SUMMER A MARRIAGE IN TROUBLE

A big thank you to Randi for her help and editing.

 

My wife Summer and I have been married for about ten years. When we first married it was like every other couple on the planet, life was perfect. Summer was the perfect fit for me. Attractive, a wicked sense of humour and warm and loving. We were the perfect match for each other.

 

Sumi (My nick name for her) and I started life as most couples do. We both worked and we focused on buying our first home. With that goal met, we started the next phase of our relationship: children. The first was a joyous arrival and Sumi was, as I expected, the perfect mother. She adored Sophie our daughter. She wanted to be a stay-at-home mum while the kids were young. We talked about it long and hard. I was lucky enough to get a new job for Revington's as an assistant project manager. With the new job came an increase in salary that took the pressure off her to return to work. All good, Sumi slipped into the world of motherhood smoothly and easily. The arrival of Sarah, our second daughter, was not quite so easy. Sumi had complications and it was a difficult birth that required a lot of stitches and an extended stay in hospital for recovery. We decided at that point two children would be our lot. Our family was now complete.

 

If only it had been that easy. With Sarah's arrival, the added stress seemed to really affect Sumi; she fell into a minor depression. It took a while to get to the bottom of her mood swings, but eventually it came out during a rather heated argument, "Artie, I wanted more, I always saw us with a huge brood; I feel like I have let you down. I feel like a failure."

 

"Hon, there's no need to feel that way. We have two wonderful healthy children. We should be happy, joyous. Please don't feel sad."

 

We hugged and she sighed. "I love you babe, are you sure though? I mean like we talked so much about a big family."

 

"It's fine, sheesh, I'm not sure I could handle more."

 

Sumi seemed to improve a little, but it took months before we managed to get back onto level ground. Our lives together never really returned to the early blissful harmony we enjoyed at the start. Because of her complications, our sex life took a while to restart. For Sumi, there was a lot of pain associated with sex, so it was a gradual process to get back into the swing, where she could enjoy it.

 

Because of the difficulties surrounding the birth and Sumi's dislike of the pill, we decided on a vasectomy. I didn't like it, not so much the pain, that part was easy. It wasn't the physicality, just the psychology of it.

 

There we were eight years later, and I was thinking of divorce. Why? Sumi and I were arguing, fighting quite often. It was always over simple shit, but it seemed to blow up in our faces.

 

I hate confrontation, I hate arguing. Quite honestly, I guess at heart I'm a pacifist. My first reaction is to just give in. Sumi, on the other hand, always wanted to win. It didn't matter what we argued about, she wanted to finish on top. Consequently, she usually got what she wanted. For me it was easier to just say, "Yes dear, whatever you say dear." Just for peace and quiet.

 

That had always been the same with us, I'm not a fighter. A couple of times when we were younger, out at pubs or clubs, and some neanderthal hit on her or bumped into her she complained. "Are you going to let him get away with that?" Or something like, "Are you going to defend me, stand up for me?"

 

It was stupid shit. If she was in physical danger, of course I would dive in, but because some clumsy guy bumped into her... forget it.

 

It wasn't just that aspect; she thought I was a pushover. In some ways she was right. Even at work I wasn't the sort to yell or complain, more the get stuck in and fix it guy. It meant I got passed over for promotion a couple of times. My annual assessments always said the same thing: "Needs to be more assertive."

 

Sumi hated that I got passed over, and it affected her more than me. We were comfortable, financially, we were making good progress with paying down the mortgage, the kids were at a good school, we had fairly new cars, we really wanted for nothing.

 

Sumi might have had issues with me, but the girls... she loved them, she pampered them continuously, showering them with love and affection. They weren't spoilt with gifts, they weren't spoilt in that sense, but they wanted for nothing when it came to attention or love. She spent hours reading with them, talking with them, and even though they were still young, she had an incredible relationship with them.

 

I guess all young couples go through the adjustment period after children arrive. Our social life evaporated, there was no more late nights and clubs, no going out with friends. Sumi made new friends who also had children, and they had their lunches and shopping trips, but we lost our old circle of friends. I kept in touch with some mates, and we still went to the odd football games.

 

My problem was Sumi's mood swings. I was at my wits end and honestly, I was ready to throw in the towel. I visited with a solicitor and discussed filing for a legal separation and possibly divorce. During the discussion he talked me through the financial split. It was apparent I was going to get screwed. I know it's wrong but, at that point I decided to stick it out, I mean I loved the kids. I had this vain hope that it would all blow over and the Sumi of old would somehow magically reappear.

 

It was so frustrating; she switched from loving to this hateful shrew with the flick of a switch. Except, that is, with the girls. She never blew up with them.

 

During arguments it became clear that she was disillusioned with me; she expected more. She wanted me to become more ambitious at work, seek out more opportunities.

 

Sadly, it wasn't in my nature. I just wasn't one of those career hungry guys, driven by status, power or money. In short, I was happy with my lot.

 

Work had thrown up an opportunity, though. The company I worked for, Revington's, was a privately owned company. We specialised in operation and maintenance management for other companies. In the past we had focused on smaller companies, but the boss and owner made a conscious decision to aim higher.

 

When I started at Revington's, I was happy. To get a job with a company like that was more than I had hoped for. As time went on, I became a little uncomfortable.

 

The office was almost entirely white. No other ethnicities, and it was all men. Okay, the menial jobs were women, but the engineers and above were all men.

 

The women working in and around the office were all gorgeous, as if that was a necessity for the job. This was a testosterone fuelled workforce.

 

Jobs were few and far between, so I accepted that this is the way it was.

 

This meant I was drawn into the circle of Mr Reynolds. Ross Reynolds, the company CEO, was a very intimidating man: big, strong and very powerful. He had a very commanding presence. Myself, I was afraid of him. He could be very brutal and didn't suffer fools easily.

 

The country electrical supply network had been privatised many years before, and was split into government owned enterprises. With the privatization process, the new owners wanted to revert from running the whole process. They wanted to pawn off the operations and maintenance. This meant they were offering tenders for the work.

 

Revington's wanted in. That required tendering for the scope of work. Reynolds wanted us to be in the running. It would be by far the largest contract we had ever undertaken. Our offices were turned into headquarters for the tender process. We weren't the only company in the running, and most of the others had a history of managing assets of this size.

 

It seemed that we focused on nothing but the tender process. Seeing as how I was an electrical engineer, I was pulled in. Mr. Reynolds was a very formidable man, and he had a very unapproachable, almost threatening persona. At least for me, anyway. He was a go-getter, no question about that. He could be a very demanding and dominant force.

 

Meetings were often side-tracked when one of the other engineers raised issues or concerns. He ripped their heads off in front of the whole team. More than one was let go on the spot. Me, I kept my head down. He seemed impressed by my work ethic, which led to a raise, based on my hard work.

 

He was quite the ladies' man. He had a reputation around the office. If the gossip was to be believed, he had bedded all of the women, including the married ones. His personal ethics were no better than his professional ones.

 

The fateful day came that we were notified we had made it into the final three bidders. To celebrate, he organised a party at his place for Saturday night. I have to say I was surprised to get an invite. Up until that juncture, I had never been invited into the inner sanctum, that included parties.

 

When I told Summer, she became extremely excited. "Artie, this is your chance to shine, Honey. We will need to put in a big effort. I will get a new dress; I assume it is going to be formal?"

 

"Yeah, suits and ties, the whole nine yards."

 

We turned up at the front gates and were both stunned. The place was a frigging mansion. There was security on the gates, the driveway meandered about 800 metres in a semi-circle. We pulled up outside, valets took the keys and drove off to park the car.

 

We strolled hand in hand up the marble steps into the house. Jesus, what a place. Not only was it huge, but everything glistened. The crowd was gathered in the great room, and if ever a place fit that description, this was it.

 

We circulated and I introduced Summer to everyone. She seemed impressed that I had been elevated to become part of the inner circle.

 

We wandered in, filtering through the crowd. I directed Summer over to the group where Mr Reynolds stood talking. We had to wait until there was a break in the conversation before, I could introduce Summer to him. I saw the look in his eyes. Normally when talking to me he was offhand, uninterested. The moment his eyes fell upon her he was suddenly a different man. "Well, hello, Summer, what a beautiful name for a gorgeous young woman."

 

Summer batted her eyes, soaking up the compliment. "Thank you, kind sir, you have a wonderful house, it's spectacular. Where is your wife? I would love to meet her and compliment her on her style."

 

He grinned with those perfect shiny white teeth, lifted her hand to his mouth and kissed it gallantly. "Oh, my dear, there is no Mrs. I am a confirmed bachelor. This is my home."

 

She grinned wickedly, accepting his kiss with glee. "Well, I guess it's you who should get the compliments on the décor."

 

Rather than releasing her hand, he held it tightly and murmured softly. "Let me give you the grand tour."

 

She accepted with a mock curtsey, and he led her away. I started to fall in behind, but he turned to me with a dismissive grin. "Arthur, the team is gathering at the bar. Perhaps you should catch up, use this time to talk about the project." It wasn't a suggestion; it was an instruction.

 

"Smug bastard," I mumbled to myself as they headed off hand in hand up the hallway. I walked reluctantly back to the bar and caught up with the other guys. There was no talk of the project, they were all going on about Mr Reynolds home, the grandeur and, of course, the women. It seemed every other woman in the place had taken a leaf out of Summer's plans. It was more like a fashion show. It was hard to stay focused on anything.

 

I hung with the guys chatting, but deep down inside I had this horrible queasy feeling.

 

It was nearly an hour before Reynolds and Summer returned, still hand in hand, laughing like old friends. He led her over to the bar where we were gathered and she slipped in beside me. He stated rather loudly. "You are a lucky man, Arthur; Summer is a wonderfully attractive woman. Yes indeed, you are one lucky son-of-a-gun."

 

She smiled, enjoying his compliment. There were some nods of approval from the other guys, as well. I glanced at her. Yes, she certainly shone this evening. The full length sparkling blue gown fitted snugly and showed off her curvy form. With her long auburn hair tied up in a swirling updo, her slender neck exposed, she looked radiant.

 

Summer had always been blessed with fabulous smooth silky skin. Tonight, with her makeup perfect, it looked better than ever. She lost nothing in comparison to the other wives.

 

The gong sounded and we were all led into the huge dining room. We were seated down the far end, but I noted uneasily that Reynolds hungry eyes often fell on Summer, and I could see that she knew, and played up to it, as she chatted with Veronica one of the other wives.

 

This was the Summer of old: warm, sociable and chatty. She took time to hold my hand and smile.

 

After the dinner we were all escorted back to the great room where a small jazz band played. We were all shown to tables and served more drinks. Summer certainly was making the most of the champagne. We were never drinkers, so I could see her becoming quite giggly.

 

The conversation flowed easily among the group at our table. I knew all of the guys, but none of the wives and Summer was the same. We were deep into it when a dark shadow fell between Summer and I. When I looked up, it was Reynolds. "Hello again, Summer. I was wondering whether you would care to dance?"

 

He never looked at me, his eyes focused intently on Summer.

 

"I would love to," she twittered warmly, without even glancing at me.

 

They walked hand in hand out to the dancefloor where he pulled her into a very intimate embrace, much closer than would be considered acceptable in normal company. Summer, for her part, fell easily into his embrace, not even bothering to move his hand that was resting on the arch of her arse.

 

The conversation stalled at our table. There were a couple of uneasy glances shared among the group.

 

I quietly seethed under my breath; my teeth gritted tightly.

 

It was over an hour they danced together; their bodies close throughout. I could see him whispering in her ear and she responded with coquettish giggles and teasing words. They danced like lovers, not like friends.

 

As the band broke at the end of their set, rather than leading her back to our table, they headed for the bar where they stood leaning on the counter. Their eyes locked together as they leaned close together speaking confidentially. There was nothing discreet in his open show of interest.

