the evenings. However, she went on to write, "While I am busy each evening I could still meet you from 6:00 -- 7:00 PM on Friday. We'll meet at my home. For Friday's meeting I think it would be a good idea to bring a resume with you. I know it's not much notice but if you could update it before you arrive that would be so excellent. I want you to think very carefully on how you structure this updated version. To be specific I want it to resonate with me and be relevant to our personal relationship." Signed, Julia.

To say that James was perplexed at this most recent reply would be an understatement. A resume?? What in the world could she have in mind with a resume wondered James. More troubling still, what information would he put on it. Was Julia looking to see what his job skill set entailed? The darker side of James mind wondered if he was to include the activities of their last get together as part of the document. He shuddered to think about what this might look like to read.

For the rest of the evening James tried to get his mind off the impending Julia appointment by keeping busy. The bookstore, the gym, the coffee shop were all stops that did little to fulfill his quest for entertainment and diversion. He was just killing time by going through the motions and he knew it so he headed back to his apartment and opened his notebook checking email first. Without opening any of the three new ones he clicked on Julia's email first and reread the message. "Yep," James thought, "nothing has changed", yet he read and reread the message somehow hoping that the resume part would not be there or that it would appear negotiable. Initially, James had rejected the idea of her request because it seemed to distance him from any kind of intimate relationship opportunity that he hoped would define their future. However, as the evening wound down an odd sense of anticipation and excitement ever so slowly surfaced in his mind. He began fantasizing about all the decadent and wicked activities that could be part of his document including some of the activities that the two of them had already embraced. Before long James found himself growing erected. No matter how much he tried he couldn't turn off the flow of thoughts that were feeding his excitement. By now, it became clear to him that he was going to acquiesce to Julia's requirement for Friday. And with this admission he eagerly went to his notebook and brought up the most recent version of his resume. Once he started editing he literally flew through the outdated skill set and began putting to words a whole new set of skills that would apply distinctly to Julia. After furiously working without stopping James was shocked to note it was 1:30 AM. He read and reread the new resume making appropriate changes to make sure grammar, dates, punctuation were all accurate. He knew what a stickler and perfectionist Julia could be and he wanted this document to impress her in a most favorable way. He realized that with this new document he would hit the bull's eye so to speak or look like a complete fool. He wistfully reflected on how he'd become more accustomed to the latter.

As he drifted off to a night of intermittent sleep his last thoughts revolved around the scenario that would play out on Friday. Surely James knew that the relationship was about to make yet another turn. Not surprisingly, he couldn't wait for Friday.

James arrived promptly at 6:00 PM and walked to the front door of Julia's home dressed in his normal business attire in nice slacks, button down shirt, and to make an extra good impression he fitted himself with his best tie. Hair just so, shoes well maintained, and resume in his briefcase he rang the buzzer. His heart was pounding in his chest and regrettably he could feel a thin sheen of light sweat on his forehead. To himself he said, "Here goes!"

Julia answered the door and took in the "dressed up" James in a millisecond and gave him a smile that practically melted him. "How can anyone be so charismatic and beautiful at the same time?" he thought. Julia was dressed in a work outfit looking very professional in her below the knee skirt and long sleeve white blouse buttoned tightly at to the top. The combination of navy blue and bright white always looked radiant on her. The crowning touch was Julia's 3 inch black high heel shoes with straps. James didn't think that she wore these shoes to the office very often and wondered if this part of her outfit was intended for him.

"James, do come in. My, my, aren't you just the looker today. So very handsome and I love your tie!" There it was the radiant and bewitching smile. "Let's go into my study and we can get started. Would you like some wine?" Before James could even answer she squealed, "Sure you would!" I've got a perfect white zinfandel that is going to make you swoon." She ever so faintly pushed her lips together giving James a pseudo kiss. It was the playful Julia, so far, James thought. He knew too well how fast that could change.

As they entered her study Julia motioned James to a chair in front of her desk and left the room presumably to get the drinks. James sat down and looked around the room that was filled with books and journals on two of the walls. There were no personal photos in this room that was impeccable with a hard wood floor, sleek modern furniture, and various art works adorning the other two walls. Cozy wouldn't aptly describe it. Modern, smart, and practical might. As James returned his eyes to the book shelf on his left he couldn't help but notice that the book he and Julia had used to view the obscene photos last week was holding a prominent place on the shelf.

