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The Party's Over

By: laptopwriter



I want to thank those who have been requesting new stories. Your loyalty is humbling. I also want to thank Mostera1 for his help. He always makes my stories better.

*****

"Hey Lees,"...

Alicia looked up from her computer screen. Sylvia, one of her co-workers, had a big grin on her face indicating she was definitely excited about something. "What's up?" Alicia asked with a smile.

"Wendy's wedding is coming up in a few weeks and some of the girls are talking about giving her a bachelorette party. Vanessa's husband is going out of town next week so she volunteered to have the party at her place. Her parents are going to watch the kids. It would be a week from Saturday; are you in?"

"Ah, well..."

"Oh come on," nagged Sylvia, "don't be a stick-in-the-mud."

Even though Alicia Samuelson was relatively new to the firm she was the oldest of all the secretaries, but only by a few years. Still...somehow she seemed to have developed a reputation for being an old fuddy-duddy. It wasn't that she didn't enjoy having a good time, she just didn't have that much in common with the others. Still, the group always seemed to have so much fun when they were together. It would be nice to be invited out for lunch once in a while. Suddenly she realized that this was an opportunity to show them that she could party as hard as they could. 

"I was just going to check with my husband to make sure we weren't already booked but I can't think of anything off-hand; yeah, count me in," she replied enthusiastically. 

"Great," Sylvia responded with a hidden agenda. Earlier, the girls had decided to hire a male stripper. It was going to cost a hundred and seventy-five bucks. The more girls they got to pitch in, the cheaper the cost per-person. She was hoping Alicia wouldn't back out when she told her she'd have to come up with some cash.

"Now, Wendy knows about the party but what she doesn't know is we're hiring a male stripper. She already had a wedding shower with her bridesmaids and her personal friends but this is going to be a private affair...just us girls, so It's going to cost each of us thirty bucks. I have to give them a credit card number to insure payment but I can't let them charge my card. My husband would see that and have ten conniption fits. I just talked to the agency and we're going to pay the stripper in cash when he gets there. We'll get a receipt of course but that way the charge won't show up on my card. I'd kind of like to have the cash by the end of the week. That way nobody has to worry about forgetting it the night of the party. Is that okay with you?"

"Sure, no problem," Alicia responded, determined not be a wet blanket. 

"Great. Oh, and you should bring a little extra to stick in his G-string, too. You know what I mean?" Sylvia asked with an evil grin.

Playing along, Alicia responded with a naughty sounding, "Ah ha," and her own devilish smile. 

"Oh...Vanessa volunteered to make the snacks but it's BYOB as far as the booze is considered," Sylvia added as an afterthought. 

"No problem."

As Sylvia walked away, Alicia couldn't help but be a little excited. She knew dang well that the only reason she was even asked was so she could contribute to the entertainment but still... As long as she'd worked there she was never able to penetrate the clique of the other secretaries. She was sure that would change after the party. Hell, she was as friendly and fun-loving as anyone. 

Later Alicia was surprised to see her husband's SUV in the drive as she pulled in. He owned a photography studio and was rarely home before seven or seven-thirty...but it was Wednesday. She was sure that was the day he had a big location shoot somewhere out of state. He had been preparing for it for days. He left the house around three in the morning and she wasn't expecting him home until late that night.

Dexter was just going through the mail as she walked in.

"Hi, honey," she said putting her arms around his neck and kissing his smiling face. "How come you're home so early? Don't tell me something went wrong at the shoot?" she asked, now looking into his blue eyes.

"Nope. In fact everything went like clockwork. Cindy did a great job getting things organized. I can't thank you enough for recommending her as my new assistant. She was the one who suggested we shoot in Michigan. At first I didn't want to drive that far but she convinced me it would be worth it. She was right, too. It's sure a lot easier to work there than in than Illinois. We had a good portion of the beach blocked off and we didn't even need any permits. Then we were just starting to set up and the cops showed up. At first I thought damn, I knew things were going too smoothly, but unlike Chicago's finest, they didn't come over to hassle us or ogle the models; these guys said they heard we would be in the area and wanted to know if there was anything they could do to help." 

"Really," replied a surprised Alicia. She couldn't count the number of times she had to calm down an irate hubby because of bureaucratic BS he'd run into on a job. 

"Yup! Cindy even got both the make-up artist and the hair stylist to show up on time. I couldn't believe it, that never happens. Everything went off without a hitch. After only four hours of shooting the guy from the ad agency said we had more than enough for the campaign he was working on and called it a wrap. Who am I to argue with a client," he joked. 

"I'm so glad Cindy is working out. I was a little scared to vouch for her but I figured if she was anything like her mother she'd be conscientious and a good worker. I've known Laura since we were kids. She was always the older sister I never had and when she called and told me her daughter just graduated college and was interested in photography - well you had just lost your other assistant and..."

"And I thank you very much," he said picking up where his wife left off.

"Listen, I came straight home. I didn't even drop my equipment off at the studio. It's still in the car so we'll have to lock it up in the garage and take yours," he informed his confused wife.

"Where are we going?"

"I thought I'd take you out tonight so I made reservations at Plato's.

It was turning out to be quite a day for Alicia. First she gets invited to a party with her co-workers, then her husband surprises her by coming home early, and now they're going out to her favorite restaurant. No doubt there will also be some nooky at bedtime. Damn, she thought, it doesn't get much better than this.

A big smile stretched across her lovely face just before thanking her wonderful husband with a passionate kiss. 

"Oh," she said quickly pulling their lips apart. "What time are the reservations?"

"Seven," he informed her.

"I've got to hurry and get in the shower," she said, pulling from his embrace.

"Me too," replied Dex. "I'll scrub your back if you'll scrub mine."

Now his smile was even wider than hers. They used to have a lot of fun in the shower together all the time but lately their schedules had been so far apart they hadn't done their duty to conserve water in ages. 

"Last one in is a rotten egg," Alicia yelled as she took off, developing a good lead.

Once upstairs, Alicia made a beeline straight for shower and got the water running. While waiting for it to heat up she poked her head out of the bathroom door to see if Dexter was there yet...she didn't see him. Paying little attention to her surroundings, she strolled into the bedroom while unbuttoning her blouse. She had it almost undone when two hands reached around her from behind and gently started to remove the garment at the same time a pair of lips tenderly kissed her bare shoulder. 

Alicia closed her eyes and pushed her head back against his shoulder. "Mmmm," she cooed while instinctively reaching behind his head to pull their lips together. She felt his hands reaching into her open blouse and cupping her breasts. "If we don't move this to the shower, we're never going to make dinner," she whispered.

They watched each other undress then stepped under the soothing waters. Dexter reached for her lavender scented body soap and squirted a generous amount in his palm. Gently his hands glided through the hills and valleys of his wife's smooth and slippery flesh. 

She moaned and wooed and pressed her body against his, squirming around to work up a lather between them. In kind, Alicia grabbed her husband's body wash. She loved the feel of his muscular torso. She also loved the look of pure ecstasy on his face and how she could make his knees go weak as her deft fingers washed his cock and balls. 

Together they worked one another into a sexual frenzy that could only be quelled one way. Alicia reached up and interlocked her fingers around his neck so they wouldn't slip. With a small hop she wrapped her legs around his waist and lowered herself until she felt the tip of his stiff rod poking through her welcoming hot spot. 

As the cleansing waters cascaded down, Dexter held her by the hips and helped as she bounced up and down in the throes of passion. 

Alicia could tell by the tone of his grunts that her lover was getting close...so was she. She tried to hold back just a few seconds longer but couldn't. Her body tensed and involuntarily she clenched him in a death grip. 

The pulsating spasms of her internal walls sent him over the top. He grabbed her around the waist with one arm and stuck the other out to use the wall for support. His cries of ecstasy synchronized with those of his loving wife's. 

***

"Honey, we don't have anything planned for a week from Saturday, do we?" Alicia asked as Dex was cutting into his steak.

"Next Saturday," he repeated while trying to think. "I don't think so, why? What'd you have in mind?"

"Well, the girls at the office are having a bachelorette party for Wendy and I'd like to go."

"Sure. I can't think of anything we have planned. See - weren't you telling me not long ago that you didn't think the girls in the office liked you? I doubt they would have invited you to a party if they didn't like you," he encouraged. 

"Yeah, I was a little surprised to tell you the truth." She thought it was probably better to not tell her loving husband the real reason behind her invitation - they wanted her money for the stripper. "Unofficially we've been invited to the wedding too. Wendy said we should get the invitation sometime this week."

"Okay, sure," Dexter agreed. "When is that?"

"The last Saturday in June; I already marked it on the calendar at home. I hope we can make it."

Dexter savored the juicy flavor of his T-bone while he quickly thought of his upcoming agenda. "I'm sure I have nothing scheduled that weekend, honey. Remind me and I'll block it out on my work calendar as soon as we get home."

Alicia smiled; she had something else in mind as soon as they got home. Their little romp in the shower was just enough to wet her appetite for a night of some serious love making. 

"Would it be okay if I reminded you tomorrow morning?" she asked with coy, little grin. 

He picked up on her meaning immediately. That's why he was so confused later that night when they got home. 

Alicia had reached up to help him off with his sport coat. "Honey, would you mind if we didn't make love tonight?"

She had been hinting about it all night. Hearing that she'd changed her mine was disappointed to say the least-until she followed up with—"Tonight I want you to fuck me...I want to be, 'taken,'" she said with a big grin.

"I can do that," he exclaimed.

Alicia squealed when her knight in shining armor swooped her up in his arms. She giggled as she threw her arms around his neck and cuddled into his chest. Once in the bedroom he set her down but told her not to move. A shiver of anticipation went up her spine and she made a tiny "Ooo," sound as he removed his tie and used it as a blindfold. They hadn't done anything like that in a long time. Her panties were now soaked with eagerness. 

It only took seconds for Dexter to expose his wife's naked flesh from head to toe. He tossed her on the bed and a moment later, joined her wearing only a smile. Of course she couldn't see it.

Careful not to hurt her, he climbed on top and straddled her head. "Stick out your tongue," he commanded. 

She obeyed and felt the tight skin of his rock hard cock slapping and rubbing against her taste buds. She inhaled the familiar musky aroma of her man as his love tool touched her throat. Her magic tongue performed overtime as Dexter worked his shaft in and out. 

Knowing he couldn't hold out too long under his wife's oral assault, he moved southward. He was glad to return the favor with some oral stimuli but one look at her glistening pussy told him she was ready and waiting. 

"Oh, God, yes," she cried as he pushed himself inside. He felt so damn good. Unconsciously her hips rose to meet his thrusts. She felt his hands pressing into the mattress at the sides of her head and instinctively reached up to wrap him in her building carnal delights. 

She could feel his quickened pace and knew that he too was going to erupt into an intense coming together of soul and physical pleasures. 

In unison, they bodies stiffened; their toes curled; and the house was filled with calls almost unworldly in nature. Alicia's nails dug deep into her spent husband's back as he collapsed on top her as gently as he could. 

He tried to roll off of her but she kept him pressed to her body. "Honey," he said, still breathing hard. "Come on, hon, let me get off of you. I'm too heavy." 

Reluctantly she loosened her grip and he rolled to one side. 

"That was a great start," Alicia was able to choke out between gasps. "Give me just a minute and I'll start getting you ready for round number two." 

And she did...and round number three. They finally drifted off to sleep about three a.m.

Both still had wide grins the following morning at breakfast.

"Honey, I'm supposed to remind you to block out time for Wendy's wedding."

"It's already done," he replied. "I also sent a text to Cindy to make sure she doesn't book anything before I get in to the office. It's all set, babe."

"Thanks, honey." 

As she walked across the kitchen to give him a grateful kiss, it occurred to her what a wonderful husband he was. She was deliriously happy with their life together. She made sure he understood that when her little kiss of appreciation turned into a fervid, full-fledged, battle of the tongues, passionate expression of her undying love.

Her demonstration wasn't lost on him, either. As their lips finally parted he held her in his arms. "I love you, babe," he told her.

"I love you back," she replied.

On her way into work, Alicia stopped at an ATM. She wasn't worried about thirty-five dollars. Dex would never question such an insignificant amount so she had no problem using her debit card. She got her chance to pay up when she saw Sylvia in the break room with a couple of the other girls. She checked to make sure Wendy wasn't around before speaking.

"Syl, here's my money for the stripper," she said, approaching her co-worker with cash in hand. 

"Thanks," said Sylvia, taking the money.

"Hey, Lees, you coming to Wendy's party?" asked Vicky, another secretary. 

"Yeah, it sounds like fun," Alicia responded.

"Good, the more the merrier," chuckled another one of the girls.

For the next week, just the knowledge that she was going to the party seemed to ingratiate Alicia into the circle. Suddenly she had company on her coffee breaks. For the most part, Alicia thought the conversations were kind of silly but it was still nice mingling with members of the same sex. 

The Thursday before the party she was asked to join the whole crew for lunch. She followed along as they all walked two blocks from the office and turned into one of the nicer restaurants.

"One more than usual," Sylvia told the hostess as they entered. The waiter found a seventh chair and immediately brought it to their table. 

Vanessa instantly picked the topic of conversation as soon as they were all seated. "So, Wendy, tell us about your dress. Are you wearing white?"

"Of course," she responded with a giggle. 

As everyone enjoyed a chuckle at the prospective bride's expense, Wendy went on to describe her dress, veil, shoes, and lingerie in detail. Honeymoon plans came next. There were plenty of oohs and aahs as everyone listened with their own degree of jealousy as Wendy described their two week fantasy in Hawaii. 

As Wendy's soliloquy was coming to an end, Meredith directed the conversation toward the newcomer. "So, Alicia, I understand your husband is a photographer. What does he photograph - like weddings and things?"

Alicia was more than happy to pick up the slack, especially when it meant she could go into bragging mode. She was proud of Dexter and the work he did.

"No, Dex hates shooting weddings. He's done it for a couple of friends but he'd never do it for a living. Has anyone seen that big billboard on ninety-four at the Mannheim exit? The one of the girl's arm with that diamond studded watch?"

A couple of the girls indicated that had seen it. 

"That's one of Dexter's shots, he's a commercial photographer. He works with advertising agencies, mostly. He has his own studio downtown but he also goes out to different locations a lot. Just last week he had to go to Michigan and shoot pictures for a women's clothing company." 

"Oh, one of those kinds of photographers," sneered Meredith. 

Everyone around the table looked questioningly at her as she went on.

"Don't you get jealous?"

"Jealous?" queried Alicia. "Oh, you mean because he works with models?"

"Well yeah; I know all about those guys. I had a friend in college who did some modeling. She said they were all a bunch of sex fiends and if she didn't put out she didn't get the job. She had to sleep with every photographer that hired her."

Suddenly the table fell silent. Everybody inwardly gasped at their friend's rudeness. 

Alicia could feel her blood coming to a boil. All she wanted to do was stand up and bitch-slap the smug cunt, but that would surely get her excommunicated from the group for good. She tried to calm herself down and spoke almost in a monotone.

