Cougar Awakening

by J. A. Rawls

“What’s the matter with you?” Jana narrowed her eyes, carefully studying her ex-husband.

  “Jana, over the next several months, and possibly for a year or so, I’m going to need your help with my company.”

  “My help? Help to do what for God’s sake?”

  “Help in the day-to-day operations.”

  “And I would do this-why?”

  “Because you used to care about me, still do, at least I hope you do.”

  “Okay, enough of this crap. What the fuck is going on, Craig?”

  “I just don’t know how to begin, but here goes. I went to my doctor this morning and I’ve been diagnosed with prostate cancer.” He watched her closely, waiting for a response.

  She reached out and took his hand, “Craig, I’m so sorry. What is the doctor’s prognosis?”

  “Actually he feels good that he caught it in the early stages. They’re going to do some more tests and a couple of biopsies of the lymph nodes, and they’ll decide a course of action to fight the progress of the disease. He’s even looking at removing the prostrate as he says I don’t really need it, but that will be a last resort. The doctor believes with chemotherapy, some radiation treatments and monitoring they can stay ahead of it. Unfortunately the treatments are going to take me out of operation for a couple of months. Based on what I was told I shouldn’t have a problem working during the radiation treatments though. If we go to surgery, then we’ll have to take it a day at a time. That’s why I’m here.” He stood and handed Jana some legal looking documents.

  “What are these for?”

  “They give you full power of attorney to do anything you need to do to keep my company operational if I become ill. There’s also a medical power of attorney to get care for me as needed if I’m incapacitated, and a living will so the hospital doesn’t keep me alive by plugging me into a lot of useless machines. If anything, and I know you know this, if it’s my time to go I want to do it with dignity. Lastly is a copy of my will which leaves everything to you and Liza, with you making the decision on who gets what.”

  “Craig I appreciate your trust in me, but as always you failed to consider whether I’d even be willing to do this or not. Don’t you think Liza would do this for you better? She’s your daughter and she loves you.”

  “I know, but I don’t think she could run the business, and that’s one of my biggest concerns. If you have oversight I know you’ll do what’s best since a lot of what I do, we do together in joint efforts.”

  Jana cast a glance at the picture of their daughter on her desk, “Have you told Liza?”

  “Not yet, I wanted to talk to you first.”

  “Do you want to call her now, so we can all three discuss this?”

  “I’d like to wait until the rest of the tests are back. That way we’ll know a plan of attack and exactly what we’re up against. Jana, if you don’t want to do this I’ll understand, really I will.”

  “You know I’ll do this for you, and I’ll stand by you, but we need to get help. I’ve got some European commitments to personally attend to. Hopefully I’ll get most of the standup of those efforts accomplished while you’re waiting for the test results, but if not we need a plan.”

  “I really appreciate your help with this, I really didn’t know who else to ask.”

  “What about your girlfriend, what’s her name-Candice?”

  “Unfortunately the minute she found out about this and the potential that I’d need my prostrate removed, meaning no further sex, she walked. To tell you the truth I wasn’t surprised, I knew how shallow she was, even though you didn’t think so.” He smiled shyly.

  “Craig, let’s agree that our respective love lives are off limits for discussion. Listen, I’ve got another meeting, but we’ll talk more about this tomorrow. Why don’t we have dinner tomorrow night?”

  “Sure, I guess, what about Mike?”

  “Even though I told you just a minute ago we weren’t going to discuss our respective love lives, I’ll answer your question. Mike leaves in the morning for his new job in Vegas. No more questions, as I don’t want to lie to you.” She kissed him softly and gave him a hug as she escorted him to the door. “I’ll call you later tomorrow to set up dinner plans.” Closing the door, she leaned back against it and began to cry. Damn I feel like the Godfather, ‘every time I think I’m out they pull me back in’. She walked to her desk and took a tissue from the drawer to blow her nose. Shit.

  Jana looked up as Charlie knocked and entered her office. “What was Craig’s problem this time?” He saw her tear stained face.

