0 comments/  6573 views/  0 favorites

Delaney

By: EgmontGrigor2011



CHAPTER 1

Delaney Robinson emerged childless from five years of marriage, rather wealthy and no longer lived a trapped victim of drunken and bad-tempered verbal abuse. She felt no worse than when she'd flunked college.

Checking that the money had been released into her account, she transferred it to her new bank. Well that was only sensible because her old bank had also been Jerry's bank. She had thought several times about putting a bullet into his head but backed off each time, thinking of the complications and really it was up to the next woman he decided to marry to have read the signs that he hid obnoxious traits behind his perfect smile.

The 30-year old great-looking brunette gave up her rented apartment next day as arranged and went to New York to settle. Jerry hated big cities and she believed that would make her feel safe from the fat-ass property developer in Venice Beach, Florida.

Two days later she settled into a furnished apartment and began buying things to give the two-bedroom unit with views of the Hudson some personalized touches. She'd purchased a serene oil painting of a stream running through woods and a black bear attempting to fish. She'd paid four thousand bucks when the price tag stated $5900 and wondered if she'd still been ripped off. 

Delaney, who'd worked as an office manager for eight years, soon felt she'd regained her life. She loved the shopping and was beginning to get the feel of the big city and did the touristy things. When the excitement of shopping and sightseeing retreated, she decided to register at a recruitment agency and was quite shocked when the interviewer said she had no chance of being recruited in office management because she had no formal qualifications.

"Doesn't experience count?" she asked the frosty-faced woman.

"Of course it does, along with academic qualifications. You may leave now."

The bitch at the second agency was even ruder woman offered to find Delaney clerical work.

The furious Delaney stalked out and went to a bar and after slowly downing two Martinis, headed home with slightly flushed cheeks and thinking no academic qualifications eh? Well she'd show those snooty women.

But how?

Er yes, she'd have to think about that, Delaney sighed and concentrated on window shopping instead.

She reached her apartment and found a note taped to her door.

'Hi I'm Cheryl. Please call.'

Who the hell was Cheryl? Delaney ripped the note off the door and inside her apartment she sat with a brandy and sulked.

An hour later she went to the door when the buzzer sounded.

Omigod she had a caller, in New York, where she knew no one!

An attractive, older woman smiled and said, "Hi, I'm Cheryl Cassidy who lives in the apartment beside you to your right. Joe and I have never heard or seen you and thought we ought to be neighborly. I taped a message to your door but silly me I remembered I'd not added my phone number to the message."

"That's all right, come in and be neighborly Mrs Cassidy."

"Thanks and please call me Cheryl."

"I'm Delaney Dee," Delaney said, using her maiden name for the first time. "I'm a recent divorcee."

"Well aren't we all darling? I married Joe on the rebound for both of us eighteen months ago."

Cheryl walked in and looked around and said Delaney had the room looking very nice. She looked at the painting. "Omigod, is that a Catherine J. Taylor?"

"Yes," Delaney said in surprise.

"I'm an art dealer darling and am aware of our best emerging artists. May I ask how much you paid for it?"

The reply was four grand.

"Omigod, did you steal it?" she said, walking right up to it and checking the signature before looking at the painting. "Market price here in New York would be around $6000. Are you sure this is not hot property?"

"I have no idea. I purchased it late last week and they had it delivered."

"Well that sounds reputable because they were leaving a footprint by doing that. Is the gallery still there?"

"I have no idea."

"Well darling will you come to apartment 3106 at 6:00 this evening and later dine out with us as our guests, dressing semi-formal?"

"I'd love that, God I wasn't expecting people in New York to be so hospitable. Scarcely anyone talks to me."

"Well tart up your clothing a bit darling and wear more make-up and you'll have men wanting to do more that converse with you. Delaney you are enormously attractive."

Delaney let Cheryl to the door, not knowing what to say, other than she appreciated the hand of friendship.

Joe was a bit younger than Cheryl, probably in his mid-forties. His manner was friendly and open and he appealed to Delaney.

"What do you do Delaney?" Joe asked.

"I'm here from Florida to resettle after my very recent divorce. I had worked as an office manager for eight years prior to the divorce."

He said she ought to have no trouble finding good employment providing she had good references and the required qualifications.

But it didn't turn out like that. 

A week later when one of Joe's friends told Delaney when they were attending a cocktail party at the gallery that his great-aunt was looking for a chauffeuse, Delaney must have looked blank because Ted said, "A female chauffeur. My great-aunt is blind in one eye and anyway can't drive."

Delaney had never heard of an American-born adult who couldn't drive although she didn't know too much about the poor, and said she could be interested.

Ted called his great-aunt and gave Delaney the address for an appointment next day at 3:00.

"Um my great-aunt is a bit eccentric and untrusting. You'll need to have good references including one from a bank and from your attorney."

The address led Delaney to a grand old three-level brick residence in the heart of West Village. She would find later the property was 24 ft. wide and 100 ft. deep with a small garden with a larger flowering cherry tree. It had nine rooms (five of them bedrooms) with an elevator installed ten years ago linking the first floor to the ground floor and basement garage/workshop. Rooms on the third level had been closed for years).

She pushed the brass doorbell and heard chimes within.

"Stand a little bit back dear so I can see you on the TV monitor," said a woman's shaky voice.

Delaney did that and a buzzer sounded and the door opened. She went in and closed the door and found the living room where Mrs Clyde-Young was seated.

"Good afternoon ma'am."

"Good afternoon Delaney, call me Kitty. Please sit. Ah here's coffee."

Coffee was delivered by a plump and pretty maid dressed in black and white who smiled discreetly at Delaney. Very professional, Delaney thought.

"How many motor accidents have you been involved in Delaney?"

"None."

"Can you prove that?"

"You may call my insurance company. I have been with the same company since my parents bought me my first car twelve years ago for my eighteenth birthday."

"So you are thirty?"

Delaney just smiled.

Kitty asked to hand across her CV.

"I only have personal references and my work record for the past eight years and references from my previous employer."

"Hmmm. Edward would have told you I'd want a reference from your bank and your attorney."

"Yes he did."

"And?"

"I've never asked a bank or an attorney for a reference and am not about to start now."

"I see."

Kitty read only the reference from the CEO of Delaney's last employee.

"Hmmm. Do you know you way around Manhattan?"

"No."

"Don't you see that as a problem in seeking a job as a chauffeur?"

"Not with global positioning technology installed in the vehicle, no."

"Well Delaney, you dress well, look healthy and attractive and appear to be very intelligent and you say you are an accident-free driver. I would have hired you but you failed to bring those references I required."

"Well thank you for the opportunity to interview Kitty. While I finish my coffee could you tell me about this house? It just screams of history and appears from this room and the entrance to have immense character."

The chatted for another twenty minutes and Kitty found Delaney had been married until recently.

Delaney stood. "Well I was lovely meeting you Kitty. Thank you for the opportunity. I'll find my own way out."

Kitty allowed Delaney to begin walking away before calling, "Oh dear please take this money to cover the inconvenience I've caused you."

"Oh no thank you Kitty, I failed to win the job because I didn't measure up to your requirements. You are not culpable."

"But you walked here and came with hopeful expectations."

"Yes but I loved coming into this house. I enjoyed talking with you and I had nothing else to do today. Bye Kitty."

"Come and sit down Delaney. You are hired. I now feel I can trust you and believe you are not greedy."

"My marriage settlement left me with almost $3 million cash Kitty," she smiled. "I have no reason to be greedy."

They talked job conditions and Delaney was told there was a choice of two cars "a wide one and one not so wide".

She was told to take the elevator and make her choice. Kitty would prefer the choice to be permanent because she'd then instruct the man who came regularly to service the vehicle being used. 

Delany came back eyes shining and before she could speak Kitty said, "I thought you would pick that one. It's my pet. The last few chauffeurs chose the much newer Mercedes.

Delaney had chosen, perhaps unwisely, the much wider and longer vehicle, a real American luxury limo from yesteryear, a black 1970 Cadillac Eldorado. Beside it was parked a VW Beetle used presumable by the cook or maid for the household shopping trips.

"I'll get the auto technician in to instruct you on that classic vehicle that was the joy of my late husband's life until his death in 1980.

God he died before she was born, Delaney thought and while she was thinking Kitty said she was eighty-three and had been much younger than her husband. 

* * *

The sight of the classic black 1970 limo driven by a young female chauffeur who always dressed in white and wore a black red-banded chauffeur's cap became a familiar sight around Manhattan over the next eighteen months, taking Kitty to afternoon teas and occasionally to night functions and it was also seen on Long Island on a journey to visit Kitty's second youngest sister who lived in East Hampton. Delaney would take Kitty to Boston every other month on reciprocal visits to her youngest sister.

As 'Mac the Mechanic' had said when originally assisting Delaney to drive the big car, most drivers and especially the young guys in car gave the limo extra distance to keep clear because of their respect for classic American autos.

That suited Delaney fine.

Alas, eighteen months after Delaney began working as the chauffeur, Kitty died in her sleep. Delaney and other staff were paid off by an attorney. To Delaney's delight the estate sold the car to an auto museum.

