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Hugo From Pode Hole

By: egmontgrigor2010



CHAPTER 1

The ruggedly handsome guy with long black hair and very pale complexion leaned back on the chair in the half-empty Starbucks and wished he'd chosen a coffee that tasted like coffee. Idly he studied three under thirties women at a table who were dressed like businesswomen. He winked at one and she turned away embarrassed and their heads went together as they discussed the situation.

A sharp-nosed woman with a tongue to match marched over and demanded, "Why are you staring at us and winked at Susan?"

"Because I have nothing better to do?"

"You are English."

"You could be American but you're not blonde."

She frowned and tried again. "We are angry, feeling you are intruding on our space."

Sighing, he put on a reassuring smile and said, "I don't wish to sound rude but you can't expect to occupying private space in a coffee house."

"God you are rude and difficult. Please come over and apologize to Susan."

The guy went ahead of the woman and at the table said, "Hi ladies. I've been invited to join you."

"I did not. I definitely do not..."

Too late. Two of the women moved apart and the guy pulled a chair from an adjoining empty table and sat between the other two females. The woman who'd been behind him went and sat in her chair opposite him and glowered her unfriendliness.

"Ladies I'm Hugo Garrett from Pode Hole in England."

The women looked at Hugo suspiciously and then the other two looked at their spokeswoman.

"I'm Brenda," she said. "You already know Susan well enough to wink at her and this is Elenora."

Elenora giggled and claimed, "There's no such place as Pode Hole."

"In that case there's no such place as New York."

Brenda struck showing teeth. "That's a stupid comment."

"Likewise."

"You are so rude."

"Brenda please understand I'm as convinced that Pode Hole exists as you are that New York exists because you reside in New York just as I resided a little out from Pode Hole until I set off for New York six days ago."

"He's probably telling the truth," Susan said. "The English have many quaint names for ancient settlements. My dad is English and he came from Over Peover, a tiny village in Cheshire and I've seen photographs of it including The Dog Inn."

"Thank you Susan, you are so sweet. For the past year I'd lived in a near-derelict cottage caring for my ailing father who'd had a second stroke and he died a month ago. My mother was American and had me thirty-years ago when she was thirty-seven at her mother's home on Long Island and we returned to England when I was three months old. She died from influenza three years ago. The cottage is on Horseshoe Rd, just a wee way out of Pode Hole which is in East Midlands, a little over 100 miles north-east of London."

"Interesting," Brenda said, looking not at all interested.

"Very interesting," Susan nodded. "That story could be the base for a novel."

Brenda groaned.

Hugo offered to buy them coffee but was told they'd had their two-drink self-imposed limit. 

Hugo learned they were attorneys and worked for the same firm and were on their way home. They stood and said goodbye to him and were going out the door when Susan came back and said, "Stay here. I'll be back in a few minutes. I'm taking you home."

Hugo watched her dart out the door and wondered about that. He remained confident that Susan wished him no harm.

She returned and said, "Sorry about that. I'm Susan Ford and am into my second year practicing law. If I'd told you I was inviting you home to dinner to meet dad my friends would have teased me. I-I don't go looking for sex."

"I'm sure you don't Susan. You look all class."

Susan blushed and said come with her. They walked a few blocks and then turned into East 22nd street, crossed a couple of streets and entered a substantial apartment building located in what she said was the Flatiron District.

She called, "Mom, dad I'm home with a dinner guest."

An older Susan look-alike appeared from the TV room with her parents. The sexier daughter looked at the visitor and gasped, "Omigod, you're Hugo something, author of 'My Mother's Late Delivery' a story about her conceiving and birthing you and interwoven around that an even more hilarious account of how some women go to extraordinary lengths as they approach forty to conceive. That novel sold very well in five countries. Your other big seller, 'F-off New Immigrants, We Were Here First' raised a real political storm in England and because of that controversy sold quite well here. Critics call you one of the few satirical writers with messages to deliver who has genuine wit."

Susan looked at her assumed near-penniless new immigrant and gaped.

"You have good recall miss. Obviously you are either a librarian or bookstore worker or are in publishing. Hi Mr and Mrs Ford. I am what your elder daughter says I am. My name is Hugo Garrett."

"Good evening I'm Fred Ford," said Susan's father. "This is my wife Jessica and this is our other daughter Charlotte. Welcome to our home and please make yourself comfortable. We will be taking you to a restaurant Hugo because we eat out most nights and eat out all meals at the weekend."

"How fascinating and thank you for your warm welcome. May I leave my recorder on? I'm in America researching for my new novel that has the tentative title of 'Sissy Logan-Campbell Goes to New York'. Sissy is a sexy of my imagination and lands in Manhattan at the age of twenty-six. She's a computer graphics artist who had been working and living on the Isle of Dogs in the Canary Wharf District."

Falling into a faint English accent, Mr Ford said, "I remember that area well, before all the huge redevelopment Hugo. Please call me Fred and yes it's okay to record what we say to you. We are a respectable family so are unlikely to say anything that can be used to embarrass us."

"Is it necessary to make your heroine sexy?"

"Yes mom," chorused the daughters and Hugo grinned and said yes Mrs Ford."

"You sound so interesting. I want you to stay with us for a few days. Fred go with Hugo now by cab to his hotel to pick up his things."

"All the money I have allocated myself is $800 US dollars and no credit cards, just as Sissy will arrive with Mrs Ford. I have to find a cheap room."

"Please call me Jessica or Jess if you wish. Couldn't you give that poor girl a better name than Sissy?"

"Changing could be a dangerous Jess. I conceived her as Sissy some months ago and talk to her... I mean I think about her several times a day. Can you imagine the consequences of someone attempting to change your identity?"

"You do talk to Susie, I mean you have creative dialogue with her don't you?"

"Yes Charlotte. What a lovely name you have. Been in literature you will be aware of some famous carriers of that name. Are you aware that Lolita is a variant form of your name?"

"Yes. Is that a just a tease?"

"Yes just a tease."

Charlotte smiled. "I like it."

He said, "I take it that the names Charlotte and Susan were your first choice preferences Jess?"

"Indeed and I didn't have to fight to have those names. Fred was just so pleased I was able to end two pregnancies successfully for us. He was aware from what his mother had told him she had three miscarriages before she had him and was advised to have no more children."

"Fascinating. Life can be scary, can't it Fred? Well, shall we go to my cheap rooming house for my meager possessions? I left the room locked so hopefully everything is still there. It is very, very generous of you folk to host me like this and the experience will be written into my novel. But you'll be basically unrecognizable. Fred will probably be Finnegan, Jess will change to Hannah and Susan will become, let me see, oh yes, Simone."

"Omigod," Charlotte giggled. You haven't included me. I am to be Lolita."

"Please Hugo, not Lolita," pleaded her mom.

"Then what about Lola Jess?"

She said that would be lovely and Charlotte agreed. 

Fred and Hugo found the lock of the room had been picked and the door left open. The bedding was strewn about and the contents of the two travel bags also dumped on the floor.

"The intruder or intruders will have been looking for money or real valuables. Nothing appears to have been taken. I've yet to purchase a computer notebook and memory sticks to use as backups."

Fred sighed. "God what a bad impression of America this must give you."

"True Fred but I now have a real experience to write into fiction, giving it some authenticity to people in the know. Arriving at your home has already more than offset this little adverse experience. Damn I've just discovered the bastard or bastards got away with my bedside alarm clock."

"I'll buy you a replacement."

"No but thanks for that generosity Fred. You see Sissy will probably still be on her own after five days in New York and will receive no outside help. It has to be that way for dramatic effect. For a new immigrant there is no Fairy Godmother waiting round the corner to care for her. For the first time in her adventure-packed young life Sissy will be completely on her own, homesick and crying and angry someone has stolen her alarm clock she's had since her 21st birthday."

"Oh my goodness. The poor kid."

They left after Hugo gave up his room and received back his deposit.

"Yes but think of those first European immigrants to America Fred if you are to think of tough conditions. Many of them died of disease, mishaps or deprivation due to starvation within the first year of arrival."

"That's true but Hugo, all this gloom; will anyone want to read your book?"

"Think of it this way Fred. Sissy can sing and dance, has a beautiful speaking voice and graduated from her university in England with honors in drama. She plays the piano and guitar. She's here, living close to off-Broadway. She works in restaurants washing dishes and eighteen months after applying for bit part after bit part she meets this guy who seduces her and being a musician he takes her with him to watch him audition as a guitarist-actor for a show. The director looks around and asks Sissy what is she auditioning for and she says to give her something to read and he'll find out. She gets the bit part and then bigger parts. And guess what Fred that awaits Sissy less than a quarter mile away?"

"The lead in a Broadway musical?"

