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Plain Jane Full of Surprises

By: Egmont Grigor



CHAPTER 1

The bar clock was showing 7:00 and everyone from the office who weren't already a couple were pairing off, with a couple of exceptions. Jane McClay remained the power of one because no one ever paired off with her. She gritted, thinking any guy who wanted to couple could plunge into her in the cloakroom and she wouldn't even demand use of a condom.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah."

Tony Allen from accounts, pulling on his coat in the cloakroom, said, "I'm going your way Jane. Want a ride?"

God, he had a reputation for doing any woman under sixty. She had this vision with her legs over Tony's shoulders and her skirt up over her face. Oh yuk. "Thanks Tony, some other time huh?"

"Suit yourself. I probably will have a better chance with Linda with you not in the car."

What, Tony Allen offering her a ride when he had the hottest woman in accounts in the car? The offer to her must have been genuine, without being asked to give something in return. Linda lived two streets out beyond her. They bussed in each day together.

Jane began walking home. The buses were always jammed at this time of evening and she preferred walking with the temperature dropping like this, bringing roses to her cheeks and her hands gloved and in fur-lined pockets of her coat. She wondered if Linda would be more than Tony could handle. Did it matter? She decided it didn't but hoped Linda didn't have too far to walk with her knickers in her bag and her inner thighs wet.

Suddenly she was hit by a gust of wind. Fuck, where did that come from? She looked up and in the reflected light from the city could see a storm was rolling in under the higher cloud covering.

"Tony!" she yelled hopelessly into the wind. There would be no chance of getting a cab.

It was just like one of her dreams. A car with a powerful purring motor pulled up alongside her and the window wound down.

"It's getting rough and going to get rougher out there. You best jump in."

The map reading light was on and she saw enough to know that he looked thirty, had blonde hair, a nicely cut jaw and that's about all she could see in available light. Did he have great teeth, look trustworthy and pose no threat to her?

Jane was rocked by another more powerful blast of wind. Sexual assault or die on the pavement? She thought neither was likely. "Thanks for the offer. Would you have stopped for a guy?"

"No."

"Well that makes you appear honest. I think you should know I'm plain and..."

"Lady, move you ass and get in here. I don't have a jacket on and am getting cold with that window open."

"Okay, okay. Coming in."

"If you're plain and are slow to make your mind up you'll attract no attention from me," he said, powering up the window and stepping on the gas enough to be pressed into her seat by the grunty acceleration.

"That's reassuring."

He glanced at her and said what was?

What, had he forgotten already what he'd just said? She said something she knew he'd like. "I meant the healthy sound of your powerful car."

"This baby epitomizes how I wish to project myself."

"What, made of steel, overpowered, the smell of leather and wax and a number plate stuck over your wide chest?"

He grinned, slapped her high above the knee and laughed, "You're funny."

Jane managed to suppress her scream. That slap was right over her stocking top. How dare he!

"What's your name baby?"

"Jane."

"What just plain Jane or is there an extension?"

"Plain Jane is fine. I'm used to being called that, even by my aunts. If you must know its Jane McClay."

"What, are you the wife of our city's top defense attorney?"

"No you idiot he's my father," Jane laughed.

"A Plain Jane can't have a lilt in her laugh like that."

"Watch that cat."

"Seen it. You should be in the back seat driving."

"Well you aren't lost for humor."

He laughed and Jane clearly saw he had great teeth. He also looked familiar.

"I'm Teddy Russo."

"Oh God, not the lead in 'Heartbreak Street'?"

"That's the one. So you didn't recognize me by my handsome side profile?"

"Are you for real? Anyway it's dark in here. I'm surprise a guy so up himself would stop to give me a lift."

She saw the teeth flash again. "You know babe, you're all right."

"Well I'm not sure about you."

The teeth flashed. "That's unusual for a woman of your age who watches 'The Street' on Wednesday nights"

"My age, you haven't a clue what my age is."

"I'll try twenty-seven."

Jane said nothing.

"I'm not cheating but I tend to know women twenty to forty."

"I bet."

"Now, now. Be pleasant. The wind has died and here comes the first flurry. I guess we are heading in the right direction otherwise you would have given directions."

"I'm not in the back seat." 

He grinned and she said Swanson."

"Mommy will have a great fire going and a steaming dinner ready to serve?"

"No one is home tonight. Dad and mom are at a Rotary dinner."

"Well come home and have dinner with us."

"What?"

"I'm not a complete asshole Jane. I am pleasant to some people."

Jane almost spat that she didn't know him. Teddy said if she had dinner with his family he'd get to know her. He called on his hands-free phone. "Mom, I picked up this chick on the drive home and am bringing her home for dinner."

"That's fine Teddy. Get her to wipe her feet before coming into the house."

Jane growled thanks but pointed out a little icily she was not to be called a chick.

"Sorry."

"Accepted."

The mansion was on Highland Hill and Teddy opened the fifth of six garage doors by remote and drove in.

"Your father owns media doesn't he, our morning newspaper, lots of smaller newspapers, a TV station and several regional radio stations?"

"Yes and is half-owner of New Century Cinemas."

"I'm not dressed to be presented to your parents."

Teddy turned serious and said in a funny voice, "Jane dear, it's not that I've proposed marriage to you yet."

She laughed, called him and idiot and reminded him to wipe his feet.

"Mom, dad, Robyn, Casey and Tim. This is Plain Jane who I found battling the elements on her way home. She lives with her parents who are dining out so she's here."

"Teddy, how dare you call this young woman Plain Jane..."

"It's fine Mrs Rosso, I'm used to it. For the record I'm Jane McClay."

"William McClay's daughter?"

"Yes Mrs Rosso."

"I went to school with your father and he's successfully defended me twice – dangerous driving and drunken driving. But I'm a good girl now. Come through to the guest bathroom. Casey pour Jane a Martini or would you prefer warmed up red wine?"

"A martini would be fine."

"Please call me Aveline."

"Oh what a beautiful name."

Aveline smiled, opening the door. "Some famous women in history have been called Jane. Treasure your name dear. Come out when you are ready. Have a shower if you wish."



"Hi, call me Guy," said Mr Russo standing when Jane re-entered the room. What do you work at?"

"I'm IT manager at Simpson, Dome and Fischer."

"My accountants? You are extremely young for such responsibility as they are a mid-size company."

"I'm forty."

Everyone looked at Jane.

"Does that make you feel more confident about me Guy?"

"Hell girl, you have humor with sauce, very unlike the bimbos Teddy brings home."

"I'm sure they are all fine women Guy until they indicate otherwise."

Aveline said, "Well said Jane. You appear to be very lively company."

"I hope I didn't mislead you. I'm twenty-seven."

Smiling, Aveline asked Casey to help serve dinner and asked, "Undoubtedly Jane you will have a degree in that position of responsibility?"

"Well yes, I'm expecting to complete my doctorate in computer science by the end of this year."

Teddy and his father Guy looked at one another with raised eyebrows while Tim looked doubtful and asked, "What age did you go to college?"

"It was Gunson University and I started at seventeen but was not the only freshman that young. My bachelor's took four years, my master's two years, I then went straight in at Simpson, Dome and Fischer as a senior IT technician, proved my worth and at the end of last year was appointed department manager. Meanwhile I'd commenced my PhD and look as if I'll squeeze through in three years."