Delaney regularly ate out with the Cassidy's from the apartment next to her and when she told them her job had ended, Joe asked over dinner, "What now?"

"I have no idea but I intend staying on here. I have enough money from my marriage settlement to never have to work again but I like working."

"Go on Joe," Cheryl said.

Joe sipped his red wine and then said importantly, "My sister is Cassandra Cassidy who anchors the 9:00 to noon very popular TV show."

"Oh right, I watch that sometimes. She presents a real potpourri.

"Eh?"

Cheryl said, "A real miscellany of items Joe."

"Oh yeah. We'll she'd looking for a compatible assistant and is trouble finding one. Her present assistant is very pregnant."

"Um not by..."

Delaney managed to clamp her mouth shut in time before saying Cassandra as a joke but Cheryl cackled away until Joe asked her what had sent her off.

"Oh nothing Joe. It must be the wine," Cheryl said, saving Delaney's butt.

"Well do you wish to be interviewed or not?"

"Yeah why not?"

Joe frowned. "You might be a little more appreciative. When I said you weren't a graduate she lost interest until I said she better interview you because she might be very surprised."

"Oh Joe darling, how sweet of you,"  Delaney said, moving in and kissing him and he pushed her away and said, "Get out of here."

"In that context that means leave him alone you sexy witch," Cheryl said dryly but obviously very amused by their antics.

Resuming her seat, Delaney said, "You two have become more than neighbors to me."

"Oooh then shall we have a baby," Cheryl said.

The women cackled and Joe asked what on earth were they talking about and alleged they were drunk.

"Half drunk for me," Delaney declared.

"And only slightly more for me," Cheryl said and Joe said just as well for him he wasn't driving.

"But we don't have a car."

"Oh yes Cheryl, quite right."

Joe's sister, Cassandra Cassidy, presenter of the TV after 9:00 morning show, 'Cassidy Today' looked up approvingly as the smartly dressed Delaney was brought to her table in the restaurant.

"Hi Delaney. So nice to meet you. Please sit."

"You may stand and kiss me if you wish?"

Cassandra wasn't flustered. She rose and kissed Delaney's cheek sweetly. The maître d' was waiting patiently to push the chair in under Delaney.

"I have watched your show occasionally and always enjoy it. You keep it going at an amazing pace."

"Why thank you."

"Joe told me to say that. He's so anxious for me to impress you."

"Why would that be dear?"

"I'd think he knows I'm likely to be right for you."

"Well it appears that prep has ruined my chances of assessing you uncontaminated."

"No, you are too astute to not have your way around this. I revealed that Joe had attempted to coach me to get across his opinion of me."

"Now who's astute? Would you care for a wine?"

"Yes please, a light alcohol red if possible."

"A very wise choice to impress the interviewer."

"Actually I was thinking it's only early afternoon."

One and a half hours later Cassandra looked at her watch and said she had to go.

"When can you start?"

"Oooh, as soon as you'd like me to start Cassandra."

"At 7:00 in the morning. We spend two hours on preparation. My research and other support people work through the day, auditioning people, double checking people due to appear are heading here on time and so on."

"Fine 7:00 is quite okay."

"I suggest you observe closely. Lucy will leave on Wednesday. She'd already two weeks over her requested job termination date but has stayed on out of loyalty."

"Well that's great and you'll get loyalty from me if I see it's a two-way street."

"My brother is right about you darling. You're no bunny."

Although a little uncertain, Delaney took that as a compliment.

There were no foul-ups, Delaney couldn't believe how many people were performing so many tasks taking the show to air and how the director and stage manager were teaming together and also taking instructions in their earphones from the producer.

The very pregnant Lucy Johnson couldn't believe Delaney had been hired when she wasn't a media graduate with emphasis on television.

"Oh then you are an Arts graduate with a major in theater?"

"No."

Lucy scratched her left arm and said, "Then did you drug Cassandra to get my position?"

"No. I suspect she believes I'm bright, charming and will be compatible... just like you I suppose."

"I can't believe this. Well come and grab a bite. This interview with the beekeeper talking about his job is schedule to run for twenty minutes because it includes film clips we got out on site. But you knew that of course, having read and memorized the schedule."

"No and what's a schedule... the stuff on today's program?"

"Oh Jesus," cried Lucy, wringing her hands.

Delaney said quietly, "Stay calm Lucy and listen to me. You don't have to tell me everything you know during the next three days. Just take it slowly and concentrate on telling me the things I need to know and do to perform credibly for Cassandra. She needs us to get this done competently and professionally."

"God you are a cool customer Delaney. Perhaps there is some hope for you."

"Is it a boy or girl?"

Lucy looked at Delaney blankly.

"The baby, do you know if it's a boy or girl?"

"Omigod you are interested in me and my baby. Um yes, it's a girl."

"Do you have a name for her yet?"

"Yes Annie after my great-grandmother. You being so calm will be a great help to Cassandra. She appears so smooth and so in control but oh boy, she panics when things begin to come unstuck."

"Thanks for that Lucy. I need to know things like that. How do you react when she loses it?"

Every chance she got over those three days Delaney pressed Lucy for more and more information. She also watched what Lucy did and asked for explanations.

"These complainants when they get abusive on the phone after a show. Are you indicating I can't tell them to fuck off and cut the call?"

"Heavens no," Lucy said, horrified, and responding to Delaney's sly provocation, began to recite the full procedures to follow.

After the show on Lucy's second day, she asked the show's stage manager Bill Hope to explain his role to her. He said could she come to his office at 3:00 when Cassandra would have left for home because he and Cassandra were about to go off to sit with the director to review the tape of the show looking for errors such as miscues and to suggest possible improvements and to run through the line-up of next day's show.

Bill Hope greeted Delaney will a big smile and pulled out a bottle of wine from his small fridge and poured two glasses. Somehow, almost an hour later, Bill was removing Delaney's panties.

"God Bill," she said, intending to tell him to move away from her but heard her voice asking was the door locked.

He didn't bother playing with her boobs. He went straight down on her and began slurping into her closely-cropped pussy. Delaney then knew why she wasn't complaining; she hadn't had sex for three months and that had been a random encounter like this. She hoped his pole wouldn't be too big.

Thankfully it was pee-wee size but big enough to give her the sensations she wanted and she finally came without requiring finger stimulation.

She had to giggle when he said he must get back to work and zipped up still wearing the condom.

"What's funny?" he demanded.

"Oh being fucked on the second day at my new job. That's a record for me. You are a pretty smooth operator Bill."

"Huh?" Bill said, looking pleased.

Delaney never had sex again with him but while she remained at the TV station they remained good friends

Lucy asked, "Where have you been?"

"I have been learning the basic of stage management from Bill Hope."

Lucy said to watch him, that Bill had a reputation for being overly friendly with his hands.

"If he tried anything on me he'd know all about it," Delaney said, sounding tough.

"Yeah I bet a knee in where it hurts from you Delaney would have Hope hopping."

After the review of the show on Wednesday, everyone gathered for a farewell party for Lucy who intend resuming work after the birth of her baby and it was settled.  Delaney stuck close to Lucy during the party and three times took alcoholic drinks thrust by well-meaning people to assist Lucy who'd come close to breaking her resolve not to consume alcohol during pregnancy and until she weaned her baby.

When the hour-long event finished, Delaney accompanied Lucy to the front of the building where she said her older brother Pete would be waiting. He was and as Delaney handed Pete the canteen of cutlery he offered to drop Delaney off after taking Lucy home.

Delaney said no that was unnecessary but Lucy insisted Delaney get into the car. After a couple more drinks with Pete and Lucy's husband Leon to go with the three wines she'd had earlier, Delaney accepted Pete's offer to driver her to her apartment. Lucy had told Delaney that Pete had a girlfriend who was currently on business in Louisiana. She invited him up, thinking he'd say no, but his reply was where could he park. She directed him to her unused space in the basement and as they waited for the elevator he kissed her and in the elevator he had her dress up and his hand down the front of her pants and she was laughing. Fortunately no one got into the elevator before they left it on Delaney's floor.


Delaney



Once inside the apartment they fell into a sixty-nine on the carpet. She wouldn't allow him to fuck her because neither of them had condoms. He left after half an hour saying he'd be back next evening with condoms but he never came back. 

When Delaney met him again when she went to see beautiful baby Annie, Pete was there and introduced Delaney to his lovely fiancée. 

CHAPTER 2

The morning Cassandra's husband Henry called that she had lost her voice, the show's late arriving assistant producer was involved in a three-car accident and suffered suspected concussion and was taken to hospital for observation.

The producer and director conferred and they announced the show would be cancelled.

"But why?" called Delaney. "Everyone is here, we still have thirty minutes to go, I have Cassandra's script, let someone do their best on camera."

"Who?" snarled the producer.

There was silence until Bill Hope's assistant called, "You do it Delaney. You have the looks."

"Don't be stupid Ray."

The producer ignored Delany's rejection said, "Have you got the courage to do your best Delaney?"

"Yes but there are more seasoned people around here better fitted to be the stand-in."

"Take Delaney to make-up and get her into a decent top and skirt Jennifer."

