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Jilted Kerri Saunders

By: Egmont Grigor



CHAPTER 1

It had been assumed Kerri Saunders would succeed her mother, in time, as the social queen of Falcon City. The Saunders' money was old money, made from pelts and timber and then farm machinery, chemicals, cosmetics and then the money gouging machine seemed to run out of puff, or was it steam, diesel or swamp water?

It didn't much matter because the multi-millions had been prudently invested in securities in seventeen different countries where corruption was genteel and taxation was considered an embarrassing impost so was applied lightly. And thus the money tree prospered. Successive generations of principal family siphoned off their entitlements but were unable to touch the base funds at source and so the cash flow continued unabated, almost untouched by human hand.

Thelma Saunders had come home from France to help prepared for her elder daughter's wedding, entranced by the thought that Kerri after having two children would be ready to become her protégé to preside over Falcon's social circuit, just as her mother had groomed her as successive mothers in the family had done for generations.

But days later it was catastrophe. Kerri was left standing at the altar. Well not quite. Kevin Close called her two nights before wedding day and said, "Kerri, I'm sorry I cannot proceed with the wedding. I love another. Daniel and I leave this country tomorrow tonight to find our destiny together. It's been lovely knowing you. Goodbye."

"What, what did you say Kevin? Oh god, he's dropped me. MOTHER!"

Mother Thelma answered the scream and found it strange she really didn't have to calm her daughter. Kerri snarled, "I sensed he was a fucking gay. All the whispering with Daniel when those two were out with us dinning. You made a poor choice of chauffer mommy. He's stolen the man you insisted I should marry."

"Well these things happen darling. You have time to have one more shot before I'd find it necessary to replace you with your younger sister."

"Well, why don't you go that right now mother. I'm off."

"Off where?"

"Off to release anger and then get a job."

"A job? No one would hire you. You don't know how to work darling. It's not something our family does."

"Goodbye mother. Please get your social secretary to send out cancellation notices. She may say I'm heartbroken, and after picking out the wedding gifts you'd like to keep, get Helen to return the remainder."

"Yes dear. So this is goodbye?"

"Indeed it is mother. Kiss-kiss."

"Kiss-kiss darling. You have been a wonderful daughter. If you return you will be placed close by on the perimeter along with my sisters and your father's sisters and the two surviving grandmothers."

"Understood mother. Say goodbye to daddy for me."

"Yes of course although you could take him with you if you wish?"

"No mother. My repositioning in life will go better if I regard myself as socially adrift. I'll then not be tied by social precepts."

And so Kerri Saunders, aged twenty-five, went to her room and packed her trousseau and left the Saunders' Estate.

* * *

Next morning Kerri Saunders awoke in her room in a dingy rooming house to face reality. She had been dreaming although it was true Kevin Close had dropped her two days out from the wedding. 

Kerri's parents were far from being wealthy. Her father Archie, a drunkard, was secretary of the Town & Country Club where his addiction was not noticed because he fitted the scene so well. The club was unable to attract sober members.

Her mother taught French at the nearby high school and the family lived in a 30-year-old unstylish suburban home that looked like most others in their neighborhood: nondescript.

Kerri possessed a master's in business management and had resigned recently to prepare for her marriage. She broke down and cried when receiving Kevin's call of rejection and her mother Thelma simply said something sensible: "You'll have to just get on with your life darling." And then added in her typically practical manner, "You go off and mope. There are only twenty-five guests to call and I'll do that and I'll ask them to call to retrieve their presents and to have coffee with your father and me."

Soon after that Kerri left dragging just the one suitcase on rollers.

Late that next evening Kevin Close was staggering home from the bar a short distance from his parents' home when he was clouted over the head with a baseball bat. He shot up an arm to protect his head from receiving a second blow and had that arm broken. As he fell a blow across his knee shattered his patella.

It was terrible for him. He was left on the pavement unable to move and the baseball bat had rattled on to the sidewalk beside him and he was kicked in the balls. Although in agony he watched gloved hands pick up the bat and heard his assailant walk away chuckling. It was perhaps as bad for him as for a girl being humiliated at being dumped two days out from her wedding. Nay, it would be worse, much worse.

Not unexpectedly the police went after the chief suspects. Kerri's parents had alibis, hosting four friends at home at a dinner party and the friends confirmed their hosts had been in the room with them for the past three hours. Like all parents, Thelma and Archie didn't know where their daughter was.

"Try rooming houses downtown," Thelma suggested helpfully.

Two cops in a patrol car spotted Kerri walking away from a cinema and she was taken in for questioning. The driver's female partner would report that the suspect expressed 'absolutely delight' that her 'absconded bridegroom' had been beaten up and left incapacitated on a sidewalk with broken bones and severe bruising. The suspect then added, "It serves the skunk right."

After intensive questioning Kerri was allowed to leave but ordered not to leave the city and to supply the police with a forwarding address if she left the rooming house. No one appeared to have witnessed the attack. The victim did not see or even hear his assailant and Kerri didn't own a baseball bat and she'd denied being anywhere else in the past four hours prior to questioning apart from Benny's Seafood Restaurant and watching the film, "Gay Girls in Paris." It was noted in the police report that Kerri gave 'a speedy, lengthy and accurate summary' of the film that one of the interviewing offices had seen earlier that afternoon and confirmed the accuracy of Kerri's résumé. A waitress confirmed serving Kerri in that restaurant.

