Through a Glass Dimly Book 2Chapter 18
- 4 years ago
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The ownership of Olsen's had found that Joel's sick religion had permeated the company and aided its slide toward oblivion. They were nice gentlemen but I told them I was not interested in pulling their investment chestnut out of the fire. I asked them what they wanted for the company today in cash. When they told me, I laughed. I pulled out some paperwork I had put together on Olsen months ago when I established a valuation of half that amount at that time. I said the company had lost more value since then. I also asked them how much they were willing to invest further to fix some of the cash issues the company had while its operations were repaired. They were horrified because they weren't willing to kick in any more money as operating capital.
Finally, I said, "Gentlemen, I understand your pain and your desire. Unfortunately, reality cannot align with your desire without a considerable additional investment. A talented manager must have some capital with which to operate. Olsen's has none. The cash is almost gone, the receivables are questionable, the inventory is depleted, and the payables are large and overdue. I made you an offer through my lawyers back then that you refused. My offer would be smaller now if I would even make one. I know for a fact that you have lost two of the three exclusive lines that were keeping you going. I suspect the third company will be canceling their exclusive soon. The shell has lost so much value as to be worthless. If I bought the company, I would change the name to trade on the reputation that my wife and I have built over the last year." I sat back and waited.
The two men looked at each other. Finally, one of them said, "We don't have authority to sell at even your prior price. I don't know if we can get it."
I said, "I don't know that I'm interested at any price. My primary interest was for equipment my other company needed. Since Olsen's has lost those two exclusive lines, we can purchase what we need without Olsen's in the picture. I have enough to do without taking on a new challenge of that magnitude.
"However, if you want to make me an offer to purchase Olsen's considerably lower than my prior offer backed by audited statements that show some legitimate value, I would have to take it seriously."
I had nothing further to offer nor did they so they left after we shook hands.
Pam came into my office. Frankie was sleeping in her office. "Would you really be willing to buy it?"
"Pam, I don't know. I agreed to entertain such an offer. Also, we are representatives for those two lines and I have rented warehouse space on a piece of CME property for storing inventory for CME and for other customers in the area. It would be easy to combine what they have with those lines and develop a viable company.
"However, I am not making any marketing effort right now. If I'm going to get serious, I will have to hire a salesperson, a warehouse person, and someone to handle the office work."
She said, "Okay. I guess I need to dream up a name and a logo then." She grinned and I grinned back.
It was good that she did. I had an offer to buy Olsen's the middle of next week. It was supported with financials, a copy of the current unaudited financials, and a copy of the bank statement.
I took it all home to show to Lisa. She said, "I can tell you're interested but how will you run it?"
"I have an idea but you won't be happy about it."
"Tell me all about it."
"Okay. First, the area doesn't need another steel supplier. I want to be a specialty supplier. The inventory there is very low and I would sell that off at cost." She nodded. "I would remake the company into an industrial controls seller with the ability to build and service control equipment. Pam says to name it, Chambers Industrial Controls. We would get the property. It's close enough to help with CME's inventory issues. CIC wouldn't need much of the land."
She said, "Okay. What's the part that I won't like?"
"I want Mitch to run it. He may want that new guy working for Janet and want Melody. I would give him a piece of the action as an incentive because it will be a risk. Pam will run his marketing and I will lend what time and assistance that I can. I figure to give him enough money to operate for a year. By then, he should be on his way if it's going to work at all."
"You're right. I don't like that. He's one of my sharp ones and is a great leader. On the other hand, if he is willing, I will not get in his way. When are you going to spring all this on everyone?"
"Tomorrow, I will respond to the offer. It's fair so I won't bargain other than to hurry the closing. The sooner we close, the easier it will be to get the new company going. It will be an asset sale with CIC taking on the liabilities. That lets us control the way things will go."
"Okay, but you may not entice Mitch until you have a deal. If it falls through, there are other ways for me to applaud his good work. CME is starting to expand into that area some. You will have to joint venture with us since you will have my main guy for controls."
She smiled fiendishly. "You will owe me for this. I will take it out on your naked body."
I murmured, "Oh, I hope so!" I leaned in and kissed her. She met me half way. We wore each other out that night sleeping sated.