 

Suddenly with a bottle of champagne and a couple of glasses in his hand, he escorted Summer towards the large glass doors leading out to the grounds outside.

 

Surprised, I quickly stood and strode quickly to intercept them. He saw me arrive and greeted me. "Arthur, I am just going to show Summer around the gardens. No need for you to come with us. Talk to the team."

 

Again, I was dismissed. Summer glanced at me almost guiltily. "It's all right, Love, we are just going to look around the garden."

 

They wandered off, his hand resting on her bum, her arm slipping around his waist as they disappeared into the darkness.

 

I returned to the bar for a drink. Glancing at my watch, it was now getting late. Our babysitter was only booked till eleven. It was already after ten. I trudged around the room, not wanting to return to the table. My rage grew one degree at a time. I seethed quietly. It was fast approaching eleven, and we should have already left. Taking out my mobile, I rang hers. She didn't answer the first time, so I called again. It rang for ages before she picked up. "Arthur, we won't be long, what do you want?"

 

Angrily, I snapped, "It's nearly eleven, and Jessica is only booked for another fifteen minutes."

 

"Wait, what... who?"

 

Even angrier, I spat back. "Jessica, our babysitter."

 

"Oh shit, sorry, I forgot. We will be right there."

 

I waited by the door and they strolled in, still hand in hand as if they didn't have a care in the world. He escorted her up to me and apologised. "Sorry, Arthur, my fault entirely. Look, why don't you stay the night, get properly acquainted. A couple of the managers are staying. It would be a good chance for you to talk to them."

 

It was becoming difficult to keep my bubbling rage from spewing out. "Sorry, sir, but we have to go. Our babysitter is waiting. We are already late."

 

He glared at me, his irritation showing. "That's ridiculous, why would you only get her to stay till eleven? Good lord, man, it's still early."

 

Summer jumped in. "Perhaps I could call her, see if she can stay a while longer?"

 

Before I could object, she was on the phone and arranged for Jessica to stay for another hour. "All done, Honey. Crisis averted."

 

Reynolds nodded. "Well done, Summer. Right, let's get another drink, shall we."

 

Without looking at me he led her off to the bar. I followed behind. When they arrived, he turned and saw me? "Arthur, I thought you were taking this opportunity to get better acquainted with the managers."

 

He scowled. "Do not waste this chance to mix and mingle. You might learn something."

 

When I didn't move, he waved his hand casually. "Well, off you go. I will try to keep this delightful creature entertained."

 

Summer giggled, flirting outrageously with him.

 

I stormed off to find the group. I found them out on the deck away from the main crowd. Without really participating in the conversation, I did find out some interesting information. Mr. Reynolds, in his rush to grow the company, had borrowed quite heavily and was investing everything in this new project. He didn't just want this, he needed it to recoup some money.

 

That was all rather interesting. The group were all a little tiddly and didn't mind that I was listening. In fact, a couple took the opportunity to brag about their roles and the project in general. Yes, it was very enlightening.

 

As midnight approached, I moved back indoors to find Summer. She wasn't hard to find; she was dancing cheek to cheek with Reynolds again. If his hands wandered earlier, now they were camped on her boobs and bum, roaming her body in a smothering interrogation.

 

I waited till the song ended before I tapped him on the shoulder. "Summer, we have to go."

 

She untangled her arms, lifted her head from his shoulder and asked blankly. "What?"

 

"We have to leave, it's after midnight."

 

She glanced nervously at Reynolds and he let her slide out of his arms. He turned to Face me. "Let's go and have a chat outside in private, shall we."

 

Again, it wasn't a suggestion, it was an instruction. Summer strolled off to the bar as he led me outside, his hand resting on the small of my back as he pushed lightly.

 

We stopped by the railing, and he turned to face me, frowning deeply. "Look Arthur, this is rather tricky, but Summer would like to stay. I think in this case perhaps you could go home and relieve the babysitter."

 

Confused, I grumbled, "What? No, we need to leave, we are already late."

 

His hand gripped my arm in a vicelike grip. "Arthur, I can't put this any plainer. Summer would like to stay. I think it would be best for all concerned if you went home by yourself and left Summer here. We have plenty of room. I will take good care of her and bring her back in the morning."

 

"Sorry, I don't understand," I growled. I knew exactly what the bastard was getting at and it pissed me off. "I need to talk to Summer."

 

He gripped tighter. "Don't make a scene, Arthur. It will do none of us any good."

 

When I didn't answer he continued, "You are part of my team now, and I expect my team to have my back. To be on my side. Now, if you want to remain part of that team, part of my organisation, I think you need to consider your next move very carefully."

 

I couldn't hold back. "You expect me to just walk out and leave my wife here alone?"

 

Ne nodded curtly. "That's right my friend. Look I will bring her back in the morning, no harm done."

 

"What makes you think she would even want to stay?"

 

He shook his head, irritated at my defiance. "Ask her yourself, but if you want a future with this organisation, accept her decision with grace."

 

Swiping away his hand, I stormed back inside. I found Summer talking with a group of wives. She got a shock when I walked up behind her and gripped her shoulder. "Can we talk please?"

 

She turned and saw the expression on my face. "Of course, Honey."

 

She followed me into one of the quiet corners where I snapped, "What the hell's going on? Fucking Reynolds just told me you wanted to stay. Is that what you want?"

 

She cringed a little, her pretty face tightly drawn. "Honey, I am having such a wonderful night. Yes, I would love to stay."

 

"It means you will have to sleep here."

 

"Yes, Hon, I understand that, but Ross did say he would bring me home in the morning."

 

Angry at her, I snapped, "Let's be honest Summer, if you spend the night... you will not be sleeping alone. You will be expected to sleep with him."

 

She grimaced; her face a deep pool of guilt. With a shamefaced expression set across her face, she muttered, "Honey, it's just one night."

 

"So, you actually want to do this? Fuck that greasy bastard?"

 

"Don't be crude, Artie, yes if you are okay with it, I would like to stay. If you aren't happy then we will leave."

 

"Fuck, Summer, I can't believe this. Just like that you're going to blow me off and fuck that prick!"

 

"Artie, it's just one night. He can be very compelling. I like him."

 

"Oh... so you like him, that makes it all okay? Jesus Summer. I won't put up with this shit. I am leaving. I will walk out to the car. I will give you fifteen minutes to join me. If you aren't there, I'm leaving without you."

 

She leaned in kissed me softly, her lips tasting of cigar. "Babe, it's going to be all right. We don't have to fight. I will see you tomorrow."

 

I stormed off. I did wait by the car but she never showed up.

 

I drove home on autopilot. My mind in complete turmoil, a swirling mass of conflicting emotions, angry at Summer. Jesus, what the fuck was she thinking? Did she think I was just going to roll over and accept this?

 

And him, the unscrupulous bastard, preying on his employee's wives. Christ, I wonder how many others he had tried this on with?

 

By the time I got home I was ready to kill, smash, just destroy something.

 

Jessica was awake and angry, as well. I had to pay her an extra fifty bucks to appease her dissatisfaction at having to wait. Her mother came and picked her up, and she was even angrier. It seemed the whole world was angry...

 

I waited for them to leave before walking in and checking the girls. They were curled up sound asleep like the angels they were. I walked back out and collapsed on the sofa. What a fucking nightmare. Honestly you couldn't make this shit up.

 

I stewed, I paced like the proverbial caged lion. What a fucking nightmare. I started going through options. Nothing made sense. Nothing except my marriage was now over, and I guessed I was going to need a new job. There was no way I was going back there. Not for all the tea in china. It was nearly four in the morning before I went to bed.

 

In the morning I was woken by the girls crying for their mum. I went in to console them. I was now in charge of breakfast. With their favourite cereal dished up and a coffee in my hand, we sat and talked about their evening with Jessica.

 

They did enjoy spending time with her, she was good with them. They wanted to know where their mummy was, why she wasn't home. I simply said that she stayed with a friend. They were far too little to understand.

 

They helped with the tidying up and went to play in their rooms. The night did one thing, and that was give me time to think. My marriage was now over, it hung, dangling by a thin thread over a steep precipice. As I made another coffee I went into the study and dragged out the old divorce papers I had drawn up the previous year when things were at rock bottom with us.

 

Ha, rock bottom, fuck, if that was rock bottom what was this? I was angry. I read through them carefully. There was no hiding from the fact I was going to get fucked over. Courts today were so heavily weighted in the women's favour it was unfair.

 

It didn't matter that she fucked another man. She could fuck the whole neighbourhood and it would make no difference at all. She would get to keep the house because of the kids and I was going to be encumbered with child support and alimony. "FUCK!" I screamed.

 

The girls came running in to see if I was okay. I decided to take them for a walk down to the park, just to get out of the house.

 

We played on the swings and jungle-gyms. They climbed and we kicked a ball around before returning home. Still no sign of Summer, I started the girl's lunch. Their favourite was burgers, so I got busy. At least it kept my mind busy.

 

It was about one in the afternoon when I served up their burgers. We were sitting around the kitchen breakfast bar as they chattered away, giggling and laughing. I looked out through the window to see a huge stretched limo pull up and Summer climb out, her heels in her hands as she leaned back in to kiss the slimeball and walk in.

 

She completed her walk of shame proudly, apparently not caring who saw.

 

As she walked in the girls saw her, jumped down from their stools and rushed into her arms. They were like tracer bullets as she knelt down; they flew into her outstretched arms and they knocked her over screaming. "Mummy, you're home. Where have you been?"

 

She lay on her back with them climbing all over her. They bounced on her tummy, they rolled around getting cuddles and kisses.

 

It was over ten minutes before they came back to eat their lunch. "Daddy made us burgers!" Sarah chirped.

 

"That's good, Angel," Summer whispered as she stared at me. There appeared no sense of shame or guilt, just a deep, almost brazen, confidence. She walked up behind me, her arm circling my waist from behind. Her head leaned over and she tried to kiss me. "Hi, Babe, did you miss me?"

 

I turned my head away in disgust. Her face twisted into a frown. "What, no kiss?"

 

I kept my mouth shut as her arm tightened around my waist. "Come on, Babe, don't be like that."

 

"Mummy, Daddy took us to the park and we played on the swings."

 

Summer turned to her. "That's good, Sweetie, did you have fun?"

 

Seeing there was going to be no response from me, her arm slipped from around my waist and she sighed. "Am I going to get a burger, too?"

 

She looked at me as I bit into mine. With a mouthful, I managed, "If you want one, make your own."

 

She smiled a teasing flirtatious smile, whispering, "But, Babe, yours are so much better than mine." She leaned closer. "If you make me one, I will tell you all about last night... give you the juicy details."

 

I sneered. "As if I care, tell them to somebody who gives a shit." I took another large bite and waved for the girls to hurry up.

 

Summer wasn't going to be denied. She leaned closer to get a bite of mine. I snatched it away. "I said get your own."

 

She sighed. "I'm not hungry, anyway." She smiled evilly. "I had something to nibble on in the limo." I think she thought she was teasing or arousing me, when all I really felt was disgust. I think she realised it was the wrong thing to say when she saw my face fall.

 

She turned away and walked towards the bedroom. "I need a shower."

 

The girls and I cleaned up and I decided I wasn't going to hang around here. When Summer reappeared, the girls grabbed her and dragged her into Sophie's room to play dolls with them.

 

I picked up the divorce papers and walked in to join them. I handed her the papers as I muttered. "I'm going for a walk."

 

She frowned. "What are these?"

 

"They're self-explanatory. Read them carefully. I will be filing them on Monday; it would be nice if you signed them."