The make-up artist asked Delaney was she scared and Delaney said no, she was quite calm. She'd had minor roles in theater at high school and at college.

"But this is not acting, the work is performing the role of a continuity presenter."

"I know and that's okay. I'm a little worried that if I get under pressure I might drop a four-letter word or two."

"There is a slight delay in transmission, long enough to bleep profanities or slurs or whatever."

The dresser said, "Relax honey while I tighten your bra. You'll be sitting so will need to show uplift, not droop."

"Oh god."

"Do you think you can last three hours of filming less advertising breaks without fainting from the pressure?"

"Oh god."

Delaney was seated and could hear the countdown as she also heard Jude the director say, "Remain relaxed and just be yourself and you'll be fine."

Relax and be yourself and thank god you are not on national network TV, Delaney said to herself.

"Good morning New York, I'm Delaney Dee, and am filling in for my boss Cassandra Cassidy who is home with a lost voice and is holding her throat and groaning oh no. The trained stand-in was in a car accident on the way to work and is in hospital under observation for possible concussion. I'm Mrs Cassidy's new personal assistant and began working for her with no TV experience and so here I am digging a huge hole for myself. I see on this screen a message screaming, "For Goodness sake use the teleprompter but I believe it's better I do this my way. Better for me and hopefully better for you."

"I'm new to New York and love it here and intend doing nothing to ruin this show and give this TV station a bad name. I have a written script that I have read twice and so we can say I'm now an expert on what is going to happen on this show during the next three hours. Pray for me Cassandra. Here we go."

"First up is my interview with a former well-known country singer Bess Bell who is now 89 years of age and oh boy, doesn't she look good. Good morning Bess."

"Good morning young lady. You have courage in possessing no TV experience to step in for Cassandra."

"Oh come on Bess, you'll remember the cry the show must go on in your days of being on stage. Golly you must have been singing in the days of legends such as Roy Rogers and Gene Autry?

"Who are they?"

"Come on Bess, don't be naughty. You remember."

"You're too smart for me Delaney. Yes those two really blossomed to become legends during my time. I met them both several times but of course as a singer I wasn't in their league."

"Can you still hold a tune?"

"Alas what comes out now in the bath is an embarrassment."

Looking at the script Delaney said, "Well with me not reading the teleprompter the people out back will be having a fit. You did make a couple of recordings and this is one of you singing somewhere in 1941 and it's called 'I Want to Be a Cowboy's Sweetheart'. 

The track played instantly and the singing was really good.

Delaney left her chair smiling and went over and hugged Bess.

"Kiss me darling, you are so sweet."

"I felt I had to do that Bess. Omigod you sang that ever so beautifully way back in 1941. I wasn't born then and my mother wasn't even born then. It seems so unbelievable and it's such a great honor to be talking to you. Do you remember when that recording was done?"

"In a studio in Durango, Colorado I think but my memory is not what it used to be. You know I heard Patsy Montana sing that when I was about fourteen I think and I fell in love with that song."

"Did you marry a cowboy?"

"Now that's a good question. You should have your own show. Well I had some cowboy lovers, if I'm permitted to be so bold on TV. But I married a truck driver who swept me off my feet in the mid -1950s and he remained the love of my life until he passed away thirty-one years later. Singing was my life and he added the dimension of life to my life. He was such a beautiful man."

"Well you keep on loving the memories of your beautiful man former Country Singer Bess Bell. It's been a real honor having you on Cassandra's Show. I have someone screaming in my ear to pause for an ad break so, have a long and healthy life Bess. Wave to the camera showing a red light."

"My eyes ain't too good."

"It's this one on my right Bess," Delany said, pointing. "A big smile please Bess and thank you. We now take a short break and will be back with something. Sorry I've forgotten my line, Delany sniffed. "Wasn't Bess Bell so great?"

During the break the producer came down and hugged Delany.

"You are a wicked girl not reading the autocue."

"Well I'll do that when we return to air."

"No don't you dare. You are a natural. We have calls coming in confirming that and want to see more of you on TV."

"What naked?"

Bert laughed and said you are doing just great. Just remember to glance at your clipboard now and again. We are anticipating you may move ahead or get behind a bit and are ready for that. You are unbelievable Delaney Dee."

"Wow," Delaney said to the make-up artist who was attending to Delany's make-up.

"Delaney we've been told everyone not engaged in urgent business in this building is glued to a TV monitor watching you. Word's out you are a sensation."

"But I can't be. I'm Cassandra's assistant."

Delaney, hearing the countdown, checked the script attached to her clipboard and waited with sweaty palms. She felt like making a dash to the toilet. But she'd have to wait.

When Delaney ended her final interview of a rose breeder, asking him if people paid him to name roses after them and was told "That's a great idea to consider", she closed off and waved to the camera and said, "Get well quickly Cassandra. This task is killing me."

Bert proudly led Delaney out to meet several of the TV station's chiefs and then to waiting media that included news teams from rival TV stations.

The questions erupted and Delaney stood, hands on hips and called, "Hey guys, give me a break, one question at a time. You in the brown jacket, you were shouting something. What's your question?"

And so it continued for forty-five minutes and Delaney announced that's it. Thanks guys. You rivals, remember to name this TV station if you write about us."

An executive called Shirley led Delaney into a side room with a guy and a woman she introduced as one of the station's attorneys and the director of the company's HR department.

"What going on here?" Delaney asked.

"I'm head of TV production and this is about you Delaney. You are hot, or at least you were today as a presenter. We exposed you on-screen and that allowed you to strut your stuff and now we want to make you a generous offer."

"What to tie me into this broadcasting company?"

Shirley looked at Bruce the attorney who said Delaney was very smart.

"I'll tell you what, "I'll sign for my own show for twelve months, preferably an afternoon show for a salary of $200,000. I don't need the money but charities do and so I'll submit a list of ten charities to each get one-tenth on my net income from that $200,000. I don't require a car or an apartment or anything else like that. I wish to remain myself and not be trained and have an adequate support team provided. I require that salary be guaranteed for one year and right of contract renewal if the show succeeds. I require no guarantee that the show runs for a year but it should have some breaks of say two weeks. That's all."

"What if management doesn't agree to those demands," Bruce said.

"Well tough. But first I suggest you watch TV tonight and read what the newspapers have to say about me in the morning. The comments and feedback from viewers and in the press might suggest $200,000 is peanuts. May I go now? I want to take flowers to Cassandra and tell her the show remains hers."

"What if management decides otherwise?"

"Well tough for management Shirley. If they take a hardline I'll be out of here and will probably find someone who wants me." 

Shirley looked at the attorney and shrugged. 

*  *  *

Henry Cassidy opened the door and took the offered floral bouquet from the visitor and grinned, "Oh it's you, the credible assassin."

Delaney smiled nervously thinking well that was not necessarily a personal attack.

"Come in Delaney and congratulations for striving to be just yourself on TV. It was a truly amazing display and establishes you as a very nice person."

"Thanks. Er Mr..."

"Henry will do nicely."

"Who is it dad," said the tall guy with curly blond hair, almost causing Delaney's ovaries to somersault.

"It's Delaney who did your mom's show this morning. I showed you parts of the recording I made."

"Ah hi Delaney, "I'm Daniel the son visiting his mom."

"That's a lovely thing for a busy son to do."

At that Daniel looked at her keenly and said, "Yes dad is right, you are a lovely person. Well we only have one mom, don't we?"

Delaney smiled and asked could she see Cassandra.

"Of course," Henry said. "It's apparently a 24-hour viral thing, over as quickly as it came but Doc Watson said it's best that Cassandra remains in bed and doesn't attempt to speak till morning."

"I'll just smile and hold a note to say I'm not after her job."

Daniel said he'd fetch paper and pen.

Henry led Delaney through the Art Deco styled and Art Deco furnished one-level house and said, "Flowers and one wreath began arriving from mid-morning. I'd stayed home and Doc Watson arrived early fortunately and told me to keep the flowers away from Cassandra for the time being because free-flowing histamines in the air might possibly impede her recovery."

Cassandra was propped up on pillows. Henry showed her the fully wrapped bouquet and pointed to Delaney and took the flowers away.

Cassandra held out a hand and Delaney squeezed it and had her hand squeezed.

Delaney held up the note and Cassandra saluted and her eyes lit and spread a smile to her cheeks.

"I foolishly opposed cancellation and suggested someone should step in for you and your understudy and..."

Cassandra held up a hand as a stop sign and she shrugged.

"So you understand and I'm forgiven for risking delivering the worst presentation in the eleven years your show has been running?"

Cassandra nodded and held up fingers as a V for victory sign.

Henry returned to the room.

"Just say goodbye. Cassandra is supposed to be resting quietly. Will you stay for dinner?"

"Yes Henry that would be lovely. I just have to say a wee bit more."

"I faced a media conference when I finished and then an executive Shirley someone with a woman from HR and one of the station's attorneys attempted to tie me down but I said I wasn't signing anything at the moment."

Cassandra pointed to Henry and then struggled to avoid coughing.

"She's saying I'm a senior partner in a law firm."

Cassandra held a thumb pointing up high and then blew Delaney a kiss.