"Online obviously."

"Partly. My university runs night classes for postgraduate students because many of us work."

"You must be a bright cookie Jane."

"Thank you Tim. Where are you at?"

"I'm in my final year in my BA in history. I want to teach history."

"Oh that's lovely Tim. If you project well you'll love your work. Students tend to grab on to history as they mature a bit so go for senior classes."

Everyone looked at Jane as if she was some sort of Oracle. Tim's eyes ballooned to huge.

The food arrived and during a lull in conversation Jane heard Aveline say quietly to Teddy, "She fits in very well."



Teddy took Jane home and didn't kiss her or say he'd see her again, not that she expected it. Out in the vehicle and standing in the very light snow covering she thanked him for saving her from the weather, allowing her to meet his family and giving her sustenance.

"The women my mother call bimbos usually slosh down liquor and try to work out just how wealthy my father is and they ignore mom."

"You father probably has more debt that cashed-up wealth and your mom is just so lovely. I have a feeling she works. What does she do?"

"She's a surgeon and works mainly on children with leg deformities. Good night."

Jane's mother Belinda opened the front door for her, holding a glass and swaying.

"Oh mom. You promised me if you had drinks when you were out you wouldn't imbibe when you came home."

"Oh, when did I promise that dear? It must have been a long time ago."

Jane shook her head and looked at her over-weight mother rocking, her glasses were not on straight and she had food spills on the front of her jacket. "It was last Thursday."

"Oh, you said it was a long time ago."

Jane walked past her mother and into her father's study.

"Dad, do something. She's drinking."

"I'm sick of rowing with her over the booze and no way am I going to lock it up. When she starts embarrassing me when I take her out then I'll do something, like not taking her out with me again."

"Dad, that's pathetic."

"Shut it Jane. This is my house and she's my wife. I'll do it my way thank you."

"I had dinner with a guy at his home. His mother is Aveline Russo."

William looked at her and said Jane would like Aveline. "She was a stunner at high school and I dated her a few times and occasionally when she came home from med school even when I was going out with your mom by then."

"Yes I do like her."

"Me too. I represented her a couple of times when she lost it after her mother was knocked down and killed by a hit and run driver. It was a truckie and the cops never did track him down. They believed the driver might not have known he hit her as it was a dark morning and about to snow."

"So she went through a booze problem?"

"Yes. And pulled herself out of it."

"Do you mind if I ask her to sit and talk to mom?"

"Help yourself. When have I ever stopped you doing anything you decide to do?"

"Right but there's someone in the next room drinking by herself that you ought to make her stop it and haul her off to dry out somewhere."

"Off you go Jane. Nagging from one of you if enough for me."

On Thursday one of the junior receptionists came into Jane's department highly excited. "Teddy Rosso is here," she said, cupping her small boobs and jiggling them, appearing oblivious to what she was doing.

"I'll come out."

"No, he wants to come in and see your workplace."

"Okay, wheel him in."

Maggie came in with him, bowing and scraping and all the word processing women had turned around and were gawking. What's up with them? Jane thought and looked to see if Teddy's zip was down, knowing it wouldn't be that. Couldn't those bird-brained women understand he was only an actor, no more important and no more useful than they were?

"Hi Teddy. Come to check me out?"

"Sort of."

"What grammar textbook lists 'sort of' as a legitimate expression?"

He grinned and the girl standing beside him almost fainted when seeing his smile and over-sized teeth. 

Jane said kindly, "Maggie, the reception desk probably needs you."

"Goodbye Mr Rosso."

"Thank you Maggie for your exceptional service."

The poor kid almost walked through the self-closing glass door. 

"There's the manager's office and you can see my name on the name plate," Jane said sarcastically. She led him into the office and said there were her BSc and MSc in Computer Science certificates on the wall and..."

"Jane, please. I admit having initial disbelief when you said you had those academic qualifications and were manager of an IT department of a company employing perhaps one hundred people."

"Two hundred and ninety-two people."

"Jesus, that many? Mom told me after you left the other night she remembered you being capped with your MSc because she was there with her sister to see Melissa Franks being capped. Mom is Melissa's aunt."

"Well, isn't it a small world. Melissa is one of my best friends. I'm to be one of her bridesmaid's in a few weeks."

'December the tenth. We received our invitations last week."

"Well that's spiffy. Now you've checked me out you can go."

"I-I was interested in finding out what you do. You know, being shown around."

"Very well. Almost everyone who works here apart from the handyman and café staff have laptops with about forty, mainly senior older partners and word-processing women preferring desktops computers. We look after minor glitches and write programs for individuals – I have twelve people in this department. In that side room over there is our main computer and smaller standby computer. Everyone with a desktop or laptop downloads for backup each evening before going home. At 9:00 pm our main computer backups all data files on to tape, with a copy going to the standby computer, a copy to our branch office 35 miles away and yet another copy is transmitted to an online storage facility in a country not named for reasons of security. Four of those persons closest to us are writing program for personnel with specific needs, two are downloading required files off the internet, three are attempting quick fixes of computers otherwise they will be couriered to our outside repair contractor and the others are waiting for calls for assistance that may range from a drive crash or a senior partner who has fucked up by overwriting another file when attempting to save his work before playing a computer game."

Teddy grinned: "So the idiots are at the top?"

"Isn't that common with all companies including your TV program production company and institutions like universities?"

Teddy showed his teeth and said, "Oh, aren't we bitter? Actually, come to think about it our program production company is top-heavy with misfits."

As they stood outside the door to the IT department Jane thought for a moment Teddy was about to kiss her. God those women in the word processing pool would kill her! But he was talking quietly.

"...party on Friday night at the Palladium Restaurant. Please say yes."

"Yes to what?"

"Be my partner to a dinner for the cast and partners Friday night."

Jane said dismissively, "Don't waste your time. You'll have scores of beautiful women who'll go with you."

"They are mostly bimbos Jane that hang around guys like me."

"We'll we have at least six blondes with great figures and awesome intelligence who are junior partners in this company. Come I make introductions and you can tell me your choice. They are married but are not dumb; any of them will partner you but the really clever ones will insist that their husband picks them up at the restaurant after the function ends."

"No, I want you."

"Are you mad?"

"If you want me to say yes then it appears so."

"Oh all right. I must get back to my work." 

With a grin Jane called to the only bimbo in the word-processing pool, "Oh Rose, could you kindly escort Mr Rosso back to reception."

Rose stepped out and advanced with swinging hips and bosom, licking lush lips.

"Oh hi Teddy. I'm your biggest fan. This is truly the greatest moment of my entire life and I assure you I don't have a boyfriend at present. Please take my hand and come with me."

The entire word processing pool was in near hysterics. Jane almost puked when she went through her doorway and heard Teddy say throatily, "Oh Rose baby. Do I like the way you have been constructed."

The shrieks of laughter from the pool attracted their supervisor and other people who arrived on the run.

Back in her office Jane panicked. "You stupid bitch," she wailed. "How stupid to accept. He doesn't circulate with people like you."

Being intelligent she quickly flicked through possible strategies. The idea of shooting herself was immediately discarded and she zeroed in on the one with strongest possibilities. She called the Children's Orthopedic Hospital to make the contact and two hours later Aveline called her.

