by Hanjing Yang
“Mercy my dear, we have a great opportunity. Since when have we had a good sex story? I am with Carys on this one. We want details. You can tell us all about it on the way to Hyannis.”
**********
A pair of town cars arrived at the house in Baxter. Lexi chose to ride with Mercy. She was more private than Sepia and Carys. She would let Lexi enjoy the after-glow and not ask probing questions. The drive was lovely and the sky was azure. Lexi wished for a moment that the skies were grey and the fog thick. It would delay Shelby’s departure.
The car approached a security checkpoint. It was not flashy but a closer look would reveal banks of cameras and well armed guards. The grounds were impeccable without being pretentious. The Mansion was expansive. It was wooden with a red shingle roof. Lexi counted eight chimneys. The porch wrapped around the house. It held antique wicker chairs and lounges. They were begging to be sat in.
The cars pulled up to a guesthouse, which dwarfed her home in Monroe. Shelby stood at the front door wearing rose-colored shorts and a faded navy polo shirt.
“Welcome ladies. We are going to have breakfast on the screened porch. It has a picture perfect view of many sailboats departing on a day cruise. Please excuse my haste. I need to attend a dinner event tonight so I am running on a tight schedule.
“Good morning Lexi. You look stunning.” Shelby spoke to her quietly.
The table was set with ivory china and silver. An enormous vase was filled with yellow salt mist roses dominated the center of the table. Croissants and scones were scattered between the precise table settings. It was a blend of casual charm and elegance. The women took to their wicker chairs with plush periwinkle and white cushions.
“Please relax ladies. I am honored to host an interesting group of ladies. It is the most pleasant surprise I have had in a long time. You may request anything you desire to drink. Coffee will start us out.”
“I’m no shrinking violet. I will have a mimosa.”
“I am with you Carys, I will have one as well.”
“Bloody Mary?”
“Coffee is fine for me. I forgot to sleep last night. The dishes took me hours. You all owe me one.”
“We are having lobster crepes. If it is too rich for you speak up. We have fresh fruit, granola and shit if that is your desire.”
No one spoke up. They enjoyed their high fat, calories and alcohol. They had stepped into a fairytale. No one seemed to mind that it was someone else’s book. After the meal was finished, Sepia, Carys and Mercy left for a walk of the grounds. Shelby and Lexi took a walk on the beach.
“No regrets Mrs. Casmino?”
“Shelby, when I get a chance to sleep I am sure to dream about last night. I do not think it was right. You are a married man. I hardly know you. You were a man in a poli sci class who was way above me in every way.”
“That is not how it was. I had no confidence and I was blind to a woman like you. We do not have a lot of time so we will leave this until another time. I have been in talks with Dr. Bill Collins about your daughter.”
“Go ahead Shelby. She is all that really matters.”
“He has gone over her case at my request and he thinks he can get a team in place to operate on Mae in three weeks. He has spoken with her doctors and she will need to be on a new treatment regimen leading up to surgery. She will be taking some tough stuff and she will seem to get more ill when taking these new medications. I need to hear that you will accept my aid Lexi.”
“Shelby insurance takes time and money is an issue.”
“Done and done. Mae’s life is at issue here. We are a separate issue. I cannot say how we will move forward but as I said before – I am in a position to help.”
“How do I move forward with Mae?”
“Have your phone with you at all times. The facility in Monroe is quite good. She will receive all of her preliminary tests and medication from home. The actual surgery will take place in Boston. I will fly you up. I will handle all of Mae’s expenses. Lexi there is one thing I ask of you – absolute discretion. I do not care what story you have to make up. Keep my name private. Do not give details to your friends, your sister Regina or Mae and Lucy. I have a lot of business associates who are looking for my slightest stumble.”
“I feel like a top shelf hooker Shelby.”
“Lexi you are not. All I have is my word. Last night meant something to me. You are not for sale. That is what sets you apart.”
Shelby and Lexi met with the others back at the house. The cars were waiting for the women. It was time to step back into reality. A pair of women approached the guesthouse.