"You're on track Fred but perhaps she begins there as an understudy for one of the female principals."

"This sounds really good Hugo. I can't wait to read your draft and Charlotte will too because she's a script editor for a big publishing company."

"That's interesting but she won't get my book for her company to publish because I'm contracted to an English publisher. She'll understand that Fred."

"Just between you and me, Jessica and I worry about Charlotte. We believe she is into sex drugs and rock 'n' roll."

"How old is she Fred?"

"She's thirty and Susan, who in comparison acts like a nun, is twenty-seven."

"Are you sure about rock 'n' roll? Only nostalgia is keeping that alive, a little like Swing and interest in Bogart and Steinbeck."

"Well modern music then that we all know represents anarchy."

"Every generation to their own Fred. Now don't you think a healthy woman of thirty is entitled to er wallow in sex?"

"Charlotte has lived with guys until they get busted for drug possession or perhaps even worse."

"What can be worse that supplying drugs?"

"Child pornography."

"Jesus Fred, are you sure sweet Charlotte is up to her hocks in stuff like that?"

"No but we read about things like that in the Sunday papers."

"Perhaps you and Jess ought to save Saturday's papers to read on Sundays?"

"Eh what's that?" said Fred, moving away to wave down a cab.

The family restaurant had great atmosphere with families of various nationality origins. Many families seem to know other families. Hugo just loved the noisy interactions that were just so un-British and regarded it as an enriching experience for a researching author. He enjoyed listening to Fred talk about his early days in England and when he was twenty-one sailing to New York to live with an aunt and uncle until he'd become established.

Charlotte sat opposite Hugo and twice held a leg against one of his and looked at him under lowered eyes. Oh hello Lola, mother of Lolita, Hugo kidded himself. When they were leaving she stopped abruptly in the doorway and Hugo who was following collided with her lightly and felt her push back. She giggled.

That left Hugo's mind racing, er as a researcher.

At the entrance to the apartment Charlotte said, "I think I'll go somewhere for a while. Want to come with me Susan and Hugo?"

Susan said she had a brief to study and urged Hugo to go with Charlotte.

"You are unlikely to see and things you'd never experienced walking with me," Susan smiled at Hugo. "Be careful."

"Well what is there to experience walking to church?" Charlotte said and her mother scolded and said, "Be charitable Charlotte."

To Hugo who'd grown up as a sole child, this was riveting family interaction,

"Take really good care with him Charlotte," her father said. "Remember Hugo being a new arrival from very rural England in the former marshlands is like flotsam in the tide of humanity that is Manhattan."

"Hugo will be safe in my hands," Charlotte promised, thrusting his arm under her arm and pressing that arm against a firm breast. She then gave him a slight bang with her hip that may have passed unnoticed by her family.

In alarm Hugo turned away from the family and called good night, aware that his pants were tenting. As soon as they were around the corner Charlotte pulled him into her and kissed him, open-mouthed.

"Do you like the feel of my breasts?" she asked as they pulled apart.

Hugo said playfully what breasts and immediately had his hand slammed against one of the big puppies.

"Charlotte," he said nervously.

The raven-haired beauty attempted to calm him saying, "Don't worry. My family will expect me to offer you full hospitality."

Huh.

They walked on awkwardly, Charlotte with an arm round him. She stopped and said painfully, "Hugo."

"What?"

"Jesus Hugo, you know to put your arm round me for balance. I'm not going to seduce you on the street."

"Um yes, I realize that. You wouldn't want to spend the night with me in the slammer."

"Oh I don't know," Charlotte said. "You ought to revise that thinking."

They had resumed walking and Charlotte had pulled the edge of his jacket back with the hand of her arm that was around him. She began strumming his nipple with her thumb.

Hugo swallowed.

He was already deciding his heroine Sissy would be befriended by this young doctor in a bar called Lola and a couple of hours later they would be in Lola's studio apartment and Sissy would be taken on her first lesbian experience.

He followed Charlotte into a sleazy-looking bar in great need of improved lighting and smacked her ass as they entered. She stopped abruptly, he crashed into her and her face was already turned for a kiss.

"Good boy," she simpered. "You are smoking."

She reached down and felt his bulge. "Oooh, very good boy."

Charlotte chose to sit at the bar in the darkest corner. She ordered two dark rum and cokes and then huddled against Hugo, unzipped him and pulled out his growing erection.

"Jesus Charlotte."

"It's all right," she soothed, grabbing two napkins. "I come here regularly. Some couples fuck in those booths over there."

Hugo peered 'over there' and could see the dim shapes of booths beyond the tables.

She licked over her top lip. "Mom would have the thought of me taking you into a booth on your first night with us."

God. How fascinating.

Her touch was as smooth as silk. She made no attempt to bend over and blow him. Instead she lolled and made conversation, her pumping hand concealed under the extension of the counter.

Probably because her hand was tiring of the repetitive task Charlotte increased the tempo and began thudding her top edge of her grip against the collar of his bullnose.

Hugo stiffened and began breathing through his mouth.

"Come for mommy," Charlotte pleaded, running a very wet tongue over her top lip.

Hugo began to buck and she had the napkins over the head of his cock as it began spurting while she smiled and waggled her tongue at him. Charlotte allowed those two napkins to drop in the gutter along the bottom of the bar, grabbed a couple of more and soon had him dry.

With brilliant timing as Charlotte sat back smiling, the female bartender arrived with two fresh drinks and said laconically, "Enjoying yourselves guys?" and she licked across her top lip when Charlotte answered 'Yeah' and Hugo said 'Yes thank you.'

It all appeared very genteel.

As the woman walked away Charlotte opened her legs and said, "Oh Hugo?"

He looked at the dim shapes of her opened thighs in dismay and looked up at her and was told, "Yes Hugo."

He grabbed some tissues and leaving them on his lap reached across to work a finger under the panties only to find the trimmed pussy was already fully exposed. What no panties? A finger went in with ease and was immediately lubricated naturally.

"Another finger please and be a rough as you like."

Because Charlotte was in control and a he was a guest of the family, Hugo did what he was told.

God she was big. Experience helped him to quickly find the spots that triggered Charlotte to open her mouth and widen her eyes.

Juice was running out of her. Hugo moved to mop it up with his free hand but Charlotte said to leave it, that her skirt would absorb any flow.

Eventually she threw back her head and moved into a controlled orgasm, soaking Hugo's hand. The only sounds she emitted were big sighs. Very impressive when being jerked off in such a public place. She probably was used to coming in crowded movie houses.

All this told Hugo that Charlotte truly was a lovely woman who was big into her sexuality. The downside however was she was unlikely to remain loyal to any one guy and she probably didn't know her guys or where they'd been But that was only his opinion.

"I really adore sex," Charlotte said, mopping up. "I'm bi-sexual. I thought you might like to know that for your book. You know if case you cast me as a character and I could arrange a threesome with your heroine, the third person being either a guy or a female. Would you like me to arrange a threesome for us?"

Hugo's mouth went very dry and hello, his erection was back.

Hugo had just switched off the light when his door opened.

"Hi it's me," Susan whispered.

"Hi come in."

"Did you have an interesting time?"

"Well we went to a sleazy bar. At least that gave me the opportunity to get to know Charlotte."

"Did she seduce you?"

Hugo knew he should be careful. "Um verbally yes."

"So she didn't ask you to have sex?"

"No and that would have surprised me if she had suggested that but it doesn't matter to me if you don't believe me."

"No I believe you. Well I'm pleased it went well for you. Good night."

"Susan come over and kiss me good night."

"Why?"

"You'll only laugh at me if I tell you."

"No I won't."

"You are my first friend in New York."

"Oh that's lovely," she cried and she came over and she felt for him in the dark and they kissed.

She stood back. "You'll be better off giving your attention to Charlotte. She'll probably give you everything you want. I don't engage in sex indiscriminately."

"Well in that case you may fuck me when you know you really like me."

"Hugo," she complained. "You can't speak to me like that."

"I just did," he chuckled and she giggled and left.

Hugo was pleased; his erection had returned.

Jess arrived with coffee early morning, apparently wearing only a robe but perhaps also panties.


Hugo From Pode Hole



She kissed him and Hugo was pleased she smelt like a real woman, what he'd term a motherly odor. Modern women tended to use sprays and perfumes indiscriminately, masking all natural smells and smelling like a confectionery store.

"Did you have a lovely night with Charlotte?"

"Yes thank you. I really enjoyed her company. She's a very pleasant and lively woman. You ought to be very pleased to have such warm daughters with attractive personalities."

"Yes but it worries me that Charlotte appears so sexually focused."

"I would think that's her body driving her, not necessarily her mind, and all I can say is do not be afraid."

"Did you have sex with her when you came home last night?"

"No."