"It's no problem dear and your need is not quite like the needs I'm dealing with here but nevertheless it's a real need," said the eminent surgeon. "I'm absolutely flattered you thought of calling me rather than anyone else, even my daughters."

"Mothers know best, except my mother," Jane said. To her dismay she burst into tears.

"Look, I believe there is more than one problem. I take Friday afternoons off. May we meet at Sally's Café for lunch at 1:00 Friday? I'll then give you all the attention you require."

"Thanks (sniff) Aveline (sniff)."

"God, am I glad you are human like the rest of us Jane. My younger children who are all at college can't believe you almost have your doctorate. Teddy doesn't know what to make of you; you have him intrigued which is not like him at all."

"Bye (sniff)."

* * *

Jane took off Friday afternoon and was delighted when she arrived at the café early to find Aveline already seated.

They talked first about the drinking problem of Jane's mother.

"Darling, I won't beat around the bush. I know from first-hand experience of the demon in alcohol. It had me by the throat for a couple of months and the hospital suspended me for six months. That shock brought me to me senses to regain control of my life. I shall call and talk to your mother. When would be the best time?"

"Sunday morning for coffee?"

"We do think alike."

"Just arrive this Sunday around 10:00 and I'll do the rest and then leave you two having coffee. Dad will be at golf."

They then discussed Jane's dilemma.

"Yes, many of the women will be openly into sex, drugs and will drink heavily and wear outrageous clothes Jane. I suggest rather than you dress like the mob I want you to be quite the reverse, and dress normally."

"What?"

"It would please Teddy. I figured you have stoned him, being like no other woman. You didn't have sex with him on the way back to your home the other night did you?"

"Good heavens, of course not. I scarcely know your son."

"Then you must get my point?"

"Y-e-s."

"Good, but it's not only sex. You didn't go on and on about 'Heartbreak Street' and what a convincing actor he is and how handsome he looks on screen. You even told him it was a wonder a guy so up himself would stop to give any woman a lift in the face of rapidly deteriorating weather. In fact you didn't mention the show at all in our company and you spent more time talking to the rest of us than him and showed huge interest in my other children where they were at in their education. I can't recall anyone outside of family showing such interest in them."

"Well that's not all I noticed."

"What was that dear?"


Plain Jane Full of Surprises



"You might not want to hear. It may upset you."

Aveline smiled. "Is that so. Now you have me really interested. Spit it out."

"In my presence, and that's all I can talk about, you openly favored Casey over her older sister Robyn. I first noticed when you asked Casey to help you serve dinner; Robyn's head dropped."

Aveline sat frozen.

"You told me you were so proud of Casey's selection in her college ski team and throughout the meal you told me things about Casey but never once did you mention Robyn. In fact Tim was chirping away and Robyn practically said nothing so I wonder why?"

"Oh God," Aveline groaned. "Robyn is mentally and physically lazy rather than slow and conversationally passive, just like my sister Nancy was. I gradually began ignoring Nancy until it was almost as if she wasn't there, not that she complained. And now I'm behaving exactly the same way with Robyn."

"But unintentionally?"

"God yes."

"But now you know and will gradually attempt to slowly address it, rather than saying anything or going at it like a bull at a gate."

"Yes, that's common sense, isn't it?"

Jane smiled and took Aveline's hand. "I bet in every other way you are a great mother."

Aveline stared at Jane. "Teddy sees something in you but he doesn't know what it is. You are most unusual Jane and I think I know what it might be. You are different, you see things differently, you approach things differently and you don't allow garbage to clutter your mind and your emotions are perhaps minimally developed. You don't appear to care how you look, what others may think of you simply because it doesn't matter to you. Your whole focus is tuned into getting on with your life, without garbage. It allows you to see clearly, to think clearly."

"Okay, enough Aveline. I've had experts tell me that and more. Actually very well done because your discipline is surgical, not psychology. You know yourself not to rush it with Robyn. She's slow and clumsy and that's why you've turned more to Casey rather than some mirrored behavioral linkage with your sister as a child, at least that's my hunch. If I'm correct the problem is not deep-seated."

"You may be right. In fact it will be best if I do think you right. I will take is easy and in fact I know a subtle way to take a big step forward. Robyn asked for money to book for a trip to Mexico for the Spring Break and I said no. I'll call her and say I've had a change of mind because I remember going on wild Spring Breaks and they didn't change me from being me."

"Oh great, and make sure you give her that explanation for the mind change. It sounds totally convincing, not doubt because it's the truth."

"You are a tonic for me young lady. Now no protests. I booked you into my hairdresser's when you called earlier in the week. Your appointment is at 4:00 so we have time for me to buy you dress, underwear and shoes."

"I'll buy the shoes, I'll allow you to buy the dress because I know it's what you want to do."

"No, I'm buying and you can smother me with thanks."

"Thank you and now for a barb. "When did you last take Robyn out shopping?"

"Oh god." 



CHAPTER 2

Jane's mother said, "Oh look at you. You look a million dollars."

"Thanks mom," Jane said, aware her mom was sober or appeared so. She hoped her mother wouldn't ask because Jane knew only told the truth."

"That get-up looks very expensive. What did it cost?"

"I honestly don't know. Leave it mom."

"You don't know. Well I know you wouldn't have stolen the dress and shoes and they look too new to have come from a hire store. I want to know Jane."

"Mrs Rosso paid for them. I'm going to a big dinner tonight with her son and she wanted me looking good because it will probably be filmed and a clip will run on TV news."

"You allowed Mrs Rosso to pay for them?"

"She insisted. I have plenty of money but she insisted. I think perhaps her daughters are never out of jeans and tops."

"Well I suppose that explains it. That woman is a big-time surgeon so will be creaming in the money."

Jane dropped the suggestion on to her mom. "Would you like to meet Mrs Rosso?"

"Yes I would. I have seen her at functions and spoke to her briefly a couple of times."

"What about coffee this Sunday morning?"

"Well I don't know. I might have a big night Saturday."

"Right, 10:00 on Sunday. Mrs Rosso will brighten your days; she's lovely."

* * *

Teddy called that he was about to enter Swanson. 

Jane replied, "Stay on the street, I'll run out. Toot when you arrive."

Her mother waited with Jane in the hallway, stroking the side of Jane's velvet dress.

"This reminds me of the times before marriage when I used to date," he mother said softly.

"Oh mom, how I love it when you are free of the demon in liquor," Jane said, without passion, kissing her mom on the cheek.

Twin air-horns blasted and that was the end of mother-daughter intimacy.

Teddy sat in the car. Jane stood by her unopened door, dressed entirely inadequately for the swirling chilly wind but this was 'High Noon'.

"Oh sheet," she heard her date groan. His door flew open and he ran around dressed in something that reminded her of Elvis Presley and opened her door and bowed, saying, "Welcome to my Pumpkin Coach my princess."

Jane entered, giggling.

"And how am I to gain entry beneath your panties this evening," asked the prince as they approached the venue.

"Convince you are worthy and my kingdom is yours," answered the princess, sending the prince into a cackling fit and he almost crashed into the ticket dispensing machine.