The purchase went off smoothly and Mitch and Melody were thrilled with the new opportunity. Lisa required Mitch find a new project manager and I required Melody to find her replacement.
While doing that, Lisa and I discussed Pam. We increased her salary and made her a vice president of C and C. I wanted her smarts to be with us and available. Frank was doing very well with Marv and would be a partner in the next year. I wanted Pam to continue to work and would try to keep her happy.
The day after the closing, Mitch, Melody, and I went over to Olsen's. There were only two employees left. One was an older man who was a laborer. The other was a younger woman who was trying to answer the phones even when she had nothing to tell people.
The man met us as we drove up in my car. He came up and said, "May I help you?"
I held out my hand and said, "I'm Al Chambers."
"I'm Ted Allen."
"It's good to meet you, Ted. I closed on the purchase of the company yesterday afternoon. You now work for Chambers Industrial Controls and Mitchell Morris is going to be the new boss. He's one of the owners, too."
Mitch said, "Ted, call me, Mitch. It's good to be here. We're going to make this work. Let's go into the office. Please come with us."
The four of us went into the office. Ted said loudly, "Stephanie, we have company."
A skinny, harried woman came from an office area. I said, "Good morning, ma'am. I'm Al Chambers. This is Mitchell Morris and Melody Morris. We're the new owners here."
She straightened self-consciously. "Mister Chambers, I'm Stephanie Landers. I guess I'm your other employee."
I smiled at her and tried to encompass Ted. Mitch spoke up. "Actually, you'll be working for Melody who was at one of Al's other companies. I come from still another. The new name is Chambers Industrial Controls."
Brian did call Jenna and groveled a lot and she forgave him. She didn’t agree to go out with him though. Brian also called Lisa and asked to come out to her plant and spend a day with her to learn. That story will be told but, first, it’s appropriate to tell some more detail about Karen and John. Never let it be said that teenagers don’t have a sense of humor. John talked to Karen’s parents and Karen talked to John’s. The story of the two of them is interesting enough that I asked John and...
Lisa and Linda make a powerful sales team. They have picked up three new pieces of business to quote. Nolan and Mitch have been reviewing the quotes with Jack and some of his guys. Ellen is now working there and doing well. I went to see one of their leads after they had been there. The owner said, “Those two are dynamic and beautiful. They don’t take no for an answer either. They have talked me into a project that I hadn’t planned to do for a year because they convinced me that I will make...
We put the phones on auto-answer and left. We had lunch at another of Lisa’s places. They were all very good though quite expensive. I figure we could afford it for a long time. Over lunch, Lisa told Pam of her raise and changed status. She said, “We don’t have a title yet but you’re too good to be wasted answering phones. We expect to grow and you will be able to grow with us.” Pam hugged us both and wiped her eyes. “You guys are good for me. My parents, as you know, weren’t very...
"Mitch, let us go first. We have the training. Stay close. You're our backup. Watch our backs for surprises." He wasn't happy but nodded. We snuck into the yard and to the side of the house. There was an open window. Ben pointed at it and at himself. I nodded. I went to the back door and tried the handle. To my surprise, it wasn't locked. I opened it carefully watching for traps but saw none. I went inside followed closely by Mitch. They had Melody stripped to the waist and were laying...
We went back to our office for lunch and to get to know Melody better. She’s a nice young woman who has had a limited upbringing though not as limited as Pam’s had been. Pam admitted that she reveled in the physical aspect of being married as much as any other part. Melody was admittedly a little jealous of Lisa and Pam. I could tell she wanted a connection. Lisa talked to her about being choosy. She explained that she waited for me and is glad she did. “I have to admit that I thought I...
Her aura was evident to me and I went to her unerringly. As I got closer, I could see who was with her. Jack and Emily were there with Karen and John behind Lisa. I couldn’t tell how tense Jack and Emily were but Karen and John looked tense to me. I came up behind the kids and rested a hand on each shoulder. Mentally, I touched Lisa as I noted some tenseness in Jack and Emily. I said, “Hello, everyone.” Mentally, I asked Lisa, “Is this the time?” I heard her reply that she wasn’t sure. I...