In the kitchen, Henry handed Delaney and Daniel each a glass of red wine and said, "Cheers I'll phone for pizza."

"Do you mind if I look in the fridge?"

"Go ahead but I've looked, there's nothing easy, just a chunk of lamb with bones sticking out of it.

Delaney removed the meat to allow it to rest in the warmer room temperature for a while.

"This is rack of lamb Henry, trimmed and 'frenched' meaning the ends of bones have been scraped clean. It's a traditional presentation."

"Yes for eating but I've not attempted to cook it."

"Well guys, our cooking lesson starts now. Please find me my number one requirement Dijon mustard and then olive oil and then these other things as I call them out."

After that she said to Henry, "What is Cassandra permitted to have?"

"Doc Watson said only cooled broth but we don't have any. Daniel go out and get some from a pharmacy."

"Stay Daniel, look in the pantry for a can of chicken soup, preferably condensed soup."

"I've found it," he said triumphantly.

"Good boy. Pull the tab to remove the top and pour half into a glass bowl."

"Now add a cup water."

"Good now place a small plate over the bowl and place it in the Microwave for two minutes."

Daniel shut the door and looked at his watch.

Delaney sighed and checked that the setting was on high and punched in the cooking time for two minutes.

"I didn't know to do that," he said. Delaney sighed and said he and his father were spoilt.

When the two minutes were up she said to stir the contents lightly. She then took Daniel through the start-up routine and he said, "Gosh is that all to it?"

With that done, Delaney told him to put the bowl on the window sill to cool and to add one large ice block.

"Gee cooking is a breeze."

"The truth is it provides some anxious moments but in reality cleaning up afterwards is the real chore. Cooking is good for the soul."

"You must cook a lot Delaney."

She giggled and Henry who was seated and following the action sighed heavily.

"Why don't you ask Delaney for a date?"

"I'm dating Rosemary at the moment."

"Delaney is more exciting and better looking than Rosemary and could become a client for you because she requires an attorney who is good on negotiation and has had experience in contract law."

"Delaney?"

"Yes I'll date you. Call me when you have ended with Rosemary."

"I'll call her now," Daniel said. "Our linkage has been very casual. She wants to find a business tycoon."

He walked off and Henry sighed and said to Delaney, "In my day we dated and became serious."

"Oh really Henry? And how many females did you seriously date before you settled for Cassandra?"

"Um six or seven possibly."

"So you were a serial serious dater?"

He chuckled and complimented her for being very sharp and that in her next life she should consider becoming a courtroom lawyer.

Delaney poured some of the thinned down soup into a plate, placed that on a tray and found a spoon and gave that to Henry to take into his wife with the message there had been no added salt of other condiments for the good of her current state of health.

Daniel came back into the kitchen grinning.

"That's done. When can we date?"

"Well first answer this question Daniel, why do you wish to date me?"

Any judge in the land would have called his look shifty.

"Come on Daniel, talk to me dirty."

"Because I have this desire to fuck you."

"Oooh Daniel, let's go out for a drink after dinner and get to know each other better. I need you to know I enjoy being fucked well."

He grinned and Henry returning to the room said, "So you smile when you cut ties with a woman you've been dating?"

"Yes dad, providing I'm moving on to better things."

Henry admonished, "You serial daters are all the same."

"Huh?" said Daniel and Delaney laughed, embarrassing Henry slightly. She wondered if Henry had ever used the term 'serial dater' until just then.

The rack of lamb was succulently tasty and the guys told Delaney it was just great and she thought so too.

In the bar of a nearby restaurant, Daniel and Delaney had just sat on bar stools when a woman came up behind them and said, "Miss?"

Delaney turned and the woman gasped and said, "Oh my, you really are Delaney Dee."

Delaney wondered how the woman knew that.

"Congratulations on your TV debut this morning. My elderly mother and I thought you were wonderful."

Ah so that's how she knew.

"I won't distract you from your handsome date. I just wanted to say mom and I enjoyed the way you interacted with those people you interviewed. It was such a refreshing approach, far more than just being friendly. You appeared to almost reach into their souls."

"Oh god is that what it will be like if I truly do succeed?"

"I should think so but remember be can always walk away," he said.

Delaney pressed a knee against his knee and they smiled.

Two more women came up and said they were delighted to meet Delaney Dee.

"Let's get out of here, Delaney said. "I have chilled wine in my apartment.

In the cab she said, "Tell me about yourself Daniel."

Delaney sighed as she walked to her apartment door. She'd dated instead of watching TV news but if she gave the right hints she might well end up being nailed.

She read the note taped to her door and smiled.

'Hi my gorgeous heroine; saw you show this morning. Watch stuff on TV tonight about you. I've saved everything to hard drive for you to see in case you are in a gutter somewhere drunk. Cheryl."

As she was reading the note, Daniel had pushed in hard against Delaney and had cupped her breasts and was practically snorting into her left ear.

"Do you wish to fuck me Daniel?"

He grunted and slammed his groin hard against her butt.

"Oooh."          

Daniel had his purpled headed erection out as they went through the doorway. He kicked the door shut and pulled Delaney on to the carpet and groaned, "Suck this."

She had no problem with that. Delaney enjoyed sucking a cock provided she really like the guy and he was clean and not sweaty or overly hairy.

Omigod, she found Daniel was completely shaven. Obviously he was into full-on sex.

Later when he began working her anus open, with a fresh condom already mounted, Delaney thought yes, he really was into full-on sex. Omigod, what a find! 

* * *

On the way to the office next morning, Delany picked up a newspaper and red the page 5 article about her headed, 'TV's New Personality' written by the newspaper's entertainment editor, Sharon Andrews. It began:

'Approximately once in every twenty or twenty-five years on TV comes a new-face presenter who has it all, in tons of simplified appeal that smacks you between the eyes and leaves you gaping disbelieving anyone could be this good, this natural. And so it was yesterday morning when the new assistant to the legendary Cassandra Cassidy stepped into the boss's shoes when the show an hour before going live was hit by a double whammy...'

Delaney read on hugely embarrassed thinking these people heaping praise on her were only exaggerating what she'd already have revealed to herself, that she had demonstrated a special quality on-camera yesterday. But a seasoned presenter she was not, no way.

She walked into reception and although it was only 6:45 the two receptionists on duty rose and applauded her. The senior lady pointed to the huge pile of flowers waiting to be delivered and said, "Most of those are for you. We have a half sack of mail that will be delivered to your office soon and your mailbox has been increased four times to take the amount of emails coming in for you, 8700 when I checked the last count."




Delaney



"Omigod."

"I suggest you get an assistant real fast Miss Dee."

"Oh please ma'am, call me Delaney."

"Very well Delaney. You must be walking on air."

Reading the woman's nametag, Delaney said, "The truth is Angela, I'm so scared I'm ready to run."

"Demand an assistant Delaney. You need someone to talk to ease pressure. I can arrange that as soon as the office manager arrives to make do until you get a permanent person."

"Yes please Angela, my preference would be for a well-spoken woman who can be motherly. I need support."

"Oh hi darling," Cassandra said, walking up behind Delaney. Her voice sounded fine.

Delaney spun around and hugged Cassandra, bursting into tears.

"I know, I know darling. It's all rushing on to you at a gallop. Angela as soon as Mrs King arrives could be please get her to second an older woman to assist our rising star to cope with what's happening to her. Upstairs people will probably appoint a professional assistant to Delaney later today."

"Yes Mrs Cassidy. I'll attend to that as a matter of urgency."

As Cassandra walked Delaney to the elevators, she said, "It won't be placing too much pressure on you darling if I interview you live today at 11:00?"

"No I'm settling already. But you'll need another spot. Cassandra at Eleven is your prime interview of that day.

"Oh so it is, silly me," Cassandra said vaguely. "Never mind, let's just ride with the change and you appear as my guest at 11:00."

"In that case may I go home and change?"

"Yes dear as soon as we complete the review of today's schedule and check off everything."

After a run of ads at 11:00, Cassandra was back on screen. "And now for my special guest for today is my own assistant, who's emerged as a very special young lady, Delaney Dee, who during the last twenty-four hours as being hailed as the biggest new personality on television in New York."

Delaney walked on to the small stage and although Cassandra had been twice warned, she was still stunned by Delaney's dumbed down appearance. Delaney's wavy hair had been straightened and she had it in a ponytail. She wore jeans that appeared too big for her and an old university sweat shirt.

Cassandra stood and kissed her guest and waved to the chair on her left.

"Welcome Delaney and could we begin to getting this straight; I was expecting my glamorous-looking Delaney and I'm sure regular viewers who saw you yesterday were expecting the same glamorous Delaney. Is it true that neither I nor anyone working on my support team knew anything about this?"

"Yes that's absolutely true."

"Then why?"

"I felt the need to be honest with you and your viewers. I wanted you to see that I'm really not glamorous as you call it and this is often how I look at home when housekeeping. This is how I am. I'm no rising star. I'm just me."

"Perhaps people who watched and heard you yesterday came to that conclusion?"

"Excuse me?"

"That you came across like quote, "This is how I am."

"I don't understand."