An outgoing police patrol cooperatively dropped Kerri off near her rooming house. She walked into a bar and ordered a martini.

"Hi babe," said a guy sitting down from her. "What's up?"

"The cops pulled me in for questioning and have just let me go."

"Soliciting?"

Kerri glared at the guy and said get fucked.

"I'm sorry miss. That just came out. I'm addicted to enunciating terrible humor."

Kerri had to smile and thought enunciating was a big word to hear from a barfly.

"I've popped in for a drink on my way home."

Kerri said, "What four hours ago?" 

The guy looked hurt and said no, half an hour ago and asked why did she have it in for him.

In need of company, Kerri said, "Come closer and I'll tell you my story."

"Can we listen in?" asked one of two tough-looking women sitting on the other side of her.

"Yeah, why not. And you too miss behind the bar and your colleague when he's finished loading the dishwasher."

Kerri began the story, telling how eighteen months ago she met this guy Kevin Close who seduced her on their third date.

"What was wrong with him honey?" asked one of the older women. "Did he forget to ask on the first and second nights?"

Everyone laughed and Kerri lost her smile when she talked about being jilted two days before the wedding and how a few hours ago her ex-bridegroom had been savagely beaten with a baseball bat and hospitalized.

"So I was picked up by the cops a minute after leaving a movie house and taken in for questioning and have just been let go."

"Did you do it?" the guy who'd first spoken to her asked.

"No, and I repeated that denial to the cops three times."

"Have you been told you are the chief suspect?" asked the woman behind the bar.

"I was told I was the only suspect."

"What evidence is there against you?" asked the barman.

"So far none, only circumstantial. The baseball bat has not been found."

"Did you wear gloves?" asked the other older woman deceptively.

"Very funny" Kerri glared. Everyone who understood the loaded question laughed.

Kerri was asked about her alibi and describing it as flimsy she detailed it.

The man who'd first spoken to her said it was all very well claiming she'd been at that cinema but she could have been there earlier in the day and recited her convincing summary from that earlier attendance.

Most of Kerri's listeners agreed that was a possibility.

The man asked, "Did the cops try that theory on you?"

"No."

"God, small wonder we are at the mercy of criminals."

The bar staff went back to work and the two women resumed chatting in whispers. The guy stood and approached Kerri. "The name is Cassidy Cohen. May I walk you home?"

"What for?"

"For your safety. Then again you might need a cuddle tonight after your experiences of recent days."

Kerri thought about that and found his reference to 'a cuddle' appealing.

"How do I know I'm safe with you?"

Cassidy said she didn't. "Look, I'll just walk you to your door if it's close by, as I think it's likely to be, and then will continue on my way."

They stood outside the rooming house. Cassidy said it was one of the better ones around.

She asked was he married and was told no.

It was winter and the night was cold. "Look," he said, talking off his hat presumably so she could see him clearly. "Are you looking for a job?"

"Could be."

"And I would like to see more of you, a great deal more. Perhaps we can come to terms. Say I spend a couple of hours with you and I'll guarantee you two week's work. More if you are good."

"Okay."

Cassidy looked surprised. "Aren't you going to try to bargain?"

"No. I really would appreciate some company tonight. I'll do it with you without any condition other than you use a condom."

"Done deal. We better proceed quietly because the notice says no guests in rooms after 10:00 pm and its gone 10:00."

"Providing you don't fuck me too hard I won't make too much noise."

"Good girl," Cassidy grinned, taking Kerri by the arm softly, making no attempt to drag her through the entrance in indecent haste.

Kerri sat on the bed after removing her hat and thick coat.

"Oh my, you have real...um...breasts."

"Don't all women?"

Revealing his experience Cassidy said, "Not like those ones."

He paused, hands on the top of her front-buttoned shirt. "You act like a hooker but you don't appear to be one."

"I wonder why?"

"And you are so clever you almost confuse me."

"I wonder why?"

They looked at his fingers on the top button, twitching.

"Go on or go and I'll cry myself to sleep in loneliness."

Cassidy almost ripped the buttons open.

"You smell fresh and these clothes look new."

"Of course they are. They're from my trousseau."

"Then everything you've said tonight is true?"

With a faraway look in her eyes Kerri said, "All except one thing but don't expect me to identify which one."

"Oh god, am I safe being with you?"

She smiled and curled the curl hanging over his forehead. "Get between my legs and you'll be very safe."

Cassidy finished with fondling the breasts and undressed. Kerri gasped when she saw his erection. She'd learned from limited experience that cocks could be very ugly but this one was a cut above. She observed it had been cut and felt the desire to suck that knob, so did so, and soon had Cassidy as her temporary slave.

As Kerri wiped her dripping mouth and chin Cassidy said, as his soaring blood pressure began to subside, "You don't have to continue if you wish."

"I know."

"I am willing..."