“We wanted to say good-bye before you left Shelby. Next time you will have to stay longer. Be sure to tell Mason that he is welcome when he moves up to Boston.”
“The hospitality goes both ways if you find yourselves down south.”
“Bye Shelby.”
“Bye Kathleen, bye Rory.”
The names confirmed to the friends where they had enjoyed breakfast.
“Excuse me girls. They are family friends – old and loyal family.”
“Thanks for breakfast. You are aware that we will be searching for you on the internet after we leave here. I am running for re-election next year. Perhaps you will stump for me.” Sepia joked.
“Count on me as an anonymous donor. Thanks to all of you for your friendship. I know we will meet again. Just ask Sepia. She and that damned social media will find me.”
Lexi remained standing on the pebbles. The others entered their vehicles.
“You will hear from Bill and his staff. I will remain apprised of Mae’s condition. Goodbye for now Lexi. I will be in touch soon.” Shelby grabbed her hair and pulled her in for a last passionate kiss.
“Bye Shelby.”
Chapter 5
“Hello Vince. I hope the skies cooperate. It is nearly 8pm in Nice. I have to do some rearranging of my schedule as I do not think even you can get me to France in an hour. Do your best to get me there smoothly. I need the rest.” Shelby instructed his pilot. Vince had given flying lessons to him and the boys. He was as an uncle to all of them.
“Will do sir. The ride is always smooth.”
“It had better be for $25 million.” Shelby smiled.
He purchased the Gulfstream IV when he received a good portion of his inheritance. It had become indispensable for business and overseas travel. He had a smaller jet, which Maxine had at her disposal. If neither was available, he could easily charter another’s aircraft. He rarely flew commercial. Ease of movement and the ability to do it in comfort was one of the perquisites of extreme wealth. He loved adult toys.
“Tiffany talk to me. I fucked up and I missed the cocktail party and I am on my way to Nice but I will not make the keynote address.”
“Oh.”
“See if Samples will deliver the address. I can talk at the wrap up function. I want to tour the facilities as planned in the morning. I will be late to the Radisson. I hope you booked the presidential suite through the week.”
“Got it Shelby. Is there anything else? I feel like I am missing something.” Tiffany queried.
“You are missing something. It is personal.”
“Dr. Conrad I think it is unwise…” Shelby stopped her from continuing.
“Personal Tiffany. Good night.”
**********
Shelby arrived in his suite past midnight. Welcoming baskets and an assortment of gifts covered the table in the foyer. It was his custom to pick anything of interest and have the remainder delivered to a local charities. Notes ended up in Tiffany’s hands. Thank-you cards would be sent when necessary. It was customary to receive a bin of luxury lotions, oils, candles and a bottle of Champagne from Janae Samples with a card. He opened the missive.
For your consideration and comfort.
J.
Shelby sighed and thought of Lexi. Her scent was natural. There was no need for scented oils or candles. She had smelled of the brackish marsh. Enhancemen
ts suddenly seemed dirty. They relied on ginger lemonade and got drunk off each other. He was jolted out of his reverie by a rap on the door.
“Janae. I was just reading your card. How did you know of my arrival?”
“You seem surprised. I have radar. Where have you been lover? Wiles had to speak on your behalf.”
“I had business in Boston. Come in Janae.”
Janae pinned Shelby and kissed him hard as she removed his polo shirt. Her crimson wrap dress fell to the ground. Her ideal body showed her dedicated commitment to the gym. Her lingerie was merely silk straps, which joined her dress on the carpet. Her tits were hard and well worth the money Wiles paid for them. She knew what Shelby liked and he was powerless.
Sex with Janae was predictable and reliable had been good enough for a long time. She felt amazing. Like a thoroughbred, her legs were long, lean and strong. She wrapped herself around Shelby and like a bow tie, she pulled snugly. He could not imagine Dr. Wiles Samples surviving an hour with Janae. He doubted he ever made it past ten minutes.