 

I walked out, slamming the front door behind me. Rage overwhelmed me; I was being eaten alive by a terrifying fury that threatened to rip open my guts. I walked, with no notion of where I was going or what I was doing; I just walked. Down through the shops and then on to the beach. As I walked past the little pub on the corner, I realised how far I had walked. I was feeling it, so I found a seat at the bar and ordered a beer.

 

There was a game playing on the big screen, and I watched it. Another beer, another game, and by the time the second one was finished I was a little drunk.

 

I headed for home, thinking. "Fuck." I was exhausted already, and the beer hadn't helped. It was nearly eight when I walked in at home. The girls were in bed and Summer was sitting in the lounge. The divorce papers were spread over the coffee table. She looked up when I walked in. "What the hell is this?"

 

I sniggered. "What does it look like. They are our divorce papers."

 

She hissed, "What... because of last night. Don't be petty. It was nothing."

 

"Nothing!" I screamed, venting all of my anger in one snarling retort. "Fucking nothing. Jesus, Summer, I can't believe you could be so cold, so god damned callous! Last night you totally disrespected me. You embarrassed and humiliated me in front of everybody in that damn room. You made a fool of me. This sham we call a marriage is over."

 

She snorted. "God, stop overreacting. Things have been distant between us for a long time. Things haven't been right. I thought a little bit of flirtation might stir things up, build a little excitement back into our marriage. Divorce... Christ, there is no need to get overexcited about it. You're getting upset over nothing."

 

"Say what you want. But I assure you, our marriage is now over. I'm going to bed. You can sleep out here."

 

She hissed, "Like hell I will. If you don't want to sleep with me, then you can have the damned couch."

 

I walked into the bedroom, leaving her seething. I had a long shower and climbed into bed. The bedroom door didn't have a lock, so there was no way of keeping her out. I drifted off to sleep only to be woken later. Summer slipped between the sheets and snuggled up behind me.

 

Her naked body nestled close to mine. We had always slept in the nude; I wished right then that I had pulled on pyjamas.

 

Her head slipped over my shoulder and she kissed the hard muscles of my neck and chest. Her arm slipped over my waist and she went to grab my cock. I grabbed her hand hissing, "Stop. I'm not interested. Fuck off back out the lounge."

 

She sighed. "Come on, Babe, it was nothing, just a little fun between consenting adults. No harm done. I'm home now. Pease... let's make love, I promise everything will be okay."

 

I pushed her away. "If you're not leaving then stay over on your side of the bed."

 

"You're being childish, just push aside your stupid male pride. Big deal, someone else played with your toys, there's no need for this bullshit. Just get over yourself."

 

"Male pride!" I barked. "Jesus Christ, Summer, you fuck another man and expect me to just roll over and play dead. Well, fuck you."

 

She rolled away. "Suit yourself. You're the one who's missing out."

 

"The only thing I'm missing is catching some fucking disease."

 

I felt the angry slap of her hand as she rolled away from me. "Go to hell, you bastard. This could have been a lot of fun. Last night was wonderful and now you've ruined it."

 

I kept my mouth shut, biting back my angry retort.

 

I laid in bed, my anger boiling away, usually it dissipated, but that night, no amount of Alka-Seltzer was going to quell the burning. It was nearly dawn before I fell asleep. I was awakened by Summer shaking me. "Rise and shine, sleepy head. You'll be late for work."

 

"Fuck work, I am having a sleep in."

 

Looking serious, she whispered, "Hon, I'm not joking, it's actually late. I already let you sleep in. Come on, pull yourself together."

 

I snarled. "I said I was having a sleep in, now piss off."

 

She sighed. "Oh well, don't say I didn't try. You will be in trouble when you go in."

 

I pulled the blankets up over my head and tried to go back to sleep. I was in deep shit. We didn't have a huge bundle of savings, and jobs were few and far between. Good ones, anyway. I would circulate my CV and contact recruitment agencies. Still, even if I was lucky enough to find something, it could take months.

 

I wandered out about lunchtime. Summer had the girls outside playing on the trampoline. The girls saw me and ran inside. I was busily making a sandwich when Summer walked in. "Have you called the office to say you aren't going in?"

 

I shook my head. "No." Short and simple. She turned away. "You're being silly, Artie."

 

She collected the girls and I slipped into the study. I updated my CV and sent it to a number of agencies, reputable ones. I rang a few friends to see if they had anything going. That was a flop; nobody could even make me a suggestion. I updated my LinkedIn in profile and started scrolling through the situation's vacant columns.

 

Summer poked her head in several times to see what I was doing. When she saw the sits vacant site she sucked in a deep breath. "Artie, don't do anything stupid. We need that job."

 

"Fuck that. There's no us and there sure as hell is no way I'm ever putting my head in that office again."

 

"Oh, Hon, that's just silly. Ross spoke very highly of you. He said he had a new position for you on the project team. He is talking promotion, Babe. Please don't overreact and fuck it up."

 

"Piss off, Summer. Leave me in peace, and don't forget to sign those papers. If it's uncontested, it reduces the time and cost."

 

As she walked away, she grumbled, "We are not getting a divorce, now ring the office, tell them you're sick or something."

 

There were several messages from my department head on my phone and there were several missed calls. I chose to ignore them.

 

I decided on a walk. When the girl's saw me pulling on my shoes, they demanded that they come, as well. I tied their shoes and got jackets for them. Summer stood at the door and watched.

 

We went down to the park, we played and stopped at the ice cream parlour on the way home. It was actually a pretty fun end to the day.

 

When we got home, the girls scurried off to tell Summer all about the adventure. I heard her laughing and giggling with them. It was hard to reconcile her. Loving caring mother, in many ways a wonderful wife. I mean, the house was always spotless. She was a wonderful cook and she looked after me remarkably well. All that and she could be so cold, so heartless. I mean, I could probably forgive a transgression, a mistake, but what she did was unforgivable.

 

I went back to scouring the help-wanted ads. A little later she popped her head in. "I called Ross; said you were feeling a little under the weather." I think she expected me to say thanks, but that was the furthest thing from my mind. When I didn't respond she sighed. "He was really pissed. Apparently, people have been trying to get hold of you all day. I said you took some sleeping pills and went to sleep."

 

I ignored her, keeping my eyes focused on the computer. She blurted out. "He's not an idiot, Artie. He knows why you didn't go in.'"

 

When she saw, she was going to get nothing from me, she turned and walked away. A sullen grumbling of incoherent words was all I heard.

 

The evening passed coolly. She made a nice dinner and the girls were chirpy. They carried the conversation. We did our usual routine of bathing them and putting them to bed.

 

I left Summer sitting in the lounge, watching TV as I went to bed.

 

She came in much later and snuggled beside me. She lifted the covers. "Really? Pyjamas... For heaven's sake, Artie."

 

I sneered angrily. "Didn't want to catch anything."

 

She rolled over to the edge of her side of the bed. At least it gave me some peace.

 

The morning was a repeat. Summer shook me heavily. "Artie, get up for god's sake. You will be late."

 

I glanced at my watch; it was early. "Go away Summer, I'm sleeping."

 

"Artie, this is not a joke. You have to go to work. You will get the sack."

 

"They can't sack me, I already quit."

 

She ripped the blankets off me. "Get up now, Artie."

 

I snatched the blankets back. "Piss off."

 

"Artie, we can't afford for you to be unemployed. We don't have that much in the bank."

 

"Tough. I don't care." I sat up giving her the nastiest sneer I could muster at seven in the morning. "Perhaps you should have thought about that before you humiliated me in front of all the senior managers. Perhaps you should have thought, full stop."

 

She flopped down on the bed. "Artie, I'm sorry. I know it was a bit cruel, but I was drunk. He was so charming and so commanding. It was just one night. Granted, we should have talked about it, but, Hon, we need that job."

 

"Sorry, Summer, but it's all over, us, our marriage, the job. It's all gone."

 

We sat staring for what seemed an eternity, minutes becoming hours, hours days. Eventually she stood up, flinging her arms in the air. "I give up. Artie, I know you must feel angry, but think about it. We have been married a long time, had amazing times and low ones, this was just a single moment in time. I'm sorry I hurt you."

 

"Hurt me!" I snapped caustically. "You destroyed all my credibility with those people. Every single person in that room knew what was happening, all of them. Do you not understand? I felt completely humiliated."

 

She sighed deeply. "I am sorry, Artie, it was a misjudgement on my part."

 

"Misjudgement... what the fuck are you talking about?"

 

She sat back down on the edge of the bed. "Ross told me, in confidence. He has slept with most of the women who attended that party. Even the wives of his senior managers. He told me that there are men who get off on it."

 

All I could do was gasp, "What?" I was stunned, they were all into it... Jesus, twisted fucks.

 

She grimaced. "Ross explained it a little. He thought you were like that. He thought it would be hot. He is very compelling and I sort of fell under his spell. The house, the money, I thought that he might be right. I wanted him to be right."

 

"Well, he bloody well wasn't."

 

"Artie, we need for you to pull on your big boy pants and get over this. Nobody cares, they all do it. They have probably all been in your position. Don't you see, Hon. It's not a bad thing. He promised to give you a promotion."

 

"Oh, yeah, of course he did. All I need to do to get it is let him fuck my wife. Like hell."

 

She stood and waked out. When I went out, she had already left with the girls. There was no note, nothing.

 

I turned my phone on and it went ballistic, missed calls, messages. All from the office.

 

I made breakfast and started phoning some of the agencies setting up interviews. As I sat scrolling through the wanteds, my phone went again. This time it was an unknown number. "Hello, Arthur, my name is Michael Slocum."

 

"Hi, Michael, how can I help you?"

 

"I have your CV in front of me, I want to discuss an opportunity with you."

 

Shocked, I replied hesitantly, "Sure, sounds great. When do you want to meet?"

 

"Are you free today for lunch? My shout."

 

"Ummmmm, yeah sure. Where do you want to meet?"

 

"Odriscoll's."

 

"See you at, what... twelve thirty?"

 

"See you there."

 

Michael was waiting there when I arrived. He was leaning on the counter waiting. He strode towards me manfully with his hand outstretched. "Hi, Arthur, it's a pleasure to meet you. I have heard lots of great things."

 

I said thanks, he led us over to a table and said, "Order whatever you want. Do you want a beer or something?"

 

I knew I shouldn't, but I nodded. "Yeah, sure why not."

 

As we sipped our beers, waiting for the food to arrive and he got straight to it. "No sense beating around the bush. You're currently in trouble at Revington's. What's going on?"

 

There was no hiding from his piercing eyes. "I am just looking for something more, I want an opportunity to do things my way."

 

Michael sipped his beer thoughtfully. "You are involved in the Power business tender, aren't you?"

 

"Yes, I am," I said hesitantly.

 

"From that, I gather Ross has brought you into his team." He used air quotes when speaking the word team.

 

"Yes, how the hell do you know all this?" I asked.

 

"I will lay my cards on the table, Arthur. I think I know why you are not going to work at the moment."

 

Confused, I spat out, "What?"

 

He sniggered. "Don't panic, what we say here today stays here between us. I don't like Ross. I think he is an unconscionable bastard; he uses and abuses his staff. I know because I used to work for him. He's a prick."

 

Taking a big gulp of my drink I pondered his words as he continued. "Arthur, I want to destroy the bastard. I want to grind his bones into the ground. I want to see him standing outside the dole office."

 

I couldn't hold back my chuckle. I apologised. "Sorry, Michael, but you seem to hate him a lot. What did he do to you to make you feel that way?"

 

Unflinching, Michael snarled, "The bastard seduced my wife, wrecked my marriage. I'm not the only one, either. I will be honest. I am talking to a couple of the other engineers as well as you, that's how I know you are not going to work at the moment."

 

I choked on my drink as I took in his words. "Shit, I'm sorry man, that's terrible."