I heard, "Crap!" The connection was broken. I hoped Stan was on the phone. I started watching for people in back and saw two smaller shapes coming in low. I snuck up to them, "Laura, Frankie, what are you doing here?" They cringed. Laura whispered, "Dad, we heard shooting and wanted to check on you and Mom. I wanted to know you were okay." "We're fine but I almost shot the two of you. You could have contacted us mentally." "I'm sorry." "Quiet." I heard bushes move about...
Saturday morning came early but I don’t really mind waking up early when my wife has lips around my cock sucking me to hardness and beyond. She came up after swallowing everything and said, “I’ve had the cream. Now, I want my coffee!” She giggled. We got out of bed and put some clothes on to go downstairs and get coffee going. We had a cup, refilled and headed upstairs to get ready to go out. We would dress comfortably since it was Saturday and not a workday. When we came back down, Linda...
Running CIC was fun. We made almost no changes because Mitch is good. On the other hand, Melody wasn't quite the character Lisa is nor out in the shop as much. Stephanie came in the next morning with her eyes shining. Lisa was out in the shop so I received an extra hug from Stephanie. "Thank you. You're right. I'm not alone." After she got her coffee and covered a few small issues, we talked about hiring more help. I went over duties and people and suggested some immediate changes....
We went into our bedroom and removed our clothes. Walking out, we went to the hot tub and removed the cover and eased in. It felt good as we stayed in to our necks and held each other. We had the hot tub and a pool but found we didn't use them often enough. We had a service that came out on Mondays and Thursdays to service them year round. We had decided that they weren't the best options for our home. Like our basement exercise room, we had good intentions but poor follow through. We did...
That Sunday, we had one of our last classes. The big event there was the presence of Mavis and Roy's parents when Roy went to one knee and asked Mavis to marry him. Roy's father was still a little rough but had learned discretion over the years. Mavis agreed and everyone applauded. I was one of the first to shake Roy's hand. He had tears in his eyes. He said, "Thank you again for the lesson. I will have a wonderful lady who will be my wife because you cared enough to correct me. My world...
The next weekend, we got together again with the addition of Jenna and Brian. Frank reported that it could be done. Jenna then said, "Al, what do you have in mind?" I gave her the history of our discussions. Then, I said, "Rumor says you will be moved this year when Jim retires." She nodded slowly. "It's going to be difficult because there are no open appointments close by." I said, "We have in mind a special challenge that will keep you here in town." Her head and Brian's...
Our time was full but enjoyable. Mitch was ahead of his plans for sales. We funded his need for inventory as a loan but the company was running smoothly. He did hire a couple of guys from CME along with many others. As the character of the company changed from a steel supplier to an electronics supplier and a builder and servicer of electronic controls, the needs were different from the old Olsen's. He and Melody made a good team. Within three months, he had twenty people working for CIC and...
We went to bed early and made love gently. We slept in since we had nothing on our calendars for Monday. For us, that meant that we weren't showered and dressed and breakfasted shortly after eight. In our town, we could be almost anywhere in thirty minutes. We headed in to C and C figuring to get any confrontation resolved early and quickly. We came in and Annie stood up and came to us hugging us both. "Lisa, Al, it's good to have you back." She looked at Lisa closely and grinned. "You...
They arrived at the little clearing. John only gave them a little resistance when they tied him to a tree with a gag. Now, all six converged on Karen who truly looked scared. One of them said, "We going to take turns with you until you're screwed just like you screwed us on that test." I came out behind them and said, "I don't think so! Let her go!" Four of them turned to be between Karen and me. She began to fight now and the two holding her had their attention fully taken with her...
Karen said, "He shouldn't try to treat me like a baby. I'm not and I'm old enough to know what I want. They have had nothing to do with us not even sending Christmas or birthday presents or cards consistently." Lisa looked at me and I looked at the time. Frank would be going into church. I called him. "Frank, Al here. I may have an issue. Jack's parents are making sounds like they are going to remove Karen from my home. Can we get something fast from the court to give me some paper...
Lisa said, "Will you permit Stargazer to examine your body?" "What would I have to do, undress or something?" "Just hold my hand and be willing." She took Lisa's hand and nodded. I could feel Stargazer go through Evelyn's body. He stopped twice. He said, "You have a broken bone in your leg that didn't heal correctly. Would you like it fixed?" "How would you know? Yes, I would like to walk normally!" Stargazer said, "I knew when I looked at your body. I don't know how it...
