I walked into a room with hundreds of people standing around. I was getting used to being in a large crowd and that no one was wearing a mask. I searched the crowd looking for my wife. It didn't take long as I spotted her being the center of attention. Sara stood out in a red dress styled like the flappers of the 1920's. It had a plunging neckline emphasizing her beautiful breasts. Around her neck was the long string of gray white pearls. Circling around her head was a band incrusted with shinny decorations. Popping out of the back was a five-inch feather. I moved next to her and kissed her on the cheek.
"Do I know you sir, I was looking for my husband," said Sara as she moved to kiss me.
"I normally don't kiss strangers but you look a lot like my husband so I will allow it this time," Sara said after she kissed me again.
This was the first time that Sara and I were attending a charitable gala in over two years. Shortly after the birth of our son the world suffered the Covid pandemic. All mass gatherings were taboo, professional sports were played in empty stadiums. Theaters were closed and even production and other activities were shuttered. Downtown buildings were empty as people started to work from home or lost their jobs. The LA production industry was shuttered tossing a lot of people out of work. From actors to the lowest production assistants all found themselves without a job. Sara and I contributed to funds that gave grants to members of the production industry. It was a strange time. Thing began to open up and I started working again after nine months on the beach. We got the vaccine along with other folks and Covid began to recede.
I was looking forward to the evening as it was the first time Sara and I were away from home. Don't get me wrong I love my son but I also love being out with my wife. I came directly from the set of the production I was working on. Sara was on the organizing committee for the event, so she arrived several hours earlier. It also meant that we made a significant contribution to the sponsoring charity.
Two and half years ago Sara announced on my birthday in Houston, that we were expecting, and she delivered a beautiful baby boy, almost nine months later. Our sex life took a hiatus while Sara was pregnant, that drove me and her up the wall. Oral sex was not a substitute for the real thing. Also, Sara not having an evening martini, or a glass of Champagne was interesting. I was able to document the pregnancy by taking profile photos of her expanding tummy every three days ending up with Charles John William Aden François Solsbery-Rogers in her arms. I printed the photos and created a flipbook and used it as a birth announcement. Sara though I was crazy, but she put up with me.
Because of Sara's condition, Che Red Rock became quiet until Charles John appeared. The lack of parties and socializing was the strangest thing. Covid hit really putting things in the deep freeze. The coming of Charles John our son, meant the appearance of Nanny Williams who is assisting us with him. Mrs. Kelly our house manager is still with us.
"I am like a bad penny you can't get rid of me," she said, not that we would want to.
The major change was that William, Sara's driver and security person; decided to return to Britain. Mr. Solsbery found Frank a former US Secret Service agent, and college football player, to take his place. Despite his retiring on disability Frank is a very large African American who will dissuade anyone from interfering with Sara. I miss William's unique talents of navigating the city by memory. And his ability to be at almost the same place we were dropped off when picking Sara or us up.
The Architect Astrid Bell completed the pool cabana with Sara and my offices on the second floor. With the pandemic we hardly had a chance to use the outdoor kitchen. We had a run-in with the property association but that was beaten back by showing the original plan of the property. They also relented when we showed them the design. The construction only took four months. Thankfully the construction didn't bother Sara too much, or at least she didn't complain. Sara being pregnant had other things on her mind. Her condition did not hold her back as she brought a number of sexual discrimination suits. One against a mid-size oil company in Houston for a woman who was denied a promotion. With the pandemic the case got gummed up in the court and took longer to resolve. Sara made several trips to Houston and even found and OBGyn she could consult with if problems with the pregnancy arose; while she was away from LA. She got word several days ago that the company caved and settled. Making her client a rich woman and padding our checking account.
"Darling you have to meet the honoree of the gala. Dr. Charles Johnson, may I present my husband John Paul Rogers."
There was a very distinguished gentleman standing next to Sara. I extended my hand and we shook hands. Another woman I figured Dr. Johnson's wife whisked him away before I could engage him in conversation. That was fine as I really wanted to talk to my wife.
Sara reached into her bag and produced her phone and touched a listing on her contacts.
"Ms. Williams, how is Charles, not causing a fuss because we are not there I hope?" said Sara checking in.
After a few minutes of conversation, Sara closed the connection and put the phone in her bag.
"Your son is causing a major fuss at home," said Sara.
"The last time I checked he was your son also, madam," I replied.
"Well Nanny said that he is beside himself because we are not there," said Sara.
I pulled my phone out and touched the listing for the Nanny and I could hear Charles in the background. I asked Ms. Williams to hold the phone to Charles and I reassured him that we would see him in the morning. He seemed to settle down at the sound of my voice. "Give him a little treat when he calms down further Nanny," I said before ending the connection.
The situation at home hopefully resolved Sara and I could concentrate on enjoying ourselves. The doors to the banquet room opened and everyone made their way to their seats. I was surprised that Sara led us to one of the front tables. I had to reacquaint myself with several people that I had not seen in a while. Conversation was what we did during the pandemic. Sara and I passed our phones around with pictures of Charles showing what we were up to. The dinner was several courses and the staff did a good job of serving.
The MC of the event took the stage after the desert was served. The first order of business was a special award for service. He started listing the many accomplishments of the recipient. The award was supposed to be a surprise, but I recognized that he was talking about Sara. Finally, he asked if "Lady Sara Jane Solsbery would come up to the stage. The room stood applauding as Sara made her way to the podium. She was presented with plaque and said a few words. The next thing on the agenda was the main presentation of an award to and the remarks from the major honoree. Dr. Charles Johnson gave a good presentation about how the money raised supported several labs working on cancer. He also thanked the group but said that the credit should go to his colleagues as they were the ones doing the heavy lifting.
Another folding wall opened, and a band started playing and those wanting to dance took the dance floor. Sara waited for me to make a move. I leaned over and kissed her. Her hand dropped to my crotch and she began to massage that area. I rose and took her in my arms. I kissed her again.
"Lady Sara do you want to hang around or move home?" I asked.
"We are not going home, since I was on the committee, I got a room so I could dress before the event. Since it is mine until tomorrow. You and I will spend the night here. But first I want to see if I can separate you from some of your money. Let's look at the silent auction items. There has got to be some bauble that I convince you to buy for me," said Sara as she kissed me.
"Sara, you know that I only recently went back to work. Most of my money went to support the house and Charles John. So, I'm not sure that I have bauble money right now," I said.
"Darling, you know that I know what your checking account looks like. And I know that you can afford to make a bid on some bauble that I could add to my collection, and make me happy," said Sara with a slight laugh.