"Darling for years I projected warmth and personality on this show and believe I have succeeded. But when at home sick yesterday and watched you project, I realized I was a babe in the woods compared with you. It was just as if your aura was radiating."

"Cassandra I accept I knew I was doing well but you, like those newspaper people writing about me, are going over the top. Everyday people won't see me like that at all and I accept that."

"Is that so darling? We'll you are unaware of this but a message running along the bottom of TV screens as we first began speaking, asked viewers to call in and give their opinion about what they thought of you on-screen yesterday. Here are the first five people who called in, we only have them on audio of course."

"Hi Cassandra. I love your show. What is this rubbish that Delaney is your office assistant? Ha, what's wrong with you TV folk? Can't you spot talent when it's under your nose? Your Delaney was simply amazing yesterday. I'd watch my back if I were you Cassandra. This is Elsie of Union City."

"Cassandra by being sick you have exposed your successor. What wonderful television she delivered yesterday. I'm Alice and live in Slip Avenue, Jersey City."

"This is Bert of Mott Haven in the Bronx. My advice to you Cassandra is to get your assistant Delaney transferred to news or another department in your studio. Actually she should be given her own show."                                                               

"Cassandra you were a darling recruiting your assistant and then releasing her on to us. She is such a find. Perhaps she will now be invited to co-host your show. The very best to both of you. Muriel of Hicksville, Long Island.

"Forgive me Cassandra I never had watched your show until today after seeing all the fuss on TV last night about this new star Del-Lane. Don't waste your time with her. She'd pile herself into expensive clothes and get outrageously expensive hairstyles and drive around in a Rolls Royce and be at places at the right time to get her photo in the Sunday papers. You look great Cassandra. I like women with big [bleep]. Bob of Bowery on Manhattan."

Delaney said unsmilingly, making Cassandra crack up, "So men call them bleeps now?"

"Well Delaney, do you drive a Rolls Royce or aim to soon?"

"No and I don't even own a bicycle Cassandra. I'm rather addicted to cabs."

"We'll now take a service break and I'll return to resume talking to my assistant Delaney Dee."

The show resumed with Delaney speaking first. She thanked Cassandra to allow her to go to the toilet first.

"I'm not sure we are permitted to have toilet discussion on this station's TV shows."

"What about sex?"

"What's that?" Cassandra asked dead-panned, sending Delaney into laughter.

"I guess there have been times in your life when you weren't laughing?"

"Yes the inevitable deaths within our extended family of course. My feeling of absolution rejection came when I accepted my assistant-professor's advice not to return for the second year of my four-year psychology degree that I was struggling with. I'm just not the academic type. And then of course I wasn't smiling when my marriage turned to custard when my divorce came through a few months ago. I was left shocked that anyone could act so contemptuously of me just because he'd found someone else he thought he preferred."

"Ouch you have my sympathy and have those experiences helped to make you a better person?"

"They did expose some of my weaknesses and I'm now a little less trusting and much more vigilant but I know I still possess weaknesses. I suppose the greatest shock was the university one because with the failed marriage, I'd seen the crack had appeared and then sensed disintegration loomed. With the university thing, it just slammed me between the eyes. I could have stayed of course, but I knew the right thing to do was to leave."

Cassandra smiled and said, "And look where you are now."

"What in New York?"

"No darling, you are riding a wave to possible huge success."

"My gran always used to say one swallow doesn't make a summer."

"And that's true but you have a talent to relate one-on-one in front of camera as good as anyone I've seen. It interests me that you barely acknowledge you possess such talent, even after it emerged so dramatically on-screen yesterday when you ran this show, untutored and unrehearsed."

"So what will happen for me?"

"This is my personal thinking; I haven't been in contact with management here. I believe their first step will be to tie you up with a contract and they they'll work out what to do with you."

"Well that sounds a good way to be buried and that's not me."

"You could fight for my slot. My contract comes up for renewal in three months."

"No you and your show and its timing are perfectly pitched and your consistent ratings prove that. Someone ought to come up with a suitable proposal for me. If not within NBIGY TV then perhaps a rival station will front up with a proposal. If that doesn't happen I'll just disappear into the ether like so many aspiring TV show presenters have done."

They chatted longer and the fairly lumbering interview ended with another commercial break.

Delaney headed toward the station's 24/7 café only to find that executive Shirley and another woman waiting for her just outside the studio.

"You'll remember me from yesterday Delaney, Shirley Marshall, director of Productions and that means all output apart from news, sport and public affairs. And this is Wendy Lodge, one of our top producers."

"Hi ladies, I'm heading for a bite and coffee. Could we talk in the café?"

Shirley used a company card to pay for the three coffees and a chicken on rye sandwich for Delaney.

"Delaney please listen and don't take offence. I spoke to our general manager and other senior executives after talking to you yesterday. There is a feeling we should offer the right level of inducement to encourage you to stay but they were unhappy about your demanding attitude."

"I never get along well with authority Shirley," Delaney said mildly. "I'm always attempting to fly and people in authority always appear bent on chaining people like me to the ground. So what I'm saying is if they are unhappy about my attitude then tough."

Delaney noticed Wendy was almost killing herself to stop laughing aloud. 

"Well moving on," Shirley said stiffly, "I have been instructed to move you into an office in Production and to give you a team led by Wendy here to develop a program proposal. From there we will seek approvals, find a sponsor and film a couple of excerpts of you hosting a Talk Show and then we shall apply for funding and we could launch in six to eight months from now."

"Shirley do you have a clue about marketing and promotion? Right now, according to some commentators, I'm hot property. In your time frame of six to eight months viewers will asked themselves Delaney who?"

Red-faced in anger Shirley hissed, "Then what do you suggest?"

"I suggest Wendy and I and a hotshot from sales and someone from promotions with a reputation of being able to get off his or her butt creatively and fast meet tomorrow morning at Wendy's convenience and you shall be advised of the name of the show, it's format and the crew will be the same as for Cassandra's show and we'll screen from 1 to 3 each weekday, commencing on Monday week. Well are we done here? This is a lovely sandwich thanks Shirley."

"Listen to me hotshot, I run Production, not you."

"Of course you do Shirley and that's why we'll have our report to you by noon tomorrow. We have to work with speed to get this show on the road and we will rely on you getting approvals and stitching everything up for our first live show on Monday week."

"But nothing that fast happens around here."

"Oh really? I suggest you think of the speed that News runs at 24/7."

"Listen to what this young lady is saying Shirley. I think the key here is we already have Cassandra's show running as a template. Everything should be accomplished with ease."

"This meeting is over," Shirley said. "I'll alert everyone who needs to know about what you propose but cannot act until I have that report in hand by noon tomorrow. I agree with you young lady we should strike while you are hot. And I don't seek approvals until I know you have signed a contract. The general manager says we would consider paying you $100,000, possibly more but it would be up to you to pass on your net earnings to the charities you spoke to me about yesterday."

"Tell those people working on my contract make that figure $200,000 or I don't sign."

"You are risking shooting yourself in the foot young lady."

"Is that so? Then if I'm considered hot why aren't I being offered a salary of $500,000 or even more?"

"Oh Christ," Shirley muttered and hurried off.

Wendy arrived back with two coffees and said, "Apart from your media degree, did you also study drama?"

"I don't have a degree and know more about changing hair color, which isn't much, than I do about TV."

"Oh god."

"Listen Wendy, I ran Cassandra's Show on Wednesday virtually without direction and certainly no rehearsal. My feeling was I was comfortable in that environment and I just went about the business. What did you think when you watched the show?"

"I thought you had been well-trained and had exposed enormous talent."

"Well?"

"That was one show and you would have been running on adrenalin. Imagine the grind of having to perform at peak, five days a week, four weeks a month and so on."

"Well I've thought about that and think if I just regard it as a job, then I'll be okay. I have been trained from a three-year old if I take on something I finish it and do it well. My mother was hard on me about that; you have no idea how tough she was about that. And that's why today I have huge self-belief and toughness if someone attempts to stop me doing my job."

"You are beginning to scare me a little Delaney."

"Oh sorry Wendy. Tell me about you sex life and do you have any kids?"

"God Delaney, you are so different," Wendy smiled. 

CHAPTER 3

'Early Afternoon with Delaney' launched on the Monday the presenter had requested and was filmed and transmitted live before an audience of 200. The station required people wishing to attend a talk show to phone in to book a seat. Successful callers would be given a code to pick up their allotted tickets as they arrived for the show. More often than not only half the seats were taken but for this launch the studio had received calls for a total of 8760 seats.

A Sunday newspaper broke the story of the huge demand for seats to the inaugural Delaney Dee Show, claiming more than 10,000 people had applied for 250 seats and it ran a glamorous photo of Delaney dressed in a skimpy top and short-short shorts licking a cone ice-cream. She had posed for the newspaper in busy Penn Station.

The story beneath that photo was headed, 'Will DD Choke On Air Tomorrow?' 