A big cheer went up as they entered and subsided even faster when eyes had had time to rove over his unknown partner. She was slightly taller than their star, an absolute no-no, she was not blonde – the hair color could be described as multiple-browns – and although it had been combed-up, obviously professionally, it was neither long nor short and without defining features, bereft even of ornamentation. She was made up but photogenic? No. The black body-hugging dress was expensively stylish but where were the tits or even padding, the belly was rounded and the outline of thighs looked powerful, not fat but definitely not star quality. The lower legs were as good, possibly fabulous and the shoes? They were something, really something.

The room had fallen silent and someone called, "Who's the babe?"

Teddy pulled on his Number 1 smile and said, "Everyone, this is Jane McClay, a female genius."

The women reacted as if they felt threatened and the guys reached nervously for their glass.

"She's cool but a little wholesome," Teddy said to the perhaps eighty people in the room. "Jane won't bite, and don't feel threatened. Come on, let's party."

The band resumed playing and with cocktail hour ended wait staff began showing people to their tables.

Hours later on the way home Teddy said, "I had thought of humping you on the back seat but mom asked me to fetch you home."

It was almost 2:00 in the morning and Aveline in her dressing gown came to the door accessing the garages.

"Oh hello darling," she greeted and kissed Jane warmly. "I've made up the guest room for your two if you wish to stay."

"That is lovely Aveline. Yes I'll stay if Teddy wants me to."

Teddy looked slightly fazed. "Yes of course. Why are you two are acting as if you are friends?"

"Jane is fast becoming one of the best friends I have."

That reply had Teddy scratching his head.

Aveline whispered to Jane. "Delivering my change of mind worked beyond my wildest expectation. Robyn has been all over me calling me 'Mommy darling'. I can't remember when she last called me that."

"Well, she too has some catching up to do."

"Coffee ladies?" Teddy asked, wondering what the hell was going on.

"No thank you," chorused the two women, in perfect timing adding with not such perfect timing, "It's time for bed."

Teddy began undressing Jane rather slowly. He confessed, "I'm not sure what I will find."

"Sorry to disappoint but you'll not find I've sprouted a penis"

Teddy's hands shook as his body rocked to suppressed laughter.

Finally he had Jane stripped to her stockings and was sniffing her knickers. She asked calmly what did he think.

"You carry a bit too much weight, your breasts are no larger than my hands but the nipples are awesome."

"So do I jump into bed and go to sleep or do you wish to fuck me?"

"Um, make love to you."

"Teddy, grow up. You don't love me so how can you make love to me?"

"Well what you said." He caught Jane's disapproving look so hastened, "I wish to fuck you."

"Right, I'm going on to the bed and want to watch you undress. Then you run the seduction."

"It's late, can we do the slow seduction some other time?"

Jane said, "If I disappoint there won't be another time."

"I'll work at improve your techniques. The biggest fault with women they don't realize the level of the participation expected of them."

Jane adopted a rather studious look. "Oh really, that sounds very enlightening."

Teddy said nothing and unzipped. What jumped out caught Jane's breath.

Jane sucked him, didn't swallow but spat out and rubbed his semen on to her chest. That earned her a big tick.

She lay on her back and did little, and earned two angry crosses.

They finished with doggy and once again she was static but her muffled screams earned something so for that in Teddy's head was awarded half a point.

"How did I go?" she asked without emotion.

"I knew you were there, but only just?

"Is that criticism?"

He rocked, muffling his laughter to avoid waking up the household and to try to avoid upsetting Jane.

But to his surprise she took it on the chin. She kissed him when he said she had a beautiful cunt and didn't scowl when he added it was a pity she didn't know how to use it.

"Then you are prepared to tutor me?"

He nodded.

"More active communication would be appreciated."

"Yes, I'll tutor you. It would be a waste to mankind if I failed to do that?"

"Ooooh," Jane yawned, her green eyes widening. A bolt of something seemed to leap out of her and seize Teddy's heart. For half a second he thought he was having a heart attack but when she said, "I'll be useless, I'm almost asleep but fuck me if you wish to get another shot away, Teddy realized Jane had won his heart. He too was tired, so he pulled her on to his chest and went to sleep and dream erotically about Jane becoming the best fuck on the planet. That was the thing about dreams...

Aveline entered the room with coffee and after hearing sleepy thanks she discreetly opened the French doors to air the room.

"You two look lovely there together. It's great to at least see you with a lady at your side Teddy."

"Thanks mom."

"Jane, we are going on to the lake for a cruise, the last lake picnic before the launch is mothballed for the winter."

"Thank you Aveline, but I'd feel I were intruding on the last lake outing before winter."

"I had two other children at the breakfast table who joined Casey in urging me to ask you to join us. They knew you probably would be spending the night here."

"Oh."

"I don't want Jane to come mom. I'd much rather her disappoint you and the kids."

"Aveline, thank you for the kind invitation; I accept."

In the shower Teddy lifted up Jane and spiked her. She was aware he was under considerable strain because she was no lightweight and could see the bulging tendons in his neck. So she whispered into her ear, "Fuck me, fuck me" and told Teddy what she was feeling and thinking and she thumped back at him to try to bring him quickly to his climax. She ended up with a shriek, emptying herself, and Teddy just jerked and jerked into her groaning and they tumbled into a heap into the corner of the shower, but with no damage done.

"Oh," Teddy groaned. "I feel I'll never be able to walk again."

"Oh darling, are you hurt," Jane worried, wide-eyed.

"No you fool. Fuck you have a great deal to learn."

Jane giggled, looking ever so pleased.



Ralph Russo started the inboard engine and when he put it into gear it immediately stalled.

"Fuck," he growled, "something is caught around the propeller."

Teddy called, "It's a rope – I can see it dad."

He fiddled around without success. Ralph growled, "Someone will have to go in to untangled it. The water will be freezing; our wetsuits are at home."

"I'll go dad," Casey said, beginning to strip off."

"No wait."

Casey turned to look at Jane curiously.

Jane said, "Why weren't you a volunteer Robyn?"

"What's the use, I'm never picked."

"Tim, why are you chicken. Does cold water frighten you?"

He grinned. "Okay you bully. I volunteer."

Jane said and so did she and invited Aveline to pick someone to take the cold plunge. Of course Jane had seen what was coming and said, "Well if Robyn is beefing about not being picked I pick her."

"Thanks mom," Robyn said sarcastically, and began throwing off layers of clothing until she was down to her bra and panties. She then jumped over the side without ado. She came up gasping. "Fuck, this will freeze my tits off me."

Everyone including her mother laughed. Aveline then urged her to hurry. Two duck dives later the rope came free and Teddy took up the slack and pulled it in. Ralph pulled Robyn from the water and grinning said her breasts were obviously still attached. Aveline wrapped a towel around Robyn and said, "Into the shower for you my heroine. Thank goodness the shower is instant-gas heated."

Aveline was up on the fly bridge at the helm when Jane took up a bottle of wine and two glasses. Tim and Teddy had gone to sleep and Casey and Robyn were reading magazines before preparing lunch.

"Oh thanks lovely lady. Sorry about the chill. In summer this is a dream cruising along up here with an elevated view.

"So it's the last memory of autumn?"

Aveline smiled and said she was surprised Jane had set up Robyn. "You advised me to go slow, so no one would notice."