"After you settled I thought I heard you talking to someone in your room."

"That was Susan. She came in to check I was okay and had had a good evening out."

"Susan? But Susan would never go into a man's room at night. Susan is so inexperienced, she's only ever had two boyfriends but assured me she has had sexual experience."

"Well it was Susan. Ask her and no we didn't have sex either."

"God this conversation has got away on us. I wasn't meaning to appear prying. I was just interested. Well I suppose I should say this, I don't mind if you have sex with my daughters."

"And what about sex with you Jess?"

"You foul boy," she laughed, grabbing his nose and twisting it, almost painfully.

"Ouch."

"Oh sorry, I was only meaning to be playful. You had been very vulgar but at the same time I knew you were joking. I also knew in a way you were paying me a little compliment."

"I will behave myself in your house Jess and abide by your rules."

"Thank you and remember what I told you about my daughters but please don't tell them I had that discussion with you."

Hugo had his coffee, showered and went to breakfast. Fred was reading the newspaper, looked up and said hi.

Jess said, "If you want a solid breakfast you'll have to go out for that. I only stock cereals and bread for toast oh and there's fruit with the grits."

"Cereal and fruit and another coffee would be fine. I must pay you board."

"What's that?" she asked.

"For food and keep. Um lodgings."

Jessica smiled and said Hugo was their honored guess. You have no idea how excited Charlotte was to meet an author outside of their bunch of authors. I think she'd like you to visit their offices."

"Yeah right. So what say I pay you fifty a night for my room and meals. I know that's probably on the low side for Manhattan living but I'll look for work and..."

"That is far too much," Jess said firmly.

"No it isn't and Hugo will have worked out what he can afford," Fred said. "We accept your offer and just refrain from eating too extravagantly at restaurants."

"Fred!" Jessica shouted.

Fred and Hugo grinned at each other and they heard Jessica mutter, "Men are teases."

"What kind of work will you look for?" Fred asked.

"I worked fulltime in writing and testing software for our firm's clients before I finished two years ago to write fulltime. But I continued to work weekends for the company right up till the death of my father three months ago. I have a master's in computer science from Manchester University."

"Son I'd like you to meet me for lunch today and I'll introduce you to one of our partner's daughters who runs a computer programming consultancy. She hires programmers and other specialists on short-term contracts. Would you like to do that?"

"Yeah thanks, it could be productive talking to her."

"The company is very small, just her and two assistants."

"That's fine, as you said she hires her work force on specific contracts."

Fred said he'd call Wendy after 9:00 and confirm she could meet them. "I'm a partner in an accountancy firm and Wendy Donald is one of my clients."

* * *

The plump blonde in her late thirties only spoke briefly to Hugo about his experience during lunch but when they'd finished eating she ordered another bottle of wine and said, "Off you go Fred and thank you. I'm about to get down to the nuts and bolts of some computer contract work for which Hugo might be well suited. Lunch is on my company but no fee will be paid to you as a finder if I engage Hugo."

"That's great Wendy. This will give Hugo experience of how to nail work in New York. I'll see you later pal."

"You interest me Hugo. Fred explained on the phone you'd just arrived from England and were staying with him, that Susan had come across you in a coffee house and took you home because you were interesting. Fred said a lot but I felt he deliberately skirted the real reason why you were in New York."

"Well I guess he's left me to explain that. Here is a résumé."

Wendy appeared fascinated as Hugo explained how it was and as they were leaving said she'd call him tomorrow.

"No why don't you come for dinner tomorrow?"

"Yes I'd like that and thanks."

"Um my husband is visiting our son at boarding school upstate at the moment. You won't mind eating with just me I take it?"

"Not at all. I'd enjoying having you to myself."

Wendy murmured something that sounded rather like 'Christ' and looked at Hugo thoughtfully.

He arrived for dinner to find Wendy in a tight dress with a plunging neck and obviously no bra.

His back straightened, pulling his shoulders back.

She kissed him before closing the door behind him and it was rather a long kiss and on the lips. That was Wendy telling him something.

After dinner when they were in the lounge having coffee Wendy sighed and murmured what now?

Hugo focused on her breasts and she breathed in to push them out.

"Um Hugo I'm a little overweight."

"Not in comparison," he said skillfully, not adding in comparison to what.

Wendy oohed and pulled him to her and said wasn't he just such a darling.

He hesitated.

She pulled out a boob and Hugo was underway.

Later she said god he was big and after spitting out semen she prevented him from going front entrance.

"Only my husband goes there."

Speaking sternly Hugo said, "Give me the lube and on to your hands and knees."

"Oh lucky days," she said excitedly, reaching under a pillow and producing the lube.

When Hugo was leaving Wendy handed him her business card and told him what the daily rate was for the type of contract she had in mind.

Hugo said that figure was acceptable although surprised it was so high.

"My engineer has estimated this job will take eleven days and so the contract will be written for eleven days. There are provisions to apply for time extensions but you will be expected to complete on time. If you finish sooner then that's a win for you and will confirm to you our time estimates are not draconian. Come to my office around 2:00 and I'll have your contract ready to sign. You will be supplied with a full brief from the client and contact phone numbers of their personnel associated with this project."

"Thanks, sounds good. I must buy a computer with greater processing power than a notebook." 

"Of course. I have a heavy-duty laptop at the office you may borrow, a high spec one.

"Fine you are so kind."

"Well my top-shelf dinner guest, you delivered everything I wanted from you tonight. That was butt-fucking at its best."

Charlotte stumbled into Hugo's bedroom around 3:00. Hugo moaned at being woken and put on the light. She was swaying.

"Do you want to fuck me?"

"No."

"Asshole."

She went noisily up the passage banging into the walls occasionally and singing, "Asshole, asshole, why do all men have to be assholes?"

Grinning Hugo put out the light and was asleep within a minute.

At breakfast Jessica moaned she would have to call the publishing house and advise Charlotte would not be coming in because she was sick.

"A hangover is not being sick," grumbled Fred. "She must be building up an appalling attendance record."

Hugo asked would she still be drunk.

"Very unlikely," Susan said. "She takes something before she goes out on the booze and seems to recover remarkably well after just a few hours' sleep but I think that makes her hangover last longer."

Hugo said he'd go and deal with her. "Don't worry if you hear shouting and banging. That will be her, not me. The only real harm I'll do will be to her pride by humiliating her."

Fred rubbed his chin. "Well I really don't know about that."

"Yes please, do it Hugo," Jessica said. "Nothing we do and say seems to work."

Hugo went into the bedroom. Charlotte's clothes were all over the floor and she was fully nude on the top of the bed asleep. His quick assessment was what a good body to fuck.

He called, "Wake up Charlotte. Time for work."

"I'm not going. I'm sick."

Hugo went into the bathroom and ran the shower till the temperature was only just warm. He went to Charlotte and whacked her ass with his hand.

She awoke with a start and yelled, "Jesus you asshole."

She sat up angrily. "I should have known that would be you. Fuck off."

Hugo slapped her across her left cheek.

"Jesus that hurt. Fuck off."

He slapped the other cheek harder and Charlotte came off the bed and looking murderous charged.

Hugo easily side-stepped her and bumped her with his hip and almost sent her sprawling. While she was off-balance he grabbed both arms from behind and marched her into the shower, grinning as she abused him foully. She shrieked when splatters of cold water hit her and he planted a foot on her ass and pushed her in completely in, she thudding against the far wall but managed to hold her head back.

"You wait, just you wait," Charlotte yelled. "This is assault and that's a crime in America."

"Good I'll have all your extended family in court plus the HR manager from your company to hear your allegations and them my account of what happened and why."

Charlotte said asshole and began sobbing.

"Come to breakfast as soon as you finished in here. You are going to work even if I have to drag you."

She burst into tears.

Hugo returned to the kitchen.

"Are you last man standing?" Fred asked nervously.

"She's okay. I had to whack her a bit but her teeth will be okay and I didn't cut her up."

"Christ," Fred said jumping up and looking angry." You had no authority to hit my daughter."

"Sit down and finish reading the newspaper Fred. We all gave him consent to hit Charlotte didn't we Susan?"

"Um..."

Jessica growled deeply, "Didn't we Susan?"

"Yes mother."

Charlotte dressed for work burst into the kitchen carrying a hair dryer and after plugging it in and switching it on pointed at Hugo and yelled. "That asshole pulled me out of bed when I was nude, slapped my face twice and kick me in the butt.

"Did he now?" Jessica said. "Toast as usual darling?"

"Mom?"

There was no response. She turned and whined, "Dad?"

"Hugo had our authority to take what action he deemed necessary, short of crippling you, to attempt to pull your out of your wayward behavior that we haven't managed to do and for which your family will be eternally grateful should he succeed."