Julia handed James the wine and took a seat behind her desk. As she settled in she gave him an appraising look that made him squirm a bit. To break the silence James joked, "I feel I'm about to be interviewed", followed by a short, nervous laugh.

"You may be more right than you think, James. The reason I invited you over this evening was that I have an opportunity that I think may be of interest to you. I've taken on a new partner at the practice to assume some of the session work as I intend on working out of my house part of the time. Not so much to see patients but there a number of new projects that I want to begin exploring and working from home will be much more practical. Understand, so far?"

James nodded.

"I'm going to need someone who can assist me by performing a number of tasks. Some simple, others more, adventuresome and challenging. Someone who will be able to attend to some of my more personal needs. Initially, it will be part time, often evenings and weekends. How should I put this? It won't be your traditional job with secretarial and office type duties but one that is tailored specifically to meet my lifestyle needs. It's not the type of position that would appeal to the majority of the work force." She smiled and nodded at Jim to see if he understood.

He didn't but nodded his head, anyway.

"This assistant will be challenged to fill many roles and will have to cater to, and anticipate, a variety of needs that I will require. Flexibility and the willingness....the willingness to bid my orders and requests without hesitation will be imperative. The successful candidate will have to love their work; it would be fair to say."

James cleared his throat to speak but Julia held up a finger effectively staving off any attempt by him to interrupt her.

There is a young woman I had intended on offering the position to but after our meeting last week I realized that this might be a position that would interest you, James. And, that is why I asked you to bring your resume. May I have it?

James opened up his traveling briefcase and handed her the resume. He kept a copy for himself, just in case he needed to reference the information.

"One page. Excellent! I detest having to pour over page after page explaining what someone did 15 years ago. Short and to the point is so appreciated."

Julia was quiet as she perused the resume. She wore a faint smile on her face as she began reading that spread to an outright grin very quickly. At one point she laughed. At this point she looked at James and said, "Very nice job, James. This is exactly the type of information I was expecting. You have passed the first hurdle."

Curiously, this confirming comment from Julia failed to relax James. He did, however, revel in the compliment.

"So, James, are you interested in serving me in my home?"

James was definitely feeling the heat as the room seemed to have gotten warmer since he first entered although Julia seemed very cool from where she sat behind the desk. All he could think to say at this point was, "Yes, Julia, I am interested.

" Perfect! The Interview will begin now."

"James, are you willing to work whenever you are needed? Of course, I realize that your daytime position will require a Monday through Friday daytime routine but I'm referring to the evenings and weekends."

"I think so, Julia." Julia's silent gaze urged James to add, "Um, yeah, I could be flexible. Of course, some advance warning would be helpful." He sort of half laughed after this last part.

"Unfortunately, James, I'm going to need you to be available on very short notice. That's a requirement for the position." Her eyes maintained contact with his as she awaited an answer.

"Okay, sure, I guess that would be okay."

"And, frankly, James, some of the work will be pretty tedious and mundane and will require an obedience and discipline to follow protocol without questioning the details. Expectations of performance will be strict, but fair. Are you with me so far?"

"Yes, Julia, that seems fine. No problem from my end."

"Getting back to the duties, James, as I said before they will not be traditional office type tasks. For example, you may feel that some assignments are beneath you or undignified yet for this position those thoughts could not come in to play. You would have to press on and table your doubts and insecurities and complete the task per my instructions"

"So, for example, if I asked you to do some laundry and fix me a light snack would this be a problem?"

"No Julia, no problem."

James had several questions he wanted to ask but at this point he thought it wise to sit back and field the questions that Julia was asking. But to clarify he said, "Yes, Julia, I pride myself on being flexible."

"Very good, James. I like an employee who is respectful and efficient. You are efficient, correct?"

"Yes, very much so." James knew this to be true as he consistently received high evaluations throughout his career. "Julia, if I may ask, what does the position pay?" He hated asking this question but he needed to know what he was signing up for, if he did sign up.