"Cassidy, put the fucking thing in me. I'm desperate to have someone's arms around me and to whisper sweet nothings into my ear. Kevin Close taught me to expect this almost every night and I seek continuation."

Agog, Cassidy said, "You mean I can do this to you every night?"

'PUT IT IN ME CASSIDY!"

"Shhhhh. You'll upset the sleeping equilibrium of this establishment, bringing the house manager running. Here we go. Oh it feels like beautiful velvet and is so tight around me. You are a fool Kevin Close."

"If you want to fuck me ever night never mention that name again," hissed Kerri Madeline Saunders, whose eyes rolled back and she groaned as Cassidy completely docked and he leaned down and stretched her left nipple to a ridiculous length with his teeth.

"Bang me Cassidy." 

Cassidy Cohen left during the night. 

Kerri awoke in the morning to find he'd stuffed a towel between her legs that must have been oozing heaps. People were moving about, doors banging, some folk shouting. She yawned and then saw the note on the dresser.

'Hi, you were great. If you wake up to find this in time meet me across the road at 8:00 at Helen's Diner. We need to be at the office by 8.30 but it's only two minutes from Helen's'. The note included a phone number. Kerri looked at the clock and dashed for the bathroom and then dressed and reached the diner by 8:15 in time for coffee and her customary two pieces of lightly done toast with a skim of marmalade.

The rude Helen looked at her and said, "This one is classier than your usual broad Cass."

As Helen waddled off Kerri lost her class and poked her tongue as the retreating mass. Cassidy laughed and Kerri asked could she call him Cass. He said yes and looked very pleased. She felt more than pleased and hoped she wasn't in love with him, knowing the danger of a brainless off-the-wall rebound that any girl faced just after being jilted.

Kerri boggled when she saw the name of the substantial four-level building was 'Cohen Building Est. 1966'.

Cass saw what Kerri was looking at. "Established by my late grandfather. Mom and dad were a mixed marriage. We buy packaged damaged product, over-runs, product requiring packaging and on-sell it to bulk distributors."

"What sort of product?"

"Any thing that takes dad's fancy. He must approve every proposed buying deal."

"What is your business plan?" asked the business graduate.

"To make money, lots of it."

Kerri marveled at the simplicity of that and thought the business department at her college could learn a thing or two from real-world business people like the Cohens. So much bullshit surrounded academic learning, probably to keep the little empires of professors expanding to increase their salaries.

They rode to the top floor in a creaky elevator and arrived safely. Kerri thought the whole place could do with a good clean.

"Your cleaners do a lousy job."

"We don't have cleaners. Everyone is responsible for their own work center and everyone from dad down picks up paper and other debris and occasionally clean the inside of a window and women run a roster to clean the toilets and hand basins.

Oh so simple, so incredibly simple although undoubtedly not approved by teaching institutes and health and safety authorities, Kerri thought.

"Who was the genius who thought up that system?"

"Grandma. She and granddad were Jewish immigrants. The tradition has continued. If newly hired people don't like it they are invited to look elsewhere for a job."

A traditional Jewish face appraised Kerri as Cass introduced his father to her.

"Welcome to our family business Kerri. Call me by my name which is Matt."

"Thank you Matt."

"And call me Vienna which is my name," said a plump woman who swept into the room and Kerri could tell by the way she looked at Cass she was her mother. When Cass had said his parents were a mixed marriage Kerri had automatically assumed his mother would be Afro-American, French or perhaps a woman of South American origin. But the accent was perhaps Texan.

"What a lovely name," Kerri said, anxious to impress, and the mother said the same could be said of Kerri.

"And the reason for Kerri being here?" Matt asked, cocking an ear.

"She needs a job. I said I would give her one for two weeks and if she proved any good she could be offered permanent work."

"You should make Kerri your girlfriend. She is far classier than most of the women you walk out with," sniffed his mother.

"That could happen. Cass slept with me last night."

Vienna beamed and Matt stared studiously out the window. Kerri saw Cass was standing with a hand under an elbow that that other hand was over his eyes. Why was he embarrassed?

"Miss Saunders," Matt intoned. "I do not accept promiscuity. It is..."

"Spare me the lecture Mr Cohen. If you don't wish me to work here or to associate with your son then instruct him. Otherwise just accept this is me and my right to choose."

"Now look here young lady..."

"Shut up Matt. Go through and sign Kerri on and try to find her something that doesn't demean her or do who know what you'd like to do Kerri, although I guess you haven't toured our operation yet."

"Something in management please."

"Kerri," Vienna began, "I don't think you understand. You won't have a clue about management."

"Oh but I do Vienna but will need intense on-job tuition. I have just competed a master's in business management and I have gained limited experience in a range of management positions between semesters and I have worked in my father's factory since I was six years old. His plant makes golf accessories."

The three Cohen's looked quite stunned.

Then Matt said, "This is a traditional business Kerri. I don't want anything around here changed. Do you understand?"

"Shut up Matt," said Vienna. "After you sign Kerri on bring her to me Matt and I'll take her on tour. Then the four of us will meet together at 1:30 at Lucy's for lunch where Kerri will report to us."