  “It’s not good. He was diagnosed with prostate cancer.”

  “Oh my God, what’s he going to do?”

  “His doctor is doing more tests, and then they’ll develop a plan.” She handed Charlie the legal documents Craig had given her and waited for him to finish reading them. “I know he’s left me in control of his life once again, but I couldn’t say no and he knew I wouldn’t. Damn, Charlie I thought I was out of this.”

  “Jana, you are out of it. You care for him as a friend, and that’s not going to change; hell, he’s the father of your only child. But this is a business arrangement, nothing else. Don’t let him do this to you. His poor Craig, nobody loves me routine has lost its appeal. What happened to his little honey, what’s her name Calamity?”

  “No,” Jana chuckled, “it’s Candice and she’s split. This entire sickness thing was too much for her to handle. In some ways I can’t blame her, as I’d like to do the same thing.”

  “You won’t, you’ll stick. Does Liza know?”

  “Not yet, Craig wants to wait until he has more of the medical results and a plan forward. I’m thinking of calling her anyway so she can start figuring out how much she wants to get involved. You know her husband is in Iraq right now, so she could actually come here and live with her father while all this is going on. In fact, I bet her husband would like it if she was here versus staying at the base. She hasn’t been working lately, so she’s free if we need her. I think it’s a good idea, and I’ll talk to Craig about it tomorrow night at dinner.”

  Charlie grimaced, “Jana don’t get tied to that man again, it isn’t healthy for you.”

  “Don’t worry, I won’t, but with Mike leaving tomorrow I think I’ll need someone to talk to and Craig is as good as anyone.”

  “To hell with Craig, let me get you a dog, or something that won’t borrow your car or your money.”

  “Thanks, I think. Get out of my office; I’ve got some planning to do for our trip next week. Yes we’re still going. If push comes to shove with Craig, I’ll pay for Liza to come and stay to help her dad while we’re in Europe. Is that better?”

  “Yes, at least you’re thinking about your needs first versus his. I think he’s using you, as is his normal way of doing things. Just be careful, okay.”

  “I know he’s using me Charlie, but what can I do? I’ll be careful-and Charlie,” she hesitated.

  “Yes...”

  “Thanks for watching out for me.” She smiled and watched him leave her office. She dialed Mike’s cell. It rang and rang but there was no answer. She left a voicemail, “This is Jana, call me at the office if you get a chance, otherwise I’ll see you tonight, nothing urgent.” I just need to talk to someone who actually puts me first, damn it I didn’t need this to complicate my life right now. She dialed another number and Jana waited for Liza to answer.

  “Hello,” came the lazy response with a radio playing loudly in the background.

  “Hi sweetheart, how’re you doing?”

  “I’m fine. Aren’t you at work? Is something up?”

  “Yes and yes. Are you sitting down?”

  “Mom, what’s the matter. Has something happened, is dad okay?” Liza questioned, desperate to hear her mother’s response.

  “Liza, your dad got some bad news this morning from his doctor.”

  “Wait mom, let me turn the stereo down; I can barely hear what you said.” All Jana could hear wa
s the music and then nothing, the line went dead. “Mom are you there? What did you say?”

  “Liza, now don’t panic, listen to all I tell you. Okay?”

  “Yes mom, just tell.”

  “Your dad went to his doctor today and he was diagnosed with prostate cancer. As of right now they are still running tests, but the doctor feels they caught it early and he thinks with radiation treatment and possibly some chemo, your dad will be fine. We won’t have a good plan until probably next week when he gets the tests all back. Okay, asks your questions and I’ll try to answer them.”

  “Mom why didn’t dad call me?” she was hurt her father hadn’t made that single effort.

  “Honey, he didn’t want to worry you and he felt if we waited until next week when we had a more definite plan that it would be best for you. I knew you would be mad if you knew we’d known for a week and hadn’t said anything to you, so that’s why I called. If your dad gets mad at me, so be it.”