"Correct, but it was the perfect set up. I figured Tim with his usual smart backchat would be the diversion I needed. Only you and I weren't suckered, don't you think?"

"Indeed. It was beautifully executed and I know Robyn feels good about herself. She called from the shower she was pleased she'd done something worthwhile for the family and she wanted Teddy to look at her practically nude body because her wet underwear was practically transparent."

"Oh goodness," Jane said, slapping a hand over her mouth to muffle her laughter. "College experience is making her more liberal."

"Yes but I want her father and her brother out of her sights," Aveline said, appearing a little worried.

"Well if she loses perspective her brother and father are unlikely to yield I would think."

'Oh there goes Miss Sense and Sensibility again. Thank you for pacifying me darling."

"Aveline, you have two daughters who deserve to be call darling ahead of me."

"Ouch," Aveline said, smacking her hand.

* * * 

On Monday when arriving at work Jane noticed fellow-workers looking at her with more than usual attention and Maggie's wide grin almost split her mouth. When she was almost to the door to the sealed environment of IT Rose rushed up to her.

"Well done Jane. Is it big."

No understanding Jane said she didn't understand.

"Does he have a big dick," Rose said and racing back to the desk of one of her workmates came back with Page 5 of the morning newspaper open. Jane gasped when she saw a photo of herself from the knees up in the embrace of Teddy. The caption quoted Teddy as saying, 'We're just good friends."

"Just good friends?" Rose sneered. "Look, he almost has it up you in this picture."

Jane looked but couldn't see that; Rose was obviously allowing her jealousy to twist her mind. She handed the newspaper back and said, "Thank you Rose. Spare a thought for the guy always being pestered by the media. At that time of night and on our first date he hadn't had time to deliver a proposition aimed at opening my legs."

Rose, mouth stuck open, took the newspaper and watched Jane walk off. It took a lot to stun Rose.

In each episode of 'Heartbreak Street' the main character Rodin, acted by Teddy, pretends to become infatuated with an attractive young woman in an attempt to make the female lead, Madison, played by Alaina Washington, jealous and force her to take a stronger interest in him.

The director and producer of the series looked at the newspaper photo.

"She is really Plain Jane," said Gus Olsen.

"Plain women who've grabbed life in their hands often have a great personality that leaps out of the screen," said Sharon O'Farrell, the producer. "Call her in for a screen test Teddy. This is the first time you've asked us to choose anyone for this role. Please make it you last."

"Up yours Sharon," he snapped and she laughed.

Jane listened to Teddy's request, almost stunned. "Are you sure you know what you're doing. If it bombs I will be humiliated."

"If you come through the screen test okay and your diction is good, which it is, the director will know within thirty minutes of rehearsal whether you are going to make it or he'll call it off. So how can you be humiliated?"

"Okay I'll accept providing I can write the script for my parts with you. I know the formula because I've watched the show since it launched. I wrote comedy sketches at university."

"Writing script for performance to a house of drunk students means nothing."

"We filled two nights at the Johnston Memorial Theater and went on tour for four weeks and gained, in the main, great reviews."

"Dinkum?"

"Yes dinkum, whatever that is."

"Christ, at last a something even if it's only a word you don't know about. It is a slang word seeking confirmation that's the truth."

Teddy called back. "The producer and director laughed their heads off. You're halfway there. The deal is if they find your script acceptable they'll use if otherwise you'll use the provided script, that is if you get that far."

"Laughed their heads off did they?" Jane said ominously. "Then tell them it's a deal and they won't need anyone to write script when I get my contract as a two-bit player."

"Have you had any acting experience?"

"No but it's not that difficult if under direction. I look at actors objectively and subjectively."

"Huh."

"I note things."

"Jane, I don't think you realize acting is an art developed from hard grind..."

Jane sniffed and said, "Thank you Teddy, I expect encouragement from you, not acting like leader of the non-believers."

"Oh shit, sorry Jane. I'm backing you one hundred percent."



Jane returned a good film test and Gus found her easy to direct and she projected energy and personality that met his basic requirements. He called Sharon who told him to schedule Jane in for shooting a part in the series in five weeks. She laughed and said, "Tell her she has three weeks to lodge her script with us. It will be mid-winter and snowing so tell her we require some outdoor shooting and some action on the street and in a couple of the houses for which we have sets."

"She won't know what we are talking about."

"That's what I'll be telling Bess and Jennifer to wrote the entire script for that show."

Sharon and Gus were yawning in bed after robust sex. Sharon said, "I should be heading home."

"Yeah, no wait," said Gus. "Jane handed me her script this afternoon; I shoved it in my bag. There are two copies."

They read in silence until Sharon said, "I can't believe this..."

"She must be a fucking professional script writer taking us for a ride," Gus said. "I'm calling her to really check her out. Damn, she's given her contact number as Teddy's number. I'll call him."

"Hi, it's Gus."

"Yeah, what do you want; I'm watching boxing on TV?"




Plain Jane Full of Surprises



"This female pal of yours, Jane. "Is she or has she been a scriptwriter."

"No, apart from doing some comedy skits at university. She actually went back there today."

"What for?"

"A 10-day high pressure course."

"What on, script writing."

"Nah something to do with her PhD. She finishes this year and expects to be notified it's been awarded early in the new year."

"You're kidding me."

"I'm not. There's been a knockdown. Bye."

Sharon said, "This is great. It needs work done on it but it's refreshingly different. The only problem is Rodin has not had sex with anyone other that Alaina up until now."

"Will it might be the gee-up the shows needs and viewers will find out the shock causes Alaina to take a step closer to Rodin. We'll have to talk to Madison and Teddy about this. Madison is unlikely to like it because Teddy is fucking Jane instead of her, but I guess the promise of more time on camera will shift her our way, if this goes ahead."

Sharon said, "I have a feeling about this Gus. It just could be our biggest night with the show to date. What did Teddy say?"

Gus licked his lips, knowing Sharon always liked being surprised and usually came out with a great retort. "Teddy says she wrote a few skits for the theater students at university and that's all. She's now gone to university for ten days and listen to this: to finish off or near to finish off her PhD in computer science. She's gone in for the practical stuff."

"PhD? That girl is barely into an adult woman's bra! God, no wonder she hasn't got looks; she's got brains!"

Gus fell about laughing. 

To everyone's surprise, Madison (Alaina) accepted the script. Doubt remained until the read-through when Madison said, "Can't you see what Jane was thinking when she wrote this? She wrote herself out leaving me a stronger and more popular person on the street and looking at Rodin with greater interest. If you can't see that creatively to bang that home to viewers Gus then stand aside and allow Jane to be actor-director."

"I know no more about directing than I know why guys have a second testicle," Jane said, breaking the tension, as everyone laughed. Gus had the grace to say that was a close shave for his standing with the show. "Anyone with ideas feed them to me, especially you Madison."

"I'll call around one night this week Gus," said Madison, earning a huge glare from Sharon. 

The filming of Episode 22 of 'Heartbreak Street' took place under tight security. The client TV station had agreed it was time to lift the show to increase ratings and to prolong its sustainability. The entire marina was cordoned off for the half-day shooting, not that it was really necessary because it was snowing heavily, keeping strollers off the streets and away from the lake.