The writer claimed she could find no one on the street who reacted when asked who was Delaney Dee and Delaney's age was inaccurately quoted as forty. The writer stated five people she questioned at NBIGY TV didn't know who Delaney Dee was. Delaney lived in a nondescript apartment and didn't own a car but claimed to have worked at her last job for a year as chauffeur and didn't appear to have VIP connections apart from the legendary Cassandra Cassidy. Delaney was dating Cassandra's son Daniel whom Delaney said was a leading attorney specializing in contracts but the reporter checked with seven attorneys she knew and none had ever heard of Daniel Cassidy. 

The writer concluded, 'Omigod is this a disaster in the making or is it what?'   

Delaney had picked up that newspaper on the way in to NBIGY TV that was housed in a renovated former shipping warehouse and arrived ready to strangle that bitch of a journalist, although the newspaper's photo admittedly was flattering and quite large.

Wendy greeted her and Delaney, looking almost purple in the face, thrust the article at Wendy and said, "Have you read what this incompetent bitch has written?"

"Yes but it's wonderful exposure for us darling. Readers will be switched to our channel at 1:00 this afternoon to see our show collapse in disarray to disappear forever.

"No fucking way will that happen," Delaney snorted and Wendy kissed her and said, "That's my girl. We'll show them how wrong they are." 

* * *

"Ladies and Gentlemen," boomed a deep male voice, "Please welcome talk show host Delaney Dee."

The studio audience clapped and Delaney walked out in a well-tailored black pinstripe suit, the skirt was short at the black stockings showed a pair of really great legs.

"Hi I'm DD and this is my first show and I begin with an apology to those 8560 people who unsuccessfully applied for tickets to be sitting here today. That was tough, a bad start for me, but with only 200 seats available, the studio was stymied. I hope those eight and a half thousand people are watching at home. Please enjoy the show. I've only been on TV once before, stepping in after an emergency to present a show for Cassandra Cassidy, a most beautiful person whom I'd only started working as her PA two days earlier. Everyone thought I would flop, I didn't. People are saying this show will bomb, but it won't. So on with the show and here is my first guest.

A well-dressed woman came on stage and they kissed.

"Hi mom, sit over there."

"This is my mother, Thelma Dee, from Florida where she'd lived all her life and dad is also a native Floridian."

The studio audience clapped.

"This is what you'll find in New York mom, people are very friendly. Did you ever think I would have my own show on TV?"

"Well no but you watched a lot a people on TV and I remember when you were about five someone asked was your favorite program 'The Smurfs' you said no, your favorite was the reruns of 'I Love Lucy.' You've always tended to like wacky things. I always thought most of your boyfriends were wacky."

"So I was wacky?"

"Yes and you used to dress up and repeat lines from Lucy and other TV shows and you would sing and dance about. That used to remind me of vaudeville."

"Is that a milkshake flavor?"

"Yes you used to always fake innocent answers like that and I was so embarrassed people would think you were stupid. But then you wow them by singing. You never sing these days but until you were about fourteen you were always singing."

"But then I got a bike and chased after boys."

"Yes," Mrs Dee sighed. "And the poor boys. You could cycle faster than most of them. I used to love you singing because that's about all you could do that appeared artistic. Your dancing was crazy, your grades all through school were terrible and..."

"Mom enough. I thought if I had you on the show you would say nice things about me."

"When you invited me here you told me to be honest."

"Aw mom, give me a break."

"You do it yourself. You sing to these people here."

"Mom I can't, I haven't sung in years and there's no orchestra and anyway..."

"Come on, my favorite when you used to sing to me, "Some Enchanted Evening." 

"Mom no one these days has ever heard of that song."

"I didn't come all this way to be denied Delaney."

Someone from the audience called, "Behave Delaney, do what your mother says."

Others took up the call.

Delaney faced the studio audience. "This is so embarrassing. This is totally unplanned. I have no accompaniment, I have not rehearsed..."

"Get on with it DD," called her mother.

Delaney climbed into it, proving she had a beautiful voice. She stumbled on a line and rushed the song a bit but the applause when completed was loud and generous.

"Thank you darling," her mom said, wiping an eye.

"Well that carry on took a slab of my questions mom and we have a commercial break coming up. Here's the last question, "Why did you and dad name me Delaney?"

"To carry a memory for me, and your father agreed with this because he'd been Larry's best friend. When I was eighteen I met this lovely young man and we went out twice and I thought well I think I shall marry Lance Delaney when I get older if I can keep him at my side. The very next night Lance Delaney perished in a fire at his family home. Lance rescued his younger sister and also brought out his mother who was almost overcome by smoke inhalation. Lance, who was twenty, went back inside to find and rescue his dad but sadly the tile roof collapsed on to them."

"I'm pleased to hear that sad story again mom and you know I love my name. Thank you Thelma Dee, my mother, for being my first guest on 'Early Afternoon with Delaney', a talk show that is all about everyday people rather than celebrities and people from the Rich Lists. After the break I'll chat to 92-year old Isaac Berman, who for all his working life was a ship's providore, a real character with a great memory and interesting tales to tell. Much later my final guest will be a woman who can whistle and imitate the sounds of fifteen species of birds and, perhaps not unexpectedly, she is an ornithologist." 




Delaney



Shirley Marshall, director of Productions, was the first person to congratulate Delaney and Wendy when the show ended. 

"We are ever so pleased," Shirley said, without identifying who the 'we' people were.

Delaney then took her mother to Newark to catch her flight home and to their delight Daniel arrived, looking a bit hassled from the rush getting there. Thelma kissed him and embarrassed Daniel saying, "You are a fine looking young man, quite suitable for my daughter."

"Mom."

"What?"

"Nothing," Delaney smiled.

Daniel had to race off to a meeting. When Delaney stood by her mother as she checked in for the flight, the clerk spoke into a phone and as they left the counter and rejoined Daniel, a charming hostess appeared and said, "Hi Delaney, a great show. Many of us watched it and hi Mrs Dee. Please come through to our VIP lounge as our guests."

"Oh no, not again," Delaney said. "Why do people have to recognize me?"

"Well I'm pleased to be going to a VIP lounge," Thelma smiled, taking her daughter's arm proudly.             

Daniel arrived at Delaney's apartment at 7:00 and then went next door for drinks with Cheryl and Joe Cassidy and a few minutes later Daniel's parents, Cassandra and Henry Cassidy arrived, Cassandra being Joe's sister.

"And what do you think of our former PA?" Joe asked.

"Delaney presents like a seasoned profession already," Cassandra said. "Darling today you were calm and outgoing and credibly sweet, exactly the right pitch for early afternoon TV and your program was so balanced. You are so lucky to have Wendy as your producer."

Cheryl turned on TV and left the sound off until she saw the 'Entertainment Report' segment was about to start during the last section of the 'New York Today' program than followed News Hour."

"Good evening everyone, I'm Mandy Holland. This afternoon New York received a treat in no-nonsense television when Delaney Dee launched her new talk show on NBIGY TV. Delaney who? I can almost hear some of you saying. Well just watch this space or better still watch 'Early Afternoon with Delaney' 1:00 to 3:00 week days. Today's first up serving by Delaney was crisp, entertaining, varied and for me at least, most fascinating. I almost puked when Delaney introduced her first guest as her mother. A recipe for disaster, I thought. But no, the chat just flowed and to my astonishment I found it riveting TV. Well done Delaney if you are watching. I predict it won't be too long before you have your own show on prime network TV."

Cassandra turned to catch Delaney's reaction and found her shaking her head.

"That woman had lost credibility for me. Me on prime TV, I ask you?"

"Honey let me tell you, New York loves a winner until she or he begins to lose traction. I suggest you wait before writing off Mandy Holland until you read the newspaper in the morning. Mandy has a great record for pressing the right buttons with her opinions. Just stay out of the politics if you wish to continue to be your simple self, and I recommend you do that. Being simple and unaffected has given you a sharp edge compared with competitors of how people see you on-screen. As your show's ratings begin to climb you'll know Mandy Holland and others including me have you identified correctly."

"Yes keep those sharp questions going darling with your sweet smiles and absolute engagement with your guests with no attempt to dominate or to be flashy and attempting to win attention," Cheryl said. "God with Cassandra and Delaney at the same table we won't be sitting like wallflowers in the restaurant tonight."

* * *

Seven months on Cassandra went to the office of Shirley Marshall, director of Productions.

"Delaney will hate me for doing this and you must keep my name out of it; is that understood?"

"Yes, you being the source of any information will remain confidential. But I'm aware you and Delaney are almost like mother and daughter."

"Actually we are best of pals, nothing more than that, although she'd likely to become my daughter. It irritates me that management has almost spurned Delaney and it's because she came out of the woodwork rather than being head-hunted by an executive or came to our notice as being identified by a professors as a student with obvious star qualities."

Shirley nodded and said she agreed with that.

"She's had several approaches made to her."

"That is to be expected Cassandra but I notice she's still here and hasn't come running asking for more money as an inducement to stay because she's had a big offer."

"It might interest you to know she'd not that kind of person and actually she rather likes working here."

Shirley confessed she was already thinking along those lines. "So what has changed now to make you come forward about this latest offer?"

"Delaney's current contract has two months to run. Yesterday she was taken to dinner by two representatives from Fox Broadcasting. They have something big in the wind and invited her to apply to be interviewed for the anchor position. They wouldn't say what the project is and was told she wouldn't learn about it although being interviewed for the primary role."