"Dexter is a very successful commercial photographer. The ad agencies are usually the ones that hire the models, and even when he does hire them, he is a loving and faithful husband. I trust him completely. He also treats his occupation with integrity and would NEVER," she raised her voice to emphasize that word, "dishonor his name, his reputation, or his profession like that."

"Yeah, Meredith, that college friend of yours was just simply a slut, that's all," Sylvia intervened, trying to lessen the tension. 

Everyone nervously chuckled at Sylvia's remark. Everyone except Meredith, that is; she didn't think it was so funny but she let it go when she looked around the table and saw everyone's face. It wasn't hard to guess they didn't appreciate her catty remarks either.

As they all paid their bills and were getting ready to leave, Alicia was still angry over the dig at her husband. Maybe it's not such a bad thing to be left out of the group, she told herself as they all walked back to the office. 

Later that afternoon, Sylvia and Vicki, another of the secretaries that was at lunch, came up to her desk. 

"Lees, try not to take offense to what Meredith said today, please. She doesn't have any proof but she thinks Dave, her husband, is running around on her and...well, I guess she's just kind of down on all men right now," Sylvia said trying to apologize for her colleague.

"Oh, I didn't know that. Yeah, no offense taken," she responded.

Not long after that, Meredith herself came over to say she was sorry. Alicia wasn't really sure if she did it on her own or if she was pressured by the other girls but she sounded sincere so by the time she left that night, all was forgiven. 


The Party's Over... Or Is It?



Recently I went to a party thrown by my friends Mark and Jenny. I had originally planned on taking my girlfriend but we had broken up about three weeks ago. I was a bit concerned about going since it was all couples attending but I decided to go regardless.

As always Mark had well stocked the beer and liquor. Jenny, without fail, had filled the kitchen with plenty of snacks and homemade cookies.

I was the not the first to arrive but I had the acquaintance of all of the guests from prior get togethers except for the last to arrive. Don and Karen were the final guests. I was immediately wowed when I saw Karen. Karen is about 5' 8", tan, shoulder length dirty blonde hair, tan and green eyes. She is a ho woman! She looks to be about mid thirties. She has very full D-cups that she was showing plenty of. Her pink shoulder strap top was hugging her curvy frame. Her wide hips and ample ass were being hugged by her tight short jean skirt. Karen is above average in her weight but she is by no means fat! She is well proportioned and has a very soft look to her body. All of this is completed with a beautiful face.

I chatted with everyone throughout the evening including Don and Karen. Don comes of being arrogant. As long as he has a wife like that I'd invite him to my party though!

Don and Karen were no stranger to the liquor. They were both getting quite drunk. The more they drank the friskier they got.

It had gotten to be after 3AM and two of the other couples had left. One the other couples had taken Mark and Jenny up on the standard offer that if you are too drunk to drive you were absolutely welcome to stay there. They had since claimed the guest bed room. It was pretty evident that from the sounds emanating from the bedroom they were not sleeping!

Mark and Jenny retired to their bedroom and it was not long until similar sounds were heard from the master bedroom.

I was on sitting on the couch. Now I was not smashed but I had a few drinks and was tired enough to be concerned about driving so I had decided to stay.

Karen was straddling Don on the love seat making out when it happened.

Karen exclaimed "you asshole!"

Apparently Don had passed out.

Karen, pounding on Don's chest, continued "Damn it... you knew I wanted to get fucked!"

Karen climbed off Don and he immediately slumped over. Don was down for the count!

Karen came over and sat next to me and said "can you believe that asshole... he promised to not get so drunk that he passed out!"

Karen looked me straight in the eyes and asked "do you wanna fuck me?"

Now my cock is screaming yes at this point but my mouth stumbled a bit and I said "but your husband is right there."

Karen said "to hell with him... I told him I was getting fucked tonight! I suppose it's his fault for not taking me seriously."

Karen quickly climbed over top straddling me as I sat and she pressed her lips to mine. My hands instinctively went under her shirt feeling her soft skin.

Karen broke the kiss and asked me again "you wanna fuck me?"

This time I said, my head spinning from the long deep kiss, "I wanna slide my cock inside you!"

Karen stood up and pulled her top off as I stripped my shirt. I could see the outline of her hard nipples shaded through her white lacy bra. She then removed bra exposing her glorious natural D-cups. My cock throbbed at the sight.

Karen has what I call two tone nipples. They are about the size of an Eisenhower dollar coins. The areola is a dark brown encircling a crimson nipple.

Then she bent over and slid off her lacy panties just giving me a brief glimpse of her glistening dark labia.

Karen then began tugging at my shorts frantically trying to undo the button and zipper. I helped and she pulled off my shorts and under ware in one motion.

My manhood sprang up and Karen said "oohhh what a nice cock!"

She immediately took to her knees and engulfed my cock with her mouth. She swirled her tongue and worked her lips up and down the length but only for a few strokes. She then rose and pressed her lips to mine kissing me deeply.

When she broke from the kiss she whispered to me "only dirty girls have the taste of cock on their lips."

Karen then stood on the couch over me. She spread her pussy in front of my face and instructed "taste me."

I beheld Karen's meaty dark brown labia encompassing her inner crimson flesh. I began to swirl my tongue around her pinky nail sized clit. I slid a finger inside her pussy. Karen gasped and grabbed the back of my head.

She began grinding her moist cunt on my face, smearing her wetness on my freshly shaven skin and said "I wanna taste my pussy on your lips while I ride your dick!"

Karen pushed me down on the couch and straddled me.

I said to her "but I don't have a condom with me!"

Karen, grabbed a hold of my cock and rubbed the head on her pussy lips, said almost annoyed "and who said I wanted you wearing a condom?"

Just then she pushed down and I felt the head of my cock slip inside her married pussy.

Karen moaned and said "you feel soooo good inside... and you're bigger than my husband!"

Karen began to kiss me deeply again.

So many things swirled inside my head right at that moment I felt like I could explode inside Karen right at that moment. I did my best to control myself despite the fact that a had hot wet pussy working riding my shaft, that pussy belonged to a hot slutty wife and that I was taking her pussy right in front of her husband!

Karen clearly just wanted to cum. She began rubbing her clit as she rode my cock. It didn't take long before she was trembling and clenching. She was being rather loud in her pleasure despite the proximity of her husband.

As her pussy contracted on my cock I knew I couldn't hold out much longer.

I warned Karen "I'm gonna cum soon."

Her response was only to quicken her pace sliding on my length. As I watched her labia fold in and out as she worked my full distance I felt my balls begin to boil.

I warned Karen again "I'm gonna cum now!"

She slammed in to me going balls deep and ordered "give it to me baby... shoot your hot cum deep inside me!"

That was it! I began to blast hot jets of sticky jizm inside Karen's married cunt!

My cock began to soften a bit when Karen immediately asked "can you get it hard again?"

I am usually good for a second nut and absolutely when it is the first time I am fucking a woman.

Karen slid off my cock with cum dripping from her pussy. She went down on her knees placing her arms on the couch.

Karen instructed "fuck my ass."

I moved behind her on my knees and placed the head of my cock on her tight dark brown star. I gave myself a few strokes to get back to full hardness. I began to push my cock inside Karen. Her ass yielded as the head popped inside her.

Karen winced a bit and said "you'll have to go slow baby... I'm not used to one so big. Bounce between both my holes so you can keep your cock slippery."

I obliged and withdrew from her ass and slid inside her cum soaked cunt. When I withdrew I was again coated in fuck juices. I pushed my cock back inside Karen's ass repeating the process and taking my cock deeper inside her ass each time.

Karen was ready to cum again. She began rubbing her clit. It didn't take long for her climax again. The tightness of her ass and her moaning made me want to explode again. I could feel my balls tighten.

Karen must have been aware what was about to happen because she inquired "are you gonna cum inside my ass baby?"

Before I could answer my cock started spasming.

Karen said "oohhh... I can feel you're hot cum filling me up! Give me all of it baby!"

I withdrew from Karen fully spent.

Karen said we should probably get dressed just in case Don wakes up.

I was pulling on my clothes wondering how to explain the night if questioned. I decided it would be best to head for the door.

At the door Karen said "mmm that was fun... are you coming to Mark and Jenny's next party? I hope that one will be just as much fun!"



The Party's Over



The following day, Alicia was again invited to lunch with the girls. Although there felt to be still a little tension in the air, conversation was light and fun. Alicia had a good time and thoroughly decided she would hold no grudge for Meredith's remarks. 

As the day came to an end, all the girls congregated on their way to the parking lot. Sylvia, who was pretty much spearheading the whole party thing, wanted to make sure everyone knew when and where they were to be the following evening.

"Okay, does everyone have Vanessa's address?" Everyone confirmed. "Alright, seven-thirty at her place. Try not to be late." 

"Oh this is going to be so much fun, thanks everybody. I really appreciate this," Wendy told them with excitement. 

The following morning, Alicia was in a good mood when she awoke. She looked over at the sleeping figure beside her. She wanted to play but the poor man had been up half the night editing photos he'd taken earlier in the day. She watched as he metrically breathed in, then out again with just a hint of a tiny snore. She lightly caressed the side of his face with her fingers and decided she'd let him sleep. 

Gently she threw the sheet to one side, hung her shapely legs over the side of the bed, and started to get up when she felt a pair of strong hands grab her from behind.

"Where do you think you're going," bellowed Dexter as he playfully pulled her back into bed.

Alicia laughed as she was surrounded by the arms of her lover. "I thought you were asleep," she stated with a chuckle. 

Dexter didn't say anything. He just gave her a wicked, little smile and from the corner of her eye, she saw the tented sheet jump. Inwardly she had to laugh as the flinching sheet brought to mind Meredith's belief that all photographers were sex fiends. Maybe so, she thought, but this sex fiend is all mine.

Dexter prepared himself as Alicia slinked her way under the sheet and down to his tent pole. Before meeting his wife, Dexter was a young, good-looking photographer who had been on the receiving end of more than his share of blowjobs, but none ever compared to his wife's. 

He closed his eyes and gasped as he felt her warm breath tantalize the tender skin of his scrotum. Her moist tongue started at the very bottom of his balls and slowly worked its way up his shaft, stopping just under the head to tease. She swirled and flicked and surrounded the tip of his dick before taking it all in her mouth. 

Dexter always said she was ambidextrous. Some people can write with either hand. Some can rub their stomachs while they pat their heads, but Alicia could run her luscious lips up and down his shaft while actively working her tongue at the same time. The resulting euphoria was only one step from heaven as far as he was concerned. 

With both hands, he clutched the sheets. His toes shot out straight and every nerve in his body was on fire with carnal rapture. He gritted his teeth and an animal-like growl emanated from the bottom of his throat. 

"Ohhhh...Goddddddd," he grunted.

Alicia slowed so she could savor every ounce of his rich cum. 

***

The day progressed as a pretty normal Saturday until later in the afternoon. Alicia wanted to look good for the party and decided to start primping early. 

"Honey, do you mind if we just order a pizza for tonight? I really don't feel like cooking and I have to start getting ready for the party pretty soon."

"Party; what party? I have theater tickets for tonight."

Alicia turned in panic and looked into her wryly husband's face. He tried to keep a serious expression but couldn't. His playful chuckle and flashing eyes told the freaked out woman that her man was only kidding.

"Oh, Dex, you had me going. For a moment I really thought you'd forgotten."

"No, my dear, I didn't forget," he responded with a wide grin. "You want me to call it in, now?"

"Yeah, honey, that's probably a good idea. I'll have to jump into the shower pretty soon."

Dexter called to have their favorite finger food delivered and then put on a pot of coffee while Alicia went upstairs to decide what she was going to wear. By the time the delivery boy rang the bell she had her complete ensemble picked out and laying on the bed. 

As they sat at the kitchen table enjoying the thinly crusted delight, Dexter could see the anticipation in his wife's eyes.

"This is important to you, isn't it, Lees."

"Yeah, I guess it is," she admitted with a slight sigh. "Remember the group of friends I had in college? We were the female version of the three musketeers. We did everything together." Her mind drifted back in time for a second while she reminisced. "I miss that...the comradery, I mean."

"Well I don't understand, you've never had a problem making friends. Why don't these girls seem to like you?"

"I don't know," she replied. "When I first started there everything was so new. I was anxious to learn. I guess I was just all business and didn't socialize much. They did ask me to lunch a couple times but I wanted to study so I turned them down. I think they all thought I was unfriendly. Sometimes the girls would be in the break room joking and laughing but as soon as I'd walk in the conversation would die down and before I knew it, they'd all get up and leave."

"I'm sure you're just imagining most of it, honey," Dex said, trying to reassure her.

"Dex, I've worked there for almost a year now and last Thursday was the first time they asked me to join them for lunch since I first started there."

"See, that's a start," he said with an upbeat hint in his voice. "They just have to get to know you, that's all."

"Yeah, that's what I think too and this is a chance to show them who I really am...away from work. I really do want to make a good impression."

"Just be yourself, sweetheart. There's no way anyone can resist that sparkling personality of yours."

"Thank you, darling. I intend to do just that—be myself and have fun."

"Well, if you have so much fun that you don't feel capable of driving home tonight, you call me. I'll come and pick you up - hear me."

"Yeah, I hear you," she answered with a grateful smile. "Well I'd better get into the shower and get ready," she said jumping up from the table. "I don't want to be late." 

A little over an hour later, Dexter was in his home office going through some photos that needed editing when Alicia appeared and took a seductive pose against the door frame.

"How do I look?" she asked in her best Lauren Bacall imitation.

Dexter had to catch his breath as he glanced up from his computer screen to behold the ravishing creature standing before him. "Damn, honey, you look fantastic. Are you sure you don't have a hot date?"

"A date—with destiny!" she joked while bringing the back of her wrist to her forehead in Sarah Bernhardt fashion. They both laughed. "They're all younger than me. I just want to show them I'm not over the hill yet. Is it too much?"

"Nope, it's just enough," responded her proud hubby.

On the drive over she first stopped at the ATM and got forty bucks, then swung over to the liquor store for couple bottles of booze. The clerk was thrilled when she asked for her change in all singles. It was less for him to count at the end of his shift. 

Alicia could already hear laughter as she approached party central and rung the bell.

"Lees," yelled Vanessa who had obviously been in the sauce already. "Come on in, we're just getting started." 

So far in attendance was Wendy, the guest of honor, Sylvia, who had her cell phone out and was recording her arrival, and of course Vanessa, their host. Not far behind though were the others. Vicky, Mindy, and Meredith completed the entire secretarial pool from Johnson's Insurance Company.

At first, like any newcomer would, Alicia was feeling a little nervous. These girls were obviously good friends, all of them. She wanted in. She wanted to be accepted and have fun at work like they did. 

In no time she learned where a lot of the amusement came from; Vanessa had an incredible repertoire of dirty jokes. Her husband was a salesman who had to be on the road most of the time. He would exchange jokes with his clients then come home and share the new ones with Vanessa. 

The off-color punch lines were coming fast and furious. After the first half-an-hour Alicia's jaw was hurting from laughing so hard. About an hour into the party she was mellowing out and enjoying herself immensely. She had already told the only two dirty jokes she knew and got laughs with both of them. 