"Dad he hit me."

"Good god girl, you were years overdue for that. Now let's discuss your appalling work attendance record."

"Um dad, Hugo suggested I should make an effort to get to work this morning and I agreed."

Charlotte looked shyly, well at least it looked shyly for Charlotte, at Hugo for confirmation and he said yes that was correct and was rewarded with an almost dazzling smile.

She looked at the wall clock.

That gave Hugo the opportunity to finishing working on Charlotte. "Yes Hugo, Charlotte cooperated dutifully and promised she was already committed to mend her willful ways... such as no more party pills, cutting back on booze, no more sex with anyone she doesn't know reasonable well and then only discretely, i.e., not in public places, and also not for instant sexual gratification."

The family including Charlotte looked to have open-jaw lock.

Charlotte gasped, "I didn't say any of that."

Hugo said she did so, absolutely.

Fred said firmly, "I think I should come in with you to your workplace Charlotte and discuss your work record with your HR manager. You'll need to be there."

"No I did promise all of that dad, I'm the one lying. I confessed my salacious behavior to Hugo and he practically gave me absolution and I promised to pull away from my slovenly and willful ways."

"Oh then you are committed to the path of redemption?"

"Yes dad."

Susan snorted, "You're a liar and no way does Hugo possess authority to give absolution."

"I said he practically gave it so that's not using it in the divine scene."

Hugo said, "Susan you have to admit the difference is more than subtle."

"Very well but I can't believe you saw my sister fully nude and then slapped her."

"I see nothing wrong with that," said Jessica and her family had their mouths open again.

"What's wrong?" Jessica asked. "I would think a guy with Hugo's expertise with women would have seen hundreds of women fully nude."

"Hundreds?" Fred said in awe.

Susan crossed herself and her sister appeared a little stunned looking at Hugo.

The embarrassed Hugo said, "Give or take a few hundred and then some. Nude women just keep popping up in my life, that's all."

"Gosh this is the sexiest conversation this morning this family has ever had," Charlotte laughed, sounding impressed and switching off her dryer and left it for someone else to put away. She kissed everyone and pushed back Hugo's fringe and said she was off.

Rubbing her ass as she sped for the door she shouted, "I really feel like ripping into work today. Thanks for your support guys."

Fred appearing puzzled asked, "Support?"

Jessica, Susan and Hugo also appeared puzzled at what Charlotte had meant in using the word support.

Fred left for work and Jessica had left the kitchen to make the beds when Susan returned ready to leave. She placed her arms around Hugo and pushing her breasts into him leaned over his shoulder and asked, "Will you have sex with me... to give me experience?"

"Me but I'm the bad guy?"

"Stop stalling and answer."

"Experience will come to you without you having to resort to me."

Hugo please, reward me for finding you alone in New York and bringing you to my wonderful family."

"You think Charlotte is wonderful?"

"She's just wild with a naughty streak Hugo and is likely to lose that in time. Yes as a person Charlotte is wonderful."

"Okay Susan, get off me and climb on the table and spread your knees."

"Very funny. Let's do it the first night mom and dad and Charlotte are out and I'm not having a period."

"Oh god Charlotte, why did you have to mention that?"

She pulled a face and he waited for the backlash but it was mild: "God you men; you're babies."

She pulled Hugo's face around and kissed him and left for her office only six blocks away.

Jessica returned from making a start on the housework. She worked from 1:00 to 6:00 on weekday afternoons in job-share as a receptionist at a nearby medical center. 

"Thank you for what you did this morning for Charlotte and indeed for our family. She has been coming close to veering out of control. I accept some people really reed to be disciplined. She should have had that confrontation years ago."

"It's cool Jess. Someone had to do it and I got the short straw and really I didn't lose sweat doing it. She was defiant but I think that first slap really rocked here but the second slap appeared to send her mind spinning. I didn't boot her ass. When she was about to refuse to enter the shower because the water was almost cold I put my foot against her butt and pushed. That's all."

"Thank you for punishing her but yet injecting kindness. Let's hope she really aims to pull her horns in."

Hugo cleared his throat. "Jess this afternoon I'm due to sign myself into rather lucrative work doing computer development work and I'm confident that there will be more contracts to come. I'm confident enough to decide I should lease a small apartment. I'm thinking of asking Charlotte to move in with me."

"Charlotte rather than Susan? I'm surprised."

"Well Susan would be easier to live with as you would know but the truth is I don't believe Charlotte and I are too far apart in out tastes and temperament and that sort of thing. On the other hand I think Susan is gentle and sweet with a mild religious bent and I have no desire to, um, take any of that away from her because I've never know the age of innocence if you can understand what I'm getting at."

"I do and congratulate your sound judgment. The right guy is out there and will find Susan. You may regard yourself as a reprobate Hugo but you have qualities in you that may yet flower. You have just indicated to me your ability to stand on high moral ground. You admire my Susan. Now my hope is you can save my Charlotte from turning herself into a proper bitch."

"That sounds like I have your approval to ask Charlotte to move in with me and that she would be received back home if my relationship with her fails?"

"Yes you have my approval and yes Charlotte will always be welcomed in my home, end of story. Now try to describe what you will be doing with this computer job you have found, thanks to Fred."

Hugo found Wendy's business address and went up to the second floor happy and whistling tunelessly, unaware that the house of cards he'd created for himself was about to collapse.

* * *

Wendy, white faced, made no effort to kiss Hugo and her manner seemed cold.

She shut the door of her office and sat behind her desk.

"About last night, I feel really ashamed I committed adultery."

Hugo felt the pit of his stomach contract. He'd been in a similar situation to this in England a couple of times after plowing married women. It was the reaction of 'next day after the party.' Remorse was a difficult thing to deal with.

"Well what can I say?"

That was totally ineffective but perhaps nothing would have worked because Wendy had already made up her mind.

"I have decided to withdraw my contract offer. You are now free to leave."

Hugo sighed, nodded to her and left, closing the door quietly.

A thin woman with glasses was waiting for him in the outer office.

"Hi I'm Dr Reynolds, contracts manager. Mrs Donald told me she had decided to withdraw the contract offer because she now believes the client will be uneasy about having a person new to America working on its project of such importance. I read her notes and am aware you have a first-class degree from Manchester. Here are the addresses of two small computer companies run by two ex-Brits who might be interested in you. I trust this will be of some help. I loved my time I spent in Britain gaining my doctorate at Oxford."

"I'm pleased about that and thank you for your kind assistance. Bye."

Hugo walked out furious and disillusioned. If he'd had a home in England he would have felt homesick. God what a dump New York was. A guy couldn't trust anyone. He couldn't see a handy trashcan so pocketed the card on which Dr Reynolds had written two addresses and contact details.

"Fuck New York, fuck Americans."

Hugo walked into a bar and sat down in despair. This just wasn't working.

When drinking his second beer he though no it was wrong to blame New York and Americans for his plight. He was to blame and two of the nicest people he'd ever met were Susan and her mom, both 100 percent Americans.

He began his third and final beer, deciding not to get drunk. And then it dawned on him. Christ how could he be so blind. He'd been hit by adversity, the sort of setback new arrivals to America would face. He almost felt like whistling.

Almost.

Hugo returned to the apartment and slept and later began reading. He heard the sounds of the family members arriving home and then some shouting.




Hugo From Pode Hole



"Hmmm that would be Charlotte reacting to being told what a bad girl she'd been."

Someone knocked and he called enter. Susan came in looking a little stressed. She said she was so sorry and kissed him.

"We are having a family conference and dad has asked me to fetch you."

Oh no, this was about him. Another dose of adversity affecting the new immigrant.

Hugo could feel the tension as he entered the room. Jessica looked at him and then looked down. He saw she'd been crying. Fred was red-faced and looking stern and asked Hugo to please sit. He sat opposite Charlotte who looked at him unafraid and he detected an edge of triumph to her smile.

"We have a problem with Charlotte," Fred began.

"Wrong," Charlotte interrupted, "Hugo is the problem."

"Following the manner in which she was treated this morning Charlotte arrived home and told us she has tentatively arranged to room share with two of her friends. We know those women and know they are a bad influence on Charlotte who is old enough to know better but still chooses to run with them."

"So it's been decided I may have her room because it's larger," Hugo smiled, having read and signs and knowing he was about to be evicted.

Fred looked astonished and Jessica emitted two big sobs. Charlotte smiled, showing most of her teeth.

"Um no," said Fred. "Charlotte this evening has given us an ultimatum, either you go or she goes."

Hugo was about to say he was off to pack his bag when he thought, hold on, he was on the cusp of observing a family in crisis with its loyalty being tested. So he said, "We'll all miss Charlotte."

Charlotte's mouth opened in shock and she bleated, "Dad?"