 

He stared back at me. "I said I want to be honest, Arthur." His steely eyes stayed locked on mine. "He did the same thing to you Saturday night. Don't bother denying it. I already know what happened. I did say I am talking to others."

 

Humiliated, I looked away, no longer able to hold his unflinching stare. He nodded curtly. "There's no need to be embarrassed, he did the same thing to me. Like I said, I want to ruin him, and I want your help."

 

I nodded, swilling back what was left of my beer. He saw mine was empty and ordered another couple.

 

"Okay, what's in it for me?" I asked.

 

"I am offering you a Project Manager's role with our company. It will include a very generous salary and some perks."

 

"When do you want me to start?"

 

He smiled knowingly as he answered. "Today, right now."

 

"Sounds good to me, where do I sign?"

 

As the beers arrived, he smiled, it was a twisted smile. "Arthur, I don't want you to quit just yet. I want you to stay in your current job, but work for us, as well."

 

"Christ, that's damned unethical. If you already have guys on the inside, what do you need me for?"

 

"The others are not in the inner circle. Because he is after your wife, he will keep you close until he is sick of her, then you will fall by the wayside. I want you to get as close as possible. I want to know what their plans are before they do. I want to know details, costs, numbers, systems. I am going to take that fucking contract off him."

 

We started on our meals that had just turned up and I asked enquiringly, "If you don't mind me asking, what happened between you and your wife."

 

He grimaced. "We are trying to make it work. Still together, going to counselling. What about you?"

 

I shrugged. "I am filing for divorce. I am looking for somewhere to live so I can move out."

 

He nodded. "I understand. We could help you. It could be one of the perks we discussed."

 

"How would that work?"

 

"We will find you somewhere and pay your lease. None of it would show as income. The company will foot the bill. Would twelve months suffice?"

 

I spat out my beer as I choked. He laughed at my discomfort. "Arthur, we will start paying you from today. We will pay you in cash. Until you start with us formally, we will meet here every week and I will give you your salary in cold hard cash."

 

"What happens if you don't win? Do I get the boot?"

 

He replied quickly, his eyes never moving. "No, unlike Ross, we stick by our employees. If you help us out, but we lose, we will still expect you to quit Revington's and come and work for us."

 

"How do I know you are being honest? How do I know that I can trust you?"

 

He chuckled coldly. "The bottom line is, you don't. You'll just have to take a chance. Look, Arthur, I have been straight with you. If he wins and we lose, you can just keep your job with them and tell us to fuck off."

 

We ate in silence as I let my mind do the sums. As we finished, I said, "Fuck, I don't think I can do it. I can't go back into that office with the smug bastard lording it over me."

 

"Arthur, think about it. What do you care? Think about it as working under cover. Just try to ignore him. If your marriage is already over, what do you have to lose?"

 

I flinched. His words did make sense, it was just a matter of whether I could actually front up.

 

He could see my mind working. Knowing he had been in the same position made it seem easier. He growled, "Okay, I get it, you want to tell him to shove it. Tell him he is an arsehole. That's what I did, and I regret it. I should have stayed and fucked him over from the inside."

 

"How long do I have to decide?"

 

He laughed. "I'll give you as much time as you need, but I think from his perspective, today is your last day."

 

"What if I say no?"

 

He shrugged. "We finish our lunch, shake hands and walk away. No harm, no foul."

 

"But no job for me, I take it?"

 

He shook his head. "Nope, sorry, Arthur, I feel for you but if I say I have a job for you there is no compunction for you to do what I ask, is there?"

 

"No, I suppose not. "Okay, you've got a deal."

 

His smile beamed. "Good, on Monday I will pay you in cash, one month's pay in advance. In the meantime, I will find you an apartment as close to your place as I can. We will pay the bond and get you in ASAP."

 

As we parted, we shook hands and he whispered conspiratorially, "Arthur, help me fuck him up. You won't regret it."

 

I drove home with a smile on my face. At home, Summer seemed angry. "Arthur, you god damned idiot. Ross has been on the phone to me trying to find out if you are going to work or not. He said if you're not in the office in the morning, then don't bother going in at all."

 

I laughed snidely. "Oh well, never mind. It is just a job."

 

She scowled angrily. "What about us? What about the girls. You might hate me at the moment, but I know you love them."

 

"I do, I will look after them, don't worry.

 

In bed that night I tried to figure out what to do. There was no easy way around it. I was going to have to go in to work and she would know. I could just picture the look of joy on her patronising face as I tortured myself by not only going in to work, but facing up to that arsehole.

 

The morning came quickly, and I would have slept in again if my alarm hadn't gone off.

 

I was up and showered before she woke up. As I walked out of the shower and started dressing, she cheered. "Oh, thank god you've come too your senses."

 

She jumped out of bed and hugged me before I knew what was going on. "Thank you, Hon. This is the right thing to do. I am so proud of you."

 

She rushed out and I could hear her making my breakfast.

 

We ate in silence; I could see she wanted to say something but focused on her coffee. As I got up to leave, she jumped up and came in for a cuddle. I pushed my briefcase between us.

 

She sulked sullenly. "You'll see, Babe, it will be all right. It won't be as bad as you thought. It will be all over and we can move forward."

 

At work I went into my office, now I had to face that smug prick. I went to my desk as normal. I had been there about twenty minutes when Reynolds walked in.

 

"Decided to grace us with your presence today, have you?"

 

I was about to say something but he cut me off. "Don't bother with excuses. Summer told me what was happening."

 

I bit my tongue and gritted my teeth as he continued. "I understand you might have some misgivings, some concerns, but let's get this sorted right here right now."

 

I nodded, as he continued. "All right, I slept with your wife. I make no apologies for it, apart from perhaps we should have talked earlier."

 

I said nothing, so he carried on. "I just hope there are no hard feelings. I know it must have been a difficult moment for you. It is gone now, it is history. I am asking you to let it go. You are a very valuable member of my team and I don't want what happened to get between us and business."

 

I nodded.

 

"Good man," he chirped. "Good, I expect certain things from my team. I need to know you are either with me or against me. Which is it going to be for you, Arthur?"

 

Biting back the poisonous venom boiling within, I replied, "No hard feelings." I tried to make it less of a hiss, but it was difficult. I had to hang on as long as I could and help Michael win.

 

He stuck out his hand and we shook. He smirked. "You're a lucky bastard, Arthur. That is one hell of a woman. She wore me out that's for sure. She is a sexual dynamo, isn't she?"

 

I swallowed hard and I had to restrain myself from crushing his hand in mine.

 

He left as I muttered, "What a fucking prick. What a complete and utter arsehole; the gall of the man."

 

When we went in for the morning meeting, I received some funny stares before Reynolds walked in. Nobody said anything, but it was impossible to miss a couple of sniggers.

 

That night at home things seemed calmer. When I walked in, Summer greeted me with a mischievous grin. "How was your day Hon?"

 

She didn't even try to hide her smirk. "Did you talk with Ross? Sort out things?"

 

The girls rushed over, intervening by screaming, "Daddy!" They were all giggly, and dinner came and went easily.

 

Summer seemed miffed that she didn't get a hug or kiss, but the girls dragged me away to show me their toys.

 

After dinner, Summer picked up all the jobs. She bathed the girls and prepared them for bed. She even read the stories until they fell asleep. Normally, that was my job.

 

I think she was hoping I would wait up and talk, but I was already in bed by the time she finished with the girls.

 

I heard her shuffling around in the kitchen, finishing up the cleaning.

 

I had the lights off and was lying on my side of the bed when she walked in. I heard her grumble as she stumbled around the room.

 

Eventually, she slid into bed. She wasted no time in snuggling up against me. "Why are you still wearing these damn pyjamas?" she moaned.

 

I replied shortly, "I like them, they keep me warm."

 

She sighed, a deep breath billowing across me. Her arms circled my chest and she tweaked my nipples. "Artie, make love with me. I miss you. I hate us being like this."

 

Her naked flesh squirmed and wriggled behind me. Her hand dropped and she curled her fingers around my cock.

 

Damn it felt so good, I was horny, as well. Cutting her off also cut me off.

 

"Please, Artie." Her hand slowly stroked my shaft. "Please," she whimpered as her mouth nibbled on my ear. Her mound pressed against my arse, our bodies damp.

 

Sucking in a deep breath I said loudly, "No." I brushed aside her hand and turned to face her. "Summer, it's over."

 

She snorted. "You are being silly, Artie. I can see you want me; I can feel it." Her hand reached out to cradle my swollen balls. "Why should we torture ourselves. Let's just reconnect. Make love, enjoy our life."

 

I pushed her away. "I said no and I meant it. We can move forward after the divorce. You can have as much sex as you want. As many men as you can fit through the door."

 

She sighed. "Stop being so cruel. You have this all mixed up. We could actually explore this. It could work; there are hundreds of thousands of couples around the world who enjoy open marriages."

 

"But this isn't an open marriage, is it? It's just you fucking my boss, humiliating me, expecting me to just bend over and take it. Well, fuck that."

 

In a huff she rolled away. "You're being silly. This whole thing is silly. I had sex with him. I didn't kill anyone. Why do we have to fight? It's not the end of the world. If you would just open your mind, we could share the experience."

 

When I woke in the morning, she was snuggled up behind me. Her arm draped over me and her hand wrapped around my throbbing morning wood.

 

I eased her hand off and she whimpered, "No, stay for a while, don't go."

 

I removed her hand and went into work. With Michaels offer still firmly in my head, I decided to try and get inside. Find out as much as possible. It was tough cosying up to Reynolds, but as I wedged myself in, they freed up with his encouragement. Suddenly, I had access to all of the new tender docs. Luckily, I had my personal computer. I used it to download everything to which I could get access. Some of it was encrypted. I would need to get closer to get access to those.

 

Work was hard. The sight of him glaring smugly at me pissed me off. There was another side to it though. Ross seemed to be promoting me. He asked me to take a bigger role. He invited me into his office. "Sit down, Arthur, we need to talk."

 

I sat in a small chair staring across his huge teak desk. "Arthur, I like you, your work is excellent. You are conscientious, thoughtful and I thought, loyal."

 

I nodded offering a thanks for the compliment. Straight away he shot me down. "The problem, Arthur, is you have no god damned drive. Everybody pushes you around."

 

He stared back at me, his steely eyes drilling into me. "I want you in my inner sanctum, I am offering you a chance to shine. Guys who play the game well get opportunities. Work with me, Arthur, and the world will be your oyster."

 

I nodded. "Yes I will try."

 

"Good," he answered. "I want to see a little more go-get-em from you. Show me I haven't misplaced my confidence."

 

I nodded again and as he was walking out, he casually threw in, "By the way, I am having a diner party Saturday night. I would like you and Summer to come along. It starts at eight, don't be late."

 

I frowned. "I can't promise anything. We will have to find a babysitter."

 

He frowned dismissively. "Yeah, well make sure they can stay later than eleven for god's sake. Stand up man, stop being a pushover, don't let some snotty-nosed teenager tell you what to do. You're paying her, for god's sake."

 

I walked out thinking that was rich coming from him. The only reason we got the invite was so he could sleep with Summer again. Well fuck that.

 

I had no intention of going to his damned party. I never mentioned it to Summer. Things sort of calmed down at home and I'm sure she thought I was giving in, like I always had. What I was really doing was preparing to get out.

 

Saturday, I worked all day in my study. I built up copies of all the docs. If I decided to jump ship, this should outline Reynolds costs. With them exposed, it would be easy for Michael to adjust their price to come in under Revington's.

 

That night we were cleaning up from dinner, I was on dishes and Summer was on clearing down the table when her phone went. "Hello," she whispered, glancing guiltily at me. "What... no, I didn't know, he never even mentioned it."

