Kate smiled at the girl at the reception desk, "Kate Sanford, I'm here for the writer's workshop." Behind the desk, the clerk, her name tag said her name was Ellen, entered some things on her keyboard; "Yes Mrs Sanford, we have you in a King room for three nights. I have your workshop packet." Ellen handed over a folder with the room key, on the cover was a head shot of Mike Donovan, author and keynote speaker. Kate hadn't seen him in person since college and he looked even better than her memories. They had never dated but had been very close friends. Maybe something would have happened between them eventually - it certainly was heading that way, but Kate had met Cory at a frat party and that night had accidentally gotten pregnant. She and Cory had fallen in love during the course of her pregnancy and had gotten married just before Susan was born. Susan was a beautiful young woman, just turned nineteen and their marriage was strong. Sex between her and Cory was great, in the way it happens when you learn what gives your partner pleasure. Great but all too familiar. He knew all her buttons and she knew his, but after nineteen years and after tipsy conversations with girlfriends she wondered what else there was.
When she reached her room she called Cory, "I'm here and checked in. Mike is here and is giving the Opening talk tonight then sessions start tomorrow."
Cory was silent for a moment, "Kate, I want you to think about something, I know you wonder what could have been and I love you. I know you love me too, but this week you have permission to find out if you want. I'm giving you a pass for this workshop so go, have fun and tell me all about it when you get home."
She was shocked, she knew that neither of them had ever been unfaithful and here he was telling her that she could go and fuck another man, especially the man that would have been his competitor for her. "You sure.. I mean it's Mike, he's probably married anyway so nothing to worry about."
Cory hesitated a second before replying, "Yes I'm sure, but only him."
After ending the call, Kate lay across the bed and picked up the conference folder. Mike's eyes bored in to hers from the picture. A gentle warmth spread through her body and her hand slid over her still firm breasts, her bra suddenly felt very confining as she opened her blouse and lightly pinched her stiffening nipples through the lacy fabric. Her eyes closed as her naughty thoughts filled her mind. Then her alarm beeped telling her to get ready for the welcoming dinner and keynote.
Exiting her room, Kate heard the door to the next room open and close. She looked to see a tall redhead about her age. Her sheath dress was cut low in the front exposing a gorgeous landscape of cleavage. Her hair was tied in a loose braid that hung over her left shoulder. They walked together down the hallway to the elevators heading to the first floor.
Exiting the elevator, Kate headed to the conference/dining room and the other woman followed. After checking in, Kate scanned the room looking for Robert. Spotting her quarry, she moved him when she saw him look her way and his eyes light up. Robert moved toward..... then past her to wrap his arms around the redhead behind her. It was then that Kate noticed that they both wore wedding rings and her heart dropped. Robert looked incredible after the passed years; and so did his wife.
Kate made her way to her seat trying to mask her disappointment. In her gut she knew she had no reason to be upset. They hadn't been in contact for 20 years and until Cory made his offer, sleeping with Mike hadn't entered her mind. Catching up maybe over a few glasses of wine was all she hoped for when she planned attending this workshop, getting pointers and honest criticism from the successful author Mike had become.
A familiar bag was placed in the chair next to her and she looked up to see the redhead standing next to her. Offering a well manicured hand and a warm smile the redhead said, "Hello, I'm Claire Donovan. My husband Mike is the speaker tonight."
Taking the offered hand in a gentle handshake, Kate returned the smile, "Kate Simpson, pleased to meet you." She hesitated before continuing, "Actually Mike and I attended college together but we lost touch after I got married."
Claire's smile grew even brighter. "Small world." she said. "Once he's done, I'm sure he'll want to have a drink and chat."