"It's all right baby," Fred soothed and then delivered a rather good emotional execution speech for an accountant.

"Hugo it is with deep regret I must ask you to leave as soon as you can find alternative accommodation. You have been a worthy and most interesting addition to this family but the truth is you are not family but Charlotte is. As you may be aware the strength of any society is dependent on and reflected by the strength and unity of its families. Normally a family would be unfazed about a 30-year-old moving out but that would be depend on circumstances. In our case Charlotte had pleaded for family support and my obligation as head of the household is to accept her conditions for staying because it boils down to a simple choice between you and her. Both Jessica and I had this idea that something big and good could fire between Charlotte and you but it has come to pass that's not to be. Charlotte asked for a family vote on who is to go, you or her, and the vote was 3-nil that you must be asked to leave."

"Well guys that is pretty clear-cut," Hugo said. "Even I would have been dismayed if the vote had been 3-nil in favor of Charlotte being asked to leave her home. I've had a rather unusual and disjointed family upbringing because my mother would leave home to be away with some guy and often wouldn't return for months. Rather astonishingly my father, who made quite a good living from being a noted landscape painter, accepted and told me simply later in life that it was my mother's choice and that if he'd kicked her out it would have destroyed the family life we enjoyed so much when she lived at home. So there it is and I benefited from my father's decision just as Charlotte now benefits from her father's decision and backed by her family. So I'll say goodbye in a few minutes, I'm off to pack."

The women were weeping and even Fred looked distressed.

"Oh come on guys. I'll bounce back. This is a great experience for me as a writer. You have no idea how lucky I am."

Hugo was packing when Charlotte came in, leaving the door open.

"I'm sorry. I'm such a bitch."

Hugo held out his arms and she glided into them but didn't kiss him.

"I suggest you need to think more about your future Charlotte, I mean to determine the outcomes you wish to achieve in life, right through life. I think somewhere along the road you stalled your development."

"I-I'll try, I hear what you are saying."

"I'll tell you something else Charlotte. Being a Lit graduate you'll know about kindred spirits. I suspect you are I are kindred spirits. I'm a little way off from accepting the truth in that and you are still a long way off. However try to find a nicer guy than me and just be patience and allow him to reveal just how good he might be for you."

They heard a noise and looked at the doorway. Jessica, dabbing her eyes, said: "You are in the arms of the nicest guy who's ever held you darling."

"And yet I don't know it," Charlotte said, breaking free and walking over hugged her mother.

After tearful farewells Fred went down to the sidewalk with Hugo.

"I've stuck you in the back pal but you know the alternative for me would have been far crueler."

"Yes Fred, I did indicate that. You head a great family and I enjoyed my association with you guys. I'll try to return to that rooming house for a few days till I get sorted. Don't tell the others where I might be living."

"Okay," Fred said slapping Hugo on the back and they then hugged. "You come back and visit us, do you hear?"

"Yes Fred. Bye."

Hugo walked out and waved down a cab stopped. Fifteen minutes later he was back at the same rooming house but in a better room than he had previously. Hugo resolved to fight his way back into better times.

CHAPTER 2

A former Englishman from Surrey Charlie Hopkins, now proudly an American citizen, took Hugo on, starting him off on fixing system faults on office computers. When receiving favorable reports on the quality of Hugo's service, Charlie put Hugo into the workroom to install OEM (original equipment manufacturer) software and then to run the machines under reliability test and to fix any defected faults.

Now that he had a steady income Hugo applied to an advertisement by a couple with an apartment in Chelsea seeking to rent out a room and share equitable living costs including food with 'a tidy, personable young professional man'. So far he'd chalked up seven unsuccessful applications.

Carla and Arnold received numerous applications. Hugo was short-listed and was chosen, probably because Carla was also English. The couple in their mid-thirties worked in retail management. They were very pleasant, homely and very much in love.

Arnold introduced Hugo to jetty fishing and also how to become a food gobbling, yelling fan at basketball games. They often went out as a threesome and the first time they were at a gallery Hugo began displaying knowledge about art he'd picked up many years from his father. His father had also taught him culinary skills during times when Hugo's mother 'disappeared'. Carla and Tim soon discovered that talent and appointed Hugo as head chef.

Two months later Charlie assigned Hugo to work on writing software development contracts the firm secured from clients, the same work Wendy had almost offered him. Charlie accomplished the tasks with technical ease because he was qualified to perform systems development work at a much higher level but that meant fulltime work and, as Charlie was already aware, Hugo wanted small contracts that he could work on for four or so hours at any time of the day to allow him to continue researching for his book.

Charlie, who was in his earlier fifties, twice invited Hugo home to lunch with the family on Sundays. Hugo got on well with Charlie's part-Italian wife Maria very well because she loved being teased and he could be so charming and the three kids seem to think he was okay. Then Maria called Hugo and invited him to dinner on Saturday night saying her youngest sister would also be there.

"I think you and Imelda should meet."

"Does she know I have also been invited to dinner?"

"No but I will tell her you'll be there if you wish."

"No it's okay."

"I can tell you Imelda is not ugly."

"She'd have to be pretty good looking to excel you."

"Oh you lovely man. Bye."

Imelda really was beautiful but very lean. Hugo preferred women with full breasts like Charlotte. Yes Charlotte. He wondered how she was getting on with her personal change management. He'd decided to keep away from the family to give him breathing space. Imelda took an immediately liking to Hugo and they began to date but it wasn't until he'd twice met her parents they she allowed Hugo to touch her carnally and from that night they were underway.

But Imelda was rather tight and frequently groaned he was hurting her and insisted one bout of sex a night was her limit. That disappointed Hugo but at least she admitted she basically enjoyed fucking but worried she was so small and worried about her skin being marked in any way.

One night Imelda asked casually was Hugo the marrying kind.

"I meant to be but I don't know when."

"How long is when?"

Without thinking he said when he found the right woman. 

Imelda appeared annoyed and switched the conversation and the next time Hugo called she burst into tears and said she never wished to hear from him again.

"Why? What have I done wrong?"

"You told me laughing you don't wish to marry me," Imelda said, cutting the call.

He called Maria that he apparently had upset Imelda and she said poof, it would be nothing. Imelda just had an Italian side to her. She'd talk to Imelda and call back. She did that fifteen minutes later and said, "It's all over for you silly man. You never tell a woman you will marry when you find the right woman. That's really putting her down."

"Oh crap. I remember saying something like that. It's may fault. I'll send flowers."

"It will be a waste of time. My middle sister could be interested. She's married but the marriage is shaky."

"Um perhaps not Maria. If I screw up with her I might also end up losing you as a friend."

"Well you are not such a stupid man after all. We are taking the kids for a picnic in a park on Sunday. Please join us."

"May I suggest you invite Imelda instead? She may really need your company."

"Oh yes, an excellent idea. I'll be in the office for the end of month Friday drinks tomorrow. I shall see you then and kiss your hard, hard heart."

"God little wonder you manage to rope in Charlie. You have the right technique."

She giggled. "I really like you Hugo. You don't think American. Bye."

Lonely at nights, Hugo began drafting his novel and working on characterization.

Ten weeks after his eviction Hugo was having morning coffee when Jessica entered the coffee house with a woman around her age. She spotted Hugo and rushed over and kissed him excitedly. She then placed her order and returned and introduced her companion and Hugo invited them to sit with him. Jessica had wanted to know all about what he had been doing and Helene appeared very interested in the conversation. When it tailed off she said, "An so you are the young man Charlotte mom has mentioned to me a couple of times?"

That caught Jessica's attention. "Charlotte has spoken to you about Hugo?"

"She referred to him as a English guy who stayed with you for ten days."

"Really and what did she say?"

"Nothing of significance that I can remember. But I was left with the impression she was missing having Hugo around and that he'd been a great friend to the family but unfortunately had gone rather cold on her. Perhaps he made a hit on Charlotte?"

"Unlikely, it would be the other way round," Jessica said. "You said she was missing Hugo?"

"Yes missing having him around."

As they were leaving Jessica pleaded to Hugo to visit them.

"Yeah I have been thinking about that Jess. Oh here's my business card in case you really wish to invite me for coffee."

She kissed and hugged him and as Hugo was walking off he heard Helene say dryly, "I gather Charlotte isn't the only one missing that young man."

Charlotte called Hugo late afternoon.

"Hi it's Charlotte."

"Hi Charlotte, it's great hearing your voice. How are those lovely tits of yours?"

"Excuse me?"

"Oh come on Charlotte. You only have to lift your game a bit. There was no requirement for you to become a saint."

"Oooh, then you understand how it must be for me?"

"I believe I can imagine it. But you must surely know everyone wants Charlotte to remain Charlotte."