For the week prior to the screening of Episode 22 the promo advertising in newspapers, on radio and TV was muted, almost sinister...

'Heartbreak comes for Alaina in the next screening of 'Heartbreak Street after she feels threatens when the over-sexed therapist Dr Alexis Turnbull arrives to stay with her former college friend, Rodin's sister Trish. When word gets out that Alexis is a sex therapist, suddenly half the street appears to have become sexually dysfunctional and at Lucy's bar gather around Alexis seeking free advice. Alexis sees Rodin grinning at everyone and asks the question that turns Alaina's life upside down and ends in tragedy. Be watching 'Heartbreak Street on Channel 8 next Wednesday night at 9:30. It will be heart-breaking.' 

On Wednesday morning a small notice was placed on the notice board of the staff café at Simpson, Dome and Fischer: 

'If anyone is interested watch 'Heartbreak Street' on TV8 at 9:30 tonight (Wednesday). I play a small part. Jane of IT.'

Jane's own staff and friends asked her how small a part was small, but she refused to say. At lunch she looked across at caught the stare of Rose and Rose winked at her. As they were leaving Rose said, the dumb women. None of them know. I won't say anything."

At that Jane knew Rose had guessed her secret. Who said Rose was a bimbo? Oh..."

Aveline and Belinda had become very friendly and although Belinda still drank she had committed to calling Aveline whenever she felt like going beyond two normal glasses of alcohol. Aveline said she believed drink had taken a wee hold of Belinda but Belinda had stepped up her drinking to compensate for her loneliness because she'd cut herself off from her friends and resigned from two of her clubs, isolating herself. The two women now went out socially quite frequently and Belinda had joined Aveline's bridge club.

On Wednesday night the two families grouped at the Rosso's home at 9:15 to watch 'Heartbreak Street" and Teddy served champagne, saying it was a special show.

As the opening credits rolled sharp-eyed Belinda was the only one to notice it: "Look, it says and special assistant scriptwriter Jane McClay."

"Jane wrote almost a quarter of the script of this episode." Teddy said proudly.

Aveline said good show Jane and others added their congratulations.

The show build up before the unsuspecting audience and then came the meeting when Rodin (Teddy) arrives home from his law office and his sister Trish says, "Rodin, meet my dear friend and therapist consultant Dr Alexis Turnbull."

The camera turns slightly to the right and into camera view walks Alexis. 

The Rosso's lounged turned into uproar with everyone screaming, "It's Jane."

From that moment the program turned into a scorcher. It showed characters in bar gathered around giving Alexis vivid details of problems in their sex life. Then Alexis looks through a gap in the crowd around her and catches the mocking smile of Rodin.

"And what dysfunction do you have in your sex life Rodin?"

"None, it continues on as smoothly as my 450-horsepower custom modified sedan."

"I don't believe you Rodin. Everyone has at least one sex problem."

"Okay, I'll be frank with you Alexis," he said, scratching behind his right ear and then digging his hands into his jeans and hanging his thumbs over the top. "My problem is I can never get enough."

The crowd in the bar fell about laughing while Rodin and Alexis just stared at one another. The scene faded for an ad break.

Jane saw the two mothers were sitting with their mouths open, Robyn and Casey had cushions clasped tightly to their chests and were giggling and all the guys were looking at each other and sniggering.

Belinda said, "I can see where this is leading. There's going to be sex isn't it, for the first time other than Alaina and Rodin?"

"Yes mom."

"Oh dear."

By the time Teddy had filled everyone's glass with more champagne (Belinda declining because she'd already had consumed two) the show was on again. It showed Alexis going into Rodin's darkened bedroom and saying, "I'm here to top you up with sex, to ensure you do get enough."

There is the sound of bedding covers being tossed aside and bedsprings creaking and Rodin says, "Your timing is perfect. Look what I have here for you."

'Put the light on, I can't see,' says Alexis in a passion-filled voice.

Aveline screamed "Oh God," and her two daughters clutched their pillows giggling uncontrollably.

"Hmmmm. This is one of the hottest things I've seen on TV for a long time, at least on this side of midnight," said Jane's father William.

"Why did they have to cut the scene there," whined Tim.

Belinda said thank goodness it did and added, "Darling, you are very credible as an untutored actress."

"Thank you mom. Gus had to work his butt off with me."

The program continued, developing the theme of Alexis arriving to deepen the rift between Alaina and Rodin. Finally there is a slanging match between the two women and everyone is cheering them on. Rodin breaks them apart and says, "Come on you two, this is not something to have out in a bar. Let's discuss it like sensible adults out in the car. No, I know a better place.

They walk gingerly through the snow on slippery timber decking at the marina and board a launch. Robin looks at his keys and says, 'Damn, I put my launch key away for winter. There's a spare taped in the anchor locker.'

As Rodin is going around the outside of the saloon he slips and tumbles over the safety rail into the icy water.

Both women scream and begin stripping off.

'Help me,' Rodin cries. 'My heavy clothes are dragging me down.'

'I'm the direct cause of this," says Alexis. 'Put your jacket back on and pull him aboard while I support him in the water and try lifting him a bit.'

She strips to her bra and panties, revealing quite a lovely figure.

Alexis jumps in, screams with the cold, and helps Rodin, weakening from struggling, back to the side of the boat. He begins climbing up the boarding ladder, assisted from above by Alaina.

'I-I don't think I can m-make it,' Rodin says, teeth chattering.

"Push, push you bitch," Alaina screams.

Alexis calls weakly, 'I'm trying. I'm losing strength. It's so cold...it's becoming dark."

"It's no darker than before. Push you bitch," she screams, bringing a night watchman to the scene. He jumps aboard and he and Alaina pull Rodin to safety.

Alaina looks over the side of the board and says, 'You can come up now Alexis' and she screams as she watches Alexis, hair floating to frame her head, slowly sinks into the dark depths.

"Alexis!" screams Alaina, and only by using immense strength does the night watchman prevent her from jumping in to try to save Alexis.

"One drowning is enough," growls the night watchman. He points to a security camera on a pole. "The cops will want that tape...it's your silent, reliable witness."

Everyone in the room is silent. The three younger women including Jane and her mother are weeping. William and Guy are finishing their wine and Tim is blowing his nose.

"Ohmigod," Aveline said, and begins clapping. The others except Jane and Teddy who is now blowing his noise, add to the applause.

"You were magnificent Jane," Aveline said, blowing her a kiss. Did you write the bedroom scene and that marina scene?"

Jane nodded, wiping her eyes.

"Truly memorable darling. That was by far the best episode of 'The Street'.

"It's the first time I've watched it," Guy said. "Rather good. Kept my attention."

"You made a lovely actress Jane," said her mother. "What you did to Alaina and Rodin will draw them closer together as a result of this tragedy. Alaina will know she almost lost Rodin and she will accept that Alexis saved her life by insisting she stay aboard."

"Mom, mom...that is what we wanted people to think, to be eager for next week's chapter. Oh, I'm so pleased to hear you say that. The cast of course said that would be the reaction when the clip was played to them but of course we all are biased...you spoke as a viewer although with some bias."