We were proper at the reception. Pam and Frank were taking the newly weds to the airport for the private jet to the island. We were footloose and fancy-free. We went home and hurried inside. Lisa got me on the couch with my pants around my ankles and pulled the dress up to her waist and mounted me. We both groaned. It felt so good. We were connected through Stargazer and screamed our way to two mutual orgasms before stopping long enough to get naked and in bed. We managed two more before we...
That evening, Lisa talked to her mother over supper. Linda admitted that tennis was losing its allure since she was winning consistently. She would follow Lisa to work in the morning and look things over. I was going in to our office and try to get more consulting work going. In the morning, we all departed. I went in and found Pam arriving as I did. I greeted her and we went inside. It was ten when Lisa called. She said, “I have news, good news.” “That’s great. What’s happening?” She...
Fred continued, “We could have a small overlap of ten or fifteen minutes to give people a chance to tell their shift replacements what they are doing and explain how they are looking at things. It would allow us to work the projects we have faster. Bobby and I have been doing that while we take odd lunch times to get another half an hour of work in.” He sat down and the comments buzzed. Lisa let them talk while she listened to the voices. She smiled. “Guys, it sounds like you’ve figured it...
I said, “Karen, John, what do you expect us to say?” John said, “Not really say anything, we just want you there to keep our parents from going ballistic. They know this talk is coming. Having you there will force them to think rather than react. We don’t want them to say something we would all regret.” Karen added, “It’s not like we’re going to give them a choice though we would prefer to have their consent even if it’s reluctant. John and I love each other and have thought it through. I...
Sunday came early but I woke rested. I looked outside our window and saw our forest beyond the pond. I smiled and said a little prayer of thanksgiving. I padded into the kitchen to start coffee for us. I looked out the kitchen window which had the same view. Lisa came in and plastered her lovely naked body against mine putting her arms around me and holding her body gently but firmly against mine. We stood like that longer than we had to because the coffee had quit rumbling and was ready. We...
Doc Baker simply lay low for a few months to be sure there were no eyes on him. During that time, summer came, school let out, and vacations started. Melody and Mitch left on their vacation first with Lisa and I taking turns working at C and C and at CIC. Lisa was definitely pregnant. She would be due in the fall with our daughter who was talking to us and to Frankie all the time. She talked to Pam and Frank and to her grandparents a lot. The girls in the Sunday school class had never seen a...
They met us in the kitchen dressed and ready to go. We had coffee and a light breakfast and left for CME in my car. John had noticed that I handed Lisa into the car and went around to get in myself. He did that this morning and I think Karen gave him an eyeful in appreciation for his effort. Lisa always does for me. We pulled in at the parking lot and handed our respective ladies out. We walked in to hugs and kisses mostly for Karen. Lisa grabbed Angela and Red, told them what we were going...
It's been almost five years. Our Sunday school class graduates from high school including our special daughter, Karen. We now also have a son, Bert, who is partnered with similar results as we had with Laura. We had gone to the island but he wasn't conceived until a week later. Brightgazer is not a clone of Stargazer but it doesn't really matter. He's good for Bert who is growing well and rapidly. He is a junior but won't be an Al to avoid being called "junior" all his life. Karen has...
I'm jumping ahead mostly because it's been quiet. It's been fifteen years since I met a "poor" grad student at a fitness center. Officially, I'm forty-nine and Lisa is forty. We barely look thirty! We never did have a third child though we stay in practice in case we ever change our minds! The school is more popular than ever. We have limited enrollment but brothers and sisters continue to come along. At church, Pastor Jim and Barbara stayed in the area and have helped the new senior...
I came toward our home cautiously. Bert was at Hannah's house with Irene and Stan was on his way. I went by my house and turned around at the corner. I parked off the road and pulled my Glock. Mentally, I told Bert to pass the word to Stan to park behind me cutting his lights at the corner. He told me he had. Mentally, I went on. "Laura, where are you?" "I'm with Frankie at his house. What should we do?" I responded, "Stay put. Be on watch. Tell Pam and Frank to beware and...