"Of course I do and I have managed to pull in my horns a little and believe I'm now more respected and no longer easily offends. I can even report people close to me appear more relaxed around me these days."

"Are you dating?"

"I have been but there is no one at present."

"We have unfinished business."

Charlotte made no comment.

"I'm living in Chelsea with a very lovely couple and I cook the week night dinners. Please come to dinner with us tonight."

"What you mean about unfinished business, you meant sex didn't you?"

"That was part of it but in the context of us attempting to establish a wider relationship."

"Why?"

"To find if we should be together."

Hugo could almost hear Charlotte biting her lip.

"But you don't really like me."

"That's bullshit and you know that."

"Well then, is dinner tonight really a date?"

"It really is and I want you at your charming and sexy best to impress my landlords."

"I'm prepared to do that. I'm really missed you and burst into tears when mom said she'd met you this morning. God that almost floored me because you'll know I'm not the sentimental type."

"I really know fuck-all about you Charlotte."

"Is that English terminology?"

"Yes but not to be used in front of the vicar."

She giggled and said it was true he really couldn't know her in such a short time. "After you left us I began doing some soul searching and was amazed how little of merit I could find. But I sat with mom and told her of my concern. Over the next two hours she talked to me how I was so lovely as a young girl and how I ventured timid Susan into the outside world. Mom told me it was I who suggested Susan study law because I knew she had this huge desire to help people and I thought law would be more suitable for her than the church. You know I'd forgotten all that. According to mom I didn't really change until I went to college and I thought deeply and agreed with that. As mom said I came to believe that licentious behavior in college days was my style and I would have accepted that without thinking of downstream consequences. Christ Hugo I'm thirty years old and had still been acting as if I was still a let-it-all-hang-out college student."

"I had suggested that."

"I know but now I believe it and have accepted it but you probably won't notice much change."

"But I already have."

"You haven't seen me yet."

"But I've been taking with you. Previously you never talked to me like this. You just wanted to fuck."

"Hugo," Charlotte said, sounding embarrassed.

"I must go and please don't chicken out about coming to dinner. Here's the address."

"I'll be there. Let me grab a pen."

Hugo was determined to make a real effort to establish compatibility with Charlotte and knew that wasn't only because she liked having sex. She had drive and could be very exciting to be with and with a bit of self-discipline would made a great mother, the type of mother he wished he'd had. Charlotte appeared to be everything he wanted but would she want him? On the strength of that thinking Hugo bought new shoes, pants, a semi-formal shirt and jacket.

When Arnold and Carla arrived home within minutes of each other and were having coffee with Hugo he said, "I've invited a woman I first met when I arrived in New York to dinner. Is that okay?"

"Sure buddy. You don't have to ask. This is your home too."

From what he'd already been told about shared apartment living in New York Hugo thought if he attempted to portray the near-perfect apartment living for Sissy that he was enjoying, New York readers would regard it as being way over the top.

"Is that Susan who met you in a coffee shop?"

Surprised that Carla had remembered Susan's name, Hugo scratched behind his ear and say no, her sister.

"Oooh the real sexy one, as you described her," Carla teased and Hugo scratched the other ear.

"My impression was when Imelda dumped you that you were off women for life, apart from me of course."

"Hey what's this I'm hearing," said Arnold and they laughed when Hugo, turning red, told them to lay off.

"Um I would appreciate it if there was no mention of Imelda tonight when Charlotte is here."

"Oh god what a name," Carla cooed. "I can image her, long dark hair, a flaming red dress and really juicy lips."

"Carla one more tease and I'm tossing you over the balcony."

"Ooh Arnold, save me from this villain."

"Save yourself. I'm off to check emails and get dolled up to meet this stunning babe. Are you happy to wear that old jacket Hugo or do you wish to borrow one of mine."

"No it's fine. I bought a new outfit on the way home."

They stared at Hugo.

"Oh god, I'm sorry Hugo," Carla said. "I didn't realize this was serious. I thought you were just after her flesh. We won't notice if she's not good looking and has poor teeth. Anyway that Imelda was too sophisticated for you and had practically no boobs. I take you for a big boobs man because you never look at mine."

"Thanks Carla. I'm hoping to get something going with Charlotte tonight. Please don't blow it for me."

She said, "Did you hear that appeal from the heart Arnold? You mess up and you're over the balcony."

* * *

Charlotte arrived dressed in flaming red. She wore matching knee-high boots and her hair was piled high and her face was expertly made up. Long silver earring droppers finished off her appearance.

She stunned Arnold and Carla and Hugo had to fight his tongue from hanging out.

Arnold had met Charlotte at the door and recovering from looking more like than a half-wit than a greeter, said, "Why hello Dolly" quite musically and Charlotte giggled and held out a bottle of fine red wine and said, "I'm Charlotte" and kissed him.

Arnold turned as the gaping Carla approached and said, "This is my wife Carla."

"God you look wonderful Carla."

"Who me?" Carla said as if mystified. "Oh my manners. Please come in Charlotte. Hugo our resident chef is in the kitchen."

"Can Hugo really cook?"

"Yes and brilliantly," Carla said, again mystified and thinking what perhaps it was bullshit that Hugo had stayed with Charlotte and her family, although she doubted he would have lied.

"He stayed with us for ten days soon after his arrival from England and didn't lift a finger in the kitchen, not once."

"Why would he with three female cooks on hand," Arnold said and both women nodded.

"Hugo your princess has arrived," Carla called and added, ""Hugo is so excited about seeing you again."

Hugo rushed out and appeared to be having trouble with his mouth. He then said, "Hi thanks for coming" and stood awkwardly.

"Are you two going to kiss?" Carla said. "You have lived together."

"Sure," said Hugo and crossed to Charlotte and kissed her cheek.

"Do you call that a kiss?" Carla said. "Hugo I'm very disappointed in you. Charlotte has spent hours on preparations to meet you and all you do is peck her cheek."

"It's okay."

"No Charlotte, it's not all right," Carla pressed.

"Oh god you poor jerk. You have stage fright. Come here."

Charlotte grabbed Hugo and kissed him soundly with a big smack of lips.

"Thank you Hugo. Back to the kitchen. Please set over there with Arnold and I'll fetch drinks... a martini?"

"Yes please. You have this apartment decorated and furnished beautifully."

"Why thank you. What a lovely thing to say. Talk to Charlotte Arnold."

"I will when I have the chance to get a word in edgeways."

They laughed.

Carla entered the kitchen, grabbed Hugo and kissed him full on.

"Now that's how a woman wants to be kissed."




Hugo From Pode Hole



"T-that's the first time you've kissed me."

"And it won't be the last," Carla said, pouring vodka on to the ice and pre-mix. "Until tonight I wondered if you really liked women and thought of you as being a little up yourself. But now I've seen you acting so vulnerable and I just wanted to hug you for being so cute. Charlotte will be wetting herself knowing she'd top dog."

"Carla!"

""What?"

"It doesn't matter."

"You know how to move in on women you wish to fuck but you are almost hopelessly out of the ballpark when it comes to moving in on a woman you wish to become serious with. Just be yourself pal and try to relax. Charlotte knows you and so you're halfway there."

Hugo swallowed and said, "Charlotte jerked me off the first night I met her, in a dingy bar."

Carla giggled. "Christ I wouldn't have the nerve to do that. I heard nothing about you complaining. Anyway that doesn't matter. The thing is you've been apart for some months and she's here tonight because she wants to be here. She's absolutely gorgeous Hugo and you know it. You are now starting a new page and so forget the past. Do you wish me to jerk you off or do you think you ought to give your full attention to Charlotte?"

"I must give my full attention to Charlotte," Hugo managed. "Christ Carla, you are acting out of bounds with me."

"Thank you for that reminder Hugo. Attend to things here and then join us for a drink."

Hugo arrived, now wearing his new jacket, and looked very smart.

They proved to be a well-balanced foursome and were off to a great start. After they finished mains Carla stood and said firmly, "The powder room is this way Charlotte."

In the bathroom Carla kissed Charlotte.

"You two make a great couple. Poor Hugo has been beside himself in anxiety tonight. I brought you here to ask something. Do you wish to stay the night? You can borrow things from me."

"I'd like to but fear that Hugo might think I haven't reformed and am still a slut."

"Ah that tells me something. He got nasty about demanding you change?"

"I came home drunk and had popped party pills and almost made a complete fool of myself. Next morning he read me the riot act and I promised to report but fumed about being forced to do that. At home that night I called a family conference and demanded either he goes or I go. The poor guy never stood a chance."

"But you think you have met some of his demands."

"Yes I no longer take party pills or booze excessively and have completed avoided having indiscriminate sex."