"The producer and director expected this to be the best episode to date and after previewing the edited film believed it will be," Teddy said. "Sharon and Gus have been in the business a long time...I respect their opinion. If you and they are correct, it will boost the show's ratings."



CHAPTER 3

The families were enjoying hot chowder and crispy rolls for supper when Teddy took a call. The heard him say "Hi...What?...Fucking fantastic...What now? Okay. She's here with me...Thanks, see you soon."

Smiling hugely Teddy said, "That was our director Gus. He's at the TV studio and calls are flooding in raving about the show or complaining about its indecently. They've already logged more than 150 calls of people wanting a re-run screened before next Wednesday. The CEO has just arrived at the station and is throwing a party just for the cast now and it's to honor you Jane. Gus said he was watching the show in the studio theater with a really wide mix of people and at the end even the guys were blowing their noses and some of the women were exhibiting real grief. Jane, he says everyone including him threw everything into this episode because of the high standards you set yourself and sweated to achieve them. He wants more scripts from you."

"No."

"But Jane..."

"Don't be too hasty dear," said her mother.

"It's just not my chosen thing Teddy. I'm aiming to climb the corporate ladder, if not with my company, then with another company that rewards talent and effective input."

"Well whatever," said Teddy. "Slap some lipstick on...we have a party to go to."

Jane took a call and ended by saying thanks Mrs Oliver. You are very kind. And then another and she giggled and said thank you Rose. No one has ever called me sexy. Yes, I do think I have lovely legs...are you coming on to me Rose? She giggled and said goodnight Rose."

Switching off her phone Jane said, "They were two callers from the office. Rose is a bimbo with a brain...I do believe that's possible Teddy. She just told me she loves acting the part of a dumb blonde. You'll remember she was all over you at the office. She says the technique pulls in the cream of men to her bed. The other caller was my boss and deputy CE0. She congratulated me. She wants me to see her first thing in the morning."

"If the woman has sense she will be offering you her job," Aveline said loyally. She smiled softly at Jane as she said, "Robyn, please serve more chowder to anyone who wants more."

"Robyn," Jane said. "You seem to be asked to do more things for your mother than from when I first visited here?"

Aveline lost her smile.

"Yes, my mother seems to have recognized at last I'm not as useless at I look. But she's not the only one. More guys at college are sniffing around."

"Perhaps you are just a late developer Robyn?"

"Whatever. I saw it as a confidence lag."

"Well in recent weeks you have become a more interesting sister," Casey said. "And I noticed the other night your breasts are almost as large as mine."

"Really?"

"Oh this is crap," Teddy said. "Jane...the party?"

"You guys should be proud of your mother as a mother I mean, rather than an achiever. I think she is an amazing woman and love her for befriending me. I'm now proud of my own mother now she's averted from becoming a lush."

"Jane."

"Shut up dad. I've not heard you say at home you are proud of the progress mom is making. Mom, this is my public acknowledgement that I am proud of the progress you are making and it's so wonderful having my mother back as a full person. You are the only mother I can ever have and it's important to me to have you know that. You were so wonderful to me when I was growing up, encouraging me to make something of myself in life. You being a former high school teacher was, of course, of great assistance to me but you also stood right behind me all the way through university...and where were you dad?"

Looking around her Jane said, "Robyn, Casey and Tim and perhaps even you Teddy if you ever hit a rough patch or a void in your lives; please think twice about hitting the bottle to try to carpet over that patch or void because the reality is it's the very wrong thing to do. I know I'm sounding like a preacher but so what? The principles are sound – drink booze for pleasure not as a comforter. Mom I love you," Jane said, running around the table to her and weeping without shame.

"Thank you darling. I really think I needed to hear that, in public, although knowing we are among friends. You have such a wonderful mind darling and it is a real pleasure to hear it in full cry. You going off to work and pursing your own life did leave a void in my life and now Aveline rather than my husband is assisting me to fill it. Off you two darlings go."

Teddy stood and shuffled. "Since this seems a time of confessions may I say Jane is making me a better person. Mr McClay, what Jane is saying is pay more attention to Mrs McClay. None of us should have to add to that. Goodnight everyone, I'm off to take the plainest looking female in our cast to be hailed by those other females. What I have learned from Jane is you don't have to be the most beautiful woman around to be the princess. Wow, is this me saying that?"

Guy said, "What you said was good Teddy and thanks. And thank you for what you Jane and I'm surprised what you said about loving Belinda. My impression was you two had widened a gap between you. This is rather enlightening. Kiss me before going off to your moment of triumph Jane; I know you will have worked damn hard to achieve it. Your mother and I are very proud of you and you act really well Teddy."

Jane and Teddy kissed or hugged everyone and left.

In the car Teddy said, "You know, tonight's the first time I've seen your mom look genuinely happy." 

Jane burst into tears leaving Teddy wondering if he'd said the right or the wrong thing but the answer to that came. When Jane began fixing her face she said sweetly, "That was very lovely of your to say that Teddy. We all will now have a great time together in a week away at the wedding."

* * *

It really did seem like 'Hail the princes' when they arrived at the studio where the party was underway, most members of the cast and key members of the crew already gathered.

The two regular scriptwriters Bess and Jennifer were among the first to rush up and kiss Jane, offering congratulations.

Right on midnight the TV station's CEO hushed everyone and welcomed everyone particularly the new stimulus for the show Jane McClay.

"Stay standing everyone and let's watch that concluding scene again."

The clip was viewed in silence, apart from the clink of bottle against glass and the odd cough. And when it finished there were cries of 'Bravo' and 'More' and 'Author, author'.

"Yes, let's hear from the person responsible for writing that last scene and doing the unthinkable, writing herself out," said the CEO.

Jane went up and stood beside him.

"What a wonderful night for the show and I feel humble that I was permitted to contribute. I know it took guts to accept me and I thank Teddy for pushing me forward and Sharon and Gus for assessing the risk and taking it, although both actually told me they were taking no risk at all. I was confident my bits of the overall script would slot in well enough but pushed boundaries a little and I think that's what has to be done – otherwise the show will sprout cobwebs. But for goodness sake Jennifer and Bess, don't make it into a sex free for-all. Perhaps I have shown it could be a good thing to occasional invited participation of a guest writer to provide a few scenes, widening the creative and intellectual input to enhance the collective good. Who knows? The underlying themes, of course, must stay."

"As you all know I'm not and actor's A-hole (laughter) and thank the support team, particularly Gus, for getting me through my scenes so I looked quite okay I thought (cheers and clapping). This of course was a visitation – I'll not be associating with the show again although will remain a viewer. Script writing is damn hard work and I have my own career to chase. This has been a wonderful learning and uplifting experience for me and I thank everyone for supporting me and producing such a damn good show."

The CEO kissed and thanked Jane for her "massive contribution".

"I must say that because what else had changed? In recent weeks public feedback had become negligible. This is the record for tonight when our switchboard team left at 11:00. Complaints 21 mainly relating to the sexual disclosures made to Alexis and the bedroom scene but five complaints were received about Alexis stripping off before plunging in to her ultimate death. Personally I lapped that up and my complaint Guy is why did you leave on the bra and panties! (huge laughter). We received 344 requests to replay that episode – we will, on Tuesday evening at 9:30 and 1023 calls offering outright praise. We now have fingers crossed hoping for a good press in the morning."




