Chapter 15
The Married Women
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Marion Slade
The first woman to actually contact me as a result of my ... what else can I call it but an exhibition ... was Marion Slade. Mrs. Slade was a recent divorcee, whose thirteen year old daughter, Evelyn was a member of my dance class.
Mrs. Slade inveigled a means of getting me to her home after a winter storm dumped five inches of snow on the ground. She called and asked my mother if I would clear her drive for twenty dollars, and my mom promptly volunteered me.
"You're only playing video games," she said. "You can make some money, good money, and who knows; maybe her neighbor will ask you to do theirs as well."
So I dressed comfortably, and carrying my snow shovel, I walked the three blocks to Mrs. Slade's home. I was startled to find that the drive had already been cleared of all the snow, and timidly knocked on the door.
Admittedly, I was confused, and also concerned about having lost out on the twenty dollars.
Mrs. Slade opened the door wearing a thick terry-cloth robe and a wide smile.
"Hello, Aubrey!" she said greeting my warmly.
"Please, do come in." That said she ushered me inside, not letting me stop to remove my galoshes, or parka.
"Sit down. I have some hot chocolate on, want a cup?"
I nodded as I sat and she hurried off to the kitchen and quickly returned carrying a huge mug, filled to the brim with hot chocolate.
Taking a sip, I nodded and said, "It's really good."
"I shoveled the drive myself, Aubrey. I apologize." She ran a hand through her luxurious red hair and added, "I've just finished taking a shower, please excuse my just wearing this old robe."
Somehow I understood this to mean that she was naked under the robe, and the first glimmer of suspicion entered my mind. Still, the hot chocolate, hit the spot, and I had an idea that I would still get my money, one way or the other.
I took another large slug of the hot chocolate and watched her turn and walk to the kitchen, quickly returning with a bottle of wine and two short-stemmed wine glasses. She placed them on a coffee table and then settled down onto the sofa as only a woman can, folding her long legs beneath her as she met my eyes and held them.
Mrs. Slade wet her lips and said, "I saw your performance in the Nutcracker, and I must tell you that you were incredible."
"Thank you," I said, "but..."
"Oh, no buts," she said interrupting me. "I especially enjoyed the later acts where you performed, um, how shall I put it...?"
"Sans codpiece?" I offered.
"Yes, exactly," she said flashing a great deal of leg as she crossed them.
I finished the last of my hot chocolate and placed the mug down next to the bottle of wine.
"Where's Evelyn?" I asked to make conversation.
"At my sister's," she replied. And a moment later added, "It's an overnight visit.
"And Mr. Slade?" I added.
"We're divorced, Aubrey. It's been a terrible ordeal for both Evelyn and me, just terrible."
She recrossed her legs, and this time I thought I caught a glimpse of pubic hair. Of course I began to get hard.
"You look like you have a chill," she said. "Why don't you come over here? It's closer to the fire, and do have some wine to warm you up."
"I ... I'm not supposed to..."
"Nonsense, its cold out, Aubrey, the wine will heat you up."
I plopped on the sofa, joining her, and she waited a few seconds before moving closer.
Mrs. Slade leaned over to pour me some white wine, and in the process, exposed almost all of her left breast. I tried not to react, but like most women, she was conscious of every movement on her part. It was a carefully staged act for my benefit. Even at my age, I recognized it for what it was -- an attempt to seduce me.
After filling my glass to the brim (hers was only half full) she said genially, "A toast! Let us toast to not having to shovel any more damned snow today!"
I raised my glass and touched it to hers and we both took a sip.
"So, you didn't need to clear your drive," I began.
She shook her bountiful main of red hair and took a swallow of her wine before answering. "No, I didn't. I need you for something else, and I think you know what that might be."
"Um, would it be all right if I took off my galoshes and parka?"
"Of course, dear, I want you to be comfortable."
I stood up and removed the parka, sat down and slowly tugged off the galoshes; while Mrs. Slade watched my every movement.
"That's a very nice robe you're wearing, Mrs. Slade," I said.
"Please, call me Marion."
"Marion," I said, as if tasting the name.
"I like the way you say my name," she said with a bright smile. "It's from Victoria's Secret."
"Your secret is safe with me," I said, going for broke.
She laughed delightedly. "You're so much better than I'd hoped," she said.
"Really?" I said, seeking more complements from her.
"Aubrey, don't you know it's the man who is supposed to compliment the woman?"
"I nodded, and said, "If you'd only take off that robe I could complement every little part of you."
Without taking her eyes from mine, Mrs. Slade put down her wine glass, took mine from my hand and placed it beside hers, and leaned in to kiss me.