 

Her gaze changed from guilty to irritated. "No, sorry, it's too late now. We would never be able to get a sitter."

 

She wandered away up the hallway so I wouldn't be able to hear, but I walked out of the kitchen and leaned against the hallway door. I heard her giggle. "What... no I couldn't do that. Things are tense enough here as it is."

 

There was quiet as she listened to whatever he was saying. "I'm sorry, Ross, I would love to, but I can't. I am trying to save my marriage."

 

He was obviously trying to get her to go without me. "No, Ross, please don't say that, I would love to come, but I can't, not tonight."

 

I heard her say, "Good night, lover."

 

I quickly slipped back into the kitchen and she stomped in behind me. "Why didn't you tell me about the invite to Ross's party tonight?"

 

I shrugged. "Because I didn't want to go. End of story."

 

She snapped back bitterly. "But the invite was for me, as well. Why didn't you at least tell me?"

 

"Because I didn't want to go. Okay?" I snarled.

 

She sneered, "Why not? What did you think was going to happen?"

 

I spat out angrily, "The same as last time probably, and I didn't want to go through that again."

 

Her stance softened and she folded her arms across her chest. "Babe, it was just a dinner party. Ross said he wanted you to get better acquainted with the other managers. Don't you understand, he's trying to help you."

 

"He doesn't care about me. All he wants is to get into your fucking knickers. Oh, and let's not forget, to rub my face in it. He's a sick fuck, Summer, he loves to do that. Fuck his employee's wives. You're not the first. He's done it to lots of guys. He is a fucking sicko, a god damned twisted psycho."

 

She seemed genuinely shocked by my vitriolic response. "Hon, he is a powerful man. So, what if he slept with some of the wives. Their husbands obviously don't mind. It could be the same for us."

 

"Oh, fuck off, he's a fucking sadist. He doesn't do it because he wants them. Not because they're beautiful. He does it so he can lord it over us at the office. Ha-ha, I fucked your wife."

 

She shook her head, "No, you have him all wrong. Okay, he is a very powerful man, very dominant, and he likes women. But he is not like that."

 

"Yeah, then why did he just ring you and not me?"

 

"He was just checking to see if we were going to make it. There was nothing sinister in it."

 

"Bullshit."

 

She sighed. "Have it your way, but I would have liked to have gone. It would have been fun."

 

"Want another fuck, did you?" I snarled.

 

She sneered. "Yes, actually, sex would have been nice. Because I'm not getting any here, that's for damn sure." The bitterness in her voice dripped with contempt.

 

The rest of the weekend passed slowly. It was cold around our pace. Very cold.

 

Monday morning, Reynolds burst into my office, slamming the door behind him. "Where the hell were you on Saturday? I specifically told you to be there."

 

I shrugged lightly, feigning confusion. "Sorry, I didn't realise it was a big deal. I couldn't organise a babysitter."

 

He leaned over my desk, his face inches from mine. "Artur, that is a damn lie. Summer didn't even know."

 

"I didn't tell her because I wanted it to be a surprise, but the sitter pulled out at the last minute and I couldn't get another."

 

He stood back up and paced around my office, his hands clasped behind his back. "Arthur, I thought we had an understanding, that you were in my corner."

 

He glared at me and I nodded in agreement. "We do, I am. Sorry, I didn't realise."

 

He shook his head. "When I tell you to do something Arthur, I mean it. If you don't want to be on my team and all the benefits that includes, then say so. I will organise somebody to clean out your desk. Do I make myself clear?"

 

I nodded again. "Yes sir."

 

"Good, then let's put this little difference of opinion behind us. Move on. Next weekend, I am taking my yacht for a sail. I would like you and Summer to accompany us. It will be an overnighter, so make the proper arrangements this time, all right?"

 

With a resigned sigh, I muttered, "Yes sir."

 

I met Michael that day to give him my updates and data.

 

As we ate lunch, he presented me with a contract. I had a quick read and it was for a senior project manager. The salary was twenty grand a year more than I was currently getting. There were other perks, as well.

 

As we sat, he slipped me some money over the table. It was one month's salary in cash as a sign-on bonus.

 

As we talked, he said. "I have found you a flat. I can have the keys and it can be ready for you to move in by the end of the week."

 

As I walked back to the office, I couldn't help but shiver. Sheesh, this was so unethical. It went against everything I believed in. I swallowed it down. Fuck him, he deserved it.

 

At home that night, Summer seemed uneasy. The girls were boisterous and running around crazily, but Summer seemed very subdued. It came out later as we stood together clearing up after dinner. "Artie, Ross called me today. He said he wanted us to go out on his boat next weekend."

 

I nodded, swallowing the huge lump that sat in my throat. "That's right. Apparently, it is an overnight trip."

 

She screwed up her face. "Are we going?"

 

I snarled. "I have been given no choice. We either go or I have to find another job."

 

She rasped disbelievingly, "I am sure he didn't say that."

 

"Whatever, we are going, you better buy a box of condoms, you're going to need them."

 

"Christ, don't be so vulgar."

 

That night in bed Summer didn't wait for lights out. She came in just after I climbed into bed. She made a big deal of stripping off naked. She sat at her makeup dresser and combed out her glossy hair, went through her moisturising regime before sliding in naked beside me.

 

"Artie, could we talk for a few minutes?"

 

I nodded, but noticed her reaching for her laptop from the bedside cabinet.

 

"Hon, I want to talk about what happened between me and Ross."

 

"Go on then, spit it out."

 

"What I want to talk about is you."

 

"What the hell has anything I did got to do with what happened?"

 

"This goes a little deeper than just that night."

 

I sighed, trying to figure out where this was heading. "Okay, get to the point."

 

She swallowed hard before hesitantly saying, "It's about you as a person, your personality. I mean I have always known you have a submissive streak You are timid, shy uncertain."

 

"What has that got to do with anything? I might be shy, but since when has that been a crime?"

 

She flinched as my voice hardened. "I don't mean it like it's a bad thing. I love you; I always have." She opened her laptop and started to search for something. "Hon, I think that you are submissive, you've always been an introvert, god, I think you border on being neurotic sometimes. Shit, all the jobs you have had; your managers all had the same complaint about you. They described you as, timid and unassertive. It's why you get passed over."

 

Some of what she said rang true. I never saw myself as timid. Shy, introverted, maybe passive, but not submissive.

 

She turned the computer so I could see the screen. "Read this, keep an open mind."

 

As I read, she continued to talk. "Hon, Ross and I have talked a lot recently. Mostly about you. He said it was obvious from the moment you started working for him that your personality was plain obvious."

 

I pulled it onto my lap and sat up to see better. It was a series of articles about submissive men, husbands, as it were. The articles were all from supposedly prominent therapists and psychologists. They highlighted the traits of what they described as submissive men. There were a couple from sex therapists, who delved into the sexuality of what that meant.

 

I read quickly, scanning the obvious bullshit.

 

As I got to the last article she said, "Does any of that ring true, Hon?"

 

I shrugged. "I suppose. But I don't see myself as submissive."

 

She batted her eyes as she whispered hesitantly, "Sorry, but I do. I think the word submissive sums you up. I don't think it's necessarily a bad thing, we just have to be honest about it, talk about it."

 

"Yeah, yeah, yeah. What has this all got to do with anything?"

 

"Hon, if you can admit that you are submissive, it means we can explore what that means and where we go. Ross is the exact opposite to you; he is the confident and assertive, perhaps overly so. I think that is why I was so attracted to him."

 

I spat back angrily. "Confident my arse. He is nothing more than an arrogant bully. That doesn't make him anything more than a condescending bastard."

 

"No, Babe, he is a natural leader, and a very aggressive one. I admit that night when he started making a fuss over me, it was overwhelming. A man of his status and position interested in me overpowered me, I felt compelled. He explained some of this to me. It all makes sense."

 

I sneered. "Bullshit, he is playing with your mind. He is brainwashing you."

 

"No, Hon, I think it's true. I think the only thing that is getting in the way is what these articles all call male pride. You are scared about what people would say about you, how they would see you. You are also worried about how I see you. Hon, being submissive isn't a bad thing. I don't care, I love you the way you are. We could make this work."

 

"What the fuck are you talking about?" I snapped. "Christ, Summer."

 

"What I am getting at is, if you can accept that you are naturally submissive, then we could include that in our playtime. Ross likes to take control, lead, he could be what has been missing from our relationship."

 

"Missing, what... You have confused me. Are you saying that the sex was better with him?"

 

She grimaced and thought carefully before answering. "Yes, the sex was good. Very good, in fact. It's not that I don't enjoy our sex life but, Ross is different. He is forceful and physically stronger. He didn't try to make love with me, he just took me."

 

"And that was better than what we share?" I asked bitterly.

 

She flinched again, I guess she picked up on how badly her words had hurt me. "I wouldn't trade it. But I did enjoy it. It's what we lack, you are a wonderful caring lover, our sex is great. Think about it. Ross and I see each other occasionally. It wouldn't have to interfere with our relationship."

 

"You see him, and then come home to me... I sit here at home and wait ever so patiently until he doesn't need or want you anymore. Is that how it would work?"

 

Sighing deeply, she spluttered. "No, I mean I would see him occasionally. If you opened your mind it could be exciting for both of us."

 

I sensed it coming, so I jumped in. "BUT?"

 

She tried to hide her grimace, tried to turn it into a teasing smile. "Hon, I'm not going to lie to you. The sex was great; it was good to be just fucked. He didn't force me, he was powerful, strong and so commanding. I like that occasionally."

 

"Well, if he's so good then just marry him. We will be divorced soon, anyway."

 

She lifted the laptop away. "Hon, I love you. I don't want a divorce. I think if we could use this knowledge, we could improve our relationship."

 

I laughed outright. "You think me letting you fuck Ross is going to make our marriage better?"

 

She smiled, her hand rubbing my chest slowly, gently. "Yes, I do, actually It would be like Yin and Yang. It would require you to open up, and to be honest with yourself. I think if you could be totally honest with yourself, you would enjoy it. I mean, have you thought about it at all? You must have, what we did, how we did it, surely you must have pictured it... imagined it."

 

"No, I haven't. The last thing I need in my head is images of you with him."

 

"Perhaps we should talk about that?" Her hand continued its delicate caress. "Babe, I could tell you all about it. Describe it in detail, in fact, I would love to. There's lots of stuff in those articles about how we can enjoy this together."

 

I sucked in a deep breath as her hand continued south. Her hand curled around my shaft, fondling the twitching flesh. "I could tell you how he felt, how he tasted, what he felt like."

 

Those few words made me shiver. I brushed her hand away. "No thanks, Summer. It doesn't interest me."

 

She sighed sadly. "Artie, you are just scared, Babe. I think if we could just experiment a little, let me talk to you about it, you might change your mind. Put aside your pride. What does it matter if I had sex with another man? It's just a physical thing, like getting a massage from him because he is better at it than you."

 

I grimaced and stiffened at her words. "Oh yeah, every man wants to hear about how the guy you just fucked was better than him. Jesus, Summer, don't be ridiculous."

 

I rolled over facing the edge of the bed and pulled the blankets up.

 

She sat for a while and I heard her tapping away on her keyboard before she turned off the lights.

 

She snuggled against me, her armed draping softly over my waist. "Artie, make love with me, please, Babe. I'm sure if you would let me into your world, we could make this work."

 

Her hand snuck around to grab my cock. "Please, Babe, you are punishing us both."

 

"Summer, I'm not interested. Go to sleep."

 

She wriggled, nestling in closer, moving her hand from my cock. "You're being silly, though, punishing yourself. Why not at least enjoy our time together.

 

As we drifted off to sleep, I wondered. 'Is that what she really thought of me? Some kind of guy who gets off on watching his wife have sex with another man? It was with a troubled mind I fell asleep.