As Alicia wandered over to the table of booze to mix drink number three, she was a little surprise at her herself; she was already starting to feel the effects of drinks one and two. Oh well, she told herself with a slight grin, this was what she'd been missing for so long. Most of her college friends were scattered over the countryside. Of course she and Dex had their friends but that was just it, they were THEIR friends. Alicia wanted some friends of her own and this was a fun bunch of girls...and...they finally seemed to be accepting her as a member of the pack. Gone are the lonely, boring days at work, she was sure of it. She took a swizzle stick and stirred her drink before taking a sip. So, she told herself as she strolled over to rejoin her new friends, if hubby has to come and get me, so-be-it.

Just as she sat down the doorbell rang. Vanessa jumped up and headed in the opposite direction. 

"Wendy, would you get that for me. I have a rush call for the little girl's room," she said while walking toward bathroom. She stopped as soon as Wendy's back was turned and everyone quietly rose from their seats. Silently they all followed the unsuspecting girl as she opened the door. Sylvia had her cell phone poised to capture the surprise. 

"Yes, officer?" Wendy had no idea why a cop would be standing at the door. She did notice he was awful cute though.

"Ma'am, are you having a party or something in there? Some of the neighbors are calling and complaining about the noise," he told her with authority in his voice.

"Oh, I'm so sorry," replied Wendy. "I didn't realize we were that loud. I promise we'll keep it down." 

"I'm sorry but that won't be good enough," he stated as he stepped into the house and stood next to his victim. "I'm placing you under arrest for disturbing the peace. Please turn around and put your hands behind your back."

"What! No, I...I don't even live here...I...I..." in a panic she turned toward her friends looking for help. That's when she saw the snicker on everyone's face. "Alright, what's going on?" 

Everyone broke out in laughter including Alicia. 

Just then the good looking cop threw his hat into the living room, reached around the outside of the door to his hidden boom-box, and started the show. Wendy, finally realizing what was going on, put her hands to her face and screamed with delight. 

Without missing a beat, the professional stripper followed everyone to where the chairs were all gathered in a circle. Each of the thrilled secretaries took their seats and watched as their sexy guest took center stage. Not wanting to miss anything, Sylvia propped her cell phone against a lamp and aimed it so she would catch the entire show. 

Several drinks and dirty jokes had already loosened their tongues and they were all definitely in a party mood. Whoops, hollers, whistles, and yells filled the air as the imitation man in blue started peeling his clothes off in time to the music. With hips gyrating like a young Elvis, first came the gun belt. Expectations rose higher as holster and toy gun dropped to the floor. 

Next came the shirt. As his nimble fingers started with the top button and worked their way down, the girls strained for a better glimpse of his manly chest. Slowly he teased, revealing more and more until fully exposing his acutely defined washboard abs and broad pectorals. Excited screams emanated from his admirers as he yanked the entire garment from his torso, waved it over his wavy, black hair and let it fly in the direction of the guest of honor. Wendy snatched it from the air and pulled it to her lap.

He was only a few minutes into his routine but already had pulses racing as he reached down and pulled the tear-away trousers off in one quick motion. 

More high-pitched screams filled the sexually charged environment as all eyes focused on the bulge in his g-string. Immediately, outreached hands started stuffing dollar bills into the tiny piece of remaining cloth. 

"Shake that ass," yelled a panting Mindy. "Shake that ass." 

Vicky followed, "Take it off; take it all off." 

Stimulated with alcohol, Inhibitions were dropping like a rock as the devilish music worked its Voodoo-like magic. A wicked energy grew in momentum and not a pair of panties remained dry as the young man provocatively danced from woman to woman, bumping and grinding his package within inches of their faces. 

Singles turned into fives and tens as the girls tried to persuade the entertainer to shed his last vestiges of modesty. As he made his way to Sylvia, she could stand it no longer. Unadulterated cries of euphoria shook the rafters as she reached out with both hands and tugged the tiny piece of fabric down to his knees. Eyes popped as the large phallus sprang from its black, rhinestone studded sheath and reached upward with pride. 

His agency had a strict policy about complete nudity and touching. Their rules would dictate that he stop the show immediately but it wasn't the first time it had happened and he knew without question that he would be getting a blow-job before he was done. 

"Okay, you wanted to see it, now do something with it," he told her.

"Suck it—suck it," they all yelled as the tip of his cock touched Sylvia's lips. Somewhat apprehensively she stuck out her tongue and flicked it around the head. 

"Come here, big boy, let me taste that thing," hollered Wendy. She reached around with both hands, grabbed the cheeks of his ass, and pulled him into her mouth. 

Alicia watched with amazement. He was pretty big. Not like porn-star big, but bigger than normal—certainly bigger than Dexter. How did she get that whole thing in her mouth like that, she wondered?

"Hey, come on, Wendy don't hog it all to yourself," scolded Vicki. 

It was like a feeding frenzy as each woman was taking a turn. Suddenly a mesmerized Alicia found herself staring at the hard cock as it approached. 

"Come on, Lees, bet you can't take it all," challenged Meredith. 

She hadn't counted on this. Never in her wildest imagination did she think she would be expected to cheat on her husband. As she concentrated on her dilemma everything seemed to stop. The pounding music, the excited banter of the others all faded into the background. The only thing she was conscious of was the unfamiliar penis beckoning to her. A troubled voice in her head emerged. What are you doing, she asked herself? You have a wonderful loyal husband at home. You can't do this—but...but what will the girls think if I don't take a turn? The whole idea of coming to the party was to become part of the group. She'd been having so much fun. She didn't want to take a chance of losing her new friends again and It...well it's...it's not really like cheating—not really; it's all in good fun...right? 

A slight parting of her lips was the only invitation he needed. Alicia closed her eyes as she felt the youthful stiffness pass through her lips and glide along her tongue until it touched the back of her throat. 

Again she became aware of the others as they laughed when she gagged. Embarrassed, she quickly pulled her head away.

"Come here, officer," she heard Mindy say. "I'll show her how it's done." 

Alicia was relieved when he turned and danced his way to a new set of waiting lips, but she realized the reprieve was momentary. He was making his way around again. 

Alicia watched as she struggled with her conscience. He was getting closer. Soon he would be standing in front of her again. She saw no reluctance on the part of any of the others. They were intoxicated with a lustful pack mentality as they eagerly showed off their oral skills for the contented young man.

By the time he made it back to her for a second try, Alicia had made up her mind. She knew she would wrestle with the guilt but the only people who would know of her betrayal were in the room and they were every bit as guilty as she was. No one could blab, which meant none of the husbands would ever know. 

"Come on, Lees, show us all how to do it," someone coached from the group. 

She wrapped her fingers around the base of his manhood and guided him in, but he was too big for her to take it all. Again she wondered how Wendy managed to deep throat him. She felt his hand on the back of her head lightly trying to coax her to take more but she had all she could take. Her tongue engaged as she moved back and forth, forcing herself a little more than half-way up the shaft before retreating again.

She probably had him in her mouth for a little over thirty seconds, but for Alicia it seemed like hours. As soon as she pulled off he danced his way toward Sylvia to start round three. 

By the time he was approaching again, guilt had already invaded Alicia's conscience but she knew it was something she'd just have to live with. There was nothing she could do about it now, the deed was done-she might as well try to enjoy herself and show the girls her technique. 

Alicia softly fondled his balls as she pursed her lips around the youthful cock. Slowly and sensually she started to work on the young stud. She was just developing a rhythm when an over excited Wendy ran over, dropped to her knees, and started pumping the engorged steel rod while it was still in Alicia's mouth. 

"Aaah, I'm going to cum," announced the happy performer. 

Hearing that, Alicia panicked. She pressed both hands against his bronzed thighs and pushed as she jerked her head back, but she wasn't quite fast enough. With all the force that only youth can provide, he splattering her face and lips with gobs of thick, white cum. 

No one even noticed the horrified expression she wore as Alicia dashed for the restroom; they were too involved watching Wending hungrily cleaning the slimy object of their desires.

Salty revelations of disgust and shame overflowed from her eyes as Alicia locked herself behind the bathroom door. Frantically she grabbed a washcloth from the rack and ran it under the tap. After several minutes of vigorous scrubbing, she was finally convinced her skin was free from the evidence of her infidelity; if she could only scrub her soul as clean, she thought as she looked at herself in the mirror of the medicine cabinet. 

Alicia's skin may have been clean but she could still smell the pungent order of his sex on her breath. She opened the medicine cabinet and found a bottle of mouthwash. Quickly she removed the top and took a swig, swirled it around and spit it out into the sink before sitting down on the toilet where she quietly wept. 

It was several minutes before she heard a knock at the door. 

"Lees, are you okay?"

It was Sylvia. She had to pull herself together. She couldn't let her friends see her like this. 

"Yeah," she answered. "I'll be right out." She checked in the mirror. She looked awful. Her eyes were all red and puffy from washing so hard and she had no make-up left. Her purse was in the living room so there was no way to even spruce up before facing everyone. 

Quickly she thought of a little white lie.

Sylvia was still at the door when she emerged from the bathroom. "Lees, have you been crying?"

Alicia was pleasantly surprised to see the object of her downfall had already scooped up his money and was gone. 

"No, of course not. Some of that spunk got in my eyes. I don't know what that guy eats but it burned like hell," she chuckled. All she wanted to do was get the heck out of there but couldn't; she had to stay long enough to help with the cleanup. Just as she had resigned herself to staying until the end of the party, Mindy saved the day.




The Party's Over



"Well, girls, I hate to break this up but Mark and I have early Mass tomorrow. Is there something I can do to help clean up before I leave?" she asked, looking at Vanessa.

Everyone looked at each other. Now that the entertainment was over anything else they had planned seemed anticlimactic. 

"Yeah, I should really get going too," commented Vicki. 

Alicia saw her chance. "Me too. Dex and I have a ton of things to do tomorrow. We really need to get an early start. What can we do to help you clean up, Vanessa?" 

"Well—I guess the party's over," quipped their host. "There's really not that much to clean. If you girls would just help me with the chairs, I can take care of everything else. Terry doesn't get home until tomorrow night so I'll have plenty of time to get everything done tomorrow." 

She was right, there wasn't that much to do but everyone pitched in to help anyway. In another half an hour everyone was on their way home. 

It was ten o'clock. Thank God, thought Alicia. She never said how late she'd be but she knew he wasn't expecting her home that early. She had time...time to come to grips with what had happened. She needed time to try and shed the insurmountable guilt she felt before facing Dexter. For her, there was no doubt that one look and he would know immediately that something was wrong. She wondered if the redness and puffiness around her eyes had gone down yet. That reminded her she also had to reapply her make up.  

Up ahead she spotted a familiar Denny's restaurant sign. She found a two-man booth along the wall and ordered coffee. As she sat there she felt like crying again but was able to hold back. Okay, it's done—I did it once but never again, she told herself...never, ever again!

Alicia was scared to death to go home. She just knew that her sins were written all over her face for her husband to read. I've got to act natural, she told herself. One look at me and he's going to know...he's going to know what I did. All the way home in the car, never again, became Alicia's mantra. 

It was just shy of midnight when she walked through the door. 

Dexter had fallen asleep on the couch but woke up as soon as he heard her come in. "Hey, there's my party girl, how did it go?"

"It was fun," she replied. 

"Yeah?"

"Yeah. That Vanessa knows more jokes than a nightclub comedian. She kept everybody in stitches all night. What are you watching?" she asked, trying to change the subject.

"Ah, oh I don't know-I don't even remember. I fell asleep so whatever it was must not have been very good," he chuckled.

The troubled wife had an uncontrollable urge. Without saying a word, she sat down next to her unknowing spouse and gave him a big hug while resting her head on his chest. She felt the warmth and safety of his arm as it reached around and pulled her tighter into an embrace. 

"Would you mind if we went to bed and just cuddled tonight. I'm pretty tired but I want to feel you close to me," she told him. "I want to fall asleep with you holding me."

And that's what they did. It took a while, but Alicia finally slipped into dreamland while comfortably wrapped in her mate's arms. 

All day Sunday, she kept busy working around the house. Only time would help now—time to forget, time to forgive herself. 

Driving to work, Monday morning, she couldn't make up her mind how she felt. She thought getting back to a demanding work routine would help her forget...but then her new found friends would be there to share her shame; even if they didn't verbalize it, they all knew what they had done. 

"Hi Lees." Vanessa was the first to see her as she walked in and took her seat. 

They exchanged pleasantries but Monday mornings were always busy and none of the secretaries had much of a chance to socialize until lunch. Up till that point, if she still had any doubts of being accepted into the group, they were dispelled when they all stopped by her desk on the way to the restaurant. 

"Hurry up, Lees," was the friendly reminder from Sylvia. They only had an hour. The chatter started as soon as they were all seated with menus. 

"Ummm, this looks good," Vanessa said while pointing to at an item on the menu. "Stripper cop ala cum."

Alicia couldn't believe how nonchalant everyone was as they all broke out in laughter. Did they have no shame, she wondered? 

"God, wasn't he cute," added Mindy. 

"Yeah," Vicki replied, "and his nightstick wasn't bad either." 

That, of course, brought more laughter. 

Sylvia reached down and pulled her phone from her purse. "Let's see here," she said out loud while looking at something on the screen. "Yup, at least seven inches...maybe even eight," she chuckled.

That started a couple necks craning to one side for a better view of what she was looking at. 

Wendy was sitting next to her and was the first to get a glimpse at what Sylvia was watching. "Oh, that's right," she exclaimed. "You taped it. Let me see," she said while reaching for the phone.

Alicia was appalled. "You taped it?" she almost screamed.

"Of course. I want to relive the experience as they say." 

"Damn, he was cute. I think my panties were wet before he even got in the door," remarked Wendy with a big smile. 

"Here, let me see," requested Meredith taking it right out of Wendy's hand. Her eyes were still glued to the screen as the waiter came to the table. She quickly turned the phone face down while everyone ordered, but as soon as he left, Meredith picked it back up and couldn't wait to resume watching the small screen. 

"Pass it around, let everyone see it," requested Sylvia.

Alicia watched a small portion but unlike the other girls who were delighted with their own performances, she was appalled as she watched herself take the young man into her mouth. From the angle it was shot, it almost looked like she purposely pushed him away so she could get a facial. She quickly passed it on. "Sylvia, you're going to delete that I hope."

"Why? Who's going to see it except us? Relax, Lees," Sylvia responded.

"Sylvia, if my husband saw that I'd be in big trouble. We'd all be in trouble."

The other girls looked at Sylvia as it dawned on them that Alicia was right. 

"Oh don't get all your panties in a bunch. I'm going to delete it, but if you're worried about somebody seeing it, forget it. The only person who could possibly see it would be my husband and in all the years I've had my own cell phone, I don't think Manny's ever even touched it. The company he works for supplies him with his own phone."

"Just the same," interjected Mindy, "Lees is right. If Mark ever got wind of what went on I'd be sitting in divorce court, no doubt about it."