"So what do you want me to do about this?"

"Nothing if you believe there's no risk of us losing Delaney. Oh and she'd getting restless and I'd think that's because she'd outgrown her afternoon chat show. My thinking is CBS could be interested in our Delaney. She's become a media darling and could even switch to print."

"Cassandra you are beginning to sound like Delaney's agent."

"That's not the case Shirley. I just think Delaney's future with us might be teetering and perhaps it's time she's offered a major role."

"What do you suggest?"

"Now Shirley, remember I didn't bring this up until you pressured me. My suggestion is to follow our early evening one-hour news with a 15-minute news interview slot called something like 'Delaney's VIP Interview'. The interview would be about the VIPs as personalities rather than what they want to say about their career or their pet projects. She could then do a taped Saturday or Sunday feature to justify being retained on a good salary."

"Like what?"

"You have professionals to come up with sound ideas for new programs Shirley."

"I asked like what? You know her better than we do."

"Well let her find her topics, looking for the off-beat and even wacky things, and call the show, well I don't know, something like um, well 'Back Street New York'."

"That sounds pretty hairy."

"Well you have experts to develop shows. Go to them. I just sit in a chair and chat for my money."

Well apparently no one bothered to consult the experts. Next day Delaney was questioned about her interest in renewal of contract for three years and told it was likely she'd come off her afternoon show in two months at the end of the current season and immediately begin featuring on two prime time programs that were still under wraps.

She said to Shirley, "Why am I being taken off my successful show?"

"Because we don't wish to have a person with your talent go stale."

"Why am I being offered a longer contract?"

Shirley had no problem with that question. "Longer contracts are offered to our high value people."

"Why am I suddenly receiving this attention?"

"There have been noises that you might be looking elsewhere for employment and it has been perceived you might not be finding your current work challenging enough and you have done well enough to establish strong public recognition of your ability."

"Has Cassandra been talking to you about me?"

"Cassandra? Now why would she want to do that?"

"I really don't know Shirley, I'm just suspicious. Somebody is behind this and she above everyone else has always taken an interest in me."

"Well can you keep something confidential, absolutely confidential meaning that you tell no one, not even give a hint, and that includes to Cassandra your confidante?"

"Yes and that's guaranteed."

"The plan being discussed is to give you a special interview slot immediately after the early evening news where you interview to humanize a VIP and during the week you also tape an hour-long shows for Sunday evenings to run from 7 pm to 8 pm as yet to be named but the theme will be based on unusual people and their activities from the back streets of New York."

Delaney's face shone with excitement.

"Omigod I can't wait for all this to happen. I'll be busy but taping for Sunday night means my weekends will be free. Um I don't know if I should say this but people from Fox want me to interview for a new project coming up but I would be competing with other people whereas you already want me for two projects that really excite me."

"So Fox are trying to head-hunt you?"

"Yes and they gave me the usual bullshit that I'm hot property and I'd like the money that would be offered."

"The usual bullshit you said, so others have been around sniffing?"

"Yes two newspapers and a magazine expressing an interest in me writing a regular column and all three said it was my name they wanted and they would provide me with a ghost-writer if necessary but all said if I wrote very much like I talked a ghost-writer wouldn't be necessary."

"Well I won't keep you Delaney. Discussions will need to advance before I can give you further information but that should occur shortly," Shirley said, although not sounding if any outcome was all that imminent.

"Um who'll take over my afternoon show?"

"We'll find someone. It won't be a problem. Lesley Willis comes to mind."

"Ah yes, she has the laid-back style that really suits that slot."

But then, as happens to some people when their careers appear to be blooming, something came up. Delaney's father Charles called with bad news.

"Your mother has been cut down by a heart attack. She'd in hospital looking poorly and is being assessed."

Delaney was mortified. "I'm on my way as soon as I get permission to come to you."

Shirley sympathized and said yes of course, Delaney must go to her mother's bedside.

"Take as long as you require. I'll have Lesley Willis fill in for you. This will allow us to assess her."

Delaney called Daniel Cassidy who'd been involved with a team defending a major corporation fighting claims of breach of contract in the late supply of products that left the client company attributing losses in market share valued at half a billion dollars due to late delivery of its new models of fork lifts. With the heavy demands placed on Daniel in doing long hours of legwork in building the legal case for the defense, he and Delaney had not been together for almost a month.

"I'm sorry to hear about your mother's plight," he said. "Email me and I'll see you when you get back. I must go."

Yeah right, thought Delaney sourly. They appeared to live in different worlds.

She left New York two hours later for Sarasota, Florida, uneasy about coming into proximity of her ex-husband in Venice Beach, but she was unlikely to see him if she stayed in Sarasota. Charles Dee met her at the airport and they kissed and she asked, "How's mom?"

"The prognosis is her heart suffered permanent damage. She's likely to survive but might be confined to a wheelchair."

"Oh god, but at least she's alive and we have her."

"Um we haven't told you this Delaney but since you left here your mother and I haven't gotten on and I moved out and now live with someone else. But the business is doing well and I can afford to place her in a good institution."

"An institution, are you mad? Mom would die being locked up."

"I meant one of those health care places, not a lock-up place."

"It virtually means the same thing. She has money she inherited from gran doesn't she?"

"Yes quite a bit and invested here and there."

"And she has our family house?"

"Yes," said Charles, as they got into the SUV.

"Then that's fine. I'll get the legal authority from her to sell out some of her assets to pay for a live-in nurse and I'll return here and live with mom."

"But where does that leave your career?"

"My mother is more important to me than a career dad. I'll find work doing something here I'll enjoy better than talking my head off in a TV studio."

"I suppose you think I should be returning to live with Thelma in her hour of need?"

"Yes dad but that's the difference between you and me. But it's your choice and your selfish decision doesn't mean any change to the shallow relationship you and I have always enjoyed. You know I'm at present involved with a guy and our relationship is pretty shallow, now that I think about it. Coming home will give me the chance to find a guy who will put his all into our romantic partnership."

"Do guys like that still exist?"

"I think so, and I've always been an optimistic person. I'll also enjoy seeing mom responding well to my devotion because she loves me."

"Well I love you too, er quite a bit."

"Yes dad."

THE END



Delany's Day



Delany, a gorgeous woman in her late thirties was having coffee with Stephanie, a married woman who was probably in her early forties. They didn't get together very often, but they were the best of friends so whenever they did get together they had all kinds of things to talk about and could sit for hours doing it. 

Stephanie spent most of her time talking about the new house her husband just finished building, and all of the neat gadgets and amenities that the house had to offer, and then told Delany that she would be having a house warming party this weekend, and that she and her husband should come to the party. 

Stephanie can be a little bit of a wild child, and her parties are often just get togethers where people just come to party and get laid. A sort of swinger party, anything could go kind of thing. She's always been a little crazy, some might even go so far as to think that Stephanie was nothing short of a complete nympho. But, her husband apparently didn't want to have her any other way, so he does everything to support her in her life's little adventures. 

Delany was very anxious to go and attend the party. She knows what kind of craziness could happen there, and it seems that it's been quite a while since anything has really happened for Delany in the downstairs department. It's not that she's not attractive by any means, it's just that her husband is usually on the road, traveling for business. 

Saturday comes, and Delany gets ready for the party. Her phone rings, and she ignores it and just continues to put on her makeup and get ready for the party. A few minutes later, she gets a text message on her cell phone from her husband. 

"Why didn't you pick up?" 

-"Because I'm getting ready to go to a party at Stephanie's. I don't have time to talk."

As one could imagine, this probably didn't sit well with the husband. She knew this would get him a little heated, and force him to draw questions about inevitable possibilities. Delany is quite mischievous, and she knows how to push buttons to get her man all worked up. 

"Oh? What kind of party is it?"

She didn't answer his text message right away. Instead, she continued to get ready. Delany is a bit of a high maintenance girl when it comes to getting ready for parties. She likes to make sure that everything flows, and that she looks her best. 

"What are you wearing?" 

-"That sexy outfit I bought last week, you know, the short one that really makes me look like a slut."

-"I was going to save this one for our Anniversary, but you're going to miss it. Instead, I'll just send you pictures of me in it, and maybe out of it. Stephanie told me that she has invited some really hot guys, I don't want to disappoint my friends!" 

The phone lay silent for quite some time. Delany continued to ready herself for the party. 

Delany has a thing for shoes. She owns a whole closet of nothing but shoes, but more importantly, she has a bit of a foot fetish. Her feet are beautiful and she loves to show them off. What she really likes is for men to pay attention to her feet, to look at them. To want to rub them and suck on her toes. Aside from a really good kiss, the way to get in her pants is truly through her feet. 

As she was getting ready to leave, she walks past the full length mirror to give herself one last final check before leaving the house. The dress made her look and feel young again, like she was maybe in her late twenties or early thirties. The curves, the calves, her ass, everything looked great and she knew it. She snapped a picture with her phone and sent it to her husband. 

-"I hope you enjoy this picture of me in the outfit I bought for our anniversary! Just so that you know, I'm going to this party and I'm not wearing any underwear."