 

At some point during the night, I was roused from the depths of sleep. You know what it's like when have a very lifelike dream. It was so real, so damn intense. It was like the wet dreams of my youth. My cock was slipping into boiling soft jelly. Encircled by soft velvety flesh, hot, wet, caressing.

 

The dream felt so real, like the best blowjob I had ever received. My hands naturally fell to grab my cock and became entangled in soft silky-smooth hair. I felt a head moving slowly, seductively, up and down my pole. Christ it felt like I was going to burst.

 

I gripped her hair tightly as the lips around my cock tightened, moved faster, sucking, gulping thirstily at my manhood.

 

Then movement, my cock cooling quickly. A body moving over me.

 

I woke up just as Summer lowered herself down on my shaft. I jerked uncontrollably as I sank into her well of moist warm flesh. I glanced up, my eyes adjusting. "Summer, what are you doing?"

 

"Shush, Babe, you want this as much as me." Her body slid up and down, her slippery hole squeezing me as she rode me."

 

Her breath was hot and moist as she panted roughly against my neck. "Fuck me, Babes, fuck me hard."

 

Every time she slid down, she ground her pussy against my pubic bone, using me as a tool for her own pleasure.

 

The ride to the explosive orgasm was fast and furious. Her writhing body crying out as she came, and I erupted moments later.

 

She collapsed on my chest, "Oh god, I needed that," she whimpered. Her lips crashed on mine and our tongues played gently as we regathered our senses.

 

When I woke in the morning, she was wrapped around me like a blanket.

 

As my eyes opened, she wriggled. "Good morning, Babe. Thank you for last night. It was amazing."

 

We kissed sleepily before I climbed out of bed to get ready for work.

 

The day was busy, not working for Revington's but collecting data and sending it to Michael. I pushed into meetings and dug up what I could find. It wasn't too hard to see that Reynolds was in over his head. I'm no financial wizard, and I didn't have all the information, but I could see he had filtered all his resources into winning this bid. People who were being billed against other contracts were actually working on the tender. He needed more people, but from what I could see He couldn't afford it.

 

Reynolds was in a grumpy mood. When he suffered, we all suffered. He took out his irritation on everybody.

 

Part of my responsibility became IT. Not really my specialist field, but hey, do what you're told and keep your head down. I didn't really know Lye, the senior IT tech, very well, but I organised a meeting with him. We met at the central desk which had all the project info spread across it.

 

We shook hands and I asked, "What is outstanding? Where can I help?"

 

He gave me a grim nervous look. "I understand you are a friend of Michael's?"

 

His words shook me. "Yes," I replied hesitantly as I glanced nervously around the office.

 

He smiled before whispering softly, "So am I."

 

We talked about the project and what was outstanding. He told me that he was deliberately letting some things slip. I asked, "Are you sending all the info to Michael?"

 

He nodded and he handed me a disc. "It's all on there."

 

I wandered away uneasily. Christ, what we were doing was so wrong. It certainly didn't sit well with me. I tried to convince myself it was his own fault; he was getting what he deserved. Still, it wasn't right and I knew it.

 

That day I met Michael for lunch. Since talking to Lye, I fought with my conscience. I was almost ready to pull the pin. Michael was already there when I arrived. As I sat at the table, I started to outlay my concerns.

 

He sneered. "Fuck him, Arthur. He is getting what he deserves. He is going to get fucked for a change. I am going to drag his arse over the coals. He will wish he had never fucked with my family."

 

"Yeah, but what about all the employees? They are going to get screwed, as well."

 

He sipped his beer, thoughtfully glancing at me. "Arthur, you're a nice guy. Don't worry about the employees. I am working with another company that wants to buy him out. His problem is he owes so much he won't be able to fight it off. He is going to lose everything. The workers, though, will all be safe. At least the good ones. The guys who enjoy playing his twisted games are going to get fucked, as well."

 

I walked away thanking my lucky stars that Michael wasn't mad at me. Sheesh, the depth of his wrath knew no end. He was deep into his revenge.

 

That night at home Summer was again on her game. The dinner was sumptuous and delightful. The girls were bathed quickly and shipped off to bed. We talked a little that night and my anger had really eased. In bed, she wanted to continue where we left off last night. She was passionate and urgent. We made love twice.

 

I started to think, maybe I have been too hasty. Maybe I should think about my actions. If she would forget about him, promise to never cheat again, maybe there was hope?

 

Damn, my mind was in a turmoil. The weekend and the early part of next week flew by. The boat trip was never mentioned, not until Wednesday night. I could see Summer had been shopping. There were bags piled in the dining room. After dinner I asked, "What's in the bags?"

 

She gave me a coquettish smile, her eyes teasing. "Well, I decided I needed a few things for the cruise in the weekend."

 

"What sort of things?"

 

She rushed over to the bags, lifted them onto the table and extracted a small bit of flimsy material and waved it in front of my face. "First, I got this bikini, isn't it wonderful?"

 

Shocked I snapped, "You can't be serious... There's more material in a handkerchief."

 

She giggled snidely. "Don't be silly, it's not the dark ages. Lots of the women will be in bikinis."

 

"Summer, I work with all those people. You are not parading around in that. You're not a fucking stripper."

 

She was taken aback by strength of my exasperation. "Honey, it's a bikini. All the women will be wearing something similar."

 

"They might, but you won't be. You are my wife and I will not allow it."

 

Dismayed at my reaction, she pushed it back in the bag and pulled out some casual dresses, a couple of flimsy tops. At least they didn't display her whole body.

 

She had one other item. A burgundy crushed velvet cocktail dress. When she held it up, I was shocked at how short it was. "Christ, that is short. Everybody would be able to see your panties."

 

She giggled. "Yes, it is a bit short. But I love the colour. Isn't it wonderful?"

 

I shook my head. "If you were eighteen and a slut, it would be perfect. Summer, you are a married woman with two young children. Dressing like that is going to make you a laughing stock. Many of the women are older and will be dressed more demurely. You need to take that into account."

 

"So now you want to control what I wear?"

 

"You did say you wanted me to be more authoritative."

 

She sighed. "No, that's not what I said. What I said was you need to accept who you really are. Not try and be somebody you aren't."

 

She collected the bags and disappeared to the bedroom. We did make love that night and she was in a particularly demanding mood. She took control, which I didn't usually mind, but since our talk, she tried to force the dominance aspect.

 

With me laying on my back she ground her pussy on my face. She ground it down forcefully as she rode my face like a bronco. With my face covered with her sticky goo she climbed aboard my erection and rode me slowly whispering. "Would you like me to tell you about Ross and I?"

 

"No," I grunted, trying to enjoy the feeling of her velvety love tunnel milking my cock.

 

"Are you sure, Baby? I could tell you about what he felt like. How he fucked me. What he tasted like."

 

It irritated me so much that she wouldn't let this go. I was sick of hearing it.

 

"I said no, Summer. If you want to finish this, then shut up."

 

She grimaced. "Babe, if you just opened your mind. You might find you like it."

 

That was it. With a quick shove I pushed her off. She went flying. I saw the look of shock on her face. She ended up lying beside me staring back. "Summer, I said I didn't want to hear that garbage."

 

She rolled away saddened and disconcerted. "Artie, you're missing out, Babe. If you would just open your mind, this could really be fun."

 

It was Thursday night after dinner when she ended any thoughts, I had of trying to sort shit out. It all exploded after dinner. The kids were fed, bathed and in bed sound asleep. We were relaxing in bed. She hit me between the eyes with both barrels. "Artie, we need to talk about sleeping arrangements for the cruise."

 

Wary, I asked, "Why? I'm sure we will get our own cabin. One of the guys said it's a pretty big boat. Enough cabins for everybody. We will not have to share."

 

She smiled thinly, her mouth twitching at the corners. "You will have to."

 

"I will have to what?"

 

"Share."

 

"Sorry you've lost me." I grumbled.

 

"Artie, you are going to have to share me. I know Ross wants me to spend some time with him. Maybe not sleep together, but he definitely wants me in his bed."

 

I felt like I'd been slapped with a hunk of wood. "Are you suggesting you would climb out of his bed and come back to ours after he was finished with you?"

 

She grinned. "Don't say it like that. Think about how sexy it could be."

 

"Sorry Summer. After the last few days, I was hoping that maybe you might have put all the shit behind us. I was going to suggest we try counselling or something. However, if you think having sex with him is acceptable, then I think our marriage is definitely over."

 

She wasn't going to let go that easily. "Artie, Babe, I have been trying to open your mind, get you to let go of your fears. I wanted to prepare you for this. Show you how much fun it could be."

 

Gobsmacked doesn't really sum up my reaction. I just stared at her. Seeing my expression, she tried to explain. "Artie, this could be a powerful weekend for us. If you go with it and get involved, it could be good for us."

 

Curious, I asked. "And just how would I get involved?"

 

She sniggered as her hands caressed my body. "Well, you could help me get ready, you know, before I go to see him."

 

Her hand curled around my cock. "You could pick out a nice negligee, some stockings, even. Maybe help me shave my legs."

 

Her lips nibbled on my ear. "Then when I get back, we could make love. You could enjoy the feeling of being inside me, knowing he had been there only minutes before."

 

"You could lick my pussy while it was swollen and wet. Don't you see babe, it could really be fun."

 

I snorted derisively. "And you think that would be fun for me?"

 

"Yes, imagine it." She smiled sneakily. "Think about it, when I'm in his cabin, you could be imagining what's happening, what we are doing, is he licking me, am I sucking him. Is he fucking me? Imagine how hot that would be."

 

I smirked. "Fucking hell, Summer. You think that little of me? You think that would be fun? The mere thought disgusts me."

 

She tried to start again, but I waved my hand, pushing her hand off my cock. "Stop right there, Summer. Don't say another word."

 

"Artie, if you don't go along with this you could lose your job."

 

"Fuck, who cares? If you are trying to scare me it's not working. He can shove his job up his arse."

 

She again tried to grab my dick, a defeated grimace spreading across her face. "What do I have to do to make this work?"

 

"If you have any thoughts about saving our marriage then you need to stay by my side throughout the cruise. Stay away from that toxic arsehole and then when we get home, we could try counselling. But I warn you now, go with him and it's over."

 

I could see she wasn't even listening. She rolled away silently.

 

In the morning, after showering and getting dressed Summer stopped me at the door. "I will have your gear ready for tonight. Mum is picking up the girls. Ross said he is sending a limo, so we just have to be ready by five."

 

I shrugged. "Maybe. I feel a tummy bug coming on. I think I we might have to sit this one out."

 

"Artie, don't fight this. You have got an opportunity with Ross. Rather than fight it, get involved. It might be fun. If you say we can't go I fear you really might lose your job."

 

"So, who cares? I can always get another job."

 

"Hon, you put so much into this one. You are finally getting somewhere, don't throw it away just because of a few hours of sex."

 

I left her standing at the door. Her face an unreadable mask.

 

I sent Michael a text from the car. "When can I move into that apartment?"

 

The reply made me feel a lot happier. At least I had somewhere to live.

 

At work, I was immediately sucked into a planning meeting. There were a lot of uneasy people. The announcement over the project allocation was nearing. Everybody was nervous. The tension was apparent on every face in the room.

 

I had a meeting with Michael at lunchtime. He handed me the keys to the apartment. "Thanks, Michael. Would you be comfortable with me taking up my new position with you guys as early as next week?"

 

He frowned uneasily. "I would prefer if you could stick it out for another week or so. The announcement's close. Is something going on?"

 

"Yeah, we are going on this damn cruise over the weekend. He has made it abundantly clear that I have to bring my wife, if you know what I mean."

 

"Oh shit." He spat out. "Fuck, he is a sadistic bastard."

 

He flinched as he asked, "Look this is none of my business, but is your marriage retrievable?"