"Okay, okay. I won't keep it on there for long so you girls better get you fill now," she chuckled. 

For the rest of the hour the phone sat on the table so it was available for anyone who wanted to pick it up and watch more. Alicia was the only one who left it alone. 

It took a couple of weeks before Alicia could get through the day without a good case of the guilts. Memories of having another's man cum shooting all over her face still haunted her but as time passed she was doing a better job of living with the shame. By the time the end of June rolled around, she had pretty much pushed it out of her mind completely. 

***

Manny sat patiently sipping a cup of coffee at the kitchen table while waiting for his wife. Jennifer, their six year old, was watching her Saturday morning cartoons in the living room and Sylvia was still upstairs getting ready—after all, she was one of the bride's maids, she had to look her best. 

She glanced at the clock on her dressing table. They still had to drop Jennifer off at thes on the way to the wedding and time was getting short. Nervously, she grabbed her brush for one last attempt to make sure every hair was perfectly placed.

Manny had just left his wife and couldn't get over how gorgeous she looked all dressed up. She hadn't looked that beautiful since our own wedding, he thought. As he got up to put his coffee cup in the sink he had an idea...a selfie of the two of them. Oh sure, there'd be a photographer at the wedding but he wanted to show her off to the guys at work on Monday. 

The camera in his cell phone was really bad. Sylvia's was much better. He knew from when his wife sent him a picture now and then, that he'd get a much better image by taking the picture with her phone then texting it to his, rather than if he took the photo with his own camera.

Her purse was right where she always left it, on the kitchen counter by the door to the garage. Manny dug her phone from the handbag and set it to camera. When he did a strip of thumbnails from the last time the camera was used, automatically opened at the bottom of the screen. The last one caught his eye. What the hell, he thought; this must be the bachelorette party she went to. 

Being a normal, curious male, he wasn't about to pass on a chance to see what really goes on at those things so he hit the "play" button. The first couple minutes of the video showed the various women arriving. Manny hadn't met most of them and was interested to see what his wife's co-workers looked like. Not bad, he said to himself a couple of times. 

He fast-forwarded through most of the female chatter but would stop and back up when he saw them all laughing so he could hear the jokes. He was actually getting bored and was just about to turn it off-then it got interesting. He watched as the cop at the door was about to place Wendy under arrest. He was chuckling to himself when...

"Okay, everyone, I'm ready," announced Sylvia as she descended the stairs. 

"Shit," he quietly muttered under his breath...and just when it was getting good, he thought. He wondered why Sylvia never said anything about the cops showing up.

"You're pretty, mommy," Jennifer said, looking up from the couch.

"I second that," Manny said while slipping the phone into his suitcoat pocket. Watching more of the perils of Wendy would have to wait awhile. 

Sylvia thanked the two important people in her life, grabbed her purse and they were off to a wedding.

As soon as they got to the church, Sylvia was hustled away to help the bride get dressed. Before Manny even had time to think, he was volunteered to help decorate some of the cars for the drive between the church and the banquet hall. Of course, in order to announce the couple's joyous nuptials to as many Chicagoans as possible, the procession would take a very circuitous route.

It was a textbook day for a wedding. The sun shone through a bright blue sky and the temperature was perfect for wearing a suit; not too hot, not too cold.

A couple times, Manny looked up from his duties and recognized one of the ladies from the video as they entered the church with husbands in tow. He noticed Alicia right away. He thought she was the best looking out of all the women he saw—next to his own wife, of course. 

By the time the cars were finished it was time to get seated for the main event. A young man ushered Manny to his seat. It was a good fifteen minutes before the music cued the parade of tuxedos to start down the red carpeted aisle, each with a beautiful bride's maid on his arm. 

Moments after everyone had taken their place on stage, the familiar first chords of 'The Wedding March' rang from the huge organ and all heads turned toward the back of the church. 

Dressed in the purity of white, Wendy was the picture of virtue and innocence as she took the arm of her father and was proudly escorted to her betrothed. 

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may kiss the bride."

Another one bites the dust, Manny quietly thought to himself. 

As soon as the ceremony was over, Manny told his wife he'd wait for her outside. He knew she'd be posing for pictures and be awhile. 

Sylvia saw Alicia and asked if she and Dexter would keep her hubby company until they were done with the photographer. Alicia, still wanting to please, said no problem. She and patient hubby went over to introduce themselves.

"Manny?"

"Yes," he said, turning to see who was asking. He recognized her right away but obviously didn't want her to know how nosey he was so he let her take the lead.

"I'm Alicia; I work with your wife. This is my husband, Dexter."

"How do you do," he said shaking both their hands. "I'm guessing my wife asked you to come over and keep me company?" 

They all chuckled a little. 

"It sounds like you know her very well," Alicia teased. 

"Yeah, well...she was only eighteen when we were married—that was almost nine years ago," he informed them. "Dexter-you're the photographer...right?"

"Yeah," he responded a little surprised. "I have a studio downtown."

"That's really neat. I wish I'd gotten into something like that. I'm a line supervisor for Westley's Foam Core. The pay's okay but it's boring as hell."

"No kidding; I use your stuff a lot for displays," replied Dex. 

As they talked another member from the bachelorette party joined them.

Alicia introduced Vanessa to the two men then asked about her husband.

"Don't even mention that S.O.B. to me," she retorted. "He's on some big sales call in Minneapolis. He promised he'd be back for this, damn it. Yesterday he called me from the airport saying he was on his way. The next thing I know he's calling back, saying one of the techs didn't understand something and if he didn't go back the whole sale could fall through."

"Oh, Vanessa, I'm so sorry," Alicia sympathized. 

"Yeah," Manny interjected. "I'm sure he's not very happy about things either."

"Oh I know," Vanessa conceded. "He promised to make it up to me. He doesn't know it yet, but this is costing him two weeks in Hawaii for our next vacation."

That brought a chuckle from everyone and led to more conversation regarding a range of different topics. Before they all knew it, Sylvia was standing by her husband's side. 

Once the formal pictures were out of the way, everyone headed for the banquet hall. It would be more alone time for Manny since Sylvia would be required to stand in the receiving line. Leaving her at the door, Manny walked in to find their table. Good deal, he thought as he saw the place tags, Dexter and Alicia would also be sitting at the same table. He looked around and saw they were socializing with some others he recognized from the video...the video! He'd almost forgotten all about it. 

He was the only one at the table so far and he really was curious to see what happened to Wendy at the party. He sat down and checked one more time to make sure no one was around or looking over his shoulder before hitting the "play" button again.

As soon as the video started he saw the cop throw his hat into the living room. "What the hell," he mumbled. "He's a stripper? They hired a fucking stripper," he whispered to himself. Sylvia forgot to mention that little detail, he thought. 

He checked again to make sure he was alone then continued to watch with an irritated interest. Shit, he told himself, look at the bulge he's got, he must have a sock in there, he quipped inwardly. 

That was just about the time his wife satisfied her curiosity. Manny made an audible gasp as he saw Sylvia pull the stripper's G-string down. His mouth dropped open as he looked on with disbelief. It was like watching a car crash; it was terrible to see but he couldn't tear his eyes from the scene. 

Around and around the happy, young stud pranced getting his big, hard cock sucked by all present. Manny was no longer concerned with whether there were people around or not; he was furious! "SON OF A..." he loudly proclaimed just as everyone from the receiving line was entering. He looked straight at his wife and finished his sentence..."BITCH!" 

She looked at him in horror. She had no idea what was wrong but his behavior was inexcusable. "Manny," she yelled back. "What is wrong with you?"

The outburst caught the attention of several, including Dexter. He had just reached the table and was about to try and calm down his new friend.

"What's wrong with me? This is what's wrong with me!" he shouted while gesturing with the phone. He felt Dexter's hand on his shoulder.

"Manny, Manny, calm down, man, calm down. What's the problem?" 

He turned to the would-be soothing influence. "Here, Dexter, you want to see what's wrong? You ever see your wife in action sucking some stripper's cock. Here...here you go," he said turning up the volume and shoving the phone into Dexter's hand. "See for yourself."

"Oh no," cried Sylvia. She could hear the girls hooting in the video and finally realized what her husband was looking at. Her knees weakened and instantly her eyes flooded with tears.

Alicia looked at her friend and also knew exactly what was going on. Inwardly she was seething. This was precisely what she was afraid of. Why didn't the bitch delete it when they all asked her to?

Everything seemed to be happening in slow motion as she watched Dexter take the phone. There was no way she could keep him from seeing what she'd done now. 

Dexter was so concerned with trying to subdue a bad situation, Manny's words hadn't registered right away. He scanned the screen and identified his significant other. There was someone's cock only an inch or so in front of her face. Suddenly his brain started to focus as the cock slipped easily through her lips. He looked over and glared at Alicia with fire and brimstone shooting from his eyes. He glanced down at the screen again just as the rock hard penis shot cum all over his wife's face. 

Alicia didn't know what to do. There was nothing she COULD do; nothing she could say that would ease the pain and anger she knew he was feeling. She stood there, completely unaware of her surroundings. She must have said she was sorry a thousand times before realizing she had to actually open her mouth and say the words for him to hear her.

"Dexter, I'm sorry, I...we...it..." she tried to apologize but the words wouldn't come out—maybe because there were no words. How do you say you're sorry for defiling the most sacred of vows between husband and wife? 

Angered by such outrages behavior on the most important day of his life, the groom was now about to get into the act. Standing beside him, Wendy grabbed his arm in an attempt to keep him from discovering what a slut she had been. "Aaron, don't."

He pulled his arm from her grasp and took long strides toward the irate man who was making all the trouble. Right behind him was his anxious bride. "What the fuck, man, this is my wedding!" he half shouted as he reached the table to face down the agitator. 

"Ah yes, Aaron, the groom," Manny remarked, now malicious in his demeanor. "We can't forget you now, can we. Here," he said taking the phone back from Dexter and handing it to the young man," take a look at what your new wife does when you're not around." 

Not married for more than an hour, he looked at the small screen and saw his new bride on her knees, ravenously cleaning a spent cock. "What th..." he looked up just as a tear broke free of his lower lid and rolled down his cheek.

"Honey, it...it was my bachelorette party. We...we were all drunk...it...it just all got out of hand," she tried to explain. 

Dexter had, had enough. He reached into his wallet and pulled out a business card. "Manny, would you email a copy of that to the address on this card, please?"

Manny took the card and said he'd do it immediately. 

Dexter then took Alicia, not too gently, by the arm. "Come on, the party's over," he flatly stated. 

Some of the other guys heard the familiar voices on the video. They knew their wives also attended Wendy's bachelorette party and started to congregate around Manny as Dexter led his terrified wife from the scene. 




The Party's Over



Dexter's paces were long and deliberate. Alicia had to almost run in her high heels just to keep up. She waited until they were on their way before her first attempt at any communication. 

"Dexter, I...I don't know what to say."

"That makes two of us," he countered. "Let's just not say anything. I'm really not in the mood to talk right now."

Alicia had never seen him so angry, not at her anyway. She knew better than to press him. In spite of how badly she wanted to continue saying she was sorry, she kept quiet for the entire ride home.

Once inside the house, Dexter pulled a beer from the fridge, loosened his tie and top collar button, then sat down at the kitchen table. His mind had been in overdrive all the way home. He thought about all the free time his wife had while he was working late at the studio or staying overnight at some location shoot.

Alicia was sitting at the opposite end of the table just waiting. He seemed almost calm at the moment but she was expecting him to explode any minute. What she wasn't expecting was his first question.

"How long?"

She was confused. "How Long? I...I'm sorry, I don't understand."

"How long has this been going on," he snapped. "How long have you been cheating on me?"

She hadn't even considered he would think there were other times. Surely he must know this was a one-time thing. "Honey, I...I've never cheated on you other than that one time at the party. You have to believe that. It was just that one t..."

"Well I don't believe that, Alicia. I saw the tape, remember? I would think if it was your first time there would have been at least some hesitation on your part, but there wasn't. I saw you. You had no problem opening up and letting that asshole stick his cock half way down your throat."

"No, no, that was..." she tried to interject but Dexter wasn't finished talking yet.

"Then he tells you he's coming and you take it all over your face like an old pro. It sure didn't look like a one-time thing to me. It looked like something you're used to doing. Is that why it was so important to become a member of that group of whores?" 

His words were slicing her heart into pieces. She had her face buried in her hands, crying. This can't be happening, she thought. How can he think that? He has to know it was that one and only time. "Please, please, Dexter, you can't really believe I've been cheating like that. It... it..." her sobs prevented her from being able to say more.

Dexter listened to her plea. He took no joy in seeing his wife in her sorrow but he was also hurting. "I saw nothing on that tape that would back up your claim, Alicia...nothing."

He sat quietly for a few moments listening to his wife's crying and decided he had to get out of there. "Alicia, I know you're hurting right now. You feel bad because you got caught and because you got caught you know you've hurt me and I'm sure that was never your intention."

"No, no, Dexter, I'm so sorry..."

He interrupted her again. "That really doesn't help, though, Lees. I don't think you know how much you've hurt me. I don't think you have any idea. If it was a one-time thing like you claim, then you should've come to me; you should have told me about it. 

"That's something else that makes me think this was not the only time, Lees. If you had told me right up front what happened I wouldn't have liked it but I would have forgiven you. But no, you didn't do that. You not only cheated, you hid it from me—you and your so called new friends all kept it as your dirty little secret. On top of the infidelity you were deceitful. You knew up front they were going to have a stripper there, didn't you. You didn't think to mention it to me though, did you. You gave the guy a blow-job but didn't think to mention that either, did you. So how do you expect me to believe you when you tell me this was the only time it's ever happened...ugh?" 

"Dexter, I swear..."

"Sorry, Alicia; right now there's nothing you can say that'll make me believe you."

The distraught wife sobbed even harder but Dexter stood his ground.

"I need time to think and I can't do it here. I'm going to pack some things and go stay at the studio for a while." 

"No, oh no, Dexter, please...please stay with me, don't leave me, please," she begged. 

"I can't, Lees. Not right now. I need time to myself. I have a lot of thinking to do and I need to be alone."

She was still sitting at the kitchen table when he came down the stairs with his suitcase. He stopped at the front door. "Give me some time, Lees. I'll call you in two or three days but please don't call me first."

"Dexter, I love you," she shouted as he walked out. 

"I love you too," he said quietly as he got into his car. 

For the rest of the weekend, Dexter and her marriage problems never left Alicia's thoughts. She didn't sleep a wink Saturday night. She constantly berated herself, asking why she didn't have the courage to just pass when the stripper came over to her. She knew it was wrong; knew it would almost kill her husband if he ever found out and she did it anyway. In hindsight she should passed on the blowjob then told him what happened when she got home. Of course hindsight is twenty-twenty and that opportunity was now gone forever. 

When Monday morning rolled around, Alicia had gotten only three or four hours of sleep all weekend and sure as hell didn't feel like going to work but she needed something to take her mind off her problems. What she really wanted to do was call Dexter and say she was sorry until he forgave her but she would honor his request and wait for his call. So-work seemed like as good a distraction as anything.