Kerri looked anxiously at Matt. "I don't want to change anything, I really don't. It's not my responsibility."

"All I'm asking is you report impressions Kerri."

"Oh. Thank you Vienna."

In his office with the nameplate of administration manager, Cass smiled and kissed and hugged Kerri. "You enterprising thing – you've really split my parents apart."

"Oh!" Kerri wailed.

"No, stop it. You don't understand. Those two were born to scrap. They thrive on conflict and after all these years remain deeply in love but not on the surface, if you get what I mean. Dad's father forbade him to marry a non-Jew and there was a terrible fight and dad was hospitalized. His father refused to visit him in hospital. The day dad returned to work he went into grandfather's office, locked the door, took off his jacket and rolled up his sleeves, saying, 'We have unfinished business to attend to.' Granddad flicked ash off his cigar, studied dad for a moment, and then said, "If you love her that much you'd better marry her. You are entitled to make one major mistake in your life."

Wiping at tears, Kerri sniffed, "Oh what a fabulously romantic story."

"What? Granddad was twice the size of dad. Had they traded blows again he could have killed dad."

"But he wouldn't have and didn't Cass. Don't you see? That is what romance is all about. It's about the unseen energies that bind people and the poetry that emanates from that."

"What?"

"Oh god Cass, do I have some work to do on you."

Cass groaned. "This place will never be the same again when you team up with my mother and stimulate her."

"Stop it Cass. That's naughty and disrespectful of your mother. She is entitled to have passion and ideas. It's no longer a man's world."

Cass sniffed. "I don't know why I allow you to talk to me like this?"

"Well that's a promising start. Will you walk out with me at evenings Cass?"


Jilted Kerri Saunders



He grinned.

CHAPTER 2

In the restaurant Matt said to Kerri aggressively, "I eat traditional Jewish fare on most occasions."

"Good for you. I'll probably choose a small steak and fries. You son has high sexual energy."

"And I don't expect to hear disgusting things from one of my employees."

"Right Matt," Kerri flared. "You are now into the realm of attempting to dictate what I can and cannot say. Let's have this out and yes I'll hit you if you loose your cool and hit me. I'm warning you Matt, you have no chance of winning this. I'm a great fighter when I can see what I'm fighting and if you want a baseball bat around your skull then I'm just the girl to do it."

Matt stared at her, probably thinking of his own confrontation with his father all those years ago. Cass was staring at Kerri, his bottom jaw almost resting on his chest. Vienna looked incredibly pale. The atmosphere around them was electric.

Clearing his throat, Matt said, "You're a tough-ass little bitch, aren't you? Well do your job and don't exceed boundaries and you'll have no problem with me. Say what you like in front of me...within reason...and eat what you like in front of me. It's a free world, or so they say. Cass said you are living in a poky room...you better move in with us and yes, if Vienna approves, move in with Cass if he wants you there. Are we on the same wavelength now?"

"Yes and I appreciate what it's taken for you to decide on those outcomes. Thank you."

"Thank god for that," Vienna said, looking at both of them and smiling some color back into her face.

Looking somewhat dazed, Cass said, "Are you all right dad?"

Matt gruffed, "Now don't you start. What do you think of our operation Kerri?"

She spoke very sensibly and sensitively. When summarizing she said, "So there it is. To me everything appears quaint but it's working well. Perhaps changes could be recommended as a result of new thinking and best practices I have studied, but as they say, 'If it works don't break it.' In the meantime I intend keeping my eyes open and my mouth shut."

"I had a similar attitude when I came into the business and received my first real promotion," Matt beamed. "I wanted to change everything by my mother told me that Rome wasn't build in a day and for once I listened."

"You've been a good boy Matt. It appears to me from what I've learned the business is prospering."

Matt's chest puffed out a little and he asked felicitously, "Care for some wine Kerri?"

"Thank you but no. Not during work hours unless it's a social occasion."

"And this is not a social occasion?"

"Matt, you organized this gathering to sort me out because I make you feel uncomfortable but I got in first and slammed you. Now isn't that the truth?"

"To my astonishment Kerri the young woman I didn't think I liked, I'm finding myself doing a real about-face. You are quite amazing. God, if you and Vienna gang up on me..."

"You are a tough cookie Kerri but there is a strong sense of romance about you," Vienna said, taking Kerri's hand. "I'm reminded a little of myself at your age. One day soon I'll tell you about the time thirty-one years ago when Matt told his father he proposed to marry me."

"Mom, I've heard that..." 

"Ow!" yelled Cass, bending down to rub his shin.

"Oooh," Kerry said, glaring at Cass. "I'd like to hear that story Vienna, perhaps over a drink when the men are not in the house."

"What a romantic notion," Vienna smiled and laughed with Kerri.

* * *

That evening Kerri shifted in the Coben's house, known in the neighborhood as Coben Mansion. Later on the bed, with Cass's dick in her hand Kerri said, "I have been studiously examining this little darling in my hand for growth rings but have failed to detect any."

"Little darling?"

"Don't be vain. It sounds sweeter than big darling. Answer the question."

"Twenty-eight."

"I'm twenty-six. I think I told you that."