 

When I didn't answer directly, he said. "I hate to ask, but if your marriage is dead and buried. Can you stick it out? Let her go alone, stay home."

 

"No, you obviously know what he's like. He wants to rub my face in it. He made it abundantly clear if we both don't go, I'll be looking for a new job."

 

"Arthur, you have a job. There's no problem with it. You can start Monday if you want to tell him to stick it. I was only asking because I would have liked you on the inside for another week."

 

"What about Lye?"

 

He laughed. "Lye is finishing today, and he's leaving them a very nasty trojan as a leaving present. Monday morning, the shit hits the fan. I mean, if you're there you will get to see it up close and personal."

 

"Yeah, but to enjoy that, I have to watch him and my wife together for the whole weekend to see it."

 

He looked at me and laughed an evil laugh. "Can you swim?"

 

I scowled. "What are you suggesting?"

 

"If you can swim, jump overboard somewhere close to the coast and swim ashore. Leave them searching for you. It will fuck up their weekend well and proper."

 

"And if I drown?"

 

"I did ask if you could swim."

 

I laughed at his twisted humour. He patted me on the back. "Arthur, it's your call. I am happy either way. Your job is waiting for you already. Start when you want."

 

I gave him the new disc; with all the information I had and went back to the office.

 

Not long after returning, Reynolds walked into my office and pulled the door shut behind him. "Summer tells me you are uncomfortable with the proposed sleeping arrangements for the weekend?"

 

Gritting my teeth, I replied. "Nope, no problem."

 

He walked up behind me and patted me on the arm. "Good man. Look, she won't be with me all night. We will have some of the clients on board. We will have to keep it seemly. Summer will visit my cabin for an hour or so, but she will return to your cabin for a little frolic, as well. It's a win, win."

 

We were all let go early to go home and prepare. I was greeted by Summer who wore a very revealing little yellow sundress that left very little to the imagination. "Hi, Babe," she chirped happily. "The girls are at Mums and your bag is inside the door. I brought some swimming trunks for you. Hurry and change."

 

I pulled on some casual clothes, and before Summer and I could get into anything, the limo rolled up. The driver quickly loaded out bags and we were off. We drove straight to the marina, where we were escorted onto this thing I could only describe as huge. It was more like a cruise liner than a pleasure yacht.

 

Reynolds played the big man, dressed in his make-believe skipper's uniform, and we were all welcomed aboard. There were just the senior Revington's managers and their wives. Added to that were several of our biggest clients and their wives.

 

We were ushered into our cabins, which were as plush as any motel rooms. "Oh my god, Artie, look at this." Summer squealed as she threw her luggage onto the king-sized bed. She bounded and jumped on it, as well. She lay sprawled on her back with her arms and legs spreadeagled. "Artie, it's awesome. Jump on beside me."

 

No thanks, I'm going up on deck, feels like we're moving." She gave me a dark sad glare as I turned and walked out the door.

 

As I stepped out on deck, Reynolds was making some bullshit announcement over the PA system.

 

Summer slipped out beside me as I leaned on the hand rail and peered over the side. "God, Artie." She sighed. "Wow, Babe, this is the life, who would have thought we would ever be on a ship?"

 

I sniggered softly. "Yeah, and all you had to do was fuck the captain... Who knew?"

 

She snipped back. "Don't spoil it, Babe."

 

As we got out of the marina a waiter brought around champagne for everyone. There were introductions and trays of food. It was straight out of a movie.

 

Summer talked to the other wives and they all headed for the bar, leaving us men to talk shop. I didn't know the clients, but it was interesting to listen in. Reynolds came down from the bridge, announcing that now we were out of the marina he had handed over the helm.

 

What a tosspot. Always had to big note himself. He headed straight to the ladies, where he kissed them all. Funnily, I noticed one of the less senior managers grimace as Reynolds kissed his wife. Made me wonder how far up the tree the rot went.

 

Soon we were seated at the dining table and being served this stunning array of foods. The conversation flowed. Summer really fit in with some of the other women. She made sure she laughed and giggled at all the jokes. They all talked about fashion, what's hot and what's not. All very swish.

 

There was plenty to drink, and we all went out onto the deck to watch as we passed through the harbour. Reynolds grabbed Summer and said, "Let me show you around."

 

As they were about to head away, he turned to me. "Come on, Arthur."

 

I followed along like a good puppy. When we got to the lower aft deck, he showed us the hot tub. A huge thing. He grabbed Summer and with his arm around her waist he said. "I can't wait to get your hot little bod in there. We might come out later." His eyes flicked to meet mine. "You don't mind do you, Arthur?"

 

I snapped, "Nah, who cares, that's why we're here isn't it?"

 

He gave me a very caustic glare, as did Summer. With his arm pulling her tight against him he whispered loud enough for me to hear. "Have you ever made love in a spa pool?"

 

Summer tittered sexily. "No, but I bet it's fun."

 

"We'll find out later, shall we?"

 

Just then some of the others arrived and the party mood picked up. He was a different guy when the clients were around: charming and good natured. The two-faced toad.

 

It was about ten when everybody started heading for their cabins. Summer and I slipped into ours and she quickly changed into a very sexy bra and panties set. Gorgeous sexy red and black. She pulled on a see-through negligee. She did a twirl. "Well, do you like?"

 

I shrugged, feigning being drunk. "I'm sure Ross will think it's great."

 

She sighed. "Come on, Babe, I won't be gone long. I'll be back before you know it and we can make love."

 

Just then her phone rang and she giggled, answering it. "I'll be right there, sexy."

 

She leaned in close to kiss me. "Babe, his room is next door, you might be able to hear us if you listen closely."

 

With that she snuck out the cabin door, pulling it closed softly behind her. Jesus, how drunk was she? I believed she thought if she kept saying it, I would just get used to it.

 

No way was I sitting in here listening to them. I headed for the deck, wearing nothing but T-shirt and shorts.

 

I walked up on deck. I was pissed off to the max. My blood pressure was through the roof. As I walked around, I remembered Michaels words. "Could I, do it?"

 

I decided I would stagger a little. Make it look like I was far drunker than I was. In reality, I had been drinking water most of the night.

 

It was a beautiful warm summer's evening. I leaned over the handrail, staring at the coastline. It didn't appear to be far away. Could I, do it? I stumbled up to the bridge and made sure that they all knew I was there. Then I reeled and stumbled to the back, making sure the deck hands were still watching.

 

As I got to the back I looked down and saw the spa pool. I heard giggling, which sounded a lot like Summer. I made the decision right there and then. I screamed as I fell overboard. Waving my arms frantically in a crazy drunken fall, I curled into a ball and hit the water with a thump. It winded me a little, but as soon as I surfaced, I took a deep breath and dived back under. Holding my breath as long as I could, I used a slow steady breast stroke. I surfaced as little as I could making sure I was hard to see, I headed for shore. I thanked my lucky stars for the swimming lessons we got at school.

 

I heard the alarm on the boat and people screaming "man overboard." The boat turned quicker than I thought. The last thing I wanted was for them to find me. They turned on spotlights and started scouring the waves. Keeping my movements smooth, I cut out. Every time the spotlight came my way, I dived back underwater.

 

Soon, they were circling in a tight arc, the spotlights cutting the night. Every minute I got further away. As they disappeared from view, I started to panic. This was a fucking dumb idea. I was a good swimmer, but shit, what about sharks? Even if I made it to shore, I would probably get pounded onto the rocks.

 

I kicked harder, the boat becoming a distant distraction. I saw some lights on the coast and focused entirely on those.

 

I don't know how long I was in the water before I heard the helicopter: search and rescue. They headed straight past me out to the boat and joined in a search out there. Slowly, with growing confidence, I kept going. My heart pounded in my chest. Excitement raged through me. That had certainly fucked up his plans. I sniggered wickedly. Even if it killed me, at least his weekend was fucked.

 

As I neared the coast, I felt the pull of the current. Waves picked me up and as the moon poked its shining light through the clouds, I spotted what looked like a beach. Taking a deep breath, I tried to align my body to allow the waves to carry me in.

 

Wow, what a rush, I surfed in on the crest of a wave, it was fun until I got dumped in a huge wave on the pebbly beach. I got smashed and then the wave dumped on me. I had to crawl up the beach until I was out of the water. I lay there for a while. Out on the horizon, I could see the helicopter still hovering, spotlights lighting up the night,

 

Now out of the water, I started to shiver, the cold water clinging to me. I needed to get to some shelter. What a numb-nuts. I hadn't thought this through at all. Now what was I going to do? What I needed was somewhere to get out of the wind and just get my head together.

 

I walked up the beach onto a rough track that led onto farm land. I stumbled around in the dark and found a hay barn. There was a pair of overalls hanging on the wall that were way too big, but at least they were dry. Rummaging around, I found a canvas sheet. I climbed up onto the top of the bales of hay, wrapped myself in the canvas sheet and pulled some loose hay up over myself.

 

As exhausted as I was, it didn't take long to fall asleep.

 

Daylight came and it dawned warm and bright. Climbing down, I wandered around the outside of the barn. Fate was on my side. Standing of to the side were a group of apple trees laden with ripe fruit.

 

With my stomach full, I wandered down the track to the top of the beach. I spotted a small Coast guard boat edging along the beach. Checking for a body, I guess.

 

Keeping low, I returned to my hideout. I decided to leave them searching for the rest of the day. I could only imagine what was going on back on the boat. Sure, was going to ruin Reynold's day.

 

With a bunch of apples and a bottle of water from the trough, I climbed back up onto the hay bales. Lying there gave me one thing I had lacked: time by myself. I managed to rationalise what I wanted from all this. Number one: move out of home into my new apartment.

 

Number two: start the divorce proceedings. No more worrying about Summer. Number three: help Michael as much as possible.

 

I didn't hate Summer. She was the mother of my children. Yes, we had grown apart and it was obvious we wanted different things. She wanted what dickhead Reynolds had to offer, then good luck to her. I had been thinking about separating for a long time before all this happened, anyway. All I wanted to ensure was access to the kids.

 

Late in the afternoon I heard a boat out off the beach somewhere. Stripping off the overalls I snuck down to the beach and flopped into the surf.

 

Thankfully, as I lay face down in the sand, I heard cries from the boat and soon I was being manhandled up the beach. I was wrapped in an aluminium rescue sheet for warmth as they resuscitated me.

 

Within minutes, the helicopter had landed, I was loaded and shipped off to the hospital.

 

Of course, there were hundreds of questions. I just feigned ignorance. Didn't know what happened or how long I had been on the beach.

 

In the hospital, I was put on a drip and given all the usual tests.

 

About an hour later, Summer came charging into the room, saw me and rushed to the bedside, wrapping me in her arms. "Artie, what in the hell happened?"

 

I shrugged. "Don't know, all I can remember is being resuscitated."

 

She hugged me tight. "Jesus, you scared the shit out of us all. We thought you drowned."

 

"Sorry, looks like I survived."

 

She gave me a strange look. "Don't be an arsehole. We were all worried. A crew member saw you fall overboard. We spent ever since combing the waters, searching for you."

 

She let me go and pulled up a chair to sit beside the bed. "Are you okay? I mean, what did the doctors say?"

 

"I'm fine. They have run some tests, but I feel fine. You can go back to your cruise."

 

She snarled, "Don't be ridiculous. Ross took the boat back to port as soon as we heard you were okay."

 

"Then you can go and meet him and go home with him."

 

"Oh, for fucks sake. Don't be an idiot, Artie. I'm not going anywhere. I'm staying right here until you are cleared to go home."

 

"I'm pretty beat, Summer, I need some sleep. Maybe you should go and get something to eat?"

 

She sighed. "Do you need anything? Something to eat... I did see a café as I walked in. I could get you something?"