The prisoners were now clamoring to talk. Milt had let them see all the news reports including our information on the SUV that was killed by the helicopter. Apparently, killing off your own team is not acceptable. The police separated them and began taped interrogations. Stan and I took Joe Dexter. Stan said, "Joe, you're going to get your deal according to the D.A. He says you died in the SUV. Reid's wife was killed and Reid went after Ames for doing it. From the reports we have heard,...
Stan and Irene were still talking to one pair so we went in another room where the other two fake FBI men waited. I said, "Sit down." One sat down and the other came at me. I dropped him hard. I went to the other. "Pick him up and put him in a chair." We had brought in two paper cups of water. I splashed both of them into the guy's face making him return to consciousness spluttering. Lisa said, "Is there any more stupidity or have you gotten it out of your system?" There was no...
Laura and Frankie are graduating from high school and getting married. Much to our surprise, she told Lisa and me that she was wearing white because she was still a virgin technically! She said, "Making physical love to Frankie will be almost anticlimactic. We've been lovers all our lives. When we didn't make love physically a few years ago, we decided to wait until our marriage." She giggled. "That's not to say we haven't come close or done other things! We are comfortable with each...
Frank ordered in sandwiches in for the three of us. We went over the documents between bites to be comfortable with the sequence and what the documents meant. We also signed off on the new corporation and the name would be Chambers Mechanical Equipment rather than the anonymous initials. We finished eating and reviewing documents with about half an hour to go. It gave us a chance to check with the office where Melody had everything under control with Pam and to go to the bathroom. We were...
Lisa and I entered our bedroom and I closed the door. I took a step toward the bed and stopped. She was standing before me. I put my arms around her and kissed her tenderly but it turned to passion quickly as I responded to her trying to mold her body to and into mine. She broke the kiss and both of us were breathless. Softly and seductively, she said, “I have told Stargazer to connect us when I stop talking. Tonight, you are mine. We’ve had a marvelous surprise today and I want to celebrate...
On the way to class, we were speaking to others when Lois came up to us. With her was a tall, skinny young man and she was holding his hand. She said, "Missus Lisa, this is Jeremy. He's my guest. May he come to our class rather the tenth grade group?" "Of course, Lois. Jeremy, we'll be glad to have you with us." I noticed that Lois was dressed a little better than usual. Being as tall as Lisa, she could compete in the legs department and was wearing a mini skirt today. I had the...
I headed toward her car. "Come on. I'll introduce you." As I approached, Lisa came into my arms and kissed me thoroughly. "Love, meet Ted Allen. He's one of two who stuck it out here. He's a good guy and is going to be a lot of help. Ted, this is my wife, Lisa." Lisa took his hand gently and said, "Ted, I'm glad to meet you. Thank you for sticking it out. I think you'll find CIC is going to be a good company." I looked around quickly. The others had gone inside. I said, "Lisa,...
I said, "Okay, Stan. The kids are in school and Lisa's at CME. If those locations are like it is here, they are armed and ready for trouble." He hung up and I turned on the TV to watch the news. The local TV station had footage from last night with little more to add. As their "on the scene" reporter was speaking, she had Irene come to her. She said, "This is breaking news. Police department spokesperson, Irene Medlin, is here. Missus Medlin, what can you tell me?" Irene said, "The...
We went to the church and entered by the front door. There was an usher there who was quickly silenced thanks to a touch from me. We tied and gagged him using his clothes and listened. Pam nodded and we walked in. It was a small church in a fairly big room. Everyone was sitting in front so we were able to get half way before attracting attention. Pastor Joel looked up from his praying to see me and went pale. He stopped talking and others started to look up and then back at us. We continued...
We both woke up early, dressed, and hurriedly cooked breakfast. Paul and Linda came down and saw we were dressed to go. Linda said, “You would think they had somewhere to go today.” She and Paul laughed at our discomfiture. Lisa said, “If you two don’t get moving, we won’t let you help.” Paul said, “Where is the loss here? I can hurry to work my butt off or take it easy and get there in time to watch.” Linda and he grinned. They grabbed coffee and went upstairs and quickly came down dressed...