  “What do you need me to do?”

  “Nothing right now and that’s partly why I called. Last week when we talked, I told you Charlie and I were making a trip to Europe. I can’t put that off any longer, and even though your dad says he needs me here I have to go to Europe to take care of business. It can’t wait. If you don’t mind, I’d like you to come and stay here until I get back. I know your dad is too proud to ask, but I know he’d feel better if you were here, and I definitely would feel better since I can’t be here. Do you mind?”

  “No, I don’t mind I’m not doing anything anyway with Jake in Iraq. In fact if dad wants, I can work for him and stay close if he needs me. Do you think that’s doable? I’d love to earn a little money while I’m there.”

  “I’m sure he’d like that, and if not then you can come and work for Cheryl. In fact she’s looking for an administrative assistant right now and you’d be great as temporary fill until she finds exactly who she wants. You can even stay with me or your dad whatever works best for you.”

  “Mom that’s great. Should I call dad?”

  “You can, I know he’d love to hear from you. He might actually be happy all this is out in the open and he isn’t the one that had to tell you. You know how much he hates being the bearer of bad news. Tell him your plans, and we can work the details out over the weekend. I love you. Talk to you soon.”

  “Bye mom; love you too. I’m calling dad and giving him a ration of shit. Silly old man,” she laughed. “Bye mom, talk to you soon.”

  Jana laid down the phone just as her cell rang. “Jana, here, may I help you?”

  “In more ways than one sweet lady,” Mike drawled. “Got your message and wanted to see if you were going to be late, or we needed to meet somewhere versus the condo.”

  “No, I’ll meet you there at seven. Did you get a chance to stop by your parents?”

  “Yes, I took mom to lunch and spent the afternoon with dad in his shop. I told them a little white lie. I said I was leaving tonight and would call them tomorrow evening.”

  “I understand. I’ve got a few things to finish so I’ll see you tonight. I miss you.”

  “I miss you too. Love you.”

  Jana smiled as she put her cell back in her purse. I’m going to really miss that young man, he makes me feel so special. Could there ever be anyone else that will make me feel that way?

  *****

  As they left for the airport the stillness was deafening. Talk to me, just talk to me. “Do you need anything for the trip, magazine, gum?” she questioned softly.

  “No, I’m fine.” He turned and took her in his arms. “Come with me Jana, we can make this work. I know we can.”

  “Honey, we’ve talked this to death. You know I can’t do that. I’ve got a business to run, I’ve got a trip to Europe to complete and there’s the problem with Craig. I promised I’d help him.” She saw the stricken look on his face, “Mike please don’t make this harder than it already is.” She lifted his chin to look in his eyes. “Tell you what, let’s plan to get together a month from today, whatever Friday that is. I’ll come to Vegas and get a room at the Venetian. You can come and stay with me and we’ll pretend no one else exists. What do you say?”

  “Actually doesn’t sound all that bad, but I don’t think I can wait that long. I’m really going to miss you. This week has been fabulous and to tell you the truth I’m afraid.”

  “Afraid of what?”

  “I guess that you won’t come. You really mean it right, in a month, it’s a date? I’m going to mark the days on my calendar. You’ll really come?”

  “In more ways than one I hope,” she laughed. As they pulled up to the departure gates Mike prepared to leave the limo. “Wait I have something for you.” - She reached into her purse and pulled out a wrapped package.

  “I’ve got something for you too.” He withdrew a beautifully wrapped box from his briefcase.

  “Okay, on three, we’ll open them together. One, two, three.” Jana began to open her present while Mike opened the one she’d given him.

  Mike said, “Oh Jana, these are so elegant. I’ve looked at different sets for a while now but these are exquisite. Whenever I use them I’ll think of you.”