"You women lie without lying. You told me no such thing and you know it."

"Devious people can be interesting Cass and that's why I find most older women interesting; they have learned the art of the flexibility of language."

"You mean they've learned to lie and twist?"

"Wasn't that what I just said?"

Cass grinned and held up his hands in surrender. "I didn't expect to have you in my bed so soon."

"Well I'm off to find another bedroom. I know when I'm not wanted."

"Stop teasing."

"Okay but seriously Cass, tell me when to go and I'll push off. I'll even leave my job if that would please you."

"Thank you. I'll keep that all in mind."

"You're a real asshole Cass, thinking I was a hooker."

Cass scowled and said what other type of woman goes into a bar alone after 9:00 at night.

"I'd have no idea and I'd think you haven't a clue about female independence. Like all men you think a women going into a bar alone after dark is looking for only one thing and that's not to find out the time."

"You're funny as well as interesting and possessing a great pair of tits and a fucking excellent pussy."

"I'm glad there's something about me that appeals to you. I didn't think it would be my brain and personality."

"Ah, thinking about women being devious, you bopped that asshole who jilted you."

"Dream on Cass. You keep asking that."

"And you keep on denying it."

"So?"

"You brazenly warned my father if he wanted a baseball bat around his skull you were just the girl to do it?"

"So?"

"What other woman would make such an aggressively statement?"

"None I would hope because I like being original. But women slam guys with baseball bats every day."

"How do you know that?"

"I read about it in the newspaper. What do you read, comics? You really don't know what you're talking about Cass. Why don't you fuck me...at least you know about doing that and do it well."

"You are so exasperating at times Kerri. I believe you bopped Kevin Cross."

"Well go and visit him and asked Kevin what he thinks. I have his address. Goodnight."

"Kerri, we were about to fuck?"

"I was but all you wanted to do is attempt to play Dick Tracy and solve a crime. I'm no longer in the mood, sorry darling. Introduce your dick to your hand."

Cass switched out the light and groaned in frustration.

Cass awoke in the morning, feeling like a liftoff from Cape Canaveral, Kerri's soft mouth firmly around his morning erection. He groaned and said good morning darling and urged her not to speak. When she was finished Cass pulled her up to her hands and knees and tore into her as if he hadn't had a woman for six months and had her cream into orgasm.

They were on their backs under the bedclothes still panting when his grinning mother Vienna walked in with coffee and said, "I thought you guys were awake. Good morning darlings."

Kerri pulled the blankets over he head, leaving Cass to thank his mom.

"Come out from under Kerri and I expect you to be nude, hot and sticky. It's a perfectly natural process and I love the idea that my son is having intercourse with a young woman of your caliber. Please believe me Kerri. Matt and I did it earlier this morning so you're not alone."

Kerri came out from under the blankets and mother and houseguest looked at the surprised twerp who asked pathetically, "Do you and dad still do it?" 

* * *

After work Cass suggested going to a movie but Cass wanted him to go to her gym, suggesting while he looked fit he needed toning up. They completed the circuit competitively, Cass managing to outperform her, especially with weights. But she left him for dead on the cycling and running machine. He admitted to her that she was awesome and she kissed him so beautifully he knew that was no passing kiss.

"Come over here and cool down slowly," she said. "This is what I like doing."

She picked out a 32 inch baseball bat, 28 ounces. "Try this."

"It's my bat," he grinned.

"Right, whack the punch bag, not too rapidly, pace yourself. The idea is to cool down slowly."

Kerri watched him for a while and said nice style. "Junior league?"

"Yeah, the competition was too stiff at college."

Cass couldn't conceal her surprise. "You went to college?"

"Yeah, mom made me. What's wrong with that?"

"Nothing. What's you degree?"

"Completed a bachelor's in computer studies and a finance degree. Why are you looking at me like that?"

"You never said."

"You never asked. It's not something one usually talks about."

"I did."

"Ah yes, but you are a bubbly female and actually you were asked about your qualifications, if any. Remember? And please don't shutdown on me; I like your bubbly personality and irreverence for everything including dad."

"I'm not critical of his beliefs."

"No, of course not and I didn't say or mean that but I think you think he's fuddy-duddy."

"Perhaps but I think he's okay."

"I know that and he knows that but he simply cannot understand you. I hear him asking mom about you all the time about the way you express yourself and how on earth can a woman think like you do. Mom's fallen in love with you, in the nicest way. I think you are the daughter she always wanted."

"But you have two sisters, her daughters."

"Well, wait till you meet them. If you see them laugh I'll be surprised."

"Well back to the punch bag. Try this. There's reinforcement around the bag here, here and here."

"I see that."

"Aim for that stitching. It's good for eye-hand coordination and hit those spots squarely and a jolt goes through your arm that I believe helps strengthen them."

As Cass finished he was congratulated as he had improved to hit the stitching consistently.

He smiled and handed Kerri his bat but she put it away and asked him to hand her the bat at the bottom of the second line of bats.

Cass examined the bat and said it was 34 inches and 32 ounces. "It's unsuitable for you; it's a big guy's bat."