The first thing Alicia noticed when she arrived was how quiet it was...very unusual, especially for a Monday morning. She looked down the row of secretary's cubicles but they all looked empty. Then she saw a glimpse of Vanessa's elbow. 

"Are we the only ones here," she asked. 

Vanessa peeked her head around the divider to see who was speaking then immediately stood and motioned for Alicia to come over. "Are you alright?" she asked in a hushed tone.

"No, not really," she replied with moisture already building in her eyes. "Dexter spent the weekend at the studio. I'm scared; I've never seen him like this."

"I'm so sorry, Lees. I can't believe Sylvia didn't delete that damn video. Geez, what a mess. And to think I was so pissed off at Terry for missing the wedding; if he'd been there I'd be in the same situation as everybody else."

Secretly Alicia was angry that Vanessa was going to get off scott free. She knew she shouldn't feel like that but she couldn't help it; after all, she was just as guilty as the rest of them. It wasn't fair.

"It really hit the fan after you guys left," continued Vanessa. "Both Vicki's and Mindy's husbands went over to Manny just as you were leaving. Vicki's husband didn't say much but you could see the anger in his face. I felt sorry for Mindy though. Mark started screaming at her right there in front of everyone. Meredith's husband had been in the bathroom. It was a free-for-all by the time he came out. 

Alicia wondered about the bride and groom. They were supposed to go to Hawaii for their honeymoon. "What about Aaron and Wendy?" she asked.

"Oh God, I don't know. I thought their parents were going to come to blows. I didn't hear it, but I think Aaron's dad called Wendy a whore or something. Her dad was screaming at him. I was sure they were going to get into a fist fight. 

"I don't know what's going to happen with Aaron and Wendy. The last I saw, Aaron took the rings off her finger and she ran into one of the other rooms, crying. Her mother was headed in there to be with her when I left." 

"Jesus, what a fiasco," expressed Alicia. 

"Yeah," agreed Vanessa. "It was all just supposed to be in good fun." She thought back to the party for a second. "I guess we did kind of get carried away," she said, more to herself than to Alicia. 

"Girls, may I see you both in my office, please."

Together, Alicia and Vanessa looked up and were startled to see Mr. Johnson, the boss, summoning them. They were a little apprehensive but had no choice. 

"Sit down, ladies," he said, gesturing to a couple of leather chairs in front of his desk. "Now, I want to know what's going on. Out of seven secretaries only the two of you bothered to show up today. Are the rest having some kind of strike or something?" 

The two girls looked at each other. Vanessa had seniority so she spoke up. "No, sir, nothing like that; it ah, well there was some trouble at Wendy's wedding."

"What kind of trouble?"

"Ah, well it's...it didn't have anything to do with work."

"Uh huh; well if it didn't have anything to do with work then why is nobody else here? Wendy had two weeks off for her honeymoon. I had to hire a temp for her, but unless someone forgot to tell me something, everyone else was supposed to be here this morning."

Alicia could see Mr. Johnson wasn't about to stop the interrogation until he knew why none of the other secretaries showed. "We had a bachelorette party for Wendy a few weeks ago. It kind of got out of hand and our husbands saw a tape of it at the wedding. They're all pretty angry," she told him. 

"I see," he replied with a sigh. "Vanessa, since you've been here the longest you'll be my secretary until Sylvia comes back—if and when that happens," he added. Your first duty is to get ahold of the temp service we use and get us some more secretaries, pronto. You should be able to find the number in Sylvia's card file. The one I got for Wendy should be here any minute. Get her situated first then come back here so we can go over things. Alicia, you'll continue to work with Tom."

"Yes, sir," she responded. 

***

Dexter also had a bad weekend. He got about the same amount of sleep as his wife. He wanted to believe her when she said it was only that one time but how do your force yourself to believe something you don't really believe. Honestly, he didn't know what to believe. 

He had never even considered Alicia to be the type of wife who would cheat on him, but now that he knew she was, all he could think of was how much free time she had. She never was the clingy kind. She always seemed to understand that for him to be successful he sometimes had to put in long hours; even spend the night out of town once in a while... 

He always thought of her as being an understanding wife but now, as he looked back, he wondered if she used that time to see other men...maybe that's why she was so damn understanding!

It's a terrible thing—doubt; once you get it, it's almost impossible to get rid of it.

As soon as Cindy, Dexter's assistant, walked in Monday morning, she knew something was wrong. Her boss lacked the big smile and jovial attitude he usually had. She didn't want to pry so she said nothing. 

Dexter concentrated on what had to be done and it turned out to be a productive day. As soon as it was over though, thoughts of his marital issues consumed him again. 

He also had to do something about his living quarters. The studio had a shower in the dressing room, and a microwave and coffee maker but he was sleeping on a chaise lounge that he picked up as a prop for a series of lingerie shots he did a few months earlier. It worked great as a prop but fell far short as a bed. 

All Monday night, Alicia waited anxiously for Dexter's call. She was almost out of her mind with worry. At least a dozen times, she had started dialing his number but stopped and talked herself out of it. When he hadn't called by midnight she went to bed and cried herself to sleep. 

The following day, Mr. Johnson summoned Vanessa into his office and informed her that both Mindy and Vicki had phoned and said they'd be at work on Wednesday. He also told her Sylvia called and said her husband wouldn't let her work there anymore; she was officially quitting. So far he hadn't heard anything from Meredith and he presumed Wendy was on her honeymoon and would return in two weeks. Vanessa doubted that but hoped it was true. As soon as Vanessa left the boss' office she ran right to Alicia with the news.

Later that night Alicia's heart almost stopped when Dexter called to inform her that he had moved into an Extended Stay motel and was coming over to pick up some more clothes. She saw it as the beginning of the end for their marriage. At first she flopped herself on the bed and started to bawl all over again. 

She really did love Dexter. She loved his passion and positive outlook on life. She loved his sense of humor and how he could always make her laugh, even when she didn't want to. She loved the way his mouth turned up on the one corner when he smiled and she worshiped the love she saw in his eyes every time he looked at her. She couldn't picture her life without him.

Somehow I have to do something, she told herself...and laying around feeling sorry for myself isn't going to accomplish anything. She needed to fight, fight for her marriage, fight for her man. Somehow she had to convince him she had never cheated on him before the party. That would at least be a start. 

She jumped in the shower, dressed in some casual clothes, and was just finishing with a little make-up when the doorbell rang. 

"This is still your house, Dexter. Why did you ring the bell?"

"I don't know, it didn't seem right to just walk in," he replied.

He started for the stairs but Alicia had her own agenda. She was losing him, she knew it. She was desperate and was willing to take a chance—a big chance. "Dexter, before you do that, can we talk?"

He hesitated for a second before answering. "Let me get my stuff, then I'll come down and we can talk."

She took the time to make them both coffee and had it waiting for him. 

Dexter sat at the kitchen table and took a sip of the black nectar. He really didn't have much more to say. He'd said it all earlier. Now it was just a case of making a decision, as far as he was concerned. 

"Dex, at the reception I heard you tell Manny to email you a copy of that tape, did he do it?"

"Yeah, it's in my inbox."

"Have you looked at it yet?" she asked.

"No. I really don't need to see more. I've seen enough."

Alicia remembered when the stripper first stood in front of her. She was gambling that the video caught her reaction. Hell, he'd already seen the worst part, what did she have to lose. "Dexter, I want you to watch it from the beginning."

"Why?"

"You said you saw when the stripper shot cum all over my face. That was at the very end. I only saw a few seconds of the recording. Sylvia had it at lunch that Monday but I was too ashamed to watch it. You said you thought I cheated on you before because I didn't hesitate, but I did...I remember; the first time he came around to me. I was the last one. Everyone else had already had his cock in their mouth by the time he got to me. I know it's not much but I did hesitate. I'm hoping you'll be able to see that clearly on the video."

Dexter took in a deep breath and let it out with a sigh. "I don't know, Alicia, I'm really not interested in watching more of you sucking that guy's cock." 

"You need to watch it, Dexter. You really need to see the whole thing. At the end you'll notice I'm no longer in the chair when Wendy is on her knees, cleaning him off; that's because I made a dash for the bathroom to clean all the cum off my face. That wasn't something I wanted to happen. When he said he was going to cum I just wanted him out of my mouth. I cried as I was washing it off. It was the first and only time I'd ever done anything like that, Dexter. I had to stop off at a restaurant before I came home that night so my eyes wouldn't be red when you saw me. The party actually broke up before ten but if you'll remember, I didn't get home until midnight."

"I don't know," he said again while standing up. "I just never thought you'd cheat on me, Lees...I never thought..." His mind was all jumbled up inside. He wasn't sure of what he wanted to say. "I got to go," he said walking into the living room. "I'll think about watching more of the tape but I can't promise anything, Lees. I...I just don't know if I'll ever be able to trust you after this. I just don't know."

Those were his last words before he grabbed his clothes and left. They didn't sound very promising to Alicia. She wanted to go back to bawling her eyes out but she was determined to stay strong from now on. 

Wednesday, sure enough, Mindy and Vicki were sitting at their desks when Alicia walked in. They were already busy trying to catch up so she didn't bother trying to talk to them. There would be time for that later. Because of the temps, everyone was behind. With the four of them there, hopefully they'd get caught up by the end of the day. 

Wednesday was a slow day for Dexter. He had nothing scheduled to shoot but he did have some editing to do. Still- there wasn't enough for both he and Cindy so at ten o'clock he gave her the rest of the day off. He felt like taking the day off as well but he couldn't. He had at least three or four hours of editing and retouching that had to get done. 

As he sat down in front of his computer his wife's plea came back to haunt him. He really had no desire to watch more of her sucking the assholes cock. It broke his heart the first time he saw it, he didn't see how watching more was going to help. 

He loaded the shots from his last assignment into the organizing software and started to go through them. This was the easy part. He had a little over three hundred shots. A lot of them were almost identical except for an expression or a slight turn of the model's head. From them he would select about a hundred for closer scrutiny. They would be whittled down to thirty or forty that would then be transferred to another program for light retouching. Once that was done they would be uploaded to a private website where only the client could see them. They would pick four or five and those would get the royal treatment as they went through final retouching and were made suitable for magazine publication. 

The problem was he couldn't concentrate. His mind kept wandering to the video. He had very vivid memories of what he saw, did he want any more? Not really—but...if there was a chance of there being something on that tape that would convince him it was her first time, then it'd be worth the pain of watching...or so he hoped. 

Dexter went to his email. There it was, looming in bold black, daring him to open it. His hand tensed and he had to will it to move. With a couple clicks of the mouse the video started. At first it just showed the various women arriving. His wife looked beautiful as she was greeted by the others. 

Evidently Sylvia hadn't just left it on because the next thing he saw was all the girls sitting around, telling jokes. Dex wasn't in the mood to laugh so he scrolled along the timeline on the bottom of the screen until he saw the stripper. He wasn't naïve, he remembered a buddy's bachelor party he attended. They actually went to a strip club and had the shindig there. He remembered the guys hooting and hollering as the strippers worked at raising everyone's testosterone levels; but none of the guys ever touched any of the strippers and compared to the girls on the tape, the guys were extremely well behaved. These girls were already getting wild and the guy was just starting. Dexter could almost smell the female pheromones through the computer screen.

He watched until Sylvia pulled the guy's G-string down and Wendy deep-throated him. Seeing that and knowing it was only a couple months before her wedding disgusted him. Not even married yet and already she's cheating on the poor guy, he thought. 

Dexter decided he needed a breather and clicked pause. He got up for a cup of coffee but as he started to pour his stomach rumbled. A quick glance at his watch told him it was past lunch time. He welcomed the reprieve and decided he would take a nice long break. 




The Party's Over



There was a Denny's down the street. At lunch time it filled up faster than a rain barrel under a waterfall, but it was well after one and the place was almost empty when he walked in. He was in no hurry to get back so after he ate he sat thinking over a cup of java. 

He really missed Alicia. The only thing he hated more than crawling into an empty bed at night was waking up in one the next morning. As he thought about the recording he suddenly became anxious to get back and see more. He hoped he would see what Alicia wanted him to. He could probably forgive her if he was positive it was her one and only time. God, I hope there's something there that will convince me of that," he silently prayed. He needed something to erase the doubt. 

After sitting down again in front of his computer, Dexter fast forwarded through the other ladies showing off their oral skills but stopped as soon as he saw Alicia. He watched intently as the expression on her face showed her indecisiveness at the moment of truth. Yes, he could see it. It almost looked like she was going to refuse, then he heard one of the other women challenge her about taking it all. He watched as the cockster tried to ram it down her throat as soon as her mouth opened and he saw her choke on it and pull back coughing, almost immediately. The others laughed at her and he heard someone else say she would show him how it was done.

He had seen what she wanted and yes, there was now a smidgen of hope, but there were also tears for the first time. Maybe she was reluctant but no one put a gun to her head. He remembered how important it was for his wife to become a member of the little clique. He also remembered what he saw on Manny's phone. There was a lot to think about but he'd seen enough. He clicked off as more tears found their way down his cheeks. He stood up and went into the bathroom to wash his face before getting back to work. 

On Thursday morning, Mr. Johnson called Vanessa into his office. "As you might guess, I've been trying to get ahold of the other secretaries to find out what's going on. You know that Sylvia quit, of course, but I hadn't heard from Meredith and I wasn't sure if Wendy went on her honeymoon or not," he said with a scowl.

"I have no idea what happened at that wedding but I finally got ahold of Aaron. He picked up when I called the home phone number I had for Wendy. I guess they were sharing an apartment. He told me he hasn't seen her since the wedding but knew she was staying with her parents. I don't have their number. Aaron is listed as the emergency contact on her employment application and he hung up on me before I could ask for her folk's number. Do you know it?"

"No, Mr. Johnson, I don't," Vanessa replied. 

"Okay. Well, since I can't get ahold of her and she hasn't called me, evidently she's not that interested in saving her job. I want you to call personnel and tell them to run our usual ad for a new secretary."

"Yes, sir," she replied sadly. 

"I was also finally able to talk to Meredith. She'll be back on Monday. Make sure the temp agency knows that, please."

Vanessa confirmed she would take care of it but before making any calls she had to run over to Alicia's desk with the news. "Meredith will be back on Monday," she announced.

"She will. How do you know?"

"Mr. Johnson talked to her. He also talked to Aaron..."

"Aaron?" she gasped. "How...I mean..."

"He called their apartment and Aaron answered. He said Wendy is staying with her folks. Mr. Johnson told personnel to run an ad to replace her," reported Vanessa. "They obviously never even went on their honeymoon. God, she must be devastated."

"Yeah," Alicia agreed, "but imagine how devastated Aaron was watching her suck that guy's dick."

"Yeah, I know. I was talking to the other girls earlier. Vicki's husband still isn't talking to her and Mindy hasn't seen Mark since that night. She's really scared. She said she'd never seen him so angry."

"He didn't hit her, did he?" Alicia asked.

"No, I don't think so. She would have said something if he had. She's praying he cools off but she doesn't think that's going to happen. She believes he's going to want a divorce."