I glad we made that walk early. It was over an hour later when they returned. We had put the meal on hold for tomorrow and ordered pizza to go with the salad. As they came into the house, Frank and Pam had their arms around each other. Both had been crying but they looked happy, very happy. Both had to sit down at the table and get their emotions under control to be able to talk. After what seemed to be a long time, Frank cleared his throat and said, "First of all, thank you. Thank you so...
All four of us listened with our breaths held as the announcer watched the little balls drop into the trough. My ticket was a winner! The jackpot wasn't huge but one hundred fifty million dollars with the lump sum reduction was still a lot of money after taxes! Lisa hugged and kissed me. Paul said, "Congratulations! You're a rich man now." I said, "Sir, with your daughter's love, I was already a rich man. The money will merely make our life together easier. It does change the...
At breakfast, Paul and Linda gave us a funny look. Lisa said, "We had Stargazer connect us again when we loved. To know what the other is feeling is explosive. I know what I am doing to Al and he knows what he is doing to me but, even more, we can feel what the other is feeling while it's happening. It's a reinforcing circle." Paul said, "Lisa, Al, you two made a powerful couple. Enhanced by Stargazer, it's a bit scary even to hear about it." He looked at his watch. "It's time to...
I left for the school feeling better about that meeting but became anxious as I came close to the school. I had the windows down and pulled up to park and wait for her. I heard shots fired from where she would be waiting. I reached under the driver's seat and pulled my Glock, chambered a round, and left the car at a run holding the pistol with two hands in the upright position. I went through the door low and heard a round being chambered. I shot twice in that direction aiming to hit...
When I got there, I said, "Doc, did you come up with any brilliant ideas?" "No, Al. I've thought about your situation and don't even know how you can help people without exposing yourself to other problems. I'm not sure it can be done." "Doc, I have another possibility. How would you like to have an alien in your head? I was asked by Stargazer on behalf of another of his species. Lisa's parents went along with it and love the experience. How about it?" He said, "You're...
We left in my car with Stan in back. Lisa had a hold on my hand that varied between tight and clamped. She only released it when I went around to get in the car. It made starting the motor and going into drive difficult but driving one handed isn't really that hard. We arrived at police headquarters and Stan took us to the Chief's office. We walked in and Chief Jones was there with three other men. We were introduced quickly to Captain Macy, a fine looking straight-laced seeming man, and...
It was Saturday and, over breakfast, Lisa said that she wanted to go see our new house. We drove out there and met James looking over the house. He said, "It's good to see the two of you. You've been busy since I last saw you." I said, "Yes. More than I would like to have been." He said, "There's a saying I heard, 'All's well that ends!' Sometimes, that's enough." Lisa said, "I like that though, for us, it ended pretty well. Al saved my life. However, I would prefer not to...
She said, "As you have seen, I'm not a poor grad student. I am a grad student though. I'm working on a doctorate in English Literature. My dissertation will be on images of New Testament Christianity in the Lord of the Rings trilogy." "Wow! That's not a small subject." "Let me finish." She hadn't released my arm with her hand nor my hand with her other one. "I've been pursued; usually for my body or for Dad's money. The first is not too surprising. I'm not stupid. I'm...
Though I was ten minutes early, she came out to meet me and gave me a kiss that took my breath away. I tried to give as good as I was getting. She eased back in my arms and said, "Good morning." "Yes, it is. It's a very good morning." I paused. "Now!" Arm in arm, we went into the kitchen. Paul was just finishing breakfast and getting ready to leave. He kissed Linda and Lisa and shook my hand. "Have a good day!" He left. Linda asked, "Lisa, do you need any help?" She shook her...
I was surprised but moved over to let her join me. I put my arm around her. I quickly found out that she was naked! She rolled to me and I felt her breasts bore a pair of hot holes in my chest. She whispered, "I bet you didn't expect this!" I whispered back, "Not in my wildest dreams." She continued to whisper. "I don't want to do anything but I did want to sleep with you tonight. I want the comfort of your arms around me. You don't have to do anything but lay here and ignore me."...
When I reached the top of the stairs, she said, "My room." I made the turn and released her to stand. We kissed while we removed my few clothes. She pulled down the top covers and we fell into bed together. We were kissing like we had no time and our hands were frantically wandering over each other's bodies. I was sucking on a nipple when my hand found her core. She was wet and I felt her hymen. I looked at her. Her eyes were shining. She said, "I am sure and you're the one!" I was as...