In the years he had been trysting with Janae he never failed to perform.
“Jet lag must have hit you severely Shelby. Have I done something wrong?”
“You are delicious Janae. I am just out of sorts tonight. You may be correct. It is jet lag.”
“Am I an unwanted guest? We have a good thing going. I am discreet and loyal to you and your bed. I do not ask questions about your life in the US with Maxine and I do not offer details of my life with Wiles.”
“My Janae you know that I appreciate everything about you. I hate this circuit but it helps my relevance. You make it pleasant. Can we try again? Open the windows to the terrace. Perhaps the sea air will calm me.”
Janae began rubbing Shelby with oil. She had chosen a rosemary/lavender blend and she massaged his inner thighs, which were particularly susceptible to her touch. She changed to a different lotion of lemon and ginger. Combined with the sea air, Shelby thought of Lexi and came all over Janae.
“That did the trick. Are you better now Shelby?”
“That was perfect Lexi – I mean Janae. Sorry. It’s a character in a book I was reading on the way over.”
“Nice save. I did not know you read anything except medical journals and The Financial Times. You will have to give me the title.” Janae began to wrap her dress and shove her silk strings in her bag.
“I am here all week Janae.”
Janae exited the suite leaving Shelby alone to consider what he had gotten himself into.
**********
“It is Janae. Something is up with Dr. Conrad. We have a deal. I think it is another woman. Check out the name Lexi. Fix it or I talk. I have had more than enough opportunities to take photographs. The press loves riches to rags story. Am I clear?”
“Crystal.”
**********
Shelby was present for the remainder of the medical conference. It made him a better physician to view all of the latest technology in use. It was a gathering of brilliant minds, Shelby among them. He preferred medicine to real estate. He often wondered what he could accomplish if he focused on the former. He had not had a return visit from Janae. It was his last night in Nice before taking two days to relax in Cap-Ferrat. He had avoided calling Lexi. He wanted her to enjoy her days at the Cape. Life would change drastically when Mae’s treatment got under way.
Shelby’s phone rang.
“Yes.”
“It’s Lexi. Please say you remember me.”
“Do not be a fool. It has not been one week. I think of you every day. You are enjoying your fabulous friends. With the time difference and my busy schedule I chose to focus on work.”
“I have spoken to Dr. Collins every day. He is the greatest man. He has spoken to Mae and put her at ease. I have told everyone that we hooked up with some experimental trial. It is pro bono as a matter of course. The night we had made me a happier person and more powerful to take care of my girls.”
“You had the power Lexi. I just helped you find it.”
“I leave for Monroe tomorrow. Will I see you again Shelby?”
“Yes. I will make it happen. You focus on your daughter. I will be in touch.”
Chapter 6
Shelby arrived in Charleston after a couple of days on a yacht in the Mediterranean. He had expected Janae to drop in but she had remained absent. He had a platonic marriage, a pissed off girlfriend and a woman in New York State who was quite possibly in love with.
Shelby poured a glass of bourbon and hopped in the Jacuzzi. Maxine and the kids would be back to Broad Street in the morning. He turned up the jets and thought about Lexi and Baxter.
**********
“Hay Dad. We’re home. Come out and play Dad.” The boys shouted greetings throughout the house. It was music to Shelby’s ears. A sound he had gone too long without.
“Mason, Wade I’m on the terrace come give a proper hello to your father.” They clung together in a gorilla hug.
“Dad. Ease up man it has been less than a month. Wade and I want to whip you in a game of tennis. We can grab a beer afterwards.”
“Mason. You mean grab a soda correct?”
“Oh, I’m sorry I forgot. I’m not 21.”
“I will change. Give me about 10 minutes. Grab one of the Griffith boys from next door and we can play doubles.”
“Why don’t we ask Mom?”
“No Mason, golf is her game.” Shelby reminded Mason.
“Yeah. It should be as she was taking lessons every day.” Mason was clueless as to what that meant.