Kerri smiled and swinging it a few times to loosen up proceeded to give a brilliant exhibition of batting control, really ripping into it. She thunked the bottom mark four times, spun around and hit left-handed just as accurately and as hard. She worked the center and the top, standing both sides and then sat beside Cass, sweating.

"A remarkable exhibition and you brought me here to show me that, didn't you?"

She looked at him seriously. "Thank you and the truth is I knew you should work out a bit – you're still sitting much too long on your ass. And yes smart-ass, I did want you to see me in action with a baseball bat."

"And why is that particular bat the only really new one on the rack? Don't tell me it has the fewest users."

"The original one was stolen. I donated the money for the replacement."

"And when did that occur?"

"I paid across the money yesterday."

"And why did you feel obliged to make that donation?"

Kerri looked him in the eyes. "Get fucked Cass."

He sighed and told her to do some stretches while cooling down.

"Why?"

"So I can see your tits and pussy lips working under that tight black leotard."

She jumped up and began very acrobatic stretches, giving Cass a hard-on.

Cass opened the car door for Kerri and asked, "When will you confess to me you did it?"

She smiled and said she didn't have a clue what he was on about, causing Cass to become ungentlemanly and mutter "Bitch'. He managed to close the door without slamming it.

Two days later Vienna took Kerri aside and said, "My daughters want to meet you."

"That lovely. Let's meet in a bar."

Vienna sighed. "I don't think you understand Kerri. Their conservative husbands are so outraged they won't accompany their wives and my daughters are not the funniest duo in town."

"Are they wanting to approve of me?"

"Yes, desperately. They are worried that I might be losing my marbles, not only allowing you to stay in my house but also to sleep with their brother."

"I see."

"I've asked them to dinner and darling, I'm sure you mother has from time to time found it necessary to ask you..."

"To dress and act appropriately."

"Yes, that's it, exactly. Oh thank you darling."

The daughters didn't drink so no time was set aside for drinks. They arrived at 8:00 and were sitting at the table with their brother and parents when Kerri entered the room. Vienna had sent Cass up just before his sisters arrived to check that Kerri was dressing modestly. He came back and complained Kerri wouldn't let him into the room. He'd called out what was she wearing and she'd replied something black. His mother had said his sisters would be wearing something black so she expected that would be appropriate.

Matt was the first to see Kerri arriving and he attempted to smother his grin by frowning. Vienna looked up for the reason why he daughters were looking shocked and with a squawk ran from the room, hand over her mouth and shoulders convulsing in near hysterics.

Kerri was dressed only in an incredibly tight black dress. The only way she could reasonably wear underwear was placing it on top. Her brilliant red shoes had 6-inch heels and she had an artificial red hibiscus flower in her hair and her eyes were so made up she was barely recognizable.

"Hello girls," she said.

Vienna, back at the table again and dabbing her eyes, ignored her daughter's shocked look. "Darlings, this is Cassidy's friend playing a little joke. Kerri, this is Dinora, Matt and my second eldest child and this is our youngest, Levia."

"Hi Dinora, Levia. Excuse me, I'll go and change. I couldn't help myself. "

"No, it's fine, don't change on our account," said Dinora. "You have an amazing body."

"Thank you. I understand you are super intelligent?"

"In comparison to my brother yes and Levia has the body."

"Stand and let me see it Levia."

Levia looked at her mother who nodded. She stood and when she put her hands on her slim hips and did a small waggle sat abruptly but looking pleased after Kerri clapped her hands and gave a wolf whistle.

"Life is not all about sex is it?" Kerri said, sitting down at a slow stretch. The two sisters looked at her gratefully.

"On the other hand I guess Vienna and Matt are anxiously waiting for grandchildren?"

"Yes, there are good parents," Levia said.

Startled, Dinora asked, "You call our parents by their first names?"

"I'm the sort of pushy person that encourages people to respond to me like that Dinora. They both invited to call me by their given names."

"You didn't say Christian names like most people do," Dinora said. "Why was that?"

"Well I was up the creek without a paddle. I was unsure of protocol so took the safest option because your mother doesn't want me to upset you, she wants me to impress you."

"Now who's the super intelligent person?" Dinora said.

"Levia, did you know I'm sleeping with Cass?"

Levia looked at Dinora who said to answer the question.

"Yes."

"How did you feel when you first heard and were told Cass and I had only met for the first time the previous night?"

"Well..."

"Go on, I don't bite lovely women."

"Outraged, and I'm not lovely Kerri."

"Your skin looks near perfect to me Levia, you lips are full and although your eyebrows are bushy and you wear no make-up apart from a smear of lipstick that is your choice and I admire you for being the type of young lady you want to be. Do you still feel outraged about me sleeping with your brother?"

"Levia looked at Dinora who said she too was interested in the answer.

"N-no. You are impressing me no end. I must say I'm not used to women like you."

"Well girls, your brother is a naughty young man I do believe when it comes to sex and I have no taboos either because that's the way I think and the way I wish to be. Apart from that and personal beliefs, I would imagine there is not too much different between you two and me. Can you get your heads around that?"

"There you go," said their father. "I told you she was awesome at projecting herself."