A loud voice said, "You're back and with a companion." I stood and pulled Lisa beside me with my arms wrapped around her. We peered at the source of the sound. It seemed to coming from the center of the bright light! I asked, "Who or what are you?" The voice said, "We met approximately eight of your years ago. I have been following your progress from a distance. You figured out to come here quickly once you started looking. "Did your companion help you?" "I am male and my...
Monday morning just before ten o'clock, the phone began going nuts. The money had landed in our accounts and bank officers began to call. We were taking a late shower and just getting dressed. Linda caught the phone. She said, "She's not available right now. I will be glad to take a message. No, he's not available either. I will tell them you called." We came downstairs and she said, "The explosion went off. That was the chief of investments for the bank. He knows Paul. I think we've...
We woke up Wednesday morning and had breakfast with Paul and Linda. Paul left for work and Linda had an early tennis match. Lisa and I looked at each other and I said, "Let's go for a run." She said, "That's not what I was expecting but that's a really good idea. I will need to change." We went upstairs and she stripped to put on a sports bra, panties and shorts. She then put on socks and running shoes. I ran in a tee shirt and shorts so all I had to do was add socks and shoes. As we...
After Paul and Stan left, I slept. I never slept so soundly. Linda came in with coffee and said, "Good morning, Al. It doesn't look like you moved all night. Are you okay?" "I believe so. I slept like the proverbial rock." I moved a little and Lisa's bare arm snaked over my stomach to hold me to her. "Would you like some breakfast?" "Thank you, yes, I'm starving." "I will be back and bring more coffee, too." "Thanks." She left and I thought about my state. I hadn't left...
Very quickly, Paul and Linda followed by Stan came hurrying down the stairs. Paul and Linda took turns hugging their daughter. Finally, Paul said, "We hoped that Al was right. He's never steered us wrong but you're early!" Lisa took a deep breath and said, "Al loved me back to him and back to him early. I could feel his mind willing me healed and well and back to him. His body and his mind never gave me a choice. As soon as I could, I woke up to his arms holding me and to his voice in...
Monday, we went to the bank. We saw Pamela White first. She was walking to her desk when we came in the door. She almost ran to Lisa and hugged her. "You're okay. I was so worried though the news reports said you never went to the hospital." Lisa hugged her back. "If it hadn't been for Al, I would have been dead. He showed up in the nick of time." She had never released my hand but I was becoming used to the fact that she wasn't going to let me go for any period of time unless it's...
As we got in my old car, I said, "Okay, where do we look? What are we looking for, anyway?" She said, "Something nice but not ostentatious. I'm thinking American. What about a Buick, a Caddy, a Lincoln, or Chrysler? You can get anything but I don't think a Mercedes or BMW would be your choice." "No, dear. I have had the driving courses according to my records but there is no indication that I really liked performance cars. They're nice. They're just not me." We made the rounds....
We got home and went inside. All six of us loaded Pam's things into the green room. As we left, Linda said softly, "You might want to change and wash the sheets, dear." Pam blushed a deep red. She and Frank quickly stripped the bed and Lisa showed them the washing room. Pam and Lisa joined us in the living room. Pam said, "I was afraid that things would end that way. Actually, I guess I've been preparing for that moment for over three years. I have been paying my own bills including...
The woman had always loved that old late night show. You know, the one where you’re not sure if it really happened and, if it did, what did it mean.? With all the horrible recent globe shattering calamities it was hard for her to remember a lot of things. She was quite sure it was hosted by a tall skinny man with glasses and definitely broadcast in black and white. Not that it mattered. Nothing was being broadcast now or would be for a very long time. If ever.Her favorite episode involved books...
Straight SexIt was ten thirty-five when I arrived at the church. I watched people head into the church. I decided that my tie was a good call. Many people didn't have a tie or a coat but enough did that I wouldn't be out of place. Since I had only seen Lisa in worn workout clothes and jeans and a simple blouse, I wasn't sure what to expect. At seventeen before eleven, I got out of my car and walked to the front door of the church. I saw Lisa approach and was wowed! She was gorgeous! She was wearing a...