Shelby grinned and went to say hello to his wife. Her return from her month on Shawlaw was awkward. He knew what she was doing at the beach and she knew he knew. It would have been comical if it were not so personal.
“Welcome home Maxine. I did not hear from you so I assume all went well at the beach. It looks like you spent a great deal of time outdoors. Your tan is not from a spray can.” Shelby kissed his wife on the cheek.
“You look well rested as well Shelby. How was France?”
“I learned a lot Maxine.”
“Mason has countless errands to run before we head to Boston. I assume the Back Bay condominium is vacant. We will use it as command central until Mason is settled in the dormitory. I want him to be able to use the property as a safe haven. He does not know his roommate well.”
“Maxine we will have to discuss the condominium. It is promised to a family whose daughter will be recovering from open- heart surgery. We can hook up with another spot. We are not staying to babysit our 17-year-old son and he does not get a safe haven. Maxine, you know how I feel about this. We have to be home as Wade begins school the following week.”
“I will give you a few days to think about this Shelby. I will make reservations for dinner tonight.”
“The boys and I will pick up some oysters and steaks. I feel like barbecue.”
“The cook is not back yet.”
“I will cook. I’m good at it.”
“I’ll have a salad.”
Shelby and his friend lost to Mason and Wade – 6-1, 6-2
“Nice backhand Wade. You are getting better and I’m getting older.”
“It happens Dad. It is weird that we never do stuff as a family. I know you are busy. Don’t you miss Mom?”
“Love is different at my age Wade. Your Mom and I love each other. We have remained married all these years.”
“You sleep in separate rooms Dad. We notice shit like that. I guess I know what kind of marriage I do not want. I am having sex with my wife every night.”
Shelby felt sick to his stomach.
“You’re a virgin Wade. You have a lot of time to figure it out”
“Virgin?”
**********
The Conrads had a barbecue and Shelby burned the steaks. He had fun trying. He held Maxine’s hand for the sake of the boys. He thought of Lexi.
Lexi was going to be in Boston while he was brining Wade to college. He had to
check in with her to make sure Mae was progressing on her medication. He dropped inside to call in privacy.
“Lexi.”
“Shelby. We are more than a week into the drugs. Mae is nauseous and listless but it is expected. We leave for Boston next week. I am bringing Lucy. She will miss the first couple of school but she is bright and she will catch up. Everyone is in the dark here. I have only spoken to your man Perry. You said I could trust him and he has been heaven sent.”
“I have known Perry since I was ten. He has not made any moves on you has he?”
“No Shelby.”
“I am busy with Mason but I will be in touch.”
“Do not forget Wade. I see it with Lucy. They get lost when we give extra attention to the other. You have Maxine too. I have no right to have feelings for you Shelby.”
“Bye Lexi. Luv Ya.”
Shelby heard the screened door close. He just said luv ya, not to be confused with I love you. Shelby was in bad shape.
“Maxine where are the boys?”
“They went in to watch a movie. Are you ready for bed?”
“I am a little wiped. I will see you tomorrow Maxine.”
“Shelby, I want you to come to bed with me. You are my husband and I luv ya.”
Maxine had Shelby in her bed that night. She dominated. She moved Shelby’s hands where she wanted them. Her skin was like leather where it had been overexposed to the sun. Maxine was clearly marking her territory. Shelby felt violated.
“Wow Shelby that was delightful. You have had practice.” Maxine rolled over. Her silicone breasts needed a lift.
“What is going on Maxine? This is not like you. I thought I was following all of the rules of this twisted arrangement.”
“Lexi was not a part of the deal Shelby.”
“I am missing something here.”
“I hand-picked Janae Samples for you Dr. Conrad. I had my guy and I wanted you to have fun too. I wanted it to be a woman I could keep my eye on. I did not plan on some little twit from small town New York to come along. I had to fuck your desperate pal Perry for weeks before I could convince him to tell me all about Lexi Casmino. Her dying daughter adds a sentimental touch Shelby.”