Alicia didn't say anything. Her own situation came to mind. Vanessa guessed at what she was thinking. "What about Dexter, anything knew?" 

"Not really," she sighed in response. "He came over for some more clothes the other night. He's staying in a motel instead of the studio. I don't know what I'm going to do if he wants a divorce, Vanessa."

"What about counseling? Would he go for that?"

"I don't know," she admitted. "I don't know if it'd do any good but I could try, I guess. It probably couldn't hurt." 

That night Alicia wondered if Dexter would be open to couples therapy. She hadn't heard from him and wasn't sure if he had watched more of the video or not. She decided to wait until the weekend and see if he called her, first.

Friday afternoon the girls all got a shock when they looked up and saw Sylvia walking in. 

Alicia was the first to react. "I thought you quit." Her tone was not very friendly. 

Sylvia picked up on it and answered uncomfortably. "I did. I just came in to get a few personal things and Mr. Johnson said I could pick up my check today instead of waiting for the mail." 

She was hoping for a friendly face but didn't see any. "I...I'm sorry, girls. I really was going to delete that tape but I completely forgot about it. I didn't even know Manny had my phone until he started yelling at the reception. I'm so sorry."

Yes, the tape was the reason for them getting caught but everyone knew what they did was wrong. Sylvia's apology did a lot to soften a few attitudes. 

"How's Manny taking it," asked Vicki.

"Not real good. It's not my idea to quit my job, he's making do it. I'm also sleeping in the guest room. He's not really considering divorce though, thank God. He's been talking about going to counseling lately, so I think that's what we're going to do."

"Really?" inquired Alicia. "Do you know of a good counselor?" 

"Yeah, one of the guys Manny works with recommended somebody. She's a woman—supposed to be really good. Why? Do you want her number?"

"Yeah, you got it?"

"No, not on me but I have it at home. I'll call later and give it to you. What about the rest of you?" asked Sylvia, looking around. 

They all agreed it couldn't hurt to have the number. 

In the wake of the conversation she had with her boss, Vanessa was curious. "Have you heard from Wendy?" 

"No but I heard from Cathy Henderson; she was one of the other bridesmaids. That Monday after the wedding Aaron saw a lawyer about getting an annulment."

"Oh shit," commented Vicki.

"Yeah. I guess Wendy is staying with her parents. I doubt very much if she'll come back to work."

"Yeah, Mr. Johnson is already running an ad to replace her," Vanessa informed her. 

"Well," Sylvia said regrettably, "Mr. Johnson said he cleaned out my desk and has everything in personnel so I guess I'd better get going." She hung her head. "I really am so sorry for all the hurt I caused. I guess we all got carried away that night. We should have never done what we did—it was stupid. I was the stupidest of us all by taping it and then leaving it around to be found. It...it ruined lives. I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," she said one more time. She had tears in her eyes as she departed. 

Just before everyone was getting ready to leave that day, Sylvia called Alicia with the number for the therapist and asked if she'd distribute it to the rest. That would be the last time they ever spoke to each other.

Weekends were the worst for Alicia. At least on weekdays she had work to keep her mind occupied during the day. When she was alone at home all she did was wonder what Dexter was doing or thinking—had he seen a lawyer? If he has, what would she do—fight the divorce, try to force him to stay married to her? What good would that do? No, she screwed up, if he wants a divorce she'll agree with whatever he feels is fair. But...but how will she live without him? 

As determined as she was to stay strong through this ordeal, she never could stop the tears from coming whenever she thought of life without him. 

Dexter was also thinking hard that morning. He'd had a sleepless night so he walked to the beachfront to watch the sun come up over Lake Michigan. Vibrant hues of orange and red danced on top of the choppy waves like brightly colored fairies from a child's dream. A beautiful warm glow wrapped itself around the tall buildings of down town and shimmered along the reflective surfaces of glass.

Dexter did love the city. It was warm and friendly, so full of life and excitement. But would it feel that way without Alicia or would the city he loved turn cold and empty. It had been a week since walking out and he still had no idea what to do. Maybe if he talked to her, really talked to her face to face he'd be able to tell if she was sincere about it being only one time. 

Alicia had been cleaning. It was the only thing she could think of to keep her mind off of her troubled marriage. If he hadn't called by six she was going to call him. In the mean time she needed something to do. Dusting and vacuuming seemed like as good an idea as any other. She was just about to take a break when the phone rang.

"Hi, it's me."

Her heart skipped a beat when she heard him. "Hi." Her voice carried hope but also fear. He could be calling to say all is forgiven and he was coming back home, then again he could say he was filing for divorce. She held her breath and let him speak.

"Are you going to be home in an hour? I want to come over and talk."

"Yes, yes of course. I'm just doing a little cleaning. How about if I make us lunch?"

"Yeah, okay," he replied. "I'll see you in a little while."

"Okay," she quickly replied. "Oh and Dexter..."

"Yeah?"

"Just come in. This is still your house."

"Alright, see you in a bit," he said, then hung up.

That's when Alicia realized how she looked and quickly jumped into the shower. By the time Dexter walked in the door she was fresh, clean, nicely dressed, and wore just a touch of his favorite perfume. Not that he really noticed, he had other things on his mind. 

She poured the coffee and they sat down to eat. There was very little conversation until they were done. Alicia was on pin-and-needles. She also had something she wanted to discuss but would wait for him to talk first.

"I watched that video, at least part of it; enough to see that you did look like you weren't sure what to do before lover boy stuck his dick in your mouth."

"I...I can only imagine how hard it was for you to see that. I know you had to force yourself to watch and you don't know how much I appreciate you doing that. I'm just so sorry I did it. I have no excuse, Dexter, I..." she had to catch her breath before being able to say it. "I did cheat on you, but I swear that was the only time." She could virtually see the doubt he still held. 

"You're sorry you did it or you're sorry you got caught?" he asked.

"No-no, I'm sorry I let it happen. I knew better. I had no delusions about what I was doing. I knew I was cheating on you. I didn't start out to do it deliberately. I...I just kind of got caught up in all the excitement and when the situation arose I gave in. My only regret about getting caught is what it's doing to you."

That phrase, "I gave in," brought back memories of all the times he was tempted but didn't give in. He was unaware of his expression as he wondered why his wife's resolve wasn't as strong as his own. Did that mean she didn't love him as much as he loved her? 

Alicia could see the inner turmoil in his face. She was sure she'd lose him without professional help. "Dexter, would you be willing to attend couples therapy with me?" 

He thought for just a second. "I don't know; what good it would do?"

"Dexter, I broke your heart and I have no idea how to repair it again...or, if that's even possible. I don't know but I want to try and I need someone who's trained to help...please," she implored. "I got the name of a therapist that's supposed to be very good. Please let me make an appointment with her."

He didn't see how a therapist could ease his mind if his wife couldn't, but if it was possible... "Go ahead," he answered. "But call me and let me know what's available before making a firm appointment."

"I will," she said with some relief—some hope.

On Monday morning, with Meredith back on the job, it looked like the old gang was about as complete as it was going to get so the five of them went out to lunch together. It was the first time they'd gone out as a group since the wedding but it wasn't like old times; there were no jokes, no laughter, not even any snide remarks, it was more like a support group. 

Once they were all seated, Meredith started the conversation. She had been out of the loop and knew nothing of what was happening. "So, did everyone's marriage survive?" 

"NO," answered Mindy. "Well, I don't know for sure. I haven't heard from Mark since that night but I'm pretty sure he's going to ask for a divorce."

Meredith was surprised and felt sheepish for asking the question like she did. "Really? Geeze, I...I'm sorry. I know our husbands were mad but I didn't really think anybody would be getting divorced. Wh..." she was almost afraid to ask. "What about the rest of you?"

"We're all having our problems," volunteered Alicia. "I still don't know what's going to happen. Dexter is staying in a motel. We talked over the weekend and he's agreed to couple's counseling so I'm still hopeful."

"Oh God, Lees, I'm so sorry." Meredith was starting to see how devastating the situation was.

"What about you?" Vicki asked, jumping in. 

Meredith's expression changed. "Well, it's no secret that I've thought David has been cheating on me for a long time. That night, after the wedding, he admitted it."

"He did!" exclaimed Vanessa.

Meredith slowly nodded her head. "Yeah, well not right away. He started yelling at me as soon as we got into the car. Finally, by the time we got home, I was just so tired of it I yelled back and said, 'what about you, how many women have you slept with?' I'd never had the nerve to accuse him of anything before so at first he was surprised; then he got this real guilty look on his face."

"Sure," volunteered Mindy, "he knew he'd been caught."

"Yeah, he didn't even try to deny it. He asked me how long I knew and I told him for a long time. Then he asked why I never said anything before."

"What did you say?" asked Alicia.

"I told him I never said anything because I still loved him and asked if he still loved me. He said he did. We talked through the entire night. I asked if he wanted his freedom, if he wanted a divorce but he said no. We both started to cry and decided we're going to try and put our marriage back together."

Vicki was the first to congratulate her, the others followed. By the time they were done with lunch they were all caught up on each other's marital woes. 

Two days later Alicia called Dexter with three possible times and dates for his counseling appointment. She explained that the therapist wanted a one hour session with each of them individually, first. She had already made her appointment so Dexter picked one for himself and Alicia booked it. 

Dexter had no idea what to expect. He'd never been to any kind of therapist before. Would there be 'his' and 'hers' couches, he wondered with amusement.

As he stepped from his car a seven-forty-seven was flying right over the building. He looked up. It was monstrous and so close he could almost count the rivets in its belly. He watched as it sliced through the sky, over the bordering cyclone fence of O'Hare and onto the landing strip. He waited until a small puff of smoke told him it had landed safely before turning and entering the building. 

Inside, he looked down at the hand written note for the room number then proceeded to suit three-nineteen. The first thing he noticed was the carved, wooden plague on the wall of the small waiting room. 'The perfect marriage is two imperfect people who refuse to give up on one another.' It was a nice sentiment and made his smile.

"Yes, Sir, can I help you?" inquired the receptionist. 

"Ah, yeah, I'm Dexter Samuelson. I have an appointment." 

"Of course, Mr. Samuelson, let me tell her you're here." The young brunette pushed the income button and announced his arrival. He heard the doctor's voice telling her to let him in. 

The doctor's name was Mrs. Angela Lindstrom. She was a rather plain looking woman in her late thirties. Dexter really didn't care for her bedside manner but she did seem to know her stuff...at least the questions she asked were poignant and targeted to his concerns. After the first hour he may not have liked her but he respected her. 

The second week was their first joint session. They both knew it wasn't going to be a walk in the park but neither was prepared for Dr. Lindstrom's unorthodox methods. She leaned confidently back in her leather chair. "Mrs. Samuelson, you told me something about your feelings in this matter that you haven't expressed to Mr. Samuelson because you thought it sounded self-centered. I'd like you to tell him about those feelings now."

Alicia was blindsided. "Dr. I told you that in confidence. I...I can't tell him. It sounds horrible. I should have never even told you," she cried. 

"Mrs. Samuelson, it's the way you feel. The very first thing you two need to do is bare your souls to each other. If you're not willing to do that then this is going to be a waste of time."

Alicia couldn't look at him. There was no way she could look him in the eye and say it so she hung her head and spoke softly. "I, ah...well I, my, ah," she took a breath and let it out with a sigh. "You hurt my feelings. I know how that must sound after what I've done but it's true. I love you. I know I screwed up but I can't believe you think that I've cheated on you before." Her emotions were already getting to her. They hadn't been there for more than ten minutes and already her eyes were welling up.

"You got to be kidding me. I hurt you feelings? Well excuse me all to hell. My God, you ripped my heart out and I hurt YOUR feelings?" 

He was almost ready to pack it in and forget about the therapy-and the marriage but Dr. Lindstrom expected his reaction and urged him to continue. "Why don't you believe her when she says it was her only time?"

"Because...it's more than just the cheating part; that's bad enough but she was sneaky about it...dishonest. She knew that guy was going to be there. You should have seen the way she was dressed that night. She knew damn well they hired a stripper..."

"Yes," cried Alicia, "I knew he was going to be there but I had no idea things would go that far. I thought he'd strip down to a speedo or something; we'd stuff dollar bills inside the waistband and that would be it. If I had known what was going to happen I'd have never gone to the stupid party," she shouted as she started to break down.

"Why didn't you tell me about him before you left? Why the secrecy?"

She was still crying but answered through her tears. "I don't know, I...I guess I didn't want you to get the wrong idea." 

"Wrong idea? You cheated on me. You mean the right idea. You went behind my back, Alicia. So, now I wonder how many other times have there been? I only know about this because of your stupid friend. How many other times have you done something like this and never got caught?"

Alicia was finally starting to see all the implications of what she'd done—not only the cheating, but her dishonesty both before and after. 

"Alicia, under the circumstances, I could have forgiven a onetime slip. Had you told me up front about the stripper, then admitted what happened when you came home that night it would have been different; but keeping secrets, being so devious, and then not taking responsibility for what you did afterward, that's what makes me think it's happened before." 




The Party's Over



"But can't...can't you give me the benefit of the doubt? After all these years don't I deserve that?"

"Alicia, I can't lie to myself. I can't convince myself to believe something that I don't really believe. I always thought you were an honest person, a person with integrity, a person who would never cheat on me; but you've shown me I was wrong. Not only did you cheat but you were deceitful. So, now I have to ask myself, for how long have I been wrong?"

Tears almost poured from her eyes. Her voice was weak. "Then there's no hope is there. How can I ever convince you? I...I can't, can I." 

For a few moments the only sound in the doctor's office was Alicia's sobbing. 

"Yes, Mrs. Samuelson, there is hope. If there wasn't we wouldn't be here. Mr. Samuelson, your wife and I discussed something during her first visit. My colleagues consider my approach very radical but I've had great success with it. I discussed it with Mrs. Samuelson first because I had to see how far she would go to save her marriage, and I can tell you, she didn't even flinch. 

"This is not a quick fix. There is no such thing, but if you stick with it, in the long-run it can help restore your faith and trust in your wife."

This all sounded rather ominous to Dexter. What was she going to suggest, an iron chastity belt?

"The first thing I want you to do is move back home." She saw the look he gave her so she went right into her reasoning to head off his objections. "Mr. Samuelson, we need to restore some trust in your relationship. We can't do that with you sitting in a motel room wondering what your wife is doing, where she's at, or if she's with someone. You need to know her whereabouts and for that you need to be home."

He didn't really like it but it did sound logical.

"That brings us to the rest of the program," she continued talking directly to Dexter. "You will also go to the bank and remove your wife's name from the accounts as well as all credit cards. You will sit down together and figure the minimum amount of cash she needs for gas, food, and incidentals and give it to her in the form of a weekly allowance. You will activate the GPS on her phone so you can monitor her whereabouts anytime, day or night. Every day, after work she will give you her phone with the history intact so you can see exactly who she talked to or text during the day."

"Oh this is ridiculous," Dexter said. "I don't have to do all this stuff."