Delany jumped in her car, and headed to the store to pick up some things and then head directly to the party. 

She showed up and there was already quite the attendance. Lots of beautiful people wearing scantily clad clothing, as if it was some kind of meat market. There were plenty of really good looking guys and gals for her to choose from. Since she was one of the most attractive people there, it didn't take long for people to notice, and to approach her. 

Marc, is a man in his early forties. He's a well-built man, muscular and fit, and very secure in himself, and with his career. His smile can make any girl melt within seconds, and his eyes pierce right through the toughest of women. He's one of those guys that if he really wanted to get laid within 30 minutes of meeting someone, he could. You know, that kind of guy you really want to just take outside and beat with a stick because he always takes the girl that you want. 

Well, Marc and some friends came rolling through the door a couple of hours after the party had really gotten started. He enjoys showing up later, and knows that he's kind of the life of the party. The one that everyone kind of gathers around to listen to his stories, and really the party doesn't start until these kinds of people show up. 

When the ladies noticed Marc walking through the door, they all just kind of stopped talking to admire. It was a bit of a "moment" as people could tell that something was going on because it kind of got quiet, maybe a little too awkward kind of quiet. He smiles, laughs a little bit and introduces himself individually. 

Somehow, the introductions missed Delany and Stephanie. They were standing in the kitchen, watching everyone gawk over Marc, and laughing to themselves. Marc and Delany's eyes made contact. Marc did sort of a double take when he saw her. He looked at her with the elevator eyes, admiring the contour of her body, her thighs and legs, and especially her feet. 

It was something about her feet that made him stay there for an extra second or two before moving back up to her face. She recognized that 'stall' that he made when he was checking her out, and grinned with an evil smirk. Sort of like, "Yes, I will fucking own you by the end of the night" kind of thought went through her head. 

Marc introduced himself to Delany and Stephanie, and then quickly moved on to other people in the room. He was getting his fill of watching girls salivate over him. Some of Marc's friends followed behind him to help increase their chances of maybe getting a little action for the evening. 

As the evening progressed, people began finding potential mates for a little fun and carnage. Some folks took their activities into the bedrooms, while other folks just kind of let things happen where they lie. Marc and a cute little petite blond seemed to have sparked a little something-something. They met in front of the fire place, and within a half of an hour, she was sucking face with him. 

Delany saw this, because she was paying a little extra special attention to what he was doing, and with whom. Her body wanted him, and she was going to make sure that she was the last one that he was going to have for the night. Strangely, Marc, although he was busy with this little blonde girl, kept a close eye on what Delany was doing. Delany knew he was doing it, and she knew that he wanted her, badly. 

Delany picked up a fresh banana from the food tray, and held it up to her chin. She slowly stroked it, as if it was his cock, teasing him while he was making out with that girl. This really got his attention. Marc kind of has a thing with food play, and Delany knew what she was doing with that banana. 

Other guys at the party also noticed the banana play. Of course, they want a little bit of this too and it didn't take long before she had two or three guys approaching her. Marc noticed the men, too. It was an evil game that Delany was playing, and everyone knew it. 

She peeled that banana back, and slowly put it in her mouth. Slowly maybe wasn't the right description. Seductively slowly. When she would slide that banana in until the peels touched her lips, and then pull it out again, making sure the tip dipped down below her lip, moving her face to find it again as she stared Marc down in the eye. 

It was obvious, that Delany thought it was time now to have a little fun. She began teasing the men at the party, being flirty and even a little physical. She really loved getting a man hard, and even more so, leaving them high and dry. After she had enough fun with one guy, she would politely smile and excuse herself and move on to someone/something else, and all the while keeping a close eye on Marc. She left quite a few men with hard erections, and a drive to pursue taking her even one step closer. 

It was a cat and mouse game all night. Marc was playing a game with Delany, and Delany was playing an entirely different game with Marc. Both of them wanted each other, both of them knew they could have each other, but it was a game of who can make the other come get it first. 

Stephanie's husband, Bill, was standing next to Delany, kind of in between the two girls and of course, with his hands on their asses. Bill and Marc have history together. It seems that Marc had stolen a few girlfriends from Bill in high school, so Marc was having a bit of a struggle with Bill having his hands on the girl that he really wanted to have. 

Bill, is very well endowed. He's not the most attractive man in the house, but his dick was by far, the prize. Oh, yes.. he was standing naked between the two girls. 

At this point, she began messing around with Bill's cock. She got down on her knees in front of him, and sucked it hard. She could barely put him in her mouth, but she did her best. It didn't take but a few minutes and she could feel his cock pulsing in her mouth and she knew he was ready to cum. 

She jacked his cock off, and he came on her chest. It was a really big load, thick and creamy. His cum glistened on her chest, and slowly gravitated to her cleavage. Since Delany is a bit of a naughty girl, she just left it there, for everyone to see. She got the big cock to come on her chest. That was a prize all by herself. 

She bent over, showing Bill her shaved pussy. Well, she showed pretty much everyone. It's one of those perfect looking pussies that just makes you want to put you face in it, no matter how dirty it might be. She backed up into him, so that she could feel the head of his cock splitting her pussy lips. He could feel the warmth and wetness from her body as she slid back on to him. Her face lit up like a candle, and he grabbed her by the hips and slowly gave her the rest. 

She leaned backwards and put her hand on the back of his head, and she leaned hers to the side so that he could pay attention to her neck. His cock was still very deeply buried inside of her. When she opened her eyes, Marc was standing right in front of her. 

She smiled, as much as she could but Bill's made her facial expressions change by the second. Delany put her hand on Marc's chest, and slowly pushed him away. Not like a "Get out of here" push, but one that let him know that he can stand there, but he can't touch. He just has to watch. 

Bill turned Delany around, so that she was facing the counter. He grabbed a hand full of hair, and really let her have it. Within seconds, she was clearly the loudest bitch in the house. Marc walked around the bar into the kitchen so he could see her face. He leaned over the counter, putting his face in front of hers. His eyes, full of passion. 

Bill slows his pace and his stroke, making it more sensual instead of just trying to get off. This allowed Delany to grab a banana from the tray and peel it. Then, she rubbed the banana on her chest, making sure to roll it around in Bill's cum, getting everything she can to stick to the banana. 

Delany grabbed Marc by the hair, pulling his head back into an uncomfortable position, but in such a way that everyone in the room could see his face. She moved the banana to his face, pressing it gently against his lips. She pressed a little harder, indicating to him that he was going to take it in his mouth, that it really was going to happen. And it did. 

She slid that cum covered banana into his mouth, and rolled it around so that he could taste every bit of the man that was currently fucking her. When she thought that he had licked the banana clean, she shoved the rest of it into his mouth, and told him not to swallow it. She said that if he wants her, he was going to have to work for it. 

Delany told him that he was her bitch now, and that the rest of the night he belonged to her. He was to do whatever she wanted him to do, and there would be no exceptions, and no questions. He quickly succumbed to her, and she was on the verge of exploding all over Bill. 

Stephanie walked behind Bill, grabbed him by the hair and whispered something into his ear. When she walked away, Bill began working Delany and pushing her deep into submission. It wasn't long before you could see the glimmers of juices rolling down her legs. 

Marc still had banana in his mouth, and Delany was ready to cum again and Bill was about to finish. Bill bucked and fucked, Delany was moaning, her body clenching and tightening around him. He explodes, sending gush after gush of warm seed into her body and she loses all control, and releases. 

Delany motioned for Marc to come over to her. He walks up to them, Bills dick still hard, still inside of her. She turns slowly, facing Marc, ensuring that Bills cock doesn't come out. She grabbed Marc by the hair, again, pulling him down to her pussy.

"Smell that?" She asked. "This is the smell of my friends husband, fucking me."

She lifted off of Bills cock and sat above Marc's face. Bill's cum slowly fell out of her, and onto his face, and into his mouth. She was sure to spread it evenly all over his face. After the last little bit landed in his mouth, Delany ordered Marc to swish it around in his mouth, and he did. She let him swish for a good minute or two before allowing him to swallow it. 

"My purple play bag is in Bills bedroom. Inside it, is something I want you to wear. You have 10 minutes." 

Marc, this hunk of a fucking man, was now jelly and under the control of one, very ornery bitch. It was almost like a light switch had been turned on, a completely different person. 

Marc came out of the bedroom, just thirty seconds shy of ten minutes. He was wearing a cute French Maid outfit, net stockings, 3" heels and looked so cute! 

"The rest of the night, you are to serve. You are now the party bitch. If a woman wants a drink, you will get her a drink. If she wants you to eat the cum out of her pussy, you will eat the cum out of her pussy. If she wants a fucking foot massage, you'll be her masseuse. If you're a good boy, you can have what's left of me, at the end of the night." 

"Oh yes, let's put this on, just to make sure that you won't be fucking anyone tonight."

She made him put his own cock cage on, one that she had bought before the party. It was all steel, so there would be no way he could break himself out of it, not like those cheap plastic ones. 

After he completed dawning his cock cage, she walked up to him face to face. She grabbed his head, passionately kissed on him and said; 

"Oh, and honey? Happy Anniversary!" She said with a big smile.