"Well I'd call that substantial reform. Call your mom and say you're staying the night. Let's put the poor guy out of his indecisive misery. A bit of good pussy can really focus a guy's thinking."

"You have a refreshing attitude Carla. You are English aren't you?"

"I was. I took up American citizenship and yes I supposed I do think and express myself more freely than many American women. Now think about it and I really would like you to make that call. Give me a nod if it's a yes when you return to the table and at the opportune time I'll invite you to stay. I suggest you act hesitant and then turn and look at Hugo but say nothing, absolutely nothing. His sex drive will answer for him and remember, he's no saint."

They kissed again and Carla returned to the men.

"Oh that was such a lovely meal," Charlotte said. "It's been so lovely being here this evening."

"Charlotte, it's getting late, why not stay? You can borrow things from me."

"That is very kind of you Carla but... oh half of me wants to accept."

She looked across at Hugo, her lips slightly parted.

Charlotte's tongue tip was momentarily visible. 

Hugo said: "I'd really like you to stay."

"But where would I sleep?"

Taking the cue, Carla said firmly, "With Hugo in his bed unless either of you has objections to that. It's not as if you are strangers."

"Yes sleep with me."

"Oh I've often dreamed of doing that. Yes I will sleep with you and thank you Carla for being such a perfect hostess and you too Arnold."

"Oh thanks, Arnold said. "You've made the correct decision Charlotte."

Carla beamed at her husband.

* * *

Commissioning editor Jacki Herbert walked into the office of Eileen Trimble, editor-in-chief of Rupert's Bookshelf Publishing in The Mall, London. Eileen who was pouring mid-morning tea said, "English Breakfast?" and when told thanks poured a second cup into a thick mug roguishly stamped, 'Unofficially Commemorating Her Majesty The Queen's annual visit to Pint o' Best Bitter', yet another sign of English humor and eccentricity incomprehensible to Americans. 

Yes why weren't those women drinking tea from bone china cups with their little finger raised obscenely er delicately?

"Hugo Garrett emailed me his formal proposal this morning, um for the record, because I'd already confirmed acceptance.

"Naughty girl. I heard on the grapevine he's been into your pants again. I guess he is over there deflowering some of the descendants of the Mayflower. Haw-haw-haw."

"Oh wicked humor Eileen. Well I'm happy to saw he's exceeded my expectation. Want me to read draft of the opening draft chapter?"

"Yes, a ginger nut?"

"Thanks," said Jacki placing the biscuit beside her mug of dark tea. She began:

Sissy Logan-Campbell awoke in a seedy rooming house in Manhattan, just seven hours after arriving from England at an airport she naively thought had been built by former president the late Jack Kennedy and then named after him. Two flies engaging in early morning sex on the sagging ceiling didn't hold her attention for long because she blinked and thought of her exciting day ahead of her.

Sissy proposed to start her day with a plate of fabled pancakes and maple syrup and try to down yet another cup of liquid the Americans palmed off by alleging it was coffee. She couldn't understand with more Europeans living in America that in Europe how serving something that appeared to be bitter molasses in water could be presented as coffee and speculated perhaps the dreaded Mafia controlled the faked coffee trade.

"Oh god," Eileen said, brushing ginger nuts off her sagging breasts. Run the whole damn book through our legal department will you. The America Hawks in Washington are itching to invade some unfortunate country in this part of the world to demonstrate to Europe that they care."

"Yes we must be careful," Jacki nodded. "White and Black Americans still hurt that the English and French colonized America before the Americans. Heh-heh-heh."

Jacki said she would read the first sexy bit:

The arrogant part-Polish-part French-part Mexican director in sunglasses and chewing a mouth-freshener peered through the dimly lit theater as auditions were coming to a close.

"Um Miss Logan-Campbell. I must say you look very sexy."

"It's only an act sir, believe me."

"Do you fuck your director?"

Everyone eyed Sissy, knowing she'd kill her chance of getting the part of the double axe murder's daughter unless she gave the director the answer the asshole expected. Her shouted reply cut through the absolutely quiet auditorium. "I'm having a little difficulty hearing what you said sir. But if I heard correctly my answer has to be what your wife would say if she'd heard that indecent proposal. She'd yell, "You slimy snake asshole. I'm lopping your balls off with the garden shears."

The ugly and over-weight director Sam Thom, fingering an unlit cigar the size of his... ... of his... it was very big and laughed so much he almost tumbled out of his chair.

Wiping his florid brow with what appeared to his female assistant's panties not returned after the lunch break, he chuckled and told Sissy she was brilliant.

"I'm giving you the second lead as the double-axe murderer. The guy already penciled in for that part will be offered the role of your son. He's a little older that you but make-up will take care of that. So do we do dinner this evening?"

"Yes Mr Thom, providing I have my signed contract in my hand by then. My dear old mother told me to never give it away cheaply."

Everyone in the theater hearing that believed they had just witnessed the birth of a new Broadway star although she could be well into old age before she gained that status unless she busied herself physically seducing all theater critics, females included. 

Although Jacki had an overshot upper jaw she bit into her biscuit hard without first dipping it into her tea, sending tiny particles flying. "Well I really think Hugo has got the bit between this the teeth with this one. If he can keep up the pace I predict a runaway winner in terms of his sales to date."

"Well yes you could be right. Those extracts painted pictures and held my attention. You know if he really puts his boot into America and the Americans we could send our American attorneys to the Secretary of State and offer the full rights to the book for say US$10 million to enable them to bury the book instead of allowing them to be ridiculed around the world by people who read this book."

"Eileen do you really this the Americans would be dumb enough to buy this book when they could achieve a similar result just by shooting the author and the publisher and claiming copyright?"

"Oh you have a point there. I suggest you call Hugo and tell me to be a little less cutting in what he writes about America and Americas. What is the working title?"

"Um 'Sissy Logan-Campbell Goes to America."

"God that sounds like a newspaper heading for an article on the travel page. Come ups with something with much greater impact please."

Jacki giggled, "What about 'Sissy Fucks America'?"

"Haw-haw-haw. Careful Jacki or you'll receive a night visit from the CIA."

"Oh god Eileen, could you get someone else as editor for this project?"

"No because the CIA may also come after the editor and you are my most expendable editor. Haw-haw-haw."

CHAPTER 3

With his research completed, Hugo was soon well into good rhythm. Charlotte, who'd had moved in with him two months ago would wake him at 5:45 for her breakfast resulting from termination of fellatio. She claimed semen really improved skin tone. Hugo would eat a bacon and tomato bagel on the way to work and would be at his desk by 6:45. He'd lunch at his desk and work through to 3:45. He'd then race home and work on his novel. Charlotte would arrive home to their small dingy apartment just before 6:00 and whine for sex. With that out of the way Hugo would write until they had dinner at 8:00 and he'd then continue writing until Charlotte would by at his side usually was a little after 10:00, again whining for sex. That allowed them both to finish their day with a big bang.

Hugo dearly loved Charlotte although edited that would read Hugo dearly loved having sex with Charlotte. She just didn't only like sex, she was the ultimate fucking machine, just as Hugo had suspected she would be.

He'd always remember that night of their reunion at the Chelsea apartment when unexpectedly Carla Donald invited her to stay the night.

Hugo was under the sheet working on his dick to ensure it was in pleasing condition for Charlotte, what with her hugely awesome experience at sex, when she came out of the bathroom dressed only it her high heels. Hugo boggled and his dick tried to reach for the stars.

Charlotte's body was amazing... tanned, firmed, fluid and shaped to curve just at the right places. Her legs appeared to go on forever but to Hugo's relief they didn't; they stopped nicely in position at the base of her pussy.

Pussy looked great with deformed flesh peeping through a cropped black bush and it had a fluid look to part of it, actually the bits that parted. But it was the tits that drew Hugo's attention although it was fair to say that was unavoidable. They looked as if shaped by Michelangelo, giving Charlotte's otherwise lithe body a bodacious appearance that she augment by stretching out the nipples between thumbs and forefingers as if to say lewdly, 'Here lover, get your chops around these.'

He looked up at her lovely face to find the full juicy slips parted and her tongue flicking in and out. That was just too much for the aroused Hugo. He blew, cum soaking into the sheet.

Although highly embarrassed he didn't tell Charlotte about that calamitous mishap and she didn't know to ask why was he looking like he'd missed dinner.

Charlotte then set about to technically become Hugo's best ever fuck.

She began by blowing on the end of his dick and running her hand lightly over his balls. She then failed to sink her tongue tip into his meatus, although she would have guessed that impossibility. She licked his glans and pulled away and said in surprise, "I taste cum."

"Er you got my excited coming out of the bathroom. I may have er leaked."

"Well if it's fresh cum that's quite okay."

She then slid her mouth down his shaft and Hugo rolled his eyes and croaked like a squashed frog.