"Mr. Samuelson, you could both keep coming here where we'd work on trust issues and maybe even make some headway, but the first time she was twenty minutes late you'd wonder where she was and we'd be right back to square one."

He looked over at his weeping wife. "And you're okay with all this?"

She just nodded while wiping her nose with a tissue. 

He thought about it and reluctantly agreed. "Okay, we'll give it a try." 

The following day was Friday. Even though he was paid up until Sunday, Dexter had his car packed when he left for work in the morning and headed home at the end of the day. He walked in with two suitcases and immediately got a whiff of something that smelled awful good coming from the kitchen. 

As he walked in something on the table caught his eye. It was Alicia's wallet and phone. There was also a detailed list of everything she spent money on including her morning cup of Starbuck's coffee and the hair dresser's every couple of weeks. 

"Hi," she said, greeting him in a plain looking house dress. 

At least she's not trying to seduce me, he thought. She was smart enough to know that would backfire on her. "Something smells good." 

"I ran over to that little store that has all the fish on the way home and got some snapper. I'm making some Almondine sauce for it. Everything should be ready in about thirty minutes."

"What's all this?" he asked, gesturing at the stuff on the table.

"I thought we could go over things after supper," she responded. 

"You really want to do this...it's like you're on parole and I'm your parole officer."

"Exactly- I am on parole, Dex. I did the crime I should do the time, however long that is; for however long it takes for you to start trusting me again," she said. "If I could only convince you that all these years I've been a faithful, loyal wife and ask your forgiveness for my one transgression, but I can't. You pretty much hammered that home at the doctor's office and you're right. I understand why you feel so much doubt and I don't blame you; so this seems like the next best thing."

"We'll see," he mumbled as he turned around. "I'm going to grab a quick shower," he said in retreat. 

After eating in restaurants for a month, Dexter really did appreciate his wife's cooking again. The red snapper was delicious. 

After dinner he and Alicia went over the program as it was laid out by the doctor. They found a GPS app for her phone that not only showed her location but kept a history by date. He liked that one. He obviously wasn't going to spend all day watching her every move but if he wanted, he could back-track to see where she'd been. 

They figured out a weekly budget that still allowed her to go out for lunches but gas money was calculated according to her gas mileage. She would have enough gas money to go to and from work and to the store a couple times during the week...that was it.

Rather than take her name off the credit card accounts, he simply collected all the plastic she carried. "I'll put these in the safety deposit box. That way, if anything happens to me, you'll still have ready cash," he told her. 

That was so typical of him. Silently she sat and wondered why she didn't put him first like he always did her. He always put her interests ahead of his own—even now. She thought back to that damn party. If she hadn't considered the other girls more important than her own husband, she would never have hurt him so badly.

Inwardly she sighed. There was nothing she could do about it now...nothing but try to rebuild his trust in her. 

They had talked over everything but the sleeping arrangements. "I, ah...I moved all my stuff into the other bedroom." She was hoping he would object and tell her they would sleep together but that didn't happen.

A flat sounding, "Okay," was his only comment.

"I thought that's what you'd want but if you'd rather sleep together, I..."

"No, it's better this way," he said, not even allowing her to finish.

She was expecting him to say that but hearing it still took the wind out of her sails. 

"I've got a couple hours of editing to do so is there anything else you can think of that we haven't covered?"

"No," she replied. "I think we've done everything we're supposed to do."

"Okay, I'll be in the office then. If you think of anything let me know." And with that he rose from the table and disappeared around the corner. 

Alicia went into the living room and curled up with a book. If she tried real hard she could hear him working in the other room. Even in lieu of all their problems it was good just to have him back in the house. She felt safe when he was around.

Over the weekend they lived as cohabiters of the same house, not much more. Monday morning Alicia was already sitting at her desk when Vanessa walked in. One look and she could see there was something definitely wrong. It was obvious she had been crying; in fact she was still sniffling as she walked by. 

"Vanessa, what's wrong?" 

"Oh, Lees," she whimpered, "Terry wants a divorce."

"What? Why?"

"He...he knows...he knows about the party."

"How? He wasn't even at the reception. How did he find out?" Alicia inquired. 

"Mindy's husband, Mark, the guy has gone nuts. He's suing the stripper and the company he worked for. I've been called in to give a deposition," she said, starting to cry again. "Terry was home on Friday when I got the summons. He started asking questions and when I couldn't answer them he got angry and started making phone calls." 

She wiped her eyes again. By this time she had a small audience of the other secretaries. "I don't know who all he called but by Sunday he had a copy of that damn video." She sobbed and tried to catch her breath. "I...I looked like such a damned slut..." she wept. 

"I'm sorry," said Mindy, apologizing for her husband. "I knew Mark was going after the stripper but I never thought it would involve you guys." 

"NOW what's going on?" 

It was Mr. Johnson. He looked at Vanessa and saw she'd been crying but was finding it increasingly hard to sympathize. He had a business to run and for the last month his secretaries seemed to be having one calamity after another. His patience was wearing thin. 

"I...I'm sorry, Mr. Johnson," stammered out of Vanessa's mouth. "I'll be alright, girls," she said, directing her attention back to her friends. "Come on, we all have work to do."

Mr. Johnson turned and walked back into his office as the girls dispersed to their desks. He had no intention of getting involved with his employee's problems but something had to be done. They didn't know it yet but that day was the last time they'd all be able to commiserate together over lunch. About three o'clock Mr. Johnson called them all into a meeting. Once he had them all assembled he laid down the law. From now one, he told them, lunch hours will be staggered every fifteen minutes starting at eleven-thirty. He left it up the girls to decide who went when. 

Later in the week Alicia and Dexter had their second counseling session with Dr. Lindstrom. She asked the couple if they had followed her guidelines and they said they had. The prior week had been a revelation for Alicia. In her own mind she knew that, except for the party, she had been a loyal and faithful wife so it really hurt her to know Dexter suspected otherwise. 

After hearing her husband's reasoning during the former session she understood completely and couldn't blame him for feeling like he did. As long as those doubts were present she didn't see how he could ever trust her again, even with Dr. Lindstrom's help.

For the next couple of weeks life seemed to exist within a fog. Alicia's life at home hadn't changed since Dexter's return. Every day she had her phone laying on the table for him to check when he got home; sometimes he would and sometimes he wouldn't. Not once in that time had they made love or had any sexual contact. Not once had he kissed her or even told her he loved her. 

He was no longer the man she married. He never came home laughing and in a good mood like he used to. The corners of his mouth rarely pointed up anymore and she saw nothing but sadness in his eyes. She knew it had to be affecting his professional life as well as his personal life but he no longer talked about work with her. She missed those stories he would tell about things going wrong on a shoot. Somehow he always made them sound funny. 

At work it was more of the same. The boss' new rules did more than just stagger their lunch hours, it showed them he was fed up with all the drama in the office and they knew he was not shy about firing people. Everyone started to withdraw and keep their marital problems to themselves, even though they were all in it together. 

Alicia was finding it hard to tell if the sessions with Dr. Lindstrom were really helping or not. She was thankful that Dexter was back home but she had her doubts on whether he still loved her. It took her awhile to build the courage to ask and she thought she might need some support when she did, so she waited until their fifth counseling session. 

"Dexter," she said taking a deep breath and looking over at him. "Do you still love me?"

The doctor sat quietly back in her chair and waited with Alicia for his answer. 

"You don't think I still love you?" he snapped.

"I...I'm asking. Since you've been back home we hardly ever talk and you...you never say it anymore. You never tell me you love me."

"You think I'd be doing all this if I didn't still love you?" he quipped.

"Mr. Samuelson," said Dr. Lindstrom, joining in. "It was a straight-forward question, it deserved a straight and forthright answer."

He looked into the worried face of the woman who betrayed him and gave the only answer he could. "Yes—yes of course I still love you...but I...I've never been so hurt by anyone in my life and I just don't know how to deal with it."

Earlier in the day Alicia had thought of giving up but his answer gave her new hope. As long as he still answered her question with a yes, she would never give up. On the way home in the car that night she came up with an idea, but under the current circumstances it was impossible. How—she had to think about this. 

The following morning was the end of the work week. When Alicia walked in to the office her eyes met Vanessa's. They were all red again. As she wondered what new fate had befallen her friend, Vanessa stood and approached. 

"Can...can I just talk to you for a few minutes, Lees? I'm so scared." 

Alicia's eyes darted to Mr. Johnson's door to make sure he wasn't watching. 

"Oh don't worry, Mr. Johnson is out for a meeting until eleven," said Vanessa. 

"Okay," Alicia replied. "Let's go in the break room."

They both got a bad cup of machine coffee and sat down at a small round table. Tears were starting to form in Vanessa's eyes. She took a deep breath and started to talk in a voice that was hoarse from crying. 

"Lees, I'm so scared. I've never even lived by myself before, now I'm going to be a single parent with two small children to support. I don't know what I'm going to do."

"Has he said for sure he's getting a divorce? Maybe there's still time to..." She noticed her friend's head slowly nodding up and down.

"Oh yea, he's already got everything started," she replied. "He moved out and got an apartment. He's got a lawyer and everything. I got the papers yesterday."

Alicia reached over and held her hand. "I'm so sorry," she said trying to comfort her friend. "Surely he'll have to pay child support and some alimony."

"No alimony," she told Alicia. "I will get child support but the most I can get in this state is twenty-five percent of his gross pay. I looked it up on line. That's the max, even with two kids. That's a little more than three hundred and fifty dollars a week." She pulled a napkin from the holder on the table and wiped her eyes. "That covers the mortgage but not a whole lot more, I'm not sure I'll be able to keep the house."

"Why no alimony, he makes a lot more than you do?" 

"He's not offering any. I suppose I could get my own lawyer and fight him but then I have to pay the lawyer...and they don't come cheap, Lees. I called my brother to see what he thought I should do but he's not too happy with me either. He said I could wind up paying the lawyer more than I'd get in alimony."

She wiped her eyes again and continued.

"I—I guess I'll just take what he's offering." She closed her eyes as if she was praying. "I just wish I could get him to come home, Lees."

"I know, honey," Alicia said while squeezing her hand in support. 

"How...how are you and Dexter getting along?" Vanessa sniffled. 

"I don't know—it's been tough. The therapist we're going to has a certain program that we're following but I don't really know if it's helping that much. I guess we just have to give it some time. I read that repairing a relationship after something like this can take years so if that's how long it takes I'm prepared to wait. I just wish I could have my old Dexter back. I don't think I've heard him laugh once since he found out...not once."

The two ladies talked a little more but had to get back to work. 

Alicia had been giving a lot of thought to the idea she'd had in the car the other night and had most of it figured out...with one big exception, that damned GPS. She couldn't tell Dexter what she wanted to do and she had no idea how many times during the day he checked her location—if he did at all. She would just have to take a calculated risk. 

That night, as soon as she got home, Alicia ran into his office and checked out her husband's work schedule. The following week he was going to be very busy on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday with a major shoot. Some would be studio shots but there were also three location shoots. 

This was perfect, she thought. Chances are he'll be so busy he won't have a chance to look at my GPS. 

The weekend was quiet, as they all had been lately. 

Early Monday morning Alicia stood at her dresser and closed her purse with extreme sadness. She took a deep breath and steadied her resolve, knowing it was the only way. 

As soon as the regular start of the week chaos died down at work she asked to see Mr. Johnson. "Mr. Johnson, I, um, I know I shouldn't ask and believe me, if it wasn't so important I wouldn't but...ah, well, sir, I need tomorrow afternoon off."

Mr. Johnson just looked at her and sighed. "Tell me, Mrs. Samuelson, what can I do to prevent this from happening again?"

"Sir?" 

"Well, before Wendy's wedding I had seven good, loyal, hardworking secretaries. Since then two are gone and the rest of you seem to be going from one crisis to another all the time; so...I'd like to know what I can do to prevent this from ever happening again," he stated with authority. 

Alicia was getting nervous. It was starting to sound like she would be denied the time off. She wondered what she would do if that happened. She knew she might have to quit her job. Now it was starting to look like that was a possibility. Still, she wasn't panicking yet.

"I don't really think there's anything you could do, Mr. Johnson, but I wouldn't worry about it ever happening again. I doubt very much if you could find another seven women who were as stupid as we were," she lamented. 

"I see," he replied. "This time off you need, does it have anything to do with what happened at the wedding?"

Alicia had learned her lesson about honesty and being completely up front. "Yes, Sir. I was just as stupid as everyone else. As a result I'm fighting for my marriage."

He seemed to stare right through her for a moment before asking, "Do you need the entire afternoon?"

Alicia's hopes rose. "I...I'm not sure," she answered honestly. "I have an appointment downtown at one o'clock but I'm not sure how long it will take. If there's time I'll be back before the end of the day." 

"Okay," he said. "Just try to get as much done as you can in the morning."

"Yes, sir. I'll make sure everything is done before I leave...and, thank you, sir."

He looked at her a little pensively. "My wife and I will be celebrating our fortieth this year. We've both made mistakes; not the kind I think you're talking about, but let's just say it hasn't always been a bed of roses. Yet, after all the ups and downs, we're still together and still very much in love. I wish everyone could have what we have after forty years. Maybe this is your chance for that kind of happiness. If it is, I wouldn't want to be the one to stand in your way."

Alicia had tears of gratitude as she profusely thanked him again and left. 

At noon she had to skip lunch. She wondered if Dexter was watching as she drove through town. Tears rolled down her cheeks as she felt the sadness of her mission.

When she got home that night she was on pins and needles, wondering if Dexter had followed her GPS. When he hadn't mentioned anything by bedtime, a thankful Alicia slipped under the sheet with a sigh of relief. Now if only her luck will hold one more day, she thought as she laid her head on the pillow. 

She contemplated her husband's schedule for Tuesday. He and Cindy would most likely grab a quick bite to eat at the little diner a block down from the studio. Then they'd pack all his gear for the trip and by one o'clock they'd be on their way to meet the client. 




The Party's Over



Years prior, before Dexter could afford an assistant, she would go to help out on a shoot once in a while. She had seen him on the job—he's all business. Once he got to the location and got started she knew he'd never glance at the tracking device on his phone; it'd be the furthest thing from his mind. 

The next day Alicia worked like a slave to make sure everything was caught up before leaving. She poked her head inside the boss' office on her way out to thank him one more time.

He wished her good luck and she was on her way. Just like the day before, she was nervous. She glanced at the car's clock and saw it was only twelve-thirty. She visualized Cindy and Dexter loading his SUV with cases of lights, light stands, battery packs, cameras, and all the other equipment he took to a shoot. She wondered if he'd look at his phone before leaving. If he did, would he call her to find out where she was going, or would he wait until that night and ask when he got home? She had no idea. All she could do was wait and see. 

Finally it was over. Alicia hoped her nervousness about the GPS didn't screw things up but a preliminary assessment showed everything should be just fine. She was so relieved when she walked back into the office at four o'clock. 

That night, just as the night before, Dexter said nothing about his wife's jaunt downtown. For the first time since the wedding, Alicia fell asleep with a smile on her face. This has to work, was her last thought before drifting into dreamland. 

