Betty is flying to a European sales conference, after a recent relationship disaster she's glad of the break. As arranged, she meets a recently hired co-worker in the departure lounge. Who, after what recently occurred in her personal life, is equally pleased to be away from home.
"Hi, I'm Betty, bit of a baptism of fire on your first day."
"Lola, pleased to meet you. Don't worry it's not my first big corporate shindig, I'm sure we're going to work together very well." The two have adjacent seats on the short flight and soon establish a rapport. They've much in common, both in their mid-'30s, employed in middle management for a multinational and living in London. Lola is blonde and curvy, in contrast to Betty's slender body and raven locks. Ensconced in conversation, the duo decides to share a cab to the swanky venue by a beach.
"Formal dinner this evening, the main business starts tomorrow," announces Betty, reading the itinerary." What say we meet on the terrace for an aperitif in an hour?"
"Love to," responds Lola. "I can't turn down a drink on expenses."
"Hi, over here," Betty waves.
Lola walks stiffly across the sun terrace and gingerly takes a seat.
"This is the life, sunshine and sea, what would you like?" Betty is already looking relaxed.
"Vodka and lime please," replies Lola, gratefully.
"Very retro," Betty summons a waiter. "Judging by the way you're walking I'd guess it was a testing weekend."
"Certainly not what I expected," concedes Lola ruefully.
"Alright, let's see, could be horse riding - except you don't look the equestrian type?"
"True."
"Maybe you took up cycling, a different kind of saddle sore?"
"Nope."
"Then I reckon things got a lot out of hand in the bedroom."
"Correct." Lola blushes, initially shy at discussing something so personal, but since this woman is so uninhibited, encouraged to talk. It's the 1990s after all, people discuss sex frankly nowadays, no need to get embarrassed. Besides, Lola's been brooding about the incident for the last 48 hours, it'll be good to unburden.
"Trust me, honey, it can't be worse than what happened to me a couple of weeks back," reveals Betty.
"Really?"
"Yup, but that'll keep, let's hear your tale of woe first. I'm surmising you and your significant other were indulging in a little roleplaying when things took an unwelcome turn?"
"Pretty close," Lola lowers her voice, "started as a bit of spanking fun, something we both enjoy."
"I can easily be persuaded in that direction too," Betty admits, "although I appreciate some warning beforehand." Lola looks relieved, her newfound friend clearly understands. "Okay", continues Betty, "set the scene, a night in, a little wine?"
"I'm glammed up, for me as much as him, a lot of guys don't get that," Lola takes up the tale. "Playing tease..." she pauses.
"No need to justify anything," says Betty, "tell me, what does your man do for a living?"
"Merchant banker."
Betty giggles. "Sorry, isn't that rhyming slang?"