"There is no financial compensation, James."

Strangely, nothing more was said at this point and Julia returned her eyes to the resume.

"It says here that you are loyal and trustworthy. Does that mean I can count on your complete submission to my authority on all matters?"

"Yes, it's very clear that you would be the boss and I would have no problem maintaining confidentiality in all matters." He awkwardly added, "You would be my superior and I would always defer to your judgement. " Even as he said this James stomach seemed to be tightening up on him because who relinquishes all their work rights in exchange for a position that pays, well, nothing? Of course, that's not exactly true, and he knew it. The compelling reason for taking this position would be "her presence". It seemed at this point that it was the most viable option for spending time with Julia. Maybe his only option.

Julia smiled. She then got up from her seat and came around to the front of the desk. Planting her perfect ass on the corner she smiled at James and said, "I'm impressed with your preparation and your attitude, James. This only reinforces what I've always known to be true about you. You've certainly progressed from the first time I saw you in the office. This pleases me."

She was now looking down at James in his chair and he suddenly felt very overwhelmed by her presence. Julia seemed to tower above him. He could smell her fragrance ever so faintly and his head became light. He was sure he was starting to perspire. On top of that the leg that was highest on the desk was now offering him a close up of Julia's foot encased in the 3 inch black pump. The lump in his throat was palpable. As he tried to not look at Julia's foot it only served to make it more of a presence. He wanted to look at it, stare at it, but he felt too embarrassed. Yet, he felt, no knew, that Julia could read his thoughts on this matter.

"While the pay is not great", Julia giggled just a bit, "there are fringe benefits that come with this position. Can you guess what they might be, Jamie?"

Oh, god, here goes the Jamie routine. And, this is where the questions get really tough, James thought. It was so easy to give the wrong response but he knew that Julia would press him until he was direct. "Um, one fringe, and I'm just guessing here, is that the employee would be attending to your personal needs."

"Hmm. What do you suppose that would entail?"

"I'm not sure I know you well enough, Julia, but maybe you'd enjoy a neck massage or something when you've been working hard all day." A safe answer, James thought, yet it brooches a more intimate task than what has been discussed, so far.

"Are you good at massage, James? Have you any training?"

None formal, ma'am." Geez, why did he say ma'am, James thought. I don't call anyone by that title.

"This might be a nice time for a work sample, James. A little test of your aptitude for massage. Are you up for it?"

He wasn't sure but he thought she glanced at his crotch after that last question. Of course, that was part of the problem right there, thought James, I am "up" for it as over the last couple of minutes he felt his erection slowly growing. He tried to adjust how he sat in his chair as to hide it but this strategic movement did not escape Julia's eyes as she followed his movement with a touch of a smirk on her face.

"Um, sure, Julia. I'm up for a work sample. Whatever is you require."

"I'm feeling quite generous at the moment, James, so I'm going to let you decide what part of my body you would like to massage. My only requirement is that you perform this "task" without your clothes on."

James flinched ever so slightly at this last request. Julia added, "This isn't making you uncomfortable is it, Jamie? It's doesn't seem too challenging, does it?"

James bowed his head and replied, "No Julia, I'm feeling okay and this is a reasonable request." He thought he must be crazy to answer that question like that but he was beyond thinking rationally and he was pretty certain Julia knew it, too.

"Well then, prepare yourself. While you do you can contemplate the location of my massage. You don't mind too much massaging me, do you? If we are moving too fast......"

It occurred to James that he was really beyond thinking being relegated to the reacting mode as Julia was picking up the pace and he had all he could do just to keep up with her questions. He didn't even answer the last question but he did start removing his clothes starting with his shoes, then shirt and tie. Keeping his eyes downward he finished disrobing, stacked his clothes to the side of the desk and sat down in the chair. His erection at about half mast only fueled his utter embarrassment of the situation. But, he had a decision to make on the massage location and with so many choices what to select? He loved Julia's feet so that was the obvious choice yet he desired to venture to other parts of her flawless body, too. Massaging her breasts didn't seem quite right, her back wouldn't be enough of her but then it occurred to him that if he chose her leg he could not only touch and handle her all the way up to her ass but the leg would include Julia's perfect foot!