"I think Kerri should be in politics," Dinora said, with the hint of a smile. "May I help you serve mother?"

"Thank you but Kerri will help dear."

"Dinora is the eldest daughter," Kerri said softly.

"Oh of course, how thoughtless of me," said Vienna. "Come through with me Dinora darling."

They were quiet at the table, watching Matt open the wine, when they heard Dinora in the kitchen say, "She's lovely mother."

Kerri winked at Levia who smiled over her blush. At that Kerri knew she was looking at a new friend.

Cass and his father began the dishes after the guest left, letting Vienna and Kerri to go to bed. The guys went into the master bedroom after finishing up with a whisky and found Kerri fast asleep beside Vienna.

"She's such a darling," Vienna said. "We think she's super girl but she confided in me that she was almost terrified about tonight and planned a strategy to make an impact because she didn't wish to see our daughters turn on us Matt, especially me. The evening left her near-exhausted and she'd only had two glasses of wine. She also wanted to do well for you Cass, saying that was terrible important to her because you'd virtually picked her out of the gutter."

"That is wrong, so completely wrong."

"It was meant symbolically. After her rejection by her fiancée she was down on her knees spiritually and emotionally– surely you can..."

"Yes I can mother, I can. Oh the poor darling."

"You shouldn't use that term unless you mean it Cass."

"I shall keep that in mind mother." 

"Well I like her," Matt said defiantly. "She's made a huge impact on me."

"She was beside herself in excitement before dropping off to sleep," Vienna said happily. 

"The first thing is Levia has invited you both to dinner next Thursday Cass, I knew Levia would be the first to break and Cass astounded me when she said she'd recognized that, although not knowing either girl, er, women. She said the most extraordinary thing...that it only took a wink. I'll have to ask exactly what she meant because a simple wink could not have achieved that breakthrough."

"Unless applied with superb timing?"

"Well yes Matt, perhaps you have something there."

Matt asked what was the second thing.

Vienna reached for his hand. "Please Matt, don't be angry and feel I'm being disloyal, but I whispered to Kerri that she is the daughter I always wanted."

"What, you already have two dear girls?"

"I know Matt and please try to understand. Kerri understands enough to propel me into my dream world. She knows a lot about fashion and makeup – women's things. And she ventures into that world unafraid. I'm not Jewish and you accept that Matt and I love you for that, as without you being prepared to bend we would never have come this far together. Can you see this: Kerri is capable of taking me into my lost world and it won't change me Matt as far as my love for you and my children goes. All it will do, if it happens, is to put me firmly on the divide, with a foot in both lifestyles. It is intellectual and materialistic, nothing to do with religion. Do you understand?"

"I think so."

"Kerri would not set out to corrupt mother, I think you know that dad."

"That I know son, that I know. I like to say that you and Kerri must go away on a shopping weekend together Vienna. Go into New York and stay at a reasonably price hotel. Draw five thousand dollars from our personal account. I see this as something that will enrich your spirit. You have sacrificed a great deal to bring our daughters up my way."

"But they are happy about that dear."

Matt flicked at one of his eyes. "And it makes me happy at hearing you say that Vienna, very happy indeed."

The three of them hugged, Vienna weeping, and she urged Cass to be careful "carrying my sweet darling to bed."

CHAPTER 3

Two weeks later Kerri and Cass went midweek to dinner at Kerri's parent's home. Her father was slurring his words and weaving on his feet. Kerri whispered to Cass her father was drunk, saving him having to whisper his opinion to her. Mother Thelma was friendly and charming and a good cook but Cass was left asking himself where was the passion and the interaction within that family?




Jilted Kerri Saunders



After a few drinks the mother revealed her indifference, saying openly, "I was rather surprised Kerri your took up with another man so quickly after your last aborted effort."

Kerri looked stonily at her mother and Cass nodded profoundly. What was there to say? The biggest surprise was Mrs Saunders had said that. He was glad Kerri hadn't said, 'The another man has a name mother'. And why was Mrs Saunders apparently blaming Kerri for being dropped two days out from the altar: 'her last aborted effort'? and what did she mean by last – had there been others?

It was rather too much. At the first opportunity he whispered, "Can we go now?" 

Kerri replied, "My poor lamb. It would be polite if we endured this for another hour but let's zap out of here in thirty minutes."

"Thanks darling."

"The pleasure is all mine. You may pleasure me tonight."

Late that night, as they were about to couple for the second time, Cass asked, "Are you about ready to accept a marriage proposal?"

"Yes, how nice of your to ask. Gawd, you are thick this time."

The women were away on The Great Shopping Spree. Cass and his father cooked the meal left prepared by numbers, double-checking the times and only just missing breaking two serving dishes when getting in each other's way.

After they cleared away they sat in the lounge looking morose.

"It's horribly quiet in here," Matt complained. "Why's that?"

"No women."

"Are you trying to tell me women liven up a place? It's the men who do that."

"Men just fill in the holes with grunts."

"You can't be serious Cass."

"Could you talk about something else dad? You're making me miss mom and Kerri."

"How long have they been gone?"

"Almost ten hours."