 

I shook my head. "No thanks. I'm okay. I just need some rest."

 

She leaned over and gave me a kiss. "You had me so worried, Artie. God damn, I thought I had lost you. I never want to feel like that again."

 

"To late for that, Summer. We are already lost. As soon as I can sort my shit out, I am moving out. We need to be apart. We are in different places, want different things."

 

She frowned. "We don't have to talk about this now. You need to rest and then when we get home, we can talk."

 

"There's nothing to talk about. Summer, you need to understand our marriage is over. Go back to Ross."

 

Her face twisted into a dark nervous mask. "I don't want to be with Ross."

 

"Yeah, then where were you going when you walked out of our cabin?"

 

"Artie, I don't want to live with Ross. Christ, he wouldn't want me anyway. He was going to be an interesting interlude. Nothing more, A little excitement."

 

"Well, you can have all the excitement you want now."

 

She held my hand between hers and she stroked the back of mine. "Hon, all I want is for you to get better. All the rest means nothing."

 

She wandered off to get a drink and I lay back and closed my eyes. I woke to find a group of doctors gathered around. They gave me the all clear and I was permitted to go home. Summer arrived soon after with some clothes for me and we headed down to get a taxi home.

 

Once home, Summer cooked us a late snack and as we sat, I decided this was it. "Summer, I'm moving out tomorrow. This marriage is no longer working, Christ, it's not even a marriage any more. I'm not prepared to sit by while you fuck whoever you decide is the new flavour of the month."

 

She sat back and stared back at me with an unflinching gaze. Her expression was impossible to read. "Artie, we have talked about lots of things recently, does none of that even excite you a little? I mean, forget your ego, or outside influences. Just be honest, I wouldn't think less of you."

 

"Summer, you just don't get it. All this crap about you and Ross. It is shit. There may be people, men on this planet that feel that way, but I'm not one of them. What you suggested disgusts me."

 

With a sad wistful sigh, she mumbled. "I don't want a divorce; the girls will be heartbroken. They love you. Don't you care about them at all?"

 

"Of course, I do. They are my children. I don't want to walk away. Right up until Friday night I was prepared to try. But the moment you got dressed up and headed for Ross's cabin, that was the end."

 

"I could live with that decision if that's where we end up. All that annoys me is, you never really gave it a shot. If we tried it and you said then that you didn't like it, well, at least then I could accept it. But at the moment, I'm sad because it feels like we never even tried."

 

"You don't always have to try something to see whether you like the way it tastes. Sometimes the smell is enough. That's the way I feel. This stinks. You having sex with another guy, especially Ross, might be fun for you. For me it is torture. I can't live like that. If I'm not enough for you, sex wise, then I never will be. This shit will follow us till the end of time."

 

The anger I had been stifling erupted, and I snarled, "You fucking humiliated me. Don't you understand. I was totally demeaned. Everybody at that fucking party knew what was going down. They all laughed at me. Every single one of them were splitting their sides."

 

She winced, and she stumbled trying to find words. She tried several times to find the right thing to say. In the end she groaned. "What I have been trying to say is, if you opened your mind and accepted it, you wouldn't feel embarrassed or humiliated. You would look forward to it, enjoy it."

 

"What... People laughing at me, making fun of me? Forget it, Summer. Monday morning, I am filing the paperwork. If we work together, it will reduce the pain. Work with me and we may still walk away friends. Fight me and it will end badly for all of us."

 

"Yeah, and what am I supposed to live on? You've stripped most of the money from our account."

 

"I did that because I wasn't sure you wouldn't do the same. I have that money and I will give you half."

 

"What about the girls?"

 

"I want to see them as often as possible. If we can come up with a suitable visitation schedule, I won't fight the child support payments."

 

Silence seeped out of every pore of the room. It was dark, moody, and in the end I I was just tired. "Summer, this marriage has been broken for a long time. You have been unhappy with me. I'm not ambitious or goal oriented enough for you. Let's part as friends and you can find somebody who is going to suit you."

 

She nodded slowly; her eyes downcast. "I still love you, Artie. All the reasons we married in the first place. I am still attracted to you; I still enjoy our love life. You're right, though. I do want more. I'm sorry I got carried away. I didn't want to hurt you."

 

"Bullshit, you knew how I felt and still went ahead with it."

 

"The teasing was supposed to be part of it. The sweet torture. That was supposed to be part of the fun. I have read many accounts from men who share their wives. They all talk about the sweet torture, the jealousy, the inner torment."

 

"Good for people who are into it, I guess."

 

"But don't you see? You never tried it. If you hadn't fallen overboard, I would have returned from Ross's cabin and we could have enjoyed a fabulous night in that big bed. Made love. You would have been worked up with jealousy and desire."

 

I gave a little snort and she carried on. "Babe, you could have laid there, imaging what was happening, listening to see if you could hear anything. Wondering what we were doing. I suppose it is a form of torture, but when I returned, we would have made sweet love and all the pain would have been worth it."

 

Standing, I muttered, "I'm going to bed."

 

She sighed. "Can I come with? If you are leaving tomorrow, let's make tonight special."

 

"Have you been with Ross?"

 

Shaking her head, she mumbled, "No, you falling overboard put a stop to that." She reached out her hand. "Yes?"

 

I smirked. "Yeah, come on then. One last night of passion."

 

As I walked out Monday morning she said. "What do I tell the girls?"

 

"Nothing, we will tell them together tonight."

 

At the office everybody had heard about what happened and wanted to hear about my adventure. Ross was furious because it was obvious Lye and two of the senior IT techs had left. The place was in turmoil. The systems were all frozen. The managers were trying to get some contract Techs in as cover. We did have some on other sites, but they were all busy.

 

Nothing worked, all of our programs were down, frozen or producing shit.

 

I got a phone call from Michael. "Arthur, can you get me spreadsheets that show how many of your employees have been falsely booking time to other clients?"

 

I sighed. "Yes, I suppose so, but is that necessary? Revington's is obviously not going to win the tender."

 

"Maybe not, but this is deeper than winning the tender. I want to fuck him over properly. He has been robbing from his clients and that needs to come out."

 

I had already gathered that information, but I was going to keep it. Hearing how incensed Michael was, I decided to go with it and send it to him.

 

It was much later in the day when Reynolds walked into my office. His face was drawn and he was obviously feeling the effects of everything going down. He leaned over my desk. "You are a fucking moron, you know that? What the fuck was that all about? Falling overboard, Christ you fucking drunkard. Was it just because Summer was going to have sex with me? You drank yourself stupid. Pity you didn't bloody drown. She would have been better off."

 

I sneered, trying to appear braver than I felt. "Thanks for the concern, boss. I'm feeling better thank you for asking."

 

He smirked. "Fucking moron. A limp-dicked fucking moron. Saturday night I will be fucking her anyway."

 

"After today, you can have her for good. I filed divorce proceedings against her today. She's a free woman, so do whatever the hell you want."

 

He glared angrily. "Divorce, oh you stupid fuck. She will eat you alive. The courts will screw you."

 

"Maybe, but at least it will be over."

 

He turned and walked out, steam billowing from his ears.

 

That night we gathered the girls together and gave them the bad news. They were devastated. Too young to understand, they cried. Summer cried, she bawled her eyes out and I cried, as well. It was incredibly painful.

 

We had a late dinner and cuddled together. Summer talked me into staying the night.

 

The next day the shit hit the fan. There were angry calls from clients who had found out about being cheated. There were people running everywhere; it was total pandemonium. He saw me talking to the IT techs and he snarled. "You can fuck off. You're no fucking use."

 

That was it for me. I was only hanging around to help out Michael. I stood up tall, the whole office was watching. "Ross, you can shove your job up your arse sideways."

 

He started to froth at the mouth his anger was so powerful. Before he could say anything, I snapped. "I will clear out my desk."

 

I turned and walked away to a mouthful of vitriolic vomit he sprayed my way. I quickly cleared out my personal shit and walked out.

 

As I walked out into the brisk morning air, I felt the dark mood I had been living under lift. Suddenly, the sky didn't look so dark. I felt lighter, I actually smiled. The smug bastard was going to suffer.

 

I rang Michael and apologised, explaining I could no longer work there. He was understanding and agreed I could start with their firm the next day. He did suggest he would organise for an office to be set up at my apartment and I could work from home.

 

That was for my protection. It would look a little suspicious if I officially started with them the day after I walked out of Revington's. It also meant I was going to be paid under the table and it would help keep down my child support payments.

 

That night Summer brought the girls over to my new place and I showed them where their bedroom was. Summer seemed impressed, but nervous. "How the hell are you going to afford this place and still give me back that money?"

 

"I have a few irons in the fire, Summer. I will have a job before long. Have you been into income support to sort out a benefit?"

 

She nodded. "I have decided to go back to work. I have contacted my old employers and they are interested. We just have to sort out suitable hours."

 

"Wow, good for you."

 

She smiled and gripped my arm. "It's time. We need to move on. I don't expect you to pay for me. I will need help with the mortgage. I don't want to rip the girls away from their home."

 

I agreed. "I will help. I don't want the girls to suffer."

 

She just held on tight. "God, Artie, how did we end up like this?"

 

I laughed snidely. "Maybe you could become the new Mr's Reynolds."

 

She laughed loudly. "Don't be an idiot. I could never live with him. Artie, I never wanted to replace you, just have a little fun."

 

"Hopefully your new man will be into it. You might be better matched sexually."

 

She shrugged. "Maybe."

 

That was the start of our new lives. Revington's did implode. Ross lost everything. He was brought out, and was lucky to escape jail.

 

My working relationship with Michael wasn't that great. He was so weighted down by jealousy and anger he was hard to deal with. He was obsessed with revenge. It flowed through every fibre of his being. His marriage deteriorated to the point he got divorced. I think if his demeanour at home was like work, she was sick of hearing about revenge.

 

He turned into a very bitter and twisted man.

 

Lye turned out to be my saviour. He was also sick of Michael and he found a job with another company. When he told me about it, I admitted I was envious of him getting out. He put in a good word for me and they were impressed enough to offer me a position as a frontline Project Manager

 

My life took a while to get back on track. Summer and I found the kids held us together as friends. We both shared that. We wanted what was best for them, and us fighting was no way forward.

 

I helped out financially as much as I could. Remembering back to the night it all fell apart I was so angry all I could think about was destroying her. It was all I could do to stop myself actually physically harming her.

With the way things turned out, divorce was the best thing for us. She had been unhappy for a while, and her dissatisfaction poisoned our marriage. We were so naïve in many ways. Our communication was so poor, neither of us was able to explain why we were unhappy.

 

In many ways I know she loved me, I still loved her. That much I did know. In the end we grew apart, wanted different things.

 

It took me a long time to meet another woman. This was a new world and things had changed. We met online. The internet introduced me to a series of women who I dated casually. It's real there are single women out there looking for sex. One of the women I met, I liked. It started out as a casual, no strings attached thing, but there was a connection. Over time we moved from booty calls to actual dates. Dates turned into a relationship.

 

She had a daughter, as well, and our two families bonded rather seamlessly. My girls loved having another sister.

 

Summer, well she went through a phase of, much like me, dating a succession of men. I found out about most of them from the girls, who liked to tell me about their mother's boyfriends.

 

We also talked. Funny how it took a divorce to fashion our friendship. She often told me some of the funnier aspects of her dates. She also liked to brag about some of her adventures. She did eventually find a partner. His name was Neil, and when we met, I really liked him. He reminded me a lot of myself.

 

Summer laughed. "Yes, I have a type okay."

 

It turned out she had finally found the man of her dreams. Unlike me, he liked being led and was more than happy for Summer to have extramarital adventures. She did try to rope me in, but that was far to kinky and my new wife was never going to agree to that.

 

The end.