The convention in Las Vegas was exhausting, but it included a lot of 'extracurricular' fun. Our interaction with Terry created many exciting moments. When we landed back in Boston, I asked Briana to summarize her impression of our trip. She gave me a strange look, "Morti, Las Vegas is a city I like visiting. It's alive day and night, with fantastic shows, unique museums, and the best restaurants. When it's too hot outside, one can enter any large casino and enjoy the cool temperatures while watching the indoor attractions. I had plenty of time to see shops with exciting clothes when we were there. I got new ideas that I plan to implement in Bloomingdales. But I am sure that your question was targeted at our entertaining encounters. My summary is IT WAS WONDERFUL! Initially, I didn't know what to expect because I didn't travel for an entire week with a man for many, MANY years. Getting Terry involved was another novelty... I learned to enjoy good wine, and understood what it does to my sex drive. I guess I was lucky to learn it with you and not with an unscrupulous man who might have used it against me..." She gazed at me lovingly, "I owe you a big thank you for opening my mind and body, and showing me a different kind of life."
"You welcome."
...
It was time to go back to our routine. Briana and I worked until late afternoon and tried to meet each other as much as possible on evenings and weekends. But certain things changed after the trip. Briana has stayed in my house for days at a time. On most evenings, Briana wanted a glass of wine. She appreciated the wine's effect on her mood but didn't drink during the day. And almost every time we met, sex was an integral part of our agenda.
In the beginning, wine made everything easier, more acceptable, and much more exciting. Briana and I used every known position in every room in the house and even talked about sex in public or with others. It brought memories of everything I used to do with my former wife... I hadn't heard from her in several years and wondered what she was doing these days.
One day, at 10 am, my secretary texted me that a woman was on the line. I assumed it was Briana, "Hi, girl, what's new?"
She laughed, "That's an original way to talk to your former wife, who you haven't spoken to in a million years..."
"Debra, you are alive! Nice to hear your voice after such a long time. Are you OK?"
"Yes, I am all right."
"You decided to disappear, and suddenly you reappear again. Any particular reason?"
She chortled, "Morton, there are two reasons. You are an oldie now but try to remember if this week means anything."
"Oh, yes. We got married exactly 20 years ago..."
"Good boy! You still remember our anniversary... Look, it's a long story. Would it be possible to meet for lunch at Panera?"
"Sure. I have a one-hour break for lunch. I'll be there at 12."
I arrived a few minutes early and found an empty table. Debra came at 12:05. She looked different... but great! Her brown hair was now blond and shorter. Her face was somewhat fuller - the short dress, high heels, and especially her familiar walk awoken old memories.
She approached me, and I kissed her cheek, "Debra, your hair has changed, but you look terrific. You didn't age a bit!"
She grinned, "You are still the great complimenter... I know I have changed. I have new wrinkles, and I gained 5 pounds. But I still get stares from men on the street, so I do not feel bad about my appearance. Morton, nowadays, I live in Los Angeles. I am engaged to a very nice guy and plan to marry soon. He is a businessman who travels a lot. This week he flew to Hong Kong to finalize a business deal, and I decided to spend the time in Boston, meet my old friends and see you too. I still recall our happy times together. I loved you so much back then and gave up only when I understood that you'd always be married to your work while I'd be the neglected mistress. Our times together were the highlights of my life, but they were few and far between. Sex with you was the best I ever had, and trust me, in the years we were apart, I looked for somebody who could satisfy me like you and never found one. The guy I will marry is a good man, has a steady job, and does not gamble, get drunk or use drugs. On paper, he is the ideal husband. He looks good, does exercise a lot, and has a fantastic body, but in bed, he is no match for you. He is too conservative, likes a missionary position, and every other position is what I call mission impossible... If I were in my 20s, I'd likely leave him and look for a more adventurous guy, but I have matured and understood I need to lower my expectations, compromise, and get settled. He has more good qualities than any I have seen in years. And he loves me... What about you?"
"At present, I am seeing a wonderful woman. She works in the women's clothing and fashion industry. I like her, and we try to spend as much time together as possible. By the way, at work, our group has grown, and I have become more senior, so I have more free time than before."
"You are saying that if I waited long enough, I might have benefited..."
I laughed, "It's always nice to dream 'what if...' But these days my work life is much easier. Debra, if you will be in Boston for a week, you should come to my house and meet Briana. She is great, and you'll like her."
"Sure. I am curious to know who is the woman that you spend the second chapter of your life with."
"I'll talk to her, but tomorrow at five for coffee should be perfect. I'd invite you to dinner, but I rather talk to her before committing to something without discussing it."
"Morton, you are a good man. I always knew it. And I agree that you'd better talk to her about me. I'll give you my phone number; you can call or text me anytime. I do not have scheduled appointments, so I'll be free much of the time until I leave."
"Debra, it was REALLY nice to see you again. And I disagree with what you said. You look beautiful. Your future husband should be happy with his choice."
I kissed her cheek and left toward my car. Before I entered, I glanced at Debra one more time. Did she have tears in her eyes?...
...
Briana was home when I arrived. She was preparing dinner for us. I kissed her and told her about Debra.
She listened carefully and grinned, "Morti, I want to meet your former wife. I cannot understand why a woman leaves a husband like you."
I hugged her, "Thanks for the nice words, but I understand her motives. When we were together, our life was great, but I was hardly home during the last year of our marriage. I think she didn't see that my work time would decrease. She was, and I guess still is, more social than me. Debra wanted what she used to call 'grow up together,' and I wasn't there for her..."
"I get what you are saying, but the marriage vow includes a sentence about 'for better or for worse...' Anyway, I am not judging her. I merely try to understand her."