* * * 

One Saturday a couple of weeks after shifting in with Hugo and he was out fishing with Arnold Donald and it was an hour before Charlotte was due to meet Carla for lunch, Charlotte searched Hugo's computer. She chose the option to find a word or words in any file name and typed in the name 'Charlotte'. Not having permission to do this thrilled her; it was like going through a guy's wallet to see what range of condoms he was carrying or if any love notes could be found or a letter from the bank warning he was close to being declared insolvent. 

There were several files but the one that caught her attention was named, 'First Time I Bedded Charlotte.'

Charlotte was fascinated to read Hugo's descriptive wording and generous accolades and not being disgusted she'd stretched her nipples forward when coming of the bathroom that night. She giggled when reading he'd ejaculated prematurely. 

She mused aloud, "Oh well, that happens to everyone a few times in their lives, at least to anyone capable of becoming highly sexually stimulated." 

Charlotte stretched back on the chair, hitched up her dress and began to stroke her pussy, unaware throughout she'd been automatically photographed by the built in camera on the top edge of the case that was on the 'security' setting to identify any users of the computer when left in 'sleep' mode.

She was happy with Hugo and happy at work but not with the apartment. It was too small and dark and overdue for renovation. She was making good money and thought she should suggest they surrender the lease and find something more to her liking. She was prepared to contribute a greater share of their living costs and thought surely with Hugo's two books selling on both sides of the Atlantic he must be salting away money. He was very private about his current project. She searched for the word 'Sissy' and found he'd made great progress with his draft manuscript.

With only a few minutes available before she would have to get ready to go to lunch, Charlotte chose to read Chapter 22 that he was currently working on:

Sissy dressed trendy-casual for the interview. She'd been astounded that one of the foremost newspaper feature writers in America, Muriel von Kluge, wanted to interview her.

Mrs von Kluge arrived at the theater where rehearsals were underway for the world premiere of 'The World's Last Adult Musical'. She was heavily made up and wore a buttoned-up white shirt with large broach just above her breasts and khaki skirt with brown boots and her hairstyle was very modern. She appeared in her forties.

"That you for coming dear," she said. "The call from my secretary must have sounded like a royal comment. If it did I apologized."

Sissy, now nearing her mid thirties, smiled and said, "No it's fine. Mrs Scott said you and Mr von Kluge saw me in 'Ladies in Blue Jeans' and you thought I was a person worth interviewing then but now with me as an Englishwoman winning this lead role in a very American show that convinced some of the best American actresses of film and stage to audition for the part, you decided my time had come. That sounded so arrogant I couldn't resist the opportunity to meet you. Mrs Scott said you also wanted to interview me because I rarely talk about my private life."

"That's sounds like Mary Scott but I object to you calling me arrogant."

"You're a star in you own field Mrs von Kluge. You don't have to interview me and I don't have to apologize for calling your arrogant. Call me a bitch is you wish. I've been called worse names."

Mrs von Kluge said, "Call me Muriel" and turning to her camerawoman said, "Shoot when you wish Carol with and without flash and position Miss Logan-Campbell...

"Call me Sissy everyone and especially you Muriel."

"And position Sissy for a close-up of me interviewing her. Something tells me this one will be a little ripper and I want that photo for my office wall collection. Samantha are your ready to record?"

"Yes ma'am."

The researcher handed Muriel a clipboard and Muriel asked, "Why are we standing instead of sitting somewhere?"

"You are the one calling the shots Muriel. I'm only the interview subject but I could suggest we start in my dressing room."

"Yes an excellent idea and then we can move out here when rehearsals are really underway and use what's going on stage as a backdrop."

"I already have the director's permission for you to do that and he's prepared to take me through my opening number and that will give Carol the opportunity to get an authentic shot that the direction of production hopes will be uses to provide us with great publicity."

"Take that shot later Carol but Sissy we decide what photos will be used with my interview."

"Yes of course. Who would ever dare dispute that?"

"Retract those fangs dear, now I've read your claim that you originate from Puddle-at-Bottom and yet our research shows no such place exists."

"It's in Romney Marsh."

Muriel consulted her researcher and then frowned at Sissy, "I'm told Romney Marsh is a breed of sheep now simply called Romneys."

"True but those sheep originated in the very wet southeastern part of England called the Romney Marshes in Kent. My parent's farm is near the settlement of Stelling Minnis and the farm was named in the 17th Century Puddle-at-Bottom because it's the lowest-lying farm in the district and when farm laborers dug holes for fence posts..."

"Omigod there always would be a puddle at the bottom."

"Yes Muriel. Naming in England is as every bit as fascinating as studying rocket science."

Charlotte sighed and closed the page and logged off because it was time to get ready to go out. Gosh Hugo's writing was interesting in detail and he appeared good at developing tension between people. She was eager to read the book when published.

Two nights later when they were in a restaurant with Carla and Arnold, Carla asked had Hugo decided to remain living in New York?

"I think so but am yet to convince myself I should. At least I know I'll stay at least another month to complete my final draft here and actually it really doesn't matter where I'm located. I'll have to return to England anyway to spend one or two days with my publisher prior to printing. There always are sticking points to negotiate with the editors including book title."

Charlotte was hiding her shock. Since moving in with Hugo she'd enjoyed living with him so much she'd must have assumed she'd always live with him unless everything fell apart. She certainly had never thought of leaving him. Now it was on his mind, well at least he was wavering.

Hugo said, "Look why don't you guys rake the cash together and come with me for seven to ten days and we'll look around England?"

"I'd love to," Carla said, frowning. "But we are trying to start a family and..."

"Foreigners have always been allowed to fuck in England," Hugo said.




Hugo From Pode Hole



They all laughed.

Red-faced Carla said, "What I was meaning was Arnold and I have started putting money aside to develop a nursery and to establish an education fund and..."

"I have plenty of money," Hugo soothed. "I'll pay the airfares for the four of us, economy class."

"What me too?" Charlotte asked.

Hugo looked surprised. "Yes I always intended taking you but was waiting to settle on dates before talking to you about it to suggest you to arrange vacation leave."

Arnold said, "Look pal, that's very generous of you. Give me the dates as soon as you can and well look for cheap flights. If you fly at unpopular times the fares are cheaper as is booking on-line. They often have specials that are posted and last only 24-hours."

"Well that's settled then," Hugo said. "We are going to England."

"Well let's talk more before we decide whether to commit," Carla said.

As Charlotte and Hugo were walking home Charlotte said he should have told her he thought he'd have to return to England soon and that he intended taking her.

"Okay you are right. I ought to have done that. If I decide to stay permanently here you will be the main reason for doing that. You must understand I had an unsettling childhood and I learned not to bank on anything I was told we might be doing until we actually started off doing it."

"Oh god, of course. How mean of me to be thinking of me and ignoring your position."

"God Charlotte you have really changed. When I first knew you I believe you would have been incapable of making an apologetic confession like you just did."

"Oh dear that's me growing soft. How will I cope?" she laughed.

Hugo lost his smile. "Then is one other thing I should have told you and do so now. Please curb your anger/dismay/despair or attempted throttling."

"Oh god you're having an affair."

"What? Are you mad? After the state you leave me in I have to say thinking about another woman is the farthest thing from my mind."

"Then what is it? You are making me nervous."

"Well I mentioned tonight I was swinging about whether to live permanently. Well I've twice had meetings with Philip Rhodes."

"What our CEO?"

"Yes, the first time I asked if there would be any interest in your publishing house adding me to its team of authors and that would involve them buying out my contract with my English publisher that has twenty months to run. To my surprise he knew of me, having read my latest book and that meant my submissions turned it into a soft sell. He said he'd be in touch and I had lunch with him and your executive editor and your director of promotions two days ago. The outcome was they are more than interested and I was told he contacted his counterpart in London and was invited to put a proposal in writing. Philip has proposed some money changing hands and my London publisher be the joint publisher of my books, assuming I am to write more after the current one, and the London publisher will also supply all of Europe. They are likely to want to do some sort of deal so within company months I could become one of your writers."

Charlotte said intelligently, "You were asked to tell no one of those negotiations because of commercial sensitivity, weren't you?"

"Yes."

"Well you can reply on me to keep my mouth shut. I'm very excited about this. It's all coming together for us, or at least appears so, isn't it?"

"Yes. I read an email from my London editor just before coming out tonight. I had sent her the final drafts of my first fifteen chapters and she gave one of the copies of her printouts for the EIC (editor-in-chief) to read and he instructed my editor to pass on his reaction and that was "I predict a big-seller."

"Wow darling, that's awesome."

"Yeah as you said it's all coming together for us. I'm feeling randy."

"So am I Hugo. Walk a little faster please."

THE END