  “Thanks, sweetheart that was exactly my plan.” She finished opening her package. Enclosed was a very beautiful, small porcelain box with blooming Iris on top and Petunias at their base. Jana knew it was a Limoges box as she had many in her collection. The mere fact that this young man, in just a short week, knew her love of Iris and small boxes amazed her. Tears filled her eyes as she opened the box and found her favorite Licorice Jelly Bellies inside. There was no holding back the tears, “Oh, Mike, you are the most precious individual I’ve ever met. I can’t tell you what this means to me. You make me feel so special. God, I’m going to miss you.” She threw her arms around his neck meeting him in a very passionate, wet kiss.

  Steven, the driver, waited the appropriate moments and then opened the door to help Mike out. Jana joined him, still crying. “Stay in touch, remember I’m only a phone call away. Good luck with your new business.”

  “I love you Jana, don’t ever forget that.” Mike gave her one more crushing hug, kissed her deeply and then walked into the terminal.

  As much as Jana wanted to go with him she knew she couldn’t. Steven helped her back into the car, and as they proceeded to drive away Jana turned in the seat and saw Mike looking at her through the window. She waved frantically and he waved back. I miss him so much already. Steven started to open the window between the seats, but heard her crying and closed it as he merged into traffic. I’ll give her a few minutes to compose herself, then see where she wants me to take her.

  About fifteen minutes later the window came down and Jana spoke, “Steven, take me to the office please.”

  “Yes, Ma’am.”

  She had a trip to plan, a merger to complete, she was having dinner with Craig, and Liza would arrive tomorrow. She wiped her eyes, blew her nose and whispered out loud, “I need this trip…Europe here I come.”

  END

  The Drama Continues

  In

  Cougar Bounty

  Jana moaned and arched her back. The flickering candles cast her surreal silhouette on the cave walls, her flowing hair, her proud breasts. She grabbed his long black hair in her hands, twisting it, pulling herself down onto him. She rose-and descended-again, riding a wave of passion. He was not the first and would not be the last. She looked down on him, and watched in horror as her hands changed, from the creamy skin, to something brown, tawny, her fingers contracting, the nails becoming claws. Her golden eyes blazed and she snarled...

  SHIT! Jana threw off the covers and sat straight up in bed. The room was black, save for the soft green glow from the clock, 3:30 a.m. She shook her head, a dream, I was...when she rubbed her eyes, her hand came back wet. She looked at her night gown; it clung to her damp body. Damn, that was weird.

  *****

  What started out to be a great week was getting worse by
the minute. Jana waited patiently for Liza to get her bags. I wish I were somewhere other than here. Too damned many problems to deal with at the same time. Maybe I could catch a flight to Europe tonight and get away from all of this.

  Craig hadn’t made himself sick, but there it was none the less. Liza’s presence would definitely make that entire drama easier. There she is, as beautiful as ever. Jana held out her arms, “It’s great to see you honey; how was your flight?”

  About the Author

  J.A. Rawls writes erotic romance, usually from the view of the Cougar in pursuit. She enjoys including bits of real-life travels that add to the reality and can be identified if you frequent certain cities. Reading, ballroom dancing, travelling and quilting are some of her favorite pursuits when she’s not writing. J.A. is currently working on several other erotic romances to include her sexy ‘Cougar’ series, stories of older women and their younger men.

  Enjoy These Other Romance Divine Selections

  by

  J.A. Rawls

  3-Way Weekend

  ISBN: 978-1-934446-23-2

  It’s supposed to be a ‘girls-get-away-weekend’ but weather problems leave Jana left alone in a Denver hotel. What’s a girl to do but make the best of the situation? Fortunately, identical twins Tim and Tom come to her rescue, and Jana learns about the stamina of youth and her own capacities as a woman.

  Play It Again Sam

  ISBN: 978-1-934446-33-1

  Susan Masters worked her way out of a bad marriage and up the company ladder. But now she was stalled, both at the company, and with trying to juggle two men in her life. Can she really handle a third man, or is this the one was she meant for? A sexy interlude in a cabana takes her to a new level of sensuous exploration, but leaves her with a little problem. Can a woman really have it all?

  Nation’s Call