Thursday morning, Alicia was delighted to see a Chicago messenger service truck pull up in front of the office. She met the delivery guy at the door and happily signed for the large envelope he had in his hand. 

Later that evening her heart pounded as she and Dexter walked into Dr. Lindstrom's office and took their seats. 

"So," the doctor started by directing her question at him, "how are things going?"

He took a deep breath before speaking. "I don't know. I hate all this stuff about keeping track of every move Lees makes. It's just not me. I don't think I can go on doing this."

They hadn't really talked so this was as much news to Alicia just as it was for the doctor. Tears welled up in her eyes as she realized the importance of the envelope in her purse. It sounded like he was ready to give up. This may truly be her last chance! 

The doctor started to say something but Alicia interrupted. "Dexter, is it that you can't forgive me for what I did or because you still have doubts of whether I've cheated on you before?" 

"Lees, I've already forgiven you for the blow job. I've watched that damn video a couple times now. I know you had a few drinks, I heard the other girls goading you, chanting and challenging you to suck him. I saw how enthusiastic they were and I saw the hesitation you were talking about. I also think I misinterpreted what I saw at the reception. It looks more like you were trying to push him away when he said he was coming, rather than purposely taking a facial...but I still wonder if it was the first and only time, Lees, I can't help it."

Alicia first took a tissue from her purse and wiped her eyes. Then she reached back in and removed the envelope. "Here," she said, handing it to him.

"What's this?"

"Open it," she replied.

He read the return address. It was printed along with the company name and logo in the upper left corner. "Hamlin Polygraph? You took a lie detector test?" he asked, raising his eyes in the direction of his weeping wife. 

She simply nodded her head.

"It's still sealed; you didn't open it?"

"I didn't have to open it, Dexter. I know what it will say," she sniffled. 

Dexter hesitated. His mind was spinning. Was this what he was waiting for; proof that it was a onetime thing, or would it be the last nail in the coffin? He looked up at doctor Lindstrom as if looking for guidance.

"Well...go ahead, open it," she told him. 

He ripped the envelope open and pulled out the contents. There were several single pages on top then one long page folded up like an accordion. 

He took the first page in his hand and held it up to read. 

"It is the opinion of this operator; client (Mrs. Dexter Samuelson) answered the following questions truthfully and without deception."

There was some more legal mumbo-jumbo but it was the first sentence that Dexter was interested in. It was signed by somebody named James Uhale and had his license number under his name. 

"May I see that," asked Dr. Lindstrom, leaning forward in her chair and stretching her arm out over her desk. 

Dexter handed over the first page and glanced down at the second.

"I know this firm, Mr. Samuelson. They're highly regarded as being one of the best in the city. Jim Uhale is one of their most experienced operators."

Dexter was too busy reading the second page to pay much attention to what the doctor had to say. The first few questions he recognized as what they call 'baseline' questions. They asked her things like, "Is your married name Alicia Samuelson." "Is your maiden name Hackett?" They asked if her age was thirty-eight and she said no. They asked if she lived at their address and some other personal questions. 

Dexter scanned down the obvious questions until he saw the one he was looking for.

Question: Since your marriage, with how many men have you had sexual relations, other than your husband?

Answer: One

To the side of her answer was printed the word, "True." 

A few mundane questions followed that one until another one stuck out for Dexter.

Question: Since your marriage, how many times have you had sexual relations with someone other than your husband?

Answer: Once

Again the word "True" was off to the side.

As Dexter read down the three pages of questions, he saw they kept coming back to that one basic question but it was asked several different ways. It was asked again on the next page.

Question: Prior to the incident on May tenth, have you had sexual relations of any kind with anyone other than your husband since taking your marriage vows?

Answer: No.

Dexter had been so engrossed in reading the report he was totally unaware of what was happening around him. He started to study the actual sheet from the lie detector but couldn't really make it out. It didn't matter. This was the proof he was looking for. He wondered why he didn't think of a lie detector in the beginning. It sure would have saved both of them from a lot of grief. 

Then it struck him. He looked up at the hopeful look on his wife's face. "This had to cost a couple hundred bucks...at least..."

"More like four-fifty," interjected the doc.

He glanced at her then back to his wife. "Four hundred and fifty dollars? Where did you get the money to pay for this?"

Alicia looked down at the tissue she was now holding in her lap. She could barely say the words. "I...I sold my grandmother's ring," she quietly admitted.

Dexter was stunned. "Your...oh, Alicia, why? That ring meant everything to you. Why?"

"No, Dexter, the ring meant a lot but only you mean everything to me," she told him.

Dexter looked over at the somewhat confused look on doctor Lindstrom's face and explained, "It was a family heirloom. Her grandmother gave it to her personally just hours before she passed away." He looked back at Alicia but was still addressing the doctor. "She absolutely treasured that ring. 

"Why didn't you just ask me for the money?" he questioned.

"I...I wasn't sure what you'd say. We haven't really talked in weeks. I didn't know what you were thinking. I was afraid, afraid you'd say no and then what would I do? It was my only hope and I couldn't take a chance that somehow you'd stop me," she sniffled. 

"Honey, I wish I had thought of this a long time ago. You should have come to me. I feel so bad about that ring. I'm so sorry."

Alicia felt as if her heart had just restarted after being dormant for weeks. Both she and the doctor caught the term of endearment. It was the first time he called her by anything but her name since the reception. It was the first time in weeks that there was no anger in his voice.

Selling her grandmother's ring was probably the hardest thing she ever had to do, but if it meant having her husband back, it was worth it.

Alicia raised the damp tissue again to her eyes and wiped away the tears. "Please forgive me, Dexter. I'm so sorry for hurting you."

Between the video and the polygraph he had in his hand, Dexter was confident in his decision. We're all human, we all have weaknesses. Sometimes love isn't only never having to say you're sorry but I forgive you, as well. 

Selling her grandmother's ring was the most unselfish act of true love he could imagine. Now it was his turn. He rose from his chair, laid the papers on the corner of Dr. Lindstrom's desk and walked over to his wife.

Alicia could see the love and forgives in his eyes. On weak knees she stood to accept his embrace. 

"Oh my darling," he mumbled as they clinched. 

Alicia wanted again to tell him how sorry she was but she couldn't get it out between sobs. She felt his strong hands rubbing her back as her body heaved up and down with her weeping. 

"Okay, okay, babe, everything is going to be alright," he said, trying to console her. He pulled away and placed his hands on either side of her face. Gently he took his thumbs and wiped away her tears. "I forgive you, honey." He took her chin and nudged her head up so he could give her a tender kiss. "Just don't ever do it again," he said, with slight smile.

"Oh, Dexter," she cried out, wrapping her arms around him, "I will never hurt you again, never, never, never!"

"Well, I think this session is over," said the doctor.

They'd almost forgotten about her. Dexter turned his head in the direction of the smiling doctor. "Yeah, and I don't think we'll be back."

Doctor Lindstrom just nodded her approval. 

On their way out, Dexter thought of a question he had to ask before leaving.

"Doctor, I never thought of a lie detector but I would think, in your position, it would have been one of the first things you'd recommend?"

"Actually," the doctor said with a serious voice, "if your wife had discussed it with me first, I would have advised against it. Most people have something to hide. Even if it has nothing to do with infidelity or their marriage, psychologically they wonder if the polygraph will somehow expose their deepest darkest secrets. As a result a lot of people get very nervous and fail them even though their telling the truth. I've seen them backfire way too many times." 

Alicia was still drying her eyes when she looked back at the doc. "Thank you for all your help, Doctor Lindstrom." 

The doctor took on a broad smile once again. "You're very welcome, Mrs. Samuelson. I wish nothing but the best for you two."

In the car Alicia tried to apologize again but Dexter told her, "Enough, babe; enough. From here we pick up the pieces and go on. I won't say I don't still hurt some, but I know it wasn't intentional and now I know it was the first and only time. When we get home you'll move your stuff back to the bedroom." 

Alicia almost couldn't wait for Dexter to unlock the door before running up stairs and moving her stuff. It didn't take her long. She was almost out of breath from running back and forth by the time she was done and found her forgiving husband in his office.

Still a little apprehensive, she stood in the doorway and asked, "Can...can I kiss you?"

"You better kiss me or the whole deal is off," he joked. 

It was the first time she'd seen his sense of humor in a long time. She literally jumped into his lap and wrapped her arms around his neck before giving him a very wet, very enthusiastic kiss. "God, I love you so much," she boasted before locking her lips to his for a second time.

They hadn't even come up for air yet when Dexter had already made a decision-screw the editing. "Come on," he said standing up and taking her hand. "It's time to start picking up those pieces I talked about."

This time there would be no blindfolds, no role-playing, no bedroom calisthenics; it was time for both of them to reaffirm their love for one another. As Alicia looked into his eyes she saw no more anger, no more hurt, only devotion. He leaned in and ever so lightly, planted his lips on hers. Instinctively she raised her chin so he could continue placing little kisses over her neck and face. 

She was so lost in his web that she didn't even realize he had her almost completely undress already. She put herself entirely into his hands as he guided her slowly down to the bed. Only her panties remained. 

More tender kisses rained down to her breasts. Alicia's breathing was raged, her body twisted and wreathed in response to the delicate demonstrations of his love.

Not until she opened her eyes did she see that her panties were also gone. She looked up at the tall figure of a man standing before her. He was no weightlifter but his body was hard and muscular from years of going to the gym and plenty of exercise he got on the job.

The vision of his lovely bride forced a broad smile across his face as he freed his achingly stiff cock with the removal of his last article of clothing. With one knee he knelt on the bed beside her and continued to tease and caress her perfect skin. 

"Oh God," she loudly sighed when he reached her primed pussy. The essence of her love filled the air and she orgasmed within seconds of feeling his tongue. Her head twisted and turned, her eyes where intractably closed with euphoria. 

She was still breathing hard when she felt her husband gently slipping inside. Her vaginal walls instinctively clamped tight. She reached for him and locked her arms his neck as he slowly started to make love. His strokes varied between long and short, between fast and slow. Her nails dug into in skin as she came again. 

Dexter stopped and felt her pussy muscles contract again and again as she clung to him. He tenderly kissed her beautiful face as she slowly came back to the living. Still rock hard, Dexter had yet to come; a condition Alicia was well aware of. She entwined her fingers in his dark hair and thrust her hips against his pelvic bone. After several minutes of vigorous love making, both were approaching a state of bliss. Dexter was the first over the edge but Alicia was right behind him. Together their bodies exploded in a rhapsody of love, passion, and ecstasy. 

As they both fought for a normal breathing pattern, they cuddled without saying a word. They knew it was over, the most difficult period of their lives was now in the past. It was official.

***

As the following week progressed, things started to feel more normal. Cindy noticed the change in her boss right away. He was having fun again. Dexter really had forgiven his wife, now she just needed to forgive herself. Still—there was one thing that still nagged at him—still one thing making him uneasy.

Dexter was busy in the studio. He had sent Cindy out to buy props for an upcoming shoot while he worked on a small stage he needed for the backdrop. He was just pounding the last nail when he remembered the GPS. He dropped his hammer and pulled out his phone. "Gotcha!" he yelled out loud. 

There wasn't a moment to spare. He rushed over to the desk in his office and scribbled out a note for Cindy. 'Back Soon,' was all it said. He ran out to the car and took off for the address he'd seen on the locator. He wasn't sure what he'd find once he got there, he just prayed he wasn't too late...

***

"Happy birthday, babe," Dexter said while giving Alicia a birthday card and following it up with a kiss. 

"Mmmm," she cooed as their lips parted. "Thank you, honey." She smiled as she read the card. Her smile got even wider when she read his hand written note on the inside, saying he was taking her out for dinner and dancing.

It was a wonderful evening; dinner was delicious and Dexter swung and twirled the birthday girl around the dance floor until she couldn't dance another step. Later that night they enjoyed a glass of wine while cuddling together in the privacy of their own living room. Two months had passed since leaving Doctor Lindstrom's office for the last time. It was finally time for Dexter to put things straight.

Alicia snuggled a little tighter into her husband's side. "Thank you, honey. Tonight was perfect."

"Not really," he replied. 

Wounds of the past were still very fresh in her mind. Suddenly Alicia moved away so she could study his face. "What do you mean?" She looked worried.

"I haven't given you your gift yet," he said reaching into his pocket and pulling out a small box. Although slightly crushed from the confines of her husband's trousers, it had a bright red bow on top. 

Alicia took it from his fingers and looked at him. "Can I open it?"

"Of course...unless you want to wait until Christmas," he chuckled. 

As she lifted the top of box her eyes widened about the same time her mouth dropped open. Her pulse started to race as she took a deep breath. "Honey...how...where did..." Tears formed in her lovely blue eyes and rolled down her cheeks. 

She gently and reverently removed her grandmother's ring from the small box. "I...I never thought I'd see this again. How did you ever find it?"

"As much as I appreciate what you did," responded Dexter, "I just couldn't accept you having to give up something so precious to prove your love for me. Then I remembered the GPS on my phone had history. I went back through it until I found a route you only took once. I knew it wasn't the hair dressers or a restaurant so I looked up the address; it was a pawn shop. It had to be where you sold the ring."

"And they still had it...after all this time?" 

"Well, not exactly," he said a little sheepishly. "I've had it for a while. I actually got it only days after we got back together. I, ah...I was going to give to you right away but..." 

"But you thought you'd punish me a little more...I can't say I blame you," she said, wiping away her tears of joy.

"Yeah, well-your birthday was only a couple months off. I thought it would be a good time to give it to you." 

"Oh my God, honey, I swear...I swear on this ring that I will be the most loyal and loving wife a man could ever want," she cried while throwing her arms around him and smothering him with kisses. 

Epilogue:

Never had a single party wreaked so much devastation in the lives of so many...at least not in that town. 

Vicki thought she was one of the lucky ones. Her husband never really had much of a temper, and other than getting the silent treatment, she didn't think her little cock sucking escapade would cause much of a riff in their marriage...she was wrong. As time went by, her husband became more and more distant. He lost interest in making love, in her, and in their marriage. Eventually he found someone else and divorced her. He never was one for confrontation but when it was all over, Vicki looked back and knew their problems started on that fateful day in May. 

Mark, Mindy's husband was forced to drop the lawsuit against the stripper company but he was able to get the stripper fired. He considered that a small victory. The ensuing battle in divorce court took months. Mark got himself a shark for a lawyer and went for the jugular. In an attempt at getting full custody of their four year old son, he tried to have her declared an unfit mother. Mindy was fighting for her very existence. In the end she was able to ward off the unfit mother charge and got custody of their boy along with a small amount of child support but not much else. 

Sylvia and Manny are still struggling. They spent over two years in counseling and changed therapists three times. They're still together but the marriage isn't what it used to be. Manny will never fully trust his wife again and has literally given her the third-degree on more than one occasion. Not a day has gone by that she didn't regret pulling that stripper's G-string down. Now, every day she prays that her Manny will truly forgive her, but it doesn't look like that's going to be any day soon.