"It feels like two days."

"Dad? Lay off."

"Okay, okay. When are you going to make an honest woman out of Kerri?"

"When we settle down."

"But you two are settled and we love having you here."

"Kerri wants to be hired by someone who'll allow her to make executive decisions."

"What?"

Cass sighed. "I said Kerri wants to be hired..."

"I heard you say that. She's virtually working for us as operations manager."

"True, but operating your way. She'd not allowed to change a production run, design new packaging or introduce a new product without close referral to you and your rejection outright of her suggestion is running just over 90%."

"I am appalled. Fetch the whisky bottle son."

Later Matt confided he was so depressed. The thought of Kerri not being at the office every day appalled him.

"Dad, she's only drafted a reply to that company seeking a director of operations. I'm pretty sure she hasn't sent it."

"Well, I'll fix that. I'm giving her a hefty pay rise. It will mean she'll be earning more than you but that's what happens to bean counters."

"Thank you dad, I promise I won't be offended by your remark or your actions but it won't work."

"Won't work. Whoever turns down money?"

"Meet Kerri dad, she wants greater autonomy not more money and she has spent at least a month restructuring your business."

"But my business doesn't need restructuring. Everyone knows that."

"Except Kerri dad. Want to see her plan? It's on her laptop."

There was a knock on the door. A courier guy handed Cass a heavy carton and a packing slip and said there were thirteen more items in the elevator.

"What on earth are couriers doing delivering at 9:45 at night?"

"The consignee, your wife, requested urgent delivery because they can't move around their hotel room for shopping."

"How much shopping is that?"

"Lots of it dad. Listen, you have to learn to trust women when you give them money."

"This is becoming too much for me."

"It's called life and life changes dad. Get used to it."

Bleary-eyed, Matt looked at the notes he'd made sitting in front of the laptop with Cass. "I can't believe this. It's not the business I know. Product lines slashed by 58%, staff reduced by 55%, the business restricted to three floors, the top floor leased at as premium space after $233,000 in upgrading costs including rebuilding the elevator, a five-times increase in gross turnover and this net return is simply obscene."

"Well, it's theory dad. There's your way of shipping distributors product they expect from you or Kerri and her cohort's way of surveying to find what end-users want and spending a lot more on marketing and slashing overheads while doing that. I've spent huge time on the financials dad and if Kerri's surveying and marketing produce the results she says they will then I'm very confident of my figures."

"Then if this revolution is the way to go, why haven't you and Kerri sat down with me and tried to convince me of it?"

"Because you are too pigheaded dad."

"Did Kerri agree with that?"

"No, she said you'd look at the big cuts in staffing and say, "No way, most of these people have been with me for years."

"That's Kerri; that girl has brains and an understanding of people Cass which is something beyond the comprehension of you bean counters."

"Thanks dad."

"What now?"

"Kerri told us what would happen but we didn't believe her."

Matt said ominously, "Who is we?"

"Mom and me."

"You mean Vienna has been in on this with you two from the outset?"

"Well, I guess I now let the cat out of the bag and say yes."

Matt scowled: "This is a conspiracy Cass and you three are in it up to your necks. The women going shopping together and sending back horrifying amounts of shopping is part of the softening up process. Then phase two kicks in and you reveal this secret plan in great confidentiality and a barrel is held to my head: either cute Kerri gets to play company reformer or she packs her toys and leaves."

"There you go dad. Mom and I reckoned introducing this restructuring plan by stealth would fail because you hadn't the brains to work out this sly maneuver. But Kerri disagreed. She said you hadn't got where you are today and holding on so credibly without having brains, eyes in the back of your head and fine-tuned business acumen. She's your natural successor dad, so give her some rein and really take her under your wing."

"But you son, you are my successor."

"No dad, I agree with you: I'm only a bean-counter."

"We'll have to talk about this son. I still can't get over that clever little bitch working out I'd figure out this crass deception of hers. She should be working high up in corporate business."

"She says she's more comfortable here. She tried corporate business during semesters and found a common lack of integrity."

"So she thought family business and found you?"

For a moment Cass looked stunned. Then he smiled: "It's a thought dad but relies too much on coincidence. I'm sure we met totally by chance. Anyway, the die is cast and I'm not going to chance it. She said you'll accept the concept and make practically no changes to the strategic plan and our new business plan."

"Did she now."

"Yes and wants cash from reserves to establish a fund to offer voluntary retirements to selected personnel. She says retirements, voluntary terminations, natural attrition and an almost nil hiring policy will have us at the desirable staffing numbers within eighteen months to two years."

"Does she now."

"Kerri believes your daughters will accept her becoming managing director under her plan to restructure the company by creating proportional stockholding between you, mom and your three children. The stockholders when receiving their dividend each six month will then decide the amount of Kerri's half-yearly performance bonus, if any."

"What, she doesn't want a slice of the company?"

"No dad, she says she is an outsider on equal footing with your two sons."

"I see. Very impressive."

Cass yawned and said, "Come on dad, it's almost 2 o'clock, well beyond your bedtime. Mom will help Kerri find a wedding dress tomorrow. Any questions?"

THE END