Plain Jane Full of Surprises



Later that night in the guest suite at the Russo home, Jane undressed Teddy, taking her time while telling him she was so lucky that he had a big and very handsome cock. When she eventually closed her lips around it Teddy was all but ready to fire. Jane seemed aware of that and slowed down and eased back from known sensitive spots. They were tired but were feeling really good about themselves so when they settled down to a leisurely fuck in missionary position they stroked and kissed and gently sucked as never before. Jane was glad she was on the pill otherwise she knew her vulnerability to pregnancy would have been huge. She didn't want that, not now. She felt more open to Teddy than ever before and he appeared to have noticed, rolling off her, completely spent and murmuring, "That was truly amazing. How can a simple fuck be that amazing?"

"Oh a learning curve are we darling," Jane said and for that had a nipple squeezed rather roughly.



Early morning Jane went out to make coffee but found Aveline was ahead of her.

They kissed and hugged.

"Your lifting the lid over Robyn so adroitly last night means I am now clear to do and say whatever I like in my own home once more. I'm surprised you didn't tell me you would pave the way."

"What, and have you attempt to talk me out of it?"

Aveline smiled and shook her head in tribute. "Your mother told me you were so wonderful in speaking about her. I didn't say it but I thought you went a bit overboard on 'you are my mother' prose."

"I anticipated I was doing what you had done with Robyn so I corrected the situation. I probably have mom feeling I love you more than I do her, so that's why I emphasized I have only one mother. Perhaps I do wish you were my mother Aveline, but my mother is my mother and at this stage it was important for her to be told that and for dad to be given a bit of a shake-up."

"Jane, for one so young you are simply amazing. That's all I can say."

"There's no need to say anything. We had a lovely time at the party last night and yes extravagant tribute came my way. Your son is the best seducer I've ever had. Did you teach him?"

"Jane!" Aveline said, shrieking in laughter and falling against the far bench.

Guy came in with the newspaper and there was a Page 3 story headed 'Channel 8 deluged with late night feedback on new look 'Heartbreak Street'.'

Guy turned to the page where the review appeared, the two women looking over his shoulders.

'Brilliant script' by guest scriptwriter Jane McClay," wrote the reviewer. And later in the column, 'Promising new actress Jane McClay superb as the ruthless and venomous-laced siren Alexis'.

Aveline moaned, "The reviewer failed to make the connection between Jane the guest scriptwriter and Jane the actress." 

"It's simply an oversight in the rush to make a back of paper deadline I'd imagine dear," said Guy. "Keep pressing against me. It's a new experience having a soft tit pressing into each shoulder early in the morning."

Jane pulled back as if she'd been shot. Guy chuckled and Aveline said, "Don't mind him darling. He thinks the function of breasts is to hold up a woman's dress."

Jane laughed a little and scuttled over to the coffee machine, calling, anyone for more coffee?"

When Jane arrived at the office she was greeted as if she were a sensational new TV star. People everywhere were hunched over the newspaper reading the review and looking at a photo supplied by the TV production company making the show of Jane stripped to bra and panties looking horrified into the dark murkiness below the boat.

Rose hugged her and said Jane had acted wonderfully and her portrayal at the end had made her cry. "Men can't make me cry but you can."

The guys in IT grinned when one of them called, "Take off your dress Jane and give us a real look."

She was mildly embarrassed by all the attention she was receiving.



Jane went four floors up for coffee next morning with Christine Oliver. Max the CEO joined them.

Max said, "You were great on 'The Street' last night. Sorry about your untimely death. I noticed you were a contributing scriptwriter. What scenes did you write?

"All scenes involving my character Alexis."

"Ah, the sex discussion in the bar, the bedroom scene and the death scene – all were a cut above the usual serving. I have to sit with my wife each week and view it with her."

"It was just the effect of someone new with fresh ideas. Anyone could have done that Max."

"Oh yeah? Christine called me after the show last night and suggested we commit to minor restructuring. I agreed. Although you are not qualified in accounting or finance, we want to put three departments under one umbrella and make you director of internal services, namely business growth, IT and human resources. You will receive a car and double of what you are paid now, plus usual senior executive benefits. This promotion is a big one and will provide you with initial embarrassment because you'll leapfrog a number of executives, quite a number including some partners. You'll be Number four on the pecking order after me, Christine and Alf, our director of financial services."

"I-I don't know what to say?"

Max grinned. "Just a thank you would be appreciated."

"Oh yes, thank you Max and thank you Christine."

"I'll be announcing this change in an all-staff memo as soon as I personally talk to partners you will be leapfrogging on the staff list, though not in income of course. The change will take effect on Monday. Please keep a keen eye on IT until your secure your replacement. Well congratulations. You will continue to report to me."

Jane called her mother and Teddy without success and left a message for Aveline who called forty-five minutes later.

"Hi darling, I'm in a rush."

"I've been promoted to Number 4 in the company on the staff list, in charge of IT, HR and business development. Can't get hold of mom and Teddy. I just had to tell someone. Bye."

"No wait. That is amazing darling. Let's all go to the local diner and party tonight. I'm not operating tomorrow and so can drink. Congratulations. Bye."

Christine took Jane to lunch. "I thought I should tell you darling my brother Michael called me last night. Mike is CEO at TV8. His comments about you stimulated me but only to a point. Max and I already had our eye on you but were waiting for a position. Mike asked was there any chance of me getting you interested in going to across to TV. Of course there was not a chance in hell. Mike is such a cheeky jerk. So having my eyes opened to that threat, accepting it could come from other directions, I called Max and said we had to act. The result of that was what we told you today. I didn't want you thinking your promotion had everything to do with your performance on TV. The fact is you happen to be our outstanding manager. Um, now for the curly one. Are you gay?"

"You are out of line asking that Christine."

"And I know you know I know that. I'm confident you will reply and not complain.

"Well read Christine. Like hell I'm gay. What put that idea into your head?"

"It was Max. He said he never sees you with a guy."

"Then does he see me with a woman?"

"He didn't say. Christ, you know what men are like with a bee in they bonnet...um, don't you?"

"Who do you think is fucking Teddy Russo and who do you think was so impressed and carried enough weight to get me accepted as a part screenwriter on 'The Street' and an acting role when I've had no acting experience?"

"Teddy Russo."

"Damn right and Christine, that was for your exclusive knowledge. I don't want you saying anything to Max with his screwed up impression of me. Let him think I might screw his wife, you or anyone else around here. It will give him something to really think about instead of checking expense sheets looking for unauthorized expenditure."

Christine said, "Jane, please calm down. It's all right. Do you think I would have invited you to lunch if I'd known you were gay?"

"Yes because it wouldn't have mattered to you whether or not I was gay. You are capable of keeping another person's sexual preference in perspective, or have I judged you wrongly?"

"No, no. You are right. It wouldn't matter at all."

Jane smiled. "You now look a little worried Christine. Until recently I was not particularly experienced in sex but always – always – my sex has been tasted exclusively by males."

"Tasted. Ohmigod Jane. Can we change the subject? What wine would you like?"

"A heavy chardonnay with grunt that leaves us with a thick finish between our legs."

Christine shrieked in laughter, and with embarrassment covered her face with the wine list.

THE END